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.

7. Through the Woods

*Law Pov*

I bury my face is the relaxing smell of vanilla, pulling it closer to me; hoping to be locked in the light's embrace a bit longer.

A hum came from beneath me, as a small hand trails farther up my back.

A twinge of guilt stirs in my stomach. This isn't the first time I have woken up with someone but. . . but now was different.

Letting out a sigh into soft hair, I silently pray that the girl in bed with me was at least familiar.

I crack open my left eye; my stomach drops at the sight of the familiar petite, chestnut hair girl.

Our bodies were tangled. Her legs intertwined with mine, her sleeping face lying on my arm, my hand laced in her hair and her other hand resting on my bare chest.

We didn't. . . No she wouldn't. . .

I ever so gently untangle my fingers from her hair and lift my blanket, relieved to find all of her clothing still intact.

My cheeks warm as I notice she is wearing my boxers and her white shirt was pulled up to the middle of her rib cage, displaying her bandaged abdomen and a small mole on her right hip.

I peer down at her sleeping face. Her petal lips were slightly parted and her eye lashes formed dark crescent moons on her cheeks.

I catch my lips bending into a small frown. Why do you keep squirming back into my life? There are so many better people out there. People that aren't toxic. People that won't get you killed.

Beeeeeeeeeeeep. Beeeeeeeeep. Beeeeeeeeeeeep.

Miss Hayashi, barely half awake, twists to hit the snooze, then quickly snuggles up back into my chest.

I can't let her do this. I can't let myself do this. I can't protect her from him.

I shake her shoulder, receiving an upset groan.

"Miss Hayashi don't you class to attend?" I continue.

She looks up at me with an expression similar that of waking a bear up from hibernation. Her voice full of menace, "Mr. Trafalgar don't you have class to attend?"

I suppress a laugh, "Wow. I didn't realized you turned into a troll in the mornings."

She leans back on my arm causing her right hand to travel down and rest on my hip. Sending goosebumps along my body. "Shut up Trafalgar. You should be grateful that I took care of your drunk ass last night and tended to your wounds."

My wounds? That's when I notice my bandaged hand.

"You punched a mirror last night. God knows why, but you did. I wrapped it up as soon as I found you passed out." She lets out a small yawn.

Curiosity finally gets to me, "Why are you here?"

She rubs the sleep from her eyes, "Well I came here to kill you, but I saw you passed out on the couch all bruised and broken so I took pity on you and spared your life."

My eyebrows furrow, "Why were you planning on killing me?" What did she know?

Her eyes start to wet with tears; her face held a betrayed expression, "What was the real reason you took interest in me?"

My eyes widen. I could feel her fingers trembling on my hip. I sighed inwardly. The finally push. "I was interested in your body. More specifically your blood type and what organs I could harvest from you." I try to keep a cold expression.

A sorrowful smile fills her face as tears cascade down her face, "I was nothing more than a cooler of organs to you."

"Then why are you still here?" My tone was harsh, but my gut was churning with clashing emotions.

Her eyes sparkle with tears as she forces a large smile onto her face, "You called me Lami."

I am rendered speechless.

"Doflamingo killed you sister and parents didn't he?" She grips my hip hard as if to force a reply.

"Che. You got it wrong. I despised her. I am glad she di. . ." I was never so happy someone cut me off in my life.

She stares at me hard, "You were in tears Trafalgar. There was so much remorse in your voice. When you thought I was your sister you hugged me like I was going to vanish at any moment, you wanted me to stay by your side, and you kissed my forehead before you fell asleep. Those are not the actions of a vengeful person."

I try to remember what I said last night with every fiber of my being but fail. Quickly becoming flustered, "Why haven't you left? I have been nothing but mean to you. You are just a stubborn tick that I can't get rid of. You mean nothing to me."

She lets out a short laugh, amused by a secret thought, "If I mean nothing to you, than why haven't you let go yet?"

Heat consumes my face as I became hyper aware of that we were still in the position we woke up in. Every inch of my body that was touching hers was tingling with excitement especially the hand that was unconsciously stroking the top of my hip.

I quickly flee backwards sitting up. For certain my face was going to burst into flames.

She gives me a hard look as she kneels, "My turn to ask questions. Who gave you those bruises? Was it Doflamingo?"

Her sudden burst of confidence surprises me. Which makes me very irritated, "I don't have to tell you anything. My life isn't your business Miss Hayashi."

She rolls her eyes, "You sound like a goddamn broken record. You don't have a good reason. You are being a fucking coward. Tell me now or I will make you."

I roll my eyes right back, "Yeah right like you could. . ."

Before I know it I am pinned down on the mattress. My wrist pinned together by one of her small hands, other arm putting pressure on my throat, on knee pinning my thigh down, and the other threatening crush my manhood.

