Chap 10
Law
"How is Luffy?" He asked as he climbed onto Athena's back. She didn't respond until they were up in the air, flying towards Marco's house. The image he was shown was of Luffy sleeping, eyes swollen, with Marco sitting on a chair next to the bed. Strange, was the first thought to come to his head. He was sure that Ace would have been sticking close to Luffy's side.
He noted Luffy's eyes, frowning. Had his mate been crying? Was it his fault? "We have to hurry." He urged Athena.
He rushed into Marco's house, not slowing down until he was slamming the door open to the guest bedroom which caused both Marco and Luffy to jump in surprise. "Law?" Marco exclaimed while Luffy whined, locking eyes with him. He ignored Marco, taking a step forward, Heal, protect. His alpha encouraged him, pushing him to close the distance and take Luffy's outstretched hand in his own.
He took a breath of relief once his fingers curled around Luffy's own. Luffy also sighed, leaning forward to breathe in his scent. He smiled at his mate's affection and glanced over to nod at Marco who was standing up. His friend nodded back and then walked to the door, closing it with a small click.
As the door clicked shut, Luffy suddenly inhaled sharply and he dropped to his knees, looking closely at Luffy's face. "Are you hurting?" He asked, not seeing in signs of distress. Luffy's eyes that were now wide flickered with indignation. "No, I am fine." He snapped, practically yanking his hand away. He took notice in Luffy's now distressed scent and he looked down quickly to hide his hurt expression.
He was confused by Luffy's sudden rejection but let his hand drop all the same. Perhaps Luffy was just worried about the babies? "But," He started to talk. "I said I am fine." Luffy insisted. He lifted his face to search for answers but Luffy was now turned away from him. "I brought the books." He murmured, unsure of how to act around this newer version of his mate.
"Oh, great." Luffy grumbled. He bit his lip at that, "Luffy." He spoke gently enough that Luffy turned around to stare at him. He wasn't sure what kind of expression he was wearing but Luffy's eyes softened and his mate leaned forward as if to touch him. He also leaned forward, eager to touch Luffy but pulled back when Luffy shook his head almost violently and pulled back, eyes cold once again.
Was Luffy fighting his omega? That was the only conclusion he could come up with and he sucked in a breath as his alphas reaction. Mine! His alpha snarled. How dare this omega try to deny me! His own thoughts rocked him, unbidden. He bit his lip roughly, pushing his arrogant thoughts far into the back of his mind. His alpha had been way too aggressive since bonding with Luffy, since when has he ever felt like he controlled another person? Luffy was his, in a sense but that did not mean he controlled the omega's actions. That thought was not like him at all.
He had to stay patient, this was the real Luffy, the omega side of his mate was no longer control.
"Have you eaten? I can call for Marco." He asked, trying to start a conversation.
"If I was hungry, I'd call for Marco myself." Luffy retorted. He had to grit his teeth at that but reminded himself to stay calm.
He stood, removing the books from his bag and starting to place them on the bed stand. What was he supposed to say that wouldn't upset Luffy? "Have you taken a bath? I could help." He tried again, timidly. Surely Luffy would rather bathe with him then with his brother or Marco. After all he had to have an alpha around him at all times.
Luffy snorted, "I can very well bath myself."
"Is that so?" He muttered, unable to help himself.
Luffy groaned in obvious annoyance and he removed his now empty bag, placing it next to the books. "Is there a problem?" He asked, turning to look down at his disgruntled mate.
"Nope," Luffy popped out, "Everything is just peachy. What could possibly be wrong?" Luffy continued sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
He raised his eyebrow at this. "If you have something to say, say it." He replied slowly, struggling to keep his alpha in check. "I don't need everyone fretting over me like I need an alpha to rely on!" Luffy spluttered out, his voice rising in anger.
"As your mate your distress is mine, I am not telling you that you have to rely on me, however you are pregnant with my children so I have a reasonable cause to fret." He knew his own scent was starting to turn distressed now. He was doing something wrong; he had to be for Luffy to be acting this way.
Luffy remained silent, eyes narrowed and he spoke calmly, even with his building stress, "I can see the struggle you are going through but rejecting me won't get us anywhere. It'll only harm the babies."
Luffy tsked at this and looked away.
..
Luffy
He knew that Law was right, he did.
His attitude wasn't going to change or make anything better but it was hard to control his emotions when just the sight of Law brought his omega running to the surface. He could still feel the relief and happiness he had felt when Law had walked through the door. He wanted Law badly, he just wanted to sink into the man's embrace and it was almost revolting. How could he feel this way when he didn't even know the alpha?
