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Chapter Text

Cold air hit his face and a sharp inhale hurt his lungs. It hurt to breathe, it hurt to do anything. He tried to move and even that was a daunting task, his limbs numb and slow to respond. His eyelids were heavy too and he forced himself to open them, instinctively looking down, searching for the seastone handcuffs that must be on him because what else could rob him of his energy and make him feel so incredibly weak?

However, he paused. He took a good look at himself. And cursed. Loudly.

This is Luffy’s fault, Law thought with a glare as he tried to shakily move his tiny hands and legs that were bundled under a ratty blanket that barely did much to protect him from the cold, I told him not to anger the witch and what does he do? Angers the goddamn witch!

A glance at the area around him has him slowly abandoning all thoughts about the Pirate King. Law straightened his back, eyes wide as he fully grasped the situation and the familiar but heartbreaking scenery that haunts his dreams on lonely nights without his husband.

Snow fell around him, blanketing the ground, trees, and the slab of stone he was leaning against. A dull ache pulled at his head and he swallowed down a lump in his throat, wondering why he was reliving a painful memory with such vividness. 

As if on cue, Law’s breath hitched when an old face came into view. A man who occasionally starred in his dreams and nightmares. A man Law loved so unconditionally he spent years of his life planning a vengeance. A man who died for him with a smile and no regret. A man who became a father to him in all but name.

Corazon smiled, blinding and too realistic for what was supposed to be a memory. The makeup was plastered on with perfect detail and Law was reminded painfully of how vibrant the colors were. The man crouched before him, his presence consuming and alive.

“Cora-san,” Law breathed out, doing nothing more than stare at the man before him, still very weak and he belatedly realized why he was in such a sorry state. But he couldn't be. He had cured himself with the-

Corazon raised his hand and snapped his fingers, “Silence.”

A circle manifested into existence, encompassing the both of them, and Law knew immediately what Corazon would say next. He had every word of this moment burned into his memory.

“Look! It's the Op-Op fruit!” Corazon happily exclaimed, displaying the heart shaped fruit before him, and Law wondered how he had this much energy with the wounds inflicted on him for obtaining the damn thing. Just for him. Because of him.

Law strained his neck, looking upon the wreckage of a burning building and the words that left him were identical to what he said the first time, answering on reflex and in between heavy pants, “The building is on fire and I heard some gunshots. So I thought maybe something happened to you.” 

“Hey! That's beside the point!” Corazon retorted, “You gotta cheer up! This devil fruit will save your life!”

Law's lips pulled to a faint smile because the fruit did save his life. Something that wouldn't have been possible without Corazon's love for him.

“Okay,” Law said easily, “I'll eat it.”

Corazon stared, eyebrows lifting, before smiling again and as if afraid Law would change his mind, forced the fruit down his throat. 

Law knew it was coming, had at this point figured this was probably the moment he would wake up from this strange vivid dream. But the devil fruit felt real, heavy and just as nauseatingly disgusting the first time he ate it. Law nearly threw it back out, not expecting to actually eat it because this wasn't supposed to be real. Corazon didn't let him, his hands warm and forceful, and the physical touch sent Law reeling. 

His rational mind was scrambling for an answer now that he couldn't dismiss this as a dream. When a surge of power entered his body, familiar and complete, a far fetched idea came into mind.

That fucking witch! Was Law's first thought. Then, I can change this.

-

Corazon was alive. Injured but alive.

Law stayed by the man's side, keeping vigil over him as he rested in the infirmary for nearly two whole days. Law hadn’t slept, he doesn’t think he would be able to. The experience was surreal and he wasn't sure whether to cry or laugh at the second chance he was given. He retracted every ill thought he had of the witch. He had no idea why she sent him back in the past nor by what means she used to do it, but he found himself ready to give her his firstborn if it meant Corazon would live happily. He hoped Luffy would understand.

A confused noise emitted from his left and Law pried his eyes away from Corazon to the doctor who was checking his vitals. The scrubs she wore were significantly better than the marine uniform everyone else wore on this ship. 

It was a strange feeling, sitting here amongst marines when they had tried to hunt him down for years. The attacks had lessened when Law became an Emperor and they stopped all together when it became known he had married the Pirate King.

“That's strange,” the doctor began, her face pinched to confusion, “Your pulse doesn't match your heartbeat.”

Law blinked. He hastily settled a palm over his heart and the rhythm of it brought him a different type of joy. His heart skipped a beat, he knew it did, but the heart that laid in his chest remained steadfast.

Luffy, Law thought fondly, his hand closing to a fist, and his heart throbbed. Could Luffy feel it? Could he feel the way Law’s heart throbbed in a way it only did for him?

The heart in his chest, Luffy’s heart, raced quickly and Law smiled. Luffy was here too. Luffy was sent back in time with him. Law was immensely relieved for it and promptly abandoned the plan he had been forming to seduce the idiot and get him to fall in love with him. It would have been embarrassing, flirting and peacocking for the world to see, but that was the only way to ensure he would get past Luffy’s oblivious self. 

If anything, the fact that Luffy was sent back with his heart still in Law’s chest, meant that he was obligated to give that witch all the riches in the world if he ever crossed paths with her in this timeline.

