Wordlessly, I stare into the shadowy, bitter drink in my hands. The steam rises slowly, curling around my nose and blasting me with the harsh scent of caffeine. I gingerly place the cup of steaming coffee on the table and slide it away from me before settling back into the seat.

Law looks at the drink with a raised eyebrow, and finally to me. I stare back silently. "You don't like coffee?" His voice is high with, what I can only vaguely describe as, innocent confusion. I blink slowly, a little confused. Surely Law does not believe that everybody honestly enjoys coffee, does he? It's bitter, piping hot and cannot boast a particularly pleasant after taste. Tilting my head, I give him a small shake of my head.

"That is correct." I reply, folding my arms under my chest. Eyes flickering downwards for a brief moment, he remains carefully composed with that slight, and obviously fake, smile on his face. I scowl slightly, tugging at this new shirt from beneath my arms.

Coincidentally and much to my advantage, Shachi and Penguin had been out whilst I settled in our cabin, and as it seems much of the crew wears only their oversized boiler suits, I doubt they would mind a simple shirt and pair of pants being borrowed from their trunks for the duration of my stay.

Slightly stringy cotton sticks to my chest like a second skin, so unlike my beautiful kimonos that I much prefer. Rather than the crane, lily or sakura patterns that I so love, the wife beater (as I believe they are called) is a dead, almost sickly shade of blue. Only a few centimeters of my scar can be seen beyond the fabric of the shirt, though its hues of white, pink and grey appear dim and lifeless in the artificial light of this submarine.

I tap my finger gently on his desk, leaning heavily into the large chair. "I am impressed by your new bounty, Siatsuke-san." Law says into his cup before taking a brief sip of coffee. Similar to the one he handed me not a few moments ago, his drink is a near black cup of steaming caffeine. Though already, he has drunk nearly the entire cup.

Quirking an eyebrow, I lean my head in my hand. "Pardon me, but I must profess to not having the slightest idea what you mean." My voice strings out smoothly and at a level tone in spite the slight twisting in my stomach. Has the World Government caught on already? Truth be told, they are horribly inefficient, yet highly suspicious of any abnormal activity in their domains; so naturally they would be inclined to follow me. For that I cannot be sure whether to congratulate or patronize them. "I have no bounty."

"Is that so?" Law replies as pulls at one of the drawers in his heavy oak desk. Out comes a yellowing piece of paper and he slides it along the table towards me. I lean forward over the desk, scowling at the WANTED poster.

Thankfully the picture doesn't portray me to be unsightly, though it makes me known nonetheless. I have specifically gone about my work in various countries without making my presence obvious, since the Revolutionary army prefers its agents to work in secrecy where possible. As far as I'm concerned, if I can remain undetected as usual whilst on a job, there should be no issue, although everyday life will be somewhat of a hassle. Slouching into the chair once more, I rub my temples gently. The picture had been taken during on Aomine Island, a tiny province in the New World that was revolting from World Government rule. Blood, soot and dirt is flying around, along with my raven hair and kimono. 'WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE $235, 000, 000'.

"Oh my…" I mutter, much to Law's enjoyment. A smirk plays at his lips as he drinks the last of his coffee. "Oh my, oh my, oh my…"

"Worried, Siatsuke-san?" He asks and takes back the WANTED poster.

I quickly straighten up. As if I would be worried over such a meager thing! "Hardly!" Law raises and eyebrow questioningly. "It is hardly a bother, Trafalgar-san!"

"Whatever you say…" He chuckles softly in response. "I would, however, like to know how you managed such a high first bounty." Suspicion is thick in the air, not only on Law's part but also my own. I swallow slowly, ignoring the tension. It seems neither side trusts one another too much.

"I suppose it shan't be an issue, provided you promise to keep what I say to you a secret, of course."

Law laces his fingers, leans forwards and places his elbows on his knees. "I make no promises, Siatsuke-san." I narrow my bloody eyes, and he holds my gaze. "Very well, I promise." He finally says.

"As a high-ranking agent in the Revolutionary Army, I am required to aid certain countries, states and provinces in splitting from the World Government, as well as protecting them from the repercussions that might occur. Naturally the World Government was bound to catch on to my involvement in the matter, though I had hoped that I might avoid such trivial things for as long as possible." This cannot quite be considered classified information, as it seems the World Government is already aware of my revolutionary activities; although I can see the flicker of curiosity in his eyes. He wishes to know more.

