Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Doflamingo had been through a rollercoaster of emotions since Rosinante's death. First, a blazing anger toward the child who had been the reason for his loss. Then, a cold resentment fueled by his brother’s betrayal. But now, sitting on his throne in Dressrosa, all he felt was a visceral need to protect the only thing left of his "foolish little brother."

Law was the reason Rosinante was gone. Yes, that was undeniable. But he was also the last remnant of his brother, a constant reminder of what he had lost and, in some way, of what he could still hold onto.

“Damn it…” Doflamingo clicked his tongue, letting a pen drop onto the endless stack of documents in front of him. If anyone had told him being king involved this much paperwork, he would’ve thought twice before taking over Dressrosa.

"Sir..." Trebol's nasal voice interrupted his thoughts.

Doflamingo frowned, deliberately ignoring his subordinate as he leaned back in his chair, drumming his fingers on the arm of the throne.

"Sir..." Trebol insisted, this time with more urgency.

“What is it, Trebol?” Doflamingo growled, his patience wearing thin. "What the hell do you want?"

The trembling man stepped back, clearly nervous at the sudden change in his captain’s mood.

“It’s… it’s about the brat Trafalgar,” Trebol stammered, his voice unsteady.

Doflamingo immediately straightened, his piercing gaze locking onto his subordinate. The mere mention of Law's name was enough to erase any trace of boredom from his face.

“Speak,” he commanded, his tone low and dangerous.

Trebol swallowed hard, wringing his clammy hands as he tried to find the right words to avoid angering Doflamingo further.

“Our informants... they’ve spotted Trafalgar on Swallow Island. He’s alive.”

Silence fell over the throne room like a heavy weight. Doflamingo didn’t respond right away, but a slow, menacing smile began to spread across his lips.

“Swallow Island, huh?” he murmured, more to himself than to Trebol.

Suddenly, he stood up with a fluid motion, his imposing figure casting a shadow over Trebol, who instinctively stepped back.

“Prepare the ship. We’re going to find him.”

“You, personally, sir?” Trebol asked, stunned.

Doflamingo let out a cold laugh, adjusting his sunglasses as he descended the steps of the throne.

“Of course. That brat belongs to me. And no one else will lay a finger on him.”

Trebol nodded quickly and scurried out of the room, leaving Doflamingo alone with his thoughts.

“Rosinante…” Doflamingo whispered, gazing at the sky through the palace windows. “I’ll protect him, I promise you.”

With that, he left the hall, his mind already plotting how to reclaim the boy who, whether he liked it or not, had become his new heart.

♡♡♡

Law stared at the night sky through the cracked window of the old cabin, hugging a soundly sleeping Bepo, who snored softly beside him. The gentle noise was almost comforting, though Law’s mind kept spinning in circles.

Sometimes he wondered how he’d ended up here, in this forgotten corner of the world, sharing a roof with a grumpy old man, two unbearable idiots, and a talking bear. His life had taken such absurd turns that he no longer bothered to question them.

The pain... that never changed.

Two years had passed since Cora-san's death, and his heart was still shattered. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Rocinante's kind face, that crooked smile he always wore as if he could face all the evil in the world and come out victorious.

Law clenched his teeth, feeling his chest fill with rage and determination.

He had sworn to avenge Cora-san's sacrifice. He had sworn to destroy Doflamingo, no matter the cost.

Even if it meant losing himself in the process.

With a trembling hand, he stroked Bepo's head, seeking some comfort in the warmth of the bear's fur.

"I will avenge you, Cora-san," he whispered to the wind, his voice barely audible.

The moon illuminated his face, making his dark eyes shine with pain and contained fury.

It didn’t matter how long it took. It didn’t matter how much he had to sacrifice. Trafalgar Law was going to destroy Doflamingo.

No matter what.

Law let out a deep sigh, feeling his breath mix with the cold night air. His mind wasn’t going to give him a break tonight, that much was certain. Slowly, he got up from Bepo’s warm, fluffy stomach, making sure not to wake him, and grabbed his spotted hat before silently stepping out of the cabin.

The forest greeted him with its usual calm. The sound of leaves rustling in the wind and nocturnal insects created an almost therapeutic melody. Law walked aimlessly, letting his feet guide him as he looked up at the night sky.

