Set around Edo/Meiji period, but I'm not going to stress too much on the settings. So, just imagine traditional Japanese settings such as the house, culture, kimono and all sorts. There'll be a lil' bit of Japanese terms where it is necessary.

She was on her way back to her house. Only the lantern lightened up the road she took. Walking along her small tangerine orchard, she looked up the dark sky. No stars.

"hmm… it'll be raining tonight." she thought to herself and continued walking.

Suddenly she stopped. She was sure she heard a rustling sound coming from the other side of the tangerine trees. She brought her lantern into the direction where the sound was coming from. Nothing. She scuttled, deciding to go to the other side but stopped again when she heard a low groan followed by a loud sound as if something was falling. She waited until she no longer heard any sound. She stood there for long seconds, battling whether to go and check or just ran to her house that was few steps ahead. Though after a bit thought, she chose the later and made her way to the direction. She almost yelled when she saw a figure, lying unconscious on the ground.

She edged closer and brought her lantern close to the figure so she could see it better. Her heart thumping frantically she could feel it beating behind her ribs. Her hands covered her mouth as she gasped; a man was covering in blood. She bent down and slowly poked his limp body. No reaction. She shook his body gently. Still no reaction. She put two fingers under his nose to check if he was still breathing. Yes, he was. He was still alive. She let out a sigh of relief she didn't realize she had been holding.

A few drops of rain fell on her skin and she quickly pulled his arm and swung it around her shoulder as her hand held his waist. It took almost all of her energy to drag him to her house. She dragged him inside her house and put him carefully on the raised floor. She cast the lantern on the step as she removed his shoes before she made her way to the corner. She took the futon and spread it on the wooden floor. She then dragged him and settled him on the futon.

She took the kettle which was hanging above the irori and stepped down to the kitchen, next to the entryway, filling the kettle with water and brought it back to boil it. As she waited, she turned her attention to him. Removing his obi, she slid down his kimono off of his shoulder. Her eyes scanned the tattoos decorated on his chest but the large still fresh cut that ran from his shoulder blade to the center of his abdomen caught her attention. He was still bleeding profusely and the faint smell of the blood intruded her nose. She settled his head on the pillow as she pushed herself up and headed to the kitchen again.

She took a clean cloth and the medium wooden bucket and filled half of it with water and settled them next to the futon where he was laying. She poured the boiling water into the bucket while soaking the cloth and began to clean his wound. Occasionally she heard his weak growl when she pressed the towel on the cut. Even so, she still could see his blood dripping from the large cut, staining her futon and blanket.

She knew she couldn't do much given that his injured was something she couldn't handle. Pushing herself up, she grabbed the lantern and the umbrella which was propped against the wall, exiting her house as she rushed out to search for a doctor, hoping she could make it in time.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

He opened his eyes slowly and blinked a few times before completely scanning his surrounding. Strange. He pushed himself up to sit but a stinging sensation on his shoulder and pectoral stopped his movement. He let a low groan as he crouched. Hand on his shoulder to ease the pain. For a few moments, he put on a little pressure on the wound and he cringed in pain.

He heard a scrape sound as the door being slide. When he looked up, he saw a girl standing at the entryway. Shock written all over her face.

"You… you are awake?" she asked as she closed the door.

She stepped on the floor and knelt down across the irori putting whatever she was holding by her side. "Are you all right?"

"Where am I?" He asked in a hoarse voice.

"My house. You have been sleeping for… three days." she explained. "Just thinking of changing your bandage…"

"My sword." he uttered.

She was speechless for a while before she bowed a little. "Ah, yes!" She pushed herself up and made her way to the closet. She pulled his sword beneath the folded blankets and when she turned around, he was already on his feet.

"You are leaving?" she asked as she handed him the sword.

"There's no reason for me to stay." He replied, taking the sword in his hand. "I'll return the favor someday." he added as he unsheathed his sword, checking on the blade. He then made his way to the exit.

She followed behind him and stood on the step while he slid on his shoes. "But, you are not fully healed yet… you can take as much…"

"I'm fine." He insisted, ignoring her advice as he slid the door.

"Wait!" she pulled his arm.

The touch triggered something and he acted on reflex, he pulled her by the wrist and drew his sword. In a blink of an eye, the blade was pressed against her neck.

Her eyes widened in shock, she sucked on her breath. The killing intent was so strong, although it wasn't directly to her, but her body went numb. His gold eyes were sharp and penetrating her being as he stared.

