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themurphyzone · 1 year ago

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Pinky Unleashed Ch 17

AN: Enjoy the first chapter of the new year! Things are getting heated heehee!

AO3 Link

Ch 17: Welcome the Jungle

Valuable time slipped away from Brain, and he cursed himself for neglecting to track the sun’s position. He’d been so preoccupied with their search for the Temple that Pinky’s condition had fallen by the wayside.

It was easy to forget that Pinky transformed into a much larger, more powerful creature when the sun disappeared. He always carried himself with a cheerful, optimistic disposition until the stress and anticipation of nighttime bit him with a vengeance.

Then he’d become distracted and frightened, and there wasn’t much Brain could do to bring him out of it. Even Chip’s generosity with his chocolate only worked for a short amount of time before Pinky went right back to pretending he wasn’t worried.

The branch trembled violently, unable to bear the brunt of Pinky’s rapidly increasing weight much longer. Pinky’s agonized screams swiftly turned into a piercing howl, and Brain heard his name called in desperation, distorted with changing vocal cords and pleading for his help.

Unsure he could lend support to Pinky in a way that would be beneficial, Brain tried to crawl over to him, forced to inch along on his stomach to avoid disturbing the branch any further and relying on the thick moss for balance as he pulled himself towards a dark-furred Pinky.

“S-stay right there, Pinky,” Brain stammered. He tried to hide the fear in his voice, though he was failing miserably at it. “Don’t move. I’m coming.”

But Pinky’s pointed ears laid flat against his head, shutting out the world around him. He wasn’t aware of his traveling companions’ presence or his precarious position above the ground.

Pinky only knew excruciating pain.

The branch couldn’t withstand more punishment. Brain’s stomach lurched at the sound of a crisp, sharp crack, the branch tilting dangerously to the ground.

Within seconds, the branch fractured completely.

“PINKY!” Brain screamed, diving forward to snatch Pinky’s swollen hand, but he was too late.

Pinky plummeted to the forest floor with an earsplitting howl, his large body disappearing below the thick underbrush.

For a terrifying moment, there was nothing but air underneath Brain’s feet. He let out an undignified squeak, unable to be anything else but the unflattering stereotype of a timid mouse.

There was nothing he could do. He’d fall and fall and fall into the endless void, and nobody would be there to catch him.

Not even Pinky.

“Oof! Don’t worry, Brain! I gotcha!”

Then a pair of arms wrapped around him, a bright green light swamping his vision. Brain almost believed it was Pinky…how he wanted to believe it was Pinky, but the texture of the fur was all wrong and the grip too loose and the light should’ve been sky blue, not otherworldly green…

“You okay?” Chip asked in concern.

Brain looked away to hide his disappointment.

“Just bring us down. We’d better make sure Pinky didn’t concuss himself,” Brain ordered, climbing on Chip’s back so he didn’t look completely helpless.

Chip didn’t seem convinced, but he flew lower anyway. The light from Chip’s necklace remained steady and bright, and as they passed a multitude of plant species, their leaves and vines stretched towards Chip’s light.

Brain didn’t personify plants, that was more of a Pinky quirk, but he thought they seemed almost…desperate.

Like they’d been starving for any source of light for so long.

It’s just their heliocentric properties. Of course they need all the light they can get when the trees block it all out…

“I don’t hear Pinky down there,” Chip said, his voice wavering.

“It’s not the first time he’s fallen from a high place. He’ll be fine,” Brain reasoned.

Probably. Hopefully.

The moonlight didn’t reach the ground. When Brain looked up, all he saw were the shadows of gnarled, enormous branches and their leaves.

The undergrowth was sparse. While there were bushes scattered around, there was plenty of room for Chip to land without getting scratched by thorny vines.

Brain jumped off Chip and pulled out his flashlight, though to his disappointment, it only covered a pitiable area. His beam couldn’t break through the dark treeline at all.

His fur stood on end against his will. He didn’t know what sort of predators could be lurking around in the shadows, and that wasn’t even factoring Dark Gaia into the equation.

He didn’t dare stray too far from Chip. If a hostile presence was nearby, they needed to escape quickly.

In contrast, Chip’s necklace bathed a much larger area with its strange green light, though Pinky was still nowhere to be seen.

Focus on finding him, Brain reminded himself. That was their main priority. The…inadequacy of this flashlight isn’t important right now.

“Pinky?” Chip called. “We kinda need you right now! It’s way too spooky out here to be alone!”

Didn’t Chip have any sort of survival instinct whatsoever? At this rate, he’d attract every predator in the jungle to their location!

“Quiet, before you attract unwanted attention!” Brain hissed.

Chip gasped, his hands flying to his mouth in horror. His eyes flitted over their surroundings nervously.

Brain aimed his flashlight’s beam under a bush that was out of the perimeter of Chip’s light. His beam swept over the area at first, but then he noticed an odd piece of brown fabric underneath the leaves.

It looked out of place among the organic material, though familiar in a way Brain couldn’t put his finger on.

He tugged on Chip’s fur, who leapt backwards in fright and almost let out a shrill scream if Brain hadn’t yanked him to eye level and slapped his hands across his mouth. One warning glare was enough to get his point across, and once Chip was silent and somewhat calmer, Brain jerked his head towards the bush.

But Chip just stared blankly, the silent communication lost on him.

If Brain had given the same instruction to Pinky, he would’ve understood right away. But Chip’s presence to their group added a layer of uncertainty, especially now that it was necessary to keep him around as an ally for his ability to open the Gaia Temples.

Brain seized Chip’s wrist and dragged him to the bush. He was heavier than Pinky, but that barely slowed Brain down.

Carefully, Brain aimed his beam on the fabric underneath the bush. The only movement came from a tiny black beetle which quickly scuttled away from the light.

The fabric belonged to a small, shredded backpack with the straps broken off. A canteen laid next to it, water dripping out the open nozzle. Several protein bars had been crushed into crumbs. The only intact items were an old shoestring, a can of bug spray, and a roll of bandages and disinfectant.

But Brain’s eyes were drawn to the large clawmarks that split the backpack down the middle.

This is…Pinky’s backpack. He must’ve torn it when he transformed.

Chip gasped. “So…where’s the rest of him?” he asked awkwardly.

Brain’s fists clenched at his side, but he reminded himself that Chip probably didn’t realize he shouldn’t phrase it like that, so he stumbled over to the backpack and dug through the items to avoid bopping Chip and rendering him unconscious when he needed another pair of eyes.

“Here,” Brain said, tossing the can of bug spray over his shoulder. “I’ll salvage what I can from this mess. Store the items in your backpack and we’ll get back to searching for Pinky.”

Brain heard a backpack unzip behind him.

At least Chip understood instructions this time around.

However, it didn’t take long before Chip started pestering him.

“...Brain?”

“What?” Brain snapped, almost losing the end of the bandage roll he was measuring.

“I’m kinda hungry.”

“So eat one of your protein bars.”

“I ran out.”

Brain groaned, resisting the urge to slam his head into a solid object. “Why did you eat all your food already?”

“I was hungry!”

Brain heard a low, rumbling growl as if Chip’s stomach was backing up his claim.

Brain huffed, tossing a protein bar he’d found in the wreckage that was only broken in half rather than crumbled completely at Chip.

“That’s the only bar not covered in dirt here. Next time, ration your food.”

Brain ignored the sounds of ripping plastic and chewing behind him. But as he checked the pockets of the backpack interior to check for any small items, he couldn’t completely ignore the grumble of Chip’s stomach, which still wouldn’t shut up even though he’d already been fed one protein bar.

“Chip!” Brain yelled, aggravated by all the unnecessary noise he was making. “Will you cease that racket? I can’t hear myself ponder!”

He finally looked over his shoulder, only to be met with a look of confusion from Chip. Chocolate crumbs littered his muzzle, but he was too focused on Brain to lick them off.

“That’s…not me,” he said slowly.

The growling had become louder and more intense than before.

A chill ran up Brain’s spine as he slowly reached for his flashlight with trembling hands. He took a deep, shaky breath, and tried his best to keep his hands steady and his fear pushed aside, though some deeply repressed mousey instinct screamed at him to flee for the safety of a burrow.

He fumbled his grip on the flashlight several times before finally bringing it to his chest and pointing the pitiful light behind Chip.

And he saw glinting, sharp claws attached to an enormous paw. And beyond that…there was a leg full of golden fur with black spots.

Brain’s blood ran cold.

“Leopard,” Brain whispered, keeping his voice low yet urgent so the African big cat didn’t get excited. “Bush. Now.”

Chip opened his mouth, confused by Brain’s sudden terror. Before he could say anything, a glob of saliva hit him on the shoulder, and Chip’s pupils shrunk to pinpoints right before he let out a blood curdling scream.

The leopard pounced, its yellow fangs and wicked claws on full display. It must’ve had some sabertooth tiger in its ancestry, because Brain swore that leopard fangs weren't that sharp or ready to disembowel poor, simple rainforest creatures with a single bite.

“Chip!” Brain screeched in horror when Chip cowered before the leopard, too paralyzed with fear to duck for cover within the bush.

Silver claws extended, swiping through the air towards a terrified Chip. Brain wanted to turn away, unwilling to see the leopard pierce through Chip’s flesh, but he was completely rooted to the spot.

It was impossible to turn away.

Yet those cruel claws never met their target.

An oddly melodic howl tore through the darkness, and the leopard suddenly vanished from the entrance with a furious screech.

A spark of hope reignited within Brain, though he tried not to be so foolishly naive about that familiar howl.

Brain crept towards the edge of the bush, sticking close to Chip for safety.

At the very edge of the perimeter of Chip’s light, the leopard crouched low to the ground and snarled at the shadows, its tail lashing irritably.

“Wh-what’s going on?” Chip stammered, a little too loudly.

“Quiet!” Brain snapped, keeping his voice down so the two hostile forces wouldn’t break their stand off and hunt them down as allies.

If they moved quickly, they could slip away before either predator noticed them.

And yet…Brain felt an odd pang of guilt for calling the creature in the shadows a predator.

That creature saved their lives.

It didn’t feel right.

The leopard crouched low to the ground, its fangs bared and ears pinned back, though its threatening composure deteriorated with every passing second.

The unknown threat loomed over the leopard, intimidating it with mere presence alone.

Finally, the leopard slunk away in defeat, its long tail between its legs.

“Alright! You did it!” Chip cheered, leaping into the air in celebration before Brain could stop him.

A blank white gaze fixated on him.

Chip gulped, dropping to the ground once he realized his mistake.

But it was too late. They’d been noticed by something far worse than the leopard.

Their combined lights wouldn’t be enough to ward off a Dark Gaia underling powerful enough to scare away an apex predator of the jungle.

Brain ran over to Chip, who was curled into a quaking ball of fur on the ground.

“Fly us out of here, Chip!” Brain whispered urgently, slapping Chip’s face to get his attention.

But Chip’s wings only fluttered weakly in response. His fear had taken over completely.

Brain clung to Chip, keeping an eye on the shifting, shadowy mass that crept closer to the bush. It was impossible to make out its exact shape.

Then he heard a lonely whine, a cadence that he’d grown all too familiar with over the past few nights.

The creature stepped into the light, its glowing white eyes turning a bright shade of sky blue.

“...Pinky?” Brain whispered in shock.

Pinky slowly nodded, his movements slow, cumbersome, and uncertain as he awkwardly lumbered to the center of the green circle and laid on his stomach.

He looked away and didn’t come closer, curling in on himself so he’d appear smaller than he really was.

It was a rather sobering sight, but there wasn’t much Brain could do for him.

As much as he wanted to.

Pinky’s lack of energy would only distract Brain, and all thoughts that should’ve been reserved for reuniting and conquering the world had all somehow been taken over by completely rational and logical concerns over Pinky’s condition.

Brain slowly approached Pinky, ignoring all potential dangers in this action. He left the safety of the bush behind him, shoving aside that nagging voice in his head.

Chip remained under the bush, only daring to poke one hand into the open air.

Pinky’s blue eyes were completely downcast, his long, wolf-like ears drooping to the side. High-pitched, barely suppressed whines emanated from his throat, and all of those individual factors combined were enough to concern Brain.

Rationally, of course.

It wasn’t unusual for Pinky to stare off into space, usually when he had some inane fantasy that his microscopic mind cooked up.

But those fantasies were always accompanied by humming, dancing, and swishing body parts. And if Brain had the misfortune of being in close proximity, Pinky would pick him up and twirl him around until they were too dizzy to stand straight.

This time, Pinky was unnaturally still.

Brain steeled himself for the physical contact he was about to initiate. This required more…finesse than he was used to.

Pinky didn’t notice.

He reached out with one hand, took a deep breath, and placed it on Pinky’s arm.

Brain wasn’t certain that Pinky felt his hand at all through his thick coat, but he only had seconds to ponder that thought before Pinky yelped and leapt backwards, his dark fur standing on end.

And Brain had been knocked flat on his back from the force of Pinky suddenly pulling away, winded for air and questioning everything he thought he knew about Pinky, who never turned down an offered hug or touch, however rare they were.

He sat up, wincing as the base of his tail throbbed painfully.

“Brain!” Chip shouted frantically, the flying imp at his side at an instant. “You okay? Anything broken? Is Pinky still sca-”

“Quiet, Chip!” Brain snapped with a quick glance at Pinky, who was still wide-eyed with fear. The last thing Pinky needed were Chip’s often blunt comments about his loss of control. “It was an involuntary reflex. I’m not injured.”

Pinky seemed a little too relieved for comfort.

“Oh,” Chip said awkwardly, bowing his head in apology to Pinky. “Sorry. I realllllly thought you were gonna eat-”

Brain elbowed Chip sharply to prevent him from finishing that sentence.

“-oof! I mean, eat this delicious protein bar! It’s double fudge!” Chip didn’t miss a beat as he pulled a protein bar out of Brain’s backpack and held one end out to Pinky.

Pinky hesitated at first, but after an encouraging smile from Chip, he slowly came closer. His nose twitched in anticipation, his tail waving behind him.

It’s working, and that fact alone was the only reason he didn’t scold Chip for reaching into his backpack without permission. Culinary distractions are always successful on Pinky, even when his behavior is off.

Pinky reached for the protein bar, but he only wound up with a crushed package as he pulled it out of Chip’s hands. Pinky could only stare despondently at the crumbs and dust that blew away from the broken foil in his giant hand.

An uncomfortable, oppressive silence weighed upon all of them.

Whatever you do, don’t start crying, Pinky. I…I don’t need to feel more helpless than ever right now….

“Hey…it’s okay!” Chip waved his arms frantically. “Don’t worry about it. Brain’s got plenty more in his backpack! He hasn’t eaten any of his bars yet! You can have one of those!”

Pinky tilted his head at Brain, his gaze abruptly sharper. Suddenly, Brain had the distinct impression he was being judged.

“Next time, kindly withhold that information,” he grumbled, knowing that Pinky would never let it go until he ate something. He dug into his backpack and came up with three protein bars, tossing two at Chip. He tried to ignore how there were only a measly four bars left, and they’d have to start foraging for any non-poisonous food tomorrow. “Here. Feed one to Pinky. I’ve never been fond of caramel myself.”

Pinky and Chip gave him a strange look. Neither of them had the same issues with caramel as Brain did.

“It’s practically edible glue,” Brain snapped as he bit into his protein bar. “I can’t tolerate that stuff on my teeth.”

“Caramel’s not bad? It pairs great with chocolate!” Chip said in dismay.

Pinky barked in agreement, though he didn’t need to tack on that he’d absolutely roll around in a big pile of caramel if he could.

Brain rolled his eyes. “You’re cleaning your own fur in that situation, Pinky. I won’t help you.”

Perhaps that would discourage Pinky from attempting such mischief.

Then Pinky flopped onto the ground, rolling onto his back and leaving his vulnerable stomach exposed.

Or perhaps not.

Chip hovered above Pinky’s head with a completely unwrapped protein bar in his hands. He dangled it several feet in the air, and Pinky’s tongue lolled out, his jaws parted to receive the treat. Then Chip dropped the protein bar into Pinky’s waiting maw, and it disappeared in a single gulp.

Pinky swiped his tongue across his lips, tail swishing in an odd show of happiness. Chip laughed alongside him, performing complicated aerial maneuvers with ease, the light from his necklace flickering and expanding in a mesmerizing show.

This isn’t the time for revelry, Brain thought, tracing a line through the soil and leaves in annoyance. We’re exposed at night in an unfamiliar location, we have no idea where the Temple is, and we’ve lost many of our valuable supplies in less than a day’s worth of travel.

He sipped out of his canteen, taking in more water than he needed before stopping himself from being too indulgent. He hadn’t realized how famished or parched he’d been before.

Or how fatigued he was for that mattered. They’d been walking, climbing, or fleeing for their lives all day without a break.

Perhaps a rest period was in order.

As much as Brain wanted to get back to their current goal, Pinky always told him he got crankier when he worked past a certain point and deprived himself of food or sleep.

Brain had dismissed those claims at first, but once he realized that his own productivity increased after taking care of his basic needs, he realized that Pinky had a point for once.

Or a poit.

Oh dear. Pinky had influenced his mind too much, and he couldn’t resist making that terrible malapropism.

Or was it all the dancing lights above him that seemed to hypnotize and entrance his mind?

The orb on Chip’s necklace trailed its mysterious green light behind him while he flew, bathing the mushrooms, flowers, and leaves around him. And one by one, the plant life glowed in shades of green and blue. Mushrooms stretched higher, while leaves grew long, winding vines that sprouted even more leaves.

Chip ran his hand along a vine, and flower buds sprang up, matured, and blossomed into beautiful tropical flora.

Brain had never seen anything like this before.

He wondered if Chip realized what he was doing at all, creating light and life in a dark, perilous environment. But Chip only laughed and danced and flew without a care in the world, for once taking some amusement with powers he didn’t fully understand.

Just what are you, anyway?

He longed to ask, but a series of happy yips beside him made him forget his ponderings entirely.

Pinky was sitting on his haunches, curiously stretching his head towards the glowing balls of light. There was a big, ridiculous grin on his face, his tail waving happily in the air as he batted at the lights with his front paws.

It was just so natural for him. The happiness, that strange charm, the joy he got out of the simplest things…

Twinkling lights cascaded all around Pinky, his dark pelt shimmering with colorful starlight. It was a sight to behold, and Brain couldn’t look away.

There was still trouble out there. Plenty of looming threats on the horizon, plenty of strife and fear and unhappiness, yet they all seemed so far, so trivial now.

The blue glow in Pinky’s eyes was unparalleled, even by a cloudless sky in the daytime. He no longer felt the pain of his transformation, nor the fears of destruction that his new attributes could bring.

There was simply pure, unbridled joy and wonder reflected in those deep blue pools.

Pinky’s movements were flowing and graceful, unburdened by his extra weight.

A green moth with large wings fluttered down from a vine, gently landing on Pinky’s nose. Pinky’s movements ceased as he stared at the moth, enchanted by the false eyes on its wings.

Then he puffed a little air out of his nose, sending the moth on its way.

Pinky caught his eye, and Brain blushed, quickly averting his gaze. He hadn’t meant to be so obvious with his staring.

There was a certain sense of tranquility that had drawn Brain in. A break to the chaos and strife he desperately needed. A reassurance that Pinky would always be Pinky even if he was the size of a large wolf now.

Brain’s face grew warm, and he couldn’t tell if it was from the lights or because he couldn’t come up with a good reason for watching Pinky so closely.

Fortunately, Pinky became distracted by a ball of drifting light, saving Brain from an explanation for his staring.

Pinky’s blue eyes sparkled with childlike wonder as he reached for the light, and Brain couldn’t help but smile.

Pinky truly had a gift for finding something good out of a bleak situation, and Brain hoped he’d never lose it when such a trait was desperately needed.

A ball of light came to rest in Pinky’s open palm. Pinky gently poked it with the tip of his claw, his curious expression turning to one of delight.

He made several excited vocalizations, wagging his tail as he eagerly showed his discovery to Brain.

The light in his hand transformed into different colors, from soft pink to snowy white to bold red and elegant purple.

“Fascinating…” Brain said, completely entranced by the changing colors. Pinky’s excitement was contagious. “Are you controlling the color of the light, Pinky?”

Pinky tilted his head at the question before responding with a noncommittal shrug.

Though there surely had to be a scientific basis somewhere, Brain wondered if it truly mattered that much. Maybe some things were just meant to be admired without question.

Above their heads, Chip twirled among dozens of colorful orbs, which burst into radiant beams when they landed on the mushrooms and flowers.

The beams showered Brain’s backpack with light, which had been sitting on the dirt, temporarily forgotten while the group enjoyed their respite. The top flap opened on its own, and the Earth Gem rose into the air, held aloft by the yellow lights that gathered around it.

The Earth Gem outshone all the other lights. It was strong, powerful, and overwhelming. It commanded everybody’s attention, and all activity ceased as they watched the Earth Gem ascend towards Chip.

Underfoot, the pebbles and soil trembled, causing Brain to stumble. An odd, foreboding sensation chilled his body, reminding him that the serenity couldn’t last forever.

Chip hovered above the Earth Gem, which hovered and rotated fiercely, flinging off all the lights that clung to it.

Pinky’s ears flattened, and he let out a hesitant growl. His smile disappeared, fangs poking out in uncertainty. He fell onto all fours in a protective stance.

But Chip remained oblivious to Pinky and Brain’s pensiveness. With a joyful laugh, he threw his arms around the Earth Gem in an enormous embrace.

Sparks flew around the Earth Gem and Chip, and in one final burst of energy, the Earth Gem plummeted to the ground, taking a screaming Chip with it.

Brain dove under Pinky for cover, the sharp point of the Earth Gem striking the soil just inches away from him. It sank into the earth, leaving only the top poking out. The ground shook violently, and Brain clung to Pinky’s wrist to keep himself upright.

He was reminded all too strongly of the trials they faced in Teros’ labyrinth.

I thought Teros would be dormant for the time being. But…perhaps he retains some level of awareness within his gem?

Brain didn’t want to face Teros again. Not this soon. Was he furious about the delay in finding the next Temple? Or did Teros still believe Pinky was a monster who wasn’t worthy of carrying the Earth Gem after all?

