A/N 10-19-18 HELLO EVERYONE, JUST WANTED TO TELL Y'ALL THAT THIS FIC AIN'T DEAD! Sorry I had to do it this way, but like...I also wanted you guys to know that it might be a good idea to reread the fic just one last time, because I'll be posting chapter 10 up tomorrow! The only reason I haven't now is because I'm going to be busy tonight with my nephews and streaming splatfest on my twitch, but other than that, thank you guys SO MUCH for sticking with this story for so long!

Here's to hoping for more updates in the future!

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Warnings for: attempted kidnapping, implied attempted pedophilia and rape, and brutal violence.


"Ahahaha…"

"Uhh…"

"You two look…nice…" Robin was rather amused with the sight sitting before her.

Mako and Law were covered in white foundation. It was sloppily applied, as it was Mako who had applied it to herself and Law. Law had no idea how to react to the make-up covering some of the splotches on his face. He just continued to stare into the mirror in his hands before looking at Mako, whose blue skin was haphazardly concealed with white foundation.

"You like?" Mako grinned widely.

Law had no idea how to reply. He looked…normal? Was that even something he could say?

No, it wasn't. Because this wasn't the skin tone he was born with—it was too unnaturally pale. It nothing like the warm, brown skin he once had. The paler his skin became, the more aware Law was of the remaining days he had left until his Amber Lead Syndrome finished him off.

How much longer do I have left again?

Law paused for a moment, before snorting when he realized he had less than nine months left. It wasn't that difficult for him to believe…and yet—Law was hesitating to acknowledge it. Even though he had long since accepted his impending death, his stomach was still bubbling uncomfortably with nausea.

Th-Thump th-thump! Th-Thump, th-thump!

And the near-audible palpitations of his heart…

Why is it like that?

Law was confused—he just was. He was so confused, that he didn't notice the trail of tears streaking down his cheeks until Robin reached out and gently wiped them away with a tissue.

"If you need to cry—go ahead," she said softly. "It doesn't do much good to hold it in."

"I'm not…I'm not crying." Law was already determined not to cry anymore after that last visit to the hospital. He wasn't weak… And yet…his heart still ached, as his eyes continued to burn from the tears that refused to stop. "I'm not…"

Law stiffened when he felt a pair of small arms attempt to wrap themselves around his waist. He…hadn't expected it—Mako was never like this towards him. As often as she invaded his personal bubble, she never exactly went so far as to initiate physical contact as intimate as an embrace—until now, that is. It was…really strange, having such a small girl so close to him, with her ear placed against his chest.

"It's…okay to be scared…" Mako stated in a firm, yet quiet voice. "Being scared just means you're—it just means you're alive."

Th-Thump, th-thump!

"Can you hear that?" she asked him. "It's your heart—and it's telling me how scared you are. You're scared because you're alive."

"A-Alive…?" Law repeated, his voice cracking—that was something that was starting to happen as of lately. It was a sign he was getting older… Of course, right now, his voice was cracking because he was struggling to stay calm…and he was failing.

"This world isn't fair…" Mako sounded absolutely irritated. "It isn't fair—and we all know it…"

"That is correct," Robin says with a wistful smile as she continues to wipe away Law's tears with the tissue in her hand. "But just because the world isn't fair, doesn't mean you have to lock away every emotion you have to stay strong—not when you aren't alone."

Th-Thump, th-thump! Th-Thump, th-thump!

"Alone…" That's right—Law wasn't alone anymore.

"You have us!" Mako was quick to say. "We're here…and so are Corazon and Papa…"

"Corazon…" Law still didn't trust Corazon…but it was because of Corazon, that he wasn't alone anymore. As rough as this month has been on him, with the hospital visits…Law wasn't alone.

Of course, he wasn't alone, either, when he was with the Donquixote Pirates. Except…there had been no one to hold him like this—to extend some warmth in an attempt to convince him that nothing was wrong, even though it was. There was no one there to wipe away the tears that sometimes escaped without his knowledge, such as the times he woke up from such terrible nightmares consisting of traumatizing memories of the past—or like now.

Th-Thump, th-thump! Th-Thump, th-thump! Th-Thump, th-thump!

He wasn't alone anymore.

Th-Thump, th-thump! Th-Thump, th-thump!

There were people who cared for him. People whom…

Th-Thump, th-thump!

People whom he was going to leave behind the day he died.

Th-Thump!

"I don't want…I don't want to die…" his voice sounded so weak—so pitiful as he sniffed. The tears kept coming and his nose was running. His arms were shaking as he hesitantly wrapped them around Mako's small frame. "I dun' wanna die…"

It was so easy for Law to accept his death, after losing everything he loved. It was all too easy…because there were no more connections to hold him back. All he had was a burning desire for revenge and destruction. And maybe—just maybe—a small hope to reunite with everyone he lost in death…because he was alone.