"You are with the Revolutionary Army?" He asks, or rather states.

"I am."

"Do you know anything of Donquixote Doflamingo?"

A short breath is released through my nose as I think. The name Donquixote rings major alarm bells, though a specific Doflamingo not as much. I can vaguely remember Dragon acquiring a uneasy piece of information regarding the Donquixote family, but more specifically their heritage and current activity. I'm sure Dragon would be well-versed on the matter, unlike myself. I never busied myself with any people in particular that the Revolutionary Army took interest in. I did my job and that was all.

Nibbling my bottom lip, I say, "As I recall, Donquixote Doflamingo, under the alias of 'Joker' is a significant figure in the underbelly of society. The name 'Joker' refers to the joker in a deck of cards, one for which Dressrosa is famous for having as their major leaders. Unlike Doflamingo himself, the Donquixote 'family' is not of Tenryuubito lineage-"

"What!?" Law's eyes widen with unbridled shock and he nearly lurches forward from his seat, catching himself on the edge of the desk. He lifts himself quickly and stalks around the desk. I stand tpo, wary of his violent aura. I raise my palms up as if to stop him from approaching, though he takes no mind of the gesture. Boots clank along the floor of his office and, sensing his lack of intention to stop, my hands go to Endai. My thumb smarts and I pull the entire sword up as a shield. Law grabs me by the shoulders and looks almost directly down.

Large, slender hands crush my small shoulders with brutal force and a small yelp escapes me. I try to jerk away, though caught in an awkward position between the captain and the armchair, I can hardly move an inch.

"He's a Tenryuubito!?" Law snaps dragging my attention back to him. I look up, seeing wild an enraged eyes staring down at me.

"H-Hai-" I am cut off by another of my own yelps as he squeezes my shoulders even tighter. With my left hand, I slam the butt of Endai straight into his solar plexus, effectively knocking the wind from him. "Unhand me, Trafalgar-san!" I snarl.

Almost gingerly, he removes his hands from my shoulder and slinks back to his armchair, resigning to slouch heavily in it. A tanned hand brushes over his temple to cover his eyes. His chest rises and falls with such conviction it seems as though he might burst at any moment. Looking closely, I notice the shakiness of his hands. How serious is this issue, anyway? Normally such news wouldn't warrant nearly a third of the reaction Law had. Slowly, I lower myself back into my seat to watch him carefully.

"Shall I continue?" I ask softly, wary of the man's seemingly fragile state.

After a few moments, with a voice taut and strained with stress, Law says, "Continue."

"Please calm yourself, Trafalgar-san." I add just as quietly as before. "As I had been saying, as I remember, the Donquixote family ruled over Dressrosa eight-hundred years ago, until Doflamingo reclaimed it eight years ago. Upon abandoning Dressosa, the Donquixote king of that time left for Mariejois to establish the World Government. The rest, to which I apologize for, I do not know."

"And that makes Doflamingo a Tenryuubito." Law mutters, avoiding my eyes to stare at his mighty desk. "Though he doesn't live in Mariejois."

"Perhaps he did at one point, perhaps not." I reply. "Although commonly known as the home of Tenryuubito's, it is not the home of all. Why so interested, sir?"

"No reason-"

"Do not give me that bullshit." I snap at him. "I speak to you of matters you wish to know, now I expect you do the same."

"I don't take orders."

"Not an order, a suggestion."

"Well I deny your suggestion, Siatsuke-san."

"You are being unreasonable, sir." I sigh, running a hand through my hair.

"Am I?"

"You are." The words come out as an irritated growl.

"Do you expect me to tell you my life's story then?"

A smirk twists its way onto my face, causing Law to grimace. "Not your life's story, as interesting as that may be… Though I do believe you told me you have some history with one Donquixote Doflamingo."

"It's merely a figure of speech." Law replies whilst rolling his slate grey eyes. The muscles in the corner of his jaw clench ever so slightly, though it's enough for me to notice. Perhaps I have stumbled across a sensitive subject.

"Didn't sound as it were 'merely a figure of speech' to me."

"I suggest you drop it, Siatsuke-san." He says lowly. "You are beginning to try my patience."

"Might I propose a deal then?" The man opposite me says not a word, instead adopting an unimpressed glare. "You follow my suggestion, and I shall follow yours. Fair, no?"

"I decline."

"Why?" I whine, crossing my arms. This conversation appears to be going in a one-way circle and is becoming dreadfully irritating.