Maybe Luffy had the right idea to piss her off, Law amusedly thought before bringing himself back down to reality. He looked up at the doctor, still unused to the idea that he was now short and tiny. He was a kid again, barely a teenager , and would be for a couple of more years before he reached adulthood.

“That is strange,” Law replied before purposely coughing, hoping to avoid any further question on it. 

It worked in his favor when a real cough bursted out of him, forcing Law to cough his lungs out, and he was quickly reminded that he was dying a slow painful death. The white patches on his skin was not a sight he welcomed, not when it was a reminder of an incurable disease and the reason for his family’s doomed fate, the White City blighted forever from the world. Even now, it was draining his entire being, steadily on its way to shut down every organ in his body. He likely had only three or four days left. Considering how he had already healed himself the last time this happened- he had to in order to make sure Corazon’s sacrifice wasn’t in vain, that it wasn’t for nothing- he decided he shouldn’t push his luck any further.

Law gritted his teeth, side-eyeing the doctor, and hoped Sengoku was telling the truth about Corazon being like a son to him. Corazon was technically a traitor to the marines, having stolen the Op-Op fruit when he was given orders not to. But it was better than letting Doflamingo have it and run off with it. Not like the bastard could do much with it though. Law made sure to safely deliver the secret letter to an actual marine. A vindictive glee coursed through him before he fell over, the amber lead greedy in wanting his life as he hit the wooden planks. 

The doctor hurried to his side, deliberate in never touching his skin- Law wasn't an idiot, he knew the patches on his skin were a dead giveaway to any doctor- and pulled him back up. Law barely gave her another notice, intent on saving himself. Calling out his power, he mumbled a room and began to work with a set of medical tools the infirmary provided.

The doctor startled, alarmed before she rushed out of the room calling for someone. Law didn't necessarily care, it was better that she left the infirmary anyway. She would probably be horrified at how Law cut his own body apart to rid himself of the amber lead.

Exhaustion was beginning to settle in and Law bared through it, resolved to build up his stamina in this new tiny body of his. But already this was different from before, the use of his power was second nature, and he had an easier and faster time now that he knew what to expect. A stark contrast to the way he had fumbled and agonized the first time he had cut himself.

Shortly after, the door was yanked open and the vice admiral of the ship Law briefly met impressed him by not flinching at the sight of his body in pieces. The same could not be said for the doctor, who gasped and covered her mouth, absolutely terrified.

“What the hell is this?” Vice Admiral Tsuru demanded, a hard set to her eyes.

“I know what I'm doing,” Law kept himself from snapping, “My parents used to be doctors and I'm learning to be one. I have to do this or else I’ll die.”

Thankfully, she didn't say anything more. Instead, she kept a keen eye on him and stood watch. Law didn’t miss the way she scrutinized the white patches on his skin or the way an understanding was starting to creep into her expression. Everyone knew about Flevance at this point, the destruction of the White City still recent in everyone's minds. It wouldn't be hard to connect the dots.

Ignoring his impromptu audience, Law meticulously continued his self operation. By the time he scanned himself to double check his now cured body, he let out a big relieved sigh and made himself comfortable next to Corazon’s still resting body. He could hear the vice admiral questioning him but he was too exhausted to answer and before he knew it, he was knocked out, comforted by Corazon’s presence and the steady beat of Luffy’s heart in his chest.

-

Scrunching his face and shivering under the blanket, Law blindly reached out for warmth. When nothing met his hands, he groggily opened his eyes and it took a solid second to realize where he was and another to remember that against all odds, he had been sent to the past. He quietly brought up a hand and rested it over his chest, taking solace within Luffy’s strong and comforting heartbeat.

Fuck. Law was going to have to wait for years before he could even see his husband again, and even longer to share the same bed. He reassured himself that at least he wasn’t going to be alone for it. Corazon was alive, Law hadn’t hallucinated that, and he was probably already up and running if he wasn’t in bed.

Motivated by the very thought of seeing his father figure breathing and living, Law pushed the blanket away and planted his feet on the ground. His head swirled when he stood up, dark spots briefly overtaking his vision, and the emptiness of his stomach was suddenly profound. Food. He needed something in his stomach before he passed out.

Fortunately, the door of the infirmary opened up and Law stared up and couldn't look away. Corazon smiled, the dumb idiotic one that Law hated but not really, and there was a healthy glow to his face, no longer dull from being on the brink of death.

“Law! You didn't have to get up!” Corazon immediately said, carrying in his hands a plate of fruit and rice, “Sit back down, you need to rest. And eat! You need your energy back after curing yourself like that,” Corazon smiled wider, “I spoke to Tsuru. You're a really smart kid. I knew you could do it.”

Swallowing had become a difficult task, tears threatening to spill, but thankfully Law was saved from answering when his stomach protested as his nose caught the scent of fresh fruit and hot rice.

Corazon, in Corazon fashion, forced Law to sit back on the bed and immediately fussed over him. Lips quivered and Law wasn't strong enough to stop the tears from falling. It was just- it was just like Corazon to do this and Law had forgotten how stubborn the man was and the fact that he had forgotten that tidbit upset him even more-

“Hey, Law, it's okay,” Corazon softly said, wiping away the tears with one hand, “You're okay. We're gonna do just fine now.”

Of course, that was the moment Corazon accidentally dropped the plate, fruit and rice scattering all over the ground.

