Under the Mask

by Lillie1512

After Lillian gets out of the hospital, she gets a late start to her first year of medical school at Marineford University in Sabaody. Everyone around her seem to have already made friends and she is left alone. The first person she meets is Trafalgar Law. Lilly is taken aback my his rudeness. Unknown to her Law;s life is being controlled my illegal trading in the black market.

5. Infiltration

*Lillian POV*

My alarm clocks buzzes. I hide myself deeper in my sheets as I grope around blind for my new iPhone. I peek out from inside my cocoon and scroll through the pointless messages until I reach the blue email icon followed by the name Doflamingo.

I quickly jab my finger opening the message. My eyes flicker over it as a plotting grin forms over my face. I jump out of bed and do a small clap with a squeal.

I started scheming last night after Trafucker pissed me off for the last time.

There was something that didn't add up about him. He left friends that cared so deeply about him, he didn't want to talk about his parents' death after I talked about mine, and he was acting all kind and cuddly and suddenly became a dick.

I slip on black nylons, a black large print white plaid skirt (one that you can twirl in), a black three quarter length top, my black oxfords, and a simple small sliver heart necklace rested on my chest.

Trying to tame my long hair, I put it up in a professional but causal bun, not too tight and I let a few wisps fall to my face.

Finally I apply a thin line of eyeliner to my top lid and paint on my bubble gum pink lipstick that luckily wasn't completely destroyed by Trafalgar.

I wrap myself up in my sapphire coat, slip on black leather gloves, slip a matching pink purse with a sliver chain into my bag and head out.

A confident smile rests on my face as I slip my head phones in my ears letting Billy Holiday's rich voice fill my ears.

I had two stops today: The Doflamingo cooperation and The Thousand Sunny.

Come out come out where ever you are.

No matter how hard you try, you can't hide from me Trafalgar.

*Law POV*

Miss Hayashi walked in and I had to force myself to keep my mouth shut.

The boring girl from day one was completely gone and was replaced by a jaw dropping girl bubbling with confidence.

She was a mixture of business and flirtatious. Her skirt was on the boarder of being too short but the black nylons hid the fact, she was defiantly wearing a push up bra, her lips were a familiar bubble gum pink, and her bun was tied up with a simple black silk ribbon.

An uneasy feeling sat in the pit of my stomach.

Once she sat down and slid my feet up into her lap, "Why all the effort in your attire Miss Hayashi?"

She smirks at me as she places her notebook on the table, "I have an interview at the Doflamingo cooperation today."

"You what!?"My feet slam to the floor and a few of the students turned and stared at me like I grew a third head. I grab her arm roughly, "I told you to stay away from that internship!" I whisper scream at her.

She jabs my hand with her eraser, "Job. Not internship. So I am listening to you technically."

"Why the hell are you doing this? I am trying to look out for you!"

I receive a bone chilling stare, "I thought we were just acquaintances. Why does it matter what I do if we are not even friends?"

"Because. . . " I am cut off by lecture starting.

Miss Hayashi whisper into my ears, her soft lips grazing my ear, "I am doing it in spite of you. It is fun to piss you off. Besides you are cute when you're angry."

What a bullshit answer. She was just trying to aggravate me.

What the hell was she up to?

Buzzzzzzz buzzzzz buzzzzzzzzzz.

I slip my phone out of my pocket and grumble.

I hurry out of the classroom and answer, "I am in class Doflamingo make it quick."

"Awh Law darling! I was just calling to say I have your payment from your last client and that I want to talk to you personally about your work schedule. Please come by my office this afternoon. Oh! Before I hang up. I didn't think you would act so quickly with Lillian. I have a very special job for her." Doflamingo cackles.

"Why are you doing this?" My voice was low trying not to draw attention to myself.

"Fuffuffuffuff. It just for the fun of it. Plus you are cute when you are angry."

I cringe at the comment. Hearing both Miss Hayashi and Doflamingo say it, felt like a bad omen.

I roll my eyes, "Fine I will see you after classes are finished."

"Cannot wait to see your beautiful face. . . "

I hang up the phone.

Creepy perv.

I slip back down into my seat. Miss Hayashi raising an eyebrow in question.

For the rest of class I look everywhere but her.