What in the hell just happened?

Her long hair cascades around my face, making it feel like conversation was private from the world, "Did that flamingo bastard do this to you?"

Her emerald eyes with overflowing with pain and sorrow. I could tell that she didn't want to have to put me in a position like this, so I mumble out a pathetic yes.

Flames burn in her eyes as the two of us sit up, "I want him to rot in jail for the rest of his pathetic life."

I run a hand through my bed head, "You can't try to take him on alone. You're not strong enough."

She shoots daggers at me, "Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black."

~Carry on my wayward son.

There'll be peace when you are don't.

Lay your weary head to rest.

Don't you cry no more. ~

She reaches around my body and points a warning finger at me. "We will discuss this later." Her voice turns chipper as she answer the phone, "Hey Ace! Yeah everything is fine. I promise."

I obverse her as she paces around the room with a dumb smile on her face.

Ace. Now that is someone who could protect her. The police force and his brother's crew backing him up.

"Hey is this your family isn't it?"

"What kind of dumb question. . ." I stop as I see her face. She has a small wondering smile on her face; eyes filled searching their faces as if looking for a story.

Tears rolling down her face, hitting the glass warping my family and I's faces, she smiles meekly at me, "You look like your father."

I move to the edge of my bed speechless reaching out for her or the picture. I didn't know.

Cellular static snaps Miss Hayashi from her daze; placing the picture back on the night stand. "Yeah Ace I'm fine. I'm fine. Yeah I guess you got me. Yeah are you going to be there tonight? Cool. Ha. I am not going as a princess just so you can go as my knight. Cheesy bastard."

My stomach starts to knot with jealously, anger, and regret.

Jealous she couldn't talk to me with such ease.

Anger that I couldn't help her like he could.

Regret that I lost those close to me in the past.

Just for a moment I study Miss Hayashi close. The heat from sharing a bed caused my silk boxers to cling to her backside shamelessly so I could see the outline of her panties beneath. She had yet to pull down her white shirt. Her hand mindlessly playing with the top of her tape on her abdomen. Her t-shirt was tugged off center revealing not only her scar on her clavicle but a white bra strap. Her dark mane spilled carelessly over her shoulders. Her slender fingers run though her bed head pushing her bangs haphazardly over to the side.

The way she held herself in that moment was as if she was trying to give the message 'Yeah this is me. Accept it or shove off.' She appeared so prideful. I knew people never saw her like this. I felt privileged. I felt greedy. I wanted to be the only person who saw her like this.

I feel my parents judging eyes. Almost saying 'Really Law? This is how you're going to act? Do you see her? You're going to let that go?'

"Fucking." I huff out and stalk to the living room.

I am not losing someone else close to me.

Just like old times, I go to my favorites, and call my number one.

After one ring a familiar voice picks up and replies hesitantly, "Law?"

"Yeah it's me. Who else would be calling from my phone?" I respond with familiar cantor.

The voice is overly apologetic like usually, "Sorry."

I suck in a deep breathe, "I know it has been awhile, but if it is alright, can you help me Bepo? Just like the good old days."

*Lillian POV*

"Ace please stop worrying I'll be better in a week or so. I'll let you know how my first day of work goes and I'll see you tonight okay? I have to go or I'm going to be late for class." I try to calm a near hysterical Ace.

"Okay okay. See you later Princess." Ace bids farewell. Finally facing defeat.

I click my phone off and follow Trafalgar's smooth voice.

I try to ease drop but only hear a see you tonight.

I peak out from behind the door slight concern that it might be Doflamingo or one of his goons, "Who was that?"

Trafalgar just rest his arms behind his head, causing his heart tattoos on his shoulders to stretch, "You'll find out tonight."

Confusing clouds my mind, "Like tonight when we go to the party?"

He replies like I am stupid, "Yeah. What else?"

My eyes widen to the size of dinner plates. My body acts on its own and I jump across the room and hug his bare torso. "Tin man you have a heart!"

He groans and scruffs my hair, "Can you let go of me shorty? And who said I was doing it for you? I have my own agenda to attend to."

I poke his tanned cheek, "Like telling me what happened to your eye?"

"No." The messy haired boy replies in a clipped tone slapping my hand away.

I puff my cheeks and mentally make a note to get him to talk if he gets wasted tonight.

"Oooohhhkay. Do you want to meet up and head over together? You promised you'd take me."

Trafalgar brushes past me, "You sure you wouldn't want to go to Mr. Portgas instead?"

Is he jealous? No way.

"Oh my. Trafalgar are you jealous of Ace?" I chase after him to his room.

An irk mark forms on his head, "I don't get jealous Miss Hayashi."

I roughly grab his shoulder "So you demeanor just changes to normal jerk to complete asshole in three seconds because it's fun?"