But even with his feelings of revulsion, one look at Law and he knew he was in the wrong. His brother was right, he did not take Law's feelings into consideration, he was sure the alpha was as confused by their bond as he was. He felt a small twinge of pain, he really needed to reconcile with Ace before he could figure this out with Law.
"Will you get my brother?" He asked suddenly. Guilt immediately bit at him at the way Law's face crumpled in rejection. He wasn't sure but he had a feeling Law was thinking he wanted another alpha and almost against his will he muttered, "I just need to talk to him for a second." He just wanted to comfort Law, let him know that it had nothing to do with wanting another person in the room. It was the complete opposite actually; he didn't want to be as much as a few feet away from Law.
Law nodded and stood, walking to the door and calling for Marco to get Ace.
They sat silently next to each other while waiting and he swallowed nervously when his brother entered the room with an emotionless expression.
Law glanced at him briefly before leaving to give him alone time with his brother. Ace's eyes narrowed as the door closed. "Ace.." He trailed off, unsure of how to start the conversation.
"What? Did you tell Law that you didn't want the babies? Is that why he looks so defeated?" Ace replied snarkily, crossing his arms. He bit his lip, "Sit down so I can explain myself." He ordered, not in the mood for his brother's attempts at starting a fight. Ace snorted and then crossed the room, dropping ungracefully onto the bed.
"You were right," He started causing Ace's eyes to widen in surprise. "What?" Ace gasped.
He pursed his lips and then started talking, "I never took any bodies feelings into consideration, not yours, not Marcos, and certainly not Laws and that is just the people here. I am selfish and I only think of myself." He sighed.
"Luffy, I-." He lifted his hand into the air, cutting his brother off.
"Let me finish," He took a breath, "I am scared, absolutely terrified of being an omega. I fight my instincts, knowing it only does more harm than good. I say things, not caring how they will affect others. I tend to take the easy way out, I would have this time as well if not for the strength of the bond and my omega's will to keep these babies alive. I am not going to lie; I still want to go home. I yearn to give up, to just not care but I know it is not fair to any of you and I will try. I will stop fighting myself and you but it is not going to be easy so please, spare me some patience. I was not ready for any of this and I never meant to hurt you with my words and decisions. Forgive me." He looked at Ace, not sure how his brother would react to this.
"Luffy, do you want these babies?" Ace asked, eyes unreadable.
His omega did, but did he? Did he truly want to bring life into this world? He could feel his eyebrows scrunch together as he thought and a small tingle in his lower stomach answered the question for him. He caressed his still flat belly softly, "Yes."
..
Law entered the room after Ace left, his mate didn't approach him, simply stood by the door.
"Please, sit." He encouraged, patting the bed. Law walked over, wordlessly dropping on the bed next to him. They were both sitting up, facing each other and he watched Law's fingers that were drumming nervously against his leg. He noted the scabs across the alphas knuckles and reached for the hand, pulling it into his own after a split moment decision. Law's shoulders dropped in relief at his act.
"Sorry for my behavior, it wasn't anything you did, my feelings were just building up and I owe you a conversation." He mumbled and smiled sheepishly at Law whose eyes were locked on his face. "What feelings?" Law asked, tilting his head in confusion. It was unbelievably cute and he brought his free hand up to cover his face before the alpha could see the blood filling his cheeks.
"Everything, you, me, the babies, my omega, our bond, this all happened so fast and I am still trying to process it all. For the last two weeks my mind has been fogged by my omega, I am barely starting to think things over." He answered, hand still covering his face.
"Are you regretting your decision to come here?" Law asked voice very quiet. He let his hand fall at this, not surprised to see Law's hurt and vulnerable eyes staring at him. "I will admit, this is all very hard to accept. I have yet to have my first heat and here I am, pregnant by an alpha I do not know. I don't even know your age or anything about you. We are strangers but my omega craves you and it makes me, scared. Regret? No. I do not regret this but is it so wrong of me to wish this had happened differently?" He tried to keep his voice steady but found it breaking by the end of his confession.
Law seemed to think it over before responding, "You are right, this is all very, unnatural. Everything happened so fast but we could learn, not only for you and me but for the babies. We have to at least try." He nodded, agreeing with this. They had to try.
Slowly he inched forward until his forehead was pressed lightly against Laws. He breathed in his mate's scent, telling himself that this was okay. It was okay to accept this bond, these feelings are not bad and he doesn't have to be afraid of them.
They both remained silent until Law whispered, "Seventeen."
"Huh?" He huffed out in confusion, opening his eyes that he hadn't realized closed.