"I don't have to explain myself to you."

"Then I shall continue to pester you, Trafalgar-san. Unless you are willing to share your reasons for inquiring about Doflamingo." Not a single twitch. "Perhaps with a reason, my lips might be motivated to speak of classified information." This catches his attention. "Information I am unable to speak of with anyone but those who require it as such."

"... You are a sneaky and foul woman." I have to admit, putting such a hard-willed man between a rock and a hard place is entertaining. The knitting together of his brows, down-turned corners of his lips and narrowed eyes tempt a laugh, considering his normally stoic or uptight expressions. I wonder what face he might make at the other tidbits of information I have to share…

"May I take that as a 'yes'?"

Law's glare remains strong. "Doflamingo severely wronged me in the past, so I will do anything I can to crush him. Preferably in the most agonising way possible."

"I suppose I can understand that, Trafalgar-san…" I cross my legs and lace my fingers together, looping them around my knees. "As for my side of the bargin, I believe if you wish to crush, I may have a bit of information that could prove invaluable to you."

"Go on." Law says eagerly.

"Do you know of Caesar Clown?" He nods in response. "Under Doflamingo's orders, Caesar has been developing a substance known as SAD which is required to develop Smiles, also known as Artificial Zoan Fruits. Depending on who wields such a power, anarchy could erupt within the World Government and more likely the Grandline. The Revolutionary Army considered Smiles for the most part, though it appears such power is far too dangerous in any case. Though it really might not matter in the long run who obtains SAD or Smiles." I look to Law as he watches in interest.

"Do not stop on my account." He says.

Nodding, I continue. "Right, well as I had been saying, it appears as though SAD, and in turn Smiles, involve the use of radiation. So-"

"Excessive use, or in this case the radiation in the artificial devil fruits spreading throughout the body, cancer, mutation or death would occur within a matter of months." Law says, more to himself than me. He rubs the goatee at his chin thoughtfully, closing his eyes as he does. For a few moments, the man remains deep in thought. "Do you know where it is being manufactured?"

"Not yet, although may I say one more thing about the radiation aspect?"

"If it's useful, yes."

"Such pirates and criminal syndicates Doflamingo would sell Smiles to, would surely include Kaidou, one of the four Yonkos. He is known for his cruelty and excessive number of Zoan types amongst his crew. Radiation poisoning would hardly be an issue if Kaidou, or any other that might be able to afford Smiles, need worry about. They can simply replace the user and fruit through the use of Smiles, fueling the cycle of production and distribution for Doflamingo."

"And what if Doflamingo was unable to provide such services if he promises to?"

"Kaidou would crush him, of that I have no doubt." I reply. "The Yonkos have no regard for the Tenryuubito and Doflamingo has not the strength to stand against such a foe. Perhaps he might be able to escape with his life, though it's unlikely that he'll be able to save any more than himself, if that."

I shift in my seat, unsettled by the button-like eyes staring at me from the other end of the table. I glance to my right, catching the bear –whose name I believe to be Bepo- ogle us along the length of the table. His large, furry head is pressed against the table and an air of depression surrounds him. The other two mechanics, Shachi and Penguin, sit sullenly with him, pointedly jabbing at their food. I frown at their odd behaviour. Not a few days ago, when I had boarded this submarine, they seemed more than happy for me to be aboard. Can I still say the same? Unlikely.

"Are you listening, Siatsuke-san?" Law's stiff voice rounds my attention back to him. My eyes slowly drift back to him. An eyebrow is raised to patronize me. Dark circles encompass his eyes, an obvious sign that our recent discussions regarding Doflamingo, Kaido and the New World, has taken its toll.

Similarly, my face is laced with tell-tale signs of exhaustion. Law is determined to allow me as little rest as he allows himself. My face is slack and expressionless, breathing shallow and eyes dull. A heaving breath escapes me and I rest my head in my hand.

"No." I reply bluntly. "Strictly speaking, you are wearing me out, Trafalgar-san. And our current discussions were most certainly not part of the agreement." I say slowly and slightly breathlessly. Law's reaction, however amusing, promises nothing good. Too tired to bother with his demanding attitude, I continue. "And unlike you, I am still young and growing. Surely rest is not an essential component in brain and body development."