He stares down at me as if he was superior, "Remember the only reason I talked to you was your blood type."

My blood boils, "Close your eyes."

He frowns, "What?"

I snatch his hand and slam it over his eyes, "Remove this and I will pin you to the floor again."

He lets out a heavy sigh, "I have already seen you close to naked. Is this necessary?"

I blush at the memory as I zip my pants, "Shut up. No you didn't. I will be here at 8. We will be heading over together jackass. You promised me."

I throw his red boxers, successfully making contact with his face.

I storm out all the way back to my apartment, finally collapsing on my couch, legs bouncing and temples throbbing. My body didn't make my life easier.

All of it was true. I was just a bag of organs. He was going to cut me open. I was a quota.

The angel in my conscious counters. But he had to do it. Something happened with his family that he is indebted with Doflamingo. You can trust him. He has good intentions.

Could I trust him?

He'd done a few nice things: brushed my hair back when I was sick, came to my show, and stitched me up.

He also has been a douche canoe since the day we met.

I jam my school bag full books, an extra sweater, and grab some Zofran.

I inhale and hold it. Trying to relax and let it all out in one large dragon breath.

Maybe I should trying thinking about something happier. What should I wear tonight?

*Ace POV*

She stayed at his place last night. The man who allegedly wanted to cut her open and harvest her organs.

My frustrations builds. My pencil I was using to do write ups, finally snaps.

"Yo. Ace, what has you all riled up? There is smoke coming out of your ears." Marco calls over from the couch.

I let go off the shattered pencil and let it fall to the kitchen table. I spin off the chair and join Marco on our black leather couch.

I turn toward Marco who mutes the football game on TV, "It's Lillian. Law got drunk so she stayed at his place last night. She could have gotten herself killed. You know I suspect him of being that guy that has been cutting girls open. Why would she stay with him? She is just putting herself in harm's way."

Marco crosses his legs, "She could just be curious about him or genuinely worried. We have looked into Trafalgar's record. He has a clean record up until his sister died. After that it was just some fights breaking out and of course the Grand Line. Nothing serious. Nothing that you haven't done before. You have to admit he doesn't seem to be a kind of person who would be a sociopath. There has to be something pushing him."

"I hate that you're right," I grumble, "Still think that him or his family made some kind of deal with Doflamingo?"

Marco nods, "Maybe money with all of Lami's treatment. They did try everything. Couldn't have been cheap. Maybe his parents took care of a patient in some shady means. Had an attachment and didn't have the right organ. Maybe the patient was Lami."

I glare at my roommate, "I hate when you make sense. I just wish she wouldn't put herself in harm's way. It is reckless."

Marco chuckles, "Sounds just like you. Remember when you went undercover as a lackey in the Baroque Works to save Robin and you ran into Teach. You attacked him right away and almost got yourself killed. You blew your cover to. You're lucky the mission was a success."

I wince at the memory and let out a nervous laugh, "I got him though. He was a traitor to the police force for killing Thatch. Bastard is rotting in hell now."

"Ace," Marco warns.

"Yes dear," I grab his hand, "You make me better. That's why we are so good together." I give him a wink.

He yanks his hand away, "Save the lovey dovey crap for the girl."

BZZZZZZZZZZT BZZZZZZZZZZZZZT.

I bounce up and answer in a sing song voice, "Who is it?"

"It's Luffy! Let me in!"

I buzz him up and open the door for him.

My enthusiastic brother bursts through the door, "Ace!" He tackles me into a hug. "Hey Marco!" He salutes my blonde friend.

Marco returns with a wave.

"I wanted to talk to you about something." My brother says in an unusually serious tone.

Marco and I exchange glances, "Yeah come have a seat." I flop back down on the couch and my bother flops down on the Lazy Boy recliner and starts rocking back and forth.

"I want to go back to the Grand Line." Luffy states simply.

Marco leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, "If you get caught there, you risk not being hired to the police force."

I examine my brother carefully, "You don't want to do it for the challenge, do you?"

Luffy shakes his head back and forth, "I'm going to save Lillian and Law. I figured I probably would be more helpful in the underground, where you can't be. My crew and I could pick up clues about what the flamingo guy is doing or who we can talk to figure it out."

I run my hand through my dark hair, "I probably can't convince you not to do it, huh?"

Luffy smiles wide, "Nope."

Marco shrugs, "We can run it by pops. Maybe he can get some kind of protection for Luffy."

I slap his shoulder, "Good idea! That's why I keep you."

"Oh hey!" A memory moves to the forward of my mind, "Since Doflamingo has turned Sabaody into a giant crime organization instead of a city, the feds are going to send up some help. I think they hope with fresh eyes on the case, they will see something that we missed."

Luffy blinks at me.

I sigh, "That means they are sending government officials from the FBI."

