Author's Note: Hi everyone! So sorry about the long wait. I just finished up my internship and the last few weeks have been crazy! Anyway, thank you very much for your patience and I hope ya'll enjoy the chapter :)

To Awsme Grl: I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter! This is definitely very different from what I normally write so it's a bit challenging, but it's so satisfying when it comes out well! Thank you so much for the sweet review and I hope you enjoy the update :)

To Hibiscus-ya: Aw, I'm glad you liked it! I love writing cute fluff like that XD

To Guest 1: Thank you so much! Your compliments make me smile :) Yeah, I really wanted Luffy and Nami's relationship to be as healthy as possible, with a few bumps in the road here and there. Oh yeah, Lu's friends will quickly be realizing their mistakes once Nami gets involved ;)

To violettouch: Personally, I love Nami as an alpha! I think it really fits her character ;) I'm so glad you're enjoying my story so far!

To Guest 2: Thank you so much!

To yuno18815359: Lu is such a precious little bean and I love him so much, especially when he's nesting lol XD

To JaKuZi: Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. So sorry for the wait, but I hope you enjoy the update!

To Guest 3: I'm very sorry to hear that you don't enjoy that aspect of my story and, as such, won't be reading it. I understand that my stories may not be for everyone and respect your opinion on the matter. I wish you luck in your search for other stories.

WARNINGS:

- Emotions/Intervention

- Talking about toxic friendships

- Doffy is crazy

- Luffy is adorable

Nami spent the next few hours planning, knowing from experience that rash decisions often had harsh consequences. Thankfully, she recalled where Usopp's house was as that was where they'd chosen to drop him and the other two unconscious idiots off the night they'd gone to the club. It wasn't too far from her loft, which gave her time to pack some things and make breakfast for Luffy whenever he woke up.

Around seven in the morning, Nami gently cracked the door to her bedroom to check on Luffy who, as expected, was still fast asleep. She couldn't stop the fond smile from appearing on her lips at the sight of the omega tangled in the many blankets of his nest, quiet snores escaping him. Nami tip-toed up to the bed and placed a note explaining where she'd gone on the nightstand just in case he woke before she returned.

Against her better judgment, Nami reached over and delicately carded her fingers through the omega's soft hair, tensing when he unconsciously reacted to the touch, nuzzling against her palm.

'I should go…' She thought, hurriedly retracting her hand and leaving the room, closing the door behind her. Right now, Nami needed to focus on the task at hand.

As expected, the drive was short and she parked in front of the house just as the sun was rising. It appeared fairly nice and well-kept though she knew from experience that just because the outside looked appealing…didn't mean the inside was.

Nami stepped out and gently closed the door, giving herself a once over before walking up to the house. She'd chosen jeans and a tank-top to wear. Simple, yet flattering. Nami exhaled sharply and pulled her hair up into a ponytail. She had no idea how Usopp would react to her presence and he was probably on guard after the incident with Crocodile.

Beta or not, she would be careful.

As Nami approached the home, she heard voices coming from inside. Curious, she walked around the side of the building and sidled up to a window that was slightly ajar due to damage.

"I'm telling you, Kaya, it was the worst! I thought I was going to die!" Nami frowned at the name and peeked inside. Usopp was pacing around the messy living room, ranting to a frail omega who sat on the couch looking miserable. A subtle sniff revealed something startling: the girl was in heat.

'Is that his girlfriend? Shouldn't she be resting or something?'

"I-I'm glad you're all right." The omega, Kaya apparently, managed before coughing lightly into her hand, "If Luffy hadn't been there-"

"Tch, I don't want to talk about him right now." Usopp interrupted, running a hand through his messy hair, "If he'd just given me the money, everything would've been solved!"

"But…he did save you, yes?" Kaya retorted, obviously trying to keep her trembling to a minimum, "Shouldn't you be grateful he came to your aid?"

"Yeah, now I get to work extra hours and might not make my next rent payment because I have to pay back a freaking mobster! I'm sooo grateful!" Nami scowled at the answer, angry at how selfish and uncaring Usopp was being. "I just wish Luffy would think about others more, ya know?"

