*Law POV*

My boots pound against the sidewalk as I hurry toward Miss Hayashi's apartment.

I grind my back teeth together as I try to figure out what the hell was going on right now.

Why was the whole Family going after Miss Hayashi? Did I piss Doflamingo off when he called me the other day? Why the hell was he at the club? Why did he personally take interest in Miss Hayashi? What were they talking about right now?

What if he was asking Miss Hayashi to join his Family?

Miss Hayashi's coat starts to slip from the crook of my arm. I take a moment a rearrange her coat and her guitar case. I shouldn't have stopped because my mind starts playing devil's advocate.

Would it really so bad if she joined the Family? It would take the heat off of you? Maybe you could get out. She could be your replacement. You could see your friends again. Just throw her under the bus.

I knock my fist repetitively against my forehead, trying to knock some sense into me.

Rounding the corner to find a familiar black limo waiting for me.

I melt back into the shadows and try to decide if I want to wait Doflamingo out, walk pass, or confront him.

"Law, hiding from the head of the Family I see," Trebol's slimy voice appears behind me like phantom. He gives me an encouraging shove forward, "Boss would like to talk to you about your little friend."

"She isn't my friend. She is my quota so Sugar and you should keep your grubby hands off of her," I shrug him off and stride toward the limo.

The electrical hum of the window rolling down draws my attention toward the hideous coat made from dead flamingos that the Boss wears, "Thank you Trebol you may leave now. Law darling, can you please join me. I have been dying to talk to you."

His predatory smile warned me if I fled, it could easily be the end of my life. I stare lazily at him, "I guess I can spare a few minutes."

I slide in with Miss Hayashi's things on my lap. Even though Doflamingo always wore sunglasses I could tell he was staring intently at the items in my lap.

"So Law who is the charming brunette? A friend or maybe someone a little more?" The smiling bastard prods.

I shoot daggers at him, "She is my quota for next month. I would really be glad if you told the others Family members so they stop trying to steal my quota."

Doflamingo leans over to me, his massive body looms over me, "Now now don't be so modest. I think she might be a little more than that. Tutoring her, visiting her at her house, going to her shows and now bring her stuff in the dead of night to her."

"I am just trying to hold up an appearance, so she doesn't expect anything. That's it." I scoff.

He tilts my head up to face him with a large hand, "Now Sugar said Lillian ran up to you and gave you a hug. Trebol said you were ready to fight him to protect her. How come you watched our conversation in the shadows? So why Law dearest why?"

I jerk my head out of his grip, "Trebol was going to take my quota. You know how hard they are to find. With Sugar, I can't control how the girl feels about me. I was just surprised that you were out in the open like that. You minus well be royalty in this city. Why were you here tonight?"

He claps his hand a little too high on my leg, "Well all of my sources says this girl is very intelligent. Perhaps more intelligent than you. If I recall there was a scene in the cadaver labs where she made a fool of the teacher and you."

God damn it. Nothing is private from this ass. He has eyes everywhere.

"What are you getting at?" I growl gritting my teeth.

He gives my leg a little squeeze, "Imagine if I had the two most brilliant surgeons in this city working for me. You two seem compatible. Don't you think it would be nice? Maybe she would even grow to love you. Fuffuffuffuff. Besides you can't use her for your quota. She is missing parts."

I furrow my eyebrows, "What are you talking about?"

"You didn't know? Tsk Tsk you should do your research. She is missing half her liver, a kidney, and had quite a few bone marrow transplants. All in the past few months or so. She is broken just like you." His laughter booms.

I sit stupidly in stunned silence. Why all of the surgeries? What the hell happened to her?

"I will make a deal with you. If you can get her to join the Family that will be your quota. No chopping up innocent people this month. Just take an innocent girls freedom." His lips press against my ear, "Just like I took yours. Do that for me Law darling?"

Shivers ran down my spine. I swallow hard, "So I would only have 5 more after her and I am free to go?"

"Fuffuffuffuffuff. You are mine now and forever Law. Family is forever. Right Trafalgar." He taps my cheek.

"We made an agreement!" I bark out, "Twelve people that was all!" I can feel the smoke steaming from my ears.

His predatory smile spreads across his face once more, "I think that it was is called bait and switch Law darling, but you can pawn off all the more illegal cases to Lillian."

