Hola~

She was just finished stacking the firewood in the kitchen for the incoming winter when she heard a greeting. Getting up, she headed to the door and slid it open partly just enough to see the guest. She saw two men stood in front of her house. One was a very tall, muscular and tanned man wearing sunglasses while the other was average as Law.

"Yes?" She asked in confusion.

"I believe Law is staying here?" The tall man asked.

Nami slowly nodded.

He smiled. "Can we come in?"

She was hesitated at first but when he introduced himself as Law's family members, she let them in.

"So-sorry… please come in." She stated as she stepped aside allowing him to enter.

When Doflamingo entered the house, he scanned the surroundings. That house was quite small and could afford two people or a small family at times. Even so, it was neat, cozy and homey. He set himself on the step of the entryway.

She was about to make tea when Doflamingo spoke. "Don't trouble yourself little miss. We won't take long." he said as he waved his hand. "Do you know why we come here?"

Nami shook her head slowly as she put the kettle back and stood by the kamado. The other guy stood by the door as if he was guarding.

"How was Law doing?" He asked.

"He's just fine" She replied unsure of her own answer.

"He rarely returns home." he stated.

She looked up at him. Judging from his kimono, only a family of upper class status could own such expensive fabric. Law wore that one too, sometimes. Now that he mentioned about Law was part of his family, she wondered why Law stayed with her, in that worn out house, while he probably could live better in his own house.

"What?" Doflamingo asked.

As if just waking up, she shook her head, "Nothing!" and then added, "He told me he'll be away for a week."

Doflamingo raised his brows. "Did he tell you where he was going?"

She shook her head.

Doflamingo nodded. "Do you know what he's doing?"

"No" she replied.

"Do you want to know?" He stared at her, examining her expression.

Unsure how to answer, she looked down, unaware of the smile crept upon Doflamingo's smile.

"That's dangerous little miss" Doflamingo grinned. "Staying with stranger you know nothing about." He propped his body with his hands as he leaned backwards while his ankle sat atop of his knee of the other leg. "There's a probability you will get killed."

She snapped her head up to look at Doflamingo.

"Yes!" Doflamingo nodded as if he was replying her unvoiced question. "Let me tell you this beforehand. Your man is dangerous. Everything about him is dangerous."

He stopped to scrutinize her expression, "There are even more dangerous people chasing after his life, if you are unlucky, you may get killed before him."

She fixed her gaze on him. "That explained everything." she thought. How many times she saw Law wash off the blood from his hands yet she didn't ask anything and pretended not to see anything. He never said anything about that either.

"Why?" She asked.

"Hm?" he hummed.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Nothing! I'm just telling you what is he doing. Surprised?!"

She slowly shook her head.

He raised his brows in amusement, "I'm impressed. You have seen it for yourself right?"

She nodded.

"You are quite sharp, little miss" He chuckled. "Then, why are you still staying with him?"

There was a long silent. The question she never knew the answer herself. "Why am I still staying with him?"

His lips curved into a smirk before he pushed himself up and headed to the door. "Ah well! maybe we shall take our leave. It's nice to have a chat with you." He stood by the door and turned his head to her, "Anyway, give this to him once he returned." He took out an envelop from his sleeve and handed it to her.

"And, send my regards to him… I am Doflamingo by the way." he bade farewell as he and Gladius walked off.

Nami stood by the door as she watched the both disappeared through her tangerine orchard. His question still lingered in her mind and she regretted she still couldn't find the answer. She then stared at the envelop in her hand.

Doflamingo and Gladius walked down the hill.

"What about that envelop, young master?" Gladius questioned as he tailed Doflamingo. "Why do you give her that? Can't you just give it to Law directly once he is back?"

"It's quicker! Law probably goes straight to his second house." Doflamingo replied. "I'm sick of waiting for him."

"But, there is no need to give her that." Gladius disapproved.

"She is very well aware of what Law is doing," He explained. "I bet."

"But young master…"

"Are you worried too much about your little brother?" Doflamingo teased.

"He is not." Gladius retorted.

"Let's not just worry about her. She is just... the same as him," Doflamingo replied as he shoved his hands to his pocket. "A lost cat."

Gladius went silent and decided not to object anymore. Probably the young master had planned something.