They only survived their confrontation with Teros because Pinky had impressed him with his mercy and kindness.

The ground split in half, creating a fissure that extended further than anyone could see. Brain wondered if the fissure was intended to make them fall deep into the earth with no hope of escape.

We just need more time!

He doubted Teros was so easily appeased though.

Pinky shifted his arm away from Brain, which didn’t help his anxiety in the slightest.

“My knees….” Chip groaned, still recovering from his fall. He stood up with difficulty, rubbing his knees to get the pain out. “Owww….why’s that crack glowing?”

A mixture of yellow and green light shone from the enormous fissure, lighting up the rainforest with an otherworldly glow.

Brain cautiously crept up to the Earth Gem and tried to pull it out from the ground, but it was deeply embedded within the soil. He gestured to Pinky, whose long claws were more ideal for scooping away dirt.

Pinky scraped the ground around the Earth Gem, intently focused on his task so he didn’t scratch the jewel by accident.

Yet just when it was loose enough to grab, the Earth Gem suddenly drilled through the fissure and disappeared, leaving only an empty hole behind.

Pinky’s large paw only contained a mound of topsoil and dead vegetation, which dribbled uselessly between his fingers.

Then a high-pitched screech and a loud crash tore through the night before they could even process the Earth Gem’s disappearance.

Chip ducked behind Pinky with a shriek. “Wh-what was that?” he yelped.

“Doesn’t matter,” Brain said, wishing he could truly dismiss that cacophony as unimportant. “We need to retrieve the-”

Pinky’s ears pricked in alarm, the fur on his back rising. His claws splayed out, teeth bared in trepidation. But before Chip or Brain could ask what he was sensing, Pinky charged out of sight, following the direction of the fissure and the Earth Gem.

“Pinky! Come back at once!” Brain yelled into nothingness. But Pinky didn’t reappear, and Brain hurled his backpack to the ground to relieve his frustration. “Fine then! Go be an appetizer for a lion! See if I care!”

He buried his face in his hands, though it did nothing to resolve his rising panic about being alone in a rainforest at night with plenty of hungry predators or hostile forces seeking easy prey.

Chip coughed awkwardly. “Um…I’m kinda sensing you do care?”

Brain glared at him.

“Only a little bit, I mean!” Chip frantically waved his hands to placate him. “I don’t like it when he runs off either!”

Brain resolved to give Pinky an earful over running off in the middle of the night once they found him.

Wasn’t it already painfully obvious that he and Chip required a bodyguard?

And a morale boost every once in a while.

“Let’s hurry before Pinky finds trouble, Chip,” Brain sighed, putting on his backpack.

Without the compass, Earth Gem, and a dwindling supply of protein bars, his backpack was lighter than it had been when they first set out. Not even a full twenty-four hours had passed, and their supplies were already depleted. It unsettled him.

They’d foolishly wasted enough time tonight. Once they found the runaway gemstone and that moronic, overgrown furball, they had to get back to the search.

And yet, while Brain climbed onto Chip’s back, he wondered if those lights had truly been a waste of time. With the apocalypse drawing closer, he’d thought it was impossible to feel anything other than despair and helplessness.

Then he saw Pinky, who radiated wonder and joy when the lights settled along his transformed body like all the stars in the night sky were resting on him, twinkling gently to provide hope for anyone who saw such a sight.

Maybe he’d been too caught up in the moment to consider that any splash of color would’ve stood out from Pinky’s supernatural dark fur.

The happiness in Pinky’s expression had been genuine. For once, he wasn’t fabricating a smile as Brain had seen too often lately.

But reality hammered down on them hard, and they couldn’t pretend they were in some magical fairy forest forever.

Not when they were the only ones who had even the slimmest chance of wrecking Snowball’s plans and saving the world from eternal darkness.

“It’s weirdly easier to fly here,” Chip remarked in an attempt at conversation. “I kept knocking into branches and tree trunks before.”

Brain didn’t respond, although he did notice the trees weren’t as densely packed in this area. The vines were small and easy to avoid, while the flowers and mushrooms were few and far between. The undergrowth had been reduced to small patches of moss and shrubbery spread far apart.

The fissure wasn’t surrounded by plant life like it had been before. The ground appeared dry, cracked, and barren. Dead trees, logs, and leaves littered the forest floor.

No insects fluttered by, nor did they hear the boastful, territorial calls of larger animals.

But there was laughter. Cruel, wicked laughter that could only belong to unnatural beings who lived and breathed destruction.

“It’s worse than I thought. Dark Gaia’s influence is turning this jungle into a wasteland,” Brain whispered.

It was only a small area now, but it wouldn’t take long before the entire rainforest became an uninhabitable zone for any form of life.

Fear chilled Brain to the core. Without the thick foliage to cover them, they were completely exposed. Because Pinky wasn’t here to ward them off, they were prime targets.

“Faster,” he urged Chip. “Before we’re noticed.”

A short distance away, a tail with sharp spikes swung out from the darkness, cleaving an entire tree in half. A pair of unnatural purple eyes glinted with malice, its raspy laughter echoing through the dying vegetation.

Chip took a shuddering breath, his wings beating faster so they could leave that monster far, far behind them.

Neither he nor Chip were powerful enough to confront that entity.

Brain wanted to call out for Pinky, but he worried that he’d only draw unwanted attention.

The fissure led them to an area where the dead logs had either been cleared out or piled into stacks, and the dead leaves and branches were missing entirely. There was only a wide dirt road with old tire tracks embedded into the soil.

And in the middle of the road, an enormous stone wall had emerged from the fissure. On the other side, there was the sound of tires screeching, an engine failing, and most strangely of all, the frustrated curses and shouts of men who couldn’t get their vehicle to work.

Nothing about this feels right. This is certainly the work of the Earth Gem, but…why?

“Get down. We need a ground approach,” Brain ordered Chip.

Chip landed on the withered grass, shivering in trepidation. “What about Pinky? Shouldn’t we look for him?”

But Brain shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. He’s already here.”

He couldn’t explain how he knew that, but he always had this…fluttering sensation whenever he and Pinky were separated yet so close to reuniting.

Brain lifted a finger to his mouth, indicating Chip to be quiet. They crept around the wall, careful to not draw attention to themselves.

To Brain’s relief, Pinky was standing on the side of the road. He didn’t appear injured, but he hadn’t noticed them at all. He was unusually focused on something on the truck in front of him, which had crashed into the wall. Its hood was crumpled, and there were angry shouts coming from within the vehicle.

That noise they heard just before Pinky ran off…this must’ve been the source.

But the Earth Gem was nowhere in sight.

A forest green tarp covered the back of the truck, bound by several sturdy ropes. Pinky’s ears were pointed at the tarp, and though Brain dismissed Pinky’s interest as food at first, he thought he heard some quiet rustling coming from underneath.

Brain ran up to Pinky, yanking on his tail as hard as he could to get his attention.

“How many times must I tell you, Pinky? Don’t run off by yourself!” Brain scolded, trying to keep his voice low. “Now come, let’s find that gem and get ou-Pinky? Pinky, are you listening to me?”

Pinky’s tail arched far above Brain’s reach as he lumbered over to the tarp, reaching for the rope that bound it to the truck.

Suddenly, there was a furious shout. Brain only caught a glimpse of Pinky’s startled reflection in the mirror before the door burst open.

You just had to get yourself noticed, Pinky, Brain thought in resignation.

A man in a safari outfit stomped out of the truck, glaring ferociously at Pinky. He wore leather boots and a necklace bleached an unnatural shade of white. His sandy hair was closely cropped, his mouth twisted in disgust.

“I’ve never seen such an ugly beast in my life,” the man growled.

Pinky’s ears drooped, and though he was larger, he shrank away with his tail between his legs. He whined sadly, his blue eyes full of shame.

Why don’t you turn around and look at your own terrible visage?

Brain’s fists clenched at his sides. He didn’t care about stealth anymore. Pinky needed him now, before those ignorant taunts settled into his head.

Before Brain could intervene and try to get Pinky away from the cruel words of this brute, the rope snapped in Pinky’s paw.

The brute’s head whipped to the side, his eyes narrowed in fury as he tried to secure the tarp, but it fell away in his hands.

And Brain’s eyes widened upon seeing the enormous stack of cages filled with colorful tropical birds. Every single one had their beaks taped up, their wings bound, and their feet covered. Their noises were feeble, unable to chirp or squawk or make any vocalizations freely.

Brain stumbled back, his ears falling limply around his shoulders.

The shrill, terrified squeaks around him. The unyielding bars, the tiny window of light that only provided a small, fleeting chance of escape….

“Brain?” Chip’s voice was far away. “H-hey, you don’t look good.”

A pair of hands were on his shoulders, trying to steady him.

“...poachers. These men are poachers, Chip,” Brain whispered, too lightheaded to stand on his own.

Why couldn’t he make his body move? They needed to get out of here! Couldn’t Pinky or Chip see the danger they were in?

The birds’ eyes were dull, and their only movement was the occasional, helpless flap of their bound wings.

They’d already given up hope of any rescue, of living freely in the wild.

“...they’re bad?” Chip asked, his voice meek, yet with a hint of steel within it too. He glanced at the poor birds, his green orb flashing as if to give the birds a spark of hope.

Brain managed to nod. “Yes. Especially for Pinky.”

“Okay,” Chip replied with determination.

Chip likely didn’t know what a poacher was, or what made the occupation so disgusting and frightening, but Brain was grateful that he was willing to set his lack of knowledge aside and focus on protecting Pinky anyway.

“Pete!” the poacher yelled, thumping the truck roof harshly. Pinky flinched, and he gingerly hung the broken rope on the truck like he was trying to apologize. “Get your lazy ass out here! This damn monster’s going for our catch!”

A man climbed out of the truck on the passenger’s side. He was smaller and thinner than his partner, but there was a shrewd glint in his eyes that Brain disliked.

“Quit shootin’ everythin’ before ya know what it is, Bruce,” Pete snapped in irritation, an odd country accent coloring his tone. “I ain’t losin’ money for that thing cause ya can’t keep yer trigger finger under control.”

“I don’t have a trigger finger! Quit making bullcrap up!” Bruce roared as he reached for an item by his seat. A loud, deafening bang sounded from somewhere in the truck, and the birds let out muffled, horrified shrieks.

A new, smoking bullet hole graced the top of the truck.

Pete gave Bruce a smug look.

“Don’t,” Bruce grunted, hefting a heavy rifle over his shoulder. “I’m not in the mood.”

Pinky stumbled over his tail and fell back, chest heaving in panic as his gaze flickered between the caged birds and the rifle Bruce carelessly wielded.

It didn’t matter how high Pinky’s pain tolerance was. That rifle was clearly designed to pierce even the toughest of animal hides.

“No….” Brain whispered, and he silently begged the poachers to not shoot. He hated his inability to take action. His body wanted to jump in more than anything, but something in his mind held him back.

The poachers hadn’t started shooting yet. Maybe there was still a chance of escape.

“Hey, take a look at this,” Pete said, sliding a small piece of paper over the roof to Bruce. “That there creature matches the description. That’s why I ain’t recommendin’ ya spray bullets just yet.”

Bruce’s fist slammed onto the paper, crumpling it. He glanced at it briefly, then tossed it aside and smirked at Pinky.

“Well, well. Looks like you’re worth a lot more than these stupid birds,” Bruce declared. He dropped his rifle, replacing it with a long, serrated dagger from his boot.

Pinky only spread his fingers, trying to placate them. Brain couldn’t bear to watch much longer. It hurt to watch Pinky not lift a finger to defend himself even when aggression was completely necessary and justified.

The paper fluttered weakly in the breeze until it landed in front of Brain and Chip.

And Brain’s heart stopped at the sight.

These poachers had a photo of Pinky.

End AN:

Time to open the new year with mice angst! What's gonna happen next? Even the author doesn't know cause she changed this part of the story from the original outline! Idk I just wanted to make things juicy.

The poachers' names were originally gonna be Pistol and Dagger, but that felt a bit too on the nose so I just gave them normal names instead.

I just really, really love the mental image of Brain being like 'pretty pinky' and gets so offended when somebody calls Pinky ugly.

The latter half of this chapter is sorta based around my hc that Brain has strong opinions about poaching since he was taken from the wild himself as a baby. Outlawing poaching worldwide is on his to do list if he succeeds at domination.

As for the fluffy scene in the middle, I just wanted some angst free fluffiness before we got to the meat of this arc.

#pinky and the brain #patb fanfiction #pinky unleashed

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tentimesthecourage · 4 years ago

Text

Group Hug

Based off of this post

“Group hug!”

It was something the Chain had grown used to hearing from the smallest member and whoever was closest to him was hugged tightly. The strange thing was that he was the only one hugging the other. At least, that’s what it seemed like. The rest would humor him, hugging him back no matter how confused they were. Time seemed to know what he was referring to, but he never spilled anything. Of course he didn’t, he was a locked chest of secrets.

Rinku hummed softly as he felt arms encircling his waist and returned the hug with a smile. He reached up and entangled his fingers in Four’s hair, feeling him melt against him with a content sigh. It wasn’t the first time he had been a ‘victim’ of Four’s supposed group hugs, but the curiosity went away.

“You think you’ll ever tell me why you say ‘group hug’ when there’s only two? Hardly a group.” He hummed softly. “Annnnd don’t say Minish, I’d see them too you know.” Four leaned back with a small knowing smirk as his eyes shined with four colors. Red, blue, green, and violet.

“One day, I’ll tell you one day.” Rinku hummed again before leaning down to press a soft kiss to his forehead.

---

Four had fallen back for a bit, needing a break which caused the Colors to fight about who would front first.

Red ended up shoved in control as he felt the sensation of arms around his waist and being lifted.

“Surprise group hug!”

Red squeaked softly, turning his gaze to see the mischievous sparkle of Four’s boyfriend. “A-Ah Rinku! You startled me.” He felt his cheeks flushing, the calm and collected persona Four usually held out the window from the surprise.

Rinku chuckled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. “Sorry about that. I figured you deserve a hug instead of always giving them to others.” He gently set Red down as his ears perked. “Oh, Wild’s calling me. I’ll be back, Four!” And he’s off.

Red touched the cheek he kissed as his blush brightened.

“O-Oh dear…”

---

Vio settled against the tree Four had sat under, pulling out the book out of their shared pack. It was a calming day and Four had allowed him to be in control for a while so he could continue reading. Normally they would have split and he could have read on his own, but considering they were still with everyone… not happening.

“Mind if I join you?” His ears perked and he looked up to see Rinku smiling gently. He gave a small shrug, a light smile of his own forming. “Not at all. I’m just reading.”

“Might I ask what it’s about?” The taller male asked as he took a seat beside him. Vio closed the book just enough to show the cover, a dark image of a castle under a storm.

“Just a fantasy novel about shadows and storms… It’s quite interesting. Would you like to borrow it when I’m finished?” He wasn’t sure if Rinku was into reading, but it didn’t hurt to ask.

“I would, but…” Rinku’s cheeks flushed as he glanced to the side. “I um… I doubt I’d be able to read it… reading was… pushed to the wayside in favor of training… so my skill is not that high.” He ducked his head, clearly ashamed. Vio tsked softly before shaking his head as he opened the book to the first page.

“Then let me read to you.” He felt Rinku perk up next to him and smiled faintly before fighting back a gasp as he was pulled onto the younger’s lap and feeling his chin rest on his shoulder.

“Thanks Four…” He whispered, his breath tickling Vio’s ear causing it to twitch madly. He swallowed as he fought back a blush. “You’re welcome…” He turned his attention back to the book and began to read out loud.

---

Blue was fuming, he shoved Four out of control to storm off so he could vent some steam. Sure, he knew it would lead to some questions, but he was pissed off damnit! Those idiots never shut up and it drove him up the wall every time he had to hear them bicker! Sure, he got into it with his own brothers, but nowhere near as often as them and he didn’t needle them just to needle them!

He tugged on his hair and fought back a growl of frustration. If he hadn’t left he would have ended up punching them or even worse. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to drop his hands even as they clenched into fists.

In… out… in… out…

Slowly the tension bled out of his shoulders and he slumped, shaking his head. His ears perked at the sound of footsteps approaching. Turning around found him facing Rinku who raised his hands with a small smile.

“You doing alright?”

He huffed softly and looked away, unable to keep up the persona Four would keep. Honestly, a small part of him was surprised that the younger hadn’t questioned a thing about this, but he supposed he shouldn’t be complaining.

“No… just sick and tired of those two bickering so much. It’s a pain in the ass.”

“Sure is.” He agreed with a small nod before he came closer. Out of the corner of Blue’s eye, he could see a grin crossing his face before he blinked and leaned back as Rinku was soon way too close to him.

“Wanna get away for a bit?”

“Aren’t we already?” Blue snarked, unable to help himself. Rinku didn’t even look remotely phased at his ‘boyfriend’s’ attitude towards him. If anything, his grin widened.

“Yeah, but there’s something really interesting I wanna show you. If you’re up for it?”

He hesitated before slowly nodding, “Fine. Lead the way.” He jolted as Rinku took his hand before pulling him along.

Through the trees, away from the beaten path, they just kept going. They weren’t slow but they weren’t quick either. Blue was about to demand to know where he was leading him before the question died on his lips at the sight before him. It was a bright golden pillar of light, shining brightly like a beacon.

Rinku hummed softly before squeezing his hand. “C’mon, we’re really close!” He picked up the pace and Blue followed suit, eyes trained on the light. Strangely, the closer they got, the more the light faded until they were on top of it and it was gone. In its place was a softly glowing item that Rinku picked up and presented to him

“We got lucky.” He murmured. “Normally Star Fragments land much further away from wherever Wild and I stand.” He smiled as he held it out to Blue for him to take. He hesitated for a moment before reaching out and cradling it gently. It was huge and so warm.

“We caught it right on time… it’ll definitely last now and never lose its glow.” Rinku smiled. Blue wasn’t sure what to say before he took a deep breath and set the fragment aside. He shuffled faintly from side to side, knowing he should hug him but finding himself too nervous. Somehow Rinku seemed to know and Blue stiffened as he found himself in the younger’s arms. He slumped and reached up to hug him back even as his cheeks burned.

“...thanks…”

“You’re welcome.”

---

Green couldn’t take it.

Four fell back for him, letting him take over so he could pull away from the group. His eyes were burning and he had to force his shoulders from shaking too hard and catching everyone’s attention.

Thankfully they were at an inn so he could just slip into the room Four was staying in and hopefully not be bothered until he could calm down. Normally he wouldn’t bother being in control when he was this upset but… he could feel his eyes burning and shuddered.

He needed the release.

Tears slipped down his flushed cheeks as his knees buckled and he finally fell with a dull thud. He buried his face in his hands and sobbed sofly, shuddering. He didn’t even know why he was this upset, it wasn’t that bad!

A knock at the door had him freezing. Who had noticed him leave…?

“Four?” Green tensed further. It was Rinku… of course he would notice his boyfriend was upset. He gulped, about to say something before jolting as the younger continued softly.

“I don’t know what’s wrong and you don’t have to tell me… just know I’m here, okay?” He heard Rinku step back and forced himself to speak.

“W-wait…”

There was a pause and he forced back a shiver. “P-please…” He couldn’t finish his request for him to come in, but somehow Rinku seemed to know anyway for the door opened and he slipped inside. He turned to face him with a gentle smile…

And Green broke.

With a sob, he dashed into his open arms and clung to him tightly, burying his face against him. Rinku held him tightly, rubbing his back and hushing him softly. He lifted Green to no protest and carried him over to the bed, sitting down and resting him on his lap. He didn’t ask questions, just provided silent and steady support. Green felt a soft kiss to his head and shuddered, tightening his grip on him.

---

“Group hug!”

Rinku jolted faintly before laughing as Four wrapped his arms around him tightly. He returned the hug with equal enthusiasm, playfully responding with “Group hug!”

Four smiled against his tunic, humming softly. Internally he could feel four warm pulses of budding emotions and his smile widened. Oh this would be fun…~

#LU Four #Rinku #LU Red #LU Vio #LU Blue #LU Green #Drabble #Linked Universe

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missdawnandherdusk · 5 years ago

Text

Fairytales

Hufflepuff!Reader x Draco

I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife Offer me that deathless death Good God, let me give you my life

Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Summary: Is Umbridge the worst thing you have to face? Is there a silver lining or something much darker lurking underneath?

A/n: Y’all are going to love me, then hate me. I’m serious. You guys love my fluff writing, but for those who have been with me for a while know I’m the goddess of angst writing. But it’s also +15k words so... Also this gets slightly PG-13 but nothing too risque. So, there’s that. Let me know what you think! I love seeing all the messages/comments from you guys!

Draco quickly found you in the halls, your silvery cloak setting you apart from the masses of black. If his aunt Bellatrix was out from Azkaban, so were a lot of other Death Eaters and he had gone about frantic the past few days not knowing if you were alright.

Paranoia wouldn’t leave him alone. Someone had to know what you meant to him. Maybe his father found out. Maybe someone told from the school. Maybe his aunt had seen you that day on winter holiday. There were too many variables.

But you were there smiling beside your friends waving at him. He pulled you into a quick hug and quickly slung his arm around your shoulders, his eyes darting around the halls as if he were expecting a Death Eater to jump out and take you away.

“Draco,” You chided softly. “I can hear you worrying,” There was a soft smile on your lips.

“Ten Death Eaters escaped from Azkaban,” He hissed into your ear and watched the color drain from your face.

You were quiet a moment, then you nodded.

“We knew this was coming,” You sighed softly. “Here it starts”

He huffed, not enjoying that he knew you were right. Up until recently he had been waiting for this moment, this rise to power. But things changed. You changed him. In his paranoia he had looked into your family history and felt comforted that you were a pureblood, but he knew that Abby was a half-blood, and a few of your—his—friends were mudb—muggle born.

Now a war was brewing, and he didn’t know where to stand. He promised he’d keep you safe, and he would. But he also knew that you would stand for what was right, what was fair. It wasn’t fair to condemn muggle borns. They were people too. It had come to a point that he had a respect for a few muggles as well—the author of your books to begin, and then you showed him muggle music and he loved that too (even if he wouldn’t admit that to you).