As if just woken up, he pushed her back none too gently. He didn't mean to threaten her thus drawing his blade at her. His body just reacted on his own, instinctively protecting himself. Awkward moment passed before he cleared his throat. He gave her an apologetic look before he turned around and leave.

She panted. Hand still on her chest, calming her thundering heart. She adjusted her loosen kimono as she looked at the figure vanishing from her sight. Maybe, she really shouldn't push her luck back then. By the look at it, he wasn't an ordinary guy, he looked utterly dangerous.

"Haven't found him yet?" Doflamingo paced nervously as he asked his men.

"We are sorry young master. We've tried searching for looking at him at his usual spot. But we didn't see him this time." Gladius replied.

The tall man bit his thumb when he heard the answer. "It's been three days." he hissed.

"Calm down Doffy! None of us expected this to happen. When we realized, it was already too late. Just hoping he will be fine." Trebol assured him.

Doflamingo sat on his throne-like-chair as he leaned against the back rest.

"Speaking of which, what happened to those rats?"

Mentioning about the traitors, his eyes narrowed in annoyance. "I sent Pica's team to clean them up without any trace."

"Young master!" Dellinger sprinted towards the main room where they gathered. "Young master! Law-nii is back. He is back!" he exclaimed.

Relieve washed over each and every one of the members when they heard the news.

Doflamingo stood from his seat at the news. Moments later, he saw a figure walked slowly in the hallway. Upon seeing Law, his lips curved into a smirk, and stepped down from his throne-like-chair.

"Finally… Law!" he grinned.

As Law walked in, he looked around him, there were some faces missing because of that unfortunate incident.

"How is it going?" Law said as he stopped in front of Doflamingo.

"I underestimated them. They got us this time. Didn't expect them to call backups from outside… That Riku faction." Doflamingo hissed.

"How much we have lost?" Law questioned though he assumed, it was a big number since the business was totally failed.

"It doesn't matter. What lost is lost. But, we'll make them pay… I already sent Pica's team to do the job." Doflamingo said evilly. He raised his hand and patted on Law's shoulder. "If it wasn't you, we might suffer another loss."

"Ugh!" Law gave a low groan when Doflamingo unknowingly patted his wounded shoulder. He put his hand on his shoulder to ease the pain.

"I never expected him to send assassins and kill my men." Doflamingo said regretfully. "That merchant, he was toying us from the very beginning."

"Put that aside, where have you been Traffy?" Trebol asked as he stood before him.

"Get off!" Law replied coldly as he stepped back from him."That's none of your concern." he turned on his heels, "I'll be in my room if anything."

Doflamingo watched as the young man left the room.

"That cold bastard!" Trebol dissed.

Law stepped inside his room and shut the door. He sat down next to the low table and put his sword next to him. He took his medicine box next to the closet and fished out gauze and other several items.

Slowly he slid off his outer and inner kimono. He opened the bandage wrapped around his body slowly to check up on his wound. He knew the cut was too deep as he felt a throbbing pain when he applied the medicine to his wound. After wrapping his body, he leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes.

He was sent to keep an eye for any irregularity during the shipment. It wasn't his actual duty but rather Diamante. But Diamante was negotiating with other supplier for another incoming business, so Doflamingo sent him to take over. After finished moving the crates into the ship , they were ambushed by a group of people claimed to be a police. It was then he realized, Vergo told them beforehand that no police were on patrol on that particular day.

It was too late when a blow landed on his shoulder before he even got a chance to draw his sword. The business turned into a chaos and the Riku Group's took the opportunity to flee. The assassins weren't an ordinary ones as they were able to wipe out Diamante's entire skillful squads.

Despite the chaos he managed to find a loophole and fled. But that assassin wasn't the kind to leave things unsettled. He chased him and there were little fight between them before he could kill him and free himself. He knew he was almost losing conscious but he managed to drag himself away from the harbor. Since it was dark, he had no idea where he hauled himself to. He realized he fell on something but, his body was too heavy to move and he couldn't even open his eyes. The next thing he knew, everything went black.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Law! Can I come in?" A girl's voice calling his name.

Opening his eyes, he slid on his Kimono and crossed his legs as he sat properly. "Come in." he replied.

He watched as the door slowly opened and revealed Baby 5, bringing a tray of food. She edged until she reached him and put the tray on the low table in front of him.

