Jay

Just a shadow of what could have been. Because he’d confessed at last that there was nothing you could do to make him stay. 

He would always leave you. He was choosing to never let anything progress past this awkward stage of need and regret.

And in the end, that meant you just had to keep searching for the next person to bury these needs within. Because in the quiet of the night, fully unable to give in to sleep yourself, you knew that there was something still so very wrong inside of you. Something that made you hate ever truly being alone.

Even Kuzan had called out your flawed nature tonight. Saying that you would still be drawn to the “rush” of fighting and being with Doflamingo as he’d put it. While Smoker had accused you of an insatiable compulsion to always keep climbing at any cost when he had left you too.

As if they really couldn’t see that you still had to battle and over extend yourself at every opportunity just to prove that you deserved to exist at all.

It was a sad twist too that someone so supposedly apathetic to the suffering of others like Doflamingo, would actually be the first one to almost commend instead of criticize this dangerous drive.

You hadn’t forgotten the way he’d looked up at you through those blood red glasses in the Mariejois basement that day. Squatted down in front of you, warm breath teasing between your legs all the while.

He’d said that the others were afraid of you. As if he knew because he understood it so innately in a way that Kuzan snd Smoker never could. In your very first one on one interaction with the warlord, he’d said that he alone was what you needed now.

If he had just been anyone else you likely would have accepted him outright. Literally anyone but the very man that Tsuru had doggedly pursued for all this time.

You felt that shame all over again, thinking how far you would have gone with him already if he wasn’t a pirate or a demon. If he really were just a man.

It would have been Doflamingo in your barracks like this instead. You would have had your fingers twisting in that short blond hair against his scalp as he’d pull his open shirt down from off of his broad shoulders.

You’d have his weight pushing you into this mattress as you’d let him bite and lick across your neck in equal desperation. He’d be undoing his ever tightening pants even while trying to coax you to open up enough to take him in again.

That long, hard cock would be back out in the air and he’d be stroking it to finish getting it ready while he’d growl in anticipation just for the chance to have you once more.

You shifted beneath Kuzan, further guilt rising as you spread your thighs slowly in that vision. But the admiral’s length was covered, and soft in his deep sleep. Yet you still felt the shape of him past that thin fabric between you as you began to slide your hips to push further against it with your thoughts.

So gently at first, and so humiliated in the way you felt that wetness already beginning for you just from the subtle friction. But you were sliding your slit against Kuzan’s defenseless bulge soon enough.

Quietly, but rhythmically as you hated yourself so completely in that first little creak of protest from your mattress. 

A pathetic whore is all you could call yourself in that moment as you imagined Doflamingo putting your hands up over your head perhaps. That grin of his close to euphoric by then as the tip of him already would have been pushing into your entrance by now. 

In the fantasy it wouldn’t hurt of course. You would stretch, badly even. But it would be alright. And he would be whispering, dirty, vulgar things to encourage you as he’d slide inside of you little by little.

You finally whimpered then, so wet that you knew your slick had nearly transferred onto Kuzan’s underwear, dampening it too. Your legs were spread fully now. Enough that his bulge did dip just slightly into that crevice of your outer lips.

And you did rock against it this time. Hard enough to pretend that he was actually pressing back. Even with all your injuries, your body was more than cooperating beneath him. Your upside down hierarchy of needs still putting this physical hunger above healing, and above all self respect.

It was both Doflamingo and Kuzan simultaneously with you in your mind then. Because at last you realized that even Kuzan’s length was starting to respond as you kept dragging yourself across it.

You could feel the fabric of his boxers beginning to tent outward around him as you kept encouraging it to grow.

But you knew it was only reflexive. His body reacting without his consent or even his awareness in that drunken slumber. He didn’t forego sleep for you like Doflamingo had claimed to. When the warlord had called saying he needed you in his bed.

The admiral didn’t want you the way that Doflamingo did.

“Kuzan…” You still whimpered anyway. Trying to will him to wake and understand even just this once.

You couldn’t sleep until some sort of release had been offered now. Your hand travelled further down Kuzan’s back and then onto his ass as you squeezed it once through his boxers. Also using it as a hold to press up into him again.

He was so hard now. If he would just give you permission…

“Please, Kuzan,” You tried again, nuzzling your face against him.

But he didn’t awake. His head just turned further away from you as he only made an annoyed sound in his sleep.

And then he actually rolled off of you entirely. The weight and the pressure you’d wanted so badly were gone just that quickly as he slid off to lay on his side instead.

His back was the only thing then against you as you heard his breathing quickly return to that deep, unbothered state.

You bit your bottom lip lightly, but still feeling the sting. Even as illogical as it was on your part, this only felt like the burn of rejection all over again.

So you turned your back to him as well then. Both of you back to back within your bed as your hand slid gently between your thighs instead.

You’d have to do it for yourself yet again. Fingertips replacing where Kuzan’s clothed erection had been pressing previously. You even pushed inward a little further. Because the pleasure still felt better than the pain. Your fingers were small enough not to stretch things too much as you started to pump them slowly in and out. 

Within short time you were shifting your hips against your own hand. You could even hear those little sounds for how wet you were, sensitive walls trying to close enough to make a light suction around your fingers.

Your pathetic little noises went ignored too though as you could only bring yourself to some mild trembles that went through your thighs. Not the full orgasms you were really seeking. 

The self hatred was still too strong as well. But that was only because you were doing this alone. If that pirate had been here, that lingering regret would have been blasted entirely through. He wouldn’t have stopped until you’d been crying out his name.

Crying aloud for him instead of hiding it like this. You just couldn’t keep doing this to yourself. Something was going to have to finally give to admit what you really wanted.

———————————

By the time the sun was fully in your window again, you’d had more than enough time to get up and fully dressed, then neatening and laying back out Kuzan’s clothes for him as he’d still stayed curled tightly within your blankets.

When he hadn’t opened his eyes after the third or fourth attempt of you calling his name again though, you’d sat back down on the edge of the bed beside him.

“I know you can hear me. And I’m going to pinch the hell out of you next if you don’t say something.” You warned.

Nothing about last night was his fault. But it didn’t mean it felt good to you to have to still watch him now. His presence taunting you with an intimacy he wouldn’t allow. The man was so comfortable, as if being in your bed again was as natural as could be. As if this really were home.

“Alright, blue pheasant.” You taunted his admiral codename next as you ran your hand back under the blankets. “Your crew’s going to be waiting for you. And Kizaru’s probably printing flyers as we speak to announce our engagement or some other crap like that.” Since neither of you had been seen out of your quarters yet this morning. Someone would be making assumptions no matter what you did at this point. But hopefully no one had tried to call his room or office yet.

“Our…what?” You heard a muffled reply at last, as his face remained shoved into one of your pillows.

And even though he had finally spoken, your hand was already in range beneath the sheet then as you pinched his ass anyway right through his boxers. 

“Hey!” He squirmed, eyes opening at last then.

“Good morning.” You smirked regardless. “I did warn you.”

“Evil.” He mumbled, yet already starting to close those still tired eyes again soon after.

“And I’ll do it again. Come on, the longer you wait, the harder it’s going to be to get out of here unseen.” Which was true as the more sailors got up and got moving for their assignments today, the more foot traffic there was going to be.

He sighed, turning then to finally look up at you. You did see his brow furrow a little however as he appeared to glance you over. He’d just realized that you were already fully clothed in your uniform again.

“Damn…I didn’t even get to see you in the sunlight before you covered it all back up?” He asked in a tinge of genuine disappointment.

You tried not to look too annoyed at his reaction. Though that was just confirmation that he really didn’t remember last night after he’d fallen asleep then. “Only the early bird gets the worm, Kuzan.”

“Well, the early bird never faced a sociopath flamingo about a girl, and then had to go get plastered afterward to deal with it either,” He replied with a frown, pushing himself up to sitting even as one hand moved up to cradle his clearly aching head. “You got something strong for this?”

You were frowning a little too by then. But the pheasant and the flamingo…you couldn’t help but think of two puffed up male birds strutting around in a dispute over territory and mating rights with that as you got up and crossed the room to where you kept the pain killers.

“Here.” You did walk back to him after a bit though, both with a couple of extra strength pills in one hand and a glass of water you’d just filled from the bathroom sink in the other.

And he took that offering gratefully. Drinking the meds down with the water before he looked to you again. 

You felt the change in the way he set his shoulders back in that moment though after he was done, so you knew what was coming.

“Look…if you really made some kind of devil’s deal with that asshole to save other people’s lives, I get that. Sort of. But you still need to call me if something goes wrong. If there’s something you can’t handle by yourself. Can you at least tell me that you’d do that while you get this jerk out of your system, or whatever the hell you’re trying to do with him?”

“I will.” You answered almost tersely. You didn’t want to fight about this further. No matter how patronizing he’d just sounded. You knew he was doing you a huge favor regardless. Any other admiral wouldn’t have been brushing this under the rug so soon.

You were a marine and Doflamingo was the worst kind of pirate.

It couldn’t be any simpler than that.

But Kuzan’s eyes were still on you, as if he wanted more conviction in your words.

“I will call for backup if needed, admiral.” You answered more firmly then.

But you saw that slight trace of pain flicker back through his eyes at your renewed formality. Yet he let it go.

“Then be safe, captain.” He answered, finally standing up as he slid out of the bed and sat that now empty water glass down onto your nightstand. 

You could see the thick ring of frost which had already formed around the glass just from being briefly against his hand. He was not happy.

And neither were you as he redressed in silence while you waited for him at the door.

——————————

The doctor in charge at the infirmary yesterday had given strict orders that you were only allowed desk duty today. So after sneaking that somewhat moody admiral out of your room, and then waiting before leaving yourself to not be seen walking together, you’d come to the offices.

Tsuru had never minded you using her desk if she wasn’t at it. So you were sorting through reports and minor things that had stacked up in her absence. If you could handle as many documents as possible yourself, it’d be less for her to have to bother with whenever her battleship finally would make port again.

It was mostly quiet this early too, enough so that when you thought you finally did hear the steps of something, you’d looked up to see nothing over the top of her desk towards the open doorway.

So you’d ignored it, going back to signing the forms in front of you as long as they were within your rank to do so, before your leg was bumped hard enough to startle you.

You looked down to white fur and a small set of horns now rubbing against your calf and knee. Two black eyes looked up at you expectantly as the little goat bleated.

“Now what is the point of you wearing a bell if you don’t even move fast enough to make it ring?” You asked, albeit smiling at last as you gladly started petting her atop her ridiculously cute head just as she was hoping for. “You must have made a break for it again, huh sweetie? I don’t have any food though, sorry.” You talked to her easily.

“Apologies,”’ A new voice came just as abruptly as her arrival though. “She got tired of waiting for me in the hallway. I got delayed to listen to some complaining. Apparently Aokiji was late to the admiral’s meeting this morning. Heaven forbid Akainu have to wait a single additional minute.”

You looked back up to see none other than Sengoku the Buddha stride through the doorway then. He sat in the empty chair across from the desk as you felt your posture straighten up by default.

“Sir,” You acknowledged him, concerned immediately for the one on one visit. But also quickly realizing just how bizarre it felt to be the one at the desk while he sat imposing, yet still like a guest across from you.

The little goat just bleated more loudly however once she realized your attention had shifted away from her and your hand had gone back up onto the desk.

“Quit being so needy.” Sengoku scolded her gently however and she did eventually give up, then wandering off to chew on one of Tsuru’s plants in the corner instead.

And who were you to tell her no as you only watched the fleet admiral carefully. He did look more serious once his attention was fully back on you too. Which could be terrifying in its own way if you didn’t yet know the reasoning for his visit. “Is something the matter, sir?” 

He had mentioned Aokiji already, but you really doubted he’d care anything about that. He hadn’t the last time you and Kuzan were actually official anyway. As long as you weren’t fooling around with a direct superior, the fleet admiral hardly had the time to be concerned with such basic base gossip.

And Kuzan had already promised you that the only other one in the know about Doflamingo at all was Hina. Which, she was no snitch.

“Tsuru asked me to check on you,” Sengoku stated plainly. 

“Oh.” But you weren’t sure if that was better or worse. “I haven’t gotten to speak to her in a while.“ You answered truthfully. “She’s still in Lyra?”

You almost asked him if she was coming home soon instead. Before you realized it was kind of odd to call Marineford home. Only her ship was home for you. Or the closest thing you’d known to one in so many years. 

“Yes. She’s still in Lyra for the time being. But she thinks you might be interested in setting sail with another crew and meeting her somewhere else down the line. Vice Admiral Momonga will be leaving tomorrow. He has room if you’re agreeable.”

Your brain did hitch slightly again then, but only for the way Sengoku had posed this as a question and not an order. If the fleet admiral told you to go somewhere, you went. It wasn’t as if a lowly captain could have such autonomy in the face of him.

Was this pity? 

Was it kindness?

Or had you already worn out your welcome here after so much drama in such a short time? “Of course, sir. I can be packed immediately.”

The way his expression didn’t change made it obvious he’d expected no other answer.

And yet he was still watching you through his glasses. “I also wanted to commend you for your handling of things at the auction house. Vice Admiral Vergo was extremely complimentary of you in my meeting with him earlier this morning. He also expressed his regret for yesterday’s training incident. He admitted to goading you in order to push you further. So any record of yesterday will reflect that.”

Your eyebrows raised a little. In all the mess with Kuzan last night and the revelation of whatever had happened between the admiral and Doflamingo in Sabaody, honestly Vergo hadn’t even been on your mind at all anymore. 

When that leader for G-5 base hadn’t reached out to you last night or this morning for any further help or assignments, you’d figured that bridge had been burned and that you just must have pissed him off somehow.

But apparently that wasn’t the case? That man was still so odd really. From that strange first morning in the mess hall, all the way until him staring straight through you while on the phone in training not long before he’d essentially come alive to whoop your ass outside. As much as everyone else always said how great Vergo was, you just couldn’t figure out why he didn’t mix well with you. 

Regardless, it was done. If you were leaving with Momonga, then Vergo wouldn’t be your problem any longer.

And maybe you looked too relieved actually just to have any excuse to go, because you saw Sengoku finally smile slightly. There was a paternal feel from it.

“Tsuru’s quite proud of you you know. Don’t be too discouraged with minor setbacks. Every marine has to find their own path. Some of us flourish on the front lines on the ground, some at sea, some even behind a desk or in the meeting halls. We all have our role to grow within. But you have her support. And I’ve never seen that woman misjudge a recruit yet.”

You felt a slight tightness in your throat as his words landed, not expecting such an admission from the very top in this moment. Your fingers pulled into a fist against the desk. “Thank you, sir. I have every intention of continuing to prove that her faith in me was not misplaced either.”

——————————

At last it felt like you had a handle on things again. Your bags were already packed by the door. Only the uniform you’d be wearing tomorrow was pressed and ready on a hanger in your otherwise now empty closet.

You were sitting alone on your bed after dinner from the mess hall that night, a copy and maps of Momonga’s planned patrol route and stop off points in front of you as you studied it. All of the islands to be visited sounded interesting. But there were even a few that you’d never been to at all.

And to your great surprise when you’d first received these documents earlier, there was one island you were still trying to decide what to do with or even how to feel about. Because to get it thrown in your face with everything that had already happened recently seemed like something you almost should have been laughing about.

What were the odds?

One of the last islands on Momonga’s route was going to be the island of Scylla.

A place you’d never set foot upon, but whose stories had occupied your mind from earliest memory. It was so stupid really, to still be holding onto that dream at all.

But how could you forget it either? The worst beating you’d ever gotten in your entire life was the night you’d been caught reading a book about Scylla under the stairs you often hid beneath at the brothel your mother had worked in when she was briefly still alive.

You’d stolen the book from one of her customers. A merchant who’d had an entire case of them when you’d snuck aboard his ship looking for food that same day. But he must have been someone important. Someone who couldn’t stand a thief either as he’d gladly overseen your thorough punishment.

So it became burned in your mind. Those contrasts of heaven and hell. The images in that beautiful book representing some semblance of fictional heaven of course, with the bone breaking punishments in result of your daring to glimpse it being the reminder of every day in your real life hell back then.

But the juxtaposition had just made you want it more. You’d still run with the book and hid it away before they’d caught you to impose that brutal torture. Which meant when you still hadn’t died days later, with only that intuitive first use of armament haki keeping your skull and the like together, you’d still gotten to have that book and read it over and over even years afterward.

Those pictures and descriptions of Scylla’s crystal clear canals and their flower gardens. Their world class aviary with hundreds of rare species, their open air restaurants and artisans’ markets, and the focal point in the center of it all, their massive church that predated Mariejois itself. All those things you had memorized from girlhood, envisioning escaping your home island to one day see with your own eyes.

But even after becoming a marine, even after Tsuru had found you and gave you that offer to finally leave hell forever, the opportunity to visit that particular place in heaven hadn’t come.

Kuzan had joked that he’d take you there one day, once he’d learned your secret fascination with it. It’d even gotten close enough that you’d both started talking about the next time that Tsuru’s ship might be in that area. Even back then he was far freer than you to move where he wanted, when he wanted. He could have met you there.

But then that horror with Zephyr’s family had come to pass. And any of you who had ever trained with Zephyr, which was multiple generations of marines by that point, had fallen into mourning. Some stupid extravagance like a trip to Scylla had been the farthest thing from either of your minds then as you’d gone to the funerals and memorial services together. 

It was probably the last thing the two of you had ever done publicly as a couple actually. You holding Kuzan’s arm, both of you in your marine funeral dress as you’d stared hollow and spent while cannons sounded in goodbye to yet more innocent victims of the great age of piracy.

Even now there was something in you that felt guilty just considering a visit again. Because it was so childish, so self serving. Why even still care?

And yet here you were thinking in circles about it. For long enough actually that you realized you desperately needed to put down the maps and go to bed. Momonga wanted to already be on the water by the time the sun was breaking the horizon tomorrow.

Something just kept pulling at you though. Weaving excuses for you as you remembered those slaves from Sabaody again. You still had to erase your debt to Doflamingo so that they could remain free.

And what should it matter if that promise to him was fulfilled somewhere other than that house he’d mentioned in Sabaody? He would likely be picking another location anyway, wanting more distance from Aokiji now if he had any sense of self-preservation at all.

So why couldn’t the setting of your repayment be somewhere you picked instead?

And yet, that would be a perversion of your old dream wouldn’t it? Like everything else in your life, getting one thing you wanted at the price of something else. 

