Summary: The brightest lights often illuminate at the moment things seem the darkest. After consuming a devil fruit a young celestial dragon is kicked out of Mariejois and things fall apart until when all hope seemed lost a certain pink bastard shows his face, pulls her from hell and into paradise.
Pairing: Donquixote Doflamingo x Saint Maria (OC)
Warnings: Fluff, Angst, Human Trafficking, Original Devil Fruit, Romance, OCs, Torture, Death, Lore heavy
Notes: I decided to try posting some of my ao3 content onto Tumblr. This is the lore of my oc for a pairing with Doffy, I'm very normal about this man. The angstiest thing I'll probably ever post in terms of topics. Italics is either thoughts or emphasis on smth and I make it decently clear when it's thinking. Line breaks indicate time passing/ major scene change, Art done by my wife @wattabotta
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In the holy land of Mariejois, 16 years prior to the Straw Hats and Trafalgar Law overthrowing Dressrosa. Inside a large manor a 12 year old girl was harassing her father for what must have been the umpteenth time of the day. The girl wore a short white dress with floral patterns at the base of the skirt and cuffs of the slightly puffed shoulders. Her neck adorned with a silver necklace, her legs covered with a pair of white stockings that meet her black slightly heeled shoes. She had milky brown hair in an elegant braided bun on top of her hair with some bangs swept to the side.
“Father, pleaseeee I need that fruit!” She whined whilst tugging on her fathers white and gold coat. Her father groaned and rubbed between his eyebrows. He was normally not a man to deny his daughter anything, but the request this time simply felt unnecessary.
“Maria, how many times do we have to go over this?” Her fathers deep voice was laced with frustration. “You cannot consume one of those fruits no matter what power you may gain.” Her father then shoved her to the ground. “It was a mistake to let you read those fairy tales and an even greater mistake to let you look into that vile encyclopedia. You are a descendant of the gods. What use would that fruit have to you?! You have all the power in the world at your fingertips already, You can have endless slaves.” The man sat down in a large purple felt chair and without even needing to snap his fingers, a shirtless man crawled over and let his joints lay on the ground acting as a footstool. “Want a exotic pet, name it and it’s yours. Wish for someone’s execution, shoot them yourself and no one will bat an eye.” With one large clearing of his throat a cup of tea was placed in front of the man by yet another nearly nude male.
“You don’t understand papa! With that fruit, I’d be even more divine, no doctor in the world can give me what I need. That fruit is my only hope at being happy, life is worthless without it.” Maria’s brown eyes began to well up with tears.
“Maria, don’t you dare give me those fake tears. A young lady like yourself should not be crying at this age.” Maria’s father then snapped his fingers signaling a pair of slaves to rush forward and start a fire in the large and regal fireplace that stood a few feet away.
“What would mother think about you saying no to me!” Maria shouted, causing the room to fall silent and her father to rise.
“You spoiled brat!” Her father’s hand struck her face with a loud smack echoing in the room. Maria’s face stinging caused her to curl up and begin wailing, a few well dressed female slaves rushed over and attempted to comfort the sobbing girl. Seconds began stretching longer and longer as the wailing wouldn’t stop, each cry eating away at Maria’s father.
“Why don’t you love me father?” Maria’s gentle voice managed through sobs. That was the final straw; her father swooped in picking up Maria and rocking her. He simply couldn’t stand it anymore. She deserved what she wanted and he would get it for her however possible.
“I love you so much Maria. I’m sorry I hit you and said no. My baby girl deserves the world fed to her on a spoon if she wants. I’ll see what I can do to get you that fruit.” He cooed and gently began to hum as Maria clung to him.
“Thank you father! I love you too!” She continued to sob but this time out of joy. Her father sat down and let Maria sit in his lap while a slave brought over a transponder snail for the man.
“Let’s see what the navy can do for us.” He murmured while picking up the receiver and made a call.
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It only took a month for the fruit to be found. It wasn’t all too sought after nor costly in berries. It was a fruit with little to no combative abilities, no pirate needed it except to brag about having a devil fruit to spare on board. No average citizen wanted to lose their ability to swim in the ocean over it. So it was only a matter of a one on one negotiation that certainly raised a few eyebrows. The pirate crew who did have it felt little need in keeping it but when they found out the navy wanted it clearly it meant something and thus the price began to rise and then stagnated. Once delivered to Mariejois a certain girl was over the moon.
“Father, look!” Maria cried as she jumped around, her hair rapidly grew longer than herself before returning to her natural hip length. “It’s perfect, I can style it how I want whenever! I’m not limited to the yearly waits and pains of the trash!” She spun around and danced while her hair fluctuated lengths.
“Yes it is beautiful Maria, but you have to promise me something.” Her father crouched down in front of Maria, his voice quiet and sprinkled with a hint of nervousness.
“What is it?” She raised her eyebrows slightly and attentively looked at her father, stopping her dancing.
“You must not let another dragon know about this. If you do, you cannot let them know how you obtained it.”
“Why?” Maria didn’t understand, part of the reason she wanted this fruit was to stand out and be the most beautiful lady in all of Mariejois, heck the whole world but that wouldn’t be hard since most of the world was filled with trash beneath her.
“If they found out you ate a devil fruit and I gave it to you, we could be kicked out of the holy land.” He began to sweat and panic at the idea. The only time someone had left the holy land permanently was that idiot from the Donquixote family who robbed his children of the life they had deserved. Maria began to shake at the thought of being removed from Mariejois, the idea of no longer being an all powerful celestial dragon simply couldn’t compute in her pampered brain. “So Maria, whatever you do, don't say a word.” At that moment, the clock began fast forwarding. The holy land of Mariejois felt more and more like a land mine when it came to mentioning Maria or why her father had begun to tighten his normally loose wallet until one fateful night.
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“Father!” Maria screamed at the top of her lungs as she flailed against the marines now carrying her away. Her father meanwhile was bound to a pole with a pistol near his temple. “Let me go, you marines! Do you know who I am!?” Her struggles were futile. “They are going to shoot my father! Please stop them! He’s one of them and so am I! I’m a celestial dragon, put me down!”
“You were a celestial dragon.” A large man with a large marine jacket hanging off his shoulders spoke. “You then wasted that by consuming a devil fruit.” Maria’s eye’s both widened and shrunk. “To them and to us you're just some run of the mill commoner who’s tainted their blood.”
“Why are you taking me away, please help-!” Her voice went silent as a gunshot echoed over Mary Jois.
“Your father is being put down for tainting a dragon.” The large marine spoke once more and grabbed Maria by her head with one hand taking her away from the other marines. “Now you be quiet while we drop you off somewhere.” Was the last thing Maria remembers hearing before rudely waking up on a summer island in the middle of the grand line.
