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Chapter Text

The sun's rays broke through the cloud cover and shone on the large building that gave refuge and support to hundreds of children.

The Heart-Orphanage.

The sound of laughter echoed across the grounds, filling the air with joy and giving the house an atmosphere that would have made it hard to imagine that all these carefree children had once suffered cruel fates.

One little boy was hit particularly hard. A fire, set by the navy, robbed him of every single member of his family.

In a single night, the boy lost every person he cared about. Traumatized, he initially spent some time in hospitals to recover both from the wounds he suffered from the fire and from what he had experienced. He never really succeeded in the latter.

At the tender age of six, he was put into a house for the homeless; no relatives or other acquaintances existed.

The name of this little boy was Trafalgar D. Water Law.

The black-haired plush cap wearer spent two years in the orphanage. It became a kind of home to him, even though it never really felt like it to the little boy. He resigned himself to it. What else could he do? The almost identical daily routine was tiring, but he wasn't going to complain. After all, he got warm food and had a roof over his head. He was very grateful for that.

Nevertheless, the eight-year-old lacked the feeling of warmth and security that he felt in his previous home. Again and again, his memories caught up with him, deprived him of sleep. The teachers always emphasized that they could talk to him about anything at any time. Law just couldn't. His trust in people dwindled with that night. He unintentionally turned more and more inside, closed his inner self. Too scared to build up feelings with others, only to lose them again.

Law also cut himself off from the other children. They were just too childish in his eyes. Silly, considering he was still one himself. He just couldn't imagine how these children could romp around day in and day out, grinning up to their ears. It was as if they had always led such happy lives and had long forgotten the tragic events that brought them to this orphanage. It was and remained incomprehensible to him.

Just like anyother day when the kids were out hopping around the grounds, playing tag or spending their free time on the playground near the building, little Law made himself comfortable under a shady tree, engrossed in a book about medicine. He always helped himself to the in-house library and devoured all kinds of books, from comics to medical encyclopedias.

The black-haired boy was aware that at his age he should actually enjoy his childhood and not waste any thoughts on the future, but in his young years he was already pursuing a goal and would eagerly give everything to fulfill it.

The little boy decided to become a surgeon. Not just any surgeon, but the world's best surgeon who would never give up on a human being. He was encouraged to do so from an early age by his parents, who were both renowned doctors and ran their own hospital.

Next to the boy leaned his greatest treasure, a small white polar bear, which he named Bepo. He went through every difficult time with Law and, together with the plush hat he always wore and never took off even in summer, was his everything. The last memories of his home, which the flames did not take away from him.

The gray eyes of the cap wearer roamed over his book and lingered on a little boy who approached him with expectant eyes. Face covered by the book, Law grimaced.

It was that Luffy who begged to play with him almost every day and got on his last nerve. He just wanted to be left alone, but this energetic bundle of nerves in front of him never understood that. With a broad grin he stood there, a soccer clamped under the arm.

The little boy with the scar under his left eye and the straw hat he always wore on his head, opened his mouth, but before a sound could escape, Law intervened.

"Forget it, Luffy."

The younger man promptly closed his mouth and puffed out his cheeks.
"I haven't said anything yet!"

"I still know exactly what you want. But I don't feel like it, so get lost," Law clarified, which only made Luffy pout harder. "You're so mean, Torao!"

"How many times do I have to tell you, my name is Trafalgar Law! If you can't pronounce it, don't even try!"

It just upset him that this squirt had been having trouble with his name since they met.

Luffy then did his best to address him correctly, but failed miserably.

"Toraf-Trafolawga-aah, your name is way too hard!"

"You're just too stupid," Law replied coolly.

"And you're too mean!"

Luffy already had tears in his eyes, but to Law's chagrin, he made no move to leave him. On the contrary, he blithely chattered on.

"Say, aren't you warm under that hat? It's so hot today."

"No."

Law prayed that Luffy would not continue the conversation and would simply resign himself to his lack of interest and finally get out of the way.

But on the contrary, it was only getting worse.

Hastily, the straw-hatted boy bent down to Law and began to pat his beloved hat with his dirty hands.

"Wow, it's so soft!"

Reflexively, Law knocked Luffy's hand off his cap. In doing so, he was anything but gentle. The loud clap weighed on Law's conscience, but when he looked at the smudge on his snow-white hat, the guilt was blown away.

"Don't you ever touch my hat again, do you hear me?"

He glared angrily at the small boy, who rubbed his reddened palm in fear before bursting into tears.

Only a few seconds later, an educator appeared. Nico Robin was her name, if Law was not mistaken.

"What happened here?" she asked in her typical calm tone.

"Torao hit me!" Luffy held out his red hand to her, which Robin immediately looked at.

"Hm, only slightly reddened. Ace, could you go in with Luffy and get him a cooling pad?" She turned to a tall freckled boy, barely older than Law, who immediately rushed to her.

"Sure thing. Come on, crybaby." With that, he dragged the sobbing Luffy into the building with him.

Nico Robin, however, stayed with Law, who was still staring at the ground, somewhat incensed.

"Why did you do that, Law?"

He avoided eye contact. "The kid gets on my nerves but just doesn't get it!"

Robin couldn't help smiling slightly. "Don't you think he's just trying to be nice?"

"Hmph. I don't need kindness."

Gently, the attendant put her hand on Law's slender shoulder. "I know that like everyone else here, you haven't had it easy. Still, you should try to open up a little bit more. All the children here are really nice and would like to be your friends. And someday you will be adopted by very friendly people who will offer you a great new home. Until then, you can think of us as your family."

Family. A word that pained the boy so much. He once had a wonderful one, but it was gone forever.

Despite this, he forced a slight smile on his face.

Nico rose and turned on her heel, then paused briefly and glanced over her shoulders. "You should apologize to Luffy later, yes?"

Hesitantly, the cap wearer nodded. From his point of view, Luffy would have to apologize to him before, after all, he started it in the first place.

Law turned back to his book, but his thoughts were circling around a completely different matter.

Adoption. That was the only reason the boy was here at all. Eventually, some strangers would come along and just take him away. While other children longed for that day, he dreaded it. What if they were horrible people who didn't like him or even mistreated him? Law wished he didn't have to flee his home again. He would not survive that.

Suddenly, the black-haired boy was torn from his thoughts. Someone nudged him ungently on the leg. Annoyed, he lifted his gaze and recognized the freckle-covered face of the boy who had dragged Luffy along earlier. Ace.

"What do you want?" asked Law as he turned a page.

Ace snorted. "I just heard it from Luffy. You idiot, you hit him and didn't even apologize! He's become like a brother to me now, so I won't let you get away with this!"

Sighing, Law closed the book, knowing that this was going to be a longer conversation.

"First of all, I only caught him lightly on the hand. I bet you can't see anything already. Besides, I told him several times to leave me alone."

"But that doesn't mean you have to hit him right away!"

Law crossed his arms in front of his chest. "It must have done this stubborn boy some good."

"Excuse me?" Ace clenched his hands into fists, which was also noticed by a blond boy in a cylinder behind him.

"Ace, calm down!" he shouted at him, but he was already too upset.

"How would you like it if someone you like got hurt?" Faster than Law's eye could register, Ace's arm whizzed past him. "Your stupid stuffed teddy bear, for example!" He dangled Bepo back and forth in front of his eyes.

"Bepo!"

Law sprang forward, but Ace dodged him.

"Do you want me to rip his leg or arm off? Maybe he deserves it, huh?" Ace clutched the polar bear's right arm.

Desperation was reflected in Law's eyes. He was close to tears for the first time in a long time. Bepo was his most important treasure after all!

"No! Give him back! He is important to me!"

"Luffy is important to me too, you idiot!"

With these words, he pulled hard on the arm of the stuffed bear. Law shuddered. Goosebumps spread all over his body as he heard a loud 'rattle'. The arm was severed, stuffing fell out of the bear.

"No!!!"

Law watched in horror as Ace threw the bear in front of him and stepped on it. Over and over again.

"That's enough, Ace! Stop it!"

The blond boy pulled Ace back, whereupon he actually stopped.

Stunned, Law looked at the dirty and broken bear. He picked it up and hugged it. Individual tears ran down his cheeks and moistened the fabric. The eight-year-old recognized compassion and possibly even remorse in Ace's gaze.

He rose, whimpering. Anger was building up inside him. He had hardly done anything to him after all. Luffy was surely already clean and cheerful again. That was no reason to destroy his beloved bear.

"I...I hate you all!"

Deeply hurt, Law ran. He left the other children behind. Without looking back, he ran across the entire grounds to the large gate of the orphanage. He passed it and turned left towards the huge park.

"No matter where, the main thing is to get away from Ace," he thought to himself. "Away from Luffy, away from the building that keeps reminding me of my loneliness."

A brief moment of carelessness, however, caused Law to trip over a bump. He caught most of the fall in the process with his right knee, which skittered along the asphalt. A painful burning sensation confirmed without looking that he had scraped it. The black-haired had no time to worry about it, because just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, a raven appeared in front of him, grabbed Bepo's arm and flew away with it in its beak.

"Stop! Stay here!"

With a jerk, Law rose and gritted his teeth as he felt the pain in his knee again. Nevertheless, he sprinted after the bird, which quickly flew up a tree and used the arm as material for building its nest. Law stopped in front of the tree. It was about 3 meters to the branch where the bird was. That meant out of reach for the little kid.

Angry, frustrated and above all hurt, he squatted in front of the tree and, in his helplessness, began to cry again.

Chapter Text

Thick tears rolled down Law's cheeks. The more he tried to wipe them away, the more they streamed from his eyes. Frustrated, he clawed his hands into the ground. How he hated crying and showing weakness in front of other people. He always tried to maintain a cool, opaque facade, never losing his composure. But this is exactly what he did in front of almost all the residents of the orphanage. Rarely did he feel so ashamed as he did at that moment. No thought was further away from the black-haired boy than to return to this house. Especially since he was on his own from now on. Not even his faithful polar bear, who always gave him courage and sometimes even conjured a slight smile on his lips, stood by him anymore.

"Everyone has left me. If I just disappeared now, would anyone care?" the little boy pondered, drawing his finger in the sandy ground, lost in thought. "Nico Robin, maybe. But after a week or two, I'm sure she would have forgotten about me. Nobody cares if I am with them. If I'm even alive..."

Lost in his thought, the cap wearer completely blanked out his surroundings.

Only when a large shadow fell over him, the boy returned to this world and dared an irritated look over his shoulder because a moment ago the sun had shone mercilessly down on him.

The little boy could not help a surprised cry when suddenly a grinning man bent over him.

"Whereby, a giant it probably rather meets! He must be at least two meters tall!" Law thought to himself, while he looked the man up and down.

He had short blond hair and an for this area unusually tanned complexion. His eyes remained hidden behind a pair of red sunglass lenses. His clothes consisted of a white shirt, flashy pink pants and black shoes. Most noticeable was the pink feather cape that rested on his shoulders. Law estimated the man to be in his late twenties, if not thirties.

"Strange fellow," he concluded, instantly backing away suspiciously until his back bumped against the trunk of the tree. The man's appearance, strange as it sounded, reminded the black-haired boy strongly of a flamingo.

Law jumped up again as the man now leaned down to him. The wide grin turned into a gentle smirk.

"Is everything alright, kiddo?"

Hesitantly, Law nodded, already secretly pondering what motives this man might have for approaching him in the first place.

Law had always been suspicious of strangers, especially after the incident with his family. He prayed that this giant would move on contentedly, but for the second time today his plea was not answered. Instead, he noticed how his counterpart frowned.

"Really? Why are you crying then?"

Hastily Law brought his hand to his cheek. It was still wet. What a bummer! Why couldn't he control his damn feelings? Or better yet, lock them away.

Grumbling, Law averted his gaze and remained silent. Still, the blond didn't let go of him. He raised an eyebrow.

"You're not very talkative, are you, fufufu? I just want to help you, kid."

"I don't need any help," he replied snappishly.

Law's voice choked as he suddenly noticed the blond's hand going to his stuffed animal and looking at it.

"Don't touch Bepo!"

However, when Law glanced again at the polar bear covered with dirt and grime, which was losing more and more stuffing, he became meek.

"Never mind, it doesn't matter. He is broken. I don't need him anymore anyway." 'I don't need anyone,' he added mentally as he lowered his gaze.

Warm blood flowed down his right knee, which began to burn unpleasantly again. He had better disinfect it soon before bacteria got into the wound.

"Where did his arm go?" the deep voice sounded down to Law.

"Geez, that guy is still here," Law realized with a sigh and, knowing that the man would not go away as long as he ignored him, pointed to the branch above him.

His counterpart seemed to understand quickly, because as soon as he followed Law's finger, a smile crept back onto his lips.

"Ah, I see. I wonder how he get there, after all polar bears aren't the best climbers. And that's pretty high, of course. Especially for a squirt like you."

Rolling his eyes, Law crossed his arms. "You don't say."

Before Law knew what was happening to him, the man lifted him up as if he were light as a feather and sat him piggyback on his neck.

Caught off guard, Law clawed at the short blond hair, apparently too tightly, because a short groan escaped the big man.

"Heyhey, take it easy. I won't let you fall down!"

"Put me down right now!" the cap wearer ordered growling.

"Don't you want to at least get your bear's arm first?"

The blond headed for the tree. On the shoulders of this giant, the arm actually came within Law's grasp. Quickly the eight-year-old reached up to the bird's nest.

Just at that moment, however, the sunglasses wearer stumbled due to the sudden shift in weight, which caused Law to roughly cling to his neck, cutting off his air and almost strangling him.

"Hey, are you trying to strangle me?" the older man gasped and pushed the boy's hands away. "This way you'll certainly kill me faster than ripping out my hair."

"Tss, I can't help it if you don't hold stil," Law justified himself, which caused the blond to bring his hand to his temple and murmur softly: "Naughty little brat."

Law dared another attempt, bent to the branch, scared away the angry bird with hasty hand movements and quickly grabbed the severed arm. Satisfied, he stuffed it into the pocket of his hoodie.

"Got it," he informed the man, who gave Law a grin.

"Very good, then-"

"Hey, Doffy! What do you think you're doing, running off like that?" a voice unfamiliar to Law boomed out to the two. To the other, however, it seemed familiar. In one swift movement he turned around.

"Huh? Oh. I'm surprised you survived the 10 minutes without me!" the blond called out to the figure.

In the movement Law was almost thrown off the giant a third time, if he hadn't held him by the legs.

His gaze slid to the person heading toward them. Another man, almost as tall as the man wearing sunglasses. They bore a remarkable resemblance to each other. His hair was also blond, but a little longer, slightly curly and partially covered by a red cap. In addition, his complexion was a lot paler. He wore white pants, a white shirt with small hearts on it and a feather cape similar to the other man, only in black.

"What is that supposed to m-umpf!"

While racing toward them, the man managed to trip over his own feet and flew not very elegant into the dirt.

"Not another weirdo," Law sighed mentally, while he noticed how the man with the sunglasses also began to shake his head with a sigh.

"You really are incorrigible, Roci."

Sulking, the man stood up and patted the dirt off his pants.

"Pff, at least I don't just leave without a word."

Barely on his feet, his eyes fell on Law, who was still eyeing him suspiciously.

"Oh, hello. Who are you, little guy?" he asked in surprise, putting on a gentle smile, which Law grumblingly avoided, so the sunglasses-man took over.

"We rescued his polar bear's arm from the tree together, fufufu."

The other blond opened his mouth, but then closed it, frowning, and waved it off.

"I don't think I need to understand that. And what's your name?"

"Put me down. Then maybe I'll tell you," Law brought out coolly.

"You are really persistent, fufufufu." The blond did as ordered and knelt on the ground so that Law could get off.

Barely on the ground, Law winced noticeably. His damn knee hurt like hell. The two men didn't miss the boy's reaction, of course.

"We'd better take care of your knee," the sunglasses wearer remarked, frowning. "I noticed it right away, but as calm as you were, I thought it couldn't be too bad. You like to play the brave one, don't you, fufufu?"

"Pff, I think you're brave too, considering that you dare to come out with such clothes," Law replied tersely, which made the other blonde let out a loud snort.

Before the sunglasses wearer could respond to Law's statement, he was fortunately pushed away by the man in the heart shirt, who now squatted down next to Law.

"Just ignore my stupid brother. Come on, let's sit over there and then I'll take a quick look at your knee, alright?"

He gave Law such a sincere and warm smile that he couldn't help but obey.

Wordlessly, he followed the man and finally sat down on the first bench that came into his field of vision. The two men took their seats as well, the clumsy one rummaging in his backpack and finally taking out a bottle of water, a cloth and band-aids.

Law raised an eyebrow.

"Why did you bring all this stuff?" he asked with effortless indifference.

"Fufufufu, you don't know my brother." The man with glasses tapped on his brother's shoulder.

"Rocinante runs into something every day, trips over his own feet, or let's not forget that time you landed in the duck pond."

Annoyed, the adressed wiped his hand away. "Well, who was it that pushed me?"

"Hey, it was just a friendly pat on the back."

"Law."

The arguing blondes fell silent and at the same time turned to the cap wearer, who looked at his dangling feet.

"My name is Law."

It was out of reflex. Normally, the boy did not reveal his name to anyone. Even the orphanage directors took months to tease the name out of the eight-year-old.

These two men were somehow different. Although they had nothing to do with him, they helped him and even took care of him. Not because it's their job, but out of sheer kindness. Something Law had not experienced for a long time. The black-haired boy therefore did not want to say that he found the siblings 'nice' but he did not 'not' like them either.

"Law, then. It's a nice name. My name is Doflamingo Donquichotte," the man in the pink feather coat said. "And this clumsy one is my little brother, Rocinante."

The man grinningly offered his hand to Law, which the boy shyly accepted.

"Nice to meet you, Law. My friends also call me Corazon or Cora for short."

Pff. And Law thought that his name sounded unusual.

"Cora and Doflamingo, I see..." Law whispered softly to himself as the latter suddenly handed him Bepo. Law gratefully accepted it.

"You can also call me Doffy or Mingo, by the way."

"Forget it," Law replied curtly.

Doflamingo looked disappointed to the ground. Once again, Corazon was about to laugh at his older brother. Oh, he already liked the little boy.

"Your bear has been put through quite a bit, but he is not irreparable. Your mom should be able to fix him," Corazon said as he moistened a cloth with water and noticed Law looking sadly at the plush bear.

"Where are your parents?" he asked as he carefully began to clean the wound. The boy didn't make a face during the procedure. Either he had a damned low sense of pain or he was trying hard not to show any weakness. Cora suspected the latter from the fact that Law bit his lower lip from time to time.

Law ignored his question as if he had not heard it.

"Did you get lost?" the blond continued to ask ignorantly.

Law shook his head silently, his expression darkening.

"Do you know your parents' phone number? Should we call them?"

"No need," came the quick reply. Corazon lifted his eyes and saw that Law was pulling his hat deeper into his face.

"But they must be worried about you already."

If Corazon had only known what answer he would receive from Law, if only he would have known how painful such questions were for the boy.

"I don't think so," the little boy's emotionless voice rang out. "They are dead."

Chapter Text

"I don't think so," the little boy's emotionless voice rang out. "They are dead."

Horrified, Corazon tore open his eyes and slowly let them wander to those of the boy. He shuddered when he saw the look on the hat wearer's face. Lifeless and blank.

Law's piercing gray pupils clung to his bear, which he unconsciously pressed closer. The blond wanted to say something, but the words didn't come out, seemed to be stuck in his throat. When he did manage to say something, it was nothing more than an uncertain stammer.

"Law...I really didn't mean-it's-I'm-"

He cleared his throat quickly.

"I'm really sorry about that. I didn't mean to push you like that, believe me."

He received no response. The boy didn't seem interested in further conversation, but the blond couldn't hold back the question that had been burning on his tongue since Law's statement.

"Where do you live, Law?" he asked in a gentle tone, but received no answer. The man continued to probe.

"Do you live with relatives?"

In fact, this time the boy opened his mouth and answered eerie monotone: "Dead."

Corazon frowned. The fact that the little boy at this age had neither family nor relatives worried him and did not necessarily make the next questions pass his lips more easily.

"Acquaintances?"

"Dead."

"Friends?"

"Dead."

Deep furrows formed on Corazon's forehead.

"But-uff!" The curly-haired was rudely interrupted by his older brother, who roughly elbowed him in the ribs and pointed in the direction of the orphanage, whose shadowy outline could be spotted through the trees.

Corazon promptly fell silent and rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably before addressing the boy again.

"Law, if there's anything we can do for you..."

The black-haired bit his lower lip. How he hated it. It was always the same since the death of his family. All the pitying looks, the uneasiness in their faces, the thought they had to help him, to do something for him, the helpless, lonely boy.

They were people who tried to put themselves in his place, who thought they could even begin to understand what he had already been through. What was already burned into his memory in his younger years, causing him sleepless nights. Law was so tired of all this.

Suddenly he felt more than ever the urge to get up and just run, no matter where. The main thing was to get away.

"You've already helped me," he explained calmly, holding up his polar bear's severed arm as if to prove it. "I don't want your pity either."

Without another word, he stomped away.

"Wait, L-wah?!"

Law rolled his eyes as he heard Corazon's scream followed by a thud. How could someone be so stupid as to keep tripping?

Sighing, the boy kept walking without looking back.

After a few steps, however, he felt a warm hand on his shoulder and glanced behind him in irritation.

"Wait a minute." Corazon pointed at his brother. "Even if he doesn't look like it, my brother is a master in the use of needle and thread. He's like a grandma in that way."

"Says the one with heart underpants," the elder countered with a cheeky grin, earning him a grim look.

"Can you fix him?" asked Corazon, annoyed by his brother's comment, pointing at Law's bear.

"Heh, piece of cake," Doflamingo replied.

"If you like, we'll take care of him," the younger brother offered.

Smiling, Corazon held out his hand to Law, who eyed it suspiciously. Why were these two helping him? What did they get out of it? Law had neither money nor anything of material value to give them in return. Not to mention, this Corazon didn't really look responsible. He couldn't even take care of himself.

As if Doflamingo had read his mind, he placed his hand on his little brother's head and assured Law: "I'll make sure this jerk doesn't set your Bepo on fire."

"Oi, I'm not that stupid," his brother justified.

"Fufufu, just yesterday he set his pants on fire-"

"Shut up!"

Law had heard enough and already wanted to move on. But then he thought that as soon as he would ask Nico Robin to sew Bepo, she would first want to know what had happened and he really didn't want to tell her about the fight with Ace.

Sighing, he handed over his stuffed animal to the siblings, although he regretted it in the same second.

"Bring him back to me," the boy ordered coldly and added in a whisper: "He is the last thing I have left."

Doflamingo put on a wide grin before roughly running his hand over the boy's head, pushing his hat into his face. "Believe me, that he is important to you, has arrived by now."

"Tomorrow he will be back to his old self. I promise!" the younger man added.

"It's better for both of you!" growled Law before he started on his way back.

"Till tomorrow th-"

Before Corazon could finish the sentence, the boy had already disappeared from his sight.

With mixed feelings, Law walked back to the orphanage. He was still somewhat suspicious of the siblings. Nevertheless, he was lucky to have met them, because they helped him in many ways. It was precisely this fact that made the orphan so suspicious. This unconditional help.

He didn't have time to think about it any longer, because he was standing in front of the entrance gate of the building faster than he had hoped. Reluctantly, he passed through it and crept across the grounds, his head bowed and consciously avoiding any eye contact.

No matter how hard he tried, he did not miss the many pairs of eyes that rested on him. Probably word of the little incident with Luffy had already spread throughout the orphanage. Only that Ace had certainly embellished the story and Law now stood there like a murderer. Whereby it was basically always indifferent to him, what the others thought of him. He doesn't care if they hated him. This way he had at least his peace from the other children, who either averted their eyes or glared at him hostilely.

Only one smiled warmly at him and seemed to want to receive him already on the way. The straw hat. Sabo and Ace, however, held him back, shaking their heads.

He advanced to the main entrance of the building, where Nico Robin received him with a smile.

"There you are, Law. Where have you been? We were already worried."

Law raised his eyebrow symbolically. None of this seemed as if the others had been worried sick.

"Nowhere," Law answered coolly.

He didn't feel like having this conversation. At this place. Surrounded by these kids.

"Ace told me what happened. I'm sure he'll apologize to you soon. He's sorry too, he's just too shy to approach you."

At this statement, Law could only roll his eyes. So Nico Robin already knew. Great, then he could have given his polar bear to her right away and not to some half strangers.

"Where did Bepo go?" Nico Robin eyed the boy's empty arm.

"Gone. I'm going to my room." Law pushed past the dark-haired educator and strode into the foyer.

"But dinner's almost ready."

"Not hungry."

As quickly as he could, the boy toddled into his room and locked the door behind him. For today, he did not want to hear anyone else, let alone see.

Once again he was grateful that they had provided him with a single room. Word probably got around among the educators that the hat-wearing boy was not the most sociable and preferred to have his quiet time. With a smooth movement, he grabbed one of the new medicine books from his small desk and threw himself onto the narrow bed.

He spent the rest of the evening studying the structure of the heart. An organ that, with all the physical and psychological pain he experienced, should no longer exist in his body.

Nico Robin and also the other educators left him in peace, contrary to his expectations. Despite this, his thoughts drifted away from the medical lexicon once again. These two men...will they keep their promise or was Law simply too naive and now lost the last remnant of his tragic past?

His gaze slid over the cold, gray walls of the small room. How many evenings had he spent staring at the bare walls of this oppressive building? Every morning, as soon as his eyelids lifted, he hoped for a brief moment to stare at the familiar blue walls of his room, to turn to his bedside cabinet and reach for the latest chapter of the Hero Sora comic, which lay beside his family portrait. To no avail.

Instead of being awakened by the usual calls of his beloved sister, his nightmares, the source of the shadows under his eyes, had been doing that ever since. What wonderfully horrible experience would await him this night? Prepared for the worst, Law closed his heavy eyelids to find out.

A spark. A single, small, yellow spark unfolded before his eyes. It spread rapidly, engulfing everything in its vicinity. The cap wearer was covered from head to toe with ash. His hands were wet with a red sticky mass. The taste of iron spread through his mouth. Paralyzed with fear, he looked at the hospital complex. Screams. No matter how much he shielded his ears, they were everywhere. Half-burned corpses covered the ground, turning it into a mottle of white and red. Spasming, he held on to the delicate hand that clasped his. Even as a shot rang out and his sister's limp body fell on him. He wanted to scream, but no sound escaped his mouth. No single limb obeyed him anymore. His body remained resting under the corpse. The last thing he saw were the dim, blurred outlines of armed people before he lost consciousness completely.

"NO! LAMY?!"

Bathed in sweat, Law jumped up, letting out a panicked scream. The medicine book, which until recently had rested on his stomach, fell to the floor with a thud. The boy looked around the room frantically. With all his might he resisted the rising nausea. His heart beat with such vehemence as if it wanted to crush his ribcage. Single drops of sweat flowed down his forehead and wetted his thin bedspread.

Trembling, his hand wandered to the alarm clock, knocking it over awkwardly at first before grabbing it and bringing it closer to his eye. Three o'clock in the morning. At least his recurring nightmares allowed him an hour more sleep this time. A small progress.

But the intensity of the dreams increased. Night after night he remembered more clearly that tragic event. Just as the doctors had predicted at the time. His brain repressed the traumatic events as a protective function for the time being, but step by step the memories would come back, becoming clearer and clearer. Until eventually he would know every little detail, remember every drop of blood.

Should he have accepted the psychotherapist's offer after all? No, he had to go through it alone. That was his business.

On wobbly legs, the boy walked to the small window and pushed it open. He gleefully let the fresh evening breeze blow around his ears, while his body slowly recovered from the shock.

Resting his heated head on the window sill, he watched the night slowly fade away and the day dawn. Promptly at 7 o'clock Nico Robin's voice rang out across the hall. That meant getting dressed, making bed, and showing up for breakfast.

Tired and exhausted, Law got up and got ready for the new day. What would he bring with him?

Chapter Text

Stifling a yawn, Law trotted down the steps. The shock of last night was still in his limbs, but he hid his emotions behind his indifferent expression as always. Inscrutable. That was how Law felt most comfortable. Only he could not hide the deep shadows under his eyes, which is why he kept his gaze tilted as the numerous orphans pushed past him like a pack of hyenas. The thought of sitting among all these mad children early in the morning gave Law a headache, but his stomach prevailed with an unmistakable grumble.

Sighing, the eight-year-old continued on his way as an elbow made rough acquaintance with his ribs.

"Get out of my way, nerd!"

Law was ruthlessly pushed aside as a grim looking boy appeared in his field of vision. There were few who did not know him. His hair alone, which resembled a raging sea of flames, made him stand out among the others.

Eustass Kid.

Law heard that this boy spent by far the longest time of all in the orphanage and was sent back again and again after several futile attempts at placement. The blame for this was his...indecent nature.

"Kid, not in that tone!" the voice of Nami, the young governess, who was waiting at the foot of the stairs, rang out.

Kid expelled his breath aggressively and rolled his reddish-brown eyes at the same time.

"Shut up, you ugly cow!"

The slender orange-haired woman's features suddenly slipped. "Excuse me?! Come here right now, you little #%&!?!"

Shaking his head, Law blanked out these dangers to his eardrums and instead focused on somehow mentally surviving this breakfast.

In the dining room, Nico Robin greeted him, wearing a warm smile on her lips.

"Good morning, Law. Slept well?"

Forcing a half-hearted smile, he nodded, although it was not even close to the truth and something told him that Robin was aware of it. Either way, she reached for her cup, from which rose a beguiling aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and turned her attention back to the morning paper.

Law trudged to the buffet, of which there was already not much left. Sighing, he settled for the leftovers and loaded them onto his tray as a familiar straw hat appeared among the throng of people.

"I'm not going to be spared anything, am I?" Law thought to himself and went in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, seconds later he felt a small hand on his shoulder. Annoyed, he turned around and looked into Luffy's cheerfully beaming face.

"Long time no see, shishishi. Look, I brought you some food earlier! Here, for you!"

Grinning up to his ears, the energetic boy held a cheese sandwich under Law's nose. Instantly he felt the need to gag, so he turned away from the straw hat, who ran after him in irritation.

"You're all green. Don't you like cheese?"

Shaking his head, Law pointed at Luffy's hand, which still held this devilish piece.

"The problem is rather everything around it," he replied.

"My hand? I washed it, really!" Luffy said with a completely serious face, which brought Law close to despair.

"The bread, you moron."

Instantly, Luffy fell into a childish laughter. "Shishishi, you're such a weirdo, Torao!"

"My name is-!" began Law as he noticed the hostile looks of Luffy's friends fixing him coldly. Instead of lecturing him one more time about his damn name, he simply strode away. "Go on, go to your friends. They are already waiting."

"Aren't you going to join us?" he heard Luffy call out, but ignored him. Without another word, he sat down at a free table and began his meal.

Just when he thought he could at least finish breakfast peacefully, Kid's angry voice rang through the room.

"What do you mean there's no more pudding here?!"

With clenched fists, he scanned the room and finally got stuck with Law, on whose tray he found what he was looking for. Grinning, the redhead strode up to the caped man who was staring at his food.

"Give me your pudding," Kid ordered, which made Law look up briefly.

"Get your own."

"There is no more."

"Not my problem," Law replied monotonously and paid no more attention to his counterpart, which increased Kid's anger. He quickly tried to reach for the pudding, but Law had very good reflexes and snatched it away before Kid could get hold of it. Instead, the latter lost his balance and crashed headlong into Law's leftover food. Enraged and covered in rice grains and plum jam, he grabbed Law by the shirt collar.

"I'll finish you off!"

A pink-haired girl, who had been nibbling on her pizza until just then, interfered.

"Boah Kid, shut the fuck up!"

Jewelry Bonney, who was sitting next to the two in the middle of the table, stared at him in annoyance.

"Huh, what do you want, goat? Stay out of this!"

"I want to eat in peace! You really have zero manners!"

"Well, look who's talking!"

Kid now let go of Law and turned to Bonney. Sighing once again, Law rose and left the dining room, saying: "What a kindergarten."

After the chaotic breakfast, Law hoped for some peace and quiet under his regular seat, but was horrified to find that it was occupied by other children. Grumbling, Law searched the grounds for another quiet spot. Finally, he took a seat on a small swing away from the grounds.

Patiently, the boy opened his book and waited. After all, two certain brothers still had to fulfill their promise.

But minute after minute passed and the eight-year-old slowly but surely began to doubt whether he would ever see his beloved bear again. He often found his eyes drifting away from the pages of the book and instead toward the gravel path.

A dark blanket of clouds spread out, extinguishing any rays of sunlight. The first raindrops wet the pages of his book.

Reluctantly, he closed it and glanced at the clock. It was already afternoon. Except for the brief lunch they had shared, Law remained in his seat, eyeing each passing silhouette with renewed hope. To no avail. While several children shrieked and sought refuge from the rain, Law made no effort to move.

In no time, the outdoor area emptied. Just when Law thought he was the last one outside, a familiar face appeared next to him.

Already unnerved by his presence, Law massaged his temples. "Why can't I be spared that little twerp for even an hour?"

"Ah, there you are! Come on Torao, we have to go in!" Luffy announced and at the same time embraced the older boy's wrist. The latter tore himself free and replied coldly: "Go on, then."

"And you?" asked Luffy curiously.

"I'll wait for someone."

"Okay." The hat-wearer plopped down on the damp swing next to him, grinning. "Then I'll wait with you!"

"Get lost," Law growled, which Luffy answered with a childish "Nope" before he asked: "Who are we waiting for, anyway?"

"None of your business."

With that, silence reigned. Both listened to the gentle rain, which gave the air that nostalgic scent. Law tried to ignore the younger man, but he kept pointing out his presence.

"Can I ask you something?"

The older boy sighed. "You're going to anyway."

"Why do you hate me?"

Admittedly, Law had not expected such a question. He raised his eyebrow and looked at the boy, whose eyes reflected a sad glint.

"You avoid me, you hardly talk to me, and you don't seem to like me. Did I do something wrong?"

Sighing, Law shook his head.

"I can't stand people much in general. Especially not energetic and annoying ones like you."

Luffy didn't seem to mind the insult much, or he had simply missed it.

"Why? Did they steal your meat? I wouldn't forgive them for that either!"

Mentally, Law rolled his eyes, but otherwise remained silent. He just wasn't the type of person to burst into tears and rattle off his entire tragic past.

"Why don't you just play with Ace, Sabo and me? They're totally nice! Even though Ace often snaps at me...When I first came here I had no one but then they both eventually accepted me and now we're like family!"

"Good for you but I'm not interested in joining you," he commented curtly and peeked at the road. Nothing.

"There, that's what I mean!" Luffy shouted. "You're always so cold and withdrawn!"

"Not everyone can grin as stupidly as you do all day."

Pouting, the straw hat stared at his bobbing legs.

"I just want to help you. You're alone every day! Doesn't this loneliness make you sick?"

These words made Law literally jump up. Did loneliness make him sick? Of course it did. But what did he get out of letting people get close to him and trusting them? Everyone he loved was dead. There was no one left to fill the void in his heart. He hoped for nothing more from humanity. It took everything from him. He hated it.

Suddenly Law felt anger welling up inside him. Surely this naïf had no idea what he was experiencing. If he didn't like the way he was behaving, why was this idiot even talking to him?

"To make it clear for your rubber head, I have no interest in being your friend or having anything to do with you! You want to help me, Straw Hat? Good, then stop following me around and get on my nerves! Go on living in your colorful, happy world but leave me alone!"

That had hit home. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. There was only Luffy, on the verge of bursting into tears, Law's fist-clenched hands still shaking, and the pouring rain beating down on them. Then in the blink of an eye, thick tears mixed with the rain and flowed down Luffy's cheeks. Without another word, the straw hat trudged back to the orphanage. The sobs grew quieter and quieter until they died away completely, and Law knew that the younger boy was gone.

Minutes later, Law's hands had stopped shaking. He took another look in the direction of the front gate. The more he thought about it, the more he could beat himself. How could he have been so stupid as to trust two strangers. What had tempted him to do so? Was it the siblings' friendly nature, their helpfulness?

Depressed, Law realized that once again he had been wrong about people. For better or worse, he would never see his bear again.

Law was getting ready to stand up when he felt a jolt at his back. Someone was nudging him. Quickly he held on to keep himself from falling forward. Irritated, he looked over his shoulder. His eyes widened.

Behind him stood a grinning Doflamingo and a mud-stained Corazon, holding an umbrella and waving at him with his other hand.

"Long time no see, Law." The older brother gave him another shove.

"You?" Law still stared at them in disbelief. "You really came..."

"Of course! We would have been there earlier if a certain someone hadn't fallen into one mud puddle after another."

Doflamingo's grim gaze darted to his brother, who was innocently whistling to himself. Corazon stepped closer to the eight-year-old, holding his umbrella over him.

"You're soaked to the bone! Don't tell me you've been waiting out here for us in this weather?"

Caught off guard, Law turned his back on the men, hiding his flushed cheeks. "I-I haven't! I like rain. This has nothing to do with you!"

The two brothers looked at each other, both trying hard to hold back a laugh. There was no hiding the obvious.

"Where's Bepo?" asked Law growling, to distract himself from the subject. Then Corazon reached into his bag and pulled out the stuffed bear.

"Tadaaa~Fresh and healthy!" Smiling, Corazon made the bear dance before Law's eyes.

Law couldn't help but marvel at the condition of his stuffed bear.

"He looks like new."

One could no longer even guess that the arm had ever been severed. In addition, his once dirty gray fur now shone a brilliant white.

"Hehe, a piece of cake for me. I'm a specialist when it comes to threads. Better take it quick before anything else happens."

Law did as ordered and quickly took Bepo, while Corazon kicked his brother's leg, but lost his balance.

"Hey, don't make me look like an idiot-wah!"

He was already lying in the dirt and being laughed at by his older brother.

"Thank you, Cora, Doflamingo."

The eyes of the siblings suddenly moved to Law. He hugged his bear. On his lips, for the first time in years, was an honest smile. They had actually kept their promise. Since the death of his loved ones, they were the first people, who helped him.

"C-Can you repeat that?" Corazon asked, overcome by the heartbreaking sight.

"Forget it, you heard me for sure!"

Doflamingo stroked the boy's plush cap with a grin.

"Fufufu, you're welcome, kid. Rocinante and I are going to get some coffee. Would you like to come along? We'll buy you one. A cocoa, of course."

Law looked indecisively at the entrance of the orphanage, through which the first children were now entering. Then he noticed the straw hat looking sadly at the ground. As if that wasn't enough, next to him stood Ace and Sabo, both furiously scanning the grounds. That was all he needed. He didn't need to see Bepo split in two again.

"Ok, whatever," Law said tersely, quickly getting up and walking towards the exit.

The siblings followed him, surprised by his quick answer.

"Don't you want to change your clothes? Or let someone know that you'll be gone for a while?"

"No need. Let's go."

Chapter Text

As he hurried to the front gate, Law's attention fell to the group of children gathered around the straw hat. Among them were Ace and Sabo, who scanned the area for him, but did not find anything. Law quickened his steps. The cap wearer simply didn't have the nerve to have another debate about how he had 'mistreated' Luffy again. The brothers followed his gaze and spotted the orphans as well.

"Are those your friends up there? I think they're looking for you!" Corazon announced and was about to wave to the kids when Law gave him an intimidating look.

"Don't do that. I don't have any friends here," he replied coldly. The warm smile on his lips had long since disappeared and was replaced by his impenetrable expression.

Shocked by what had been said, the blond slowly put his hand back down and exchanged a brief, worried glance with his older brother before following Law, who had already passed the gate.

It was only a stone's throw to the cafe they were heading for. The trio walked in silence. Law did not give the impression of being a sociable, let alone communicative, boy. One thing, however, was obvious to the brothers. He was fundamentally different from the other orphans. The eight-year-old had lost the carefree, happy-go-lucky demeanor of a child his age and became a withdrawn loner, which particularly worried Corazon. He was sure that the boy must have experienced terrible things to become like this. The cold look he received earlier also confirmed his suspicions. His eyes were so empty. Almost dead.

They quickly reached the small cafe of Makino, a friendly young lady, who knew Doflamingo and Corazon as her regulars and gave them a smile from afar.

"Hello, you two!" Her gaze slid down to the black-haired boy, who eyed her suspiciously.

"Oh my, who do we have here?"

Law avoided her hearty gaze and made no sign of answering his counterpart, so Corazon took over.

"This is Law! Law, say hello to Makino."

The person addressed only gave a slight grumble. Smiling, the older brother pushed Law's cap deeper into his face.

"Fufufu, he's shy."

"How cute," Makino giggled, a rosy complexion on her cheeks. "So, what can I do for you today? The usual?"

Doflamingo, whose eyes were obscured by his red sunglasses even in the rain, Law whimsically realized, pulled out his wallet and nodded before pointing at the eight-year-old.

"And a cocoa for the kid."

"Don't call me that all the time. I have a name," the cap-wearing boy hissed. He hated nicknames. It was bad enough that he had to endure them every day from this straw hat.

"Hm, how about little one then?" Doflamingo joked, whereupon Law wordlessly and visibly pissed off turned away to make his way back to the orphanage.

"Oi, I was only joking. Stay here."

Sighing, he returned to the siblings. Makino merely responded with another giggle.

Patiently, the three watched as their order was prepared. Meanwhile, Corazon lit a cigarette, which Law eyed critically. He had an aversion to smoking, knowing about the danger, especially as a doctor-to-be, but held back with a telling off. What was it to him if that clumsy threw away his health.