Because never in that little girl’s visions of visiting something close to heaven would she have ever thought it’d come hand in hand with a demon’s strings around her throat.

Your eyes moved to your sleeping transponder snail as you knew that Doflamingo was still the last call you’d ever answered on it. Two nights ago, when you were drunk and acting like his own personal brothel girl as you’d writhed on your floor.

His number would still be within its memory though as a callback to the last number which had connected.

Fuck.

———————————

“Look, it’s fifteen percent or nothing. If that’s still not good enough, then tell him to suck my…or no, you know what? Just get rid of them all. His whole crew. They’re replaceable,” Doflamingo grumbled, curved black shoes propped on his desk as the ship swayed in the waves and most of his drink tried to go along with it.

He downed the remaining liquid before it could fully spill, Trebol still chuckling a bit on the other end of the snail. The other man’s tone was nasally but with that amused cruelty as always after an order of execution. “Behehe, will do, Doffy! I don’t like them anyway. We won’t miss them.”

“No, we won’t.” Doflamingo agreed. “How’s everything else?”

“The synthetic energy steroids all got bought up, even at the higher price! Those fishmen are loving those just like you said they would.”

Of course they did. Though it’d be interesting of how long it’d take them to realize the true side effects. They might not be quite as strong as the real thing. But damn well close enough. “Did you already order more?” He asked in return.

“Yes, three shipments.” Trebol confirmed.

“I’d up it to at least five for now. We want some stock on hand in case the turnaround gets longer. We already had the supplier at near max production weeks ago.” They’d have to invest more money into that supplier actually if Hody and his boys kept popping those things like candy.

“Okay.” Trebol answered and there was a pause like he was actually taking notes. Which was fine. Doflamingo rather it be right or not at all. 

“I’ll be home in another few days. Weather has still been shitty off and on.” The warlord added, watching another stack of his papers try to tilt right off the desk in the next set of waves. 

But there was a noise in the background on the other end like Trebol was also talking to someone else and then another laugh.

Doflamingo looked back down at the snail. That was definitely Diamante saying something teasing in the background.

“Behehe, ask him yourself! I’m not asking that!” Trebol retorted to whatever unintelligible joke Diamante had made.

And there was still another long pause after. Before an additional commotion like the snail was changing hands.

“Oh, you men. I’ll ask then!” And that was Giolla muscling her way between them from the sounds of it.

“Young master!” She said in greeting.

“Good evening, Giolla.” Doflamingo still responded rather patiently. 

“So were you able to thwart your rival, young master? Surely that marine girl came to her senses in the end!” The older woman practically blurted, though with a passion that spoke of her true investment in this already.

Doflamingo leaned his head back, a reflexive smile forming at the surprise, even as he made a sound somewhere between a laugh and an incredulous grunt. “I knew I should have kept my damned mouth shut. So you’re all waiting on bated breath now are you?” Didn’t they have anything better to do? He’d clearly have to leave them more work next time.

The snail was practically yelling though as Giolla answered. “But, young master! Your well being is what we live for! And as an artist, I must say I’m fully inspired by this new era of yours. All great creators have made their best works within the confines of the torturous beauty of romance!”

His hand covered even his glasses now, the two layers needed then as his mind tried to deal with that additional outburst. This was his chosen family he had to remind himself, the only reason at all that they were allowed to behave as such. Though he still struggled to find a response. “My…new era, Giolla?”

“Absolutely!” She confirmed. 

What the fuck did that even mean? 

In fact, it was all so ridiculous that he wasn’t even irritated when yet another snail started ringing to interrupt him. But he didn’t hang up on Giolla just yet. He’d had another question he remembered, about the underground port and a repair that they hadn’t updated him on yet. Which they better have done if they had all this time to sit around and worry about him.

“Hold on,” Doflamingo told them, looking at his other snails on the shelf nearby. He pulled that ringing one over, clicking the connection open smoothly enough. “This is Joker. Make it quick,” Or not. Really anything was fine by this point as he was still half distracted.

“It’s me.” Came the almost soft female reply however. As if still concerned with being heard by unintended listeners.

But your voice still wasn’t quiet enough for those on his other line not to hear it even as Doflamingo genuinely froze in that single moment of realization.

He already knew your voice just from those two words. 

“You’re not on a secure line are you?” He breathed as he quickly regathered himself though, knowing his side was fine. But any standard marine snail of yours? Not so much.

“I just did a call back. I’m in the barracks.”

Ah, but that would mean you’d really answered for no one else since? Maybe you were more isolated than he’d thought. Not a bad thing when he wanted your time more and more to himself though.

He had still intended to call you later tonight actually. But when he was alone in his bed to properly enjoy it. Though maybe it was already later now than he’d realized.

“I’ll have to get you a better snail.” He smirked anyway. You were forcing him to improvise, but he was clearly pleased. So much so that he didn’t even take the time to hang up the other snail with his crew as his curiosity was already killing him. “And what do you need from me tonight, angel?”

You did pause. All the nicknames he rotated through still not familiar to you yet. Which was exactly why he did it.

“I’m sailing out tomorrow with a different ship. I…” You were still hesitating further regardless. 

He hadn’t heard you quite this nervous before. But he liked it too of course. Was he really getting under your skin so well? 

“There’s an island on this patrol that I want to take shore leave at. So I wondered if you’d be interested in meeting up there instead. Like I’d promised you before.” You finally got it out, though speaking a little more quickly as you had. Like the words might get stuck if you didn’t push them all out at once.

And his best shit eating grin was out in full force as he digested those words one after the other. 

It was an invitation.

You were doing the work for him already then without even being asked. It really couldn’t have been a better gift to him in this moment.

Tsuru must still be in those mountains then. Maybe with the faulty notion that she had time to wait and address this all with you in person. The circumstances of her favorite captain tangled up with her favorite mistake of a pirate being too scandalous of a conversation to broadcast over just a basic transponder snail after all. 

Yet who would you be sailing with then? No. It didn’t matter. Vergo could find out for him. Just like Vergo was always keeping an eye out on reports from Tsuru’s ship as well. Doflamingo always knew where that woman was sailing for next.

But he realized he hadn’t actually answered you, too content in this development overall. “Are you asking me out, lover?” 

“…it’s either a yes or no.” You rebutted quickly, sounding more like yourself there. 

He leaned further back in his chair, shoulders shaking a little as he chuckled smugly. “And what lucky island are you and I going to darken then?”

“Scylla.” You answered firmly. 

Well goddamn. His eyes widened behind his glasses a little, yet grinning still. “Straight to the top shelf then? Fuck. I like it, woman. I didn’t know you had champagne tastes on a canned beer marine budget.”

“I’ve wanted to go there a while.” You conceded, though still a bit sharp at that insult to your own pitiful income. “So that’s a yes?”

“What do you think?” He was too eager to even care about your bit of rising attitude. “When does your ship get there then? And how many days are you asking for them to approve?”

As you gave him the timeframe, he didn’t need to write it down. He was fully locked in, mind and body. 

“Then it’s a date.” He didn’t care how satisfied he truly sounded. “I’ll meet you in their church there. I trust you’ll know that landmark when you see it?”

“Well yeah.” You agreed, but you’d quieted a little more again. “How will I let you know if something changes? I didn’t put in my request yet.”

“I’m going to get you a new snail like I said. But until then, take down this number.” He allowed you time to get something to note it down, then proceeded to speak not only a direct number, but his actual personal one. It wouldn’t get blocked with the ingoing and outgoing business calls that rang all day and night for Joker.

His tongue had come out to graze his top lip as he made sure to make you aware of the privilege as well. “That one’s mine direct. Don’t fucking share it of course. But I wouldn’t be adverse to some late night check ins either.”

“I’m sure I’ll only get a bunk to sleep in with other sailors right atop me on this trip. It won’t be private,” You mumbled, though he could hear that bit of responding fluster from you even then.

And he didn’t give two shits that his crew could still hear him too, their own snail muted surely just so their reactions wouldn’t be evident. 

They’d already experienced enough of his flings screaming his name through the castle walls in Dressrosa by now. And from his bedroom in Spider Miles before that too. Once he was old enough to deal back out that pain and frustration through such a pleasurable outlet anyway. They all knew damned well how hungry their young master could really be.

“Careful with the wording, dear. I don’t think I want any sailors atop you anymore…that’s my job.” He teased even as his voice deepened. 

He’d barely realized how much he’d already spread his own legs by then too. Feet still against the edge of the desk as his chair leaned back precariously on two legs. His knees were spread wide in show even though there was no one here to see it.

Sir Crocodile, that specific fling he was still so very proud of, had once accused him of always strutting around like a bitch in heat. And Doflamingo hadn’t even been able to really argue. Pink feathers fluffed, shirt open, and legs spread for anyone who would dare look.

But he only wanted you in this moment at least. More specifically he wanted your face between his long legs. Your breath between his thighs as he’d run his tip across your parting lips.

“I have to get up early,” you protested, as if you had already realized that subtle change in his breathing over the phone.

“So?” He retorted, starting to undo the drawstrings of his pants. “I’m making time for you, you can do the same.”

With the continued movements of the ship, he still took the precaution to steady his chair a little more, running a few thin strings between it and the desk with one hand. Just as his other hand was pushing his loosened pants open.

He let go again of his pants though before placing his palm and long fingers along his bared chest. He was narcissistic enough to still enjoy the feel of his own muscles as he traced between them, fingers rubbing across those hard contours as he felt himself up and then back down along his abs. 

He teased himself fully in your absence, but with his hand finally moving low enough that his fingers did meet those short blond hairs below his waistline which trailed in a thin line to the base of his cock.

“Why Scylla then? You said you’ve wanted to go there before now. Tell me why.” He asked anyway to interrupt your silence as he kept massaging himself. He was being far kinder than he had to be. Letting you continue to play innocent in front of his crew like this. Even if he was about to be fucking himself yet again for you. 

He just wanted you to keep talking. Your voice in his ears at least if your body couldn’t be within his grip.

“I just didn’t think I’d ever get to see it.” An overly simple answer, too simple really. He felt there was more to this. Marines got to see the world on the daily. Why pick this one island specifically?

“It’s for the rich.” He answered anyway though. He’d read your file more than once, but he could fill in the gaps where that basic report had lacked. You’d been poor as shit he’d bet. Like all the other humans he’d become closest to though. The ones who had suffered almost as much as himself. Because only they could understand him, if even just a little.

You had probably been hungry and dirty until the very moment Tsuru had picked you up and dusted you off, giving you a life as a world government boot licker instead. Power through striking down anyone they asked you to. And doing it so goddamn well too.

Just like he now did as a warlord too. Really, how you marines thought yourselves so far above in morality was always beyond him. Two sides of the same coin really. And he could have gone either way in the beginning. Whether Tsuru or Trebol had won out for his fate, he would have remained the same destructive man inside he was sure, just of another name by now.

An admiral instead of a pirate, killing with as much abandon as Akainu and reveling in it. He would have still been abusing that power, using it to get closer to those gods that had cast him from his own place in heaven. Closer and closer until the day he could finally tear down everything they held dear.

But if he’d been an admiral, he would have locked you down years before now too. Aokiji was only a coward to him who didn’t understand the game. Of course enemies would always go for what was most valued. So they had to be made to fear the repercussions. Aokiji was too little too late. Even his threats in Sabaody weren’t enough. 

Not enough at all as Doflamingo stroked himself harder while smiling for you. “You realize we’re going to have to buy you appropriate clothes in the first day we’re there. What do you wear when you’re not in uniform anyway?”

Nothing he hoped. Did you sleep nude as often as he did? It’d be so much easier to take care of those late night urges that way.

“You of all people are going to talk to me about fashion?” There was that flustered tone again. Oh, he was sure that you knew what his hands were doing now. You were figuring him out quite quickly in only these still limited interactions.

But insulting him too? Well, it wasn’t exactly the dirty talk he would have preferred. But he could play all the same, even as his thumb smeared some of that precum, the digit working his tip in replacement for your tongue as he swallowed.

“If you’re taking me to church, I can wear a suit. I own plenty.” He added.

“Well no one would know it.” You snipped back.

Again, he let your attitude slide, his head tilted back more in that ever rising pleasure. He wanted to be in his real bed in the castle with you already. “My country’s warm and passionate, lover. You try having this sizable of equipment sweating in a three piece suit sometime. And the aggravation of having to get out of it quickly enough whenever someone wants to play.”

You scoffed a little. “So is that what you do in your kingdom? ‘Play’ all day in the heat?”

And that tone from you was newer. Though when you’d been drunk that other night, you’d fussed a little about how being passed over by both Aokiji and Smoker had left you unfulfilled. Because you only wanted to be the main dish, didn’t you? Not just another sampling from the buffet of potential conquests. “Mmm…sometimes.” He taunted anyway, even as his hand squeezed himself with only you in mind. “Jealous then?”

“No.” That was an awfully quick answer.

One which he didn’t believe at all, smiling as his abdomen was tensing in the beginnings of that spreading heat. “You liar. You don’t want me to fuck anyone else, do you? Does this little marine think she’s enough to sate me already? Just after a single quickie in some old filing room?”

Even to him it was almost hard to accept though. That he’d only fucked you one time truly. Sabaody had been botched, not really counting. But everything that had happened since, everything he’d felt in him now, had flared with a vengeance in that one chance meeting in Mariejois. Years of lust all the way from the North Blue had rekindled in a single moment there on the Red Line. 

All because Tsuru had left you alone and within his grasp for the first time he could ever remember. He hadn’t even intended to fully fuck you that day either. It was your fault in the end. If you hadn’t isolated yourself so far from everyone, if you hadn’t fought him so hard beforehand. If you hadn’t struck him violently enough to make him drink his own blood within seconds of confronting you. You’d both angered and turned him on so thoroughly before he could even catch you. There was no other way it could have possibly gone by then.

And he had considered killing you or at least bringing you to Sugar before he’d ever even entered that basement. Regardless of his previous fascinations with you from years prior, erasing you then would have been the safest thing for his future as Joker. But he couldn’t do it by the end. Because he’d still wanted more from you. And you’d wanted more from him.

He knew that you did.

“You’re going to do what you want. That has nothing to do with me.” Was your eventual answer to him though. Still not admitting that you were wishing for more fidelity with him.

And it was such a non committal, diplomatic trash of a response that he laughed loudly, mocking you. “You’re sounding too much like your marine mother. Fuck that noise! I’ll say it for you then. You want to be my only woman. You want me to take you out in Scylla like those shitheads never would, don’t you? And we’ll do it. Be ready, woman. You’ll see how it feels to be on my arm like a proper prize. You’re not going to want to ever give it up again.”

And that image of you properly dressed, something worthy of him at his side under those gas streetlights in Scylla almost sent him over. 

It would be better than Sabaody actually, because it would be your own idea this time. He didn’t even own a home on that island, but he would by tomorrow if it meant having you all to himself.

An all new villa that he could christen with you.

A nest of your choosing is what it would be. Wouldn’t it? Because he’d let someone else -you- have an input in which island for once. A place to be twisted up together in the night soon enough like a mated pair.

He did begin to cum at last then with that final concept, covering the tip quickly with his hand to keep it from going everywhere like the other night as it pulsed out hot and sticky into his palm.

He did pant a little in the aftermath, all four legs of the chair finally back down as he licked his lips again. He wiped the spent seed off on his pants too, not caring in this moment.

“It will be a good choice. I’ve never ‘played’ in Scylla actually.” He teased in an almost lazy voice then after he’d had that needed release. “I’ve only breezed through there on business before.”

“I’ve just read about it.” You admitted, though sounding a little like you didn’t know what else to say. You didn’t have the alcohol to help spur you on like that time on the phone before. “I do need to go to bed.” You reminded.

He smirked anyway as he knew you were trying to hang up. “You won’t be so shy when we’re in the same room again I’m sure. Fine, go to sleep. Call me if your schedule changes.”

“Ok.”

“Night then, lover.” He tried to really throw on the affection in that enticement too before you could disconnect though, wanting you to at least say something similar in return this time.

He heard you make a sound, like you were being put on the spot. And of course you were. But you were still turning practical again when he didn’t want you to be. He’d really need to loosen up some of that marine brainwashing you always fell back into when cornered.

“What do you want me to call you?” You asked him instead, like speaking to another officer then really.

“It doesn’t matter to me. As long as you mean it.” He pushed back. He knew it was there. If you would just allow it.

It was silent for another long moment. As if he could hear the gears in your head spinning, trying to come up with something that would let you properly escape from this call.

And then you just said it still with the intonation of a question. “My boyfriend?”

Doflamingo bit his lip to stifle the almost helpless laugh that wanted to come from him. Yes, he’d teased you with that briefly last time. But he didn’t expect you to latch onto it when there were so many better terms. You either had no imagination at all or were still too goddamn innocent. Were you even serious? 

To fight like you did and fuck like you did, but to still say something like that as if it was really suitable for a god.

“Fine, if that’s the best you can do.” This had to start somewhere. “Your boyfriend’s hanging up now so your sexy ass can get back to sea tomorrow and come find me. Don’t fuck any sailors. I’ll be waiting.”

He heard your surprise at what he’d called you then. But you didn’t hesitate for long as you answered in renewed attitude. “Then keep yours wrapped with your ‘playdates’ at least if you expect it raw again in Scylla.”

“Bitch, I always wrap it with the pool girls or any random piece. But you aren’t either of those things.” He spat back just as fast, though smirking at that realization that maybe it had bothered you when he hadn’t fussed with any condoms yet.

In all honesty, he just hadn’t wanted to. You’d had him so fired up both times. A calculated risk, but Mariejois was so long ago really. He’d been checked since then. He knew you were clean and you’d stay that way unless you decided to cheat on him. And woe be unto you if he had to find out that way.

He did use protection normally though. Whether you believed that or not. 

“Pool girls? Nice. I’m sure they’re lovely.” You sighed. 

“They are. But one true kick from you and they’d be eating out of a feeding tube I’m sure.” He nearly purred.

“I…if you think this is how to flirt.” You stammered.

“Sounds like it’s working.” He goaded.

“Fuck you.”

“I just did.” He was laughing. Finally he’d pushed the right button then. So of course he hit it immediately again with that gem.

And that’s when you gave up. The futility evident to you. “Good night, asshole.”

“Good night, woman. See you in Scylla.” He finished chuckling in return. Before the snail clicked with the final end of the call.

Doflamingo did groan afterward though, a tired yet conceited smile twisting across his face as he spoke back into the new silence. “Well how was that for you, you eavesdropping bastards?”