But I'm not alone anymore…

All because there had been someone there, who refused to accept that he was dying. Who wanted him to live—when he had given up on living. Who tried, despite the pain that was inflicted on his heart each time he was referred to as a monster.

A monster…

"Is it…fine for a monster…to wanna live?" Law wouldn't know… His hands were no longer clean, due to how cruel and cunning he had become so that he could destroy everything around him. Even disregarding what his disease had done to him, he was still a monster because of his actions. "Is it…?"

Law had no idea if he was asking Robin, Mako, or himself.

"Even monsters like us have a desire to live…" Robin smiled warmly as she held Law's face within her hands, her thumbs gently wiping away the tears. "No matter what others think of us, they can't tell us how to feel—if they even think we can feel."

It hurts

"So it's okay if you wanna live…" Mako's embrace tightened, her strength catching Law slightly by surprise. "Because I want you to live…"

It hurts it hurts it hurts

Robin chuckled. "And so do I…"

Ithurtsithurtsithurtsithurtsithurtsithurts

Law choked back a sob.

It hurts so much


Outside the room that contained Robin, Law, and Mako, was Corazon, who leaned against the wall, just to the side of the doorway. He had been listening in on the conversation inside for some time, now. How long, he had no clue—it was easy to lose track of time. But it wasn't that difficult for him to create a soundproof field to ensure no one interrupted the three when Law started to cry.

Each sob Corazon heard felt like a knife to his heart. It was one thing listening to a child say that he was going to die soon. It was another, listening to that same child admit that he wanted to live. There was no way in hell that Corazon was going let Law die—not after this… Even if it meant…Law was going to get hurt, because of how others were so quick to see him as a white monster.

Corazon decides, then and there, that he isn't take any chances when it comes to finding a cure for Law.

I can't.


That night is especially lively, and Law finds himself singing along with everyone else the song that Mako had taught him. He still has issues with the lyrics, but Mako and Robin help him out. He tries his best and manages to laugh when he hears Corazon clumsily singing along as well.

And though Shanks is not allowed to drink, he seems content. Law is just as content, even though he is still terrified of the future. Nine months isn't a lot…

But it's enough.

It's enough for Law right now, when he can comfortably live in the present. It isn't too difficult anymore, now that he has stopped wishing destruction on everything around him. He is still angry at the world for everything it has done to him… But it's okay for him to feel angry…just like it's okay for him to cry, if he wanted to. Because…

Because I'm alive…

He's still alive…and he intends to make that loud and clear to everyone else.

Th-Thump, th-thump!

Just as his heart had long since done so for him.

Th-Thump, th-thump! Th-Thump, th-thump!

And it'll continue to do so until the very end.


Corazon is more desperate to take Law as fast as he possibly can to any nearby hospitals. Shanks notices a change in his demeanor, but doesn't ask why. Instead, he just tries to the best of his ability to help Corazon. After all, Mako still needs to get checked out…if only he could find a doctor that would actually look beyond Mako's heritage.

The two have no such luck come the next two hospitals. No matter how many times he punches the doctors that keep looking at Mako as if she were a monster, it doesn't take away from the damage that has already been done. All it does is temporarily ease some of Shanks's rage.

Corazon isn't doing any better with Law—it's the same shit as usual. Shanks could only wonder how it is that he and his crew have yet to be discovered, due to the trail that he and Corazon leave behind after each hospital visit.

Shanks feels as though he's pressing his luck. He feels like drinking, but decides to push it off as he sits down to observe Law and Mako. The two are folding paper again. This time, it seems that Mako is teaching Law how to make an origami rose. The outcome is just as sloppy as usual, but it's still better than what Shanks would expect from Law. Mako seems to think so as well, from how annoyed she appears as she stares at the messy origami rose in Law's hand.


Later that day, Law yells out loudly in annoyance when he goes to the bathroom, only to find numerous slices of bread spread out throughout the bathroom. It is bizarre—and not to mention, unpleasant to look at. He hates it because he's reminded of the godawful days when he ate nothing but bread, because it was all he could afford with the little money he could collect.

His eyes narrow when he hears the familiar laughter of a certain fishman hybrid. She had been following him this entire time—just to see his reaction to the prank she pulled on him. Why she even wanted to do this, is beyond Law's comprehension, though he feels it might have to do with the origami rose he folded earlier. Sometimes, Mako is petty…

So he decides to be just as petty by tackling her onto the ground, as she laughs, catching her completely by surprise. The two begin to wrestle, with Law having the upper hand with his larger size, while Mako has the advantage in strength. Of course, Law can tell Mako is holding back, which annoys the crap out of him, but there's not a damn thing he can do about it.

