It's a magic I could finish this chapter while procrastinating. Looks like my school projects are not that important. I am so dead!

sarge1130: I was so shock (& happy at the same time) when I got constant reviews from you for every chapter. The same reason why I can 'steal' some time (despite my pack schedule) to write the story. I was motivated. Thank you very much. ;)

Lidianalestari: Hehehe, sorry for the short chapter. I want to write longer, but this is all I can manage to write ;)

Also, thank you for the new fav and follow.

On to the chapter…

Law sat facing the line of Sakura trees lined up along the street across him. They all at once came alive with soft pink flowers producing dazzling scenery that tied with the notion of harmony. The petals falling continuously covering the ground in soft pink a as if it were snowing. The town was busy since the opening of the flower festival days ago or so he assumed. His hand reaching out for his cup when he felt someone just sat next to him.

"Alone?"

Law took a sip of his tea. He didn't have to guess who was the man sitting next to him.

"Oh! I get it." Gladius concluded as he pointed out to Nami who was just popping out from one of the shop.

Law placed his cup on the seat and stood up. He was about to pull out coins when Gladius stopped him.

"On me." He stated and looked at Law, "Are you leaving already?"

Law gave a short nod. Gladius nodded and looked at the subject of their conversation. She was standing in front of the shop, probably was waiting for Law. He only watched as Law made his way to where Nami was standing and then the both sauntering away until they disappeared from his sight.

They walked further and further away from the town. Their journey was filled with silence that had grown over their distance since the town as they walked through the street. Sakura trees lined up on both sides of the streets. Petals drifting in the air as the gentle breeze sent them flying.

The bridge that led to their house was on the sight but then he stopped walking as he sensed her stop. He turned to search for her and saw her standing under the big cherry tree near the bank. He glanced at the tree as he kept a steady pace towards her. The branches were full of blooming flowers, setting them apart from its surroundings.

"It's wonderful…" She commented mindlessly sensing him standing up behind her.

Millions of pink petals fluttered through the sky and some were falling gracefully on the ground and to the lake. The fragrance of the cherry tree delighting the surrounding. They stood under the tree for a long moment, rejoicing the view as the tree showering them with its petals.

He glanced at her, noticing her slight excitement at the sight in front of them, strangely, it made him smile a little bit. He decided to stay a bit longer. His eyes fell on the few petals that landed on her hair and naked bun. A sudden recall that he had bought a hair-stick but hadn't yet given her. Imagining she would look better if she wore that. His gaze then moved on his own, travelling to her ear and down to the nape, staring into the exposed skin a bit longer than he realized. Something stirred inside of him as the sight bringing her naked back to his mental vision.

He growled, fighting the inner turmoil that began to shake up inside him and forcing his gaze away from her. He meander under the tree and walked alongside the bank before sitting back against the tree. He looked up and saw the petals fluttering through as the gentle breeze sent them away. Not long after, he sensed her sitting down next to him.

They sat under the tree, basking in the gentle heat of the late morning sun as their surroundings filled with the sight of dancing petals and the calming fragrance of the cherry tree.

He closed his eyes and breathed in the faint scent in the air. A mixture of cherry blossom and uniquely faint perfume that was Nami's. He was sure, it was hers. It was weird at first, contrasting to the smell of blood that he used to, but as it was starting to go to his head, it calmed him.

As she was soaking her sight in the dazzling scenery, suddenly she felt a weight on her shoulder causing her body to jolt a bit. She craned her neck slightly to the side and felt hair brushed against her cheek. It finally registered to her what happened. Law was resting his head on her shoulder. She felt her own blood seeping to her face, warming her cheeks and could hear her own heartbeat as it increasingly beating in quick rhythm. This was the first time this guy falling asleep on her like this. It felt so awkward yet it felt nice.

She glanced at him, seeing his chest rise and fall steadily as his sword propped against his shoulder. Slowly she let out a breath she had not realized she had been holding, trying not to move as much. Her gaze returned to the surroundings, a small smile painted her lips as he let him rest on her. Somehow, she felt extremely fortunate as they sat like that, under the tree in full bloom with soft pink flowers and the petals falling as light as snow on them. Felt like that moment belonged to her, hoping it would last. If only it could.