I didn't want her to get wrapped up in this mess. She had no idea what she was getting into. She was going to be captured and have her wings clipped. Unable to do anything with her future.

I hated to admit it to myself but I had grown fond of her.

Her sassy attitude and stubbornness was growing on me. She seemed to want to figure out what was going on in my life. She seemed to genuinely care about me and could relate to my pain.

But it was exactly what I thought was going to happen if someone I was remotely close to stayed by my side.

Doflamingo would dangle them in front of me, as he slowly took their free will away and maybe even their life.

Anything to torture me after all that has happened.

*Lillian POV*

Dr. Kureha lets us out of class, and instead of waiting for Trafalgar like I always do, I bound down to the front of the room catching up with Chopper and the light blonde next to him.

"Oh. Hey Lillian what do you need?" Chopper waves bye to pale blonde.

"Is there any way I can meet up Luffy and the crew tonight?" I ask a little frantically.

His giant round orbs fill with concern, "Is there something the matter?"

I lean down to doe eyed student's ear, "I want to get to the bottom of what is going on with Trafalgar and I think I know where to start."

He tightens his small fist with determination, "I will see who all I can get together!"

We trade numbers and I give Chopper a quick hug, "You are the best!"

Before I can even step out of the classroom Trafalgar's low voice infiltrates my ears, "What was that all about?"

I beam a smile up to the ravenette, "We are going to hang out tonight! Wanna come?" I nudge him a little.

"No." My lanky classmate answer and starts to walk away.

"Why not? They are your friends after all." I whine a little, jogging to catch up to him.

Another death grips tightens on my shoulder, "Stop trying to squirm your way into my life. You are going to ruin everything. Do not go to that interview tonight. . . please. It is better for everyone like this." Trafalgar pleads.

He lets go and turns away to the now empty hallway.

I refuse to be treated like a child.

I grab his wrist he turns his head toward me, staring tiredly.

My voice is barely a whisper, "Even you?"

He lets out a defeated sigh, "Miss Hayashi why do you care so much?"

I loosen my grip on his wrist a little, "Because I know how hard it is to lose your family and be completely alone in this world. I don't want you to be alone like me Trafalgar."

Something must have clicked in his brain. Trafalgar's eyes were no longer their piecing yellow but something softer, "Miss Hayashi my situation is different. You wouldn't understand but it is better this way."

I slide my hand down and clasp his surprising soft, warm hands catching him off guard, "I am going to figure out what is going on whether you like it or not. I don't care what happens to me. There is no one left to miss me."

Trafalgar rests a warm hand on my cheek, I couldn't help but lean into his touch, "I would miss you and I am sure Luffy and his crew would to. Please don't go tonight."

"Then tell me what is going on." I breathe out.

"Just trust me. This isn't something I can tell you without you being put in harm's way." He removes his hand from my cheek, causing me to shiver.

Rage fills my small body. I smooth my skirt and look at Trafalgar, my eyes heated with anger, "Fine I will do it the hard way."

"Miss Hayashi don't." Trafalgar warns.

Frustrated tears fill my eyes, "You know what I don't understand. There are so many people out there that can help you Trafalgar and you just push them away."

"This is way bigger than them. . The..."

"I don't give a shit. You know Luffy still thinks that one day you are going to walk back through those club doors. The look on his face when you left was worse than a sad puppy. It has been six months and your friends haven't given up on you. I would kill to have friends like that." I growl at him jabbing a finger into his chest.

He leans down and stares into my eyes, "That is exactly why I have to protect them. I don't want anything bad to happen to them."

"Ugh you thick minded bastard." I spit out. Not caring his was actually showing his true intentions.

"You are the naive one here shortie." He retorts.

I step up closer, "Asshole."

He follows suit, "Shrimp."

The fighting stops when realization hits the both of us were close enough our breathe is mixing. An unexpected excitement runs down my spine, and my heart rate picks up. Trafalgar licks his lips.

Trafalgar blushes fierce and runs off to class leaving me behind in the empty hallway.

All I could think was. . .

Fuck.

*After school. Outside Doflamingo Cooperation building*

My face was still on fire. For the rest of the day Trafalgar avoided me after the incident in the hallway. Didn't even rest his feet on me in class.

