Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"This is a stupid idea," Law muttered, sipping from a glass of whiskey as he leaned against the window, his eyes scanning the bustling streets below. Crowds of costumed people were already making their way along Gran Tesoro's usually glittering gold, now dimmed, streets for the Halloween extravaganza. What was sure to be the most over-the-top party of the year, according to the WENP, who wouldn't stop writing about it since March. Law, however, couldn't care less about some childish Halloween party.

Yet, there he was dressed up against his will. Hades, god of the Underworld, and ready to face an event he had tried so desperately to avoid. He blamed Nami. It all started with a call from the Straw Hat's navigator. The second Nami mentioned it to Alexia, it was game over.

He was doomed from the start. Damn those Straw Hats for getting him into yet another ridiculous situation.

"You need to relax," Alexia's voice echoed from the bathroom. "It's going to be fun. Trust me."

Fun.

Right.

Nothing about being crammed into tight spaces with overly enthusiastic strangers wearing ridiculous costumes sounded remotely enjoyable to him. Law sighed, swirling the amber liquid in his glass before taking another sip. If anything, this was going to be the worst night ever.

The silver lining, if Law could call it that, was the costume Alexia somehow managed to put together.

Hades.

Simple, clean, and undeniably him, if there was such a costume.

A tailored black suit with lapels of a satin sheen featuring a subtle flame design embroidered on the breast pocket. A nod to the Underworld he found both unnecessary yet refined. Underneath, was a black shirt, halfway unbuttoned showing off his tattooed chest. Alexia's very intentional decision (See: demand.) The final touch, and most unnecessary of all in his humble opinion, were the multiple layered black bead and chain necklaces with one showcasing a large black gemstone. The rings, on the other hand, were fine. He got over those quickly. Black, naturally, a bit large, but it "fit the aesthetic" or whatever nonsense Alexia used to get him to wear them.

Either way, it worked. 

And as much as he hated to admit it, Alexia had done a remarkable job. He looked pretty damn good.

"I don't mind your definition of fun, Mr. I'd-Rather-Be-Isolated-in-the-Library-with-a-Book, but we do that all the time. Even you need to let loose once in a while," He could hear the rustle of silk as she moved from behind the door. "Maybe this will change your mind."

The door opened and out she stepped, spinning once for a full view. Law was no ordinary man, and despite his calm exterior, the sight of her made his breath catch for the briefest of moments.

Her gown was gold silk, draping over her body like liquid sunlight. The fitted bodice plunged daringly low, while the skirt flowed with a thigh-high slit that revealed far more than it concealed with every movement. The subtle gold leaf pattern along the fabric added a touch of divinity to the already goddess-like appearance. Complete with strappy gold heels and a woven crown with small garnet stones shaped like pomegranate seeds, Alexia looked the part of Persephone, queen of the Underworld.  

"Well?" she asked, her eyes gleaming as she sashayed over to him. "What do you think, Lord Hades?"

Law set his glass down on the table, his eyes never leaving hers. He stepped forward, and his hand found its way to her waist, fingers lightly tracing the smooth silk of her gown.

"I think you put a lot of planning into this," he answered.

"Of course I put a lot of planning into this," she smiled. "You wouldn't have agreed to go without proper planning."

"I'm fairly certain I still didn't agree to this nonsense," Law sighed reluctantly. "Maybe we could stay the night here instead. No crowds. No shenanigans. No Straw Hats. Just you and me, alone in our hotel room."

"Nice try," Alexia laughed, her lips brushing his jaw ever so lightly. "But you're not getting out of this that easy. I put too much into our costumes, and we need to show off, don't you think?"

He couldn't argue with her really. They looked good together. Nothing like other couples he knew they would see throughout the night. And as much as his desire to avoid crowds gnawed at his chest, Law knew Alexia had one more two surprises up her sleeve.

"Fine," he conceded, brushing a kiss against her temple before pulling back. "But if anyone drags me into some ridiculous party game or a haunted house, I'm out."

"Deal," she said, looping her arm through his as they headed out the door. "Just don't be so quick to dismiss the games. There might be some out there you might enjoy."

"Doubt it."

+++++

As Law and Alexia made their way from the room to the lobby, the rest of the Heart Pirates sat scattered around the hotel bar, a lively hum of conversation filled the space while they pre-gamed for what promised to be a night of unhinged debauchery. After months at sea, fighting their way through treacherous waters and dealing with the constant dangers of the New World, tonight was about unwinding and indulging in some well-earned tomfoolery.

"The real question is," Shachi leaned back in his chair, his vibrant lifeguard red swim trunks almost glowed from under the bar's bright lights and the sunglasses perched on his head nearly fell onto the floor. "Did Lex actually get Captain to wear a costume, and is he coming?"

"You know Alexia managed," Ikkaku said, tossing back a shot of something fiery. Her biker costume, a sleek, black leather ensemble complete with spiked accessories, matched perfectly with Clione's. " The second Nami brought it up, the party was a done deal. No way, Captain's chickening out."

"I wonder what they're wearing," Bepo wondered, scratching at his ears, painted black and white to look like a panda.

"Not a clue," Jean Bart replied, his Viking costume perfect for the giant man with fur pelts and a fake battleaxe strapped to his back.

"Something subtle, he wouldn't touch anything else," Penguin snorted, knocking back his drink.

"I don't know," Uni said, the Mad Scientist costume complete with oversized goggles and a wild wig. "He hates these kinds of things. I wouldn't be surprised if the captain found a way to stay upstairs while Lex goes on without him."

"No way he'd be able to pull that off," Hakugan chuckled, his Plague Doctor mask resting on the table as he sipped his drink. "Alexia's got him wrapped around her finger. Her can't say no to her."

Conversation drifted between them, speculating what Gran Tesoro's Halloween event would bring. Which party would be the most outlandish, which bar had the best theme, and how they were all dying to see what chaos the Straw Hats would cause when they got together.

Then the elevator dinged. The doors slid open, and the Heart Pirates fell silent for a moment.

"Captain," Shachi grinned. "You're supposed to wear a costume tonight. Not show up in the normal get-up."

"Your cover's blown, Captain. Now everyone knows you're actually the god of the Underworld. The Surgeon of Death was a cover this entire time," Penguin snickered.

"Lex," Hakugan let out a low whistle. "You really went all out, didn't you?"

"You have ten seconds to shut up," Law scowled at his idiotic crew.

"Come on, Captain," Ikkaku teased. "Take the compliment."

"Well, Heart Pirates," Alexia's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Are we ready for a night of chaos?"

"How could we not be?" Uni asked. "I know you did your homework on this, Research Nerd. What's the secret to having the best damn time tonight?"

Of course, she'd dug into every possible detail about Gran Tesoro's Halloween celebration. She had prepared meticulously for months.

"For starters," Alexia began. "There's a password to get you one free drink at every bar. Considering there are over thirty bars scattered around the island, well, you can do the math. It's Afterlife. Say it to a bartender or a waiter, and you're all set."

"Over 30 free drinks?" Shachi's eyes widened at the potential. "We're going to need bigger livers."

"But wait, there's more," Alexia continued. "If you plan on hitting any of the casinos, use the password Samhain. That gets you a 5,000 Berry credit. Enough to get you started."

"This is going to be the best night ever!" Bepo exclaimed.

"One more, if you are so inclined," she added, with a small smirk appearing on her lips. "If you're looking for something more exclusive, use the password Inferno at one of the clubs for a private room."

The response was just as she expected. Breakout grins, playful exchanges, and a brief, darkened gaze from her golden-eyed captain. Alexia knew that would be a selling point.

"And, of course," Alexia concluded, "There are countless raffles, contests, and scavenger hunts all around the island. Too much for one night, if you ask me."

"Did Nami reach out yet? We're supposed to meet them at some point, right?" Ikkaku asked.

"She did. We're meeting them at Devil's Advocate in a few hours. Until then, divide and conquer. Just don't get arrested or pass out in an alley too early."

+++++

The crew finished off their drinks, tossing around suggestions as to who would head where first. Bepo and Penguin were already planning on hitting the casino, while Shachi and Hakugan were debating which bar would offer the wildest theme. Ikkaku was eyeing the escape room, and Uni and Jean Bart mentioned the haunted house. Once final plans were set, the Heart Pirates dispersed, heading out into the night.

