I don't like you!

by BloodyMarryMe

By pure chance and unluckiness Miyako finds herself at the Sabaody auction house as a slave. And of all the people, the one interested just had to be the most smug, egoistical and sadistic pirate she has ever met. So at least she can give him as much trouble as possible, right? LawXOC

39. Chapter 39

So here's the new chapter! HA! I bet you didn't expect it this soon! :P Well, since I can't give you Christmas presents, I can at least give you this. (And I'd so like to thank you guys with lots and lots of gifts for staying so patient with me and still reading my story for so long. I love you guys. ^^) Thank you all for the wonderful reviews.

Since I kinda gave you a Christmas special in the previous chapter, this one will be normal, however, I drew a picture of Miyako – Christmas edition, so if you guys want to check it out just follow the link to my DA account, which you can find on my profile page. (I drew a few other pictures for this story as well).

As I already said; from now on the answers for some of the reviews you guys posted will be at the end of the story. Also I try to proof-read each chapter but if you find any grammatical mistakes, feel free to warn me about them and I'll correct them. Well that's all, so let's go!

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Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of its characters but I own the OC Suzune Miyako. This story is rated T for blood and language.

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CHAPTER 39

Law sighed tiredly as he continued to wrap bandages around Miyako's left hand. "How were you able to hurt yourself…again?"

"I told you already, I just got a little burnt in the kitchen…no big deal." The samurai girl rolled her eyes and shrugged it off.

"Maybe I should just find another duty for you. The way things are going, you're seriously going to kill yourself."

"Eeeeh? No way! I just got used to the kitchen and Munk and the rest of the people there…I don't want to change jobs now. Besides, Munk is even letting me cook for the crew now!...well, sometimes." The girl protested.

"Yes. I see that...and you're doing a terrific job." Law commented half mockingly and half upset as he raised her bandaged palm to her face…as if she needed to see it better.

"I'm telling you, I'm fine." Miyako protested once again, this time staring him right in the eyes to emphasize her point….a bad idea though. She was doing a great job of avoiding his eyes and face until now, by looking everywhere around the infirmary except at him. However, as soon as their gazes met, embarrassing memories started coming back to Miyako in a flash and before she could even control it her face was hot and red, almost steaming. It has been a couple of days since that shocking moment in the infirmary and ever since then Miyako couldn't forget it or act normal when near Law. She thought the captain will for sure act as if nothing happened afterwards but that wasn't the case either. Quite the opposite actually. It seemed he started to tease her more in any way he could, and there was plenty to choose from.

At first, after that incident, she was shocked…but after the disbelief wore down she realized she wasn't confused at all. No, for once her thoughts seemed perfectly clear. She knew what Law meant and she knew what he wanted…and it was obvious he had no intention of letting her run away anymore or let her act as if nothing happened. But surprisingly enough, Miyako didn't mind…not as much as she thought she would. Somehow she felt as if she didn't have a choice in the matter but she wasn't trying to push him away anymore either. Maybe it was good that he gave her no choice…that way she had an excuse for not even trying to push him away or go against him. However, she was still too stubborn to just let him do as he pleases or admit that he finally won. Of course not! He couldn't just do whatever he wanted…especially since some of those things were downright embarrassing and way too much for a girl who didn't even kiss before meeting the Dark Doctor.

Soon, Miyako realized the closeness between them right now was far too much, not to mention they were currently alone since Josh was behind, in the small storage room where they kept the medical supplies. "W-well, all done! So I should be going." She quickly said and hopped down from the examination table to run from the infirmary and Law as quickly as possible. No such luck though.

"And where do you think you're going?" The dark voice behind her was enough to send shivers down her spine and make her stop dead in her tracks.

Miyako slowly turned around just about to tell another excuse why she needed to get going when suddenly Law cornered her. She was already leaning against the wall with no escape and now the captain put his hands on the wall on each side of her head. "Where's the hurry Miyako?" Miyako, that's how he called her now; no Miss anymore. However, he only allowed that gesture when they were alone. Law had that sly smirk on his face that promised nothing good and nothing but amusement in his eyes as he watched Miyako like a predator that just caught himself a delicious meal. And that's exactly what Miyako felt like at the moment.

"Josh will come out of there any second, you know!" She warned. A feeble attempt and completely unsuccessful.

"So?" The captain came a little closer.

"H-He'll see…." Miyako mumbled though it was hard to think of anything constructive to say when those grey eyes were piercing her. Yes…these kinds of things were happening more and more lately, whenever they were alone. The captain never missed an opportunity to make his samurai blush.

"See what?" Law inquired, coming even closer, an amused but lightly sadistic smirk on his lips.

"This is sexual harassment, you know!" A last attempt of The Desperate.

Law's smirk seemed even wider now as he heard that. He brushed his lips against Miyako's for just a moment before murmuring; "Is it now…?" And then he closed the gap completely.

Once again, Miyako could only feel that hot feeling, spreading through her body. She was sure her face and ears were crimson red because she felt as if ablaze. Law barely gave her any time to get used to the kiss before gently biting her lower lip, asking for entrance...no, not asking; demanding. Miyako parted her lips slightly, just enough for his tongue to slide in. The girl could hardly stand from just that but Law had no problem with that. With ease, he put both his hands on the girl's hips and guided her back to sit on the exam table without even breaking the kiss.

After a while he gave her just a second to regain her breath. "Why *pant* do you *pant* always harass me *pant* like this?" The girl said while still trying to catch her breath.

The captain of the Heart Pirates just smirked and lifted her chin a little with his hand as he smirked, looking down at her. "Why? Oh come on, I know you're not that innocent to not know that much." He examined his work as he saw Miyako's face completely flushed, her lips moist and parted slightly and her big, golden eyes a little unfocused. He was proud of his work, that's for sure. Still, he wasn't done yet. Seeing as they weren't alone that much, he wanted to make use of every second they had…and make good use of it. Once again the captain kissed her, putting his hands on her sides and he was pleased to feel her own hands around his neck. So somebody was slowly forgetting about their embarrassment, it seemed.

"Captain, I can't find the chloride you sent me for. Are you sure we even have any? And why do you even need it…" Josh asked; the last question more of a comment to himself, though. He just came back from the medical storage room to see a bizarre scene in the infirmary. Law was cleaning the medical equipment which wasn't that odd though he usually let some of the other medics do that. Meanwhile, Miyako was sitting on the exam table, hunched and with her head down with a depressing aura around her. She reminded the short medic of Bepo. And she was mumbling something about her innocence and asking how she will ever get married now? Josh had no idea what was going on but somehow the whole scene looked awkward. "Eeh...Captain?" Josh asked, not sure what was going on and still expecting an answer to his previous questions.

"Never mind Joshua-ya, I don't need it anymore." Law said with a perfectly calm face.

Josh was a bit confused but shrugged it off. However he didn't notice the death glare Miyako was giving to his captain. *I knew it! That bastard just sent Josh away so he could harass me while we're alone!* However, as much as Miyako glared at Law, he pretended not to see it, still wearing that innocent calm mask that just annoyed Miyako even more.

However the girl managed to keep her cool as she hopped off of the exam table once again, trying to hide the vein that was slowly popping out on her forehead. "Well I suppose that's it so I'll be going back to my kitchen duties." She said, sounding somewhat strained but Law just shrugged, not minding her.

"And try to stop hurting yourself, klutz!" Josh called after her as Miyako marched out of the infirmary. "What's with her…." Josh commented before turning to his captain. "Women, right?"

"Right…" Law answered, hiding his amusement though a smirk was once again forming on his perfectly sculptured face. Oh how he loved this new development. Suddenly the captain asked himself why he didn't confront Miyako sooner. *And to think I could've had this much fun instead of battling with my thoughts every day.*

However, Law's amusement didn't last long as the red alarm lights suddenly went off along with the sound of alarm. From one of the den den mushi that served as an intercom, connecting the control room with the infirmary, Sai's voice called out; "Captain, we need you in the control room! It's urgent!"

As soon as Law heard that he turned to Josh. "Joshua-ya, call the rest of the medical team in the infirmary just in case and be ready."

"Yes captain!" Joshua answered, already going towards the den den mushi while Law headed out of the infirmary.

~…~

Law hurried in the control room to see Jean Bart and Sai both busy, Bart using his diversion skills the best he could, which just made the submarine turn hard left. Trafalgar had to grip the railing to stop himself from falling.

"Mister Sai, what's going on?"

"A sea king, captain. And a big one. It seems it thinks we're its next meal and won't give up. I don't think we can outrun nor keep avoiding it for long."

Law went to the main window to look into the darkness and just in time to see a large Sea King coming straight at them with its mouth fully open. Jean Bart made another hard turn, while Sai adjusted the sub's speed to maximum and they were able to avoid it…However, if Jean Bart reacted just a second slower they would've already been fish food. Trafalgar narrowed his eyes. Everything was going just smoothly today and this big eel-looking thing just had to come and ruin his good mood. Unacceptable!

"Bart-ya, take us to the surface. Sai, ready the torpedoes, if the Sea King comes too close, fire at will."

Both navigators responded with a "Yes, Captain" and did as they were told. Meanwhile, Law walked out of the control room heading for the main doors of the submarine. As he walked, Bepo came to his side, bring him his nodachi that Law gripped in his hand and put on his right shoulder.

"Bepo, warn the crew through the den den mushi; we'll be resurfacing soon." Then as he walked a few more steps he stopped as if remembering something. "Oh….And tell Munk to be ready; it seems we're having Sea King meat for dinner tonight." The captain added with a smirk that looked particularly sadistic today, probably portraying his worsening mood.

The bear's eyes shone with excitement at this piece of information. They didn't have a sea king meat in a while now and Bepo really missed the taste of it. "Aye, captain!" He said excitedly, already rushing away.

~…~

It didn't take long for the submarine to emerge, but they had to fire one of their torpedoes to push the sea creature back enough so they could safely resurface. Law opened the doors of his yellow submarine, his heeled boots splashing on the remaining puddles of water on the deck. He felt the submarine starting to rock on the waves and suddenly the water raised, the submarine sliding backwards. From the water, emerged a giant Sea King that looked like an eel but it had two horns above its eyes and there were thousands of spikes on its back. The giant sea monster opened its mouth and roared. Unconsciously Law thought to himself how could a fish even roar? However he didn't have much time to dwell on trivial things so he prepared his nodachi. With his free hand, he was already in the process of creating his Room as the usual swirl of air started rotating in his palm.

"Hey, don't take all the fun." Someone of his left protested and his eyes moved just a little to see Miyako smirking at him. She had Yawarakai-Te already out of its sheath.

"We're here to help, Captain!" Penguin said as he and Shachi ran towards Law. Of course, Bepo was right behind them, getting ready to fight as well.

Law smirked. "I doubt I'll need it, though. It's just one little nuisance." He answered looking at the Sea king.

The creature growled as if it understood him and rushed its long body towards them with its mouth gaping open.

"Room." Law said as the usual blue sphere circled the whole sub and the sea monster. His subordinates looked at the sphere in interest as it seemed even bigger than Law's usual ones. He was improving his devil fruit powers. "Size isn't always an advantage." The captain commented, looking at the giant monster as he unsheathed his nodachi in one quick move and slashed the air with it. The creature was too big to dodge and its head disconnected from its body easily. But as Law made that slash, a strong pressure followed along and it seemed like Law split the air itself together with the monster.

Everyone else felt it as well. Bepo's fur stood up in the air as if electricity passed through it. Shachi and Penguin looked at each other in wonder and Miyako's head turned quickly towards Law, her eyes sharp and piercing as if she was inspecting and analyzing his every move.

Law didn't notice his crew looking at him strangely as his whole focus was on the beast in front of him. He moved his nodachi again and slashed with it, this time splitting the monster in two. Again that strange force behind his slash…

*This is….* Miyako's eyes widened just a little bit.