Part of me was happy that he was slowly revealing things to. Part of me was pissed that he wouldn't tell me thing. The other part was cursing madly still confused about what I had felt earlier.

I slap me cheeks and turn my attention to the 40 story modern, oval, glass skyscraper in front of me.

Sucking in a large breathe I walk down the path between the overly green plaza.

The lobby was very modern just like the outside of the building. A lot of glass, stainless steel, white, and plants. Generic and cookie cutter modern building.

I step up to the receptionist. She was a 60 year old heavy set women with a strawberry blonde grandma permed hair and fuchsia lip stick and way too much blush. She was wearing a blue dress with orange floral print and matching old lady fuchsia glasses.

The name plate behind her apple desktop read Jora.

I plaster on a polite smile, "Excuse me Jora I have an appointment with Mr. Doflamingo."

She glances over her glasses and gave me a once over, "Sure you do honey." Then she went back to her typing.

I blink. Rude.

"My name is Hayashi Lillian. I have an appointment with Mr. Doflamingo." I repeat adding a forceful emphasis.

"Look girly. Many of you young people try to get up to Doflamingo's office because you are quote on quote fan girls, but Doflamingo is into beauty more like my own. So you can get your prostituting ass out of here." She shoves up her glasses.

"Jora dear you shouldn't be rude to my guests." I large arm drapes around my shoulder.

"Doflamingo s-s-ir. I d-d-didn't know you were hiring any new people." She shrinks back at his presence.

"Lillian darling shall we go up to my office and get this interview started." I turn up to him, finally realizing how tall he actually was. He is dressed in light pink button down with the first few buttons undone and sharp black dress slacks and black loafers. He still wore his glasses. But why? He gives me a large Cheshire cat smile and offers me an arm.

I graciously take it. As he guides me to the elevator I turn to Jora and stick my tongue out at her like the mature adult I am.

The elevator opened up into a waiting area similar theme to the one down starts, but smaller. A couple white couches, glass coffee tables, plants, and a reception desk with a familiar head of black hair.

"Hey you are from the club the other night. Are you doing any better? You had me worried." I smile to the raventte.

A small shocked expression sits on her face and her eyes flicker back and forth between me and Doflamingo. She gives me a soft smile, "I am doing much better thank you."

I let go of Doflamingo's arm and flip a business card over and scratch my number on it, "My name is Lillian. If you every feel like that give me a call and I will try to help out okay." I smile wide at her.

She is almost trembling as she accepts the card. What is wrong with these people?

Doflamingo steps up beside me placing a large hand on the small of my back, "I see that you met my receptionist Baby5. Is there anything I should be concerned about?"

The women shook like a leaf, so I grab Doflamingo arm and smile up at him, "She just needed a sober cab home the other night." I shrug. "I worry about people too much."

I give Baby5 a wink and enter the lion's den.

If I had to describe his office I think it would go something like: Everyone knows that one girl that is obsessed with horse or that lady that has too many cats. This man and his flamingo's was a whole new level.

Painting, sculptures, figurines, pictures. He had everything short of a taxidermy flamingo; that or I haven't noticed it yet.

Other than that, he had white arms chairs for guest to sit in, a glass top bamboo desk, and rows and rows of bamboo shelves. Also scattered around the room was various plants like bamboo, ficuses, spider plants, etc. It was like a fricken jungle.

He plops down on a white leather spinney chair and puts his loafers up on the table; he gestures for me to sit down.

I relax into the plush chair and ask the ever so obvious question, "What is with the flamingos? Are you like the girl that has too many unicorns orrrrr..."

He chuckles, "You are very direct I like that." He turns a picture to me. He was in southern African marsh and a younger Doflamingo was wearing that gody flamingo coat and there was a baby flamingo following him.

I couldn't help but giggle a little bit. The picture was actually kinda cute. For a moment he seemed harmless dare I say charming. For a moment.

He starts with his explanation, "Flamingos are a wonderful symbol for a business. They represent balance, adversity, the ability to maintain sole purpose in a group, ability to filter life lesson from emotions, clear sight, and to be able to determine what is useful."

He sits up, rests his head on his arm, and smiles, "Plus I think it is a good fit for me they are sensual, creatures with a strong sexuality."