It was his favorite part of this place.

The sky seemed endless, so dark it blended with the ocean horizon, creating the illusion that the entire world was covered by a single starry mantle. Law continued walking until he reached a small hill that offered a perfect view of the sea—a place he had visited many nights before.

He sat on the grass, closing his eyes as the salty ocean scent filled his lungs. It was a moment of peace, one of those that seemed increasingly rare in his life.

But, of course, something had to interrupt it.

Because, apparently, Law wasn’t allowed to have good things in life.

When he opened his eyes, the first sign that something was wrong was the ship he saw anchored on the shore. It wasn’t just any ship. Its extravagance was impossible to miss: golden embellishments, massive sails, and a design that screamed arrogance.

Law’s heart began to race as he squinted to confirm what his mind already feared.

He knew that ship.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

The sound of a familiar laugh echoed in the air, freezing his blood.

"Fufufufu..." The laugh was unmistakable, even after two years.

Law froze, feeling his entire body tense. Slowly, he turned toward the direction of the voice, and there he was.

Doflamingo, with his imposing figure wrapped in his signature pink feathered coat, stood there with a wide, dangerous grin on his face.

"Long time no see, kid," Doflamingo said, his voice dripping with mockery and satisfaction, like a hunter who had finally caught his prey.

Law felt his mouth go dry as he tried to think of something—anything—but his mind was blank.

Doflamingo had come for him.

And this time, he wasn’t going to let him escape.

Law’s heart pounded in his chest as he slowly stood up, trying to hide his nervousness. His mind was racing, searching for a way to escape, but he knew it wouldn’t be easy. Not with Doflamingo standing before him with that smile that promised nothing but trouble.

"What are you doing here?" Law asked, his jaw clenched, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

Doflamingo chuckled softly, adjusting his sunglasses as he took a step closer.

"Fufufu... Does it even matter? I’m here for you, kid. Isn’t it obvious?"

Law clenched his fists, instinctively taking a step back.

"I’m not going back with you," he spat, his eyes full of determination.

Doflamingo raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise.

“Go back?” he repeated, as if the word amused him. “Oh, Law, it’s not about ‘going back.’ You never stopped being mine.”

The air around them grew heavy, and Law felt a chill run down his spine.

“I’m not one of your possessions, you lunatic.”

Doflamingo let out a loud laugh, as if the idea of Law having any choice in the matter was the funniest joke he had heard in years.

“You’re as stubborn as ever, boy.” He leaned slightly toward him, his mocking grin never faltering. “But that’s fine—I like that side of you.”

Law took another step back, his mind racing for an escape plan.

“Leave me alone!” he growled, his eyes darting around for any opportunity to flee.

Doflamingo tilted his head, pretending to think.

“You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about Rocinante lately.”

Law froze, his expression hardening at the mention of Cora-san’s name.

“Shut up,” he said, his tone low and dangerous.

“Oh, come on, Law.” Doflamingo raised his hands in a gesture of mock innocence. “Don’t look at me like that. After all… it was your fault, wasn’t it?”

Law’s gaze turned fiery.

“What the hell are you talking about!?” he shouted, unable to contain himself.

Doflamingo chuckled softly, as if all of this were just a game to him.

“Rocinante died protecting you,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with venom. “If you hadn’t been there, if you hadn’t been so stubborn, he’d still be alive.”

Law felt a mix of rage and grief swell inside him, forming an unbearable knot in his chest.

“How is it my fault!?” he spat, his voice cracking slightly. “You’re the one who shot him!”

Doflamingo shrugged, as if what Law had just said was irrelevant.

“Yes, but you provoked it,” he replied with an unsettling calm. Then he smiled again, as if he had just decided something. “But it’s fine. I forgive you, Law.”

The declaration hit him like a punch to the gut.

“What the hell are you saying!?” he repeated, his voice filled with disbelief and fury.

Doflamingo approached him calmly, his grin widening as he placed a heavy hand on Law’s shoulder.

“I’m saying it’s all in the past now. You’re mine, and that’s all that matters.”

Before Law could respond, Doflamingo pulled him into a suffocating embrace, completely ignoring the boy’s struggles to break free.