That was the last straw for Nami. The beta had no idea the crap Luffy put himself through for his so-called friends! Furious, she stalked back up to the front door and knocked violently, almost denting the painted wood. She could hear Usopp grumbling as he walked through the house and it was extremely satisfying to see the color drain from his face the second he opened the door.

"Y-You're-"

Nami didn't wait for his pathetic response and dragged him back inside the house by his collar, kicking the door shut behind them.

"Ahhh, Kaya, call the police, or-or the ACU! She's going to kill me!"

The blonde omega looked startled by her sudden intrusion but made no move to stand up from the couch. Nami's nose wrinkled at Kaya's unhealthy scent. It was clear Usopp was too busy whining about what happened to take proper care of his girlfriend.

"Orange hair…are you…Nami?" Kaya asked quietly, not reacting to Usopp's squealing, the beta still hanging from Nami's steel grip.

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Luffy told me about you." Kaya replied with a weak smile, "I take it you have business with Usopp?"

"I do. Sorry for the intrusion."

Throwing Usopp on the floor, Nami passed Kaya a blanket which she promptly wrapped herself in. The omega seemed content to watch the proceedings but had her phone right next to her, no doubt in case things escalated out of control. She supposed Kaya trusted her at least a little bit because Luffy had vouched for her at some point in the last few days. He'd mentioned something about meeting with other omegas…

"W-What the hell do you want!?" Usopp stuttered, crawling away until his back was against the nearby wall. Nami growled at him and sat down next to Kaya, crossing one leg over the other. Surprisingly, though the omega's scent was strong, she didn't feel affected by it…not like she had been with Luffy.

"I'm here about last night." Nami snarled, causing Usopp to blink in confusion. That's right, the fool didn't know that she witnessed the incident. "I was there, Usopp…I saw everything. How could you be so cruel to your own friend."

"Y-You don't know anything!" The beta countered, stumbling to his feet, "He ruined my well thought out plan-"

"Luffy saved your life." Nami hissed, causing Usopp to step back and swallow instinctively, "Trust me, if he hadn't done what he did, you'd be dead."

"No, if he'd just given me the money, the debt would've been settled! Everything would've been fine." Nami scoffed and fixed Usopp in place with a harsh stare.

"You're the one who doesn't know anything. I've dealt with Crocodile…I know how he operates. Trust me, he never would've allowed Luffy to pay your debt. If things went your way, Crocodile would have removed Luffy from the room and put a bullet in your head." Usopp paled and Nami brushed a piece of hair from her face before continuing. "Then who do you think would be working off your debt?"

Usopp's eyes flicked to Kaya and the omega bowed her head, coughing into the blanket.

"I-I…wait, how do you even know that? You're some kind of criminal, I knew it!"

"Don't change the subject." Nami scolded, allowing some of her very angry scent to wash over the beta, "You, and your friends, owe Luffy one hell of an apology after everything you put him through. I've only known him for a few days but I can see the mental, emotional, and physical abuse he puts up with for your sake."

"A-Abuse!? Now hold on just a minute-"

"Do you have a better word for it?" Nami probed, withdrawing her scent a bit when she noticed it was affecting Kaya, the omega baring her neck in submission. She felt bad that this had to happen in the girl's presence. "I've seen the bruises…the damage. Hell, after you left your friend at the mercy of Crocodile, I'm the one who helped him and I barely know him!"

Usopp bit his lip, finally showing a little bit of remorse.

"I…I was just so angry, and Luffy's so strong…I didn't even think…" The beta trailed off with a shaky breath, obviously fighting conflict within himself. "I didn't mean to…"

"Yes, Luffy's strong," Nami affirmed, recalling how to stood up to Doflamingo, "but he's not superhuman. He cried, Usopp."

"I just figured," The beta quickly interjected, his hands trembling, "there's nothing he can't handle so it'd be fine, ya know?"

"So it's okay to treat your friend like that because he can take it?" Nami shot back, "Tell me, would you ever treat Kaya like you treat Luffy?"

"Of course not…" Usopp admitted in the quietest voice she'd heard from him. Nami leaned forward on her knees, her hair falling over one shoulder.

"Then why the hell is it okay to do that to Luffy?"

Usopp's lip quivered and he sunk down to the floor, tears forming in his eyes. Nami smirked and fell back against the couch, pleased she'd gotten through to him.