A short time later, a sneeze cut the silence. Law hastily rubbed his nose with his damp sleeve. Although the first rays of sunlight broke through the dense cloud cover, a moderate wind was still blowing and slowly the boy began to shiver. The brothers also noticed this. In one smooth movement Doflamingo unfastened his scarf and put it around Law's narrow shoulders, who watched him irritatedly.

"You really should have changed. You'll catch a cold."

"I'm fine. Don't worry about it," the boy testified, but he was secretly glad of the warm and dry scarf.

"Oh, you can go in." Makino glanced at the boy. "I'll bring your order as soon as it's ready."

"All right, I'll wait," Doflamingo explained, turning to his brother. "Roci, you and Law go inside and get warm."

Nodding, Corazon was already about to put out his cigarette when it slipped out of his hand and came into contact with his feather cloak. In seconds it caught fire. Law's facial features slipped for a breath of a second. As if it were commonplace, and Law was almost certain that it was, Doflamingo and Makino remained perfectly still.

The latter handed the elder a fire blanket, which he annoyedly threw over his wriggling brother. Quickly the flames went out. Doflamingo looked at his brother, shaking his head.

"Take good care of him until I come."

"I will," the other blond assured him as he patted the dust from his pants.

"I meant Law," the sunglasses wearer explained with a grin, earning a scowl from his brother, who walked off with Law in a huff.

~

"He's really cute." Makino put the coffee on the tray. "Where did he come from?"

"From the orphanage," Doflamingo replied, glancing toward the building complex, whose roof towered over the deciduous trees.

"Oh, do you want to adopt him?"

Astonished, the man pondered his thoughts for a moment before he began to grin.

"Fufufu, an interesting thought but I think Law would not find it so appealing."

"Hmm, he is a bit unusual for a boy his age," she noted while she boiled the milk along with the cocoa powder. "He seems quite cool and distant."

"Life certainly hasn't been easy for him so far. It seems that all the people around him have passed away. For a boy his age, such a loss must be traumatizing."

Doflamingo also quickly registered that Law mostly agreed to go along with the two to avoid the other orphans.

"Poor kid." The green-haired girl sighed. "I would love to take him in, but I barely have enough money to make ends meet. After everything that has happened, Law deserves a home where he can feel safe and secure. A new family that will show him warmth."

Doflamingo said nothing in reply, but let the young woman's words run through his mind. Lost in thought, he barely noticed her handing him the tray of drinks. After he paid, she placed a muffin next to the chocolate drink.

"For Law. Tell him he can come back anytime if he's hungry."

Smiling, he thanked her, accepted the tablet and looked for his brother and the boy. His thoughts still circled around Makino's words. A new family...

~

"Here. Help yourselves," Doflamingo announced.

Corazon quickly reached for his coffee and, regardless of the fact that it was still scalding hot, took a big gulp. Immediately, he spat out the hot liquid, throwing himself backwards from his chair. While Doflamingo smirked at his clumsy brother, Law jumped out of his skin.

"Do you ever think before you act, you moron?!"

Massaging his throbbing temples with his hands, the eight-year-old looked down, but lifted his gaze as Doflamingo pushed a blueberry muffin towards him.

"This one's for you, Law."

Irritated, the boy stared at the pastry.

"From Makino. She told me to tell you that you can visit her at the cafe anytime. Seems like you're a heartthrob, fufufu."

Wordlessly, Law's stare remained fixed on the edge of the table in front of him.

When Law didn't show any reaction, the siblings looked at each other helplessly.

"Why are you doing this?"

After Law's question was thrown into the room, the siblings' eyes met again, now marked by confusion.

"Why are you helping me and take care of me? You don't know me at all and just to let you know I don't have anything to give you in return. I have no money or anything else of material value."

Patiently he waited for a response, but neither Doflamingo nor Corazon answered immediately. Instead, they both fell into laughter.

"What's there to laugh about?" asked Law seriously.

Doflamingo once again put on a broad grin.

"I see, so that's what was going through your head. I'll answer your question with a counter-question. Why shouldn't we care about you?"

Law squinted uncertainly at his hands.

"I don't know. It's just...there aren't many people who want anything to do with me." Except for the straw hat, he suddenly realized. But Law was sure that after everything he had thrown at him, he would not approach him again.

"The other orphans made a nice impression on me. Why don't you make friends with them," Corazon suggested with a smile, but Law only rolled his eyes and folded his arms in front of his chest. "They are all annoying, silly children."

Doflamingo raised his eyebrow symbolically. "But you're still one yourself."

"My childhood is long gone," he replied monotonously.

Corazon noticed the increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere that had formed since Law's last statement and tried to ease it with some small talk to hopefully take the boy's mind off things.

"So Law, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?"

Law looked at him as if he had just asked to jump off a skyscraper. Thoughtfully, his gaze wandered between Corazon and his cocoa.

"You shouldn't tell strangers too much," he finally explained, which visibly offended his counterpart, to Law's astonishment.

"You still see us as strangers?" Corazon looked dejected all at once, and the other blond also lost his usual smile.

Taken off guard by the unexpected reaction, Law rubbed the back of his neck and cleared his throat.

"I...I hardly know you guys. Except for your strange names..."

"You're right, of course." Corazon took this as an invitation to tell something about himself and began: "Well, I'm Doflamingo's younger brother, 24 years old and unfortunately quite clumsy."

Law rolled his eyes. He knew THAT well enough.

"Also, I worked as an officer in the Navy."

The last part made Law wince noticeably. Dumbfounded, he widened his eyes. He could hear it again, loud and clear. The voice of the newscaster.

A task force sent by the world government has infiltrated the entire city and wiped out its inhabitants. In addition to neighboring countries, the navy was also involved.

Unconsciously, he tightened his grip on his cup, his knuckles snow-white.

"Are you alright, Law?" Concerned about the boy's sudden condition, the blond caringly put his hand on Law's shoulder, but the latter just knocked it away from him as if it were made of fire.

"I hate the Navy," he said in disgust. If Corazon had only received a cold stare earlier, this one was deadly. Horrified, he remained silent, not knowing how to respond.

The eight-year-old addressed the other man.

"Do you work for the Navy, too?"

The older man's expression darkened.
"Not really. My work is a bit more...complex."

He was interrupted by his brother, who spoke up with a nervous expression.

"Oh, he's just doing boring office stuff. Totally uninteresting."

Law frowned suspiciously, but only gave a disinterested "Mhm".

"So, now it's your turn," Corazon demanded with a smile. Law, on the other hand, was not particularly fond of small talk.

"There's not much to tell about me," he admitted meekly.

Corazon pondered for a while before he thought of something.

"You like to read, don't you? You always carry such huge books with you. What are they about?"

The black-haired shrugged his shoulders.

"Mostly reference books on anatomy and medical procedures."

Impressed looks received him.

"So you're interested in medicine?"

Corazon was amazed at what he triggered in the boy with this simple question. Maybe it was just his imagination, but he could swear that he just saw Law's gray eyes shine for a brief moment and a spark sprout in those gloomy pupils.

"I'm going to be a doctor," the boy testified resolutely. "There will be no human life that I will not save."

Corazon eyed the boy curiously. This tireless sparkle in his eyes showed him that Law had a heart after all, that he was not completely embittered, left with endless hatred for humanity.

"Hm. A noble goal, Law," Doflamingo stated. "It won't be easy, but with that determination, you'll get there."

Corazon agreed, nodding proudly.

"That's quite a dream! I'm sure you'll be a great doctor!"

"I owe them that."

The siblings tilted their heads, but before any of them could ask more, the boy continued on his own.

"My parents were renowned doctors. They ran their own hospital and possessed great skill and ability. They taught me many things. Until..." Law broke off.

A ringing echoed through the room. Doflamingo quickly pulled out his phone and, after glancing at the screen, his expression twisted.

"Sorry, I have to take this."

The man in sunglasses hurried to the exit. That left Corazon and Law behind. The latter rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. He knew that he would destroy the boy's currently passable mood, but he had to make sure of something.

"Law, uhm...why exactly do you hate the Navy so much?"

Another shrug went through the eight-year-old. For a brief moment, the 2 meters tall man feared Law would throw his cup at him. At least, that's what the expression on his face suggested. Surprisingly, the boy remained silent.

"I know it's none of my business but-"

"Exactly," Law replied coldly. Giving in, Corazon let the matter drop and reached for his espresso when he noticed Law's sigh.

"The navy was involved in the murder of my family."

Corazon opened his eyes in dismay, choked on his drink and toppled over along with the chair. His cup slipped from his hand and broke. Law rushed to his side.

"Again? Seriously, Cora?!"

Coughing, the man looked at his mess.

"Wah! Sorry, I-"

"Forget it, you stay there!" Law pointed at him as he strode toward the exit. "Or you'll blow up the whole place!"

Law looked outside for the owner, but she was nowhere to be seen.

All at once, the eight-year-old noticed a loud rustling. Hundreds of birds fled from the treetops. Law would have simply ignored it, had it not been for something that instantly drew his entire attention.

A desperate, barely audible cry for help.

Without hesitation, Law armed himself with a thick branch to defend himself and ran into the woods. He followed the fading, trembling voice.

His intuition as a doctor told him that he was not about to see a pleasant sight. And as always, it did not deceive him.

Chapter Text

Stunned, the cap wearer approached the two silhouettes. The dense treetops cast ominous shadows on them. The black-haired boy had to blink a few times to make sure his eyes did not deceive him.

That person, whose blood-stained straw hat was clutched by his trembling hands, whimpered softly to Law incomprehensible words, while thick tears streamed from the eye marked by a scar. He leaned over another figure that worried Law far more and left a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. This was for a simple, shocking reason that could not be overlooked.

The person did not move.

The cap wearer could not say anything more specific until he checked pulse as well as breathing, but he already expected the worst.

Cautiously, as if facing a frightened rabbit, Law approached the trembling silhouette.

"Straw hat!"

As soon as this word crossed his lips, two black pupils, marked by shock, sprang towards him.

"T-Torao?!" His voice sounded terribly hoarse due to the countless cries for help.

As if stung by a tarantula, Luffy pulled himself up, staggered toward his counterpart, but fell halfway to the ground again. Law strode to his side. Suddenly, he noticed the straw hat's hand clutching at his sleeve in panic.

"Y-you've got to help me-I'm-into trees-but then-birds and shards-injured-fear-?!"

Luffy's words literally rolled over, loud sobs turned his speech into an unintelligible stammer, while his breathing went completely out of control. Law had never seen the Straw Hat in such a distraught state in all his years.

As long as he was hyperventilating, he couldn't do much with him, so he explained in a certain, calm tone: "Listen to me, you're going to take a deep breath and then you're going to tell me what happened, understand? I'll help you, but I can't do anything with your stammering."

While Luffy for once did as ordered, Law hurried to the other person. His black curls fell over his freckle-covered face. His eyes were closed, but his mouth was slightly open, and to Law's horror, a thin trickle of blood flowed down the corner of his mouth. Law didn't have to look far for the cause; the shards of glass stuck in Ace's right side were hard to miss.

Law turned to the straw hat boy. He needed answers urgently, because Ace in turn needed urgent medical attention.

Luffy seemed to have at least somewhat caught himself. Whimpering, he crawled to Ace and grabbed his cold hand.

"P-please, you have to help him! I'll do anything you want! Ace, he...he can't die!"

Suddenly it popped into Law's head. An image that brought sweat to his forehead. How he held her small, delicate hand, how her innocent, pure face was twisted with unimaginable fear.

"-rao! Torao!?"

Luffy's call freed the boy from his stupor. Pale, he shook the cruel memories aside.

"What happened to Ace, straw hat?" he asked again, this time fortunately receiving a quick, even understandable answer.

"We were climbing the trees here because Ace was looking for you. T-Then some hawk came and attacked me because I destroyed his stupid nest! Ace protected me but the-the stupid bird attacked him! He slipped and fell from the tree! Then he screamed really loud because he fell into a pile of broken glass! I-I was so scared! He was screaming the whole time but then all of a sudden h-he didn't say anything!"

Again, Luffy's round, childlike eyes filled with tears. Law bit his lower lip as he looked to the branch above him. The fact that Ace fell from that height was disturbing in itself, but the fact that he then landed in filthy shards made it much worse.

With purposeful grips, Law felt his pulse. Like his breathing, which he checked immediately afterwards, it was present but weak. No wonder, considering the severity of the injury together with the blood loss. What surprised the cap wearer, however, were the open wounds on his right flank, in which no shards were stuck, but which were not exactly bleeding weakly. As if someone had-

"I-I tried to pull the shards out of him, but he was screaming so much that I got scared," Luffy said between sobs.

Law jerked up. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Are you crazy?! Do you want him to bleed to death or die of blood poisoning?!" he yelled at the shocked boy, who stared guiltily at his unconscious friend. His eyes were already blood red from incessant crying. However, that did not stop the straw hat from shedding more tears.

"I'm so sorry! Please Ace, open your eyes!"

'Please Lamy, open your eyes!'

Law swallowed. Why did he have to remember this now? This whole scenario seemed so cruelly familiar. Did Law look as desperate and distraught then as Luffy did now? For the first time since their encounter, Law felt empathy for him. As much as the straw hat was getting on his nerves, he never deserved to experience the same pain Law did.

He had no right to scold the boy, after all, he was only six and beyond that, completely overwhelmed by the situation.

"Straw hat, do you know if Ace has been vaccinated against tetanus?"

Luffy thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"N-no idea- is Ace going to die?!"

Law drew his eyebrows together. He knew exactly what Luffy wanted him to say now, but considering his condition, he simply couldn't make any false promises. Luffy deserved an honest answer.

"I don't know. The sooner he gets help, the better his chances of survival. Can you-"

Law broke off. It was not a wise decision to send the boy off alone to get help in that condition. First, he didn't know the way, and second, in his panic he would probably run in front of a car. Besides, Luffy was also injured, though not nearly as badly as Ace, but once the adrenaline had left his body, the straw hat would surely notice the sprained ankle. In addition, Ace was not in a transportable condition. Any unnecessary movement could only make things worse. However, without any equipment, Law couldn't do anything either, except watch Ace getting paler by the minute and Luffy crying his heart out.

"Shit...this isn't going to work," he muttered in despair. The feeling of helplessness gnawed at him, while his brain was searching for a solution at full speed.

Agonizing seconds passed, during which Law felt pathetic. He wanted to become a doctor and save people's lives. Now it was a matter of saving a life and he only watched how the life slowly but surely drained out of Ace. Like what happened to Lamy back then...He couldn't save anyone.

"Law? Law, are you in here somewhere? Laaaw!"

The person being addressed jumped up as if struck by lightning. Was that-?

"Corazon! Cora, I'm here! Quick, hurry up and follow my voice!"

Seconds later, the blond already stepped out from between the trees, happy to have found the boy again.

"Law, why did you- for God's sake, what happened here?!"

The sight made the man pale instantly. He approached the boys with his eyes wide open.

"Aren't these the kids from the orphanage?"

Law nodded eagerly.

"I don't have time for long explanations, Cora." He gently put a hand on Ace's cold shoulder.

"Ace is badly hurt and needs help. Take Luffy and run back to the cafe quickly. Tell Makino to call the ambulance immediately! And ask for a first aid kit and bring it to me!"

Fortunately, Corazon realized the seriousness of the situation and reacted immediately.

"Are you two unharmed at least?" the blond asked as he ran to Luffy.

"I am, the straw hat has a few scratches and a sprained ankle."

To Law's chagrin, the six-year-old refused to cooperate and slapped Corazon's hands away.

"No! I'm staying with Ace!"

"You'd just be in the way, straw hat. Go with Corazon and leave Ace to me!"

To calm the straw hat at least a little, Law added seriously: "I won't let him die so easily."

This small gesture had a surprisingly big effect on the six-year-old. Not only did he let Corazon take him in his arms, he also gave Law a gentle grin.

"I knew you were a good person, Torao!"

Law took the compliment wordlessly.

"I'll be back soon!" announced Corazon, turning around with such a rush that he didn't notice the tree in front of him. Law seriously wondered why the clumsy one had to come from among the siblings.

"Pull yourself together and don't die on the way, understand?!" Law yelled at him, while Corazon rubbed his aching forehead. The last thing the cap wearer heard before the two disappeared from his sight was Luffy's naive voice asking Corazon if he was really that dumb.

While the blond went for help, Law assessed Ace's injuries. Until Corazon returned with the first aid kit, Doflamingo's scarf had to serve as a tourniquet.

Suddenly, Law heard a muffled groan. His eyes darted to the freckled boy's face. It stirred slightly, eyebrows drawn together in pain.

"Ace? Ace, can you hear me?" The person addressed seemed clearly surprised by the voice, so Law added: "It's me, Trafalgar Law."

"Ugh, ow...what-I-"

"Hold still," the eight-year-old instructed him. "Do you remember what happened?"

Weakly, Ace shook his head, which was of little surprise to Law after such a fall.

"You fell out of the tree and probably got a concussion and several cuts in your right side. There are still shards in most of them. Help is on the way so grit your teeth."

"L-Luf-fy."

"He's fine."

Briefly, the corners of Ace's mouth lifted before he bit his lip so hard from the pain that it bled.

"Wh-why are you helping me?"

After all that was going on, Law was the last person Ace thought would ever help him. The cap wearer furrowed his brow.

"I'd be a disgrace to my parents if I ignored people in need, now shut your mouth until help arrives."

Abruptly, Ace began to cough and surveyed with horror the red mark left on his fist.

He turned again to the eight-year-old, who watched him anxiously.

"I-if I don't make it, s-say to Luffy that I-I am-"

"Shut up, you're going to tell him yourself!"

Law couldn't watch one more time as one young life was extinguished before his eyes and another, in this case Luffy's, was shattered by it.

"If you leave me with that crybaby of a straw hat, I will revive you only to kill you myself!"

A weak laugh escaped from Ace's mouth before his eyelids fluttered again. Law slapped him roughly against the cheek, causing him to flinch.

"Hey, you need to stay awake, got it?"

Barely visible, the freckled boy nodded.

Not even a minute later, a tall man came out of the thicket again, a white suitcase under his arm.

"Law, I'm here again!"

"About time!" He took a quick look at the man covered in dust and dirt. "What happened to you?"

"Sorry, I...fell a few times."

His usual sheepish grin turned to concern surprisingly quickly. "I have bad news. The main roads are closed, so it will take the ambulance about 30 minutes to get here...at best."

Law's eyes snapped open. This couldn't be happening.

"Ace may not have 30 minutes," he stated frightened.

That's all it took to make the blond panic.

"Wh- what are we going to do now?!"

Law resolutely took the first aid kit.

"I'll treat him myself," he announced seriously, and the very next moment he heard an incredulous cry next to him.

"Law, I know you want to be a doctor but you're too young and inexperienced to operate on a real person!"

The black-haired boy rolled his eyes. To outsiders he might seem inexperienced, but all those years his parents prepared him for just such a situation. He accumulated an incredible amount of medical knowledge to be able to act in an emergency. Of course, he would have preferred that the boy was taken care of by a qualified specialist, but...

"What else can we do, huh? Should we wait until the ambulance arrives 'sometime' 'maybe'? Then you can also order a mortician while you're at it!"

While Corazon stared at him speechlessly, Law turned to the freckled boy.

"Ace, I'll take care of your wounds, but I'm sure it will be quite...Ace?"

Cold sweat crept onto Law's forehead. The person addressed did not make a sound.

"Ace."

He didn't move a muscle.

"Hey, Ace."

Neither his eyelids lifted...

"No...That can't be-? Ace! ACE!"

...nor his chest.

Chapter Text

Stiff with shock, Law surveyed the boy's chest, eagerly waiting for it to rise and fall as it should.

Nothing.

"Ace, can you hear me?!" He no longer managed to hide the surge of concern and despair that resonated in his voice. "Hang in there, damn it! Think of the straw hat! Are you just going to leave him like that?!"

The words faded away in the frightening silence. The boy himself caught his breath. More agonizing seconds passed.

Nothing.

In the slowly encroaching twilight, he resembled those lifeless silhouettes that were burned into his memory. No, this nightmare could not be repeated again. Tense, his fingers went to the carotid artery of the unconscious boy. Drops of sweat made their way down the eight-year-old's forehead. He felt no pulse.

Without hesitation, Law instantly began to perform a heart-pressure massage, as he had so often been taught by his father. Pressing the heel of his hand vertically on the center of his sternum, 100 to 120 compressions per minute. The steady rhythm simultaneously helped to keep his own pulse in check and to not lose his nerve.

After the first pass, he immediately checked the boy's breathing. Nothing. Damn it. Desperately, he wiped the sweat from his forehead before starting the procedure anew.

From afar, the uncertain, slightly trembling voice of Corazon, whose presence Law had forgotten until just now, reached his ear.

"C-can I help in any way?"

"Shut up and pray," he hissed at him, and the blond fell silent. He showed full understanding for the tense state of the just eight-year-old, who tried to revive someone without batting an eyelash. The pride and respect he felt for the brave boy knew no bounds. But it hurt him all the more to see Law's frustrated, despair-stricken face once again when Ace showed no pleasing reaction.

"Shit!" Dejectedly, Law smashed his bare fist against the sodden ground. "Damn it!"

Why didn't it work? Had he reacted too late? Couldn't he do anything again, except talk big, about not letting anyone die, while this was happening right in front of his eyes? He was so tired of it!

Out of the corner of his eye, he registered Corazon's worried look, which didn't interest him at all at the moment. Why did it have to happen over and over again? Lamy, his parents, friends, acquaintances, relatives and now Ace. People were constantly dying around him. People he knew, who were close to his heart and who deserved to live on, if only for the life of another person. The children of the orphanage would surely never forgive him for not saving Ace. Suddenly, Law's eyes snapped open. He felt dizzy for a moment. The straw hat.

How was he ever going to get under the eyes of the little bundle of energy that put all his trust in him? It sucked! What had he done to make fate punish him like this?

"I can't do it..." With all his might he tried to hold back the sobs. The thick lump in his throat almost cut off his breath. Ace's face finally lost the last bit of color. The chance that Ace would hold out until the emergency doctor arrived was close to zero.

Looking down, Law pulled his cap over his eyes. He couldn't bear to watch any more of this.

"Don't say that!" The eight-year-old jerked slightly as two strong hands rested on his slender shoulders.

"Don't give up yet! If anyone can do it Law, it's you!" Corazon patted him confidently on the shoulder. "You can save him, I'm sure of it!"

Annoyed, he pulled the hands away, although they gave him much needed support.

"What else can I do if resuscitation doesn't work, huh? Put a band-aid on his knee?!"

Perplexed, Corazon let go of him. It was strange to see Law, a boy who was always calm and level-headed, in such a state. However, his concern was more than justified. The blond bit his lip at the sight of the cadaverous, motionless boy. Possibly Law was right, but still he did not think of giving up.

Determined, he squatted down next to the freckled boy and continued the resuscitation in Law's place, to his irritation.

"What's the point? It's useless."

His counterpart paid him no attention. Unwavering, Corazon pressed on the chest of the unconscious boy. Law contemplated the scenario, feeling more and more frustration welling up inside him.

"Are you deaf?! There's no point anymore!"

Corazon still did not seem to listen to him, nor did he look at him. He still seemed to have hope. Hope that Law once possessed too, before all the numerous disappointments he experienced in his young life. Again, Law chewed on his lip. A subconscious habit that he himself barely noticed until he recognized the taste of iron in his mouth. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Corazon check Ace's breathing, pulse and circulation before he began again, cursing softly. Law was finding it harder to watch by the minute. What else did he have to do to make Corazon understand?

"I admit that I failed, okay?! The chance of Ace surviving-"

"Do you know what Luffy said to me when I brought him to Makino?" the blond interrupted him out of the blue. Law's gray eyes rested spellbound on Corazon's lips. "I believe in Torao! I know he'll give everything and save Ace, because he's not only my friend, but he'll also become the best doctor in the world."

Stunned, Law stared at the older man, who continued to reanimate Ace despite his obvious exhaustion. His mouth was open, but words could not pass his tongue. That's what the straw hat had said about him? After all that had happened?

"Luffy was trembling, and yet I couldn't detect a bit of doubt in his voice. Do you really want to have to tell him that you didn't give it your all until the end?"

The eight-year-old gulped. Giving it your all to the end...

"Law, listen to me carefully. No matter how hopeless the situation may seem, you must never give up. You can't always prevent what fate has predestined, but no one can blame you if you steadfastly try to save a human life until the end. That is what makes a good doctor. Don't ever forget that, okay?"

"Yes, Father!"

A resounding sound cut through the silence. Startled, Corazon's brown eyes wandered to Law, who gave himself a hearty slap. Great. If Law lost his mind now, Corazon would finally have a crisis. The eight-year-old was, after all, the one with the most medical knowledge and the necessary calm.

Law strode purposefully toward him. "I won't let the straw hat down."

Determined, he replaced the exhausted Corazon, who looked at him in bewilderment. Law seemed to have changed to a certain extent. The boy, who had just been cowering on the floor in frustration, seemed to have finally regained his self-confidence and at least a spark of confidence. Despite the critical and inappropriate situation, Corazon could not help smiling slightly. His heart leapt as Law suddenly cried out.

"Ace is breathing again!"

They stared spellbound at the slowly rising chest, while Law's fingers felt his pulse.

"His circulation is there, if even minimal," the cap wearer announced with satisfaction, whereupon the blond breathed a sigh of relief for the first time in a long time.

"Thank goodness!" Grinning, he wiggled Law's plush cap. "You see. Never give up!"

Law adjusted his headgear, rolling his eyes.

"Save your stupid wisdom and help me instead. He's not out of the woods yet."

Even if he didn't show it, it was more than a load off his mind.

Corazon, on the other hand, didn't give a damn about Law's sharp remark. The cheeky mouth aside, he liked the grumpy, sassy Law a lot better.

"Give me the wound irrigation solution."

Corazon quickly handed the wound cleansing agent to the boy, who dribbled a few drops onto the sterile pad. With purposeful moves, he wrapped the gauze compress around Ace's torso. Wearily, he wiped his eyes before looking over his work. Nearly every one of Ace's open cuts had been properly dressed by now, which, more importantly, stopped the devastating blood loss. It was a small thing for the son of a family of doctors. Just as tying a bow came naturally to some, so did applying bandages to Law. In fact, Ace's face gained a little color in the last few minutes. Other than that, his condition didn't change.

A good half hour had passed since his resuscitation. In the meantime, the ambulance service should have arrived already. One reason why he had to wait so long was most likely the fact that twilight was rapidly giving way to deep darkness, and the only light was now secreted by the stars and the full moon. Fortunately, Corazon had brought a flashlight along with the first aid kit, so they were not completely in the dark.

Still, the circumstances didn't make Ace's treatment much easier. Law fervently hoped the paramedics would be on the scene soon. The exhaustion and lack of sleep of the last few days were draining the boy more than ever before. His energy reserves were running low and his eyelids were getting heavier as well. He knew he couldn't defy sleep much longer. For the moment, though, Ace was the priority. Disinfect, apply sterile dressing, wrap gauze compress. As long as he followed that pattern, he stayed focused and awake.

An felt eternity later, the last open cut was treated. With a deep sigh, Law settled down next to his patient. His eyeballs almost fell out when he noticed Corazon taking out a cigarette.

"Don't you dare light that! We're in a forest here and I don't feel like burning down today!"

Hesitantly, the blond looked back and forth between his beloved cigarette and the eight-year-old, who was glaring angrily at him.

"Put it away! It's pure poison anyway!"

Relenting, he finally stowed it back in his coat pocket.

"Sorry. It's just- it calms my nerves and-"

Both of them froze all at once. There it was. There was the sound the two had been eagerly waiting for. The patter of footsteps, followed by shouts of familiar voices.

"Rocinante! Law! Where are you?"

Corazon's face instantly brightened.

"Finally! Doffy! We're here!"

Hectically, the blond waved his flashlight over the area, more than relieved to see his brother emerging from between bushes, closely followed by several paramedics. One strode up to the two while the others tended to Ace.

"Are you both all right?"

"Yes, we're fine," the blond man answered.

"Could you tell us exactly what happened?"

Corazon looked thoughtfully down at Law, who was peering curiously at the other medics.

"Um, actually I think Law would be the better person to talk to."

Puzzled, the paramedic stared at the young boy, who looked at his colleagues with fascination.

"Uh, ok?" He leaned down to the black-haired boy. "Could you tell me what happened, young man?"

Sighing, the tired boy nodded and summarized the events of the last hour. Towards the end of the narration, the paramedic's mouth was open.

"You-you really treated him? A-and successfully resuscitated him?!"

Corazon proudly patted Law on the back. "Law really has a lot of medical knowledge. After all, he's going to be a doctor someday, right?"

Law yawned heartily, while the paramedic stood up with a grin.

"Hahah, I'm sure you will! After all, you've done a remarkable job, Law! We'll take care of the rest."

With that, the doctor moved away and joined his colleagues.

Calmed, Corazon breathed a sigh of relief.

"Phew, I think everything will be all right now!"

"Mhm...I guess...," Law grumbled. With all the stress that was increasingly falling away from him, fatigue returned, stronger than ever. Suppressing another yawn, he tugged at Corazon's coat.

"Hey Cora, you take it from here. I'm going to take a...short...nap..."

The last bit of energy left his body, while his eyes fluttered shut. The last thing he registered was a pair of warm hands catching him before the world around him went black.

Chapter Text

"No! Stay with us! I don't want you to go!"

"I have to look after your father! The fire keeps spreading. He could be in danger! Listen to me, you must flee with the others to a neighboring town. It's not safe here anymore!"

"What about you, Mother?!"

"I will join you as soon as I have helped your father!"

Before running back to the hospital, the mother bent down to her children and cuddled them close.

"I love you two more than anything! Don't ever forget that. You have to survive!"

His knees trembled as he clutched his sister's thin arm and pulled her weak, fragile body behind him. The desperate cries Lamy uttered between all the sobs shook the boy to his core. He himself suppressed the tears with all his remaining might. He had to be strong. For his beloved sister, whose usually radiant, pure smile had always given him strength in the past years. Now it was up to Law to give her his strength.

The conflagration spread tirelessly, turning the city blessed with prosperity and peace into a flaming hell. The sight of Lamy's tear-streaked face tightened the boy's chest, but so at least their young, innocent eyes did not see the gruesome scenario around them as they ran past remains of their neighbors, friends, acquaintances, even relatives. Just the thought turned the little boy's stomach. How did it happen that his perfect world shattered from one second to the next?

The memories of the collapsing hospital complex were dim and blurry. The black-haired was thankful that his memories were clouded by the shock. Otherwise, he probably wouldn't even have the strength to drag his sister behind him.

All at once he felt delicate fingers close tightly around his own arm. Concerned, he turned to his little sister, her features completely distraught, her voice brittle.

"I-I'm so s-scared!"

Law swallowed. He was no different, but he had to suppress all his fear for a brief moment. He had to sound reliable, like a big brother should.

"This-this isn't real, Lamy. It's just a bad dream! It's going to be all right! I promise!"

For a brief moment, the brunette eyed her brother silently before more tears found their way out.

"Y-you're lying. W-what about mommy?! The hospital is broken and on fire! And mommy didn't come out!"

The little girl cried bitterly, while Law bit his lip with such strength that he abruptly felt the taste of iron.

"Mother certainly found another way out."

His voice didn't sound half as trustworthy as he wished, rather it seemed as if the boy would also collapse at any moment. He knew quite well that there was only one exit.

For a brief moment, the boy toyed with the idea of simply giving up. Even if they managed to escape, how could they go on? They would become orphans within a day, possibly they would be separated, put into some strange families. Law would never know how his sister would fare. Maybe it would be better to wait for either the flames or the soldiers' guns to take him and his sister...

No, he could not think like that. All his beloved mother wanted was to know that her children were safe. He could scream his head off as soon as they had fulfilled their mother's last wish.

"Law, Lamy! This way!"

With his eyes wide open, the cap wearer watched the woman in front of him, surprised to find another survivor among all the murdered. It was that nun of the town whom Law admired for her helpfulness and mercy. The children of Flevance were very dear to her, but the feeling was mutual. Seeing her alive in front of him gave the cap wearer new hope. They were not alone.

"Hurry to the harbor. There are rescuers the-"

The cruel sound of the rifle still echoed in the six-year-old's ears seconds later. Distraught, he watched as the kind-hearted woman slumped and remained motionless on the floor. Her golden hair instantly turned a horrific shade of red. Law froze, completely paralyzed. He didn't notice how his sister's fingernails dug deeper and deeper into the flesh of his hand, how her normally sweet voice turned into a desperate whimper. Law wanted to scream, but any sound choked in his throat. Watching the life drain out of this compassionate, innocent woman robbed the boy's eyes of that last sparkle, constricting his chest ever more tightly, causing him to break inside. Still, he could not take his gaze off her dead eyes.

At that moment he realized that there was no escape.

Gasping for air, Law opened his eyelids, only to close them again the next moment. His eyes had to get used to the abrupt brightness. Wheezing, his shaky hand clawed at the fabric of his sweater as he waited for his out-of-control pulse and thudding heartbeat to settle. Again, a piece of the painful memories returned to his consciousness.

Gingerly, he felt the surface. It was soft, clearly too soft for the hard forest floor he must have hit after his body arbitrarily turned out the lights. The boy shivered, so he pulled the fabric of his blanket, which provided a comforting warmth, up to his chin. Black feathers gently tickled his skin and- wait. Black feathers? That wasn't his blanket. He knew that coat!

In a flash, he spun around, a familiar face coming into his field of vision. Dumbfounded, Law inspected the figure resting against the edge of his bed. Single blond strands covered his closed eyes, his breathing was calm and even. The black-haired briefly considered whether to wake him, but the decision was taken from him when the man came to on his own. Immediately his amber eyes wandered to Law. When he noticed that he had woken up in the meantime, his lips formed a relieved grin.

"Law! Good to see you're awake!"

"How did you get he-" The rest of the sentence turned into a harsh groan. The boy cleared his throat, it was dry as hell. Hastily, the blond pulled out a water bottle.

"Here, have a drink first!"

Barely opened, he squeezed the bottle with such pressure that almost the entire content was shot into Law's face.

"Are you seriously too stupid to hand me a bottle?" the black-haired snapped at him, whereupon Corazon stammered countless apologies. He wanted to look for a towel, but Law held him back.

"I'd prefer if you just tell me what happened after I passed out. And don't touch anything," he ordered, emptying the last sip from the water bottle. Obediently, Corazon sat down again next to the boy's bed.

"Not much, to be honest. You clearly needed some rest after all these nerve-wracking events so I took you back to the orphanage."

"And Ace? How is he?"

The older man's brief hesitation caused a queasy feeling in the pit of Law's stomach.

"Tell me!" he growled briskly. Law hated being stalled. Defensively, Corazon raised his hands, one of which held his cell phone.

"My brother went with the paramedics because there was no other adult around. He said he'd get back to me as soon as he knew more, but I haven't heard from him yet."

Law stared at the ceiling, brooding. He was sure he had gotten Ace over the hump, but complications or unforeseen problems were always to be expected. Life could be cruel, the eight-year-old knew only too well.

"Oh." Law's attention snapped to Corazon, whose slender fingers roamed over the screen of his cell phone. "Speak of the devil."

With a blank expression, the man skimmed over his brother's written down lines before noticing Law's probing gaze. Inwardly, Corazon smirked. Even if the kid tried to keep his poker face permanently, every now and then even he let his guard down.

"I see, so that's how it is," he said with as much monotone as possible, curious about Law's reaction. The latter was about to snatch the cell phone from the blond's hand.

"What is it? Talk already!"

Smiling, Corazon held the screen in front of Law's eyes, who immediately began to read Doflamingo's message.

'Ace's condition is stable now. He's going to pull through. The toddler surgeon did a great job, fufufufu.'

"Congratulations, Dr. Law," Corazon warbled with a grin. "You've saved your first patient!"

Breathing a sigh of relief, the adressed boy dropped back into the mattress. He didn't even try to hide the relief behind his facade. At least the stress of the last hours was not in vain. Corazon happily tucked away his cell phone.

"Thank goodness. Luffy will also be relieved!"

At the thought of the uncontrollable flummery, Law grimaced.

"Give me five more minutes of peace before you tell the straw hat," he asked with a sigh. Understanding, the blond stayed in place and fell silent. After a while Law noticed out of the corner of his eye how Corazon's gaze nervously wandered back and forth between his fingers and Law's face.

"What is it?" the eight-year-old finally asked, half annoyed, half curious.

The man hesitated, and then spoke a few times, until he said: "It's um...You don't have to answer but uh-"

"Spit it out already," Law remarked dryly.

There weren't many questions that could upset the boy.

"Who is Lamy?"

But this one made him jump as if his bed was on fire. For the next few seconds, an uneasy silence hovered in the air.

"H-how..." Law swallowed, his complexion growing paler as the shadow of the last dream fell over him. "How do you know that name?"

The man uneasily ran his hand over the back of his neck. "When I carried you to the orphanage, you kept calling for her in your sleep, moaning and kicking. This dream seemed to have taken quite a lot out of you. I was just thinking...do you maybe want to talk about it? It will certainly help."

Corazon waited for a response from Law, but he merely remained silent. With a gentle smile on his lips, the blond gently placed his hand on the boy's cold shoulder.

"You know, it's okay to show weakness now and then, Law. No one can be strong all the time. If you keep it all bottled up, then-"

"Like I said before, none of this is any of your business. I can handle it very well myself," the boy remarked coolly, averting his gaze.

It was already hard enough for him to withstand the pain of the past in his dreams. Talking about it would be like ripping open a freshly stitched wound.

Corazon was also aware of that. Nevertheless, he wanted to convey to the little boy, who was firmly convinced that he had to cope with everything on his own, that he was not the only person in the world. He was convinced that behind his seemingly tough facade, Law was just a vulnerable child like any other here.

"You're a real stubborn one, you know that? Do you really think you have to do everything by yourself, even though you're still green behind the ea-"

"Stop it."

Ruthlessly Law slapped the man's hand away, his gaze as cold as ever. His tone quivered, his hands tightened into fists. What did he know?

"Stop worrying about me all the time! I don't need your help, got it?"

How could you still be attached to others if they eventually left you alone?

"I don't need anyone!"

His dreams showed him again and again how cruel mankind could be, how selfish and unscrupulous, when it was only about their own needs.

"I was always better off alone!"

Why should he let a naval officer, of all people, help him?! They were all to blame for his situation in the first place! That scum!

"So leave me alone already!"

The boy shoved his counterpart off him so abruptly that he lost his balance and slammed against the nightstand without braking. Dumbfounded, Corazon paused to stare at the eight-year-old, who himself seemed surprised by his instinctive action.

"I understand. I- I'm sorry that I bothered you." Without another word, Corazon straightened up and rubbed his aching back as he headed for the door with a sad look on his face.

When Law noticed the door handle being pushed down, he suddenly felt panic rising within him.

"Wait, I-"

Before he had a chance to finish the sentence, the door slammed shut again.

"Cora?"

Silence. He had indeed left. Only now Law noticed the thick lump in his throat, felt his vision glaze over. What was he doing? Surely he wouldn't cry over this idiot! It wasn't as if he enjoyed the presence of this complete clumsy, who was a walking danger to humanity! He only robbed him of the last nerve with all his care. He didn't need that at all. He got along well alone! Exactly, he needed nobody! Especially not a naval member! He hated them all the same! He was glad that he had gone, this-this....

Sobbing, the eight-year-old curled up on the mattress and wrapped the warm, black feather coat around his freezing body.

Chapter Text

Thick raindrops beaded on the glass pane. Law leaned against the window sill, the black feather coat still draped over his shoulders, with a sorrowful expression that perfectly matched the sudden change in the weather. Just then, his pupils were transfixedly tracing the silhouette of the blond who was actually leaving the orphanage.

Sighing, the cap-wearing boy dropped onto the creaking mattress. In the room, as always, hung a silence usually so receptive to the black-haired man. Today, however, all the audible sounds, the creaking of the floorboards, the ticking of the clock, even the rhythmic pounding of the rain caused an uneasy feeling in him.

A soft knock was enough to give the black-haired boy hope. His eyes darted to the wooden door. Had Corazon already returned to collect his coat? The blond was certainly not resentful; perhaps it was not too late to set things right.

"Law?" a muffled voice rang through the wall. "May I come in?"

It didn't take a second to associate the voice. Shrugging his shoulders, Law leaned against the wall of his bed before realizing that the person on the other side didn't see him.

"Yes," he called out.

Seconds later, the door handle was pushed down and a black-haired woman entered the room, a silver tray in her hands.

"You must be hungry," Nico Robin remarked, before she approached the boy's bed. "Normally it is not tolerated to eat in the room, but I think in this case we will make an exception."

With a wink, she handed him the loaded pad. Only now did a thunderous grumble make itself felt in his stomach area. Embarrassed, he reached for a rice ball and almost gobbled it down in one bite.

"The young man who brought you here has proudly told me of your deeds. I am also very impressed. What you did for Ace was very brave, Law."

Addressed responded with an indifferent shrug as he devoured a plum-filled onigiri.

Smiling, Nico Robin meanwhile opened the door.

"These two are waiting impatiently to see you, too."

The rest of his rice ball stuck in Law's throat when he saw who was limping towards him with bright puppy eyes and an ominous grin.

"Toraoooo!"

Before he could have escaped in any way, the straw hat wrapped around his neck. Gasping for air, Law tried in vain to push the spider monkey away from him.

"Are you crazy? Let go!" he growled and looked helpfully at Nico Robin, who merely smiled and closed the door behind him. Law would have asked her not to leave him alone with this hyperactive gorilla, if he wasn't slowly but surely killing him right now.

"Uh, I think, you're squeezing the air out of him."