"I thought you were already dead." She said calmly.

He huffed in annoyance as he took the chopsticks and began to eat his meal.

"Poor young master! Not only we've lost lot of capable men, we suffered a great loss too" She stated as she put her hand on her cheek.

"What about the dead?" He asked ignoring her small complaint.

"Vergo-san." Baby 5 replied shortly.

Law nodded.

"But Law, where have you been?" She asked curiously.

He then remembered about the orange hair girl who nursed him and then he cast the thought aside. There was a long pause before he looked up at Baby 5. "Does it matter?"

Baby 5 shook her head and let out a sigh. "You make us worry… especially young master."

"I thought you were with Pica." Law stated.

Baby 5 snorted and rose to her feet. "It's no use talking with you. I'm leaving! You can wash your own dishes."

He heard her footsteps as she exited his room. Slowly he finished his meal.

Few days later…

Law was walking in the hallway into his room when he bumped into Trebol.

"Laaawww!" Trebol called out as he walked towards Law.

"What do you want?" Law asked in annoyance.

"Woaah! Calm down kid!" Trebol replied as he pulled something out of his sleeve.

Noticing the brown envelop, Law's eyes narrowed.

"Take care of this tonight!" Trebol reminded him as he walked off.

From the porch, Baby 5 and Buffalo watched Law headed to the main gate of the mansion.

"Hmmm… it's gonna be rain tonight." Baby 5 crooned as she propped her chin on the support.

"Let's go Baby 5… we have work to do." Buffalo said as he pushed himself up from the porch.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Enjoy yourself men!" Doflamingo raised his sake cup followed by his fellow underlings.

Law was sitting on the porch enjoying his drink alone ignoring the loud noise surrounding him.

"Law! Why are you sitting alone?" Buffalo called out. "Come join us here!" he offered a seat next to the empty zabuton.

Law let out a small huff as he rose from the porch. He joined in the feast as he sat next to Buffalo.

"They thought they can get away after messing up with young master," Dellinger declared happily. "We pay them back."

Another cheering came after the announcement.

"All right men!" Doflamingo spoke. "Since we get back what we lose, you can feast all you want tonight!" he said with a wicked laugh.

The door slid open and Disco came in, bringing along prostitutes he chose to entertain his guests or rather his boss then he left the room.

"That is why I don't see woman here." Vergo stated.

Doflamingo grinned at his fellow henchman. "There's no way I can bring the women here, right Vergo?"

"Hmm… I see faces I know." Vergo commented when he saw familiar faces.

"Well… we are pretty nice to women," Doflamingo chugged his sake. "Rather than killing them, we can make money from them. It's all about business." he added.

Not only the Donquixote Groups smuggling and doing varied of illegal businesses, they also engaged in human trafficking, slavery as well as prostitution. The red-light district was solely owned by Donquixote Group. But it was all hidden under the name of Joker. And was successfully covered by Vergo who worked as a Police Commissioner.

"Yes!" Vergo said as he drank his sake.

"It was all thanks to your hard work." Doflamingo praised him.

"It's easy as peas, Joker." Vergo stated.

Law only watched his surrounding from his seat. Watching as his fellow colleagues having their fun with the prostitutes. It was an ugly sight. Really. But, he himself was accompanied by one of the prostitutes.

"Oi Law!" Doflamingo called out. "You can buy one for yourself you know." He suggested as he grinned at him.

Law snorted as he rose to his feet and exited the room.

"He is always like that." Buffalo commented as he watched his friend disappeared behind the door.

"Let him be Buffalo," Gladius stated. "Just enjoy yourself." he added.

The noise still could be heard even though he already closed the door. He walked down the stairs and strolled along the hallway. As he walked leisurely, he heard noise coming from the back yard. He stopped walking and made his way to the direction.

There, he saw few women lined up, hands tied and blindfolded as they kneeled down.

"Newcomers." he thought to himself as he leaned against one of the pillar. He had no interest but since he had nothing to do, wasting some of his time on that unimportant business might worth rather than staying in the room full of idiots.

He studied as Disco talked to them, maybe explaining to the soon-to-be-prostitutes about their future jobs. He could see the unwillingness and objections written all over their faces. But fate chose not to side with those unfortunate women. It was either they had so much debt and couldn't pay or they were sold by their family for money.