The moron just blinks.

Marco laughs, "And we are entrusting him to help with the case." Marco stands up and while passing my brother he rocks the Lazy Boy, "Sabo is in the FBI isn't he Luffy?"

"Yeah. So?" Luffy replies flatly.

Marco starts to die of laughter.

I reach over and clobber my brother over the head, "Sabo is coming up to help with the investigation, dumbass."

A flip finally switches in Luffy's head, "Sabo! He is in the FBI he can help. I haven't seen him in ages! I am so excited! Family reunion at the Sunny! I am inviting everyone!"

Marco and I exchange uneasy glances, and both agree "We're doomed."

*Doflamingo POV*

"I think that about sums everything up. Just pick up phone calls and schedule appointments in the boss's free spot. There is a list of people here. If these people call say boss is in a meeting; these people aren't worth his time. The job isn't too hard; just stressful. Better learn to be organized." I watch from the door as Baby5 finishes the rundown of the job.

Lillian looks lovely as always. She was wearing a sky blue blazer, black pants, a white v-neck t-shirt with a music note necklace resting in the middle of her chest and a simple black pair of three inch heels.

She smiles charmingly up to Baby5, "Thank you I will try to keep it all straight. You are a very good teacher."

Baby5 blushes and gathers her things to leave.

I step over to Lillian, "If you are confused with anything just let me know. I would be more than glad to help."

She has a forces polite smile on her face, "Thank you so much sir. Can I ask you a quick question about the computer?"

I nod trying to so see if there was something more behind it.

"If I want to see your past appointments to schedule future ones where do I go? Or do people just call? Or do you just tell me what appointment to make? I just want to be efficient sir."

I study her face, unable to tell if there was a deeper meaning to it.

I move around behind her desk chair and lean forward, our cheeks practically touching. I navigate her through the computer, showing her a folder of monthly and yearly appointments that need to be made.

She turns to thank me only to realize how close she we were. A light pink blush crosses her face. I grab her chin lightly, "No need to worry Lillian my dear and please, it's Doflamingo. No need to be so uptight."

I hold her for a moment longer and watch the girl study my face, her gaze eventually landing on my lips.

Her gaze snaps back up to my eyes, "Can I ask you a personal question sir?"

An irk mark forms with how formal she is and I let her chin go, "Plans on the question."

She bites her lip nervous to ask, "Why aren't you married? You're a successful business man. Women must throw themselves at you."

My head swells from the indirect compliment, "I guess I haven't found someone who can keep up with my kind of lifestyle."

"You must have a particular kind of lifestyle than sir," A barely visible smirk quirks up on the side of her mouth.

She enrages me. She tests my patients. She is coy. She is thrilling.

I just need a trap. Snare her and keep her all for myself.

"Can you go make those copies for the meeting tomorrow now?" I order with a false smile.

She just smiles bubbly, "Sure thing. Sir."

After she clicks away I call out to the empty room, "You can come out now Corazon."

My mute brother appears from the shadow adorning his dark purple feather coat, pink pin stripe button down, white pants, and one black loafer and one dark brown loafer.

I roll my eyes, "Still haven't learned to dress yourself have you."

My shaggy hair brother just shrugs and tries to light a cigarette. I promptly snatch it from his mouth, "With your luck you will burn down the whole god damn building."

My brother rolls his eyes almost immediately tripping over his feet.

I glare down at him, "My point exactly."

We make our way into the office and start to go over numbers. All of them were up.

I grin at my brother, "We don't make a bad team do we?"

A scratches a response down on a pad of paper, "No one knows better than family."

"Speaking about family, I think I found a new member." A cat like smiles pulls across my face. Alright brother, let's see how you react.

His eyebrows furrow. I continue, "Do you remember Hayashi Lillian? She seems to have risen from the ashes."

Corazon's eyes grow wild, eagerly wanting me to explain.

I laugh, "She seems to go to the same school as Law. She made the mistake of befriending him and picking up on hints of what our business really does. So for the fun of it, I gave her a job here as my secretary on weekends."

Furiously he scribbles, "Why would you risk your business on a girl?"

I bark out a laugh, "It's simple I'm bored and she seems to be a challenge to break. One girl is not going to take down the whole company. I want you to keep track of her. It will be easy for you to pop back into her life."

He hesitate than writes, "Don't you think it would look suspicious? Just popping up in her life. Plus my relationship with Law isn't exactly wonderful."

I take my glass off and set them on the table, rubbing my eyes. My brother is slightly taken aback with the gesture, "I am sure you will figure something out. There is a party is The Thousand Sunny tonight. Maybe you can have a father daughter reunion after. I can count on you can't I brother?"

He simple write, "Yes." Then leaves.

I learn against the door and watch him leave in a hurry not making eye contact to the girl at the desk. Maybe my brother has changed. Maybe not.