Only now Law noticed the presence of a second boy in the room. It was that blond top hat wearer who always stuck by Ace's side. Sabo, Luffy's other 'brother'. However, Law and the blond didn't exactly have the best chemistry. Basically, before the incident with Luffy's 'serious' injury caused by him, they had hardly ever exchanged a word, so Sabo's first impression of him must not have been the best. Whatever Sabo might think of him, Law was very grateful that he intervened.

"Waah, sorry!" While the straw hat plopped down on the mattress, Law's face took on color again.

"Your room is really cool, Torao! And your bed is really soft!"

Law's face took on almost too much color now, turning an angry red. The straw hat actually had the nerve not only to roll around with his dirty clothes on the mattress, but also dared to sully his entire bed with his hands covered in dirt, mud and grime. In the process, his fingers, how could it be otherwise, also unconsciously wandered over his beloved cap, which was also on his bed.

Law remained quiet at first and thought about it briefly. He was only eight, clearly too young for juvenile prison, there was only one witness, and the moment seemed almost perfect to teach Luffy how to fly. The window should make a pretty good training ground.

His anger at the six-year-old was moderated somewhat, however, as he watched him whimper and stroke the thick bandage around his ankle, his face contorted in pain.

Sabo stepped toward the straw hat, shaking his head. "Robin told you to take it easy on your foot, but you only do what you want anyway. That's what you get, Luffy."

"I-I can take it! I'm strong, just like Ace," Luffy announced proudly, albeit through tears.

"He doesn't whine half as much as you do, though!"

Law was getting tired of the unnecessary bickering between the brothers.

"What do you want from me?" he asked, and both boys fell silent. Sabo thought for a moment before he casually announced: "I don't like you, you know."

Law's eyebrows furrowed in irritation. What was he supposed to do with such an answer?

"That wasn't my question."

"Basically, I've never liked you, and I probably never will."

Where exactly was this conversation going to lead?

"Uh-huh. Anything else?"

The top hat wearer sighed, what followed was visibly difficult for him to say.

"But I don't hate you either. You saved my brother, even though you couldn't stand each other at all, and I'll be grateful for that all my life! You seem to be a good guy after all. I just wanted to tell you that."

Sabo actually gave his counterpart a genuine smile. The straw hat also spoke up.

"Exactly, Torao is a super doctor! Even if he always acts so angry, he's actually really nice!"

"I don't need gratitude," Law explained seriously. "I didn't do it for him."

Out of nowhere, Sabo burst out laughing.

"Oh man, Luffy is right. You're really grouchy!"

"That's not what I said!" the six year old defended himself sulkily. "I was just saying that Torao can't take a joke and is always angry and grumpy and-!"

"That doesn't make it any better," Law thought to himself, rolling his eyes. Still, he couldn't restrain a slight smirk. The Straw Hat had trusted in him, in his abilities, all this time. When he thought back to past times, it was always the Straw Hat who was not deterred by his gruff manner and sought contact with him. Just like today.

Slowly, very slowly, he even began to like Luffy in some way. It didn't change the fact that his entire presence was already causing the symptoms of a migraine attack. He didn't want Luffy to think of him as a brother, and he didn't vow to protect him permanently or to be nicer to him from now on, but knowing that there was someone else in the orphanage who cared about him...wasn't such a bad feeling.

"Then we can all play together from now on! Then Torao won't be so alone anymore!" Luffy suggested happily, grinning from one ear to the other.

"That's not possible, Luffy."

Syncron, all pairs of eyes darted to the blond, who crossed his arms in front of his chest. Indignantly, the straw hat stomped, or rather staggered, towards Sabo.

"But you said you liked Torao, too!"

The blond slapped his hand in front of his face with a groan. "It has nothing to do with that! Have you seriously forgotten already?"

Law couldn't explain why, but all at once he felt his heart beating faster and faster.

"Tomorrow we're moving out of the orphanage!"

Law tried to react as indifferently as possible, but it was still enough for Sabo to guess that he had taken the black-haired boy by surprise.

"Oh, I see, you probably don't know that yet. Some old geezer named Garp has decided to adopt Luffy, Ace and me. So we're moving out of here tomorrow. We'll pick up Ace straight from the hospital then."

Law nodded disinterestedly, but there were too many emotions fighting with each other inside of him to be able to clearly classify his mood.

"The Grandpa is pretty brutal with his 'fist of love' and talks nonsense all the time about us being good marines, but he's actually quite okay," Sabo explained, looking more than pleased with the situation. Luffy's eyes were shining as well, seemingly thinking about the new home.

"Yes, and we will move to such a cool village, there are many windmills and mountains and so on!"

"It was clear that the straw hat would be happy about such unimportant little things," Law remarked mentally, still confused.

"And best of all, we'll all stay together, shishishi!"

The huge grin soon disappeared from the six-year-old's face and was replaced by shocked realization.

"Aaaah, wait a minute! What about you, Torao?!"

Addressed, he raised an eyebrow, shrugging his shoulders. "I'll be fine."

"But you'll be all alone!"

Law gritted his teeth. The words hit him harder than he would have liked. Sensitivity really seemed to be a foreign word to the straw hat.

"So what? It's not that it's new to me. On the contrary, I'm glad to get rid of you."

"Well, I'll miss you, Torao!"

Luffy's sad puppy eyes made Law's previous statement waver. Was he really?

Before Law could have said anything back, Nico Robin's face appeared in the doorway.

"Luffy, Sabo have you finished packing yet?"

The latter winced noticeably.

"Uh, well..."

"Sabo hasn't even started yet," Luffy replied, picking his nose.

"Luffy, you tattletale!"

Chuckling, Luffy left the room together with Nico Robin. Sabo, however, quickly strode to Law's side before doing so. With a mischievous grin, the blond bent down and whispered in Law's ear: "You like playing the strong one, don't you? You'll miss him, I know that. Luffy just has that effect on people."

With slightly flushed cheeks, Law broke eye contact with him.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Laughing, Sabo also left the room, but not without turning around once more on the doorframe.

"You are really funny. 'Torao'."

"Don't you start too!"

~

So the straw hat was actually already moving out with his bodyguards in less than 24 hours. Law was still waiting for the happiness hormones in him to awaken and a smile to appear on his lips. Nothing of the sort happened. No one was more astonished by this than himself. What would he have given for this information just a week ago. It was good to finally get rid of the bundle of nerves.

However, Law would have appreciated it if he had moved out earlier. Before the incident with Ace happened, before he slowly developed sympathy for the boy. What mattered, however, was that Luffy had found a family and would be happy. The thought of it even made Law forget for a moment that he was left alone, as he so often was.

Just at that moment, his eyes wandered down his body and stopped at the black feather coat. Of course! How could he be so stupid? For a moment he had actually forgotten about Corazon. He still owed him his coat! And...maybe...some kind of apology.

The boy quickly changed out of his pajamas and walked determined down the hall. He would wait patiently outside for Corazon's return. He wore that feather coat all the time, which meant he had to come back eventually. He pushed past a few loitering kids and arrived at the banister.

"I must say, I'm a little surprised to hear that."

Law paused. This was clearly Nico Robin, but there was a tone in her voice he had never heard before. Disbelief? Or rather shock? Hastily, Law crept back up the few steps he was covering, crouched down, and listened. Because of the many sources of noise, Law mostly understood only fragments of what was being said, which is why he found it difficult to form connections.

"-have to understand, Law has not had an easy life so far."

Law drew in his breath sharply. It was really about him! But who was she actually talking to? Since they were just below his current position, he couldn't look without being spotted. For this reason he listened even more strained, pressed his ear almost to the ground.

"Tell me about it. Somehow I don't think he likes us very much either."

But...that's not...

Law's hands unconsciously clung tighter and tighter to the soft fabric of the coat. With his heartbeat steadily accelerating, Law concentrated on the next words.

"Please don't tell Law."

What did this mean?

"It will be difficult for him. Have you thought it over?"

What...

"Yes, I think my brother and I agree."

Abruptly the black-haired boy jerked up when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, what are you doing? Looks funny."

Law breathed a sigh of relief. It was only the pink-haired girl who helped him in the dining room.

"None of your business," he coolly dismissed her.

"Pff, weirdo."

Fortunately for Law, she didn't seem to be probing. Sighing, the boy began to listen again. Great, now he had completely lost the connection.

"-we are tired of having to visit him here."

Law's breath caught. His eyes widened in shock. That was indisputably and without a doubt Corazon's voice. He heard his words over and over again like an audio recording that never ended playing in his head. So that was what it was all about. Now that they got to know him better and understood how the boy ticked, they wanted nothing more to do with him.

Fate really knew how to rob him of everything again and again and leave him alone with nothing but his pain-filled memories.

Chapter Text

"-we are tired of having to visit him here."

The words circled around in Law's mind like a mantra. First his parents, Lamy, then the straw hat, and now Corazon and Doflamingo. Constantly Law was left behind, like a wayward dog that no one wanted. Why couldn't the people who were going to leave him anyway just stay away from him? Why did they always have to follow him at every turn, yet as soon as Law formed even the slightest bond with them, disappear from his environment?

Gritting his teeth, the eight-year-old straightened up.

"Well, I give you my word that Law won't find out about any of this. It's better for him in his current state for now."

Nico Robin.

"Then I am reassured!"

Rocinante Donquichotte.

They would all surely be happy if he spared them further inconvenience and simply disappeared.

With shaky fists, Law strode down the steps. The creaking of the worn wood drowned out the quiet voices in front of him and caught the attention of the interlocutors, whose gazes now darted synchronously towards him.

Law could hardly believe that the usually opaque Nico Robin was now standing in front of him with her eyes wide open. Law's unexpected presence must have thrown her off her game.

"My my, I haven't seen you there." She quickly put on a smile, but Law knew all too well from her own experience that it was forced. "What can I do for you?"

The educator frowned when the boy neither answered nor made eye contact with her. She had known him long enough, Law possessed mannerisms, but he was never rude in any way.

The latter, in turn, eyed Corazon with a cold-blooded expression. The look of the eight-year-old caused an uncomfortable shiver on the man's skin.

With his eyes downcast, Law tossed the black feather coat into the arms of the blond, who caught it in astonishment.

"Oh yes, my coat! I had forgotten all about it. Thank you!"

Corazon gave the boy a broad grin, but he paid no attention to him, staring absent-mindedly out the window of the entrance hall. Uncertainly, Corazon fumbled from one foot to the other, inwardly struggling with himself.

"Uh, listen...Law?"

The eight-year-old still didn't respond, his attention still fixed in the distance, not seeming to observe anything. To Corazon, it seemed as if Law was merely trying to ignore him. He rubbed the back of his neck uneasily.

"I don't know how much you might have heard but...well...there's something important that my brother and I-"

"I know," the boy interrupted him and finally turned to the blond. His heart almost stopped. He couldn't explain why, but there was a glassy glint in Law's eyes, his hand literally clawing into the fabric of his sweater. "I heard it. It's okay. I mean who wants to have anything to do with someone like me? I'm just a pitiful, traumatized victim, after all."

Shocked by the boy's sudden change of heart, no one dared to utter a word at first. Concerned, Nico Robin crept up to the trembling boy.

"Law, what are you talking about?"

Just as she reached out his hand, he backed away as if he would get burned. After all he heard, this woman still acted as if she cared about him!

"Stop trying to be my mother," Law nagged at her, letting his eyes wander between her and Corazon. "I know exactly how you think about me. So stop this fuss and just forget about me!"

With those words, Law stormed past the adults out of nowhere, passing the front door, across the orphanage grounds.

"LAW! WAIT!"

Before Corazon or Nico Robin could have reacted in any way, the boy had disappeared from sight.

Nothing had changed for Law since the day of the incident with Luffy, he realized. Again he fled from the building that he could never call home.

At the entrance gate of the house, he looked back once more, bumping violently against a silhouette that suddenly appeared.

"Fufufu, why the hurry, kid?"

Suspecting who was standing in front of him, Law looked up and immediately saw Doflamingo's sardonic grin.

"Leave me alone!"

Roughly, Law pushed past him, leaving an irritated man behind.

"Got off on the wrong foot, huh?"

His confusion grew as his agitated brother stumbled frantically out of the orphanage he was about to enter, but again flew into the dirt. Still, he kept straightening up.

"Roci, care to explain to me why the heck the kid-?"

Corazon gave the man a cold shoulder and ran past him, agitated. "Law, please wait! Let me explain!"

Doflamingo sighed deeply before he also started to move and followed his brother, muttering softly: "Surrounded by idiots..."

Without risking a glance over his shoulder, little Law ran straight towards the adjacent park, hoping to shake Corazon off. Without a destination in mind, the eight-year-old hurried along the gravel path when something suddenly caught his eye.

Abruptly he stopped and approached the object in front of him with small steps. He thoughtfully reached out his hand and rubbed the inside of it against the rough trunk of the tree. This was the place where the bird had carried off his beloved stuffed bear. This was the place where he had first met the siblings. Nostalgia filled the black-haired. How happy he was when he held Bepo in his hands again, how Corazon and Doflamingo took care of him, fixed Bepo, how he was invited to a cafe for the first time in ages and how Corazon encouraged him when he was about to give up Ace.

Law withdrew his hand. Although the cloud cover was clearing and the first rays of sunlight were illuminating the earth, thick drops of water fell at Law's feet.

"Law, where are you? Come on, we just wanna talk!"

The boy jumped up when he suddenly heard the distant voice. Quickly, he looked around. Still the blond was not to be seen. Hastily he trudged deeper into the park.

After a while, the trail forked. A small path led off the trail into a previously unknown part of the park, which appeared darker than the rest due to the dense treetops. Law hesitated and was about to follow the familiar path when he heard voices behind him again.

"Laaaaaw?! Answer me, please!"

"Hey kid, let's stop this nonsense!"

"This can't be true," thought the cap wearer grumpily. "How stubborn can you be?!"

Desperate, he decided to follow the unknown path into the dark forest. "This can only go wrong...," he sighed inwardly.

~

The good news was that Law could no longer hear the voices of his siblings. The bad news was that he couldn't hear any voices at all and had no idea where he was. He hadn't gone too far yet, he could still turn around, but there would be a danger of running into the brothers that Law wanted to avoid at all cost. Eventually he would get out, because where there was an entrance, there was an exit and as long as he didn't leave the path he would find it.

At least he could enjoy the nature undisturbed here and come to rest...thought the eight-year-old at least until he heard resounding laughter. A few meters further he finally found the cause.

At a small clearing stood three men, one more bizarre looking than the other, surrounded by empty alcohol bottles and cigarette butts.

The first man, in addition to an unusually tall stature and relatively long legs, had a distinctive face with two dark red-orange stripes running vertically downward from his eyes.

The burly giant next to him wore, apart from a pair of short trousers, only a strange-looking armor, consisting of a chest protector and a helmet. The most unhealthy appearance were his gigantic shoulders, from which dubiously pointed spikes protruded.

Probably the most disgusting looking, however, was the third, a bulky man dressed in a thick cloak. His black hair merged directly into a full beard and meter-long snot already ran from his nose. A shackle on his ankle made it look like he had just broken out of a prison. The thought made Law shudder.

He tried to sneak past the figures as inconspicuously as possible, but failed after the first few meters when an unkempt foot appeared clattering in front of his field of vision. With a disgusted expression, Law's pupils roamed up at the man before he jerked back. The man was getting far too close to him. He could see his snot slowly running down his chin. Law had to quickly avert his gaze to avoid throwing up immediately.

"Who do we have here?" the man asked amusedly and came a little closer to the boy.

"What's the matter, Trebol?"

"Bwahaha, I found a tiny tot."

Out of the corner of his eye, Law saw that the remaining men were also approaching and hurriedly pushed past the snot man. The eight-year-old didn't get far in the process. The shouldered guy and the long legged guy were building up in front of him as fast as lightning.

"Hey, hey, hey, take it easy, kid," the latter said, in a huff. Law could smell the stench of alcohol crystal clear. He wrinkled his nose and tried to get past the men, but they kept cutting him off. The eight-year-old bit his tongue. So far he had held back, but his patience had limits. When his way was blocked at the next attempt, he snarled at the men: "Out of the way!"

The two men looked at each other in irritation before the man with the stripes on his face leaned down to him, a diabolical glint in his eyes and his huge mouth twisted into a ghastly grin.

"Huh? What was that?"

Law was not intimidated and withstood his gaze with a grim face.

"Are you deaf? I said let me throu-!"

From one second to the next, the boy was on the ground. Without batting an eye, the long-legged man had kicked him in the stomach. Groaning, Law propped himself up, hand pillowed on the back of his throbbing head, while the man's sardonic laughter swirled through the air.

"Well, well, well, the little fellow sure can bark!" The stripeman looked down at him with a sneer. "But, as they say, dogs that bark don't bite!"

Law grumbled loudly at him, but before the big man could answer, Trebol intervened.

"Let it go, Diamante." The chunky man's grin widened, allowing Law to see his round stump teeth. At least the few that had not rotted and fallen out. "How unfortunate, little boy, no one has ever taught you how to talk to us! We are known as the 'high commanders' of this city. Respect is shown to us and we especially expect it from such a cheeky rascal like you!"

Law looked at the men grimly. "Good for you. Now what am I supposed to do?"

For the first time, the guy with the pointed spiked shoulders and armor spoke up. "How about you kiss our shoes, picapicapicahaha!"

Law could hardly believe what he was hearing. A shrill soprano voice was actually emanating from this masculine, muscle-bound giant. Law didn't even know that such a high pitch existed until now.

"What kind of stupid laugh is that?" he sneered and immediately noticed how Trebol and Diamante sucked in their breath.

The latter grinned almost pitifully down at him. "You're dead, kid."

"Are you making fun of my laugh?!" The giant's eyes turned an unhealthy shade of red. "I'll crush you!"

Like a hungry wolf, he rushed towards Law. While he was running for his life, Law could catch a glimpse of a conversation between Trebol and Diamante.

"What are we going to do with him? We could take the kid hostage and demand a ransom from his parents. Provided Pica doesn't kill him first."

An angry yell drew the men's attention to the little boy, who struggled tirelessly against Pica's tight grip around his neck as Pica slowly but steadily tried to crush him. The sight amused Trebol.

"Bwahaha, I like that idea!"

Law bared his teeth angrily and hissed at the snarling man: "Good luck with that! My parents are dead!"

Trebol and Diamante looked at each other indecisively.

"An orphan, then. If that's the case, we have no use for you."

"Then let me go," Law demanded imperiously, waiting for Pica to loosen his grip, but nothing happened. Law was startled when Trebol appeared without warning a few inches from his face.

"Who said you could leave before we taught you a lesson?"

All color drained from Law's face.

"What?"

Diamante's large lips formed into a grimace. He feasted on the fear in Law's eyes.

"If you don't have a family anyway, we don't have to leave you unharmed!"

Law swallowed audibly, his pulse suddenly overturned when he saw Diamante pull out a knife. Immediately he braced himself with all his might against Pica's grip, who actually let go of him, only to push him to the ground and hold him down in the next second. No matter how hard Law tried to fight back, he couldn't stand up to this immense force.

"You guys are crazy! Let go of me right now!"

Trebol seemed more than entertained by the show he was being put on, snot running incessantly down his face.

"Bwahaha, how funny he screams and wriggles! Like a stupid fish, bwahaha!"

Diamante's eyes flashed diabolically.

"I bet he'll scream even more if I carve my face into his skin. This way he can always remember me!"

Law's breathing stopped for a moment. Were these maniacs serious? The panic in him grew by the second. Desperate and screaming, he kicked around.

"Don't even try! No one will hear your screams here, bwahaha!"

Chapter Text

Disgusted. That's how Law felt since he encountered this human scum. Sadistic psychopaths who took pleasure in torturing people. Such monsters were exactly the reason why Law distanced himself from the people. His gaze was constantly glued to the meter-long blade that was tirelessly approaching.

Trebol was right about one thing. Here in this remote place, he could not hope for rescue. Whether in the incident with Bepo or Ace, so far it had always been the brothers who had helped him out of an almost hopeless situation. It was all his fault. If he hadn't acted like an angry toddler the whole time, none of this would have ever happened.

Law's limbs, which had been tense until just now, slackened and his gaze dropped. Perhaps he should just accept his fate. After all, it didn't matter what they did to him, no one would care.

The sudden loss of his will to fight was also noticed by the three men. Diamante paused for a moment, irritated, the silver blade just inches from the boy's belly.

"Well, I'll be damned, he's not making any noise anymore!"

"Bwahaha, he has probably finally realized that he can't do anything except yap! Weaklings have nothing to say in this world!"

Law opened his eyes. Those words chilled the eight-year-old's body as a distant memory slowly slid to the surface.

His breath caught as the world began to spin before his eyes. His surroundings constantly changed between sharp and blurry like a movie lens, he felt seasick, felt his stomach tighten. Cold sweat mixed with salty tears on his skin. He had never felt so miserable. The nun's dead, lackluster eyes stared unfocused into the red smoke-filled night sky. Beside her, numerous lifeless bodies scattered across the floor like garbage, some mutilated, some burned. Some Law recognized as neighbors, friends, schoolmates, others were too disfigured to even be recognized as human.

The only thing that kept Law from having a breakdown was the rough hand that clutched his with all its might. Lamy's entire body shuddered as if in an earthquake, while Law's eyes still rested on the mutilated corpses.

Of course, his father familiarized him with the anatomy of the human body and some of the pictures he showed Law were anything but meant for the eyes of a six-year-old, but nothing could match this sight.

Suddenly, the siblings heard heavy footsteps. Synchronously, their distraught faces darted to the wall of smoke, from which a figure emerged. Dressed in a brown uniform, gas mask and silver helmet, he already looked scary, but covered with a mixture of dry and fresh blood, the soldier, together with the gigantic rifle, reminded them of a psychopathic mass murderer from a horror movie. A killer who had just discovered his next prey.

Law was scared, scared to death. Yet, at the moment, the raging, unbridled anger inside him prevailed.

"Why...," the six-year-old broke away from his sister and approached the soldier with clenched fists. "WHY DID YOU KILL HER?"

"B-Brother!" Despite the fearful cries of his beloved sister, the black-haired did not think to close his mouth. For too long he watched his loved ones being slaughtered one by one!

"SHE HAS DONE NOTHING TO YOU! YOU HEARTLESS PIGS JUST KILLED HER!!!"

The man did not move a bit, his facial expression remained hidden behind the heavy gas mask.

"Just like we did to all the inhabitants," sounded the muffled and emotionless voice of the soldier. "As it is about to be done with you."

With bared teeth, Law suppressed an angry growl. His fingernails clawed into his skin in such a way that his palm bled. Thoughtfully, the soldier raised his rifle and aimed the sights at the boy's head.

His sister cowered meters behind him, unable to move. Too great was the fear that her beloved brother would have his head blown off as soon as she moved.

"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!" the boy demanded to know. Whether the trembling in his voice was pent-up rage or mortal fear, he could not tell. The soldier did not move a meter, still fixing the trigger of the rifle on Law's head.

"Your city is home to one of the most valuable materials in the world. White lead. Since your country did not want to share this lead voluntarily, we were forced to take measures."

Law could hardly believe what he was hearing.

"Measures?! You kill thousands of innocent people over some stupid metal and you seriously call that MEASURES?!"

The little boy wanted nothing more at the moment than to rip the head off the man in front of him.

"Enough now." The soiled fingers of the soldier went to the trigger of the rifle. "Listen kid, the weak one has nothing to decide in this world, not even how he dies."

Law jumped up in a cold sweat. He didn't get far, though; after all, Pica was still holding him down. The three men looked at each other, one more confused than the other.

"What's wrong with him? For a few seconds he was just out of it, bwahaha."

The trio looked curiously down at the boy, who mumbled almost incomprehensibly to himself. "He is right...the weak one has nothing to decide...not even his death..."

"I think the kid has blown a fuse!" Pica spoke up in his shrill tone.

Law, on the other hand, was completely lost in his thoughts. His memories were confusing and incomplete, but they reminded him of an important fact.

"I don't know how but...I was able to escape somehow." The eight-year-old felt a new determination growing inside him.

Diamante stepped closer to Law again, the knife practically placed in front of his nose.

"Who cares what's wrong with this little psycho!" His eyes sparkled more diabolically than ever. "I'm going to mutilate him now!"

Law paid no more attention to his words. He was too angry at this stain on humanity for that.

"I've had enough," the eight-year-old hissed. He waited until Diamante leaned forward far enough before he lifted his left leg slightly....

"-of you bastards!!!"

...and without a hint of restraint stepped on Diamante's sore spot.

"OWUUUUU?!?!"

A wave of pain came over the brown haired man. With his face contorted in pain, he pounded out countless curses as he sank to the ground, his hands clasped around his crotch. Law wasted no time and bit into Pica's hand as hard as he could, forcing the latter to release him.

"AAAH, that brat bit me! He must have dozens of diseases!"

The eight-year-old used this last chance to get away as quickly as possible.

As if stung by a tarantula, the boy rushed through the undergrowth to where he suspected the main path to be. He had to at least make it out of this gloomy part of the forest.

"You'll pay for that!" he heard a furious voice behind him. Law quickened his steps, ignoring all the branches that left their marks on his skin. It was nothing compared to the pain he would have felt from Diamante's knife.

"Stop right there!"

The anger that was in the voice did not please Law at all. The black-haired let out a loud scream as a glass bottle missed him by a hair's breadth and shattered against a tree trunk instead. Law hurriedly jumped back to avoid being hit by the shards. He didn't notice the thick root behind him until he hit the hard forest floor. For a brief moment, all the color contours blurred before Law's eyes. Only when the world around him came into focus did he wish he had passed out after all. Trebol loomed over him, thick wrinkles of anger standing out on his short forehead.

"You don't think you're going to get out of here alive now, are you?!" The bulky man stretched his arm towards the sky. In his hand, to Law's horror, was another glass bottle. Last drops of alcohol slid down and bubbled off Law's cheeks. As soon as the bottle hit him in the head, that was it!

"Fucking kid, just die!"

Law really didn't know how to help himself this time. Desperately he closed his eyes and crossed his arms protectively over his head.

"Guuuuääh?!"

Surprised by the sudden sound, Law cautiously peered up. The boy could hardly believe his eyes. From one second to the next, Trebol was lying on the ground, his nose full of blood. Doflamingo appeared, standing in front of him like a protective wall, his clenched fist still raised. Not a blink later, the second blond rushed out of the thicket and stumbled toward the eight-year-old.

"Law! Finally, we found you!"

Law however did not take his eyes off Doflamingo, whose aura seemed a lot more threatening than usual.

"You'd better get out of here before I get really pissed!" he growled at Trebol, who ran his sleeve over his bloody nose again.

"Bwääh?! M-my nose keeps running!"

Law was horrified to see two more men emerge from behind Trebol. Although Diamante was limping and Pica was still holding his bleeding hand, they were still able to stay on their feet. The look of the three presented pure anger.

"I will kill you one by one! I'll start with that little freak," Diamante announced through gritted teeth. Law looked up at Doflamingo with concern. The blond was quite strong, but the bastards outnumbered him and they were armed!

"Hey, be careful. Those guys are dangerous and the brown-haired one has a knife!" Law quickly informed him, but Corazon just tousled the boy's hair and sent him a confident smile. Law didn't understand how he could be so calm when his brother was about to get beat up.

"Whatever. Show me how you finish the kid," Doflamingo said irritably. His hand went to his hip and pulled out something metallic.

"But before that, tell me which part of your body you want me to blow off first."

Stunned, Law stared at the blond's hand.

Doflamingo held a pistol in his hand.

Startled, Diamante and Pica stepped back. Trebol, on the other hand, seemed surprised but did not move a meter.

"Pah, he's just bluffin-"

BANG

The bullet flew past his neck with millimeter precision. Shocked, Trebol looked over his shoulder and inspected the metal bullet, which bored into the trunk of a tree. With a shuddering body, Trebol turned back to the sunglasses wearer, whose lips formed a devilish grin.

"Sorry, my finger slipped," he announced with an eerie calm. Although Law knew that Doflamingo was on his side, he had goose bumps all over his body. Doflamingo reloaded in seconds and again aimed the sight at Trebol's head. This time he didn't seem to miss his target.

"So, how was that?"

Addressed man staggered backward, teeth chattering.

"Bwaaaah! Let's get out of here! I don't wanna die yet!"

In no time at all, the men made off in the thicket.

After they disappeared from his sight, Doflamingo lowered the gun with a disgusted expression.

"Tse, what a bunch of scum!"

Sighing, the sunglasses wearer crossed his arms in front of his chest, still clutching the pistol tightly.

"What's the meaning of all this, kid? If I hadn't heard your screams, you'd be a head shorter now, I hope you realize that."

Corazon could only agree with his brother's telling off. Seeing Law in one piece in front of him took a huge weight off his heart though.

"That was really damn close, Law."

The brothers' words did not even reach the boy. His gaze literally bored into the black metal of the weapon.

"Put the gun away...now...," Law pressed out in a brittle voice, his hands were shaking. The distant memories of the soldier mixed with reality.

With a raised eyebrow, Doflamingo followed Law's gaze to his weapon.

"Fufufu, are you afraid I'll accidentally put a bullet in your head?"

Smiling, he twisted the gun around his finger.

"PUT IT AWAY!" Law suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs and felt Corazon's hand twitch on his shoulder.

"Do what he says!" Corazon urged.

Compliantly, Doflamingo put his gun back in his pocket and covered it with his coat so Law couldn't see it.

"Better?" he asked, this time with a friendly grin on his face. Law nevertheless eyed him with a mixture of suspicion and fear.

"Where did you get it?"

Sighing, Doflamingo adjusted his sunglasses. However, he did not give an answer.

Instead, Corazon now turned to Law.

"Are you hurt?"

The black-haired still hoped to get an answer from Doflamingo, but gave up after a few seconds.

"I'm fine."

Corazon breathed a sigh of relief. "Why did you run away from us? We just wanted to talk to you."

"There is nothing more to talk about from my side," the boy mumbled annoyed, whereupon Corazon feared evil.

"You overheard everything at the orphanage, didn't you?"

Law's silence was interpreted by the brothers as an agreement. Doflamingo slapped his hand over his face with a groan.

"Seriously Roci, can't you even keep a secret from a kid?"

Corazon slumped more and more under his guilt. He looked at the grumbling eight-year-old, who was glaring angrily at the blond.

"I'm sorry, Law. If you think it's so terrible, we'll never consider it again, I promise!"

The black-haired frowned. "Consider it? You were the ones who wanted to get rid of me! You said to Nico Robin that you were tired of having to visit me!"

The brothers exchanged surprised looks.

"N-not that I care much." Law looked at the ground. "I mean, I never asked you guys to visit me, and you have to help me all the time. I'd get sick of it, too."

"Stop it," Corazon demanded seriously, horrified by Law's words. "Don't say something like that!"

Surprised, Law fell silent. Wasn't that what the siblings were keeping from him?

Smiling, Doflamingo shook his head.

"Fufufu, you've got it all wrong! We came to see you of our own free will, because it was always amusing with half a portion like you."

"Hey!" Law shouted indignantly.

"Besides, we never intended to get rid of you!" the younger brother clarified, confusing the boy even more.

"Actually, we were going to tell you under different circumstances, but I guess it doesn't matter now."

Corazon stood next to his brother with a grin before he began to speak. Few words put Law speechless.

"This is probably a bit sudden, but we'd really like to adopt you, Law!"

Chapter Text

-1 hour earlier at the Heart Orphanage-

"What can I do for you, Mr. Donquichotte?" Nico Robin asked after the young man came to her with a seemingly important request.

"It's about Law," he said hesitantly. The words immediately made her sigh. There were often all kinds of complaints about the boy.

"I apologize if Law has caused you any inconvenience."

"No, no! It's nothing like that! Actually, my brother and I would really like to adopt Law. Only if he agrees, of course!"

For a moment, even the most steadfast educator in the house was stunned.

"I must say I'm a little surprised to hear that." A little was a gross understatement. "You have to understand, though, Law has not had an easy life so far. You need a lot of patience with him."

"Tell me about it." The blond rubbed the back of his neck. "Somehow I don't think he likes us very much either."

Chuckling, Nico Robin shook his head. "I've known Law for a long time now and honestly, I think he's starting to blossom again in your presence."

The words seemed to work, for the blond's countenance brightened abruptly.

"Really? I'm glad!"

"Nevertheless, this step will certainly be difficult for him. Have you really thought it over?" The educator wanted to avoid at all costs that Law was once again forced to return to an orphanage. However, her worries diminished somewhat when she looked into Corazon's determined face.

"Yes, I think my brother and I agree. It's not that we are tired of having to visit him here but we think a different environment would help him make a fresh start. We would like to help Law regain his faith in humanity. We don't want him to sink into his hatred."

~

Corazon's heart was beating up to his throat. Afraid that it would jump out of it, he closed his mouth. In his nervousness, he wouldn't be able to make a sound anyway. He stared dumbly down at the eight-year-old, who hadn't made a sound since the announcement, even though his jaw had dropped quite a bit.

Amused, Doflamingo waved his hand in front of the boy's shocked face.

"Fufu, I think you caused a short circuit."

"Was it perhaps all a bit too much at once?"

The blond approached Law, who suddenly stirred as if struck by a blow. Corazon staggered back in panic and seconds later was already lying lengthwise in the dirt.

"Stop making such stupid jokes!" the boy ordered angrily. It took him a moment to process what these two men in front of him were saying so carelessly.

They couldn't be serious about a suggestion like that. After all, he was completely different from all the other normal, lovable children in the orphanage. There was nothing that could convince a rational person to adopt him.

Corazon and Doflamingo looked at each other, perplexed. This was somehow not the reaction they had hoped for.

"We are not tasteless jerks who joke about such topics, Law," Corazon informed the suspicious child, with a serious face.

"Why would you want to adopt me?" asked Law bitterly.

Corazon frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

Law did not answer.

The boy is mentally disturbed! How can you let him loose on innocent sweet children?!

Why would I want to adopt him?! Have you seen the way he stares?! He gives me the creeps!

They should have locked him away in a psychiatric clinic! This monster is homocidal!

Law could remember all too well the sentences he had overheard from Nico Robin's placement office. How he had hated the way these strangers talked about him behind his back. How much those words had hurt him....

"Law?"

The eight-year-old jerked up. The siblings still seemed to be waiting patiently for an answer.

"I-I'm not a poster child or anything. People usually avoid me, and that's a good thing. They hate me and I hate them." Law pulled his cap deeper into his face to avoid the brothers' stares. He felt so exposed.

Perplexed, Doflamingo knelt in front of Law and pushed the cap out of the boy's field of vision. The older man's slight smile faded. Law's eyes revealed how hurt the boy seemed to be inside.

"If this is true and you really hate humans that much, why did you save Ace?" The cap wearer looked to the ground grumbling. However, Doflamingo did not leave the boy alone that easily. "You could have just let him die, couldn't you?" Smirking, the sunglasses wearer sought eye contact with Law, who continued to stubbornly dodge.

"You couldn't do it because of that Luffy, huh? You care too much about that peck for that, fufufu."

Doflamingo knew full well that he was right no matter how hard Law tried to hide the truth.

"Shut up already! I did it so I wouldn't be a disgrace to my parents!"

"Hm, you know what I think?" Grinning, the giant took Law's cap off his head and twirled it triumphantly around his finger. "No matter how cold you act, you're still a little softie."

"HEY!"

Corazon crouched down to Law, who was now glaring at him suspiciously.

"Law, you may think you are not worth to be adopted. However, I think anyone who thinks that way is not worthy of adopting you!"

Law was shocked. Granted, with all the mud stains and a twig sitting in his hair, the blond didn't exactly seem full of himself, but it was the first time since the death of his family that someone conveyed to Law that he was worth more than he saw in himself. A strange feeling spread through his chest.

"I...need time to think," the boy finally decided.

"Take as much time as you need," Corazon explained with a smile. "And whatever your decision is, we will respect it."

"Or kidnap you at night against your will," Doflamingo joked though Law couldn't really tell if it was really meant as a joke.

"Robin's probably worried. Let's go back."

Law nodded. As soon as he started to move, the rhythmic throbbing in his head increased. The boy paused for a moment, eyes closed. Damn, the walk to the orphanage would feel like an eternity to him. Law opened his eyes again to find his feet dangling in the air. Before he knew it, Corazon was hoisting the boy onto Doflamingo's back. Surprised, he clutched the older man's neck.

"What are you doing? I can walk! Put me down!" he ordered harshly. The situation looked familiar to the eight-year-old.

"Agh! Just as cheeky and insolent as the first time we met," Doflamingo groaned and pushed Law's hands away from his neck. "Just rest a little until we get there. I won't drop you, I'm not my brother."

He squinted with a grin at Corazon, who rolled his eyes and lit a cigarette. All the stress and tension of the last few minutes practically forced him to do it.

Reluctantly, Law rested his head on the soft pink coat. Even though it was a lot more comfortable than walking, his cramped muscles could not relax completely. The cap wearer's gaze kept sliding downward.

With every gust of wind, the pistol peeked out from behind Doflamingo's coat.

~

"Thank you for bringing Law back unharmed." Smiling, Robin received the boy. "There was no inconvenience, I hope?"

Law winced. If Nico Robin knew the danger he had faced, the condition he would be in now if it hadn't been for the brothers, or that Doflamingo was ready to shoot one of the men -

"No," Corazon said, smiling at Law with a cigarette between his teeth. "We were just having a nice chat."

"I'm glad to hear that. Have a nice evening, then." The teacher was about to close the door when Doflamingo took out a note. He quickly handed the paper to Law. "Here's my number. Just call us when you have decided."

Nodding, Law tucked the note into his pocket before watching the brothers wave goodbye after him. Just before Nico Robin closed the door completely, Law could hear a loud bang. The boy glanced back quickly. An orange-reddish glow shone through the crack in the door.

Law slapped his hand to his face with a groan, knowing that Corazon had already lit himself on fire again.

Nico Robin followed the eight-year-old to the dining room.

"Tonight is Luffy's and Sabo's last night at the orphanage, so we've prepared a little feast," the teacher informed. "It might be a little more chaotic than usual."

Prepared for the worst, Law entered the room and not a second later got a pizza peppered right in his face. Law seriously wondered where he had ended up here and suspected that even in an insane asylum things were more civilized.

On one side of the hall were Kid and Bonney, who, along with the other kids, were having a fierce food fight. All the food was flying across the room.

On the other side were Luffy and Sabo, who were eating half the buffet, while others watched in disgust and fascination at the same time. Nico Robin just smirked.

"We'll just look past it for today. They're kids, after all."

Sighing, Law started to move as an entire bowl of spaghetti slammed into his pizza-studded face. It wasn't long before a slice of pie flew at him as well. With his nerves at an end, Law turned to the educator.

"Can I eat in my room?"

The woman actually wanted to say no, but when Law was hit by two more pieces of pizza, a raw fish and three eggs at the same time, she changed her mind for the good of everyone.

~

Over and over again, Law's gray eyes skimmed the 12-digit number. At some point, he would dial it. At some point, he would realize if he was really ready to take a step into a new life. What was stopping him? Was it the fear of not living up to the brothers' expectations? The fear of not being wanted in the end and ending up back in these walls? Did he even want to be adopted? Could he ever call anyone other than his parents and Lamy family? He hated questions he couldn't find answers to.

Sighing, he folded up the note and put it on the nightstand when there was a knock at the door. The eight-year-old couldn't even ask who it was as his door was forcefully pushed open. Standing in the doorway was the straw hat smeared from head to toe with food.

"Toraooo~Can I come in?" asked Luffy as he stepped into the room, grinning.

"You're already in, idiot," Law remarked, watching in annoyance as bits of food came off Luffy and stained his carpet. "What do you want?"

"You weren't at dinner," Luffy remarked, pulling a loose noodle out of his hair and eating it to Law's horror. "Why?"

"Too much commotion," the cap-wearer explained, shrugging his shoulders. Luffy plopped down on the floor without a word.

"I'm moving out tomorrow," he announced, as if Law hadn't found out yesterday.

"And?" the eight-year-old inquired.

"Will you come visit me often?" Luffy's eyes twinkled at him expectantly.

"I don't think it's going to be that easy, Straw Hat."

The joyful gleam disappeared from the boy's eyes. His lips formed a pout.

"I'm going to miss you, Torao...," the hat wearer whimpered softly to himself.

Law just couldn't understand how the straw hat could be so attached to him. They hadn't had a single experience together, aside from Ace's accident, never communicated much or done anything friends would do. At least that's how Law perceived it.

"You have Sabo and Ace, don't you?"

"Still..."

Law sighed again. He opened his closet and pulled out a book from behind a thick pile of clothes. It bore the inscription "Sora, Warrior of the Sea!". This comic had been famous in his hometown, Flevance. Law also used to read it again together with Lamy and already knew the story by heart. But like Lamy, the comic disappeared in hellfire at that time. Through a misunderstanding, Robin gave Law a copy some time ago, unaware that it only reminded him of the cruel time. The eight-year-old, however, remembered well how jealous Luffy had looked back then when he received the comic. Perhaps it made him feel cheerful now. Law had no more use for the book anyway. Even now it weighed heavily in his hand.

"Here. Take it." He handed it to Luffy, who stared at the comic book enthusiastically.

"Woaaah, your Sora comic! But this is yours!"

Law shrugged his shoulders. "Just think of it as a souvenir gift or whatever."

Speechless, Luffy accepted the gift. Law turned his back on the entranced boy.

"If there's nothing else-"

Law choked on his words as Luffy hugged him back as if out of nowhere.

"Thanks Torao, shishishi!"

Law tried in vain to pull himself out of the straw hat's tight grip. But then he realized that this would be the last time the straw hat would be able to hug him. So he just let it happen.

