And we are finally back with Law, Sanji and Cora-San, except Smoker, they are my favorite characters to write about! And it always seems easier to write about them. But I admit I did struggle a bit with the chapter, that's why the characters may seem so out of character (for this story, they are way ooc from the original already), especially Law and Cora-San. Sanji was easier.
Well a lot of things are going to happen in this chapter, so I hope you like it. I will reveal a little bit of Sanji's back story, we will have so much more to go into there! Sooo much more! But you have to start somewhere! And fuck I really feel sorry for Sanji, hate to do this to him, but yeah.
Law's part was so fun to write, and so cute! Sorry for not having more of him in this chapter, but it was mostly Sanji's chapter. Law will get some that are more of his chapters. And I love to have Hawkins around, just to irritate Law. MoHahaha
And Cora-San, I don't know what happened, okay. I wanted him to do something else then sleep with Crocodile, but I may have gone a bit over top. I couldn't make his part's as good as I wanted. I am so sorry for it. I wanted to show that Cora-San is really fucked up, and moody sometimes. I want him to be super angsty, but I don't want to reveal to much yet, so it's hard to do so. Hopefully you will survive his part, and think it's funny at least.
Then the rest of the characters, well they are even more ooc. And I admit that I struggled with the two men entering halfway the story (damn this things are hard to write, when I don't want to spoil it. Well the older one, was the hardest one. I may need some time to figure him out, like Aokiji. But I liked having him in the story. I can also reveal that the older man, I decided his age to be 33)
I raise Sanji's age, figure I couldn't make the story otherwise, so he is 23, instead of 21.
I can tell you that it was 15 years ago, Sanji met Law, Bepo and Cora-San, just like he says.
He met Zeff 16 years ago.
Think that may be all I need to explain about the story.
Next chapter will involve so many characters. Almost all of them, and it's going to be the first time that happens, so hope you like it!
Thank you for reading, and enjoy!
"Sanji!" Luffy's voice echoed through the corridors "Sanji!"
Luffy admitted that he was a bit lost, with the many hospital corridors looking somewhat alike.
"Wonder if this is how Zoro feels all the time?" Luffy laughed for himself, as he said those words. He had entered the hospital, feeling a need to meet Sanji, since it had been all too long since he met him.
"SANJI!" Luffy shouted hearing his voice bounce between the walls.
"Can you stop screaming?" an unfamiliar man, wearing a mask walked out from a room.
"Have you seen Sanji?"
"It's the blond, friend with the lunatic?" the man asked and Luffy nodded with a big smile. "He was with the surgeon a few minutes ago"
"Can you show me? I am a bit lost" Luffy admitted and the man was on his way to say no, until he got to the conclusion that Luffy would stop shouting if showed him.
"Follow me"
"SANJI!" Sanji turned around when he heard a familiar voice shouting his name, as the younger, male started run towards him. Despite that he had started to get used to meeting Luffy, seeing him run towards him, still frightened him. Law who were standing next to him, sensed it, as he often did, and pulled his sword.
"Stop running Mugiwara-ya or I will cut you!" Luffy barely had time to stop before he made contact with Law's sword.
"Sorry" Luffy smiled as wide as usual, and it made Sanji smile as well. "It has just been so long since I saw either of you, especially Sanji!"
"It has, hasn't it" Sanji answered, looking at Law, who almost seemed displeased by having Luffy at the hospital.
"Who are you?" Luffy looked at Hawkins, who were standing behind them, since they had been engage in a conversation with him, before Luffy showed up. "Is he a family member too?"
"No!" Law said in a cold, determent voice.
"I am a guest here, Hawkins. It's nice to make your acquaintance Luffy"
"Likewise" Luffy answered with a bright smile, before he turned to look at Sanji. "Do you want to hang out?"
Sanji looked over at Law, who gave him a small smile, a smile he only gave to Sanji.
"You are busy" he said in a low voice to Law, who shrugged his shoulders.
"I can move some things" Law answered nonchalant, and Sanji thought about it, he knew he would feel better with Law by his side, but Luffy had never done anything to hurt him, and he seemed to care about him. And Sanji felt bad for forcing Law to come along, clearly not enjoying it as much as Sanji had started to do, and if they didn't went too far, he should be able to go on his own.
"I think I can manage on my own" Sanji almost whispered and Law gave him an encouraging look, and Sanji smiled a small smile.
"I am just a call away" Law squeezed Sanji's shoulder, before he turned towards Luffy. "If anything happens to him, I will kill you, more painful than you can imagine!"
"Roger" Luffy answered with a smile, and Sanji actually smiled as well, seeing that the younger man wasn't afraid of Law, was in some way hilarious. "Let's go Sanji"
Sanji lightened a cigarette, a habit he had got from Cora-San, as he followed Luffy.
"You are worried" Hawkins looked at Law, as soon as Sanji disappeared. Law wasn't sure if he was pleased with having Hawkins around as much as he had. The former gang leader, often studied Law, and commented on things in his behaviour, things Law often was all too aware off, but choose to ignore. He wasn't sure of Hawkins reason for it either, he had pointed out that it wasn't too bad to let someone in. Law wasn't sure to why he hadn't killed the older man yet, he kept telling himself it was for Bepo's sake, but Law started to fear that it was for some other reason, a reason he didn't want to know about, and ignored. Hoping he would find a reason to make the other man leave him alone.
"In a city like this, there is reason to worry" Law half and half admitted, earning a smile from Hawkins, making Law giving him a deadly glare before he started walking towards his patients, with Hawkins follow him.
As soon as they left the hospital, Sanji felt a bit worried, as he always did when he walked around without Law. He was aware that he relayed far too much on Law, and Cora-San the moments they spent together, but knowing they were still out there, he couldn't help it. He tried to work on it, by becoming stronger, and working on leaving home alone. But since he met Luffy the last time he did, and how easily he had grabbed him, Sanji had stopped going out on his own. Then he looked at Luffy, knowing he wasn't alone, and he hoped that his instinct was right, that Luffy wouldn't do anything towards him.
"Are you worried?" Luffy asked and Sanji nodded, feeling a bit shameful, admitting it. "How about we do something here then, close to the hospital? It doesn't matter what we do, as long as I got to spend some time with you."
"Thank you" Sanji said and Luffy nodded, looking around, most likely trying to figure out what to do.
"How about the playground?" Luffy asked as he pointed towards a sigh, announcing it was a playground nearby, Bepo often spend time there, with Penguin and Shachi, but today they helped Law around the hospital.
"Sure" Sanji answered and Luffy seemed happy to hear him agree as they walked towards it.
"You should have seen! Ace almost lit the whole apartment on fire, I think it's actually one of the few times I have seen Sabo angry" Luffy told him, with a big laugh. They were sitting on a set of swings, Luffy sometimes pushed himself back and forth, while Sanji preferred to sit still.
"Sound like you have a lovely family" Sanji looked over at Luffy who nodded.
"I do. Ace have taken care of me since I was a child, I barely remember anything before that. And Sabo, we met him on the streets twelve years ago" Luffy informed him.