I force a laugh, "So you said you had a part time job opening as a receptionist?"

"Awwwhhh yes. Why are you interested in the position?" Staying in his casual position.

I speak in an even professional tone. "As you probably know by the resume I emailed you I am a student over at Marineford University with the goal of becoming a pediatric surgeon. I haven't told many people this but I wanted to open my own practice someday so I wanted to see the inter-works of health business so that I could decide to get a business major or if I wanted to find a business partner."

"You have seen to be a very driven women Lillian. Says you managed a small time musician in Alabasta and you manage all of your own gigs, worked reception at a clinic, before you got your CNA certificate and started doing that in Alabasta." He taps his long fingers on his tan chin.

A shifted nervously. I don't have that much experience but I can't internship until my withdrawal goes down and I get my nausea and anxiety in check. Wouldn't want to throw up on a patient now would I?

A light bulb went off in my head, "Do you know who Trafalgar Law is? He says he works for you as an intern. He seemed excited that I was going to work here and said he would put in a good word for me. He told me that this was an excellent place to start off and learn about both the business and medical field." The lied rolled off my tongue so easy. I was pulling out all the stops to get this job.

He pauses for a moment and nods, "Of course I know Law. He the most talented intern we have. I am glad to hear that he supported you in the decision to work here. It is defiantly good to hear that you have connections."

"Thank you."

I wait. Forcing myself not to hurl from being so nervous.

A predator grin covers the middle aged man's face.

Shit. What did I get myself into?

*Doflamingo POV*

The petite brunette rocks back and forth in the arm chair unconscious that she was holding her stomach.

When I first opened my file that Vergo dug up on her I was met with her boring, juvenile, plain face.

That was over 5 years ago.

I examine her now. She was perfect. She had matured into a fine young lady; she was nothing that stood out in a crowd but when she tried she looked absolutely stunning.

How her hair was pulled up showed off her swan like neck, her lips formed a perfect pink pout, her eyes were a vast forest that you became lost in. Her legs were toned, and what she lacked in the chest Mother Nature provided in her perfectly, round ass.

Her personality only added to the perfection. No one would ever expect this friendly, little honors student to do anything wrong.

Making her my puppet was going to be one of my best decisions since Law, probably better than him.

I grin at the girl, "I am feeling in a generous mood. If you want the job as the weekend receptionist it is all yours."

The watch the girl's perky chest deflate as she exhaled, "Thank you so much Doflamingo sir. What are the hours going to be? Is it flexible enough were I can fit school and my performance in? Who am I working for?"

I chuckle. She was so eager to put the noose around her neck, "Normal business hours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from nine to five. That shouldn't affect your performances at all. Lastly, you will be working as my own personal receptionist slash assistant so most Sunday's I leave the office early."

The girl's body goes ridged, "I am working for you?"

My grin deepens. God she was going to be fun to play with, "Of course. It is going to be the best way for you to see how a business is run."

Of course I didn't trust the girl. I have been suspicious since she walked in here. I already knew that she was interested in Law. Both just out of curiosity and sexually. It even crossed my mind that she wanted to help out of his contract with me, but I don't think she knew that much yet.

She plasters on an amateur fake smile, "Wow I am honored thank you. Do I have to come in for orientation sometime this week?"

I stand and she follows like the pathetic sheep she is, "Come here at seven on Friday and don't be afraid to ask me for help the first few weeks. I am a patient man."

I reach out a hand and she reaches out and grips my hand tight in a formal handshake sealing an unknown contract.

I minus of well be the devil and she was giving me her soul.

That thought of the complete control over her now sent shivers of pleasure down my spine.

Before she leaves I call out to her, "Remember is there is anything you need, anything, just let me know. I can help."

Her disposition crumbles making me feel victorious, "T-t-thank you sir."

As she leaves I recline back swinging my feet onto my desk as I wait for Law.

My phone beeps and I pull it out of my trousers, seeing my brother has messaged me he was done with evaluations of all of our branches and would be back in town to go over numbers with me.

Ever since our parents died in a house fire Corazoan had become a man of few words.

I was glad that I could work with my brother but I had my suspicious. Can't trust anyone in the business world.