“Shit!”

And Law laughed, heartily and happily. The type of laugh that no one was really able to bring out except for his husband and maybe Bepo.

“You're stupid Cora-san,” Law sniffed, wiping his tears with the back of his palm before smiling up at the man, “But you're right. We're both okay now.”

The rice was long abandoned, and while Law knew how clean infirmaries were kept- doubly so in a ship manned by nothing but women- he stayed clear of it and bit into the fruit instead. The sweet taste satisfied his taste buds and his stomach stopped growling so loudly. Any longer and it would have sounded like Luffy’s bottomless pit of a stomach.

Law listened carefully as Corazon spoke. Excited rambling about what they could do in the future now that Law was going to live. He had half a mind already to stop by Swallow Island to pick up his endearingly annoying friends and when he mentioned the island name, Corazon readily agreed, perhaps merely content by the fact that Law was planning ahead when he hadn't before because he couldn't.

“-ure! I don't see why not. It might take a while to start traveling though,” Corazon frowned, “I really hope Sengoku doesn't come after me. I'm a marine but-”

And the man came to a full halt, eyes wide and expression guilty, he definitely hadn’t meant to let that slip. The sight made Law want to smile but he forced it back and scoffed instead.

“I already know, Cora-san, you’re a terrible liar. No wonder you played mute around Doflamingo. It’s a miracle you managed to survive that long.”

Corazon sighed out of relief, shoulders slumping, before the rest of his words caught up to him, “You little- well, it’s not like you’re wrong about that. But as I was saying, stealing the fruit made me a traitor to the marines. I don’t think Sengoku would take that lightly. We’ll have to leave soon.”

Law remembered the old fleet admiral and the conversation they had in Dressrosa shortly after freeing it from Doflamingo’s reign of terror. He remembered how retirement suited Sengoku well and how oddly the old man spoke of Corazon like a father would to a son. Hell, the old man was there the day Law married the Pirate King, accompanying Garp and willfully ignoring the pirates that made up the guest list. Law had no idea why he was there, Garp he could understand since he was Luffy’s grandfather, but Sengoku’s presence was a rarity and Law had chalked it up to an old man’s whims. 

But thinking back on it now and seeing the way Corazon looked troubled at the thought of having to leave a man he likely thought of as a father had Law sucking back his valid hatred of the marines. The clues were all there. Sengoku had gone to the wedding because of Law, who Corazon had died for to ensure he lived a long life.

If Sengoku was Corazon’s family then Law wasn’t going to get in the way.

“He can’t be that bad,” Law stressed, playing up his childlike naivety, “Wouldn’t he miss you?”

Just like that, Corazon doubted himself and nodded, “Yeah, he would. In any case, I have to explain myself to him. He should have received Doflamingo’s plans by now. Hopefully that will help loosen the punishment.”

Law nearly snorted. Corazon was so worried over nothing. Law was certain Sengoku wouldn’t do a damn thing now that he knew how much the fleet admiral cared for Corazon. He did, however, frown when he realized they would likely head to Marineford. He knew the marines had kept tabs on his devil fruit, that they desired it much more because of its uses and the eternal life it provided should it fall to the wrong hands. 

A thought hit him and he clenched his teeth.

“Can you…” Law started but didn’t finish. He couldn’t ask for more, already this timeline was turning out to be a hundred times better than the future he left simply because of Corazon’s existence and the reassurance that Doflamingo’s plan would never rise. There was also the beating heart in his chest that meant his husband was out there too, likely crying his eyes out for Ace but no doubt smiling widely because of it.

“What’s wrong?” Corazon asked, eyebrows furrowed.

Law’s selfishness won out, the pirate in him screaming it out, the Emperor in him that wouldn’t roll on his back and submit to the marine dogs.

“I won’t join the marines,” Law firmly said, “Tell them anything- or don’t. Tell them you lost the fruit, that it fell in the water or something. If they knew I ate it, they’d want me to join the marines, right? I don’t want that.”

He bit back any remarks over Flevance, holding them back in case he needed to guilt trip Corazon into it. Luckily, he had no need to, not when Corazon caved easily.

“I’ll make something up, I swear,” Corazon smiled, “After all, you’re finally free to do what you want. You’re free, Law.”

In another life, Corazon had said those exact words before facing death. Maybe not exactly like it but the intent was the same. Law had no idea why he mattered so much to Corazon, nor what he did to garner the unconditional love that drove him to die for him. Whatever the reason for, Law held onto that affection with an iron clad fist. Pirates were greedy by nature and Law was no different.

So, Law bared with it when they charted a course to Marineford.

Chapter Text

Marineford was the epitome of a stronghold fortress. Unrivaled and intimidating, a warning for every pirate that roamed the seas. Law had forgotten how tall it once stood, stone walls and buildings that spoke of excellent builders, of hiring the best of the best to make this place a symbol of justice and retribution.

Funny how such a powerful place was ravaged to the ground by a war. Law stretched his neck everywhere, memories long buried resurfacing at the sight of it all. Corpses of pirates and marines alike, a destroyed battlefield, heavy artillery and fleets in the harbor. Of frozen ice, burning magma, and deadly light. He glanced overhead to where Fire Fist Ace had once been forced to his knees, bound for execution because of his birthright. 