Lillian is staring hard at the door that my brother just left out of.

"Something the matter Lillian dear?" I smirk, adjusting my glasses back on my face.

Her eyes stay plastered to the door. Her voice distant, "That man was wearing two different shoes."

*Lillian POV*

On my way to Trafalgar's I can't help but think about the man with blonde hair and mismatched shoes.

I didn't get a good look at his face do to the dark purple feathers, but his presence felt so familiar.

I can't help but try to deny it.

Rosinante was like a father to me; a wonderful man to my mother. He couldn't be part of a crime organization.

When I make it to Trafalgar's door I knock slightly distracted.

He finally opens the door and I can't help but stare.

He is wearing his dark brown boots, his blue jean speckled pants, a baseball version of his normal white hat, a long black coat that reached the ground with an orange stripe around the arms and down the center, and no shirt.

His chiseled abs on display along with his tattoos.

"See something you like Miss Hayashi?" My shirtless classmate mocks.

My gaze moves to his face, "What? No. I mean... What are you?"

Reaching behind the door he grabs hold of a sword and states matter of factly, "I'm a pirate."

My mouths runs without speaking, "I know there are slutty costume for girls butt jeez you're not even wearing a shirt. How does that make you a pirate?" My eyes drift back.

"Well you seem to be enjoying yourself quite a bit. Do you want me to dance or something Red.?" I can tell my staring puffed up with ego even more than normal.

I puff my cheeks, "I like my costume thank you very much. Little Red Riding Hood was my favorite fairy tale as a kid."

He rolls his golden eyes, "its cliché."

"More cliché than being a pirate in a pirate themed college town." I retort.

Lifting a finger he replies, "Wait for it."

I huff, "Whatever." I grab his hand and pull him toward the door, "Come on. I want to get there!"

The walk there was a horrible silence. I wanted to ask so many questions about Doflamingo.

I muster up enough courage and ask a vague question, "How did you meet Luffy?"

Trafalgar turns his head up to the dark sky deep in memory, "We met on the Grand Line."

"What's that?"

"Some place you shouldn't go without being on good terms with death." He replies vaguely.

"Ominous." I roll my eyes. "How long has Doflamingo been pursuing you?"

The answer is automatic, "Three years that I know. . ." He catches himself, "I should not have told you that. I should not have told you that."

I smirk, "Probably not."

Before I can continue, the Lion's head comes into view. We stop at the entrance, "You get three hours. Than we are leaving."

I don't have time to pout he pushes open the door revealing a colorful wave of people.

Zombies, belly dancers, marines, and bunch of pirates.

Trafalgar leans down, "Not cliché am I. I'll meet you here in three hours."

Before I can protest he is gone.

"Lily my flower! I can I get you something to drink?"

I jump at the familiar voice, "Hey Sanji!" I give him a quick hug, "I would love something to drink. Just some punch or something of that nature. Where is everyone else?"

My suited friend offers me an arm and I hold on to dear life while he leads me through the crowd.

The crew was sitting at a booth and I give them a little wave examining there outfits, "Pirates I assume?"

"You bet! Hiya Lily!" Luffy greets me with a gain smile. His open red shirt shows off a large X-shaped scar on his chest. Wonder what happened?

Nami whose pirate outfit is a green bikini top and jeans, raises an eyebrow, "Did you come alone?"

I shake my head talking a big gulp of the drink Sanji handed me, "No. I came with Trafalgar actually, but he ran off."

"I am going to go find him then! I haven't seen him in months!" Luffy states and bounds away.

I slip into his spot next to Zoro, "Can I ask you guys a question?"

"Ask away. I the great Usopp knows all of your answers." My long nosed friend jabs a finger into his odd yellow overalls.

"What's the Grand Line?" My question silences the table.

Brook nurses his Long Island ice tea, "Where did you hear of such a place?"

I peer out into the crowd, "Trafalgar said that's how he met you guys."

Zoro sighs, "I guess it was going to come up sooner or later. It's an underground fighting ring. It a good way to make extra money or just for those who are hell bent on proving their strength. Law made his way there after his sister died. "

Chopper adds, "He was self-destructive after his sister died, but Luffy befriended him. He seemed to reach some clarity after that."

I simply bob my head deciding not to pry any deeper. This night was supposed to be fun.

We chat for a while. Brooke runs off to chase some tail and Sanji goes off to refill our drinks.

As I start my second drink I notice Usopp staring at something or should a say someone. It was a pale blonde girl from my first day of class that was sitting next to Chopper. This evening she was showcasing an old fashion nurse costume.

I reach across the table and slap his wrist, "Go dance with her."

"Yeah Usopp she is super cute! You have been crushing on her for such a long time. If you don't hurry up all the good ones will be taken." Franky puts a large, what now looked robotic, arm around Robin, "not everyone can be as lucky as me."

