Chapter Text
"I look like a plucked swan," Law complained, grimacing at his reflection in the mirror. He wore an ostentatious outfit adorned with feathers in his hair, all in immaculate white that only made the patches on his skin stand out more. "I look ridiculous."
"You don't look ridiculous, darling. You look as beautiful, if not more so, than the other omegas this year," his uncle Cora replied with a reassuring smile. Cora, another omega, was going to take on the role of chaperone this season and was determined to make Law look presentable for his debut in society. Cora firmly believed that Law would find love this season and blah, blah, blah...
"If you say so," Law muttered, shifting uncomfortably in his place. The corset was too tight, the jewelry around his neck was suffocating him, and the feathers in his hair were causing him allergies.
Cora smiled sweetly and gently adjusted Law's hair. "Everything is going to be fine, love. I promise."
Law sighed, resigned. He knew his uncle only wanted the best for him, but he couldn't help feeling out of place in all of this. Ever since he had turned eighteen, his life had revolved around preparing for this moment. The dresses, the parties, the endless etiquette lessons… it had all exhausted him.
"You should try to enjoy it," Cora continued as he adjusted one of the feathers in Law's hair. "The debutante season is a unique experience. And who knows, you might find someone special."
"I highly doubt it," Law replied with a hint of bitterness. "People can't stop talking about my patches. No one will look at me in a positive way."
"Don't be so negative, who knows? Maybe a sweet alpha will surprise you," Cora said with a bit of excitement. Law couldn't understand why Cora was so focused on him finding love and getting married when Cora himself had never married.
Law looked at his uncle with curiosity. "Uncle Cora, why do you care so much about me getting married? You never did, and you're happy."
Cora sighed, his eyes softening. "It's not that I think you need to get married to be happy, Law. But I know that, in our society, having someone to support you can make life easier. I want you to have options, to be able to choose your own path. Besides," he added with a mischievous smile, "it's fun to imagine you in love and happy."
Law remained silent, pondering his uncle's words. Despite his doubts, he couldn't ignore the affection and concern in Cora's eyes. "I guess I can try to enjoy the night," he finally conceded.
"That's all I ask," Cora responded with a relieved smile. "Now, take a deep breath and let's go."
With a final adjustment to his outfit and a deep sigh, Law mentally prepared himself to face the evening. As they walked toward the carriage, with Cora by his side, he couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Could this be the night when everything changed?
The carriage awaited them at the entrance, gleaming under the streetlights. They climbed in and settled into the velvet-upholstered seats as the coachman signaled for departure. Inside the carriage, his father, Doflamingo, was already seated, his imposing presence and calculating gaze unmistakable. The ride to the grand hall was quiet, the rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves accompanying their thoughts.
"Remember, Law," Cora said softly as they approached their destination, "be yourself. Don't worry about what others might think. Someone special will see beyond the superficial."
Law nodded, trying to absorb his uncle's encouragement. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to try. After all, you never know who might be attracted to white patches.
When they arrived at the grand hall, the doors opened to reveal a magnificent view of lights and music. The murmur of voices and the glow of chandeliers created an enchanting and opulent atmosphere. Cora gave Law one last squeeze on the arm before they stepped out of the carriage.
Doflamingo watched them from his height, with a barely perceptible smile. "Remember, son, tonight is crucial. Don't let anyone make you feel less than what you are."
After a while of waiting in the room with other anxious omegas, Law could feel the curious glances of the others. The tension in the air was palpable as each omega waited their turn to be presented to society and, more importantly, to Queen Shakky.
The minutes seemed endless as Law watched one by one the other omegas being called to leave the room and face high society. Some walked out with radiant confidence, while others seemed more nervous, as if they were about to face a trial.
"I can't, Cora," Law mumbled, feeling the anxiety wrap around him like a heavy blanket. "I can't do this. I'm going to vomit, I swear."
Cora gave him a reassuring smile, his eyes shining with determination. "I know, darling. But I also know that you're braver than you think. You can do this, I promise."
Law shook his head. “I can’t do this, tell them… tell them I collapsed! That I had a nervous breakdown and can’t do it, that I’ll do it next year, anything, Cora, just please get me out of here!”
Law's panic was interrupted when they announced him.
"Trafalgar-Donquixote Law, of the Donquixote family."