"It…wasn't always like this." Usopp said in between hiccups and sniffles, "We've been friends for a long time and I guess I just…I don't know, started being-"

"An ass?" Kaya surprisingly put in, prompting Nami to raise an eyebrow. Usopp looked stunned at the comment while Nami chuckled under her breath. The omega smiled softly at the beta while she scooted off the couch and up to him so she could place a gentle hand on his cheek. "Usopp, I love you, so much, but to be honest, this gambling addiction has turned you into something you're not. Something unkind. I think it's time you man up and show me that you can support us…and our future family."

Usopp sniffled and nodded profusely, snot dripping out of his nose. Nami sighed when the beta hugged Kaya, whispering promises into her ear. Well, at least that was a start. Who knows if the idiot could make good on any of them.

"U-Um…where's Luffy now?" Usopp asked after about fifteen minutes of straight crying.

"Why do you want to know?"

The beta wiped his eyes and stood to his feet, looking determined.

"I want to apologize."

Nami hummed and rose to meet him, appraising his expression. To be honest, she hadn't planned to lead yet another person back to her place, especially Usopp. But…the first thing out of his mouth was a desire to apologize…perhaps this was a good time to help Luffy and start the repair process on their friendship.

"All right, but we're not doing anything until you take care of Kaya."

Usopp nodded and quickly dropped back down to his knees to help the omega up. Nami swiftly walked out of the house, content to wait in the car. Her little 'intervention' was ending differently than she imagined, but she couldn't bring herself to say no to Usopp, not when it might help Luffy.

'It had better be one hell of an apology.'

Luffy groaned as he awoke, his senses confused for a few seconds at the strangely familiar scents surrounding him. He pushed himself up off the bed and wiped sleep from his eyes before examining his surroundings. It was then that his memories came back to him.

'That's right…Nami helped me.' Luffy thought, biting the inside of his cheek in frustration. He was usually so good about holding his inner omega back…but he'd let it take over while he was in such a vulnerable position. Had Nami not been there, who knows what Crocodile would've done to him.

Luffy swung his legs off the bed and winced when he attempted to lean on his left hand. That's right, he punched Usopp…the beta was probably pretty pissed at him. When he lifted his hand up to his face, Luffy was surprised to find it had been bandaged. Had Nami done that?

'And this…' He blushed slightly at the sight of what was obviously a rudimentary nest made on what could only be Nami's bed. Luffy hadn't made a nest since he was in middle school. It used to be a bit of a coping mechanism and his brothers didn't mind, but Garp quickly discouraged the habit saying it wasn't healthy to allow his omega such control.

Not bothering to disassemble the nest (especially since Nami had seen it) Luffy padded to the door and peeked into the living room. The apartment was small, but definitely larger than his. It was also quiet, which indicated Nami must not be home. He huffed and turned back around to the bedroom. What was he supposed to do?

It was then that a folded piece of paper placed on the nightstand caught his attention. Curious, Luffy walked over and picked it up. The front said 'Luffy' meaning it must be from Nami.

Luffy,

I had to run an errand, there's breakfast in the fridge if you're hungry.

Call me if you need anything.

Nami

Luffy's breathe caught in his throat at the number scrawled after Nami's name. It was…her number! He finally had it!

Giddy with excitement, Luffy dug his phone out of his pocket and quickly entered it in. Now they could text and stuff! Maybe she'd like to hang out sometime when she wasn't helping him get away from mob bosses.

He placed the paper back where he found it before leaving the room to explore the rest of the apartment. There were lots of half-unpacked boxes around, indicating Nami was still moving in. Luffy peeked inside one and pulled out a picture frame that held three people, one of which was obviously Nami. He assumed the other two were her family members.

Luffy smiled softly, liking how happy Nami looked.

Gently returning the picture to the box, he turned his thoughts to the fridge, where his breakfast would hopefully be. To his delight, Nami had made him waffles, complete with blueberries and cut up strawberries for toppings. Giggling quietly to himself, Luffy doused them with syrup he found in the pantry and clapped his hands together in anticipation.

"Thanks for the food!"

When he finished his meal, Luffy glanced up at the window where sunlight was streaming inside. It looked like it was at least mid-morning…a nap would probably be good later. Just as he was about to slip off the bar stool and put his dishes in the sink, there was a noise at the front door.