"Hn, so that's how it is." Doflamingo hummed and propped his head on his palm. "Well, I have nothing to worry about Vergo though." He stated and then paused a little while as if contemplating something.

Monet lifted her gaze at him, noticing the slight frown in his head. "You seemed to be worried over something danna."

He glanced at her, "I do?"

"Is it Law?"

He sighed.

"Supposed I'm right." She guessed.

"It has been 13 years since then..." Doflamingo thought as Law's younger self emerged in the forefront of his mind.

/He cupped the small hands with his large ones. Those hands were stained with blood and still trembling. He looked at the young boy who seemed to be in shock.

"You did a good job, boy!" Doflamingo tightened his hands around his little ones, attempting to comfort him. "This is just the beginning."/

"-na? Danna?"

Doflamingo felt a tap on his shoulder and glanced at her, "Ah?"

"Are you okay?" She looked at him in confusion.

"Yeah!" He nodded and turned to her, staring at her for a brief second.

"Monet, why don't you hate me?" He suddenly asked.

She pulled away from him, a slight frown on her brows, "Why do you ask danna? You know, there's no way I can hate you."

"Is it?!" He shrugged. Pausing for a while, "Even though I was the one who ransacked your village?"

She raised her brows and sighed as she put her hands on her lap, "Aa- That was an old story," she hummed, "But you have saved me and taken a good care of me all this time." Her eyes lingered around the room. "If you had not taken me back then, I wondered where would I be now… probably just a regular prostitute… only to pleasure men… or probably a slave," she looked at him, "You make me who I am today danna… and that, I am so grateful…"

He only smirked at her, admiring her feminine figure hidden beneath the layered materials of her kimono that came about from her delicate moves. Her words slowly faded into an inaudible tone as he focused on her anatomy. He reached out to the back of her neck and pulled her head towards him, silencing her in the kiss.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Nami came up, settling herself behind him. The cup had long been empty and she once again poured the remaining tea into the empty cup.

"I'm going to town." Law informed. Eyes still closing as if he was meditating.

She lifted her gaze at him briefly before setting her gaze to the open door. She sighed lowly as she pulled back and kneeling on her knees.

"Can I come too?"

There was no respond from him.

"Err, I mean, yozakura..." She stuttered, "…festival…" her voice tuned low, "… I want to see it." She risked a peek at him, waiting for his reply but instead, noticing he was being indifferent, still sitting in the same position without moving. She sighed and looked at the late afternoon sky. "He probably doesn't want me to come along." She answered her own thought. Her hands slowly reached out to her drink.

Yeah she forgot! Who was she to ask something from him? She might be the only one who think they were closer than before, but he might not have the same thought. They probably talked a lot or spending their moments together very often like this, but that was just it. Some things might have changed over the seasons, but one thing never changed, she was nothing more than just his slave. They were bonded that way. She reminded herself and her heart clenched at the fact.

He might have shown a bit of fondness and gentleness, but maybe it was just her who misread everything. He was still the same cold hearted Law she had known. He, never told her anything about him, and that was how distance they were. She swallowed hard, and the drink tasted bitter in her mouth.

"Yozakura, huh?" He contemplated, eyes still closing. He had long never been to one. He never actually thought of going to town to see whatever events held during any festival. It never occurred to him. He just never cared. But then it hit him, she was different from him. A complete different. They might live together but they didn't share their routine. She was with her own and he's with his. They might have shared some of their moments together, but they were still on their own. So, he had no right to not allow her to go and watch the festival, had he? Even if she was staying with him, or that he owned that very woman, or that he was keeping her prison in her own house, she still deserved to live like any normal girl would.

Slowly he opened his eyes, the warm glow of red evening sunset painted the sky. "It would be dark soon," he noted. Maybe, just maybe, it wasn't really a bad idea to watch the sakura at night too. He sighed, lifting his sword from his lap as he slipped his feet into his sandals.

He turned to her, "Let's go then."

"Eh?" She looked up at him, eyes widened in shock.

"Yozakura... You said you want to see it." He noticed her face cheer up a little bit and it stirred something inside him he couldn't comprehend. Realizing he had been staring at her, he turned his gaze away and brushed his nape with the palm of his hand, "Er… I'll wait outside."