His eyes drifted lower and he turned back to the sea where his submarine had once been stationed. Where Luffy had been left in his care and Law had grown intimately familiar with the insides of Straw Hat’s body, spending hours rearranging organs and doing everything he could to keep Luffy’s heart pumping. 

Truthfully, Luffy would have died if anyone else had treated him. But he survived because of Law’s devil fruit. A sign of the world paving a path for Luffy to live, the Will of D. whispering for Law to reach out, to hold on, and save him.

“Law, watch your step,” Corazon called out after Law missed a step on the stairs and nearly tripped, too caught up in the past.

Shaking away the pondering thoughts, Law followed the man’s heel. He tried not to huff when Corazon’s towering figure made him feel tiny and envious all at once. His growth spurt wouldn’t hit until he turned eighteen and that was still years away. Longer, Law thought rather petulantly, for Luffy to grow into his monstrous Monkey genes. The big spoon would remain short until Luffy hit his mid-twenties.

Sighing, Law resolved to not whine over it anymore. What was a decade or two? Besides, they could use this second chance to save who they couldn’t before. Corazon was alive now, something that was unfathomable in another life. Law looked back once more to where Ace had once knelt in a distant past. He swore to himself he would be here earlier and help save Luffy’s brother in the years to come.

Entering the main building, Law felt uneasy as he trailed behind Corazon. Marines walked past them in groups, nodding at them in acknowledgment, and busybodies with stacks of papers in their arms smiled briefly in their direction before scampering off. The entire thing unsettled him, far too used to the pirate life.

“Commander Rosinante.”

Law whirled his head, eyes narrowing at the person who called out to Corazon with such familiarity. Only to stop himself from choking.

Dread crept to his stomach as a stern face joined them. There was no scar that marred his face from the fight that would happen at Punk Hazard one day but Law recognized him anyway. For obvious reasons, Luffy utterly despised this man. Law, on principle, despised him twice as much.

“Admiral Sakazuki!” It felt like betrayal when Corazon smiled at the other, “It’s been a while. How are you?”

Akainu coughed purposely and with growing horror, Law noted there was a slight rise of red on his face.

No. Don't, Law pleaded with any god or goddess who was listening, Please tell me this isn’t what I think it is.

“Better now that you’re here,” Akainu answered, smiling in a way that had Law disgusted, and straightened his back, “Your presence was missed. I’m sure many others feel the same way.”

Corazon sheepishly laughed and rubbed the back of his head, “I’m sure that’s not true. It’s not nice to tease me like that-”

“Who is this guy?” Law interrupted, glaring at Akainu because one, he really did hate him, and two, how dare he flirt with Corazon in front of him, and lastly, because he could get away with it. Being a kid had its advantages and he wasn’t above using them.

“Oh! Law, this is an old friend of mine. His name is Sakazuki-”

“I hate him,” Law stated unapologetically and took great satisfaction at the way Akainu stood dumbfounded by the response.

“Law!” Corazon promptly admonished him before raising his arms to wave it off apologetically to Akainu, “Sorry about that. Law doesn’t like marines, for a good reason mind you, so don’t take it personal.”

Akainu looked even more confused but he recovered quickly, “But you’re a marine too.”

“Cora-san is Cora-san,” Law said, using childlike logic because he knew it would further throw off the admiral. He pulled at Corazon’s sleeve insistently, “Cora-san, can we go now? Isn’t Sengoku waiting for us?”

“Right! Please excuse us, Sakazuki, you know how much Sengoku hates when his time is wasted. I’ll see you around!”

Law scowled and tugged his spotted hat back to make sure Akainu saw it and feigned innocence when Corazon rushed him along. The way Akainu clenched his jaw but otherwise said nothing brought Law an immense pleasure.

-

As Law suspected, Corazon truly had nothing to worry about. The nervous twitch the man had sported when he first walked into the fleet admiral's office dissolved when Sengoku hugged him tightly. 

Explanations were made, introductions were made. Corazon’s loyalty was made and Law bit the inside of his cheek to stop the tears from sprouting.

Sengoku, being an experienced marine and well deserving of his position, lifted an eyebrow as he glanced at Law briefly, “The Op-Op fruit fell into the water?”

Corazon twitched and it was remarkable how he kept his composure, “Yes, sir. I'm sorry.”

“Strange. Vice Admiral Tsuru's report mentioned something about unique abilities the boy here made.”

There was a hard expression on Sengoku's face, piercing and knowing, but Law stood his ground and didn't budge. Maybe if he hadn't made that blunder, this conversation wouldn't be happening.

“She must have imagined it,” Corazon lied.

Judging by the narrowed eyes, Corazon hadn't succeeded in convincing Sengoku. Law prepared for the worst, knowing the marines would love to get their grubby paws on his devil fruit and while he was young and his stamina low, he could still manage to escape. Chances of successfully making it out were low though. Lower if he took Corazon with him too. But Law has had worse odds and being an Emperor of the sea and the Pirate King’s husband meant his life would always be a challenge.

However, Law let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding when Sengoku sighed deeply and leaned back on the couch.

“That's a pity. The World Government won't be happy to hear that,” Sengoku stated, as if the entire thing wasn't going to be a headache for him. 