You remained quiet and thoughtful throughout the first week back. Sometimes he thought he’d see something in your eyes that held doubt or fear, but your smile would return, and you’d lay your head on his shoulder and it would all be a distant memory.

Despite the war lingering in the backs of everyone’s minds, O.W.L.s were still approaching for the both of you. And with Umbridge’s regime tightening by the day it left Draco practically desperate for a quiet moment with you that didn’t involve studying or hiding from an annoying shade of pink. He hated the color.

So, you started to join him for Quidditch practice. As far as he knew D.A. was still going on, which meant you would be alone without Abby for the night, and though both he and Abby suggested you go back, you shook your head and the subject dropped.

He’d watch your figure in the stands—most time nose in a book— as he trained and ran drills. Your proximity comforted him. The small waves and bright smiles you offered were enough to keep him going.

Until you didn’t show one night to his practice and Ernie nearly ran to him afterwards, out of breath.

“You need to come, quickly,” He panted out.

He dropped everything, stripping his quidditch gear and tossing his broom to the wayside and ran after your fellow house prefect, wand in hand, ready for anything and everything.

His heart broke when he found you crying in Prefect’s bathroom alone. You were curled up under a stained-glass window, sobbing into your arms. Ernie slipped from the room and Draco locked the door behind him. Panting, he made his way to you carefully, as not to slip and fall.

“Darling?” He called softly.

Your head raised, tears streaming down your cheeks. You buried your head back into your arms and started to cry harder, curling up tighter.

“What happened?” His voice was gentle as he came to sit beside you.

“She... she said... I was lying about my father...” You sniffled out the words. “That he wasn’t killed by a Death Eater... and I... I just wanted the attention...”

Draco’s heart froze, thinking about the secret that your mother had shared with him. The truth was on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn’t tell you, not now.

“Who?” He demanded, “Who said you were lying?” He spat the words, fury boiling in his stomach.

“Umbridge,” You squeaked. “She made me... I got detention... It hurt so bad...” You uncurled your left hand from where it gripped at your sweater and he could see angry red gashes into your skin: I must not tell lies was written in your handwriting.

“She did this!?” Draco took your hand, becoming more careful when you hissed in pain.

Draco had to forcibly calm himself before he went and did something stupid. Really stupid. Justified. But stupid.

“She... she has this quill... made me do lines and it appeared...” You cried into his arms as he held you close.

You backed away slightly and wrinkled your nose, your tears all but forgotten, “Quidditch?” The word held a soft smile.

He rolled his eyes and stripped his shirt throwing it to the side. Wiping away your tears he stood, turning the faucets for the master roman styled bath and gestured for you to pick a sweet- smelling soap. You reached out turning the green faucet handle and the blue one, making the water a soft turquoise.

_______________________________

I watched as Draco stripped to his underwear and stepped into the soapy water. I couldn’t stop myself from following the tone of his back and the creamy white skin that stretched tight over lean muscles. He dipped under, the turned back to me.

“Are you coming?” There was an amused smirk on his face.

“We’re going to get in trouble.” I argued weakly.

“From who? The door is locked, and we’re both prefects,” He pointed out. “Scared Y/l/n?”

I scoffed and rolled my eyes, striping as I had in the summer when we swam and entered the silky water and into his arms. The warm water welcomed my skin and the pain on my hand. The winter chill faded from my bones. I loosely hung my arms around Draco’s neck. Butterflies fluttered in my chest. The detention was all but forgotten.

“Have I ever told you you’re beautiful?” His lips were just below my ear, pressing the words softly to my skin. “Because if I haven’t, I’ve been doing it all wrong,”

A warm smile reached my lips. My eyes slipped closed as I curled my fingers in his hair. His hands supported the backs of my legs as they curled around his waist. His lips trailed down my neck, making me shudder involuntarily. I felt his smug smile against my skin.

I bit my lip before three words slipped out that I wouldn’t say but desperately yearned to.

My eyes fluttering open, I nudged him, drawing his lips to mine in a soft, gentle kiss. His hot breath mixed with mine in a familiar comfort. His hand dipped from the water, curling into my hair, leaving warm water drops trailing down my neck and shoulders. A soft sound escaped at the sensation. He hummed in response. The kiss stayed slow and lazy. All of my cells relaxed and reached a tranquil state that I never knew was possible.

I broke the kiss and rested my forehead against his, breathing softly, my eyes closed. Again, I stopped myself from uttering those three words.

I felt him nod as if he knew what I wanted to say and acknowledged it. But maybe it was just my imagination.

He set me on one of the bath outcrops, ascending from the water and grabbing two warm towels that were rolled on a rack next to the bath. I watched him, memorizing every part of him that I could. Towel in hand, I rose from the water and I could feel his eyes doing the same.

“Get changed, and wrap your hand the best you can,” He ordered softly. “Meet me outside your portrait.” His fingertips brushed down my arm, making me shiver again.

In a sweater and fuzzy socks, Draco met me in the halls, a soft smile in his lips. Being careful about my hand Draco led me down the hall toward Snape’s office. I didn’t quite know why though.

Pausing at the door, Draco tried it, but it was locked. He knocked, huffing irritated.

“Professor?” He called; I could hear the frustration in his voice.

My hand reached out and slipped around his waist, a calming effort. The door unlocked and opened, and instead of meeting Snape, green eyes and wild black hair met us.

“Potter,” Draco spat.

“Malfoy,”

“Oh, can we not do this now?” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

Draco gritted his teeth and pushed past Harry, pulling me in with him where he paused, Snape at his desk.

“Mr. Malfoy, Miss Y/l/n, what do I owe the pleasure?” Snape greeted politely, a smile not touching his face.

“She needs Essence of Murtlap. Or if you’ve got any of my vials left...” Draco spoke softly and lowly.

“Murtlap,” I clarified. “I don’t want to take his,”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Draco scoffed, his blue eyes piercing mine. “It’s fine,”

“Murtlap,” Harry muttered softly; I had forgotten that he was there. “Umbridge?”

I turned, my eyes meeting green ones. I felt Draco’s grip on me tighten but I paid him no mind.

“Yes,” I confessed softly, my eyebrows pulling together.

Harry presented his hand where fading still were the scars reading the same words that mine did. I pulled from Draco’s grasp and went to look at Harry’s hand, slowly unravelling the bandage from mine. Other than the differences in our handwriting, it was the same sort of magic that pierced our skin.

Draco touched my shoulder softly, a vial in his hand that I had seen once before. A time when I had to take it because of the boy with the same scars as mine in front of me.

I started to argue with Draco about not using his potion, adamant about not giving away why he needed it in front of Harry, which left me having to give in and take the Healing potion. I watched as my hand stitched itself back together, leaving nothing but pink skin in its wake. Draco pressed a soft kiss to my hand, not caring that Harry was watching us keenly.

“Y/n,” Harry started, but paused when Draco tucked me behind him.

“Yes?” I prompted him to continue, taking a step in front of Draco, giving him a look.

“I’m sorry,” Harry rushed out. “For... what happened at the match, and... everything else,”

“Mr. Potter, please apologize on your own time,” Snape sneered. “We have work to do,”

“It’s okay,” You whispered, looking down and moving into Draco’s arms, “Just remember who the real enemy is.”

I grabbed Draco’s and pulled him out of Snape’s office and into the hall. He was sulking and no doubt wanted to go back in there and give Potter a piece of his mind, but my gentle look stopped whatever he was thinking.

“That goes for you too.” I chided softly. “Remember who the real enemy is,”

With an eye roll, a smile touched his lips and I knew the storm had passed.

“Thank you,” I reached up and pressed my lips softly to his. “You didn’t have to give up your Healing potion for me,”

“No one hurts you,” He narrowed his eyes, pressing another kiss to the back on my healed hand that was back to normal.

Merlin, he was protective, I thought, but stars if it wasn’t the most attractive thing.

______________________________________

Draco loathed the fact that it wasn’t the last time you came to him with the angry red words on the back of your hand. He thought about writing to his father about the matter then chuckled darkly at the thought: Father, Umbridge is calling Y/n Y/l/n a liar and physically punishing her because Umbridge doesn’t believe that a Death Eater killed Y/n’s father, could you please clarify the situation.

You looked at him, your eyebrows raised asking what had made him laugh in the middle of study hall. He just shook his head and pulled you into his lap, not caring about the stares it got him. You weren’t complaining.

With February moving into Hogwarts, the weather became warmer and rain replaced the snow. Draco watched you squint up at the rain one day like it offended you personally.

“Hard to fly in the rain,” You spoke softly, taking his hand. “Throws my senses off.”

He slipped his hand into yours and pulled you inside the castle, where you seemed more at ease. As it rained, you tended to stay inside more. The weather really seemed to affect you, or perhaps Pinnae and in turn you. Your wardrobe turned into darker muted colors. Draco wasn’t sure if you were doing it purposely or not. Your sweaters were traded for the same t-shirts you had worn over the summer but paired with school sanctioned skirts and pants rather than cutoffs that he found himself missing. Your robes still draped over your shoulders, so he couldn’t complain too much about the lingering chill in the air.

“So, Valentine’s day,” Abby asked pointedly one night at dinner as you all took your seats at the Hufflepuff table.

“What about it?” You asked.

“There’s a Hogsmeade trip,” Pansy finished Abby’s train of thought.

Of course, Draco knew that. He had been trying for days, if not a week, to figure out what to do for you on Valentine’s Day. Most of what he thought of was stupid and muggle, and he didn’t know if he wanted to stoop that low, but he didn’t want to show up empty handed. Then there was the pressing matter of your birthday that was a couple weeks after the fourteenth.

“Well, we were thinking about having a double date,” Abby looked deliberately at him.

Oh, he was so in Abby’s debt for thinking of this. A smile touched his lips at he gave an amused smirk to you.

“Would you care to accompany me?” He murmured softly in your ear, watching you face flush.

“Okay,” You stammered, suddenly very interested in your half-eaten dinner, your lips darting between your lips distractingly.

Later in his room that night as you read him The Phantom of the Opera, he asked how you really felt about the idea of Valentine’s Day. Before he always scoffed and rolled his eyes at it, thinking it was ridiculous, but he knew that you had a bit more of a romantic heart than he did.

“I mean,” You started, putting down the book. “If you wouldn’t buy me, I don’t know, flowers or chocolates or whatever on any other day, why should I make you do it then?”

“Do you want me to buy you flowers on a regular basis?” He raised an eyebrow.

“No,” You laughed. “I mean if you really want to, but...” You shrugged. “I don’t want you to do it because I think you should, or because it’s what society says... but because you want to, if you want to...”

“Well, you’re going to have to give me some sort of idea here sweetheart,” He chuckled, “It’s not like I’ve done this before,” The confession made his heart flutter because it was true: he normally had the answer to everything and knew exactly how to act, but this? He had nothing.

“Oh, come on, Dray,” You rolled your eyes moving to straddle his lap. “You know what I like more than anyone else. Well, maybe not Abby, but it’s a close call,” You giggled pressing a kiss to his nose.

His hands went to your waist and snuck up under your oversized band t-shirt. You scrunched your nose playfully and sat back.

“If you want to buy me flowers and chocolate and ridiculously expensive things, pretty rich boy, then I won’t stop you,”

“Maybe I will,” He drawled, propping up on his arms. “Pretty boy, huh?” He grinned.

You rolled your eyes and pushed his chest playfully so that he fell back laughing. You dissolved into giggles on top of him. His hands slid up the soft skin of your back, the warmth singing under his fingertips. You head laid on his chest, your fingertips tracing random lines on his arm and shoulder.

He had a week until Valentine’s Day, but you were right: if he wasn’t going to get you flowers on a normal day, why would he on a specific day?

So, with some help from Pansy, who was better at Charms than him—only slightly—he sent you notes every day, enchanting them to turn into flowers when they reached your hands. He did it in the classes that you didn’t have together, knowing it would make you blush deeper as the other students watched you. He felt an extra layer of satisfaction when he knew that Harry was also accompanying you in class when he sent you flowers—not that he’d ever admit that.

It was Wednesday when he got a note back—folded in the shape of an owl. When he opened it, it was a drawing of his profile and the flowers that he had sent that day framing his face.

I quite liked the sunflowers today,

He smiled at the note, not particularly paying attention to Snape as he droned on about Bellum Amoris.

The rest of the week passed, and a soft kiss ended his Friday night before the Hogsmeade outing tomorrow with you—their date. He was excited to take you out properly. But it was because he wanted to, just to see you smile and call him ridiculous and watched everyone else get jealous. Because you deserved the world, and he was going to do everything to give it to you.

Pansy burst into his room early Saturday morning, looking unkept and frantic.

“Draco... Y/n is in trouble.” Was all she panted out.

Draco dropped everything and followed her down the stairs, through the common room and down the halls, both running towards the hospital wing.

“What happened!?” He demanded, rounding a corner.

“We’re not sure, but she didn’t wake up this morning, no matter what we tried. Abby just got her down here.” Pansy explained, panting.

“Where is she!?” He snarled, his eyes scanning the rows of white linen beds.

“Draco!” Abby called, drawing his attention. “Please, she needs you,”

He saw you laying on a hospital bed, eyes closed as if you were asleep, but something was off. Madam Pomfrey was dabbing your forehead with a damp cloth. You looked sickly.

“What happened?” Draco demanded, taking your hands and clutching it in his.

Your hands were ice cold. Your eyelashes didn’t flutter open. Your lips didn’t smile.

“She was cursed, and we can’t undo it.” Abby whispered, your other hand in hers.

“What do you mean you can’t undo it!?” He roared. “Fix her!” He glared Madam Pomfrey down. “Get Snape! Get Dumbledore! I don’t care. Just fix her!”

“Mr. Malfoy!” The nurse scolded. “I have kept her alive this long! But I cannot undo what has been done. I fear you are the only one who can.”

“What?” He backtracked. “What do you mean me?”

“The curse,” Abby’s voice was so broken, Pansy was now behind her, rubbing her shoulder comfortingly. “It was Bellum Amoris. It doesn’t have an antidote... But... well we think that...”

“What!?” Draco demanded. “Tell me!”

“You need to kiss her. It should break the curse.” Madam Pomfrey finished.

“Are you bloody joking me!? This isn’t some fairy tale! This is her life on the line!”

“I know that!” Abby stood. “And I don’t want to lose her either! Now will you shut up and listen to me! You need to break the curse fast or she is going to die!” Her face was red with anger and Draco had to admit that he was impressed at her defense of you.

“But me?” He whispered. “Why me?” He looked down at your colorless face and the shallow breaths that seemed to lull with each moment.

“True loves kiss,” She stared as if it were obvious. “Bellum Amoris is a love-based poison...”

“But... she doesn’t love me. I’m... me.”

“Oh, the two of you!” Abby groaned. “Of course, she loves you! Why else would I put up with you if she didn’t? She sees who you are Draco. And though I will never truly understand it, she loves you. Don’t you love her too?”

He paused. He wanted to say of course he loved her but... did he know what love was?

“Yes,” was all he could muster. “Please just... give us a minute,”

“She doesn’t have much time,” Abby whispered, taking Pansy’s hand and the two of them left him alone with you.

Draco reached out and stroked your cheek, tears in his eyes. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, his thoughts spiraling. He remembered meeting you, and how sweet it was. It seemed like things were meant to be... but was it true? Did you love him? Did was his love strong enough for this to work?

“Oh, why did you have to go and do this?” He whispered through tears. “It was to spite me wasn’t it? To prove that I could love and be loved?”

You didn’t answer but he desperately wanted you too. He wanted to see your smile again. You were just so good, and he wasn’t worth much with morality. His heart raced, wanting to believe that this would work, but if it didn’t? Nothing would tear him apart more if this was just a fluke.

Could he be your Romeo? Your Wesley? Your Raoul?

“Come back to me,” he murmured and pressed his lips to yours.

Pulling away, nothing happened. His heart plummeted to the depths of Tartarus. It wasn’t true love then. He wasn’t enough. It was just a mistake. He was unlovable.

He sat at the edge of your bed and hung his head, muffled cries escaping his lips. They were always right. He couldn’t be loved. He was nothing more than a carbon copy of his father. A Slytherin. A villain.

“Draco?”

He froze turning to you, meeting your warm eyes once more.

“Why... why are you crying?” You sounded so concerned.

And he knew, of course you loved him and how had he ever not loved you?

Scooping you up, he pressed his lips to yours forcefully and kissed you like he meant it. He kissed you like everyone doubted him. He kissed you like the way you loved him. He kissed you like the way he loved you.

Your hands were gentle as they curled into his hair and pulled him closer.

“I love you,” he murmured, pulling away. “Merlin, I love you Y/n,”

“I love you too Draco,” you gasped and pulled him into a tight hug. “I’ve loved you for so long,”

He gripped at your, his fingers curling into your shirt as he buried his face in your shoulder inhaling deeply.

He was loved. You loved him.

_______________________________

“What happened?” I asked meekly. “I... I don’t remember...”

“Someone slipped Bellum Amoris into your drink,” He gritted out, cupping my face, searching for something that I wasn’t aware of, but it seemed to calm him.

“Bellum Amoris? But who would... why would anyone?” My eyebrows furrowed. “What did I do?”

“Nothing,” He assured me quickly, drawing my into his arms. “You didn’t do anything,”

“Wait, the antidote for Bellum Amoris is...” I blinked, looking up at him, a smile growing on my face.

He grumbled and pouted slightly.

“Oh, my stars,” I breathed out. “You... you really do love me,”

“Of course, I love you,” He snapped. “What’s that even supposed to mean?”

“That you’re healing,” I rubbed his shoulder softly. “I never thought that I would be the one...”

“How could you not be the one?” He gave me a gentle look. “Do you think I’d skip Quidditch practice for just anyone?” There was an amused smirk on his face that had me laughing.

“I love you,” I said again, just because I could and pressed my lips to his. “I love you Draco Malfoy,” It was euphoric, finally letting the words fly free. Giggled tumbled from my lips.

“Y/n?” Another voice rose.

“Abby?” My eyes snapped up as Abby and Pansy came back in, the former looked like she had been crying.

“Merlin, Y/n don’t do that to me!” She shouted, pulling me in for a hug. “What were you thinking!?”

“She didn’t do it, babe,” Pansy chided. “Glad to see you’re awake Feathers,” She offered me a smile.

“Only I get to call her that,” Draco snapped.

“Okay,” I drawled. “Let’s all just take a deep breath. I’m fine. No one is to blame. Everything’s okay,” I tried to pacify the air around us.

“You were just poisoned!” Abby retorted, mixing with Draco’s same declaration.

“Okay, yes, but I don’t want to worry about that right now,” I breathed out. “It’s the weekend, I have my best friends with me, I just want to go to Hogsmeade, and have a ridiculously overly done Valentine’s Day,”

“I think we can manage that,” Pansy grinned. “Draco you’re gonna have to let her go,”

“She’s not going anywhere yet,” Madam Pomfrey strode over. “Until I give her clearance,”

Abby and Pansy backed away, Draco just moved over, not letting go of my hand as Pomfrey checked my pulse, reflexes, and asked a few questions as to how I was feeling.

“I love you,” I whispered into Draco’s shoulder as he hugged me one last time before we parted ways to get ready for Hogsmeade and Valentine’s Day.

“Oh, my Merlin he loves you!” Abby squealed as we flitted around our room getting ready. “Like, true love! Y/n!”

“I know,” I grinned and sighed, hugging a pillow.

“You lucky son of a bitch,” She laughed, and I knew she had been spending a lot of time with Pansy as the curse rolled off her tongue almost naturally—a habit Pansy also had. “All those stupid fairytales and you found your own, I should have known,”

“Do you think the dress is too much?” I asked off hand, running my hand over the dark magenta fabric of the simple dress. “Maybe I should just wear jeans,”

“Y/n, he bloody loves you, wear the dress,”

Well that was a good a way as any to shut up my anxiety. And maybe when I threw a cardigan over it and paired it with boots, it wasn’t so dressed up. It was casual. Like I wasn’t trying to hard.

Draco and Pansy met us at the portrait, and we headed down to the small village that sat at the bottom of the valley with our small group of friends. We passed Harry and Cho walking together on the way down. Cho waved at me and I waved back. Draco didn’t shout anything at Harry, so I counted that as a win.

“At least Cedric was better looking,” Blaise muttered. “Don’t know why she’s with Potter,”

I fumbled in step and Draco caught me before I could fall. I had forgotten that Cho and Cedric had been together. I thought I had gotten over Cedric’s death too, well, as much as I could at the current moment. Guess I was wrong.

“Bugger off mate,” Draco snapped. “How stupid can you be?” He draped his arm around me and pulled me away from the group a bit, sitting me on the wall of the bridge. “Are you alright?”

I nodded, not meeting his eyes.

“Just caught me off guard,” I explained. “I’m... I’m okay.” I nodded again, taking his hands. “I have you,”

He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “You look lovely, if I haven’t mentioned,”

“I don’t think you have,” I smiled, knowing what he was doing, and I let him.

Abby and Pansy lingered behind from the rest of the group and we rejoined with them, walking along. Pansy hissed and Abby stiffened upon entering the village.

“Maybe we shouldn’t have come,” Abby muttered, seeing the faces of the escaped Death Eaters staring us down.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that all of the Bellatrix photos were glaring me down, hurling silent accusations. It made me huddle closer to Draco.

“No,” Draco decided. “We deserve a day out.”

His confidence surprised me more than it should have. I had never seen him so... carefree? So bold that he deserved something good? It was like the Draco I saw when we were alone was finally shining through. It made me smile and agree with his words. We did deserve this.

Madam Puddifoot’s tea shop was filled with other couples today, just like us. I caught sight of Harry and Cho again and did my best effort to smile at them. Rodger Davies and Hannah were here too. They waved.

Taking a pair of tables in the corner of the small shop, I shrugged off my cardigan, not needing it in the warm atmosphere.

“I’ve never actually been in here,” I thought aloud. “It’s cute,”

“Bit frilly for my taste,” Abby muttered. “If one of those cherubs throws confetti on me, I’m hexing them,”

“That’s my girl,” Pansy grinned.