Law's heart seemed to stop for a moment when he heard his name resonate in the room. A wave of panic swept through his body, paralyzing him completely. He looked at Cora with desperate eyes, hoping to find some way to escape, but his uncle simply gave him a look of encouragement and determination.
"You can't run from this, Law," Cora whispered firmly, conveying a sense of urgency through his words. "It's time to face your fears."
Law swallowed hard, feeling the room spin around him. The idea of facing high society, of being scrutinized and judged by all those curious eyes, was too overwhelming.
But before he could protest further, Cora gave him a gentle push toward the door. "Go, Law. I'll be with you every step of the way."
With his heart pounding wildly in his chest, Law forced himself to take a step forward. He walked out of the room, with Cora following closely behind, and found himself facing an expectant crowd.
The bright light of the chandeliers illuminated the hall, making everything seem even more imposing. Queen Shakky sat on her throne, observing each omega who presented themselves before her with keen interest.
Law forced himself to keep his head held high as he moved towards the center of the hall. Each step felt like it weighed a ton, but he pushed himself to keep going, remembering Cora's words: "You are braver than you think."
When he finally reached the front of the queen, Law made a respectful bow, feeling his heart pound in his chest. The queen watched him with interest, her piercing eyes evaluating every detail of his appearance.
"Trafalgar-Donquixote Law, of the Donquixote family?" the queen asked, her voice resonating throughout the hall.
Law nodded nervously, feeling the anxiety consume him completely. Despite everything, he forced himself to maintain his composure, ready to face whatever destiny had in store for him.
Queen Shakky's gaze seemed to penetrate deep into Law, as if she were evaluating every fiber of his being. Law struggled to maintain his composure, even though his hands trembled slightly at his sides and his heart pounded in his chest.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Law replied firmly, trying to project confidence despite the storm of emotions within him.
Queen Shakky nodded approvingly, her eyes scrutinizing Law with curiosity. "What... an interesting creature you are."
Law fought to maintain his composure as Queen Shakky's words echoed in his ears. Heat quickly rose to his cheeks, feeling the blush spread across his face. The laughter and murmurs of the audience only intensified his discomfort, causing his anxiety to spike even further.
He swallowed hard, desperately searching for the right words to respond. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he finally managed to articulate, though his voice sounded weaker than he had hoped.
Queen Shakky gave him an enigmatic smile before turning her attention to the others present in the hall. Law took the opportunity to discreetly step back, fervently wishing the ground would open up and swallow him whole.
After the last omega was presented, the spring ball began, welcoming the flowers and the omegas who bloomed alongside them. The room filled with palpable anticipation as the atmosphere transformed, adopting a festive and lively aura. The lights flickered softly, adding a charming glow to the scene, and the air was filled with the fresh, intoxicating scent of flowers.
Law hid in a corner of the room, trying to go unnoticed. He didn't want to endure any more embarrassment. In the distance, he could see Doffy and Cora talking to some wealthy man. Cora glanced away from the conversation to look at him and gave him a thumbs-up for encouragement. Law just pressed himself a bit more against the wall, almost hidden by the plant that adorned the room.
"Torao!" Law looked at the little omega approaching him with excitement. Ace, the adopted son of the Akagami family. Roger, Ace's father, had raised Shanks and Buggy as his sons, and when he died, they decided to stay and raise Ace themselves.
"Hello, Ace." Law stepped out of his hiding place to greet the ten-year-old omega, who at that moment was the only thing bringing him calm.
"I saw your presentation! You looked so pretty!"
"I don't think everyone thought that." Law laughed a bit, feeling uncomfortable about the queen's reaction.
Ace laughed like the carefree child he was. "Don't worry about Queen Shakky, she didn't mean it in a bad way. You really impressed her!"
"If you say so, kid," Law said as he ruffled Ace's hair.
"I'm not a kid!" Ace protested without really being upset.
"You're right, you're just a brat," Law said, pressing Ace's wrinkled nose.
"You're right about that, Torao." And there he was, standing in all his glory, or all the glory a ten-year-old could have.
"Sabo!" The moment Ace saw his brother, he got excited and hugged him.
"Hello, Ace." Sabo hugged Ace affectionately. The children weren't blood brothers, but if they decided to be brothers, who was Law to forbid it?
“Law, have you heard the rumors?” Sabo whispered not so discreetly, and Law raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
“What rumors, Bo?” Sabo frowned and looked at Ace.
“You said you would tell him.”
“Sorry, I forgot!”