And never disappointing him in their equal lack of decorum, the other snail perked back up immediately, coming off the mute it had been on all this time. 

It was Diamante’s voice that answered first, no shame in it at all. “Giolla went and got the wine. We’ve been having a nice drink, Doffy, while you courted that female. That was entertaining.”

“You should have heard her the other night,” Doflamingo mused, thinking another drink sounded pretty good actually as he tucked his now soft length back into his pants. He didn’t bother to retie the waist though, reaching out for the bourbon bottle again. 

He didn’t feel like fighting with it and the glass together anymore though, just drinking straight from the bottle this time. The burn felt good in his throat before he set the bottle back down, legs still spread.

“I’m going to have to blow some more beri though. Goddamn, this woman keeps costing me money. I don’t even know what houses are going for in Scylla these days either.” Renting was out of the question. He wouldn’t pay others just to be allowed onto their property and be told to abide by their rules while doing so.

“Oh, but young master, it’ll be carnival season then too!” And there was Giolla again, still sounding fully invested, albeit a little less loud at least. As if the wine was already working on her.

“Fuck…seriously?” Doflamingo sighed. He hadn’t even thought of that. Try almost three times the price for villas right now then. 

“But the dances, the masks, the fireworks!” She responded. “What a clever little marine to ask for such scenery for a romantic rendezvous. Why I remember being a young girl during carnival…but never there. Though they say Scylla’s scale absolutely puts Water 7’s plebeian festivities to shame.”

He wondered if you’d had any idea about this plan falling during carnival either. You hadn’t mentioned it at least. Though there was a whole lot of things carnival masks could help with the more he thought of it. And he would know. 

Between his smile and his glasses, he absolutely lived beneath a mask already. But you didn’t. With one of your own, how much more would you open up for him in public without the fear of being recognized by your peers?

He took another swig of the bourbon straight from the bottle then. This night was now over for accomplishing much else. “Put some money back into the real estate account in the morning.” He instructed. “At least four times what we made in that last weapons sell off. I guess I’m going house shopping this week.”

“Yes, Doffy,” Trebol and Diamante answered nearly simultaneously, not at all questioning the fiscal irresponsibility of their captain’s ever changing whims. If anything they sounded eager at the new opportunity.

Because they knew that he was. 

Someone to be this serious about was something he’d wanted for long enough.

——————————

    T⨂  BE 

CONTINUED

——————————

He hadn’t even seen you, you were sure. But you’d been in a crowd of other sailors. Vergo had volunteered you to give assistance in some basic haki training happening this morning.

And said class was thankfully being held inside the gym, in comparison to the poor luck of the muddy recruits now running past you all in the yard. You could hear Akainu’s whistle and yell towards them even now over the distant thunder.

“Too slow! Double time it you slugs!” He was screaming.

Oh, you did not miss that part of the rookie days.

The haki class itself had been pretty uneventful at first too. Not very many students, just those who had shown any aptitude at all and had been recommended to keep training by their commanding officers.

Of course Vice Admiral Vergo was well known for his advanced level of armament, so he’d been a guest teacher for today while still in Marineford. And for the entire morning you were only moving through the group as his assistant, giving pointers here or there where you could to the other marines to help improve their form.

If you hadn’t felt like such utter shit, you would have gladly asked Vergo to spar with you by the time lunch break came too. You knew he was above your level, but that was the only real way to learn and push past your own limits sometimes. You’d hoped you’d get another chance before he left to head back to G-5 base at least.

But you’d been sitting on the gym floor with your legs criss crossed, headache still going strong despite your best efforts to rehydrate as you ate the meager rations they’d brought in from the mess hall for lunch. It was too inefficient for the class to cross campus all the way there and come back. So the kitchen workers had just brought you all some sandwiches to get by on before training would start again.

And you were eating your sandwich and thinking about nothing at all. A rare privilege really, when suddenly you felt like you were being completely stared through.

Someone else’s haki had focused on you? You were still pretty bad at being able to know the difference. But your muscles did tense a little as you glanced up slightly.

And as your head turned, you realized Vergo had walked to the edge of the room and was now on the phone with someone. Holding a small receiver in his hand, so the voice on the other end could not be heard.

Vergo’s sunglasses always hid his eyes, much like someone else you knew. But you took another bite of your sandwich as you pretended to brush crumbs off your shirt instead of looking at him directly.

It was so stupid, but you were trying to seem completely unbothered as you could barely hear the Vice Admiral’s voice over the other chatting sailors. But this classroom was not that big. Just open floor with exercise mats and mirrors, nothing to really absorb sound well. And why did you even care?

“No. She’s been here with us all morning.” He said.

Okay, that was a bit more interesting as you tried to remember how many females there were in the room then. Maybe only another two or three? Yes, it was actually only two others. You saw them now, off in another corner together. Not at all where he was looking.

He was absolutely looking at you. 

And you were watching a seam on the side of your boot by then, wondering why your heart rate kept increasing. You really strained your ears to listen further.

——————————

Doflamingo’s grip on the other end of that phone was incredibly tight. Enough to push some of the blood from his knuckles. But he did not break the snail’s receiver the way he’d done to the pen earlier. His voice was still low through his gritted teeth as he continued, “That piece of shit had the gall to come after me in my own house, Vergo.”

It was inexcusable of course. And even now the mansion staff were still trying to shovel the chunks of ice away floors below him. Doflamingo had shredded that frozen wall in a hateful fit not long after Aokiji’s departure of course.

The warlord had then immediately stormed upstairs as well. His mind forgot nothing, and he’d still recalled your number perfectly from before as he’d dialed it again then.

And he’d been pacing in his office, one fist clenching and unclenching, blood vessels pulsing on his forehead as the snail had only rang and rang.

He didn’t know what you had done to rile the admiral so thoroughly. But he was certain that you’d had some culpability in it all. Because you were just that infuriating.

It was fine if you had shown Aokiji what couldn’t be had. Doflamingo had even encouraged this, just as he’d given you permission to go out with the other man at all last night.

It would have been no different than when he’d paraded your body in front of Disco at the auction house. Because the obvious focus still should have been on the “could not have” aspect of it. 

But the admiral that he’d nearly just traded what surely would have been debilitating blows with, had not arrived here on just the thought of you alone.

No, that was the resolve of a man fighting for you. You had done something to make Aokiji feel as if you were still his to be defended. Doflamingo could see this no other way.

And even as he’d finally hung up that unanswered call to you, to ring Vergo instead, the memories from yesterday had still been so vivid as well.

Because you’d told him that you wanted him then. You’d told him that it was him alone that you thought of when you opened your legs at night. And he had believed you.

All this frustration for one goddamned bitch.

But Vergo was loyal at least, fully dependable in contrast to you as the vice admiral had answered right away. Vergo’s own snail was encrypted of course, fully safe while Doflamingo still paced and vented freely as soon as the other man was there to listen. 

Yet Vergo assured him that you’d been in sight all morning. That you were there right now in fact at some asinine marine class. If you’d put Aokiji up to this today, that conversation had to have taken place elsewhere.

But still Doflamingo wanted more. His current feelings couldn’t be sated with words alone. He needed to know that some sort of punishment would be carried out. Retribution for this pain in his chest that he couldn’t expel.

He hated you for it. The same way that he’d hated you as his finger tips had smeared through your tears in Disco’s office. Your wounded silence taking away all his pleasure as you’d broken too easily before him then.

“So what did you say, haki class was it?” Doflamingo grumbled in renewed question, trying to shake that mental image of you and your tears again. His hand was now running back through his hair. 

Fuck you and this feeling. No one could be allowed to humiliate him this way. So you needed to feel it in exchange, but even harder of course.

“Yes, training in armament.” The vice admiral replied.

“Then put on a lesson for me, Vergo. A decisive one.” But even through his cruel sneer, the warlord still found himself placing extra rules that he normally wouldn’t have. It was maddening.

“But not too far…I just want her to feel this. Go for the sternum, the ribs maybe. At least once hard enough to bring her down to her knees. The rest you can leave to me for later. I’m not done with her yet.” 

“I understand.” Vergo simply agreed in his usual flat tone, no judgment at all towards those heightened emotions still radiating from his master. “I’m sorry you had to experience this. I’ll take care of it.” He did add dutifully as well.

“Thank you, Vergo.” Doflamingo answered with another exhale. Finally sitting back down then at his desk, though still feeling no better for it. 

Yes, he also knew that in a way, this was exactly what he’d asked for. He had wanted to know the extent to which Aokiji may be a future problem. But in his mind, it’d been more him trying to gauge your lingering feelings for the admiral. Not the other way around.

He had truly underestimated your own hold on that man. Doflamingo had underestimated you.

A mistake he would not make twice.

——————————— 

“She what?” The incredulous, yet fully serious voice came as the large transponder snail on Fleet Admiral Sengoku’s desk now glowered into the room.

“I told you to tell her at the end of the meeting, not the beginning, if you were going to tell her at all.” Vice Admiral Garp chuckled at the predictable response, his big fist full of another round of potato chips before he shoved them into his mouth from the bag.

Sengoku scowled at the loud crunching sounds that followed. Garp sitting across from him in the office and generating a mess of crumbs. It was only the two of them here, plus the now angry female on the phone as Tsuru continued over the snail’s speaker.

“And you were just going to let me find all this out myself weren’t you?”

“The reception in Lyra is terrible, Tsuru-chan.” Sengoku tried. She was still stationed abroad. And even the high powered snails here at HQ had trouble reaching those distant mountainous islands like the one she was now on. “There was no point in-“

“Who brought her to the infirmary?” She cut him off again.

“Kizaru.” Garp answered, just speaking as he still loudly chewed. “Just an excuse to get back out of the damned rain I’m sure. The man bitches about it every time.”

“He’s also a terrible gossip. So this will be everywhere already then.” Tsuru sighed, the irritation from her still palpable.

“I mean, it is pretty goddamned funny.” Garp responded, knowing when he was likely pushing her too far. But he didn’t exactly care either. He feared no one. “Akainu about blew a gasket. If he didn’t want to be puked on, probably should have moved a little faster!”

“It was just his boots.” Sengoku clarified before Tsuru could react further. The fleet admiral was regretting letting Garp in here at all by this point.

This had been a previously scheduled meeting for an update on the rebellion in Lyra that Tsuru was currently addressing. But with everything that had recently happened with her own subordinate, Sengoku knew that Tsuru would want to know.

Firstly, the whole mess in Sabaody yesterday that you had been involved in. Tsuru hadn’t liked that at all of course considering which warlord was present for it. And now, just today some training incident that had gone off the rails. It was still confusing as to why it had escalated that quickly. But Sengoku was leaving this solely to Tsuru if she felt there needed to be any followup on it.

All Sengoku knew at this point was that Vice Admiral Vergo, visiting from base G-5, had moved his haki class outside to the yard to have more room for sparring exercises.

But somehow you and Vergo had taken things above and beyond everyone else. Blame, fairly or not, was also being put more heavily on you for choosing not to tap out when faced with a higher level opponent.

And at some point you’d been hit hard enough to land where two of the admirals were still supervising rookie drills. And you’d thrown up on Akainu’s boots, forcing Kizaru to talk the literal hothead back down while whisking you off to the infirmary.

The only thing Sengoku had heard since then was that you likely had some cracked ribs and a possible concussion. Luckily only that, but the fact that for two days in a row now you’d become the center of some utter fiasco was still worrying.

At least worrying to himself and Tsuru anyway. Garp seemed to find it entirely entertaining.

“She’s just a kid.” The more amused Vice Admiral replied. “You know we did the same shit back in our day.”

“Speak for yourself.” Tsuru grumbled, her impatience with him evident as usual. But she had grown up through the ranks with these two men, and she could also speak freely with them as she worried aloud.

“It’s not either incident alone which is the worst of course.” Her tone was changing the more she thought too. She sounded more troubled now. “The day I left her in Mariejois, I had concerns. And after that day I could tell that something was wrong. I thought it was that stupid boy Smoker. If it was, then you’d be right for once, Garp. Just children figuring things out.”

She sighed again. “But then you tell me he is involved with the auction house now. And that the day after dealing with him alone there, she’s now acting out enough to pick fights with Vice Admirals?” 

“You think it’s related?” Sengoku asked her.

“If Doflamingo upset or humiliated her, then yes. Her risk management falters quickly in those circumstances. She’d fight to her last breath to regain some sense of control or power in times like that. It’s a stress response for her.”

“But by the reports we have, there was no physical altercation between Doflamingo and your captain in Sabaody.” Sengoku offered.

Tsuru made a doubtful sound on the other end of the line.

“I don’t know why you still let that pink shitbird get under your skin so much, Tsuru-chan.” Garp grunted at that.

“He’s not a rookie pirate anymore. And his influence is only growing now that he’s a warlord too. I’ve learned the hard way never to discount him.” Was Tsuru’s rather cold response. “I’ll deal with it though. But please keep an eye on her for me in the meantime. It may be time to ship her back my way. I didn’t expect to be away from HQ this long. Base life doesn’t suit her very well regardless. She needs to get back out in the field.”

“Setting sail and bashing some pirates’ heads together is always the best medicine for all ailments.” Garp could at least agree somewhat to that.

“We’ll look at who has ships heading towards you next and let you know.” Sengoku replied, though fully realizing this would likely not be the last time he’d be hearing your name in relation to all this now.

They were getting too old for these new generation dramas.

—————————— 

You were essentially trapped now. The nurse on duty had threatened you with strong sedatives if you refused to stay in this bed at least another hour.

Their excuse was the need to continue monitoring you for signs of head injury. But if it was a concussion, you’d had stronger ones. Vergo’s fist had left you briefly seeing stars for sure, yet you hadn’t fully blacked out.

It was only that strike just below your chest that had done you in. Partially off center, and into ribs that Doflamingo had already weakened with his tantrum of yesterday. 

Even with your own armament up at the time, it was like Vergo had pushed energy straight through that barrier. Stronger than a bullet as he’d knocked you from the sparring area to win with an immediate out of bounds call.

Anyone else in your shoes would have tapped out long before then of course. But you just couldn’t. The more he’d hit you, the stronger you’d hit back. The more pissed off you’d been.

But it was still too much. And certainly too much for today as you’d been on your knees in the mud before you’d really known what had happened. Finally losing your lunch right onto those boots then in front of you as Akainu didn’t back away quickly enough.

Of course it was not in that admiral’s nature to move for anyone though. So why would he have? But he didn’t expect that resulting vomit as you’d coughed and struggled to breathe after Vergo’s last incredible strike.

Akainu had never liked you at all either. And for a moment you had felt the mud heating up dangerously below you as his temper had flared. 

Kizaru had grabbed you by the back of your shirt to get you out of the way then. Like picking up a stunned kitten really. An embarrassment in its own way as he’d also then volunteered to drag you to the infirmary against your will. 

And now you both remained here. You laying in one of the infirmary beds, watching the timer the nurse had set, and Kizaru sitting languidly in the chair next to said bed. One of his long legs crossed over the other as he seemed he truly had nowhere better to be.

“You don’t have to stay.” You said for probably the third time now. 

Kizaru’s arms were crossed over his chest, just perfectly unbothered in that almost annoying way of his. “It’s still raining. I’m fine here.”

Why they only ever called Aokiji the lazy one, you weren’t fully sure.

Maybe if he’d stayed quiet it wouldn’t have been so bad. But Kizaru couldn’t do that either.

“So…” His voice started up yet again. “This is what, three for three now of Captain (Y/N) related incidents? And the last two nearly within twenty four hours. You’re starting to outdo yourself.”

You really couldn’t tell if he was making fun of you or just noting this as interesting enough to comment on. But either way you didn’t like it.

“Well, are you going to write me up for something?” You asked flatly, not knowing what he expected you to do about any of this now. You were well aware that people were still talking about your dust up with Smoker in Mariejois. And of course the auction house yesterday, and now it would be about you, Vergo, and Akainu’s vomit boots today.

Troublemaker was another moniker of yours you often heard in not so quiet whispers. 

But Kizaru’s demeanor never really changed at your attitude. He just answered you with a question of his own. “If Aokiji never reprimands you, then what right do I have to discipline you either?”

Your eyebrows raised a little as Kizaru turned his head to make eye contact with you through those transparent sunglasses before he kept on.

“I don’t know what Aokiji’s dragging his feet for though. You always get him flustered. It’d just be the sensible thing for him to go ahead and admit it right?”

How your body could still have had the energy for that flush of heat to go immediately to your face when you’d just been pounded into the mud not long ago was a feat in its own right. But you didn’t hesitate much.

“Aokiji and I are just friends.” You said with the plainness of someone repeating a legal statement.

“Uh huh,” Kizaru answered, tilting his head a little as if working out a stiffness in his neck brought on by the cheap infirmary chair. “And water isn’t wet.”

———————————

Hours later you’d finally been alone in your room again. The sun had long since set and you were hurting all over as the remnants of mud darkened your shower drain. 

When that was done, you refused to even look in the mirror as you dried off. Your body was a battlefield by this point. Even you weren’t sure which bruise was from who anymore. Unless they truly looked like Doflamingo’s bites or sucks, it was anyone’s guess.

Karma wasn’t something you really believed in. Because you’d seen too many good people suffer and too many bad people win. But if you had done something to truly merit this, you could still only wonder what that would have been. 

Especially when an abrupt knock came at your door.

What in the fuck now? Was your first tired thought as you dropped your towel to grab a robe instead. You did tighten it well and pull the collar high before you went to the door.

There were no peep holes in these doors. Something that wouldn’t normally matter as you cracked the door just slightly, expecting one of your female neighbors at most.

But your breath caught in your chest as you saw that familiar admiral coat at your eye level instead.

And Kuzan said nothing, just looking down at you as you opened the door wider in surprise.

Yet you could smell alcohol again as you heard girls laughing in the distance. They were just entering the barracks from the outside. They’d be coming around the corner into your corridor shortly. They’d see him at your door, and you only in your bathrobe.

So you grabbed that stupid man by his marine tie, jerking him towards you as he did not resist. The door slammed shut as he disappeared into your room. Those girls not even noticing the sound over their own voices before they entered the hallway.

“What the hell are you doing!?” You fussed up at him. You’d already had to argue with Kizaru of all people earlier, likely the biggest gossip on base about these very kinds of things.

And Kuzan was just going to show up unannounced to make this all even harder? 

But he was just staring at you for that moment. He actually looked sad, sincerely so. In a way that had your anger melting away as his dark eyes stayed focused on you.

