Dr. HEART STEALER

#23: Similarities That Binds

Family Restaurant

Marco served a meal to the man who suddenly gave another visit. "What's your deal?", he said with an irritated look. Ever since he came with his favorite patient, he felt jealous that he is now attending to her. "I was still the first one who took care of her", Marco slightly pouted. Trafalgar sighed. "Yes, yes", he said with a bored tone. Marco knew how Trafalgar would always be the top of the food chain back in their pre-med years and was still acing in their internship. Marco dropped for one year to take over the restaurant. "You're not hitting on her, right? You're 26 men", Marco slapped on him. He remained silent. Marco gulped. "Don't tell me you and Kid are trying to...", Marco was about to continue when Trafalgar shot a glare. 

Marco sat in front of him. "How deep are you acquainted with her?", Marco said in a serious tone. "Why do I need to tell you?", Trafalgar dug on his food. "Don't get too close to her. If you're still with Doflamingo, I fear what he will do if he learns about it", Marco leaned on his palm. Trafalgar stopped eating and looked at Marco. "What do you mean?", Trafalgar was intrigued. 

"You see. Airi is a woman of a high caliber. She's cute and she's like a cat you want to cuddle. If Doflamingo suddenly meets her, I wonder if she'll get to be recruited or something like that", Marco pouted again. He stood up and gave Trafalgar a glance. "And you. How long will you be tied into that organization? Everyone is slowly moving forward now. Don't you fear being left behind", Marco shifted his aura once again. Trafalgar saw shells displayed on the front desk. He recognizes them. "Who said I wanted to stay?", Trafalgar clicked his tongue.  

School Gate

"Bye Airi! Are you sure you're not coming with us?", Nami whined. "Next time, I'll be dropping off somewhere", Airi bowed and turned. She started walking away. 

Airi walked down the road and saw someone familiar. She peeked to make sure and someone covered her mouth. She flinched and looked behind. She saw a green-haired woman with fair skin and peculiar beauty. She stepped back as the new face lets go of her. "Are you stalking him?", Monet pointed at Doflamingo who was already looking in their direction. 

Doflamingo recognizes her. "Bookworm", he gave her a nickname. Airi's mouth twitched. "It's been a while", she excitedly walked towards him. She stopped when she remembered the green-head woman. Is she his wife or girlfriend? She covered her mouth as she recalled Monet's voice when she called Trafalgar. 

"Monet, you can go ahead. I'll just have a talk with my friend", Doflamingo ordered the lady. The green-head nodded. Airi guessed she wasn't any of whom she thought of her. "Shall we have a cup of coffee?", Doflamingo invited. She just turned down an invitation from Nami and Carrot. She will feel guilty if she goes with him. "Cup of tea?", Doflamingo slightly bent to match her height. Airi raised her head and saw him waiting for an answer. "Sure, just for a while?", Airi shyly asked. Doflamingo laughed and snapped his finger. A car went near them. 

Doflamingo opened the door for her. The chauffeur looked at Airi with a surprised face. 

Cafe

Airi looked around and saw how exquisite the design was. "Table for?", the waiter went close. "Two", Doflamingo answered. 

The man led Airi towards the table next to an aquarium. Doflamingo pulled the chair for her. Airi sat down and waited for Doflamingo to sit in front of her. "You have white hair. Are you stressed, bookworm?", Doflamingo asked. Airi shook her head. 

Doflamingo finally sat down. The two talked about the rich selection of coffee and pastries. "You are well-versed with coffee", Doflamingo noticed. "My mother always asked me to pour for her. I need to learn what will suit her taste", Airi explained. "What a good daughter. How I wish I also had one. All I had are a bunch of adorable idiots. One even got married without my consent", Doflamingo chuckled. "You're married?", Airi asked. "No. I have adopted children", he explained. Airi looked at his sunglasses and is not sure if he's looking at her. "You seem to be a rich man. Are you fine with having a person who is not your blood inheriting your wealth?", Airi asked straightforwardly. "I like how you speak", Doflamingo had a short laugh.