"Tell me, Straw Hat, don't you have any concerns about the adoption?" asked Law after a while. "You hardly know this Garp. What if he's not as great as you think, if you guys get sent back or-"

"My parents didn't want me," the younger one interrupted him. He loosened the embrace and faced Law. "That's why I'm here. But this grandpa Garp is interested in me and Ace and Sabo. He wants to adopt all three of us because he knows we're like family! He gives us food, lots of yummy meat and a warm home even though we can't give him anything in return. So he can't be a bad guy after all, shishishi!"

Law fell silent. It was true. The brothers had never acted out of self-interest either. They always had Law's welfare in mind.

The straw hat grinned. His eyes grew bigger and bigger. "Besides, it's totally exciting! Meeting new people and seeing new things! Aren't you up for a new adventure?"

Law was speechless. While he was racking his brains, the straw hat was going about it so carelessly and frivolously. But perhaps it was his intuition he was acting on. Maybe Law should listen less to his head and more to his heart.

"Let's continue to be friends, okay?" Luffy snapped him out of his thoughts. Puzzled, Law stared at the boy, whose grin grew wider and wider. "I won't take no for an answer, by the way!"

Law sighed. With his damn stubborn, stupid, naive and far too open-minded manner, this straw hat really got on his nerves.

"Well, seems like I don't have a choice..."

Chapter Text

The next morning was the day. The entire orphanage had gathered in front of the gate to say goodbye to Sabo and Luffy. As Law had learned from the educators, Ace was already doing much better. Soon he too would be able to move to his new home. The eight-year-old acted indifferent, but secretly he was relieved.

At the moment, however, Law was mostly one thing. Annoyed.

For the innumerable time in the early morning now, the boy heard the dramatic whining of a child who just couldn't say goodbye properly. Law hated all this sentimental nonsense, but it was part of the tradition of the house.

The plush cap wearer stayed in the background compared to the others. A silent nod between him and Sabo was enough as a farewell gesture. Only when Luffy turned around before the exit and waved a hearty goodbye to Law, he overcame himself and waved back as inconspicuously as possible. Then the door closed and with it disappeared two children for whom a new life began.

After the farewell, it did not take long for the orphans to return to their usual activities. All but one. Law stomped resolutely toward the black-haired educator, his fingers tightly gripping a folded note.

"What can I do for you, Law?"

"I...," Law began, but stopped. He knew he was taking a risk. He played out horrible scenarios in his head. Yes, it was possible that he would return to the orphanage even more broken.

'Aren't you up for a new adventure?'

It may not have been an adventurous spirit like the straw hat, but hadn't Law long dreamed of leaving behind this dreary, monotonous life? How long was he going to shut himself away from the rest of the world behind the cold walls? If he didn't risk it, nothing would change. His adventure would end before it began.

"I want to make a phone call."

The telephone receiver lay cold in his sweaty hand. Nico Robin had immediately handed it to Law with a smile, saying he could take all the time he needed. He took a long breath before punching in one digit after another. The rhythmic beeping was soon replaced by a loud sigh that came through the receiver.

"Roci, if you set the kitchen on fire again, I swear to you, I will-"

"I'm not Corazon," Law interrupted the annoyed voice. It took a brief moment for Doflamingo to speak again, this time friendlier.

"Oh, it's you Law. I didn't expect to hear from you so soon. Ah, hang on a minute."

Law heard the blond put his phone aside. The eight-year-old listened to the silence until suddenly, from very far away, undefinable sounds could be heard. They sounded almost like.....shouts?

"Where are you right now?" Law asked suspiciously into the silence. Tense seconds passed until Doflamingo picked up the cell phone again.

"At work," the man replied, unconcerned. "So, what's up?"

Law remained silent. His ear was almost glued to the phone, but the only thing he could hear clearly was Doflamingo's steady breathing. The eight-year-old was suspicious by nature, but with the brothers, maybe he should tone it down a bit.

"Are you still there?" asked Doflamingo, irritated.

"Yes," he answered curtly before falling silent again. How should he go about it? Where should he start? The boy heard another sigh on the other end of the line.

"Listen, I don't have all day. If there's nothing urgent, I'll hang up now."

"When can I come with you?" the boy blurted out. Law himself was irritated how suddenly the words came over his lips and could hear exactly that Doflamingo seemed to be caught off guard as well.

"Theoretically, whenever you want, but take your ti-"

"Tomorrow," the eight-year-old cut the man off. "I want you to pick me up tomorrow."

Once again there was an eternal silence in Law's ears until Doflamingo spoke up again.

"So early?"

"Is that a problem?"

"Not at all, I'm just a little surprised. Did something happen to change your mind so suddenly? Or maybe I'm talking to the wrong boy?"

"None of your business," Law replied snappishly. "Tell me, will it work tomorrow or not?"

"Cheeky and insolent," Law could hear Doflamingo's smirk. "I'm definitely talking to the right brat. I'll check with Roci later, but I think tomorrow around 4pm should be fine."

"Good."

"As much as I appreciate our conversation, I'm afraid I have to get back to work now."

"Ok." The black-haired was about to hang up when Doflamingo added: "Ah, one more thing."

Law frowned. What else did he want from him?

"Thanks for giving us a chance."

Law's eyes widened in amazement. No one really wanted him around for long. The black-haired couldn't even blame them anymore. After all, he radiated nothing but dislike and hatred.

But this man actually thanked Law for staying with them. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, almost leading to a smile as Doflamingo laughed in amusement.

"Fufufu, are you so touched that you're speechless?"

Law jerked up slightly, glad that the man couldn't see him right now.

"S-Shut up!"

The boy quickly ended the call and handed the phone back to Nico Robin.

"Well, did you get everything off your chest?"

The eight-year-old nodded. He felt a mixture of curiosity and uneasiness at the same time. Maybe he would soon regret it, but now it was too late to worry about it anyway.

"I will move out tomorrow," the boy announced firmly. Nico Robin frowned. She remembered only too well how Law always screwed up his face as soon as the subject of adoption came up.

"Are you sure?" she asked with slight concern. Law nodded again without hesitation, which really surprised the educator. Law did not trust many people, let alone open up to them. So the fact that he agreed to an adoption so quickly was like a miracle.

Thoughtfully, the woman clasped her chin. "Well, in such a short time it will be difficult to organize a farewell party."

"I don't need that nonsense," Law bitterly said. "I am not a fan of this farewell drama. I prefer to go quietly."

It would break tradition, but as of tomorrow he was no longer a part of the house anyway.

"But Law..."

"There is no need to tell the others," the eight-year-old interrupted her in a shudderingly unemotional tone. "Nobody misses me here anyway."

Without further words, he turned his back on the woman and headed for his room.

Nico Robin stayed behind and sighed heavily. Will the brothers really manage to give the broken boy new confidence and trust? The right people did help wounds to heal faster....but scars still remained.

~

The zipper of the dark brown carrying case closed without resistance. Its volume was a good half unused, but the plush hat wearer did not own many belongings. Apart from his clothes, the only thing in the luggage was a medicine book. Nico Robin had allowed him to take one or two books from the in-house library. Apart from him, only very few children use it anyway.

The boy looked at the now empty room. Only Bepo still rested on the wooden bed in which Law would spend this last night. Tomorrow he was already sleeping on another mattress in another house with other people.

Suddenly the black-haired felt queasy. Did he get cold feet after all? No matter, there was no turning back. With this thought in mind, the eight-year-old went to sleep.

Two silhouettes stared at him. They spread their arms. Law put one foot in front of the other, accelerated, and finally ran with gasping breath towards the friendly shadows. But no matter what he did, he did not come within an inch of them. On the contrary, they seemed to move further and further away. The boy looked down. The ground beneath him turned pitch black. He felt something pulling him into the abyss. Quickly he looked back at the two people, screamed for help, stretched out his small thin arm to them. But they turned their backs on him and moved away, while the panicked boy disappeared more and more into the dark nothingness.

Gasping for air, Law straightened up and abruptly brushed the black strands from his fevered forehead. He hugged his stuffed bear closer. For the first time in years, it wasn't a nightmare that had anything to do with his family's death. However, this fact did not calm the agitated boy. The oppressive feeling of yesterday was back.

Yawning, the eight-year-old took a seat in the dining room. He had not gotten much sleep last night. The other kids at least all left him alone today at both breakfast and lunch. Even Kid gave it a rest and instead munched on the meal, which consisted of grilled fish and onigiri with tuna mayonnaise. Both were Law's favorite foods. The kid was sure that this was Nico Robin's doing and her way of seeing him off. Law threw her a small smile. He was glad she had accepted his request and kept it a secret. He glanced at the wall clock. It was still two hours until the brothers' arrival.

Law let his gaze wander around the barren room. He took Bepo in one hand, his carrying case in the other, stepped over the threshold one last time and closed the door behind him.

As inconspicuously as possible, he crept down the hall. The few children who approached paid no attention to the boy.

"Doesn't look like you're on your way for a short walk."

Law's pupils wandered to the pink-haired girl who was leaning against the banister, smacking her lips. In her hand she held a half-eaten rice ball, her wide grin exposing grains of rice stuck between her teeth.

"Man, you could have at least let me know you were leaving," Bonney declared, snorting. "Everybody around me is finding some dorks to adopt and I'm getting left behind!"

Frustrated, she bit into her rice ball and continued talking so that half of the rice grains flew out of her mouth.

"Well, as long as I have food, I don't really care."

Law raised an eyebrow in disgust.

"What do you want?" he asked coldly. He had actually hoped to disappear without being recognized.

"What do you think? I came to say goodbye, idiot!"

Law frowned. He hadn't expected anyone to want to see him off, especially not her.

"You've always been a quiet loner anyway, but I'm sure it'll be more boring without you." Bonney's mischievous grin widened. "I mean, whose ass am I supposed to protect from Kid now?"

Covered by his cap, Law rolled his eyes. He certainly didn't need a protector. He walked purposefully past the girl, but not without muttering a low "goodbye" under his breath.

Bored, Law squatted on the floor against the wall of the entrance hall, his suitcase leaning against him. He stared at the clock. Five minutes to go.

Just when Law actually thought it was possible to leave the house peacefully, a flame-red mop of hair wearing aviator glasses entered his field of vision. Eustass Kid's entire presence signaled contentiousness. Determined, he stomped toward Law, who was already getting a headache from his presence.

"Are you finally going to be kicked out of the orphanage?" the muscular boy asked with an aggressive grin.

"No, I'll finally be released from having to put up with your face every day," Law replied coldly, watching as more and more veins of anger formed on Kid's forehead.

"What was that, loser?"

The black-haired sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Get on someone else's nerves, Eustass."

The remark was enough to release Kid's fighting spirit. With a leap he stood in front of Law and grabbed him by the collar.

"I can't stand your fucking arrogance!" he hissed at him, but the cap wearer just shrugged his shoulders.

"Not my problem."

The redhead's eyelid began to twitch furiously. Law's attention, however, was fully focused on Kid's raised fist. Frantically, it slid down, but Law just managed to pinch Kid so that he could free himself from his grip. Kid, however, jumped at Law again, pinning him to the ground, and threw a punch. This time he could hardly dodge.

"I'll punch that arrogance out of your face! Wah?!"

Astonished, Law watched as Kid was roughly grabbed by the collar and lifted into the air.

Wriggling like a fish, the redhead squirmed in the firm grip of Doflamingo, who appeared as if from nowhere. Next to him stepped Corazon, who gave Kid a death stare.

"What was that?" he asked the boy angrily, but the latter only growled angrily.

"Let me down!" he demanded harshly, but Doflamingo dangled the hothead back and forth, visibly amused.

"Fufufu, make me, you half-portion," the older man sneered with a grin.

"Go to hell!" the redhead shouted. Law just shook his head. This scene was reminiscent of a kindergarten.

"That's enough, Doflamingo," he said. He didn't feel sorry for Kid, but his screaming was becoming unbearable. Reluctantly, the blond let him go. Furious, Kid nagged Law, pointing at the brothers.

"You don't seriously think they'll put up with you for long! Its just a matter of time until they wish they were dead like your parents!"

Law's eyes flashed angrily. His fingers literally tightened as he clenched them into fists. He would have gone after Kid without hesitation if Corazon hadn't grabbed him by the shoulder and held him back.

"Just ignore that jerk. You're much better than him. Picking a fight here and now will only put you in a bad light," the blond explained gently, but Law simply didn't give a shit if he looked bad. He didn't accept Kid talking about him and his parents like that!

The eight-year-old was about to break away when he noticed Corazon's grip tightening. He looked at Law pleadingly.

"Be reasonable."

The cap wearer took a deep breath before relaxing his hands again. Corazon was right. Kid wasn't worth fighting over.

Doflamingo took a step towards the redhead, his blood-red glasses flashing as his lips twisted into a diabolical smile.

"You better get out of my sight before I lose my patience for good, you little rat."

The giant spoke with such a menacing voice that even Law felt a chill down his spine. He was amazed at how fearsome Doflamingo could sound. Kid grudgingly ran away. Doflamingo sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose with his hand.

"Brats like him are getting on my last nerve." He looked down at Law, who was lifting his suitcase from the floor. "Ready to go?"

Law nodded and followed the brothers to the exit.

Today finally marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life after two long years of isolation and loneliness. Whether it would be a good or a bad one, that would become clear soon enough.

Chapter Text

Law followed the brothers to the exit. But before he could step through, he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"I see you're already on your way."

The black-haired governess approached Law with a grin.

"You can't wait for your new home, can you?"

She leaned down and pulled the astonished boy into a gentle hug as a farewell. Over time, Law had actually grown close to her heart.

"Take good care of yourself, Law. I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors."

The boy was surprised and overwhelmed in the first place. Such warm gestures had been foreign to him for a long time. The last person to hug him in this way had been his mother, just before the rubble of the hospital collapsing on itself buried her.

"Thank you...," the eight-year-old squeezed out, pulling his plush cap down to his nose.

Doflamingo bent over Law in amusement. "Fufufu, you're embarrassed again!"

"Shut up!" Law replied sullenly, averting his eyes to hide his flushed cheeks. Nico Robin broke away from the boy, chuckling, and turned to the brothers instead.

"Please take good care of Law," she asked with a friendly smile. The aura around her, however, suddenly became more somber. The brothers flinched as she eyed them with a deadly stare. "Besides, you better not forget that I have your address. So if I find out that Law is not well, this will be your first and last adoption. Forever," she declared in an equally menacing tone.

"We'll take good care of him!" Corazon stammered nervously, while his brother nodded tensely. The educator's features relaxed and she returned to her original warm smile.

"I'll take your word for it."

Nico Robin waved at the three of them and watched as one by one they disappeared, while behind her Nami ran after an out-of-control Kid, cursing words indistinct to children's ears.

Law silently followed the brothers across the grounds of the orphanage. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the other children's gazes glued to him, rhythmically roaming back and forth between him and the brothers, whispering wildly. Law ignored it. Let them think what they wanted of him. He was about to get rid of them anyway.

Seconds later, Law was already standing in front of the dark gray entrance gate. The rusty metal bars formed the word 'Heart' in scrawly script. Ironic, Law thought, that he had lost his heart in this cold building.

The boy glanced back at the dark brick building one last time before turning his back and walking forward.

Ahead to a new life.

The siblings led Law to a parking lot not far from the cafe where they had invited him just a few days ago. Doflamingo's gaze, obscured by his sunglasses, fell on Makino's cafe. He thought back to the conversation with the green-haired woman. Back then, he would have bet his sacred sunglasses that Law would never agree to an adoption. Well, life sometimes took hilarious turns.

"By the way, that's our car over there, Law." The blond pointed to a vehicle shimmering in metallic red. "We live in a suborb of the neighboring town of Dress Rosa."

Law was admittedly amazed. The brothers owned a sleek, rather expensive-looking sports car. Of all the parked cars, this one was by far the most eye-catching. Even if the pink color was more than questionable in Law's eyes, especially considering that really no one would expect two well-built giants to get out of this girly carriage. The thought actually made Law smile for a moment.

"Pretty cool, isn't it?" remarked Doflamingo as he proudly leaned against his car.

Law just shrugged indifferently. "Hmph, I've seen cooler."

"Not so easy to impress, huh?"

Doflamingo briskly stowed Law's travel bag in the trunk before his eyes fell on the white polar bear he held in his arms. When the eight-year-old noticed Doflamingo's stare, he hugged his beloved bear closer to him, glaring determinedly at the blond.

"Don't even think about it. Bepo is coming with me."

Smirking at the childish reaction, the blond closed the trunk and opened the back door for Law.

"Fufu, as long as he doesn't scratch the leather, he's a welcomed guest."

Rolling his eyes, Law climbed into the back seat, which was covered in comfortable black leather. He had to sadly admit to himself, this sports car was pretty damn cool. Of course, that didn't mean he would ever openly admit it. Law wondered how the brothers could even finance it in their younger years. As heinous as the Navy was, it apparently had to throw money around pretty good. Even his parents, as successful doctors, didn't own such a luxurious vehicle, though they never really put much stock in their wealth either.

The interior harmonized perfectly with the luxurious exterior. Except for the rearview mirror fob. The bright pink shuttlecock with sunglasses completely destroyed the glamorous image.

"Is something wrong?" Doflamingo noticed Law's irritated expression through the rearview mirror.

"Why is there a creepy beast that looks like you?" the eight-year-old asked impetuously, seeing the blond frowning, a small vein of anger between his brows, while Corazon was deliciously amused by Law's comment.

"You better make sure you don't end up in the trunk, kid," Doflamingo teased as he started the engine and turned onto the main road.

Law leaned back in the cushion and boredly watched the passing landscape. All the houses and streets were completely foreign to him; he rarely explored the surroundings outside the walls of the orphanage.

The half-open eyes of the eight-year-old only left the landscape when Corazon pulled down the window pane, a cigarette pressed between his lips. He eyed the flickering cigarette butt critically. Law had always held an aversive attitude toward smoking, but the tobacco use from the mid-twentysomething was simply disturbing. Law made a mental note to flush Corazon's entire cigarette supply down the toilet as the man stuck his arm out the window and pointed to a vast area.

"Look, Law. Over there is the Acacia Zoo."

Law gave the zoo only a brief glance before muttering a disinterested 'Mmh'.

"They really have every animal you can imagine!" Corazon continued euphorically. Then, all at once, a switch flipped in Law's head.

"Even polar bears?" the boy asked with a little more enthusiasm than he had planned.

Beaming with delight, Corazon nodded at him, relieved to have found something that caught Law's attention.

"Of course! We can visit the zoo together sometime, if you like."

The eight-year-old held back an enthusiastic 'Yes!' just in time and instead replied with an indifferent expression: "Well, if you really want to, I guess I have no choice."

Smiling, the brothers looked at each other, while Doflamingo murmured softly to himself: "Fufu, someone's not being honest again."

A good half an hour later, the car turned into an avenue. This was adorned with magnificent rows of houses. Rolling his eyes, Law pointed to a villa.

"Let me guess. You live in this villa?"

"Not quite," Doflamingo commented, while Corazon pointed to an even larger building. It resembled an entire goddamn palace, as Law realized in amazement.

"However, several people live in the house," Corazon enlightened him. "For example, a nice girl your age lives above us. I'm sure you'll become friends! Even if she has her...peculiarities."

Law rolled his eyes again before undoing his seatbelt and exiting with the brothers.

"The rich all seem to be nuts," the boy muttered to himself, before hastily swerving to avoid being crushed by Corazon, who awkwardly got out of the car, once again lighting himself on fire.

Law groaned and hit his head against the wall of the house while Doflamingo fetched a fire extinguisher with a deep sigh.

After Corazon was no longer a living grill, they unloaded the trunk. The eight-year-old's gaze fell on two moving boxes that Doflamingo and Corazon were lifting out.

"What's in them?"

"Who knows," Doflamingo replied with a grin, digging out the house key. "Welcome to your new home."

Curious, Law entered the apartment, suspecting that he was about to be confronted with designer furniture, golden door frames, and what else did he know.

In fact, it wasn't half bad. A bright, open living room was directly connected to the kitchen and a sprawling counter. The brothers even owned a small fireplace. Overall, the apartment seemed quite cozy. Of course, this too would never cross Law's lips.

"Feel free to look around-agh!"

Shaking his head, Law watched as Corazon flew impressively over a dent in the carpet. Doflamingo managed to snatch the box from his hands at the last second. The fact that his brother slammed face-first onto the parquet floor seemed to interest him little.

"Why don't you show Law around," Doflamingo suggested, slightly annoyed. "But be careful and don't touch anything, especially not the stove, it was just delivered new yesterday."

Pouting, the blond stared up at his brother.

"Why am I being made to look like the child here?!"

Doflamingo put on a broad grin.

"Looking at this, Law is clearly the more mature one." He tousled the eight-year-old's black strands. "I'll trust you with Roci for a minute. If he's on fire or something, just yell."

With that, he disappeared around the corner with the two boxes.

Still pouting, Corazon straightened up, knocking the dust off his pants. Before he put a hand on Law's small shoulder, however, he found himself back to his warm smile. "Come on Law, let's go for a little walk!"

~

"And here is my room. You can always come to me if something is bothering you. We're almost done. Ah, over there is-"

Until now, the boy had been silently listening to the tour of the house, but suddenly his gaze lingered on one particular door. It was a door like any other. Silver door frame, silver handle, white door color. But still...something about it made him queasy.

"Hey Cora, what's behind that door?"

Corazon was now also squinting at the door.

"Oh, that's not important," the blond explained hastily, a gentle smile on his lips.

"Then why is the room locked?" he asked pulling down the handle.

Corazon scratched the back of his head thoughtfully. Law eyed him irritably. Did he have to think about what kind of room was in HIS apartment?

"This is just Doffy's study. My brother values his privacy very much, so he usually locks the room."

The blond abruptly bent down to the eight-year-old, both arms resting on his delicate shoulders.

"Just don't ever go in there unasked, all right? Doffy is really fussy about it and he's bound to get very angry. We don't want that, do we?"

Law and Corazon looked at each other, silent and motionless. The latter waited patiently until Law managed a slight nod.

"Hey Roci, I could use your help here for a minute," a voice suddenly boomed down the hall.

"Coming," the man replied, already on the move.

Law stayed behind. For a while he just leaned against the wall, waiting for the blond. His pupils, however, unconsciously kept drifting to the study. Frowning, he put his ear to the cold wall of the door. Silence. He tried unsuccessfully to catch a glimpse through the keyhole. Nothing but deep blackness.

Just as he was thinking about how idiotic this paranoid behavior was, a shadow settled over him.

"What are you doing?"

Panicked, the black-haired jumped up, his head banging dully against the door handle.

Cursing, he looked at Doflamingo, who raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong, kid? You're almost acting like my brother." Turning on his heel, he beckoned to Law. "Follow me. There's one room we haven't shown you yet."

In fact, there was another room that Corazon hadn't shown him. Or rather, he didn't want to show him. What Law noticed immediately were the now empty moving boxes on the wall. Doflamingo grinned slightly.

"You're probably wondering whose room this is."

"No."

"Just go in, brat."

Without expectation, the boy pushed down the handle and stepped into the unfamiliar room.

Rooted to the spot, Law lingered in the middle of the room and looked around. Ocean blue walls surrounded the room, which had two large windows. A huge shelf filled with all sorts of books was placed next to a white desk. A large wardrobe stood opposite a box-spring bed, whose bedding was adorned with lots of little polar bears. Two stuffed animals were already taking their places on the bed. A whale and a penguin. A lamp in the shape of a yellow submarine was placed above the bed. The sight of this room left him speechless.

The brothers looked at each other, unsure if Law's silence was a good or bad sign.

"We weren't quite sure about the design, so if something bothers you-"

"No." The boy shook his head hastily, still somewhat speechless. The brothers had put so much effort in this room. When was the last time someone did something like this...for someone like him? Law felt a smile coming up on his lips.

"I like it. Thanks."

"Don't mention it," Doflamingo declared with a grin, before his touched brother added: "We're glad you like it!"

Law thoughtfully let his gaze wander around his own room.

Maybe his life with the brothers wouldn't be so bad.

Chapter Text

"You can look around some more, Law. We'll prepare dinner in the meantime."

Doflamingo looked at his brother sternly. "Oi, don't think that I'll let you near the kitchen again. It would be nice if this place would last longer than the last one. You got any allergies, kid?"

"Bread...," the eight-year-old answered curtly; the very thought of the diabolical baked good caused him nausea.

The blond lingered in the doorway with a furrowed brow, not quite sure if he had understood the boy correctly. "Bread?"

Immediately Law nodded and said bitterly: "I hate bread."

A slight smirk crept onto the lips of the head-shaking giant. "Fufu, when you think you've heard it all."

Law's few possessions were stowed away in the cupboards within minutes. He stroked the back of his neck, not knowing what to do now. His gaze slid along the wall to the gigantic bookshelf, stocked with numerous works. He gave in to his growing curiosity and began to skim the individual volumes. Law was sure that the brothers had chosen the books more or less at random, but their choice was exactly to his taste. Medical encyclopedias of all kinds shared space with adventure novels and a few detective stories.

However, the boy's eye was caught by a few isolated books, whose colorful covers formed a contrast to the rest of the stock. Law blindly pulled out a work and studied it curiously. It clearly seemed to be a book aimed at children. At least, the cheerful motifs and the downright ridiculously large font suggested as much. Law frowned critically when he saw the title.

"The Adventures of Penguin, the brave Prince of the Penguins."

He abruptly revised his opinion of the taste. This was just pathetic. Shaking his head, he reached for the volume resting beside it.

"The whale Shachi and the missing pearl", it read this time, and Law seriously wondered how dull-witted these siblings thought of him. The cap wearer was about to put the book back where it would surely remain when his eyes fell on the author's name. His jaw dropped. The boy rubbed his tired eyes in disbelief, but the squiggly lines continued to form the name 'CORAZON'.

With a clang, the white porcelain plate shattered into countless fragments. Cursing, Corazon staggered back. He had already brought two plates to the dining table in one piece, and now this. Doflamingo, for whom everyday accidents had become a habit after all these years with his brother, quickly pulled out a broom.

"I would say that broken glass brings good luck, but you're a lost cause. I'll clean it up, you let Law know dinner's ready."

"Thanks Doffy," he replied meekly as he went on his way before the kitchen burned down or anything else happened.

Gently he knocked on the door. "Law, dinner's ready."

The blond received no answer.

"I'll come in, okay?"

Cautiously he peeked into the room. The black-haired had made himself comfortable on his bed amid the stuffed animals, a large book resting on his lap. When Law noticed the man's presence, however, he folded it shut in a flash.

Smiling broadly, Corazon approached the boy. "Hey, what are you reading?"

"Nothing," Law explained hastily and tried to get the book out of Corazon's sight. But not fast enough, because Corazon already recognized it and gave a silent cry of joy. His heart leapt.

"I-is this one of my books?" the man asked, beaming with joy, as Law felt his cheeks turn red. After seeing the author, he dared to turn to the first page, which turned out to be bearable. Of course, the story was insane and predictable, not to mention the childish illustrations, but it was actually quite a nice change from the otherwise complex textbooks. So it happened that he turned to the next page, further to the next and somehow ended up reading the book.

"Are you really the author?" Law asked irritated. "I thought this was a dumb joke."

With a mixture of embarrassment and pride, Corazon took a seat next to Law, reached for the book and stroked its cover.

"Yes, I am. At the time, I came up with Corazon as a synonym. That's why many have been calling me that ever since." He looked at the book as if it were a sad memory. "After an incident in the Navy a few years ago, I was physically and mentally incapacitated for a long time. I couldn't even talk. So during that time, I pursued my other career choice and wrote children's books. It made me happy, which is why I now only have a smaller post within the Navy to put out more volumes."

"I see," Law commented curtly. He was much more interested in the incident in question than in the books, but if it put the blond in such a melancholic state, then he certainly didn't want to talk about it any further.

"Do you like the book?" Corazon pulled him out of his thoughts. "You can be honest. Well, not too honest, if you still want to eat dinner," he added with a wink.

Law didn't know exactly what to say to that. "Pretty childish," sounded like a start to him, but when he registered Corazon's disappointed face out of the corner of his eye, it suddenly pricked his chest.

"I had already guessed that it wasn't quite your style."

"I never said that," Law muttered to himself, while Corazon's face suddenly brightened.

"So you do like it?!"

"I never said that either!" Law hastily clarified. Hesitantly he continued. "It is quite ok...although a story with a polar bear would be cooler."

Corazon seemed to take a liking to the suggestion. He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "It probably really would be. Maybe I'll write my next one with a polar bear as the main character!"

"Do what you want," Law replied in a voice that tried to hide his anticipation of the book as best it could.

Law couldn't remember the last time he had eaten a peaceful dinner. Dinner at the orphanage was always comparable to a cold war. Now, however, he sat at a table among the brothers talking about petty stuff, a plate of fried fish, rice and gravy in front of him.

"Do you like it?" Doflamingo asked with raised eyebrows and got a nod back.

"Good." He took a sip of his red wine before continuing. "Since we're sitting so nicely together, I'd like to lay down some basic rules."

Law looked up from his plate, his brow furrowed.

"You are of course allowed to leave the apartment but either I or Roci want to know where and to whom you are going. I don't have the nerve to file a missing person's report and incur the wrath of your educator. Got that?"

Rolling his eyes, he nodded. It sounded like the typical parenting rules that every child was presented with.

"Good. At the latest when it's dark outside, you'll be back here on the mat. Unless you're with us."

Again Law nodded.

"Furthermore, Roci has probably already told you." Doflamingo leaned across the table; Law could have sworn he saw something flashing behind his tinted sunglasses. "I don't want you anywhere near my study, let alone in it. That would have unpleasant consequences, kid. It is my private quarters and shall remain so in the future, understand?"

Law engaged in a brief staring duel with Doflamingo, who waited patiently for a response. Law once again registered how dangerous the man could seem with his calm yet menacing voice. The boy also leaned over the table until only a few feet separated their faces. Corazon eyed the whole thing with amusement. If he would give Doflamingo a push now, the whole thing would surely end funny...but not for him. He would be dead.

Law stared at the man for a moment before his hand shot forward without warning, grabbing Doflamingo's sunglasses. But the man pulled his head back so fast that Law lost his balance and landed with his head in the sauce pot.

"Oi, not so stormy," Doflamingo joked, adjusting his sunglasses. "This is my best piece."

Grumbling, Law sank back into his seat.

"Why don't you ever show your eyes?" he asked seriously. It had been bothering him since they first met. Those damn sunglasses. It seemed like they were hiding a secret. As if his eyes were betraying him in some way.

"I don't like to be seen through," he explained. Law didn't want to say anything back, but the words burst out of him.

"Are your eyes really your only secret?"

The brothers looked at each other in amazement.

Law bit his lip. What was he doing? These brothers gave him shelter, food, even his own room, and he could think of nothing better than to rub his suspicions in their faces!

"Forget it. I will follow your rules," he added quickly. Whether the brothers would really forget, he could not say, but for now they let it rest.

Corazon's expression softened, a slight smile curved his lips.

"I know you are the quiet type, but if something is bothering you, talk to us, Law. Doffy and I always have an open ear for you."

Law opened and closed his mouth seconds apart. He hadn't had a parental figure in his life for that long. It would certainly take some time before he could truly trust the brothers. The unresolved issues didn't really help that. And nevertheless he felt a warm feeling in his chest at Corazon's words.

~

It was getting late in the house of Donquichotte. Doflamingo was forced to take a shower after his brother had unintentionally given him a gravy shower. Law and Corazon were clearing the table when the doorbell rang.

Startled, Corazon pushed the cutlery tray out too far, leaving a wild mess of knives, spoons and forks on the floor. Desperately, he looked back and forth between the mess and the door.

"I'll get it," Law declared, slightly annoyed. Would he ever get used to the clumsiness?

Law wondered if from now on he would only be confronted with strange looking people as he opened the door. In front of him stood a middle-aged man with short black hair, a beard, and oddly jagged sideburns. A single french fry adorned his cheek for some unknown reason. He wore sunglasses despite the closed cloud cover. His features seemed completely emotionless. Only at the sight of Law did he briefly raise an eyebrow.

"Who are you?"

"Who wants to know that?" Law countered coolly.

"I want to talk to Joker," the man demanded brusquely, but the boy just shrugged his shoulders.

"He doesn't live here."

Law was about to close the door again when the man put his foot between it. He glared angrily at the eight-year-old.

"I don't have time for games, kid. Where's Joker?"

This stranger was really starting to get on Law's nerves.

"How many times do I have to tell you? There's no 'Joker'-hey?!"

Roughly, the man pushed past Law and gained access to the apartment.

"What do you think you're doing?" Law shouted at the intruder and stormed towards him. For the man, however, it was easy to push Law away. Not that he was gentle about it. Restraint was not his style.

"Hey, what's going on here?" Astonished at the noise, Corazon rushed up.

"Rocinante," the black-haired man addressed him, eyeing the mess of cutlery in the kitchen out of the corner of his eye. "As incompetent as ever, I see."

Astonished, the blond eyed the man. "What are you doing here, Vergo? How did you get in?"

"The little guy let me in. More or less." He pointed at Law, who was sullenly running his hand over his aching back.

"What is this weakling doing here?" Vergo asked incredulously.

"His name is Law. We adopted him," Corazon explained matter-of-factly, his inner rage bundled in his clenched fists. God, he couldn't stand that man. And certainly not the way he spoke about Law. After this explanation, Vergo approached Law again.

"In that case, I would like to apologize for my abrupt behavior. I had no idea that you belonged to Joker." The man held out his hand to Law. "My name is Vergo. I live one floor up with my niece, Baby 5. You're welcome to visit her sometime. She loves company."

Law looked at Vergo as if he had just told him that he was a woman. After the scene just now, did he really think Law was going to come visit him and his probably equally loopy niece? What kind of name was that anyway; Baby 5? Did they number their kids, or what?

"Anyway, I want to talk to Joker. It's urgent."

"He's right-"

"Behind you," a voice suddenly sounded behind the blond, startling him so much that he slipped and hit the ground lengthwise. Doflamingo, now dressed in clean clothes, looked at the black-haired man with interest.

"What are you doing here this late, Vergo?"

"I got an emergency call from work. We have to leave as soon as possible."

The slight smirk on Doflamingo's lips gave way along with the hope of a relaxing evening. Sighing, the giant rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"I'll meet you downstairs."

With a brief nod, the man wordlessly disappeared from the apartment.

Annoyed, Doflamingo pulled on his coat. His brother leaned indecisively against the wall and eyed him.

"Shall I come with you, Doffy?"

Hastily, the sunglasses wearer waved him off.

"That won't be necessary."

Law stood next to Corazon, his brow furrowed.

"Why did that man call you 'Joker'?"

Doflamingo slipped his cell phone into his coat pocket before tousling Law's hair on his way to the door.

"Fufufu, don't worry your clever little head about such insignificant matters. It's just my nickname at work."

Law grumbled, pulling his hair back into shape.

"Don't wait up for me. It's going to be late," the elder announced before closing the door behind him.

Law crossed his arms in front of his chest, his gaze fixed on the closed door. "I don't like this Vergo."

Corazon pushed himself off the wall, sighing. "That makes two of us. Doffy trusts him, but I don't. He is inscrutable and belongs to the species of people who stop at nothing. Not even-"

He paused. Perplexed, Law registered that Corazon's hand was shaking. Carefully, he pulled the blond's sleeve and eyed him insistently.

"Cora? Are you okay?"

Hastily, the blond put on a smile again, putting his hand in his pockets.

"I'm fine! Come on, let's watch a movie before we go to sleep. You can choose!"

~

Law stared at the ceiling in frustration. He had been tossing and turning from one side of his mattress to the other for an hour now. He felt tired, but his insomnia seemed to know better. Sighing, he turned on his submarine lamp and reached for one of Corazon's books. He hoped reading would make him tired enough to get at least a few more hours of sleep.

It was the middle of the night when a muffled scream echoed through the hallways of the apartment.

Alarmed, Law jolted up from his half-sleep. His room was shrouded in darkness, Corazon's book lying across his stomach. He waited a moment until his senses had fully returned before he got out of bed and made his way to his bedroom door. He was unsure if the scream wasn't just a figment of his imagination. Something inside him wished it was.

With deliberate movements he pushed down the handle and crept along the narrow corridor. From afar, Law could already make out the faint light illuminating the entryway. He groped further down the hall, registering a low conversation. Doflamingo must have returned. Law exhaled in relief. He had probably just bumped into something in the darkness. Much more calmly, he entered the entrance area.

"Is everything alright? I heard a-"

Law's words stuck in his throat. His eyes widened in shock. He was unable to speak, unable to make any movement. His eyes clung to Doflamingo.

Doflamingo, whose face, coat and hands were stained with blood.

Chapter Text

Law would have liked to run back to his room right then and there, put his head under the pillow and pretend he hadn't seen anything. His eyes, however, could not take their gaze off the bloodstained silhouette. He stood there transfixed, gray eyes wandering ceaselessly along the man's slender frame. The brothers' mouths moved, but his senses felt unable to register anything but the blood that clung to Doflamingo. Law uttered a low whimper.

The blood.

His parents.

The blood.

The soldier. The gunshot.

The blood.

Lamy.

Oh God, all the blood.

All her blood.

He could literally feel it running over his palms. That ghastly red, warm liquid that sucked the life out of her.

Corazon watched concerned as more and more color drained from Law's face. Under the dim light, he almost looked like a ghost. He could slap himself for not having managed to spare a mere eight-year-old this sight. Who knew what horrific images must now be going through his head! Did he also have to be so stupid as to stumble screaming across the carpet in the middle of the night! Admittedly, the sight of his brother scared him at first too, even though it was not the first time he had seen him in such a state.

Corazon was about to start moving when Doflamingo approached the boy. Law stepped back hastily, holding his hands protectively in front of his body as if the elder would attack him at any moment.

"Don't come closer!" he warned the man.

The latter frowned in irritation, a gentle smirk on his lips.

"Oi, calm down kid. I won't hurt you."

With all that blood, it was hard to believe Doflamingo's words. That goddamn blood.

"What-" The black-haired expelled a shaky breath, suddenly aware of his lungs pleading for oxygen. "What the hell happened to you?!"

Law's eyes almost popped out of his head as Doflamingo explained with a waving gesture: "Those are just scratches."

Stunned, the eight-year-old pointed at the numerous wounds.

"Are you kidding me? You're bleeding...just about everywhere!"

He looked to Corazon for approval, but he merely rummaged in his robe for a pack of cigarettes, paying no attention to his brother. So, once again, everything depended on the only reasonable and rational thinking being in this house. Himself.

"I'm going to call 911. You need medical help."

Law didn't get far before Doflamingo grabbed him by the collar and lifted him up, as he did with Kid at the orphanage.

"Don't overdo it. I've survived far worse." The blond wiped a thin trail of blood from his lip with the back of his hand. "Most of the blood isn't mine anyway."

"Huh?" asked Law in irritation, recognizing out of the corner of his eye Corazon giving his brother a warning look, a cigarette butt pressed between his lips.

"You could say I got mugged," the blond explained as he set Law back on the ground, a diabolical grin creeping onto his lips. "Fufu, in retrospect, those pathetic weaklings probably wished they had never crawled out of their rat hole."

Law screwed up his face. Rather than for Doflamingo, he possessed pity for the idiots who ambushed him.

"All right," he groaned before heading for the bathroom. The brothers looked after him in irritation. A few seconds passed before the black-haired returned with a white box under his arm. Law settled down on the large sofa in the living area and gestured for Doflamingo to take a seat next to him. Determined, he opened the box and took out all sorts of useful paraphernalia.

"If you don't want me to call a doctor, I'll treat you. I'm much better than some quack anyway."

Doflamingo exchanged a doubtful glance with his brother, but before he could say anything back, Law cut him off.

"Either you let me fix you up or I'll call an ambulance. You better not stop me unless you want to wake up the whole neighborhood."

Stubbornly, Law crossed his arms in front of his chest, not allowing any backtalk. His honor as a doctor was at stake, after all. Besides, Doflamingo had helped him so many times that it was becoming embarrassing not to be able to return the favor.

"Oho, it's been a long time since anyone dared to threaten me."

Law couldn't tell if Doflamingo was impressed or laughing at him as he approached the boy with an amused smirk. "Fufu, all right then, I trustfully place myself in your care."

"Can I leave you two alone for a moment?" the younger of the brothers now asked, pointing to the front door with a lighter in his hand.

Law shrugged indifferently as he removed the cotton ball and swab from the container. "Go ahead and poison yourself."

With a guilty smile, the blond disappeared into the evening air. Sighing, Law put on sterile gloves.

"Does he know he's destroying his body with this crap?"

Doflamingo removed his blood-soaked coat before shrugging and taking a seat next to the boy.

"Roci is old enough to decide for himself how he wants to perish later."

"Tse, you are both incapable of taking care of your health."

The sunglasses wearer smirked.

"Then you fit into our round quite well. Or are those bags under your eyes fashionable among you brats right now?"

Rolling his eyes, Law moistened the absorbent cotton with the disinfectant.

"I have my reasons," he explained seriously.

The boy began to disinfect the wounds on the blond's face. Doflamingo had not lied when he said that most of the blood was not his. Only two faintly bleeding cuts on the chin and cheek needed disinfection before they were covered with plasters. Law repeated the procedure on the man's arms as Doflamingo suddenly began to speak: "I hope you know that neither I nor Roci will harm you."

He still remembered Law's frightened expression. It seemed as if the boy had really felt threatened.

Law continued to stare at his utensils. "I know. You just reminded me of..." The eight-year-old swallowed and hoped that Doflamingo missed the slight tremor of his hand.

...The man who destroyed my life....

"-of someone," Law finished the sentence meekly.

Doflamingo didn't answer immediately, but remembered the conversation with Nico Robin, just before Law's official adoption.