Robin gives him a small smile.

I can see Usopp shaking in his seat, "You guys know I have can't-approach-girls disease!"

Nami passes him her drink, "Liquid courage my friend!"

If fails to work.

I start to laugh a euphoric feeling starting to buzz in the back of my head. I can only assume it was from the lively environment.

Confidence bubbles in me. I spring out of the booth and bow, "I shall be your wing women."

I stride away from Usopp's protests and tap the blonde's shoulder, "You're my Anatomy class right?" I stick my hand out, "Lillian."

She giggles her cheeks slightly flushed, "Kaya. Nice to properly meet you."

"Now that we are acquainted. I would like you to do me a small favor. I assume you know Usopp right?" I jut my chin toward my long nosed friend's direction.

She nods, "Of course we are childhood friends."

In his 20s and still hasn't asked the girl out yet.

"So you know he is a little shy than. You should go ask him to dance! Come on I can tell you want to." I nudge her.

She sucks in a deep breath and marches over.

I watch the two of them go to the dance floor.

I strut over to the booth and bow.

Nami claps and cheers, "Wing woman of the year!"

I point to Nami. "You are next! Who do you like?"

Her hair turns the color of her face, "I am kind of already dating Luffy."

I just stare in response, "I guess I didn't realize that he knew girls existed. Good for you. I can defiantly see how he could captures a girl's heart."

I finish my third drink that Sanji brought me. Starting to feel swimmy.

"You might want to slow down. The Jungle Juice packs a punch." Zoro warns me, rubbing my back slightly.

I look down at the glass then back at him than back at my glass than back at him, "There is alcohol in here? I can't taste it."

"That's the point. So lovely ladies like you can still drink and be merry even if you hate the taste of alcohol." Sanji explains.

Fucking. Shit.

But I can't help but giggle, "I've never been drunk before. This should be interesting."

I can feel concerned glances but my brain doesn't seem to give a shit.

"Hey Red!" I turn to see an almost focused shirtless Ace in an orange cowboy hat, black cargo shorts, and black combat boots. "Want to do a shot and dance?"

"When you're looking like that how can I say no." I whip my head back and slam they empty glass to the table, quickly grabbing Ace's hand, "hurry up! I want to dance!"

"Lillian are you sure you are going to be alight? We wouldn't want you in the hospital." Robin sounds concerned.

I wave her off, "Alcoholism runs in the family. I should have a liver of steel. Plush Dr. Chopper can get my back." I give the freckled boy a quick wink.

I can hear Ace's laugh as he laces his fingers in mine and starts to sway me.

I don't remember much of the dancing. Just hot sweat bodies pressing up again each other and my arms looped around Ace's neck.

I don't know when I got to the top of the bar, but here I am.

*Ace POV*

Seeing Lily finally relaxed was so amazing. She was twirling around in her knee length red cape and white lace dress on top of the bar. Her short brown boot tapping to the beat.

I can hear her voice belting out to a remix of Party Rock by LMFAO. It was an over played club song but she made me feel the hype as if it were my first time.

"Ace! Catch!" Her voice barely makes sounds over the music. Before I know she jumping off the bar expecting me to catch her.

I catch her bridal style and drop her down onto her feet, feeling the bare skin of her thigh from her dress pulling up.

Her smile was radiant, "I've never been to a party before! This is so fun!" She bubbles with her lips pressed again my ear.

She made me want to live more.

"Hey what's that?" A long finger points to tables smooshed together in a box formation.

I bend down and talk into her ear, "That's a drinking game called Quarters. Want to try?"

She bobbles her head like an excited three year old.

I grab a couple of beers and lead her over, "Room for two more?"

I recognize a few of the people at the table: Vivi, her boyfriend Kohza, Zoro, and his two friends Johnny and Yosaku.

Vivi smiles to me, "Hey Ace! Sure but there is only room for one more chair."

I push Lily forward, "Sit I'll lean over and tell you how to play."

She pulls out the chair and points her finger, "Sit."

Her voice was overpowered with authority so I sit.

Shortly after she sits across my lap. "Now we both can play."

My laughter booms and I wrap one arm around her slender waist.

After a brief explanation we begin.

"Red I hate to say this but you are awful at this." I squeeze her side.

Her eyebrows are furrowed with concentration, "just you wait . . I'll prove you wrong and then. . you'll have to drink!"

"As if. . "

Klink.

She quickly stacks her shot glass on top of mine, "Take it bitch!"

She was so excited she planted a kiss right into my freckled cheek. I briefly turned to her. Watching her fall into a fit of giggles almost falling off my lap.

"You are too cute for your own good Red." I kiss her back on the cheek. She makes an adorable scrunched up face when I do.