Law looked at the boys, confused. “What the heck are you two talking about?” Sabo sighed and tried to whisper again.
“They say the queen’s nephew, the prince of South Blue, Kidd, came to visit this season. They say he's looking for an omega to marry.”
“Hmm.” Law looked at the boys, somewhat puzzled.
“He's a very handsome alpha,” Ace said, giving Law a gentle nudge. The comment made Law’s ears turn red.
“What are you implying, brat?”
“I just think you’d make a great queen.”
“I’m not going to try anything with any prince or any alpha in general.”
Sabo and Ace laughed. “Look to your right.” Law hesitated a bit but discreetly looked to his right, finding a red-haired alpha surrounded by a bunch of omegas who were smiling foolishly at the alpha.
There, among a group of omegas smiling foolishly, was a red-haired alpha. His presence was unmistakable, radiating a mix of authority and charisma. The omegas around him seemed fascinated, but the alpha showed no interest in them, his expression one of clear discomfort. This sight made Law smile slightly; it seemed the alpha was not enjoying all the attention he was receiving.
Law watched the scene a bit more, amused by the situation. However, his smile quickly faded when the red-haired alpha looked up. Their eyes met, and to Law's surprise, the alpha smiled at him. It was a confident, direct smile that seemed to bridge the distance between them and left Law momentarily breathless.
Time seemed to stand still as their gazes held. Law felt a strange fluttering in his stomach, something he had never experienced before. Not knowing what to do, he quickly looked away, feeling his heart beat a bit faster than usual. The boys beside him couldn’t contain their laughter, fully enjoying Law’s bewilderment.
“I’m going to assume that’s the famous prince,” said Law, unable to resist his curiosity and glancing again in the direction of the red-haired alpha.
“I told you, he’s handsome, but not as much as my future husband,” replied Ace with a mischievous smile. Law raised an eyebrow, intrigued and a bit amused by the young omega’s confidence.
“You haven’t even made your debut yet, and you’re already looking for a husband, little Acey? You’re quick,” commented Law, trying to keep a light, teasing tone. Though part of him was surprised by Ace’s determination, he also felt a sort of admiration for the clarity of the child’s dreams.
Ace laughed, his cheeks tinting a rosy shade with excitement. “When I make my debut, I’ll find an alpha I love a lot and marry him!” he exclaimed, his eyes shining with enthusiasm and hope.
“So you’ve got everything planned out, huh?” said Law, smiling as he watched the sincerity in Ace’s face. He couldn’t help but feel touched by the innocence and purity of the boy’s dream.
“Of course!” Ace responded enthusiastically. “I want to find someone who loves me and who will protect me. And I’ll do the same for him. We’ll be happy together.”
Sabo crossed his arms, annoyed. “Why can you guys choose who to marry and I can’t? I already know my future husband, and he’s an idiot.” Law sighed; Sabo’s family had arranged his marriage as soon as they learned their youngest son was an omega. Law didn’t like Sabo’s family much; they weren’t very pleasant, especially the older brother of the family.
“Ace, Sabo, I know things aren’t always fair,” Law began, trying to find the right words to console Sabo. “But don’t let that discourage you. There are always ways to fight for what we really want.”
Sabo looked at Law with a mix of hope and desperation. "But it's not fair. Ace can choose, you can choose, but I... I'm trapped. My family has already decided for me, and they don't care what I want."
Ace approached Sabo and put a hand on his shoulder. "Sabo, I promise we'll find a way. I won't let them force you to marry someone you don't love."
"It's easy to say, but doing it is another thing," Sabo replied with a heavy sigh. "My older brother is always watching. It's like I can't escape from him."
Law frowned, remembering the times he had seen Sabo's older brother. His presence was intimidating and controlling, and Law understood Sabo's fear. "Sabo, I know it's difficult, but you're not alone. Ace and I are here for you. We'll find a way to help you."
Sabo lowered his gaze, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "Thank you, Law. Sometimes I just need to remember that I'm not alone in this."
Ace, trying to lighten the mood, nudged Sabo gently. "And besides, who wants to be with an idiot? Surely we can find someone much better for you."
Sabo couldn't help but smile at Ace's comment. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Anything would be better than him."
Law smiled affectionately as he watched the kids tease each other playfully. He was sure that if he ever had pups, he would want them to be like Sabo and Ace.
"Ace, look what you did. You messed up my braids!" The blond omega tried to fix his hair.