Through trials and errors she managed to fight for survival in the wilderness steering clear of the small town nearby for fear of what they might do to her. She recognized it. It was the island her father and her would visit for a 'mind opening experience'. Most of the time they simply abused the townsfolk for their goods and even killed a few who didn’t comply. They would surely recognize her if they saw her.
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10 years prior to the chaos in Dressrosa. Maria, much to her reluctance, had become a somewhat capable outdoorsman. But one thing constantly remained an issue, she heavily lacked a green thumb and the ability to garden, thus leaving her reliant on stealing food from the townsfolk. Multiple incidents nearly revealed her identity and many nights she would go to bed hungry early on.
She had developed well despite the hunger; only losing a few inches to a foot in height from her lack of food early on. She had now started to concoct a plan to craft a small vessel and set sail across the seas in hopes of finding an island she could merge into and lay low. She was well aware she couldn’t return to Mariejois. Her father had constantly reminded her of that once she ate her devil fruit.
“That Donquixote boy was denied re-entry for his fathers actions, I’m positive the same would happen to you.”
It was just another evening for her. A little grab and go so she could eat. As the townsfolk prepared to close stalls but still sell was when they were most distracted. The evening started smoothly like any other. Most vendors didn’t even notice. She was sneaking down an ally to her final stop. The cured meat. It wasn’t her favorite but protein was protein. She took a deep breath and used the small puddle of water formed by gutter drippings as a mirror to see if the vendor had left or turned his back. She saw it, her split second opening. She swiped at some meat before her wrist was painfully cut off by a tight grip from a large hairy hand.
“Gotcha!” The meat vendor announced proudly to the whole street market. “We have our little thief!” He tugged Maria into the setting sun light. While she may have changed plenty of 6 years, the town immediately recognized her. “It’s you!”
“That celestial dragon brat has been stealing our stuff for the last few years!?” Another vendor shouted.
“If you’re stealing…” The meat vendor’s face contorted into a furious yet twisted smile. “That means you have no power anymore doesn’t it?” Maria was frozen, she was never able to properly hunt, when she did she was a trapper. Now she felt trapped herself. “Gather up the town! Tonight we have our revenge on our tormentor!” The townsfolk began to cheer loudly before Maria felt a heavy bonk on the back of her head.
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Smoke and constraints aroused the girl from her unwanted slumber. She looked around in a panic. The sky was shimmering with stars, but black smoke began to pollute the skyline.
“She’s awake! The party can start!” One of the townsfolk notified the rest. Maria attempted to move but couldn't as she looked down, below her was a small sea of fire just barely missing her toes. Rope bound her to a tall post.
“I got it!” She felt a smack and splat against her face as someone clocked her with a tomato that exploded against her. The crowd below her began to holler.
“Me next! She stole from my stall most often!” One woman protested and pelted Maria in the gut with a good sized rock. Quickly more and more rocks began to pelt and bruise Maria. She began to feel her eyes sting as the pain was rapidly becoming overwhelming.
“Please stop!” She wailed over the roaring mob which was greeted with laughter.
“She’s begging trash like us to stop!”
“She didn’t listen to our cries, why should we hers!”
Maria continued to take the onslaught, she had no choice and every single object that hit her chipped away little by little at her pride, her fire to survive. It was all her fault she was in this situation. Had she never gotten so greedy and wanted a devil fruit. She'd still be with her father happily in Mariejois. She wouldn’t have been stuck with this trash, forced to live below them.
“Hold on!” A feminine voice took over the crowd. The mob turned their heads to see a woman with blue hair pulling back an arrow in her bow. “Once the arrow is in. Aim for it.” The arrow whizzed in the air before piercing Maria in her right side, forcing a scream out of her. The mob followed up quickly by continuing their onslaught of rocks, vegetables and even a few attempted to take arrow shots.
“What’s going on here?” A gruff voice asked a townsfolk in the back.
“We found out a celestial dragon who tormented us was removed from Mariejois and has lived on our island for years stealing from us.”
“Oh a little revenge. Rather beautiful.” The voice’s owner, a large obese man with a hairy chest, a captain's hat, red coat and unusually long boots that merged at his hips, began to let out a hearty chuckle.
“Wait a minute- RUN IT’S THE BOOT PIRATES!!!” cried out the one townsfolk and caused a mass panic. The long booted figure made his way through the panic and kicked down the pole which constrained Maria who had fallen unconscious from the pain.
“I’ll be taking this, I bet the slave auction would go wild for you.” He once again let out a hearty laugh while he freed and re-constrained Maria before carrying her off to his ship.
The salt from the sea water poured into Maria’s nostrils waking her from yet another forceful slumber. “Hello?” Her voice was weak from her desperate please from the previous night.
“Oh you’re awake, good good.” The booted man sat opposite of Maria who was leant against a wall. “My doctor said you’ll be fine, maybe a scar or two on your hip where you were shot but alive.”
“Let me go, you pirate!” Maria attempted to flail only to hurt herself and wince.
“Lil lady. I just saved you from your own demise. You should be thanking me. Now you’re gonna help me out here. We’re on our way to Sabaody Archipelago, not too far from where we are now, just a few more days.” The man adjusted his boots while speaking. “I’m sure you would know all too well what lays there.”
“You wouldn’t dare. I’m a celestial dragon!”
“Bwah hah hah!” The man couldn’t help but laugh at the pathetic sight in front of him. “You were! Seeing how those townsfolk treated you I bet there’s a sicko who’d pay big money to torture you for the rest of your life!” Maria sunk down and everything began to feel dull. From being thrown out by the celestial dragons, to tortured by townsfolk, to captive to a pirate crew and then to slavery. She had fallen all the way down to the bottom of the trash. “Don’t get too sad on me lil lady. I had some crewmates dig up dirt on you. You got devil fruit powers. Why don’t you show me. Let’s keep raising that price tag the auction house is gonna pay me.” Maria didn’t know what else to do and she complied and her matted hair began to slither on the floor. “Maybe some weird freak would love to use you for who knows what.” His chuckle felt much more ominous than before and Maria stopped using her power. “Why don’t we clean you up for the auction, I’ve got a few ladies on my crew. They can fix your hair and hide some of those bruises.” He stood laughing once more and leaving Maria alone with her thoughts for a moment. She may have soon been given company but nothing felt more insulting right now than being ‘dressed up’ to be auctioned off to some freak right now.
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“Only 100,000 berries!? You’re killing me Disco!” The booted man’s shouts interrupted the head auctioneer who sported a weirdly shaped hat with flowers.