I scoff. I knew he wouldn't let me go that easy. I will have to starting putting Plan B in action.

I throw open the door to the limo and try to leave but Doflamingo roughly grabs my shoulder, "Now I will let you decide if you want the girl to join the family or cut open another person. I know you have hard feelings toward me Law but don't do anything stupid alright?"

His face was dead flat and pissed as hell. I just jerk my arm away and head toward Miss Hayashi's apartment.

How the hell am I going to get out of this?

*Lillian POV*

He knew my name? Did he really just know it from the poster and my show? I feel like I would have noticed a giant flamingo standing in the crowd.

Anxiety consumes my body. I feel like ants are crawling under the skin on my legs so I am pacing around my apartment worrying about every detail of the conversation I had with Doflamingo.

I comb my hand through my hair sprayed curls only managing to get tangled up in it. Clutching my other hand to my aching, throbbing stomach.

Remembering back on our delightful conversation Doflamingo asks basic things. Where I went to school, what my major was, what year I was in, etc.

He even said he enjoyed my singing so much that if I wanted to become an intern at a hospital or clinic he owned all I had to do was call him.

He slipped me his business card along with another little gift.

I snatch his business card off the table and twirl it in my finger.

It was sharp and professional looking with it is silver writing stating the hospital name, Doflamingo name, email, fax, and phone. There was a small pink heart with a white cross in the upper corner and matching pink feathers tracing the opposite corner of the card.

I frown at the card. I wonder what kind a man he is? Why would you have a business card pink and feathery? Trademark or sexuality?

The card flops back onto the counter and I continued my pacing. It was an amazing opportunity and with the owner of the hospitals and clinics in Sabaody as my reference, I was guaranteed an amazing position.

But what was the cost? Was I over thinking it?

The shivers than jolted down my spine when that man looked at me. The influence that he had over people was terrifying strong.

I stare long and hard at the bottle on the counter; it was small orange and contained Percocet.

Before I left limo he clasp his hand around mine placing the pill bottle in my hand and whispered into my ear. "I can help you with anything. You just have to ask and owe me a small favor."

I undid the cap and tap 3 pills into my hands. Popping these back would get rid of the pain in my stomach, head, everywhere.

Trafalgar's face appears in my mind. I release them from my hand and let them clatter on the table.

BZZZT.

My heart jumps out of chest. I search for the time on the oven: 12:38. Who the hell?

The annoying tone continues out the intercom. I punch the button with a shaky index finger. "Ye..eh..eh..esss?" My voice falls me,

"Miss Hayashi is something the matter?" I sigh in relief.

"No Trafalgar. Umm come on up." I buzz him up.

I pace around my kitchen table as I wait for Trafalgar's knock.

When I hear the first soft tap and yank the door open.

I rather ruffled Law comes in and places my things on table and turns to seemly explain himself but rushes to over to me falling to his knees pulling my hand off my stomach.

"Damn it Trafalgar that hurt! What are you doing?" I blink and stare at my hand which is stained red with blood.

"Miss Hayashi I am sorry but you are going to have to take you dress off. Why is your stomach bleeding? What are you all scuffed up?" His tone was very professional.

In a trance I go over to table and dry swallow three pills.

Trafalgar yanks the bottle of the table and hits me over the head, "I will ask you about these later. Right now we need to patch you back up. Now take your dress off."

My vision starts to double and my body starts to panic, "Look a stitch just got loose we can fix it up at hospital. I can call a taxi."

Trafalgar disappears into the bath room and comes out with a box, "What the hell is that?"

"Lie down Miss Hayashi and take your dress off I will patch you up in a second." His grows more demanding.

I glance down at my now ruined sweater dress and back at Trafalgar who is now has rolled up sleeves and gloves on, "I am not going to wake up in the bathtub am I?"

He flinches back a little and grabs my hand, "It is just a simple stitch. Hospital bill would be expensive. You see that box here, "He gives the silver tool box a tap, "It is basic first aid you can find in ambulance. It has bandages, numbing medicine and a needle and a tread. I hid it in my bag last time I came over just in case."

He coaxes me down so I am sitting on the floor in front of him, "Plus now that you swallowed prescription drugs, going to the hospital might raise unwanted questions. Now remove your dress or I will."