"But young master, aren't you taking a risk here?" Gladius pointed out, "We still don't know anything about her."

"She isn't a big threat as of now. I'm more worried about Law." Doflamingo stated.

"What do you mean?" Gladius confused.

Nami meandered around her orchard that afternoon. Looking back at the trees, she remembered the first time she found him that night. He was badly wounded he could probably die if she hadn't found him. Now she wondered, was he always dealing with the danger it was almost taking his life? She sighed as she turned her attention to the horizon. She really was dealing with a dangerous man herself. But for some unknown reason, she felt safe.

"What are you doing?"

She turned around just to see he was standing behind her. She bowed a bit before him.

"Welcome back." Well, it was awkward for her to say it but that was the first thing that came to her mind when she saw him.

Law glanced at her as he walked past her, he sat on the ground as he watched the horizon. Nami was still standing behind him, her eyes returned to the horizon. None of them were talking, respectively lost in their own thought as they watched the evening sunset. They stayed there in silence until the sun set and darkness deepened.

At the centre of the house, with just a single lantern, Law was sitting crossed-legs while cleaning the blade of his nodachi. Nami on the other hand sat across him while sewing torn clothes. She stopped her work when she remembered about Doflamingo. She put her work down and looked at him.

"Doflamingo… dropped a visit few days ago." She looked at him, examining his reaction.

Law stopped and averted his gaze to hers. "What did he want?"

She rose to her feet and headed to the closet, pulling out the drawer and fished out the brown envelop.

Law watched until she returned to her seat. His eyes moved to her hand as she placed the brown envelop on the floor. He picked it up and looked at her. "Did he say anything?"

"He sent his regards." she replied shortly.

"Else?" he stared at her. Knowing Doflamingo, he must be plotting something.

"That… you rarely came home."

When he opened the envelop, his frown deepened.

"I believed he must have told you something really unnecessary" Law stated as he shifted his gaze to her.

"Probably, he was just warning me" She replied as she started to fold the clothes.

His eyes followed her as she moved to the closet and putting the clothes into the drawer. She then took the futon which was neatly folded next to the closet and spread it on the floor.

"I'm not sure what kind of danger you bring yourself." she added. "But certainly I am aware of it before Doflamingo told me." she looked at him, "You… kill people…"

He did not say yes nor he denied. He stared at her as she worked on the futon. Speaking of which, now that she knew and was aware of it, he wondered if she was afraid of him. "Are you afraid?"

"A little bit." she replied calmly.

"Then, why don't you flee when you get the chance?" He tested her.

She stopped working and stared at the blanket in her hand. The big question "WHY". She hand been thinking about it ever since Doflamingo asked her. Maybe, it wasn't really the answer she wanted but, it was the answer she was seeking for. A small smile crept upon her lips as she replied him, "I… have no where to go."

He stared back at her, noticing the empty smile she gave to no one. "No where to go, huh?" He repeated almost like a whisper. His eyes watching as she worked on laying out each of the layer and putting the pillows on each futon.

She tilted her head to him, signaling him she had done making his bed.

He re-sheathed his sword and rose to his feet, bringing the lantern along and put it above their heads. He placed his sword between them and slid into his futon, putting off the lantern as he laid down.

"Young master, Law hasn't returned yet? Pica-sama and Lao G-sama were already here" Buffalo asked as he looked around him.

Doflamingo shook his head. "As long as he finished his job, that's fine" he raised his feet on the table. "If he plans to stay at his woman's house, it's fine too"

Gladius cocked his head to Doflamingo. He remembered what Doflamingo said few days ago.

/ "I'm more worried about Law."

"What do you mean?" Gladius asked.

"To think that Law can sleep around her..." Doflamingo voiced out.

"I don't see a problem there." Gladius said. "Isn't is just normal?"

"That's the problem." Doflamingo pointed out and turned to look at Gladius. "Being able to sleep around stranger… he lets his guard down."

Gladius was speechless. He would never think that Doflamingo would think that far.

"Or maybe I am thinking too much." Doflamingo brushed the thought off.

"Maybe because she is harmless." Gladius remarked, But young master, I am sure, if you order him to kill her, he will do it." he added.

"The thing is, will he be able to draw his sword to her?" he voiced out with a regret tone.