How could father give up this empire? Bastard deserved to be dead causing our family to live in the filth of lower class for so long.

I feeling of pride coursed through my veins when I thought of the empire I recreated and improved.

The door opened revealing my favorite raventte with a small blush on his cheeks.

My laugh booms and Law glares at me.

Recruiting those two was going to be so much fun.

More fun than when I recruited their parents.

*Law POV*

At this point in the day I wanted to say fuck it and go to bed. It was bad enough that I knew Doflamingo was going to give me more work, but what has happened with Miss Hayashi today just made me flustered.

What the hell happened in that hallway? That feral urge I felt. I see at least a hundred women more attractive than her, but at that moment I couldn't help but think what it would feel like to trace ever curve of her body with my tongue or how easy it would be to press her up against a wall and crash my lips onto hers.

How did everything go so wrong?

This was just supposed to be simple. Be distance, formal, cut her open, leave her, and have 5 more people to repeat the process with.

What caused me to keep ending up with this girl? Her personality? Her past pain? Her beautiful voice?

Fate was a fickle thing.

I turn the corner and fate bitched slapped me once again.

The soft smell of vanilla was the first thing that hit me, than it was her round face came into view.

"Trafalgar. . . What are you doing here?" She stops adjusting the pink purse on her shoulder.

I roll my eyes, "I do work for this company."

She straightens her spine, "Well I do too."

I wasn't surprised honestly. She was too driven not to follow her own ambitions. Amicable but stupid.

She approaches me and wraps her hand around my index and middle finger. A familiar warmth fills my body. Her doe eyes turn up to me determined, "I refuse to let you suffer alone. It is up to you if you want to trust me, but I am not going to give up on you."

Honestly I didn't know how to respond; my body responded with a blush. Her touch was so warm. Every word that came out of her mouth felt like the truth. I wanted to return to her bed and wrap her in my arms.

The feeling was repulsive.

I stayed away from my closest friends for 6 months but this women. . .

I glare down at her with cold eyes, "Miss Hayashi let go of me. I would appreciate it if you left this to a formal relationship. I am nothing more than your tutor and coworker. If you dig deeper into my life I will cut all ties to you. Do you understand?"

Her hand slide off my fingers, her eyes start to water, her voice was quiet as a mouse, "I understand."

I stood still as her feet patter away.

My body felt cold, emotionless, lonely.

It is better this way.

I threw open and Doflamingo's manic laugh bombards my ears, "Why are you blushing Law dearest? Did you run into the beautiful Miss Hayashi on her way out? Did you two have a lover's quarrel?"

I slam the door behind trying to contain my hatred for this man, "What do you want Doflamingo? I have better things to waste my time with than talking to you."

He stalks forward, clearing the room in only a few steps with his long legs. A menacing grin fills his face, "One of my surgeons had a little," He flicks his hand in a circle a few times, "Accident and his job was terminated, so you will have to pick up a few more clients now. Maybe an extra one or two a week."

"Fine." I lean against the door and cross my arms over my chest. "Anything else or can I go."

There was no point in arguing. To him I was nothing more than a puppet, a play thing.

He taps his long bronzed fingers against his chin, "Corazoan is also checking in so he will be here for a few days. We are going to have a big Family get together to welcome him home and celebrate our numbers increasing."

Corazoan. That bastard. Every time I see that mute bastard my blood just boils. After all he is the reason why my parents are dead.

I don't let my anger bubble to the surface, "Okay just email the date and time. Now can I leave?"

He slams he hands against the door on either side of me, licking his lips, "It is no fun when you submit Law. Why can't I make you angry anymore? Is there someone you are trying to protect? Do you think playing nice will protect your friends and that girl?"

Biting my tongue I manage a few words, "No I don't. It is just a hassle to fight every single time I see you. This is my future isn't it?"

He frowns for a moment but I see a switch turn on in his brain, "I am thinking of taking Lillian to the Family get together. I could make her my personal pet." He clutches my chin hard making my jaw feel like it was about to scatter, "She seem like a pure girl, she probably tight unlike the other whores the company owns."

I try to maintain my demeanor but jerk away at the disgusting comment, put Doflamingo turns my head up to his. His large body now pressed up against mine towering over me. Adrenaline kicks in but there is nowhere to run. I was just a wounded rabbit trapped my hungry wolf.