"You remember you biological family?" Sanji was curious, it wasn't uncommon for people in this town to create families, with people they have met in different places, his family was the same.
"Not really. Ace told me he snatched me from some Marines who were looking for me, so I guess they were marines" Luffy didn't seem to care all too much about it. "How did you and Senguko become family?"
"I met them fifteen years ago. I was barely eight years old, living on the streets, after some things. I was in trouble, almost getting caught by some people who were looking for me. Senguko who was eleven at the time, jumped in between and saved me. He, similar to your brother snatched me, and took me with him, back to his father, and talking bear, they took me in, and I have been a part of their family ever since" Sanji smiled towards Luffy. He had chosen to not reveal much of the story to Luffy, mostly because he couldn't bear the memories, and he also didn't want to endanger Luffy. And he also called Law by the ridicules name he used.
"He sound like a good kid" hearing Luffy saying those words made Sanji laugh.
"Don't let him hear that. But he was, he has always taken care of me, and the others. He is the best friend anyone can ask for" Sanji looked at the tall hospital building a few streets away, feeling somewhat safe, knowing Law was in there.
"You don't see him as your brother?" Luffy was clearly surprised by that.
"I don't. I had biological brothers, who I never was found off, and I didn't want to associate Senguko with them, just as I never calls Senguko's father, father" Sanji explained and Luffy seemed to understand.
"How are they? The bear and Senguko's father?" Luffy asked and Sanji went silent "You don't have to tell me"
"It's just that Senguko is very over protective, and don't want anyone to know about them" Sanji said as he lit another cigarette.
"Then let's do something else" Luffy didn't seem to mind, and Sanji nodded thankfully, glad that the younger man didn't pressure him. "Oh, oh I know! We can have a swing and jumping contest, to see who will reach the longest"
"I haven't done that since I was a child" Sanji remembered the moments Cora-San took them to the playground. Law almost always reading a book, while Bepo ran around. Cora-San often sat on the swing with Sanji, having competing in who would jump the furthest, he almost won, since Cora-San always managed to fall flat on his stomach instead.
"Let's start" Luffy laughed as he pushed forward, giving his swing a bounce.
"Here" Law looked up from his book when Hawkins placed a plate of food on the desk. "You haven't eaten since breakfast"
"I was fairly sure that I already had a father" Law returned to his book, as Hawkins sat down.
"I am not trying to become your father, I am merely trying to get you to eat, before Bepo schools me for making you go without food" Law sighed, feeling as the people around him was his babysitters, making sure he eat, slept, took care of himself and didn't overworked himself. At this rate, he almost felt like he needed to find another hospital, far away from them all. Law could tell they meant well, but he wasn't interested, especially not in endanger more people then he already did, by having them close. Law gazed out through the window for a second, hoping that Sanji was unharmed, he knew he was feeling a bit over protective, but he couldn't help it, knowing Sanji's history.
"He is alright, he has Luffy by his side, and I am sure that the young man will protect him. If it pleases you, I can do a reading of the cards" Hawkins offer, only earning him a glare and a snort from Law.
"If I need that kind of freak show, I can walk over to the Casino District" Law said coldly and Hawkins didn't care to respond, not feeling offended by the younger man's words.
"Try to eat your food" Hawkins said before he left Law alone. Law looked at the plate of food, feeling far from hungry. Instead he grabbed a bottle at his desk and a glass. He needed to calm down, not overreacting, and doing something drastic, as search for Sanji, not yet at least. Law lifted the glass to his lips when the den den mushi started to call. Law looked at it, seeing it was Cora-San, and he picked up.
"Are you alright?" was Law's first question, it was unusual for Cora-San to call him.
"I am, has something happened?" Law knew all too well how easily his father could read him.
"Sanji went out with Mugiwara-Ya"
"Oh, glad to hear it, he needs a friend" Cora-San sounded almost too excited for Law's taste, but he knew that their father wanted the best for them, and hearing Sanji is going out with a friend, was a big step for the blond one. "You need to get some friends too. How about that Hawkins guy?"
"Why did you call?" Law interrupted Cora-San before he got a long speech about the value of friendship, and how he needed to open up more.
"I was calling you to let you know, that I am going out" Cora-San laughed on the other end. "And knowing that you may tear down the town if I am gone without letting you know, I called to just do that, let you know"
"He is still out there, so it's no laughing matter. If you were to disappear, I would do what I could to find you" Law was serious, if Doflamingo got hold of Cora-San, Law would tear the city to pieces, to find his father, not caring about the consequences.
"I know" Cora-San sounded grateful. "I will be careful"
"Thank you" Law answered, knowing that his father would be careful.
"I love you"
"Love you too" Law said very fast before he hang, making sure no one heard him, as he once again grabbed his glass, looking out through the window, hoping that Cora-San would be safe as well. Law sighed, sometimes he felt that it would be best if he could look them up, out of reach for the people hunting them. Law looked at the glass, he needed something else to keep him occupied, he needed a body, he thought as he stood up.
The cards landed on the table as he threw them, to show the others.
"And we have a winner" the dealer looked at Cora-San who only nodded, and took the poker chips, placed in the middle. He had been playing for a while, making it work as a distraction, maybe it was because he won, having opponents who underestimated him. Maybe it was because of the makeup, or maybe because he had almost fell into the table when he sat down. For him it mattered very little, as it kept him distracted. The night had been close to torture, nightmares replacing each other, every one of them involving his, lovely, brother. He had tried using the sleeping pills, Law got for him, but they didn't work better then mint pastils would have. And he grabbed a bottle of alcohol, but in this case it only made it worse, waking up memories he had almost forgot.
When the morning came, and he heard the others leave, he decided that leaving the apartment was the best cause of action. Before he met Law, and unwillingly lashed out, on his son. Cora-San feared that Law would leave on day, and never come back, and after how he often treated him, he wouldn't blame him for it. So far he had been lucky enough, getting him back every time, not knowing what he would do without him. Cora-San was more than aware that he should be the one taking care of the children, but he all too often felt that they took care of him, giving him a reason to stay alive, and get up in the morning. He knew it was cliché as fuck, but they were his whole world, that's why he went out when he felt like this. Trying to take it out on himself, in some way, instead of the others. He had started to visit Crocodile more often, knowing that their meetings were far from gentle, and it often helped him. Treating himself badly, wasn't something that bothered Cora-San, pleased to do so even, seeing he deserved nothing more. And throwing himself at Crocodile, was, at least for now, a perfect way to do so. But Cora-San hated to became dependent on Crocodile, not only because he had some pride left, wanting to manage on his own. But more so because that was a dangerous thing to do in a town like this one, if you got hocked to someone, it was far too easy for them to use you. And despite wanting to hurt himself in different ways, when he felt down, he didn't want to die, having that much self-control left.
"Another round Mr?" the dealer asked, waking him from his thoughts, and Cora-San declined by raising a hand, taking his chips, to play something else. Before he let his thoughts wonder too far. On his way to the craps table, he went by the bar.
"What can I give…Oh hello Rosinante" Rosinante nodded at Mr. 2's greeting. Being somewhat of a regular, Cora-San had met the dancing, makeup wearing bartender more than once. Mr. 2 was a fairly gentle, righteous and selfless soul, and Cora-San enjoyed talking to him, if he was in the right mode.