“I can’t even be sure she’ll sell for that! We don’t often get her crowd of people here.” Disco snarkily retorted. “Take it or leave it before it falls further.”
“Fine.” The booted man tossed Maria towards Disco who had two employees catch her.
“Careful with the merchandise.” Disco then let out a sigh as he contemplated how he was going to market this peculiar piece of merchandise. “Perhaps as a mystery main event? I can’t have her wait till the end. We have a very special and low patient guest today. I guess we’ll peak in the middle. Who knows maybe she won’t even sell and that will crush the auction. That damned boot.”
“We still do have a mermaid, remember. She’s under 30.” One employee calmly reminded Disco as he took Maria behind bars to wait for her turn.
“Oh yes, beautiful. Mermaid after her to recover incase of failure.”
A large pink ship anchored at Grove One of Sabaody. The ship’s head is a flamingo wearing red sunglasses with oddly shaped white frames. The sides had large wing designs. And the jolly roger was a simple circle with one line of teeth for the bottom, two eyes and a line through the left eye.
“Is that the Donquixote pirates?” A passerby began to sweat as they headed to the auction house.
“Yeah. What are they doing here… Didn’t their leader become a warlord of the sea recently?”
“Keep your head down and just get to the auction house, they might hear you idiot!” One passerby whispered.
“Young master, we have arrived.” a young woman calmly stood in the doorway of the captain's quarters and informed the captain. A blonde male with very short hair. His legs on top of his desk and crossed at his heels. He was leaning back with his hands in the pocket of his white pants. A white dress shirt unbuttoned showed his tan chest. A massive pink feather coat draped over his shoulders and red sunglasses hid his eyes. He gave the woman a large toothy grin as he slowly uncrossed his legs and rose.
“Wonderful, for how long a trip it is here from Dressrosa, it’d have better been worth it.” His arrogant voice filled the room. His oddly wide steps as he made his way out of the captains quarters and onto the main deck, making him stand out even more.
“Would you like anything prepared while you're at the auction young master?” The woman bowed down whilst the man's pink coat fluttered by her nose.
“Have the ship ready to leave for Dressrosa at a moment's notice.” He ordered while he walked down the stairs to the main deck and then off the ship to the auction house.
The auction house itself was bustling with activity as many a noble clambered for seats, word had spread about the mystery and that there was also a young mermaid. Bright lights engulfed the main stage where Disco stood with a microphone in one hand and using the other to hide his mouth as he conversed with a few employees on the order of items and any last minute needs. The man with the feathered coat entered and sat above in an extravagantly large red chair with a view of the entire audience and stage. A single employee wordlessly bowed and offered a list of the items to the man who lazily took it while relaxing into the large chair, one hand holding the list so he may scan it, the other being propping up his head while he leant on the arm of the chair.
Ambient music began and the lights on the stage dimmed ever so slightly leaving one brighter patch where Disco stood.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We have a very special auction for you tonight, our normally biggest fish, a young female mermaid, is number two to our main event!” The audience cheered and murmured in excitement about the mermaid and possibilities of what this main event could be. “Now it’d only be fitting for a big auction like this to start big!” The curtains that acted as a backdrop began to rise revealing a giant.
Maria who was slumped and chained against a wall heard the excitement of the auction faintly. She couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge that many of the other items were glaring at her. Her kind most often bought and toyed with them and they were so close to being able to get a little catharsis, yet so far. Little by little the cage she was held in became emptier and emptier and she felt the life drain from her more and more, her eyes had long since grown dull and tired from the whirlwind that was her last few days. The bleak reality that laid in front of her weighed her down.
“It’s your turn c’mon.” An employee jostled Maria who lazily shuffled along what may as well be death row for her. The excited murmurs of the crowd growing louder, she could now begin to make out the head auctioneer’s sell job.
“The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived, it’s time to meet tonight’s special item, we’ve had this young lady properly appraised and everything I’m about to tell you is true to the letter.” The man in the feathered coat rolled his eyes. The auction had long become dull. “Tonight’s main event has fallen ungracefully from the holy land of Mariejois! She has consumed a devil fruit and just turned into a mature woman if you catch my drift!” The crowd was silent and something had finally caught the man with the feathered coat’s attention, as Maria stepped onto the stage before being thrust down onto her knees.
Disco continued to try his best and sell Maria while unease and whispering began to fill the auction house. “I’m sure plenty of you have encountered a celestial dragon in your time here at this very auction house, seeing how they can rip away anything of yours on a whim.” Disco spoke carefully, despite no dragons showing for this auction, you could never be too careful. “Wouldn’t you like to see one grovel at your feet? One beg you for the torment you put it through to stop? Or perhaps you have some acquired taste.” Disco turned to Maria who was blankly staring towards the crowd. It almost insulted her more that no one had jumped at the chance to own her. Was she not even good enough to be a slave? “Would you be so kind as to show us that devil fruit of yours?” Maria complied and her hair that had been cut to her waist snaked its way down before slithering along the floor a few feet around her, her hair having separated into small sections reminiscent of flower petals. “This item is a once in a lifetime opportunity, no joke, we get mermaids now and then but a celestial dragon who fell from grace? We may never see this again in the history of the world! Why don’t we get this auction started, do I have 200,000 Berries!?” The crowd hushed and Maria began to tremble, she was worth more than that and yet no one even bothered to bid. Were they afraid of her? How could they be she had no power.
“I’ll give you a bag of seeds instead.” One audience member had broken the silence. Greeted by a few muffled posh laughs that spread through the auction house.
“Would a stone be above that?” The snarky comments poured in, Maria allowed her head to droop and amidst everyone cracking jokes a well dressed gentleman had snuck on stage and towered over Maria.
“I’ll give you one berry for her.” His posh voice was tainted with sarcasm as he pulled out a pistol he had tucked away in his suit. Maria finally decided to speak and verbalize her frustration.
“You dare compare me to the stones you walk on, then offer a single berry for a divine being like myself?” Maria’s voice and body was trembling with rage as she looked up and stared down the pistol. Her tired pupils seemed so small and shook. A broken, infuriated smile had taken over her lips.
“Precisely.” The man shook the pistol in an attempt to threaten Maria. Maria simply began to wheeze out a laugh.
“You don’t have it in you.” Maria taunted whilst the gentleman raised an eyebrow and readied the pistol.
“I don’t? Watch your mouth slave.”