“Kuzan?” You asked him, more concerned then.

“I’m sorry.” His words finally came. He looked distracted, bothered. It was different things all at once. 

He moved away from you too, going to sit on the edge of your bed as the closest thing to take his weight off of his feet.

“You’ve been drinking.” You stated the obvious. It was much worse than he’d been last night. But you’d seen this before. You knew what it meant.

“What happened?” You asked him carefully, fearing the worst.

He was still watching you. That heavy look, his legs were spread. “I just…I just want you.” But he was almost fighting himself. Changing the meaning with just a few additional words. “I…want you to be okay.”

“You’re drunk.” You tried again, still not understanding at all where this could be coming from. “You can sleep it off here if you need to.” You would still protect him of course.

It wasn’t just about you. You did care about Kuzan’s reputation as well. He’d had his struggles with alcohol as most knew, but normally only when really triggered. He’d be sober by morning and no one would be the wiser. You could sneak him back out of here. It would be fine.

“(Y/N).” He just sounded more insistent.

You watched him carefully. That chilled vapor was coming from his mouth then. He needed to control himself. Your anxiety did increase as the room’s temperature continued to drop.

“Kuzan, you need to rest. Lay down.” You tried to sound more forceful as the chill bumps started across your skin.

“I can’t…because I can’t help you if you keep lying to me.” His eyes were so sharp, even if his voice was not.

And at this you did feel that first real tinge of fear. 

He stood again not long after. And when he did, you saw those ice crystals sparkling across your bedsheets from where his hands had been.

But you stood your ground as his long legs crossed the distance between you so easily. 

This man would never hurt you. Not on purpose. You knew this even as your own breath started to turn to vapor as he came to stand in front of you once more.

And his arm moved around your waist then. The other onto your shoulder. He was steadying himself. But it was so cold. It was as if that touch went straight through the thin robe direct to your skin as he said these new words.

“Doflamingo…what is he to you?”

The world stopped.

Maybe your heartbeat with it. Your legs felt numb. His grip was on you harder. He was the one holding you up now instead.

But you couldn’t make a sound. There was ice on your lips. Even before his own soft mouth had covered yours.

You didn’t even know if you were letting him, or if you really couldn’t move any longer. The taste was so familiar, but masked with the alcohol. That intense cold like drinking him into yourself as you felt the pain beginning in your lungs.

Ice crystals were forming inside your airway as you finally raised your hand enough to grip the side of his face. You dug your fingernails in.

It wouldn’t hurt him, his cheek was more ice than skin now. But he did feel it. 

As soon as his lips parted from yours just that slightest bit, you forced that frigid air back out enough to speak.

“Let me breathe.” But even as you said so, you hadn’t moved away from him at all.

And he understood. Not apologizing yet, but you could feel the ice beginning to withdraw. He was reigning himself back in just enough even as his face remained pressed against yours.

He did let you breathe as requested then. Your body heat reclaiming your lungs bit by bit as you felt his hand wandering up from your waist. He rubbed your back to assist in the gentle thaw as his power continued to recede.

But you still had to answer him. Even as numb and fearful as you still were. Did Kuzan think you were a traitor? Would he hate you? You had no idea how he knew about Doflamingo yet, and maybe even more importantly what he knew.

“We’ve had interactions.” You tried to start. The cold still stung your throat. “But it’s all new...”

Kuzan made a sound. He had lifted his head enough to look down into your eyes again. “So it’s true?”

His voice was different then. And you didn’t like that harshness. You wanted the softer man back from out of all this ice. “My loyalty is to my friends, to my crew, Kuzan. That won’t change.” You promised, but it sounded more like begging. “I’m a marine.” You said, as much trying to comfort yourself as him in this moment. 

“He’s a devil…he really is.” He said. “Why…why would you let him…did you let him?” And it was clear that Kuzan was still so unsure of which answer would be worse.

To live with the knowledge that Doflamingo had taken you against your will, or the equal torture in the realization that you may have actually wanted the madman to do it.

Was this the debate that had plagued Kuzan today as he’d poisoned himself with drink until he could stagger to your door? But still, why? How did he find out?

“It’s a bit of both.” You finally answered, unable to lie any further when faced with this weakened king right before you. Because he was a king to you. Kuzan commanded more respect with his selflessness than the Heavenly Demon ever could through cruelty.

But that logic didn’t make you immune to Doflamingo’s flames and that growing desire for him either. Far from it. It was as if the two of them combined could have made the perfect man for you. Fire and ice.

And what a selfishly deranged thought to think though. Especially when faced with the true pain that your indecisiveness between them could cause.

You didn’t give Kuzan time to reply. You didn’t want him hurting any longer. You resolved yourself to relieve this as much you could for him in this moment. At the very least you could do that as some form of atonement for whatever he’d suffered through today.

You’d had no idea he was still holding onto these kinds of feelings. But maybe so were you. Because this vulnerability was still something that Doflamingo couldn’t fully give you.

If the warlord even had a side like this. If he really did, wouldn’t he have just cut it out as a weakness long ago?

Kuzan had not forsaken any such faults though. You knew he hadn’t in the way his knees weakened as soon as you’d started kissing him again.

He wouldn’t stop you either. He didn’t want to stop as the two of you moved together to fall back onto your bed.

It felt so old and so new all at the same time. You knew just how to undo his tie. Your fingers remembered every button in his vest and his shirt. All those prestigious layers of that marine uniform cast to the floor one after another.

He wasn’t sobering up by any means, but he was more focused then. Wanting something too and controlling the ice so much better now, letting your hands move freely across him as you finally reached bare skin.

His broad chest, breathing for you as you kissed across it. But that milder cold still remained, assisting you even as it now dulled all the aches and pains across your own body. Your bruises, your cracked ribs, all these things that were meaningless to you in this moment.

When your hands ran down his flat abdomen to his belt, you did glance briefly back up to him. You saw that briefest hesitation in his eyes, but then he nodded.

You had his permission to go further. And you didn’t waste it, unbuckling the belt to open it, along with the button and zipper of his white pants soon after.

When it was all loose, he raised his hips to help you in sliding them off. His shoes had already come off sometime at the beginning. Socks now joining them with his pants on your floor.

He was just in his boxer briefs then. Not the instant nudity of Doflamingo who seemed to like nothing between his cock and the open air but those ever tight capris pants.  

You couldn’t help but keep contrasting the two men even then as you gently started to massage Kuzan through his boxers. 

But were you taking advantage of the weakened admiral in the same way that Doflamingo would so gladly have done to you now? And how could his hold already be this strong for you to even be thinking these things? The warlord was still in your bed in your own mind even as another man now laid down into it.

“It’s been a while,” Kuzan breathed out as you felt him beginning to tighten beneath your touch.

And at first you thought he meant since the last time you and he had actually been together like this. Because yes, that’d be years ago now.

But something in the needful way he still looked at you made you second guess that. Did he mean the last time since he’d been intimate with anyone at all?

“How long, Kuzan?” You asked gently then, realizing he may have neglected himself entirely. Which was completely unnecessary. Kuzan could have about any woman on this base if he actually tried. And he could be a complete flirt when he wanted to be. 

“Almost five months.” He admitted honestly. “A girl at a bar. I didn’t know she was just trying to get back at her boyfriend though.”

“Ouch,” you said affectionately before admitting your own previous record. “Smoker made me wait three months then dumped me.” You half smiled. 

It was something how quickly you could both tell each other almost anything again. Just like it used to be as you fell back into those old rhythms. But there was still that massive shadow hanging over you both. And he hadn’t forgotten it either.

“Did you and Doflamingo…” Kuzan started, even as his abdomen tensed, he was hard beneath those boxers now.

And of course he had a right to know. You could imagine that getting seconds from a pirate was not on any admiral’s wishlist to be sure. Also with the extra baggage of it being unprotected sex as well unfortunately. 

You hadn’t been in the position to demand a condom in either instance of course. Just praying that the pirate was wealthy and intelligent enough to have the right medicines on hand to keep himself clear of STD’s. Your marine issued birth control pills were a necessity you’d always kept to the daily regimen of as well.

Why Doflamingo had insisted on going in raw and not pulling out either you weren’t sure about yet. Whether that was just his reckless nature, or something more specific to you was far too soon to tell.

“Me and him? Twice…” You answered quietly, not without guilt still in your tone. Even if Doflamingo hadn’t gotten to finish you that second time in Sabaody.

Kuzan groaned. You knew if he was sober the reactions would have been so much worse. So maybe the alcohol was still a blessing in its own way. As it was now he just looked somewhat miserable again even as ice crystals still sparkled across the mattress around you both. “I just…don’t understand.” He told you.

“I don’t really either,” you admitted too. “And I don’t even know if I can…well, take you right now because of that. I don’t have any condoms here anymore.” You and Smoker had been together long enough to trust that each other were clean. And you were just trying to be up front. Plus you were still torn anyway. You probably couldn’t have endured him without serious ice to numb you again anyway.

But your hands worked fine. Your mouth worked fine if he wanted that. All he had to do was show that it was still okay.

“You don’t have to do anything for me.” He breathed instead as he reached for you then. “That’s not why I’m here.”

And he was then kissing you again, disregarding his erection as you felt him loosening the belt of your bathrobe. His cold hands slipped beneath it as he so gently pulled that last barrier from your shoulders.

You saw him lean back enough to look at you as it fell away. A light frown downturned his lips as he looked across all the damage. 

Kuzan sighed, fingertips tracing some of it with the cold growing a little more around you again. “Of you and me, I was always supposed to be the more self destructive one…when did that change?” 

Probably around the time that he’d first left you you thought to yourself. It had been so hard then. You had to get even tougher to keep going. But when you didn’t answer him, he just shifted you both so that you were now on your back in the bed, him above you as he straddled you. 

And in some way, being under him made you feel so young again. Like true innocent affection despite still being nude in bed with him right now. How those two things could coexist made about as much sense as anything else right now as he started kissing your collarbones.

You knew he was being so careful with you too, even as his lips moved lower to suck one of your breasts gently. His chilled mouth teasing you unintentionally as your hand reached up to stroke through his hair and down the back of his neck.

Kuzan had always joked about really liking breasts whenever he flirted with girls. Doflamingo had focused on yours a bit too. But not in the same way that Kuzan made them a real priority as soon as they were available to him.

If you had to pick a part of your body that Doflamingo had seized on most, well it was just the main attraction at this point. He just wanted to fuck you and nothing else as far as you knew. Whether by cock, tongue, or fingers, that man wanted to be inside.

Kuzan had never been that way though. He wouldn’t say no to the privilege of course, but he’d never been in a hurry. He would get there when he got there. It wasn’t about any specific endgame. It was just about being together.

And yet…even now as Kuzan’s mouth worked your chest and his hand slid protectively over your hip, you didn’t feel like this reunion changed a thing between you.

It didn’t feel like tomorrow would be any different than yesterday or the day before that. Maybe he had missed you. Maybe this was his own form of penance if he thought in any way that his prior actions had put you on a road to falling into the grasp of a man like Doflamingo.

But somehow you still knew that when the sun came up this ice would be melted again and he would be gone. Back to only being your friend.

“Kuzan…” It may be your only chance to ask, the alcohol dropping enough walls for him to answer you once and for all. This question that had plagued you even on the nights that it was Smoker instead who would have been above you like this.

“Hmm?” The admiral turned his head, just resting it against your chest then to listen to you.

You knew he could hear your heartbeat too in that position now as you brought your fingers back into his hair.

“Why did you really leave me…why wasn’t I good enough for you then?”

And he made another sound and you realized he had closed his eyes. But his expression looked somewhat miserable again. He didn’t want to talk about this.

“Kuzan.” You raised your voice a little. 

His eyes opened slightly. He was using your chest as something to rest against all the same. “I’m sorry…I’m just an asshole.” He murmured. “I couldn’t stay. I can’t have a family. None of it. My path doesn’t allow that…it’d just end only one way. I’d lose them…lose you.”

“And nothing has changed now, has it?” You knew the answer already. But you both needed to say it.

“No. It hasn’t. I can’t…”

“You can’t love me.” You finished for him.

“No.” He breathed. “Not that way.”

“It’s okay…” You heard yourself saying. Even with the pain that went through your chest at the final confirmation. “Nobody can.”

He lifted his head, just enough to look at you again. His eyes looked so tired. “That isn’t true.”

You smiled just barely. “It doesn’t matter. Doflamingo isn’t capable of it either I’m sure.” And before he could interrupt you for saying that name that he still didn’t want to hear, you asked something else. 

“So are you going to out me about him? I am still a marine like I said. He put me in a bad spot, but I did what I had to so that I was the only one he hurt. I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I’m not a traitor, Kuzan. And if it does go too far, I know you can stop me. Is that what you really came here to tell me?”

And for the first time Kuzan had a trace of fear in his own eyes. But he was also too tired to do much more than interlace his fingers in yours then, with his head still on your chest.

“Hina is the only other one that knows. That boy told her what he saw and she told me. She won’t out you.” He took another breath though. “But I went and saw Doflamingo in Sabaody this morning…”

And an additional streak of fear cut through you at those words. But the most terrible thing of all was that you actually felt a concern for the demon himself. You had almost asked if Kuzan had hurt Doflamingo, if he had frozen him before you bit your lip to stop such insane words from coming out of your mouth.

“We didn’t fight. It came close.” Kuzan said, though his expression didn’t say how much he may have noticed your near slip. “But I thought about it the rest of the day. All day at the bar until I finally realized…”

He’d closed his eyes again. There was a new defeat in the way he’d draped across your body now. “I still don’t understand why it has to be true…but I realized he’s just the kind of man you like to fight with. And you love to fight so much…you always have. So he didn’t just choose you. You’re choosing him. Aren’t you? You wouldn’t give that rush up even if I begged you to…”

You were speechless. 

Kuzan nuzzled further into your bare chest however. He somewhat clumsily reached out to pull the blankets around you both as well.

“I’ll leave in the morning. I trust you…whatever you do.” He murmured. “But I’ll kill him the moment he goes too far. Don’t let him hurt you again…if he does there’s nowhere that pirate could hide from the ice age I’d bring.”

————————————

Late into the night, the rains had finally moved on. But the stress in Doflamingo’s mind had not. He knew that Vergo had carried out his orders just as asked. They hadn’t gotten to talk about it any more as he’d had to go into phone meetings as Joker the rest of the day. But no news was good news. It meant that everything was completed as expected.

The warlord had decided to let the hours pass by even further after that too. Trying to think out his next plans before he’d make any other move.

He’d busied himself with readying to sail for Dressrosa in the darkness. The Sabaody house would be out of play for a while as he’d gathered the things from his office. 

Even this morning’s threats from Aokiji hadn’t been enough to fully deter him though. He was apparently willing to risk it all as the longer the day had gone on, the more he’d realized that he wanted…no, needed to see you again.

He would absolutely still be holding you to that agreement of staying with him a few nights in exchange for the release of those slaves as well. Just not at Sabaody as things needed a longer pause there now.

The warlord had other houses though. Plenty of them that he could choose farther from Marineford. Somewhere more difficult for unwanted company to interrupt everything he wanted to have all the time in the world to finally do to you. He was sure his opportunity would come.

He hadn’t been boarded on his ship long at all, navigators setting course for Dressrosa as he’d headed below deck and away from the now clear, starlit skies. He’d actually considered just getting a quick nap in as he entered his captain’s quarters to sit alone on his bed as well.

He was more than tired after such a long day. He had more work he could be doing instead of sleeping though. The door was already shut and locked as he removed his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. 

The right eye was dry, the left stung even more than usual.

He sat in silence, opening only his right eye after another moment. He rubbed at the left eye, then blinking it to see only shadows and haze through it as always before closing it again to lessen the stinging. 

Leaving his glasses on the nightstand, he laid back onto the bed regardless. He’d kicked off his shoes and put his arms behind his head, probably falling asleep within a half hour at most.

At least until one of the snails rang anyway. There were always several wherever he slept. Different snails for contacts all over the world. 

Doflamingo actually just rolled over for once though, burying his face in his overstuffed pillow. Maybe that nap needed to be a few hours after all. But the snail just kept ringing. 

And with that amount of persistence he finally had to lift his head up to look. His right eye trying to focus on which snail it was before that eye did widen in realization.

A specific marine snail that hadn’t rang in quite some time was now vibrating among its peers. Doflamingo’s hair was still messy from rolling around in the bed as his strings brought that receiver quickly to his hand. And the snail with it as he pulled it onto the mattress beside him. Hurrying to catch the caller before they might finally stop.

“Well,” He said, already feeling that bit of adrenaline starting to rile him back fully awake too. It really had been a while. “What am I in trouble for this time?” He asked, with his hand partially going over his eyes in habit, as if to hide them even over the phone as he lay on his back again.

“Doflamingo.” Tsuru’s voice carried over. Not angry, not pleased, just fully Tsuru as she answered him. “I had thought you’d outgrown this childish fixation. You’ve been bothering one of my crew again.”

“Do you mean short skirt?” He smiled at her usual bluntness, but it actually wasn’t a harsh expression on his face. There was a little nostalgia here. It’d been years since he’d said that older nickname in front of Tsuru.

“I told you not to call her that again.”

“Captain is a lot more boring of an honorific, Tsuru-san.”

Of course, he should have been far more upset at this surprise. Because the moment that Tsuru would become involved between the two of you was inevitable, but also an entire new difficulty level that he may not currently be prepared for.

And yet, it wasn’t at all like being confronted by Aokiji this morning. Doflamingo truly didn’t mind hearing her voice again. Regardless of the circumstances.

“So what accusations am I facing then?” He actually yawned as he stretched within his bed, even without removing his hand from his eyes. “Apologies if you’re going to have to be more specific.” 

He could hear Tsuru’s resulting frown even without looking back to the snail, himself always irking her whenever he insisted on being so purposefully informal in their interactions. It was such an old game he never tired of. 

“Firstly, did you misbehave in Mariejois?” Her tone was sharp.

His lips parted slightly. If she was asking, then she was already quite sure that he’d done something. And she was even a step ahead of what Aokiji had been then. But of course he’d expect nothing less from Tsuru.

“She sat with me at the meeting while she gave her little report on the war for you. So professional. I did try to trip her, but that didn’t even work.” He admitted with another rare, genuine smile.

“Brat.” Tsuru grumbled. “But that can’t be the whole of it.”

“You’re the one that had to dangle her in front of me. I don’t know what you expected.” He dared to taunt a little without actually admitting more.