Alexia and Law remained. The excitement in her eyes hadn't dimmed, and she could see now that Law, despite his initial reservations, had embraced the idea of a wild evening.

Partially, at least.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Law set his empty glass down on the bar with a deliberate click and turned to face her fully.

"That's the spirit, Hades," Alexia smiled, as they strode toward the darkened streets.

They stepped out into the crowded streets of Gran Tesoro, immediately engulfed by a sea of people. Costumes in every conceivable form surrounded them: ghoulish monsters, whimsical creatures, pirate legends, and everything else in between. Everywhere, people mingled, admired the decorations, sampled street food, and purchased trinkets from Halloween-themed stalls that lined the road.

"Would you like to pick the first poison, or shall I?" Alexia asked, her eyes dancing over the drink carts offering Halloween-themed cocktails: blood bags, jello-shop syringes, and bubbling beakers.

As much as Law wanted to take Alexia somewhere away from the one-to-many looks from strangers as they walked down the street, he knew she had something planned for some time later in the night. One of those private rooms, he hoped.

"Not until after we meet up with the Straw Hats," she laughed, taking his hand. Of course, she knew what he was thinking. "I promise it'll be worth the wait. How about we start with Forsaken Gardens? It's one of the smaller bars."

"That doesn't sound so bad."

"Originally, I wanted to take you to the Mad Doctor's Lair, but it looked a bit too much," Alexia glanced across the street at the pulsing club a few paces away. There was already a line around the block.

"I appreciate that," Law squeezed her hand, navigating them through the crowd.

Let the fun begin. 

Chapter Text

They walked through the winding, dimly lit streets until they reached Forsaken Gardens, a small bar tucked away in an alley lined with overgrown vines and flickering lanterns. From the outside, it looked like a place easily forgotten or missed entirely if you didn’t know it was there. Inside, dark, twisted vines snaked up the walls, their gnarled limbs glowing faintly with bioluminescent flowers that pulsed like fireflies. The air smelled sweet with a hint of something more dangerous. Glowing eyes occasionally blinked from the corners of the room, hidden creatures watching the patrons in eerie silence. 

“Would you look at that,” Alexia said. “It’s even better than I thought.”

“Much better than some overcrowded doctor’s lair.”

Law pulled out a bar-stool chair for her at one of the more secluded tables in the back of the room, his eyes briefly scanning the other patrons. 

“Thank you,” Alexia murmured as she sat, leaning in to place a soft kiss on his jaw.

A waitress quickly appeared, dressed in an elaborate Medusa costume. Her snake-like hairpiece glistened under the dim light along with bright green contacts in her eyes.

“If it isn’t the king and queen of darkness,” she said, her tone playful. “What brings you two to a place like this?”

“Taking a break from the Afterlife,” Alexia answered, leaning easily into the role. “We decided to see how the mortals play on a night like this.”

“You picked the perfect night for some entertainment,” Medusa chuckled. “What can I get for you?”

"A Nightshade Nectar and Venomous Blossom, please.”

Medusa nodded and vanished back towards the bar. 

Law leaned back, watching the smug woman sitting across from him.

“So that’s how it works?” he asked. “Play your role to get the perks.”

“Generally,” Alexia replied. “Like I told the others, say the passwords, and you get the freebies, but play your role; you get even more rewards. You’ll see.”

“This was your plan from the beginning.”

“No one knows you better than I do, Law. Give me a few hours, and this will be one of those nights we remember for a very long time.”

“I’ll hold you to that promise,” he said. 

Their drinks arrived quickly after that. The Nightshade Nectar was surprisingly smooth. A perfect balance of sweet and herbal with a bitter bite at the end. The Venomous Blossom was just as nice. Smokey and fruity from the first sip, with a spicy kick. 

It was rare for them to have time like this. Quiet, peaceful, intimate, and most importantly, uninterrupted. No crew members barreling into the medical bay or library at the worst times. No surprise attacks from Marines or other pirate crews. No long nights of endless research that somehow turned into patching up Shachi and Penguin, who believed 1 o’clock in the morning was the perfect time to test out new experiments. 

Spoiler, it wasn’t.

“Where do you think the others ran off to?” Alexia wondered aloud. "No way they stuck to their original plans."

“Causing mischief, no doubt. I bet Penguin and Shachi are seeing who can get drunk the fastest or figuring out how many freebies they can claim. I’m sure we’ll stumble upon someone somewhere later in the night, and I am not carrying them back to the hotel.”

"They’ll be fine. The crew can take care of themselves.” Her eyes sparkled. “Besides, we have more important things to focus on.”

“Is that right?” Law hummed, his hand sliding across the table, fingers lightly grazing hers.

“Have I ever steered you wrong?” Alexia’s lips curved into a knowing smile. 

“There was that one time–”

“Don’t even say it,” she interrupted with a giggle. “So, what do you think? Stay a bit longer and have another round, try out their food menu, or move onto the next one? Your call.”

Law thought for a moment, weighing the options. 

Stay and indulge or explore?

“We need to be smart about this,” he said, glancing at their empty glasses. The first drink didn’t last long. “We’re not like the others. Hydrate.”

“Doctor Law, even when you’re role playing as Hades,” Alexia raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“Did you have to phrase it like that?” He chuckled anyway, requesting two glasses of water from Medusa. “You’ll thank me later.”

“You just want to make sure we remember the surprise I have planned.”

“Obviously. This surprise better end with one of those private rooms,” his eyes darkened slightly at the notion. 

“You’ll just have to wait and see,” Alexia beamed. 

“Temptress.”

“Oh, sweetheart, you’ve seen nothing yet.”

“Then I look forward to it,” Law smirked.

With that, they rose from the table, ready to rejoin the chaotic, costumed streets of Gran Tesoro. 

+++++

The once-crowded streets of Gran Tesoro started to thin as the night pressed on, with partygoers moving into clubs, bars, and haunted attractions. Law kept a tight arm wrapped around Alexia’s waist, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. No matter how festive the atmosphere, he wasn’t one to drop his guard completely.

As they strolled past the row of Halloween-themed games, the competitive spirit bubbled underneath Alexia’s skin. 

“We have to try these out later,” Alexia declared. “I want to kick your ass at axe throwing.”

“I’d like to see you try,” he challenged.

The axe-throwing stall was set up like a Viking camp, with hay bales stacked high behind wooden targets. Nearby, there was a pumpkin smash booth, where contestants used oversized mallets to crush pumpkins for a chance to win eerie, glowing trinkets. A ghoul shooting game showcased eerie haunted targets popping up at random for players to hit with paintball guns. Then there was a witch’s cauldron toss, where participants threw rings over bubbling cauldrons for a chance at prizes like voodoo dolls, mini skulls, and cursed jewelry.

“I’d be careful with those," Law said, eyeing the prize tables. "You never can tell if the prizes are normal junk or cursed junk.”

“You, Mr. Science, believing in curses?” Alexia’s brow rose. “What was in your drink at the bar?”

“Anything’s fair game in Gran Tesoro at Halloween,” Law stated. 

“That’s fair,” she agreed, leaning into his side as they passed the skull bowling alley. “But we should go back and try out a few. Just not too much later. Some games won’t go well if we’re tipsy."

“Which is why I am the responsible one between the two of us.”

“Per usual,” Alexia teased.

“Let’s try this one,” Law said, spotting a small sign above the entrance in ghostly glowing letters:

Specter’s Parlor

Just off one of the main streets and down a flight of stairs, Specter’s Parlor was the perfect choice for the second stop. 

The underground speakeasy was all black velvet curtains with minimal candlelight. The corners of the room were dark with heavy drapes, creating small alcoves and secret passageways leading to private booths. Soft, haunting jazz music played in the background, as phantom whispers wove into the beat. 

“Now this is more my speed,” Law commented, the pair sliding into the first secluded booth available. 

“A very good pick,” Alexia nodded in agreement, admiring the way the bar had captured the perfect balance between elegant and supernatural. A soft mist floated lazily around their feet, and the low lighting made the shadows dance around the room.