His eyes brightened when Nami walked in.

"Welcome back! You're really good at cooking, Nami. Almost as good as Sanji!"

"Uh, thanks…" She replied, face turning red, "I take it you liked the waffles."

"Mn! They were delicious!" Luffy replied, showing off his empty plate. Nami smiled thinly at him, not closing the door behind her.

"Actually, Luffy…are you up for a talk?"

"A talk? Sure." He replied, tilting his head at the odd behavior, "Something wrong?"

"We'll see." She replied with a sigh before opening the door completely, revealing a very nervous looking Usopp. Luffy exhaled in relief at the sight of his friend. Though Nami told him the beta was okay, it didn't stop Luffy from worrying.

"Usopp, it's so good to see you! I'm glad you're okay." Luffy chirped, forcing a bright smile onto his face. He felt his chest tighten slightly at the thought of their last encounter but he did his best not to let it show. Usopp didn't need more negativity right now. "Sorry that I upset you-"

"No, don't apologize!" The long-nosed beta exclaimed, causing Luffy to abruptly close his mouth. He watched with big eyes as Usopp rushed inside the loft and stopped right in front of him, eyes moist with tears.

"Usopp, what-"

"Luffy, I'm so sorry" Usopp wailed, shakily clutching at Luffy's forearms, "I-I said terrible things to you and have honestly been the worst friend ever."

He blinked at the apology, taken aback by the sincerity in his friend's eyes. Usopp was…apologizing? But he never did that.

"I…I know it won't make much of a difference now but I'm going to try and stop gambling." The beta continued, flinching when Nami cleared her throat, "Er, I mean, I'm going to stop gambling. It's clear that it only brings out the worst in me and put you and Kaya in a potentially dangerous situation. W-What I mean to say is…I'm sorry for hurting you, Lu. Will you ever forgive me?"

Luffy smiled softly and gently pulled Usopp in for a hug.

"Of course I do…you're my friend."

In Nami's opinion, Luffy forgave Usopp much too easily. The long-nosed beta deserved harsh retribution for the crap he pulled. But she supposed Luffy just wasn't capable of that kind of thing with his 'friends'.

Usopp still had a long way to go. Just because he had one sincere apology under his belt didn't mean he wouldn't relapse into his old habits. People like him got used to being catered to and running over their friend's feelings on a daily basis. It would be difficult to completely change how he interacted with Luffy overnight.

'Still, I guess it's nice to see Luffy happy.' Nami thought, watching closely as Usopp told a rather elaborate story, causing the omega to laugh loudly.

"And then, after jumping over the sink hole, I bravely scaled the building and rescued the pup from the burglar's evil clutches!"

"Wow, you're amazing Usopp!" Luffy exclaimed with sparkles in his eyes. Nami huffed, unsure if the omega was really believing the lies or just enjoying the storytelling experience. She cleared her throat, earning her guests' attention.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I've got some stuff I need to do today."

"Oh, right, sorry to overstay our welcome." Usopp swiftly put in while tugging Luffy to his feet, "Come on, Luffy, we need to get you to a doctor anyway."

"Okay." The omega replied, but not before trotting up to Nami and surprising her with a warm hug, "Thanks for everything, Nami. Shishishi, you're the best!"

The alpha stood stock still, in shock, for a few seconds before finally returning Luffy's hug. The affection was so sudden that she wasn't sure how to respond to it. She was quickly realizing that Luffy was a very touchy and affectionate person.

Nami would always deny squeaking when Luffy scented her, purring as he rubbed their glands together in a very intimate manner. Her alpha preened at the action but every other part of her body tensed up. Though she liked Luffy (a lot), it still felt awkward to engage in such an act with someone that was still practically a stranger.

Plus, to be honest, physical touch still brought back memories of things Arlong had done to her, no matter how gentle and innocent it was. The other times they'd scented each other…it had been different. Her alpha had been in control the first time she'd done it deliberately (in front of Doflamingo) and how could she not when the omega had been in such a state! Now, with both of them in their right minds…she just wasn't ready.

"Nami…?" Luffy whispered, pulling back to look at her with those worried (adorable) big eyes of his. Behind him, Usopp was blushing and looked away when their eyes met. "S-Sorry, did you not like that?"