"I am seventeen, I had one sister, my dragon is psychic, I have two uncles, I lost my parents when I was seven, my uncle killed them, I-." He brought his hand up, covering Law's mouth. The information swam around in his head. "We have plenty of time to talk, slow down. I do not want to know just facts, I want to know you but for now just, stay." He whispered the last word and Law nodded.
He removed his hand and closed his eyes once again, sinking closer to his mate.
..
Law
It had been almost a week since his conversation with Luffy and the doctor was due to visit the next day. Things were starting to become routine, even if it wasn't becoming any easier to escape the castle. Sanji was still relentlessly following him and he'd had to become more creative with the way he escaped to see Luffy. He prayed all this effort would pay off in the end.
..
Zoro
He hadn't been able to talk to Sanji since the time he found the blonde in his room but he had seen Sanji following Law around and jealously was becoming his close friend. He had also seen Doflamingo corner Sanji every once in a while and felt bitter anger at the way Sanji refused to look in the alpha's eyes.
He was growing increasingly stressed and he wondered daily what his damn dragon was up to.
..
Luffy
He was growing stronger and was tired of being bedridden. He was nervous for the doctor visit coming the next day but was glad his relationship with Law was growing. He was slowly starting to unravel his mate and they were learning about each other and their countries cultures, even though it seemed Law was seriously lacking when it came to knowing his own customs. It was strange.
He was still trying to accept his omega and it was still hard but he was trying like he said he would. Most of all he wished he could escape the two alphas known as Ace and Marco. If they weren't fighting, Ace was sitting on the bed next to him complaining about Marco. It was extremely annoying.
..
Sanji
He missed Ceto. He desperately wished he could see his dragon and escape this hellish place if only for a moment.
He also missed Zoro, he couldn't remember much of what happened with Zoro the night he was found but he did remember waking up and finding himself covered in the alphas scent. For now though, he would still keep trying to avoid Zoro.
On a daily he was confronted by Doflamingo, asking of Law's whereabouts and he'd lie each time, never admitting how many times he'd followed the alpha to the stairs of the dungeon. What was Law doing down there anyway? Why wouldn't the alpha at least talk to him?
There was a mandatory dinner tonight and he was nervous, Doflamingo and Law would both be there.
His stomach hurt, a constant ache that reminded him of how stressed he was.
..
Law
He walked slowly toward the dining room, annoyed that Doflamingo was forcing him to attend dinner. His uncle had said they were a family and would eat dinner like one, he knew better; his uncle was up to something, he could feel it. He dreaded the thought of sitting through this and wondered if he could fake a sickness to escape the dinner early. He wouldn't mind the extra time it'd give him with Luffy should he get away from dinner early.
The first thing he noticed when he entered the room was Sanji, head down and Doflamingo sitting almost too casually at the head of the table. Sanji looked up as the door closed and then stood, bowing to him and then sitting back down. He felt slightly irritated at the blonde but it was overridden by worry when his uncle laughed and ruffled Sanji's hair.
Sanji flinched, cowering away and he narrowed his eyes in anger. Was his uncle hurting him? Sanji was not his mate but the fact that his uncle was messing with the omega meant to be his bride caused his alpha to swirl angrily. He took a deep breath and took his seat, across from Sanji and next to Doflamingo.
Doflamingo's eyes observed them for a few quiet moments, "Surprised you actually made it to dinner, considering how hard it had been to find you lately." Doflamingo finally spoke, eyes locked on him. He reminded himself that he had no choice but to be here. "The castle is fairly big; perhaps you haven't been looking hard enough." He replied.
The strong scent of alpha drifted from Doflamingo, causing Sanji to whimper quietly. "I hardly think that is the case with the lack of dragon around the kingdom." Doflamingo argued, circling the rim of his cup with a long finger.
He shrugged, refusing to give in, "Athena is allowed to do as she pleases, I do not control her whereabouts." He scoffed; Doflamingo would not get the upper hand in this conversation. "Strange, she was always so attached to you before this week." Doflamingo's voice held a hint of anger but before he could respond the food was brought out and the servants started to place various things on their plates.
"Eat." Doflamingo ordered after the servants left. Both he and Sanji hesitated, "I said eat." Doflamingo chuckled, threateningly and he reached for his fork. He barely got a bite into his meat when Doflamingo spoke again, "You've been awfully quiet." Doflamingo was now speaking to Sanji instead of him.
Sanji remained silent but his scent was now filled with fear, he glared angrily at his uncle. Why was Sanji so scared? "Do you not want to be a part of this family?" Doflamingo questioned and Sanji nodded vigorously. "O-Of c-course!" The blonde stuttered, sinking further into the chair, eyes wide and staring at the table.