"Where exactly did the boy come from?" he had asked then, his eyes fixed on the impatient boy waiting with his small suitcase at the exit. Nico Robin's wistful sigh and clouded gaze were anchored in his memory.

"I'm very sorry, but I can't answer that question. It would not be fair to Law. He will tell you himself when he's ready."

Just what the hell had been going on? Doflamingo thought that he and his brother had already suffered a miserable childhood with many blows of fate, but perhaps the eight-year-old had already witnessed even worse things.

"Please help Law so he doesn't have to bear the burden of the past alone."

Nico Robin said it so easily, but he had no experience with such things. His younger brother has always been the more empathetic of the two. How to get an orphan boy, who was most likely suffering from traumatic disorders, insomnia and he didn't want to know what else, to open up?

"Who did I remind you of?" the blond asked, repeating his question after Law looked at him with a furrowed brow.

"I want to know who I reminded you of, if it caused such a reaction."

"It doesn't matter," the boy replied snappishly, closing the first aid kit. He was about to stand up when Doflamingo pushed him back into the cushion.

"You know kid, thing's would be much easier if you would just tell us what's bothering you."

Law shook off the man's hand and replied annoyed: "At the moment, this conversation. And this stinking coat full of blood."

Doflamingo sighed, running the bridge of his nose. Law understood that the brothers wanted to help him, and admittedly, he was a tiny bit touched by their concern, but he just couldn't bring himself to talk about the deep shadows of the past.

"I'm fine. I have managed my private affairs well on my own all these years."

Doflamingo stood up, a gentle smirk on his lips.

"I'm impressed, kid. Honestly, you remind me more and more of my former self." He reached for his coat. "That's why I'm curious to see how long your psyche will hold out."

The blond disappeared into the bathroom along with his coat, while Law remained alone, staring at the floor. His psyche. It had long since been destroyed for the most part. It was only a matter of time before the worsening nightmares ate away at what remained.

Law let his gaze wander over the floor as he suddenly caught hold of a brown file, which had half disappeared under the sofa. Had Doflamingo lost it when he took off his coat? The black-haired glanced at the bathroom door, which was still closed.

Alertly, he began to pull out the file and study it more closely. There was a symbol at the bottom. He immediately recognized it. The Navy.

His slender fingers clawed at the paper. A red stamp with the words 'Strictly Confidential' stretched across the file and caught the eight-year-old's attention all the more. Ever since it destroyed his home, he had lost all faith in the Navy, which supposedly fights for 'justice'. Was it fair to wipe out an entire city to get a stupid metal?! Who knew what this force was hiding in the background. He was so close to getting closer to this mystery.

But why would Doflamingo have such secret information in the first place? Had he lied when he said he didn't work for the Navy? Or was this Cora's file?

Law pushed aside the myriad questions and focused on what was most important. Open that file. He glanced at the door one last time, and as he weighed himself safe, he began to slowly fling it open.

"Hey, Law!"

Screaming, Law dropped the file. With a hammering heartbeat, he turned to face the blond. A relieved sigh crossed his lips when he saw that it was not Doflamingo but Corazon who was looking at him in confusion.

"I'm back. Uh, are you okay?" Despite the eager nod, Corazon squinted at the object Law was trying to cover. "What do you have there? Another one of my books?" Corazon asked, grinning up to his ears.

"Dream on!" Law replied blushing, while Corazon tried to push past him.

"Oh come on, you don't have to be ashamed of it~" The broad smile disappeared from his face in a flash as he took a closer look at the brown folder. "Isn't that Doffy's?" he asked with a reproachful look.

"Uh well, it's not what it looks like," he tried to talk his way out of it.

Corazon was still staring at the folder. With such a serious look, the man seemed completely different, almost alienated.

"Law, where did you get it?"

Addressed chewed on his lip. How he would have liked to have his cap now. Then he would at least have a little less of the feeling of being at the mercy of Corazon's gaze.

"Cora, I just wanted to-"

"WHERE did you get it?"

Law jerked up, surprised by the harsh tone. Abashed, he gestured to the sofa. "It was lying there. I didn't look inside."

"But you were going to, right?"

"No...maybe."

Law had expected Corazon to be angry but he was something worse. Disappointed.

"Oh, Law. You're not making it very easy for us to trust you."

The eight-year-old's eyes snapped open and he swallowed hard, his throat seeming to tighten. Something behind his eyes began to burn. Corazon took the file from the boy who handed it to him without resistance.

"I'll tell Doffy I found it in the hallway. Try to get some more sleep."

Wordlessly, Law turned his back on the blond and returned straight to his room. He closed the door, dropped onto the mattress, and pulled the covers up to his chin.

"You're not making it very easy for us to trust you."

Why was he like that? Why did he keep pushing away the people who tried to help him?

A single tear rolled down his cheek as the eight-year-old sank into a restless sleep.

Chapter Text

Drops of sweat ran down Law's temples, rimmed his widened eyes, fixed the bulging finger on the trigger. Fate could be so cruel. This soldier held an innocent life in his hand. But not just his. Law's rage-filled gaze slid to his sister, who cowered on the floor as if paralyzed. Rivulets of tears streamed down her pale, fear-distorted face. The longer he looked at his sister, the more unbearable the sight became.

"Listen, you can do whatever you want with me, but spare my sister," the boy demanded desperately.

'You must survive.'

It seemed that he could not fulfill his mother's last wish. There was no hope for him anymore. His sister, however, he would protect until his last breath! Hopefully, she would have the strength to leave all this behind one day. He couldn't.

The soldier's eyes wandered to the girl. After some initial hesitation, he actually put down his weapon.

Law could not interpret whether the soldier would respond to his request, but he had to take advantage of this brief moment of hesitation.

"Lamy, run!"

The four-year-old flinched at the sound of her name, her eyes filled with tears fixed on him in complete helplessness.

"B-But B-Brother-"

"Don't worry about me, run to the port! I-I...I'll catch up!" Law somehow tried to reassure his sister. If only his voice would finally stop shaking! To Law's shock, she still didn't move from the spot, her thin legs shaking miserably. Her sobs and wails grew louder, almost drowning out the cries of those who still desperately feared for their lives.

"N-No, I don't want to! I'm scared! M-Mommy also said she followes us and now she is dead!"

The six-year-old bit his bleeding lip. Each of Lamy's heart-wrenching cries stabbed like an arrow into his chest.

Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Law saw the soldier raise his rifle again.

"LAMY, GET OUT OF THERE, OR HE'LL KILL US BOTH!" Law screamed with all his remaining strength. The panic in her brother's usually level-headed voice terrified the girl even more. Panicked, she braced herself on her trembling knees, stumbled a few feet before her legs gave way, righted herself again, and fought her way through the battlefield, yard by yard. Silently, Law shed tears.

'Please stay alive, Lamy.'

Reluctantly, he turned to the soldier whose gaze, obscured by the gas mask, rested on the distant silhouette of his sister.

"Hey!" he shouted angrily at the man, who was now paying attention to Law.

"You kept your promise, so I will keep mine. Do what you want with me."

The soldier pointed his rifle again at the boy's black mop of hair. Law prepared himself to feel the stabbing pain. He waited endless seconds....but nothing happened. The soldier seemed transfixed, not pulling the trigger but looking at Law silently. Then, all of a sudden, the man fell into a cruelly gloating, contemptuous laughter.

"How naive can you be?"

Then the shot rang out.

The sound so soft that it did not cause any pain to the ears, but so loud that he would never forget it for the rest of his life.

A shot, a scream, then it was all over.

The bullet disappeared, the bang extinguished.

All that remained was a body that slumped over.

There was emptiness in his head, he didn't notice how he burst into tears, nor that he had run, but suddenly he was standing in front of her. Any sound choked in his throat when he saw the gaping hole in the back of her head. All the blood that could not be stopped, turning her porcelain skin a ghastly red.

Her eyelids fluttered, unable to withstand the heaviness much longer. Faltering, she breathed to her brother: "I-it hurts...I don't...want to..."

Law reached for her hand, squeezing it gently, yet firmly. His other hand moved to the back of her head, trying to stop the bleeding somehow. In vain. Shocked, he watched his sister close her eyes. His grip tightened.

"H-hey, look at me! Look at me, Lamy! You're not going to die! Your big brother will save you, you hear me! You just have to hang on a little longer! I-I promise I'll save you and then we'll escape together! Please Lamy, stay with me!" he pleaded, whimpering, his voice little more than a sea of sobs and despair.

"Brother...I..."

She could no longer finish the sentence. Never again. Her eyes closed, her head rolled to the side. Her weak grip finally slackened.

It was this moment in which his world finally shattered.

Law screamed.

He screamed until every sound was choked in his burning throat, until he could not even manage a whimper. What happened next his consciousness barely perceived. The soldier bent over Law, wanting to shoot. Why didn't he? Law did not know. Behind him a blow sounded, another voice screamed, the soldier suddenly lay on the ground. Why? He didn't know. All he knew was that his sister had just died in his arms.

He was alone, completely alone.

His entire surroundings blurred, all the screams died away and the blood-red night sky turned a seemingly endless black.

*Slight gore warning until the "~" sign*

And then he suddenly saw them in front of him. His parents. His beloved mother, his beloved dad. They stood before him. Dead.

Their bodies drenched in blood, mostly rotten. Their skin only shreds, hanging down truthlessly, organs exposed. Their eye sockets hollow, black, coated with a dead glow. Law swallowed the contents of his stomach. His mother held out her bony hand to him.

"Law, you have failed us. You are a disgrace."

Startled, the boy backed away.

"Big brother."

Distraught, the boy turned to the familiar voice.

Lamy stepped out of the darkness. The sight was horrific, a huge hole bored through her forehead to the back of her head. A clean through. She smiled, but it seemed disconcerting. He winced as a red liquid suddenly oozed from between her teeth and wet the floor. Drenched in sweat, he stared into her distorted face. The smile grew wider, exposing her red teeth.

"You just let me die, big brother. You couldn't protect me and now I'm dead. We are all dead. But why are you still alive? Why do I have to have this unbearable agony and pain and you don't?!"

Law wanted to say something back, but he couldn't. His throat constricted, he couldn't breathe! His father, no, the remains of his father, stepped towards him.

"You don't deserve to be alive, my son."

His mother approached, her rotten hand reaching for him.

"Come with us, Law. Follow us to death so we can finally be reunited!"

Law could no longer move, no longer scream, no longer breathe. He closed his eyes. Bony, bloodied hands clawed at his flesh.

~

"NOOOOOO!!!"

Panicked, Law's eyes shot open. With a horrified gasp, he startled up. A black silhouette lurked above him.

-10 minutes earlier-

Frustrated, Corazon stumbled out of his bed. Yawning, he stroked his tousled strands, which were probably sticking out in all sorts of directions.

"You're not making it very easy for us to trust you."

Argh, how could he say that?! Law looked so shaken when he caught him! His brother fortunately bought the lie, but it didn't change Law's fundamental mistrust. He must have realized long ago that they were withholding something from him. But it was for his own good. Eventually they would explain everything to him. For now, however, it was important that they made Law aware that he could confide in the brothers, because it couldn't go on like this. It didn't take a genius to realize that the burden of the past was still pulling heavily on the boy. Only how was he going to manage? All the brooding made his skull hum. Reluctantly, he pulled on his feather coat and dug out a supply pack of cigarettes. A bit nicotine would surely calm his nerves.

"NO!"

Suddenly, Corazon flinched.

His pack slipped from his hand, the cigarettes scattered across the dark hallway. Cursing, he gathered them up. More unintelligible sounds echoed through the hallways. Frowning, he crept on until he found himself in front of the room behind which he suspected the noises.

Law's room.

Worried, he pressed his ear against the door, listening. It remained silent. Confused, he scratched the back of his head and let go of the door as another agonized scream came through the wall.

"Law? Are you all right?"

The blond gingerly opened the door and stepped inside. His copper-colored eyes scanned the gloomy room for any source of danger, finally stopping at the trembling bundle under the blanket. A closer look was enough to see that something was wrong. Very wrong. Law had fear written all over his face. Beads of sweat ran down his pale face, tears pooled in the corners of his eyes. His pale fingers clawed at his sheet, almost tearing it. Panic overcame the confused blond.

Awkwardly, he gestured around in front of Law's bed, stammering nervously: "What's wrong?! Does anything hurt? Do you have a stomach ache?! But I didn't even cook!"

Corazon leaned over the eight-year-old, but backed away as Law spun around screaming, eyes still squinted. His small hand shot up, grasped at nothing, and finally sank back onto the mattress.

"L-Lamy, stay with me!" the boy croaked hoarsely.

Lamy...Corazon was sure he had heard this name before. Back when he had carried him to the orphanage, hadn't he also-? The man was jolted out of his thoughts as another cry of pain crossed Law's lips.

"I'm sorry! Mother! Father! Don't hate me! N-no, I don't-NO!!!"

Everything tightened in Corazon's chest. Of course, he too had a nightmare or two in the past, but it was nothing compared to what Law was going through.

"Calm down, Law. It's just a dream. Everything is fine, Law."

He put his hands around Law's narrow shoulders, started to shake them gently at first, when it was unsuccessful with some force.

"Come on Law, wake up please!"

The eight-year-old became more and more restless, rolling back and forth whimpering, knocking Corazon's hand away from him, seeming unable to breathe. Corazon became frightened.

"Wake up, Law! Come on, wake up!"

"No...no...NOOOOOO!!!!!"

Screaming, still half lost in the dream, the boy startled up. Disoriented, his widened eyes roamed around, finally stopping at the person lurking above him, who breathed a sigh of relief.

"Phew, you have given me quite a fri-"

That was as far as Corazon got.

Law's heart raced. Adrenaline flooded his entire body. Reflexively, he grabbed the first object he could get hold of with his trembling hand. With full force he threw it against the head of the dark silhouette. The silhouette went down, crying out in pain, while the door of the room opened with a loud squeak. In stepped an enraged Doflamingo, who shook his head and flicked on the light.

"Oi, what's all the noise about?"

The big man moved his sunglasses aside, rubbing his tired eyes and hoping he was imagining the scenario. His brother lay groaning on the ground, one hand pressed against his temple.

"What the hell's going on here, Law?!"

Doflamingo's eyes darted angrily to the eight-year-old, but when he saw the condition he was in, some of the anger faded. All color had drained from the boy's face. His black strands of hair were literally stuck to his face, covered in sweat while shaky hands clawed at the bedspread as if his life depended on it. Tears marveled in his eyes, which, though staring directly at him, seemed to be somewhere else.

The blond groaned inwardly. First the "mugging" and now this. This was definitely not one of those nights that were bearable with a sip of wine. Rather with a whole wine cellar.

~

Doflamingo returned to the living room with a packet of painkillers and handed them to his brother, who accepted them thankful.

"I'm not the one you should be worried about, though."

Corazon squinted at the sofa. The eight-year-old had not made a single sound since they carried him to the living room. He simply sat there, mute and pale, his shivering body wrapped in a thick blanket.

"He had been completely out of it," the younger man explained with a sigh, while the older man ran his hand thoughtfully through his hair.

"Maybe we should give him some time to himself first."

Shaking his head, Corazon stood up.

"I think that's the last thing he needs right now."

Gently, he approached him and squatted in front of the absent boy, who paid him no attention, caught up in his own world.

"Law, can you hear me? It's me, Corazon. The clumsy guy who always gets scolded by you for setting himself on fire."

When there was no reaction, he cautiously put a hand on his trembling knee. Alarmed, the black-haired shot up. As his hand darted to the table lamp, Corazon wrenched his hands in the air as if he was about to get arrested.

"Please don't throw it!"

Hesitantly, Law let go of the object and eyed the man as if he were facing a stranger. A stranger whose empathetic gaze pierced him, his eyes silently pleading.

Shaking his head, the boy turned away, clutching the blanket even tighter.

"All right, you don't have to talk about it," Corazon explained gently. "But don't even think that they would hate you. Neither your parents nor Lamy."

Shocked, Law whirled around, his gray irises glaring at Corazons. How did he know? Had he spoken in his dream? The dream...Depressed, he looked to the ground. Pain, anger and sadness flared up in him, like a freshly torn open wound.

"You have no idea," he whimpered, his eyes averted and his voice as fragile as his insides. "It's not fair that I'm the only one alive. I should have just died with the-"

"Dont you dare finish that sentence!"

Startled, Law jerked up, his blanket sliding to the floor. Corazon reached for his thin arms, squeezing them tightly and firmly.

"I never want to hear anything like that from your mouth again!" the blond scolded sternly. "Never again!"

Law thought he saw tears in the corners of Corazon's eyes, but why? Why was Law's life so important to him?

Doflamingo stepped out from behind him, his arms crossed in front of his chest.

"Do you seriously think your parents gave their lives so that you could throw yours away? Don't you ungrateful kid have any respect?"

Law bit his trembling lower lip, fixed his clenched fists.

Corazon continued, his voice soft and firm at the same time.

"You may think you're all alone with your worries, but you're not, Law. We want to help you! We understand what it's like when-"

"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING!" Law cried angrily, tearing himself from his grip. His years of self-control, his entire facade began to crumble. The sensitive, wounded child he had been deep inside all these years decided to release the emotions that had been so heavy on his heart all this time.

"You have no idea how I felt these two damn years! These soldiers destroyed everything, they took everything away from me! Because of a stupid, useless piece of metal, they wiped out my entire home in one single night! My parents were buried alive, my sister had a bullet put through her head, I had to witness how they killed everyone I cared about in cold blood and left them on the ground like dirt!"

The words in his mouth rolled over and gushed out of him nonstop. Every word, every syllable filled with anger, hatred and above all grief.

"My whole life was destroyed! From one moment to the next I was suddenly all alone in this hell! I-I had to hide under CORPSES to escape from this nightmare!!! You-you have no idea what I went through! I-I-"

The agitated boy suddenly stopped as Corazon's arms pulled him close, filling his cold body with warmth. Law froze, feeling tears burning behind his eyelids. Half-heartedly, he tried to squirm out of the strong grip, but the more strength he mustered, the tighter Corazon clutched him. He felt a pounding as fierce as the one in his own chest.

"L-Let me go," the eight-year-old begged, his voice a low, choked whimper. "I was doing fine on my own all those years. I don't need anyone! I-"

"Sshh, it's going to be okay," the blond softly whispered in his ear, gently running a hand over his back. "You don't have to carry everything by yourself anymore, Law. We can't change or reverse all the cruel things that happened, but we can be there for you from now on. And we will."

It was that moment when Law's facade broke. Corazon noticed how Law's narrow shoulders began to twitch. His small fists clawed at Corazon's shirt, pressing closer to the man. Sobs shook his body.

"I-I don't wanna be alone anymore!" the boy cried out as he clutched the blond even tighter. His sobs grew louder and louder, cutting through the deep silence of the night. Corazon didn't move an inch, holding the boy tight while murmuring soothing words. Soon his shirt was completely soaked with Law's tears. He couldn't care less.

For minutes, if not hours, they lingered in this position. Law cried and sobbed his heart out. As so often in his life. But this time it was different.

While the eight-year-old released all the pent-up emotion, the brothers remained by his side, offering him all the much needed comfort.

He was not alone.

And he had never been more grateful for it.

Chapter Text

Drowsy, Law rubbed his eyes. They felt swollen and he didn't even have to risk a look in the mirror to know they probably looked worse than they felt. Not surprising, considering that he had spent half the night sobbing in Corazon's arms. The thought alone left a red shadow on his face.

Letting out a small yawn, Law turned onto his side and closed his eyes again. He wasn't sure exactly what he was lying on but it was comfortable. Soft. Fluffy. Feathery. Quickly, he propped himself up. His body was actually resting on a familiar black feather coat, which in turn was leaning against Corazon's lap. The latter was sitting in a more than uncomfortable position on the sofa, one hand placed protectively over Law's body. On the armchair opposite was Doflamingo, no less out of it.

Law was beginning to feel remorse. First he had deprived the brothers of their sleep for most of the night, yelling, throwing accusations at them that he could only half remember, then crying all over Corazon's shirt, and finally robbing him of his coat while he sat there in a back-wrenching position...Maybe he could make it up to them somehow.

The sudden grumbling of his stomach brought him the answer. Gently, he removed Corazon's hand and placed the black coat over the blond's body before quietly walking into the kitchen.

Doflamingo couldn't tell exactly what was waking him up. The smell of bacon, the clatter of dishes, or the alarming feeling that his kitchen was on fire.

Reluctantly, he opened one eye and caught the slumbering silhouette of his brother through his tinted glasses. He found the seat next to him empty, however.

Stretching his stiff joints, he went to investigate the source of the noise, but not before waking his brother, who followed him still somewhat dazed.

Arriving in the kitchen, they found a black fuzzy head protruding from behind the counter, catching a plate at the last second. With a mischievous grin, Doflamingo approached him.

"Actually, it's Roci's job to destroy our dishes. What good is he if you do it now, hm?"

With that he earned a half-hearted slap from his brother, which he dismissed with a grin. "But seriously, what are you doing, kid?"

Law rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably.

"Well, I...I was making breakfast. As a, uh, thank you for yesterday...even though it was totally unnecessary but-ugh, just eat it or leave it, I don't care."

The brothers' gazes darted synchronously to the richly set dining table. While Corazon stood there so moved that he was speechless, his brother just shook his head with a grin.

"Fufufu, to thank us for something so self-evident; you really are still a greenhorn." As he passed, he gave the boy a quick wave through his hair and then sat down with his brother, who was already pouring himself a cup of coffee. Law crossed his arms, blushing.

"Tse, do not rejoice too soon. I've never made coffee before, so I don't know if it's edible."

Reflexively, Corazon spat out the brown brew before toppling backwards from his chair. Despite the telling scene, he raised a trembling thumb.

"As if I'd buy that!" Law angrily nagged him, while Doflamingo inconspicuously dumped his coffee into the sink.

"It was delicious."

"How stupid do you think I am?!"

~

After a largely peaceful breakfast, Law glanced at the time.

"Don't you have to go to work?" Law asked the sunglass wearer who was calmly clearing the table.

"Fufu, I'm already more than four hours late." Doflamingo announced with unshakable composure. "The few minutes don't matter anymore."

The eight year old rolled his eyes. "Given that way of thinking, I'm surprised you're not unemployed yet."

The blond was about to say something in reply, but his brother's outcry stopped him. Quickly Law groped to the side of the klutz, who was kneeling next to a huge puddle of juice.

"Could you get a rag quickly?" he asked the boy, who started moving with a sigh.

The rag was quickly found in the small storage room, but out of the corner of his eye he recognized something that suddenly caught his attention. Half hidden behind a book, the eight-year-old pulled out a framed picture.

A petite woman of gentle, graceful figure and a proud man with an equally gentle gaze smilingly placed their hands on the shoulders of two blond children. While the one on the left clutched his mother's leg, beaming with joy, the boy on the right, his eyes covered by familiar sunglasses, seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the situation.

"Are those-"

"Yes, they are our parents."

Startled, the black-haired boy pulled up, the picture nearly slipping from his grasp. Gently Corazon took it from him and stroked the frame with a nostalgic look.

"However, this photo is already quite old. It must be about 18 years ago by now."

Law didn't know what to reply, so he said the first thing he noticed about the picture.

"They seem friendly."

Corazon hummed a wordless agreement. Law noticed how changed he seemed all of a sudden. Wistful. Sad.

"Mother was the most gentle and kind-hearted woman I have ever met. The same goes for our father. I'm sure they would have liked you very much, Law."

'Was'. 'Liked'. So that meant that they were no longer....

"They both died very early. Just a few days after this photo was taken," the blond explained as if Law had spoken his thought aloud. "Doffy and I had only each other after that. Times were hard but, well, we survived."

"I didn't mean to interrogate you," the boy muttered. "You didn't have to tell me all that."

Shaking his head, Corazon looked up from the picture.

"In the past, I probably would have kept quiet at this point and clung to Doffy's leg, blubbering, but after all these years the scar has healed to some extent. And yours will too. I'm sure it will. Besides, as long as we remember them..." He gently tapped Law's chest as a warm, wide smile spread across his lips, almost identical to his mother's. "...they will never die either."

Mutely, the cap wearer nodded. Whether through sweet memories or bitter nightmares. He carried his family forever in his heart.

Smiling, Corazon was about to put the picture back in its place when another voice sounded behind them.

"What are you two looking at?"

Quicker than Corazon could have reacted, the picture was snatched from him. Wordlessly, Doflamingo stared at it, his face contorted into a contemptuous grimace. Finally, he turned to his brother in a quivering voice.

"Why did you hide this photo here? I told you to throw away all the pictures with that miserable traitor."

"Don't talk so disparagingly about them! How many times do I have to tell you, our parents were decent, kind-hearted people!"

"Their kind-heartedness brought them to their grave! If Homing hadn't tried so hard to make the world a better place with his money and status, those bastards would never have attacked us and killed them! What do you think we would have been spared? How easy our lives could have been? Argh, get this picture out of my eyes."

Disgusted, he threw it at his brother and left the room. Flailing, Corazon tried to catch it, but it slipped through his grasp and would have shattered on the floor had Law not caught it in time. Relieved, the blond took it.

"Phew, thanks, Law. Unfortunately, it's the only picture I was able to save. We have very different opinions about our parents. Of course, it was naive of our father to believe that he alone could make the world a better place, but his belief in that alone makes him a good man in my eyes. If only some greedy bastards hadn't taken advantage of his good nature."

Law knew these feelings all too well. Betrayal. Grief. Anger.

"You don't understand anything!"

Maybe he was wrong. Maybe, as the very first people in his life, they could understand his pain.

"You know, Cora...as a future doctor, I set out to protect humanity from terrible diseases. But with time, I have realized that sometimes the worst disease can be humanity itself."

~

Some time later, the puddle in the kitchen had disappeared and the picture was stored in Corazon's room. Meanwhile, in the living room, Doflamingo made a phone call.

"Vergo, it's me. I'm on my way now. There was a small incident yesterday. I'll explain everything later."

Law did not really follow the conversation until his name came up.

"I see. I'll send the kid up in a minute. See you later."

Doflamingo addressed the boy, who was already eyeing him with a raised eyebrow.

"You're not busy right now, are you? Vergo forgot important documents for me. He lives one floor above us. His niece Baby 5 can give them to you. She's a sweet, sincere child, though a bit special. But then, so are you, so I'm sure you'll get along famously."

Law made a face and thought back to the girls he had already had the pleasure of meeting. Nothing but shrieking, emotional pain in the asses.

"Just try not to make her cry," Doflamingo asked with a sigh.

Chapter Text

Annoyed, Law pressed the bell for the third time. Silence. His patience was beginning to reach its limit. Apparently this baby number 5 or whatever this dubious girl was called was not home. He would tell Doflamingo, he had to see for himself how to break into the apartment.

Provided he returned to the front door in one piece (pun intended), because when suddenly a shrill scream echoed through the hallways, he passionately kissed the floor after impressively stumbling down ten steps.

With his skull humming, he held onto the stair railing and looked down. A few floors below, a person was lying lengthwise on the floor. Within seconds, he was standing in front of the girl with a big hair bow, who was sulkily collecting fruit and vegetables scattered on the floor.

"Oooh, not again. I'll never be useful like this." Her gaze slid up the shoes appearing in front of her. "Oh, hello."

"Are you hurt?"

Despite tears in the corners of her eyes, she waved them off with a smile.

"I'm fine, don't worry. Sorry if I scared you just now, hehe. But tell me, who are you? I haven't seen you here before." With sparkling eyes, the black-haired girl approached, her hand already outstretched. "You have a cute hat on! It kind of reminds me of a snow leopard!"

At the last second, Law quickly pulled his head away.

"Why the hell does everyone want to pick at my hat?" he asked sullenly, unintentionally glaring at the girl. The girl's dark blue eyes filled with tears, to Law's horror.

"Sorry, but...it looked so fluffy and..."

'Just try not to make her cry'.

Great. That had worked out great. Sighing, he reached for one of the bags lying on the floor.

"It's okay. Just forget it. You want me to help you with this stuff?"

"No, no, it's fine." To prove it, she lifted all four bags at once and shakily balanced herself. "I'm not a weak girl."

"Your strength doesn't matter much on the steep stairs here," Law replied coolly, taking two bags from her without any argument.

"Damn, is this heavy," he groaned in surprise. "Are you carrying bricks?"

Giggling, she shook her black curls.

"Miss Giolla from the first floor sometimes gives me lots of delicious food because I help her with various tasks! She always thinks I am very useful to her!" At the last sentence her eyes started to shine again.

"Good for you...," Law mumbled disinterestedly.

"What's your name?"

"Law."

"Just Law?"

Trafalgar D. Water Law. That was his name. But now that the brothers adopted him, he was officially called Donquichotte, right? Was he really ready to give up his former name?

"Yes...just Law."

"Hm, funny name. I'm Baby 5."

Critically, Law furrowed his brow.

"You have a number in your name and call me funny?"

Again, the black-haired girl giggled before staring sheepishly at the stairs.

"I honestly don't even know my real name. Uncle Vergo always called me Baby 5 so that's my name now. I live here with him. Uncle Vergo is pretty cold but also funny. He always has something stuck to his face. And he is very good friends with a man who always wears red sunglasses and has a super clumsy brother! He's always setting himself on fire, can you imagine that?"

"You have no idea," Law muttered to himself.

His trembling arms were grateful that they had finally arrived at the apartment door. Baby 5, on the other hand, seemed to have little trouble with the bags weighing tons, even though she was as scrawny as Law.

"Here we are," Baby 5 declared, unlocking the door. "Thank you for helping me! If you ever need help, you can always ask me!"

"Actually, I'm supposed to pick up some papers for Doflamingo that Vergo forgot."

Surprised, the girl whirled around. "You know Uncle Doffy?"

Law raised an eyebrow.

"Uncle Dof-? Yeah, you could say that."

"Why don't you come in and make yourself comfortable, I'll get them for you! Would you like some tea or cookies? I got some delicious ones from Giolla!"

Law declined and looked around.

The apartment seemed cool, almost uninhabited and not a bit homey. The interior was limited to the bare essentials, no colors, just a mixture of black, white and gray.

"It looks pretty empty here," Law remarked curtly.

"Vergo is not often home. He has to work a lot, because now he has to take care of me, too."

"So you just moved in with him recently?"

She stared at the documents she had brought out.

"My parents just left me one day because I was a burden to them. They said they wanted to finally enjoy their lives and took off." Her grip tightened. Law registered the slight tremor in her fingers. "I-I was all alone for months until Uncle Vergo found out and took me in. He said as long as I'm useful, I can stay with him. I don't want to lose him, too. That's why I have to be useful, you know? Because if I'm not, then-"

"I get it," he interrupted the agitated bow-tie wearer. "That's why you have this 'useful' quirk. Still, I don't get why you stay with such a bastard who takes advantage of you."

"I'll tell him you called him a bastard," the girl threatened, pouting, but a threatening glare from Law was enough to silence her near tears.

"Even if he doesn't show it, I firmly believe that he loves me! I mean, why else would he have taken me in the first place?"

Law shrugged his shoulders. He hadn't known him long, but did a man like Vergo really act out of pure charity?

"Can't we become friends?" the girl asked promptly. "I used to play with Buffallo, but he moved away a few weeks ago. Since then I've been pretty lonely. I would certainly be useful to you, I promise! I can get orders for you, or lend you money, or take care of the mail."

"Forget it," came the immediate reply, which did not please Baby 5 at all.

"But why not?"

Groaning, the boy grabbed the bridge of his nose. "Are you stupid? That's not how friendships work. You don't have to do anything for me!"

Puzzled, she held out the papers to him.

"Huh? But then I have no use at all."

"You won't die from it," he announced tersely, took the documents from her and left the apartment, unaware that Baby 5 was following him and suddenly called after him.

"You're an orphan, aren't you? I know that Doffy has only one brother and no children."

Surprised, Law paused.

"Did they leave you too?" Baby 5 asked pitiful.

Still with his back turned, he replied emotionlessly: "They were murdered."

A deep sob echoed through the hallway. Irritated, he looked over his shoulder, only to see Baby 5's entire face tear-stained.

"Why are you crying now?!"

Whimpering, she stroked her wet cheeks. "Well, I never really knew my parents but I'm sure yours loved you very much and it must be awful to see them die!"

Law screwed up his face. "Listen, if you want to be useful, then stop feeling sorry for me." He cleared his throat sheepishly, muttering the last sentence more to himself. "Then maybe I'll become your friend someday."

Abruptly, her whole countenance brightened, but before she could have given an answer, a voice rang up to the two of them.

"Oi, Law, did you get lost or why are you taking so long?"

"Uncle Doffy!"

The girl happily groped down the stairs, where Doflamingo greeted her with a grin.

"Ah, hello Baby 5, busy as ever I see."

"I gathered all the documents and gave them to Law!"

Satisfied, he tousled her black curls.

"I see, you did very well."

"Was I useful?"

"Very much so."

She happily turned to the cap wearer.

"Did you hear that, Law!"

"Good for you," he grumbled, handing the documents to the grinning Doflamingo.

"Fufufu, I knew you'd get along."

Law just rolled his eyes, while Baby 5 nodded happily.

"Treat the young lady well, or I'll pull your ears, kid. Well then, see you later."

With that, one brother said goodbye while the other stepped up to the door frame....

"Oh hello, Ba-"

...and promptly tripped over it.

"Ahahaha, Corazon, you're really clumsy!"

Ashamed, the blond stroked his tousled hair.

"Yeah, I guess that'll never change." His expression became a bit more serious and Law noticed how he briefly looked the girl up and down. "How are you doing? Are you getting enough to eat? Is Vergo taking good care of you?"

Puzzled, the bow-tie wearer thought for a moment but then put on a broad smile.

"I'm fine!" Law could see that she was tugging at her sleeve. "Oh, um, I forgot, I have to help Lao G with his shopping! See you around, Law, Corazon!"

The blonde waved after her before pulling on his feather coat.

"I'm going to Dress Rosa to buy some new writing paper and some other stuff. Would you like to accompany me?"

Law shrugged his shoulders.

"Why not."

~

As Corazon drove the car along the magnificent rows of houses, Law saw Baby 5 again, helping an old man who resembled a walking corpse with the groceries.

"Did you make friends with her?" asked Corazon with interest, noticing Law's stare out of the corner of his eye. The latter quickly pulled his head away from the window, realizing that he had been looking at her like a stalker.

"I wouldn't go that far but...she's okay. Except for that 'useful' thing. That idiot will probably get taken advantage of by everyone and everything later on and not even realize it."

"You might be right."

He put on the blinker, letting out a soft sigh.

"She doesn't deserve any of this," he breathed towards the side window, so softly and muffled that Law wasn't sure if he had heard correctly.

Chapter Text

A good quarter of an hour of more or less bumpy driving later, the pink sports car parked safely in a small side street. After all the enthusiastic reports about Dress Rosa that Law had picked up at the orphanage, about children who supposedly lived in an unimaginably beautiful city full of flowers, culinary delicacies and mountains of toys before their arrival, he had high expectations for this city.

However, these evaporated as soon as he set foot out of the car. Left, right, front, back, wherever he looked, there were old, half-ruined houses and worn-out streets. Not to mention the musty smell.

"All these rumors are exaggerated beyond measure," the black-haired groaned in frustration and explained at Corazon's confused look: "The great Dress Rosa, the city of never-ending flower fields, huge colorful houses full of arrogant snobs; all I see are dilapidated gray houses and alleys where it stinks."

Corazon just threw the unsuspecting boy a sly smile.

"Hehe, you'll be surprised. We're not quite there yet. We're still in one of the suburbs. Since it's almost impossible to find a parking spot in Dress Rosa, we'll have to walk the last bit."

"If you say so..." Out of the corner of his eye, Law noticed the cigarette butt sticking out of Corazon's mouth.

"Put it away," the boy warned gruffly.

"But-"

"No."

"I-"

"Don't talk back to me. I don't feel like walking around with a walking beacon. It's bad for your health anyway."

The blond gave him a puppy dog look. "Just one little cigarette, Law. Please."

Sighing, the eight-year-old crossed his arms.

"I said no. Don't make me take them from you."

Relenting, albeit heavily, Corazon put them back in his pocket. At least he saw Law's satisfied smile as his little reward.

~

"Welcome to Dress Rosa!"

Law's mouth fell open. Literally, only too late did he realize that he had swallowed a fly. No wonder with the masses of insects dancing around the magnificent, meter-high flowers, which shone in all possible colors in the sunlight. No less colorful were the houses in all their various shapes and sizes. People streamed in and out of them. Everyone seemed so content, so happy. Law felt a sting in his chest. This city, despite its small differences, was so similar to his hometown Flevance.

"Flevance?"

Law squinted up at the blond, who looked at him in wonder. Had he said that out loud?

"I was just thinking that this town is kind of like Flevance. My home."

He should have said "former home" but he couldn't get it past his lips. The eight-year-old started moving and only after a few meters he noticed that no one was following him. He looked back at his companion, who stood rooted to the spot, eyes fixed on the ground.

"Cora? Are you coming?"

The addressed one jumped up.

"Ah, sorry. Of course. Let's go."

~

Bored, Law sat back and watched Corazon scurry through the store for the dozenth time.

"Do you have everything by now?" the boy asked, annoyed, staring at the meter-high pile of writing utensils in Corazon's hands.

"Almost, I just need more drawing paper, ink, oh yeah and-agh!!!"

Law slapped his hand over his face. He didn't even want to see what a mess this moron had made again now.

"I'll just wait outside."

Sighing, the boy stepped out and sucked in the fresh air. Even outside the store, one could still hear the thuds the klutz was making. Knowing that Corazon's shopping would take longer, Law decided to look around on his own.

The atmosphere, the flair, the residents, the smell. The city really seemed perfect in every way. Almost too perfect.

With a jolt, Law jerked to the side, only just able to catch himself before he looked sullenly up at the man who had just bumped into him. He recognized the uniform immediately. A marine.

"Sorry kid, didn't see you there."

Before Law could say anything, the soldier turned back to his colleague. "As I was saying, the underworld organization is starting to act on their own again."

The boy flinched. Underworld organization? Law had heard of many organizations outside the Navy, but an underworld organization was new to him.

As unobtrusively as possible, he followed the two soldiers, both ears pricked as the younger man shook his head in annoyance.

"I'm telling you, the world government is slowly but surely replacing us marines with this gang of criminals!"

The much older soldier laughed. "Well, I don't mind an early retirement."

"You don't have three children to feed," the younger man objected. "Besides, this 'organization' has no sense of justice! I'm telling you, they would just kill everyone and anything if they get paid well for it!"

"Hm, I can agree with you on that. But since the incident in this city, they have been strictly forbidden to take action. In uh...what was its name again?"

"Flevance."

"What?!"

The horrified cry left Law's lips even before he realized it. Synchronously, the marines whirled around to face him.

"Hey, you're the boy from earlier! Have you been eavesdropping on us all this time?"

In such an obvious situation, denying it didn't help. So Law did the next best thing he could think of. Run.

"Hey, get back here right now!"

The eight-year-old pushed his way through the crowd, turning into all sorts of alleys, with only one thought, no, more a question floating in his head. What did the underworld organization have to do with Flevance?! Was it them that burned down his city? No, it couldn't be, it was the Navy! Wasn't it? No, his memories clearly showed him that it was a navy member who was leaning over him at the time, before he lost consciousness. But who told him that these guys from the organization didn't look the same? Damn, all these uncertainties were eating him up!

His consciousness was only sent back to the here and now when he stomped an old woman into the ground by a hair.

"Hey, watch it, you rude brat."

"Sorry," the boy gasped as he looked around. He had shaken off the Marine but...how the hell was he supposed to find his way back to Corazon now? The clumsy was screwed without him after all. Wouldn't surprise him if he was already rolling around on fire on the ground somewhere.

"AAAAH!!! THERE'S A MAN ON FIRE ON THE GROUND!"

Bingo!

~

After Law borrowed a fire extinguisher from a restaurant and once again saved Corazon from a miserable end, the latter was overjoyed to have found Law and pulled the boy into a hug.

"There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere! I can understand that you wanted to see the city, but next time let me know before you go on your own!"

He looked down at his boy, who was staring at the ground, lost in thought.

"Law?"

Law's gaze continued to fix on the paved floor.

"I need to ask you something urgently, Cora."

The blond frowned. "What is it?"

Law looked around suspiciously.

"Not here. There are too many pricked ears."

Suddenly Corazon loosened his embrace. His expression became serious.

"I think I already know what you want to ask me, Law."

"Really?" he asked irritated, to which the blond nodded.

"You met a cute girl earlier and you want some advice from good old Cora!"

Grinning up to both ears, he tousled through Law's hair. Law blushed as he tried to swat Corazon's hand away.

"What the-no!!!"

"Don't be embarrassed! Everyone comes to that age sometime. Some later and some earlier-"

"CORA! This isn't about a girl!"

The blond looked puzzled before slapping a hand to his face.

"Sorry Law, that was stupid of me." With an understanding smile, he put his hand on Law's shoulder. "I don't care if it's a boy or a girl, as long as you're happy!"

Law, by now fiery red, drew in his breath sharply. Maybe he should have let Corazon fry after all. Determined, the angry boy stomped off.

"You know what, just forget it."

"Wait, Law! I'll take you serious from now on, promised! I know a good cafe where we can talk undisturbed."

Sighing, Law stopped.

"All right, but stay close to me. I don't wanna look for you again."

"As a chaperone, shouldn't that be my line?"

~

"What do you know about the underworld organization of the world government?"

In a high arc, Corazon spat the steaming brown liquid into the air before toppling backwards along with the chair. Coughing, he straightened up again.

"Law, why–how do you–who told you about this?"

"Two marines were talking about the organisation acting more often again. And that it hasn't done that since an incident in Flevance."