“As I said, I thought you’d outgrown that stupid fixation. You’re too old for this nonsense. Keep to your harems in Dressrosa and leave my crew alone.”

He laughed abruptly. Tsuru actually still saw this as a boyhood crush that he refused to release? He had teased her before about you in the North Blue days, yes. So he knew where she was coming from with this. But it was still something else entirely to hear her say it.

“But my pool girls at the castle can’t fight like she can. They can’t send you or even admirals to gut me like she can. It’s a completely different game. You know how much I like a challenge.”

“You can feel challenged all the way to Impel Down, boy.”

“Feh,” He was still smiling. “You’d miss me and you know it. Besides, we’re on the same side now like you always wanted. Why can’t it just finally be water under the bridge?”

“You’re still a pirate. And you don’t take care of your toys, Doflamingo. You break them and then you discard them. That girl has been with me since she was a teen. And unfortunately, I know you’ve had your attention on her since then too. But it doesn’t give you any right to her. You think everything belongs to you. That’s not how this works.”

He did frown a little then. But he wasn’t afraid to dig deeper, maybe even complaining to her actually about the injustice he still thought he’d suffered this morning. “You know you aren’t even the first marine to give me this speech today. Though it sounds a lot less patronizing coming from you.”

And there was a pause there. Which actually delighted him a little, with him having even a rare sliver of information that she did not.

“It was your Admiral Aokiji. I guess that’s her new marine beau again already? He came to my house in Sabaody this morning to bitch at me about having that little skirmish with her at the auction house. I suppose I must have made him jealous. He really was an asshole about the whole thing.”

But he couldn’t catch that woman off guard for long, as she absorbed this revelation easily. “Then I hope his ice gave you a wake up call. Just stay out of it. He’s not someone to be trifled with.”

“Neither am I,” The warlord’s pride did force him to remind her then, but he still wasn’t cold in tone. Not to her. “All I’m hearing though is that you all think I’m not good enough for her. It’s insulting. But let’s talk hypothetical since you took your precious time to make this call about her anyway. What happens if she falls for me instead? Do you excommunicate her from your little sailing brigade? Again, per the World Government, you and I are allies now. No matter how much you still call me a regular pirate. There’s nothing regular about me, Vice Admiral.”

It really had been some time since they’d conversed for this long. But Tsuru was always his match and more when it came to verbal debate as she responded without hesitation. “You’re fantasizing about things that can’t be. I have no doubt that you could hide behind your charms for even months or more if you chose to. But she’s not as ruthless as you’d require. And if it did become public, her rank would be frozen at best. She’d lose all credibility. And she’s worked far too hard to throw that away for a man who can’t even love her.”

Doflamingo felt his teeth grit. It was simultaneous to that slight twist in his chest again. Yet he didn’t lose his temper. “You’re so practical as always. But tell me the truth then. If I said I wanted to at least try, would you still do everything in your power to stop me? I don’t care what the world thinks of me. A kingdom of my own was my goal for so long. And now I have one thanks to Riku’s madness. So I’m chasing my next treasure. And I’m starting to think that it’s time for Dressrosa to have a queen. I could give her everything. You know that I could. Would it really be so terrible for her?” 

She finally sounded more irritated then, maybe even surprised for a single moment. This was of course the first he was confessing these new intentions to anyone. But it was only natural that she’d be the first to know as Tsuru answered him. “And the moment she does anything at all to challenge your ego, or your ideas of people only existing in tiers beneath you as your servants at best, would you kill her, boy? Because I don’t think you understand how to function any differently than that. A woman is not a toy, not a puppet, not a pet.” 

But she still took another breath, and here showcased the real reason why Doflamingo had tolerated this old marine mother for so many years. “I know you’re lonely. I know it hurts you. But forcing more people into your family against their will is only going to lead to another Minion Island. She’s a marine. She’ll always choose to save others even at the expense of herself in the end. Because that’s what we do. Even if you can only see that selflessness as betrayal to your own aspirations.”

His smile was fully gone as his hand slid away from his eyes then. If the snail copied the look in them now, it was what it was. Tsuru had seen these eyes before of course, and the pain that lived inside them.

“Rosinante never loved me, Tsuru-san. It’s not the same. And I know when things are worth risking and when they aren’t now. I’m smarter than I was then. She doesn’t have to be involved in anything unsavory.” And that was of course putting it lightly. “I don’t need another soldier. I already have plenty.”

“How long has this been going on then?” She asked, seeming to start to accept how very deep into this obsession he already was. How serious he really was.

“Since you recruited and flaunted her in front me years ago.” He responded, as if still blaming Tsuru for all of it too.

“That’s not what I mean and you know it. I made sure she was oblivious to your leering and your dirty comments back then. Because she had a right to grow up without that burden on her self worth. She was still a child.”

“But you still let Aokiji have her.” He retorted, and it was more spiteful there.

Tsuru sighed. They had already been through this too. Years ago when it had first happened. “Don’t you dare lecture me on morality, boy. I’ve raised enough daughters. There does come an age where they’re going to go out and find a partner whether you approve of it or not. And if you don’t let them, the rebellion and self destruction they’ll choose instead would be even worse. I knew he wouldn’t hurt her. Just as much as I knew it wouldn’t last. And it never will now either as long as he’s still wishing to remain an admiral. That’s his own choice after what happened to Zephyr. Kuzan doesn’t want to be close to anyone.”

Doflamingo’s eyebrows lowered. This didn’t make sense to him. And Tsuru had never divulged that extra tidbit before. Aokiji was afraid? “He was ready to try and kill me this morning if I so much as sneezed. He wants her that bad and yet he still chooses to be without her?”

“He chooses distance because he does care about her. You wouldn’t understand. And the only reason I’m telling you this at all is so that you don’t resent her for someone she’s not even going to have. I know how that mind of yours works. You’re the most jealous thing that ever breathed.”

He sneered a little. “Sometimes I think you lie about which devil fruit you really have. You see through everyone don’t you?”

“Not everyone. I know you commit far more crimes than I can put evidence to at this point. But if the question is just how you’ll react to something? Please, you haven’t changed at all.”

“Why do you always have to be so difficult?” He exhaled, even as that tension faded again. “What do I have to do to convince you? You talk about your daughters, but what about me? You keep telling me ‘no’ over and over, you know it only makes things worse on this side too. Let me pursue her, even if you think this will never work. Fine, I’ll walk away when I’m done. Just like Aokiji did. But if you keep blocking me, you know it just makes me want to tear right through those walls.”

“You still never answered me on how long this has been going on. You hadn’t asked me about her since you’ve been a king. Now all the sudden you’re fixated more than ever. Why?”

“It was Mariejois of course.” He confirmed. “The very moment you left her alone with me, Tsuru-san. Can’t you at least commend my patience? It only took that many years for you to think I’d forgotten about her.”

“And then Sabaody.” She said, taking her own deep breath, seeming to accept this as her mistake. Obviously she didn’t know the extent of what had happened in either instance. She only knew that his desire for you had been fully rekindled because of it.

“So, I answered you.” His voice was fully serious now. “You do the same. What do I have to do to prove to you that I can play house with her without any casualties? You never know, she might even like it enough that she decides being a queen is a better gig than being shot at by pirates all day long as a marine.”

Tsuru still scoffed. “I can’t hand her over to someone whose going to inevitably destroy her. I don’t know how more plainly I can say that. You’ll never have my blessing.”

And there was a deeper desperation that must truly be there for him to use this comparison now. “But I’ve never truly hurt you. We’ve argued, and we’ve pitted our soldiers against one another like pieces on a chessboard over and over. But I never have gone for your throat, have I? And I won’t. And you know why.”

The silence in that moment made him smile again. Aokiji had been such a prick to think he was truly lying about this this morning. “I didn’t force you into my family.” Doflamingo kept on. “All those years ago, when you took that wounded boy you so pitied into your heart willingly. So let me do the same for her. I have room for you both in what’s left of mine. Because a boy will always need his mother figure. But now this man wants his queen as well.”

“I don’t think there is a heart there anymore, Doflamingo. Even as remnants. But, I’m not going to waste more breath on what you clearly have already decided. So I’ll say this. I can’t stop her. But I will tell her the truth. Everything I know about you. And unfortunately, it doesn’t break any written protocol we have for a marine to fraternize with a warlord given your government immunity. So I can’t formally punish either of you. But as I said, it absolutely would be a social stigma that could ruin all she’s accomplished. And I’ll warn her of that too. In short, I’ll do all I can to show her the terrible choice you would really be.”

“I can accept that challenge.” Doflamingo did smile again then. This was the best it would possibly be then. He was realistic enough to know that. So honestly, it almost did feel like a victory. 

And Tsuru always had the perfect read on every situation as long as she had enough information to do so. The ‘Great Tactician’ they still called her.

So Doflamingo also believed her when she said that Aokiji would not take you back. Not fully or publicly anyway. And the warlord could live with this too. Because it meant that you’d never truly belong to Kuzan, even if he still wanted you. Because half measures weren’t enough for you. You were an all or nothing kind of woman.

And Doflamingo would now be the only one of the two of them willing to go all in.

His grin had stretched from ear to ear once more. 

He’d won.

“Well anything else to berate me with before I hang up? I think I’m actually going to sleep well for once tonight. So thank you. I do enjoy these late night chats. We should get them back on a regular schedule again shouldn’t we?”

“Mind yourself, boy. Nothing’s changed. Slip up and I’ll have some nice chains for you on your way to Impel Down.”

“Love you too, Tsuru-san.” Doflamingo laughed, that word of course sounding so unnatural just by the nature of the man it came from. But he still liked to say it to her for how much it pissed her off each and every time that he did.

And as she immediately hung up on him to prove her reaction indeed remained the same, he just smiled into his pillow as he buried his face again. There was a large weight off of him now. He’d be back to sleep very soon.

He’d actually let you sleep uninterrupted tonight as well, wherever you were. He could call you again tomorrow and start this chase all over again.

——————————

    T⨂  BE 

CONTINUED

——————————

Your body was still aching, with you even having to wipe away small amounts of blood from between your legs in the bathroom or during a shower through the week. Doflamingo had torn you just enough that it still stung whenever you tried to make your daily laps or do your workouts in the gym.

You put your mind back into training as much as you could though, just waiting for Tsuru’s battleship to return and take you back out to sea again.

But even in those times where you may finally think of something else, there would always be some sort of reminder of him. Like the scab inside of your bottom lip burning against hot food whenever you’d tried to eat. That hidden wound still in the shape of the warlord’s bite within your mouth.

With your lips closed, your tongue tip still ran idly over that imperfection inside your mouth in a way that was almost becoming a bad habit. 

In all honesty, the isolation of these confusing emotions felt similar to losing your virginity all over again. Even if that idea seemed ridiculous.

As sore as you were, as shell shocked, and as anxious that someone would discover and judge you for what you’d done…it was like figuring out sex all alone for the very first time again.

You’d bled significantly more on your true first time of course. But only because you’d still had an inexplicably thick hymen then. First torn by none other than Kuzan actually. A fact you hadn’t revealed even to Doflamingo exactly. You’d confessed to being with Aokiji before when pressed by the warlord. But not divulged that the now admiral was also your very first.

In your mind, that may still be one of many reasons why Kuzan had ended things with you back then. Because of your initial deceptions with him. He definitely hadn’t realized you were a virgin until it was too late and you were bleeding and crying in his bed. You’d been afraid to tell him.

He hadn’t been an admiral then. And you hadn’t been underage, just inexperienced. But you’d still conned him a bit if you were being honest. Playing things up as if you were far more mature than you were. When you hadn’t actually been ready for that level of intimacy yet at all. 

But by the time Smoker came along, you’d taken the time to practice with a few random, unthreatening marines here and there beforehand. It’d become a lot more natural by then. And you’d learned to actually enjoy and even look forward to sex over time.

But now Smoker was gone too and you were only left with whatever the hell this new poison was.

Because Doflamingo had raped you. Logically you knew that.

But you’d also felt more arousal in at least some of that than you could remember at any time with Smoker. It’d been like the adrenaline of battle mixed with making love. 

Minus the love.

Yet even a man like Doflamingo had seemed a little bit human in those very small instances of vulnerability he’d shown.

And you kept remembering that, the times where his perpetual mask of a smile would slip away from him. If you could have only seen his eyes, you were certain there would have been something more there too in those brief moments.

But this is how you’d been for days now. Trying to go through your routines, and adjusting back to base life while waiting for your next sail date. You’d be in the offices, then at the gym, the mess hall, and then back to the barracks.

And you’d be thinking of that warlord all the while. Like a dark stain across everything, impossible to wash away as you now laid alone in your bed after yet another long shower.

Worst of all, even if it still hurt a bit, your fingers would slide between your open legs at times. Mostly gently though, and only over the top of your underwear while you rubbed yourself with all the lights off.

You were also attracted to the Heavenly Demon’s raw will, and the challenge of it all. There was no question in that.

Aokiji was likely still the stronger in pure power between the two men. But Doflamingo was so ruthless, so exacting. Where Aokiji could freeze an entire battlefield in one swing of his palm, Doflamingo would be the assassin’s bullet instead, straight through the heart and never predicted.

You now thought of the king of Dressrosa’s rich scent which you still remembered too well, and the vibrations of his dark laugh as he’d pressed his greedy mouth against you that day in Mariejois.

You moved your own fingers in a poor substitution for his as your stomach tightened in arousal. You could feel the fabric getting damp as your pressed a little harder through your underwear.

It was so goddamn wrong though. If you hadn’t still been healing, you would have been looking for something else to slide between your legs in this moment.

You wanted to feel full again already. You wanted his heavy weight against your body. 

You breathed in quietly as you just had to use your imagination for the rest. Thinking of his voice, pretending it was there to taunt and coax you again as you massaged your own clit.

And what would he have thought of you shamelessly touching yourself for him? He’d be even more insufferable most likely. His ego was titanic enough already.

But there’s no way he would have left you to finish this all alone either. He would have been in this bed in an instant to partake as well.

So that’s what you kept focusing on to finally coax an orgasm out of yourself. Thinking of his hands desperate and grasping for you again, his breath panting, mouth biting, and hips pumping as he would have moaned for you once more.

Like a starving animal to a fresh kill. He’d let himself fully give in to what he’d wanted from you that day.

You grit your own teeth as you managed even a second orgasm as well before you’d finally let your muscles relax again. You were breathing a little harsher yourself in the dark by then. All this before you’d finally rolled back over. Then tightening the blankets around you in the absence of his body heat to warm you.

But closing your eyes didn’t erase what you still kept imagining. It was going to be a very long ordeal for you with each added night alone in these barracks. Without any other mission to focus on, it just brought out the worst in you now.

———————————

And another setback came a few days later. Early one morning when you were just getting dressed to go on a jogging run before officer meetings, your long distance snail had finally rang.

You’d been across your bedroom so fast to pickup that receiver. You knew assignments could come in the morning sometimes like this, and you’d felt so relieved to finally hear Tsuru-san’s voice again.

“Good morning.” She greeted you as normal.

“Good morning, Vice Admiral.” You’d practically been pacing the floor already though, stretching out the long phone cord as you did. “Has Amazon Lily been wrapped up?”

“For now.” She answered. Debriefings would come on that later you were sure. “I’m sorry I haven’t gotten to check in on you though.” She continued. “It’s been one thing after another. Sengoku did let me know you did well in the warlord meeting the other day.”

Of course she, Sengoku, and Garp could be like three peas in a pod. They’d come up through the ranks in the same generation together. Though both men got under Tsuru’s skin quite often, like troublesome siblings to her really. 

“Have they decided to mobilize the marines to Charybdis though?” You still asked boldly anyway, wondering if everything you’d really sacrificed that day had come to bear any fruit.

“It’s still in discussion.” She replied.

“Oh,” Well that was disappointing.

“I’m sure we’ll get word in another couple months or so. Nothing like that moves quickly in Mariejois.” You could hear that slight comfort in her tone however. She wasn’t going to blame you if they rejected the proposal regardless. “But I can’t talk long I’m afraid. I wanted to let you know that we’re on our way to the West Blue now. They’re having a rebellion on Lyra that the government does want nipped in the bud.”

And at this your heart had absolutely sank.

“You’re not coming back then.” You stated the obvious. Not for several weeks anyway with that kind of mission and at that distance.

“I’m sorry. I know you hate being landlocked. But more so, I needed to tell you that I got a call yesterday from Vice Admiral Vergo from base G-5. He’s doing some cross training with the newer recruits for HQ. He’ll be in Marineford in a couple days. He wasn’t bringing his full crew, so he was looking for some help. How would you feel following him for a bit? I haven’t worked with him directly, but I’ve heard good things. He’s been very popular at G-5 at least.”

You were surprised. Yet it wasn’t like you should say no. An offer to work with another commander was always a good opportunity to learn something new. And to get your name out there even more if they might give you positive recommendations in the future.

But as much as you knew you couldn’t stay in Tsuru’s shadow forever, there was still a strangeness to ever being fully obligated to another leader. “I’ve never met him. But sure, I accept. I’ll help where I can while he’s here at HQ.”

“Then I’ll let him know. Thank you.” She answered easily, and you could already hear one of the other crew in the background. One of your friends confirming another a ship hailing them then. “I have another call,” Tsuru sighed. It’d obviously been hectic lately for them. “I’ll check in when I can.”

“Yes, ma’am.” You felt a bit jealous all the same though. Your usual group was off having new adventures without you.

But you could still hear that slight smile of hers on the other end. She always knew when you were struggling a bit, even if she didn’t know the full reason. “When I get back we’ll sit down and catch up truly, alright?”

“Yes.” Your voice changed a little more then. “That’d be good.”

She likely thought you were still upset over Smoker. Everyone knew about that by now. But one of those late night talks over coffee or tea with Tsuru about anything would have done you a world of good right now.

Even if you couldn’t tell her the name of the real man you were currently so hung up on. 

It sure wasn’t anyone named Smoker.

——————————

At least with a new task in mind, you’d had something else to focus on. By the day Vice Admiral Vergo was supposed to arrive though, even that morning on base had been a little bit strange.

You’d just been in the mess hall having breakfast. And a familiar, if not a bit too casual “Hey,” above you had had you looking up from your food and daily news coo paper.

You still had some oatmeal in your mouth actually as Admiral Aokiji sat down directly across from you and his food tray touched against your own.

“Hey,” you’d answered just as awkwardly, after swallowing anyway.

“Any good new bounties?” He asked by way of small talk, trying to open a sugar packet for his coffee.