"I…sorry, Luffy." Nami replied, gently pushing him away, "It's complicated. I'll…see you around?"

The omega drooped a little at the rejection but quickly recovered and chirped a happy 'see you later' to her as he and a flushed Usopp left her apartment. Nami exhaled shakily as the adrenaline of the night finally caught up to her. Unfortunately, she didn't have much time to relax.

'I need to reschedule the meeting with Crocodile.' Nami mused while pulling out a mug, intending to make some tea for herself. Maybe when she was done with that meeting and her plan was well underway…she'd stop by Charlotte Sweets & Desserts.

Just for a snack…nothing more.

Nami glanced at her phone when it dinged, alerting her to a text message.

Hiiii it's Luffy! Come hang out anytime!

The text had a bunch of smiley faces after it, making her lips curl up ever so slightly.

Yeah…just for a snack.

"Damn Luffy…you just went for it, didn't you."

The omega turned his head to Usopp, unsure what he meant by the statement. They were walking down the sidewalk, on their way to Luffy's 'Omega Practitioner's' office to get his hand checked out. Thankfully, it wasn't very far away from Nami's apartment.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you scent us all the time, but like…you really scented her." Usopp suddenly stopped, eyes widening, "Wait…do you like her?"

"Of course I like her!" Luffy replied, spinning on his heel a little bit in happiness, "Nami's awesome!"

"No, no…I mean like-like her." Usopp stated, emphasizing the last 'like' in his statement, "Like, you want to court her, like, Luffy." The omega blinked at the clarification, suddenly understanding.

"Oh, yeah I guess so."

"So…you want to date the Valkyrie!?" Usopp all but screeched as they started walking again, the beta talking very animatedly with his hands as they moved, "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Lu…she's kind of…uh…violent."

"Yeah, but so are you guys." Luffy replied, missing the look of guilt that flashed across Usopp's face, "She smells so good, is super nice, and her food is great! What's not to like?"

"She could be a criminal." Usopp muttered, causing Luffy tilt his head as they rounded a corner.

"You think so?"

"Maybe…I'll need to do some research. You should to, Lu. I don't want you getting hurt."

"Shishishi, it'll be fine! Right now, we're just friends anyway." He quickly retorted, coming to a halt when they reached their destination, "Thanks for coming with me, Usopp. And…for apologizing."

"You're welcome." The beta replied, flashing him a fond smile that Luffy felt like he hadn't seen in a long time, "Let me know if you need anything, okay?"

Luffy nodded and waved, entering the office alone. Since it was designated for omegas only, Usopp wouldn't be able to enter. He'd already told him it was okay to leave, Luffy could get home by himself. Besides, Kaya needed him right now.

By the time Luffy left the doctor's office, it was past noon. Thankfully, his hand wasn't broken, just sprained. Dr. Crocus had fixed him up without asking too many questions, which was nice. He didn't want to have to deal with Omega Protective Services when he didn't have to.

Mostly because that would involve them calling his 'emergency contact', which was Ace. If his brother found out just how bad things had gotten since he left…there's no way he would let Luffy continue to live on his own.

With a huff, Luffy focused his thoughts on what he should do that afternoon. Technically, he was supposed to work, but a nap also sounded nice…and Katakuri was always so accommodating.

'I think I'll just go home…' He decided, barely stifling a yawn. Though he'd gotten a few hours of really good sleep at Nami's place, Luffy was still exhausted. He needed to rest and recover from his heat before it got really bad.

Changing directions, Luffy made his way to the bus stop, pulling out his phone as he did so. He didn't want his Boss to think he was in the hospital again.

Later that evening…

Crocodile sat at his desk smoking a cigar as he read over the report Daz handed him. Given only a day had passed since his encounter with the Cat-Burglar and the strange omega, the details were sparse at best…but it gave him a brief idea of who he was dealing with.

He already knew the boy's name but, embarrassingly enough, he hadn't made the connection.

"So…he's Garp's grandson, hmmm?" Crocodile whispered, blowing out smoke onto the picture of the omega's face included in the report. He knew the soldier well…though most of their interactions were rather confrontational. The old man had been a pain in his side for years, but he still respected the alpha despite their differences. It had been surprising to hear he'd passed from cancer of all things…many thought Garp to be invincible. "No wonder the kid is so ballsy…he learned from the best."