The fleet admiral stared at him and Law stiffened under the attention as he held a tight grasp on Corazon’s sleeve, scooting closer to the man. The man's presence was a huge comfort and Law knew he was being clingy but who could blame him? Law spent an entire lifetime dedicating a vengeance for Corazon, had inked his skin as a reminder of his sacrifice, and had spent the rest of his life under the night sky pondering if Corazon was happy for the life he made for himself.

“Trafalgar Law,” Sengoku began, “I suppose it wouldn't hurt to remind you to keep your nose out of trouble while you stay here.”

Law caught the meaning behind those words and he didn't know how to feel about Sengoku covering for him too.

Fuck. Sengoku really had thought of me as a grandson. No wonder he cried alongside Garp at the wedding, and it was happening again, far earlier simply because of Corazon’s very much alive state.

“Um, sir, I suppose now is a good time to tell you I'm resigning from the marines.”

Both Law and Sengoku whirled their heads at Corazon in complete and utter disbelief.

“Law needs someone to look after him,” Corazon said, all smiles and sparkling eyes and Law fought back the urge to cry, “You can visit us, sir, when you get the chance. We're thinking of heading to Swallow Island after this and I was hoping-”

“You can't seriously believe I'd let both of you leave.”

There was a pause and for a moment Law readied his hand, already thinking of an escape plan.

But Sengoku continued, “Doflamingo is still on the loose. I can't in good conscience let you and the kid leave. You want to resign? Fine. I won’t stop you, but I can protect you. Stay here, at least until things calm down.”

The lines of worry were etched across Sengoku’s forehead and one look at Corazon was all Law needed to know what the final decision was going to be.

Still, Law raised his chin, defiant and never one to let an opportunity pass, “If we stay here, I want access to all the medical books.”

Law ignored Corazon’s panicked scolding and Sengoku gave him a scrutinizing stare.

“Aren’t you a little young to be reading medical texts?”

“I’m studying to be a doctor,” never mind the fact that he already was one, “My parents were doctors and they were training me to be one too.”

The fleet admiral chuckled, “You picked up a smart kid, Rosinante. Alright, brat, I’ll let the doctors know they’ll have a little shadow invading their space.”

Peeved at being called ‘little’ but knowing there was nothing he could do unless he magically grew overnight, Law was pleased by this arrangement. His childhood friends would unfortunately have to wait- Bepo, Penguin, Shachi- but getting the opportunity to read medical texts and procedures solely used by marines was too good to pass up. It would help distract him too. Hopefully they wouldn’t stay here for long.

The door creaked open without knocking and Law had to restrain himself from gaping as the Hero of the Marines strolled inside the office as casually as one would in a park.

“Hm? Oh! Rosinante!” Garp exclaimed, his wide smile giving Law a sharp dejavu, “You’re back! Thank god you’re here, Sengoku was getting moody.”

As if to make Law’s life even more complicated, behind Garp was the very same man from earlier. The marine dog who apparently has an infatuation with Corazon.

“Garp, it’s not proper to enter the fleet admiral’s office without announcing yourself first,” Akainu reprimanded.

“Sengoku doesn’t mind, isn’t that right?”

The way the fleet admiral rubbed his temple and sighed as Garp laughed without a care in the world made Law a bit sympathetic. The Monkey clan were a handful and he knew that on a personal level.

Sengoku stood up, “We’re done here anyway. Rosinante, feel free to use the guest wing and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Corazon turned to Law, excited, “This is great, Law! You get to study under real doctors! You’ve always dreamed of being a doctor, right? You have a head start now!”

“Being a doctor isn’t my dream,” Law blurted out and suddenly regretted it when everyone in the room looked at him. Being a doctor was just something he knew he had to be, to follow in his parents’ footsteps and be able to use his devil fruit to the max capacity. Although surgeries were challenging and exciting, he couldn’t refute that.

“Of course being a doctor isn’t his dream,” Garp said, flicking a booger away that was all too reminiscent of Luffy, “His dream is probably to find a dinosaur or be a cyborg. Regular kid stuff.”

Sengoku gave the old man a dry remark before turning to Akainu to discuss something about reports. Law really wasn’t paying attention because Corazon stared at him, eyes brimming with determination.

Warm hands grabbed his shoulders and Corazon asked, “What’s your dream, Law? What do you want?”

What do I want?

A long time ago, Law lived and seethed with fury, driven by his desire to avenge Corazon. He wanted to ruin Doflamingo’s empire and take everything away from him. When Luffy came barging into his life and punted Doflamingo to the ground, something in Law had changed. No longer burdened, Law had set his eyes on the meaning behind the Will of D. From there, he learned everything about the one hundred year void. With that done, his eyes had set on Luffy.

“What do you want, Torao?”

Corazon was alive and breathing in front of him. Doflamingo’s plans were ruined and it was only a matter of time before the marines caught him and his terrible crew. Law had already solved the meaning of D. and the history behind it. There was only one thing he didn’t have. The heart in his chest skipped a beat and Law wondered if Luffy had done it on purpose. It was unlikely but Luffy had always had an uncanny intuition.

“What do you want, Torao?”

“You.”

“Marry me.”

Law was in a room full of high ranking marines. He was in Marineford, the headquarters of the marines. Maybe Luffy had rubbed off his reckless personality onto him but Law found himself not caring about it. 