His sharp yellow eyes warn me about the gravity of the situation. I shift my eyes to my bookcase and slide out my dress leaving me in a grey lace bra and matching thong blushing madly as I lay down.

I felt so vulnerable with all of my scars showing but Trafalgar had a point. It could bring up questions and I could be expelled for taking drugs.

A large y shaped suture dominates a large portion of my abdomen, from the bottom center of the rib cage splitting of right before my belly button. The right intercepting that long pale pink scar on my side running from my right hip to my mid back. It was almost completely healed up, but the softer parts were still pretty crusty and vulnerable.

It was right about my belly button that I popped seven stitches when I fell on my stomach running out of the club.

I wasn't bleeding badly like I could bleed out but it could majorly effect my healing. I should have known better after I almost passed out form the pain running to class the first day.

"You're going to feel a few slight pricks for the numbing and it will be painless. The medication should help too, "The last part of the sentence was extremely bitter.

My meds start to take affect and I close my eyes as I hiss at the pricks in my stomach.

"Just relax Miss Hayashi, I'll just be a moment." I feel Trafalgar's gloved hand caress mine gently.

A comforting emptiness and numbness swallow my body as I lay with my eyes closed thinking about nothing. Which is normally terrifying but right now I was completely content.

Is it better to think too much or think nothing at all?

*Law POV*

As Miss Hayashi slips her sweater off and force myself to stay professional.

Her presences was so different now. She appeared as a weak, delicate child. Instead of the fierce warrior in the bar.

Scars litter her thin but fit figure. She probably had more scars than a cheetah had spots.

First one I notice was the one on her thigh from when I burst in. She had a kidney transplant scar and about a month old liver transplant suture and was now split open above the belly button. Another ripped a crossed her shoulder along her clavicle. A clean one on her shin most likely from breaking her fibula. The list could go on.

Who did this to her?

I slowly prick the needles into her stomach to inject her with a local anesthetic. She hisses out in annoyance.

I slowly stroke her hand to reassure her and go to work.

I neatly tie each stitch and when I am finished I go to the bathroom and damping a washcloth.

When I return Miss Hayashi has not moved an inch but is shivering like mad.

Carefully, I wash the dried on blood off of her stomach, knees, and hands. I bandage her up. After I finish snap of my gloves and throw them in the trash.

Miss Hayashi attempts to stand up, quickly topples over I catch her under the armpits and pull her up into a standing position.

I catch a quick glimpse of her backside and a small blush creeps to my face as I advert my eyes, "Do you have a night gown, something loose?"

Her head bobbles and points to her dresser

I guide her to the closet and she pulls out a sunshine yellow robe and ties it loosely around her waist. After I tuck her in. I kick my shoes off and pull off my hat and set them by the night stand. I sit on the bed and start my interrogation, "Where did you get the pills?"

Her eyes were glazed over and blank, "The guy wearing the obnoxious flamingo coat. He said if I needed anything to call him. Then he slipped me those with his business card."

Bastard is going to make her join the Family whether I like it or not.

"You know I am disposing of those right?" Her eyes just stare at the wall cold, "I will take that as a yes. Now promise me you will stay away from him okay. He is not a good man. Do not take anything he offers you alright?"

I receive the same blank expression.

I run a hand down my face. Why would someone choose to be like this?

"Can we watch something on Netflix till I fall asleep," Miss Hayashi asks in a flat voice ignoring everything I just said.

"I didn't plan on leaving tonight anyway you need to be watched over, " I spring off the bed and start the search for her laptop.

I find it tucked under the couch and slide under the covers scooting over under Miss Hayashi's and I shoulders are touching, "When you fall asleep I will move to the couch okay?"

After a while of scrolling through Netflix I stop on Grey's,"Do you watch this?"

I get a small nod and Miss Hayashi rest her head on my shoulder.

I tense up but relax as Miss Hayashi gets comfortable.

It didn't take long for her to fall asleep; only an episode. I slip the lab top under her bed and try to move to the couch, but there is something pulling on my sweater.

Miss Hayashi was tilted on her side holding on to waist of my sweater for dear life.

Her face was so full of pain and worry. Her eye brows were furrowed and her nose scrunched up a little. Even when she was sleeping she wasn't at peace.