"Good and how has your time here been? I am sure Law has been spending his free time with you?" Doflamingo's lips turned up into a cruel smirk and Sanji lifted his head just high enough to stare at him from across the table. "It has been well, Law showed me the library." Sanji murmured, timidly. He was surprised to say the least, why had Sanji just covered for him? What did the blonde want?
Doflamingo hummed and then nodded toward the food.
They all started to eat, quietly, for a few minutes until Doflamingo started to speak again. "A guard has reported your sudden interest in the dungeon; I do hope you have not been going down there." Doflamingo eyed him and he made sure to keep his face passive and disinterested. "And if I have been? It is my right should I decide to face Corazon." He replied, immediately regretting it.
"Rosinante!" Doflamingo slammed his fist on the table, causing both him and Sanji to jump. "His name is Rosinante," Doflamingo continued, calmer, "And considering the situation I feel my council is needed."
He bit his tongue; he had to go about this carefully. He did not need his uncle watching the dungeons or he'd have a much harder time getting to Luffy. "I have not been down there," He caught Sanji's knowing eyes from across the table but continued, "I am just saying that this is my castle and I am free to do as I wish." He stared at Doflamingo, knowing his uncle would retaliate.
"Your castle? I have been the one ruling said castle while you are gallivanting around." Doflamingo mocked.
A burst of anger shook him, "And whose fault is that!" He yelled, standing and staring down at his smirking uncle. His uncle never allowed him to have anything to do with running the castle! What did the man expect him to do?
A cry of fear snapped him out of his anger and he looked at Sanji. "You're excused." He growled, not wishing to frighten the omega any more than he already was. Sanji looked relieved and stood, only to have Doflamingo speak up, "Omega, sit." His uncle ordered.
Sanji clutched at the table, trembling, eyes wide. He could see the control his uncle was trying to have, it was the same control his uncle had over him and it made his eyes blur in anger, "You do not command my bride." He hissed, his alpha was taking control of him now. Challenge! His alpha roared.
Doflamingo stood up now; his own alpha scent was filling the room. There was now two alphas challenging each other for authority over Sanji and it caused the omega to whine uneasily. Doflamingo growled, deep in his chest and placed a hand on Sanji's shoulder and for an unknown reason to him Sanji gasped in pain. "Sit." Doflamingo commanded.
Sanji whose eyes were now watering obediently sat. This caused him to shake in anger and he glared at his uncle wishing he could jump across the table and strangle that thick neck. The thought caught him off guard and he blinked, trying to chase away his overwhelming alpha before he did something he'd regret.
"Now, nephew, sit down and we will discuss this calmly." The threatening tone was clear in his uncle's voice but he couldn't bring himself to sit back down. If he stayed any longer at this table he'd lose all his senses to his alpha. "I have nothing left to say." He growled and turned around, walking toward the door.
"One." He'd receive a slap.
He paused, unsure of what to do. He'd only let his uncle count to five once and it ended with him in bed for almost a week.
"Two." He was going to be punched.
He took a step forward, fighting every urge to turn around and sit at the table.
"Three." He'd be kicked black and blue.
He took another step, his breath turning uneven. His alpha simply wouldn't allow him to submit.
"Four." Beaten, he'd be beaten bloody.
He had too much pride, he couldn't turn around now. He took longer strides, reaching the door.
"Five." He'd have broken bones.
Closing his eyes, he stepped out of the dining room. Knowing what was coming.
..
He braced himself as Doflamingo's heavy footsteps could be heard, coming in his direction. Before his uncle reached him he turned around. Fight! His still overwhelming alpha urged and he knew this time he would, he was not sure if that comforted or scared him.
"We can do this here or in your room." Doflamingo growled once they were face to face. His fist clenched and he debated throwing a punch, the only thing that stopped him was Sanji's terrified eyes watching him from the open door. He could not allow the already petrified omega to witness this, gritting his teeth he turned around and walked to the room, Doflamingo following him with barely controlled rage.
As soon as the door closed his uncle was roaring, "YOU INSOLENT LITTLE SHIT."
He was punched hard, his lip splitting. Snarling, unable to control his alpha he launched himself at his uncle. ENOUGH! His alpha chanted, tired of being contained. His alpha was out for blood and he caught the side of Doflamingo's face with curled fingers, clawing at the older man. In the back of his mind he knew he would not win this fight, his uncle was a trained knight but damn if he wasn't going to try.
He clawed, kicked, even snapped at his uncle's face, trying to damage the stronger alpha with everything he had. To his satisfaction his attacks landed as his uncle struggled to restrain him. For a moment he thought he might be getting the upper hand, that was until both of his wrist were caught in a strong grip and a knee hit him hard in the side before flipping him.