“None of you could possibly pull that trigger!” Maria became hysterical as she stared down death. “You are all filth and dirt on the bottom of my feet!” Even if nothing mattered with death moving in for her she had to die with her pride. “I am divine! So go ahead kill a god! You can’t!” Maria’s words were drowned out as the gun fired. Everything felt like it froze. The bullet inched closer and closer and Maria dared not flinch. Just as the bullet would have met its target, it stopped mid air.
“W-what?” The gentleman had begun to freak out as not only had his bullet stopped and suddenly dropped to the floor, his own hand began to point his gun towards himself. A haunting chuckle took over the auction house as the pink coated man made his way down the stairs and to the stage.
“That was quite the performance, little lady.” Maria stared towards her savior. With one hand in his pocket and the other contorting and almost dancing in the air while the gentleman’s mouth opened and the gun placed inside.
“J-Joker please I apologize for the chaos, this never happens.” Disco begged his superior for forgiveness.
“Apologize? Had this not happened I would have left this snooze fest.” The audience began to murmur as they recognized the recently appointed warlord of the sea, the captain of the Donquixote pirates, Donquixote Doflamingo. Maria couldn’t help but feel like the now spotlight on her savior made him radiant. A muffled please don’t came from the gentleman before one more bang rang out and the gentleman fell backwards, blood leaking onto the floorboards of the stage. “Now keep the auction going, we’re at one berry.” Doflamingo commanded as he struts around Maria getting a proper look.
“D-do we have any other bids?” Disco's voice trembled for a moment as he collected himself. The audience remained silent. No one dared to challenge for a bid, it all was superficial and mattered not, they knew whatever they said would be out bid. By this point Doflamingo had already decided he’d out bid anyone, why risk upsetting such a pirate. While Disco desperately tried to get the audience to bid, Doflamingo squatted down behind Maria.
“W-what do you want?” Maria had finally had her adrenalin rush fade and felt the fear of being so close to such a pirate, yet that fear swealed in her stomach, it contorted into a knot of fear and joy.
“They don’t litter my wanted poster all over of Mariejois as a warning then? That’s a shame.” His deep chuckle after he spoke reverberated in Maria’s chest and she had finally clued in.
“Y-you’re Donquixote Doflamingo?” Suddenly that fear quelled a little, perhaps someone like him understood her struggle. Maybe, just maybe she’d not live surrounded by trash but by someone like her once more, someone divine.
“In the flesh, tell me your name Dove.” Maria’s heart began to flutter at the idea, the hope of hearing her name come from this god behind her, he had already blessed her with hope and a new name if he cared not for her current one.
“Saint Maria.” She was quick to answer, she needed him to save her once more, she couldn’t stand the idea of knowing he had been right behind her, his warm breath passing by her ear and then having to leave his side and be below the trash that lacked any respect for her.
“Already so obedient.” Maria could hear the smirk forming on his lips. Disco had looked defeated, not only had he failed to sell such a unique item, he did so in front of his boss, surely his life was at stake. “Disco.” His body and mind halted. “I’ll cut you a deal since I’m in such a good mood. I’ll reimburse you her cost if I get to take her with me.” Maria’s eyes had widened, the brown color no longer dull but restored. Disco rapidly began to thank his boss for the bailout and ordered some employees to remove Maria’s restraints as well as the self detonating collar via Doflamingo’s request.
“We shall take a short break to clean up and then return.” Disco informed the bidders who stayed seated as Doflamingo walked by with Maria right beside him. His hulking figure made the normally tall woman seem so small, so frail.
“I think that was enough of this snore fest don’t you?” Doflamingo asked Maria who nodded and let out a mhm sound.
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“Young master, I see you found something interesting at today's auction. We are ready to sail, would you like me to prepare her?” The woman from before bowed and asked.
“Yes, get her out of those rags she was given then send her to my quarters.” Doflamingo waved the two women off while he went to his quarters.
“Come this way.” The woman led Maria down to a servant room where there were two bunks, one empty the other for the woman leading Maria. “I see the young master removed your collar.”
“Yes, I am indebted to that gracious man.” Maria swooned as she was assisted with changing into a simple pink dress with a feather pattern at the bottom. “Are you also from the auction house?” Maria was so over the moon about being free from that torment she hadn’t really taken in her situation.
“I was yes.” The woman furrowed her eyebrows as she walked around Maria thinking. “I can’t believe your collar was removed so fast, he must like you. So what’s your story.” The woman began making slight adjustments to the dress’ fit on Maria.
“I’m a-” Maria cut herself off. “I was a celestial dragon, just like him.” She may still be divine but after everything she has begun to resent associating with them. The woman nearly choked on her own spit. “Don't ruin this dress, I need to continue my good first impression.” Maria almost panicked at the thought of upsetting her savior.
“Y-yes I understand.” The woman finally understood why the lady in front of her was so special, why she was freed of her slave collar. She had her own unique collar already within a matter of minutes, infatuation. The only reason she could assume the young master had purchased her must have been for some deep personal reason, after all why would a king need to buy a slave when he had a country at his feet now. “Would you be so kind as to let me style your hair?” The woman had hoped her request wasn’t crossing boundaries, she had accompanied the young master before and seen how nobles acted.
“You want to style my hair?” Maria’s eyes sparkled with excitement, she had never had someone other than her mother and the slaves do her hair and only her mother ever asked, the slaves were all ordered so her father didn’t deal with her. “Go ahead, If you need more or less for what you wish to do let me know I’ve got a bit of a talent.” She giggled before skipping onto a bunk sitting at one end while the woman sat at the other and began to work relieved to have not upset the potential landmine in front of her.
“We should be done. What do you think?” The woman gently inquired, while she was proud she still worried for the thoughts of her canvas.
“It's…” Maria went silent as she admired her hair. It had been braided almost like a crown along the sides of her head before meeting at the back in a bun that looked almost like a rose. “Unbelievable. I might just have to keep you as my own personal stylist.” Maria, still over the moon, had let her drilled in dragon mannerisms slip away and shone a bright smile to the woman. “Maybe not all people outside of Mariejois are trash.” The woman felt a sting in her eyes.
“T-thank you, p-please go on and don’t keep the young master waiting.” Maria hopped up and exited the cabin onto the main deck absorbing last embers of the setting sun. Behind that spoiled and bratty exterior was a little girl who dreamed of being a princess, ushered away from the woes of the world by a prince. The woman thought as she sat on her bunk collecting herself she still had to bring dinner and could not allow a moment of weakness just yet, not when the young master could call upon her.
Maria made her way up to the captain’s quarters. She gently knocked on the door twice, getting muffled enter from behind the door. As she entered she did her best to curtsy. It had certainly been a few years so she was a little out of practice but nonetheless she had earned a minor chuckle.