"Aren't we in a happy mode?" Mr. 2 gave him a big smile, as he danced around, preparing a drink for him. Cora-san only hummed as a response, which made the other man laugh. "Want to talk with a friend?"
Mr. 2 stopped spinning as he placed the drink in front of him, leaning over the counter.
"Not to day" Cora-San took the drink in his hand, and emptied the glass, faster than he probably should have.
"Some ones thirsty" Mr. 2 handed over a another drink and Cora-San took it and started to leave. "You know where I am, if you want to talk"
Mr. 2 waved him off, before he turned his attention to another client. Cora-San did nothing to answer him, as he concentrated to make his way towards the table, without falling.
The table was only occupied by four other people, and Cora-San had no trouble on making his way over.
"You in sir?" the boxman asked, and Cora-San gave the table a glance, before he placed a chip on the number 6.
"A hard one" he stablished, betting it would be two threes, when they dice landed. The employees at the table nodded, accepting the bet, and handed them over to one of the men at the table, to have him threw the dice, starting the game.
Cora-San lost count on the turns, not mattering all too much to him. Mr. 2 had stopped by a few times to give him new drinks, and Cora-San had only nodded in thanks, as the man danced off.
"Snake eye" Cora-San and placed some chips on number two, betting on getting two ones. When the other had placed their bet, he threw the dice, but they never hit the table, seeing a hand caught them in mid-air. Cora-San turned to see Crocodile standing there, looking at him. The other men around the table, soon left, after the owner giving them cold glances.
"Am I to be hurt, seeing you come here without giving me a call?" Crocodile asked, as he put down the dice on the table. Cora-San picked up his drink.
"That would be far from my intention. Though if it would hurt you, you may need to think it over" Cora-San sounded far more cold then he intended to do, he had no grudge with Crocodile, and he didn't have a plan on starting one either. But he wanted to be left alone, knowing he was far from in the mode to talk to anyone, or have sex, which was the only time he met Crocodile. Crocodile studied him, before he laughed.
"Almost surprising me, seeing this side of you, almost not thinking you would be able to act that cold" Crocodile didn't seem offended by it, rather amused, and Cora-San stood up, not wanting to engage the other man into a conversation. If that was what Crocodile wanted, then Cora-San felt it was time to leave the casino, and finding something else to keep him occupied, as drugs or a whore. But seeing him leave was something Crocodile didn't seem to find as amusing, and he grabbed his arm. Cora-San looked at him, being less amused then Crocodile was, since being grabbed, as that, hindering him from leaving reminded him of his brother. Crocodile pulled him closer, and was about to say something, when Cora-San grabbed him as well, and before Crocodile reacted, had tackled him against the table, holding him down, as Cora-San grabbed his knife.
"Not a good idea" Cora-San almost whispered to him, and for a second Crocodile seemed unsure about the situation, before he started to laugh again, this time louder.
"Leave him be" Crocodile sighed for Mr. 1 who was getting closer, but stopped. "It has been a long time since someone managed to tackle me"
Cora-San didn't respond as he stood up, and grabbed his drink, and emptied the glass, as he did, he saw that the people around them, had stopped and looked at them. Cora-San felt a bit bothered about it, preferring to keep out of the spotlight, and he decided it was time to leave the casino, and he started walking towards the exit, when Crocodile ones again approached him.
"Since sex seems to be off the list, how about something else? Some more gambling, drinks, drugs?" Crocodile offered and Cora-San faced him, he had planned on continue somewhere else, but seeing the other man offer it, he could stay, unless, he didn't need to talk to the other man. He had nothing against the other man per se.
"All of them" Cora-San answered, receiving a nod from the owner, who signed for him to follow.
"Here" Sanji looked at Luffy when he almost hit him with an apple, on a stick. Luffy had made him leave the park, when the younger got hungry. Sanji hadn't opposed all too much, even if didn't feel hunger himself. He rarely did now days, but he had no intention to let the other one go hungry, because of it. He soon realised that what Luffy meant by food was, besides meat, snacks, a lot of snacks. From his pick, it made Sanji think of a child, in a way that was kind of cute. Sanji had never met anyone who was as carefree as Luffy. Sanji loved Law, but carefree was one of the things he wasn't, even if Sanji understood why, and he wouldn't want Law to change. But spending some time with Luffy alone, was different, very different, and it made him relax in a new way. He still felt very unsure and scared, compared to when he spent time with Law, but he was still happy.
"Try it" Luffy stared at him, until he took the apple, and tried it. "Isn't it amazing!
Sanji looked at the apple, very displeased, it was far from amazing, it was to over cooked, and the butterscotch on the top, gave him a burned taste.
"It's good" he lied, not wanting to disappoint Luffy, who obviously didn't have a culinary talent. But Sanji soon realised that was the wrong approach, since it meant that Luffy wanted him to taste more food.
"Can you make this?" Luffy pointed at the meat pie he had stored in his hand.
"I can, when I cook for you, I can make you one" Sanji gave him a weak smile, but it seemed to mean the world to Luffy who smiled wider than ever.
"You are the best!" Luffy was on his way to hug him, when Sanji backed away, scared from the sudden movement. He started to feel comfortable around Luffy, but not enough to let him get that close. "Sorry, I forgot. Lucky Senguko wasn't here"
Sanji only nodded, glad that Luffy respected his will.
"Why did you became a chef?" Luffy asked as he eat the pie, making it almost impossible for Sanji to hear the question.
"I took a liking as it when I was a kid, then before I met Senguko, I briefly, meet a man named Zeff, who thought me some more. Then seeing that Senguko's father was far from a good cook, I kept cooking, being satisfied I could help in anyway" Sanji thought off Zeff, hating himself for sealing the man's faith, as he did.
"I am sure you do more than that to help them" Luffy gave him a smile and Sanji shrugged his shoulders as he released some smoke from his lips. He appreciated that Luffy wanted to lift his spirit, but he couldn't agree. He more than often felt that the only thing he could do for the others was to cook, often being a burden and nothing more.
"Oh let's try this" Luffy walked towards a man selling different dishes of fish, and towards that Sanji was even more unsure, fish being his speciality, and from the smell, he could tell it wasn't too well made. He knew that you always couldn't be too picky, living in this town, but it didn't mean you should eat anything if you could choose.
"Luffy, don't eat that" Sanji grabbed his arm for a second, to stop him, something that surprised Luffy, who was far from prepared for him to touch him.
"Why?"
"You will get sick" Sanji felt how the owner of the stand gave him hateful glances, and Sanji turned away, and faced another direction.
"Okay" Luffy started walking to another seller, Sanji following him close behind. "Can you tell it by the look of the food? That's so cool"
"It was more the smell then the look" Sanji almost whispered, not being used to praise from anyone besides his family.
"For really? That's even cooler. Let's try it!" Luffy shouted excited and started to pick out different things for him to judge.
"That was so much fun!" Luffy smiled as they were on their way to the hospital, walking from the market, eating some candy, who Sanji had declined, not being a big fan of candy.