I feel the laughter roll off his lips, "She seem like a feisty girl. She would fight back for a very long time; struggling beneath me, "I can feel his member becoming hard against my leg, I try to retreat back father into the door but I am already flush against it, "I always liked a challenge. She will probably kick, scream, claw and bite to try to gain her freedom." I can feel the shiver of pleasure run down his spine as he imagines the scenario in his head.

My stomach lurches at his actions but there was no point to struggle it would only entice him. He removes his hand from the door and slithers it up under my shirt, his fingers tracing my muscles. I bite the inside of my cheek hard, tainting my mouth with copper, "You know what would be more fun. Making you watch me break her. Making you watch the moment when the hope leaves her and she submits to every inch of me and she becomes nothing but a broken toy."

He snaps my head to the side, he breathe was hot on my ear, thumb traveling into the waste line of my pants, "Maybe if I am in a generous all three of us can have some fun." He drags he hot tongue along the shell of my ear and I lose it.

I pivot and drive elbow into his side with all of the force I could muster.

His grip on me wasn't broken but he let go momentary only so his fist can be driven straight into my right side of my face.

I try recompose myself, when a swift kick lands on my right side, knocking the wind out of me.

I clutch my side and take deep rigid breathes. His voice was low and dark, "Don't hit me you worm. You will never be strong enough to take me down. You are going to be my puppet until you die. I pull the strings."

His loafer drives forcefully into my gut. "Now be the good little whore you are and take your money," An envelope drops close to my face.

My vision is speckled with black spots but I manage to struggle to my feet, envelope in hand. I dust myself of nonchalantly and stand tall, fighting off the sharp, white hot, pain, "Now if there is nothing else, I am going to leave."

I reach for the doorknob and there is no resistance as I pull it open and leave; just his overpowering presence looming over me warning me.

As I step out into the bright white room, Baby5 is at my side in a matter of seconds, "Law are you alright!?"

I force out a short laugh, "Boss and I just had a small disagreement."

Baby5's eyes turn to me filled with pity, "You should just follow what Doflamingo says. You wouldn't get hurt."

I give her a small smile, "What is the fun in that? You shouldn't be one to talk. Why do you think all of your boyfriends mysteriously disappear? Because Doflamingo wants you all to himself? Che."

I shove her off of me and lumbar to the door.

I make my way to the bus stop striding past judging onlookers. I didn't care what they thought. They didn't know the whole story. The Family took everything from me: My friends, my family, my freedom.

If is the last thing I do I am going to take down this company.

*Lillian POV*

Scrounging through my purse I finally find a Kleenex and breathe mints.

I wipe my face of any leftover remnants after retching my guts out after my meeting with Doflamingo.

I lean against a street lamp and pop a mint in my mouth. There was only about two more blocks until I reached The Thousand Sunny but my body wasn't functioning anymore.

I was petrified.

What the hell did I get myself into? What kind of boss gives out pills like candy? Everyone that worked for him was scared of him including Trafalgar. Doflamingo must of been expecting something if he is making me work so close to him.

I take a few deep breathes. What gave it away? My familiarity with Baby5? Bringing up Trafalgar's name?

Wiping sweat from my brow I stumble forward a few steps cursing how weak my body had become with withdrawal and the surgeries. I decide to give and slide down the side of a building and try to pull myself together.

What was the point of getting into this mess? A boy a barely knew? A boy that has just been a totally asshat to me?

I let out a long sigh. What am I doing?

"Lily my beautiful flower are you okay?"

The voice came from a familiar suited up boy with a head of golden hair with a curly eyebrow. My voice was faint, "Sanji. . ."

Before I could blink, a grey blue eye is staring at me, and a warm hand is brushing a few wisps of hair out of my face, "Lily are you okay?"

I give him a weak smile, "I have been better. I think I have the flu. It hit after my interview today; I thought I could make it but. . ."

Carefully Sanji slides an arm under my leg and lifts me up bridal style. His suit coat smells of old cigarettes. A familiar and comfortable smell that reminded me of my mom's finance. A tall, quiet, clumsy man with long shaggy blonde hair that always had a pair of black sunglasses perched on his face.