A waiter, dressed in a dapper, ghostly tuxedo with pale, painted skin, approached their table.

“Two drinks,” Law said. “A Phantom Fog and an Apparition’s Kiss. Perfect cocktails to enjoy in the Afterlife, no?”

“Very good, my lord,” the waiter bowed his head, disappearing toward the bar. 

“Look at you,” Alexia beamed. "Getting into character."

“You can’t have all the fun.”

Like Forsaken Gardens, their drinks came quickly. Law’s Phantom Fog came in a glass that emitted a wispy, ghostly mist, while Alexia’s Apparition’s Kiss glowed faintly in the dim light.

After a toast and the first sip, Law caught sight of a familiar face. X Drake, lounging comfortably in his Allosaurus hybrid form, a smoking glass of his own in hand.

“That’s cheating,” Law called out, though the slightest hint of amusement was visible on his face. 

“Why buy a costume when I’ve got one built in? Work smarter, not harder and get free booze.”

“Valid,” Alexia laughed. 

Not the strongest of allies, X Drake and the Heart Pirates, but good enough acquaintances for the ex-Marine to slide over to make room for some friendly conversation. 

“I saw Kid at the Crown of Corsair a little over an hour ago,” Drake told them. “Thought you’d like to know. With the costume choices the two of you went with tonight, he’d love nothing more than to pick a fight just for the hell of it.”

“Thanks for the heads-up,” Law replied. “That bastard is the last person I want to deal with right now.”

“Probably for the best,” Drake let out a chuckle, clearly amused. “Corsair was a pretty wild casino, though. Overly decorated to look like a haunted pirate crew’s hideout. A ghost ship, lost treasure; everything you could imagine. It should keep Kid plenty occupied.”

“Then we will stay far, far away,” Alexia said. “Inferno Royal is where we're heading anyway.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Siren.”

“Inferno Royal?” Law asked, eyes narrowed in part suspicion and part intrigue.

“You’ll see, Hades,” Alexia sipped on her cocktail with a wink, brushing his leg ever so slightly under the table. “You’ll see.”

Chapter Text

The moment they reached the entrance of Inferno Royal, Law understood Alexia’s excitement. The exterior itself was nothing short of spectacular. Towering obsidian gates marked the entrance, gleaming with ominous flickering lights.

“My Lord and Lady, how did you fare with the mortals this evening?” A man dressed as Cerberus, complete with three animatronic heads that moved and growled, asked once the pair approached the double doors.

“They take the festivities of Samhain to the extreme, Cerberus,” Alexia answered. “Even our own Lord Hades enjoyed himself. Is our table ready?”

“Of course, My Lady. Enjoy your visit to the underworld,” Cerberus grinned, reaching into his jacket, pulling out a key and their two vouchers.

“Lex?” Law rose a brow as she handed him the key.

“Did I forget to mention the extra bonuses that come when your costumes match a particular theme?” Alexia’s eyes gleamed. “Must have slipped my mind. I’m sure the others will figure it out eventually.”

Law couldn’t help but shake his head as they headed inside. Leave it to Alexia to not only dive headfirst into the festivities, but to squeeze out every advantage.

Inside, smoke swirled around the floor, giving the illusion of stepping into a realm caught between fire and darkness. Statues of gods and demons lined the walls, their eyes glowing red. The floor beneath them appeared cracked, glowing faintly with molten lava, and the darkened sky above them was alive with red-tinted clouds, rolling ominously across the ceiling. Law and Alexia walked past tables where ghostly dealers handed out cards, roulette wheels spun with fiery speed, and golden coins clattered against cracked, stone surfaces.

Eventually, Alexia led Law to a door at the back of the room marked by an elaborate portrait of Charon. The painted figure seemed to stare at them, his hand extended as if awaiting payment for passage. Two fiery sconces flickered on either side of the doorway, casting dancing shadows over the hallway.

“Do we have a key for payment?" Alexia tilted her head to the side. 

Law pulled the key from his pocket, unlocking the door with a satisfying click.

“Now the night is going to be fun," he mused.

“You won’t be disappointed,” Alexia said, pulling him inside.

The door creaked open, revealing a private, opulent room lit by the flickering glow of fake flames and molten lava. The private room, reserved for more prominent members of the Underworld, held a quieter ambiance than the main casino floor. Fewer poker tables, fewer boisterous players, it was as near perfect as perfect could be.

“What do you think?” she asked, her gaze sweeping the tables. “Better?”

“Much.”

They approached a table where four other players were already seated. The woman to Law’s left was dressed as Hecate, the goddess of magic and witchcraft. Her costume was a breathtaking mix of black silk and deep violet, adorned with glittering symbols shifting like enchantments. To her left sat a young man in a golden tunic and winged sandals, embodying Hermes, the god of messengers. An older man dressed as Thanatos, god of death, completed the divine ensemble. And finally, on Alexia’s right, a woman dressed as Nyx, goddess of the night, her dark gown stitched with shimmering stars.

“Your costumes are stunning!” Hecate gushed the moment Alexia and Law sat down.

“Thank you,” Alexia replied. “Yours is gorgeous. How did you get the designs to move like that?”

“Magic,” Hecate answered with a wink.

“What’s been everyone’s favorite part of the night so far?” Hermes jumped right in, asking the rest of the table how their night had been going. 

“Oh, definitely the escape room,” Nyx said. “The puzzles were challenging, and everything in the room felt real, like I was navigating through a labyrinth of darkness. I was sure one of the mannequins was going to jump out and stab me.”

“I preferred the scavenger hunt. The challenges were the right balance of tricky and fun,” Thanatos chuckled.

“I agree with you there,” Hecate nodded. “Have any of you been to the Temple of Ecstasy yet? It’s supposed to be wild. I’m heading there after this.”

Law raised an eyebrow, glancing at Alexia with curiosity. 

There was a Temple of Ecstasy?

“Not yet, we’re saving that for later.” Alexia shifted slightly in her seat, her foot sliding up the inside of Law’s leg under the table. “We have some friends we’re meeting at Devil’s Advocate first, but the Temple of Ecstasy will be the perfect place to, shall we say, unwind afterward.”

Law’s eyes darkened briefly, but he remained composed, matching her smirk with one of his own. His hand slid beneath the table, fingers brushing lightly against her thigh.

“The Temple is something else. I made sure to stop there early on,” Hermes chimed in. “The drinks are unreal. Try the Ambrosia Flame. It’ll set your soul on fire, in the best way.”

“And the food, there’s these truffle-infused bites that are supposed to, uh, enhance the mood, if you know what I mean,” Nyx grinned.

“Is that right?” Alexia asked, feigning innocence as a look of surprise appeared on her face. “We will have to try those when we get there.”

+++++

After the first couple of hands, a group of waiters dressed as lost souls emerged from the shadows behind the room’s velvet-clad walls, carrying trays of drinks tailored to everyone's specific tastes. Law was handed a glass of whiskey without even having to ask, while Alexia received a pale, glowing cocktail.

“This was also part of the months-long preparation plan, I assume?” Law asked as he took a sip.

“Mm-hmm,” Alexia nodded, taking a slow sip of her drink herself, winking at him over the rim. “Maximum enjoyment means putting in the time, research, and a few Den Den Mushi calls.”

Once the drinks were handed out, a second set of waiters appeared with hors d’oeuvres: charred lamb skewers, smoked bone marrow crostini, and fire-roasted peppers stuffed with blackened cheese. More than enough to keep everyone’s stomach’s content while they played.

Eventually, the time came to call an end to the casino run, the game slowed, cashing out with a bit more Berry than they’d started with.

Warm goodbyes were exchanged all around the table before the group made their departure, but not without Hecate and Nyx giving the couple one last wink before exiting the casino and back into the cool, Gran Tesoro air. And unfortunately for Law, that meant Alexia’s competitive spirit came roaring back to life.

“Now,” she said, grinning at Law as they walked down the street. “It's time for some competition. Let’s see if you can handle me at axe throwing, Captain.”

“I can handle anything you throw at me,” Law arched an eyebrow, his smirk returning once they arrived at the game stalls.

“Fancy running into you two here,” Alexia called, spotting Jean Bart and Bepo standing by a few of the stalls. “What have you been getting into?”