After all, little Dellinger is a fishman hybrid and at only two years old, he is able to lift cannonballs without any issues—meaning that even the smallest application of force could potentially fracture a bone. Law doesn't know what Mako is capable of, but he can only assume from what he has seen with Dellinger. She's older than the fighting fishman hybrid by only a year, so chances are, she might even be stronger.

Law would rather not find out, but he still presses his luck as he and Mako roll across the floor as they scuffled.

Fifteen minutes later, the two are separated by Corazon and held up in the air, arm's length apart. Law and Mako continue to kick and punch as they are held by the back of their shirts. Their struggles are futile and they eventually tire themselves out, much to Corazon's amusement.

"You two done?" he asks them, receiving only heavy pants from the two in response. "Okay then—it's time for dinner."

Only a few steps forward, Corazon manages to miraculously trip on air and fall flat on his face like a majestic tree felled by an axe. Law and Mako do not appreciate the bad luck they have, as they groan in pain while Corazon stays silent. He is too used to tripping, after all.

Days pass and Law grows used to seeing Mako mess around with the make-up Robin bought. Robin knows a lot about make-up, due to the years she spent on the run. She knows how to disguise herself with enough subtly so she doesn't stand out…or so Law is told. Robin likes to keep certain things to herself—this isn't any different, from what Law begins to expect from her.

Sometimes, Law finds himself being used for make-up practice by Mako. He…doesn't have that much fun, because Mako's still learning. So Corazon teases Law after each session, finding it funny with how Mako insists on testing out different shades of lipstick on him. Somehow, this leads a suggestion to use make-up on Mako in order to hide some of her most distinct fishman features. It doesn't end there, as it quickly extends to Law and Corazon.

On the day they finally head off to the hospital, Shanks does not wear his iconic straw hat. Mako looks more human than fishman, albeit she's still pale as a ghost and has to continue wearing her cloak to hide her dorsal fin. Law is almost as pale and Corazon…Corazon looks like completely different person after Robin is through with him.

Make-up is used to conceal the tattoo under his right eye and the red lines extending from the ends of his mouth. Corazon does not wear lipstick for the occasion and wears Beckman's clothes, so as to throw off anyone looking for a blond-haired man with a feather coat and a heart-patterned shirt. Wearing Beckman's clothes accentuates the muscle Corazon possesses that is usually hidden by his regular clothes.

For once, Law can't help but feel intimidated by Corazon, since he can now take the man seriously. Then the man manages to trip on his own feet and crashes into a wall, forever reinstating Law's poor opinion of the man.

Some things never change, I guess…

And just like Law's opinion of Corazon, the outcome of the hospital visit is the exact same, make-up be damned. All it takes is Corazon mentioning the dreaded, "Amber Lead Syndrome" and everything goes to hell almost instantly.

Law is too tired to even cry this time around. All he does is just leave the room and wait in the hallway for Mako to come out, so that the two of them can walk back to the ship together. He has gotten used to this specific routine.

Of course, when he sees Mako, Law is slightly concerned with how exhausted the three-year-old appears. He doesn't think it's even healthy for someone so young to look like that…

"Are you okay?" Law can't help but ask.

Mako blinks a few times and smiles widely. "I'm fine—look what I got!"

Law makes a face when Mako holds up a large wallet for him to see. "Wh-Where did you get that?"

"I stole it off that doctor after Papa punched him!" Mako laughs. "Hey—let's go shopping!"

"What?!" Of all the things—this is the last Law ever expects. He doesn't really have much of a say either, as Mako is quick to drag him by the hand. Sighing, Law resigns himself to his fate and asks, "How did the doctor find out?"

"When he told me to open my mouth…" Mako is pouting and Law can't help but laugh.

Really, it was so stupid of them to think that they could pull a fast one on these doctors. If anything, it's sad—because Mako continues to go unchecked because she's half-fishman. Just like it's sad that no one wants to believe him when he insists Amber Lead Syndrome is not contagious…

Law huffs as he tugs down on his hat. "Where do you want to go?"

"Let's get some ice-cream!" Mako gleefully exclaims, as she deliberately ignores the screams of terror and the chaos they leave behind.

With the carefully applied make-up still on them, Law finds that he and Mako can go into town without their hoods on without any issues. No one really stares at them and when they enter the ice-cream parlor, Law is surprised that the shop owner actually treats them like children. It's so jarring, because Law is not used to this—it's been too long since he had last been treated like a child.