With that, he walked to the entrance and stepped out.

She smiled, somewhat happy. Well, maybe, she was just over thinking. He wasn't that cold hearted as she thought him to be. She thought to herself as she picked up the empty cups.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Are you going already?" Monet asked as she dabbed the lipstick on her lips.

"Yes." Doflamingo pointed out, adjusting his sash.

She looked at him through the reflection in the mirror, seeing him standing up. She pushed herself up, picking up his haori hanging on the Byōbu.

"I have to see the others before *six and half at dusk." Doflamingo informed as he looked at the clock.

She eyed the clock stand and smirked.

"You sure are a busy man." She stated as she helped him slipping on the haori.

"So, what is your plan after this?" He turned to the door.

"My other clients are waiting for me." She replied shortly. "I need to return to the house."

Doflamingo only nodded and slid open the door.

She only smiled as she watched him turning away. She closed the door and went back to her make up table, adjusting her hair and kimono.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Nami followed as Law entered into one of the small restaurants, tailing him until he found a place for both of them. She took a seat across him as her eyes scanned the area. The restaurants were crowded with people. Laughter filled in the surroundings but soon forgotten as one of the workers came to attend them.

"Welcome mister and miss!" She bowed, "Can I get you anything?" she asked with a heartfelt smile.

Law glanced at Nami and she nodded in understanding. She turned to the waiter and ordering set of dinner for both of them. After the waiter excused herself, she let out a soft sigh. Her eyes lingered about and she noticed some people were staring at them. It made her slightly uncomfortable. But probably she couldn't help it since Law was probably the centre of the attention; his sword, that is.

"Don't bother."

She heard him spoke and looked at him. He was propping his head against his palm and looked outside the window. He seemed to be familiar with such treatment, she thought. Her eyes slid to the sword that propped against the wall, next to him before she threw her gaze outside the window.

The night was still busy as days. There were still too many people in the town. Stalls and vendors lined up along the street. Happy singing and laughter filled in the surrounding area. Paper lanterns hung and lit up in the cherry trees along the street, illuminating the street, as if the trees were glowing.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Hey, I just saw Monet." Diamante closed the door behind him as he stepped into the room.

"I invited her." Doflamingo replied. "She has left?"

"Yeah," Diamante replied, "So, what's the story?"

"What time is it?" Doflamingo asked.

Diamante clicked open his watch, "roughly six at dusk."

"We'll wait for the others."

Nami's eyes couldn't stop admiring the glowing sakura trees alongside the street. It was a fascinating sight to behold. Adding the fact that she was walking side by side with him, she felt like they were a couple, strolling under the romantic scene. "What am I thinking?" She blushed at the thought.

Law mindlessly following her along. He had no idea what to do so he just followed her meander about. It wasn't really a bad idea watching the night sakura. He felt something… so indescribable as if it was the first time he felt that way. He was quite unsure what he felt. It was a mix feeling of amazement, happiness, calmness as if he had forgotten all of his misery.

The belfry rang, indicating the time changed to *the hour of rooster, he stopped in his track, remembering he had to go to Doflamingo's mansion. Half of him didn't want to leave the place yet. But he knew, it was impossible. His job was more important than his own life. He reminded himself. He glanced at her who was now standing at the centre of the street enjoying the night view. With a long stride, he headed towards her, tapping on her shoulder to draw her attention.

She turned around when she felt a soft pat on her shoulder.

"What is it?" she leaned forward a bit.

"I have to leave now." He informed and noticed her face changed a bit. "Just go home. I'll be late." He added and turned on his heel.

Before she could even ask, he was already mixing with the crowded, leaving her with confusion. He left again. She thought, diverting her zero attention to the lanterns.

Law paced along the hallway to the meeting room. When he reached the door, he stood there as if contemplating something.

"Not going in?" A voice startled Law. He craned his neck and saw Gladius with Pika.

Law gave a simple nod and Gladius slid open the door.

"There they are." Diamante exclaimed.

They stepped into the room and closed the door before taking their seats among the attendees.

"I rarely call you here for this kind of gathering, but there are certain things that you guys must be aware of." Doflamingo started, sitting on his throne-like-chair, while Diamante and Trebol were standing like statue on both of his sides.