Bepo held a massive plush toy, one nearly as big as himself, and Jean Bart had a triumphant grin plastered on his face.

“We’ve been trying out all the games!” Bepo proclaimed, holding a massive stuffed pumpkin over his head. “Jean Bart won this one at the pumpkin smash booth.”

“Ready to lose, my lord?” Alexia teased, taking the first axe from the table, twirling it around in her hand.

“I never lose, my lady,” Law played along, earning a not so quiet snort from their crew mates as he picked up an axe for himself. “Shall we raise the stakes?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Winner gets to call the shots for this long, drawn-out surprise you have when we split off from the others,” he proposed.

“Is this just for axe throwing or all the games we play?” Alexia asked.

“All,” Law answered. You’ll need all the help you can get.”

“Wow, cocky much.”

“No, just confident.”

“You’re on.”

The first match up, per Alexia’s request, was indeed the axe throwing game. With each throw, the sharp thunk of the steel blade embedding itself into the wooden targets earned a round of applause from Bepo and Jean Bart, who stayed purely for entertainment purposes. As well as a few rowdy viewers passing by.

Alexia gave Law a run for his money. Her competitive spirit and impressive accuracy kept the game close. And with every solid hit, she would turn her head and flash Law a playful smile.

He, of course, would respond exactly how she expected. Accurate, precise, and focused, hitting the targets each time without fail. The man’s real focus, however, was on the subtle touches given throughout their little challenge. Fingers grazing her arm between axe hand-offs, a lingering hand on her waist as they switched places at the throwing line.

“I know what you’re doing,” she muttered when they switched for the third and final time.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he smirked, throwing his final axe at the target.

A perfect bullseye.

Law - 1

Alexia - 0

The second game of the challenge was the zombie shooter, where they had to fire paintball guns at animated zombie targets. 

The few drinks in Alexia's system failed to dampen her accuracy, her aim near perfect at the jumping, spinning, and ducking targets. 

"You're going to lose this one," she boasted, shooting three bullseyes in succession. "Your proposal isn't looking so hot now, is it?"

"Looks like I have to resort to plan B," Law shrugged. 

"Plan B?"

Plan B: Take the Subtle Touches Up a Good Ten Notches 

"You are a terrible cheater," she giggled at his attempts to 'help improve her stance.' "My aim is flawless as you can clearly see."

“Pretty sure I’m achieving my goals,” Law boasted with a smug grin, one arm around her waist while his other hand covered her own. "You look pretty flustered to me."

"I'm still ahead of you by 100 points," she shot once more, turning her head slightly to meet his intense gaze. "That's one for you and one for me."

"I loathe ties."

"I know you do," she pressed her lips to his quickly. 

The small Den Den Mushi tucked in the pocket of Alexia’s dress came to life before the third challenge could be decided. Nami’s voice rang out, high, excited, and definitely slurring around the edges.

“Who's ready for Devil’s Advocate?!”

“Someone’s hit the liquor hard,” Alexia laughed.

“Nooooooo!” Nami giggled from the other end of the line.

“We’ll be there in a little bit, Nami,” Alexia told her. “Law and I will gather the others and meet you at the front.”

“See you!!!!!” Nami’s voice cut out as quickly as it came.

“This is going to end so badly,” Law glanced at Bepo and Jean Bart, taking in oversized plush toys and Halloween prizes they’d won. “Might want to drop those off at your rooms, I don’t think giant plushies are the best companions for a bar.”

“Good idea.”

Chapter Text

Alexia and Law arrived in front of Devil’s Advocate, and the rest of their crew was already gathered, lounging casually outside the entrance. Shachi and Penguin were several drinks deep, their laughter a little too loud and their movements a little too unsteady. Shachi raised what Alexia could only assume was a souvenir monster cup from God-knows-where, sloshing a bit of his drink onto the ground.

“Captain, Lex, you finally made it!”

Clione, Uni, and Ikkaku stood off to the side, recounting their recent escape room victory, all three of them beaming with pride.

“It was amazing,” Clione said. “We had to figure out this insane puzzle to get us out of the graveyard before the murderous poltergeist got us. Ikkaku’s quick thinking got us out just in time!”

Jean Bart and Bepo joined the group just after returning their oversized plush prizes to their rooms.

“You guys made it!!!” came Nami’s voice, unsteady with alcohol. She stumbled into Alexia’s arms with a wide, drunken smile with her devil horn headband sliding to one side of her head. “You look incredible, Lex! And Law, I am so impressed. You pull off Hades so well!”

“Not like I had much say in the matter,” he responded. “But she did a good job.”

“What are we, chopped liver?” Penguin threw his arms up in offense.

“No, but you guys were always coming in costume. The debate was whether Lex could get Mr. Grumpy Surgeon over here to participate,” Nami swatted Law on the chest.

The remaining Straw Hats walked up the sidewalk, the two pirate crews exchanged greetings, drunken laughter, and compliments over each other's costumes. Zoro looked perfectly at ease in his costume, a tattered zombie samurai with scars and blood makeup. Luffy, in contrast, had opted for a giant banana costume. Alexia expected nothing less from the Straw Hat captain.

The rest of the crew stuck to their strengths as far as costumes were concerned, if not predictable. Brook and Franky nailed their Grim Reaper and robot costumes, though just like Drake, Alexia called it cheating. Chopper and Jinbe dressed up as an adorable vampire bat and karate master. Usopp, at least, put in the effort to create a very elaborate monster hunter costume complete with a utility backpack, goggles, and “monster hunting” gadgets that lit up with multicolored lights. Robin went more classic with a dark long black dress and witch hat. But it was Sanji who really got into character.

A crisp black suit, red-lined cape, slicked-back hair, and the smallest trail of blood makeup dripping from the corner of his mouth where Alexia could only guess where a pair of fangs were hidden.

“My goddess, Persephone,” he swooned, dropping to one knee and taking hold of her hand with the other over his heart. “You are truly a vision tonight.”

There they are.

“Careful, cook,” Law gripped her waist, pulling her back into his side.

“Thank you, count,” she smiled with a bit of a laugh. “Just how many nosebleeds did you have so far tonight?”

“Too many,” came the synchronized reply from Nami and Zoro.

“It’s a good thing Chopper brought his travel pack,” Usopp sighed and shook his head.

+++++

The air inside Devil’s Advocate hit them like a wave of heat. Flickering flames cast shadows against the deep red walls, furnished with devil horns, pitchforks, and sinister demon grins at every turn. Black leather seating lined the bar and tables, and the air was thick with liquor and the music, a thundering mix of hard rock and heavy metal, blasted through the room.

“Now this is a bar,” Zoro nodded approvingly.

“Why are those women dancing in cages?” Chopper pointed to the suspended dancers over the glowing dance floor.

“Ambiance, Chopper,” Robin replied.

“Do they need help?” Chopper wondered, his eyes full of concern.

“Nope,” Nami answered. “That’s what they’re supposed to be doing.”

“Oh.”

The drinks were the perfect concoction for the hellscape inside. Fiery cocktails with names like Hellfire Whiskey and Dante’s Kiss were served in flame-touched glasses, some of them literally sparking and crackling. Even Law had to admit the bar had flair. The food was also perfectly crafted to the theme: spicy devil wings, flaming steak skewers, and molten lava cakes that oozed dark chocolate.

Shachi and Penguin immediately beelined for the bar, already ordering a round of Hellfire Whiskey shots for the booth. (Near the back, away from the main crowd, but close enough to enjoy the party.) Law leaned back into the leather, his arm draped casually around Alexia’s shoulders as she nestled in beside him. His hand slid down to her waist, his fingers brushing lightly over her hip.

“Okay, okay,” Nami said, barely able to contain her giggles. “Luffy insisted on starting at the Haunted Mansion. We figured, sure, it’s Halloween, why not start with something spooky, right?”

“Not the smartest decision,” Robin sighed from Nami’s left.

"I said it was a bad idea. The second we walked in, Luffy started messing around with everything. The props, the scare actors; everything,” Sanji let out a sigh.

“I figured out the house. The walls weren’t haunted; they were just sliding!” 