"Captain…?" Bepo was about to say something, but Law was too busy slicing up the Sea King.

However, as Law proceeded to slash the Sea King into little pieces, that force wasn't there anymore. It was just Law's usual slashes and moves with his nodachi.

"Eeh…in the end we didn't even have to come." Shachi said a bit disappointed.

"But we're having Sea King for dinner!" Bepo said excitedly.

"Do we really need this much, though?" Shachi countered as he looked skeptically at all the Sea King pieces floating around in Law's blue sphere.

"Pick some and bring it to the kitchen for dinner. Put the rest in the storage. We don't know how long it will take to come to an island with food supplies." Law answered, leaving his Room on so that his crewmembers could easily take all the meat they needed.

The two mechanics and Bepo soon forgot about Law's strange power he just presented, but Miyako didn't. The whole while she silently watched the captain as he sheathed his nodachi and started walking back into the submarine.

~…~

Law took a bottle of rum from the storage and went back to the control room, sitting in the captain's chair there. He leaned back comfortably, putting his feet up on the control panel in front of him and took a sip from his newly opened bottle of rum. He had the main window of the submarine right in front of him and he lazily watched the scenery.

Unfortunately, his peace and quiet didn't last long as the door to the control room opened and Miyako walked in, heading right towards him. It was quite unusual for her to come here since she rarely visited the control room, except when there was a spectacular view of the sea world that could be seen through the main window of the submarine. But right now they were resurfaced and there was nothing but vast sea ahead. Most of the crew was enjoying the sun and the breeze outside since the Grand Line offered them a favorable weather for a change. So the question remained; what was the girl doing here? However, Law didn't show his curiosity nor interest and he only looked at Miyako with the corners of his eyes. He knew there was no need to ask anything anyway, since he'll find out everything soon enough. And he did. But not quite what he expected.

"Hey…let's have a duel." She said it so simply and straightforwardly as if she just announced the most normal thing in the world. Even her expression didn't change; it looked a little bored but her eyes were piercing. It reminded Law of the expression she wore so long ago, when he first saw her at the auction house.

Law was just about to take a sip of his rum, but stopped his hand, the tip of the bottle resting against his mouth. He looked at her with interest and a raised eyebrow, showing just a little bit of surprise. "What?" Now, Trafalgar Law was usually a very eloquent man with a wide vocabulary, but right now even he couldn't think of anything better to say. It just showed exactly how unexpected Miyako's words were.

Even Sai and Jean Bart who quietly steered the submarine, exchanged confused and a bit worried looks.

"Umm.." Miyako looked a bit troubled, as if she didn't want to be bothered with explanation and she leaned on the control panel, next to his feet. "I want to see something…confirm a theory. But the explanation is unnecessary if the theory proves wrong." She explained, but there was a certain reason why Miyako didn't want to explain anything to Law yet. *If I tell him, he'll just be preoccupied with it instead of focusing on the fight. And I want him to go all out, without holding back.* Miyako knew that would mean a very big possibility of not only defeat but also death but it was the only way. Besides, Law wasn't the only one who's been improving this whole time…the whole crew was, including her. She was able to stand her own ground against him, even if it would be a close call.

Law hummed as he analyzed Miyako's expression to see what she was up to. But he couldn't find anything helpful there. "I don't like to be kept in the dark, Miss Miyako. I thought I told you that once before. Especially if you involve me in your plans."

Miyako vaguely remembered the beginning of their partnership, if you could even call it that since it was mostly him imposing his wants and occasional threats on her, where he had warned her of something like that. "Tch. I'll explain it to you afterwards so it's fine." Miyako waved her hand in front of her face as if trying to wave away his doubts as well.

Law didn't seem pleased with that though. He took another sip of his rum and closed his eyes to focus. Now he was really interested in what the girl was planning. "Even if I agreed, where do you plan to have this…duel? I don't want my submarine damaged; Shachi and Penguin just fixed it and its been through enough as it is in these past two months."

Suddenly a clearing of throat was heard behind them. Miyako turned her head to look at Sai, who was the one to make a noise and Law just moved his head ever so slightly, looking at his assisting navigator with the corners of his eyes. "Actually sir, it seems we're approaching a small island." Sai said as he looked at the small dot on the radar. "It's really small so it's probably not inhabited but the crew could rest and stretch their legs there for a bit…." Sai wasn't sure if it was a good thing that they so conveniently stumbled on this small piece of land but as a navigator he had a duty to inform his captain of it….even if the timing was horrible in Sai's opinion.

Miyako grinned as if she just solved a hard math problem. "Excellent!" She clapped her hands in the process to emphasize her delight and that just made Law more suspicious.

"Sai-ya, inform the crew that we will be docking soon." Even as he said that, Law didn't move his skeptical gaze off of Miyako who just kept smiling mischievously.

Then suddenly she turned around and started walking out. "I'll get ready, then."

Law's eyes narrowed. "I didn't say I accept." He said that with a sharp warning in his tone. He didn't like to be ordered around and he especially didn't like to be made to do things he didn't want or accept to do…and he felt forced into this, which definitively wasn't to his liking. Not giving him a choice was a bit too much freedom Miyako was allowing herself to have and he wanted to remind her who exactly was the captain and the superior here. *In that case, perhaps a duel won't be a bad thing…Maybe just what I need to teach her a lesson.* Law's mind already started working on schemes and plans and thought of all advantages he could get out of it, if he wins; or rather, when he wins.

Miyako didn't seem fazed by his warning tone as it just brushed passed her without her even blinking. Instead she turned around halfway, just enough to show him her amused smirk. Was it just his imagination or did she really look a lot like him right now? "Oh come on, Mister Law, I thought you liked experiments." And with that she left before he could say anything else.

Law's eyes narrowed. *Only when they're done by me.* He sipped some more of the strong rum he was still holding in his hands. *Was it just me or was she really trying to provoke me now? Does she want to fight me so badly….what could this be about?* Law sighed as he momentarily gave up on trying to find the answers that just wouldn't come…not yet. But he will find out. Everything in due time.

"Are you sure this is a good idea, captain?" Jean Bart asked behind him as if reading Law's mind. Law knew exactly what he meant by that question but he remind silent for a while before answering, as if thinking about it.

"If she wants to fight that badly, it'll be a pity to disappoint her." He took a sip of his rum again and it was clear he didn't want to continue this discussion.

Once again, Sai and Jean Bart exchanged curious and worried glances, both having a bad feeling about this. Right now even the usually sharp Jean Bart couldn't decipher what his captain nor the samurai girl were thinking.

~…~

"Aaah, it feels so good to stretch my legs like this!" Bepo was the first to run out of the submarine and onto a small, moon shaped island where they were currently docked. The island was a spring one so the weather was nice and it was covered with short, green grass and tall trees here and there. It was so small, the crew managed to walk around it in only half an hour. There were no animals or fruit that could be used as supplies; however, it was perfect for the crew to enjoy their meal and alcohol as they all gathered around the food and the drink. There were already rumors flying around among the crew about Miyako's and Law's dual.

The captain, himself, didn't seem too worried about any of those rumors as he sat under a tree, enjoying the shade it was providing. He was holding a new bottle of rum in his tattooed hand, the first one already finished. There was still no sign of Miyako, but just as he was starting to wonder if she was even serious about the fight, the girl came out in her usual attire, the katana secured around her waist. A few heads turned her way when she stepped on the land, since everyone was wondering what was going to happen next. Miyako ignored the questioning stares and walked towards her captain, as she fixed her hair in a tight ponytail, tying it with her red ribbon. The girl stopped right in front of the sitting man who didn't even bother to get up, he just lazily looked up at her.

"So you're really serious about this." It wasn't a question, it was a statement since Law could see in her eyes that she wasn't kidding. He wasn't worried thought. If she wanted a duel, she'll get one; as simple as that. And it's not like he didn't know how to control himself; he wasn't planning to kill her anyway, so Law decided there wasn't any harm in it. He stood up and sighed a bit tiredly as if this whole ordeal was troublesome to him.

Miyako just smirked at his comment. "Quite." Then she started walking towards a small clearing in a distance. She didn't want their surrounding crewmates to accidentally get hurt though she knew it wouldn't come to that; the Heart pirates could take care of themselves and knew to stand at a safe distance where they can observe the fight.

Law rested his nodachi on his shoulder as they stopped, facing each other. He tilted his head with one eye closed. "If this is about what happened earlier in the infirmary, don't you think you're overreacting a bit?"

Miyako blinked at him with wide eyes, completely confused for a second before she realized what he meant. The girl couldn't help but laugh at that. She could see Law's a bit surprised and confused expression; he didn't expect her to laugh like this. This just amused her more. "Oh come now, even I wouldn't go to all that trouble for something like that." But then she suddenly became more serious. "However….I am serious about this and I'm not going to hold back, I advise you to do the same."

Law raised his eyebrow with interest but he still looked a little bored. "Oh? So you'll really go against your captain…Fine, show me how much you've approved in these past ten months."

Miyako didn't answer but her eyes became sharper, as if preparing for something and she took a battojutsu stance. Law could feel a certain pressure traveling from the girl, towards him and it was uncomfortable to say the least. He remembered Miyako once told him about the samurai spirit that was also a big part of the fight even before it actually begun. Even though she couldn't use Conqueror's haki, and her spirit wasn't as nearly as powerful or useful as that, it was a crucial part in swordsmanship. A swordsman can use his spirit to weaken his opponent's will, intimidate them or even paralyze them for a while; at least that's what Miyako had told him. Of course, he never saw the girl paralyze someone like that since she obviously wasn't on that level yet but it was good to know that she had such potential for the future and that she was on their side. Even though Miyako wasn't quite there yet with her powers, Law could clearly feel the suffocating pressure coming from her. However, Law's wasn't just any man either. He stood there lazily, seemingly unaffected as he withstood Miyako's spirit with his own will.

Law took his nodachi of his shoulder and put it in front of him, ready for use, as he started creating his sphere around them. But just as the power started accumulating in his hand, Miyako suddenly disappeared right before his eyes. Law's eyes widened in surprise but luckily his Kenbunshoku Haki was already evolved enough to warn him in an instant. Law turned around just as Miyako unsheathed her katana in a slash towards him and he blocked with his nodachi still in its sheath. *Tch. She's really not kidding.* Law didn't have time to think of anything else as her next attack already came at him.

Miyako jumped in the air and with a loud cry that promised a hell of a strike, she brought her katana down towards Law. Ittouryu technique: Heavenly strike! She even used haki and all her weight to get a stronger blow. Law dodged in one fluid motion, jumping to the side, and right on time. Miyako's strike made a hole in the ground, rising dust everywhere. As soon as she landed, however, she sprang towards the captain, not even stopping to catch a breath. Law gritted his teeth and finally unsheathed his nodachi right after creating a room. He sliced the air right at Miyako, but the girl actually cut through his slash, again using her haki and all her power.

*I'm sorry, Law but I can't hold back. Not if I want you to fight with all you've got!* Miyako thought as she rushed towards him without stopping. However she knew Law wasn't so easy to beat either. Not only did he become even stronger with his sword and devil fruit power but he also had excellent analytical skills to quickly conjure a plan when needed. She would also have to fight this fight carefully if she wanted to achieve her goal before losing her head or any other part of her body.

Law cut the ground right in front of her, and used Tact to rise the surface. Miyako's eyes widened but she acted in time, putting a foot on the vertical wall and springing upwards, but then she managed to see a small crack appeared in the wall and the girl quickly pushed herself backwards right in time to avoid a new slice coming from Law. *I need to get out of his sphere…he has an advantage like this.*

She jumped up with everything she got, jumping out of the sphere and she could see him looking up at her, his nodachi in a sideways position and a dark, serious look in his eyes. It seemed Law realized this won't be a lighthearted fight nor an easy one.