“Relax, my little Corazón,” Doflamingo murmured, leaning closer to Law as if trying to engulf him entirely with his presence. There was an unsettling softness in his tone, one that only made the tension in Law’s shoulders worse. “You don’t have to carry that burden alone. I’m here so you’ll never feel lonely again.”

Law tried to push away, but Doflamingo’s massive hand kept him pinned in place, as if he were nailed to the ground.

“I’m not lonely, you freak,” Law growled, his voice dripping with venom, though he couldn’t stop a shadow of doubt from slipping into his words.

Doflamingo let out a low, guttural laugh, as familiar and disturbing as ever.

“Of course not,” he replied with a dangerous smile, ignoring Law’s resistance as if it were nothing more than an annoying fly buzzing around him. “But I think you’d be much better off at home—with me.”

“Home?” Law scoffed, glaring at him with a mix of fury and contempt. “That’s not my home! It never was, and it never will be.”

Doflamingo observed him for a moment, his grin widening in a way that made Law’s skin crawl.

“I think you’re tired, boy,” he said, his tone almost condescending, like he was speaking to a child on the verge of a tantrum. “It’s time to go back.”

Law took another step back, but before he could say anything else, Doflamingo raised a hand—quick and precise.

“What are you…?”

Everything went black before he could process what was happening.

Doflamingo caught Law before he hit the ground, holding him carefully, almost tenderly, as if the boy were a fragile piece of glass.

"Ah, Law," he murmured as he adjusted him in his arms, cradling him like a father carrying his sleeping child. "You’re always so difficult."

He turned toward the shore, watching as his ship gleamed under the moonlight.

"You’ll see, little Corazón. In time, you’ll learn that there’s no safer place than by my side."

With steady steps, he began walking toward the ship, carrying Law with him, leaving behind the cabin and the forest that had been his refuge for two years.

The boy had no idea what awaited him.

Chapter Text

For the first time in a long while, Law felt warm. A comforting, protective warmth, like when he was a child and Cora-san would wrap him in his enormous black coat in the middle of the snow.

He sank deeper into the soft fabric, savoring the feeling for just a moment more. The hand stroking his head was soothing, almost maternal. His breathing fell into rhythm with the familiar touch…

But something was wrong.

Terribly wrong.

Law's eyes flew open.

Cora-san’s black coat was nowhere to be seen. In its place was a soft, pink fabric. His fingers clutched at the garment without thinking, his heart began to race. His body, which seconds ago had felt so safe, now tensed in alarm.

No. No. No.

The hand in his hair stopped, and that was when he felt the weight of an arm across his back. His breath hitched.

Slowly, his stomach twisting, he looked up.

Doflamingo.

The man looked at him with a calm smile, as if nothing in the world could disturb that moment. As if it were perfectly normal for Law to be wrapped up in his coat, like a child curled up in his father's lap.

The horror hit Law immediately.

He pulled away abruptly, nearly falling off the couch in his attempt to get away.

“W-what the hell…?” his voice came out shaky, his heart still pounding.

Doflamingo merely tilted his head in amusement, observing him like he was an interesting creature.

“You were sleeping so deeply I didn’t want to wake you. You looked… comfortable,” his voice was low, almost amused, but his eyes remained fixed on Law with a dangerous glint.

Law clenched his fists, a shiver running down his spine.

“Don’t ever do that again.”

Doflamingo chuckled softly.

“Why not? You didn’t complain with my brother.”

Law felt his blood boil.

“It was Cora-san back then…” he muttered, more to himself than to Doflamingo.

The name hung in the air.

Doflamingo’s expression didn’t change, but the atmosphere grew heavier. The smile on his face remained, but his dark glasses couldn’t hide the cold gleam in his eyes.

“Cora-san is dead, Corazón,” he said softly, almost tenderly. “I’m all you have left.”

Law felt the air grow denser.

He stood up abruptly, putting distance between them.

“Don’t forget that,” Doflamingo added, resting an arm on the back of the couch, still relaxed. “You’re my Heart now.”

Law felt the weight of those words crushing him. "You’re my Heart now."

The softness with which Doflamingo had spoken made Law feel as if he were trapped in a golden cage. The last part of the phrase echoed in his mind, spinning endlessly like a sentence he couldn’t escape. His heart raced—but not out of fear… it was something much more confusing.