I didn't notice the table started to fill the communal cup and now it was full to the brim.

While a chug out of the corner of my eye I see Lily point, "I know you two! We graduated together in Alabasta."

I placed the solo cup back in the middle of the table and shift my gaze between Vivi and Kohza.

They hesitate but it finally dawns on them, "Lillian! You were always so quiet in high school it took me awhile to place your face. I'm so sorry!" Vivi blurts out.

Kohza acknowledges that he remembers her, "Still singing?"

"You bet! I actually perform here; you should come!" She rambles.

I make a circle gestures between the three of them, "Were you guys friends?"

"Nop-ah. Viva and Kohza were more of prom king and queen type and I was quieter artsy type, but that is what college is for!" Lily exclaims.

Everyone agrees.

Eventually Lily stands up flattening her dress, "I have to go the restroom. I'll be back!"

I wave. Not thinking that I should go with her.

Zoro flicks a quarter at me, "What's the deal between the two of you?"

I shrug, "Honestly I don't know she might just be an affectionate drunk. Hopefully not though."

Zoro eyes I think are filled with something close to concern or pity.

"Relax. Relax. I'll figure out tomorrow. Not like anything bad is going to happen tonight." I wave a hand I front of my face.

How naive I was.

*Law POV* -after leaving Lillian-

I push through the back door at the club

"Law!" Three voices shout in unison and I am quickly mauled in a group hug by Penguin, Shachi, and Bepo.

Bepo, having the large football player stature he does, picks everyone up and squeezes.

"Bepo let me down." I say with a strangled breathe.

He quickly lets go, "Sorry."

I can't help but grin. I extend a hand out to my large friend the towered over even Bepo, "Jean Bart. I don't know why you stuck around with these lunatics but I am glad you are here."

His large hand consumes mine in the hand shake and pulls me in for a quick hug clapping his hand on my back, "Why would I abandon the man who saved me?" He gives me a small grin.

Guilt stirs.

"Everyone sit. I am going to explain what happened six months ago." I sit in the lounge and they follow.

"Six months ago my parents died in a house fire the Donquixote Family started. Doflamingo told me that he was helping out my parents financially and when he came to collect, they still owed over half the money. I assume the loan was needed to pay for Lami's medical care." It rolled off the tongue so easy, so familiar.

"When their debt was due, my parents couldn't pay for it so Doflamingo had then killed. At least that's what he told me. A few days after my parents' death he came to me and told me that I had to repay the family debt." I rub my temples, "All I wanted to do was clear the family name. The only way for me to do that was to work for him."

I try to calm my nerves with some Scotch, "Six girls. I abducted and harvested their organs. Doflamingo said if I did it twelve times I would be free."

Penguin's eyes grew wide, "You are the one that they have been talking about on the news? The organ smuggler who leaves his victims alive to tell the tale."

Shachi smacks Penguin over the head, "Captain is skilled enough so he doesn't have to kill the girls, plus none of them remember that night."

Jean reaches around and clobbers both of them, "Don't you see is was trying to protect us from not getting caught up in this. If your here now though. . ."

"He lied to you." My white hair friend finishes.

I readjust my hat, "That's right. He doesn't plan on letting me leave. Says I am too gifted to let go."

Bepo pumped a larger pale fist, "We are glad to help!" The other three men join in.

I smile to myself, "I knew I could count on you."

For the next while we did what old friends did: caught up, laughed, and drank.

Almost like nothing ever happened.

Almost.

*Lillian POV*

I dry my hands and slip my brown leather gloves back on.

I grip the end of the counter and take a deep breathe trying to regain my equilibrium.

Still wobbly I push open the door. Somehow I end up in the back where I entered the first night I was here.

Maybe fate because in the lounge area sat four men in jump grey boiler suits and Trafalgar himself.

I hold myself steady to examine them further.

On had a shoulder length red hair with a teal hat with a red brim and pompom. The next was wearing a black bomber hair with a yellow rim and red pompom that read penguin. Next to him was a built albino man with short white hair. Next to him was an even larger tanned man with dark mutton chops and long messy black hair.

"Oh my god it has friends." I said to no one in particular.

All of their heads turn toward me.

Ha ha hi. Oops.

"Law is that the girl?" The albino asks.

I start to march over and gracefully trip over nothing.

I can feel Trafalgar sweat drop, "Sadly." He offers me a hand up, "Miss Hayashi are you drunk?"

He pulls me up and I cling to his arm for dear life, "Yeppers. I didn't want to drink but the punch wasn't punch and then Ace was shirtless so I had to do shots with him and by that time I didn't care anymore and now I am plaster and fell very very icky."

"How much have you drank?" Trafalgar presses two fingers to my neck.