Gladius fell silence for a moment, understanding Doflamingo's concern. Although he didn't know the answer yet, all he could do was to reassure him, "Don't worry young master, I'm sure Law knows your order is absolute."

"Hope you were right." He agreed./

"Young master! Young master!" Dellinger called excitedly as he ran into the main room. "Law-nii has returned" he exclaimed. "He has returned"

Gladius' eyes landed on the figure appeared in the hallway. No matter how he looked at him, he still felt he looked the same old Law. The Law he knew who was cold and merciless.

Doflamingo put his feet down as he sat properly and watched until Law stood across the table, in front of him. He grinned. "So she told you?"

"What are you planning Doflamingo?" Law asked with a deep frown.

"Nothing in particular." Doflamingo propped his chin with his hand. "Just dropped a visit."

"What is this?" he showed the envelop in front of him with his other hand.

"It's just as you see." Doflamingo replied. "An empty envelop."

Law paused for a moment as he looked at the envelop in his hand and narrowed his eyes at him. "Are you, by any chance, testing her?"

"No." Doflamingo denied. "It's a message." he explained. "She didn't tell you?"

Law's frown deepened.

"You rarely returned home after every mission. Like you spend almost all of your time with her." Doflamingo explained. "I am jealous, you know."

"That's not the point. Why are you giving this to her? I thought you are the last person to expose my identity to some stranger."

"Stranger?" He stared at Law, "You don't seem to mean what you said." he commented.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing!." Doflamingo replied. "Anyway, as of lately, police keep an eye on the trades. Of course, they didn't find anything yet." he leaned against the backrest, "But, this isn't a good news you know. Someone is supplying the information to the police."

"… and?" Law frowned. "You want me to find out?"

"No… no… no…! That's not it. Gladius and Pica can take care of that, but you…" He sighed, "It'll be too dangerous if they see you."

"Your point is?" Law asked in confusion.

"As of now, I won't be doing anything. So do you." Doflamingo explained, "Until I decide on the next move, don't come here." he ordered, "I'll tell you when the time is right."

"…" Law gave him a long stare before he nodded, "Understand."

Nami was sitting on the futon, occasionally glancing at the door as she waited for him. She felt like she had been waiting for him long enough she felt her eyes began to feel heavy. Turning the lantern low, she decided to sleep.

She blinked few times before she opened her eyes completely. She sat and stretched before she slid out of the futon. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw he was still there, sleeping silently. For a while, she sat there studying his sleeping form. This was the first time he stayed until dawn. Normally, he would have left before she even woken up. Then, she remembered Doflamingo warned her about how dangerous Law was.

"He is dangerous? No matter how I see it, he looks so vulnerable in his sleep." She smiled to herself. Carefully, she pulled his blanket up to his shoulder.

She folded her futon and put it in the corner. Then, she made her way to the toilet outside the house. The chill air made her shudder and she had to hug herself to warm up.

He was already awake when she opened the door. Somehow, he had done fueling the irori with the coal.

"You are awake…" She said softly. "It's cold, I already prepared the hot bath. Just in case you want to bath."

He propped his sword against the wall as he stood. "I'm not going anywhere today." he said as he walked past her.

She smiled and spared a glance at him before she moved to the kitchen, preparing breakfast. It was the first time they ate breakfast together but it was no different from dinner.

"What are you planning to do now you don't go anywhere?" She started the conversation.

Law stopped eating and looked at her. "… not sure yet." and continued eating. After a long paused, he spoke again. "What about you?"

"A lot." she replied as she finished her food. She rose up to her feet and stepped down to the kitchen. She thought, this was the longest and casual conversation they ever had. She knew he probably still felt awkward about it, and he would for the rest of the day.

"Danna… have a drink." She spoke sweetly as she presented him the sake.

Doflamingo took it from her hand and downing the liquid, feeling it burn down his throat. Then he gestured her to fill in the second time.

"Let them stay in disguise…" He repeated. "An affair… or a young married couple…"

"Sooner or later, they'll find out and question about them." She brought up, "It may not affect you but it does to Law… and the girl."

His fingers massaged his temple in a small circle. Slowly she pulled his hand away and replacing it with hers, massaging his temple. "Is something bothering you?"