What did it mean to be Doflamingo’s Heart?

Law gritted his teeth and looked down at the floor, trying to calm himself. He needed to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the room, the warmth of that unexpected, all-consuming embrace. He strode quickly toward the door, but before he could reach it, a deep voice stopped him.

“I told you not to forget, Corazón.”

Doflamingo’s voice had shifted slightly, a hint of impatience creeping in, though it still held that unsettling calm.

Law spun around sharply.

“Don’t call me that!” he shouted, his voice cracking but firm. “I’m not your Heart. I’m not!”

Doflamingo didn’t respond right away. His gaze pierced through Law as it always did—so imposing, so sure of itself. Slowly, he stood from the couch, but instead of approaching, he stayed where he was, simply watching.

“You’re right. I’m not… my brother.”

The last word came out with a slightly bitter edge, as if he were enjoying someone else’s pain—but the glint in his eyes suggested something else. A shadow of protectiveness, of possessiveness and pain. Something deeper than just a power game.

Law clenched his hands at his sides, feeling the weight of the situation crashing down on him. He was trapped—on this ship that he assumed was heading to Dressrosa, in a world he hadn’t chosen, with someone who, despite showing affection, also controlled every step he took.

Doflamingo began to walk toward him slowly, unhurried, but with the certainty of a king who already knew what he wanted.

“I’m not Cora-san,” he repeated, this time leaning close enough that his words brushed Law’s ear like a whisper. “But I’ll make you feel the same. Maybe even better. Because… I’m the only thing you need now, Corazón.”

Law felt the blow of those words, like reality had finally been laid bare before him. He was trapped—not just physically, but inside the dynamics of that relationship, one that wrapped around him like a web—soft, but deadly.
Suddenly, the anger he had felt began to dissolve, replaced by something far more complex.

Something he didn’t even want to acknowledge.

Doflamingo didn’t let him move. With a swift motion, he grabbed Law’s arm and turned him toward him, forcing Law to look directly into his eyes.

“Don’t forget who gave you all this, Corazón.”

His dark eyes left no room for denial.

“And who will keep you safe.”

Law said nothing more. He just stood there, frozen, as the reality of his existence in that castle began to consume him.

Law felt tears in his eyes, but he refused to cry—refused to show weakness in front of the monster standing before him.

“Don’t cry, my heart. I already told you, I won’t hurt you.”
Doflamingo looked at him as if he didn’t understand Law’s feelings, as if he couldn’t grasp why there were tears in the gold of his eyes.
“You must be hungry, right?”

Law wanted to scream, to hit him, to run. That partially violent line of thought was interrupted when Doflamingo lifted him off the ground and cradled him in his arms.

Law tried to stay strong, his teeth clenched and his hands balled into fists at his sides. He wasn’t going to cry. He wasn’t going to show weakness. Not in front of him. Not in front of Doflamingo—who always seemed to understand the rules of the game but never what freedom truly meant for Law.

And yet, the pressure in his chest was unbearable. The tears threatened to fall, but Law held them back, staring at the floor in desperation, clinging to whatever fragments of control he could still find.

“Don’t cry, my heart,” Doflamingo said gently, almost as if he couldn’t comprehend what was happening in Law’s mind. His voice was strangely soft, as though approaching something fragile—as if he were trying to comfort him, in his own twisted way.

“I already told you I won’t hurt you.”

Law clenched his teeth even harder, but couldn’t stop his eyes from filling with tears. Why couldn’t he understand? Why—someone who claimed to know so much about power and control—couldn’t grasp the simplest truth? Law didn’t want to be treated like a child, like a toy. He didn’t want to be anyone’s “Heart.” He didn’t want to be part of his game.

Doflamingo’s gaze remained fixed on him, not showing even a hint of understanding. It was as if he were looking at someone completely foreign, as if those tears were something entirely alien to him.

But then, without warning, Doflamingo lifted Law off the ground with overwhelming ease. Law tried to break free, but Doflamingo’s grip was firm, relentless. In the blink of an eye, he found himself trapped, cradled in Doflamingo’s arms, held against his chest like a small child.

The heat of Doflamingo’s body was suffocating, and Law couldn’t help but tense up even more, fighting against the wave of vulnerability that flooded him. He didn’t want to be there. He didn’t want to be treated this way, but he could do nothing. He couldn’t escape.

