Work Text:
That morning, as Doflamingo adjusted his coat before leaving, Law appeared dragging Bepo along with an improvised leash she had fashioned from a pink ribbon she’d found in her room. The puppy shuffled sleepily, barely walking, letting himself be pulled like a living stuffed toy.
“Daddy!” she called out enthusiastically, tilting her chin up. “Bepo’s coming with us!”
Doflamingo froze, staring at her in disbelief. “What?”
“Yes!” she repeated proudly, petting the puppy’s head. “Bepo wants to come to work with you and me.”
He exhaled sharply, one hand on his hip. “Sweetheart, the dog can’t come to the office.”
Law’s smile vanished instantly, replaced by a pout. “Why noooot…?” she whined, dragging out the words.
“Because it’s no place for puppies.” His voice came out firm—something he rarely used with her. He crouched to her level and pointed at the little dog. “There’s too much noise. He’ll get scared. Do you want him to be sad?”
She shook her head quickly, hugging Bepo tightly. “But… I want him to come…”
The silence stretched for a few seconds. From the doorway, Rosinante arched her brows with amusement, waiting to see if Doflamingo would once again give in under pressure.
Law tugged on her father’s sleeve, her bright eyes shining. “Please, Daddy?”
For the first time in a long while, Doflamingo held his ground, though inside it pained him to see her like that. He shook his head slowly. “No, darling. Bepo stays home.”
Her mouth opened in a wail, eyes filling with tears. “Daddyyy!” she cried, stomping her little feet against the floor.
“No.” He didn’t yield. Lifting her gently, ignoring her tiny fists tapping weakly against his shoulder, he carried her to the car. With patient hands, he secured her into her car seat while she continued to whimper softly, cheeks flushed with anger.
“It’s not fair…” she muttered between sobs, lips pushed out in the biggest pout as tears clung to her lashes.
Adjusting her seatbelt, Doflamingo sighed at the sight of her fury. “I know, pajarito… but daddy can’t always say yes.” He stroked her hair tenderly and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before shutting the door.
From the window, Law glared at him with the biggest pout in the world, clutching the teddy bear she always kept in the car, sniffling softly because, for the first time in a long while, Daddy had told her no.
…
The engine cut off, and with a heavy sigh, Doflamingo stepped out of the car. He circled to the back door and opened it slowly, finding those glassy eyes fixed on him from the car seat. Law’s pout was still firmly in place, arms crossed around her teddy bear, letting out occasional little whines as if to remind her father she was still upset.
“Vamos corderito…” he murmured, with a patience only she could bring out of him.
He leaned down to unbuckle her straps, moving the harness carefully until she was free. As soon as she was, she let herself be lifted, wearing the defeated look of someone who wanted to stay mad but couldn’t resist the comfort of her father’s warmth.
The moment her body pressed against his, her little arms wrapped loosely around him and her head dropped onto his broad shoulder. She was still whimpering faintly, breathing deeply as if to hold back sobs, but the soft rub of her cheek against his coat slowly calmed her.
“I know you’re upset,” Doflamingo said quietly, his large hand stroking her back. “Daddy didn’t mean to make you cry… but Bepo’s better off at home, do you understand?”
The little girl huffed, clutching his neck tighter, refusing to answer. His warmth enveloped her completely, and though she wanted to keep sulking, her body was already relaxing, eyelids growing heavy.
“Mi pajarito looks so brave carrying all that anger around,” he teased in a low murmur, leaning closer to her face. He kissed her temple and added in a near-playful tone, “But I like you better when you smile.”
Law made a small noise—half complaint, half muffled laugh—hiding her face against his neck, unwilling to give him the victory so soon. But her steady breathing betrayed her: little by little, she was giving in. In Daddy’s arms, she always ended up safe. She always ended up calm.
Doflamingo allowed himself the faintest smile, proud that even through tears and tantrums, his little girl always sought refuge in him.