* Ittouryu Technique; Needle Rain* Miyako put her katana in a horizontal position, beside her, the tip aimed down right at Law and she started making fast thrusts using haki in the process. A rain of sharp thrusts of haki came down at Law. Miyako landed back down on the ground but she couldn't see anything from the big veil of dust and sand that rose up in the air. She had to trust her Kenbunshoku Haki. For a while everything was quiet but Miyako knew Law wouldn't be beaten that easily. Not with all the training and fighting they had these last few months. Suddenly the blue sphere enveloped her and it was too late for Miyako to get out of it; it was even bigger than the last one. She felt something behind her and turned around with a slash motion but too late did she realize that it was a decoy. Just a tree trunk Law used with his Shambles. Law slashed at her from behind, successfully grazing her check near the eye with a tip of his nodachi, but she managed to dodge most of the blow. However, something wasn't right; he wasn't attacking further even though she was in a vulnerable position right now. Suddenly, the ground beneath her disappeared, a perfect cube-like hole appearing beneath her feet. Law was already far away so not to fall into his own trap but Miyako did.

*When did he-!?* The girl didn't even have time to wonder when or how did he cut the ground (probably even before she was standing there, since it seemed this was his plan from the start). Miyako knew he would use this opportunity to try and slice her up while she was in the hole with nowhere to run so she had to act quickly. She thrust her katana on the side wall to stop her fall and sprang from that wall to the one across, then sprang from that one and jumped out of the hole….one mistake thought. As soon as she did, Law slashed the air towards her almost cutting her head off, but she managed to dodge the slice by leaning backwards as much as she could. She did a full backwards somersault, landing in a crouch on the ground sheathing her katana back in the process. She rushed forward before Law could react and it seemed as if she just appeared right in front of him….but she wasn't just in front of him; she was still in a crouch, with the sheathed katana in one hand and the other hand on the hilt, ready to pull it out. She looked up at him, her eyes burning, though Law couldn't tell was it from excitement or anger.

And the she smirked…she actually smirked with amusement. *She's having fun!* Law deducted from her expression and he didn't know was he to be amused by this or angered. But one thing was for sure; if he doesn't think of something and act quickly, he's screwed. She was too close to him like this, breaking through his defenses. But Law would be damned if he gets defeated, especially this easily! He noticed they were still in his sphere, and even though he couldn't slice her with his nodachi since she was too close, he could still use his powers.

*I didn't have time to properly try this out yet but it's the only way. I just hope it works because if it doesn't….* Law didn't even want to finish that sentence since thinking like that wouldn't do him any good anyway. Instead he focused on his task; a very risky task.

Miyako was already starting her attack, aiming at Law's right side as she unsheathed her sword in one smooth motion, but she faltered for just a second when she saw Law's movement. That second was everything Law needed though. Instead of trying to dodge, Law moved forward, towards her, his free hand moved as he started to form a fist but it stayed loose. At first Miyako thought he was going to hit her since his knuckles were already touching her. But then she felt something strange…something that felt like static electricity. The hair on her neck rose in the air as if an electrical charge was somewhere near her. At this point, her katana was already cutting into Law's side but he didn't do anything about it; just gritted his teeth and endured the pain. He focused on his next attack completely, especially since this will be his first try in doing it in a real fight. And that was always different than experimenting with his powers in the infirmary, with no stress or pressure involved and maximum peace and quiet. "Counter Shock" he said simply.

Miyako wasn't sure what he was doing but when she realized the possibility it was too late. She stopped her slash and started pulling backwards, veiling herself in haki for a better guard at once but she couldn't make it in time and most of the blast hit her. However, blast wouldn't be the exact word for it. What hit her was the frying power of an electrical discharge. A discharge that if powerful enough could make her heart stop but thankfully it seemed Law didn't yet master it to that level. Still it was enough to blast her away and shake her body with the electrical shock. The girl fell to the ground in both surprise and pain as she felt the electricity still traveling through her body in small discharges. Her body twitched and spasmed a few times, painfully.

Before she had time to regain her breath Law brought down her nodachi at her and Miyako, who was still lying on the ground, rolled to the side to gripped her katana that she let go of during the shock then moved her katana upwards to block Law's attack. And that's when she felt it, this time on her own body; that pressure that came along with his attack. The same pressure she noticed when he was fighting the sea king. Miyako gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes as she tried to push Law away who had a big advantage on her now. With a yell and gritted teeth, she used all her strength and haki to push him away, using Busoshoku Haki. Law felt the blast and jumped backwards though some of it still hit him and sent him away a good five meters. He landed on the balls of his feet but had to dig his nodachi into the ground to stop himself from sliding backwards even further.

Miyako, who was in a crouch, braced het katana that she previously stuck to the ground so she could stand up more easily. They were both facing each other, both gasping. Law noticed he was much more tired than he expected to be. Even though he used his newest technique, he didn't expect to feel so drained of most of his strength. *I'm not even that hurt. How could've I lost so much energy?* However, once again he had to leave his musings for later because Miyako was preparing her next attack.

"I'm finishing it with this." The samurai girl simply said as she sheathed her katana again and moved into a battojutsu stance.

"Tch, don't be so conceited." Law answered as he created a room around them and prepared his nodachi.

"Ittouryu Technique; Kiritateru" Miyako said almost in a trance as she prepared to rush forward and soon she did.

At the same time Law rushed forward as well, deciding the best option to counter her attack would be to block her for real with his nodachi and try to break her attack and defense at the same time. That would give him a chance to strike at her and give the finishing blow. A surprising rush of power went through him and he felt as if it was channeling into his sword itself but he didn't have time to be distracted; their swords met.

With a loud clash, two swords charged with haki met with a strong burst of power that circled all around the two warriors and spread even further so that even the Heart Pirates felt it. For a while, both Law and Miyako thought their swords would break but then the rush of power was gone and the two were left standing there, with their swords still crossed. They were both only standing through the sheer power of their will since they had no energy left.

"What now?" Law asked her, he was the first of the two to catch his breath. "I can still use my powers and you hardly have any energy left to stand."

Miyako smirked as she panted, still trying to catch her breath. When she finally did, she responded; "Never mind. I found out what I wanted to know."

Law eyed her curiously. "Enlighten me then. What was the point of all this?"

"You have Busoshoku Haki." The girl answered simply.

It didn't take Law too long to sink in nor to connect the dots. The strange rushes of power he was experiencing lately, the greater fatigue than usual when those powers would cease… "I see…and you couldn't just tell me that?"

Miyako moved away, sheathing her katana and tying it to her waist. Meanwhile, Law sheathed his nodachi though he still pierced Miyako with a slightly annoyed gaze since she made him do all this just to see if her theory was true. Still, he was pleased with the result and his newfound power so that lightened his mood a little bit….just a little bit, though.

"If I told you before the battle I was afraid you'd just be concentrated on that, while the best way was to just go all out and let your body unconsciously do the work it needed to do to survive." Miyako explained. That was pretty much the start of her haki training under her master, as well. That's pretty much how he trained her; she learnt with her body. It was painful most of the time and she got some traumatizing memories out of it but in the end, it was efficient.

Law smirked but then he tilted his head in slight interest. "But why are you so out of breath? I'm not used to haki so it's still hard on my body, but you should be used to it."

Miyako grimaced in pain as if remembering something. "It's that shock of yours…I even put my haki guard to defend from the shock but it still hit me quite hard. It did more damage than I thought…" She saw Law's pleased smirk at this and wanted to give him a glare, but just then new voices interfered as the rest of the crew ran up to them with their cheers and yells. Miyako completely forgot about them during the fight. The crew seemed impressed by what they saw and everyone circled around Miyako and the captain, commenting on the intense fight. Mostly she could hear their impressed comments about Captain and both his devil fruit powers and haki.

"Need some help?" Miyako turned to see Cody, offering her his hand for support, smirking at her.

"Yeah, that'd be great." She said, too tired to fuss with pride about wanting to stand and walk by herself. She was capable of it right now and she needed Cody to fix her up anyway. She could still feel some static in her body from Law's attack and wondered how long it would take for the strands of her hair to stop flying upwards.

~…~

"Wow, that was some fight today, huh?" Shachi said excitedly as he sat down with his tray of food; he was already on his seconds…but then again, Penguin was on his thirds.

"Yeah, though by the way you guys are eating I'd think you did most of the fighting." Miyako couldn't help but tease as the two mechanics were stuffing themselves with Munk's cooking. However, she had a smile on her face, showing she didn't mean anything bad by it. She was actually amused so she couldn't help but smirk at them; was it just her imagination or was she starting to get some of Law's habits?! The idea made her wonder but she soon shook her head, mentally disagreeing with herself. *Naah, couldn't be.*

"Hfey, bfeing a mfecfanic inf sfuch a largfe subfmarine if a toughf jfob, fyou kfnow." Penguin defended with his mouth still full of food, making it fly everywhere.

"Speak or eat, choose one!" Josh yelled, annoyed at the mechanic.

"Aaah, but to think Captain can use haki…He's really amazing, isn't he." Shachi said thoughtfully, with a big grin on his face; the only thing visible of his expression.

"Hn, of course, I would expect nothing less from Captain." Josh said with a proud glint in his eyes as he smirked.

"And what are you so proud about? It's not like you have haki…." Cody commented looking at the red-headed medic with the corners of his eyes and a raised eyebrow.

Their friends laughed as Josh reddened with embarrassment and anger at the same time, giving a sharp glare to Cody who just shrugged it off and ignored it as always. It seemed nothing could break the taller medic's pace.

"Speaking of the Captain, it seems he'll miss another meal time, again. He forgot about lunch again, I bet." Penguin said, fortunately without food in his mouth this time.

"He's cooped up in his quarters again, probably working. He said he had some urgent business to attend to…he only threw some disinfectant and bandages quickly on his wound and left the infirmary." Cody said with a sigh, obviously worried about Law's health.

"Mmmm, when he's working he doesn't bother with anything else. It's the same as when he's operating or experimenting on something. He always focuses all his attention on it and forgets about everything else…even his health. That explains those dark circles he always has around his eyes, too. I wish he'd look after himself more, you know…" Shachi complained, more like an old friend than a subordinate.

Miyako didn't say anything, she just kept quiet in her own thoughts, listening to Shachi. However, she agreed with the older mechanic. Law would always stay in his quarters with the lights on until late at night or even until dawn, without any sleep, just working and planning their next move. Or he would perform experiments with his powers in the infirmary for hours without proper rest. The girl sighed at her own thoughts. But suddenly a big shadow came over their table and a loud but familiar voice brought her back from her musings.

"But tha's why we be he're, aye?" It was Munk with a big grin on his face as he rested his big wooden spoon on his shoulder. He was still wearing his cooking apron filled with grease and other smears. "We got ta watch fo' tha captn's well-beein' an' I always say to im' how importan' regular an' healty diet be!" The man said with a slight furrow of his big, fuzzy eyebrows indicating his displeasure with the captain missing his meals again. "But tha's be why I hav' ya, dontchya lassie!? Hahahaha" Munk gave Miyako a rather hard slap on the back that made the poor girl lurch forward, almost into her plate as the big man gave a loud laugh.

True, Miyako would sometimes bring Law's meals to his quarters and it already became one of her kitchen duties here. She rolled her shoulder to ease the stinging pain in her back and took her tray to the designated place where used, dirty trays were left for washing. "I'm going, I'm going." She mumbled. Truthfully she was still a bit sore and tired from the fight that happened a few hours ago though they were well off the island and sailing the deep seas again. And this hit from Munk, even if done with only good intentions, didn't help her. But she wasn't the one to skip her duties, though there was one other problem she was more worried about; *Even if we'll be alone in his quarters…I am NOT letting him harass me this time!* She thought with all the determination she could muster.