Mako goes all-out on her ice-cream cone, with the multiple scoops of different flavors. "I want that one, that one and—ooh, that one!"

Law cannot even begin to fathom how such a tiny little girl is going to eat all of that ice cream. So when it's his turn to choose, he just points at a flavor and says, "Just one, please."

"No!" Mako suddenly says.

"Wha?" Law doesn't understand. "I thought—"

"More!" Mako insists as she waves the wallet around.

"I don't—" Law is bombarded with repeats of "More!" from Mako until he does what she says. She laughs when he starts picking out random flavors that catch his eye. He doesn't really know what to expect from the taste, all he recalls are the times he's bribed Buffalo with ice cream.

Afterwards, Law has no idea what to even think about the stack of ice cream scoops he has to eat, once Mako finishes paying for the both of them. For someone who has little experience with money, Law would think Mako would ask him for help…but she manages just fine without him.

Somehow…

Law finds himself looking at Mako as the two of them sit in a booth within the parlor. Mako sits right across from him on the other side of the table. She doesn't seem to notice he's looking at her, only really doing so when she tells him his ice cream is melting so that he could start eating before she goes back to eating her own ice cream. With not much to do, Law starts eating his ice cream.

The flavors didn't match, but…they still tasted nice. Mako embarrasses Law by saying she saw him smile and out of spite, he refuses to admit it. They leave the parlor half an hour later, their hands sticky from the ice cream. Law still has no idea what to think and sighs as Mako continues to drag him around town, her tiny hand gripping his.

Law has no idea why Mako is scrambling around for glue sticks, pens, markers, crayons, and paper in a shop they have just entered. She also grabs a light blue satchel to put everything inside, which, after purchasing the satchel and items, she gives to Law to wear. Law just wears it without asking any questions—he feels it would be best to not ask. At the very least, he is in possession of the wallet, because of how bulky it is for Mako to carry on her person.

He continues not asking any questions, even though he has no clue where it is Mako is taking them. She has better confidence in her sense of direction than he does when it comes to this particular town. He never bothers to memorize any particular routes, anyways—unlike Mako.

Of course, Mako seems to be picky with what she memorizes and Law can only wonder why it is that, of all the routes she memorizes, it's the route to the library.

"Weren't we here the other day?" Law recalls how much disdain Mako showed towards a particular children's book he suggested to her to read.

"Yes!" is all Mako says. "But I have some unfinished business!"

Unfinished business, apparently, turns out to be vandalizing all copies of Liar Noland that the library has to offer. Mako uses the markers to cross out words and the pens to write over the crossed out words. She had been thinking a lot when she chose which markers to use, because the pen is easily visible over the marker's ink. Then, using the pieces of papers she had bought, as well as the crayons, she draws out new pictures.

Her art skills are by no means any good, as they are decent at best. Even so, she manages to sketch down some pictures—her backgrounds are better than the characters she draws out. She glues the paper over the art in the book until she is done, before moving onto another copy of the book to repeat the process. When Law looks over what Mako has done to the story of Liar Noland, he reads about a greedy king who acted on rash decisions. Two thousand warriors turned into two hundred soldiers and a king who went along with the adventure turned into a king who stayed behind, having prioritized his safety above others due to his cowardice and selfishness.

The supposed Liar Noland became a scapegoat to cover up the embarrassment of a misunderstanding. And so Liar Noland was someone who suffered because of someone else's lies.

People lie.

And lies…

Lies can hurt people.

Law has no idea why he resonates so deeply with those words—he just does. And somehow—just somehow—he finds himself helping Mako out with her vandalism. His drawing skills might not be as great as hers, but his writing sure is a hell of a lot better, much to her annoyance when he mentions her penmanship could use some work.

"Who asked you?" she pouts.

"You did—just now." Law grins.

He gets smacked in the face with some papers—but Law knows he's won.

They don't get caught. Law has no idea how it happens, but it just does. They just don't get caught…they walk out, as if nothing had happened, even though if anyone were to check out the children's section for a copy of Liar Noland, one could tell that something is especially wrong the instant they opened the book. The fact that no one has managed to come across the two while they were messing with the books is what surprises Law the most.

You'd think they'd keep an eye on their books…

But then again, Law and Mako appear like any other children people would see on a daily basis. There is nothing strange about them—they're just new to the area. That's all—nothing more, nothing less.

Growl.

Law blinks and looks at Mako, who laughs as she admits, "I'm hungry—let's get something to eat!"

Law has no idea how Mako could still be hungry, after all the ice cream they had eaten…but stops questioning it when his stomach starts to growl as well. He sighs and just tells her to lead the way. They end up settling down at a restaurant that had only just opened its doors for lunchtime.