I close my eyes to try to remember but start to tip over and become nauseated, "Ummmmm. Three cups of the punch, three shots, and four beers. Maybeish."

I hear a low whistle, "How is a girl her size even standing?" Penguin hat guy remarks.

"Alcoholism runs in her family. She must of got her dad's liver, but I doubt she is going to last much longer." I feel a cool palm on my forehead. "What are you feeling Miss Hayashi?"

"Tummy hurts, head is swimmy, really shaky, can't focus, and anxious." I tick them off in my finger but shrug, "but I don't really notice them or care you know."

"I am going to get her away from the noise. Bepo go get your car and the other ones of you tell the Straw Hats that I want to meet up with them but we have to leave." Law's voice was very calm and soothing.

All I hear is a unison aye aye and everyone leaves.

Trafalgar guides me to the dressing room and sits my down on the couch. "You are going to feel like shit tomorrow Miss Hayashi."

I shrug and lean on his shoulder, "What's new? Were those your friends?" My legs starts bouncing to try to burn off extra energy from the anxiety.

"Yes we have been friends for quite a long time. I don't know where I would be without them." Trafalgar voice was so soft and relaxing.

I poke his knee cap, "Gonna tell me why Doflamingo was pursing you yet?"

He lets out a frustrated sigh, "You're not going to remember if I tell you."

For the first time she doesn't fight back, "You'll tell me eventually because you like me."

Trafalgar is taken aback, "How so?"

She gives me a heavy lidded smile, "When you were drunk you told Lami that I drove you mad but I was intelligent and the most beautiful girl you ever met. Are you saying that's a lie?"

I expecting him to fight back and deny it. Maybe it was because of the liquor in both our systems he replied softly stroking my cheek, "You are the most beautiful girl I have ever met."

He tilts my head up and softly kisses me.

Every nerve in my body sparks with excitement.

I move my hand to the back up his neck. I didn't want to deepen the kiss I just wanted to enjoy how soft his lips were against mind for a bit longer.

Trafalgar is the one who pulls me in closer by wrapping his arm around my waist to deepen the kiss. He teases my bottom lip with his tongue until I allow our tongues to roll against each other.

Each kiss became hungrier than the last. Trafalgar starts to kiss my check and down his neck. When he reaches the nape of my neck, I feel his teeth nip, "Law careful. ." My voice something between a whisper and a groan.

Something snaps in Trafalgar and he pushes me back quickly. I hold my stomach now upset from the fast movement.

His face was one fire, "Stay here I am going to check on Bepo and the others."

I nod but don't comply. I somehow make my way to the bathroom and make my way to the toilet before spilling the contents of my stomach.

All of the alcohol finally caught up to me and it is taking all I have to stand.

Everything hurt. My head, my stomach, my eyes, all of my muscles. My body trembled as I stood.

Is this how I was going to die from alcohol poisoning like my father? Am I not going to finish Med School? Am I going to be a huge disappoint to my mother? Was Trafalgar kissing me a drunken mistake? Was that why he pushed me away?

I try to suck in more air but it feels like my lungs have shriveled up. To makes things worse the bathroom walls were closing in on me; making me feel like a caged animal.

"Hey are you alright?" A pale girl with long green hair asks in a worried tone hesitant to approach me.

I shake my head fiercely. Hot tears streaming down my face.

The girl opens my hand, "Take these. They will make you feel better."

I quickly swallow the pills not carrying what they were. My only thought was that pills helped before they should help now.

What happened next? I don't remember. The last thing I remember was my head lying on the cool tile floor.

*Law POV*

Where is she? I left her right here.

Bathroom.

I hurry over there but am stopped by a familiar girl.

A girl with long green hair with long, thin, avian limbs and pasty skin wearing a set of white wings, greets me with a sinister smile, "Hurry before it is too late. I don't know her to well but I already don't like her. So weak. Probably should just die. I don't know why Boss wants her."

I shove past her, "Monet you harpy."

I open the door to fine Miss Hayashi body unconscious on the floor. I give her a small shake no response. I check her heart beat; barely noticeable.

I lift her up carefully and turn to see Monet looming over us, "What did you give her?"

"Just something to help the pain go away. She only took three." She replays devilishly.

I don't have time to argue and push past her carrying Miss Hayashi's lifeless body out to Bepo's SUV.

His eyes grow wide at the sight, "Hospital! Now!" I bark out.

We speed down the roads as I hold Miss Hayashi on her side, "I am so sorry. I am going to fix this. I am going to make sure that Doflamingo doesn't harm you anymore. I promise just stay with me Lily-ya."

There you go one more chapter!

My summer is super busy so I will try to find time to write when I can!

I am doing summer classes, working full time, volunteering, and doing my dance lessons. Bare with me.

But as always comment and let me know anything you want me to know.

Like, vote, share, whatever you do!

Thank you!