“Nope.” But you watched him still, sure he would have already known if there were any exciting new pirate targets out there for you all. 

And you waited. Talk just for the sake of talk wasn’t really your thing.

But he was in no hurry either as he stirred his coffee and yawned once naturally. 

You remembered then just how hard it was for him to get up early in the mornings and get going. And you tried not to eventually give in, but failed as you pushed your newspaper over to him as old habit.

He’d always liked reading your paper instead of just getting his own back then when you’d very briefly roomed together. 

Lazy justice indeed.

“I’m still mad at you. In case you were wondering.” You finally said as you watched him as he read the news.

“I figured.” He answered, sipping his coffee as his eyes stayed on the latest happenings in the paper for a while.

Yet he had looked back up eventually. His voice was a little kinder then. “You feeling any better?”

You shrugged. “I didn’t think I’d get stuck here for this long. Does Smoker want his stuff back from my room yet or something?”

You realized now that that was the most likely reason for the admiral’s sudden appearance. He usually didn’t make the effort to talk with you one on one anymore. At least he hadn’t when you were still dating Smoker, because rumors spread so fast through gossip hungry marines.

Too much friendliness and they’d all assume you and Aokiji were a thing again.

“I’m sure he’s thinking about it. But if you just put it out on a cart at some point, I can stash it in my office until he’s back here again.” Aokiji conceded, yet also clarified. “Yet that’s not why I’m up this early.”

“Yeah?” You questioned, kind of wishing he’d just get to the point then.

“I just wanted to apologize. That’s all.” He said it simply, those dark brown eyes of his watching you.

And for a moment you thought you saw something close to pity in those eyes. Which you didn’t like either. “I’m fine. You didn’t ice burn me that bad.”

“I tried not to.”

“I know.” It would have been much worse if he’d really been going all out.

“Akainu was on my ass some too of why I didn’t report you and Smoker both.” He added. “You should probably avoid him for a while. He’ll be looking for any reason to write you up.”

“Wonderful.” You sighed, knowing all too well that Akainu was an unforgiving, ‘might makes right’ kind of man himself. But if he was annoyed with you, it was likely more the fact that you’d been fighting in Mariejois itself rather than anything else. Putting marine dirty laundry out in front of the gods like that and all.

You and Aokiji were both quiet for a while again after. It was a calm aura though. You’d let your guard back down by then and were just finishing your oatmeal and fruit while he was working on a bagel he’d smeared with cream cheese.

Literally nothing was happening at your table but that, and yet as the mess hall had become more crowded you saw a few heads turning your way already. It was so stupid, but you guessed it was mostly just because his much higher rank. Simply sitting with you so close and casual, it was still making other sailors take second and even third looks at the scene.

Surely the narrative was going to be that your slutty self was already trying to bag Aokiji again. Literally just days after losing Smoker. And just as you’d been thinking how unfair those assumptions really were, Aokiji himself had to go and throw the ultimate wrench into it all.

“You want to get something to eat in the civilian  district tonight?” He asked, just as casually as anything.

As if that wasn’t like detonating a new bomb in your psyche.

When you stared back at him, he wasn’t even uncomfortable either. Maybe he simply wasn’t seeing this the way that you were.

“I know you hate being stuck here. I can invite whoever else too if you want to make a group thing out of it. There’s this new karaoke place they opened over there. I’ve heard they’ve got really good sushi and a hell of a bar.”

“I’m supposed to meet up with Vice Admiral Vergo today.” You said initially in absence of any better excuse.

Which he deflected easily actually. “Yeah, I heard he’s wanting to head to Sabaody just for the day. You’ll be back by tonight.”

Was he really just that worried about you that he thought you needed the forced socialization though? Or was it something else?

Regardless, whatever it was only got stranger though. Because you’d seen a little commotion at the main doors now.

A tall, dark haired marine had entered. He had a sharply trimmed beard and black sunglasses, as well as a small entourage of lower rank sailors all attentive around him.

You’d never seen him here before, so you were pretty sure exactly who he must be before the weirdest thing happened.

He’d looked in the direction of your table. And you saw his expression change. Not to say he was all that expressive to begin with. But you caught it. If only for a single second that he’d had a completely different look. 

Was it one of disapproval or maybe even concern? 

And he had made an absolute bee line to get to you both.

Whatever that odd energy was though, you saw even Aokiji straighten up, no longer slouching when the man came up on him from behind.

Yet the stranger’s voice was perfectly normal as he spoke. “Good morning, Admiral. May I join you?”

Aokiji had looked up in a little surprise, yet recognizing the other man as he nodded. “Vice Admiral Vergo, good morning. And yes of course. I was just talking to the Captain here.”

“I saw,” Vergo replied, head turning to give full attention to you then. “Captain (Y/N)? Vice Admiral Tsuru had recommended you for some help I’ll need while I’m here at HQ. If it’s alright, I’m actually ready to sail to Sabaody this morning if you’re done here. You were the one I was looking for.”

The sudden rush to leave when he’d literally just gotten here was bizarre to you too. Though it’s not like you couldn’t just agree. He would be in charge of you for now.

“Nice to meet you, sir.” You just nodded, though already picking up any trash of yours as clearly your breakfast was now over. “Yes, I’m ready to set sail. I’m at your disposal.”

“Good.” Vergo responded, already standing again then.

You stood too, ready to put away your tray and follow him.

But Aokiji spoke up one more time before you or Vergo could walk away.

“Have fun at the archipelago then. Let me know about dinner when you’re back. Okay?”

And again, it was just friendly, typical Aokiji in tone at least. But you felt strange as you’d seen Vergo hesitate slightly in front of you at the admiral’s words.

None of that new tension made any sense. So you just smiled without knowing what else to do. “Yeah, I’ll let you know, Admiral. See ya later.”

———————————

True to his word, Vergo really had been ready to sail. Because it hadn’t been long at all before you were standing on the bow of his ship then, watching the gates of Marineford open once more.

He was near your side as well as he explained the morning’s objectives. “I’ve agreed to take new recruits to Sabaody for patrols there today. They need to practice being in uniform and interacting with the citizens. This will be a diverse enough environment to do that in.”

Even though Sabaody could be very interesting when there off duty at least, just patrolling it with a bunch of newly enlisted sounded frankly boring.

Though it was still pretty satisfying to at least see the ocean again and hear the sails opening further in the wind as Vergo continued.

“But I have a separate job for you too.”

“Sir?” You’d clearly perked up at that. Something hopefully more interesting than babysitting the rookies at least.

“I pulled the latest certifications and it turns out our inspections of the ‘Employment Office’ in grove 1 are a couple months past due. Can you handle that for me?”

You stared a moment, but didn’t dare decline. Of course you could handle it. But it didn’t mean you wanted to set foot in that awful place if you didn’t have to. “I’ll check in if that’s what you need done. But are they selling today?” You still asked, hoping that answer would be a no. 

“I don’t know.” He answered though, black sunglasses just looking at you with no real expression again.

“Well…” You weren’t familiar with Vergo well enough to know how you were supposed to word this. “When it is a selling day, there could even be a Celestial Dragon there. Am I permitted to find any violation that could possibly delay an auction that they might be attending?”

“What you do is up to you.” He responded just as vaguely though. Not seeming to give it any thought at all. “That’s why I’m asking you to handle it.”

“Yes, sir.” You answered back without displaying how unhelpful you thought he was being. Maybe you really were just too used to Tsuru. 

Because even a seemingly easy assignment like this could end up a disaster if you pressed either too much or too little in relation to whatever Vergo’s personal standards were. Yet apparently he wasn’t even going to tell you where his line was right now.

So you’d just have to wing it you supposed.

—————————— 

On paper, the marines officially referred to this building as the “Public Employment Security Office”. Of course far better known for what it really was as the Human Auctioning House. An unfortunate and still very legal fixture out front and center in grove 1 of Sabaody Archipelago as you’d walked all the way there after disembarking from the marine ship at the harbor.

Vergo and the others had spread out to other areas. So you were on your own here as you’d announced yourself to the guards at the back door.

They didn’t look particularly interested. But showing them your rank and marine card gave them no choice but to begrudgingly let you in. You didn’t care about any pageantry in the front of house, purposefully coming in the back. Yet only to immediately be hit with the smell of the cage area.

If anything was going to be against current regulations, you were sure it was going to be here in the “backstage” as you frowned. 

The source of the smell was evident as there indeed was human stock in the cages to your unease. As much as you’d hoped this would have been an in between day where no one was yet being held for the next auction date.

Wonderful.

“The boss will be here in a minute. He had to make a call. We weren’t supposed to be having any inspections today.” Some lackey grunted at you as you started to look around while waiting.

“Legally we don’t have to give you any notice you know.” Though maybe that was part of why the place hadn’t been checked in a while per Vergo. Was it a true oops by your fellow marines, or an on purpose look the other way kind of thing?

You were guessing the latter by how much everyone seemed to be glaring through you even as an office door opened and another man finally came out.

“Well, this is awfully early to be getting my employees upset, don’t you think? I really don’t have the time for this, whoever you are.” The brightly attired man sneered a little at you. With a stupid looking hat and star shaped sunglasses on.

“Captain (Y/N).” You corrected him. “And it smells like shit in here.”

The man immediately bristled even further at that, as if you were just the most vulgar brat he’d ever encountered. But you liked getting people like him even more on edge as quickly as possible. He wouldn’t be thinking straight to lie as easily to you. But he didn’t seem that smart anyway honestly.

“Well…that’s to be expected isn’t it with these animals?” And as he said so, he hit the cage bars in emphasis to his disgust for the current inventory.

“You aren’t supposed to hold anyone in a legal auction site more than three days without the chance to properly clean themselves.” You responded as if you were only commenting on the weather though. Which was extremely difficult. But if you let your real emotions slip, you knew you’d just be wanting to wipe the floor with Mr. ‘Star Glasses’ and every guard in here.

You kept on too. “It’s really the bare minimum not to spread infection, as per the human trafficking amendments passed in the last reverie, Mr…who are you exactly?”

“Disco!” He almost yelled now. “And this is uncalled for! You’re supposed to schedule these inspections!”

“Yeah, well. That’s not what the law says either.”

“This is ridiculous.”

“It is.” You agreed as you continued to walk, watching the victims on the other side of the bars. It wasn’t that many really. Mostly human women today though, sitting on crates with their chains running to the wall behind them.

They wouldn’t even make eye contact with you though. And why should they? They knew the law here. A simple marine wasn’t going to be able to do a thing that would actually save them now. 

The best you could do was just give this shithead as much grief as possible. Minor fines maybe, stupid things like not spacing their chains out far enough, or failing to clear enough crates away from the fire exit. 

Which the idea of proper egress was laughable too, knowing only the workers would ever save themselves in any emergency. The slaves would just be left chained here to die.

Still, those kinds of slaps on the wrist had been your only real plan before you’d noticed a chain whose victim you could just see a hint of. They’d been small enough to fully disappear after too, cowering behind their crate as soon as they’d heard Disco’s voice berating you.

“Open this.” You said immediately at that, stopping then and there as your voice changed.

“What?” Disco scoffed. “Absolutely not!”

You glared back over your shoulder at him. “It wasn’t a request. Open the holding area. I want to inspect number 7.” You clarified in correspondence with the slaves’ numbered placards on the wall.

“Just who do you think you are!?” 

His voice was so annoying to you. “Either use the keys or I take the keys.” And as you said this, you tightened your fist, letting a purposeful display of haki crackle briefly across it. 

By the way he took a step back, he got the message finally. But he was still so high on himself. “Fine. Be a brute if you must. This will be the last time you’ll ever work in Sabaody again, Captain whoever you are!” He said it so mockingly. “Do you know who owns this place now!?”

But you were ignoring him by then. As one of the guards did open a gate in the bars and you walked in immediately to slave number seven’s holding place.

Disco was still bitching at you too as you quietly crouched on one knee to look behind that crate.

And you offered the softest smile you could manage, even though you could feel your blood already trying to boil.

“Hey there.” You told the young boy as he stared up at you with big fearful eyes. You’d thought you’d seen a hint of a tailfin too as you’d been walking, and you’d been right.

It was an extremely young merman. You’d guess only four or five years old honestly. His face was tear stained and clearly bruised as he still tried to make himself as small as possible under your gaze.

You didn’t want to frighten him anymore than he already was though. So you said nothing else to him even as you visually noted his partly emaciated look as well.

This wasn’t going to end well at all for anyone now. You already knew that as you finally stood again. Not when it came to literal children being in this hellhole. He was practically a baby for how short his fins still were.

And as you walked back out through the still open gate, your demeanor had gone fully cold.

“You’ve got underage product. You have to release him.” You said so confidently even as you were now mentally counting every guard, and weapon in your view.

It was something between a gasp and a laugh that escaped Disco at that. “You’re insane! And this is over! When my boss gets a hold of you, you stupid bitch-“

Your rope dart was off your shoulder in an instant, swinging as you let the flat side of the blade clock Disco hard enough to knock him right down onto his narrow ass.

Every guard had a gun pulled and aimed at you then.

But even they weren’t dumb enough to just start firing on a marine.

“Eight is the minimum legal age for trafficking fishmen and merpeople.” You answered. But only even that much because of the newer restrictions that had just passed. “And if we want to play the ‘my boss is bigger than yours’ game, then alright. I can do that too.”

Your heart was pounding so hatefully and you knew you were about to lose control and beat all these guys into paste if you didn’t do something drastic like this.

You just prayed that the man you had in mind would actually answer as you pulled the small marine snail from your pocket. The big wigs at HQ you only needed to dial a three digit code for on a marine officer’s snail like this.

Of course you had his memorized as you keyed it immediately and everyone else could hear the snail trying to connect. And they were surprised into further silence as he did answer with a loud click.

“This is Admiral Aokiji…”

How big all their eyes then became told you you were now the one in control here.

“Hey, it’s me.” You replied, though doing your best not to sound too angry still. But you were also petty enough to really want to make these jerks sweat now that you had a higher authority in play. “Remember how you wanted to go get sushi tonight?”

Was Disco’s ‘boss’ he kept threatening you with friends with an admiral like you were? You wanted that slaver prick especially to understand all this.

“Yeah. When are you back? I’m off duty at 19 hundred.” He answered you so easily too. But he knew your voice inflections well, just like you knew his. You could tell he already sensed some kind of bullshit afoot. But he was still a team player enough to wait for you to explain the how or why.

“Well how about lunch in Sabaody instead?” You offered, watching the men around you spiral further by their expressions. “I’ve run into a little trouble here at the ‘Employment Office’. And they can hear you by the way.”

“Ah.” He didn’t sound surprised at all about the trouble part at least. Nor did he care that he had an audience. “You need backup then?”

“No, I think it’s okay. I’m just trying not to make a scene truthfully. They have an underage merman here that they don’t want to release. While I think they really should. What do you think, Admiral?”

You could about see the sweat running down Disco’s face now in the brief silence as Aokiji considered the question. The auctioneer had stood back up at some point from where you’d knocked him down earlier. But now looked like he may collapse again on his own here shortly.

Aokiji eventually spoke to them for you however, going into full marine protocol then. “This is Admiral Aokiji. Captain (Y/N) does have the authority to release individuals held below the legal age limit as per the last trafficking treaty amendments with the World Government.”

But he still finished with a more personal touch. You’d almost forgotten how much he did like to mess with you sometimes. “Also, more off the record, but she really has a soft spot for kids too. You’re barking up the wrong tree here, fellas. I’d let the boy go and cut your losses now if you don’t want her boot through your teeth. She’s got my permission to do what she has to.”

It always felt so good to win. “Thanks, Admiral. I think we’re done here.” You answered, properly satisfied.

“Alright. Call if you need me. It’s a paperwork kind of day, so I wouldn’t mind getting out. Sabaody isn’t far.” He said as one last threat to these men.

“Understood.” You were about to hang up too before he added.

“And I still want sushi. Let me know when you’re on your way back to base.”

You paused, and as out of place as it should have been here and now, you did truly smile before you could stop yourself. Because he was rarely this persistent. Of course you couldn’t remember the last time you’d called him direct either. It was a bit nostalgic.

“I’ll let you know. I’ve still got to see what else Vergo needs from me after this.” You answered him.

“Okay. See ya.” He agreed.

“Bye.” You finished, hanging up the snail to look back at Disco and his henchmen.

The looks on their faces were still some sort of mix between horror and amazement. 

You were feeling pretty happy in that moment too, thinking you’d at least just saved a child while also preventing the political consequences of an all out brawl at a legal auction house.

But pride had been your weakness before. And that trend didn’t stop here today as you almost didn’t feel the touch when it finally happened.

It was as gentle as a cobweb ghosting across the back of your neck. And that was what you’d really thought it was. Just dusty refuse from the cavernous darkness of the rafters above.

Even Disco didn’t know what had happened at first. Your body had just stopped when you’d been walking to get the merboy’s keys from him. You could see the auctioneer’s face turn to confusion, much like your own as suddenly all your limbs were resisting you. 

And even behind those ridiculous star shaped sunglasses, you saw his expression change to absolute shock not long after. Just as you heard a large something land directly behind you, the lurking predator pouncing down at last from out of the rafters.

“Boss!” Disco screeched, looking half between a heart attack and renewed hope as he stared up and over your shoulder.

But you already knew. That familiar flutter of fear was clear even before Doflamingo’s warm body pressed against your back and his hand ran around to grab your jaw from behind.

“Back for more so soon, Captain?” He’d said it so goddamn enticingly too, just before he’d jerked your head backward painfully. An upside down, and very rough kiss then forced on you as you couldn’t pull away from him.

Your body wouldn’t listen at all below the neck as you felt the vibration of his laugh even as he squeezed your jaw to the point of bruising. His long tongue was then trying to force its way past your teeth again.

And the fools all around you were left in stunned silence yet again at this newest scene. It’d been a rollercoaster of surprises for everyone in this room in just these last few minutes.

But when Doflamingo did finally end the kiss again, with a little string of spit breaking between your mouths as he pulled away, it was still Disco who had the audacity to speak first.

“I…I knew you were on the island, sir. But I didn’t know that you were already here. Who is…I mean, do you know her, sir?” Disco sounded like he was trying to understand, apologize, and beg for his life all at once.

“I wasn’t far when you called. Quit groveling.” Doflamingo just reprimanded him bluntly, but with those red sunglasses never looking away from you. “And yes, I more than know this bitch. Unfortunately.”