There was no hesitation in him when he declared what he wanted.

“I want to marry the King of the Pirates.”

It was, admittingly, hilarious how quickly everyone shared the same look of pure shock.

Corazon spluttered and he began shaking him back and forth, practically shouting at him, “He’s dead! And even if he wasn’t, he would have been too old for you! I would never let you marry someone that old!”

The concern was touching and Law couldn’t wait for Corazon to meet Luffy and try to use the same excuse. In the back, Garp rambunctiously laughed, hugging his side as he did so while Sengoku let out a bone deep weary sigh. Akainu frowned deeply, obviously displeased by what he said but Law could care less about his opinion.

Garp continued laughing, seemingly unphased, and Law guessed he hadn’t gone to visit Luffy yet. It was around this time that Luffy had met Shanks and set him on his dream to become the Pirate King. Law had been hoping to unsettle Garp, hence why he deliberately said what he said. To make sure that his declaration would reach Luffy in some form.

Law, keeping true to his kid self, rolled his eyes, “Obviously not him. But a lot of pirates set out to find the One Piece and whoever finds it becomes the Pirate King. That’s who I want to marry.”

“Absolutely not!” Corazon yelled, livid, “I forbid it! Why do you even want to marry the Pirate King!?”

“Because they’re the freest person in the world.”

Hands dropped from his shoulders. Corazon searched his face for any doubt but found none. Something akin to understanding passed over him.

“Well, I have plenty of time to change your mind,” Corazon ended up saying.

“I won’t change my mind-”

“You’re still young, you should be focused on studying to be a doctor, and not thinking about eloping with some random pirate. We’ll come back to this topic another time. For now, I want you to be the best doctor in the world.”

The protests immediately died in his throat and Law tugged his hat back, “Duh, I’m not going to be a second-rate doctor,” he smirked, knowing everyone was still listening to him, “I have to be the best if I ever hope to have a chance with the future Pirate King.”

Maybe staying here will be fun, Law thought, fighting back the urge to cackle as Corazon yelled at him, Garp laughing even harder, Sengoku yelling with Corazon, and Akainu uncomfortably fidgeting with the same displeased face.

-

Objectively, Corazon was a good looking man, a pretty man even. Soft blonde locks and wide smile. The makeup helped him stand out but not in a bad way. He was clumsy but endearing. Kind, warm, and overall a genuinely nice person. Therefore, Law understood why Akainu took every chance to speak with Corazon when they happened to cross paths with one another. Not that it ever got past friendly conversation. Law made sure to manipulate and take up all of Corazon’s time. He wasn’t going to budge and let Akainu of all people try to make moves on his father in all but name.

However, Law had underestimated how much sway Corazon had.

This is ridiculous, Law watched a group of cadets blush and trip over nothing when Corazon walked by, What the hell?

“Law, have you eaten lunch yet?” Corazon asked, oblivious to how everyone seemed to swoon over him, “Come on, staring at all those books will make you go cross-eyed. I hear the cafeteria is serving onigiri, your favorite!”

Closing the book, Law hopped off his stool and waved the doctor goodbye as he trailed after the tall man. Law listened to Corazon ramble about losing for the hundredth time against Sengoku at chess. Tough luck there, but Law was endeared by the fact that Corazon kept trying all because Law made an offhand remark about how he could lose to a marine of all people.

Another group passed by them in the hall and again, they stared far longer than they should have at the man who remained oblivious. They had only been here for a month but it was enough for the entire base to fall head over heels for Corazon. Not that Law could blame these people but like hell was he going to let a marine sweep Corazon off his feet. It was bad enough Akainu kept trying, Law didn’t need any more nuisances trying to court Corazon.

Tendrils of smoke arose when they turned a corner and Law scowled. Speak of the devil and his friends shall appear. A younger Smoker intercepted their path, two cigars in his mouth and a whole lot of confidence from someone who kept getting rejected.

“Rosinante, Law. Good afternoon,” Smoker greeted amiably, a far cry from the grunts and glares.

Who is this? Law wanted to ask because this Smoker might as well be an entirely different person from the Smoker who was all rough edges and scowled so much he had frown lines in his thirties.

 “You're smiling Rosinante. Any good news?” Smoker grinned, “Perhaps you can tell me while we get lunch.”

“Sorry Smoker. Maybe next time. I want to make sure Law here eats,” Corazon then whispered loudly, “Sometimes, Law doesn't eat as much as he should. He's tricky like that.”

“Hey!” Law exclaimed, a bit perturbed by how easily Corazon revealed his terrible habits. But he wasn't bothered much by it, not when a smirk graced his lips.

Yeah that's right. I'm more important than you. Go away Smoker.

Smoker did not go away and instead looked Law over, “Don’t go around giving Rosinante any more trouble. He cares a lot for you.”

Uncomfortable by the genuine concern, Law tugged at Corazon’s sleeve, “Whatever. Cora-san, I’m hungry.”

Just like that Corazon waved off Smoker and headed for the mess hall. 

What followed after had Law watching in morbid curiosity as accidents happened one after another. Whispers murmured and Corazon hummed as he ate an apple. Likewise, Law’s plate was full, having been persuaded to eat more than usual just because Corazon insisted. Law bit into an onigiri and watched as a young woman's makeup smudged when she was attempting to apply it on her lips but caught a glimpse of Corazon and now had a red streak over her cheek.