"It was" Sanji admitted, he had enjoyed the day, however as it got darker, the fear and anxiety he usually felt, started to crawl up on him. He felt an urge to call Law, but seeing that they would be home in thirty minutes, he suppressed the feeling, not wanting to bother Law.
"I am looking forward to do it again. Maybe you can meet the others again, I have a new friend living at us now, with her family" Luffy informed him, and Sanji nodded a bit unsure about that. Luffy was becoming less of a stranger to him, but not the others, and he wasn't sure of what they were capable off. "Senguko can come if he wants to! He is a cool guy, I may need to talk to the others about it, but I am sure they would be fine with it"
Sanji only nodded once more, following the sun as it started to set, and he wanted to get off the streets before the night came.
"Candy?" Luffy offered again, and Sanji had no time to answer before someone else did.
"Our brother doesn't like candy" Sanji looked up, as he saw three men, jumping down from the roof. At once Sanji froze in his step, something Luffy noticed.
"Sanji, are you alright?" Sanji heard Luffy, but he was incapable of answering as the three different coloured men walked towards them. "Who are you guys?"
"You haven't even mentioned us? Brother!" the man with blue hair and closets said in a taunting voice.
"Not all to surprise, I don't think Sanji are all too pleased with us, or father" the red hair said.
"Sanji?" Luffy tried once more to get his attention.
"Luffy, run" was all that Sanji managed to whisper, hoping the younger men would listen. Sanji know more than well what his family was capable off, and he did not wish for Luffy to meet the same faith as Zeff.
"Like I would abandon you!" Luffy shouted back, preparing for a fight.
"Why does they always have to be brave?" the green haired one asked.
"Don't complain, we get to kill someone" the blue haired one said, and took another step, which made Sanji take another one, backwords, wishing Law was there more than anything else.
"Not if I kill you first" Luffy's arm stretched an made contact with the green haired man. "Sanji run!"
Sanji looked at Luffy, but not being able to run, he wanted, but he was to scared, not only of his brother, also of leaving Luffy alone. He saw his youngest brother, Yonji, only laughed as Luffy hit him, instead he grabbed Luffy's arm, and pulled him towards him. Sanji saw how Yonji head-butted him, in which actually made Luffy laugh, as his head flew backwords, only to hit Yonji again. Sanji couldn't make since of what was happening, hearing the two men laugh.
"Hello little brother" Ichiji walked towards him, with a cold predatory smile on his face. "How I have missed you"
Sanji took another step backwords, when Ichiji raised his hand, to touch him, only to found that the wall blocked his way.
"I promised Senguko to bring him home unharmed!" Luffy shouted, when he kicked Ichiji, and made him stumble to the left. "And no one is allowed to touch him, if he don't want to!"
"Everyone is allowed to touch him, until he is bought!" Sanji heard Niji's words ring in his ears, as he picked up Luffy, grabbing his throat with one hand. Sanji's eyes showed nothing but fear, unsure how to handle the situation.
"Leave him be!" he suddenly heard himself tell his brothers as he walked forwards, and for a second they stopped, before they all laughed.
"Are you trying to order us around, how sweet of you" Ichiji looked over towards Niji, who pressed Luffy against the wall, making the wall crack behind him.
"Let's kill his friend, just for the fun of it!" Yonji pulled a knife, he handed over towards Niji, who smiled as he took it.
"Don't mess him up too much, we can sell the body to Big Mom" Ichiji instructed Niji, who rolled his eyes as a response, just as Ichiji grabbed Sanji. He pulled him towards him, and stood behind him, having one hand around his waist, and the other around his neck. "Niji has become a real master since you left. But since you haven't seen us since we were eight, it's no surprise. But I think you will enjoy it, he is going to do a much better job than he did with Zeff"
Sanji felt Ichiji's lips against his ear, when he whispered the words to him.
"Seeing him in actions always makes me hard, but having you here will solve that problem with ease, seeing how much you remember since, you were a child. I remember that the men thought you good" Ichiji's tongue touched Sanji's cheek, and he shivered, just as Niji pressed the knife against Luffy's skin, making it slowly break the skin, sinking into the stomach.
"Leave Sanji alone!" Luffy tried to break free, resulting in the knife wobbling in the wound, making it larger.
"He does the job for you" Yonji laughed as he stood next to Niji.
"Stop!" Sanji felt how the tear's left his eyes, and how he tried to break free, but Ichiji grabbed him harder, and Sanji felt as helpless as he did when they killed Zeff.
"Fight it, hearing you scream makes it all so much better" Ichiji whispered, as he took Sanji's hand, and placed it over his cock, making him feel how aroused he was. Sanji tried to remove his hand, but he couldn't break free. "You know what to do!"
Despite his brother's words, he didn't move, he could only stare at Luffy, when the knife were pulled out, only to stab him elsewhere.
"Is it destructing you?" Ichiji taunt him and stepped before him, blocking the view of Luffy, leaving Sanji with the screams. "Niji is taking good care of him"
Ichiji leaned forward towards him, pressing Sanji up against the wall, as he heard how he opened his belt, and Sanji once again tried to break free, knowing all too well what this were heading.
Suddenly the street was filled with flames, and heat. Sanji had to turn his head away, fearing he would get burned.
"Luffy!" an unfamiliar voice shouted, and Sanji tried to see who it was, but his view was still blocked by Ichiji, who had turned to in the directions of his brothers. Soon Sanji felt how his brother's hand's disappeared from his body, as he saw for him an unfamiliar man, threw Ichiji on the ground. Sanji sank to the ground, shivering in fear, from both his brother's actions, but also from the stranger, throwing his brother away with ease. Sanji saw that it was a second person with them, at of the moment he was beating Yonji, who only laughed at it.
"Ace watched out!" the man in front of Sanji warned to other man, named Ace. Sanji studied him, realising it was one of Luffy's brothers. The man who had thrown away Ichiji, leaped for Niji, kicking him away, as he was about to stab Ace. "I have told you to be more careful Ace, and not letting your temper get the best of you"
Ace looked up at the other man, first now realising how close Niji had been.
"That's why you have my back" Ace grinned and the other man sighed. Sanji studied his brothers as Ichiji and Niji stood up, dusting themselves off.
"What business does Whitebeard's men have here?" Ichiji asked and Sanji looked in fear and surprise at the other men, Whitebeard had the strongest gang in the city. Sanji wanted to know why they were here, not only because he feared for what they may do to him, but also Law. Was they after him?
"We are defending this dumb brother" Ace pointed at Luffy who had collapsed on the ground.
"What are the Vinsmoke family doing here?" the other man asked.
"We are taking our brother home." Ichiji stated and Sanji feared for a second that was what the other men were going to do, especially since the stranger looked at him for a second.
"It doesn't seem like he wants to go with you, so I will decline" the man informed them, flashing them a smile.