~…~

Miyako walked through the metal, dim corridors until she finally came in front of Law's door. She was just about to knock, balancing the tray of food in one hand, when she heard a voice on the other side. It seemed Law was talking to someone, but she couldn't hear the other's voice. However, from Law's tone it was obvious that the pirate captain wasn't pleased with the conversation.

"And how do you expect me to do that?" Then a long silence.

"...I see…. I won't risk my crew!" Another silence but much shorter.

As much as Miyako tried to hear the other's voice she couldn't but Law's voice just became a shade darker.

"How will I get there?...How long?...I need to be informed of the situation clearly, I don't want to just put my crew into danger like that!"

"I see…." Another long silence. "And about what I asked you a month ago? Hnn…." Law hummed as in thought. "It's not that easy. .." "Tch…I understand….yes….alright." Miyako could almost imagine Law gritting his teeth on the other side of the doors. After that, there was complete silence, then rustling of papers and she could hear Law sitting back in his chair, leaning backwards as he usually did when in thought.

The girl knocked on the door and waited for the usual "come in" that came much later than usual as if Law didn't even register it at first. *He must really be in thought…I probably shouldn't ask about what I heard though; I was eavesdropping, that's bad enough.*

Just as Miyako expected, when she opened the door, she was Law leaning back in his chair, elbows leaning on the armrests and fingers intertwined. There was a serious look on his face as he looked down at the papers on his desk, though Miyako wasn't sure was he really focusing on them or just staring at the desk while in his own, deep thoughts. "I brought you your lunch. As usual Munk won't let you skip your meals." She said with a little smile when she remembered the chef's slightly reprimanding face. Miyako was planning to leave as soon as she put the tray down.

"Hnn…." Law just hummed and the girl was certain he didn't even hear what she said. But then just as she had turned and was about to leave, Law called out for her. "Wait…Sit down for a second." At first Miyako was about to protest, sure that this was another attempt to harass her now that they were alone, but after seeing his serious and thoughtful face she silently walked back and sat on the chair across the desk and Law.

"What's bothering you?" She finally said, interested in Law's thought. Perhaps she couldn't mention the conversation he just had, which she realized was over the den den mushi, but this was enough of an innocent question.

Law looked up at her and leaned forward, his intertwined fingers in front of his face, so Miyako could only see his sharp, grey eyes. "Why do you think something is bothering me?"

Miyako raised her eyebrow and smirked, almost mimicking his usual expression as she leaned back in her chair. "Oh come now, you're not even trying to hide it."

Law leaned back in his chair as well, staring at the girl for a while though Miyako had no idea what he was thinking. Right now he looked miles away in both spirit and mind. Then suddenly he took the den den mushi and called the control room. Sai's voice answered a few seconds later with a "yes, captain?"

"Sai, tell Mister Bart to emerge. We'll be sailing on the surface for the rest of the day."

There was a small pause on the other side, obviously Sai wondering what the captain was up to, but after a while came a "Yes, captain" response without any unnecessary questions.

However, Miyako had questions and her expression clearly showed it. She had one eyebrow raised and her big eyes were wide open. Law could almost see the question mark across her face and couldn't help but smirk. This time she was left wondering in question, as she did to him earlier today. "I'm expecting a package…." Law simply said as if that explanation alone was enough though as he did, his expression became more serious and all amusement was gone.

*Obviously it's not just any package…Or maybe…it's the person sending it that's the problem?* Miyako could only guess but she didn't voice any of her thoughts out loud. She knew Law wouldn't answer her anyway. He didn't like giving explanations, especially to his crew who were used to following his orders with perfect trust in their captain and without unnecessary questions. Besides, Law wouldn't feel obligated to explain anything to Miyako nor does he like people prying in his business. Chances are, that would just darken his already dark-enough mood.

"I think you forgot to answer my question." Miyako said teasingly, referring to the question about what was bothering him. Of course, she knew he didn't forget…he just avoided the subject as he didn't want to answer it.

"No, I just chose not to." Law answered simply, with a bored look on his face. "More importantly…I wanted to talk to you about Busoshoku Haki, or rather how to control it."

"Hmm…well I told you everything about haki and its types the first time we had this talk, so you know everything about it already." Miyako said remembering the night when they spent a few hours in his quarters talking about haki so long ago as she explaining its use, after the War. "As to how to control it…that can only be achieved through hard training of course." The girl finished, matter-of-factly. *Well considering how quick Law was able to learn to use his Kenbunshoku haki and control his powers, he probably won't have many problems with mastering Busoshoku Haki either.* Miyako thought.

It was true, Law was constantly evolving in his strength and skills and he already had a good grip on both Kenbunshoku haki and his devil powers. Law could really be considered a genius and not only concerning medicine, but also because of his ability to learn quickly, get a hold of every situation fast and quickly come up with a plan for the new, best step to take. He had a predisposition to achieve great things in every aspect; he knew it and his crew knew it, including Miyako. But it seems marines were quickly finding that out as well, which made him a rising threat to them with every new action he made.

"Fine. Then we'll start the training immediately." Law answered, feeling more pleased now.

"Eh? W-We?" Miyako repeated a bit uncertain though she already knew what Law was getting at. But she just hoped she heard him wrong.

Law raised his eyebrow as if wondering what was wrong with her, or rather if there was something strange in what he said. "Of course. It seems your tactic from before was successful…even though not very refined. You're the only one on the ship who has control over haki so it's only logical for you to train with me, no?" Law smirked, and even though he ended that sentence with a question mark, there was no question or asking about it; it was a given in his mind.

"I…suppose…" Miyako said a bit skeptical. "But why the sudden hurry?" When he found out he could use Kenbunshoku haki, he took his time seeing what he could and couldn't do, or rather sense, and trained it thoroughly. Yet now, it seemed as if he was in a rush to learn and master this.

Law tapped his fingertips on the armrest of his chair while he leaned his head on his other hand. "I have my reasons…you'll find out soon enough. But for now, let's just focus on our task, shall we?" Once again that dark, thoughtful look and voice was back and even though it sounded like a question, once again Miyako knew it was a demand. So all she could do was nod quietly. Perhaps in the past she would purposely poke more in the matter to annoy Law or even anger him, just for fun of seeing that mask of his crumble down, but she has learnt to respect the captain over these past 10 months and didn't even feel like angering him anymore.

"Ah, it seems Bepo is close to developing it too….though I can't be sure yet." Miyako commented as she remembered something important. Law gave her an inquiring look to go on, so she did. "Well his animal instincts work almost as Kenbunshoku haki so even though he doesn't have it, he doesn't need it anyway. Even though the whole crew got stronger, it seems he in particular did. I think he's showing real potential to develop Busoshoku Haki, he probably will over time and when that time comes, he'll need to train it as well."

Law nodded in understanding. "Then, when that time comes, he will. But since it's too soon, for now just leave it be." He saw the girl nod as she probably agreed with him.

Miyako stood up from her seat, seeing their conversation was over. "Well if that's all-"

"Say…today in the control room, were you purposely provoking me with insolence so that I would fight you?" Law said it so calmly that Miyako didn't even register the question at first. Nor did she expect it at this moment; but then again she knew Law wouldn't like her actions from earlier that day and she knew he would punish her somehow…she just didn't expect it to be now. She couldn't help but blink in surprise a couple of times, looking at his perfectly calm expression as he was waiting for her answer.

Miyako smiled sheepishly with a slight sweat-drop sliding down her cheek. "hehe…Well you know, I thought that would be the easiest if not the only way to get you to cooperate. Since you don't like to be told what to do…" She didn't even have to finish that statement.

Law rose from his chair and Miyako couldn't help but stiffen a little. It wasn't that she was afraid of him or thought that he would hurt her, but she knew her punishment was coming. *Come on, what will it be; double shifts in the laundry room? Extra hours in the kitchen? Cleaning the whole submarine from inside and out?* Her mind was already forming all forms of punishment that Law was capable off; from cleaning every medical tool in the infirmary until it shines to using her as the newest experiment for him devil fruit powers.

Trafalgar walked up to her with one hand in his pocket and it seemed he took his sweet time with those few steps as much as possible. As if purposely prolonging her worries. When he finally walked up to her he put one hand under her chin, raising it so he could stare right into her eyes, his other hand still in the pocket of his spotted trousers. Miyako didn't understand how he can be so relaxed in this moment while she was both nervous and embarrassed from being looked at so intensely. But then that image of a predator observing its prey returned to her mind and it suddenly had a lot more sense.

"I don't like to be controlled either…Miyako. Nor provoked by my crew." His face was close to hers and he had a smirk on his face, even though she could hear in his voice that he was quite serious. "So you should be properly punished for that." He said the last statement right into her ear, his hot breath grazing her already hot skin.

That last sentence sent shivers down Miyako spine and her face became even hotter than before. It's not just what he said, it's how he said it that made her especially uncomfortable and it didn't help that it was said right into her ear like that. However she decided to regain some of her composure and she cleared her throat. "At least put the good results we got into account…"

She felt a nip on her ear as Law gently bit down and she almost jumped in both surprise and because of the sensation. "Don't give me orders Miyako." There was certain amusement in his tone, obviously pleased by her reaction.

*T-that bastard, he's playing with me!* Somewhere in her fuzzy mind she remembered her determination that she won't let herself be harassed by him this time and that newfound determination resurfaced. She glared at him even though she couldn't look into his eyes due to their position and she put her hands near his stomach, pushing him away. "Don't start this again!" She warned.

However, Miyako was surprised when she saw a slight grimace of pain on Law's face before he masked it once again with his usual apathetic mask. That's when Miyako remember the wound she gave him in their fight; that's right, she wasn't the only one who got hurt. Law was acting so naturally that she completely forgot he was wounded and she knew that cut in his side, even though not fatal, was deep. Miyako unconsciously made a worried face as she looked up at him. Now that she looked closely, he really didn't look all that well, probably because of long working hours and lack of sleep which was now accompanied with a hurting wound at his side. His tanned skin looked paler than usual and his already dark circles around his eyes looked even darker. Also, only now did Miyako notice he wasn't wearing the new white hat she got him, that he started wearing lately but instead his uncombed black hair was clearly visible, looking like he had his fingers through it quite a few times, probably while thinking deeply. Without even thinking, Miyako instinctively put her hand on his check to look at his pale state better and there was still worry in her bright eyes.

Only when a clearing of throat brought her out of her musings and concerns did she realize what she was doing. She saw Law's raised eyebrow and an amused smirk which only grew bigger at her panicked reaction when she finally realized what she was doing. She quickly let go of him, pulling away, with a face of utter disbelief, probably because of her own actions. "S-Sorry! I just…w-well…because you don't look so good!" She tried to explain. After a while when she finally composed herself and cleared her throat while desperately trying to hide the blush on her face, she said to him trying to sound serious despite her embarrassment; "I-In any case, you should really go sleep for a while. You look like you need rest and I'm sure that wound is still hurting."

"Hn, you don't need to look so worried, I'm not that fragile. This wound is nothing. However, it's time to change my bandages so I'd appreciate a helping hand." He hated asking for help but she was a crew member after all, so it was different than needing help from an outsider. Nakama should help each other out, anyway. Even though Law was more than capable of doing it alone, it would go easier and faster this way, so why not make use of the situation?" At least that was his way of seeing it. "Have you ever changed bandages before?" He asked as he strolled to one of the cabinets and took a medical package he had there for times like this. It would be a hassle to go all the way to the infirmary for something as simple as this.

Miyako nodded, forgetting about her embarrassment and made a confirming noise. That made Law wonder so he looked at her with interest clearly showing what he was wondering about. He didn't have to say anything as she started to explain.