“Figured it out?” Zoro growled. “You broke one of the walls.”

"Luffy, you would do something like that in a haunted house,” Alexia giggled.

“He literally smashed through a wall in one of the rooms. He got so excited when something jumped out at him that he punched straight through it. Next thing we know, we were in the staff corridor, and they were screaming at us to get back on the haunted path,” Nami groaned.

“It wasn’t haunted. They were just people in costumes,” Luffy pouted.

"We had to leave early before they kicked us out. But not before Luffy tried to take home one of the mannequins from the haunted library,” Chopper shook his head.

"What about you guys? You look like you’ve had about fifty drinks already,” Franky asked with a chuckle, looking over at Penguin and Shachi.

"Let me tell you, we had ourselves a night! So, there was this bar, The Mad Doctor’s Lair, all mad scientist stuff. Drinks in beakers, syringes, the whole creepy lab theme. We get there, and Shachi decides we need to try everything on the menu,” Penguin started.

“Everything?” Usopp asked.

“Everything."

“And we did,” Penguin continued. “I’m not even sure what half those drinks or snacks were, but there was this one called Brain Shock.”

“Brain Shock?”

“This crazy drink in a beaker. It started fizzing and smoking the second they brought it to the table, and when you drank it, it’s like you can feel it moving through your brain. Like lightning!”

“I swear, I thought I could hear everyone’s thoughts,” Penguin finished with a satisfying grin.

“Bepo and I hit the carnival games," Jean Bart said.

“We won so many prizes!” Bepo exclaimed.

“None of which better be cursed,” Uni narrowed his eyes at the duo.

“Nope,” Jean Bart shook his head. “We stayed away from them.”

"Okay, and what about you three? What craziness did you get yourselves into?” Ikkaku turned to Franky, Brook, and Usopp.

"We hit up this club called Phantom’s Opera. Dancers dressed as ghosts, and the music was this weird, haunting mix. Brook fit right in,” Usopp said.

"Yohohoho! Everyone thought I was part of the performance!”

“Patrons would come up to take pictures with him,” Franky laughed.

"We went to the escape room,” Clione said. “Had to navigate a haunted mansion, solve riddles, dodge traps, and there was this creepy guy in a mask who kept popping up. Ikkaku almost punched him out of the room when he jumped out of a closet."

"He was asking for it,” she shook her head.

“What about the two of you?” Robin asked, turning to Law and Alexia. “I’d imagine the god and goddess of the Underworld had their own version of fun to start off the night.”

“You could say that,” Alexia smiled, leaning against Law’s chest. “Started pretty tame at Forsaken Gardens. A nice, intimate little bar to ease into since Grumpy here wasn’t looking forward to the night whatsoever.”

“She’s not wrong.”

“Then we went to the Inferno Royal casino. We did decently at poker,” she continued.

“Gambling in Hell, how fitting,” Robin smiled in appreciation.

“We had a private table with other players dressed as Hecate, Hermes, Thanatos, and Nyx—all dressed to perfection, might I add.”

“Free food and drinks, too,” Law added. “Turns out, wearing a costume that matches the theme gets you even more perks.”

“What?!” Shachi shouted. “You’re telling me we get more free stuff if we go to places that match our costumes? Why didn’t you tell us before we left the hotel, Lex? You only gave us three passwords!”

“Judging by how intoxicated the two of you already are, I think the passwords were plenty,” Alexia smirked.

“Still!” Penguin whined. “We could’ve had even more!”

“Anything after the casino?” Nami waved Penguin off. “Or was that when I called you?”

“Just some friendly competition at the Halloween carnival games,” Alexia answered. “Kicked Law’s ass, as usual.”

“Excuse me?” Law interjected. “We finished with a tie before you called us, Nami.”

“Because you cheated,” Alexia rolled her eyes.

“I did not,” Law retorted, his hand squeezing her thigh underneath the table. “I simply used certain tactics to my advantage.”

“Ergo cheating,” she replied. “I’m going to go get the next round. Be right back.”

The packed table of 18 watched her disappear into a sea of red. Well, watched was the correct word for most of them.

“Careful, Captain,” Shachi snickered. “You’re about to set the place on fire for real if you keep looking at your woman like that.

“Oh, yeah,” Nami giggled. “They’ve been having themselves a night.”

+++++

Over at the bar, the bartender, dressed in a devilish suit with horns peeking from his hair, greeted Alexia with a smile. “My Lady Persephone, how may I assist you?”

“I’m going to need 19 Hellfire Whiskey shots delivered to the back booth over there,” Her eyes landed on the devil head-shaped Jell-o shots chilling in the case behind him. “Sell me on those shots.”

“Devil’s Bite Jell-o Shots infused with spicy tequila and chili liqueur. The perfect way for spicing up your night.”

“And a tray of those bad boys,” Alexia’s eyes sparkled with intent. “Hold on, are those Truth or Dare cards?”

“They are indeed,” he answered, setting the tray of shots on the bar top. “We’ve got a few drinking games back here, but as far as the Truth or Dare packs, we’ve got decks from mild to, let’s say, 21 and over.”

“I’ll meet you in the middle,” Alexia looked over her shoulder at the booth. “There are a few innocent souls over there. Can’t scar them too much.”

“No, we can’t have that,” the devilish bartender snickered, handing over the deck. “I’ll get those drinks over to your table.”

“I appreciate it,” Alexia beamed, taking the tray in one hand and the deck of cards in the other.

This is going to be fun.

Chapter Text

“All right, everyone,” Alexia returned to the booth with a tray of Jell-O shots in one hand, a deck of cards in the other, and a wicked smile on her face. “We’re in Gran Tesoro, it’s Halloween, so we have to celebrate accordingly.”

“What are those?” Luffy poked one of the cups with a finger. “Can I eat it?”

“Technically, yes,” Alexia slid back into her seat. “Want to be the guinea pig?”

“What’s in it?” Luffy held the shot up into the air, checking it from all angles.

“Eat it and find out,” Ikkaku challenged.

“OK!”

Both crews leaned forward, brows raised, and waited. No one had ever seen him drink alcohol before, so what kind of reaction would a Jell-O shot cause?

“It’s spicy,” Luffy smacked his lips together, eyeing the empty plastic cup in his hands. “Oh, it’s really spicy!”

“That’s it?” Nami asked.

“Yeah,” he put the empty cup back on the tray. “Can I have another one?”

“Save some for the rest of us, Straw Hat,” Alexia laughed. “Anyway, onto the icebreaker of the night.”

“Truth or Dare is an icebreaker?” Law asked.

“It’s the medium spice edition,” she opened the deck, shuffled the cards, and plopped the stack in the middle of the table. “The rules are simple: pick a card, read it aloud, and commit to the truth or dare written on the card. No takebacks and no being a pansy. But if you can’t complete your card, drink, do a shot, or both.”

“I love it already,” Nami beamed. “Persephone, start us off.”

“If you insist,” Alexia reached across the table and flipped the top card over. “Who at the table would you most like to be stuck in a haunted house with overnight?”

“Talk about a waste of a card,” Penguin commented. “Gee, I wonder who Lex is going to pick?”

“You knew I was going to say Brook?” Alexia asked.

“Wait, really?”

“No, not really. Law, obviously. Next,” she said.

At the same time, the next round of Hellfire Whiskeys arrived quickly, just like the bartender said. The waitress was dressed as a demon, red and black from head to toe, her tail flicking playfully behind her as she carried two trays full of drinks in her hands.

“Delivery for the table of chaos,” she placed them down in the middle of the table, winking in Shachi’s direction.

“Perfect timing,” Alexia grinned. “We were running dangerously low on liquid courage.”

“Enjoy,” she smiled knowingly before strutting off, back into the throng of drunken party-goers.

“I love it here,” Shachi sighed, snatching the drink and downed it in one gulp. “Damn, that’s good stuff.”

“Keep it in your pants, man,” Penguin leaned forward, flipping over the second card in the pile. “What defensive weapon would you want to have if you were stuck in the zombie apocalypse? No contest, give me the chainsaw.”

“Are you sure?” Robin asked.

“Yeah, it’s a great weapon to have.”

“What happens if you run out of gas for it?”