“You must be hungry, right?” Doflamingo asked with a mocking smile, as if the small embrace were completely natural, as if nothing had happened, as if everything were in its place.

Law wanted to scream at him, wanted to push him away, to get out of this situation, but something inside him kept him captive. A knot in his throat, the heat of the tears that finally gave in and began to fall, and he couldn’t do anything to stop them.

The idea of being treated this way, like a small child, made him feel even more helpless, even more trapped in that castle, in that life he hadn’t chosen, in that relationship with Doflamingo that seemed to worsen with every passing moment.

“I don’t want to eat!”

Law felt the heat of Doflamingo wrapping around him, but what burned him the most was the feeling of helplessness. He twisted in his arms, trying to break free, to escape from the invisible prison Doflamingo had woven around him. No, he wasn’t a child, he shouldn’t be treated like one. His mind screamed in protest, but his body couldn’t find the strength to escape this emotional prison.

He twisted more in the embrace, unable to break free. Every movement, every attempt to free himself, only made him feel more trapped. It was as if Doflamingo had absolute control over him, as if escaping his influence, his power, were impossible. Law hated that feeling.

Suddenly, the pressure of Doflamingo’s arms became even more suffocating, but what really paralyzed him was the unexpected action: Doflamingo kissed his temple, that area near his eyebrow. The act was so gentle, so filled with a tenderness Law hadn’t asked for or understood. But in that kiss, something inside him broke.

Law froze for a second, as if the world had stopped spinning. His heart raced as if it wanted to escape his chest. No, no... he thought, as he felt a knot in his throat. He couldn’t let this happen. He couldn’t let Doflamingo... get this close.

“Fufufu, you’re like a cat,” Doflamingo said with a laugh that echoed in Law’s ears like mockery. It was a joke, yes, but to Law, it wasn’t funny at all.

“A cat.” Law couldn’t help but feel that those words reduced him even more, as if he were being compared to something fragile, a creature that simply curled up to seek affection and protection

. Was that what Doflamingo thought of him? A toy, something to be petted and controlled at his whim. Law didn’t want to be that. He didn’t want to be his cat.

With all his strength, he tried to push away, using his arms to shove at Doflamingo, although he knew he wouldn’t achieve anything. Doflamingo’s laughter didn’t help. Instead of feeling more relaxed, as it seemed to happen to him, it only made Law feel more trapped, more suffocated by the reality of his situation.

“I’m not a cat!” he responded, his voice more tense and broken than before. Law’s eyes shone with anger and frustration. He wasn’t going to allow this to become his life.

But Doflamingo, as always, didn’t seem to take things too seriously. His laughter continued, but the way he held Law, so firm, so unyielding, was his answer. He wouldn’t let him go.

“You’re adorable when you’re angry, my Heart,” Doflamingo murmured, his fingers caressing Law’s cheek, not understanding what those words truly meant to him. To Law, just being called “adorable” by Doflamingo felt like he was being diminished, like they were treating him like a child who needed to be “pampered” and “protected.”

Law gritted his teeth, fighting against the wave of vulnerability that flooded him. He knew he couldn’t win this battle right now. But that didn’t mean he was going to give up. He wouldn’t.

Discomfort, fear, and fury mixed inside him as he thought about how he would escape this spiral. But for now, in that embrace that kept him still, the only thing he could do was stay there, trapped by Doflamingo’s game.

Doflamingo walked with Law in his arms.

“Come on, come on, you need to eat something, Heart,” Doflamingo said. Law squirmed like a worm with salt, trying to escape. He didn’t understand, but since he had been picked up, he had felt weak and tired.

They were halfway to the ship’s dining area when Law went limp in Doflamingo’s arms.

“Kairōseki is very useful,” Doflamingo said. Law’s alarms went off.

“What—?”
“Come on, Heart, I’m not stupid. I know you’re going to try to escape, so I’m going to make it difficult for you.” Doflamingo picked Law up like a ragdoll and gently lifted the hem of His pants revealed a small anklet with the Donquixote family’s brand on his ankle.

Law felt the weight of his own helplessness dragging him toward the abyss. His ankle burned with a phantom sensation, even though the anklet itself was nothing more than a cold reminder of his new reality. He was not free.