Everything is going well…up until the point that Mako offers Law a bite of her sandwich. Law is quite fine with the onigiri he had ordered, but curiosity gets the best of him when Mako says the bread is anything but bland. After all, he feels he can trust Mako at this point—they've been through a lot.

She's seen him cry more times than he's comfortable with, because he'd rather not cry at all anymore. She understands what it's like to be called a monster. She might not be dying, but she still wants to live as much as he does. So Law looks at the sandwich Mako offers him and takes a bite out of it. And Mako is right—the taste is anything but bland and even the texture is different…but not enough.

Law soon finds himself rushing to the restroom. He barges into a stall and empties the contents of his stomach into the toilet. It is…not a good time for Law. But on the bright side, he no longer feels full…

But he also feels terrible.

"I'm…sorry…" Mako looks absolutely guilty. "I didn't think—I'm sorry…"

"It's okay…" Mako couldn't have known…because neither did Law. He just thought—for one second—that he could eat bread again. But apparently, the bad memories regarding it did not want to leave…not now, nor ever.

They make a return to the ice cream parlor not long after and Mako ends up surprising Law by ordering a cake made with ice cream. It…surprises Law, because—he doesn't think he's ever had a slice of ice cream cake.

"Try it!" Mako urges him. "Err…just a little—to see if you like it."

And so he does—and Law finds that he likes what he tastes. He continues eating until there is none left. He ends up grabbing another slice of the ice cream cake, while Mako is still working on her first slice. By the end of it, Law has eaten more slices than Mako and Mako is slightly miffed, but mostly—she's relieved.

The two leave the ice cream parlor rather full, their clothes somewhat stained from the cake and ice cream. Their make-up is still on, so they continue on without any issues as they head off to the park to just enjoy the scenery.

They spend half an hour just sitting on the bench, resting as they watched other children play on the playground. A few times, children walked up to the two of them and asked if they wanted to play. Law and Mako decline, of course—they just don't want to risk it.

"Hey—why a cake?" Law finally decides to ask.

"Hmm…?" Mako pauses for a moment. "Well…I wanted to see if cake was the same as bread to you."

"Ahh…" So that's why she told him to try a little… "It's definitely not like bread, then…"

"I'm glad!" Mako smiles. "Cuz it would really suck if you couldn't eat cake!"

Mako's smile is contagious, as soon, Law is smiling as well. "Then I guess I'm lucky."

"We're both lucky—because that doctor had a lot of money!" Mako's laughter never fails to be its distinctive self.

Law laughs as well…because he's just so content.

Their next stop is at a pet shop, for reasons Law does not know, except that he has to be quick on his feet if he doesn't want to lose Mako.

"H-Hey—wait up!" Law does not like how quick Mako is to let go of his hand. He also does not like how much bigger the pet shop seems on the inside, now that he's lost sight of the fishman hybrid. "Mako!"

God dammit…

It takes Law almost ten minutes to locate Mako within the pet shop. He finds her making faces to the fishes swimming inside the many fish tanks lined up against the wall. He…has no idea what to think. He can't—he just can't.

Is she…talking to them?

Mako is in fact talking to the fishes—all whilst making funny fish-like faces. Somehow, she manages not to laugh—Law doesn't either. He just continues to stare…and stare…and stare…until he finally decides to ask, "Mako, are you okay?"

"Hmm?" Mako turns to him, her face still contorted into a funny expression.

"Uhh…" A small bead of sweat rolls down the side of Law's face.

"They're really bored!" Mako explains, as if it's obvious—when it's not.

"Is…Is that right…?" Law decides not to question Mako anymore and just…lets it be.

Another five minutes pass before Mako decides she wants to see something else. This time, she grabs onto his hand and doesn't let go.

If the reason they're in a pet shop is because Mako is looking for a pet, Law has no idea what it is exactly that she's looking for, because she can't seem to decide what to look at. Mako just gets into everything and it worries Law to an extent, because the shop owner is staring at them with watchful eyes. Sometimes, Law has to give Mako a boost on his shoulders, because they're both so short and the animals are only within reach with their combined heights.

It's how Mako manages to get a bunch of parrots on her person. She laughs as a parrot nuzzles her cheek while the others just stay perched on her arms and shoulders. Some are on her head, just there—squawking. As Law carefully lowers Mako onto the floor, he finds himself face to face with a red parrot that has perched itself on his hat. It looks down at him, upside-down, its large beak so close to his face.

"Uhhh…" Law has no idea if he's comfortable with this…

Mako laughs. "Say hello!"

"H-Hello…?" Law says, somewhat uncertain. He gets a loud squawk in response and a large beak tapping his forehead firmly. "Ow!"