"I've learned some basic first aid. I usually had to apply it on myself." That brought Miyako back memories of her training where she usually had to heal her bruises, broken bones and cuts afterwards. Just thinking about those scary training times brought a sour expression on her face. Inner Miyako was crying waterfalls at the painful memories right now. She sweat-dropped when she saw Law's enquiring expression but she didn't want to get into detailed explanations. "Master had …peculiar training methods..." It seemed the explanation was enough to satisfy Law as he probably got what she meant and instead focused on cutting enough bandages that he'll need.

Law walked back to Miyako with some pure alcohol, bandages and a big medical tweezers in his hand, gesturing with his free one to the bed. He pulled a chair near the bed to put down his medical supplies as Miyako sat on the bed in the meantime. When he had everything he needed, Law started to take off his hoodie, narrowing his eyes in slight pain from the movement even though he was determined not to show it.

"W-w-what are you doing!?" Miyako suddenly called out in a tone a bit higher than usual that showed slight panic, mixed with surprise and embarrassment.

Law just raised his eyebrow questioningly, not seeing what the big deal was. "I told you, we'll change my bandages." Then he noticed Miyako's wide eyes and absolutely red face as she stared at his half-naked torso since his hoodie was lifted slightly, revealing his bare stomach. "I can't access the cut with my shirt on." He sighed a bit tiredly. Why did he have to explain something so simple to her…? This girl was way too uptight and unused to men. Unconsciously Law wondered if all Wano women were like that since he concluded from Miyako's stories that norms for women expressing themselves or having relationships with men were very strict and formal.

However it seemed Miyako calmed down as she realized the necessity of the situation and remembered that what Law was saying actually makes perfect sense….as always. "Right...sorry."

Thankful that there was no need for any further discussion about the matter, Law took off his hoodie all the way and sat on the bed. Miyako could now clearly see the bandages going around his abdomen, with some gauze fixed on the place where the wound was and held by bandages. The captain started unwrapping the bandages until the red, slightly swollen gash in his side was visible.

Miyako knew that every movement brought Law stinging pain, coming from his wound, but his expression didn't change at all as he unwrapped the bandages. He didn't even twitch. Still, when she saw Law leaning over to take the tweezers and a piece of cotton, putting alcohol on it, it was clear that move alone had to bring him pain, so she stopped him before he opened his wound unnecessary. The stiches were holding it together but Miyako didn't want to risk it. She felt bad enough that she was the source of that cut in the first place; she knew she cut him deeply but didn't know it was that deep. Now she couldn't help but feel guilt for it. "Let me." She quickly said and she took the items from him, preparing the disinfectant. It seemed that Law was think about it for a second, wagering how much that action would affect his pride, but then he finally nodded letting her do it as he sat back on the bed.

Miyako got closer as she started to work on the wound, putting the alcohol on it as gently as she could. She knew Law was right when he said he wasn't fragile, however there was no reason to hurt him unnecessarily any more than he already was. The girl expected at least a hiss when the alcohol-coated cotton touched the wound since Miyako knew it should've stung him, but Law didn't make a sound. She was sure his pride wouldn't let him anyway. Still she saw a slight twitch in his eyes when she accidentally put a little more pressure on the wound than she should.

"Sorry" Miyako muttered though she didn't get a response. Obviously, Law didn't take it as a big deal. As she was working on the wound she couldn't help but notice all the other little scars Law had on his torso. There were some on his sides and stomach, and a bigger one on the right side where his ribs were. They were a clear proof of all the fights Law had been in though Miyako was sure he was in a lot more, he just didn't have many scars to show for it since Law was careful and rarely got any grave injuries in battles as far as Penguin and Shachi had told her. She could understand that since she only saw him get one fatal injury in these 10 months. And the reminder of that was clear on his stomach, a big scar lighter in color than Law's tanned skin, clearly visible. Miyako's eyes narrowed a little as she unconsciously slowed down her ministrations, remembering that day when the Heart Pirates had their personal little war that they lost. Thinking back, she was relieved and grateful that nobody died.

She shook her head, trying to put those feelings and memories aside, knowing nothing good can come out of it now and she focused on her work again. However, as her eyes traveled across Law's body, first only to look at scars, a little unexpected thought popped into her head; Law was built quite well. It was obvious even with his clothes on, but now she could clearly see the lean body and wiry muscles. He was lean but not skinny and even though he wasn't overly-muscular, he certainly had a toned body. It took her a few seconds but then Miyako suddenly realized what she was thinking about and stopped herself in an instant. She could feel her face getting hot again so she bowed her head down, hiding it from Law's view as she continued disinfecting the wound while chanting. *Don't think about his body. Don't think about his body. Don't think about his body…*

Law just stared at the girl who was fussing around, seemingly in her own little world but all he could do is sigh. He was already used to this, after all. When she finally finished, he handed her a clean, new gauze and bandages which she started putting on and wrapping around his body. Though he could see it was awkward for her since she had to lean forward, towards him, every time she was wrapping around his back.

Miyako worked in silence, as careful but fast as possible so she would finally be out of this embarrassing situation but suddenly she felt Law's movement and something like a slight chuckle came from his chest. She was just wrapping around his back, awkwardly close to him in this position, when she glared up at him with narrowed eyes. "What?" As soon as she did that though, she realized exactly how close to him she was and once again her cheeks became red even though she managed to hold the embarrassment in this time.

"Nothing. Just observing." Law explained simply, though it didn't really explain much.

Miyako frowned and finished with a few more wraps around Law's stomach before finally moving away to a much needed distance with a sigh of relief. "Observing what?" She didn't really expect much of an answer, just more of his simple yet unsatisfying explanations.

"You" Law said as he tiled his head to one side. His expression was normal and unreadable, just his usual one that always looked a little bored. As if he didn't say anything strange just now. He was once again rewarded with Miyako's shocked expression as she snapped her head up to look at him. She didn't notice but Law was observing her closely the whole time she worked with care on his wound. The worried eyes that would gaze at his wound or sometimes move towards the big scar on his stomach and Law could see she was remembering something, her gentle hands that were working carefully not to cause him pain, the slight blush ever-present on her cheeks, one expression that especially amused him when she bit her lower lip as if in deep thought and her eyes traveling across his bare torso as if inspecting it, but then she shook her head with a crimson flush across her face as if she just caught herself thinking something she shouldn't have. Nothing escaped the analytical, hawk-eyes of Trafalgar Law. And when he saw her shocked and slightly confused expression, he couldn't help but tease Miyako further. "What, you can look at my body but I can't look at you?" He had a raised eyebrow, still with his head tilted to the side, resting on his shoulder.

"W-wha? I wasn't-" Miyako tried to defend herself but it was useless, it was obvious he saw everything. *Well I didn't do it on purpose!* Miyako wanted to protest, almost feeling like a kid trying to defend herself, but realized that comment would be pointless since it didn't make much sense anyway…only in her head it did, though. In her mind where she would unconsciously drift away in her own world or in this case, observe Law. So she decided on a different approach. She sighed and lifted her nose up, closing her eyes and moving her hand as if waving the whole thing away; "Fine, whatever. Tease me all you want, I don't care anyway." She shrugged at the end, just to emphasize her point more. She opened one eye ever so slightly to see Law's reaction but he didn't look any less amused. Actually, it looked worse, because his expression changed into more devilish and mischievous one as if he just got a nasty idea. And Law's nasty ideas were never good….especially not if they involved her.

"So I can tease you all I want and you won't protest at all, huh?" He said it more as a statement than a question and leaned forward, closer to the girl. That devilish smirk what still on his face.

"Huh? Hey, wait, that's not what I meant-" Before Miyako could protest further, Law pushed her down on the bed with his own weight and propped himself on his arms, on top of her. He didn't even give her time to protest or a chance to refuse as he lowered himself further until he was propped on his tattooed forearms and brushed Miyako's neck, before coming back up to her lips and claiming them.

The kiss was slow and lazy, Law taking his sweet time. He knew all he needed was some patience and to give Miyako a little push, for her to react. So instead of demanding entrance in her mouth, Law just lightly kissed her, from time to time nibbling her lower lip or lazily licking it. Well she did say she didn't mind him teasing her…and nobody said the teasing had to be verbal anyway; Law thought with amusement. He noticed she moved slightly and opened her mouth a little, as if wanting more, but instead of giving it, Law started to slowly move away. It was then that he suddenly felt Miyako's hands in his hair and her lips softly grazing his as she followed them. And for the first time, Miyako kissed him. It wasn't just a reaction as usual, it was a kiss that she started. Law was pleased with his work as it paid off and he indulged her by moving forward again, parting her lips and pushing his tongue in. His one hand was still propped on his forearm just above Miyako's head, but the other one started roaming, starting from the girl's neck, his thumb trailing down her throat. Then his hand went even further down to her collarbone and started going even lower, and then….-

A sharp pain in his side. Law pulled back in surprise as he felt a pressure in his wound that was now hurting more than usual. At first he didn't know what caused it but by Miyako's disagreeing expression he quickly got a good idea. He looked down to see her finger poking him right into the wound. She was careful even now though, careful not to cause him any damage but enough for him to feel the pain. Law frowned in displeasure, with one eye closed. "What are you doing?"

"Protecting my innocence. Where was your hand going, exactly?" Even though she asked him that, both knew the answer to that question.

"Your innocence?" Law couldn't help but look at Miyako as if she was talking crazy. "Is this one of those Wano customs again…?"

"Yes, I want to marry one day, you know! I should at least preserve some chances for that."

"Merry to whom?" Law asked in a tone Miyako couldn't quite decipher but it was obvious his good mood was slowly fading away.

"I don't know...just marry! Now get off!" The girl retorted, getting annoyed, and she poked him once again in the bandaged wound just to show she wasn't kidding.

Law's gaze darkened and so did his ruined mood, but just as he was about to say something about Miyako's insolence he felt something was off. As if…there was something intruding. And by Miyako's expression it seemed she noticed it too. The couple, with Law still lying on top of Miyako, turned their heads towards the doors of the room, somehow knowing the strange feeling was coming from there. And they weren't mistaken. Law could feel Miyako stiffen like a statue beneath him though he just gave a bored, expression. He was more disappointed that his fun was ruined than shocked and he certainly wasn't embarrassed even though he was seen in such a compromising position.

The first strange thing the couple noticed was that the doors were opened, which they weren't before and not even a second later, they saw the intruder in the room; wearing the standard Heart pirates uniform and a black cap with a white rim decorated with mean eyes on the hat. It didn't take them long to realize it was Josh, who was standing there paler than ever, with his green eyes as wide as two plates. The short medic had his jaw dropped so low that for a second the doctor in Law wondered if he had dislocated it.

Miyako's reaction wasn't as calm as Law's; she had a similar expression as Josh's right now and she couldn't even move from shock, which meant she was just lying there…still beneath Law. Usually, seeing such an expression on Josh's face would make Miyako die with laughter…that is, in a situation where she was just a bystander instead of the one who got caught. Right now, she only wanted to die from embarrassment.

It must have been at least a full minute if not more…a minute that seemed like an hour, as the three of them just silently stared at each other, nobody even moving an inch. Finally Law got bored and sat back up, finding his hoodie and putting it back on as he chose to speak first, hopefully brining Josh back from his shocked trance. "Is there something you wanted Mister Joshua?"

It seemed like it worked and Law's voice brought the redhead back into reality as he managed to close his mouth and actually say something, though it came out in a weird tone and with a stutter. "I-I did…knock…" Josh said as he pointed at the door not even sure why himself.