"I'm sure you have already noticed it." Doflamingo started, "About the spy among us." He flicked his eyes to his men, studying them one by one.

"Vergo already told me that, the spy is someone so close to us. That she knows pretty well how we operate and the people we deal with. Worse is, she knows about the assassination."

Law, Gladius and Pika jerked their heads in response.

"Yes, she knows." Doflamingo answered, "Rest assure, she still has no clue about the doers."

"This isn't a very pleasant news. Sooner or later, she could dig more and one by one you'll be exposed." He added. "But, until she found out about Bellamy, she has yet to figure out who she works with." He laughed. "That is why, I think it's time to catch her before she goes that far."

"You are talking like you know who is this woman." Diamante piped in.

"You definitely know who she is." Doflamingo stated as he turned to Diamante. "You dealt with them long time ago. She's hiding her identity very well, that's why you don't realize."

"I did?" Diamante questioned and recalled back.

"Riku's faction." Doflamingo announced. "The only girl you asked to deal with Riku faction that time." he gave out a clue.

Diamante nodded in understanding and laughed. "Violet?"

"Nostalgic, isn't it?" Doflamingo exchanged a meaningful glare with Diamante and the latter smirked in return.

"So, what is the plan now?" Diamante asked.

"Since tonight meeting is perfectly arranged by her, there's a probability it's a trap." Doflamingo informed. Then he turned to Gladius, "You know what to do right?"

"Yes, young master!" Gladius nodded.

"I may be nice, but I dislike it when people betray me." Doflamingo stated. The whole room filled in intense silence, noting the eerie atmosphere.

"Also, Law." Doflamingo diverted his attention to Law.

Trebol chuckled and slid out a brown envelop. "You pretty well suit to this job." He said as he headed towards Law, placing the envelop in front of him.

Doflamingo grinned, "I'm sure as hell this all planned out too. Clean that up for me."

For long Law stared at the envelop before picking it up and slipped it inside the collar of his chest. He nodded in acknowledgement.

"Just be careful." Doflamingo reminded before turning his attention to Baby 5 and Buffalo. The both nodded and bowed, understood very well what Doflamingo meant.

"Anyway, tonight, I'm suppose to attend the meeting." Doflamingo informed. Heads snapped at him at the announcement.

"But I won't be going. I sent Bellamy instead." He added and could see relief etched on their faces.

"I'm hoping everything is running smoothly."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Standing by the door, Law pulled out the envelop, reading the content. "Another noble, huh?" He folded it back before slipping it back to his chest. Not even cared which faction he had to deal with later.

"Hey Law!"

Law craned his neck to the call and saw Buffalo waved at him. Baby 5 was with him too. He walked to them, noticing they were dressing a bit flashy, their faces told him that they had planned something and he wondered what they were up to.

"Law, where are you going after this?" Buffalo asked.

"It's obvious." Law replied with no interest.

"It's still too early to do the job." Baby 5 told him. "Let's go and get some cold sake under sakura night." she suggested.

Law contemplated. He thought he wanted to finish his task sooner and just go home.

Baby 5 grabbed his arm, drawing his attention, "Come Law, it's gonna be fun. We are going to show you the delight of sakura night." she coaxed, "You've never been to one, have you?" she pointed out. "This is your chance. After all, it's been a long time we don't spend time together… The three of us."

Law glanced at her, it wasn't like he disliked the idea, he quite liked it. The scenic view of the glowing sakura came to his mind, and he felt like, he wanted to see it again.

Law nodded slowly.

"I told you he wouldn't-" Buffalo paused and stared widely at Law, "What? He agrees?"

"Yeay!" Baby 5's face widened in excitement. "Let's go!" She then pushed him and Buffalo to the door.

Doflamingo glanced at the three members who just left and turned his head to Diamante, Trebol and Gladius.

"You heard that?" Doflamingo noted and chuckled. "Law... enjoys flower viewing?"

"He probably has learned to appreciate the nature." Diamante concluded and then laughed it off. "Little miss is really something."

"Nami… huh?" Doflamingo contemplating.