Penguin opened his mouth to counter, holding up a finger, but slowly lowered it when realization overcame him.

“This game isn’t supposed to be well-thought-out, Miss Witch,” Ikkaku stated, going for the third card.

“She’s not wrong,” Franky commented. “Chainsaw works well for a while, but when the gas runs out, you’re screwed.”

“Don’t take her side!” Penguin shouted.

“Franky always takes Robin’s side,” Nami giggled, downing a Hellfire shot and Jell-O shot one after the other. “Damn, that’s good.”

“Right,” Ikkaku flipped the card. “Sit on the lap of the person to your left until your next turn. Easy. Make room, Clione.”

The next couple of rounds quickly evolved into Halloween-themed chaos, mostly.

Zoro’s dare was to drink whatever someone brought him back from the bar. Luffy bolted immediately to the bar, returning with a glowing green cocktail with a gummy eyeball floating inside.

“Is there any alcohol in this?” Zoro asked once the glass was empty. "I feel cheated."

Franky’s dare was to wear a piece of someone else’s costume, and to no one’s surprise, plucked Robin’s witch hat from her head and stuck it over his robot antenna.

“Predictable,” Nami sighed, reaching for her card. “Who in this room would you trust least to protect you from a horror villain? Sorry, Usopp. The answer is you.”

“What?” he shrieked. “Why me?”

“Because you’re afraid of everything,” the entire table chorused.

“I’m,” Usopp paused. “Yeah, that’s fair.”

“Take a shot, scaredy-cat,” Shachi slid him a Devil’s Bite.

Brook took his turn, reaching across the table.

“Which would be more terrifying?” He read. “Stumbling across an abandoned cabin in the woods that smells of blood and flesh, or a foggy graveyard with fresh graves and faint singing? Simple, the graveyard.”

“Anticlimactic,” Hakugan shook his head from the far end of the booth.

After a failed attempt at flirting with a woman dressed like an angel at the bar by Uni, a favorite Halloween memory from Bepo, and Chopper walking into the middle of the dance floor and pretending to howl at the moon like a werewolf, it was Law’s turn.

“Let’s go, Hades!” Shachi pounded the table with way too much enthusiasm. “It’s going to be a good one. I can feel it.”

“This is going to be a disaster,” Law muttered, pulling the next card. “Bring out your inner Dracula and give someone a vampire bite.”

“Oh, this is going to be marvelous,” Nami giggled behind her drink.

“Finally, a good dare,” Clione chuckled.

“Come on, Captain,” Penguin said. “Don’t make the lady wait.”

Law sighed.

Of course he would pick a card like this. All the previous ones had been tame, so it was only a matter of time before the spicier dares were ripe for the picking.

He let out a deep breath before sliding his drink to the side and glanced down at the woman pressed against his side.

“Not going to chicken out on me, are you?” Alexia asked, her orchid eyes shining with anticipation.

“Might as well give the people what they want,” he said.

“Show me what you’ve got,” she challenged.

Slowly, he lifted a hand to the back of her neck, fingers threading into her hair until his palm rested against her skin. His thumb brushed the delicate curve just above her pulse, and with an agonizing, leisurely pace, Law kissed her. He deepened it, barely, but enough to tease, then pulled back, his lips hovering near hers, breath warm against her skin.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” she asked.

“I am,” Law replied. “Our only kiss of the night, so I intend to cash in on what we’ve been putting off.”

“Tragic, really.”

He dipped lower. His nose brushed her jaw, tracing the line of it slowly, deliberately, the teasing bastard. Then came the faintest pressure. Not enough to bruise, but enough to make the air around them hum.

When Law finally lifted his head, the mark he left behind was nothing dramatic, but enough to get the point across. He leaned back, composure sliding neatly into place, though his eyes gleamed darker than before.

“You’ve been waiting to do that all night.”

“Maybe.”

Shachi’s whistle broke the spell. Penguin started pounding the table. Sanji groaned into a napkin while dabbing his nose. Bepo clapped his hands over Chopper’s eyes.

“Who’s next?”

The cards had thinned to a few lonely scraps in the middle of the table, surrounded by a graveyard of empty shot glasses and crumpled cup rims. The hum of the bar blurred into laughter, low music, and the warmth of alcohol loosening every tongue.

But as always, peace never lasted. Not for the Heart Pirates and the Straw Hats.

The crowd near the front of the room parted like a wave as a heavy, rhythmic sound cut through the noise.

Boots.

Eustass Kid swaggered through the haze. His costume looked like it had been an afterthought. Red leather pants, a shredded fur coat over bare, tattooed skin, and a crown made of bent metal and blood-red jewels. Behind him was Scratchmen Apoo. His costume was also a mess, but at least it could be recognized as something. Part DJ and part skeleton with headphones, glowing neon blue over a tattered suit painted with bones.

“Damn it,” Jean Bart said.

“There goes the night,” Sanji rolled his eyes.

“You don’t think they came here to fight, do you?” Chopper asked.

Kid’s eyes locked onto Alexia instantly. His smirk was slow and predatory. The kind of grin that crawls over your skin.

“Well, well,” Kid said, his gaze sliding over her golden form unapologetically. “If it isn’t the Siren out and about with the usual nobodies. You dress up for me, sweetheart?”

Apoo let out a low chuckle.

“My eyes are up here, you piece of shit,” Alexia folded her hands on top of the table.

“As fiery as ever, Lex,” Kid continued. “How about you join Apoo and me, and we head over to Wicked Saints. Dark and private. Perfect for some fun.”

“You really don’t know when to stop, do you, Kid?” She smiled sweetly at him.

“Not when you’re about to say yes.”

This asshole.

Law hadn’t said a word. Not that he needed to. His fingers brushed Alexia’s bare shoulder, slow and deliberate, and every so would often brush just below the slowly darkening mark on her neck. It was a little petty, a bit of a show, and all look what I have, and you don’t. Honestly, how could he not when the bastard still couldn't take a hint after all this time?

“You know, it’s really sad to think you have a shot after being rejected so many times,” Law said.

“She’ll get tired of you eventually, Trafalgar.”

“I highly doubt that,” Alexia said. “Why would I downgrade myself that low?”

“Cute,” Kid said. “One day, Lex. One day, you’ll see the light.”

“Keep telling yourself that, buddy.”

“I think it’s time you and Apoo leave, Eustass,” Robin said. “Before this turns into an unnecessary fight.”

“Yeah, we can fight tomorrow!” Luffy exclaimed. “It’ll be fun!”

“Oh, Luffy,” Chopper sighed.

“Walk away, Kid,” Law told him, his voice cold and final.

For a brief moment, tension between the two pirate crews and the unwanted duo, sparked. Would Eustass and Apoo be stupid enough to try something in a crowded bar (yes)? Surprisingly, however, the red-headed prick took a reluctant step back.

“Come on, Apoo,” Kid pulled his shoulder. “There’s no reason to waste any more time with these low lives. Let’s check out Nightshade. We can pick up some ladies there.”

“Desperate ladies,” Alexia rolled her eyes, watching them push their way through the sea of dancing bodies.

“Well,” Bepo said. “That could have been worse.”

“Disappointing,” Zoro said. “I wish the idiot would have taken a swing.”

“Hey, is that Vivi?” Luffy’s eyes narrowed at the familiar head of light blue hair, completely oblivious to what just occurred.

“It is! Vivi!” Nami followed his gaze, her eyes widening in surprise.

Through the mass of costumed patrons, Vivi made her way toward the large table with a beaming smile on her face.

“Nami!” The two women collided in an embrace. “It’s so good to see you. To see everyone.”

“It’s been ages,” Nami said.

“And I’ve heard so much about you guys,” Vivi turned her attention to the Heart Pirates. “Mostly from the WENP unfortunately, but any friend of the Straw Hats is a friend of mine.”

“Friend isn’t the word I would use,” Law said.

“Ignore him,” Alexia nudged him in the shoulder but smiled. “Your take on Artemis is so pretty.”

“Thank you.”

“Is Koza here with you?” Nami asked.

“Not tonight,” she answered. “I’m here with a few other friends from Alabasta. We just came from the Temple of Ecstasy.”