Draco was quiet beside me and I knew he was lost in thought. My mind ran through a list of things that he could be thinking about—the Death Eaters, Harry and Cho, Cedric, the frills of the shop, what to order, the fact that not hours ago we professed our love to another.

“Love?” I called softly, pulling him back to the present.

He hummed an acknowledgement, his blue eyes almost silver as they met mine. I nestled closer to his shoulder, resting my head on his shoulder. His arm circled around my waist, his other hand thrumming a beat on the table with his fingers.

“They look a bit awkward, don’t they?” Abby muttered, nodding to Harry and Cho.

“Give him a break,” I chided back. “Poor kid’s been through enough,”

“Just saying,” Abby shrugged.

“If he’s going to take a girl out, at least he should do it right,” Draco chimed in. “Bloke’s got no idea what’s going on,”

“Oh look, now she’s crying,” Pansy snickered.

I huffed and stood.

“Are you going to help me or not?” I snapped at Draco, gesturing to Harry and Cho.

“What do you want me to do?” He shot back. “Harry and I aren’t exactly simpatico at the moment,”

I opened my mouth to say something, but he had a point. Sighing, I kissed him quickly and raced after Cho who was heading out into the rain. I casted a quick shielding charm and ran over to her, calling her name.

“What do you want?” She asked, miserable.

“To know if you’re okay,” I held my wand between us so that the makeshift umbrella was over the both of us.

“No, I’m not,” She sniffed. “I don’t know what I was thinking. Harry is...”

“He’s not the brightest no,” I admitted. “But Cho, he’s a guy. It’s what guys do. They’re all stupid and hopeless,”

“Cedric wasn’t,” She whimpered.

I bit my lip and nodded.

“No, he was great, wasn’t he?” I whispered out, fighting back tears.

“At least you have Draco now,” She wiped away her tears. “It’s nice to see him with you. Makes this whole D.A. thing kinda worth it. That maybe there is hope after all. I wish you’d come back,”

“Thanks Cho,” I placed my hand on her shoulder and rubbed it comfortingly. “And... if you ever wanna talk about Cedric, I’m here,”

“You’re the best of us, Y/n,” Cho hugged me, and I almost dropped the shielding charm.

“Do you want to join us?” I offered.

“No, you go have fun on your double date, I think I’m gonna head back and get some homework done while I can. We have Snape’s essay due Monday and I haven’t started it.” She drew her wand and cast her own shielding charm. “Thanks Y/n,”

“Anytime,” I waved, watching her walk towards the school.

Back in the small shop, I made my way back to Draco. Harry was gone. I sighed and shrugged mentally, letting myself enjoy Draco’s company.

“Always the Hufflepuff,” He teased.

“Better than Slytherin,” I drawled.

Rolling his eyes, he pressed a kiss to my temple.

“You two are something else,” Pansy muttered.

“Yeah,” I sighed contented.

The rest of the day was dampened by the rain so much that we all ran for cover and ended up in the Hufflepuff Common Room curled up on the couches. Draco’s hands played absentmindedly in my hair as I continued to read The Phantom of the Opera. Abby was flipping through my vinyl collection, showing Pansy how the record player worked, a lesson Draco learned not long ago.

I paused from reading when the song shifted to a new one—Abby chose one of my dad’s Bob Segar records. My eyes closed and a smile stretched across my face as I started to sing the words to the familiar song. Setting my book down, I pulled Draco off the couch and Abby followed suit and pulling Pansy into her arms as we began to dance.

I laughed and let Draco spin me around as I sang to the classic rock legend. Draco was laughing at my antics and Abby turned up the volume, the lyrics encompassing every inch of the Common Room. Others were soon drawn to the rock song and there was a makeshift dance floor in the Common room to my dad’s record.

The next song was slower, letting Draco pull me in as we swayed back and forth softly. With my head on his shoulder, I murmured the words to the song. After a while, Draco began to hum to the repetitive melody. I never heard him hum before, let along sing. It was comforting, a soft deep sound that drew me in.

“I love you,” I whispered softly.

“As I love you,” He responded, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

Though the hour was young, my senses began to drag me under, shutting me down. I leaned a bit more against Draco and he took notice, leading me back to a sofa, letting me drape across him under a blanket. His hands went back to playing with my hair and it wasn’t fair that he was so comfortable and warm. My eyes slipped closed, knowing that I was safe.

When they opened again, Draco was still beside me, but we were in a bed—his bed. Thinking nothing of it, I rolled over. He grumbled something and his arm snaked around my waist, pulling me back to him, his chest against my back, his legs tangling with mine. His soft breaths on the back of my neck were steady enough to lull me back to sleep.

_______________________________

Draco woke, and you were sleeping peacefully beside him, a small smile on your face, as it always was when you slept. He pressed a kiss to your neck and your eyes fluttered open, squinting up at him.

“Morning,” He grinned.

“Why are you a morning person?” You grumbled, dismayed, hiding in his arms from the morning light.

“Not all of us are night owls,” He toyed.

“I am an owl,” You mumbled, causing him to laugh.

“That you are, my dear,” He chuckled, pulling you onto his chest, brushing your hair from your face.

You squinted at him again, pouting. He pressed his lips to yours, and your pout was forgotten as you kissed him back sleepily. His hands ran up your back, causing you to shudder.

“Not fair,” You mumbled against his lips. “You know exactly what you’re doing,”

“Maybe I do,” He mused, tracing up your spine, triggering you to shiver again.

“Draco,” You whined, laying your head on his shoulder. “Stop being mean,”

“I’m never mean,” He scoffed, false dismay in his voice.

You didn’t answer and he could see that it was because you were fast asleep again. He continued to rub your back soothingly, pulling the blanket around you both. Draco watched you sleep in the morning light, knowing that he loved you and that you loved him. It made everything else sort of fall away.

“Is she awake?” Pansy’s voice piped up from his doorway.

He shook his head.

“Ugh, that girl can sleep,” Pansy whined.

“I told you,” Abby chimed in pushing through the door. “She’s not a morning person. She never has been,”

“You guys are loud,” Your voice slurred grumpily.

“Well, you should be awake,” Abby countered. “Rise and shine Feathers,”

“Only Draco can call me that,” You pouted into his shoulder and he chuckled.

You were absolutely precious in the morning. He wondered how many mornings he’d have with you and if he could have them all. You yawned and he decided that he was going to fight for them all.

The week passed with gentle ‘I love you’s and nights in the Hufflepuff common room listening to records and reading books. To be fair, you two did study as well, getting ready for your O.W.L.s but there was something sacred in the quiet nights that belonged to the four of you.

“Whatever you’re planning,” You and Draco walked up to the table in the Great Hall where your friends group went very quiet all of a sudden. “Don’t. I don’t want anything for my birthday.” Your eyes narrowed on Abby.

“We were just talking strategy for the Quidditch game,” She lied with a smile.

“Sure,” You rolled your eyes and looked up at him. “I mean it. Don’t let them plan anything. No party, no cake, no nothing,”

He chuckled and sat beside you, giving Abby a knowing look. There was no way they were going to let your birthday slide. However, they were better at keeping it a secret. All he had to do was keep you busy until after the Hufflepuff Gryffindor Quidditch match the Saturday before your birthday. Which means he had you the entire day.

You pouted when he showed up in your common room that morning.

“What’s that for?” He teased, reaching down to kiss you.

“I know what you’re planning,” Your eyes narrowed and for a moment he thought you did, but your pout returned, and he knew you were clueless.

“All I’m doing today is spending time with you. Just like every other weekend. And maybe we’ll even do some homework,” He grinned. “No birthday stuff. No party.”

“Good,” You huffed sitting next to him on the sofa.

The morning passed, and he did actually end up getting some homework done and you practiced your Transfiguration spells. You were getting quite good when you focused, not that he was helping with that.

“Oh, actually,” He looked into his bag after you both returned from lunch, grinning when he saw the anger on your face. “Will you calm down, seriously,” He chuckled. “These are from Pansy for your album, she just got them developed.” He handed you the envelope with the photos in it.

Was it a birthday present? Totally. Was he going to tell you that? Nope. You were precious when you were upset and suspicious. Grumbling, you disappeared to your room and returned with the photo album you had gotten for Christmas and took the time to transfer the photos and dates from the back onto the unused pages.

Christmas December 24th

New Years, Jan 1st

DADA Training, Malfoy Manor, Jan 3rd

First day back, Jan 13th

Draco and Y/n dancing, Feb 14th

Valentine’s Day, Feb 14th

The last photo was taken at the tea shop and held four smiling faces as one of the cherubs did throw confetti on you all. It was one of Draco’s favorites of the four of you.

“They’re planning something, aren’t they?” Your voice was soft as you placed the last picture in the album. “I know it is my birthday, but... celebrating,” You shrugged and sighed, leaning against him. “It just doesn’t feel right with everything looming,”

“I think that’s why they want to, love,” He rubbed your shoulder softly. “We all don’t know how long we have left to be kids,”

“I wish it would all just go away,” You confessed, thumbing you locket open, the Narnian lullaby playing softly as your eyes focused on the small dancing circle of mythical creatures. “Wish we could just run away to Narnia,”

Draco gathered you into his lap and pressed a kiss to your forehead. He wanted to run away too. Away from family feuds and wars and Dark Lords and Death Eaters. Back to a time when the biggest thing he had to worry about was who won the next World Cup.

“Let’s get out of here,” He decided. “It’s not raining, why don’t you let Pinnae out? For your non-birthday-day.”

Your smile returned and he headed out to the tree by the lake, broom in hand, waiting for you to fly down. Sure enough, you came swooping down, slicing through the air. He mounted his broom and joined you, feeling the brisk breeze of the end of February on his skin. Draco jerked when you cut dangerously close to him, banking in front of him, chirping a laugh.

“You did that on purpose,” He sulked, chasing after you.

You noticed and drove straight down towards the lake. It was almost too easy, and you were much bigger than a Snitch. Just as he reached out, inches from the water, you plunged in and he was forced to swerve up, hovering above the water.

Pinnae shot up from the water, showering him in little droplets soaring into the sky. He laughed and chased after you once more. Your game continued, he’d pursue you and you’d do something to escape his grasp. Until with wings outstretched you landed on his broom, morphing back.

“You’re such a cheater,” He steadied the broom, balancing it.

“I think you’re just mad because you lost,” You grinned cheekily pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I’ve never actually flown on a broom before.”

“Really?” He was shocked; it was one of his favorite things to do.

“Well, I mean in first year, but that was it.” You shrugged, your eyes looking at the world that seemed so small below you.

Draco shifted you so that you were sitting more securely before he began to coast down towards the lake water then back up, enjoying the ride with you in front of him. He eventually landed on the riverbank, letting you down, watching you stretch. A smile fell on his face.

You laughed and rolled your eyes, noticing his stare. He continued to marvel at you.

And he might have forgotten the time, or what he was walking into then he entered the Hufflepuff common room with you and a cheer went up at your arrival.

_____________________________

I froze, staring at all of my friends, classmates, and housemates. It seemed like everyone was there, from every house. There were banners printed in Hufflepuff colors as well as ones that had “Happy Birthday Y/n” plastered across them with enchanted letters and moving images.

“We won!” Abby exclaimed running up to me. “And happy birthday,” She grinned.

“I told you not to—” I started but she cut me off.

“You said no nothing, so...” A mischievous look was on her face.

“It’s an expression,” I uttered in despair, turning to Draco.

He was smiling at me, raising an eyebrow, and no matter how much I might have hated that he kept this from me all day, and maybe all week, his words from earlier laid on my heart: “We don’t know how long we have left...”

“Thank you,” I turned to Abby, hugging her. “I guess I can’t really complain, can I?”

“I mean you can...” Abby drawled.

“But you won’t,” Draco came up behind me and held my waist. “Because we know you,”

The party, a mix of birthday and Hufflepuff victory went on for what seemed like hours. Draco and I fell into a sort of familiar pattern, the one we had started what seemed like forever ago at the Ball: mingle, say hello, and take breaks when I became overwhelmed. It seemed like all of D.A. was there including Harry, Ron, and Hermione. It was a tense conversation between the five of us, and even more so when Pansy and Abby joined. Hermione tried to alleviate the tension and it worked to an extent. Harry was pleasant, wishing me a happy birthday. Ron mumbled about the same before breaking off to join his twin brothers, who I thought were having a good round of “never have I ever” with fire whiskey. I avoided that section of the room at all costs.

Draco and I ended up in a corner near the fireplace. I swayed slightly to the music whose bass beat seemed to thrum through me. Draco’s hands were still on my waist and had become a lot more affectionate now that he seemed comfortable with the company around us. It was hard to keep a blush off of my face with the things that he whispered lowly into my ear. Or that his hands became a bit bolder when they held me.

As curfew neared, the crowd thinned until it was our normal group of friends. Pansy was draped across Abby’s lap, nursing a glass of fire whiskey. Ernie was looking very cozy with Taylor, his hand toying with her tight brown ringlet curls. I was in Draco’s lap, in a similar fashion to Abby and Pansy. Draco’s hands had slipped up past the hem of my skirt, but I didn’t really care because we were under a blanket. I couldn’t lie, he looked inviting: his tie loose around his neck, the few top buttons of his shirt undone, his hair disheveled and out of place.

“Happy birthday,” He murmured into my neck, leaving soft kisses. “I love you,”

“I love you too,” I smiled up at him.

His lips pressed to mine, and I could taste the sweetness of cake on his tongue. My hands knotted into his hair, pulling him closer. His fingers pressed into my skin, drawing me flush against him, moving me so that I was straddling his waist. Excitement and desire fluttered in my chest. Using my advantage, I kissed him hard, pressing him back into the couch, grinning when he fought back for dominance. A low sound emitted from his chest, warning me to give in. I hummed back, as if to scoff.

“Get a room,” I heard someone behind us.

Draco pulled back and grinned mischievously. I don’t know how it happened, but soon we were in his room and he had me pressed against the door, kissing me again. His hands slipped into my shirt, running up my sides. The warm feeling started to spread from my chest to the rest of my body as I became putty in his hands.

“Draco,” I breathed against his lips.

“Trust me,” He replied, his hands moving to stroke my face gently. “I’ve got you,”

I nodded, looking up at him through my eyelashes. He took my hand and led me to his bed, setting me there before closing and locking up the rest of the room. Our own little safe haven. A new sort of anxiety rose in my chest.

His lips were soon on mine again as he pushed me back into the bed, crawling over me. His mouth wasn’t gentle; there was a brand-new edge of conflict and desperation in the way his lips moved. He didn't stop kissing me. I was the one who had to break away, gasping for air. Even then his lips didn’t leave my skin, they just moved to my throat and down my neck. The thrill of victory was a strange high; it made me feel powerful. Brave.

My fingers found his shirt in the dark and undid the rest of the pesky buttons. He took only a moment to strip the shirt before his hands were on me again. I pulled his mouth back to mine, and he seemed just as eager as I was. Little whimpers left my mouth to his deeper growls.

“Can I?” He panted onto my lips, his hands lingering at the top button of my shirt.

“Can you?” I grinned against him, feeling him return the gesture and he unbuttoned my shirt, desire and anxiety creating a beautiful creature inside of me.

With my head resting on his pillows, hands gripping at the smooth skin of his back, his lips and tongue explored the canvas he had uncovered. His name was a whisper and plea at my lips. It felt like every nerve ending in my body was a live wire.

“Draco,” I moaned softly, drawing him back up, his blue eyes meeting mine.

My name came softly through his lips, with so much affection, I thought that my heart would burst. “Are you okay?” He murmured, soft concern on his face as he brushed a hair from my face.

I nodded, my heart warming that he was so nervous. His mask had gone, and I could see him, the real him. The kindness, gentleness and selflessness that he hid rolled off him like waves.

“Do you want this? Do you want to keep going?” He asked softly.

I wanted to say yes just as much as I wanted to say no. Stars, I wanted him, and I wanted to chase this feeling, but I knew I wasn’t ready for it. I knew that he wasn’t ready for it. It would be easy to say yes, but just as important to say no. I wanted to say yes. I wanted to say no. I didn’t want to answer. I didn’t want to lose this; him, being here and close, no walls, just us.

I heard him chuckle, as he kissed my jaw and neck while I thought.

“Hmm?” I asked, really not trusting my voice.

“We’ll wait,” He whispered softly against my skin. “I promised I’d do this right,” The smile that I fell in love with came back to his lips. “And if you can’t give me a yes undoubtedly, then we won’t,”

I nodded and reached up, brushing his hair out of his face. It had grown longer over the few months, almost shaggy and unkept. A small streak of rebellion.

__________________________________

Draco’s heart felt like it was going to burst. You were panting and so innocent underneath him that it made him want to claim you so that no one else would dare to think that they could have you.

But he would wait for that. He would wait for you. He would wait for himself.

Regrettably he left you in bed to take a quick—cold—shower and gave you the space to collect yourself. You were in one of his old t-shirts tucked under the covers when he came back. Your fingers were toying with your locket, your eyes closed peacefully.

Draco slipped into bed beside you. As if you were a magnet attracted to him, you shifted and curled up beside him, your head on his chest. Your fingers traced abstract patterns on his chest and Merlin, he loved you. The two of you spent most of the night talking about nothing and everything: childhoods, favorite foods and sweets, spells, future dreams...

The morning of your actual birthday, there was hardly an attention on you at all. Every student seemed to have their hands of a copy of the Quibbler and whispering about Potter again. Your eyebrows furrowed as you read the pages of the outrageous magazine and went quiet.

“It’s nothing we didn’t know,” You sighed softly, showing him the interview from Harry. “Your father is mentioned... so are Vincent’s and Gregory’s. This could get bad,”

He skimmed the article, seeing that you were right. Harry had named his father as well as some others as Death Eaters. He tossed it to the next student, wrapping an arm around you.

“Are you okay?” He asked, knowing that hearing about his father and the Dark Lord would throw you off balance.

“I think so,” You nudged a few strawberries around your plate. “Are you?”

He nodded, feeling the stares of the students on him once more. Like they were waiting for something to happen. Then he had a sinking feeling: they were waiting for you to react to the news about his father.

“Heads up,” Abby nodded to the monstrosity in pink clicking down the walkway of the Great Hall towards Potter. “That doesn’t look good,”

Pansy cursed as Umbridge turned towards where you all were sitting. The copy of the Quibbler that he was reading not moments ago was long down the table, so he didn’t worry too much.

“Miss Y/l/n,” Umbridge snapped with a false sweetness.

Draco clenched his fists, his hand going to his wand in his robes.

“Good morning,” There was your mask of politeness.

“I was not aware that being a prefect placed you above the rules,” She tutted. “All students are to sit with their House Tables at all meals.”

“This is the Hufflepuff table,” Pansy shot back. “And no one follows that rule, it’s ancient and wrong,”

“Watch your tongue Miss Parkinson,” Umbridge’s eyes still didn’t leave yours.

“Oi,” Draco called. This time Umbridge’s eyes did flicker to his. “Pansy and I are both prefects, I don’t see what qualm you have with Miss Y/l/n here when she has done nothing wrong,”

Umbridge tilted her head, her smile becoming more forced.

“I expect more from you Mr. Malfoy. It is one thing for you to show such disrespect, but another thing to fraternize with a delinquent like Miss Y/l/n,” She talked about you like you weren’t sitting beside him, tucked under his arm.

“My apologies,” You stood, “Abby,” You looked at your friend who stood with you and the two of you rushed from the Great Hall.

Draco started to chase after you, but Pansy held him back.

“Think about it Malfoy,” She hissed. “Umbridge can write to your father.”

The thought made his blood run cold. His eyes trailed your retreating form as you turned towards in the direction of the hospital wing. Then he turned to glare at Umbridge. Never had he hated someone more. His eyes met curious green eyes from across the way.

To no one’s surprise, the Quibbler was banned before the first class could get out. Not that Draco particularly cared, he had watched students all day charm and transfigure the magazine to hide it from Umbridge’s tyrannical rule. It almost made him smile that Umbridge was being defied by every student in the school.

As soon as his class got out, he went to find you. He doubted that you went to Herbology this morning, but Abby told him you had gone and stayed behind because you were in love with a bowtruckle. Draco sighed and laughed, thinking of how much you amused him. He found you, with a Ravenclaw student, a small bowtruckle crawling up your arm. You were giggling at it, rotating your arm to keep the small thing from falling. All of your worries and hurt from this morning was absent.

“I told her you’d worry,” The Ravenclaw spoke up in a dreamy voice to him. “She didn’t seem to notice with the bowtruckle. She named him Steve.”

You looked up from Steve(?) a sheepish smile on your face.

“Look!” You glowed, beckoning the bowtruckle into your palm and holding it out to him. “Professor Sprout just got them in, aren’t they precious?”

He wondered if Sprout really just got them or if the professor had been saving them for a day like this for you. Setting his bag down, he took the stool next to you, offering his hand to one of the small leafy creatures. One hoisted itself onto his hand. He much preferred these to mandrakes or anything else he had encountered in herbology.

“Very good at lockpicking,” The Ravenclaw nodded, about six bowtruckles on her shoulders. “Social creatures.”

“Luna, we’re not using them to lock pick,” You rolled your eyes.

“Oh, I know. There’s a spell for that. I’m just glad they’re not Nifflers, they’ll steal anything shiny.”

Draco finally placed why there was something familiar about this Ravenclaw student: it was Loony—Luna Lovegood.

“I don’t think he likes me much. He’s the one who started my other name you know.” Luna didn’t look up from Steve in your hand.

“He doesn’t like anyone much,” You smiled up at him. “Only a few.”

“I suppose you like him though. Seeing you became an Animagus and all for him,”

Draco froze and he felt you tense next to him. Both of you gazes were transfixed on Luna, who was nonchalantly picking up another bowtruckle.

“How did you know that?” You demanded. “How... who told you?”

“No one told me, but the signs were there. Silent for a month, you don’t really mind cold weather, and you have the mark. I’m surprised the bowtruckles like you, normally owls prey on them,”

“What mark?”

“All Animagi have them. You can’t see it though without having been kissed by a gnome you know the name of.”

He watched your face go through different stages of disbelief. At the moment all he was worried about was your safety.

“You can’t tell anyone,” He hissed. “It would put her life in danger.”