“C’mere.” Doflamingo ushered Maria to his side where a stool sat, she made her way over and sat down, her nervous mind a wreck, she was sitting right beside him again. This time no longer chained but free, how should she act, how would he want to be addressed, he did buy her from the auction, was she just a slave to him? Doflamingo simply watched the gears turn in Maria’s head while he himself pondered the goal of this acquisition. It was a rare heat of the moment action for him, he didn’t need a servant, he would have plenty in Dressrosa, he certainly didn’t need a plaything woman threw themselves at him in Dressrosa, he was their king. Perhaps simply having her belong to him was all he needed, yes that was all the reason he needed.
“Young master?” Maria had settled on this being the best approach, it was what the slave had called him, while she hated the idea of being on equal footing this felt like her best option. That certainly had a nice ring to it, but if she was truly something so special to him, perhaps she could skip a few steps on the ladder she would much rather address such a spectacular man by his name, maybe even a nickname one day when she was far more sure of her stability. This situation, while a blessing, was far more harrowing to navigate then surviving in the wilderness. How else do you treat a god than utter obedience, but when you’re divine yourself how do you attempt to keep equal footing. It had simply been so long since she was in a position to have wiggle room, a voice to be heard. Doflamingo raised a brow and gave a hum of acknowledgement. “What exactly is our arrangement?” Maria began to hold her breath, did she dare speak her mind clearer, and risk being seen as biting the hand that saved her. She must, she isn’t just some ordinary slave. She was divine herself, he would respect that to some degree surely. “I would ideally not like to be another run of the mill slave-” A finger pressed against her lips quieting her oncoming rambling.
“My dear Dove.” That nickname once again, her heart skipped a beat, his deep voice had rapidly become a soothing sound on her ears, no matter the undertones. “Our arrangement is such. You are mine, you do as I say and I’ll give you what you desire.” He was what she wanted, to stay by his side. That was security, that was safety. She couldn’t help but stare into his lenses, while all she saw was her, it still gave her comfort that he was looking back behind those crimson shades. He removed his finger from her lips, as if to signal her to respond.
“I understand.” She hesitated for a second, nervous that this was a mistake but finished her sentence. “Doflamingo.”
Sailing back to Dressrosa, was a simple journey for the experienced crew but certainly became more annoying with the ever growing comfortable mini-flamingo onboard. Maria while not nearly as cruel as Captain Doflamingo was, she was however at times unreasonable and drove the crew off the wall when she wasn’t contained in the captain’s quarters, instead constantly talking her mouth off or even once she attempted to lend a hand during a cannon fight with another ship once across the Red-Line into the New World. Her assistance only cost them a shot, her miss so terrible that while she was being scolded by one of the actual cannon operators Doflamingo’s laugh dominated the soundscape. While Maria was starting to gel and freshen up her social skills as well as her dragon mannerisms. Doflamingo had much to consider, while he was certainly confident word in Dressrosa would stay in Dressrosa about the king having a personal attendant, what would more powerful forces say. Would the navy dare bare their teeth at him? Would a future customer attempt blackmail? One thing was certain, once Maria had stepped foot onto Dressrosa she would never take another step off without him there. This woman had stolen a minute corner of his brain and needed to be caged properly, it wouldn’t be hard, she was already indebted to him. Just a few simple tugs in the right direction.
The Donquixote ship had finally docked at Dressrosa late into the night, Maria was out cold on a couch in the captain's quarters, the smell of burning wax of a candle and the lingering scents of Doflamingo on the cushions had sent her into a deep slumber. With a few hush orders, Maria was carried off to a room in the castle he had requested made for her. She needed to be close but she couldn’t be too close, he had already felt himself becoming too attached to the woman. With quick flicks of his fingers he soared through the night sky, skipping off his own strings to the castle.
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Maria could barely wake up when the sun was dancing through a window onto her face. The lush bedding, the silky and fluffy pillows, the warm and heavy blankets had her wrapped up in the idea of sleeping in. The smell of breakfast forced her awake, sweet maple syrup, starting to melt butter and the aroma of powdered sugar, pancakes. Maria rolled over to see a tray, with three stacked fluffy pancakes and an icy glass of water dripping with condensation. It was like she was a little girl all over again, a luxurious bed and breakfast warm and ready to draw her away from resting more. As she sluggishly sat up she examined the golden tray, it held her breakfast and required utensils as well as a note and timetable? It was littered with schedules and names of people she had no idea of. Only one name was recognizable and that was Doflamingos. His schedule was simply torn out. As she examined the note she noticed the tears at the edges. ‘Welcome home Dove.’ It read on one side but flipped. It was a schedule but not a single slot was filled, but there was one more section of writing. ‘Enjoy your present.’ What present? The door clicked and opened, in the doorway was the woman from before.
“My lady, may I enter?” She bowed in the doorway. Maria put two and two together based on how she was addressed.
“Yes you may, would you be able to fill me in. Doflamingo certainly left plenty out when we discussed our arrangement.” Maria sunk her fork into the delicate pastry before her, carving out a piece and indulging her hunger for quality food.
“Of course.” The woman shut the door behind herself and pulled a stool opposite of Maria before she began to explain the situation to the girl before her. “You are in the kingdom of Dressrosa where the young master reigns as king. I have been assigned to be your personal servant, I will be at your beck and call for whatever you may need.” Maria nodded as she continued her delectable breakfast. It was nice to have a slave back under her control, but she couldn’t help but feel like perhaps her years of isolation and this woman's gentle attitude had earned her a slightly better title than slave in her mind. Was she being too soft? That was something to discuss with Doflamingo, a good reality check. “Once breakfast is completed I will help you prepare for the morning. The young master instructed me to give you a tour of the castle and introduce you to the family.”
“The family?” Maria spoke after a large swallow.
“Anyone who is a higher up in the Donquixote pirates is part of the young masters family, the one exception being you.” The woman borrowed the blank schedule and pulled a pen from her apron and drew a little higher-archy. “The young master is the top, followed by the top executives and then below them are the standard executives. You stand somewhere between here.” The woman drew a line with two sides of arrows pointing between Doflamingo and the top executives. “I know a lady as radiant as yourself would like to be as high as the young master.” Maria pursed her lips a moment before letting out a deep breath from her nose, the woman began to sweat slightly, worried she had already upset her new master.
“That…” Maria paused and then relaxed her shoulders. “Is acceptable.” The woman let out a sigh of relief. She had no idea what she was getting into, she’d had served Doflamingo and he was certainly a special man who she could not afford slip ups with. This young lady seemed to have more patience than him, but she was a celestial dragon like the young master was, nature or perhaps the young master had softened and reigned her in already. “I have a request for you.”