I put my hands behind my head and try to wait her out. Time overpowers me however and I start to drift off.

-Morning-

A soft snore invades my ears causing my eyes to flicker open.

The snore was coming from a chest where Miss Hayashi was sleeping.

I had one hand wrapped around her back resting on her hip and the other resting on her hand now on my chest clutching my sweater.

However this time her face was gentle. A small smile pulls at her lips. Maybe she was having a pleasant dream. I smile a little. I haven't been like this in a while.

She stirs in her sleep letting out a small hum. She was so cozy and warm.

I don't even bother looking at the time, I pull Miss Hayashi closer to me and drift back off to sleep.

At that moment nothing felt wrong. It didn't feel like no one was telling me the truth, that I was either going to die or end up working for Doflamingo all my life, or that my family was dead.

I thought I could just simply learn about the mysterious girl that lays in my arm and hang out with my friends. Luffy's crew and mine could sit and watch Miss Hayashi perform and go on more adventures.

Just two broken people trying to hold each other pieces together.

I clutch her hand tight.

This had to end.

*Lillian POV*

A small yawn escapes me as I hug my pillow tighter. My surprising firm and warm and sweatery pillow.

Last night flashes through my memory. My face burns red and I try to bury my head deeper into my pillow.

"Miss Hayashi what are you doing?" My pillow asks.

I crack an eye open slowly and find out my pillow is Trafalgar.

I peek up and realize the heat of his large hand resting on my hip casually and the other one playing on his phone.

I freeze for a moment not sure how to act, "Ho.. How long have you been awake?"

He drops his phone on his chest with a muffled thump, "Half an hour. It's only 10 ish. How are you feeling Miss Hayashi?"

I start to scoot up and Trafalgar retracts his arm.

My head feels like a thousand pounds when I try to support it, "I think the answer you are looking for is shitty. Heavy head, achy, stomach hurts, want to throw up, and want to sleep 10 more hours."

"What have we learned from this shortie?" Trafalgar scruffs my sticky hair.

"That drugs are make you feel like horse shit." I groan. Then smirk at Trafalgar, "And under you rough exterior you are a very kind, caring, and cuddly person."

A light pink tinge rises to his cheeks, "Che. I pitied you in your condition. Besides you were in no condition to be alone. Now I have a few question since you are awake and not under the influence."

I pull my legs under me and nod, knowing I was going to have to answer him sooner or later.

He hold up a long finger, "First. Tell me what Doflamingo said to you. In detail and why he gave you those pills."

Resting my hands in my lap I explain the whole thing to him. How it seemed like he was just being polite, but how he trying to subliminally slip me a message when handing me this pills.

Law reaches over and grips my shoulder tight, "Do not take that internship. Doflamingo is not someone you want to get tangled with."

I squint my eyes at him, "You seem to know a lot about him. Same with that perv thug from my bar. Care to explain."

"No. Next question. ." Trafalgar pushes forward.

"I don't think so. If I am going to continue to answer question you have to give me something in return." I cross my arms and set my jaw.

Trafalgar tangles his long fingers in his bed head obviously annoyed, "I will give you one thing and you will answer all of the questions I ask you. Deal?"

For a few moments I rack my brain and finally remember my long nosed friend, "You have to take me to Luffy's Halloween Party and we have to stay for at least three hours." I smirk satisfied with my response.

"No anything else, "My yellowed eyed acquaintance answers a little too quickly.

"Nope." I pop my p, "That is all I want. That or I zip my mouth."

"I really do hate you." He rolls out of bed and heads over to the kitchen and starts making coffee. When the pot starts to bubble, he rummages through my fridge pulling out eggs.

"By all means help yourself." I roll my eyes and struggle out of bed. Tightening my robe I head the bathroom, "I am going to change my bandages then you can give me an answer." I almost close the room then poke my head back out, "If you cooking can I have some toast or something?"

Trafalgar flips me off as he cracks an egg into the skillet.

I disrobe and stare at myself in my new mirror. A carefully take of the gauze off my stomach, knees, and hands.

My whole body is covered in shades of reds and pinks. Fresh wound, healing wounds, and wounds that would never completely heal.

I clean myself up and bandage sterile gauze on my wounds.