“The Temple, hmm?” Alexia asked. “Haven’t been there yet, but Law and I have heard nothing but good things about it all night.”

“Oh my God,” Vivi gushed. “You’re going to love it. We were only on the first floor, but we kept hearing whispers about the private rooms on the second.”

“Private rooms?” Law asked.

“Mm-hmm,” she nodded. “And not a lounge room like all the other clubs have. Actual room-rooms.”

Law turned his head to meet an already smirking Alexia. She knew. She knew the entire time.

“I think that’s our cue,” he said, rising, adjusting his jacket, then extending a hand toward her.

“I suppose we can take our leave,” Alexia sighed.

“Have fun!” Robin, Ikkaku, Nami, and Vivi chorused.

“Oh, we will.”

“Enjoy the rest of your night. I’ve put up with you long enough.”

“You’re not coming back?” Bepo asked, ears flattening against his head.

“Not if Law can help it,” Alexia waved. “See you all in the morning.”

When they stepped outside, cool air kissed their heated skin.

“Ready for your surprise?” Alexia asked, squeezing his hand as they weaved through the street.

“I’ve been ready since you walked out of the bathroom back at the hotel.”

“You think you can handle it?”

“I think the better question is, will you be able to handle it when I finally have you all to myself?”

Chapter Text

The line for the Temple snaked around two blocks. An endless sea of glittering masks, gold-leaf laurels, and costumed guests eager to taste Gran Tesoro’s take on Mount Olympus.

"I'm not waiting two hours to get in,” Law’s gaze swept over the winding line.

“Do not worry, my Lord Hades,” Alexia smiled. “Your queen planned accordingly.”

“Another one of your secrets?”

“The best one.”

They walked past the crowd, and jealous eyes followed. Some muttered curses, others simply stared. Alexia laughed softly under her breath, fingers squeezing Law’s as the grand entrance grew closer.

It always paid in being prepared.

Three women dressed as Thallo, Auxo, and Carpo, the goddesses of the spring, summer, and fall, stood before the gilded doors. 

“My Lord and Lady,” Thallo greeted them. “How did your evening fare among the mortals?”

“We’ve had quite the night, having just come from the inferno of Devil’s Advocate,” Alexia replied. “But as fun as it was, nothing compares to Olympus.”

Auxo handed Alexia a small black card embossed with a small silver pomegranate in the bottom right corner.

“Your key, My Lady. Do you need any food or drink?”

“Not yet,” Law answered, his hand still resting lightly on Alexia’s back.

“Very well,” Carpo ticked something off on her scroll. “If you need anything, the Throne Room is at your disposal, or it can be delivered to your room. Enjoy.”

“Thank you.”

The Horae stepped aside with a slight bow, and the heavy doors opened to reveal paradise.

Inside, the floor gleamed with polished marble and gold. The ceiling was painted with nymphs, satyrs, and gods in an eternal celebration. Music pulsed from hidden harps and drums. Couples danced close on the dance floor while others reclined on low couches, feeding each other honey-soaked fruit from golden trays. Laughter and sighs mingled with the soft clink of chalices filled with luxurious cocktails.

“Gran Tesoro went all out on this place,” Law commented, taking everything in.

“Top three most anticipated clubs of the entire Halloween extravaganza,” Alexia said. “I’m sure you can understand why.”

“And you worked your magic to get us inside,” He smirked, fingers sliding down to her waist.

Near the far end of the room was a grand staircase, and at the foot of it stood a man dressed as Eros with wings of pure white fluttering from his back. 

“Hades and Persephone, seeking rest after a night among mortals?” He bowed theatrically.

“Mortals are exhausting, and we require some rest.”

"Your chamber awaits,” Eros gestured, stepping aside with a wink.

The upper floor was quiet and soft. The air hummed with privacy and promise. Doors lined the hall, each marked with sigils. A lightning bolt for Zeus, a grapevine for Dionysus, a heart for Aphrodite, and so on and so forth until Law and Alexia stood before their own.

Law slid their key card into the slot, and the door opened with a faint click.

The room’s obsidian floors gleamed beneath a canopy of gold branches entwined with pale blossoms that glowed faintly in the dark. Candlelight flickered in crystal sconces shaped like pomegranate halves, their soft red glow bathing the room in warmth. A grand bed sat beneath a mural of the underworld’s river, alive with drifting lights representing the souls of the dead. Incense curled lazily through the air, the scent rich with sandalwood and sweet earth.

“Now this,” Alexia stepped inside. “Is divine.”

Law followed, closing the door behind them.

She sank gracefully onto the edge of the mattress, letting out a sigh of relief. Leaning back on her hands, she looked at the surrounding opulence.

“I don't know about you, but this is exactly what I’ve been waiting for.”

“You have about five minutes to explain,” Law said, already tossing his jacket onto one of the chairs on the side of the room. “I’m done with this game you’ve been playing.”

“You started the game, if I recall correctly,” Alexia retorted. "You were the one getting in my personal space at the carnival games."

“No,” Law countered. “It’s always you.”

“I fail to see how that’s the case in this particular instance, but if it helps you sleep at night,” she shrugged. “I suppose I can let you in on how I managed to score all this.”

“Four minutes,” he said, stepping closer.

“As you know, Nami mentioned the Halloween extravaganza months ago.”

“Mm-hmm,” Law knelt in front of her. His fingers brushed her ankle, then found the tiny clasp of her gold heels. Each sound of metal unfastening echoed softly in the privacy of their room. He took his time, loosening the first strap, then the second, fingertips tracing along the smooth line of her calf before resting at her knee.

“Back in March,” Law said, looking up at her.

“And naturally,” she continued. “I went into Research Mode.”

“Of course you did.” His thumb brushed small circles against her warm skin.

“Doing what I do best,” Alexia said. “Reading fine print. Finding loopholes. Enhancing the system.”

“Manipulating it,” Law corrected.

“Tomato, tomahto.” Her hand slid lazily up his shirt front. “I found a small notice in the WENP a week later. A mention of pre-registration for scoring private suites during the event.”

“So, you knew about this from the very beginning?” He asked, fingers teasing the split hem of her dress.

“I did,” She smirked. “The themes, the passwords, the perks; everything was there if you dug around for it. Like I mentioned earlier, a few Den Den Mushi calls to claim the couple's costume for Hades and Persephone before anyone else could, and it gave us plenty extra opportunities for us to enjoy.”

“Is the Temple of Ecstasy the only club with suites?”

“There are a few others around the island,” Alexia answered. “The Velvet Veil, Crimson Carnival, Obsidian Oasis, and the Raven Room were the most sought-after. I considered them at the beginning, but Hades suits you better.”

“I think you chose the right one.”

“Thank you,” she smiled. “Was putting up with the first couple of hours worth it?”

“Too early to tell.”

“Is that right?”

“Give me the rest of the night, and I will let you know.”

Law’s hands slid up to her hips, pulling her close. He dipped his head, kissing her again, this time deeper. The kiss grew slowly, deliberately, until it consumed thought. Her hands found his hair, sliding through the soft strands.

"You've been waiting all night for this, haven't you?" Alexia asked, her fingers found his cheek, thumb brushing along the line of his jaw. 

"You have no idea," Law’s fingers skimmed the length of her spine, slow and deliberate, tracing every curve. Alexia’s breath caught, her head tilting slightly, a soft sound escaping her.

The golden silk of her gown whispered to the floor. The flicker of candlelight painted them in shades of amber and rose, skin against skin, the faint scent of sandalwood and honey heavy in the air. She met his gaze once, her eyes dark and glassy with meaning, and for a heartbeat, neither of them moved. Then she reached for him, fingers sliding into his hair, guiding him back to her.

+++++

Law lay back against the silk sheets, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Alexia rested against him, fingers tracing the intricate tattoos that curled over his skin.

“Not a stupid idea now, is it?” She teased.

“No, it wasn’t,” he admitted, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.

“So,” Alexia shifted, resting her chin on his chest to look up at him. “Do we stay here and indulge in more divine offerings, or see what the Throne Room has to offer?”

“We could stay. No interruptions. No drunks. No Straw Hats,” He pressed a kiss to her temple, his breath warm against her hair. “Just this.”