“Take this thing off, you damn lunatic!” Law struggled with all his might, but his body didn’t respond the way he wanted. The weakness from the Kairōseki was slowly draining him, making every movement clumsy and desperate.

Doflamingo smiled, amused by the attempt.

“Fufufu, such drama, Heart. You can barely feel it, and you’re already whining.” He ran a hand through his hair with a softness that contrasted with the brutality of the situation. “Don’t be so stubborn.”

“Calm down, Heart,” Doflamingo stopped in front of the door. “You have to behave, okay? After all, this is a family dinner and your return to the family.”

Law gritted his teeth, his body limp in Doflamingo’s arms as the door to the dining room creaked open.

The golden light illuminated the large table where the Donquixote family was already gathered. Trebol, Diamante, Pica, Senor Pink, Baby 5, Buffalo... everyone was there, talking and laughing, as if this was just another night.

But when Doflamingo entered with Law in his arms, all eyes turned to them.

“Hey, Law!” Baby 5 shouted excitedly. “We missed you at dinner!”

“You’ve got him like a baby again, young master!” Trebol mocked in his nasal voice.

“He was squirming too much,” Doflamingo replied with his characteristic shark grin, “so I had to calm him down a bit.”

Law’s pride cracked even more. Calm him down? What was he, some damn pet?

“Put me down, damn it!” he roared, but his voice sounded weaker than he wanted.

Doflamingo ignored him and sat in his usual spot, effortlessly placing Law on his lap like a doll in its proper place.

“Well, Heart, what do you want to eat?” Doflamingo asked, his tone almost paternal.

Law was furious. His pride screamed to rebel, but his body still felt heavy, his ankle burned, and the mere presence of Doflamingo around him made him feel trapped in a web he couldn’t escape.

He looked at the table. Plates of meat, fresh fruits, warm bread, wine in crystal glasses. It was a dinner fit for a king… and Law didn’t have the slightest appetite.

Doflamingo noticed his expression and clicked his tongue.

“Don’t make me feed you by force, Heart.”

Law shivered. He knew he wasn’t joking.

The dinner had just begun, and it already felt like a lost battle.

Law crossed his arms. He wasn’t going to eat any of this.

“I don’t want to eat!” Law yelled, his voice trembling, with tears that burned his skin like fire.

He struggled in Doflamingo’s arms, kicking with contained rage, as if that could break the invisible web that bound him to him. But the bastard wouldn’t let him go. He didn’t even move. He just held him with that fake calmness that made him even more terrifying.

“You have to eat,” Doflamingo repeated, as if he hadn’t heard him, as if it didn’t matter what Law wanted.

“I don’t care! I don’t want anything from you!” he spat, his voice overflowing with rage. “I’m not yours, not your Heart, not your damn doll!”

The last words hit him hard, even for him, because they were true. That’s how he felt. As if his will was for sale, as if his emotions were something Doflamingo could mold at his whim.

But Doflamingo didn’t react the way Law expected. He didn’t insult him. He didn’t push him. He didn’t yell.

Instead, he held him more firmly, resting his chin on his sweat-soaked hair. His breathing was slow, constant.

“You don’t have to be anything if you don’t want to, Law,” he said at last, in such a low tone that it almost sounded human. “But you’re mine. That’s not going to change.”

Law gritted his teeth so hard he thought they might bleed. How was he supposed to fight against this? How do you fight someone who even steals the very idea of who you are?

He stayed still for a second. Just one second.

And in that moment, he felt something he couldn’t identify. It wasn’t fear. It wasn’t resignation. It was... emptiness. An abyss inside his chest, deep and silent.

“Why are you doing this?” he whispered finally, defeated, not looking at Doflamingo. “What do you gain from this?”

Doflamingo didn’t respond immediately. The silence between them grew heavier. The faint sound of the sea crashing against the hull of the ship was the only thing that could be heard.

Then he said it:

“Because I want you to be happy... with me.”

Law gasped for air.

Not out of tenderness. Not out of surprise. But out of the terror that that sentence awakened in him.

Because if Doflamingo truly believed that, if he truly thought he was doing this out of love or some twisted idea of happiness... then Law was more trapped than he had thought.

Because that meant he wouldn’t let him go.

Never.