Feed a dog a bone, or in this case play with a doctor's logical reasoning, and there's little they can do but follow their instinct. Unexpectedly, Law rolls his eyes and lets out a small 'tch'. He stretches his back and the joints crack loudly, along with those in his knees, shoulders, fingers and neck. Wincing, my toes curl at the unnerving sound.

"Whatever," he mutters back while rubbing his eyes. "No need to get sassy with me. I'm still your elder, you know."

At this point, it's my turn to 'tch'. I can feel our personalities begin to clash, though luckily a similarly irritating comment throws our oncoming argument aside. As if to hide his nonsensical words, Shachi lowers his voice from the other side of the table, leaning in close to his two friends. Penguin, and then Bepo, listen nervously, unaware of the brewing argument between their captain and guest.

"Don't you think it's good to see Captain finally take an interest in a girl?"

"But he's ignoring us…" Bepo drawls in his unique voice. I can imagine how his long tongue and round jaw makes it difficult to pronounce the words, but even so his words are understandable. Naturally I don't like what he says anyway.

"Maybe he'll loosen up and be nicer to us." Adds Shachi, still poking at his food.

"Maybe I'll cut your tongue out." The man at question snaps, glowering the men and bear at the end of the table. Shachi squeaks and Penguin draws away, leaving Bepo to stare sadly.

The throbbing in my head increases and I massage my temple gruffly. Fear replaces the childish, sullen mood, making for an awkward conversation. Law, as I have come to realise over the last few days aboard this submarine, is an unbearable demanding man. All of my time, energy and attention have been fixated on him the entire time. Naturally my patience has worn thin and his obsessive behaviour is becoming almost erratic. His obsession with Doflamingo is irritating, but the one with me is almost frightening. It's hardly a romantic obsession, thankfully enough, though possessive and increasing by the minute.

"Siatsuke-san, listen to me." He growls in a low voice. I can feel the vibrations in both the table and my chest. Blinking, I push my seat backwards to stand. Bracing myself with my palms on the table, I begin to rise. "Sit down."

With a dull, sarcastic smirk, I say, "No thank you, Trafalgar-san. Regrettably I-"

"I said 'SIT DOWN'."

You could have heard a pin drop. The roar of his voice echoed against the metal walls. A pressure builds in my chest. Haki? Clenching my jaw, I slow drop into the chair once more. His glare remains strong for a few moments until finally it melts into a softer, less angered expression. Slowly, as if this was a normal occurrence, the buzzing activity around us resumed.

"I don't like it when you play games with me." He grumbles.

"And I do not like it when you heedlessly pretend that you can control me." I say, straightening my ruffled shirt. "Because frankly, you cannot. You are simply a child playing a dangerous game in a dangerous ocean."

Rage flickers in his eyes. "I am not a child."

"Well you certainly act like one. I am not a toy. I am not a mercenary. Do not assume that I am a pawn for you to dictate as you wish. I will not bend to your every whim and even if I did, you would have to work far harder for the honour."

"Honour." Snorts Law. "For the time being, you are repaying a debt-"

"A favour."

"-and will do as I say."

I let a harsh, barking laugh. It's quick and sarcastic, unpleasant to the ear. "I agreed to help you at Fort Inazuma. That is all. Why is it that you seem to forget only that?"

"Well then lets prolong the agreement."

"No."

"I'm not asking, I'm telling you."

"… I like a man who is able to assert himself."

Law's eyebrow twitches in confusion. "What?"

"Kidding." I smirk. "And as appealing as your offer might sound, I must decline."

A thick silence ensues our bickering. Almost irritably, Law begins tapping a tan, tattooed finger against the table. His nails are cut short so it's a low, definite thud every time he does so. Suddenly I notice my hands feel clammy and I can feel his presence pushing, rather than brushing against mine. A raw and undeveloped Haki that's intimidating but still soft is truly an unpleasant one.

"Well then stay as a personal guest." Mirroring my look of smug contentment, his booted foot brushes mine beneath the table, and upper calf grazes my knee. I narrow my bloody red eyes at his innuendo. If this is his way of flirting, or rather his attempt, it's sorely misguided.

"Trafalgar-san, I-"

Damn this submarine. "Captain, we are approaching Fort Inazuma now. Awaiting instructions." Comes the gruff voice through the overhead speakers.

Law sighs and stands, offering a hand up. I accept and allow him to pull me up. "Get your sword, it's time to settle your debt." He says whilst pulling me from the mess hall.

"Quiet, you pretentious bastard." I mutter back.