"It wasn't a question" Niji took a step forward, but it didn't seem to bother the other men, not until they pulled their guns. Vinsmoke family was well known through the town for being the best assassins there is. "Hand him over, and no one needs to get hurt, no one else"
Niji pointed at Luffy, who was bleeding heavenly. But it seemed like it was a mistake, since it angered Ace, who threw away a fireball at the brothers. Sanji heard firing shoots, and he tried to move, not being an open target, but his fear made it impossible. He saw how Ichiji pointed the gun towards him, how the bullets left the gun, and flew towards him. Sanji prepared for the worse, when the stranger stepped in between. Sanji almost screamed for him to move out of the way, not wanting to see anyone else get hurt, but to his surprise the man soon became covered in blue flames, which almost seemed to absorb the bullets.
"You can't just go and shoot people, you know?" the man coldly said, which made Ichiji laugh, until a fireball from Ace was sent his direction.
"We better retreat" Yonji looked at the other two, as he got back to them.
"See you soon brother, you husband is still waiting for you" Niji laughed, a laugh that sent shivers down Sanji's spine as them disappeared up towards the roof.
Sanji tried to stop shaking, but it felt impossible, he needed Law, hoping that the other man could make him feel somewhat safe.
"Is Sanji alright?" Luffy's voice wasn't more than a whispering.
"What the fuck Luffy! What's wrong with you? Befriending a Vinsmoke, and getting caught up in their shit!" Ace's voice was angry, but you could hear worry and carrying in his voice, scared for his brother as he was badly hurt.
"Sanji is unharmed" the stranger informed Luffy, who seemed to relax, actually smiling, something that made Sanji feel worse, it was all his fault.
"Ace, he needs a doctor" the man looked down at Luffy.
"Senguko can help me, just take me there" Luffy stated, seeing to trigger something within his brother.
"I am not taking you to the fucking surgeon of death, he will kill you!" Ace said, looking at his friend. "We are taking him back to the palace!"
"He won't make it that far" Sanji almost whispered those words.
"What do you know about that? This is your fault!" Ace almost jumped Sanji, who looked away, shivering, knowing all too well this was his fault.
"Ace" his friend almost made it sound like a warning, and Ace stayed still.
"Hawing any better idea" Ace said sarcastically towards Sanji who didn't dare to speak again.
"Take me to the surgeon!" Luffy insisted, and Ace turned to look at the hospital in the distance.
"Luffy, he will kill you!" Ace insisted, even if it was a bit more gentle.
"He won't" Sanji stated, knowing that Luffy would die if they didn't get to Law soon.
"And how do you know that, because he is your friend?" Ace shouted and Sanji nodded as an answer.
"Ace, I fear we have little choice here, and Sanji here" the strange said, offering Sanji a smile, one he didn't answer "seem to care about Luffy, so we need to trust him"
"If the surgeon kills him" Ace looked directly at Sanji "It means I will kill you!"
Ace carefully took Luffy in his arms, after he tried to stop the bleeding with the other man's jacket.
"Need any help?" the stranger asked, offering Sanji a hand, but Sanji looked back in fear, as he carefully stood up, not wanting to feel anyone's touch, except Law's or someone else in his family. The stranger didn't seem offended by it, rather understanding.
"Start walking!" Ace said in a cold voice, and Sanji slowly started walking towards the hospital, not too pleased by having enemies walking behind him, but he kept telling himself he did it for Luffy's sake. The stranger soon walked up, next to him.
"Are you hurt in anyway?" Sanji didn't look at him, rather the ground, as he shook his head. "Pleased to hear. I apologised if we scared you, we mean no harm, not even Ace. He is a gentle soul"
At those words, Ace almost growled, clearly not agreeing, and Sanji lowered his head even more, as he kept walking.
"Be nice Ace" Luffy's voice was not even a whispering.
"Save your strength Luffy" Ace told him "Walk faster!"
Sanji did as he was told, and walked faster towards the hospital.
"Law!" Law turned in the direction of Hawkins voice, the older man walking towards him. "I am coming with you!"
Law wasn't as surprised as he should be. Hawkins didn't have a connection to Sanji, and therefore he didn't have a reason to go out and search for him. But for some reason Hawkins had started to interfere in Law's life, more than the surgeon preferred.
"Stay here, with your men" Law said as he saw the other members of Hawkins gang walk towards him.
"You can't search the town on your own!" Hawkins tried to debate with him, understanding that was what Law planned to do. He had ordered Bepo to stay at the hospital, in case Sanji returned while he was out, and let him know.
As the sun had started to get lower, Law had started to worry about Sanji, knowing the other man never wanted to stay out at night. The lack of contact during the day, had worried him, but as he still hadn't heard anything when the sun had set, he knew something had happened, and he decided to start looking for him, alone. A plan that now had failed, since Hawkins, was standing in front of him, offering his assistance. Law was far from pleased by it, knowing that if Sanji was caught up in something, it meant his family got to him, and Law doubted Hawkins and his men would be too much help. Law was on the brink of telling Hawkins so stay, one more time, when Bepo was running towards him.
"Sanji's back! And he is not alone…" Law knew that he should have listened to the everything the bear had to say, but his worry for Sanji took over, and he rushed towards the entrance.
Law barely had time to react before Sanji was in his arms, shaking. Law placed his arms around him, holding him closely, being able to imagine all too well what had happened.
"You are safe here" Law told him, as he patted him on the back, hoping to calm down the younger man, but being well aware that it most likely wouldn't work, at least not in this moment. Law heard how Hawkins, Bepo and the others soon caught up to him, but they stopped behind him, staring at him. Law payed little attention to it, only having his eyes on Sanji, who had started to cry, and Law started to hum a melody Cora-San used to sing for them when they were children, but he was interrupted when someone coughed. Law took his eyes from Sanji, to find the one who dared to interrupt him, planning to kill that person. When he looked up, he saw two of Whitebeards men standing there, and at once he, went for his sword, prepared to protect Sanji.
"A bit too late for that" The taller of them said, but Law didn't response, as he was on his way to create a room.
"Help him!" the dark haired one demanded, and Law's eyes wandered to Mugiwara-ya who was resting in the man's arms, badly wounded. Law looked at Sanji, who had a pleading look, and Law only nodded.
"Bepo, prepare the operation room" he turned to the bear, who nodded as he disappeared with Shachi and Penguin.
"What do you want us to do?" Hawkins asked, and Law was on the brink to tell the other man to leave him alone, but contained himself.
"Make something for them to eat" it was far from necessary, but it would get them out of the way, and that was his goal at the moment. He then signed for Whitebeards men to follow him, as he picked up Sanji in his arms, feeling how the blonde one leaned heavenly at him.
"It's alright" Law said in a gentle, calm voice he only had for Sanji, who nodded, but didn't stop crying, as they started to walk towards the operation room.
"Will you be alright by your own for a while?" Law asked as he placed Sanji in a chair.
"Take care of Luffy!" the black haired man demanded and Law gave him a hateful look, before he ignored him.
"I will manage" Sanji almost whispered and Law gave him a small smile.
"I am on the other side of the wall, if you need anything, and Bepo are in the kitchen with Hawkins and his men, call him if you need something."
Sanji nodded in response and Law stood up, taking off his coat, giving it to Sanji, who almost disappeared into it at once. Law walked over to the sink, to wash off before he entered the operation room, where Mugiwara-Ya was placed.