“You say that,” she said. “But I saw the intrigue in your eyes earlier when we stepped inside.”

“You have no proof,” Law’s chuckle rumbled low in his chest, his fingers brushing down her thigh in slow, absent strokes.

“Careful, Hades.” She reached across him for her gown. “I could always leave you down here to brood alone. I better get a dance out of you. It’s the least a queen deserves after orchestrating an entire divine night of luxury for her king.”

Law rose, stretching lazily before reaching for his pants. The dim light caught the faint glint of metal at his belt buckle as he looked over at her, smirk tugging at his mouth.

“I think I can spare a dance.”

Once redressed, they left their private room and began their descent back toward the main floor, the Throne Room.

“Drinks first?” Alexia asked, surveying the bar along the far wall.

The bar was impossible to miss. An altar of luxury, carved from translucent marble and inlaid with veins of mother-of-pearl. Chalices, goblets, and amphorae glistened like treasure, the shelves behind them a display of golden bottles labeled in curling script.

Alexia ordered an Ambrosia Delight, a glimmering blend of honey, citrus, and rose petals served in a delicate golden chalice rimmed with edible gold. Law went for the Nectar of the Gods, a darker, smoother, with a subtle bite that burned pleasantly down the throat.

The bartender also slid a platter toward them: figs dripping with honey, chocolate truffles glistening like gemstones, wedges of aged cheese, and freshly shucked oysters presented on cracked ice dusted with edible gold.

“Exactly what we needed,” Alexia murmured, her tone one of smug satisfaction. She picked up a honeyed fig, holding it out between her fingers. “Open.”

Law arched a brow, but didn’t argue. He leaned in, teeth brushing her fingertips as he took a bite, savoring the sweetness. His gaze lingered on her lips before leaning in to brush a kiss against them.

“Sweet,” he murmured, his voice low. “But not as much as you.”

“Classy.”

They lingered there for a while, sampling bites between kisses, the low hum of conversation blending with the heady rhythm of the music. Alexia stole another truffle, smearing a trace of chocolate on the corner of her mouth until Law leaned in to kiss it away. 

“Now, about that dance?” 

“I was hoping you’d forget.”

“Please,” she said, already getting to her feet, looping her arm through his as they moved toward the center of the floor. “No one's around, and when do we ever have time like this?”

“You’ve been waiting all night for a lot of things."

A massive chandelier hung above them, shaped like a radiant sun surrounded by crescent moons. The music shifted, slower now, a deep and hypnotic rhythm that resonated through the marble underfoot. Law pulled her close, one hand on her waist, the other finding her hand. The warmth of her skin, the soft brush of silk beneath his fingers.

 “See, not so bad, is it?” she whispered, her lips grazing his ear.

“I’ve had worse ways to spend a night,” he murmured.

The tempo slowed further, the melody winding around them like smoke. Law’s hand slipped higher along her back, fingers threading gently through the loose waves of her hair. Alexia tipped her head back slightly, meeting his gaze. She rose on her toes to meet him halfway for another kiss, her hands sliding around his neck as the rest of the world dissolved into the golden blur of movement and light.

When they finally parted, Alexia’s lips curved into a smile.

“Worth it?” she asked softly, her voice barely audible over the music.

“More than worth it.”

"I knew you'd have fun."

Chapter Text

The next morning, the Heart Pirates and Straw Hats gathered around the long back table in the hotel lounge. The air was thick with the smell of strong coffee and the groans of pirates nursing killer hangovers. Some had barely slept, while others looked freshly showered, dressed in clean clothes but still sporting dark circles under their eyes. A few had their heads down on the table, wondering why no one stopped them after ten shots.

“Those passwords were a mistake,” Penguin groaned.

“Who knew free drinks would come at such a steep price?” Shachi remarked from the other side of the table.

“We all knew it was fun, but now I have so many regrets,” Nami sighed, wearing oversized sunglasses and cradling a cup of coffee like it was her lifeline.

“We couldn’t back down!” Usopp groaned, his head resting on the table. “It was a matter of pride!”

“Pride?” Zoro snorted. “You passed out during the scavenger hunt, Long Nose.”

“It was fun though! Best Halloween ever!” Luffy said, stuffing his face with breakfast.

“SUPER fun!” Franky exclaimed. “And the Crown of Corsair? Great way to end the night.”

“You bet all of your money,” Robin chimed in calmly, taking a sip of tea. “And lost.”

“Worth it.”

“I remember some of us ended up at some club with glow-in-the-dark skeleton dancers. There was some kind of eating contest going on, but I can’t remember if we participated or not,” Jean Bart recounted.

“I definitely participated,” Bepo yawned.

“I wonder how Alexia and Law made out at the Temple,” Vivi said, having joined the two crews for breakfast.

“I’m sure they made out just fine,” Ikkaku snickered.

“They haven’t shown up yet. Do you think they’re okay?” Chopper’s wide, innocent eyes scanned the room.

“Don’t worry, Chopper. I’m sure they’re just enjoying their morning together,” Robin smiled.

“I don’t know, maybe I should check on them,” Chopper said.

“Relax,” Bepo said. “Lex and the captain never get time to themselves.”

“Do you think they’ll show up for breakfast?” Usopp asked.

“If they’re wise, they’ll skip it and stay exactly where they are and enjoy the peace and quiet,” Nami said.

“Oh, look, they’re alive!” Luffy exclaimed a short while later, as Law and Alexia finally walked into the room for breakfast.

“And walking,” Shachi smirked. “Captain, you must’ve been slacking.”

“Or perhaps we’ve been awake for a decent while, and I’ve had the chance to get feeling back in my legs,” Alexia commented with a plate stacked high with eggs, sausage, and waffles.

“Too much information,” Sanji sighed, leaning back in his chair and looking up at the ceiling.

“I’m more upset about the lack of hangovers I see from the two of you,” Clione said. “You’re supposed to be as miserable as we are.”

“Speak for yourself,” Zoro muttered.

“Do you really think I’d let us be hungover?” Law asked.

“What did you all get into after Law and I left last night?” Alexia asked. “I doubt you all called it a night when we went to the Temple.”

“Definitely not,” Ikkaku said. “We stayed at Devil’s Advocate for a bit longer. Hakugan got his on by a chick dressed as a fairy.”

“I did not!” Hakugan exclaimed, his cheeks turning a light pink.

“Did too!” Penguin and Shachi sang.

“I hate you guys,” Hakugan sighed.

“You love us,” Ikkaku continued. “Once we left, some of us went on a scavenger hunt, a small group went to the Crown of Corsair, and a third group went to…”

“Dry Bones,” Jean Bart interrupted. “Skeletons, neon, glow-in-the-dark; not the smartest decision when most of us were drunk off our asses.”

“Sounds like a hell of a time,” Alexia sipped her coffee. “I’m glad you all had fun.”

“Until now,” Usopp groaned, his head still resting on the table.

“Worth it,” Nami beamed. “So, how was the Temple? Since you both clearly were able to get into those private rooms on the second floor.”

“You think I was able to score that perk?”

“Yes,” the table chorused.

“Well,” she began. “The first floor was exquisite. Gran Tesoro’s version of what Mount Olympus would look like. Indulgence everywhere, and the food and drinks were positively divine.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Nami waved her hand. “We got that, but what we need to know is the second floor private rooms.”

“Do we really need to know the details?” Bepo asked.

“Of course we need to know,” Vivi stated. “Spill!”

“Firstly, with how you managed to get one,” Robin added.

“That was all Alexia,” Law said.

“Pre-Halloween extravaganza preparations,” Alexia said. “If you knew where to look, certain places let you choose your costumes ahead of time, and depending on what and where you picked, you were able to score front-of-the-line privileges and a room.”

“Damn,” Shachi whistled. “That’s our Research Nerd.”

“Naturally.”

“That sounds heavenly,” Robin said.

“Next time, if there is a next time, we are calling ahead,” Nami agreed.

“I am dragging Koza,” Vivi nodded. “He’d love it.”

“Anyway,” Alexia finished. “I think, overall, the night was a success. Nami, you did good.”

“I aim to please,” she grinned, holding her mug up in the air. “To an amazing night, even if we can’t remember most of it.”

“Hear, hear!”