Law walked slowly behind Baby 5 and Buffalo who were so excited over everything. He just followed the both went from stalls to stalls, vendors to vendors, buying some snacks to eat while they were enjoying their walk under the sakura trees.

The three of them sat under the big cherry tree while enjoying their cold sake. Occasionally he reminded Buffalo not to drink much since they had another task to do. Although he was sitting with them, part of his mind wondered if Nami had safely arrived home. She probably was still waiting for him. With that in thought, he emptied the cup in his hand.

Law got up and tightening his hold on his sword.

"Leaving already?" Baby 5 noted, pushing herself up to stand.

"Yeah" Law glanced at her, "Everything should be done before the bell rings." He said as he left.

"We'll catch up later." Buffalo informed and Law just waved it off.

Nami was just exiting the grocery shop when she caught a glimpse of Law among the crowds. She saw him walking with unhurried stride through the wide street. Her eyes followed him with curiosity, wondering where he was going.

In the darkest part of the road, there he stood, emotionless, eyes piercing like a hunter waiting for his prey. The sound of laugher and jokes could be heard from the distance. Footsteps getting closer, voices getting louder but soon fell into a silence.

Swords were drawn in their hands, denoted how prepared they were for defense.

"Doflamingo was right." Law thought noticing the people that stood in front of him. It was a good thing Doflamingo didn't attend the meeting.

Taking a mental note of his enemies and examining their positions, his mind strategized instantly. Law drew his swords and without a second, lunged forwards, swinging down his sword and slashing it on top of the head on one of the front man. Blood sprayed out as the man slumped down. Shock stricken their faces and Law took the chance to swing his sword up diagonally, slicing the next man from his waist up to his shoulder. Few of the guards running towards him, swinging their swords in the air.

She thought she had seen him taking the route but somehow, she lost him and now, he was no where to be seen. She stepped a few paces and along the way, a faint sound like sword clashing and someone was screaming - no, she was certain it was it. The sound was getting closer and closer and she heard a scream followed by another. Then it died.

She stopped in her track, tuned in to the sound of swords reverberated through the air. Then another terrible scream followed after, louder and frantic than before. She broke out in a cold sweat, heart clenching tight at the anguished scream. She clutched her hands to her chest, feeling her own heart beat thumping behind her chest. The urge to flee gnawed at the back of her neck, but somehow, her feet moved on its own, heading towards the sound.

Law was disabled as the chain tightening around his body, strapping his upper arms to his left elbow and lower arm of his right hand where he held his sword. Though his long sword was still secure in his hold, it didn't help him in the slightest when he couldn't move it. The last man he was fighting was skillful compared to the others.

The man leapt towards him, swinging up his sword in an attempt to slice him. As Law tried to pull the chain with his left hand, he noticed the killing sword that embedded to the ground was connected to the chain. He pulled harder, drawing the sword along. In that quick motion, he caught the hilt, and raised his hands as high as it could go, so that the edge of the blade pointing upwards.

Noticing the opening as the man floated in the air for the moment, Law bent forward, using his body weight to swing the sword forward toward the man who was about to land a blow on him while he angled his body to dodge the incoming blow.

Shock stricken his face when he realized what was coming but it was too late. Before he could evade, a sharp pain stung at the juncture of his neck and in that instant, he could feel the blade pierce through his flesh and it swept down to his waist.

The body split, blood sprayed upwards and jetted the lighter moon before it rained down along with the squelching sound of the bodies dropping to the mud of blood behind him. The fresh stench of the blood filled his nostrils. He stood a while, feeling the chain loosen up little by little as he dropped the killing sword. He steadied his breathing. The last guy did quite a number on him. He felt his muscle sore from the tight clutch of the chain.

Hearing footsteps from behind had him froze in place. A very familiar presence he could sense . His own sword tightening in his hand and slowly turning to the sound, feared who it to be.

Eyes widened and his lips parted slightly. "Nami?" panic tightening in his chest as he stared at her with shock, neither moving nor talking. Even in the dim and yellow light of the moon, he could see her eyes fixed on him. The dark liquid dripped down slowly from her cheek down to her already stained kimono. "She saw?!"

"Whoever saw you, kill them!"

Now, let's see if Law would kill her now that she saw everything ;P

Note :

Byōbu (portable folded wall).