"Uh, it's nothing a boy your age should be concerned about. Anyway, how did you like Dress Rosa?"

"Cora..."

"We can come back anytime!"

"Cora-"

"Or if you'd rather go to the zoo-"

"CORA!"

The blond jerked up. He almost fell off his chair again.

"This is important for me. It's about Flevance. I want to know what the underworld organization had to do with the destruction of my home. You, as a former marine, should know something about it."

Nervously, the blond ran his fingers through his tousled curls.

"Law, I-"

"Please Cora," Law pleaded. "You're the only one who might know something about this and...who I can trust."

Sighing, the blond finally relented.

"I hadn't had much to do with them. They're kind of like the lapdogs of the world government. Desperate people who, for good pay, will carry out any order the government gives them, no matter how cruel or controversial. The world government rarely uses them, but when it does, it's to carry out something nasty, something that contrasts with the Navy's sense of justice."

"And you really don't know-," Law continued, but broke off when he saw Corazon's hands, which he tried to hide behind his drink. They were shaking.

~

Back in the familiar surroundings, Law met two familiar faces in front of the house entrance.

"Hello, Law. Corazon," Vergo greeted them as Baby 5 toddled along behind him. When she noticed Law, her face began to glow.

"Law! Giolla is about to invite me for an ice cream and said I could bring a friend! Would you like to join me? Please, please, please!"

"I don't really have-"

Suddenly Vergo leaned down to him. His look, his whole presence seemed friendly and intimidating at the same time.

"A true gentleman does not refuse a lady's request. Do my sweet niece this favor."

Uncertainly, he looked up at Corazon, who was desperately trying to lift all the purchases. He smiled at Law. "Go ahead."

"All right," Law gave in with a sigh, following Baby 5. As he took a last look over his shoulder he could feel Vergo's piercing gaze on his skin. And for some reason it made him shudder.

~

"Where have you been?" asked Baby 5 curiously.

"Dress Rosa."

Her dark blue eyes began to sparkle. "How cool! Is the city really as beautiful as everyone says?"

Law eyed her irritated. "You've lived here longer than me. Have you never been there?"

"No. Vergo doesn't have much time to go on trips with me, so I spend most of my time here helping other people. It's my hobby!"

"More like an obsession," Law muttered as he noticed something about her that made him wonder.

"Where did that scratch on your forehead come from? It wasn't there last time."

"Huh? O-oh that." Hastily, she concealed the reddened area behind her bangs. "Uh, I wasn't useful, and made a mistake."

Law eyed her for a moment, watched her turn her face away in embarrassment, and decided not to pursue the matter any further. For now.

~

Law put his spare key, which he got from the brothers, into the lock and opened the front door. Already in the hallway he could hear the brothers arguing about something.

"Maybe in the shape of a bear?"

"Bear-shaped? Seriously? The boy will sprint right back to the orphanage if he sees that. Not to mention, you'd never get them all blown up anyway with your smoker's lungs."

"Tse, you probably wouldn't even recognize them, as drunk as you'd be. Well, what do you suggest?"

"I was thinking of chilling a good drop of red wine and-"

"Are you crazy? The boy is eight! I won't let you turn him into your drinking companion!"

"Do you think I'm that irresponsible? There's orange juice for him, of course."

Law cleared his throat loudly, attracting the attention of the two. Doflamingo hid something behind a sofa cushion, while Corazon sat on a piece of paper. Did they really think he wouldn't notice?

"What are you two talking about?"

"We were just having a little discussion about what to have for dinner tonight," Doflamingo clarified. "Did you have a good time with your girlfriend?"

"It was okay, I guess," Law commented curtly, not realizing Doflamingo's comment until it was too late.

"Wait a minute, she's not my-!"

It was already too late, both brothers stared at him with a mischievous smile that Law would love to rip off their faces.

"Fufu, there's nothing more amusing than teasing you, kid."

Over the next few days, the brothers kept bugging Law with random questions. What he had always wanted, what he particularly liked and disliked, whether he had always wanted to go somewhere, and so on.

The boy decided not to concern himself further with the strange behavior of the two. He had more important things to think about.

It was only another week later, when he happened to switch on his submarine lamp and took a quick look at the calendar at night, that he realized what the brothers had probably been secretly talking about all along and what the questions were about.

Tomorrow was his nineth birthday.

Chapter Text

He could still clearly remember his mother's soft, gentle voice.

"Congratulations, darling. Now you've grown up a little bit again."

His father's honest, warm voice.

"I wish you all the best, Law. I am really proud of you, son."

And, of course, the bright, lively voice of his sister.

"Happy birthday, brother! Look, I helped Mommy to bake the cake!"

They all stood at his bedside early in the morning, sang him a birthday song, gave him their gifts, presented the birthday cake, which would be cut later. Every year they took that day off and were by his side without interruption.

Until, in one fell swoop, everything changed.

And suddenly his birthday, a special day that a child looked forward to all year long, became an absolute horror for Law. He would have preferred to simply pretend that it never existed, to never speak a word about it again.

In the orphanage, however, it was one of the inescapable traditions to celebrate every single birthday. He let it wash over him, putting on a fake smile and pretending to appreciate the efforts of the caretakers and congratulations from the other children.

But all he felt was pain.

Painful memories of how happy he once was. Painful memories of all his happiness being taken away from him.

After many sad years of being alone, his life had finally changed for the better. He was adopted, he was given a chance at a fresh start and slowly, ever so slowly, he began to adjust to his new life. To Corazon's clumsiness, Doflamingo's stupid jokes, to the dinners they shared, to Baby 5's regular visits. After the vacations, the brothers would enroll him in the same school Baby 5 attended so he could continue learning, graduate, and eventually fulfill his dream. To become a doctor. A great doctor, like his father and mother were.

Yes, many things had changed. But the aversion to his birthday remained. Maybe he could convince the brothers to just spend this day like any other. Wait, who even said the two of them had anything else in mind? They had only known each other for barely 2 months, so it was only presumptuous to think they would drop everything today to celebrate the birthday of a mere child.

Or not.

Barely out of the room, Law was buried under a mountain of colorful balloons and streamers. The now nine-year-old screwed up his face, already guessing what the rest of the apartment would look like. The thought of a normal, unusual day flew away faster than the balloon he had 'accidentally' popped.

Law already thought the decorations in the hallway were over the top, but the living room took on a whole other dimension. The ceiling was plastered with balloons, the entire sofa dressed in confetti. A giant balloon in the shape of a bear's head was attached to each armrest. Seriously? What was he, five? Although on closer inspection the balloons did look kind of cool. Pretty cool even, but he didn't necessarily have to announce that. The brothers put a lot of effort into the decoration. It looked so familiar, almost like back then when he was still celebrating with his family.

Immersed in all the nostalgia, Law didn't even notice how the brothers came out from behind the sofa.

"Happy Birthday, Law!"

He jerked up in surprise and almost had to smile at the sight of the brothers. It was not a familiar image to see such two giants covered in confetti with mini birthday hats and party horns in their mouths. Corazon stumbled while getting up and flew in a high arc over the couch. At the last second, Doflamingo managed to snatch the tray with the cake on it from him.

"What possessed me to put the cake in YOUR hands?"

Corazon wanted to say something, but all that came out of his mouth was colorful confetti.

"What are you doing here? Don't you have work to do?" asked Law, a little taken off guard, to which the sunglasses wearer just frowned.

"Fufu, how cruel do you think we are? There's no work on your birthday. Today we celebrate, eat and drink!"

"Mother, Father, you really don't have to skip work just because of me."

"But Law, we're not working on your birthday! Today we celebrate!"

Just like back then...

Law cleared his throat, a flush of red on his cheeks. "Uh, thanks for going through all this trouble, I guess."

He bit his lower lip as he spoke the next words. "But none of that would have been necessary."

Doflamingo waved it off nonchalantly.

"Ah, don't mention it, kid. We may have overdone it a little with the decoration." He glared at his brother. "Somebody had to tear open the confetti bags so that the whole load exploded."

Before a new spat could ensue between the brothers, Law opened his mouth again.

"I don't think I should be celebrating my birthday," the nine-year-old blurted out. Confusion spread across the blonde's face.

"Why not?" the brothers asked in sync, tilting their heads. Law didn't quite know how to explain it to them, but tried anyway.

"After my family died, there was no reason for me to celebrate, especially birthdays. It feels wrong somehow without them. Like I don't care that they are no longer alive."

Looking up from the confetti-covered parquet, the brothers looked at each other slightly perplexed, to which Law appended an "sorry" but the men just shook their heads.

"Don't apologize, Law," Corazon asked sympathetically. "It's perfectly fine if you don't want to celebrate. But celebrating your birthday doesn't automatically mean forgetting your family. They are still with you, even if you don't see them. And this day has an important meaning for them as well. After all, they had their beloved son many years ago today. I'm sure they're watching us right now, and I'm sure they'd be sad if you'd want to forget your and their special day because of them."

He had never thought about it that way before.

"If you put it like this...I don't know, maybe I should give all this another chance."

Corazon smiled encouragingly at him. "We can take it slowly. In small steps."

Law nodded. Small steps. That sounded good.

~

"Well, blow them out before Roci burns us down."

Law took a deep breath before blowing out the nine lit candles in a gush. They were stuck in a blue cake that resembled the ocean. On top of it were several small ships and even a submarine, which Law particularly liked.

"Well done, kid," Doflamingo praised, tousling Law's black strands. Before Law knew what was happening, Doflamingo pushed his head down so that he landed in the middle of the cake.

Grumpily, he raised his plastered face seconds later, while Doflamingo's lips wore a gleeful grin.

"Oops. My hand must have slipped, fufufu."

"I think mine is about to slip too," Law muttered quietly to himself as he took a generous slice of cake and took a swing.

...In short, not really much of the pie ended up on any plate.

~

"Now that the breakfast battle is over," Doflamingo explained as he wiped the last remnants of dough from his hair. "Why don't you take a look in the living room."

The boy, who until just now had been busy with Corazon scrubbing the last cake stains from the kitchen ceiling, walked into the living area with a raised eyebrow and stopped in front of the table. With an incredulous look, he eyed the many gifts that were tumbling on it. Only when he felt the presence of the brothers behind him did he break free from his rigidity.

"They don't open up from staring, kid," Doflamingo joked, but Law only looked uncertainly up at the brothers.

"You really didn't have to give me anything. You've given me back enough already."

He whispered the last part to himself, but the blondes seemed to have heard it anyway. He could see how the eyes of Corazon filled more and more with tears.

"Open the presents before Roci starts crying," Doflamingo ordered, although he moved his sunglasses aside and ran his hands over his eyes too.

Law opened the first package. Two hoodies were inside. One dark blue and one yellow, black one that caught Law's eye especially. It had a grinning smiley in the middle, which somehow reminded him of Corazon's freaky grin. Furthermore, he got a black backpack with the same grinning smiley logo and an alarm clock with a little polar bear on it. Law was surprised, almost perhaps a little touched, at how much effort the brothers had put into selecting the gifts.

The black-haired wheeled around to thank the brothers as they each pulled out another small package from behind their backs. They handed it to the stunned boy.

"We thought we'd each give you something a little more personal," Corazon explained, whereupon Law curiously began to carefully open Doflamingo's gift. It felt strange. Round and soft and-

"What the hell is this?!" exclaimed Law in shock as he held a pink ball of feathers in his hands. The shuttlecock wore red sunglasses and a grin that was way too wide. This...'something' looked eerily familiar to him.

"You already had your eye on it in the car. Of course, I made another one for you," Doflamingo explained, not even trying to hide the sardonic undertone. "You're welcome, brat. You don't have a car yet, but you can hang it over your bed."

"Should I get more nightmares, or what?" Law replied snappishly, whereupon the blond grumbled something to himself.

That left Corazon's gift, which Law accepted rather skeptically.

"If another one of that feathered creature stares at me now-," he began seriously, but the blond hastily waved it off.

"No, don't worry. My idea was a bit more original." He looked at his brother, who rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Law's eyes widened when he saw the contents. It was a book. But not just any book.

'The adventurous voyage of the Heart Pirates'.

Underneath it was written in small letters: "From Corazon to Law"

The nine-year-old was stunned. Corazon had really taken all this time and effort to write Law his own book?

As if by magic, his hand stroked the cover. It showed Law himself as a pirate captain on a quivering yellow submarine. Around him was his crew, consisting of a boy in a whale cap, a boy in a penguin cap, and a, uh, polar bear in orange overalls? Who came up with such a stupid idea?

"Although a story with a polar bear would be cooler."

Ah yes, he himself. At first, he thought the whole story was pretty silly, but the more he leafed through the book, the more it captivated him.

Meanwhile, Corazon rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. "I guess my imagination got the best of me in that book. I know you're not a fan of such childish stuff, but maybe you'll give it a chance sometime?"

"No," Law said tersely, which brought a tear to the author's eye.

No?" he repeated disappointedly, and Law clarified: "I like the book. Actually, all of your books are pretty cool but I think this...is going to be my favorite."

Now a whole stream of tears rushed down Corazon's cheeks.

"Thank you, Law! You don't know how much this means to me!"

A slight smile crept onto the boy's lips. He was surprised at himself. When was the last time he had smiled on his birthday?

He turned to the brothers. "Thanks. I haven't had a birthday like this in a long time."

The siblings looked at each other more than satisfied.

"Heh, and it's not over yet. Get dressed. We're going to the Acacia Zoo!" Doflamingo announced.

The Acacia Zoo. Law was already imagining what kind of animals he would see when there was a knock at the door. He opened it a crack, but would have liked to slam it shut again. Vergo was standing in front of him.

"What do you want?" the boy asked coolly. The man leaned forward and held out his hand to Law, who reflexively backed away. Vergo raised a brow briefly.

"Congratule the young man, of course."

Law himself did not know why he was so suspicious of this man. Something was troubling him. Was it Corazon's warning, or Vergo's piercing gaze?

When Law reached out his hand, Vergo squeezed it with such force that the nine-year-old quickly withdrew it.

"Thanks," he said quickly and was about to slam the door in his face when another figure rushed down the stairs.

"Law!"

He could not identify the person as Baby 5 until she had pulled him into a warm hug.

"Happy birthday, Law!" she called a little too loudly into Law's ear, who stood there transfixed.

"Are you trying to make me deaf? Let me go."

Baby 5 did as ordered and dug out a small package from her shoulder bag, which she held out to him with a grin.

"I have a present for you. I made it myself!"

Law cautiously opened it and examined the white object.

"A dreamcatcher?"

Baby 5 took a step towards him and whispered in his ear: "Back then, I often couldn't sleep because of my nightmares. But when I made a dreamcatcher, they turned into beautiful dreams. Maybe it will help you, too."

She smiled gently at him. Law felt his face heat up and quickly lowered his gaze.

"I see. Thanks. I uh, appreciate it."

"That means I was useful! Yay!"

Just at that moment, Doflamingo stepped out into the hallway.

"What's going on here? Oh, do you have guests?"

"Uncle Doffy!" Baby 5 wrapped herself around his leg as he tousled her hair with a grin. That's when she noticed that he and Corazon had already put on their coats.

"Are you going out?" she turned to Law, who nodded.

"To the Acacia Zoo."

Baby 5's eyes began to shine as if the stars themselves had gotten lost in them.

"The Acacia Zoo!? How great, I heard that's the very best zoo in the country!"

Before Law could answer, Vergo called her over.

"Come on, Baby 5, we have to go."

Obediently, she toddled to his side, and said goodbye with a "Have fun!"

Law looked after the two and listened to their conversation.

"Uncle Vergo, can't we go to the zoo sometime? Please?"

"Sometime, maybe."

"You've been saying that for months..."

Doflamingo quickly stowed the car keys in his pocket before turning to Law, whose gaze was fixed on his hand.

"So, are you ready? What do you have there?"

Law still didn't look up. His eyes were literally glued to the white mobile as he voiced a thought.

"Hey, can we take Baby 5 to the zoo too?"

Doflamingo eyed Law critically. "Since when are you so social?"

"What's that supposed to mean!?"

~

"Thank you so much for letting me come with you, Uncle Doffy!"

Baby 5 took a seat next to Law in the back seat, beaming from ear to ear. The latter sheepishly moved toward the window. Doflamingo surveyed the two in the rearview mirror, putting on a devilish grin.

"Fufu, no problem. Law insisted on taking you as a special guest."

"I never put it that way," a bright red Law justified himself.

A general laugh rang through the car.

None of the people in the car would have guessed at this point what the day would bring with it.

(Do not repost/share my picture without my consent)

Chapter Text

"Wooooow, I can see it already!"

Baby 5's face was literally glued to the fogged window pane.

"Look how huge it is, Law!" She turned to him enthusiastically, her big eyes sparkling with childlike excitement. "There must be lots of different kinds of animals!"

Sighing, the boy rolled his eyes. "That's what a zoo is all about, idiot. Have you really never been there?"

Shaking her head, her forehead was already hanging on the window glass again, her astonished gaze directed at the seemingly endless grounds.

"I've never been to a zoo in general. Uncle Vergo never had time for it. But that's okay, after all, he's had to work more to feed me since he took me in."

She gave Law a smile, more radiant than the sunshine that broke through the cloud cover.

"I'm just happy to be included today. You're a great friend, Law!"

The nine-year-old turned away from her and pressed his heated cheeks against the cool glass.

"You don't have to keep thanking me."

Doflamingo put on a dirty grin as he turned briefly to the back.

"Do you want me to open a window? You look like you're a little warm back there."

"Concentrate on the traffic, stupid feather man!" the boy shouted at him.

Doflamingo laughed out loud. "Did you hear that, Roci? His first nickname for me. That's going into your memory album, Law."

The cap wearer pouted, but when he noticed Baby 5's cheerful, amused giggle, a slight smile did creep onto his lips.

"Here we are," Doflamingo announced grinning at the sight of the astonished faces directed at the magnificent archway of animal figures. Baby 5 couldn't stop marveling.

"Wow! Are zoos always this gigantic?"

"We're not even inside yet. But the zoo in Flevance wasn't half that big," Law confessed, whose family made an annual visit to the zoo at the time. "I wonder how many animals they have here?"

"Let's find out!" Corazon, barely trying to suppress his own enthusiasm, started moving, the rest quickly following.

The group of four began to explore the zoo piece by piece, each enclosure promised a new adventure. It was especially chaotic with the flamingos, which ran around freely and almost smothered Doflamingo. Some nibbled on the feathers of his coat, others nestled around his legs. Baby 5 could hardly stop her chuckling.

"Look, the flamingos love him!"

Law also wore a sardonic grin on his face.

"Well, he looks like one of them. Maybe the zoo will take him in–Cora watch out!!!"

At the last second, the nine-year-old was able to prevent the blond from falling headfirst into the nearby crocodile pool. Which didn't stop him from slipping on the floor and setting himself on fire once again. What was by now routine for Law, Doflamingo and Baby 5 caused the rest of the zoo visitors to break out in sheer panic. Sighing, Law looked around for the nearest fire extinguisher and once again saved Corazon from a quick end.

Baby 5 quickly rushed to his side, giggling.

"Hihihi, you're such a klutz, Cora!"

Law, on the other hand, rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Tsk, he's going to kill himself someday because of his clumsiness."

"You're wrong, Law! My clumsiness is too clumsy to kill me!" the blond explained with an inexplicable hint of pride.

"That...doesn't make any sense at all," the boy tersely remarked, registering a shadow hovering over him. Doflamingo, a flamingo still bitterly clinging to his sleeve, pointed to the large enclosure in front of them.

"Aren't those elephants up ahead?"

A jolt went through the children's bodies.

"Come on, Law! Let's go see the elephants!" the girl announced, grabbing the boy by the sleeve, who grumbled in reply: "Stop pulling like that."

Corazon looked after the children. Seeing Law as carefree and happy as today, was everything he had ever wished for. Things were going really well for them.

If only there wasn't this one thing that was weighing on Corazon's chest like a stone. Which grew bigger with every smile Law gave him. He had to get rid of that stone or soon a whole avalanche would roll in and destroy everything they had ever built.

He turned to his older brother, who had freed himself from the last pink animal.

"Doffy, we need to talk."

~

"Aren't they amazing?!"

Baby 5 took a new peanut from the bag handed to her by an animal keeper and held it out to the gray giant. His trunk quickly snatched the nut and brought it to his mouth.

"You say that about pretty much everything here," commented Law, who was secretly also fascinated by the elephant.

"Look what a long nose he has! It must be super useful!"

"It's called a trunk, stupid."

The girl puffed out her rosy cheeks. "Hmph, whatever. I think it's cool!"

"Mhm. But not as cool as polar bears."

"There must be some here, too!"

Baby 5 had to hold back a giggle when she saw Law's eyes start to sparkle.

"You think so?"

A soft clearing of the throat made the children prick up their ears. Doflamingo approached the enclosure. Law noticed a certain change in his features. Tense.

"Shall we go on? I'm sure there's plenty more to see here."

Agreeing, Baby 5 scurried to his side while Law joined Corazon. The latter's stare was glued to his brother's back. Irritated, the nine-year-old tugged at the man's heart shirt to bring him out of his thought spiral.

"Is everything okay between you two, Cora?"

The blond tousled Law's hair with a grin.

"Of course! We were just arguing about what animals to watch next."

An incredulous face greeted the man.

"I see, and what came out?"

"Uh..." The blond fell silent.

"Today the birthday boy gets to choose," the older brother interjected. "Free choice." The man paused for a moment. "Except for flamingos," he added quickly.

After a short stop for refreshments, it seemed hardly surprising when the group found itself in front of the polar bear enclosure.

"I should have guessed," the brothers murmured synchronously, while the children were already running to the enclosure. However, none of them had reckoned with the crowd of people that almost crushed them. The two managed to reach the railing, but all they saw were trouser legs.

"You can't see a thing from down here," Law exclaimed disappointedly and Baby 5's smile faded as well.

"We'll see about that," Law heard a voice behind him and before he knew it, he was suddenly sitting on Corazon's shoulders. Baby 5, across from him, on top of Doflamingo's. Thanks to the absurdly tall men, the two now had a better view than anyone else. A huge polar bear leisurely made its rounds.

"Look, Law! Don't you think he looks like Bepo?" said Corazon, who could literally feel Law's enthusiasm.

"You're right! Awesome, Cora!"

Boom, the warm feeling returned to Corazon's chest. God, he wanted nothing more than for that lightheartedness and cheerfulness in Law's voice to never disappear.

"Maybe we can get just a little bit closer."

The blond apologetically pushed past more people leaning right against the railing. Law was shaken back and forth as he did so, struggling to hold onto the man's hair.

"Hey, it's all right! That's not a good idea! C-Cora? Cora! STOP CO-"

Splat.

The screaming boy fell headlong into the polar bear enclosure.

"LAAAAAW!!!!!"

Gasping for air, Law emerged from the cold water, looking around. Shocked faces were fixed on him. No, if he looked closely, they were more likely directed at something behind him. Cautiously, he peered over his shoulder as it took his breath away again. The predator's deep black pupils reflected his frozen face like a mirror. He found himself eye to eye with the gigantic polar bear.

Do not move. Remain calm. Not a peep.

These were the only thoughts that circled through his head. He felt the cold of the water slowly enveloping his body. Other visitors were already milling around the enclosure, keepers were hurrying to him. But he doubted that help would reach him in time.

The polar bear tilted its head, opened its huge mouth. A fishy foul odor crept into his nostrils, making him gag briefly. Out of reflex, his body rowed back, trying to gain distance from the dangerous predator. A fatal mistake. The polar bear jumped to him in the pool of water. Only a few meters separated them.

Law felt the cold paralyzing his limbs. He could barely keep his head above water. The polar bear, on the other hand, began to paddle in his direction. Law didn't know how to help himself. His mind could not function reasonably in this devastating situation and the chattering of his teeth drowned out any clear thought.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Doflamingo and Corazon climbing over the railing, but the other zoo visitors pulled them back. The keeper also looked indecisively back and forth between him and the polar bears. It was too late for further action anyway. Law could feel the polar bear's breath on his neck. Letting out a desperate cry, he squinted his eyes.

Suddenly, a jolt went through his body. He was moving! The polar bear's snout clutched his hood. And all at once he felt land under his feet again. His amazement was also reflected in the faces of the zoo visitors. The polar bear had pulled him out of the water!

Abruptly, its snout shot toward him. Reflexively, Law squinted his face with his hands. The polar bear, however, only nudged his palm with his wet nose before turning around and moving away from Law.

Now, at last, the zookeepers went into the enclosure. An older man rushed to Law, who wrapped his arms around his shivering body, and led him out. Law's three companions pushed their way through the crowd and shot toward him. Baby 5 had tears in her eyes.

The girl wrapped her arms around his neck, sobbing. "I-I thought I lost my friend!"

The keeper held the two men back.

"Are you responsible for the boy?"

Both nodded. Law, meanwhile, was handed over to a paramedic, who wrapped him in a warm blanket.

"Take him to the medical room," the keeper asked the paramedic, before angrily pointing his finger at Corazon and Doflamingo. "And I'd like to have a word with you!"

~

"Here you go, kid."

The paramedic handed him a cup of tea after warming him up with blankets and hot water bottles. She also gave him dry clothes, which made him look like a zoo-obsessed tourist. The woman took a seat next to him.

"That must have been quite a shock for you, huh?"

Law nodded.

"For us employees, too, to be honest. Bepo has never been this trusting to people."

Law almost choked on his tea. "Bepo?"

The woman nodded. "Yes. Bepo, our polar bear."

Smiling, Law took another sip of the hot liquid.

After a while, the paramedic explained that Law could rejoin his companions. They were already waiting for him outside.

"What did they say?" the boy wanted to know and turned to Doflamingo, who explained: "Since it was an accident, there are no consequences for us. But this walking danger here should at least keep 10 meters away from the enclosures."

Corazon stumbled up to the nine-year-old, sobbing and dejected. "I'm so sorry Law! I'm such an irresponsible idiot!"

Law sighed deeply.

"You can say that again, dumbass." He paused for a moment. "However, I've never seen a polar bear this close before so I think I can forgive you. This one time."

The blond's countenance brightened abruptly. Grinning wickedly, he wrapped the boy in a hug.

"Thank you, Law! I'm so glad you're okay!"

"We all are," Doflamingo stated with a grin, before adding with a more serious look: "I guess we'd better get out of here for now and not come back for the next few days." He glanced back at all the scowling faces glaring at him. "Or rather weeks."

~

No sooner were the troop on their way home than the sky closed in. A distant thunder sounded through the cloud cover as the first raindrops ran down the car windows. Law sighed. He could really do without getting wet a second time.

"Are you sure you don't want to come in? There's plenty of cake left," Corazon asked the girl, who gratefully declined.

"That's really nice of you but I should clean up a bit before Vergo gets home from work."

Doflamingo tousled her curls.

"If you change your mind, you know where to find us."

Baby 5 nodded happily.

"Thank you so much for this amazing day! I have never enjoyed myself as much as today!"

"It's okay," Law waved off and admitted: "I enjoyed it too."

With these words, everyone returned to their homes.

Satisfied, Law hung the snow-white dreamcatcher over his bed before dropping onto the mattress. What a chaotic day. He could have imagined that. A smile crept onto his lips. He would certainly not forget this birthday for the rest of his life.

And as he lay there, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, his thoughts suddenly wandered to his family.

"Mother, father, Lamy. I don't know if you can hear me, but I would like to tell you something. A lot has happened in the last few months. The encounter with two meddlesome brothers, one stranger than the other, has completely disrupted my life. And not everything that happened was good, I mean only today I thought again that was my end. In fact, sometimes they are really annoying with their teasing or Cora's clumsiness. But well. I guess in spite of everything I should be grateful to them, because...for the first time since your death I feel that it is worthwhile to go on. So please don't worry about me."

Yes, Law was grateful.

But had he ever actually told them? Had he ever really thanked them for giving him a fresh start? Maybe it was time for that. He glanced at his watch. Everyone had agreed to go to bed a little earlier tonight. But maybe he was lucky and they were still awake.

Quietly, Law stepped out into the dark hallway. If he listened very carefully, he could hear a low murmur of voices. He crept along the corridor.

And suddenly stopped.

A rush of air.

Pupils moved slowly to the wall.

The door.

The door to the study was open.

(Do not repost/share my picture without my consent)

Chapter Text

How could that be? Did Doflamingo forget to lock it? He reached out longingly for the door handle. Just a quick look.

"We can be there for you from now on. And we will."

No. He withdrew his hand. This was not right. Doflamingo and Corazon respected his privacy and so should he. How could he still be suspicious after all the selflessness the brothers had shown him?

He eased away from the room and instead moved toward the dim light coming from the living area. At the end of the hallway, he stopped, frozen.

Doflamingo's voice pierced the room. He couldn't hear what he was saying, but the sound of his voice left enough reason for alarm. Quietly. And yet loud in an unpleasant way. Upset. But what really shook Law was Corazon's heartbreaking sob that followed his brother's words.

Law pressed his back against the wall. Any hint of fatigue evaporated. He listened until Corazon's voice cut the silence again.

"Do you have any idea how hard it was for me at Dress Rosa? I can't do this anymore, Doffy! If you don't tell him, I will. Law deserves the truth!"

Law looked down, eyes narrowed in irritation. What did Corazon mean..?

A dull thud sounded, Doflamingo's voice quivered. "And then? What do you think he would do if he knew?"

His throat tightened. The truth...? If he...knew?

The murmur of voices no longer reached him. Law's bare feet carried him down the corridor, back to that door. His damp hand slid around the cool metal of the handle.

Surely Doflamingo had nothing to hide.

He pulled it open. A dazzlingly bright flash cut through the cloud cover, briefly bathing the room in a far too bright light before it was enveloped in darkness again. His eyes raced around the room frantically. His own heartbeat drummed in his ears, drowning out the seething thunder. Desk, cabinets, computer. An ordinary study.

Surely he had nothing to fear.

His hand remained on the light switch.

He trusted Cora and Doflamingo. They could never have kept something important from him.

The room was bathed in a white light. One said that as soon as you turn on the light, everything seems half as threatening. So why didn't this oppressive fear in his chest subside?

He approached the desk, bent over the black countertop.

Files.

Everywhere.

All labeled with the same words.

"Strictly confidential.
Signed: The World Government"

A file. Strictly confidential. The mark of the Navy. No, it resembled it but was different. The world government. Doflamingo, drenched in blood. And Corazon, he was so angry.

His fingertips roamed over the countless files.

Files of the most diverse people, who seemed so strange and at the same time so familiar to him.

A noise made him jump. A file tipped over the edge of the table, pausing on the cold parquet floor.

He bent down, reaching for the rough paper. Gasping, he staggered back, eyes wide like a young deer about to be slaughtered. His trembling knees carried him back. The dull black letters blurred before his eyes, yet the words had already burned themselves into his memory.

He stroked the individual letters.

Trafalgar D. Water

Why...

Why did Doflamingo possess his family's file?!

He shot up, staggered back to the desk, opened each drawer until he got a clue to all the countless stifling questions. But when he pushed open the last drawer, he felt the floor break away from under his feet.

~

An exasperated sigh escaped the sunglasses wearer as he put down the wine glass and ran his hand over his wrinkle-covered forehead.

"I can't believe that the kid is from Flevance. Are you really sure about this?"

Corazon nodded weakly. Law's words still lingered in his ear, leaving a bitter echo and sharp pain in his chest. "He told me himself. And I-"

He dug out a cigarette, examining it in his trembling grip. Law would scold him now, telling him it was bad for his health. He knew this from the moment he took his first breath. And yet it was the only thing that could calm his nerves. What kept him from suffocating under the scaffolding of lies.

"I lied to him. Even though I had no right to."

He felt the familiar sting in his chest again, the burning sensation behind his eyes. It had to stop. All this had to stop. With a serious expression, the blond rose and stared resolutely at the crumbled cigarette in his fist.

"Tomorrow, I'll talk to Law. I'll explain everything to him." Before his brother could argue, he asked: "Did you remember what we promised Robin at the orphanage?"

Without hesitation, Corazon tossed the cigarette into the trash bin.

"He'll never be free if we continue with this."

~

Law took out the small shiny ID card. Over and over again, his eyes skimmed the same words.

Doflamingo Donquichotte
Code name: Joker
Number: 2310
Official member of the underworld organization

...Underworld Organization...

"This 'organization' has no sense of justice! I'm telling you, they would just kill everyone and anything if they get paid well for it!"

"But since the incident in this city, they have been strictly forbidden to take action."

That meant he...he was there when...his family...

Law's panting grew louder. He could hear the blood rushing in his ears, the sound of his knees hitting the hard wooden floor.

"Doffy's just doing boring office stuff."

Lies...

"I hadn't had much to do with the underworld organization."

...all lies.

~

A bloodcurdling scream rang out, making both brothers wince. Panicked, they looked at each other before they started running.

"Was that you, kid?" shouted Doflamingo down the hall and yanked open his bedroom door. "What's wrong?"

Perplexed, he stared into the empty room. Why wasn't Law...? He turned to his brother, whose wide eyes were fixed on his study. After a closer look, his features derailed as well. He had forgotten to lock it.

~

Law's body stiffened as he suddenly saw the two blond men enter the room. Struggling for breath, he stumbled to his shaky feet and backed away as Doflamingo approached him, his features dead serious.

"I told you not to enter my study. What you see here is not meant for children's eyes."

"S-Stay away! Don't come any closer!"

"I've said it before, kid. I'm not going to hurt you," the man explained, holding out his hand to the boy.

"Don't come closer, murderer!"

The words left Law's lips instinctively. His voice sounded terribly shrill.

Doflamingo lowered his hand. Murderer. He had often heard that but from the mouth of this boy, this accusation hit him harder than expected.

"Law, please," Corazon pleaded desperately, close to tears. "Please calm down and listen to us."

Law stared contemptuously at the younger brother, tears sparkling in the corner of his eyes, too. "Why should I? So that you can tell me more lies?"

"Law..." Corazon should have objected, denied it, explained that he had no other choice, damn it, said something, anything! But the words clawed their way down his throat, choked before he could even open his mouth. Because despite everything, he knew Law was right.

The boy glared at the older man.

"How did you get this file? And don't lie to me, Doflamingo." With a look of contempt, he threw the object he had hold in his hand onto the pile of files. "Or would you prefer it if I call you Joker?"

The man squinted down at his ID card, before he sighed. "Well, denial seems pointless now." He adjusted his sunglasses. In the weak light of the moon, the blood-red lenses looked like the eyes of the devil himself. "When you have business in the underworld, it's easy to get such information."

The black-haired stumbled back, shook his head in disbelief. This simply couldn't be true. Despite the undenying obvious, his mind had still wished for all this to be some kind of twisted, cruel joke. Although in the deepest back of his mind he always knew something was off.

Now everything made sense. The screams that he thought were imaginary during the phone call. The fact that he owned a gun. All the expensive things, the nickname, the "robbery" that night, the stupid secrecy. Everything.

And suddenly he remembered something that should have struck him much earlier.
The soldier at Flevance was not wearing a navy uniform, nor was he wearing a badge.

"My home. Flevance." Law's voice broke, his slender shoulders shook. "So it really wasn't the navy, was it?"

Never before had Corazon found it so difficult to nod. How he wished he could have explained it to Law under different circumstances.

"Originally, the navy was supposed to conduct peaceful negotiations with Flevance in order to obtain the white lead. But the world government feared that the inhabitants would not give in and finally sent in the underworld organisation. When we heard about it we went as fast as we could to prevent the worst but..." He closed his eyes, clenched his trembling fingers as he felt all the cruel images full of suffering and destruction returning to his consciousness. "It was already too late."

"All this secrecy...all the lies..." His gaze bored into Doflamingo's face, his glasses reflecting all his anger, disappointment, grief. "Just so I don't find out what your organisation did to my home, my friends, my family!"

Law felt sick. He had lived with him. Ate with him. Celebrated with him. Laughed with him. Even started to trust him.

"Kid, listen, I won't blame you if you hate me now or want to see me dead. But there's something you should know-"

With a member of the organisation who destroyed his life.

"No." He pulled his hat over his ears. He doesn't want to hear anything anymore. He was confused, he felt alone, helpless once again. "NO, ENOUGH OF THIS!"

Law did not hesitate a second longer. He stormed past the brothers and slammed the door behind him. In the same breath he pushed the dresser in front of it, trapping the two. Leaving all the desperate cries and blows behind him, he broke out of all the pretense and deception.

He dashed into the stairwell, ran down the steps, two at a time, and leapt out into the cold world shrouded in darkness.

He ran. Tried desperately to wipe away his tears. In vain, they kept coming. The cool evening air enveloped his thin body. Thick raindrops poured mercilessly over the asphalt. Glaringly bright lightning flashed through the night sky, reflected in the dark puddles.

He ran on.

The adrenaline in his legs drove him forward, further and further along the main road until a path sprang up, following it he soon reached a park.

He ran on, stumbling over roots, stones, his knees aching, bleeding. His tired body slumping under him any moment as soon as the last spark of adrenaline escaped from his blood. And yet he couldn't stop running, because as long as he just kept running he didn't have to think about all the cruel things.

Only when his burning lungs pleaded agonizingly for air did he feel compelled to stop, falter, and fall, slurping along the forest floor. He coughed, gasped...it hurt. Frustrated, he clawed his hands into the damp earth. Everything inside him ached.

Whimpering, he sank down. The soaked clothes stuck to his skin. A mixture of tears, water, blood and dirt ran down his skin. Why did it have to come like this? Why did life punish him so much?

Despite his spiral of thoughts, despite the storm and raging tempest in his head, he managed to locate a sound. The delicate crackling of stones, the rustling of leaves.

Footsteps.

Stumbling, he recoiled until his back bumped ungently against a trunk. No! How could they find him so quickly?

Law tried to get up, only to fall to the ground again. The crunching sound came closer. His piercing eyes looked up frantically. He clung to the bark of the tree, felt for an old rotten branch and held it protectively in front of his body, no matter how pathetic it must seem to his opponent. However, when he finally realized who was standing in front of him, he lowered his arm.

"Law." A shadow stepped out of the thicket. "At last I have found you."

~

"Damn it!"

Gasping, Doflamingo threw himself against the massive wooden door one more time. It barely stirred.

"Shit!"

His brother dashed past him and threw himself against it as well.

"Why can't you listen to me for once?" he shouted accusingly at Doflamingo, who gritted his teeth, knowing that for once he could not contradict his brother.

"You can scold me later. The most important thing now is to get the kid back and explain everything to him before he does something seriously stupid!" He took a running start and sprinted off. "If only he'd let me finish, damn it!"

With all his remaining strength he threw himself against the dented door. Successful. The door cracked open and the brothers rushed out. Neither wasted even a precious second in useless thought.

Doflamingo reached for his phone, while Corazon pulled out two flashlights.

"Come on, now!" he shouted to his brother, who grabbed his coat from the coat rack and hurried into the hallway. Doflamingo hurriedly stowed away his cell phone.

"I called Vergo. He's helping us and keeping an eye out for Law."

A clang echoed through the room.

Step by step, the flashlight rolled down the stairs until it finally stopped. Doflamingo stopped in surprise to avoid colliding with his brother, whose face turned white as a sheet.

"No..."

Without warning, Corazon whirled around and grabbed the older man by the collar.

"No, NO! Say you didn't do that?!"

"Oi, get a hold of yourself!" the older man growled in exasperation. "I know you don't like Vergo but-"

"You don't understand!" Corazon interrupted him and seeing the deep despair, the fear in his eyes, a sudden uneasy feeling crept into Doflamingo's limbs. Corazon let go of his brother, shaky fingers digging into his blond curls. He shook his head as if hoping to wake from a bad dream, his rust-colored eyes widened, soaked in sheer panic.

Doflamingo grabbed him by both shoulders. "What the hell is going on, Roci?"

"I wanted to tell you all along but I couldn't or she would have died, damn it!"

~

Law lowered his arm, which now hung powerlessly from him. Good. It was not one of the brothers.

"What do you want, Vergo?"

He hated the way his voice trembled, how weak and pathetic he sounded compared to the tall silhouette that stepped out of the thicket and loomed before him. Cold eyes sparkled at him. A completely emotionless appearance as always.

"Doflamingo sent you, didn't he? Forget it, I won't go back to those damn murderer!" the boy gasped as more tears ran down his cheeks.

Vergo took a step towards him. The dim light of an old lantern cast an eerie shadow over him. With a frightening calm, his hand reached into the pocket of his black cloak, merging with the darkness. A dull rumble passed over their heads, countless flashes of lightning illuminated the sky.

"I have no intention of taking you back."

Law frowned, an uneasiness rushing through his limbs.

"What...?"

The man started to move slowly, deliberately. With each step Vergo took toward him, Law pressed his body harder against the trunk, white knuckles clutching the bloody branch.

Out of the blue, Vergo stopped, eyeing the boy with his piercing stare, which the boy could only glimpse through his sunglasses.

"Tragic when you only remember pieces of the past. Small, subtle details can be significant sometimes. Last survivor from Flevance."

The apposition made Law wince.

And at last he recognized it. He recognized the reason for the unease the man had caused in him since their first encounter. It wasn't the piercing stare, nor the frighteningly calm way he spoke.

It was the familiar feeling he had felt as soon as Vergo was near him.

"What do you want?" he shouted in frustration at the man. "I don't understand any of this!"

He demanded answers. Explanations. Help. But all he received was a deep sigh from his counterpart, a shake of the head.

"Of course you don't. They should have told you sooner. Then Rocinante's efforts would not have been in vain. He could have protected you."

Law's confusion grew with every word. Protected? The only person he should been protected from was Doflamingo. After all, he was the one who took everything from him! He was the one who destroyed his life!...R-right?

"From whom?"