“Everyone sure is lively,” Corazon said, picking up the excited mumbles but not the reason why.

“Yeah, it’s almost as if they're acting like an idol was here or something,” Law replied, having decided to not clue in Corazon that half the base was in love with him. He had a feeling Corazon wouldn’t believe him anyway.

“You really think so?” Corazon laughed before asking, “How’s the training going? Learned anything new?”

Law faintly smiled. It had been like this for the entire month. Corazon would always ask about his training or about his day and readily listened to everything, even if the medical terminology confused him. Law couldn’t understand why at first, but having known love and been loved before, he knew better than to question it.

Corazon cared about him, plain and simple. Of course he wanted to know about Law’s day. It always made him happy to hear it too.

“Not really, it's getting a little boring,” Law answered and took another bite of his onigiri, “I want to be in the operating room but they won’t let me.”

“That’s because you’re not a licensed doctor.”

I wasn’t a licensed doctor before either but I was still the best.

Unfortunately, there was no one to back up his claim. There was Luffy but Law doubted they would take the word of a six year old seriously.

A plate landed next to Law’s own and he prepared himself to scare away one of Corazon’s many suitors. The biting remark never made it past his lips. The fleet admiral looked worn, his wrinkles evident, and Law began to pity his reluctantly pseudo grandfather. Retirement would do Sengoku wonders but Law didn’t bring it up. Better for Sengoku to be in a position of power than Akainu.

Sengoku sighed as he picked up his chopsticks, “I forgot how people used to trip over themselves just to take a glimpse of you, Rosinante,” he looked at Law and gave him a small smile, “I hear you’ve been pestering my doctors.”

“I wouldn’t need to if they were competent,” Law straightened his back, “They won’t let me inside the operating room-”

“And you think I will?”

Law frowned, caught red handed. At least he tried. Fortunately, Sengoku didn’t take offense. The old man laughed.

“You’ll get the chance when you’re older. I have to say, it’s nice to have a doctor in the family. Maybe you won’t charge me as much when my leg starts bothering me again.”

At that, Law tugged his hat to hide his burning face. This time around Sengoku really did treat him as a grandson. Law was conflicted over it. He had no intention of making space for anyone in his heart beside Corazon but Sengoku was like a worm, slowly but surely getting there. Well, at least Sengoku and Garp would have a lot more in common once Law set out to the Grand Line.

Law continued eating, feeling a strange sense of peace and dread as Sengoku and Corazon conversed. Law couldn’t wait until they were allowed to leave the damn base.

“-is there any word on Doflamingo?” 

Law lifted his head, gaze settling on Sengoku to watch his reaction.

Sengoku took a sip of his drink, “We have a lead on where he is. The fact that we have a lead means he’s slipping. Panicked, most likely. His future plans ruined and his mole snuffed out from the marines? We’ll have him cornered soon enough.”

“Good. That’s really good,” Corazon smiled, small but sincere, “Doffy won’t be able to spread his madness anymore.”

Doflamingo and by extension his mockery of a family as well. Thinking of Baby G and Buffalo- and fuck, toddler sized Dellinger, had Law hesitate. They were children who were abandoned and had been suckered in by the happy family Doflamingo liked to pretend they were. Law was older, older than he was in Dressrosa, and recognized how Doflamingo used their easily given loyalty like a puppet on strings.

“What will you do with the other kids?” Law questioned, carefully observing Sengoku, “Baby G, Buffalo, Dellinger. They were tricked. Like me.”

“I’m well aware of that,” Sengoku said, “When we arrest children in pirate crews, we give them two options. Follow their captain behind bars or join the marines. Unsurprisingly, many choose the latter. For children who were kidnapped or coerced to join, we send them back home. If your friends are smart like you, they’ll choose the right option.”

“They’re not my friends,” Law retorted and went back to eating, wondering if he would ever meet them on the sea sailing under the marine flag.

-

Patience was a virtue Law possessed. He waited thirteen years to enact his revenge and saw it succeed, although that was significantly in thanks to Luffy and his colorful crew. The events after that, Zou, Wano, everything else, made his patience look like child’s play.

However, the same could not be said about Corazon, who was huffing the longer Sengoku’s meeting ran. It had only been ten minutes. Law eyed the older man and seriously considered how Corazon had managed to infiltrate the Donquixote Pirates. Being mute was quite possibly Croazon’s smartest decision ever.

The flickering of a lighter went off and Law closed the thick medical book. Lo and behold, Corazon’s feathery jacket caught on fire.

“Cora-san, you’re on fire,” Law said and swiftly moved closer to pat the flames away with a couch pillow.

“Phew, thanks,” Corazon pulled away his cigarette, smoke filling the air between them, “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Dead. Law wisely didn’t mention it.

Instead, he grinned, “Probably burnt to ashes by now.”

Three months had passed and Law still had the same warmth in his chest at seeing Corazon laugh freely. 

A messenger jogged by, passing along a newspaper in exchange for berry, before hollering to the other marines. A familiar half face was on the front page of the newspaper and when Corazon unfolded it, the entire picture came into view.

“Hm? That’s weird. Why was such a powerful pirate in the East Blue?” Corazon tilted his head, “It didn’t seem like he took any territories there either.”