Ten minutes later, Mako returns the parrots to their cage. Law rubs at his forehead, the red parrot having taken an interest in tapping its beak against it. It hurts as much as one would expect, so Law is quite glad that the parrots are out of their reach. He hopes Mako is done—he wants to leave.

"Wait!" Mako insists. "I know what I want!"

Law suppresses the urge to groan when Mako starts dragging him by the hand again. The two must be a sight, because the shop owner certainly finds them cute, the way she starts giggle behind her hand. She at least helps them out by bringing out a stepladder for them to use when Mako wants to look inside a glass tank that is too high up for them to see what it contains.

Inside are a few dozen baby Den Den Mushi of differing skin and shell color. All are without equipment that would make use of their abilities for communication. Some are sleeping peacefully, while others are crawling about. Mako practically has stars in her eyes as she continues to stare at the baby Den Den Mushi.

To her, they are absolutely adorable. To Law, they are just weird. He's not so used to seeing baby Den Den Mushi, as the most experience he has is with Corazon's Den Den Mushi. Corazon's Den Den Mushi, of course, is much larger (and older) than any of the Den Den Mushi in the tank.

"Do you know which one you want?" the shop owner asks as a light blush tinges her freckled cheeks red.

Mako looks around, deep in thought. "Hmmm…"

Law doesn't know much about baby Den Den Mushi, but he at least knows it's much cheaper to purchase one in the long run. Of course, he doubts Mako knows this, as she really wants one, regardless of what it can do. This is only further proven when Mako chooses the smallest of the Den Den Mushi—the runt of the litter, from the looks of it. Its skin is a soft pink color, which looks nice on its own, but completely clashes with its blue-green shell. It's so small, that it can fit in the palm of Mako's tiny hand.

"This one!" Mako happy exclaims as she shows the baby Den Den Mushi to the shop owner.

The shop owner stops smiling, her lips forming into a small frown. "A-Are you sure?"

"Yes!" Mako insists.

The shop owner looks uncertain and turns her attention to Law. "Wh-What about you?"

Law blinks a few times and shrugs. "Why not?"

"W-Well…if you say so…" the shop owner sighs as she tucks a lock of her strawberry-blonde hair behind her ear. "Tell you what—I'll give you the baby Den Den Mushi at half its original price."

Law arches his brow at this. "Really?"

The shop owner nods her head. "Yes…"

"I'm gonna call her Regina!" Mako is quick to name the baby Den Den Mushi, who just yawns and withdraws back into its shell.

Law and Mako leave the shop ten minutes later, with Regina being kept safely under his hat. There is still money left over in the wallet, but all Law wants to do now, is head back to the ship. It's getting late and Law is quite sure they're going to get a lecture, so he'd rather get it over with than prolong the inevitable. Mako agrees, but she still wants to visit one more shop first before anything.

"Robin's birthday is coming up!" she explains as she continues to drag Law, who has resigned himself to his fate. "I wanna get her something!"

"I see…" is all he really says. He doesn't have much to say…but he does consider getting something for Robin, too. He thinks about it when they enter a gift shop, a tiny bell notifying the owner of their presence as they entered through the door.

For once, Law allows Mako to go on her own—she seems fine on her own, anyways, as she looks through the jewelry that is within her reach. If she needs any help, Law knows she'll come to him… So he looks around, taking in what the shop has to offer.

Minutes pass and Law has decides to get Robin a birthday card. He is looking through the various cards when he hears a bell ring, alerting everyone within that someone else has entered the shop. Law ignores it and continues searching for the right birthday card for someone, such as Robin. He finds one eventually, after five minutes. With nothing else to do, Law decides to go to the register to pay for the birthday card.

Though, as he's making his way there, Law passes by a shelf full of various bottles that catch his eye. He recognizes them, much to his slight displeasure as his heart pangs with bittersweet nostalgia.

Memories of his friends pop up in mind, reminding him of times they wore fake tattoos on their skin, using the substance found within the bottles that lay before him. The substance itself came in various colors and the bottles usually came with an applicator to make intricate designs—designs of which would last a week or so before it came off.

Law usually declined whenever he was asked if he wanted to try it. Now, as he looks at the bottles, a bell ringing in the background, he starts to regret the times he declined, if only because his friends were no longer alive. He furrows his brow as he holds a bottle in his hand and contemplates a decision he could make. He isn't short on money—in fact, he is currently in possession of the wallet Mako had stolen. The bottles themselves don't cost much, either, so…

Why the hell not?