“Whatever it is, consider it done my lady.”
“Well Penny.” Maria rose from the bed as she had finished her breakfast. “Shall we pick out something cute? I have no idea about the fashion in Dressrosa, or how I should do my hair.” Maria headed over to a large wardrobe.
“Of course.” Penny quickly accompanied her new master. “We can go to the market if you’d like later and properly fill this up.”
“That would be wonderful.” As Maria scanned the half filled wardrobe it was very clear to her she only had her necessities and some of them certainly seemed a little personal. “Any suggestions?”
“It will get warm in the afternoon…” Penny’s voice tailed off as she thought and looked through the wardrobe, taking out a pair of rather short pink shorts, knee high socks, pastel pink mary janes with a small platform, a nearly white but hinted pink short sleeve dress shirt and the piece de-resistance a pink coat with a feathered collar and cuffs. “You can put the jacket around your waist if you get too warm.” Maria snagged the clothes eagerly.
“Wonderful, turn around now while I change.” Penny did as told and turned, she took a couple steps forward grabbing an expensive looking hair brush that sat on a small pillow, the pillow lay on a desk with a mirror and stool for Maria to sit and pamper herself if she so chose. The sound of fabric slipping off and shuffling was all that was in the room as Maria had changed. “I’m thinking, something simple and classic for my hair today.”
“A ponytail and bow sound good my lady?” Penny opened a draw scanning through the assortment of accessories, finding a large silky pastel pink bow.
“Very good.” Maria sat in the stool once changed and allowed Penny to swiftly work. “What is the family like?”
“They all are wonderful, perhaps a little intense.” the soft sound of the gentle bristles running through Maria’s hair accompanied Penny’s voice. “I should prepare you for two specific members' special traits however.” Maria hummed in response. Her legs gently swayed. “Master Pica has a rather high voice, it’d be in your best interest to not comment and Master Trebol does not understand personal space.” Penny finished brushing and began to contain Maria’s hair high on the back of her head.
“I will hold my tongue, I suppose, if that would make Doflamingo happy.” Maria sighed, it was a sacrifice she’d have to make, if Doflamingo considered them family, maybe it’d end up like Penny, a pleasant individual.
“It would be very important to the young master.” Penny stepped back once the ponytail was in place. “My lady you look wonderful, shall we begin the tour?” Maria stood and nodded as she walked back to her bed and grabbed the time table, putting names to faces would be important, this was her new family after all.
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The tour was swimming along, Maria had found the library, the kitchen, dining hall and throne room. All unoccupied at the moment. Marias tour continued to the garden where a few servants were at work pruning flowers, trimming hedges and watering needs.
“It’s beautiful out here.” Maria wandered around peering over the shoulders of servants and squatting down at certain flowers for smells. “I’m unfamiliar with all of these plants. Are they all from here?”
“Yes, all flora is native to Dressrosa.” Penny then showed Maria a large hedge in the shape of a flamingo getting a snort from the lady.
“Charming.” She managed through a few gentle giggles as she covered her mouth partially with her hand.
“The young master has splendid taste, no?”
“He certainly does.” Maria agreed, her laughter was not in fun of her savior, she found it adorable. This big bad pirate had a gentle and serene garden with hedge art of his animal namesake, it very much pleased her.
“M’lady could I interest you in a hedge for yourself?” One of the gardening servants asked Maria. Who jumped on the idea.
“Yes please, would you be able to make a dove?”
“Most certainly, I shall request your presence once completed.” The gardener went to work post haste.
“I missed having such a wonderful garden at my fingertips.” Maria continued to wander the garden sitting on the edge of a large stone fountain. “My father would garden with me, it was one of the rare times he didn’t delegate me to my mother or the slaves.”
“Is there a plant you would like to add? I can arrange for us to grow it, my lady.” Penny pulled out a notepad, ready to make arraignments right there. Maria put a finger to her chin and thought. Most flora from Mariejois was of no interest to her anymore, this was an opportunity to explore, she had all the flora in the world at her fingertips.
“Give me a few days of going through some almanacs and I’ll give you an answer.” Maria had decided on not deciding for now. She simply absorbed the rays of sun that warmed her.
“Of course.” Penny returned her notepad to her apron. “We should continue our tour, by now I’m sure a few members of the family should be at the pool.” Maria hopped up, the idea of sitting by the water absorbing the sun sounding spectacular.
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By the time the two had arrived at the pool the hustle and bustle of the castle had picked up and Maria could finally hear muffled voices.
“Do you think Doflamingo will be there?” Maria hoped out loud to Penny.
“Possibly, I have no idea what he is up to today.” The young master wouldn’t dare wander too far on your first day, you may not see him but he’ll be there my lady. “Are you going to be alright?”
“I will be fine.” Maria took her first step into the pool area, the sun dancing off her. The pool was crystal clear minus the effeminate looking boy with horns swimming and long chairs lay ready for company to tan. An excessively large couch sits at the end of the pool nearest the entryway. Off to the left was a large man with buck teeth that had the jolly roger of the Donquixote pirates on them. He seemed to be teasing a young teenage female with black hair.
“Buffalo, would you shut your mouth!” The black haired one shouted while she stomped her foot.
“It was an honest question Baby 5, you're getting to the point where it’s weird you haven’t had your first boyfriend.” Buffalo simply continued his teasing much to Baby 5’s dismay.
“Oh yeah?!” Baby 5 looked to Maria. “You, settle something for us!” Maria pointed at herself confused. “Yes you, get over here.” Maria made her way over. “You look like a well put together lady, when did you have your first boyfriend?” Maria was taken aback, no what's your name just straight into this childish struggle. However one problem remained, Maria would be no help in this argument.
“Well about that.” Maria began before Buffalo let out a dumb laugh and cut Maria off.
“You haven’t had one yet either?!” He taunted, Maria was fuming with anger and embarrassment, her cheeks had begun to feel warm. She bit her tongue for a moment, reminding herself to hold her tongue. She simply couldn’t afford to upset anyone just yet, but this guy was clearly just an officer, she should stand her ground.
“You dare taunt me like that, do you know who I am?” She retorted only to get a response that blew her top off.
“You’re the young master's new play thing!” Maria had already had enough of this dope, but before she could exact her revenge his laughter was cut off by Baby 5 jamming her fist into his gut.
“Don’t bother with him, he’s always like this. Head in the clouds.” Baby 5 sighed before properly greeting Maria. “You’re the newest addition to the family, Dove. I’m Baby 5.” Maria felt her chest twinge in delight, she was his dove and that's how he introduced her to his family, how wonderful.