"You are staying on that side!" Law said in a low voice looking at the black haired man, not wanting him in the operation room. Not only because it wasn't sanitary, but also because the man seemed to have a personal connection to Mugiwara-Ya, and it was never a good idea to have a person like that, in the operation room.
"Like hell I will! Leaving him in your hands!" the man shouted.
"Well then you can take him to another doctor, and see him die on the way" Law was cold, but the other man's attitude pissed him off.
"Your little shit! Save him or I will kill you!" Law smirked at them man.
"I would like to see you try. Now stay out of my operation room, before you kill him!" Law pointed towards Mugiwara-ya, who was at this point unconscious. Seeing the young man at that state seemed to calm the other one, at least enough for Law to close the door and walk over to the operation table.
Law studied the bloody man in front of him, he was badly hurt, not too surprising if he met Sanji's brothers. Law wasn't sure of what had happened, thought he knew it was nothing good, and he was lucky that Sanji had returned to him, and that Mugiwara-Ya was alive. He guessed that outcome was because of the members of Whitebeards gang. Law was far from a fan off them, not even pleased to see them inside his hospital, but he understood that Mugiwara-ya had tried to defend Sanji, and for that he felt a need to save him. It wasn't something Law felt all too often, although when it happened it was for a good reason. Law grabbed a scalpel, after he had examined Mugiwara-ya's wounds, as well as he could without cutting him open.
"Room" Law lifted his hand and soon the blue, familiar, sphere appeared around him, and Law raised his scalpel, cutting Mugiwara-Ya at the neck and waist, making his torso fly up, so he could operate freely. He started separating the body, removing the organs, studying to see if any of them were badly hurt. Studying the liver, he found that the knife had grasped it, which was far from good, without tending the body would start shutting down. Law knew he needed to act fast, and he was just about to start stitching it together when he, felt a someone rushing towards him, before he saw or heard the person. Law barely had time to react when someone tackled him to the ground, it took a large amount of concentration for him, not to drop Mugiwara-Ya's body parts on the floor, most likely damaging them further.
"You are killing him!" Law soon felt a fist, making contact with his head, namely his jaw, and soon after his skull. For a second it made him see black, before he was back, focusing on the young man, with the hat.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Law shouted, with resulted in him getting another punch from the younger one, this time breaking his nose. Law felt the blood streaming down his throat, forcing him to swallow.
"You are killing him! Is that what you want? Is this some kind of game to you? You freak" the man tried to hit him once more, but Law caught his fist mid-air, before he kneed the other man, making him flinch in pain, crawling off him. Law stood up, blood streaming down his face, as the pain started to make its known. Was it one thing he was glad for, since his time with Doflamingo, it was his ability to take a beating. Law kicked the younger man in the stomach, feeling rage, something that he rarely showed, before he grabbed the younger one, and pressed him up against the wall, grabbing another scalpel, from a near table. Law was on his way to cut out the younger ones heart, when Sanji spoke.
"Law" it was nothing more than a whisper, but Law heard it clearly, how Sanji begged him to stop, and the rage disappeared on a second. Law lowered the scalpel, before he grabbed the younger man, by the throat, and threw him out of the room.
"Keep him there!" The blonde man, grabbed the black haired man, panting on the floor. "Before I kill him!"
Law closed the door once more, locked it even as he picked up the den den mushi inside, and called for Bepo, to stand guard while he continued working on Mugiwara-Ya, hoping to save him.
Sanji looked at Ace, who had tried to break in, mostly by threating Bepo, who apologised, by didn't move. And when that didn't seem to work, he soon started to bang on the window, separating Law and Luffy from the others. At one moment, he even grabbed a chair and threw it against the window, but it didn't shatter, being made by bulletproof glass. But the sudden action made Sanji jump, fearing what the other man would do next. Sanji threw a look at Law, who seemed to be badly hurt, but not paying any attention towards it. Sanji worried for his friend, fearing that he would neglect himself for a long time. Sanji had learned that when Law took on a patient, he put that person over himself, so all Sanji could prey for was that Law's wounds wasn't too severe.
When Ace started banging on the windows again, screaming for Law to let him in, Sanji felt how he started to shiver again. He needed air, and to get away from Ace, not wanting to be in the same room as him. Sanji knew that you could leash out when someone you cared about was in danger, however Sanji didn't want to be there if Ace decided to use him to get what he wanted, something he feared may happen. Sanji knew that Ace would die before he could do anything towards him, but Sanji didn't want to force Law to kill anyone for him, if it wasn't needed. So slowly and quietly he left the room, still wearing Law's coat, who was a bit too big for him, since his friend was taller than him. But wearing if made him feel some sort of calmness and security, it smelled like Law, which made him feel safer, almost as having the surgeon at his side.
He walked through the silent corridors, towards the balcony he normally used when he smoked. Sanji opened up the door and stepped out, pulling Law's coat closer as he felt the cooled wind. He lit a cigarette, pressing it against his lips, as he sank down towards the floor, pressing his knees towards his chest. Sanji lowered his head, and hid under the hood when he felt his tears start flowing. He was a covered, not hindering his brothers from hurting Luffy. He was an idiot for not being more careful, knowing that they were out there, searching for him. Sanji couldn't take it, hated that he was so dependent on other people, slowly he lowered the cigarette towards his arm where he had removed the sleeve, and pressed it against the skin. He felt the familiar pain from the burn, the smell from burnt flash, and how he deserved it.
"Don't" Sanji suddenly heard a voice and looked up to find Ace friend standing there, and he soon crawled as far away from him as he could, afraid of what he may do. Sanji didn't like the fact that he was alone with him, knowing no one was close by, and since he already was down, he was in a vulnerable situation. "I mean you no harm"
Sanji didn't believed those words for a second, knowing that someone almost always wanted to hurt you in this town. The other man leaned towards the railing, looking up towards the sky.
"It's a beautiful night" he calmly said, but Sanji didn't take his eyes off the stranger, tried to prepare for what he may do to him. The other man didn't take his eyes from the sky. "I used to look at the stars with Whitebeard all the time, when I first joined him, the old man loves the stars"
Sanji didn't answer him, not knowing what the stranger wanted to tell him.
"I try to do it with the younger recruits, but it doesn't interest them, Ace hated it" as the man said those words, he lowered his eyes, giving Sanji a smile, something that sent a shiver down his spine. The strangers smile was friendlier then most people, but that didn't meant he wouldn't hurt him.
"I do apologise for Ace behaviour, he tend to be a bit over protective of his brothers. Not that I should be the one to talk, as Thatch would have pointed out" the name meant nothing for Sanji, who did no attempt to answer the other one. "I also apologise if I may have scared you"
To those words Sanji had no idea of what to answer, so he only slowly nodded, which earned him another smile.
"Where are my manors" the man suddenly said after a few seconds of silence. "I am Marco"
Sanji saw that the other man offered him his hand, to shake, but Sanji didn't move to do so.