By his unhappy tone, you immediately remembered his threat from Mariejois as well. To never mess with his business dealings again. But there’d been nothing on the record of the warlord or “Joker” being involved here. But goddamn Disco had said it earlier, hadn’t he?

Do you know who owns this place now!?”

Implying a more recent partnership between the two. But no, this was still utter bullshit. You hadn’t known. How could you have?

“Doflam-“ You tried to say. You wanted to argue at least. But his name didn’t even make it fully out of your mouth. His fingers had slid across your lips in one harsh swipe, coating them in thick string instead. String that he then pulled tight around the back of your head to gag and fully silence you.

“Too late, woman.” He grumbled, and there was a whole new venom to it now. “Come on, Disco…into the office and we’ll deal with this mess.” 

Doflamingo was walking away from you then. He had one hand in his pocket again, but the other near his hip as his fingers moved. And as they did, so did your legs and feet. You were forced along behind him as the three of you entered Disco’s office and the door was slammed shut behind you.

“Get your ledger.” Doflamingo seemed to almost be ignoring you in the moments that followed too, glare focused on his underling instead. “How much did you pay the traders for that boy?”

You could tell in the flustered way that Disco now sat at his desk and started digging through drawers, that this wasn’t exactly going well for him either.

Carefully while those two were focused on each other though, you had tried to draw out your haki again. You weren’t sure how Doflamingo’s parasite ability truly functioned. You knew he’d attached something to your neck earlier, but was that all you had to break to be free of him?

Yet whatever this connection now was, he must have immediately felt your attempt at resistance against it. Because even though you’d barely done anything, he’d jerked his hand so violently in response that your body had slammed down to Disco’s desk with an audible cracking sound in the wood itself.

Disco gasped nearly as loud as that breaking sound when your chest hit his desk that hard. More papers were also knocked away when you were then forced to splay your hands out on either side of your head.

You couldn’t say any true curse of pain either with those strings still across your mouth.

But you were now fully bent over the desk. Your head near Disco who was seated there in shock, and your ass now tilted up as Doflamingo moved the tail of your marine coat to the side and bent his own long legs just enough to get his pelvis even with the back of your then exposed skirt.

“I’m still waiting on that amount, Disco.” Doflamingo grumbled to snap the other man out of his staring even as you felt the warlord’s hands starting to rub your hips impatiently.

“Yes, um…well….it’s right here!” Disco finally exclaimed as he pulled the paper out of a stack of others deep within one of the drawers.

Doflamingo easily snatched the document from the other man’s hand. He was just holding it above your back as he read through it next, all the while still stroking your hip distractedly with his other hand.

“Feh. You paid too much. They ripped you off, you idiot.” The warlord scoffed after the quick read, just tossing the paper to let it also flutter to the floor somewhere. 

You could almost hear Disco swallow in a response of fear to that. Even as he tried to explain. “But it’s…relative to current market price, sir.”

“You’re going by last month’s prices!” Doflamingo growled again in return, making the other man shrink back even further. “It spiked last month, but it’s all down again now. And you bought him when it was already going back down. You should be fucking smart enough to anticipate those trends!”

The room was silent for a long moment following that latest outburst. And as disgusting as it was, both you and Disco had something briefly in common then. Because neither of you knew what to do or to expect next from Doflamingo.

“And now we’ll have to eat that loss.” The warlord did eventually continue almost quietly by comparison though. But somehow that dark tone was even worse. Much worse as you finally realized what his real trigger had been all along. “All because this one thinks she can sick her new lover on us.” 

He had heard everything then. He’d snuck in in time enough to catch your phone stunt with Aokiji and made his own conclusions from it. This wasn’t just about the slaves or the business.

This was jealousy.

And as your adrenaline spiked, Doflamingo pulled both your skirt and underwear down in one harsh jerk. Both pieces of clothing then falling around your ankles as you tried and failed to fight him off.

Yes, you’d wanted him again. But not like this. Not when you now realized he was absolutely livid and planning to truly hurt you.

“You can stay, Disco. She needs to learn some new humility I think.” He said to your additional horror, even doubling down in this cruelty as he continued. “Hell, jack off while you watch for all I care. She was just trying to work you over too wasn’t she?”

And Disco, the spineless cockroach that he was, had his tune changing immediately in response to this new development. “Yes. She was being quite a menace before you arrived, sir! She deserves nothing less!” The coward was almost gleeful again then when he realized he might really be off the hook now, and was about to get a nasty show for free as well.

Two sadistic fucks is what they both were in this moment.

You tried to flare your haki yet again in angry desperation. And this time you were actually able to move one of your arms before you felt Doflamingo’s grip squeezing the back of your neck in retaliation. Hard enough to make you feel light headed as he was compressing the blood flow to your brain just as quickly.

“I don’t think she’s going to be too happy with this arrangement though.” You could hear the grin in his voice again as you struggled, your face still pressed so harshly into the papers across the desk.

“And I’d naively thought you’d actually enjoyed our last playdate by the end. But how fickle you are, you dirty bitch.” Doflamingo chided lowly as well. But there was an additional edge to those words. Was he daring to actually paint himself as the true victim here? He was acting as if you deserved every bit of this as he started undoing the drawstrings of his pants.

Your heart was pounding, ribs aching still from where he’d slammed you down as you then heard him spit into his own palm. 

You knew when his cock was free again too as you felt the long member bumping against your nude backside as he stroked himself, lubing the length with that spit as he finished hardening up.

But this wasn’t your only nightmare. As you even had this other, cast off little backbiter to worry about as well then as you could hear Disco’s belt dangerously near your face as he clumsily undid his pants as well.

Doflamingo was just laughing again though at your predicament. He wanted you to be afraid of what he’d allow his subordinate to do to you too didn’t he? He was more than enjoying this.

“I suppose we should give Disco something to look at besides just your pretty face though shouldn’t we, whore?” Doflamingo commented even on top of that. The warlord made you rear back with his parasite ability again, your body then standing up against him as your hands worked on their own against your will once more. 

He was making you strip for them.

You were taking off your coat first. Your weapon and it going to the floor even as you scowled and glared.

With your skirt and underwear already on the floor, this now left just your shirt and bra on. Which in another movement of Doflamingo’s fingers, you were then being forced to undo as well.

You could hear the resulting arousal in Doflamingo’s voice too as more of your skin was exposed to his view. That same tone from the warlord which had invaded your dreams for so many nights as you now stood fully nude before both men. Nothing but your boots on.

“What do you say, Disco?” Doflamingo asked, even making you turn a full circle, like a little marionette for them to ogle. “She has such a cute, wet little cunt. Breasts to match, hips to grab…pretty understandable why even admirals are getting in line to ride her…”

“She’d go for a good price, sir.” Disco breathed, sounding different too then as you realized even his smaller cock was also now out in the air while he stroked it with his thighs spread shamelessly in his office chair. 

You didn’t want to fucking see that though as you looked back to the ground in a mix of disgust and embarrassment.

“Well now…you know what else I really think, (Y/N)?” And there was Doflamingo actually saying your name again. But his voice couldn’t have possibly been more spiteful in this moment. “I think that you’d make a very good throw away wife for even a Celestial Dragon.” 

His hands were back on your body then as he bent you forcefully over the desk again. But he was stroking your stomach actually as his hand moved down, his fully hard cock pressing against you now even though he didn’t enter you yet.

He was leaning down too, dark voice heavy as he threatened more with his ideas. “So how’d you like to be fucked raw every morning, noon, and night by a new master?“

He laughed again too at this, as if imagining it already with his hand still oddly on your lower abdomen. His fingers were pressing harder and harder into that skin.

It hurt badly, but what followed was an even different kind of unease as he kept on with this new game.

“They might even decide to breed you too before it was done. And would you like that, woman? You want a brat of your own right? Since you can’t even mind your own fucking business when it comes to someone else’s can you?”

Yes, it was specifically your womb that Doflamingo was now compressing. He knew exactly where it was as he tormented you, further mocking your previous empathy for that slave child.

You knew his goal must be to further dehumanize you here. But it seemed too personal all the same, too easy to rile him with this as you could hear the warlord almost reduced to those panting breaths again as he reached under you to squeeze your breasts next. He was chuckling some more as he pressed that soft flesh of your chest painfully between his calloused fingers. 

“…And if you and I did that, how swollen with milk would these get I wonder?” He still sneered as he thought of it, his hips bucking against you involuntarily then as you whined against the string gag still in your mouth. 

Yes, he was truly getting off on it all. A kink you never would have imagined in someone like him. Or maybe it did make more sense than it should. Here was a true narcissist who thought they had the right to cast and sew their seed wherever they wanted. To taint and claim another person’s body in each and every way.

But Doflamingo as a father though?

The gods help that poor child if they would ever come to actually exist.

“Maybe we’ll just have to find out someday…” Was all he said next though, and as he did, he could finally wait no longer. He did force the head of his massive cock back into you. But with no foreplay this time, no extra care to help stretch you beforehand at all. He just slammed all the way up to your cervix in one harsh thrust.

And even with your mouth covered in those strings, your resulting scream was likely heard by every slave and guard in the backstage area beyond.

You were then trembling against your will, unable to fight anymore against that parasite entrapment. Your eyes began watering with the pain, your face pressed against the desk as you heard Disco moan in return. The auctioneer was thrusting hard into his own hand near your face, almost euphoric for the torture he was now witnessing.

You closed your eyes tightly, tears beginning to soak that paperwork below your face by then as you tried to dissociate from the room entirely. 

They could still have your lifeless shell if they wanted. But you weren’t going to react anymore save for the tears which you somehow couldn’t stop.

It wasn’t just the humiliation or the pain though. This was you hating yourself. Hating how many nights you’d actually thought of this man as if he wouldn’t just rape you again at first opportunity. 

But this is what he’d always been. This was what he always would be. You were delusional to have ever fantasized him as anything more.

Yet he still hadn’t moved since your scream. Even as you still waited for him to start ripping you apart, he didn’t thrust anymore at all.

And when you felt his fingertips across your tear stained face instead, you shivered slightly. An involuntary movement again as you still refused to open your eyes and even look at him.

“Disco….get the fuck out.” Doflamingo spoke so suddenly then. And his voice was deadly, even with his hard cock still tense against the edge of your wounded cervix.

And you heard Disco’s chair move almost simultaneously, a pathetic whimper from the auctioneer as it did. Even a man like that wasn’t stupid enough to ask questions in a moment like this.

Your breathing was so shallow by then though, body still, as you did hear the office door open and shut again.

For the first time, you felt cold too. No part of Doflamingo was touching you except for his cock inside and his hand that had been against your face.

But those fingers pulled away too now as the heaviest silence hung in the room once you were both alone.

“You make me fucking miserable.” Was the words that actually came out of his mouth next as your wet eyes opened slightly in the shock of that.

He was scowling. No smile at all as the red sunglasses stared down at the mess he’d made of you.

But you did make another involuntary cry of pain against your gag as he unceremoniously slid back out of you then. The pressure spiked briefly as the head of his cock had had to further stretch your already torn entrance one more time on the way out.

With another shift of his hand, the strings finally released your mouth as well. He moved away from the desk entirely then too, leaving you there as you could see him walk to the side of the room.

His pants were still open, cock fully hard as you realized there was an actual sheen of blood over his erection.

Your blood.

He’d completely torn your opening this time as well as bloodied your cervix with the force of the hit.

There was a beverage cart there against the wall. With a pitcher of ice water and other items for Disco. Hand towels were near the bottom of the cart, and you watched as Doflamingo used one to wipe his cock clean before taking another towel to pour some of the ice water over it.

You didn’t understand his intent at first as he now walked back over to you with the cold, wet towel.

“Come here,” He said. But his voice was practically emotionless then, foreign almost. He made you stand, but moved behind you to sit on the edge of the desk himself before he pulled your still naked body up into his lap.

With both of you then on the desk together, and your back against his abdomen, he reached that wet towel in front to start wiping you out between your legs.

It still stung badly as you shifted in discomfort. And you could see the initial bright red coming off into the wet towel. But when the thickest of the blood was wiped away, he then held the towel there to keep pressure over where you were still bleeding.

And the two of you stayed like that in silence for what had to be at least several minutes.

“I wanted you to fight back.” His voice finally came out above you again. You could feel his chest rising and falling almost gently now with his regular breathing. “But you just gave up instead.”

“I’m not superhuman.” You answered after another long moment. Not knowing what else to do.

You weren’t foolish enough to consider this conversation any actual sign of guilt or contrition from this man. But whatever he’d expected was clearly not what this had turned into. Hurting you hadn’t done for him what he thought it would at some level at least.

So he now tried just business again first. “If you want us to release that boy, then fine. I don’t give a shit anymore. Disco fucked that up from the beginning.”

But then the heavy silence was right back again. You weren’t answering him.

And he didn’t like it.

“Would you say something already?” He spoke then and you felt him pull you back a little tighter against him. 

For the briefest moment, you actually thought he was the one wanting to be comforted then. Which was the most insane thing you could possibly imagine after what he had just done to you.

“I am not sleeping with Aokiji.” The words just left your mouth when you could think of nothing else in response. Because that assumption had started everything hadn’t it? He’d had an outright tantrum, a warlord level tantrum because of that.

“But you want to.” And Doflamingo’s voice did bristle dangerously, not denying his sensitivity on this. “A woman doesn’t smile the way you did when you were talking to him when it’s anything less than that.”

You were staring at the opposite wall then. Too surprised to properly argue for that moment. Had he been that close as well earlier? And he was really going to judge you for something as involuntary as a simple smile?

But Aokiji was only concerned for your well being most likely. And frankly, who wouldn’t be if they gave even the slightest damn about you at all? You knew you’d been acting a lot differently around everyone after this had all started.

“He’s just worried about me. I don’t have many friends.” You spoke again. But still watching the wall carefully, not knowing at all how Doflamingo would react now.

And he was painfully quiet again. His hand only moved enough to check that towel against your slit, looking to see if you were still spotting into it. When it seemed that you weren’t, he let the towel drop to the floor, splaying his hand out possessively on your thigh instead.

“Then if that’s true, come with me. Take shore leave and stay in Sabaody a few nights. I have a house down the beach from here.” 

His voice was nearly gentle then, but the coil of temptation still darkened it. It wasn’t a kind sound at all.

“I’m on assignment with Vice Admiral Vergo in Tsuru’s absence.” You said reflexively, trying to mask your surprise at the abrupt invitation.

“Heh,” He breathed and you felt his hand wandering from your thigh up your naked torso now. “Then let me sweeten the pot. Stay three nights with me, and every slave under this roof today walks free.”

You immediately turned your head to look up at him in shock at that.

But he was already smiling down at you. “Oh, I’m serious. But it’s absolutely a one time offer. My reputation isn’t tied to this place yet. I haven’t even had them paint my jolly roger on anything here so far while we’ve cleaned house. I just bought it two months ago mainly for the location. Prime real estate nestled so close to both Mariejois and Marineford. But I can still spare today’s inventory for a better long term investment.”

He was massaging one of your breasts again now, making it clear that you were said investment that he was speaking of. But he couldn’t help himself either as you felt his cock twitch against your lower back. It was stiffening once more. “Think of how much credit you’d get for that too. The captain that actually set slaves free in Sabaody on some clever legal technicalities. And only in a single morning there. What a negotiator and little hero you’d be.”

“How do I know they wouldn’t just be recaptured later, for it all to be for show?” You did ask, but carefully so.

And he even liked that cynicism too. “Fair point. I suppose you’d have to get them escorted straight to Marineford to sort out later. Otherwise, yes. I’m only saying I’ll release them. What happens after isn’t in my terms.”

You still looked doubtful you were sure, but even a chance for these people was better than nothing. You may be a lot of things, but soulless wasn’t one of them. If you could save even a stranger from a lifetime of that kind of torture and servitude, of course you were going to try.

“I accept.” You said, though still feeling as if you’d been given no other choice.

And he actually encircled his arms around you at that. The pink feather coat easily encapsulating you in his warmth as his cock pressed firm into the small of your back.

“Perfect. I’m sure that little merbrat and the others will tell stories for generations to come of the beautiful marine that swooped in like an angel in their darkest hour.”

Doflamingo was mocking you already again, but he was in a much better mood now. A very stark contrast of how livid he’d been when first entering this room.

He was such an overly emotional person really, even on top of all his other faults. 

And though another deal to meet him again soon had already been struck, he wasn’t quite ready to let you go just yet either.

With his height difference and strength, it was always easy for him to move you. So he picked you up abruptly, though not roughly this time as he made you turn around on his thighs.

Now you were almost facing him, sideways in his lap as he sat on the desk edge still with his long legs spread open. Nestled in the warmth of his coat around you both as he took one of your hands and placed it on his hard shaft.

“Go on and jack me off then, angel, so we can get out of here.” He breathed again, making his still intimidating member move a little against your palm.

“You’ll cum everywhere,” You said bluntly though, trying to ignore the new nickname he may have just given you. As if you were anything even close to angelic.

“The mess is part of the fun.” He countered almost playfully. But did stretch his hand briefly out to snap another clean towel from that cart as a string brought the towel instantly up into his grip.

He balled it up and put it in your reach to do as you wished with it.

“Come on. You’re still on duty aren’t you? The clock is ticking.” He pressed, but more for his own impatience rather than any concern for your work status.

Yet you were still a bit overwhelmed. It was honestly the first time you had been free to touch him between his own legs. Having been restrained for most the time before.

But he clearly liked it as you did start to stroke him. He groaned quietly, that bit of precum already forming into a large droplet at his tip.

“You know this is what Disco wanted you to do to him. Either like this or with your lovely mouth…” Doflamingo smirked cruelly, but twitching his swollen cock again in your hand all the same. “Harder.” He bid you to squeeze him in between the strokes.

But you immediately frowned at the mention of Disco. Fuck that cowardly man, and not at all literally.

But Doflamingo was starting to shift his hips even from his seated place still on the desk. Thrusting up into your hand as he responded. “Don’t make that face, woman. Threesomes can be a hell of a time with the right company. Trust me though, I’d never really waste you on the likes of him. No matter how pissed off I was. That was strictly a look, don’t touch arrangement. If he’d tried to put that pencil dick on you, I would have ripped his balls off myself.”

That disgusting mental image didn’t make you feel any better. But you still said nothing, letting the warlord run his mouth as he so liked to do whenever his energy was high.

“There is actually someone else I think would appreciate you though if I could ever get him to quit being such a stuck up twat anyway. I might have to work on that actually.” Doflamingo grinned more at this even as he started to try and lean down enough to get at your neck.