"I'm sure you did. Now, about my question?" Law said with a sigh, getting up from the bed and taking the dirty and used bandages and medical supplies from before, throwing them into the bin. He didn't seem concerned with Josh's slow reaction. Trafalgar looked at Miyako with the corners of his eyes to see if she defrosted yet and noticed she was sitting on the bed awkwardly, ready to hara-kiri herself any moment now.

"I….uhh…" Josh was trying to remember why he was even there and it took him a few good moments to do so, but then he suddenly noticed a small package in his hand and remembered. "Right, this! Um, a seagull that looked like it was sent by someone came and dropped it on the deck right into my hands. It says your name on the package…"

Law walked over to Josh and took the package from the medic, his mood worsening suddenly as if he just got some back news.

"I-Is everything alright, Law…I mean, captain! I mean, captain-san…sama!?" Miyako started rambling as she tried to use the honorifics and anything formal as if that would help her situation somehow. It's not like Josh would think he just misunderstood, it was obvious what he saw….and he saw everything.

Law gave Miyako a side-glance but only nodded with a "Everything's fine." He obviously wasn't in a talking nor explaining mood right now.

"W-well, I'll be going now…." Josh said as he tried to excuse himself, prying that Law wouldn't stop him. Luckily, the captain didn't try to stop him, he just nodded at Josh, letting him go.

At that moment Miyako sprang up from the bed as if she just remembered something important and looked at Law preparing to say something though she was almost to the door already.

"You want to make sure he doesn't say anything to the others." Law said instead of Miyako who was just about to give the same explanation. It was more of a statement than a question but Miyako nodded, confirming her intentions and Law just lazily waved her off, not interested. He honestly didn't care whether the crew knows about him and the samurai girl nor what anyone thought of it. Though, he knew the crew wouldn't object nor meddle in their relationship since it's none of their business anyway. They would probably tease Miyako to death though…and she's getting enough of that from him as it is. Still, he left the decision on her whether to tell them or not, though in his personal opinion it was impossible to hide it. Something like this was bound to happen and Law was surprised it didn't happen sooner. You can't really hide a relationship in a crowded submarine, nor among a pirate crew for that matter. That word got stuck in Law's mind; relationship. It was the first time he used it and it sounded a little weird. Miyako and he never defined what they had between themselves, really, but in his opinion they didn't have to. They both knew it and that was enough.

By the time Law was done with his musings, the girl was long gone, and he couldn't even hear her steps echoing through the hallways anymore. He just sighed and focused on more urgent matters right now; the item in his hand. As he unwrapped the package, the glass in his hand glistened under the fake lighting. It was an eternal pose.

~…...~

Miyako ran around, looking everywhere for Josh, not even bothering to greet her passing crewmembers. She finally saw the redheaded mechanics walking towards the crew's rooms. "Josh!" She called out for him to stop but he stiffened as soon as he heard the girl's voice. He turned around with a grimace on his face and then quickly turned back and started walking even faster away from her.

*Did he just totally ignore me…?* Miyako looked at his back with a sweat-drop as he went off as if he didn't even see her standing there. But she started walking faster as well, right behind him. "Hey, don't ignore me!"

But Josh just continued to walk, even faster now, desperately trying to get away. His fast footsteps echoed through the halls. However, Miyako's echoed as well, with a fastening pace as she quickened her step every time the medic did. Soon enough, the two were walking frantically, on the brink of running already, both gritting their teeth with a comically pissed off expressions on their faces. Finally, Josh gave up the pretense and started running but as soon as the girl saw it, she started running as well. The crew that they passed all looked at them strangely as if they were crazy but most of them just thought it was another fight between the two, which became a normal everyday thing already.

Suddenly Miyako noticed Josh was about to turn and walk into his quarters and she could hear Penguin's and Shachi's voices inside. If there was someone who mustn't find out about her secret, than it was Shachi and Penguin, since they couldn't keep a secret even if their life depended on it. "Oh no you don't!" She yelled and jumped when she was close enough to Josh, jumping on his back and knocking him down, with her on top of him.

"Get off me, you crazy woman!" Josh protested when he finally moved his face away from the metal floor and turned his head, trying to glare at Miyako who was still on top of him, not letting him go.

"Not until you promise not to tell anybody about what you saw." She said in a whisper so that nobody could hear her speak.

Unfortunately Josh wasn't even trying to be quiet. "I don't need to promise anything."

Miyako's eyes narrowed and she grabbed his arm twisting it behind his back painfully. "Promise, and I'll explain everything."

"No!" Josh barked, too stubborn to admit his defeat.

"Promise!" Miyako wasn't trying to stay quiet anymore either as she yelled, twisting his arm some more.

"Argh, fine, fine! Just let go of me already!" The redhead finally gave in since he still planned to use that arm later in life.

The samurai girl finally stood up and got off of him, helping the medic up as well who was still giving her an icy glare. That's when they noticed the crew from the quarters nearby who were all poking out their heads from their rooms, looking at the two questioningly. In front of them were Shachi and Penguin, both having their fists on their hips and looking at them disapprovingly, their expressions were obvious even with their hidden faces. Shachi shook his head with a sigh; "Will you two ever grow up?"

The guilty couple looked at each other with a frown on their faces. There was a moment of silence until Josh decided to speak; "She started it!" He accused, pointing a finger at Miyako.

"Did not! You wouldn't stop!"

"Cause you traumatized me enough for today! Actually for the rest of my life!" He retorted.

"Hey, would you at least let me explain!"

"Now, now, guys, chill will ya'?" Penguin tried to intervene coming towards them, but stopped in his tracks when they both looked at him with death glares and was it just his imagination or did they just growl like wild animals? They were obviously in no mood to calm down. He backed away slowly, giving up.

Meanwhile, the two started fighting and arguing, though nobody understood what the hell they were talking about since they both yelled at each other at the same time. They were so into it, that they didn't even notice the shadow coming closer, behind them. The other crew members did notice however, and backed away with a sweat-drop knowing how this will end already. Only when two fists came down on their heads with a hard impact did the two shut up, now holding their heads in pain.

"What the hell!" Josh recovered first and looked behind him to see who was the idiot who dared to sucker-punch him like that. However, his angry expression soon changed into a frightened one and he gulped when he saw who he was up against. Someone even Josh didn't want to see angered besides Captain…Miyako looked as well and instantly calmed down.

It was Cody, standing behind them with his arms crossed on his chest and such a frightening look in his dark eyes that none dared to challenge him. Yes, when Cody was mad he was more like Law than anyone else. And right now, Cody had a dark aura around him with a fury of a thousand sea kings seeping out of him.

"H-hey Cody…what's up?" Miyako said innocently, trying to smile the best she could but it was obvious it was only a nervous smile with sweat beads already forming on her forehead.

"Bepo….get them." Cody said simply with a dark tone only Trafalgar Law himself could match. Only then did the two realize Bepo was behind Cody.

"Sorry guys, but you need to cool down." Bepo said and picked both Miyako and Josh up with ease. "No fighting among the crew!" The polar bear warned, ignoring the couple's trashing and protests.

"What are you doing, Bepo!? Put us down!" Josh ordered through gritted teeth as Bepo carried them off like two bags of potatoes through the halls. Cody was walking right behind him, ignoring the protests of the two as well.

Finally they arrived at the designated place; the storage room. Bepo threw both Miyako and Josh inside and luckily they landed on some bags of flour.

"You can cool off in here and deal with it between the two of you. I'm not letting you out until you've solved whatever you're fighting over even if you have to stay in here for days." Cody explained and even thought at first Miyako and Josh thought he was just kidding, his expression soon told them otherwise.

"O-oy, wait, don't-" Josh was about to come out but the doors were slammed right into his face and he heard the locking of the doors from the other side. "Hey, open up Cody, this isn't funny!" Josh called out as he banged his fist on the door but with no avail.

"Resolve it among yourselves!" Cody's muffled voice came from the other side before his footsteps disappeared in the distance, leaving only Miyako and Josh alone in the dim room.

"I can't believe that bastard! I'm so gonna get him for this! Both him and Bepo!" Josh said angrily as he already started planning the demise of the taller medic and the first mate.

"Just give up, he's not letting us out." Miyako said, still sitting on those bags of flour with her legs crossed and the elbow propped on her knee while she leaned her chin on her hand. She rolled her eyes at Josh's attempts. It's not like she wanted to give up, she just knew it was useless. And she knew Cody wasn't kidding about keeping them here as long as it takes either. He had Bepo on his side so it's not like they could escape even if the storage doors were opened. Miyako didn't even have her katana with her but she knew damaging the doors would be a bad idea since then they'd have to deal with Law and that would be far worse. Not to mention, the doors were big and metal which made it impossible to kick them down anyway.

"This is all your fault." Josh suddenly said as he turned to her, staring at her accusingly.

"How exactly is this my fault?" Miyako said through gritted teeth. She didn't want to start another argument but the short medic was just asking for it.

"Because you didn't want to leave me alone."

"If I did, you'd tell everyone about me and Law" Miyako answered, a bit lower in voice this time, just to be sure though she doubted anyone could hear them through these metal, closed doors anyway.

"Argh, don't even say it! I don't want that picture in my head!" Josh put his hands on his ears and closed his eyes as if trying to completely tune her out.

"oooh, that's real mature, Short-stuff."

"What did you call me?!"

"And that you heard!?"

"Argh, enough! Let's just think of a way out of here!" Josh announced, finally ending the argument. They were both quiet for a while, thinking of a plan. Then suddenly Josh hit his fist in the palm of his other hand. "I know! How about we pretend we've sorted it out and act all buddy-buddy to trick Cody. Then he'll let us out."

Miyako looked at him skeptically. "You really think Cody is that easy to fool….?" She didn't seem too sure about that.

"Hey, he can only hear our voices so how can he know we're lying? It can work."

After a while of thinking, the girl simply shrugged. "Well I suppose it's worth a shot."

Josh called out, banging at the doors, demanding for someone to call for Cody. After a while, they really did hear the medic's voice on the other side.

"Yes?" Somehow it sounded suspicious, even though Josh didn't even say anything.

"Look, we worked it out, ok? Tell him Miyako." Josh lied through his teeth, using all his acting skills for this.

"Yep, we're all buddy-buddy and fine now." Miyako said with a sour grin on her face that was obviously forced and mostly mocking.

"No you're not." All Miyako's and Josh's hopes were drowned instantly with that statement from Cody.

"Huuuuh?" The trapped couple couldn't help but gape with slack jaws in surprise as they were seen through so easily.

"What are you talking about? How could you know that? We worked it out, I'm telling you." Josh still tried to sell the story to Cody.

"Knock it off, redhead." Cody obviously wasn't in the mood for this. "I can tell that you're lying from the tones in your voices. And there's no way you two would be able to patch things up so quickly and easily…you're forgetting I've been sailing the seas for 10 months with you, Miyako, and I've known you, Josh, even longer." Cody explained.

Both Miyako and Josh grimaced when they heard their names being spoken in such a reprimanding tone.

"Now talk to each other and deal with your problems like adults that you are!" Cody ended and once again, Miyako and Josh heard his footsteps disappearing in the distance.

"So much about that plan…" Miyako said, leaning her head on the palm of her hand again, a disappointed frown clear on her face.

They were quiet for a few minutes again, but this time Miyako was the first one to speak. "Maybe we can convince Bepo to let us out?"

"Naah, he's agreeing with Cody on this so he'll never let us out without that guy's permission." Josh grumbled, dismissing that idea instantly. Josh thought for a second. "Hmm…Maybe we should ask for Captain…" As soon as those words left his mouth, the two looked at each other.

"No way." They both said in unison, slight discomfort showing on their face as they thought of that idea.

There was a long silence between the two, both deep in their thoughts, then Miyako broke it once again; "So…How did you end up joining the Heart Pirates anyway?" The question was obviously unexpected because Josh looked up at her and blinked in surprise.