As I slip my robe on the scar ripped along my clavicle catches my eye. I touch it gingerly feeling the distorted skin underneath my fingers.

"Leave her alone. I am done with your shit!" An enraged 16 year old me screams. The three of us stood at the top of the stairs. For the past few months I had been taking lessons in Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and any martial arts class I could get my hands on. My father forbid me to take up any of these classes. Probably was afraid that one of us would actually fight back. My mom snuck me out so I could take these classes. Telling my father I was at my friends. My dad was in a bad mood today and trashed my room finding my robes and belt. When I got home from school that day I was going to hide in my room but my dad was waiting at the top of the stairs and started screaming. My mom rushed to my side trying to take the blame. My dad flung a drunken fist at my mother but I deflected it. I shove my mom toward her room, "Get your things now. We are getting the hell out of here now." My mom just trembled as my dad throws punches. I duck under and try to escape down the stairs. I was almost successful put my ankle was pull out from under me and I crashed down the stairs. A shoulder connected with the banister. When I reached the first floor I sat up and tried to grip my aching shoulder up am met my bone. My body sank into darkness. Woke up in the hospital. Life didn't change.

Tap tap tap.

"Yeah?" I mumble out wiping tears from my eyes.

I door swings open, "Miss Hayashi are you feeling alright?" His eyes travel to my scare and he traces the rough skin with warm fingers, "What is this from?" Before I can speak, "And yes I will go to that stupid party with you."

"I... uh..." Tears threaten my eyes again, "My intoxicated father pushed me down a flight of stairs when I was sixteen." I choke the last part out, tears tainting my cheeks.

Strong arms envelop me, "Miss Hayashi I has no idea." Trafalgar whispers into my hair.

I take a moment and rest in his embrace. Once I even my breathing out and step back and give him a small smile, "Is breakfast ready?" His mouth parts, words sitting on his lips, but close them. Eyes deep with concern, he steps to the side and holds the door open for me.

I had never told anyone any of that before. For some reason I felt like I could trust Trafalgar though. I knew he hid secrets buried in those cold yellow eyes.

And I was going to find out what.

*Law POV*

Our silverware clinks against the plates as we eat in silence.

"Are you just going to stare at me or are you going to bombard me with questions like you have been dying to." She mumbles as she plays with her eggs.

Slight pang of guilt hits my stomach as I clear my dishes, "If you don't mind I do have a few."

She scoots her chair back clearing her half of the table, "Yeah I guess not. You've seen it all anyways." She extends a plate toward me, "Want the last piece of toast?"

My lip turns up in disgust, "I hate bread."

"Who the hell hates bread? Mysterious, cuddler, and bread hater. There are so many levels to you." She rolls her eyes, pops he bread in her mouth and moves to the couch, "Let's get this over with."

I stand confused for a moment. That women can change moods in seconds just like Luffy.

I settle in on the couch facing her drumming my fingers on knee, "What did your parents do for a living?"

"My mom was a registered nurse at the hospital back in Alabasta and my dad was a singer song writer well more of a starving artist. He was popular locally but that wasn't enough to support the family so he took up a job at a local cafe like all cliché artist due." She twirls the end of her hair.

She lived in Alabasta? I wonder. . .

"Okay was your dad always a drunk?" I ask digging a little deeper.

"No not always. When I was just starting elementary school it all changed. One day I came home and" She flicked her hands out and lets them fall into her lap, "He started drinking every single night. I never saw my dad drink before that and I figure out why." She slides up her robe almost all the way up her thigh revealing the scar on her thigh, "Steak knife. I was seven. He swung at my mom I jumped in the line of fire."

I tease the scare with my finger causing goosebumps to speckle her skin, "How long did this go on for?"

"Until I graduated high school" Her big emerald eyes stare at her neatly folded hands, "It is not like I didn't try. I just didn't know where I could run where my parents wouldn't find me. Family. Friends. Shelters. My dad found me everywhere." She brushes her hair from her face pointing to white scare along her chin, "I tried running away to a friends when I was eight. My father was furious and beat me after; broke my jaw."

A few tears slip over. I place my hand on her face and wipe them away with my thumb, "How did you get away?"