Law grabs as many bottles as he can carry in his arms. He makes sure to get at least one of each color before heading off to pay for everything. The satchel he carries over his shoulder feels much heavier than usual, but he doesn't mind it much. A small smile briefly crosses his lips as he leaves the register to find Mako. He wonders how exactly she'll react to what he has bought…

Then he notices she's nowhere to be found within the store. Law is beyond confused and maybe starts to panic, because he's sure he heard no one leave—

Wait…

Law feels his blood run cold when he does recall hearing the bell in the doorway ring, as he was looking at the bottles he had only just bought. "M-Mako?"

No response…

"Mako!" Law repeats, much louder than before.

"If you're looking for the little girl, she left with the Marine who offered to take her home," the shop owner remarks with a reassuring smile.

Law feels anything but reassurance and runs out of the gift shop without saying another word. He starts looking around, as he runs, for the dreaded white and blue of a Marine uniform. He feels sick when he sees nothing and regrets ever letting Mako out of his sight.

I didn't know…

He didn't know that a Marine would come across them.

How could I?

It was just bad luck.

Why Mako?!

Law starts to feel really sick, because he knows Mako has a bounty. And while the make-up makes it harder for people to recognize her, there's still a chance that someone could see right through it. Deep down, Law hopes this is all some sort of sick practical joke—he just hopes, because he's just so anxious.

It's not a joke.

Because Law eventually finds Mako—and he does not like what he sees at all. She's being dragged by the arm by a man wearing the standard Marine uniform. He is tall, muscular, and good-looking, with blue hair and a smile that just seems so trustworthy—but he's not. The uncomfortable expression on Mako's face as she tries to break away from the man's grip says otherwise. She's on the verge of tears as the man promises her that he'll take her home after he's done.

Law wants to throw up, now—because he recognizes the look the man gives Mako. It's the same look that some people give Baby 5. With her indigo-colored eyes and wavy, black hair that compliments her adorable looks, Baby 5 has been the unfortunate target to attention that is not so innocent. She's only two years younger than he is, and more than once, has Law witnessed Doflamingo killing people for trying to take advantage of Baby 5's inability to turn down any favors.

Once—just once—Law has seen someone direct that same gaze towards him, during his time with the Donquixote Pirates. He recalls throwing up, because he ended up killing that person. He recalls being comforted in a way only Doflamingo can manage. It's fucked up—it's so fucked up.

But it's real. It's happening before his very eyes. And Law feels so much disgust and rage that just burns within his chest. His body is shaking, hot tears stinging his eyes as he charges forward. He doesn't think. He just acts and does the very first thing that comes into his mind once he's close enough—he kicks the man hard in the crotch.

The man yells out loudly in pain and goes down so easily, but Law does not relent—instead, he continues kicking and kicking until he's certain that he's left the man incapable of ever reproducing. He wants to do even more damage—just so much, because there is nothing the man can ever do to redeem himself. For going after Mako, who is not even four years old—for reminding Law that this world is such a shitty place for forcibly depriving many children of their childhood—for also reminding him how corrupt Marines could be—Law wants this man dead. He wants this man dead—but he knows he can't do much right now.

Not when the last thing he and Mako needs is attention. His yellow eyes are glistening with unshed tears as he spits on the man, giving him another hard kick in the crotch, before turning to Mako, who's shaking uncontrollably. She can't even begin to speak and she's just so close to crying, that Law decides there and then, that it's time for them to leave.

They run all the way back to the ship, where Beckman is the first to greet them. He is reasonably cross with the two of them, for taking so long to get back from the hospital. He tries to lecture them—tries to get it across that he's so concerned. He means well, but it's just unfortunate that Mako ends up vomiting. Law does the same almost after, due to how disgusted he still is with everything that went on with that Marine. He feels horrible—so, so horrible

Beckman gets the message that a lecture is the last thing Mako and Law need. He gives them a sympathetic look before grabbing them by the backs of their shirts and taking them into the ship. He ends up tossing them into the bathroom and tells them they're not allowed to leave until they've taken a bath. Everything is awkward as hell as a result, for both Mako and Law—Law especially, since he's never been too fond of bathing with others for reasons that involve exposing the blotches of white that cover his skin to others.

Law pushes away his discomfort in order to get things done and over with—but not before handing his hat over to Beckman, because Regina is still inside. He doesn't give Beckman a chance to ask any questions about the baby Den Den Mushi, as Law is quick to close the door.

The make-up comes off so easily, thanks to the application of warm water and soap. Law tries to ignore the fact that Mako can probably see the blotches that cover his body. Most blotches are very faint, but others are completely white and stand out so painfully on his sickly pale skin. It's not a pretty sight and Law feels so self-conscious about his body.

But Mako says nothing—she's still so silent. She's also not looking at him, but at her arm, where the Marine had grabbed her. She's scrubbing vigorously with soap until her skin starts to look a little red. Law has to stop her because she's scrubbing her skin raw and he doesn't think that's healthy.