Vergo pulled something out of his coat pocket, it merged with the darkness of the night.

Law stared transfixed at the man's face, his heart drumming wildly and unsteadily against his ribcage. No...This man...could it be that HE was...?

Vergo calmly adjusted his sunglasses while the other hand bared what had been in his possession all this time.

"How naive can you be?"

'How naive can you be?'

The shot, the blood. Lamy.

"It's you..." Law stumbled back, hands clinging into the truck of the tree, searching for support as his knees failed to keep him upright. His throat went bone dry.

"It's been a long time, Law." Vergo looked down contemptuously at the boy, the trigger of the revolver pointed at his little head. "This time no one will be able to help you."

(Do not repost/share my picture without my consent)

Chapter Text

"How naive can you be"

The last words before the fatal shot sounded. The last words before he lost all of his remaining hope.

Suddenly the memorabilia fell into place in his mind's eye. This ominous charisma, the threatening way of speaking, the observing look.

"It's you," Law's throat went bone dry. "You're the soldier from Flevance."

And even though his voice said it, his mind still couldn't grasp it.

A disdainful look found its way onto Vergo's face.

"I assumed you would find out sooner. But maybe I gave you too much credit, Law."

The veil of astonishment was promptly replaced by anger. Anger that built up inside the boy like a developing hurricane. All this time. All this time the man of his hideous nightmares was so close to him.

"You-"

Once again he felt like he was sucked back into the abyss that was the horrible nightmare. He felt her delicate hand, her trembling grip, saw her frightening gaze, how she had drawn her last breath.

"You sick bastard have killed my sister!"

The man let out a cold scoff. "Ah yes, I remember the whining brat."

Screaming, the boy sprinted towards the man, his clenched fists thrown into the air.

Vergo effortlessly dodged the nine-year-old, raising his weapon in the air before banging it hard against Law's skull.

The stabbing pain in the back of his head made the black-haired collapse, his vision blurry. And yet his hateful gaze shot up at the man, stubbornly lingering on the sparkling glasses.

"Don't get too cocky," Vergo said harshly, his intimidating silhouette slowly approaching. "I guess that you have figured out by now what kind of work Doffy and I do."

Law scoffed angry. "You are nothing more than the pathetic lap-dogs of the world gover-GAH!"

All air escaped his lungs as a foot kicked him in the stomach and he was abruptly thrown back until his back hit the tree trunk hard. The boy doubled over, panting. His field of vision blurred again, this time it took even longer until the blurry outlines came together to form a sharp image.

Shit! He stood no chance against this monster who never even once let his emotionless appearance down. Even now he stared down at the boy, not a hint of emotion shown in his face. All he did was adjusting his sunglasses which must have slipped in the process of kicking his guts out before he continued.

"It's much more complex than that. We do the work that effeminate weaklings in the Navy are incapable of doing. And I couldn't have wished for a better partner than Joker. For years, he ran all kinds of criminal operations within the underworld. Drug trafficking, arms dealing, catching petty criminals. He didn't gave a single care about a person as long as he got paid. We were the perfect team." His gaze slid into the dark night sky, for a moment it seemed as if he was lost in his thoughts.

"But when the world government send us to destroy Flevance, Joker refused the order."

Shocked, the boy's eyes snapped open.

"What?!"

That didn't make any sense.

"Why should he do this?"

If Doflamingo really was as cold-blooded and ruthless as Vergo had described, why should he turn down the order?

Although, when he thought about it...Doflamingo could be intimidating at times, yes, but...

"We rescued his polar bear's arm from the tree together, fufufu."

"Thanks for giving us a chance."

"You know kid, thing's would be much easier if you would just tell us what's bothering you."

...he never gave Law the feeling of being a cold-blooded killer.

"It was all the fault of this useless Rocinante. He has changed Doffy." Vergo's expression darkened with every word. "The cold-blooded man who once carried out every single order without hesitation, the man I admired as my partner all these years had become more and more effeminate just like his brother. He was even about to quit. I promised to him that if he stayed in the organization I would turn down the order as well. But how could I have resisted such a temptation? All I had to do was kill a few townsfolk for a staggering amount of money."

"Filthy bastard!"

Gritting his teeth, the nine-year-old shook his head. How could you kill innocent people and wipe out an entire city for money? What kind of heartless monster was standing in front of him?!

"It all seemed to work out perfectly..." Thick veins started to spread on his forehead, the hand clutching the revolver spasmed. "Until suddenly his good-for-nothing brother showed up with the Navy. But he was too late. Rocinante could only watch as I ruthlessly massacred the residents."

Wait.

After an incident in the navy a few years ago, I was physically and mentally incapacitated for a long time.

"The incident," Law realised. "Corazon was there when it happened."

Pointing the pistol at the boy, Vergo announced with a deathly serious face: "As soon as I'm done with you, I'll have to take care of Rocinante too. And then I'll turn Doffy back into the merciless partner I once knew."

"How stupid can you be? You seriously think he'll forgive you if you kill his own brother?" Law shouted, still trying to process all the information. It was too much at once, even for him. All this time he thought the navy was responsible for the destruction of his home. Now it turned out that it was the underground organisation, of which Doflamingo was a member, although he was not involved in the incident of Flevance? It seemed that the pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, but they still did not form a complete picture.

And there was one more thing that was bothering him.

Unconcerned, the man shrugged his shoulders. "I'll make it look like an accident. You'd better worry about yourself. I don't know how you managed to survive back then but it won't work this time."

Exactly.

He always asked himself why he survived but he never thought about HOW it was even possible! He remembered his sister in his arms, her cold, fragile body in his numb hands, her liveless eyes staring at him. He had lost consciousness. But when he had opened his eyes the next time there was...there was a face infront of him. His small, trembling hand had reached out to him, it had landed on something metallic. A badge. The navy, it was definitely someone from the navy. There was this secure grip around his body, the soft voice that promised something to him. But what was it...? Why couldn't he grasp it?

Now it seemed like he would never get an answer. This murderer infront of him was about to kill him. And he didn't stand a single chance against him. Frantically he looked around him, his brains trying to search for a way to save himself. He refused to let it end like this! He couldn't die! Not in the hands of this bastard!

The boy felt his heartbeat rapidly drumming against his ribcage, his gasping breath suppressed by the roaring thunder as he watched Vergo's finger approaching the trigger.

"STOP IT!!!"

A heart-rending, familiar scream was the last thing Law registered before the deafening bang drowned out any sound. He reflexively narrowed his eyes, prepared for the sharp pain that would pierce him.

But it didn't come. Law carefully opened his eyes and ran his hand over his face. No gaping wound, no hole, not even a scratch. He looked over his shoulder, irritated. He immediately discovered the silver lead ball that had pierced itself mercilessly into the trunk. Law swallowed. This could have been his face. Vergo had missed. But why?

As he took a look at the man he felt the blood draining from his face. From one moment to the next the scenario became much worse.

Vergo frowned at the trembling child that was clinging to his leg and caused him to miss his shot. Wrinkles of anger formed on his forehead.

"What is the meaning of this, Baby 5?"

"What are you doing, idiot?!" Law shouted at the top of his lungs. "Run away, quick!"

Baby 5 shook her head resolutely, placing her body protectively between Law and Vergo, her outstretched arms forming a shield for the boy. Law could see the intensity with which her thin arms were shaking, and yet she bravely faced the man.

"I saw Law run out into the street, completely shaken up. You ran after him without hesitation. I was worried and followed you, uncle. But...," her tender voice was broken by deep sobs. "Why are you threatening Law?! He's not one of those evil guys, he's my friend!"

"Run away!" Law ordered the whimpering girl anew. "He's going to kill you!"

Baby 5 shook her head with such intensity that the white hair bow slipped from her head. It was carried away by the roaring wind.

"My uncle would never do that!" Seeking approval, she turned to Vergo.

But the cold-blooded look she received was etched in her memory forever.

"It's really unbelievable how long you can fool such a stupid girl," he said harshly.

Baby 5 took a step back, a cold shiver running through her little body. "W-what?"

With a steady step he approached the frozen children, his gaze fixed on the trembling girl. "I'm neither your uncle nor related to you in any way. Do you really think I would be interested in such an incompetent brat? All I needed was a hostage to keep that pesky Rocinante at bay."

Law immediately pricked up what was said. "Hostage? What do you mean by that?!"

Thick wrinkles ran through Vergo's forehead, a hand ran down his zigzag beard. "Of course I couldn't let Rocinante tell Doffy that I was involved in Flevance. Fortunately he suffered trauma from the incident, so I had peace of mind for the time being. But I needed a long-term solution."

He aimed the gun at the girl.

"You. If Doffy had ever found out, I would have killed you immediately."

"Hiehk!?" Baby 5 flinched, her eyes frozen with fear.

"You would've been the fifth child I would have eleminated with my own hands, Baby 5."

"NO! STOP!!!" she begged, shielding her ears from all the atrocities. "Please stop!"

"You're right." He aimed the revolver at her trembling silhouette. "Enough talking."

The girl's eyes filled with tears, head still shaking as if to wake up from a cruel dream. "No...please...don't do this...I-I'll be useful, I promise! I'll be useful!"

Vergo scoffed. "No one in this world needs such a burden."

"Shut up!" the boy hissed. Too focused on Baby 5, the man only registered the stone Law threw as it hit him straight into his face, causing him to stumble slightly and more importantly lowering the gun.

Now or never.

Law quickly clutched Baby's wrist, pulled himself to his feet and rushed into the protective thicket. Disoriented, he sped past countless bushes and trees, ignoring the branches that left their marks on his skin. Lightning still flashed through the sky, turning the forest into a cruel play of shadows.

Only when Baby 5 was gasping for air and his legs were barely supporting him did he push her and his body behind a large tree. Whimpering, Baby 5 clutched at Law's torn hoodie.

"Make it stop, please," she begged Law. "This can't be real. Make it stop!"

"Please big brother, make it stop!"

With all his remaining strength Law took her wrists and squeezed them gently but firmly.

"You have to listen to me. Run as fast as you can back to the house and hide there! Ring Giolla's doorbell and call the police! Don't come back, you hear me!"

Indecisively, her teary eyes twitched back and forth between Law and the thicket. "B-but what about you? I can't just leave you behind! Vergo, h-he'll-"

"I'll be fine! Make sure you get out of here fast!" He squeezed her wrists a touch tighter.

"B-Big brother..."

"I can't watch another person I care for die in front of me."

Sniffling, she held out her pinky to Law.

"P-Promise me you won't die!"

Law thought for a moment. It was such a childish gesture. Still, he returned the vow.

"I don't intend to." A small smile brushed over his lips. "After all, I still want to be useful to you as a friend."

With a final nod, Baby 5 rose and seconds later melted into the shadows of the night.

Law was alone, surrounded by nothing but pure darkness. His sharpened senses focused on every little noise, made him wince at every cracking branch. Vergo was out there somewhere. Was it the right decision to send Baby 5 off alone? What if she ran right into his arms? Then it would be his fault. Her death would be his fault.

Law shook his head hysterically. He felt sick. This nightmare had to come to an end. He just wanted to live a completely normal, boring life. How long would his past hold him captivated? Until he finally found his death? A month ago, when he was still vegetating alone in a corner of the orphanage, this thought was actually not far from his mind.

But then the brothers happened.

"If you like, we'll take care of Bepo."

"Don't give up yet! If anyone can do it Law, it's you! You can save him, I'm sure of it!"

"You know, it's okay to show weakness now and then, Law. No one can be strong all the time."

"You don't have to carry everything by yourself anymore, Law. We can't change or reverse all the cruel things that happened, but we can be there for you from now on. And we will."

All this time...the whole time they were there for him, helped him, protected him. And instead of giving them the chance to explain he pushed them away. Just how he always did.

Dumbfounded, Law realised the warm liquid trickling down his cheeks. Tears. He hastily rubbed his damp cheeks.

He can't die here. There were people he wanted to return to!

Law listened again into the deep silence.

"Now or never," he thought, sneaking out from behind the tree...

...straight into the arms of the dark silhouette.

(Do not repost/share my picture without my consent)

Chapter Text

"NO!!!" Alerted, Law pushed himself away from the silhouette, stumbling back until his back met with the trunk once again.

"Go away! I warn you!" Law was panting, eyes flicking around as he looked for some way out of there, while the shadow appeared to creep closer. "Stop right there or I-I will-!"

What will he do? There was no sort of weapon or shield he could use. He was completely helpless against the silhouette. All he could do was to huddle against the tree, whimpering, waiting for his bitter end just like in Flevance. The nightmare kept repeating, there was no hope, no escape, no freedom for him in this cruel world-

"Law, calm down! It's me!"

Or maybe, after all, there was.

The familiar voice made Law startle. His hopeful gaze fixed on the approaching person. Never before had he been so relieved to see that stupid feather coat.

"Cora..." A shuddering breath left his tense chest.

The blond approached him slowly, almost hesitantly, as if he were a shy animal that he did not want to scare away. Even in the dark Law recognized tears in the corners of Corazon's eyes.

"How did you find me?"

Slowly the man opened his hand and exposed the white ribbon that was in it.

"Doffy and I split up to search for you. I found Baby 5's hair band and heard a thud, I feared that I was too late, that you're already-" Corazon broke off, wiped his eyes. "Law, I know an apology doesn't justify all this and I can't ask you to forgive me, but I did all this to-"

"Protect me," Law interrupted him, looking at the ground as guilt and sadness overtook him. "I know. You did it to protect me and Baby 5."

All this time Corazon had to live alone with his own burden, with the knowledge what kind of brutal monster Vergo was, that one fatal mistake could have led to Baby 5's death. Or his own. How hard must that have been for him?

Corazon nodded sadly, gaze fixed at his clenched fist. "I couldn't risk to get you hurt. Not before I would have found a way to get Vergo under arrest. When you told me that you're from Flevance I had Doffy to investigate further. Things turned out even worse and I didn't know what to do anymore." Desperate he ran a hand through his curls, voice shaking. "But trust me all I wanted this whole time was for you to be safe, Law."

Law knew he should say something, thank him for everything he has done, apologise for not giving him the chance to explain. But he could no longer think clearly. All the information he still hadn't processed mixed with the painful throbbing of his skull as all of a sudden the world started spinning again. Lightheaded, he barely registered Corazon's stumbling frame catching him before he could have fallen to the ground.

"Law!" He held the boy safely in his arms, a hand softly brushing past his bangs and further through his hair. Shock and panic was rising in Corazon as he recognized the blood on his hand. "You're bleeding! Was this Vergo's doing? What has this monster done to you?!"

A dazed, incomprehensible murmur was all Law could give in response, only fliching slightly as something wet was dripping on his cheek. Confused, he looked up, not ready for the sight of Corazon's tear-stained face, full of guilt and sorrow. Law felt his own eyes burning as he wiped a tear from the man's cheek.

"Cora?"

The blond grasped the small trembling hand, squeezing it gently yet firmly as he turned resolutely to the boy.

"I won't let him lay a hand on you ever again, Law! I will protect you with my life, I promise!"

"I will protect you with my life, I promise!"

Startled the boy gasped, consciousness fully returning with the rush of adrenaline that was beginning to pump through his veins as a long forgotten memory began to emerge. Shocked, he met Corazon's confused gaze.

"Those words. I heard those words before. Back at Flevance."

He gulped. The soft, determined voice, the secure grip. Could it be-?

"I don't remember much from the incident," Corazon confessed, trying to suppress the tremor in his voice. The memories were painful, he wished he could just shove them away as usually. But he had to be strong now. For Law.

"But there's one thing that I never forgot. A small boy, who was holding his dead sister in his arms, a soldier standing right infront of him. I-," he took a deep breath, braced himself for the next words.

"I smuggled the boy onto a naval ship."

Corazon released Law's shaking hand which fell motionless into his lap.

Law opened his eyes wide, his mouth following immediately.

"That meant-You were...?"

His small hand tightened around the soft fabric of the man's shirt.

"I wasn't sure until now but when you mentioned your sister and Flevance..." Corazon's eyes wandered slowly, carefully to the shaking boy in his arms. "I realised it was you, Law."

For a few seconds that felt like an eternity there was silence. Pure, deep silence as Law's blank stare was directed at the ground. So when all of a sudden a muffled sob sounded, Corazon nearly jumped up.

"Law?"

Concerned, he looked down at the black-haired, who tightened his grip at Corazon's shirt.

"You saved me." A whimpering sound escaped his lips as he pressed his head against the man's chest, trying to hide the waterfall of tears that streamed down his face. "You saved me and protected me all this time, Cora."

That was all it took to fill the blond's eyes with tears as well. Gently, he pulled the boy into a hug, embracing the fact that Law was safe, that he wasn't too late, that he held him in his arms, safe and alive. His precious boy.

"What a pity that it was ultimately a wasted effort."

Startled faces abruptly shot up at the voice, panicked pupils racing to the silhouette that emerged from behind a tree not far from them.

"So it was you who knocked me out before I could have killed the brat," a furious Vergo announced between gritted teeth, carefully approaching. The revolver still pointing at it's target. "You've really always been a thorn in my eye, Rocinante."

Corazon quickly shoved the boy behind him, protecting him from the lingering barrel of the weapon. He bit his lip. All the pain he had brought over those innocent people. Over the children. Over his kid. It had to end.

With clenched fists the blond slowly stood up, still making sure that Law was out of the sight of the gun.

"You've already destroyed Law's past, I won't let you steal his future, too!"

He won't let it happen again. Never again.

"I will make sure that Law can live freely from now on!"

More tears streamed down Law's face as he continued to cling to Corazon's jeans.

"And how are you planning to do that?" Vergo scoffed contemptuously. "Even if you had a gun, you don't have the guts to pull the trigger."

"But I do."

All eyes raced to the stern voice, clinging to the person who approached from the shadows.

Vergo's face darkened. He knew the cold, determined voice, the inner rage that surrounded the man, all too well. In contrast to the other two it was no surprise for him to be met with Doflamingo's silhouette. With his gun, aimed straight at Vergo's neck. He moved to his brother's side, eyes never letting go of Vergo.

"Running away is an annoying habit of yours, kid," he stated. "But I guess it's kind of my fault. I should've told you. Sooner or later you would have found out anyw-"

Doflamingo paused when he caught a quick glimpse of Law's shaking, distraught frame, clutching desperately at Corazon's leg. His half-hearted grin quickly dissolved into a sorrowful frown as he turned back to Vergo.

"What the hell have you done to the kid?"

There was no mockory, not a hint of his usual lightness in his voice. Only pure suppressed anger.

"I taught the brat a lesson." Irritation and anger were reflected in Vergo's expression as he confronted his counterpart. "I'm disappointed in you, Joker. Weren't you going to do the same harm to humanity that you had to experience?"

The blond shot his counterpart a menacing glare, veins of rage adorned his forehead.

"Yes, I used to want nothing more than to see humanity suffer. "

He lifted his free hand, gazed at it's palm as if an old memory still clung to it.

"After our parents were killed many years ago, Roci and I had nothing left. We slept in run-down alleys, ate rubbish. Not a single person even thought about helping us. All they did was looking down on us, either in pity or disdain." His face contorted into a contemptuous grimace. "We wouldn't have survived this way. When I found out how easy it was to earn money through murder, theft or drug dealing, I immediately joined the underworld organisation."

Doflamingo turned around slightly, his stern gaze directed at the boy.

"Because I was like you Law. Full of abysmal hatred for this depraved humanity that took everything from me. When I met you it was as if I had met my childhood counterpart. I have experienced how cruel humanity can be, but back then I made the mistake of taking out my hatred on innocent people. I can't undo that. But Roci and I can protect you from doing the same mistake."

Law nodded slightly, tears still staining his cheeks. He didn't even wanted to imagine what would have happened if he hadn't met the brothers. He would have continued to sink into his hatred, following the same path as Doflamingo. Killing no matter how many people, not giving a care about anything anymore. Because there would have been no one left who was worth to live for. But this had changed now. He wanted to continue living. For his dead family. For his friend. And for these two idiots, who had shown him hope again.

Vergo eyed Doflamingo with a disappointed sigh. "What a pity. I see that you're too far away for me to ever get you back, Joker. Seems like I have lost."

Despite the realization, Vergo did not move an inch, the weapon still hovering in the air.

"Damn right. Now lower your gun or I'll kill you," Doflamingo stated determined.

Vergo scoffed, his glass obscured gaze shot back and forth between the brothers, the rest of his body still.

"It's a cruel world," he announced suddenly. "The weak one has nothing to decide in this world, not even how he dies."

His gaze darted to Law. An uneasy feeling spread through the boy.

"Isn't that right, Law?"

And suddenly everything happened in the blink of an eye.

Paralysed, Law perceived the world moving around him.

A finger pulling the trigger.

A deafening shot ranging out.

A familiar cloak obscuring his field of vision.

Blood spurting.

A body falling to the ground.

For a moment the world stood still. Chocking, the boy dropped to his knees and looked at the motionless body, lingering in the pool of his own blood.

He felt his heart drumming wildly against his ribcage, his throat tightening.

A bloodcurdling scream was all that scattered the night.

(Do not repost/share my picture without my consent...*sob*)

Chapter Text

Law (trying to look extra scary) :

Baby 5 (having the fun of her life):

Cora (could someone inform the poor guy that he is on FIRE?) :

Doffy (having WAY too much fun...) :

And of course our favorite character Vergo :

 🎃HAPPY HALLOWEEN 🎃 

(DO NOT REPOST/SHARE THE PICTURES WITHOUT MY CONSENT)

Chapter Text

Chocking, the boy dropped to his knees and looked at the motionless body, lingering in the pool of his own blood.

He felt his heart drumming wildly against his ribcage, his throat tightening.

A bloodcurdling scream was all that scattered the night.

"CORAAAAAAAA?!"

As frantically and uncontrollably as his breath, his pupils raced over the motionless silhouette, pausing at the coat. The blood-soaked coat. The reverberation of the gun still sounded in his ears.

"No! Cora!" Shocked the nine-year-old shook the man's shoulder, tears dripping on the unconscious frame infront of his burning eyes. "Wake up! You can't do this to me, Cora!" Whimpering, he clutched the motionless sleeve. "Wake up..."

All the blood. The damn blood. Sticking to his hands again. The blood of how many different people was already on them? Why? Why always him?

It was all the fault of this-this-

"MONSTER!"

Full of hatred, he stared up at the man. But halfway, he paused, eyes widening as he saw Vergo. Vergo, who sank to his knees, gasping, clutching his shoulder. His pierced shoulder.

Law's astonished gaze rushed to Doflamingo. The boy gasped, he felt as if the oxygen had been taken out of the air. Doflamingo was no longer surrounded by his usually carefree aura. Any trace of amusement had completely disappeared. It was replaced by hatred. Abysmal hatred. Thick veins of rage protruded from his forehead, neck and the hand that clutched his weapon. Last wisps of smoke escaped from it.

"Will you not even allow me a few last words?" Vergo scoffed mockingly. "How cruel, Doffy."

Doflamingo reloaded the gun within seconds, pulled the trigger without hesitation. This time it hit Vergo's other shoulder. The man doubled over, his face contorted with pain, the revolver slipping from his grasp, falling down to the ground beside him. A trickle of blood dripped down his lip as he glared up. Blood-red glasses flashed menacingly down at him, lips twisted into a grimace of rage.

"Don't speak to me, you lowlife scum!" he hissed through clenched teeth.

With a triumphant, self-satisfied look, Vergo smiled to himself. "Finally, that's the Doffy I knew."

Before he could have reacted, Vergo was roughly grabbed by the collar and lifted into the air.

"I will NEVER be the same as back then again. Because there are people who are important to me. My family. And you've just tried to take them away from me."

Doflamingo's fist smashed mercilessly against Vergo's nose, sending the black-haired man to the ground with full force. He spat out a stream of blood, breathing heavily.

"I got what I wanted," Vergo gasped out. "And I don't regret anything."

Wordlessly, Doflamingo reloaded his pistol one last time. Only when he felt Law's gaze on him did he give the order: "Close your eyes, kid. You don't need to see this."

Law broke out of his stupor. With narrowed eyes, he averted his gaze. All he heard was a final loud bang, the muffled thud of a body falling to the ground. Until an eerie silence spread.

He squinted cautiously in Doflamingo's direction. The motionless silhouette laid at his feet, a red liquid shimmering beneath him.

It was over. Vergo could no longer harm him. The last chain that bound him to his past had been severed.

Yet he still felt nothing but grief and pain as he clasped his trembling hands in Corazon's shirt, his head pressed against the blond's chest.

"You can't die, Cora! Please!" he begged desperately, tears blurring his vision. "Don't do this to me. Don't leave me alone, too."

...

...Ba-dum...

...

...Ba-dum...

Law opened his eyes in astonishment. He could still feel it. It was still there.

Corazon's heartbeat.

"Law..."

The familiar voice startled him. Filled with hope, he lifted his head. A pair of warm, copper-coloured eyes greeted him.

"Cora!"

Dazed, the blond man tried to lift himself up at his forearms as a stabbing pain in his left shoulder made him collapse again. Doflamingo rushed to his brother's side, holding him upright.

"Are you-ugh-are you alright, Law?"

The nine-year-old frowned in bewilderment. "Of course, I am!" Concerned, he pointed to Corazon's bleeding arm hanging limply down his body. "You should worry about yourself, idiot!"

The blonde breathed a sigh of relief, which quickly turned into a weak cough. Exhausted, he let his gaze wander over the landscape before turning to his brother, irritated.

"What about Vergo?"

"I took care of it." Doflamingo squinted in the direction of the motionless body before he ran his hand through his hair, a deep sigh escaping his lips. "Damn Roci, I really thought I lost you for a second. Show me the wound," he demanded, but his brother waved him off nonchalantly.

"It's not that bad. I slipped while I shove Law away, so the bullet just grazed my arm," he testified, although a sharp pain ran through him as he moved. Still, he didn't want to cause Law and his brother any more worry than they already had.

"I've told you, my clumsiness is too clumsy to kill me, didn't I, Law?" he joked, grinning stupidly, but his expression quickly faded when he realised Law's distraught state. His petite body was still trembling, scraped hands clawing at his bloody coat.

Carefully, Corazon lifted his uninjured arm and placed it on the boy's shoulder, squeezing it softly. "It's ok, Law. You don't need to be afraid anymore. Everything's alright now."

The boy jerked up reflexively, glaring reproachfully at the blond. "No, it's not! Don't you get it?! You were shot, you lied there, unconscious, I thought you-you were-!" Law sobbed, trying desperate to wipe away those stupid tears that kept coming. "Why did you do this? Why did you protect me? You could have died, damnit!"

Corazon stared at the sullen boy in amazement. Silence took over as Law's words sank in.

And then suddenly the blonde bursted out laughing, making the boy jump up in rage.

"Why the hell are you laughing now?!" Law angrily snapped at him.

"What a foolish question," Corazon replied, headshaking. He ran his thumb along Law's cheek, wiping away the last tears that were rolling down before he faced the boy with a wide and warm grin.

"It's only natural for a parent to protect his kid!"

Speechless, Law stared back and forth between Corazon and Doflamingo.

From the beginning on, from the very first moment they met, whether it was Kid, Trebol or Vergo, they were always there, willing to protect him with everything they got...even with their own life.

Angrily, the boy straightened up, his small trembling hands clenched into fists.

"You scared me, dumbass! You both did! You are such irresponsible idiots!" he scolded the brothers. "Do you have any idea how I felt?!"

Without warning, Law wrapped his arms around the surprised brothers.

"Don't do this ever again, you hear me!" he admonished them. The tremor in his voice as well as his trembling grip weren't unnoticed by the men, who exchanged a guilty look.

"We never meant to hurt you, kid," Doflamingo explained, wrapping his feather cloak around Law's freezing body. "We were just afraid that we might lose you."

"We only want the best for you." Corazon pressed his boy closer to him. "We love you, Law."

Taking a deep breath, the boy leaned his head against Corazon's uninjured shoulder and allowed his body to finally relax for the first time that night. Because one thing was certain. As long as he had the brothers by his side, Law had nothing to fear.

"I love you two dorks, too."

.....................

~One year later~

As every morning, the sound of the alarm clock echoed through the room at seven o'clock on the dot, heralding the start of a new day.

With a hearty yawn, Law pushed the little polar bear onto it's head to stop the annoying ringtone of his clock. Tiredly stroking his eyes, he switched on his submarine lamp and put the medicine book he had studied last night back on his bookshelf. God, how much he would wish for a coffee now, but Corazon would just scold him again for being too young for caffeine.

Although the clumsy man himself was to blame for the fact that Law developed a liking to the drink, as he had mistaken Law's bottle for his coffee mug a few days ago. Doflamingo was not exactly happy when he got a call that Law had to be picked up from school after he could not even hold a pen straight due to the caffeine consumption.

Corazon would certainly never forget this kettledrum for the rest of his life. Law let out a quiet laugh as his eyes lingered on the book on his desk.

Ah yes, the school project for today. Each kid was to present their favourite book to the class. It was not difficult for the boy to choose.

He stroked the cover nostalgically. He had already read through it countless times, but every time he opened it and his eyes wandered over the unique illustrations and ridiculously large sentences, a pleasant feeling filled him anew.

"Laaaw, hurry up! A doctor-to-be can't be late to school!" Corazon's cheerful voice sounded down the hall.

The boy hastily stowed the book in his backpack before he closed the door behind him and strode into the dining area where Corazon and Baby 5 were already waiting for him.

Every morning the ten-year-old girl reliably stood at his doorstep to accompany him to school.

"Good morning, Law!" Baby 5 greeted him with a cheerful smile but the boy only replied with a short "Morning", still somewhat dazed.

"Fufufu, someone must have stuck his nose into medicine books late into the night again." Doflamingo stepped out of the bathroom and ruffled Law's already disheveled strands on his way to the others. "Nice bedhead by the way."

Law grumpily tried to shape his hair somewhat neatly. "With you two, I have to be prepared for anything at any time."

"Consider yourself lucky, kid. At least with us you won't get bored so easily," Doflamingo stated. He poured himself a cup of coffee, that Law eyed jealously, before taking a seat next to Baby 5 and greeting her with his usual grin.

"Good morning, Baby 5. How is Giolla doing?" the sunglasses wearer asked.

After the shocking events had made the rounds in the house, the older woman unhesitatingly agreed to take Baby 5 in and helped her to come to terms with everything that had happened. Just like the brothers did for Law. It took time, nightmares didn't disappear from one day to another but both had someone by their side to comfort them through them.

"She's doing great! She still draws so many silly pictures! Yesterday she tried to draw me and it looked super weird and funny," the girl chuckled holding a finger in front of her mouth. "Of course I didn't tell her that, hihi. Tomorrow we are going to visit Dress Rosa together! We will go shopping and even eat some delicious ice cream!"

The older man chuckled, content that the girl finally got to live the life she deserved. "I see. That does sound great."

"I'm really looking forward to it!" Baby 5 exclaimed, beaming with joy. "I am so excited that I nearly forgot my book for the presentation today!"

Law almost choked on his juice. Great, so much for the secrecy. Of course Corazon instantly pricked up at the words.

"A presentation?"

Baby 5 nodded excited. "Everyone is supposed to present their favourite book today!"

"I didn't know anything about that," the blond explained and turned his curious gaze expectantly to his boy. "Which book did you choose, Law?"

"Who knows," he shortly replied, squinting at his school bag from which the cover of the book was peeking out. The vague answer made the blond pout.

"Aw, come on, tell me, Law!"

Thoughtfully, the boy weighed up his decision when he saw his chance. "I may be willing to tell you if you would finally allow me to get a cup of coffee."

"Definitely not under my watch!" the man stated resolutely, earning himself a grumpy glare.

"Why not? One cup won't kill me!"

"Probably not but knowing you it certainly won't stay by one! God, I should have know that you would get addicted right away," he stated with a headshaking sigh. "We can talk about it when you're...let's say eighteen."

"Eighteen?!" the black-haired repeated in dismay.

Corazon shrugged his shoulders carelessly before declaring: "Alright, twenty it is then."

Law's deeply horrified look almost made the blonde laugh out loud. With a soft chuckle Corazon stroked through Law's black strands, pulling the boy a little closer.

"You know I only want the best for you, right?"

Sighing softly, he swatted Corazon's hand away half-heartedly. "Yeah, I know."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the blond wince slightly as he pulled his arm back.

"How's your arm doing?" the boy asked, trying to hide his distress. Although Corazon kept reassuring him that the bullet wound was not his fault, he still felt bad whenever he glanced at the bandaged arm.

"It gets a little better every day!" the man assured him with a smile, circling his shoulder demonstratively. A movement that would have been impossible just a few months ago. "And luckily it didn't hit my writing arm!"

"I see." A content smile appeared on Law's lips. "I'm glad that it's healing well."

"Aw, Law, your concern is melting my heart!" Touched, he pulled the blushing boy into a warm embrace.

"Gah, stop it, Cora!"

"Hihi, you two are so cute!" Baby 5 exclaimed as her eyes wandered to the clock. "Oh, I think we should go, Law. Mister Sengoku will scold us if we're late."

"You want me to drop you off at school?" Doflamingo offered from the hall, car keys already in his hand.

"We'll be fine. You better make sure you get to work on time for a change," Law cheekily admonished the older one as he made his way to the door with Baby 5.

Since leaving the underground organisation, which had disbanded within a few days due to numerous uprisings, Doflamingo was now the successful owner of a large textile company. No one was as skilled as him in the use of needle and thread Law had to admit although a certain keychain was still haunting him in his dreams.

"Fufufu, after all these years, still as cheeky as the first day," Doflamingo smirked. "Alright, see you later then, brat."

"Have fun at school, you two!" Corazon called after the kids.

"We will!" Baby 5 assured him with a smile.

"Cora, try not to burn down the house while I'm gone," Law reminded the blond sternly, who waved him goodbye at the doorstep.

"No guarantee but I'll try my best!"

And as Corazon watched them like this, a warm feeling suddenly spread through his chest. It was hard to believe that the same boy who could hardly utter a word to him, who despised people and had no hope left, had learned to smile again. To dream. And most importantly: to live. Tears welled up in his eyes.

He was so proud of Law. His brave son.

Smiling to himself, the young man wiped a tear from his eye. "He has grown into a fine young man, don't you think, Doffy."

"Of course. He was partly raised by me after all," Doflamingo teased with a grin. "I hate to admit it but he's really stronger than I was at his age. But don't tell him, his ego's big enough as it is, fufufu."

~

"Law, say, why didn't you tell Corazon that you had chosen the book he had written for you?" the girl asked curiously.

"He would have just started crying again anyway," Law replied, rolling his eyes, while surpressing a yawn. "And it's clearly too early for that."

"True," the girl chuckled before her eyes widened. "Ah, I almost forgot!" She hastily began to rummage around in her bagpack. "I still have the photo for you that we took a few days ago on your birthday! I mean, I gave Corazon a copy but he told me it somehow got burned..."

"I don't even wanna know the details," the boy sighed, clutching the bridge of his nose. "Sometimes I'm asking myself how these two idiots managed to survive until now."

Lost in thought, he stared up at the sky. A raven circled over their heads. Memories came flooding back to the boy. How he had despised the bird back then. After all he had tried to snatch his beloved Bepo from him. But at the same time he had given him something so precious. The encounter with the brothers.

"I'm really glad I met them," Law muttered to himself, smiling softly.

The brothers had managed what he thougt was never possible. They had freed him from the heavy chains of the past. They gave him the chance to live the life he always wished for. The normal life of a ten year old...well as normal as it could be with these two.

No one could ever replace his biological family. But he would be lying to himself if he thought Corazon and Doflamingo weren't just as special to him. All the care and security they gave him, all the efforts to give him back some normality and what was even more important, to give him the feeling of a family, for all that he felt more gratitude than he could ever express.

He had often spent nights racking his brains as to why he of all people had survived, what was the point of living anymore? But perhaps it was all meant to be. Maybe the Donquichotte brothers were supposed to give his life a new meaning.

A quiet sob startled the ten-year-old. Shocked, he looked at Baby 5's tear-streaked face.

"W-what now?!"

"That was so sweet of you, Law!" she stated, moved to tears.

"Ugh, you're already as whiny as Cora!" Law exclaimed annoyed as he took the photo the girl held out to him and inspected it.

A slight smirk crept onto his face, which Baby 5 inspected curiously, wiping away the last tears.

"What is it, Law?"

"I've just once again realised that my family consists of a bunch of weirdos."

Offended the girl puffed her cheeks. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"

With a hearty laugh, Law stowed the photo safely in his backpack before following Baby 5.

Ahead into a bright future.

(Do not repost/share my picture without my consent)

(A little extra for my lovely submarinelamp-cult :b)

Chapter Text

Decorating for X-Mas (photo taken by Giolla, moments before everything became a mess)

Spoiler alarm:

The star never made it to the top

BUT

Cora most likely saved Law from a heart attack

Bepo's there too:))

Happy bean Baby 5 is still living her best life. And Doffy would make a great Christmas tree, wouldn't he?:b (He was also the one who attached the creepy keychain to the tree...someone's name is going on the naughty list...)

DO NOT REPOST/SHARE THE PICTURES WITHOUT MY CONSENT!

Chapter Text

"Alright, that's it for today. Make sure you read page 50-70 to next week," Tashigi, the class teacher declared, adjusting her glasses.

One by one, the children from One Piece elementary school left their class. 

Law closed his locker as Baby 5 shot excitedly round the corner.

"Law, you'll never guess what Giolla got me!" 

"I couldn't care less," the ten year old sighed before he made his way to the exit of the school.

Baby 5 followed him on her heels. "Earrings!" she exclaimed with a happy smile, showing off her silver piercings that were shaped like little bows. "Aren't they super pretty?"

"You asked the wrong person for questions like that", Law mumbled disinterested before he noticed Baby 5's piercing stare.

"What?" The ten year old asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You know, I think earrings would suit you, too. Maybe some gold hoop earrings or something like that," the girl suggested, touching Law's ear.

Law grimaced at the thought and swatted her hand away. "No way, I dont wanna resemble the creepy Flamingo in any way," he exclaimed with a shudder.

Baby 5 puffed out her cheeks. "Hey, I think uncle Doffy has a great sense of fashion."

"Considering you're raised by Giolla this doesn't even surprise me," Law said, rolling his eyes.

~

"I'm home," Law announced, closing the door behind him.

"Welcome back, buddy," Corazon greeted him out of his room.

Law wanted to make his way to his own room when his gaze caught on something. In a small bowl in the hallway, in addition to spare keys and an emergency phone in case Corazon burnt the place down, there were also Doflamingo's spare earrings.

Law stared at them for a good minute before muttering: "It's stupid. I'll look like a girl or something". He couldn't explain to himself why he was suddenly standing in front of the mirror with the earrings in his hand. 

He held the gold studs to his ears and, surprisingly, it didn't look terrible at all. On the contrary, it was cool, somehow rebellious and mysterious. Law has never been enthusiastic about jewellery. He usually labelled it as girly or uncomfortable. But something about earrings seemed...rebellious in a way that felt right for him. Something cool and different.

After a few minutes, he made up his mind. He wanted earrings.

~

The next day, as Corazon and Law sat in silence at breakfast, Law decided to broach the subject of earrings because, unfortunately, he was still too young to get them without the consent of an adult. Or whatever Corazon was.

"Hey, Cora."

"Hm?" The blonde looked up from his newspaper, lifting his cup of coffee to his lips and taking a long sip.

"I want earrings," Law blurted out.

Corazon choked, stumbling backwards and spilling coffee all over himself. With an exaggeratedly shocked expression, Corazon pulled himself to his feet, still coughing.

"Earrings?" Corazon asked confused, coffee dripping down his blond strands. "You're only ten, Law! What do you need earrings for?"

Law raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Er, because they look cool?" His eyes drifted over Corazon's coffee soaked shirt, covered with tiny pink hearts. "Not that you'd know much about that."

Corazon flinched, his brows raising in feigned hurt. "Oh, I see, are we at the sassy age now, mister?" He flicked the brim of Law's hat playfully. "Look, you already have a cool hat and an emo personality and all that. That's enough coolness for a ten-year-old, if you ask me."

"Too bad no one asked you", Law mumbled with crossed arms.

"Don't take it too far," warned Corazon with a hint of sternness. "Besides, piercings hurt terribly! Just think about the massive needles drilling into your delicate earlobe!" The blonde shuddered at the thought.

"Coward," Law scoffed.

"Hey! Just imagine you've got them in and suddenly you get caught in a net or something. Boom! Your ear is gone!" Corazon gesticulated wildly. "Or...they catch fire!"

"Seriously? These all sound like things that would happen to you."

"You little brat," Corazon murmured under his breath before declaring: "I'm against it."

"But-"

"Law, I said no and that's that," Corazon repeated with an authoritarian voice.

The ten year old gave in with a sigh. "Fine, then don't," the boy grumbled before stomping off, leaving a bewildered Corazon behind.

Corazon blinked at the door where Law left before he went to make himself another coffee... 

"Oh, um, ok, that was easier than I thought. Haha, Cora, you've got the whole parenting thing dow-woah!"

...not noticing the coffee puddle on the ground.

~

Further down the hallway, Law was met by a grinning Doflamingo, who looked down at the boy with crossed arms.

"Earrings, huh?"

"No understanding of privacy, huh?" Law countered before he sighed. "Go on, laugh about me."

The sunglasses wearer only hummed and smirked down at the boy. "Come on, get your ass in the car."

Law frowned at Doflamingo who already grabbed his car keys.

"Where are we going?"

Doflamingo smirked, pulling his feather coat over his shoulders. "We get you those piercings so you can look as badass as me."

"You can't expect to be called badass with this coat."

"Watch it brat or I'll change my mind."

~

Law settled into the passenger seat and observed from the window as they rushed through the city. Elegant avenues and noble building complexes soon turned into run down alleys and dusty streets.