Of course he didn't mind if Law stayed with Nami for the time being, but to let them stay together under the disguise, it didn't sit well with him. He shifted a little so that he leaned against her, enjoying the gentle pressure of her fingers against his temple.

"I'll talk to him about that later." He stated as he closed his eyes.

"Don't worry danna. Things aren't going to change. You are the only person who understands him the most." She assured.

Because he understood him, he didn't want to carry out the plan. But he really didn't have a choice in that matter.

"Anything?" He asked, changing the subject.

She moved her hand inside her sleeve, taking out a scroll and passed it to him. Doflamingo pulled away from her, taking the scroll and unrolled it open. His grin widened as he read the list. He then turned his head to look at her, draping his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to his torso. She smiled as she leaned against him and joining him in reading the list.

Law was sitting on the barrel outside the house. It had been days and there was still no news from Doflamingo. As he leaned against the wall, his eyes watched as the leaf fell from the branch and blew away by the gentle wind.

Nami, on the other hand, was tending her tangerine tree; pruning out the damaged branches. It had been a long time she had not done that, and since winter would be coming soon, she thought it would be the best time to do so. After all, she had nothing to do.

"What a nice sight!"

A voice had Nami stopped her task. She spun around and saw Doflamingo with another two tall guys. She never saw them before.

"What are you doing here, Doflamingo?"

Nami craned her neck to the side and saw Law made his way to where she stood.

Doflamingo chuckled. "Having a good day, Law?"

Law snorted in return as he turned on his heel and gestured them to follow him.

As soon as they entered the house, they sat on the floor while Nami sat by the irori preparing tea for their guests.

"This is a nice house." Diamante complimented.

Nami kneeled next to Law and set the tea on the floor before she rose to her feet.

"I leave you..." She slowly edged back ready to leave.

"No! You should listen too." Doflamingo looked at her.

"Sit back, little miss." Diamate ordered.

She was a bit confused but she kneeled down again. Law glanced at her from the corner of his eyes before he looked at Doflamingo and his companions.

"We are moving." Doflamingo spoke as he raised his cup to his lips.

"And?" Law questioned.

"What's with the unenthusiastic response?" Diamanted interrupted, "Shouldn't you be asking where it is?"

"There are rats creeping in the sewer," Doflamingo continued ignoring Diamante, "Need a cat to hunt them down."

"Hunt, huh?" Law responded.

"It will be a waste but-" Doflamingo paused and looked at Trebol.

Trebol took out a brown envelop and handed it to Law.

Nami silently listened to their conversation and watched as the envelop changed hands. Her brows knitted in a frown, feeling uncomfortable about the exchange. She saw him slide the envelop into his chest.

"It's a good thing you stay here-," Doflamingo stared at Nami for a brief second, "For the time being, keep hiding. Pretending to be a married couple could do. Things has changed, Law!"

Nami's eyes snapped to Doflamingo in surprised. Just what was he was just saying. She then looked at Law, waiting for his response, but the latter remained expressionless.

"I've been staying here for quite some time already. Just tell me what happened?" anger crept into his voice.

"Woah! Calm down will you!" Trebol spoke. "There's no need to get so worked up about that."

" Law snorted in annoyance.

After several talks about their plans and things that happened, Doflamingo and his companions excused themselves. Nami rose to her feet to escort them to the door but Law held her arm, pulling her back to sit, he shook his head and stood instead, walking them out of the door. She cleaned up after they disappeared behind the door.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Doflamingo!" Law called when he was sure they were far away from the house.

Doflamingo cocked his head and waited for him to continue.

"I know what you want to say!" Doflamingo cut him off as he jabbed Law's chest. "Don't worry! They aren't really important."

"Important or not, she has nothing to do with it!" Law retorted with a frown.

"Well… she is!... Just!" Doflamingo asserted. "You guys are staying together remember?." He pointed out. "Whatever you do now indirectly involving her."

Law sighed, "If no one runs around and talks about it, there's nothing to be concerned about." He shot a glare at Trebol which the latter replied with another smirk.

Doflamingo rolled his eyes, "You don't understand Law… I hope you don't forget where she was supposed to stay." he patted Law's shoulder, "Young couple staying together without a legal tie… and taking her current status into account…, you, draw more attention than needed." He emphasized the last sentence. "Let's just say we think of a good plan to make your cover up... looks more convincing." he pinched his chin.