"Why ask that all of a sudden?" He seemed a bit skeptical as he tilted his head and gave the girl a suspicious look as if she was going to use that information against him, somehow.

Miyako just shrugged deciding not to comment on his rude answer and behavior as if she was a marine questioning him. "Well I've been aboard for so long yet I've never heard your story. Cody once told me about him so…" The girl shrugged again as if it was a no-big-deal thing.

"Hmm.." Josh seemed to think about her words for a second, as he fixed the cap on his head and then put his hands in the pocket of his jumpsuit, walking over to the girl and sitting beside her on the bags of flour. "Well…it was about two years ago. There's a big city called Merith in the North, where I was born and raised." He made a sarcastic expression as he said that, as if remembering something that gave irony to those words but Miyako couldn't quite understand why. The girl just kept quiet and listened on. "I lived with my bastard father until I was 15; then I finally ran from home and became a street rat. I lived from what I could steal or earn doing some petty jobs for gang leaders and such. I was always…in what you would call a "wrong crowd" I guess." The redhead chuckled to himself, but Miyako gave him a nod to go on. "So…one day I got myself involved with the wrong kind of people; they gave me a job that seemed simple at first; I had to steal a treasure map from some pirate…And you can guess who that pirate was." Josh gave her a grin that said it all.

"Eeeeh!? You tried to steal from Trafalgar Law!?" Miyako couldn't believe it as her eyes widened and she moved closer to him in wonder, almost as if to make sure he was serious.

Josh nodded. "At that time Captain wasn't that famous yet so I had no idea who he was. A lot of pirates came to my island so I thought he was just one of those petty, wannabe pirates who haven't done anything worthwhile anyway. But boy was I wrong." Josh gave another chuckle and he scratched his head, thinking back to those days. "Not only was I caught but also I experienced those devil fruit powers of his all too well." A slight shiver went down the medic's spine. "I still remember his words to me at that time; 'You're not even a challenge to me but you have guts, so I'll let you live this time.' He even had that wicked smirk of his on his face." Josh sighed. "I think he spared me because I actually tried to fight him and talk back when he caught me so I proved I had some guts; I can't think of any other reason, really. Also, even though he knew I was working for someone I refused to say who it was, I was a thief but not a snitch; but surprisingly Captain seemed impressed by it."

"Yeah, it's really hard to understand what that guy is thinking, sometimes." Miyako agreed with a sigh as she remembered when she first got on this submarine. She still wasn't quite sure why Law decided she'll become part of the crew, since he could easily find some other swordsman….or swordswoman in this case.

Josh nodded. "However, even though captain let me live, the guys I was doing the job for weren't too happy for not getting it done. They beat me up pretty bad, almost to death. Broke both my arms and my fingers, busted my knee…It wasn't a pretty sight. I was dumped somewhere in a dirty, dark, wet alley but nobody would help me even if they did see me….it was a big city and those kinds of things weren't uncommon. Nobody would bother with a little street rat like me." Josh's eyes narrowed a little and his stare became more hateful even though it was aimed at the metal doors of the storage; but Miyako could see that stare was actually meant for something, or someone, else.

Josh broke out of his personal thoughts and continued the story. "However, someone did notice me. A big, white bear…" Josh laughed a little at the memory. "I thought I was so far gone that I started to hallucinate…especially when the bear wearing an orange jumpsuit started to talk." Josh snickered once again. "Bepo must've smelt the fresh blood and followed the sent and after a while, Captain came into my blurry view as well. And you know what he did?" Josh didn't wait for Miyako to guess as he continued. "He smirked at me! He saw my pathetic self in that condition and actually gave me one of those amused smirks of his!" Josh said it in a tone as if he still considered it unbelievable to this day, even though he was well aware of what Law was like.

"Heh. Are you really surprised by that..?" Miyako asked, giving him a smirk of her own.

"Not anymore…but still, at that time I couldn't believe it and oh, how I wanted to wipe that smirk off his face, but I couldn't even move. Anyway, he crouched down to examine me and said I needed to go to the doctor cause I was in a very bad shape…like it wasn't obvious. But I just said to leave me alone and that I could handle it myself. You see my old man was a doctor…well at least he was, until he became his drunken, worthless self…." Josh said the last sentence almost grumbling with a dark frown, obviously remembering something unpleasant but he didn't want to go into much detail about it. Miyako didn't want to pry either so she didn't ask further questions about his family issues. "However, when he heard I had some medical knowledge, captain became interested. He proposed to save my life if I joined his crew. I guessed; being a pirate beats dying like a dog in some stinking alley so I accepted." Joshua shrugged, finishing his story but then he remembered something else. "Oh and when I got better I heard from Bepo that captain found out who was behind the whole plot of stealing his treasure map and he killed them all, he was just heading back from their hideout when he stumbled upon me. I guess justice was served after all." Josh grinned with evil satisfaction.

Miyako seemed a bit in thought after hearing the medic's story. "It seems everyone I talk to about their past, owes a great deal to Law-san."

"Hn, of course. Trafalgar Law is a great captain and an awesome pirate who will find One Piece one day, for sure!" Josh said without any doubt in his voice just like the rest of the crew would. They all respect Law and it seems they all have a good reason to.

Miyako smirked at Josh's statement. "Well…I guess I can see it too…Law as a Pirate King. He's smart enough to pull it off and if he trains more and perfects his haki…" Miyako could see great potential in Law and she was sure the pirate captain knew he had it too.

But as they started talking about Law, both Josh and Miyako remembered a certain awkward moment they wanted to forget and looked at each other with crimson faces and shocked expressions before turning away from each other quickly. A long, awkward silence fell and stayed there for quite some time.

Finally, Miyako sighed giving up and decided to try and actually listen to Cody's advice…well it was more like an order in this case. "Look, can we just talk about what you saw in Law's….I mean, Captain's room?" Once again she tried sounding more formal to ease up the situation.

"Let me guess; there's a perfectly good explanation for it?" Josh said with a mocking and sarcastic tone which earned him a glare from Miyako.

"Actually there is!...But I wouldn't like to go into too much detail about that…." She trailed off, muttering as she remembered what led Law and her to be in that position in the first place. She should probably skip that part, if she wanted to leave some of Josh's mind unscarred. "Anyway, it all started about a week and a half ago when I took a nap in the infirmary…Or maybe it started 10 months ago actually…Ah, no, that's too early, I hated him then…though I must admit I was a little impressed…" Once again Miyako trailed off into her own world leaving the redhead even more confused than before.

"What are you trying to say….?" Josh muttered and just looked at her with a sweat-drop as he realized he was totally forgotten and out of the conversation. After a while he sighed and snapped his fingers, getting back the girl's attention. "Would you just come back from wherever you ended up in that strange mind of yours already?!"

That seemed to get the girl's attention back on him and she cleared her throat. "Look, I'm not sure yet myself what's going on, I'm probably more confused than you right now. I just know that…something's between us, ok? And we just kissed, nothing else!" She added the last part just to be sure Josh doesn't get any wrong ideas. "So until we work it out, would you pleeease work with me and keep this a secret?"

Josh obviously didn't like that idea judging by the face he was making. "Why are you getting me involved in this…?"

"You're already involved, like it or not." She answered, matter-of-factly.

Josh sighed, giving up. "Fiiiine." He ignored the girl's beaming, bright face. "Why me…?" The question was more directed to himself or maybe some higher deity that really loved to make his life a living mess. "Does this mean I'll have to see you and captain all lovey-dovey around the sub?" Just the thought made him want to vomit and grimace as if in pain; especially imagining Law like that, which was impossible. No, there's no way the captain would go soft or turn into some Romeo-mode no matter what's going on between him and Miyako. At least that's what Josh was telling himself, wishing and believing with all his heart.

Miyako chuckled. Obviously the thought seemed rather impossible to her as well. "No. Especially if you start waiting for an answer after knocking on other people's doors." She said teasingly, with a smirk.

"Yeah, I learned my lesson with that one…" He mumbled in response, not really wanting to remember the awkward scene. "Captain didn't seem to care though…"

"He rarely does." Miyako sighed not knowing what was in Law's mind either but obviously the pirate captain didn't care who knew about them nor who saw what on the submarine. Miyako, however, couldn't be that laid back, especially concerning things like that. "So….we good?" She looked at Josh a bit worried he might start another fit again, but luckily that didn't happen.

"Yeah…I'll keep your secret." He said and gave her his hand which the girl shook in agreement.

"Well I'm happy you two finally worked it out." Another voice came from the other side of the door; Cody's voice. It gave them both a start as they had no idea he was outside at all. The two almost jumped but then realization hit them and both Miyako and Josh looked at each other in desperation. A moment of dead silence occurred before Miyako totally lost it, grabbing Josh by the collar of his jumpsuit and shaking him as her face expressed total disbelief and panic, her eyes as wide as they would go. "I thought this was a soundproof room!? How the hell can we be heard through a thick metal door!?"

Josh tried to calm her down but it was hard when he was shaken violently and he was starting to get dizzy. "Well…they're not that thick."

In the meantime, Cody unlocked the doors and Miyako suddenly let go of Josh who fell on the floor, still feeling dizzy and out of it, and she saw a smiling Cody who had a suspiciously pleased face, a slightly confused Bepo who was scratching his head with a sharp claw and both Penguin and Shachi who had a shocked expressions on their faces similar to the one Josh had in Law's room a while ago.

"Y-You...heard…" Miyako slid to the floor with teary eyes and a depressed look on her face that could match Bepo's. It was more of a statement than a question.

Still, Cody answered. "Yep. I was wondering when you two would finally realize it; but you actually had me worried there for a while." Cody said, thinking back as if remembering something Miyako had no idea about.

However she realized he meant her and Law which made her blink in surprise. "What do you mean? You say that like you knew this would happen."

"Well it was kinda obvious." The tall medic answered simply with a shrug of his shoulders as if it was a given.

"It wasn't obvious to us!" Shachi suddenly said as he came back from his shock. "Why didn't anybody tell us!?" He seemed a bit offended.

Penguin was looking somewhat disappointed. "Miya-chaaan~…..and I really thought I had a chance…"

Miyako couldn't help but sweat-drop with a nervous smile as she saw the reactions of the two mechanics. But one thing was for sure; now that Penguin and Shachi knew, it was already as if the whole crew knew. Also, Miyako knew there was no point in even trying to tell them or threaten them to keep quiet about this since they were utterly incapable of it. "I'm doomed." Miyako simply said as she bowed her head with a dark, gloomy atmosphere all around her, still sitting on the cold floor. Josh was lying beside her, still half-unconscious. The two of them probably looked like the sorriest bunch around and they probably were, even though Bepo was there.

~….~

Miyako was leaning on the railing of the submarine, though she looked more like a corpse left there as her upper body swayed loosely, over the metal railing. She was still in a gloomy mood but that was because she kept hearing whispers or teasing comments coming from the rest of the crew who were also on deck. Bepo was sitting beside her, leaned on the railing and snoring lately, a bubble of snot appearing now and then from his big snout.

"So you and the captain, huh?"

"Ah~ How nice, to have some romance on this submarine~"

"Now that I think about it, doesn't Miya-chan spend a whole lot of time in the infirmary when there's no one around? Hehe maybe not no one though…"

"Yeah, she says she's going there to take naps. Riiiight, naps. Hahaha"

There were veins clearly popping up on Miyako's forehead by now as the gloomy, depressing mood slowly started turning into a dark and deadly one with every new comment she heard.

"Ah~ But no fair! Why does Captain always get all the girls?" Another crewmember sighed and added in a disappointed tone.

Miyako's eye twitched as she finally lost it. She turned around suddenly towards the crew with a threateningly raised fist and a clear pissed-off look on her face. Her eyes were almost glowing red with anger by now. "Would you all shut up already! I'm telling you it's not what you think so keep your damn comments to yourselves or I swear, I'll kill you all!"