“No one believes what I say,” Luna’s large blue eyes met his. “I suppose I have you to thank for that,” It wasn’t a threat, but it guilted him. “And perhaps Granger to an extent.”

“Luna, this is serious, no one can ever know.” You pressed, setting Steve on the workbench. “Not Harry, not Neville, no one.”

_____________________________________

I was too preoccupied with Luna knowing my secret that I didn’t realize that Steve had crawled up my arm and to my shoulder until Draco’s hand carefully caught the bowtruckle and placed him back on the work bench.

“I won’t tell anyone if it means that much,” She smiled at me sweetly.

“Thank you,” I breathed out.

“Your father is a Death Eater.” Luna’s large eyes looked to Draco. “It must be difficult,”

“I... um... yeah,” He stammered, thrown off balance by the kindness that Luna offered.

“We should get going,” I whispered.

Waving to Luna and saying goodbye to Steve, we headed back towards the castle. Now that Umbridge was animate about keeping all of the students at the proper house tables under the watchful eye of herself and Mr. Filch, Draco and I only sat together in one class: Potions.

Being away from him gave me a strange sort of feeling. I had gotten used to him being by my side. Knowing that I would be alone left me more anxious than I had been in months. I was forced to keep a vial or two of Anxiety or Thoughts potion in my bag just to make it through a day. Draco always seemed to have them on his person as well, slipping me them between classes or at night when I’d spend countless hours in his dorm room: studying, talking, kissing, lamenting.

It was the beginning of April when things seemed to go from bad to worse. Draco, Pansy, and I were heading back from the library on a night that D.A. was occurring. A large group of students—that I recognized immediately as D.A.— were rushing down the hall and scattering. Abby grabbed my hand and pulled me away from Draco causing me to run with her or face falling.

As I rounded the corner, I saw Draco and Harry sprawled on the floor in what seemed like a collision in the fervor. Both boy’s eyes were locked on mine, a streak of pink standing over them as I disappeared around the hall and ducked into the Owlery.

“What the hell?” I panted at Abby.

“We were outed. Merlin, Y/n are you okay?” She panted.

“Are you?” I asked, checking her over. “I’m going back out there,”

“You can’t! Umbridge will expel you!” Abby protested.

“She can’t expel and owl,” I grinned and hugged her quickly, morphing into Pinnae.

“Be careful!” She called as I soared into the night and towards the tower that held Dumbledore’s office.

Perched on a window, I saw the entire scene unfold. Not that I particularly cared—I was just looking for Draco, to make sure that he was okay. About to fly away, I paused upon hearing Draco’s name.

“He was heading back to Gryffindor Tower,” said Umbridge. There was an indecent excitement in her voice, the same callous pleasure I had heard many times before. “The Malfoy boy cornered him.”

“Did he, did he?” said the Minister of Magic appreciatively. “I must remember to tell Lucius. Well, Potter . . . I expect you know why you are here?”

That was good wasn’t it? Not that Draco had meant to crash into Harry allowing Umbridge to grab him, but... maybe it wouldn’t be too bad. I hoped that Umbridge didn’t catch sight of me in the hall. I flew from the window and to an opened window where a blond-haired boy paced the floor. I morphed mid-flight into his room, landing on two feet with a soft thud.

“Merlin, Y/n!” Draco exclaimed drawing me into his arms. “Look I didn’t mean to get Harry caught, I didn’t! He ran into me, and stars,” He was frantic in his explanation.

“Draco, Dray, calm down,” I soothed brushing his hair from his face. “Everything’s okay.”

I sat him down on the bed and explained everything that had happened in Dumbledore’s office. He listened quietly, nodding and slowly calming down, his eyes not leaving my hands that were encased in his.

“I should get back,” I whispered. “Abby’s probably freaking out...”

He nodded. My heart fell because I knew I had to leave him when it seemed I needed him the most. I pressed a soft kiss to his lips and took off into the night. Abby was freaking out when I got back, but in a happy manor.

“I summoned a Patronus!” She told me excitedly. “It was the coolest thing! It was a badger! Like our house!”

I tried to share her excitement, but I couldn’t. I was too emotionally drained to. She caught my energy level quickly and simmered down. I told her about what happened in Dumbledore’s office, and she cursed Marietta. I changed into pajamas and drew the curtains to my bed. I spent the night staring at my locket’s magical scene, the lullaby lulling me to sleep.

The next day, Umbridge was appointed Headmistress of Hogwarts and it took everything in me not to leave on the spot. I met Draco’s eyes from across the dining hall and his grim expression matched mine.

Then came the Inquisitorial Squad.

“What in Merlin’s name possessed you to join her squad!?” I paced the floor of the Hufflepuff common room where the four of us were at a standoff. “Are you serious!?” I snapped at Draco.

“Y/n, please, I had to.” Draco stood, stopping me in my tracks. “She’s reporting to my father. If I didn’t join...”

That sapped all of the fight from me.

“Okay but that doesn’t explain you!” Abby spat at Pansy. “What were you thinking!?”

“You act like I didn’t join to keep you safe too!” Pansy shot back, almost snarling. “If Draco and me are on her squad, she thinks she’s won! And we get to see everything she plans firsthand!”

I sighed and rubbed my face. Pansy was right, and so was Draco. No matter how much I loathed the idea, it was smart. My hand reflexively went to the back of my hand where the memory of pain from detention with her lingered. Pansy and Abby were still bickering, but I didn’t pay them any mind. Draco hesitantly reached out for me.

I took his hand and exhaled softly.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered softly. “It was smart. I’m sorry I yelled.”

He nodded and drew me in.

“I hate it too, but with her here, it’s like my father has eyes and ears here. Sometimes I wonder if he already knows.”

“Do... Do you think we should...?” I hated even considering the idea. It made my stomach churn and heart fall to the depths of hell.

“No,” He answered immediately. “I’m not giving you up. The safest place for you to be for both of us is with me. I’ll go senseless with worry and you’ll get anxious and it will just fall apart.”

I nodded and looped my arms around his neck.

“I love you,” I offered weakly.

“As I love you,” He brushed away the escaped tears on my cheeks.

It was hard to stay bleak though, as the Easter holiday was this weekend and cut into next week. I returned home, and though I didn’t see Draco over the short holiday, we wrote to another daily. The small break offered some solace from Umbridge’s dictatorial administration. A break from Hogwarts in general.

The day I returned, I had to go and see Professor Sprout about future plans and career choices under the watchful eye of the horror in pink.

“Have you considered Muggle Relations?” Sprout offered. “Work for the Ministry?” Umbridge tutted.

It took a lot of willpower not to snark about the way the Ministry had gone down the drain, but Sprout caught my sentiment and switched tactics.

“How about a Healer?” She suggested.

“Too much anxiety,” I gave. “I did consider it though, but I’d never make it,”

“Quite right,” Umbridge muttered under her breath.

I pursed my lips, glaring at her. Sprout scoffed with discussed then faced me again.

“Well, my dear, you excel in a great number of things, it may be time for you to find which one impassions you the most and pursue that,” Professor Sprout smiled. “I have no doubt that you will succeed in whatever you try.”

I left with a bunch of different pamphlets of different jobs that I could pursue, and they were shoved into the bottom of my bag as I went to find Draco.

“I think I want to become and Auror,” He said thoughtfully as we studied for our Charms exam.

“An Auror?” I looked to him, a smile on my face. “I could see it,”

“Really? Snape didn’t seem too pleased when I mentioned it in passing. I’ve got the grades for it... and after everything... maybe I could do some good in the world,” He fiddled with his quill, staring down at his notes.

“You’d be a great Auror,” I encouraged, taking his hand.

Another beacon of hope that the next few weeks offered was Fred and George Weasley, who a week after setting off a hoard of fireworks in the Great Hall, hexed an entire floor as a swamp and rode to victory on their broomsticks right out of Hogwarts. We all cheered them on then scattered before Umbridge or Filch could throw a detention our way.

Things seemed to simmer down through the rest of May and the four of us found a new sort of normalcy. It wasn’t what we wanted it to be, but it was better than fighting with each other or getting caught by Umbridge so... it would have to do.

Draco’s birthday was in the middle of review week, so Abby, Pansy and I couldn’t plan much, but Pansy did manage to sneak a bottle of fire whiskey, Abby found a way to get into the kitchen so that she and I could spend a few hours baking. With the cupcakes cooled and frosted we headed to the Slytherin common room.

“Happy Birthday,” I grinned.

“Oh, come on, we have to study,” Draco pouted, defeated.

“You have time for one cupcake,” I wrapped my arms around him from behind, leaning my head on his shoulder. “I made them myself.” Abby cleared her throat. “Okay, we made them, but come on Dray, you deserve a little fun,”

He gave in and set down his quill. I cheered victoriously as a makeshift party formed. It was nothing like the rave that occurred in late February, but I didn’t think Draco wanted anything but the four of us together. Well, four plus Ernie, Hannah, Vincent, and Gregory. Pansy had shoved a handful of frosting in Abby’s face, who retaliated and now they were both licking frosting off the other shamelessly. I looked back to my own cupcake and licked the frosting timidly. Draco laughed beside me at the shenanigans that occurred around him, victim to the whiskey and need to unwind.

And for a moment, the weight of everything around us lifted from his eyes and features. That was worth everything.

___________________________________

Two weeks of O.W.L.s and Draco thought if he had to write his name one more time or hear Umbridge recite the same script of rules, he was going to hex her. He had spent his nights with you, studying and practicing spells.

Despite the looming exams, you seemed almost at ease. Draco could tell that you were anxious, you had been for weeks before the exams, but you walked into each exam with your head held high in confidence. You later told him that you had a technique to taking exams that kept you calm: either you knew it or you didn’t, and there was no need to have a panic attack about what you didn’t know.

After his astronomy exam, he found you with Abby in the halls talking to Ginny and Luna. They went quiet as he approached, and he tried not to take it personally. You took his hand.

“We need his help.” You pressed. “We’ve got to make it look like you all are captured, get Umbridge out of the way, then you guys can go!” You insisted.

Ginny glared him down and Luna looked like she didn’t have a care in the world, so the norm.

“What’s going on?” He interjected.

Ginny huffed. “Fine, tell him.”

“Harry thinks that Sirius has been captured by Death Eaters and they want to go and save him, but they can’t with the wicked witch in pink prowling the halls,” You explained quickly.

“So,” Abby picked up. “You go and ‘capture’ the ones who want to go, bring them to Umbridge, Hermione will get Umbridge out of the way, and then let them go,”

You looked up at him, a pleading look on your face. He took you aside, out of ear shot of the others.

“You want me to help Potter save a convicted felon?” He snapped. “Have you gone mad?”

“Look, I’ve met Sirius, and Hermione told me about what really happened, and Draco please, if someone had captured my father, I’d—” Your eyes became glossy with tears.

“When did you meet Sirius?” He demanded.

“Look, it was about a week into being Pinnae. Harry attached a letter to me and...”

..............................

Late September...

I looked at the letter tied to my ankle and suddenly I felt a pull in my chest and my wings spreading. It was as if the letter itself possessed the magic to direct me to the recipient. Knowing that I couldn’t fight against it, I gave in and let the magic guide me.

I came to a place in London. A house. I fluttered to a window and chirped. A man with long brown wavy hair greeted me at the window. He was familiar, somehow. Then it dawned on me.

Sirius Black.

The escaped convict from Azkaban.

He peered at me, his gray eyes seeing right through my Animagus and into my soul. As if he knew what to look for in an Animagus.

“Come inside and rest for a bit, it’s a long flight back, there’s tea and biscuits downstairs” Was all he said after taking the letter.

I gaped after him, such a human gesture that I slipped out of form instantly. “H-how did you know?” I stammered, chasing after him, any fear towards him fleeting.

“Takes one to know one,” He muttered, lumbering to the kitchen table and sitting at the head seat. “So, who’d you do it for?”

“No one,” I covered quickly.

He gave me a look that told me he wasn’t convinced.

“Look, kid,”

“Y/n,” I gave.

“Y/n,” He rolled his eyes, unamused. “Becoming an Animagus is hard work and it take true dedication and devotion to a cause or person. So, I’ll ask again, who’d you do it for?”

I sat down in one of the chairs, a few seats away from him and looked down at the table. My gaze flickered to his as he waited expectantly.

“You’re close with Harry, yeah?” My eyes flitted to the note and back to steady grey eyes.

He gave a seldom nod.

“And the stuff they say in the papers isn’t true, is it? My mother’s always defending you,”

“Your mother?” He mused.

“Elizabeth Y/l/n,”

A smile touched Sirius’ lips.

“I knew her, back in school. Slytherin as they come. Until she met your dad. Then everything changed. It was so unnatural.” He was lost in a memory and I was holding onto his every word.

“I never met my father,” I said crestfallen. “He... He died in the war,”

“He was a part of the Order you know,”

“The Order? Like Star Wars?”

Sirius barked out a laugh, his eyes shining for a moment.

“The Order of The Phoenix,” Sirius clarified. “Merlin, you’re like your father,”

My smile dropped a bit. “The Order?” I asked again.

“An opposing group during the war. Voldemort had his Death Eaters; we had the Order. And still do,”

I nodded. “You said my mother was a true Slytherin, but that changed when she met my father...”

“Quite right, take a certain heart to get through to a Slytherin,” “Malfoy,” I whispered to the table. “I did it for Draco Malfoy,”

“So, you’re the Hufflepuff Harry goes on about,” Sirius leaned back in his chair, not giving away any emotion other than nonchalance.

“You can’t tell him that I’m an Animagus,” I rushed out pleading. “It would jeopardize everything,”

“Your secret is safe with me,” Sirius smiled. “Malfoy,” He scoffed. “No wonder Harry is so livid whenever someone mentions the either of you. James used to get so mad about your parents being together,”

“There is good in him.”

“There’s good in almost everyone,” Sirius mended. “The question you have to ask yourself: is it enough to be worth it?”

“That’s not my call to make,” I snapped.

An amused smile grew on his lips.

“And you’re sure you’re not a Gryffindor?”

I scoffed at the mere thought. “Bunch of stuck ups who think they’re always right. No thanks,”

“You got spunk, kid,” Sirius chuckled. “And a good heart. I’m rootin’ for ya,”

“Really?”

“Sure,” He shrugged. “I told you, becoming an Animagus takes dedication and devotion. Even false hope is still hope,”

..............................

Draco gaped at you as you rushed to apologize for not telling him. And to be fair, there was a lot going on back then as there was now. He huffed and ran a hand through his hair and nodded.

“Alright, I’ll do it.”

You jumped up and hugged him, beaming. He held you close before releasing you, going to round up the rest of his Squad to set the plan into motion. He did his best to act like the arrogant Slytherin that Umbridge took him for as she grilled Harry for information. When he was told to fetch Snape, he filled the professor quickly in on what was going on before putting on his act once more.

Hermione gave him one look then burst into tears, unveiling her plan to get Umbridge out of her office. And it was quite brilliant. He never really noticed before, but Hermione was quick on her feet. The kind of cunning that a Slytherin would envy.

When Umbridge, Harry, and Hermione were out the door, he had his friends release the small band of rebels.

“Here,” Draco pulled Harry’s wand from his robes, to a confused Ron and Neville who were about to full on brawl. “Now get out. Quickly.” The others were released, and his Squad flocked behind him, Pansy at his right-hand side.

“What in Merlin’s name?” Ron stammered.

“He’s on our side!” Ginny explained quickly, grabbing her brother’s arm. “Now let’s go,”

Dumbfounded, Ron staggered from the room with the others. Luna smiled and waved as she left, hand in hand with Neville. Sagging and rubbing his face, he stormed from the office, ripping the Inquisitorial Squad badge from his robes, leaving it in the hallway. The end of term was two days away and he felt as if after tonight, the entire Wizarding world was about to change.

There was the same fear and anticipation in your eyes as he gathered you into his arms and pressed a kiss to your lips harshly. You didn’t complain, instead you let him push you against the nearest wall and let him kiss you aggressively until all of his fears and doubts melted away on your lips. Pulling away softly, you looked up at him through your eyelashes silent reassurances in them.

And they waited. All night.

You were wrapped up in his arms as he, you, Abby, and Pansy lounged across his bed. You had tried to read aloud, but your voice got too shaky and too quick and jumbled. You gave up and sighed, pulling out your locket, thumbing it open and watching the Dawn Treader sail on the sea waters.

It was the early hours of the morning when an owl came fluttering to the window. He recognized the family owl and took the letter from its grasp with shaky hands. You were beside him, a gentle hand on his shoulder. Pansy and Abby must have gone, because he was alone with you.

Finding the courage he could, Draco opened the letter and distinguished his mother’s handwriting.

Draco,

Your father has been captured as well as Crabbe and Goyle and a few others and sent to Azkaban. They were sent on a mission to find a prophecy and it went awry.

Bring Miss Y/n back with you when you come home. I’ve already arranged it with her mother.

Take heart my love,

Narcissa Malfoy,

His hands started to shake as he read the words over and over again, trying to make sense of them. Trying to wish them unreal. Draco let you take the paper from his hands as he let out a strangled cry. You were right there. He collapsed into your arms, terrified for what came next.

________________________________

Draco and I ended up on the floor. He clung to me, letting silent tears and gruesome cries escape. I bit back my own tears and consoled him the best I could. I took deep exaggerated breaths, knowing he needed a steady pace to match his own. I kept a rhythm as I rubbed his back. It might not have been a potion, but I knew how to get him through a panic attack. I repeated the same words softly: it’s going to be alright, I’m here, I love you.

Over the weekend, I had packed up my things, ready to leave, and moved into Draco’s dorm for those few days. Anyone who dared say anything to him, taunting or jeering, got a hex to the face.

On the rare occasion that I was without him, I ran into Harry who was coming from the Gryffindor common room.

“Y/n, look,” He started, “I don’t know how to tell you this but Draco’s—”

“Father is a Death Eater, yes I know.” I said firmly. “And he’s in Azkaban right now. I know that too.”

Harry looked at me, shocked.

“But... then... you’re still...” He stammered.

“Yes.” I folded my arms, but my demeanor softened. “And... I’m sorry about Sirius,”

He stiffened, his fist clenching.

“So, you knew that it was a trap! I bet Draco knew! That’s why he decided to help us!” He spat at me.

“What? No!” I defended quickly. “He had no idea! Neither did I! Harry, you’re being ridiculous!”

“Ridiculous!? Me!? Look at you! You’re delusional to think he actually cares about you! He’s using you! That’s what he does!” His words were a slap to the face.

“No that’s what you do!” I shouted back. “I’ve tried to be nice Harry! I’ve defended you time and time again and you’re still just as cruel! Just like Draco used to be! But you know what he changed! You might be a hero, but you’re acting like a real asshole!”

Harry drew his wand, glowering at me. I drew my own wand.

“Do it Potter,” I spat. “Come on. Scared of a Hufflepuff?” I twirled my wand. He raised his wand.

“Stop!”

We both turned, seeing Snape come down the hall, Draco and Abby right behind him. I didn’t lower my wand even though Harry did.

“What do you think you’re doing Potter?” Snape hissed, glaring down Harry. Draco and Abby were at my side, their wands out. I rolled my eyes and put my wand away.

“Nothing,” Harry bit out, glaring at me. “He won’t always be around to protect you.” “He doesn’t need to protect me,” I scoffed.

Harry left muttered under his breath. Snape turned to the three of us.

“Miss Y/n,” The professor started.

“I know, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lost my temper,” I mumbled.

“I was only going to suggest that you loosen up on your wand a bit and center your stance,” Snape had a small smile on his face. “No need for you to get knocked over in a duel,” And with that he left, his robes billowing behind him.

“Are you okay?” Draco asked, stroking my cheek.

I nodded. “Just Harry being Harry,” I gave an amused smile. “Come on, we’re going to be late,”

At the End of Year feast, Draco sat by my side. Now that Dumbledore was back, we were allowed to sit together. I was also allowed to wear my muggle t-shirts again. I realized that it was also the small things that had worn me down over the year as well as the bigger things.

I sat with Draco on the train ride back as well. The compartment only allowed the four of us in it. Draco took the window seat and I stretched out beside him, curling up with The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland. I had found the right balance of asking him if he was alright, pressing for answers, and letting him have space to think on his own.

Narcissa greeted us both at the station, hugging me and stroking Draco’s face softly. Saying my goodbyes to Abby and promising to write to her, Draco and I set off, hand in hand. We walked

through the marvelous front door of the Manor. Draco sighed and set off to his room, trailing me with him.

“Draco, whose wand is this?” I asked, picking up the wand from his bedside table.

The wand seemed to hum at my touch, and it was familiar somehow.

“No ones,” He answered quickly, turning from his trunk.

I could see the lie for what it was and frowned. When did he lie to me?

“Draco?” I pressed softly. “What...?”

“Just leave it.” He demanded. “It’s not important.”

“I’d say it’s pretty important,” My voice started to raise without my permission.

“Y/n, it’s not what you think,” His voice hardened. “Just leave it.” It was nearly a snarl.

“Draco,” I snapped. “Whose wand is this!?” His gaze dropped to the bed, his hands clenched tightly into fists, shaking slightly.

“Your father’s,”

Whatever I had thought, whatever explanation I tried to find, it wasn’t that. I took a small step away from him.

“Why do you have this?” I hissed, gripping it tightly.

“It belongs to me,” his voice was soft and void of emotion, his eyes still didn’t reach mine.

“It belongs to me,” I snapped, tears rushing to my eyes. “What... why... how could you!?” I stammered, now yelling at him. “You kept this from me!? As if you had a right to it!” My blood boiled with anger.

“I do have the right!” He argued back, snarling, his cold blue eyes finally snapping to mine. “My father killed your father. My father forfeited the wand and now it belongs to me!”

I froze, staring at him. Trying to process his words and his harsh tone he never used at me, my mind reeled with pain and betrayal. What else had he been keeping from me? How long had he kept it from me? Was this all just a ploy? My mind thought of everything we had been through and I started to doubt it all.

“You have no idea the world you live in!” Draco sneered. “All you do is run away to stupid books and fairytales! They don’t exist Y/n! It’s time you grew up and faced the real world!” It was a slap to the face.

