It only took a moment. He'd looked away for a few heart beats, and by the time his gaze swung back around to you at his side, you were no longer there. Doflamingo would never admit to the tiny, momentary spike of fear that always struck his heart when it happened, that ridiculous fear that something had happened to you.
But here, in the heart of Dressrosa, a kingdom he could ensure your safety in, there was no need for the worry. Releasing his unsurprised acceptance that you'd once again disappeared, he rose to his full height and gazed around the crowd.
The market streets were busy, crowds packed as the citizens of the country went shopping for their measly groceries. His eyes scanned those around, looking for a particular set of hair that was so familiar.
And when he didn't immediately find you, he jumped into the air, conjuring his invisible strings to perch upon high above the heads of his subjects, gaining a better vantage point.
When he did eventually spot you, an amused smile graced his expression. Of course. The art vendor. As if you'd have wandered off anywhere else...
Suppressing a chuckle, Doflamingo maneuvered his strings to make his way right above where you were standing, talking animatedly to the vendor behind the counter. With practiced skill, he released his strings and landed right beside you on the pavement. You don't even flinch.
"Y/N, you really should say something when you wander off on your own..." He muttered beside your ear, stuffing his hands in his pockets. The vendor looks with a smile up at him, perhaps feeling blessed to be in his presence.
"Why?" You ask, eyes never leaving the various containers of paint that you're currently browsing through. "It's not as if I'm in danger here. This is Dressrosa, not Mariejois."
"You're just as likely to stumble yourself into some sort of trouble here as anywhere else." He shakes his head, turning to lean against the stall's wooden supports, head cocked to watch as you decide on your purchases. "You'll give your dear brother a heart attack if you keep wandering off without a word."
"Relax, Doffy. I'm fine." You smile, sending him a glance at the corner of your eye. While not related by blood, you've always found it endearing and just a little funny that he long ago proclaimed you a sort of sister. "You worry way too much for the king of this country."
"Humor me." He purrs with a smile, patiently waiting as the vendor calculates your total and you hand over what was due. "Why not just claim your paints as property of the king? There'd be no need to pay that way."
"Doffy." You warn in that typical chastising tone of yours. "We've talked about this."
"No, you've lectured, and I've been forced to listen-"
"Someone's in a snarky mood today." You quip, accepting your items in the small bag they were placed in, and turning away from the vendor.
"What can I say? Your mischief brings it out of me." He replies smoothly, walking at your side through the crowd, pleased to see that the people part to allow you unhindered space through the streets.
You only hum in response, eyes and thoughts adrift as you begin the trek towards the castle.
It's silence for a time, with Doflamingo watching you with a careful eye. It's clear that you're mulling over something, and his curiosity eventually gets the better of him. "Planning a new painting?"
"Trying to." You say. "But I'm stuck."
"On?"
You give a sigh, gesturing around the both of you. "I've painted everything I can think of in this country. The colosseum, the Flower Hill, even the various shops and eateries in the main market. I don't know what else to do."
"What you painted the castle itself?"
"Yes, multiples times." You cross your arms, closing your eyes in disappointment. With a shake of your head you look back up at him. "I'm running out of inspiration here. It's maddening, really."
Doflamingo's smile fades, but stays quiet for a bit while he chooses how to word his question. "Was that a subtle attempt at asking to leave?"
Your extended silence is all the answer he needs.
"Y/N-"
"Just for a day-?"
Doflamingo holds back the rising irritation. He doesn't want to lash out at you, the closest person he's got to a sibling in his life. In a way, he understands. You've remained in the country all your life, and he had always found some excuse or another to prevent you from traveling away.
It was a mix of reasons he refused. None of which he chose to disclose to you.
"You can't keep me here under the guise of protection forever, Doffy." You continue. "You know this, don't you?"
"I'm the King. I choose what my subjects can or cannot do."
"So, I'm simply a subject now?"
He gave a loud sigh. "As your brother-"
"As your sister," you interrupt, "I implore you to let me go. Just to one island. I'll even agree to an escort, if that will make you feel better. Please. I don't ask for much-"
"You never ask for anything." He conceded, knowing it was true. And even now, he could hear the fight leaving from his own tone. When it came to you, he'd always harbored a soft spot. As infuriating as that fact was, he could not deny it.
Another long silence settles between you. Doffy mulls over his thoughts and your words, and he's relieved that you keep silent for the rest of the walk to the castle. He hates to disappoint you, his cherished sister, but the world was not kind to those he cared for, as he'd grown to learn early on...
By the time you both arrived to the castle, he stopped just outside the doors, turning to face you with a stern expression. "The closest island is a 2 day's journey by ship, Y/N, and you'd be accompanied by Diamante and Gladius-"
He stops upon seeing your bright smile widen your face. With a relieved laugh you throw your arms around him and give a tight squeeze. "Thank you, Doffy."
He tenses at the touch. Neither of you are very touchy people, but he allows this moment of affection, given you're truly overwhelmed with gratitude. He's happy that you're so excited, but his thoughts are still running worst-case-scenarios on repeat.
"Of course, Y/N. We wouldn't want your imagination to wither."
ns 15.158.61.51da2