The crew all looked at her in silence as she had her loud, angry outburst. There was a long silence between everyone there…and then someone just had to break it;

"You think they did it already?" One of the crewmembers asked.

"Aaaargh!" Miyako yelled in anger and frustration and unsheathed her katana, ready to bring down all the fury she had on the poor guy. Penguin and Shachi both held her back as she trashed in their arms, still ready to kill.

Just then the metal doors of the submarine opened with a loud bang and Law came out, his nodachi resting on his shoulder as usual. There was something in his other hand and when the crew looked at it better they realized it was an eternal pose. The captain walked over his crew and leaned on the metal railing, completely ignoring the strange sight where Miyako had her katana up in the air above her head and the two mechanics holding her in place. But even she stopped trashing and looked at Law with interest.

Law raised the eternal pose for the rest of the crew to see. "We have our new destination; Abney Cove." Law simply showed them the name engraved in the small wooden plate on the eternal pose.

The crew blinked but Shachi and Penguin were the first to get over the shock. They finally released Miyako who had calmed down and was looking at everyone's faces with slight confusion. *Why does everyone look so surprised all of a sudden? Is Abney Cove special, somehow?* She didn't voice any of her questions though since she knew she'll find out everything soon enough.

And she did when Shachi decided to speak up. "Abney Cove? But isn't there a big marine base there?!"

Law nodded. "Yes. And Vegapunk's laboratory, though I hear the doctor isn't using it at the moment but it's still active."

"So you're aiming for that…" Penguin was the next to speak. "But that's crazy captain! We'll get killed; the security is way too tight. There's no way we can go in and out of there without trouble. It's way too risky!"

Trafalgar sighed getting a bit annoyed. He didn't like his orders and decisions questioned, even if it was from his old friend. "Enough already; isn't being a pirate a risk for itself already?" Then he smirked as he looked at his crew; "Besides, have I ever let you down? As always, we will get what we want and there's nobody who can get in our way…if they try; their faith is already sealed."

Those cocky words and the smirk that showed no doubt in Law's expression, only that he was completely sure of himself, were enough to change the crew's feelings of discomfort into agreement and determination. The crew roared with their fists in the air and grinned widely, believing fully in their captain. "Aye, Aye captain! We won't let you down!"

When the atmosphere calmed down a bit, Miyako decided to ask one question that was still bugging her; "But why are we going there anyway? I know you're interested in Vegapunk's work but isn't this a little too risky just so you could satisfy your curiosities?" She sheathed back her katana in the meantime and was now standing there with her arms folded on her chest.

"Hey, don't doubt the captain! He knows what he's doing." Sam reprimanded the girl.

Law wasn't happy with her choice of words either as he gave a serious look in her direction. "It's not just to satisfy my curiosity Miss Miyako, there are some important things in that lab that I need. That's all you need to know."

He said it in a way that clearly showed it was just a masked way of saying it's none of her business and that made the girl frown a little. However, Law ignored her as he stood there, listening to his crew exciting rambling about a new, dangerous adventure.

"So how long will the trip to Abney Cove take?" Cody asked, looking at the eternal pose with interest.

"Mister Bart said about a month. He's got some knowledge of the island that will be helpful to us, even though he hadn't been there either." Well that wasn't surprising. No pirate would willingly go to a place filled with armed marines…unless you are Straw-Hat pirates it seemed, since that crazy lot raided Enies Lobby. Also, Abney Cove wasn't just any marine base; it was a marine base that protected one of Vegupunk's many laboratories, which meant it will be heavily guarded. Law had mixed feelings about this adventure. He knew how dangerous raiding a marine base can be and even though he knew his crew had gotten stronger, he didn't want to risk their lives. He was a cautious man and even though taking risks and getting into dangerous situations isn't unfamiliar to him, he would never take unnecessary risks like this. But that's because this wasn't Law's idea in the first place…no, this was a direct order from him…Joker. Just the thought of that word and that name made him narrow his eyes in both hate and disgust. However, another side of him couldn't help but feel excited and interested when thinking about all the work he could discover in Vegapunk's laboratory and all new experiments he could do. Just the thought made him grin with an excited gleam in his eyes, just like when he was about to do a risky but interesting operation or a new experiment. Yes, if he had to do this for Joker and get what the ever-grinning man had asked him to, at least he'll make the best out of it and enjoy some spoils from it. However, what the pirate captain needed to do now was make a perfect plan for this. He knew there was no plan that could guarantee 100% safety for him and his crew, but he needed to at least have a good plan and a few back up plans to be sure to lower that risk as much as he could. Thankfully, in the package were also plans of the marine base and the laboratory, which made things a bit easier for him. Joker wasn't a man to ever make things easier for him nor did Law have any idea how the Shichibukai got those plans of the buildings, but he didn't care at the moment. Law could still remember the conversation he had with the man over the den den mushi; he never even gave him the right to refuse and when Law did it anyway, one word was enough for the tall doctor to bite his lip and think over his answer: Vergo.

Vergo was a man that always made things harder for Law. He was Joker's, or rather Doflamingo's, right-hand man and did quite a lot of dirty work for the boss of the underworld. But Law had especially bad memories concerning Vergo. He still remembered that sorry state he was in; blood everywhere – his blood, broken bones with few external fractures…and that laugh. That grinning face behind Vergo, barely visible in the darkness, but still Law could see those shiny white teeth leering at him. And that amused, pleased laugh as Law laid there broken and beaten by none other than Vergo himself who was looking down at him with those emotionless eyes. It was the first and last time Law allowed himself to be so weak, to even show such weakness. Never again…he promised himself that. All this time, he was waiting…patently waiting for his chance, getting stronger so he could realize his plans. So he could have complete freedom and do what he wanted, never having to listen to anyone's orders again. *Soon…Very soon, Joker. I'll get you what you need and I'll quietly wait for my chance and then I will be the one with complete control. And you can just keep grinning while everything around you crumbles. You'll never even see it coming because you're too sure of yourself, Doflamingo. You won't even realize it until it's too late.* Law looked at his crew that were happily chatting away, some of them heading back into the sub to do their duties, then the captain's gaze fell on Bepo who was just waking up from his slumber, still groggy. *No, I won't die here…not now when I'm so close to starting things. I'll survive Abney Cave just as I survived everything else. One thing is for sure; I will never let anything stand in my way.*

As the crew continued doing their own thing, some talking about Abney Cove and others just enjoying the sun, Miyako was the only one who stayed quiet and watched her captain closely. She saw a dark look in his eyes, similar to the one he had in his quarters earlier today. She didn't know what was going on with Law but she was suspicious about this whole Abney Cove ordeal. Why such a decision now? And why does Law seem so effected by it? How is all this connected to the call he got earlier? Miyako had so many questions right now but no answers to help her. She knew she couldn't ask the captain since he wouldn't tell her. Miyako knew Law wouldn't use his crew or let them die but she could understand from what the pirates were saying that Abney Cove certainly won't be a vacation for them. She was still perplexed by such a decision that he made but knew there had to be more behind it than what he let on. Now if only she could find out what it was. *But at least this explains why Law is in such a hurry to master Busoshoku Haki.* The girl thought with interest as she realized he had a month to learn how to use it properly. Miyako sighed, suddenly feeling tired. *Whatever is happening with you Law, you know you have your crew to watch your back. Honestly…these guys are ready to even go to Hell and back for you.* She looked at the Heart pirates around her. She couldn't help but smile at the thought even though it was barely visible. But then another thought came across her mind and Miyako closed her eyes with a slight chuckle; *Don't worry, I've got your back too….Just don't disappoint me, Captain.*

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And another chapter finished! So not much happening in this chapter; more like preparations. For the first time, I'm putting Doflamingo in my story and starting the whole Joker connection. (Hopefully we'll soon know more about the whole history between Doflamingo and Law from Oda. Hurry and tell us Oda-chin! .)

Law and Miyako's relationship is progressing more too and I finally put Josh's story in. (I hope we'll find out Bepo's, Shachi's and Penguin's history with the Heart Pirates too, one day. Though, I think we all already have a theory for Bepo…)

So I hope you liked this chapter and that it was interesting to read. I know I had fun writing it. :) If you have any comments, questions or just want to tell me what you think of the story; feel free to review or message me! :) Now as always, I'll answer some reviews.

JustChan: The him Law was thinking about is Doflamingo, but for information, no to help him get the Shichibukai position. But since Doflamingo is a Shichibukai, he probably has access to a lot of marine information Law would find useful. However, more on this in further chapters. Also, I don't think Law needed anybody's help to become Shichibukai especially since, if I remember correctly, he got the position by sending the marines 1000 pirate hearts.

Nope, Miyako didn't abandon all thoughts of Wano, which can be seen in some parts of the story where she is still undecided about her final decision. (In chapter 38; while they're playing poker.) For the second part of the question, you'll just have to wait and see. I don't want to give any spoils. :P

Yes, that was Miyako's first kiss! (Unless you count the time when she was sleeping :P) I'm glad you like that scene, I was hoping to make it seem as much Law-like as possible. XD And for the haki thing; yep, I think I'll just leave it (hey! It's fanfiction after all, some divergence is allowed, right? :P).

SkittlesKat: I'm glad I was able to leave them in character even for the kissing scene. Yeah, she's kind, but I also don't want her to look like a goody-two-shoes, so I want her to be mean sometimes. :P

Kongo Isamu: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! ^^

10th Squad 3rd Seat: Heh I thought it was finally time for some romantic action for a change. :)

Moonlight Calls: It seemed to me that Miyako didn't have an adventure with her friends for a long time so I decided to make one. They needed it after the last island… And I always thought of Law as a guy who wouldn't give her much say in the matter after deciding things for himself. ^^'

Izzie: haha Yes, I actually listened to that song while writing that part of the chapter. XD It was more fun that way. :D I hope he tells us more about the crew too. :/ But they were on the cover of the last OP chapter so they're still there and apparently they wear black uniforms now (Black looks better on them anyway). Haha and I wonder how long Law will be able to work with Luffy before losing his mind. XD He's already losing it slowly. Law doesn't seem to me like he would care who knows about them so I doubt he would go out of his way to shush that crewmember from telling. Hahah Actually, the marriage part was in my mind when I was writing that scene, too. XD Especially since Miyako's from Wano where women are more conservative.

Tsaurn: I'm glad I did (mission complete!) :D Yes, English isn't my native language so I'm sorry if there are any mistakes even though I always try to write as grammatically correct as possible. ^^' About Shichibukai, yeah, I know it's written with a shi (I didn't even realize there were some places where it was written sichibuki so thanks for warning me. I went back to chapter 9 and corrected it.) Oddly enough, in some places it was written correctly and in some not, so I really don't remember what happened there. o.O

Shiningheart of ThunderClan: haha oh you hentai, you. ;P Well about the Josh thing, you got the answer in this chapter. ;) I must say I like his new hat better, probably because it has a brim so it kinda looks cooler to me. :P

Zoro et Robin: heheYeah, causeMiyakocan't go against herself anymore…nor against Law. :P haha It would be out of character but just imagine what faces the crew would make at that moment. I think they would choke on their food. XD I'm glad you like how I portray Law though it's not very hard to make him sexy since he already is. ;) Well, who would've guessed; your wish came true again! ;) *salutes* Yes, mam! I hope the chapter came fast enough. Consider it a Christmas gift. ;P And since you always leave me a nice lesson in French, here's one for you; Hvala na osvrtu! Sretan Božić i Nova Godina! (translation: Thanks for the review. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!) :)

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So that's all for now, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Stay tune for the next one. Have fun on your holidays and Marry Christmas/Hanukkah/anything else you're celebrating and happy New Year! :D