I wonder what happened to him.

My memory is cut off by Sanji. "We are going to get you too Chopper; he will be able to fix you right up."

A puzzled expression fills my face, "He is a first year med student; what is he going to do?"

Sanji chuckles and smiles a gorgeous smile at me, "Chopper is a genius. He is 17 years old and in med school. He has fixed all of us up and one point or another; I am sure that he will have something for you."

A small blush speckles my face as I relax into his hold, lying my head against his chest.

So warm.

*Chopper*

"Guys where is Sanji I am staaaaaaaaaaaaaarving." I pant out.

"This is how it ends isn't it. I just wanted one more piece of meat, but now we are going to die." Luffy joins in on the complaining.

"Didn't you just raid the fridge like an hour ago Luffy?" Usopp questions in a flat annoyed tone.

"There better be a good reason that shitty cook is late." Zoro grumbles reclining in his chair.

"Maybe he got hit by a bus or got caught in a gang shooting." Robin says with a polite smile.

Nami and Franky both sweat drop and scoot a few inches away from her.

"We will just have to be patient for him to come back and serve dinner." Brook says in a polite tone while thumbing his silverware on the table contradicting his own statement.

The front door creaks open and everyone head snaps around impatient for Sanji's return however we are greeted by a familiar average height, lean man with head of shaggy black hair, freckles dressed in a police officer's uniform.

It was Luffy's brother Ace.

He gives us a laid back wave, "Just got off of work, and thought that I would swing by for dinner tonight."

"Ace!" Luffy screams and jumps up on his brother wrapping his arm and legs around his torso.

Ace lets out a hearty chuckle, "Hey little brother. Not causing too much mischief are you?"

Luffy grins like an idiot, "Nope. Passing my classes and everything!"

Luffy detaches from Ace, "But Sanji isn't here yet. He is missing. You should get the police force to go out and find him! Then we can have meat for dinner." Luffy stands with his arms up in the air triumphantly.

Ace hits him over the head with a fist.

Ace gives Nami a little wink, "Talking care of him right Nami."

Nami blushes slightly but gives him a small knowing smile, "You know I am Ace."

Before Ace can tease Nami about her relationship with his younger brother the back door is slammed open and we hear Sanji call out, "Chopper! I think there is something wrong with Lily; she passed out on the way here!"

I run as fast as my little legs could carry me. Sanji had laid Lily on one of the couches in the lounge area. Usopp hands me the medical bag that I keep stored away in kitchen.

"Sanji what was she like when you found her?" I say in an even professional tone.

Tears bite at the corners of Sanji eyes, "She was shivering, out of breath, tired, and I think she threw up in the trash can close to where I found her. She said she might have caught the flu and it kicked in after her interview."

I pull back one of her eyelids and flash a light in it; her pupils are responsive but are still enlarged.

I take her pulse and check her breathing.

Leaning back on my heals, I fall to the floor and sit down cross legged.

Sanji yells at me, "Why aren't you doing anything Chopper?"

I scan the crew and give them they news, "She has a substance abuse problem. She is going through withdrawals. She lied to you Sanji to try to cover it up."

Everyone was silent.

Zoro ended up being the blunt one, "Do you mean like an alcoholic or. . "

I shake my solemnly, "This is more likely narcotics. Prescription medications."

"Why would someone do that?" Luffy asks innocently.

Lily shifts, "Where am I?"

*Lillian POV*

"Hey good morning sunshine. You are in the back room of The Thousand Sunny." I handsome raventte with freckles informs me.

I lift my head groggily, "Thanks freckles. Who are you?"

He shoots me a gorgeous smile, "My name is Ace. I am Luffy's older brother."

Chopper hands me a glass of water and I swallow a few large gulps and wipe my mouth with the back of my hand, "Okay." I cough, "Now that I am here. I need your guy's help."

Chopper, "Lily, you should be worrying about yourself right now. I know what is going on."

The doe eyed boy looks at me with a seriousness. I stare at him hard, "I am aware of my problem but I am also aware of Trafalgar's problem. That why I wanted to talk to you guys tonight."

"You know something about Traffy?" Luffy eyes were big and curious.

"What do you guys know about Doflamingo?" I specifically look at Ace in his police uniform.