"Sanji" he answered in a very low voice, knowing that the other man should know his name by now, being said by the others.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Sanji" Marco claimed, but Sanji did no attempt to answer him, since he couldn't say the same, mostly because he didn't trust the other one. Marco had done nothing to wrong him, he had even been nice, and saved him from his brother's bullets, but he didn't trust him. Marco didn't seem offended by it, rather that he once again understood how he felt.
"He seems like a good friend" Marco looked towards the inside of the building, and Sanji knew that he was talking about Law, and to that statement Sanji could only nod, as he pulled Law's coat closer to him. "That's a rare thing in this town, something more valuable than anything else"
Once again Sanji founded himself to nod, but soon also to answer the man.
"It is" he wasn't more than whispering the words, before he lit another cigarette, placing it between his lips. He felt Marco's eyes up on him, watching him carefully, to see if he burned himself again, and that made Sanji turn away. Law had seen the burns, but never confronted him by it, and Sanji had never told him, he knew that Law know what it was, but both of them pretended not to. But seeing someone studying him, almost with worry, to see if he repeated it, made him feel ashamed.
"May I sit down?" Marco asked, friendly and gentle, but those words still made Sanji unsure, him sitting down would make him on the same level as him, and making him get closer, since the balcony wasn't too big after all. "I promise to stay as far away as I can, but standing up, gets tiring"
Sanji couldn't find himself to answer at first, but slowly he nodded, and Marco sat down, on the other side of the balcony.
"Ace felt asleep, if you wished to return. Sometimes narcolepsy is a good thing" Marco joked, trying to ease the mode. However, Sanji did no attempt to move, even if it was true that Ace had fallen asleep, he preferred to stay away from him, until Law was done working on Luffy. "My promise may mean nothing to you, but I do promise that Ace are a kind man, a bit hot headed, fitting that he is fire, isn't it"
"Not sure Sabo would agree" Sanji stated, which made Marco chuckle, before he started laughing.
"I see, Luffy has shared stories about their childhood as well" Marco smiled as he stopped laughing. "I have never met any of Ace brothers, until today. But from the story I have heard, I guess you are right"
Sanji smiled a small smile towards the other man, who leaned against the wall, looking back at him. As he lit another cigarette, still being nervous made him smoke more than usual. Sanji offered Marco one, who declined.
"Pops never liked the smell of smoke, so I quite years ago, and he would be disappointed if he knew I did it again" Marco confessed and it made Sanji raise an eyebrow.
"I would say you are old enough to decide if you want to smoke or not" Sanji looked at the smoke, who left with the air he blew out.
"You never gets too old to respect your parent's wishes" Marco stated, words that made Sanji close his eyes, and shiver, as he knew all too well what his biological father wanted him to do. "Fuck, Sanji I am sorry"
Marco seemed to realise that those words had another meaning for Sanji then it did for himself. Sanji couldn't answer him, as he fought a inner battle, to repress his memories.
"Sanji" he heard Marco's voice, like an echo as he tried to get his attention, but Sanji didn't look at him, trying to repress the images flashing before his eyes, and it didn't stop until he heard another voice calling his name.
"Sanji?" soon Cora-San stepped out on the balcony.
Cora-San was resting, relaxed at Crocodile's office, looking at the crocodile swimming around in the tank. The owner of the office was sitting next to him, glass in hand as he swallowed the same pills Cora-San already had taken. The pills had made him feel relaxed, and it was what he needed, because as he relaxed some of the memories with Doflamingo disappeared. Being replaced with pictures of his children, brining a smile to his lips.
"Someone seems happier" Crocodile pointed out, and Cora-San turned towards him.
"Children" he only answered, before he laughed, giving Crocodile a puzzled look for a short moment, before his laughter teamed up with Cora-Sans.
"You have them?"
"I do, three of them, two human and a mink in form of a bear" Cora-San explained, which made Crocodile laugh even more.
"You have a fucking bear as a kid, what do you know" he said as he refiled Cora-Sans glass with whatever they were drinking. He had lost count of how many things they had been drinking, after finishing gambling. "Never wanted any of my own"
"Sometimes you don't want them, but they want and need you, and suddenly you have three of them"
"Suddenly? How do you suddenly have three, it's not like someone delivers them to you, even if I am sure that would be possible in this town" those words seemed to get Crocodile an idea, as he picked up the den den mushi, and called someone. "Mr. 5, I want to order a child"
Those words made Cora-San laugh, hearing Crocodile order a child, as it was a drink.
"You heard me, a child! A small human, even you should know what a child is" with those words he hanged up, and finished his drink, together with Cora-San.
"More?" Cora-San just lifted his glass, ad Crocodile offered. "Why do you came here from time to time?"
Up on hearing that question, he blinked a few times, unprepared for it.
"If I am honest, I need moments to forget about the past"
"Who doesn't?" Crocodile asked as he closed his eyes. "Things don't go as planned, don't they?"
"Besides surviving, I never had a plan, so I wouldn't know"
"Don't ever get a plan, besides surviving, that's a fucking good plan! Every other plan goes to hell, and if the surviving part does, well you won't know it!" Crocodile stated as he threw himself back at the couch, dropping his glass in the progress.
"It may be the hardest plan there is, especially when people want to see you dead" Cora-San admitted.
"That makes it harder"
"Tell me about it"
"Who wants you dead? The mother of the kids?" Crocodile, tried to taunt him, but those words made Cora-San laugh.
"Only if she is a ghost. No besides every maniac on the streets, my brother want's me dead, after he is done with me" Cora-San lit a cigarette, resolving in him lighting himself on fire. Luckily Crocodile who had gotten used to it, threw the water from a was on him, but also the flowers, making his makeup messy.
"Shitty brother"
"The worse, keep away from him!" Cora-San warned Crocodile, who only smiled as an answer.
"Since I don't know who your brother are, it will either be easy, or very hard" Crocodile pointed out, as Cora-San was about to answer him when the den den mushi called for his attention.
Cora-San started to search for it in his pocket, resolving in him falling out of the couch, making Crocodile laugh. Cora-San soon found it, and putted it to his ear.
"Ello" he answered.
"Cora-San?" he heard Law on the other side.
"The one and only" Cora-San laughed a bit.
"I need you to come to the hospital" Law started, which resolved in Cora-San hanging up, not wanting to return home, at least not yet.
"One of the kids?" Crocodile asked and Cora-San nodded from where he was lying on the floor, as the den den mushi sounded again.
"Ello!"
"Don't hang up on me!" Law was clearly angry.
"Opps" Cora-San laughed again.
"Sanji needs you!" Law stated, and hearing a worry in Law's voice made Cora-San become a bit serious.
"How so? Can't you take care of him, as the big boy you are?"
"I need to take care of Mugiwara-Ya, he is badly hurt. But Sanji met his fucking brothers, and I can't do both!" Law stated, and hearing those words made Cora-San become as serious he could be, still affected by the drugs and alcohol.
"I am coming as soon as I can" Cora-San ended the call as he stood up, unsteady, looking over at the other man in the room. "Sorry, the kids need me"
"Fuck them" Crocodile stated, but Cora-San didn't answer that.
"See you" with those words Cora-San walked unsteady out through the doors.