"From what I was able to find, Luffy was raised by his Grandfather along with two brothers." Daz informed him, "Unfortunately, I have yet to find any information on them."

"That's fine, I'm not interested in them." Crocodile said, waving the other alpha off, "What else do we know about him?"

With that, his faithful subordinate began to regale him with what he'd found (which was quite a lot considering the miniscule time frame). The omega was nineteen years old and worked at Charlotte Sweets & Desserts, a local shop run by the infamous Charlotte Katakuri. Most weren't old enough to remember when he used to rampage under 'Big Mom's' name…but he'd long since gotten out of the game.

The alpha was definitely dangerous though, and Crocodile wasn't stupid enough to step inside his territory without good reason.

"He lives alone in a complex that borders the slums." Daz continued, passing a picture of the place to Crocodile. He curled his lip in distaste at the rundown hovel. How anyone could live in such conditions was beyond him. "And, from what we learned from the long-nosed brat, he received a good amount of money from Garp but has yet to use it. I was able to get a glance at his finances thanks to our 'friend' at the bank…he's barely getting by. Most of his pharmaceuticals come from government handouts and he's never been approached by OPS or other omega agencies so I assume he keeps his situation under wraps."

"Okay, what about his connection to the Cat-Burglar?" Crocodile questioned, more curious about their relationship than anything else. Daz sighed and shook his head.

"I wasn't able to find anything that suggested a previous connection between them."

"So they met recently." Crocodile muttered, stroking his hook and glancing back at the young omega's face. He was a handsome young man…perhaps she simply took him home on a whim? Any alpha would be drawn to an omega in distress. "What are your thoughts, Daz? You spent more time with the boy than I did."

The other alpha hummed and crossed his arms, closing his eyes in thought.

"They certainly seemed to have a connection…and she behaved rather possessively with him. Perhaps they are simply meant to be?" Crocodile chuckled under his breath.

"I didn't peg you for the romantic type."

"I'm not. I am simply making an observation."

Just as Crocodile was about to light his cigar once again, one of his employees rushed into the room, face pale. Immediately, he was on guard.

"S-Sir…you…have a visitor. He is demanding to see you and we can't-"

"Who is it?" Crocodile demanded, voice low. The trembling beta swallowed nervously.

"D-D-Donquixote Doflamingo, Sir. He won't take no for an answer! What should we do?"

Crocodile swore under his breath. That stupid bird knew he hated it when people showed up unannounced. Unfortunately, they worked together occasionally and Crocodile followed his 'rules' when it came to doing business in the alpha's city. He was smart, he knew who Dressrosa belonged to.

Didn't mean he liked the pink bird. The man was annoying as hell.

"Show him in." Crocodile ordered, quickly motioning for Daz to bring him a drink. He'd sure as hell need one for this conversation. Doflamingo didn't visit often, but when he did, it was usually for one of three things: information, money, or man-power. He wondered what it would be this time.

A few minutes later, the doors to his office flew open and Doflamingo all but strutted in, flaunting a mischievous grin and his signature pink coat.

"Croco~" He greeted with a flourish, causing Crocodile to roll his eyes, "How are you this fine evening?"

"I was doing fine until you showed up. What the hell do you want? I'm busy."

"Fufufu, I can see that." Doflamingo said with a chuckle, eyeing the files strewn across his desk, "Surely you can spare a few minutes for your dear colleague?" Crocodile didn't answer that and simply raised an eyebrow, prompting the other alpha to say what he came to say and get out.

Doflamingo continued to grin until suddenly, it fell, and he snatched something off Crocodile's desk.

"Oi, what're you-"

"This omega…you know him?" Doflamingo asked, amused smile gone. Crocodile frowned at the alpha's response.

"One of my more difficult patrons called him in yesterday in an attempt to settle his debts. Why?" Doflamingo huffed and settled on the nearby couch, holding the picture up to the light.

"I am a benevolent leader…don't you think, Croco?" Doflamingo asked in a quiet voice. Crocodile wasn't sure how to respond and the other alpha's calm was starting to unnerve him. He subtly motioned for Daz to step back while he approached Doflamingo, sitting in the chair perpendicular him.

"I guess. Suddenly self-conscious or something?"