“Thank you for that.” Maria focused herself back on the conversation at hand. “You’re the first members of the family I’ve met other than Doflamingo.”
“Oh then you are in for a very fun afternoon. Most of my family is out around this time.”
“Why, this castle so far seems wonderful.”
“There's the colosseum for starters, that’s where Diamante spends most of his time. Trebol has been glued to Sugar.” As Baby 5 continued to list off where members of the family were Maria’s head span as she attempted to intake the information. “Uh are you alright?” Maria snapped back to reality, she must have begun going cross eyed and looked like smoke was coming out of her ears.
“Of course.” Maria attempted to dismiss the idea she was overwhelmed very unconvincingly. “Just with so many members perhaps observing a dinner or something would be a little easier to digest.” Penny couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at the irony of her master's words. “So, who's the one swimming?” Maria pointed to the still swimming boy.
“That’s little Dellinger, he’s a fighting-fish fish-man.” A fish-man, he certainly didn’t look as fishy as many other fishman she had seen as slaves.
“My lady, if I may intrude, we still have other sites to see.” Maria nodded to acknowledge her servant.
“I will be off then, it was a pleasure to meet you Baby 5, we should sit and chat over tea sometime.” Maria smiled before following Penny off.
“How was your first taste of the family?” Penny inquired while leading Maria down from the pool area and through the castle.
“It was fine, they seemed nice enough. Baby 5 seemed a bit young to be a pirate, no?” Maria emphasized enough before she allowed her curiosity to continue.
“The young master takes anyone with potential, Buffalo and Baby 5 have been part of the family since they were much younger. They had another child with them for a while, I am unsure what happened to him however.”
“So he’s like an older brother to them?”
“Exactly. Now after the royal plateau, where would you like to stop by?” Penny asked as she and Maria stepped into an elevator.
“Do we have money on us? I’d love to have a good shopping spree.” It sure had been a long time since she could freely roam a market.
“Of course, would you like me to request for a toy to help carry your things?”
“A toy?” Maria raised an eyebrow, how would a toy help?
“Oh yes you are new, my apologizes my lady. Dressrosa is a very wonderful place where we have walking, talking toys.”
“Then absolutely, and one for when my feet get tired.” Maria wiggled her toes in excitement at the idea of such large toys. Penny nodded and made a call on a small transponder snail from her apron.
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The market of Dressrosa was certainly lively, people and toys both intermingling, dancing, playing music, the streets were certainly packed but wherever Maria stepped the space always cleared up, much to her delight, she couldn’t imagine having to shove her way through. Her shopping started off slow as she was unsure just how deep her coffers were but when Penny assured her it was all taken care of by Doflamingo she simply couldn’t help herself, whether the item was something for her or something she thought Doflamingo might enjoy on her. She was having a grand time, this is what it meant to be alive, what she wanted when she wanted. Once she had her fill of shopping, the toys were sent off to the royal plateau where castle servants would receive Maria’s bounty.
“The colosseum should be nearing the end, I think it’d be wonderful for you to go watch. You should be able to go watch in Doflamingo’s personal observation deck.” Penny offered to keep her lady busy till dinner.
“Ohh, let’s make haste!” The two quickly made their way to the colosseum where video transponder snails were projecting the action inside between gladiators. A woman was working the reception as Maria and Penny approached.
“I’m sorry but seats are all-” The woman was cut off by Maria butting in.
“Excuse me?” This was her moment, the first instance of disrespect by someone below her that she could tell off. “Do you have any idea who I am?” The receptionist clued into Penny standing beside Maria, properly intaking the sheer amount of pink on the woman in front of her.
“Have more respect for the young master’s mistress.” Penny advocated while Maria had her chest lightened at the comment of being Doflamingo’s mistress.
“I-I’m so terribly sorry, please right this way.” The receptionist led the way to Doflamingo’s private nest.
“That’s better.” Maria huffed as she followed. “You are lucky I’m in a good mood this afternoon.”
“T-thank you for your forgiveness, everything you’ll need is in here.” The receptionist stopped at a door which Penny opened for Maria. The room was simple, it had a large chair that overlooked the entire colosseum, a pair of hanging candles and a carpet from the door to the chair. Maria leaned over the balcony deciding it’d be best not to sit in the chair, she was simply going to struggle to view over the railing. The roaring crowd over the sounds of blades clashing and blood splattering on the ground sent a small shiver up Maria’s back. This was beautiful, people fighting and dying for her entertainment, oh how she missed it.
“My lady, may I fetch anything for you?” Penny asked from behind the chair.
“Guard the door. I don't want to be disturbed unless it’s someone important.” Penny nodded and stood by the door while Maria felt her stomach twist in sadistic pleasure, it was slowly but surely coming back to her, while she had to remind herself to stay aware of the family, this was exactly what she needed. “Penny, there is one thing you could do for me actually.”
“What is it my lady?” Penny quickly sprang to attention.
“I need a chair, Doflamingo’s is simply too big for me, I'd struggle to see over the railing.”
“Right away.” Penny was gone in a flash while Maria continued to contently watch as the gladiators below dwindled down faster and faster. She heard a knock and turned her head, her ponytail slipping over her shoulder. “Who is it?”
“Penny and I have an important guest with me.” Was slightly muffled behind the door.
“You may enter.” Maria fully turned and tossed her hair behind her as Penny and a very tall Brunette with a long cape and fancier pirate attire themed like diamonds entered.
“This is master Diamante, he’s in charge of the colosseum and like you know from this morning a top executive.”
“So you’re Doffy’s Dove.” Diamante approached extending a hand. “A pleasure, does today’s entertainment suffice?”
“It’s exceptional.” She gently took his hand giving a shake. He seemed rather pleasant, Penny hadn’t warned her about any odd quirks which was a relief judging by the other Family she had heard off and seen. “You have an eye for proper entertainment.”
“No no, it’s nothing.” He insisted, Maria walked to the railing again and Diamante followed.
“You do, this is spectacular, I haven’t felt this much of a rush in forever.” Maria protested as she gazed out.
“Really there’s no need, it's nothing.” He continued to fight off her compliments.
“If you say so.” Maria then flinched as Diamante raised his voice in acceptance.
“Okay fine fine! It is spectacular, I have an eye for good entertainment!” Maria shook her head before sneaking a glance to Penny who shrugged like oops I forgot about that, warranting a small glare from her master.
“So.” Maria went to change the subject, getting a hm from Diamante. “You called him Doffy, do you think I could call him that too.” She placed her hands on her cheeks at the idea of getting to call him such an adorable nickname. Diamante snickered a little before commenting.