“The real world?” I shrieked. “What that your father is a Death Eater!? That he’s working for Voldemort!? That he murdered my father!? That you’ve kept it from me all this time!?” I could barely see him through my tears.

“Because you’re taking it so well!” He shouted. “How do you think I’ve felt!? Knowing what my father did to again darken the Malfoy name!? Knowing that you’d never forgive me for this!? Did you ever stop to think!? No! You only care about yourself! As long as you get to play messiah! As long as you get to run away to a fairytale!”

I squeezed my eyes shut, my lip quivering in hurt and anger. I dropped the wand to the floor unceremoniously and slipped the familiar weight of the locket from around my neck. I threw it onto his bed.

“Take them then,” I barely spoke. “And have fun with reality,” My face held an emotionless mask.

I met his eyes one last time. Then I turned and Pinnae flew out into the night.

I flew fast and far. Towards my mother’s house. I stumbled a few times in the air, my human emotions overriding my bird form. I made it home though. A miserable mess of tears, but home.

“Y/n?” My mother asked. “I thought you were with Draco,”

“How long have you known!?” I yelled, storming in through the front door. “How long have you known his father killed mine!?”

“Y/n, honey,” My mother cooed, rushing to comfort me.

“No! I want an answer! How long!?” My voice waivered as my faith in what I really knew started to crumble. I pulled out my wand and wielded it against her.

“Since he died,” My mother took a deep breath in. “I told Draco at Christmas. I gave him your father’s wand. It belongs to him,”

“You... you didn’t think to ask me!? Or tell me!?” I screeched. “How could you!?”

“I was keeping you safe!”

“By lying to me!?” I shot back. “All this time! My whole life!” Then it hit me. “I thought Draco knew from the beginning... but it was you! You kept it from me! You did this! Why would you do this!?”

“To keep you safe!” She shouted back. “His father killed my love! I didn’t want to see the same fate to my daughter!”

“So, you set the whole thing up!” I gaped at her. “You knew that I would get mad Draco! You knew I’d...” I took a step back, the weight of the situation crashing around me.

I didn’t know who to trust.

“Y/n, please, you have to understand—”

“No,” I spat. “You just cost me the most important thing in my life.”

“Family is the most important!” She threw the accusation at me. “Are you going to give that up for a Malfoy!?”

“He was my family! He was my home! I love him!”

Shaking my head in disbelief, I backed up to the door, and again, Pinnae flew out into the night. I didn’t know where to go. I had just lost everything. That was the reality I had to face. I wanted to go back to Draco. I wanted to apologize. I didn’t intend to get so angry and hurtful. I didn’t mean to walk out.

I glided over the countryside and found myself in a familiar place that I visited a few times a year. Surrounded by headstones, I phased back, walking towards a known gravestone.

“Oh Papa,” I sobbed, falling at the foot of the stone. “What did I do?”

I cried and cried, my tears falling and wetting the marble stone. I pleaded to him. I begged him to come back and tell me what to do. I just needed to hear his voice. Knowing I never would, I started sobbing harder. Just wishing he was somehow here again. Just so he could tell me what to do.

Sitting back on my knees, I gazed around at the stone angel statues and mausoleums. It seemed all wrong for the memories of my father, the cold stones that surrounded me. He was warm and gentle.

“Why did she have to... Why can’t the past just die!?” I sobbed out, hugging my knees. “Papa,” I whimpered. “Teach me to live...to forgive... give me the strength to try,” I buried my face in my arms and cried.

It was agony. I had no one. I had nowhere to go. I wasn’t going back to my mother, and Draco no doubt hated me. I couldn’t even be upset that Lucius killed my father because it wasn’t the worst betrayal I had faced today.

I had given everything up.

I was truly alone.

Chapter 6

End note: I did apologize right?

Tags: @coffee-addicti @msmcsmutt @ravn-87 @artemismohr18 @whygz @crazywritingbug @fuzzy-panda@bitemebro522 @zombiesnips-blog @jillanaholland @shookyungsoo @savingdraco @welcometomyworldwithoutrules @akari180 @slytherin-emerald @chaotic-good-gemini @memalfoy-spidey@theres-a-dog-outside-omg @queenfeatherwings @fanficflaneuse @go-whovian-universe @spicyshenanigans @darling-im-not-okay-i-promise @dietkiwi@katsukink @takemetothekingdom @strangerr-things @tmnt-queen @mccloudchloe @hxneybgb @justsomerandomgur @belcvayelena @moviesbooksandfandoms @howdycharlie @xtrashmouthxtozierx @cocochanelthepupper @ninacotte@mccloudchloe @braelynn-j @jiggllyy @honeymarvel @go-whovian-universe @darcypottah @atomicpunkrock @thiccheerioss @lottie289 @boredashaeck @beautiful-pegasus @tceedlmao @deadlynyghtshayde @iconjuresnapeingrandmaclothes @anonymous034 @bi-andready-tocry @lunna-does-real-doodle @dragonsandbread @atomicwonderlandmentality @okaydraco @the–queen-of-hell @langdonzvoid @cmxreader @alienmotel @oh-itsnothing @tulippings @thestressedprincess @sunflowerxsadnessw @caps-wilsonn @fattycooter @angelotakunerd08 @thisisahugemistake @fanficsigottaread @gweaslvy @okaydraco @strawberriesonsummer

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anubislover · 5 years ago

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“Welcome to the Heart Pirates, Nami-ya” Chapter 13: The Lesser Evil

Nami awoke slowly, her fogged brain sluggishly processing her strange surroundings. A high-pitched beeping noise. Low, muttered voices. Scratchy sheets against her skin and a stiff mattress beneath her back. Her eyes cracked open only to immediately shut again in pain from the blinding white light. She attempted to shield them but was startled to find her wrists bound with thick leather straps to a metal headboard.

Memories of Jinzo and the club snapped to the forefront of her mind. Had she been captured? Was this that creep’s brothel? Where was Ikkaku? Was she still bleeding out in the alley? Where was Law?!

Panicked and disoriented, she screamed and struggled helplessly until a pair of large, gloved hands firmly but gently grabbed her shoulders, pinning her down as Law’s hard face blocked out the bright light, allowing Nami to finally see.

“Nami-ya, calm down; you’re in my infirmary.”

“What?”

He neglected to answer as he inspected her eyes, his stern expression softening with relief. “No blue in the iris—looks like I got all of the drug out. Do you remember last night?”

“Of course I remember! Law, you need to get Ikkaku—”

“Right here, Nami,” a voice from one of the other beds groaned. The redhead breathed a deep sigh of relief when she saw Bepo unshackling the engineer before gingerly helping her sit up. There was an IV full of fluids hooked to her arm and she was in one of the Tang’s hospital gowns, but she was alive. “Neptune’s beard, I never want to see another martini again.”

Nausea bubbled in her stomach as Nami recalled Hypnotique and the state she’d had to leave the other woman in. “Those men…they didn’t—”

“They tried.” Penguin’s face was dark as he leaned against the wall. Tension and quiet rage radiated from every pore as he stared at his shipmate, latex gloves squeaking softly as he clenched and unclenched his hands. “We barely got there in time.”

“I was out of bullets, and Mandōreku had me pinned…” Ikkaku trailed off with a shudder.

“Penguin pulled him off you,” Law said quietly, though Nami could see the angry tic in his jaw as he ground his teeth and the way his tattooed knuckles were white with rage as he released the straps around her wrists. “Shot him point-blank in the family jewels.”

“Did you kill him?” Ikkaku asked, turning to the first mate.

“Not right away,” he replied coldly, the brim of his hat casting his eyes in shadow. “You’d lost a lot of blood and the uranos needed to be dealt with immediately, but once Law had you unconscious and in the infirmary, I took care of him.”

“Good. I only wish I could have done it myself,” she snarled. “Apparently, that son of a bitch was the one who spiked our drinks and supplied the drug in the first place.”

“If I’d known that, I’d have let him bleed out from the hole in his crotch instead of finishing him quickly,” Penguin growled. “I thought he was just a regular scumbag.”

“What’s important is that we got the drug out of you both in time,” Law cut in as he helped Nami sit up. “Uranos basically acts as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. If not treated quickly, it can cause enough brain damage to turn even the most level-headed person into a pleasure-addicted zombie. To say nothing of how much it fucks up your liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs.”

“At least your powers could get it out of us,” Nami stated, remembering how he’d managed to remove the birth control from her system.

“Yes, but given how many vital parts it effects and how fast it works, it takes a lot more concentration and energy than usual—especially since I couldn’t afford to treat you one at a time. I also find it’s easier when the patient’s unconscious; a slowed heart rate means the drug’s processed less quickly, plus it lessens the amount of distracting moaning and writhing from the patient. Not that it stops entirely,” he stated, nodding at the leather restraints.

She flushed. So that’s why he knocked her out. She could now clearly remember how she threw herself at him, practically begging him to fuck her. God, how humiliating! And to think she’d been so overwhelmed by need that she nearly hadn’t told Law about Ikkaku. If he hadn’t managed to trick the answer out of her…

“Thanks for getting us, Boss,” Ikkaku said, breaking the tense silence that fell upon the room.

Bepo gave her a faint smile as he rubbed her back, carefully avoiding scratching her with his claws. “Law’d never leave you two behind.”

“Jinzo didn’t think so,” she replied sourly, hands tightening into fists. “Planned on making Nami his star attraction, and he was going to hand me over to the bartender as a bonus for his ‘services’. Knew there was something off about that guy, especially when he wouldn’t get us water.”

“I’m sorry I left you alone with him,” Nami whispered guiltily, drawing her knees against her chest. Mandōreku had seemed so nice, but behind that charming smile had been utter scum. To think, she’d even encouraged her friend to give that creep a chance!

Ikkaku shook her head insistently. “Nami, I specifically told you to go to the bathroom because I had the feeling something was up, and I wanted you safely out of the way in case things turned violent. Which they did, and you ended up coming out and saving my ass anyway, so no harm, no foul.”

“What’s ‘foul’ is the fact that that bastard had enough uranos to spike the drinks of an entire bar,” Penguin snapped. Despite the girls being safe and sound, his scowl hadn’t eased up, and his posture still implied that he’d like to go out and kill something. But even though anger radiated off of him, he stayed put, not moving so much as an inch from his place by Ikkaku’s bed.

Gloved hand rubbing his goatee, Law nodded in agreement. “Uranos is extracted from a berry that only grows on a single island in the South Blue—Jinzo must have sunk a fortune into getting enough juice to dose a whole bar full of women. Just 15ml costs at least 50,000 belli.”

“If he got the shipment in recently, plus factoring in buying property, remodeling, paying his guards, and all his other expenses, no wonder he didn’t have the money to pay you and Drake,” Nami said, tallying up the rough costs of everything Jinzo had likely been spending in the past month.

Frown deepening, the surgeon looked at her in consideration. “He and Kimo-ya had always done well in the black market trade, but I guess with so many upstart pirates moving on to the New World to take advantage of the chaos, he wanted a fallback in case his normal clientele dried up. It’s not a bad plan, but he should never have tried to muscle in on Haiko-ya’s territory; she may be married to his partner, but she’s basically the unofficial ruler of Grimm’s nightlife.”

“Haiko’s that powerful?”

“She’s established quite the foothold over the past two years. Hiroshi once told me that, before she married Kimo-ya, Grimm was even worse; the dead bodies of whores were regularly found on street corners, drug lords ran rampant, you never knew if you were drinking alcohol or formaldehyde, and the slave trade was out of control. When Haiko-ya arrived, she used her influence to start cleaning things up. The first thing she did was reform the brothels; because of her, they’re now run like legitimate businesses with willing employees that are treated well.”

“Yeah? Jinzo seemed to have had other ideas,” Nami said softly. “He had us all drugged so he could cut down labor costs. No need to pay whores if they’re mindless sex slaves.”

Law scoffed. “Idiot. Women who take uranos have a life expectancy of a month, tops, and that’s still longer than men. Aside from the organ damage the drug can cause, being in a constant state of arousal like that typically results in dehydration, puts a massive strain on the heart, and when you’re only focused on fulfilling your sexual desires, basic human needs like eating and sleeping fall by the wayside. Most wither away to nothing.”

Penguin took off his hat to rub his forehead, scowl deepening. “So, even if he’d succeeded, once those girls died, he’d have to pay out again for a new batch of brain-fucked prostitutes.”

Nami shuddered at the thought. That could have been them. She would have died a mindless sex slave. Despite her life of servitude and the dangers she’d faced as a woman on the Grand Line, such a fate had never even occurred to her. Even when Absalom had kidnapped her and tried to marry her, she’d never even considered it—mainly because she’d been unconscious, but also because she never doubted that Sanji or Luffy or Zoro would save her. Those three always seemed to show up when she was in trouble. But Law…

She had far more faith in the Surgeon of Death than she used to, but it wasn’t the same instinctive trust that she had with her nakama—if she hadn’t gone looking for him, would he have shown up in time to get her and Ikkaku out of there? Luffy would drop everything if he even thought one of his friends was in trouble. Zoro, for all his terrible direction sense, never failed to stumble across her in the nick of time. Sanji had a sixth sense for women in danger. Even Usopp and Chopper, her fellow scaredy-cats, could be relied on to overcome their own fears if she were in trouble.

But Law had been on his own mission. The man had his own goals and priorities that wouldn’t always line up with hers. She couldn’t always rely on him to save her. She shouldn’t always rely on others.

Ignorant to the navigator’s inner turmoil, Law shook his head. “You’re assuming Haiko-ya would let him live that long. She already knew he was opening a brothel, so the second she caught even a whiff of uranos being used on the girls, she’d burn the place to the ground.”

“Unless…” Bepo began before stopping himself. “Sorry.”

“Unless what, Bepo?” Ikkaku asked curiously.

“Speak,” Law ordered, eyes narrowed.

The bear looked nervous as he twiddled his claws. “Well, what if Jinzo planned on getting Miss Haiko out of the way? With Mr. Kimo out of commission, it would be a lot easier for him to take over and drive her out. Or kill her. Or,” he swallowed harshly, “maybe even drug her and add her to the brothel.”

It made a sick amount of sense, and Nami watched Law’s gold eyes burn with understanding. “Haiko-ya probably suspected Jinzo was looking to take her out before his new business opened. That’s why she asked me to go after him last night.” Glare deepening, Law stalked towards the door, motioning for Penguin to follow. The first mate reluctantly left his post, tossing a concerned glance at Ikkaku before leaving the infirmary.

The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence until Nami uttered, “Bepo?”

“Yes, Nami?”

“What happened to the other girls? The ones in the club that were also drugged?”

Her fellow navigator seemed reluctant to answer, glancing around as if hoping someone would pop out to answer the unpleasant question for him. “Well…Captain’s primary concern was you two, but he did order us to sedate and deliver them to Miss Haiko. Once he was sure you would be alright, he went to see what he could do for them, but given how far gone most of them looked…” He bowed his head sadly. “I’m sorry.”

Nami bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes as she stared down at the white tiled floor. Given all that she’d heard about the drug, she felt overwhelming pity for those girls. What would happen to them? What kind of lives could they expect? Did they have husbands or boyfriends or families? Would they ever know the girls’ fates? Were they better off not knowing?

“I’m so sorry, Nami,” Ikkaku murmured, catching her attention. The Heart Pirate looked utterly devastated, tears welling up in her dark eyes. “I was so, so stupid. I figured since Haiko’d been cleaning up the clubs and bars, it was safe to have a night out.”

“You couldn’t have known this would happen,” Nami replied weakly.

Bepo nodded emphatically as he pulled his crewmate into a tight hug. “Don’t blame yourself; even Law thought it was safe enough for you two to go out alone! New bars don’t open without Miss Haiko’s approval, after all. And with the way she’s been running things, it’s more dangerous to go out alone during the day than at night!”

“Really?” Nami asked, surprised.

“Oh yeah. Since Miss Haiko pretty much runs the island at night, she doesn’t get involved with things during the day. It’s the compromise she made with Mr. Kimo and Jinzo. So, slavers and stuff are still a problem while the sun’s up, but once things get dark, it’s a lot safer.”

“Kimo’s really ok with stuff like that?”

“Yeah,” Bepo said nervously, round ears drooping. “He may be more honorable than Jinzo, but he’s still pretty ruthless—wouldn’t be in the black market organ trade otherwise. Handing over control of the island at night to Miss Haiko was basically his wedding gift to her. Jinzo really hadn’t liked that—the red light district had been his domain.”

Frowning, Nami considered his words. Since arriving on Grimm, she’d assumed that Kimo was the lesser of the two evils between himself and Jinzo. But something wasn’t quite right; considering all the work that went into opening a new business, Jinzo must have been planning on starting the brothel for at least a month, if not two. Yet if Kimo had handed control of Grimm’s evening affairs over to Haiko, there was no way Jinzo would have dared disrespected his partner like that, right? And Kimo would have had to be completely stupid not to notice his partner muscling in on his wife’s territory.

Stupid, or in on it, Nami thought, eyes widening as she remembered her brief encounter with Haiko. The club owner had seemed pretty pissed about what had happened to her husband, but not nearly as distraught as one would expect from a woman whose beloved had been possibly assaulted by his long-time partner. And she’d been so quick to point the finger at Jinzo. More than eager to push a slighted Law in his direction. To step back and let someone else get their hands dirty.

It was all conjecture, and she had no proof, but Nami’s gut had told her when they first met that she was the kind of woman who could slit a man’s throat with a smile. And now her gut was saying Haiko was far more involved in this whole mess than she’d let on.

Lost in thought, Nami didn’t realize Law had returned until she heard a low, rapid thumping inches from her face. Looking up, she jumped back like a startled cat as she found herself staring at a beating heart in a translucent cube.

“What the hell is that?!” she screeched.

“I think that’s pretty obvious, Nami-ya; a heart. Specifically, Jinzo’s.”

“Why do you even have that?!”

Tossing the disembodied organ causally into the air and catching it with one hand, he replied, “Well, because I was a bit preoccupied with saving your life, I didn’t have the time to make that bastard suffer like I wanted to. So, I took his heart and handed the rest of him over to Drake-ya.” His grin was cruel and pleased, especially as the organ in his hand beat faster, clearly under some kind of distress. “When I explained the situation to him, he was more than happy to deliver justice in my stead. Especially since Haiko-ya agreed to pay him the money he’s owed, plus a bonus for taking care of this disgusting pest problem.”

“What’s Drake doing with him?” Ikkaku asked, glaring at the heart with cold determination.

“Torture. He promised to use every trick the Marines and his father ever taught him. Broken bones, waterboarding, hot pokers, acid in open wounds, bamboo shards under his nails—but he’s not allowed to kill him.” Gold eyes landed on Nami. “That’ll be my pleasure. Unless you’d like that honor for yourself?” he asked, offering the organ to the navigator like a macabre Valentine.

She gasped in horror. “I’m not killing anyone!”

“You sure? After what he did to you? Think about what would have happened, Nami-ya; he tried to make you a sex slave. He would have profited off your body and laughed as you served every sick scumbag willing to pay. You’d be used, abused, and at the mercy of men who’d only see you as a notch on their belts and a warm hole to fuck,” he sneered, grip on the fragile organ tightening unconsciously.

She shuddered. The picture Law painted wasn’t pretty. Just the thought of what she would have been reduced to made her want to vomit. She and Ikkaku and all those other girls…

Swallowing hard, Nami nervously met his cold eyes. “Law, did you manage to cure the other girls?” Bepo had been doubtful, but a small part of her prayed for a miracle from the doctor.

Law ran a hand through his dark hair. “Haiko-ya’s familiar with uranos—she had some anaphrodisiac on hand to hold back the effects, but not enough for everyone. Some I was able to fully cure. Others will likely be nymphomaniacs for the rest of their lives, but at least still have their higher reasoning intact. Several unfortunately succumbed to the permanent effect before I even got to them. And a few had been taking other drugs that didn’t play well with the addition of uranos and alcohol—needless to say, they died.”

Her throat tightened like a fist had wrapped around it. “Oh my god.”

Holding the rapidly-beating heart out towards her like a rose or box of chocolates, he asked coaxingly, “So, considering the number of lives Jinzo ruined tonight, are you sure you don’t want to give it a little squeeze?”

Fingers twitching, Nami was tempted to take him up on his offer. To grab that fragile organ and crush it between her fingers. To make Jinzo suffer in a way he never could have prepared for in the name of the women he’d been willing to use for his own ends.

But her conscience won out. She wasn’t a murderer. Maybe if it had been Arlong’s heart, she would have done it. This Fishman had spent nearly a decade pushing her to the breaking point. Hell, she’d tried to kill him at least a dozen different ways before resigning herself to the fragile glimmer of hope that he’d honor their deal and free her village.

She had no doubt that Jinzo was just as bad as Arlong, and he’d certainly wronged her and her friend, but as far as personal stakes went, Jinzo paled in comparison. So, even though he deserved it, she couldn’t bring herself to kill him in such a callous, ignoble way. Luffy would never approve. None of her nakama would. She didn’t give a damn about honor or fair fights, but killing him like this, when the man had no chance to fight back, was a slippery slope she didn’t want to go down.

Gingerly, Nami pushed Law’s hand away. “I’m sure. It just…I could never…”

The Surgeon of Death seemed disgruntled that she refused his macabre gift, but he got over it quickly. “Suit yourself. Ikkaku?”

The engineer seemed to consider it, but one look at Nami’s ashen face changed her mind. “Better take that somewhere else, Boss—I don’t give a shit what you do to that bastard, but Nami doesn’t need to see it.”

Law glanced at the woman in question before shrugging and tossing the heart onto an empty bed. Casually, he checked Ikkaku’s IV and stitches along her side as he said, “Fine. I should call Drake-ya first and see if he’s gotten bored of ripping chunks of flesh off of the bastard, anyway. Hate to interfere with his fun. Penguin’s getting your breakfast—eat up, then get dressed. The log pose has reset and we’re leaving Grimm no later than sunset. This visit has been an absolute shit show.” Satisfied with his engineer’s condition, Law retrieved Jinzo’s heart, tossing it up and down like a beanbag as he ordered, “If you have anything you wanted to pick up before we head off, this is your last chance—though you’re both wearing the uniforms. No arguments.”

“Fine by me,” Nami murmured, refusing to look at the vulnerable red organ.