"I got my dad arrested. Four years of jail time. Four years my mom was able to put her life back together. Cleaned out all of my dad's clothing, personal effects, just kept all of his music collection for me." Her green eyes burn with fire, "When he got out. He said he was a better person. He wasn't drinking anymore and promised that he was a better person. However my mom moved on when he was in jail. Started going on dates. My dad he understood and for a while he and my mom were friends. Until a few months ago."

"What happened?" I ask the girl quivering with rage.

"Six months ago my mom told my dad that she had gotten engaged. My dad went into a rage when driving my mom home. My father didn't pay attention to the road and crashed. My mom was thrown through the windshield. A lung was punctured, both of her kidneys were destroyed, her left femur snapped, along with were right humerus. She would have made it but. . ." Miss Hayashi starts uncontrollably sobbing.

I sigh and pull her off my shoulder place her head on my chest, not making a sound.

Her small frame shakes in my arms for what felt like an eternity. Her tears stained my white sweater off set grey splotches. My hand strokes her soft robe and the warm pleasant smell of her vanilla shampoo fills my nose. I press on, "Can you finish?"

She leans back a little and rest her head on my chest, "The doctors found leukemia. Chronic myelogenous leukemia. We did everything we could but it had spread too far, infection took over and she died. That was back in March. Dad fell into a deep depression after that. Never truly know why. Maybe he actually loved her maybe he sad he lost purpose in life. We didn't talk until this August that was only because the hospital called because I was his emergency contact. Cirrhosis of the Liver from drinking to god damn much alcohol. Wanted my liver. I couldn't say no. He was my father; once a good man." Her green orbs were puffed up from crying but somehow showed no emotion.

"After the transplant his body rejected the liver and he died. Last words he said to me not to turn out like him. I endured so much for that man and to the very end he rejected me and caused me pain. After that the pain wouldn't stop and here I am." She attempted to curl up into a ball but only hiss out in pain and whimpers like a small puppy.

I try to be as sincere as possible, "I am sorry that happened to you. I know I can't fully understand but I know how hard it is to lose a parent."

A small sniffle comes from bellow me, "What happened to your parent?"

I stretch my longs arms behind my head and lace them behind my head, "That information doesn't concern you Miss Hayashi."

A thick dark silence fills the room. Her eyes bore holes in mine; her voice was low and feral, "What game are you playing?"

*Lillian POV*

Emotions tore throw my heart. I put my heart of my sleeve and he rips it in half without hesitation. I trusted him.

The bastard has a sick grin on his face, "I am not playing a game just listening to your story. Learning so much about you."

"I thought friendships were supposed to be mutual. Not me giving and you taking whatever you want." My voice was stern and sharp.

"Who said this was a friendship Miss Hayashi more like a business venture. We made a deal and we both gets things out of it." The raventte stands and stretches out.

My mouth hangs open in disbielf. I claw at my chest trying to swallow a full breath. What was with the sudden mode change?

"What the hell do you get from this?" A demand through anger breathes.

A mischievous grin pulls at his lips, "Now that doesn't concern you Miss Hayashi."

"Get out of my house right now!" I scream at the top of my lungs.

He simply shrugs, stands up, places a cold hand on my shoulder, and leans in, his lips teasing my ear, "I feel like we have been here before Miss Hayashi. Like deja vu."

With that he opens the door. A brief moment he hesitates and turns around, "I suggest you say no to that internship. Unless you want to be stuck with me all the time. I guess Doflamingo asked the most talented first. You are just sloppy seconds."

Before I can protest the door slams.

I dash over to the kitchen and search for a feathery business card finding it half slid under the toaster.

I pick it up and storm over to my bed and yank my laptop from underneath it. I whip it open. The new mail address box stares back at me as if testing my judgement. I glance back and forth from my laptop and the card.

I will figure out what game you are playing and I know where exactly to look.

*Law POV*

I slump down on my cold, lonely bed. I try to close my eyes but every time Miss Hayashi's delicate figure with her past scared into in, each scar deeper and more deformed than the next appears.

The foul things I said to her.

I strip down to my boxer and rub my sweater between my fingers.

I sigh and toss it in the hamper basketball style.

This is the only way to protect her. To keep her away from Doflamingo. Drive her away like I drove anyone else.

It worked so for so why shouldn't it work now.