He was about to leave when he saw a familiar figure among the women. He studied her long and realized he knew her. Without a second thought he stepped down and headed towards Disco.

Disco stopped talking when he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Ah… Law-san?"

"Why is she here?" Law asked as he pointed to her.

Disco flipped the papers in his hand. "Unpaid debts."

Law glanced down at her. "How much is the debt?"

"More or less… twenty five thousand…"

"Consider it settled" Law cut him off.

"Eh?" Disco was shocked. "What?"

"I buy her." He stated.

"But… but… the boss will…"

"Tell this to him, I took his offer," he ordered, "He will understand."

"O-Of course… if it is Law-san." he agreed nervously and gestured his men to bring her inside.

"If you please Law-san, follow me to the office. It's better to do the business formally." Disco offered.

In the office, Law read the details on the paper about her while Disco was preparing something for the business.

"An agreement?" Law questioned.

"Well, for a record. Joker will need this some time later." Disco explained.

Law flipped and read the content of the agreement. All of sudden, he slammed the paper on the table with a loud bang. "When I say I buy her, I mean to buy her whole. She's not going to stay in this place."

"But Law-san… Joker will kill me if..." Disco stopped dead when he felt the blade pressed against his neck.

"Either you find a good excuse or die here." Law threatened as he pressed his blade a bit deeper causing blood to drip from the shallow cut.

Disco gulped as he nodded agree. "That… that settled, Law-san..."

Law pulled back to his seat and re-sheathed his sword. He rose to his feet and exited the office. "I'll take her."

Once outside, he saw her kneeled and guarded by two of Disco's underlings. Disco came out and ordered his men to release her.

Free from her blindfold, she looked up to the person who bought her. Brown eyes met the gold one. Silent descended as they stared one another. She still remembered the sharp stare which penetrating into her soul and came to recognize who he was. There was no way she could forget the intense glare. Quickly she bowed down and uttered her thanks, repeatedly.

"Little miss," Disco called out. "From now on, he is your master…"

Before Disco finished his sentence, Law grabbed her by the arm and frogmarched her until they were outside the brothel. He let her go. He then walked and gestured her to follow him.

She slowly following behind him. She didn't know why he bought her, if he did for himself, although she hated it, she at least should feel grateful. It was so much better than staying in the prostitution house and pleasuring men her whole life. But she would probably have to follow him for the rest of her life. He was now her master. And she had to obey everything he ordered. He could also do anything to her as he pleased since she was his slave.

"Your key?"

His voice pulled her from her thought. She looked at him. "Ke… key?" she asked in confusion but then she realized when she looked around. They were already standing in front of her small house. Slowly she stepped forward and fumbling through the barrel next to the door.

She showed him the key. "You… you bought this house too?"

He hummed his reply as he took the key and unlocked the door. He slid it open and stepped inside. Lit up the lantern, he scanned around the house, still remembered the inner layout although he didn't pay attention to it first time he was there. It was a small house but it was cozy and comfortable. He sat on the step, removing his shoes.

She stood by the door. Her heart beating frantically as she watched him. She knew she couldn't avoid this situation. She liked it or not, she was already him. He owned her, her house, her life, her being, everything. To free herself from him, she had to pay the money back but what she had wasn't even enough to pay half quarter of her debt. She blamed her poor self.

"Why are you standing there?" Law asked. "Get the futon ready."

She was almost freaked out when he said that. Did he really… would he…. She wanted to cry and run at the same time. But where to? She knew this would be coming but didn't expect it to be coming this soon. Was he going to declare his claim on her tonight? She was not ready yet. This was too early. What should she do?

After giving it a deep thought, she stepped into the house, walked past him as she headed to the corner. She didn't care anymore. Men are always men. And he was one.

Picking the mattress, she laid it on the floor. If this meant a payback, then what options she had. She only had her body which wasn't hers anymore. Whatever happened that night, that was because of her worst luck.

He was still crouched down on the step, his back towards her as he waited her to finish her task.

"The futon is ready." She said with a low voice. She kneeled next to the futon, waiting patiently. Maybe he would let her go after this.

When he turned around, he looked at her in confusion. "Where do you sleep?" he asked.

She gave him a quizzical look. No words coming out from her mouth.

As if could read her mind, he asked, "Is it wrong if I stay here?"

He already bought the house, what right she had to say no. She shook her head slowly. "No… but…" she cleared her throat. She wanted to ask something but she just had no idea how to say it.