"I'm sorry, Bo. It wasn't my intention!" Ace tried to fix Sabo's hair. Law sighed.
"How about we go to the balcony and I fix these braids for you, Bo?" Law stroked the blond omega's hair as he led the pups to the balcony.
Yes, he preferred to spend his first dance as a newly included omega in society with two pups. So what? Today had been a very overwhelming day for Law, and a little fresh air might help.
Law sat on the stone railing of the balcony, sitting Sabo in his lap and helping Ace sit on the railing beside him.
Law began to fix Sabo's braids quietly. Being surrounded by pups really calmed Law down; he found something truly soothing in braiding Sabo's hair while Ace bombarded him with questions.
"I can't wait to wear a dress like this for my debut," Ace said cheerfully.
"You won't say that when you have to wear the corset," Law replied with a smile.
"I don't care," Ace said enthusiastically.
"Am I interrupting something?" A thick but gentle voice interrupted the three omegas' sweet moment. Law looked up from Sabo's braids to see the owner of that voice.
And there he was, the red-haired alpha from before. Now that Law saw him up close, the alpha really looked like a prince. He was leaning against the balcony door, not getting too close to Law as it was frowned upon for an unmarried omega and alpha to be alone.
"No! You're not interrupting anything! Are you here for Law?" Ace said cheerfully.
The alpha smiled at Ace's enthusiasm. "Yes, I... I wanted to know if young Trafalgar would like to dance with me for the next piece."
Law hugged the blond pup in his lap, ready to reject the invitation, but Ace beat him to it.
“Of course he does!”
Law looked at Ace with a twitch in his eye. "No, he doesn't," Law murmured to Ace.
The alpha approached a little closer but still at a good distance. "Don't worry," said the red-haired alpha softly. "There's no pressure. I just thought we could get to know each other a little better."
Sabo, with his braids already fixed, stood up from Law's lap, looking at the alpha with curiosity. “Come on, Law. It's just a dance,” Sabo said with an encouraging smile.
The alpha, Eustass Kidd, kept his hand extended, his smile bold and challenging. Law sighed, feeling like all eyes were on him. “Fine,” he finally said, getting up carefully and taking Kidd's hand.
"Thank you," Kidd responded softly, leading Law onto the dance floor.
As they walked, Law could feel the murmur of the crowd around them. The music started playing again, a soft and enveloping melody filling the room. Kidd placed a hand on Law's waist and with the other took his hand, guiding him confidently across the dance floor.
~ ♡ ~
May God have mercy on Kidd and his poor heart the moment he laid eyes on that omega at the ceremony a few hours ago. The attraction was instant, a punch to the chest that left him breathless. Kidd, known for his toughness and for not showing much emotion in public, found himself ensnared by a beauty and grace he had never anticipated.
Kidd had decided he wanted to get married. Something at his brother's wedding ignited a desire in him, a need to find the right omega. A close friend had mentioned to him that the omegas from the North Blue kingdom were the most beautiful, a fact he couldn't deny when he observed the debut of the omegas. However, they all seemed boring to him, clones of the same perfect figure but lacking spark, lacking life. That was not what Kidd was looking for.
Suddenly, among all those bland faces, an omega with brown skin and white spots caught his attention. There was something about the uniqueness of his appearance, the way his eyes sparkled with a mixture of insecurity and challenge, that fascinated him. This omega was not like the others, and Kidd knew it instantly.
The ceremony continued, but Kidd couldn't take his eyes off that omega. He promised himself he would do whatever it took to get to know him, to discover if the attraction he felt at that moment had the potential to become something deeper. With every step Law took, Kidd felt more convinced that he had found someone truly special.
The dance began and a bunch of omegas crowded around him, but Kidd was searching for the white-spotted omega with his gaze. Finally, he found him, half hidden against the wall, with a decorative plant helping to conceal him. Kidd chuckled a bit at this; the omega was so adorable.
Unfortunately, it was rude not to pay attention to the omega who was sharing a boring story about how prestigious her family was. Kidd had to tear his gaze away from the omega who had him so hypnotized and focus on the conversation he didn't care about at all, nodding occasionally to seem interested.
As the omega kept talking, Kidd found himself stealing furtive glances toward the corner where Law was. There was something about the vulnerability and the way he hid that stirred in him an intense need to protect him and get to know him better.