Law sighed.

"Put that aside. We don't know what comes in your way." Trebol explained as he stood in front of him."So, you... be careful."

"Spies are everywhere. At least, if she realized her current situation, she will be very careful!" Diamante explained.

"Just follow what Doffy has planned for you, this perverted little boy!" Trebol poked Law's cheek several times.

Law slapped his hand away rather hard. "Stop it!" he growled.

"I'm scared." Trebol mocked as he retreated.

Law glared at Trebol.

"Cool your head Law!" Diamante spoke as he pat Law's head.

"Ah, yes! Law!" Law turned to Doflamingo, "In a mean time, just stay here. I'll send Diamante or Gladius to keep in touch." Doflamingo reminded before he and the rest walked off leaving him.

"Doffy! Is it really okay to do that?" Trebol asked as they walked down the hill.

"It doesn't do much difference if she knew too." Diamante explained.

"Yes!" Doflamingo replied, "Nothing to worry about. She had been with him for quite long and nothing happened so far. I assume, she has nothing to do with it"

"What about Law?" Trebol asked. "He can't stay in that house forever."

"Doesn't he look so happy? Let him be." Doflamingo smirked. "I'm too nice..." That caused the other two to look at each other. "We'll see something interesting… probably." he added with his distinct laugh.

"Is it another tragic story?" Diamante smirked at the thought.

"Ne, ne, what are you talking about?" Trebol asked in confusion.

Law returned to their house. As he entered, he noticed the first snow silently fell to the ground followed by another.

"It's snowing." Law stated as he held the door.

Nami who kneeled by the irori looked at him. "Are you going?"

Law hummed his reply as stared outside. "It won't take long. I'll return as soon as I'm done."

"The situation looks pretty dangerous." She voiced out her thought as she examining him from the distance.

"We are dealing with dangers most of the time" He replied softly. "Let's just do as plan." He suggested, closing the door behind him.

She sighed before she nodded slightly. Following the plan or not, it didn't make any difference at all.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

When he saw the last body still tried to crawl, he raised his sword high. With the final blow, the body no longer moved. He swung his blade to remove the remaining blood.

Baby 5 and Buffalo jumped as soon as he finished sheathed his sword.

"Poor thing!" Baby 5 lamented.

"You shouldn't feel sorry for them Baby 5," Law said, "This isn't your first time dealing with this."

"Law is right!" Buffalo interrupted. "This is their fault for plotting against young master"

"Eh, where are you going?" Baby 5 asked in confusion when she saw Law turned to a different direction.

Ignoring her, he left them, disappearing into the dark road.

"Geez, Law!" Baby 5 cursed as she dragged the dead body into the cart. "He really doesn't want to stay with us any longer." she mumbled.

"Young master said, it's fine as long as he did his job." Buffalo stated as he dragged the last body into the cart and Baby 5 covered them with the straw mat.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

As he stepped on the snowy road, he shuddered. It sure was cold. The haori did little to warm him up. Law took out the scarf and wrapped it around his neck. He stopped walking as he took in the rare scent. It was nice and peaceful. He really loved it.

She waited for the food to cook while waiting for his return. She was hoping he would be safe even though she knew he would. She looked up when she heard someone slid the door. Upon seeing him, she felt relief.

"Dinner is almost ready." she told him.

He replied with a soft hum and moved to the kitchen to wash his hands.

Nami set the table next to the irori and served the meal on the table. As soon as Law took his seat, they began eating.

Law was fueling the irori with coals as she laid her futon down. Normally, he would put his sword between them, but for some reason, he didn't. Instead, he placed his sword above him and pulled her futon close to his, closing the gap between them.

Nami puzzled as she looked at him.

"It's going to be cold tonight. It's better to get as close as possible to the fire" He explained as he noticed her confused expression.

A smile lit up her face and she slid into her futon, turning her back on him like always.

Even though there was still a small gap between them, she could feel him close, could feel his warmth behind her. It was comfortable than she could've imagined.

Notes;

Kamado : clay stoves

Haori : sweater

Thanks for the review, fav and follow.