Her chin was lifted gently, and she was forced to meet Law’s tired eyes. “Nami-ya, I promise the next island we land on will be much more relaxing. No black markets, drugs, or creepy psychopaths.”

“That…that sounds great, Law,” she replied uncomfortably.

“That’s it? No complaining? No demands for monetary compensation? No insults?” His frown deepened as he took a step back, taking care to keep Jinzo’s heart just out of her line of sight. “What’s on your mind, Nami-ya?

She worried her lip. Haiko was Law’s friend, or at least they were on good terms. Should she really risk inciting his anger by making accusations against her without proof?

Then again, Law was an intelligent man, and he knew the woman better than Nami did. If anyone could put her mind at ease and prove her theory right or wrong, it was him.

For better or worse, she’d trust his judgment.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Nami asked, “Did Haiko ever tell you what kind of accident her husband was in?”

A dark blue eyebrow raised in bemusement. “No. We were a bit preoccupied with brainstorming ways of making Jinzo pay for his transgressions. I assume it was something pretty serious, though.”

“But she knows how good a doctor you are. You completely repaired Hiroshi’s hands. You can pull drugs and poison out of people and find out exactly what’s wrong with someone with your powers. Why wouldn’t she ask you to look Kimo over and see if you could help him?”

“Because—” Law paused, quickly realizing he had no answer. “That’s a very good question, Nami-ya.” Brow furrowing, he stood before her in deep thought for a few minutes, idly running his thumb over the heart in his hand. It continued to beat at a dizzying speed—Jinzo was terrified, in agony, or both.

Finally, with a dark glint in his golden eyes, the Dark Doctor stated, “I’ll look into it. As for you two; rest, eat, and be ready to set sail by tonight.”

“Aye-aye, Captain,” Ikkaku replied while Nami nodded mutely.

Without another word, Law stalked out of the infirmary, leaving the two women and the Mink alone.

Determined not to endure any more awkward silences, Bepo walked over to Nami, lifted her up like she weighed nothing, and carried her over to Ikkaku’s cot. The bear sat down and pulled both women onto his lap, hugging them close like they were a pair of dolls.

“You had us all worried,” he whimpered, rubbing his muzzle against Ikkaku’s tangled hair. After six hours and all the craziness that had ensued during that time, the dark strands were regaining their natural curl. “I thought we were going to lose you.”

Despite the stress and trauma she’d endured over the past few days, Nami couldn’t help but feel the need to reassure the sweet bear. “We’re ok, Bepo. You guys got to us just in time,” she promised, patting his soft fur comfortingly.

“We knew you’d never let us down,” Ikkaku agreed, smiling softly at the way the Mink nuzzled her.

“But what if we hadn’t—”

“If you’re worried, next time you’re coming with us on Ladies’ Night,” she offered.

“Yeah,” Nami chimed in. “No one would dare mess with us if we had our fierce Mink bodyguard with us!”

“I don’t think you’re getting a choice on the whole ‘bodyguard’ thing,” Bepo admitted. “Law was a wreck. Pretty sure he’s not going to let either of you off the ship for a while without either him or a whole entourage for protection. Sorry.”

As much as Nami wanted to be annoyed at this, she couldn’t blame the dark captain for such a precaution. Grimm had taught her that, if she wanted to get through the rest of the year in one piece, she was going to have to adapt to her situation better. Life with the Straw Hats had made her forget just how much danger a woman faced.

Ikkaku had said she was lucky to have kept her virginity for so long—that she had the chance to choose who to give her first time to—but she hadn’t fully realized just how lucky. Absalom, Jinzo, Harpin—she could have been raped by any one of them. And though she was fortunate enough to have powerful people looking after her, she needed to be better prepared to defend herself in the future. As it was, she was a liability, and she couldn’t always count on others to rescue her.

Resting her head against Bepo’s furry neck, she made a decision. “Hey, Ikkaku?”

“Yeah?”

“Think you could take a look at my Clima-Tact later? Maybe see if there’s a way to bulk up its attacks, or give me some tips on how to utilize it better? I…I don’t want you to feel like I’d be in the way of a fight again.” Usopp would probably freak that she’d let someone other than him mess around with his invention, but Nami was sure he’d understand that it was for the sake of survival.

“I didn’t exactly think you’d be in the way,” Ikkaku replied, though there was a hint of hesitation in her tone. “I just didn’t want you getting hurt. I mean, if it turned out Mandōreku had a gun, I couldn’t risk him shooting you.”

“I get it, but if I’m going to stand a chance in the New World, I need to up my game. I’m never going to be a great fighter like Luffy or Sanji-kun, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try to get stronger.”

The engineer smiled sympathetically. “Then sure, I’ll look at it. Honestly, I’ve been dying to study that thing for a while but didn’t want to overstep.”

“I appreciate it,” Nami said. She meant it, too; Ikkaku might have been blunt and a bit pushy at times, but it was good to hear that she really did respect Nami’s boundaries.

“If you want some combat training, I can teach you a few of my moves,” Bepo offered, turning to rub his fuzzy cheek against her forehead affectionately.

“That’d probably be a good idea. Law said it was time to start some combat training, but I’ve been avoiding it. Guess it’s time to bite the bullet.”

“You want to learn to catch a bullet with your teeth?!” the Mink asked, shocked. “Not even Law can do that!”

Neither Ikkaku nor Nami bothered to correct him. Not that they could have; both women were laughing too hard.

XXX

Several hours later, Nami, Law, Jean Bart, Shachi, Ikkaku, and Penguin were loading the last of the supplies onto the submarine. The two women weren’t really in any condition to do any heavy lifting, but Nami was determined to spend as much time outside as she could before they submerged, as she had no idea when she’d get the chance to enjoy fresh air again. Ikkaku had decided to keep her company while the men did most of the work, and Law had agreed to let them lounge on the docks as it allowed him to supervise the men and watch over the women at the same time.

Normally, Nami would be on edge from his scrutiny, but she barely noticed as she was more interested in the amount of attention Penguin was giving them. Or rather, Ikkaku. The first mate had come up with practically every excuse under the sun to come over to check on them, mostly under the guise of ensuring his crewmate didn’t do anything to pull her stiches.

“I swear, he thinks I’m an invalid,” Ikkaku scoffed as Penguin scuttled off to help Shachi load up the supplies for the greenhouse Clione had ordered. “I’m not going to tear my stiches getting a drink.”

“Give the guy a break—he was freaking out when he realized you were in danger last night,” Nami replied, sipping her tea as she reclined in her deck chair. Penguin had insisted on fetching them some from the galley to ward off the gloomy island’s chill. It was definitely appreciated; a thick fog had settled over the Fall island since mid-morning and, combined with the chilly ocean spray, even the normally warm navigator was getting goosebumps.

“I guess. He’s a good guy like that,” she acquiesced with a small, affectionate smile. “He’s always looking after the crew. Speaking of, how’re you holding up in the uniform? You’re not getting overheated again, are you?”

The navigator gave the beige jumpsuit she’d once again been saddled with a brief scowl. “I’m fine—just trying to think of ways to make this damn thing palatable without Law freaking out.”

“Maybe we could modify it or something—make you a custom version. So long as it’s got the Heart Pirate emblem on it, I’m sure Law wouldn’t mind if we made it a bit sexier,” she said with a suggestive wink. “Especially if he gets to parade you about like his very own mikan arm-candy.”

Before Nami could tell her off for such an absurd suggestion, the man in question approached as if sensing the girls were talking about him. “And how are the two princesses doing?” he asked, tone teasing as he leaned Kikoku against his shoulder. “Has Penguin started feeding you grapes and offering foot massages?”

“Sadly, not yet,” Ikkaku snickered. “Need something, Boss?”

“I’m going to go run an errand. I won’t be gone long, but until I get back, stay close to the ship.”

The two women shrugged. Law had been popping out to run various errands all day; at this point, none of the Heart Pirates gave it much thought anymore.

“Don’t worry,” Nami replied, waving away his concern as she sipped her tea. “If I never set foot on Grimm’s shores again, I’ll be a happy woman. The docks are as far as I plan to go.”

“Good to hear it. Anything you two want me to pick up while I’m out?”

“Being awful magnanimous there, Boss,” Ikkaku drawled, an eyebrow raising suspiciously. “You trying to butter us up? Bribe us?”

He gave an insincere, too-wide smile. “Maybe I just feel like spoiling my two most beautiful subordinates.”

“And now I know you’re up to something. Well, if you insist on buying our silence, you can get me a huge box of gourmet chocolates or something,” she quipped, smirking up at her captain challengingly.

“Make that two boxes,” Nami giggled. “One for each of us. And a case of the most expensive sake the island sells.”

Law rolled his eyes, exasperated. “Greedy wench. Should have known you wouldn’t settle for a coffee or something.”

“If you don’t like it, I take cash, too.”

“Speaking of, you still owe me—”

“Nope!” she cut him off. “You said I could pay you back in cash, or with a kiss. And guess what, oh Surgeon of Death? I distinctly recall kissing you last night.”

“Under the influence of a sex drug.”

“You never specified the circumstances of the kiss. As far as I’m concerned, we’re even.”

Law let out an annoyed tch, and it took Nami a ridiculous amount of willpower to keep from commenting on the fact that the infamous Supernova was basically pouting. “Fine. I should be back in a half-hour. If I’m not, avenge my death.”

“Will do, Boss,” Ikkaku replied as she reclined in her seat, unbothered by the concept of her captain’s grisly demise. Not that she had reason to be—word had quickly spread about what had happened to Jinzo, so even if any of his former subordinates wanted revenge, only the truly stupid would risk their boss’ fate.

A blue bubble encased him and Law vanished before their eyes. Not wasting any time, the engineer turned to her companion. “So, you kissed him, huh?”

Nami scowled half-heartedly at her. “Because of the uranos.”

“Sure, sure,” Ikkaku chuckled but didn’t press the topic any further. It was good that she was feeling comfortable enough to make the occasional joke about last night’s debacle, but Nami could tell she didn’t wish to dwell on it longer than needed. There was a moment of comfortable silence between them before Ikkaku sighed. “Damn, now that he’s mentioned it, I kinda do want that foot massage. I’m getting a little cold, too; I’m gonna see if I can talk Penguin into giving one inside. You in?”

“Nah, I’m good. I think I’ll stay here and enjoy the fresh air a little longer. Go treat yourself!” she laughed, shooing the engineer away.

Normally, Nami rarely said no to a free foot massage, but she had the sneaking suspicion that Penguin wouldn’t mind doting on just Ikkaku for a while. With all his hovering, concern, and fury towards her attacker, Nami was beginning to theorize that the first mate might just have a burgeoning crush on the beautiful engineer. And even if she was completely off-base, Ikkaku deserved a little extra pampering after the night she’d had.

As Ikkaku meandered back into the sub, Nami wandered over to the edge of the pier, giving Jean Bart and Shachi a reassuring wave when they made to get up from where they were resting atop a stack of crates. Making sure to stay in their line of sight and within shouting distance, she stood there for several peaceful moments and relished the feel of the ocean spray on her face. She hoped the journey to the next island wasn’t too long—Grimm was damp and chilly and grey and an overall miserable experience, but she certainly hadn’t been bored.

“You seem to be doing well.”

Nami whirled around to find herself face-to-chest with Drake. Instinctively, her hand went to her Clima-Tact—Law had practically strapped it to her leg himself, though she doubted she’d risk leaving the submarine without it again.

Drake looked down at her critically, blue eyes lingering briefly upon the Heart Pirate insignia on her breast pocket before snapping back up to her face, a faint blush rising to his cheeks as he realized exactly where he’d been staring. He coughed into his fist awkwardly, waiting a moment for his composure to return. “I heard you ran amuck of some uranos. I suppose it’s a good thing you had Trafalgar for a temporary captain. I loathe the man, but his medical skills are beyond compare,” he spat as if giving Law even the slightest bit of praise filled his mouth with a foul taste.

“Y-yeah, he really came through for me,” Nami said nervously, fingers twitching above her batons.

Drake noticed her disquiet and took a half-step back, putting a respectable amount of distance between them. “I’m not here to kidnap you, Miss Nami—especially not with your companions ready to attack if I so much as blink at you wrong.”

Her anxiety eased up at the reminder. Glancing at her shipmates over her shoulder, she noticed Shachi glaring daggers at the rival captain through his sunglasses as he polished his rifle. Next to him, Jean Bart cracked his knuckles meaningfully. Confidence returning with the knowledge that she had good people watching her back, she returned her attention to Drake, hand retreating from her weapon to rest elegantly on her hip. “Smart man, though if abduction’s not on the agenda, why are you here?”

“Partially to check up on you. I was concerned Trafalgar would want to take advantage of you in your drug-addled state.”

“Law would never!” she snapped, instantly offended on the Dark Doctor’s behalf. The man may have been a sadistic, flirty bastard, but she instinctively knew he had never considered using her like Jinzo had intended. After all, she’d basically offered herself up on a silver platter, and when he’d kissed her back, it had been for the sake of distracting her. Law was a lot of terrible things, but “rapist” was not among them.

Holding up his hands in surrender, Drake raised an eyebrow at her outburst. “You’ve certainly changed your tune. Just two days ago you told me you didn’t even like him and literally begged me to help you strip off his uniform. I’d hoped you’d be smart enough not to fall for his seduction techniques so easily.”

“I haven’t fallen for anything—I’ve just realized that, even if he is a creepy asshole, he’s at least got enough honor to keep me safe from other scumbags. He’s the lesser of the evils out there.” Biting her lip, she reluctantly brought up, “By the way, I heard that you’re the one who…took care of Jinzo.”

With a nonchalant shrug he replied, “Normally, doing anything that benefits Trafalgar turns my stomach, but I was willing to make an exception in this case. The lesser of the evils and whatnot. That, and Haiko offered me a rather impressive sum of belli in exchange. I certainly wasn’t going to turn down that kind of deal—especially when I found out what Jinzo had done.”

“You…said he owed you a lot of money for something. What was it?” she asked, not sure she wanted to know the answer.

Piercing blue eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms. “You’re not accusing me of selling him uranos, are you?”

“Jinzo did sink a small fortune into getting his hands on enough to drug a whole bar. Maybe it wasn’t the only thing you sold him, but you did say he owed you 600 million belli,” she countered, though her heart wasn’t in it. Drake may have been a dangerous Supernova and attempted kidnapper but considering how he’d seemed rather shy around unclothed women, she highly doubted that he’d supply a drug that would turn girls into sex-slaves. Still, it didn’t hurt to check.

His answering glower put doubt into that thought, though. “Miss Nami, I understand you’ve been through a traumatic ordeal, and thus I’ll humor your idiotic accusation—no,” he stated, voice barely more than a deep, threatening growl. “What he and Kimo owed me money for was a job they requested assistance on, plus I had raided a merchant ship full of uncut diamonds, platinum, and silk. And considering how you relieved Jinzo of his cash, even if I did bring in the uranos, do you really think I’d hand it over without getting paid?”

Ice water ran though her veins at his tone. Drake was deeply offended at her allegation. She couldn’t blame him—despite the near-abduction, he’d been remarkably courteous to her since they’d first met. Besides that, even if he wasn’t a Marine anymore, it was clear he was far more honorable than most pirates. But every man had his limits, and if she didn’t lighten the mood fast, she might end up sharing Jinzo’s fate. Backing up a half-step and holding out her hands as if to calm down an angry beast, Nami simpered, “Hey, I’m sorry! You’re right—it was stupid of me to think you had anything to do with this. I-I’ve been through a lot over the past couple days and wasn’t thinking straight!”

Drake took a deep breath, and the tension eased from his shoulders as his hands fell to his sides. Behind her, Nami could hear the safety of a gun clicking, and she suspected her bodyguards had something to do with his new calm. “I may be a pirate, Miss Nami, but I don’t care for my honor being questioned.”

“I’ll remember that.”

His stern expression softened at her obvious fear. A large hand rubbed the back of his neck with a hint of embarrassment. “I confess, though, I do now feel a bit guilty for even considering selling you to that madman. Uranos is nasty business—rumor has it that the Navy briefly considered using it as a form of torture for female pirates in Impel Down, but Sengoku shot it down.”

Bile burned the back of her throat at the mere thought. “Dare I ask who proposed that option?”

“I believe you robbed his mansion last month.”

A disgusted shudder wracked her body. Of course that perverted psychopath would suggest such a thing. Considering Harpin’s low view of women and shady dealings, she wouldn’t have been surprised if he suggested it so he could get his hands on some for his own depraved use.

“God, the Navy employs the sickest people,” she groused. “How can they even look at themselves in the mirror?”

“People will go to quite the extremes in the name of Justice,” Drake answered, tilting his head down so his face was cast in shadow. “You can’t always stop evil by playing by the rules.”

Nami bit her lip. She probably shouldn’t be discussing such things with a former Rear-Admiral. Even if he had no love for his former leaders, she doubted such a conversation would go anywhere pleasant. She was trying to keep the mood light, after all. “Right. So, where are you heading next? Off to the New World?”

“No, not yet. It’s still too chaotic on the other side. Perhaps in a few months, when the waves of idiots looking to make a name for themselves have all killed each other. If I hope to stand out, I can’t just be another voice screaming for attention.”

“Not the worst plan in the world, I guess.” In fact, it was pretty similar to Law’s. Perhaps all North Blue pirates were this pragmatic—it seemed they were the only ones willing to wait for the best moment to strike instead of recklessly rushing into certain death.

“So glad you approve,” he replied sarcastically, though there was an amused tilt to his lips. “I may also be staying on this side for the sake of enjoying Paradise while it’s unusually peaceful—it’s almost like a vacation.”

Just like that, the rest of the tension between them dissolved like sugar in hot tea, and Nami found herself able to relax. Drake was an intimidating man, especially when he was angry, but like Law, he didn’t seem the type to cause trouble unless he could gain from it. Especially not with the Heart Pirates so close by.

That in mind, Nami gave him a small smile, intent of staying in his good graces. “By the way, thank you for…what you did to Jinzo. I’m sure getting payback on my behalf wasn’t a factor in your decision, but it’s good to have the peace of mind knowing he won’t be coming after me again.” Death and torture were never things she’d be able to condone, but it seemed smarter to praise Drake rather than condemn him.

Broad shoulders lifted in a mild shrug, but the large captain seemed pleased enough at her gratitude. “Honestly, while it wasn’t at the top of my list of reasons, when I was informed that he’d drugged you, it did help sway my decision. I thought perhaps my act of chivalry might help you see sense and convince you to join me instead of Trafalgar.”

A wry smile curled her lips and she jutted out her hip as she replied sassily, “Torturing a guy isn’t a great way to earn a lady’s affections, though points for creativity.”

Drake blushed slightly at the mild teasing in her tone, pulling the brim of his hat a bit further down to hide it the damning tinge of pink. “Perhaps not my preferred way to win you over, but I work with what I have.”

Intent on keeping the mood light, she teased, “Well, Captain Drake, how would you prefer to ‘win me over’, as you put it? A shopping trip? Candlelit dinner? A long stroll on the beach under the stars?”

“I’d rather appeal to your sense of reason—you’re an intelligent woman from what I’ve seen, and surely by this point Trafalgar would have shown you his true colors. While he might not be the absolute worst piece of scum sailing the ocean, you’re better off without him. That insane bastard will bring you nothing but trouble.”

Part of her appreciated the fact that Drake seemed even the slightest bit concerned for her safety—it was always good to have allies, after all. “Law’s a little unhinged, I’ll admit, but still far from the worst captain I’ve ever served under. He’s loyal and protective of his crew, and I guess that includes me now. That, and I have this sneaking suspicion that you only want me because I’m his.” She blinked before smacking her forehead with her palm, cheeks burning bright red. “That didn’t come out right.”

Drake let out a faint chuckle as he closed the distance between them with a few casual steps. “Whether or not you meant it that way, you’re not wrong. Considering all the times he’s gone out of his way just to screw me over, I wouldn’t mind the chance for some payback.” He leaned in, his voice a seductive growl in her ear as he continued, “And what better way to do it than to steal away the woman he clearly plans to fuck?”

“Wha—”

“Back it up there, Drake,” Shachi snapped as he audibly clicked the safety of his gun off again, raising the rifle meaningfully. “We cut you some slack when you badmouthed the boss, but trying to seduce our Cat Thief is a big no-no.”

Nami shivered as a puff of Drake’s hot breath danced against her neck when he scoffed. “Oh? Don’t you have faith in her loyalty to your captain? Or do you think she’d be so easily seduced?”

“Like you said, Miss Nami’s a smart woman,” Jean Bart replied, once more cracking his knuckles, ready to fight. “Smart enough not to fall for such an obvious ploy from a guy who tried to kidnap her just two days ago.”

“Then you boys have no reason to worry.” His attention returned to the woman in question when he felt her small hand lightly press against his torso. “So, what will it be, Miss Nami? Surely such a gorgeous, intelligent woman knows she deserves a better captain than an unhinged scoundrel like Trafalgar. Someone like me. Perhaps I could convince you over a bottle of wine in my cabin.”

Memories of the fantasy she’d shared with Ikkaku about how she’d seduce Drake popped into her head. She certainly hadn’t imagined he’d try to beat her to the punch like this. But while his attempt was admirable, the execution was unrefined. He had the proximity and the low, coaxing tone down, but he wasn’t even trying to touch her. He was smart to compliment her looks and intelligence, but he wasn’t quite making her feel wanted. Or maybe she’d just gotten used to Law’s much more patient, methodical approach. In fact, she couldn’t help but wonder if Drake was trying to imitate him but wasn’t quite comfortable enough to commit.

And too bad for him, when a Cat Thief like her sensed weakness, she took advantage.

“Hmm, I admit it’s a tempting offer,” Nami cooed, playfully running her fingers along the fur trim of his bolero. Large brown eyes gazed up at him through long lashes as she continued, “Having the famous X Drake so interested in little old me is certainly doing wonders for my ego. And what woman wouldn’t want to serve under such a big, strong, handsome captain?” For extra measure, she blew a light stream of air against the bare skin of his sternum as she drew a little heart on his prominent abdominal muscles.