Then he watched Law interact so sweetly with the puppies, which excited the alpha. Does the omega like children? If so, Kidd will make sure to give him many puppies. Kidd was dying to mate with the omega until he dripped with pleasure.
Then when Kidd looked up and met Law's gaze, his heart skipped a beat, and he gave the omega the most confident smile he could muster, smiling even more when the omega's ears turned red and he quickly looked away.
When Law walked away somewhere with the puppies, Kidd couldn't help but want to follow him; this was his chance.
"...And of course, my family has attended every ceremony of Queen Shakky since..."
Kidd stopped listening, his mind returning to Law. The decision was sudden but firm. He wasn't going to let this opportunity slip away. With a polite apology and a forced smile, he interrupted the omega who was talking and excused himself.
Now, as the dance continued and the guests moved gracefully across the floor, Kidd couldn't stop thinking about Law. The chance to ask him for a dance had arrived, and although he felt nervous for the first time in a long time, he also felt an unbreakable determination.
When Kidd finally found the courage to approach Law, the alpha felt like he was about to embark on the most important adventure of his life. Seeing Law surrounded by the puppies, he knew he had to act with delicacy and sincerity.
"Am I interrupting something?" Kidd called softly, his voice firm but respectful. Law's eyes met his, and in that moment, Kidd felt like time stood still.
Law looked at him with a mix of surprise and curiosity. Before he could respond, one of the puppies stepped forward eagerly. "No! You're not interrupting anything! Are you here for Law?" he asked cheerfully.
The alpha smiled at Ace's enthusiasm. "Yes, I... I wanted to know if young Trafalgar would like to dance with me in the next piece."
Law hugged the blond puppy in his lap, looking uncertain about Kidd's proposal, it seemed that the answer was going to be negative but it seems that the puppies got ahead of Law! "Of course he does!" exclaimed Ace, earning a look of confusion from Law.
"No, he doesn't," Law murmured.
Kidd could feel Law's discomfort and decided to approach a little closer, maintaining a respectful distance. "Don't worry," he said softly. "There's no pressure. I just thought we could get to know each other a little better."
The blond puppy got up from the lap of the older omega and said something Kidd couldn't hear.
"Fine," Law finally said, looking at Kidd. "I'll dance with you."
"Thank you."
As they made their way to the dance floor, Kidd felt a wave of excitement wash over him. He knew this was just the first step on a path he hoped to walk alongside Law. And though the future was uncertain, in that moment, with the music starting to play and the omega by his side, everything seemed possible.
Kidd placed his hands on Law's waist, and Law put his hands on Kidd's shoulders. Now that Kidd could see the omega up close, he could see how beautiful he was: his white spots contrasting perfectly with his tan skin, his golden eyes shining like the most precious treasure, his earrings tinkling to the rhythm of the music, and that scent...
Law's scent was like chocolate and frosting, an extremely sweet aroma. It was funny, because Kidd didn't really like sweet things; he usually preferred salty or spicy foods, but he would gladly devour this sweet omega.
Kidd looked at Law and noticed his distressed expression. Was something wrong? Kidd had no idea, but if something bothered Law, Kidd would do his best to fix it.
That's when Kidd became aware of the murmurs around him.
"Who's that ugly omega?"
"What's wrong with his skin? Gross."
"Do you think it's contagious?"
"It must be like a disease. He shouldn't be here if he's sick!"
"No! That's awful, I don't want that to happen to my skin!"
Kidd looked at Law. A disease? No, something so beautiful couldn't be a disease. The alpha took Law's waist and pulled him closer to his body.
"Don't look at them, don't listen to them, you're dancing with me, focus on me."
Law, now with his face pressed against the alpha's chest, simply nodded.
The music continued, and the couple's steps were impeccably coordinated, though Law was very nervous and may or may not have stepped on the prince more than twice.
When the dance ended, Kidd noticed Law's attempt to escape. So, the alpha took the omega's hand and kissed it while making a slight bow. "I'll see you in the morning," was all Kidd managed to say before Law left the place.
~ ♡ ~
Law's heart was beating fast and hard. "In the morning? Like, during courtship? Is the alpha telling me he's going to court me?"
Law shook his head as he climbed into the carriage with Doffy and Cora. Both of them were asking a lot of questions, and Law wasn't ready to answer them.
"You danced with a prince, Law!" Cora exclaimed happily. "A prince!"
"Hmm," was the only sound that came from Law throughout the entire ride back home, leaving Cora very excited and Doffy very concerned.