You didn’t know at all who he might mean as his attention focused back to your throat soon enough though. His teeth nipped you just before he licked the skin there greedily.

But you did really pause as you felt his mouth close on that same wet skin immediately after to begin roughly sucking it.

“You can’t leave marks.” You jerked a little as his teeth pressed down again next. Too high on your neck to be easily covered later.

“I can do whatever the fuck I want,” He admonished you though. Quick to remind you that he answered to no one, even when slipping back into whatever state this was that your presence often put him in.

So he sucked your neck harder of course just to show you. 

You made a noise and he laughed against that already bruising skin. “Oh shut up. I’ll buy you some new shirts with a proper cut. I want to see you dressed up anyway for me. Maybe some diamonds and high heels while I fuck you raw in my goddamn palace, angel…”

And you were almost too slow with the towel. You sensed it coming in the way his breath had hitched in that final taunting. But he’d still covered your hand in that thick white mess as he orgasmed. Which you did put the towel over both his cock and your hand before the remainder pulsed out while he shuddered.

“Mmm.” He did that purr like growl, quite satisfied in the aftermath as his hands ran up your bare back, almost massaging you then. “You’re pretty fun after all, woman.”

It was night and day with him. You didn’t know how to explain it. From disgusting violence to almost true affection like the swing of a pendulum. And all in the brief span of just being in this one room together.

“And you can go get your stupid sushi with popsicle dick as an additional reward if you’re so damn lonely. I know you still won’t fuck anyone else until this heals.” And as Doflamingo said that, his hand slipped back between your own legs to very gently rub just the outer lips of your still stinging cunt. It was almost an apologetic touch.

Almost.

“But from now on, I want to know about these things. You’d be surprised how long of a leash I’m willing to give to those that I trust. But that’s the thing…I don’t trust anyone who keeps secrets from me.”

And even as he warned you of this, he was leaning down to kiss you all over again. This time on the lips warmly as you did lean up into it.

Everything was still so very wrong though. You had a brain. You knew what toxic relationships were, and that real love never made violent demands or bargained for control at the expense of self worth at every turn.

But you’d never had real love either. Not from blood family and not from a partner. Yet another hungry orphan from the North Blue was all you’d been. Right up until your thieving ways had gotten you a trip direct into the brig of Tsuru’s ship. It was then either enlist as a chore girl for her or enjoy the continuation of your slow death on the mainland.

You’d heard a saying once too that children who had never been fed love on spoons were doomed to grow up licking it from knives instead.

Surely you didn’t remember the quote exactly now. But this man was a knife if ever you had seen one. And Tsuru was still the closest you’d ever had to the spoon, but was it enough to counteract him?

As his fingers twisted tightly into your hair with another deep kiss, it was hard to imagine anything else surpassing the intensity of emotions this demon still inspired in you.

Maybe you were falling after all. Not exactly in the way Smoker had first said you would through ambition alone. But a burning path to self destruction could be the only end result all the same.

———————————

T⨂  BE 

CONTINUED

———————————

Rob Lucci

You’re sat on the plush of your vanity chair doing what not—brushing your hair, doing your nails, fixing your skin care—anything but acknowledging the man leaning against the door frame behind you.

His arms crossed and gaze piercing your back. Expression a scowl but you don’t care.

Rob’s been staring at you for the past few minutes and he can keep staring.

He agreed to take you out for shopping — but work came up, and that always came first.

Which you can understand; he’s a Government agent, you knew what kind of man you chose to entangle yourself with but then, when he came back — the topic of shopping came up once more and he had commented on your spending habits, calling it childish. Impulsive. And entirely impractical.

Since, there’s been silence.

Since, there’s been scowls and frowns and a lot of ‘hmph’ on your end.

The times when Lucci is home, you usually spent it tugging at his side, anything to be close to him before he vanishes to do Government business but now?

You don’t have any interest in his presence other than silence.

Which, he should be comfortable with.

Which, he should be unbothered with.

Which, he shouldn’t find himself silently stalking you from room to room like a robotic ghost sizing up his next prey.

And the thing is,

Lucci just…. Stands there.

Arms crossed. Expression dead serious and posture so straight you’d mistake him for a coat stand and not your lover.

But you ignore him.

You undress in complete silence as you get ready for bed — skimming into your sleepwear, not once glancing his way as you methodically get in bed. Back turned.

Lucci doesn’t move.

Doesn’t say anything.

just goes to sit on the edge of the bed, on your side.

His weight dipping down the mattress, but you don’t turn to face him.

Minutes goes.

Moments passes.

Clock keeps ticking.

Until he breaks the suffocation—not because he resigns defeat but because it annoys him. Must you be so prideful? Must you be so high maintenance and bratty?

“How long are you planning to keep up with this.”

You don’t answer. In fact, his stupid comment resolves your pettiness even further.

He glances to your figure, back still turned. He blinks, looking away. “I already said I’ll take you shopping tomorrow, you’re being petty.”

A pause.

“You hate me.” You mumble and he snaps his gaze to you, giving you a hard look.

“I’m not entertaining this childish endeavour.”

“You want me to die.” You pull your blanket tighter around yourself and you hear him click his tongue.

He manoeuvres over you, looming above you, forcing you to turn on your back and face him but you cover your eyes with your hands.

Not wanting to see him.

He grits his teeth.

His knee goes in between your legs as he takes a hold of your wrists, trying to pry your hands off your face as soft as a killing machine possibly could.

“Look at me.” His tone is commanding and you squeeze your eyes shut as he forces your wrists apart. Bracing them between your head.

“If you won’t open your eyes I'll punish you, and you won’t like it.”

You refuse.

And he leans in, kissing your neck.

Making you flinch.

You stutter out his name “h-hey!”

His tactic worked because now you’re staring at him, bashful and half-into it.

He looks up to you, face coming close to yours. So close you can feel his breath on your cheeks. Controlled. Steady. Everything yours isn’t.

His voice goes husky, “We can keep going, or you can keep sulking.”

You push your knee into his abdomen, heart thrumming. “You’re mean.”

“I’m practical.”

“You said my closet was overflowing!”

“Which it is.”

You try and push him off with your leg but he’s completely unbothered, leaning back down to kiss your forehead.

And it catches you off guard, your squirming halting — and his thick lips curves into a smile. Small, hidden, and entirely cocky.

and as you burn, he goes back to your neck.

“This is so unfair—“ you hitch your breath when you feel him making a hickey.

You can sulk all you want, but he’ll wring you back in, one way or another.

Summary: In the end, Rob did keep to his word, taking you out for shopping. Holding your bags. Following you silently around as you empty out his wallet. And you’re smiling. Talking. Giddy and playful. He wont admit it, but it’s a look that suits you far more.

Sir Crocodile

You were laying flat on the sofa. Head buried in the cushions. Sulking.

Sir Crocodile promised to spend time with you last evening — you had fixed tea, blankets, cancelled your dinner date with your friend only for him to never arrive.

Not because of work, not because of Buggy and his stupidity, not because he had business to take care of, no.

He simply forgot.

Forgot.

That word made you wince.

And since he’s been trying to make up for it.

Bouquets of flowers, gifts piling up your room, the new dress you’ve been looking at and that perfume you’ve ran out of — everything and anything but being at home and spend time with you.

Like he said he would.

Which is why you do not acknowledge him looking down at you laying on the sofa, his brows pinched and hair slightly loose.

“… Really. You’re still sulking. I find you in the same spot since I left this morning.”

You do not answer him, just sink even deeper into the cushions.

He takes a smoke, and goes down to sit next to you. “Will you force me to sleep on the couch again tonight?” his voice is gruff, eyes skimming over your figure, fingers tracing your calf only for you to flinch and withdraw.

Still not willing to talk.

Crocodile gives out a low guttural sigh, smoke slithering through his nose as if resigning. “You understand that creating a comfortable life suited to your palate doesn’t come easy with time to dawdle and play house. If I could, I’d spend every waking moment with you.” With that, he crushes his cigar into the ashtray. His eyes growing weary and you tense.

“You promised me.” you mumble.

Crocodile snaps his gaze to you, brows easing.

“And then you forgot.” You dig yourself so deep into the cushions you swear dent marks will appear on your face afterwards. “So that means I'm worth nothing to you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous now—“ he catches his tongue when you shift your head.

Truly — you can be such a brat.

You feel a large hand wrap itself around your ribcage, the hooked forearm anchoring you up and pressing you against his chest.

His very sturdy, and very firm chest.

Warmth radiating into your spine.

Burning you up.

Sir Crocodile leans in, voice hot on your ear is rugged, coarse and low; the tone he has when he wants to please you, coerce you, make you his entirely as if you haven’t surrendered every part of yourself to him.

“Want a kiss?”

His voice so close your ear twitches.

You grab onto his forearm. Adverting your gaze. “And then what? you’ll just forget about me again.”

Crocodile’s lips skims your earlobe, not kissing it, not landing his mouth on it—but a caress, a tease.

“Forget about you? How can I when you’re all I think about?”

Your face starts burning. “Liar.”

And he kisses you on the cheek.

You repeat yourself, “Liar, liar, liar—“

And he keeps pecking you, kissing you again and again, kissing you until you’re willing to share the bed with him

Which is also, the reason you went to sleep so late.

Summary: He stayed home the day after. Not as a sorry, not as an apology but to remind you—you’re his lady, and she does not get to be neglected.

Trafalgar D. Water Law

You had entered an art competition.

You spent hours on the canvas with meticulous details and adjusted techniques, not one single brushstroke was made with mistake, but now with the deadline closing in, you find the canvas spilled with a dark, brown stain.

Coffee.

And Law is present at the crime scene, empty mug rolling across the floor, his hands stuffed with napkins.

That’s the story why you’re chopping the vegetables with such force, such pace, Law thinks he might be next.

He stands by the door frame, hand rubbing the back of his neck as he goes for a fourth attempt in dealing with this situation.

“Babe,” his tone is careful, “how long will you ignore me for?”

It’s been three hours. And you might go for another four.

Law grumbles something.

“Is there anything I can do to make it up for you?”

You don’t face him. Knife not stopping. “It’s fine.”

Law presses down his lips, that’s what you’ve responded with for the past 10 minutes. A new approach is needed.

He inches near, arms wrapping around your waist as he leans down, lips grazing your temple.

“I’m sorry, yeah? Why don’t we go out to eat tomorrow? On me.”

You blink. “Everything is always on you.”

He holds a smile, “We’re going to the mall afterwards, check.” Law comes close, kissing the side of your face, and you don’t answer. Only grumble.

And he wraps his arms around you tighter, forcing your chopping to come to a halt.

“I’m sorry.” the apology came out far softer than you’d ever think Law could manage to replicate — like a hush, a hum, a crumbled love letter no one was supposed to read; and maybe, just maybe, you can let yourself ease.

“You’re not forgiven.”

Law lands his face on your shoulder. Taking in your scent. Feel his lips place on the nape of your neck. Forcing a shudder.

“Doting me won’t save you.” You say, and another kiss on your neck is made. And your shoulders tenses, composure trembling.

“That’s fine,” his voice is low against your skin as if he’s sinking into the tone of your anger, the strain of your heart — hoarding it all for himself. “I want it either way.”

His arms bundle up over your chest and your knife clatters from your grip as he starts to pepper kisses on your back, shoulder and spine.

What a greedy, selfish, jerk.

Summary: dinner arrived a little bit later than planned—but whatever the case, Law was right where he wanted to be.

Donquixote Doflamingo

Doffy has a temper — sure, you know of it — witnessed it, seen it in full display and all of that is cruel and horrible.

That’s why you didn’t press it when he forgot your six month anniversary.

In the end, small trivial details of such needs are expected to be eluded to a man like him. He does not find it in himself to romance it.

You knew that, of course.

Still.

You dressed up.

Wore your favourite pair of heels and bought a new dress and did your hair.

Maybe there would have been a surprise.

Something.

Anything.

But Donquixote Doflamingo is a man as fine as he is casual, you knew that, so why does it hurt when you see him lounging by the pool; Family members laughing and playing, skimpy men and women fawning over him and colourful cocktails with parasols stuck to its shave and liquor spill down his chin?

He sees you, and grins.

That mocking, stupid, devilish grin that a teenage boy wears when he sees a girl he wants to bully.

But you turn.

And the smile falters.

You’re sitting by the edge of your bed, fiddling with the tiny envelope you prepared for him.

Confessions, admiration, inside jokes and corny heart doodles — you have half the mind to rip it to shreds — only for the door to creak open.

For once, there is no extra flair, his posture somewhat straight, hands in his pocket, and there are no hints of a smile or a scowl or fury — for once, he is serious. And you do not look his way.

“Baby,” He drags out, walking closer, “What’s the matter huh? You left me all alone there, I’ve never felt so neglected in my life before.” He stands before you, larger hands going to your face. “not in the mood today? You sure are dressed up,” He tilts his head. Thumbs and fingers tracing your edges, until he stops.

Watching you. Observing you.

A silence in your figure.

“what’s this? Is my little dove sad?”

You blink. Letter crumpling in your hand. “I’m fine.” your voice is dismissive, eyes not meeting.

You’re guarded. Frustrated, and a little bit… pouty?

It clicks for him then — Comfort. To let him close, near and vulnerable, you require comfort.

“Who do I need to kill?”

That’s when you look at him, cringing, but beneath the shadow of his sunglasses, you spot it; hunger, possession, amusement and murder.

Of course, that’s just how he’s always been.

So you take his hands off of you and slam your head against the mattress.

“You’re the worst.”

A brow of his goes up, “so?”

You squeeze the envelope in your fist, pulling a pillow over your head.

“Forget it. Just die.”

What.

A corner of his lip jerks up, a brow twitches. “What was that—“

“It doesn’t matter!” You dig your face into the mattress and Doflamingo has had enough of your nonsense. He grabs you by the elbows; you relent and he forces you onto your back, clasping your wrist as he makes you look at him.

“Doesn’t matter, hah? You want me to die, hah?” His knee goes between your legs, his weight dipping the mattress, and you seethe. Eyes squeezing shut.

“It’s you who does—“

He slams your wrists in between your head, and the way he looms over you feels a lot like a predator snarling his teeth at his prey — and maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly what you are.

“You’re too pretty to talk so much shit,” he squeezes your wrists, overpowering you. “but go on, tell me, what could possibly upset my pet like this, hm? I’m beyond interested to hear your verdict—“

You force a kick with your knee into his abdomen and he doesn’t flinch. Just shuts up.

“You forgot about our six month anniversary.” Your cheeks burn, “Why am I even dating you. You suck.”

And he blinks.

Once. Twice.

Before snorting, and burst out in laughter.

Hold on your wrists loosening as he brings his lips to your cheek.

His weight slumping over you.

“And here I thought someone needed to die. Awh, poor poor baby, she got herself all dressed up only to find nothing.” He kisses your cheek and you push at him, hit and kick and pull on him to get off of you.

“Get off—“

And he kisses you again, and again, and again and again. Your cheek, nose, neck and jaw, and it’s horrible, because the more he kisses, the more you calm

Sunmary: Safe to say, Donquixote Doflamingo has his own (effective) way of comforting. The rest of the day, he drops all other schedules and appointments just to take you out — dinner, walks, shopping and whatever else that could please your mind. After all, who else but him has the right to spoil you?

Roronoa Zoro

You both made it to a relatively empty stall.

A passing comment, a foolish one — Zoro was gulping down a new brew of sake, the expensive kind, and it went down his throat in one go.

Liquor dripping down his chin.

Adam’s apple bopping.

“Phew!” He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, a glee on his face, “Man… that’s better than sex.”

You blink, whatever you were drinking, you stopped, and glanced to him.

Eye twitching.

And Zoro is completely oblivious. “Oi! chief! Get me another one—“

“—Better,” you cut him off and he looks to you, “than sex?”

“uh—“

You slammed your cup down, and got up.

“Er, I, babe, cmon it’s not like that—“

You start walking off, not giving him a chance to explain himself and Zoro flies to his feet, stool clattering to the ground.

“H-hey, it was a joke, a stupid one, yeah, so babe, cmon—“

Your stomping grows harder. “No, don’t worry, why don’t you order another one since it’s sooo good?”

He catches your shoulder and you slap his hand off of you. Zoro grits his teeth, watching you fume across the street.

Damn it.

Him and his big mouth.

But curse it all if he’s just going to let you stomp off.

He marches after you, “Look, I’m sorry ‘kay? My big mouth ran on its own, y’know it ain’t true so—“

You stop.

You turn.

You cross your arms.

“So?”

“So… I’m sorry?”

You roll your eyes and turn. Moving on.

And he’s had enough.

You feel your feet sweep off the ground.

“H-hey—“ and you’re hoisted over his shoulder, his larger palm above your spine.

“What do you think you’re doing!? Get off of me, you jerk—“

You bang on his shoulder, slam against his back, “Don’t ignore me!”

He does.

And everyone is watching as he crosses the streets with you howling how he’s a degenerate, a low life loser and that Sanji was right about him being a moss haired brute.

You keep shouting, berating and insult his name as Zoro brings you to a more private area by the back alley, he sets you down and you try to move past him but the tall man won’t let you.

You scowl at him. “Move.”

Zoro crosses his arms, brows creasing as he looks down at you. “How long are you gonna keep this up? I’ve said my apologies.” He says and you tip your head to the side, not breaking eye contact. “For as long as I want.”

“Yeah?” He unfolds his arms and takes a step forward, forcing you to step back.

“As long as you want huh. How long is that?” He says and you keep walking back. “Why don’t you ask for another drink? Might give you an answer.” you retort.

Zoro comes closer, and you hit a wall behind you.

“Get out of my way. Jerk.” You say, but you cannot meet his gaze.

He’s close now. Too close.

Close enough to feel his heat, sense his cologne.

He places his wrist above your head—cornering you.

And you burn.

“A joke.” His voice low, his face leaning in as if for a kiss and on instinct—you pout.

How stupid, how desperate.

Because he stops right there.

Right before he lands his mouth onto yours.

A smirk etching on his face.

“You want a kiss? I thought you weren’t done sulking—“

Your splayed hands across the wall clumps into fists, hitting his shoulder. “Shut up—“

And he kisses you. Harder, firmer, pushing into you as if to make you know your place and he kisses you again, and again.

Kissing you until he’s sick of your bullshit.

Summary: It really was a joke, you understand that after your session with him behind the alleyway.

a/n: took inspo for Zoro's part with Sypha's and Trevor's banter from Castlevania AHEM