Doflamingo parked the car infront of an ominous building with old dark letters forming the words: Baroque Works piercing studio.

"This place looks shady as hell," Law exclaimed with a frown as he climbed out of the car. Doflamingo followed with a smirk.

"Fufufu, dont worry, the piercer is an old friend of mine."

"That doesn't make it any better," the boy added, the uneasy feeling growing. 

As they entered the shop, they were met by a tall man with pale skin, black, neatly slicked back hair and a stitched scar that stretched across his face. His clothes resembled a mafia boss. The man sat at a desk, smoking a cigar while counting his money. 

All in all, he looked like the typical next door guy you'd expect. When you live in jail.

"You sure that's a piercing studio?" Law whispered suspiciously at Doflamingo. "I feel like I entered a mafia headquarters."

"Fufu, kids and their imagination. He's not in the mafia," Doflamingo waved his concerns off before approaching the desk. "At least not anymore after his twenty years in jail."

"In what-?!" Law shouted after him.

Doflamingo stood with a broad grin in front of the scarred man, who stared up at him with a dark look. "Hey, Croc."

"Not you again," the man with the big facial scar groaned.

Doflamingo set a hand on Crocodile's desk, leaning over at the man. "How have you been my friend?"

"Get lost," the other sighed annoyed, leaving the desk to get some distance.

"That great, huh?" Doflamingo smirked after him.

Crocodile sighed deeply, a frown line appearing on his forehead. "I've got no time for assholes like you. Leave before I kick you out."

"I've got cash, fufufu." Doflamingo waved a bundle of dollars infront of Crocodile's nose, who frowned.

"What do you want this time? Nipple piercings? Or can I finally pierce your mouth shut?"

Doflamingo's smirk widened. "Tempting but no. We're here to get some piercings for the squirt."

Crocodile raised an eyebrow before his deep-set eyes fell on Law.

"Back to kidnapping brats?"

"Nah, didn't paid off," Doflamingo joked. Or at least Law hoped so. "My brother and I adopted him." Doflamingo put a hand on Law's head, pushing his plush hat over his face.

"Playing daddy now?" Crocodile scoffed.

Doflamingo let out an amused chuckle. "For you? Everyti-"

"Alright, that's enough," Crocodile interrupted the blonde, snatching the money from Doflamingo's grip. "Let's get this over with so I can kick you out." 

Crocodile motioned for Law to sit down on a chair. The ten year old did as told while Crocodile put some gloves on.

"What piercing do you want?"

"Two on each ear. I want gold hoops in them," Law declared, pointing at his earlobes.

"Fine by me," the man shrugged, using a marker to make two dots on each of Law's earlobes.

"You can hold my hand if you're scared, fufufu," Doflamingo offered with a chuckle, holding his hand out.

Law grimaced and roughly swatted Doflamingo's hand away. "Go away or I'll kick you."

"Heh, I like you, kid," Crocodile smirked. He used a needle to pierce through Law's ears, hole by hole. Law occasionally let out a soft hiss but otherwise remained silent. After a minute, Crocodile pulled back and set one tiny gold hoop in each of Law's ear hole.

"There. Done." The scarred man handed the boy a hand mirror before walking away.

Law examined them close, the golden studs shimmering slightly in the light. "Not bad," Law said with a small, proud smile. 

"They suit you," Doflamingo exclaimed with a smirk. 

Law nodded in agreement. Even though they were the same ones that Doflamingo wore, they didn't made him look alike. They fitted his own style very well.

"Better than you," Law exclaimed with a mocking voice. The blonde chuckled, shoving Law's hat over his eyes playfully. "Cocky little brat."

While Law admired his earrings, Doflamingo turned to Crocodile.

"Hey, if my brother kicks me out, can I stay at your place?"

"Get. Lost."

(Do not repost my pictures without my consent)

Chapter Text

The black-haired boy pulled his backpack onto his shoulders before walking to the front door.

"Cora, I'm leaving."

"Bye, Law!" The blonde waved after him. "Have a good day at school!"

"I certainly won't," the ten year old grumbled to himself as he closed the door behind him, dreading another annoying school day. Since last week the whole school was only talking about one thing. A special event at Dress Rosa Primary School. The school prom.

At the end of each school year, the primary school organizes a prom for all fourth graders who are leaving the school. This year it was his cruel fate to suffer through this, in his eyes, senseless event.

As soon as he entered through the front door of the school, he was greeted by a beaming Baby 5. "Hey Law, are you also looking forward to the prom?"

The adressed tsked and rolled his eyes. "Why would I waste my lifetime on this crap?"

Baby 5 puffed out her cheeks. "This is exactly why you don't have any friends! I'm really looking forward to it! I've never been to a prom before, but Giolla told me that you dress up and dance and eat and party together! That just sounds-"

"Like a massive headache," Law interrupted, stopping infront of his locker.

Baby 5 was not discouraged. "A boy has even asked me to go to prom with him! Do you want to know what I answered?"

"You're going to tell me anyway," Law sighed to himself, turning the combination lock on his locker.

"I said yes!" Baby 5 squealed, bouncing on her feet happily.

"How long had you known him?" Law asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Two!" The girl answered enthusiastic.

"Months?"

"Days."

Law facepalmed himself.

"He's really nice and sweet and we always spend a lot of time together now!" The girl gushed. "Hihi, it's going to be so great! Knowing you partypooper, you'll come alone, right?"

"Wrong," Law logged the number combination into his locker. "I'm not going at all. And I'm glad no one asked me because that would have been a pain in the..."

As soon as Law opened his locker, a barrage of letters shot out at him, all with the same question. 'Do you wanna go to prom with me?'

"...ass..."

Baby 5 clapped her hands together cheerful. "Wow, you're really popular, Law! So, what are you thinking?"

Law slammed his locker shut, throwing the letters into the trash.

"Thinking about changing school."

~

Back at home, Law tossed his backpack in his room before he threw himself onto the couch with a long, annoyed sigh. Corazon, who was sitting next to Law, working at his computer, gave him a questioning look.

"What's wrong Law? Your sigh sounded even more annoyed than usual."

"I hate all this social stuff at school. It's all so annoying," Law grumbled sulkily. “Why can't I study medicine already and save myself this kindergarten?”

“Well, I hardly think they'd let someone at the operating table who needs a chair to get to the patient,” Corazon chuckled, ruffling Law's hair affectionately. “What exactly is the problem?”

The ten year old swatted Corazon's hand away. “There's no problem, because I'm not even going to that stupid school prom!" Law huffed with crossed arms, flinching at Corazon's sudden squeal.

"A prom at school? You bet you're going! My little Law in a cute suit with a partner, aww, that's gonna be so adorable!" Corazon exclaimed with a dreamy expression.

"Cora!" Law groaned with red cheeks."Get yourself together!"

"Why don't you go with your little friend Baby 5?" Another voice exclaimed.

Doflamingo returned home from his work, entering the room with a smirk.

"Shut up, stupid feather man," Law huffed angrily. "I'm not going. Besides, she already has a partner!"

"Jealous?" Doflamingo smirked, loosening his tie.

"As if!" Law shouted back.

The sunglasses wearer sighed. "Listen, squirt. Baby 5 considers you a friend, so act like one and protect her. The poor girl is far too good-natured and is bound to be taken advantage of by these pubescent bastards in your school."

"And how is that my business?" Law grumbled. "As far as I'm concerned, she can be exploited down to the last penny. I don't remember agreeing to be her bodyguard."

"Wow, I can't understand why you are always alone. Who wouldn't want to have you as a friend?" Doflamingo remarked sarcastically before leaving the room.

~

The next day was the day of prom and Law couldn't wait for this stupid event to be over already. The black-haired stocked his books in his locker, ready to head home when he noticed two boys talking just around the corner.

"I heard you're taking Baby 5 to prom today?" One of the boys exclaimed. "Well, she's cute, I have to give her that."

Law rolled his eyes. He'd rather leave now to avoid any cheesy talk before he would puke. But the next lines suddenly made him pause.

"Oh, please," the other boy scoffed back. "This naive girl is annoying as hell. But I'll tell you what. Ever since we started hanging out, she basically does everything I ask her to do without complaining. She's like a stupid lapdog."

Together, the two boys erupted into a barking laughter. Law paused, clenching his fists silently.

"Hey, tell me when you ditch her so I can use advantage of her too!" The other boy cackled loudly.

"Tss, Doflamingo was right. What a bunch of assholes," Law muttered under his breath. Law decided to keep shut for now, not wanting to ruin Baby 5's evening but eventually he would tell her the truth. Or he would tell Doflamingo, who would probably bury this boy alive. Either option was fine by him.

The ten year old turned around to leave, only to find Baby 5, the girl standing a few feet away from him with a shocked expression.

Law paused unsure, lacking the social skills to know how to properly handle such a situation. God, he hated moments like that.

"Uh, hey," the black-haired started, frowning. "I hope you're smart enough to not listen to those assholes and just ditch..." Law paused again.

Baby 5's expression remained shocked but tears were suddenly streaming over her cheeks.

"Ah," Baby 5 broke out of her stupor, wiping over her cheeks hastily. "S-sorry, I...that's stupid, I shouldn't-I...". The girl bit her lip, her face crumpling further. "Sorry, I need a moment alone."

And with that she ran away, leaving behind a bewildered and uncertain Law.

~

Law returned home with an uneasy feeling. It shouldn't matter. It wasn't his problem. But still...

When he arrived, the ten year old noticed that Corazon was on the phone.

"I see. That's a shame," Corazon replied to the phone with a sad expression. "Alright, see you. Bye."

Law entered the living room. "Who were you talking to?"

Corazon sat the phone down before turning to the child. "Oh, hey, Law. Giolla just called me. Said that Baby 5 is suddenly feeling unwell."

Law hummed, trying to appear nonchalant. "Today is the prom. She won't go?"

"Doesn't seem so," the blonde replied with a shrug. "Poor thing, she was so excited for it."

Corazon then rummaged through his fridge. "Hey, what do you want for dinner? We could also order takeaway since the firealarm stil isn't working properly yet and-" Corazon stopped when he saw that Law wasn't listening. "...Law?"

With a serious expression, the boy turned to his caregiver.

"Cora, I need your help."

"Huh?"

~

"Here, you go, honey." Giolla sat down beside her sniffling adoptive daughter, handing her a hot chocolate. "Please don't be so down, sweetheart. We can still have a fun evening here. And there'll always be other events later in school."

"Mhm," Baby 5 mumbled with a disappointed gaze, sipping on her chocolate.

The doorbell suddenly rang.

"Who could that be?" With a raised eyebrow Giolla approached the door, opening it. She was met with the sight of Law, dressed in a neat suit.

"Oh Law, what a pleasant surprise! You look stunning, darling!"

Baby 5 perked up at Law's name, shuffling towards the door curiously. She frowned when she saw him all dressed up.

"Huh? Law? What are you doing here?"

"Losing my mind, it seems," Law sighed annoyed. The boy made shooing gesture. "Get ready already so we can get this prom over with."

Baby 5 froze for a moment, processing, before she suddenly lunged forward, wrapping her arms around the boy tightly.

"Oi!" Law complained, trying to push her away. "Stop hugging m-"

"Thank you," Baby 5 whispered in his ear in a sincere, grateful tone. "This means a lot to me."

Law grumbled slightly, his cheeks reddening. "Hmpf, yeah, yeah," he pulled Baby 5 away from him. "When this evening ends, we'll never talk about it again, got it?"

Baby 5 nodded happily before she rushed back inside to get herself ready.

~

And so they arrived at the prom and experienced a night filled with bustling music, delicious food and bursting laughter.

"Aww, look at them! They are so adorable together!" Corazon watched the children dancing together on the dance floor. Well, Baby 5 was dancing. Law was only swinging back and forth with a grumpy expression.

"I know, right?" Giolla agreed with a chuckle before frowning. "Uh...Corazon, are you crying?"

"My Law finally has a social life!" The giant blonde sniffled, pulling out a handkerchief.

While Corazon and Giolla gushed over the children, Baby 5 had the time of her life, her face shining brighter than the chandelier above.

As night receded and morning arrived, they returned home. But before Baby 5 followed Giolla home, she turned to Law once more, her face full of pure joy. "That was the best night of my life!"

“Don't exaggerate,” Law huffed, rolling his eyes and turning away. Nevertheless, a slight smile crept onto his lips.

Even Law had to admit that maybe, just maybe, that stupid prom wasn't so bad.

And should he ever deny that this all happened, Corazon's 286 taken photos would make sure to always remind him.

~

(A few days later)

"She really dumped you, huh."

"Pah, her loss," Baby 5's ex friend scoffed. "I was gonna dump that idiot either way."

The other boy suddenly froze and turned pale.

"Dude, what's wrong?" Baby 5's ex asked worried.

"Dunno, I just felt a menacing aura."

"So, tell me," an intimidating dark voice sounded behind them. A chill went down their spines. Before they could have reacted, a hand grabbed them by the collar and lifted them into the air. "Who of you brats hurt Baby 5's feelings?"

The last thing they saw was a pair of blood-red sunglasses.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!"

(Do no repost/share my picture without my consent)

Chapter Text

"Alright, everyone, that's it for today," the teacher announced. "Please remember to take care of yourselves, there's a pretty bad flu epidemic going around at the moment. And I don't get paid enough to look after a bunch of snotty kids," she mumbled the last part to herself.

Law groaned inwardly. He hated flu season. With all the constant sniffling, whining and coughing, he couldn't concentrate properly in class. The boy couldn't even remember the last time he had been sick. It must have been before...

"H-Hey, Law."

Law was snapped out of his thoughts as Baby 5 approached. Her eyes appeared dull, her usually radiant face exhausted and marked by pallor. Only her cheeks stood out in a dark blush.

"You look like shit," Law announced bluntly as he put his books away in his locker.

"My head feels like someone's hitting it with a baseball bat," Baby 5 whined, coughing harshly in her elbow. Law winced at the sound.

"Then what are you still doing here? Get your misery self out of here," the black-haired exclaimed annoyed.

Baby 5 shook her head weakly, sniffling. "I can't, there's still so much to do. I promised to help Bufallo with his homework and Dellinger wanted me to advise him on his outfit and then I still need to go grocery shopping with my mommy and...and...ugh." Baby 5 held her head, swaying.

Reflexively, Law supported her with a serious face. "You're doing nothing except getting the hell out of here!"

Without waiting for a response, Law grabbed her arm and pulled the coughing and sniffling mess of Baby 5 out of the school and towards her house. Although the boy grumbled and complained the whole way, he also showed remarkable gentleness, carrying her schoolbag and making sure she didn't faint on the way.

"There," Law shoved Baby 5's schoolbag back into her arms once they arrived at her doorstep. "Is Giolla home yet?"

Baby 5 nodded with a cough, already ringing the bell.

"Good. Rest, drink lots of fluid, take medicine and stay the hell inside," Law ordered before he turned around and walked away with a huff.

He paused though when he heard Baby 5 chuckling. "What?" he asked annoyed.

Baby 5 shot a weak smile at him. "You have a funny way of showing concern."

Law quickly turned away to hide the slight blush on his cheek, walking away with a quiet: "Shut up."

~

The next morning Law woke up, feeling slightly off. His head was pounding but it was a different pain then his usual migraines. And his whole body kinda ached. Brushing it off, Law dragged himself out of bed and padded into the kitchen, where Corazon was already up and about.

"Morning, Law," Corazon greeted with his usual cheerful smile, burning two innocent eggs down to ash. "Slept well?"

"Mhm," Law simply grumbled back, pouring himself a bowl of cereals. He didn't had much of an appetite anyways.

"Alright, I'll be back from my business trip in three days," Doflamingo announced, appearing in the doorstep with a disgustingly flashy pink suitcase. "Until then try to leave most of the house in one piece." Doflamingo handed Law a piece of paper. "Here's my number and any other emergency number. Since you're the only responsible person here, I'll count on you."

Corazon kicked his brother into the shin. "Get lost already."

With a devilish smirk, Doflamingo grabbed his coat and suitcase before heading out.

"By the way, Giolla called earlier," Corazon informed, sipping on his coffee. "Baby 5 won't be accompanying you to school today. Apparently she's caught the flu that's going around."

"Who would have thought," Law mumbled unsurprised.

"I have an important appointment with my publisher in an hour. Can you walk to school alone today?"

The boy rolled his eyes. "Of course, I'm not five anymore, Cora."

"You are growing up so fast!" Corazon complained nostalgically.

"Ugh, shut it!"

~

In the classroom, Law rubbed his forehead, trying to concentrate. His head was pounding like hell and he felt so weak and exhausted. Ugh, he couldn't get sick. He refused too, he-

"Law!"

The boy snapped his head up, wincing while doing so.

The class teacher was turned towards him, waiting with an expecting expression. "So?"

Law realised he had missed the question. A rare occurrence.

"Uh, sorry, could you repeat that?" The ten year old asked with a raspy voice.

The teacher only sighed and asked another child. Law internally groaned and dropped his head back on the table. This day sucked.

~

Back at home, Corazon had already prepared dinner. Or whatever this pitiful heap of misery was supposed to represent.

"Guess, we'll order takeaway today," Corazon exclaimed, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. The man stepped out of the room, grabbing his phone on the way out.

As soon as the blonde left, Law's shoulders hunched with a tired sigh. Damn, did he felt bad. His head ached, his limbs felt unbearably heavy, and his throat burned with every swallow. But he kept his expression neutral. Corazon couldn’t know.

If he did, he’d make a fuss, trip over himself trying to take care of Law, and probably set something on fire in the process.

So Law pressed his lips together and willed his body to cooperate. Tomorrow was saturday so he could sleep whatever this was off, drink some water and everything would be fine. He could do this just fine on his own. As always.

Later that evening the pale child listlessly picked at the food Corazon had set in front of him.

"What's the matter, Law? You barely touched your food. Can't be worse than what I made," Corazon mused, taking a big bite out of his salad.

"Food's okay. I'm just not that hungry," the boy muttered, shoving another spoon of food in his mouth despite having no appetite.

"Are you feeling alright?"

Corazon made a move to check Law's forehead but before he could do so, the boy roughly slapped his hand away.

"I'm fine," Law scowled annoyed, unwilling to meet Corazon's eyes.

Corazon squinted at him over the rim of his mug but after a moment, the man just shrugged. "If you say so."

~

But the next morning Law didn't get any better. If anything, he got worse. His head felt like it was stuffed with cotton, his legs felt like lead.

By midday, the fever hit in full force. Sweat clung to Law’s back. He bit the inside of his cheek, wiling his body to work. He could do this.

By evening, Law could barely hold himself upright. He somehow had managed to hide his terrible state all day but it had cost him all the bit of energy he had left.

The black-haired got ready to bury himself under the covers and stay there for at least a year.

But on the way to his room, Corazon signaled him to join him on the couch.

"Hey, Law, wanna have a movie night? I've got popcorn!" The blonde held up the bag of popcorn but he spilled it, covering himself as well as the couch. "Or well, I can make more."

Law weakly shook his head, stiffling a cough. "I'm tired, Cora, I think I'll head to bed."

"Aww, c'mon, can't you spare some time for a bit quality time with your favourite clumsy idiot?"

"I'm not in the mood, ok?!" Law snapped back annoyed but quickly composed himself as he saw Corazon's surprised reaction. "I'm just...I'm exhausted from school and stuff."

Corazon frowned. "Alright, um, get some rest then. I hope you're feeling better by tomorrow."

"I hope so, too," Law sighed quietly to himself as he disappeared into his room.

~

The child plopped down on his bed, coughing weakly into his pillow.

"God, kill me already," he groaned into his pillow.

He had forgotten how bad being sick felt. The last time he had been sick, his little world was still perfect. His mother and father were by his side when he was burning up with fever, always making sure he was comfortable. His sister was there with her radiant smile, always trying to make him laugh. But now...none of them were there. He just had to battle through it on his own. He hoped the fever dreams would leave him by this once, allowing him to get even a glimpse of a peaceful night. Soon, the shivering child passed out.

"It's a cruel world," Vergo announced. "The weak one has nothing to decide in this world, not even how he dies."

One bullet.
Another one.
Another one.
Another.
Another.
Another.

The bullet slid through the body as if it was paper, piercing his arm, his leg, his stomach, his chest...everywhere.

The tall body slumped down. Law ran towards the body, screaming, though no sound escaped his raw throat. He shook the body, pressing his ear against the pierced chest. No pulse, no breath, nothing. Flames began to spread out of Law's chest, surrounding him, filling the air with a stiffling heat, slowly burning the dead body. It got hotter and hotter until Law couldn't take it anymore.

With a piercing cry Law bolted upright, gasping loudly. The trembling child clutched at his burning chest. It hurt. His whole body felt as if it was burning from the inside out. Staring down, Law's eyes widened in shock. Blood. His palms were covered in blood. Corazon! Corazon was-

Panting heavily, Law tore himself out from under the covers. Disoriented, he stumbled out into the corridor, the world around him spinning for a second. Law lost his balance and bumped into a small table, knocking over a lamp. His knees buckled as he leaned against the wall heavily.

Footsteps echoed through the dark hallway, replaced by a drowsy Corazon who rushed out of his room, only to stumble over the carpet and kiss the floor.

Groaning, the blonde pulled himself to his feet. "Ugh. Law?" he mumbled confused, voice still rough with sleep as he squinted at the dark silhouette. "Why are you sneaking around in the corridor in the middle of the night?"

The distraught child immediately stumbled towards him, eyes wide and wild with distress. "Cora, are you alright?! Show me your wounds!" Law's glassy eyes frantically searched his entire body, looking for an injury, for the many gaping bloody holes that had covered him.

The blonde raised an eyebrow, rubbing his face. "Wounds? I just banged my face a bit but that's pretty routine for me."

Law lifted his tiny hand, stroking over Corazon's shirt. Nothing. "B-but you were dead," the child whispered confused with a trembling voice.

"Dead?" Corazon's frown deepened, a tad of anxiety mixing with his concern. "Law, I'm completely healthy. What are you talking about?"

Law pulled his hand back, gazed at his palm. No blood. The blood was gone. No. There had never been blood to begin with. Of course not. He was just freaking the hell out.

The child flinched as he suddenly felt Corazon's soothingly cool palm pressed against his forehead. He almost leaned into the touch.

Corazon sucked air in sharply, his eyes widening in panic. "Law, you're burning up!" Corazon's hand wandered, gently feeling his flushed cheek, followed by his neck.

Corazon's eyes reflected nothing but pure worry, in a way that made Law's stomach twist. He hated that look. The same one his parents wore. The look of someone who cared too much.

"Why haven't you said sooner that you were sick, you little idiot?" Corazon scolded worried.

Because he thought he would be fine? Because he didn't want to bother Corazon? Because as always he was a stubborn idiot, who believed he could manage everything on his own? Law didn't know for sure himself. He only knew that he felt like absolute crap and he couldn't take it anymore and it overwhelmed him and everything just became too much.

The tears that began to spill down his face were a shock, if only because he didn't realize that he was crying until he heard himself sob. And once started, he couldn't stop himself from completely breaking down.

For a long second Corazon froze, unable to do something. Because this whole scene seemed so absurdly surreal. Standing in the dark hallway at an ungodly hour with a sobbing child, who was normally anything but emotional. Only the heartbreaking sobs broke Corazon out of his stupor and reminded him that all of this was in fact pretty much real.

"Come here," Corazon whispered softly.

Before Law could retreat further, Corazon kneeled down and scooped the trembling child up into his arms effortlessly. The blonde stood up, cradling Law against his chest. The boy let out a weak protest, but his feverish body melted into Corazon’s gentle embrace. He buried his face into Corazon’s shoulder, sobbing quietly.

Corazon held him close, one hand gently stroking over his sweaty back while whispering quiet reassurances. "Shhh, it's okay. The fever is probably making you feel a bit overwhelmed right now but you'll be fine, I promise."

It broke his heart to see Law in such a state. But by god, he had absolutely no clue what to do. How do you actually take care of a sick child? Law had always been such an independent, self-sufficient child that he didn't needed to worry about such things. But right now, Law was just a sobbing mess in his arms.

Corazon needed to think and fast. He doubted that a bit of comfort was enough to help with this stubborn fever.

With Law still cradled tightly in his arms, he slowly walked to the bathroom. He took extra caution with his steps. He couldn't fall when he was holding something as important as his little one.

Eventually, he reached the bathroom and switched the light on before entering. He carefully pulled Law away from his chest and sat him on the bathroom counter. He reached out and gently wiped his hands over Law's tear-stained cheeks.

"No more tears, alright? Otherwise I'll start crying, too," Corazon said with a weak smile but he meant every word.

The blonde quickly rummaged through the bathroom closet for a thermometer.

"Let's see what we're dealing with," he muttered to himself. He held the digital thermometer to Law’s lips. "Open up."

Law took a glance at the device. "It's for the ear," the child hiccuped softly.

Puzzled, Corazon stared at the packaging, which confirmed it. "Ah, right. Sorry."

He gently placed the tip in Law's ear and pressed the button to start. While he waited for the result, he took out his phone and searched for a fever chart for children to get an idea of the level at which it became dangerous. Eventually the thermometer beeped. He pulled it back. With a frown, he took in the number, 39.6°C, comparing it with the fever chart on his phone.

"Huh...this should probably still be fine, ri-?"
Severe fever. "Ok, no, bad. Really bad."

Law let out a distressed whimper, rubbing over his hot face.

"Everything's fine. I've totally got it under control and I'm totally NOT freaking out," Corazon mumbled quietly to himself. With trembling hands, he quickly typed in his phone: 'How to take care of sick child with high fever'. Not gonna lie, he felt pathetic, while doing so.

Medicine. Cold cloth. Fluids. Rest.
Alright, he could do that.

"Medicine, medicine," he rummaged through the closet again, inspecting several bottles before pulling one out that was labelled 'paracetamol'. Unsure, he held it infront of Law's glassy eyes. "This one's for fever, right?"

Law nodded weakly, coughing into his elbow. "Yes but I don't need it," the child rasped.

Corazon ignored Law's protests, studying the instructions before pouring the liquid into a small cup. "Sorry but you can't get to decide that when I could fry eggs on your head. Here."

He held the cup towards Law's mouth but he turned away.

Corazon bit his lip. "Oh come on, what are you, a toddler? Just take it, it's yummy strawberry flavour."

But Law insisted on being difficult. Corazon sighed and grabbed Law's chin, turning his head back. He looked into Law's eyes with a worried expression. "Please, if not for yourself, do it for me, Law. So I don't feel like a complete failure as a guardian."

Law's frown softened slightly. With a sigh, he took the cup, downing the liquid.

"Thank you," Corazon sighed in relief, storing the bottle back. He then saw the state in which Law's pyjama stuck to his skin.

"You must be uncomfortable. Let's get you out of those sweaty clothes."

Corazon quickly fetched another pair of pyjamas from Law's closet and started to pull the sweat-soaked shirt off Law's body. Law didn't helped but he didn't complained either, only observing his motions with a blank expression. This eerie silence...it was starting to frighten Corazon.

The man winced as he saw that Law's whole upper body was covered in a thin layer of glistening sweat. He quickly grabbed a soft towel, wet it in the tap and dabbed on Law's overheated skin with it. Once his skin felt a bit more bearable, Corazon dried him off and pulled on the new shirt. He repeated the procedure with Law's pants before scooping him up once more.

"Let's get you back to bed."

He carefully set Law down on his bed, pulling the covers over him before feeling his forehead. It was still way too hot. Corazon prayed for the medicine to work as he fetched a cool cloth and placed it on his forehead. Law barely reacted, his breath coming out in laboured pants. Fueled by fear, Corazon practically sprinted into the kitchen, his shaking hand reaching out for a glass. He dropped the first one. It shattered on the counter. With a frustrated sigh, he took another one out of the cupboard, filling it at the sink. He hurried back, but tripped over the threshold, causing the second glass to shatter, the water spilling on the carpet.

"Oh come on, you've got to be kidding me," Corazon cursed under his breath.

The covers shifted and soon a weak, raspy voice called out: "Cora?"

"Law!" Corazon quickly scrambled back to his feet and walked to the bedside. "How are you feeling?" he asked the trembling child, who only groaned in response, brows furrowed.

Corazon bit his lip, already turning around. "Hold on, I'll get you some wa-"

But before he could take a step, Law's small, shaky hand shot out from under the blanket, grabbing a fistful of Corazon's sleeve. Corazon froze. His eyes widened slightly as he looked down at Law, surprised at the quiet desperation in his voice.

"Don't leave, Cora," Law whimpered, his grey eyes, usually sharp and defiant, now dull with fever.

"I'll be right back," Corazon answered worried. "It’ll only take a minute."

Law shook his head weakly, his grip tightening on the fabric. "Stay. Don't leave me alone. Please." His glassy eyes welled up with thick tears, his lip quivering.

Corazon nearly teared up himself. Law's voice sounded so fragile. So unnaturally vulnerable. Corazon’s chest ached at those words– the kind of ache that made him want to scoop Law up and never let him go.

"Okay," Corazon murmured, gently prying his sleeve free only to take Law’s small hand properly in his own. "I'll stay. I won’t go anywhere, I promise."

He sat down on the edge of the bed, close enough for Law to lean against him if he wanted to. Corazon kept hold of Law’s small hand, rubbing slow circles over the boy’s knuckles with his thumb.

"You're such a tough child," Corazon murmured, watching as Law's eyes slowly began to flutter closed, exhaustion finally winning. "But you don't always have to be. That's what I'm here for. I care about you."

Law relaxed slightly, eyes fluttering shut. The gentle voice, the soft reassurances, the loving touch. It felt almost as if...as if he was back in the warm, comforting presence of his parents.

Half-asleep, he felt Corazon adjusting the blanket so Law was tucked in snugly. "Get some rest, Law. I'll still be here when you wake up."

Once Law had settled against him, breathing finally slow and even, Corazon leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to Law’s warm forehead.

"Sweet dreams and get well soon, my little warrior," he whispered with a small, loving smile.

And as Law drifted off into sleep, Corazon leaned back, still watching over him - his heart full of quiet love for the boy who finally let himself be cared for.

~

"I'm back," Doflamingo announced, shutting the door close behind him. Upon reaching the living room he was greeted with an interesting sight. Corazon and Law were snuggled together on the couch, the boy snoring softly.

"Fufufu, the kid must be tired from babysitting you, eh," Doflamingo chuckled amused.

Corazon nodded exhausted. If only Doflamingo knew...

It had been a long night and an even longer day. Corazon had barely slept a minute all night, the worry in his mind refusing to shut down until Law's fever finally broke early in the morning. Even then, he kept checking up on him, never leaving his side for long. He felt like he'd been run over by a truck several times but at least Law was feeling better. So it was worth it.

"I'm in my room, unpacking." Doflamingo left the room.

With a weary sigh, Corazon leaned back into the sofa cushion, succumbing to his exhaustion and joining Law into the realm of dreams.

(Do not repost/share my pictures without my consent)

Chapter Text

Baby 5 dragged herself out of the changing room, finding Law leaning casually against the wall. They started walking toward the school’s exit together.

"Ugh, PE is the wooooorst, I can't feel my legs...or feet...or arms...or any other part of my body," Baby 5 whined exhausted.

"Probably didn’t help that you carried everyone's sports bags," Law muttered dryly, rolling his eyes.

"They said I'm very helpful!"

"They exploit you to the hilt, idiot!"

"Hmpf, whatever. Mr. Mihawk was really killing us today. I can't believe Zoro was still standing at the end of class."

Law snorted. "That idiot still hasn't found the exit to the changing room. Mihawk probably has to drag his ass out again as always."

Baby 5 giggled before wiping sweat from her forehead. "Phew, I'm really glad mommy's picking me up with her car today. I don't think I can walk another mile."

The boy paused, brows furrowing in confusion. "Since when do you call Giolla that?"

Baby 5 stopped in her step too, a finger on her lip. "She always offered me to call her that. My parents abandoned me, my fake uncle tried to kill us...let's not talk about that. She's the first person who is actually grateful that I am in her life. And over time it felt natural to call her that. Plus, it makes her happy and that makes me happy."

Her face lit up when she spotted Giolla's car in the parking lot. "There she is! Bye Law, see you on monday!"

The black-haired only hummed absentmindedly. He thought about Baby 5's words.

What exactly were Corazon and Doflamingo to him? His saviors, yes, responsible adults...probably not...guardians perhaps. But...

Thinking about calling either of them something like 'father' somehow didn't sit right with him.

Doflamingo was out of question. He was more the kind of annoying rich uncle that makes you cringe at a family gathering.

Corazon was probably the closest to a father figure he had. In fact, Corazon was the most patient, lovingly person anyone could hope for. Would it make him happy if Law would ever call him something like father? Corazon had never mentioned it. And it wouldn't be fair if it wasn't from the depth of his heart.

Law already had a father. Dead, yes, but it was still his father and that would never change.

The topic wouldn't leave him on the way home but a panicked shout infront of his house snapped him out of his mind.

Corazon was kneeling on the ground next to the house wall.

With a sigh the child approached him. "I know I'm gonna regret asking but what-"

"Law, I need your help! I heard a loud bang and went outside to look for the cause. Now look!" With teary eyes, the blonde held up his palm, revealing a tiny, unmoving sparrow. "This poor little bird flew against the wall of our house."

Law only rolled his eyes. "Maybe we should call it Cora junior. It's just as dumb and clumsy as you."

"Law, this is not the time for joking around! We need to help him."

"Fine. Give it to me," Law ordered, assessing the little bird. Both wings were tilted at an unnatural angle. Seeing the damage done, Law decided to do what was necessary. His fingers wrapped around the head of the unmoving bird and then a crack was heard.

Corazon's eyes widened dramatically in shock. "Don't tell me you just killed this poor little-"

"Why let it suffer unnecessary?" Law chimed in serious. "It severely broke both wings. This bird would never be able to fly again, not to mention he was barely alive at this point anyway. I spared him a miserable end."

"I see," Corazon whispered sadly, taking the bird back. "We should make him a little grave. It's the least we could do."

"A grave for a dumb bird?" Law scoffed.

Corazon stood up, brushing his knees off, the sorrow still sitting on his face. “Even if he was just a little bird, he still deserves a bit of respect. Life is life, right?”

Law didn't respond. His fingers twitched slightly at his sides, but his face stayed stoic. He watched as Corazon gently held the lifeless creature, holding it with both hands like it was something precious.

“Tch.” Law crossed his arms infront of his chest. “If you're going to do it, might as well do it under the big tree. At least the roots will make use of it.”

Corazon nodded. “That’s a good idea. Will you help me?”

Law shrugged and silently followed him to the big old tree in the backyard. They reached the tree in silence. It was tall and scraggly, not exactly beautiful, its branches twisted like they were reaching out for something just out of grasp.

Corazon knelt down again, placing the bird carefully on a patch of soft dirt. “Can you get me a shovel or something?”

Law sighed and walked back into the house, returning a minute later with two rusted garden trowels. He handed one trowel to Corazon. They dug side by side, small clumps of earth flying in uneven rhythm.

When the hole was deep enough, they placed the bird inside. Corazon looked around for something, anything to make it feel less pitiful, before settling on a small daisy-like weed growing nearby. He plucked it and placed it on the bird’s chest.

Law raised an eyebrow. “You want me to say a eulogy or something?”

Corazon smiled slightly. “If you want to.”

“Pass.”

They covered the bird with dirt in silence. When they finished, Law stood up first, brushing his hands off. Corazon remained kneeling, his head bowed for a second longer. Then, with a small sigh, he rose too.

"You're really serious about this kind of stuff, huh," Law muttered, crossing his arms.

Corazon smiled at him. "I think being remembered is important.”

The boy stared at him for a long beat, his lips pressed into a thin line. Then he turned away and started walking back to the house without another word.

~

Law’s eyes were open, fixed on nothing. The blanket lay across his lap. His fingers clutched the edge of the fabric as if it might help anchor his mind. But it didn’t. He wasn’t thinking about that bird anymore. He was thinking about them. His family. The faces of his mother, father and little sister flickered behind his eyes like afterimages burned into film. But no matter how hard he tried, their voices were harder to remember. He hated it. The fact they slowly faded from his mind.

And even worse— there was nothing left of them.

No photos. No home. No graves. The city had burned. The people had turned their backs. His family had been erased like chalk from a board, like they’d never existed to begin with. He clenched his fists.The stupid bird had a grave now. And yet—

They had nothing.

A bitter taste settled on his tongue. What if, one day, he forgot what their laughter sounded like? What if he woke up one morning and couldn’t remember the exact shade of Lamy’s eyes when she smiled at him? What if he was the only one left who remembered them and even he started forgetting them? Would they truly be gone then?

His heart thudded too loudly in his chest. He sat up abruptly, swinging his legs off the bed. The house was quiet, save for the distant creaks of the walls settling. He padded into the hallway barefoot, walking past Corazon’s room.

He stopped for a second. The door was cracked open. Corazon had managed to tangle himself in the blanket, one foot sticking out and dangling over the edge like a discarded towel. He snored, unbothered.

Law watched him for a moment. His chest tightened. He could ask. He could say it. Just a few words:

I want to make them a grave.
I don’t want them to disappear.

But his lips wouldn’t move. The fear lodged in his throat like a shard of glass.

He turned away, slipping quietly into the living room instead. The moonlight spilled through the window, painting long shadows across the floor. Law pulled out a sheet of paper and one of Corazon’s ridiculous novelty pens, the one shaped like a flamingo. He hesitated, then began to write.

Name: Lamy
Age: 8
Loved: festivals, ice cream, older brother, our parents

Said she wanted to become a nurse. Played doctor on stuffed animals. Would’ve been better at it than me.

Never got to grow up.

His hand trembled as he kept writing. One page. Then two. Then three. He wrote pages about his mother, her soft, gentle hands, her warm smile, her great knowledge about medicine and herbs. And about his father, his loving father, the best doctor in the whole world, his role model.

By the end, the flamingo pen was out of ink and his cheeks were wet. Law didn’t remember crying.

When he was done, he folded the pages with care, like they were made of glass. He slid them into an envelope and wrote their names on the front. He’d find a place for it. Somewhere quiet. Maybe under that dumb tree. It wasn’t much. But it would be something.

Somewhere they could exist again.
Somewhere he could go when he needed to remember that they were real.

~

The next morning, the house smelled faintly of over-steeped coffee and something burning. Corazon had forgotten the toast again.

Law sat at the table, hunched over a half-eaten bowl of cereals, the envelope with the handwritten memories lying on his lap like a secret he didn’t want anyone to see.

Corazon stumbled into the kitchen, hair pointing in every possible direction, one sock missing. “Morning, kiddo,” he croaked, scratching his stomach and yawning like a lion.

Law grunted in response. Corazon shuffled over to the coffee maker, pouring himself a cup.

"Wait until it cooled down," Law reminded sternly, gaze still on the table.

Corazon chuckled. "Geez, I know but thanks anyway."

Law's fingers drummed against the envelope softly.

“Hey,” he muttered. “Can we go somewhere later?”

Corazon turned, blinking blearily. “Somewhere?”

Law nodded seriously. “There’s something I want to do.”

~

Later that day, they walked together through the patch of wild land behind the house with overgrown grass and the occasional wildflower stubbornly pushing through the soil. It wasn’t a proper cemetery, but it was quiet.

“This is where you buried the bird,” Law said flatly, pointing at the crooked little mound under the tree.

Corazon nodded, watching the boy kneel down and begin to dig. Corazon didn’t stop him. Just watched. Law took the envelope from his jacket pocket and placed it into the earth like it was fragile glass.

“For Lamy. And for my mom and dad,” he breathed quietly. “So they’re not just…gone.”

There was a long pause. The wind rustled through the grass, gentle and slow, like it knew not to rush this moment.

Corazon swallowed thickly. He reached out and placed a hand on Law’s shoulder, warm and grounding. “They’re not gone,” Corazon said softly, his voice rough with emotion. “Not as long as someone remembers them.”

Law didn’t look at him, but he didn’t pull away either.

Corazon continued, quieter now. “What you wrote…it’s more than paper, Law. It’s proof they lived. That they were loved. That they mattered. And now, this place, this moment, you gave them a place in the world again.”

Law’s lips pressed together tightly. His eyes were burning, but he didn’t let the tears fall. He stared at the envelope.

Corazon smiled gently, his voice almost breaking. “They’d be proud of you, you know. Your parents. Lamy. They’d be so proud of the boy who still carries them in his heart.”

Law let out a shaky breath. “I’m scared I’ll forget them someday. Their voices… their faces…”

Corazon gently squeezed his shoulder. “Then we’ll remember them together.”

Law finally looked up at him and something in his expression cracked.

Corazon offered a soft smile. “Anytime you want to come here. To talk about them. If you want to, I’ll come with you. We can make this their place. Just for them.”

Law looked back down at the small grave and nodded slowly, carefully covering the envelope with earth.

They sat there for a while, not needing to speak. Just letting the silence do the rest. The wind carried the scent of grass and distant blossoms.

When they finally stood to leave, Law gave the little mound one last look, his hand brushing the bark of the tree. "I'll make you proud," he whispered to himself. "I’ll carry you with me. Wherever I go. Forever."

A grave without bodies.
A memory made solid.
Not much...but enough.

With a sigh, the child turned around. Corazon opened his arms without a word, and Law ran into them, burying his face in Corazon’s shirt. The blonde pulled his boy close, resting his chin lightly on the top of Law’s head. “How about a cozy walk through the city? We could get those rice balls you like."

Law nodded, looking up at Corazon with a small smile. He felt better. Lighter.

“Yeah…sounds good.”

Some names weren’t written in stone.
But as long as someone remembered them, they still existed. And Law would never let them be forgotten.

(Do no repost/share my picture without my consent)