He landed with a loud thud. All of the air rushed out of his lungs and he gasped for breath. He rolled over onto his side, staring up at his uncle with undisguised rage. "You sick bastard." He coughed out as Doflamingo stood over him. "You don't get to do this to me!" He screeched and lunged upward. He was kicked roughly and then screamed in pain when Doflamingo's foot stepped on his hand. He could feel his fingers ache in protest and a small crack made agonizing pain shoot up his arm.
"Stupid, worthless, trash!" Doflamingo yelled, kicking him repeatedly in the side. Each time his uncle raised his free leg to kick all the weight of his body was put onto his hand, crushing it into the ground. He screamed louder and then started to kick and claw at his uncle's leg. Kill, kill, kill!
"Pathetic, weak, poor excuse of a king! You don't deserve the crown!" Doflamingo snarled and dropped onto his knees, straddling him. He threw himself upward, punching at his uncle, ignoring the searing pain when he closed his crushed hand into a fist. He was thrown back down when Doflamingo wrapped both of his large hands around his throat.
He now turned his attention to the hands, trying to pull them off. Doflamingo started to squeeze and his alpha went insane, he was seeing red, trying to snap at the hands choking him. "Screw you." He rasped out. Doflamingo responded to this by digging his knees into his side until something cracked, probably a rib. He gasped, jerking at the pain in his side.
Doflamingo continued to apply pressure until another crack was heard and his screaming was cut off by lack of air. He couldn't breathe, he was going to die, his uncle was going to kill him. These thoughts started to chase his alpha away. "You ungrateful brat, you'd be nothing without me. I have ruled all these years for you, raised you, saved you from my traitor brother; do you think I asked for this?" Doflamingo hissed into his ear.
..
Zoro
He was making his rounds when he heard the screaming.
He immediately thought of Sanji and ran to the blonde's room, only to hear silence. In confusion he walked further up to what he was sure was Law's room. He was unsure of what to do and he only grew even more confused when a few other guards passed, acting oblivious as if there wasn't blood curdling screams coming from the room.
He couldn't stop himself from bursting into the room, if the king was in danger it was his duty to protect him. What he saw made his blood run cold; he was shocked at the sight before him. Doflamingo was standing over somebody, kicking them so hard that each kick sent a sickening thud through the room. The scent of distress was overwhelming; it made his alpha start to emerge.
"Enough! I understand, I crossed the line! My fault, I do need you! You do so much for me! Please stop!" The groveling person on the ground was pleading, their neck was bared in the ultimate show of submission and it made his stomach flip uneasily. The voice was familiar but was thick, as if a liquid was stuck in their throat.
"SPEAK UP." Doflamingo roared and kicked the person so hard that he skidded across the floor and onto his side. He could now see Law's bloodied face, almost unrecognizable because of the amount of filth covering it. How could somebody do this to their king? He was too shocked to speak.
Law slowly started to crawl back toward Doflamingo, "I need you!" Law sobbed, "Please."
Doflamingo's grin almost had him bolting out of the room but he held his ground, knowing that he had to do something. "Your highness." He called, hand on his sword. All he needed was the go ahead and he'd stop Doflamingo. To his dismay Law did not look up, only continued to crawl, tremble, and babble.
Doflamingo turned just enough to look at him and raised a foot, slamming it down onto Law's back and pressing the future king into the floor. "Get out." Doflamingo snarled, eyes blazing in fury. "Your highness!" He cried, his knuckles turning white at how hard he was gripping the hilt of his sword. What was happening?
"GET OUT!" Doflamingo roared. One more glance at Doflamingo's eyes that were screaming, you will be next was enough to send him fleeing. He couldn't defy the king's guard and he certainly couldn't cause his disobedience to somehow result in Sanji getting hurt. Still, as he sprinted down the hall his stomach felt uneasy, he wanted to barf.
He ran to the first guard he saw. "Sir, Dellinger, wait!" He called, panting harshly.
Dellinger stopped, "Yes?" He asked.
"The king.. Doflamingo.." He trailed off, not sure how to explain the scene he'd just witnessed.
Dellinger's eyes lit up after a moment, "Oh, is that kid being punished again? Think he'd learn by now." The guard giggled and his throat went dry.
"What?" He choked out.
"No need to worry. Doffy is just making a man out of him. I'd advise you to let them be." Dellinger said gleefully, looking down the hallway as if he wished to watch.
He nodded slowly and backed away from the smiling blonde. What kind of palace was this? A cold chill ran up his spine and he walked stiffly back toward his room. Sanji is not safe here.
..
Things do get better.. Eventually! Thanks for reading.