Noticing her confusion he put his sword next to him and moved to the futon. He laid with his back facing her. He explained. "I like this house and I'm buying it."

She stared at him, puzzling. He had no reason to buy the house either.

"And… to return the favor, I allow you to stay here… that if you still remember." he added.

Upon hearing him said that, she felt relieved. Now she remembered, he did say that last time. But it was just a small favor compared to what he had done. She bowed down again. Deep down inside, she was thankful. "Thank you… I will remember this kindness."

She moved to her closet, took another futon and spread it on the remaining spot next to him. She positioned herself on the futon and laid facing the wall in front of her. The feeling sure was different because this time, the person sleeping behind her wasn't unconscious.

Thinking back, she didn't know his name yet. Turning her head slightly, she asked, "Your name?"

There was a long pause before he replied her. "Trafalgar Law."

She formed a smile when she heard his response. "Nami."

Law reached out to the lantern above him and ceased out the fire. The whole room slowly filled with darkness.

"What? He bought a woman?" Doflamingo questioned as he brought the cup to his lips.

Disco nodded nervously.

"Not that I mind. First time ever," Doflamingo mumbled to himself "But, who's that girl?"

"She is…" Disco placed the paper in front of Doflamingo. "here."

He took the paper from the table and read the details. Nothing important. She was just a poor girl who lived in the small house at the hill.

"Hmmm… she is..." Doflamingo paused for a moment before his lips curved into a wide grin. "What a fate. Did he name the price?" he turned to Disco.

"He said… he took your offer." Disco explained in a low voice.

Doflamingo chuckled. "That brat! Fine. I understand." he laughed as he pressed his palm on his face. "You can go now." he said to Disco.

After Disco exited the office. Trebol turned his attention to Doflamingo.

"What is it Doffy? Do you think Law is plotting something?" Trebol asked.

There was a pause before Doflamingo smirked. "No! He would not" then he examined the paper in his hand. "Vergo…!" he called out.

Vergo who sat on the porch looked up to Doflamingo.

"Keep an eye on this girl." Doflamingo ordered and passed the paper to him through Trebol.

Vergo looked at the paper for a while and nodded, "Understood.".

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Law was walking in the hallway as he made his way to the main room.

"Good morning Law."

Law felt a hand patted his shoulder but didn't bother to turn around.

"Heard you bought one of my women last night," Senor Pink stated as he walked by his side. "How was it? Good?"

Law ignored his question and walked ahead of him.

"Bastard!" Senor Pink cursed under his breath as he chuckled.

When they reached the main room, the other members were already there. Law took his place between Buffalo and Baby 5.

"Law! Is it true that you bought a woman?" Baby 5 nudged his arm as she whispered.

"What?" Buffalo shocked as he turned to Law.

"I thought you heard it good Buffalo. Doflamingo did offer me the chance." Law replied.

"Yes, I know! But Law… you… you… you wouldn't…"

"What a big fuss?" suddenly a voice interrupted. "Law is a man too."

Doflamingo appeared behind them as he swung his arms around Law's and Buffalo's shoulder.

Buffalo and Baby 5 cocked their head just to see Doflamingo stood behind them.

"Young master!" the both exclaimed at the same time.

"How was your night Law?" Doflamingo asked without expecting an answer as he made his way to his throne-like-chair.

"You pervert little brat!" Trebol poked Law's cheek as he provoked him. "You didn't return last night."

Twitching in annoyance, Law pushed the guard of his sword with his thumb. The action was enough to make Trebol back out and stopped provoking him completely.

Doflamingo grinned at the sight before he stood and called for their attention. After briefing about their next mission, each group, led by their respective leader left the main room except Trebol, Law, Buffalo, Baby 5 and Pica.

Trebol took out a brown envelop and passed it to Law. Without saying anything Law accepted and slid it inside his kimono.

"Just a reminder again Law, don't kill women. They worth the money." Doflamingo reminded, patting Law's shoulder.

Law turned on his heels as he left the main room.

"What about that girl Doffy?" Trebol asked when he no longer saw Law.

"Hm?" Doflamingo looked at Trebol from the corner of his eyes and understood who he was referring to. "Who knows." He replied as he stared at the empty hallway.

Notes;

Irori – sunken fireplace

Zabuton – small pillow to sit on

Hope you guys enjoy this.

P/S: Sorry again for the typos and grammar errors.