"There are a lot of people that come in with these crazy accusations but after they come in once, they are never seen again. There are no proof of any of their accusations." Ace informs his eye brows knit together.

"What kind of accusations?" I pry.

All eyes are on Ace as he answers, "Things like drug rings, sex trades, black market trading and anything on those lines. Almost like Doflamingo is a mafia boss."

I sit up quickly and grab Ace's muscular forearm, "Have the police done anything about this?"

Ace sits down next to me, "We have tried but never have found any proof. The people that accuse Doflamingo tend to disappear."

"Well that is not suspicious," Zoro rolls his eyes.

"Miss Hayashi are you saying you think it's true?" Robin asks.

I stare into Ace's chocolate brown eyes, "The first day I met Doflamingo after my performance here, he slipped me a bottle of prescription drugs like he knew what my problem was and how to control me with it."

Ace grabs my shoulders, "He what!?" I flinch at his tone. He loses his grips and rubs my shoulder reassuringly, "Sorry."

"I think I can help. I got a job of the Doflamingo Cooperation today as Doflamingo's weekend receptionist." I was eager. Excited that Ace was a cop and could help me.

"Man are you stupid or something. That is like selling your soul to the devil." Franky scolds me and I look at them confused.

"But that is where Trafalgar works." The group exchanges looks with each other's.

"What do you mean? Traffy works for a shady guy like Doflamingo." Luffy asks appearing to think too hard.

My eyebrows knit together, "Yeah. He works as surgical intern at one of the hospitals."

Usopp speaks up, "He didn't work there before when he still talked to us. So he must have started working there after. . . "

Everyone was dead silent. I could hear the air system whirl.

"W-w-what happened to him?" Panic kicks in. What didn't I know? Did I say hurtful things to him that I didn't realize to the time?

Nami sits down on the arm of the couch and takes one of my hands, "When we first met Law he was having a rough time. He lost his kid sister to cancer. That was about two years ago. Six months ago both of his parents died in a house fire and that when he stopped talking to us all together."

"His whole family died?" I spoke but to no one in particular.

Nami slender hand squeezes mine.

I turn to Ace, "Please let me help you. I can go in and talk to the department. I could help! I work for Doflamingo. I could be like a double agent or something."

Ace gives a hardy chuckle, "Whoa Whoa hold on there speed racer. It is not that simple there is a lot of protocols and stuf. . . ."

"I don't care! Someone needs to save him!" I bark out.

"Shishshishishi! I like your attitude Lily! You fit right in." Luffy rocks back in his chair, "Well you heard her Ace! Let's go save our friend!"

The group lets out a cheer.

What a care free group of people. They didn't seem to care about the risk. They were concerned about saving their friend.

Sanji and Ace both offer me a hand up. A giggle as Sanji gives Ace a dirty look.

"Stay for dinner Lily my beautiful flower!" Sanji clasps his hand and does a little wriggling dance in front of me.

"Oi Sanji leave the poor girl alone!" Nami scolds.

"Nami swan are you jealous? Don't worry I will make a special dessert for you!" Sanji goes chasing after her.

I can't help but laugh. I am happy that I found these people. They seemed to accept me into their group already. Did I have friends?

I smile softly.

Ace hangs back as everyone else disappears to the front, "So what is your deal? Luffy hasn't told me about you yet."

I shrug, "I performed here one night. I came in early and sat down and chatted with them for a while. I go to school with Chopper and Trafalgar; he is actually my tutor. I am sure you know all of the weird crap that is going on with him and apparently I am the only one that he talks to now. That connection appears to make Luffy and his friends now my friends. So I feel like I have to help Trafalgar not just for his sake but to help my new friend too."

Ace unexpectedly wraps me in a giant bear hug; resting his chin on top of my head, "Don't put so much pressure on yourself. You have nine new friends and me to help you through this."

He lets goes and hands me his phone, "Put your number in there and you can tell me all about yourself later. We can figure out a time to talk to the old man. .errr. . I mean chief"

He flashes me a smile and bounds out the door yelling for Luffy not to eat all the meat.

I swallowed hard.

If Trafalgar left this group of people, I can't even imagine what he got himself into.

That I got myself into.