It had been a challenge for him to make it to the hospital, especially since he met a cat on his way, who he wanted to bring with him, against its will. It had distracted him for some time, before he remembered Sanji, and started walking again. Cora-San regretted the drugs more than the alcohol, knowing that Sanji, and most likely Law needed him too! As he got to the hospital, he could all too well guess where Sanji was, knowing his youngest soon, and he headed for the balcony, soon seeing Sanji there. But the boy wasn't alone, having company by one of Whitebeard's men, Marco. That surprised him, wondering what the man did there, distracted by the thought, he tripped over his feet, almost resolving in him falling over the railing of the balcony. Marco acted fast and grabbed him before he could do so, making Cora-San laugh, as he sat down next to Sanji, or rather falling down. As soon as he were placed next to the blond, he felt how the younger one threw himself in his arms. Normally it was Law who would comfort Sanji, but it didn't mean that Cora-San was incapable of it, or that Sanji didn't want him to. But since the boy's spent more time together, then Cora-San did with them, it was only natural that Law was the one, comforting Sanji. But seeing that it was Cora-San, not Law, didn't affect Sanji. Cora-San pulled him closer, and covered him with his feather coat, hiding Sanji away from the world, as he started to sing the song he always sang to them as children.
A while later, Cora-San felt how Sanji was fast asleep, still clinging on to him, and it made him smile a bit.
"May I ask who you are?" Marco asked and Cora-San turned towards him, smiling.
"Why would you like to know, Maaaarco?" Cora-San dragged out the others name, in a teasing voice.
"You are clearly drunk, or high"
"I am tall, that is true" Cora-San giggled, proud of his own joke. "And is that judging I am hearing?"
"It's clear that he trusts you, but being near him in that state you are, may not be the best, you almost tripped over the edge" Marco was calm and Cora-San lit a cigarette while he almost schooled him, proud that he didn't set himself on fire this time.
"You caring nature seem to be more than a rumour. And I would have tripped even if I wasn't in this state. But you are right, I normally wouldn't be near him in this state, but when you children calls about something like this, you obey" Cora-San let his eyes wonder towards the sky, feeling Marco's eyes up on him.
"You are the one taking care of him? And Law?"
"I am, and Laaaaaaw, yash, him too" Cora-San smiled, thinking of his oldest son, and how it was more Law who took care of him.
"Cora-San!" Bepo suddenly sounded, smiling as he saw him. Cora-San looked at the bear, smiling back.
"Your makeup is messy, sorry" Bepo apologised as soon as he said those words, but Cora-San only shook his head.
"Have Law finished?"
"He has; do you want me to bring him here?" Bepo asked.
"No, but can you bring Sanji to him?" Cora-San looked at the man sleeping next to him.
"Yes" Bepo smiled a big smile, as he carefully picked up Sanji in his arms, holding him in a protecting way, as the big brother he was, before he left.
"You should run along to" Cora-San suddenly said in a cold voice, changing abruptly, earning a surprised look by Marco.
"Can I do so, without risking you falling over the edge?" As if to prove him wrong, Cora-San stood up, without a problem.
"Go away kid" Cora-San started walking away, leaving a puzzled Marco.
Law leaned against his desk, after getting Mugiwara-Ya stable, and healing himself, as Bepo walked in with Sanji in his arms.
"Thank you" Law smiled towards the bear, when he put him down on the bed in his office. "Can I ask you to stay with him?"
As a response Bepo just nodded, as he curled up at Sanji's side, and Sanji soon moved closer to Bepo, seeking his protection, as Law left the room, to go and find his father.
"Law?" he turned around when he saw the older of Whitebeard's man, Marco, walking towards him. At once Law put his guard up, not too pleased to have an enemy at his hospital, even if it seemed that they helped Sanji.
"I wanted to thank you for helping Luffy, despite Ace actions" Marco gave him a smile.
"Let's say we are even" he only stated.
"How did you know?" Law heard a ton of curiosity in Marco's voice.
"I know that Sanji wouldn't be able to fend them of, and seeing the shape Mugiwara-ya is in, I knew they wouldn't have make it on their own"
"You have met them before?" Law only nodded in response as he started walking again. "If you are looking for the man with makeup, he went that direction"
Law only raised his hand to show that he had heard Marco as he kept walking.
It took him a short amount of time to locate his father, seeing he had occupied an empty room. Law walked inside, to find Cora-San resting on the bed, almost falling out of it. Carefully not to wake him, Law placed him in the middle of the bed, and placed a blanket over him, making sure he wasn't cold.
"Thank you for returning" Law was grateful for his father's help, knowing he couldn't have been there for Sanji as he saved Mugiwara-Ya. Law had noticed when the blonde one left the room, to soon be followed by Marco, something that worried him, but he couldn't run out of the operation, so he called his father. Glad that he chose to return from wherever he was. Law knew that when Cora-San had one of his episodes, he preferred to stay away from them, especially him, but he always stepped up for Sanji, even on a bad day. Sometimes it hurt him, seeing that, but he knew that his father was clear enough to know, that if he lashed out on Sanji, it would break him. Law was well aware that his family was dysfunctional, but it was the only family he had, and he loved him.
"Thank you for always being there for me" Law leaned forward and kissed Cora-San's forehead, before he turned around to leave, only to feel Cora-San take his hand.
"I will always be there for you" he whispered, half asleep, before he let go of Law, who smiled as he left the room, to guard the two members of Whitebeard's gang, not wanting to be attacked in his sleep.
It didn't take long before Hawkins was at his side, followed by Penguin and Shachi. Law wanted to tell them to go and bother someone else.
"Here" Hawkins offered him a cup of coffee, and Law gave him a surprised look, but accepted it. "Is this what you tried to warn me about? The Vinsmokes?"
"It's one of them" Law admitted and Hawkins gave him a worried look. "Leave while you can"
"We won't leave Bepo!" Penguin stated and Shachi nodded in agreement.
"Then go and guard him!" Law told them.
"He wanted us to protect you!" Shachi smiled towards him and Law wasn't surprised hearing it. He knew that the bear cared as much about him, as he did care for the bear, but it didn't stop him from being irritated.
"I can manage on my own. He may need you help if something happens, him and Sanji!" Law pointed out, and the two other men, looked at each other before they ran towards Law's office, only leaving Hawkins by his side.
"I have warned the others, and they are on their guard, but I stay with my statement, as long as you don't throw us out, we will stay" Hawkins declared.
"I should throw you out" Law muttered for himself as he walked towards the infirmary where Mugiwara-Ya was resting, still with Hawkins by his side. And Law couldn't honestly tell if he hoped that Whitebeards men would kill him so he could get rid of Hawkins, or if he wanted to kill Hawkins to get rid of him as he entered the room. He lied down on an empty bed, watching the two enemies, even if he thought it should count as four enemies, but he couldn't manage to see Mugiwara-Ya or Hawkins as an enemy, there for only keeping an eye of the two strangers. Hawkins walked over to them, apparently trying the more friendly rout and Law growled for himself, he should kill them all right now, and be rid of them, was the last thing he thought, before he lowered his hat over the eyes, pretending to fall asleep.