Drake’s face turned the same shade as his hair, prompting Nami to laugh and drop the act, stepping away from him. “Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure that if I ran off with one of his rivals, Law wouldn’t take too kindly to it. But I’ll keep it in mind.”

Growling faintly in annoyance at how easily she’d gotten under his skin, Drake sought to compose himself by dusting off imaginary dirt from his sleeves. “Hmph. Well, in case you do come to your senses, just know the offer expires when I leave for the New World.”

“Fair. Now, unless you were looking to say goodbye to Law…” she trailed off, suggestively wagging her eyebrows.

Any composure Drake might have regained fell away instantly. “It was bad enough dealing with that smarmy bastard over the phone,” he snapped, ears burning brightly. Given what she knew of their interactions, Nami could guess that call had been utterly dripping with Law’s smug, suggestive flirtations. No wonder Drake had waited until he was gone to approach her. “All I have to say to him is ‘burn in Hell’!”

“Well, unless you plan on telling him that yourself, you should get going—he’s due back any minute,” she warned with a teasing smile. She’d never admit it out loud, but Law had been right—the best way to deal with Drake was to lean into the sexual tension to knock him off balance.

“Fine,” he growled, shoving his hands into his pockets and marching away with his head held deceptively high. “One last bit of advice, Miss Nami—I know it’s inevitable, but at least make him work for it before you sleep with him.”

Her jaw dropped in shock and outrage. “You—I’m not going to sleep with that jerk!”

“That’s the spirit,” he replied dryly over his shoulder, his large silhouette fading into the fog.

Once the former Marine was out of sight, Shachi was at her side, leaning his elbow on her shoulder. “You ok, Nami?”

The red haired thief was grateful for the cool air, as it helped her blush fade more quickly. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for having my back.”

“No problem. Glad we didn’t have to fight him, though. I hate to say it, but Drake’s got a higher bounty than Law for a good reason—guy turns into a total monster during a fight.”

“Literally or figuratively?”

“Yes.”

“Of course,” she sighed. Not that she was surprised—she’d seen his hand become a green scaled claw back in the alley, and she’d heard rumors that he could transform into carnivorous dinosaur of some kind. “How long until we plan on leaving?”

“Probably no more than an hour,” Jean Bart replied, hoisting up one of the larger supply crates. “Why? Need to get anything before we go?”

A cat-like smirk curled her lips as she fanned herself with a wad of cash. “Nah. I’d just rather we be on our way before Drake realizes he’s missing a few thousand belli.”

Shachi immediately doubled over laughing. “Holy fuck! When did you pull that off?!”

“When you two were distracting him with your chivalrous display,” she said evenly, tucking the money into her breast pocket. Even if Drake did realize his wallet was suddenly empty, there was no chance he’d dare let his hand go anywhere near her cleavage.

“Seems you three are having fun,” Law said, appearing like a specter from the thick fog, Room dissipating around him. “What did I miss?”

“Just Miss Nami picking Drake’s pocket,” Jean Bart said with a chuckle, picking up the crate of sake that had appeared with his captain and hauling it towards the submarine.

“Dumbass tried to seduce her and got robbed for his troubles,” Shachi explained gleefully, though it was replaced with a low grunt as two massive boxes of assorted gourmet chocolate were dropped into his arms. He let out another oof as Kikoku unceremoniously landed on top of them.

“Drake-ya tried to seduce you?” the captain asked Nami, lips curling into a smirk. “Without my permission? I’m not sure if I should be pissed at him or proud.”

“Does he need your permission to seduce me?” Nami scoffed lightly. “Maybe I should have gone with him; having an actual gentleman for a captain would make a nice change.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t try to appeal to your desire for a more flattering uniform.”

“Wait, they have better uniforms? Drake, come back!” she called mockingly, making a show of trying to run off in the older captain’s direction.

Chuckling, Law caught her arm and pulled her back against him. “Shachi, bring those boxes to the girls’ room and check the cargo hold to make sure we have all the provisions we need.”

“Aye-aye, Captain,” Shachi replied, already halfway to the sub. He knew Law was just giving him busywork to get some alone time with the beautiful thief, but he wasn’t going to argue—if Law wanted to, he could easily just Shambles him to the other side of the island to get rid of him.

The Dark Doctor didn’t get to enjoy that alone time for long, though, as his second mate was quickly replaced by a second redhead, though this one was far more beautiful and curvaceous.

“Hello Law,” Haiko purred, her ruby lips curled upwards in a satisfied smile. In stark contrast to the sexy silver dress she’d preformed in, today she wore a smart black blazer with a tight pencil skirt, though her generous cleavage was tactically on display. “Your work last night was exemplary. I’m going to have to think of new VIP perks to give you. Maybe have Hiroshi write another song.”

Nami tensed at the appearance of the seductive club owner. She still had no idea what was up with her—if Haiko could be fully trusted. Law had said he’d look into it, but had he? Or had he just said that to appease his suspicious shipmate?

“Thank you, Haiko-ya,” Law replied casually, though it didn’t escape Nami’s notice that he placed himself deliberately between the two women. “How are Jinzo’s victims?”

The assured smile fell slightly. “I sent the ones you cured home to their families. The dead will hopefully be identified and given proper burials.”

“And the nymphos?”

“A few are going to try and return to their normal lives. The others…I’ve offered them employment at one of my brothels—if they’re going to crave sex for the rest of their lives, they might as well get paid for it. And at least with me they’ll be safe.”

“Very generous of you.”

Though she waved off the comment, Nami could see the subtle stiffness in her posture—as if she were an actress not entirely comfortable with the character she had to portray. “It’s the least I can do. If I’d taken care of Jinzo earlier, none of this would have happened.”

“I can’t argue with that. Though he must have done a great job covering his tracks to keep both you and Kimo-ya from realizing he intended to muscle in on your territory. What will happen to the black market trade now?”

Her easy confidence returned—when it came to talking business, Haiko was clearly in her element. “Well, since I’ll have my hands full keeping that from imploding, I’m entrusting Oscar with running the red light district. Hiroshi can manage Ruby 8 until things settle down. I admit, since so many of your peers have run off to the New World, the black market’s taken a bit of a dip in profits.”

“And with fewer pirates around, the island’s entertainment and legitimate businesses must have been more accessible to citizens and other visitors.”

“All the more reason to clean this town up, I suppose.”

“Kimo-ya won’t be happy about that,” Law said casually, studying his nails.

She shrugged, though her red lips turned in a subtle frown. “My husband’s a crime lord—to him, rampant rape, drugs, and murder meant that his clientele were happy. But when such a thing is the norm, it’s only a matter of time before you fall victim to it yourself.”

“Of course. It’s easy to rule the underworld when everyone else is a good, law-abiding citizen.”

Seductive smirk returning to her face, Haiko playfully stroked Law’s goatee. “Oh, don’t worry, Dr. Heart Stealer; you’ll still have a place to sell of your ill-gotten goods, and after last night, you can expect VIP treatment at any of Grimm’s fine establishments.”

The Surgeon of Death flashed a devilish smirk. “Good to hear. And without the risk of drugging, rape, and kidnapping, maybe next time we visit, Nami-ya will be able to actually enjoy herself.”

Pulling her hand away from Law’s face, Haiko turned to Nami, green eyes apologetic. “Yes, I heard you were one of the girls Jinzo’s goons drugged. It’s good to see you’re doing well. No one hurt you, did they?”

“I’m fine,” Nami replied, shifting uncomfortably. Though her concern over the thief’s welfare felt sincere, she still wasn’t sure if the island’s new Queenpin had a hand in the island’s drastic power shift, or if she was just taking advantage of the opportunity she’d been presented with her husband and Jinzo’s removal. Her goals at least appeared admirable.

“If you’re ever back in Grimm, you’re welcome at Ruby 8 anytime. In fact, next visit your meals and drinks are on the house.”

Law stepped between them again, and for a brief moment, Nami felt him run a reassuring hand over her back. “Perhaps by that point, Kimo-ya will have recovered—we can make it a double date.”

“Oh, I doubt that,” Haiko stated, a nearly imperceptible tightness in her jaw. “My medical staff says that with the damage he suffered, even if he does wake up, he’ll be confined to his bed for the rest of his life. He took a tremendous fall down the stairs and broke his neck, you see.”

“Was that before or after he was stabbed in the liver?”

Green eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

This time, Law blatantly pushed Nami behind him, looming dangerously over the older businesswoman as they stared each other down. “Well, since I seemed to be in the habit of doing you favors, I thought I’d add to my good karma and stop by your house to see if I could do anything to heal your beloved husband. He certainly has a broken neck, and the bruises and cracked skull line up with your story, but that stab wound sticks out like a sore thumb.”

Haiko’s stone-cold expression would put a professional poker player’s to shame. “Well, the fall did break a few steps—perhaps he landed on a sharp piece of wood.”

Law’s own face was just as unreadable. “No, the size and shape clearly indicate that it was a knife. A small one that a lady could easily hide under her dress. I also noticed that your home doesn’t have any stairs.”

Her expression hardened, a fierce green fire flickering in her eyes. “Are you accusing me of harming my husband, Captain Trafalgar?”

“Haiko-ya, you’re a woman I genuinely admire—you’re cunning and determined, yet you still have standards higher than most of the criminal underworld. You’ve come a long way from that underground gin joint you started in the North Blue. You’ve spent years cleaning up the brothels and bars on Grimm; I’d certainly be upset to find my husband was conspiring to undo all of my hard work simply because he couldn’t adapt to the changing times.”

Nami held her breath as she and Law awaited her answer. This was the moment of truth.

“That’s quite the theory you have,” Haiko replied coolly, crossing her arms and raising an auburn eyebrow. The anger in her gaze dimmed down into a tranquil simmer. “Do you have any proof?”

“Nothing physical, nor do I really care—if you stabbed Kimo, I have no doubt it was well-deserved. Perhaps it was even an accident, or in self-defense.”

“Or perhaps you’re just making baseless accusations.”

“Haiko-ya, it doesn’t matter to me what really happened. If anything, I imagine you’ll be a better business partner than either of them. I simply don’t appreciate being used and lied to.”

When she gave no reply, Law gave Nami a meaningful look, gold eyes flicking down to her Clima-Tact before holding her gaze intently. “Nami-ya, why don’t you disappear for a bit? I think this is a conversation Haiko-ya and I should have without an audience.”

Catching on, she nodded, ducking inside the Polar Tang just out of sight. While Law distracted the club owner by leading her towards the edge of the pier, Nami quickly cast her Mirage Tempo, rendering herself invisible so she could sneak back over, footsteps silent as a cat’s paws. For extra measure, she crouched behind a nearby crate, peaking her head over the top so she could watch the duo’s interactions.

Law casually slung his arm over Haiko’s narrow shoulders, dropping his voice so only Nami could eavesdrop. “Look, I know power struggles are common in the underworld, and innocents getting caught in the middle happens. However, this little spat hurt two of my subordinates. I’m sure you understand that, if something like this were to happen again, I’d take it upon myself to wipe out both sides of the conflict in revenge, correct?”

The redhead stiffened. “Of course, Law.”

“Good. Because I respect your reasons—Kimo and Jinzo betrayed you. Tried to undo all your hard work because their own profits were down. Potentially even planned to slip you a little uranos out of spite. But I won’t stand for someone else’s grudge putting my crew in danger. Nor do I tolerate being used—if you want me to kill someone for you in the future, I expect you to be straight with me instead of treating me like a pawn.”

For a moment, Haiko stood in silence, staring out at the churning waves as they slapped against the pier. Finally, she spoke, voice tight and minutely vulnerable. “A few nights ago…Kimo came to Ruby 8 with a few of his thugs after closing. We argued about him helping Jinzo open a brothel under my nose—he said if I didn’t give the red light district back, he’d burn my club to the ground and put me to work as one of the whores.”

“Is that when you stabbed him?” Law asked, tone even and calm.

“Of course. Oscar and the band overheard the commotion and took care of the thugs while I ran, but Kimo followed me to the top of the stairs…”

“Well, that lines up with what Hiroshi told me. I appreciate your honesty.”

“You questioned Hiroshi?” she asked, angered at the musician’s betrayal.

“You forget—he owes me. I guess he also figured I’d be more lenient with you if I knew how you’d been backed into a corner.” Law paused, letting the tension between them simmer before he admitted, “He was right. Kimo deserved what you gave him, and if I hear he’s tragically succumbed to his wounds, well, I won’t shed any tears.”

Haiko sighed, shoulders sagging in relief. “I wanted to trust you, but you had a profitable partnership with Kimo. I couldn’t be sure whose side you’d be on—I just knew it wouldn’t be Jinzo’s.”

“A common enemy is a good hook for an alliance—I just hope you plan to be more honest with me if you intend on maintaining our partnership.”

“Of course.”

A shadow fell across his eyes as he turned the woman so she fully faced him. “Did you know about the uranos shipment?”

“No. Nor was I aware that Venus would be used to distribute it,” Haiko explained, looking him straight in the eye. “The owner was new but on the level; he had my full permission to host a Ladies Night to attract customers. When I went to confront him this morning, I found his body—he’s been dead for at least a few days.”

Nodding at her answer, Law’s somber expression relaxed. “Good. Because not telling me about Kimo and Jinzo’s betrayal is forgivable. Not warning me about the uranos…”

“I am truly sorry your girlfriend and engineer were subjected to that.”

Nami had to physically slap a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming “I’m not his girlfriend!” She doubted Haiko would appreciate it if she found out she was being spied on, and Law would be pissed that she’d ruined his plan.

Perhaps he could feel her rage, because Nami caught Law’s amber eyes glance in her general direction before returning to Haiko. “Pretty words aren’t the kind of apology I’m interested in. I expect compensation.”

Haiko’s confident, naturally seductive grim returned as she leaned in, running a finger along the Heart Pirate insignia on his sweatshirt. “Oh? And what exactly did you have in mind?”

“I’m sure you’ve already thought of something—I doubt you would have come all this way just to say goodbye.”

“That I have; in fact, it’s exactly why I came down here. Two weeks ago, a man named Dira tried to sell Kimo and Jinzo some items. Most of it was junk, but there were a few things that stood out. One of them was a lovely white vase.”

“Are you seriously offering me a vase as reparations for Nami-ya and Ikkaku nearly becoming sex slaves?” he sneered, eyes narrowing in offense. Nami bristled in solidarity. She didn’t care how drop-dead gorgeous Haiko was; unless said vase was made of platinum and filled to the brim with belli and gems, she’d kick the older woman’s ass for being so cheap!

“Oh, no—the vase isn’t even here!” Haiko replied, smile never wavering despite the anger radiating from the Dark Doctor. “Once he realized what it was made from, Kimo turned it down and told the man to take his wares elsewhere.”

“And what, pray tell, was it made of?” Law asked sarcastically, patience wearing thin.

Her manicured hands reached up to smooth out the wrinkles in his sweatshirt. “At first, they thought it was marble or alabaster, but upon closer inspection, Jinzo realized that the white was just paint. It took a little arm-twisting, but Dira admitted that the vase originated from a certain tragic island in the North Blue.”

That immediately caught the surgeon��s attention, and the full focus of those golden eyes was fixated on the club owner. The hostility vanished, replaced by cool intent. “Where did he go?”

“Atifakuto. None of us wanted something coated in Amber Lead, of course, but I remembered you once mentioning that you had an interest in such items. In fact, I even have an eternal pose to the island—I took my last vacation there.” Reaching into her generous cleavage, she pulled out the hourglass-shaped device. As she handed it to the pirate captain, she fluttered her long lashes sweetly. “So, am I forgiven?”

“…for the most part. You’d better not be playing me, Haiko-ya,” Law replied, studying the magnetic compass intently, looking for anything that might give away whether or not it was fake.

“I think I’ve learned my lesson about leading on The Surgeon of Death. You did me a favor, so I’m returning in kind.” Standing up on her tip-toes, she brushed a kiss to his jaw. “I do hope you visit again soon. And treat that Cat Thief of yours right—maybe it’s the red hair, but she reminds me of myself at that age.”

“Unscrupulous and greedy?” he asked, taking her hand and pressing his own farewell kiss to her knuckles.

“And a magnet for dangerous men,” she purred as she flounced away. “Safe travels, Captain Trafalgar. Always a pleasure doing business with you.”

When the new Queenpin of Grimm was out of sight, Nami dropped her illusion, jogging over to Law. “Well, that was…quite the conversation.” Part of her was relieved—Haiko had done some shady things, but she couldn’t fault her reasons. Another part was flattered. She was a dangerous, stunning, formidable woman—someone Nami could certainly admire and wouldn’t mind becoming someday. Though, she hoped she’d manage to avoid marrying someone who’d betray her.

And one tiny, sneaky part of her burned with irrational jealousy over the fact that Haiko had kissed him. It shouldn’t matter—Law was obnoxious and arrogant and certainly not someone she had any intention of kissing when not under duress. But for some reason, she had been really tempted to use her Cyclone Tempo to knock her into the water.

“That it was. Seems a trip to Atifakuto is in order,” Law said lowly, the brim of his hat casting a shadow across his eyes as his tips twisted in a sullen frown.

Nami’s brow furrowed. She knew Law had some kind of interest in Amber Lead, but why would he want to hunt some down? “Is that our next destination?”

He rubbed his goatee in brooding thought as his eyes fixated on the delicate needle pointing towards the horizon. Nami could practically see the wheels in his head turning, an internal argument raging in his mind. His body was as stiff as a cadaver’s, the tendons in his neck straining as he held in whatever powerful emotions he was feeling.

Finally, he shoved the eternal pose into his pocket and answered, “Not yet. I promised you the next island we landed on would be far more relaxing, and I need time to plan, anyway. But don’t expect a long vacation; I can’t let the trail grow cold.”

She sighed in relief. After the horrors of Grimm, she was in desperate need of a breather. Especially if they ended up going after an artifact from Flevance; she’d only heard tragic stories about that place. How they’d once been prosperous and highly-renowned, until the whole country had come down with a horrible, incurable disease. A disease that, if Law was to be believed, hadn’t been as contagious as the World Government had claimed.

Before she could ask any questions, Law pressed his hand between her shoulders, gently but insistently leading her towards the Polar Tang. The darkness in his expression had faded significantly, and his sly smirk was back in place. It felt phony, though—like a mask. “By the way, I appreciate you staying close. Considering what she did to her husband, I half expected Haiko-ya to stab me and push me off the pier.”

“Yeah, I figured you only wanted me there so I could save your ass,” she snipped, though her heart wasn’t quite in it. Law had berated Haiko about being honest with him, yet it felt like he was putting up a front with her. Sure, it wasn’t quite the same—Haiko had been using him, while Law seemed to be just keeping his thoughts to himself—but the slight hypocrisy grated at her.

At the same time, she couldn’t entirely fault him for it. Their relationship and sense of trust in each other had certainly improved over the past twenty-four hours, but she couldn’t blame him for not enlightening her to his troubled thoughts. She only hoped he’d confide in Penguin or Bepo.

“The singular pitfall of wielding the awesome power of a Devil Fruit—water is your nemesis,” he replied sourly.

“Then why’d you lead her so close to the dock’s edge?”

“To make her feel less threatened. Her husband attacked in her own bar. Ruby 8 is as much home to her as the Tang is to us. People value that illusion of safety; when it’s compromised, especially by someone we should trust, it can turn someone into a skittish, feral animal.”

“Ah. Yeah, makes sense,” she replied as they stepped through the submarine door. He definitely had a point—if she’d been attacked on the Thousand Sunny, a place she’d always felt safe and secure in, she’d probably be on-edge for months. “It was still a risky move, though.”

“But a calculated one. Did you really think I’d accuse a woman as cunning and dangerous as her without a plan, or at least a basic understanding of how her mind works?” he asked, dark blue eyebrow raised in annoyance.

“No, but are you confident enough in that understanding to guarantee she’s not sending us to our deaths?”

“Another reason to take a slight detour and recover our strength before heading to Atifakuto,” he said nonchalantly, smirk becoming darker but more genuine. “I’m not particularly worried, though. Haiko and I think alike in many ways; she values long-term planning. She knows she only has one shot at killing me, so she wouldn’t risk it all on a scheme she threw together in a day. She’d wait until I least expected it, even if it took years, all the while carefully moving the pieces into place. And when she struck, she’d get the outcome she wanted no matter how the cards fell.”

“Do you…have someone you’re planning to kill?” Nami asked, a hint of nervousness bleeding into her voice. “Because you sound like you’re speaking from experience.”

“No one you’ve met, and no one you’d miss,” he said vaguely, his hand finally moving from her back so he could climb down the ladder to the next level. “You should worry more about getting stronger and preparing for the New World; Bepo tells me you’re finally ready to start combat training.”

“Let’s just say Grimm’s been a bit of an eye-opener,” she replied, carefully climbing down after him. Her heeled sandals made a reverberating clank as she stepped down onto the metal floor. “Luffy can’t risk me being a liability—if I can’t handle myself in Paradise, I’ll stand no chance on the other side of the Red Line.”

“Exactly why I’m willing to train you—I’d hate to have put in all that effort into saving Mugiwara just for his crew to bring him down.”

Nami glared at him, but he ignored her all the way to his quarters. Upon realizing she’d followed him, his eyebrow arched upwards again, though this time in amusement. “Were you looking for something, Nami-ya? A private tour of the captain’s bedroom, maybe?”

She blushed slightly at his suggestive tone but held her ground. “You gave me crap about keeping secrets from you, and yet you spew out the most irritating non-answers when I ask you a simple question. Your hypocrisy is infuriating.”

“I gave you crap about keeping secrets relevant to your well-being,” he countered easily, slipping inside his room. “Your tenure as a Heart Pirate will be long done by the time I enact my revenge, so it’s nothing you need to worry your pretty little head over, sweetheart.”

Before she could reply or even get a good look at the inside of his quarters, he shut the door in her face.

Staring at the steel barrier, Nami felt her stomach twist uncomfortably.

She trusted Law. She knew he was sincere in his desire to help her train for the New World. That he would protect her until she returned to Weatheria at the end of the year.

She also trusted her gut, and it was screaming that he had ulterior motives. That this generosity, along with his rescue of Luffy, had something to do with some long-term plan.

Trafalgar Law was the lesser evil now, but how long until that changed?

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