Mako still looks like she wants to cry, but somehow—she doesn't. She just nods her head and stops scrubbing so hard. Law lets out a sigh and goes back to washing himself. Neither of them speaks to each other, nor do they look at each other.

It's only when they're in the bathtub, relaxing in the warm water, that Mako finally speaks to Law, breaking the silence between them.

"I'm sorry…" Mako apologizes for reasons Law cannot even begin to understand. "I didn't mean for everything to turn out like this…"

What?

"Why are you apologizing?" Law doesn't understand. Mako is the last person who should even be apologizing, because— "I should be apologizing!"

I shouldn't have left you alone.

"It's not your fault though," Mako insists. "You couldn't have known."

I couldn't have…

"But I still shouldn't have left you alone!" Law feels so guilty. "And it's not your fault either, so don't apologize—especially when it involves that scummy Marine."

"Then don't apologize either!" Mako stares at Law with a firm gaze when he tries to argue, so he stays quiet. "Let's just…admit that today was a bad day. A really, really bad day…that shouldn't have happened, because we should have just gone back to the ship instead…"

"Scummy Marine aside, I…really did have fun today…" Law isn't going to lie. He appreciates all the positives of today, as it really did take his mind off of what happened at the hospital. "Thanks, Mako…"

"N-No problem!" Mako finally smiles again and in turn, Law also smiles—he just can't help it.


A/N HELLO EVERYONE I AM STILL ALIVE AND HAVE NOT GIVEN UP ON THI STORY. So please don't ask me about updates…on this or any other of my fics. Please? D:

ANYWAYS, this was like supposed to be a happy chapter, but somehow, shit happened and just I DON'T EVEN…YEAH…

Major thanks to Plouton and kurobook, who have drawn lovely fanart of Mako (links still aren't working on my profile, so please refer to tumblr for the links) and have also been HUUUGE help for this chapter! EXPECT THEIR NAMES TO POP UP FROM TIME TO TIME! Also, check out their One Piece SI OCs, Murphy's Law and Barrel of Fun!—just do it! Send some love to them, because they are awesome people!

Also, during my time away from this fic, the Hunter x Hunter series has laid claim to me, so now there's another SI OC that exists—her name's Silvia, by the way, and she's got a language barrier to endure…eventually. The story's call De Mí a Usted (translation: From Me to You), with cover art done by the AMAZING kurobook! Like seriously, send some love to kurobook and Plouton too, because just…ahhh, they're so awesome and they've been such a great help for this chapter!

Credit goes to kurobook for the bits of dialogue used in this chapter, such as the ice cream part and the pet shop scene where Mako talks to the fishes and Law is just super done. Credit goes to Plouton for the suggestion of Regina's color and fleshing out certain scenes in this chapter, like, seriously, thank you guys so much! I'm so glad we are writing comrades!

There's not much to really talk about in this chapter—in that I feel that the chapter does enough on its own to get the message across. Though, I do have this headcanon in that Robin is good with make-up because of various disguises she had to pull off when she was on the run.

Anyways, let's get to the shout outs because holy shit, thank you guys so much for the reviews! And as of Metamorphosis chapter 14, shout outs are going to be done a little differently so as to make things easier on me!

Reviewer #100: Love Stories00

Reviewer #110: An anonymous reviewer by the name of Guest (anons, can you try to give yourself different names?)

Reviewer #111: HeartLuvAnimeGirl

Reviewer #120: Reads-by-Lamplight

Honorable Mentions: Kiri Kaitou Clover, Counting Sinful Stars, SilverStar56, Timberwolf Silver, Chiasmus, Serendipital, Hypothetical Spiritual Entity, Plouton (I AM SO GLAD YOU REVIEWED THAT DAY BECAUSE LOOK AT WHERE WE ARE AT NOW)

Sorry if I haven't been replying much to the reviews, I get pretty busy and just know I read ever review I get, so thank you guys for taking the time to review! And also, hello to everyone who's been in the Eyeshield 21 fandom! It'll be a while before I get the main fem!Sena fic up, but in the meantime, there's a one-shot up if you'd like a peek at what's to come eventually (it's called Half-Time)!

So like, there's a lot going on in the One Piece fandom and just…part of the reason I'm taking my sweet time is because Sanji backstory—MIGHTY NEED. But then talking to Plouton and kurobook change all of that, especially as these two lovely people are working on their own OP SI OC fics! So yeah, once again, give their fics a look and send some love!

That's all I have for now, don't know when the next chapter will be up, so please be patient! Until next time, everyone! KD out! XD