“You are his Dove aren’t you? You hold almost as much power as the top executives, I don’t think he’d give a crap what you called him.” Maria swung one of her legs up and down in joy as she leaned over the railing. Her mind starts to get lost at the idea of sitting in her Doffy’s large lap watching the violence below, her hair being stroked. She gently cooed Doffy as she stroked her own hair completely entranced.
“My lady, do not get lost in daydream mid conversation.” Penny’s voice jolted Maria back to reality where she pulled her hair over her face in utter embarrassment only warranting more taunting laughter from Diamante.
“And the battle is over!” The announcer’s voice concluded the entertainment at the colosseum.
“I suppose I shall make my way back to the palace.” Diamante’s laughter had subsided. “I look forward to you joining the family at dinner.” He informed her before departing. Maria silently screamed as Penny approached.
“We should return as well, I’m sure the young master will be there as well as the entire family.” Maria simply nodded, stuffing her hands into her coat pockets as the two left.
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Once outside the already packed dining hall Maria heard a familiar voice behind her. One that had shoved any other embarrassment that lingered away.
“How was my Dove’s first day in Dressrosa?” Doflamingo’s question was superficial, after all he dared not let his Dove walk Dressrosa with a slave. Regardless of where she was, he was always watching. Maria quickly spun, her hair twirling behind. Her eyes light up brightly, it had simply been too long without him.
“Doffy!” She shouted happily, clasping her hands together excitedly. “It was good, I missed you though, she’s fine company but it would have been better with you there.” She gestured towards Penny before back to Doflamingo he chuckled lightly, his large hand gently tracing a finger along her delicate cheek.
“Can’t even go a few hours without me can you?” Maria’s cheeks flared up a vibrant pink, only more amusing to Doflamingo. “I figured you’d enjoy a day like you used to have.”
“A-and I did, I just would've much preferred spending the day with you.” Maria looked away twirling her fingers in her hair to cope with her overwhelming flusteredness, her rapidly beating heart, her body temperature rising, it was all so much around him. “Perhaps after dinner I could spend some time with you?” That was a beautiful sign of her mindset, she needed him.
“Let’s focus on dinner first.” He leaned close, his warm breath tickled her ears. He waved to dismiss Penny from duty, having already decided he would spend the evening with his Dove. As the two entered the dining hall, the table was set and only two seats sat unfilled, the head seat for Doflamingo and the seat to his left. Servants quickly pulled out the chairs and had the two sit before silver platters were brought in and set on the table. Most of the family was already mid conversation in anticipation for the meal. Maria simply watched, scanning quickly to find who she recognized. At the far end she saw Dellinger, Baby 5 and Buffalo. To her left immediate left was Diamante, across from her sat a rather oozy looking fellow with a club staff and on his right sat a man in armor with spades on his shoulder plates.
The other two top executives, Trebol and Pica. She put the pieces together as a plate was placed in front of her as well as a wine glass filled with a ruby red wine. Before she could get too enamored by the food she felt Diamante’s elbow nudge her and she jumped slightly.
“Stole my spot I see.” He playfully remarked. Maria hadn’t clued in that where she sat one of the other executives would have sat, with that sudden realization.
“I-” She was cut off by Doflamingo who had his usual grin across his face.
“Can’t have her sit too far now can I?” With one hidden flick of his finger under the table, a string tugged her chair along the floor closer to his, he rested his hand on her shoulder, once more increasing the heat in her face. With two more simplistic twitches, her food and wine was pulled beside his, not a spill in sight. Diamante couldn’t help but laugh at the situation and reaction this girl was in. Doflamingo rose from his chair for a moment tapping his glass to get the attention of the table.
Is he going to give a toast?! How do you expect me to keep composure after that!? Maria panicked desperately trying to collect her poor beating heart.
“Members of my family, tonight is a very special occasion. I am honored to be welcoming my little Dove here.” He extended his left hand as if he was presenting Maria. She rose with the gesture. “As the newest member of the Donquixote family.” The other members raised their glasses and Maria joined in. “To Maria, my Dove.” With that the family recited to Maria before taking a sip of all the drinks. “Now feast!” He commanded before falling into his chair, Maria being pulled down by his left hand into hers.
One thing was for certain, with all the hustle and bustle of the family at dinner, there was no lack of entertainment, Maria often found herself busy watching conversations rather than consuming the food before her, she was however not shy about drinking.
“Is the food not to your liking?” Doflamingo asked while he stole a spoonful of Maria’s feast.
“It’s amazing, I just love people watching. I enjoy good finger food for moments like this.” Maria mentioned, not thinking anything of it, she would eat properly, she just wanted to get accustomed to meal times. That however did not fly with Doflamingo. He snapped his fingers, summoning a servant.
“Prepare her something she can absentmindedly eat.” He ordered, the servant darted off to the kitchen.
“Doffy, you didn’t have to do that, I'll be alright. I used to sit and watch people all the time before…” Her voice trailed off, some times when she was stealing food, she had no choice but to hide out and watch for fear of getting caught. She had spent hours one night sitting in a rather full trash can, before she could eat. While not pleasant it was a carry over. During festivities she’d sit and watch from the barren rooftops longing to be home in Mariejois. Doflamingo watched her for a minute as she collected her brain from its crash course of unpleasantry. “I’m used to waiting out for my food. Let’s just say that.” Had her brain not yet understood she was no longer in fight or flight, the food in front of her was not something she was stealing, it was a gift. Doflamingo used the stolen spoon, scooping up some food from her plate and holding the spoon to her face.
“Open up.” His deep voice was quieter, Maria couldn’t understand why for a moment before it clicked and she parted her lips slightly. “Good girl.” He cooed, causing a chill to run up her hips and spark in her brain.
“D-Doffy, I can feed myself.” Maria stammered out, he fed her. It was an act of care, during the trip to Dressrosa, he had the slave and crew tend to her unless he was helping her adjust to formal life. Yes he had done smaller and larger acts, like the wardrobe, the note and all the money she could ever spend. But this was tender, it was direct. In Maria’s short time with him, she had heard many tales that he could be cruel and sadistic. That was her first experience as she watched him blow the brains out of a noble. This however confirmed above all else in her mind that she was occupying some space in that brain of his and not just to be an object. She had value to him.
“Can you?” He teased getting another spoonful ready, Maria decided to enjoy this, her mind forgot about the table, the family. Her only focus was him. Before he even needed to speak her mouth was open. The two continued this little routine, occasionally taking a break to sip wine or allow Doflamingo to eat himself.
This was home. This was everything she had ever wanted. He was her radiant god, her king, her flamingo and she was his sweet little self indulgence, his queen, his dove.
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