The blonde sighed and continued, ignoring Crocodile's question.

"I give homes to wayward alphas…I provide work for the destitute and protect the lovely omegas of this city. The government is afraid of me and yet…" Crocodile didn't react as Doflamingo suddenly sat up, growling slightly, "There are still those who would defy me!"

The alpha snarled and stood to his feet, pacing around the small sitting area.

"Do you know what I hate almost as much as betrayal? Disrespect. Impudence! People who think they are better than me." Doflamingo's alpha completely saturated the room, causing Daz to bare his neck. Crocodile resisted, never one to bow to others. "I was insulted, Croco…and I intend to remedy that wrong."

'It's clear that someone got under his skin.' Crocodile thought, 'Was it the kid?' He decided to test his theory.

"So now you're hunting down an omega? That's immature, even for you." Doflamingo laughed at his statement, flicking Luffy's picture around in his hands.

"Oh no, Croco, you have the wrong idea. While this little dear needs to be taught a lesson in submission, he is not who I wish to punish." The other alpha leaned forward slightly with a smirk, "I am confident in my ability to help him learn his place. No…I am searching for this woman."

Crocodile didn't react when Doflamingo placed a grainy picture of the Cat-Burglar on the table. He immediately recognized the orange hair. His thoughts began to race as he considered all the possibilities. Was this what the girl wanted to discuss? If she'd pissed Doflamingo off…it was certainly practical to come to him for assistance instead.

"You want my help identifying her?" Crocodile asked before taking another drag, "Why not use your own people? Your influence is far greater than mine in this city."

"Because I am a smart man." Doflamingo said, smirk never dimming, "You say you just met little Luffy yesterday and yet you already have nearly a complete file on his entire life. No one else is as efficient as you, Crocodile."

"What would I get in return?"

Doflamingo tilted his head and his smirk widened.

"Whatever it takes."

The dark-haired alpha considered his options for a moment. If he helped Doflamingo and gave the Cat-Burglar up, he'd probably get money or property…all good things to help his 'business' prosper. However, working with a snake like Doflamingo always came with strings attached. He risked being dragged into troublesome situations if he gave him what he wanted.

On the other hand, he could refuse and hear what the Cat-Burglar had to say. If his theory was right and she was going after Joker…it could be interesting (and amusing) to give her some assistance. Given, Crocodile had no intention of truly 'betraying' Doflamingo, as the man would probably interpret it if he went too far.

Everyone knew what happened to those who crossed the Family…

You ended up riddled with bullets before the day was over.

"I'll see what I can find." Crocodile said, causing Doflamingo to clap his hands together.

"I knew you'd see it my way! Do let me know when you find something…interesting."

"Yeah, yeah…now get out." Doflamingo cackled and began to move towards the door, Luffy's picture still in his hand.

"You don't mind if I keep this, do you?" Crocodile shrugged, prompting the other alpha to place the omega's picture in his coat.

"Do whatever you want."

Doflamingo stalked out of his office, waving lavishly as he left. Crocodile sighed and ran a hand down the sleek surface of his hook. The Cat-Burglar may be in over her head this time, but that didn't make it any less entertaining for him. The Joker was a pain in the ass and he'd pay money to see him taken for a fool.

'I'll have Daz contact her so I can hear exactly what she has planned.'

He'd have to be careful, regardless of what he decided to do. Even if he did turn the girl over to Doflamingo, if their past connection was discovered…the other alpha would not be pleased.

"It sounds like those two may be in trouble." Daz commented, eyeing the doors where Doflamingo had disappeared. Crocodile hummed and stood to his feet.

"Yeah, though the omega less so. For all his madness, Doflamingo holds strictly to the old ways." Crocodile also preferred the more traditional viewpoint, mostly because it placed alphas at the top of the food chain, not betas. That being said, he didn't agree with Doflamingo's treatment of omegas that bordered on the extreme ways of their ancestors. They were valuable creatures that often needed to be cared for but Crocodile would never force them into unhealthy submission just to gratify his own pride.

He imagined Doflamingo had plans for young Luffy that would be very unpleasant and likely, unsuccessful. From what he'd seen of the omega, he was not one to submit against his will.

"Things are getting interesting, Daz…" Crocodile said with a smirk, "Let's get to work."