Of course he didn’t. Red-Haired Shanks had only stayed in the East Blue for so long because of Luffy. Law inched closer and Corazon lowered the newspaper to let him read it as well. Shanks wasn’t an Emperor yet but there was zero doubt that he would be one soon in the months to come. Law saw the picture once more, unable to pin why it looked so odd until he noted the pirate had both of his arms intact.

Law smiled softly. Luffy. His heart throbbed and he hoped his wonderful husband knew he was thinking of him. Corazon flipped the page, engrossed by the speculations that were running wild and mumbling under his breath. Law listened as he always did until something in the corner of his eyes caught his attention. It was Akainu.

The urge to groan was so strong but Law held it as a terrible but wonderful idea came to mind. When Akainu stepped within earshot, Law enacted his brilliant plan.

“Wow, you’re really interested in Red-Haired Shanks,” Law said, speaking a little louder than usual, “Do you like him or something?”

“I do not!” Corazon denied, flustered by the question and unknowingly proving the opposite of what he said, “Although I do admit he’s quite handsome.”

Law blinked. That was not what he expected to hear and he was positive Akainu wasn't expecting it either. What a shame Law wasn't able to see the reaction of the admiral.

“More handsome than Akainu, right?” Law couldn't help but continue, noticing the rigidness of a now eavesdropping admiral and suppressed a grin, “I really don’t like your friend, Cora-san. You can do so much better than him.”

“I keep telling you it’s not like that,” Corazon exasperatedly replied, “Sakazuki is a good friend and you should call him by his real name-”

“Shanks is a way better option,” Law would know, remembering everything Luffy told him about Shanks before eventually meeting the pirate after Luffy had been crowned Pirate King. Plus, Shanks had the added bonus of not being the one who killed Luffy’s older brother, Ace.

“I’m not like you, Law, I have zero intentions in marrying a pirate,” Corazon dryly said.

Knowing Akainu was still listening to them, Law raised his chin, “That’s because I have bigger ambitions than you. The Pirate King will be rich, which means I’ll be a trophy husband. I’ll support us both, Cora-san, you don’t need to date an admiral to live comfortably.”

Never mind the fact that Luffy was forever broke because of his greedy navigator. Law still loved him regardless.

There was an irritated twitch on Corazon’s face, “Who taught you that word!? Don’t say that! You’re crazy if you think I’ll let that happen!”

Purposely pulling his lips to a pout, Law turned away, unable to bear Corazon’s blatant disapproval. There was still a long way to go and hopefully by then, meeting Luffy would change Corazon's mind.

Angry grumbling reached their ears, footsteps loud and heavy and Garp’s boisterous voice rang for the entire base to hear.

“Admiral Sakazuki! Do you have any kids!? Tell me, what's the best way to tell a stupid child he can't be a pirate!”

Well. It would seem Garp was finally back from visiting his grandchildren. And if he was this incensed, Luffy had already met Shanks then. 

Akainu had hidden himself just around the corner of the waiting room, where he had eavesdropped on the entire conversation. Honestly, Law had hoped the day would pass without acknowledging the admiral. Such luck was not on his side as Garp dragged Akainu with him and found the both of them sitting on a couch, still waiting for Sengoku’s meeting to be over.

“What child would want to be a pirate?” Akainu asked, as if the mere idea was baffling, “They're the worst type of people. They have no place in our world. They’re terrible people to their partners too.”

Law wanted to smirk. He definitely got under Akainu’s skin. 

“Exactly!” Garp said, “Being a marine is far better anyways.”

Law begged to differ. Something in his face must have shown because Garp stared at him.

“You,” Garp squinted his eyes, “Why haven’t you signed up for the marines? Surely Sengoku would have forced you by now.”

Corazon tensed right beside him, likely intending to take the full force of the vice admiral’s attention but Law would not hide behind him. Besides, he had the perfect answer to mess with the Hero of the Marines.

“I can't be a marine if I want to marry the next King of the Pirates.”

There was a certain paleness to Garp, as if he had seen a ghost. Law knew the old man was thinking about Luffy, who had no doubt announced to his grandfather loud and clear about becoming the King of the Pirates. Garp swayed on his feet, quickly alarming Akainu and Corazon, and Law smirked. 

Garp settled a hand on the armrest of the couch to support himself, “I need a moment. A terrible image just came to me,” he quickly straightened once more, “I'm going to set out. Sakazuki, tell Sengoku I'll bring back a hundred pirates as an apology for not showing up to the meeting.”

Akainu followed him, trying to rein him back but Garp was relentless and soon enough, they were both out of sight.

“What was that about? I've never seen Garp so pale like that,” Corazon said, eyebrows furrowing, “I thought he would have laughed, like the last time you said that.”

Law shrugged even though all he wanted to do was grin like a madman.

-

Doflamingo, former Celestial Dragon and Captain of the Donquixote Family, was arrested by Admiral Kizaru. The bastard’s luck had run out when Kizaru’s mission was changed at the last minute, turning around and came across a high priority arrest in the sea. Having devil fruit powers was both a boon and a curse and the latter had favored Doflamingo, sinking his ship to the bottom of the ocean and leaving a crew of devil fruit users struggling in the water. Trebol and Pica had not made it, the sea merciless with those she hated.

There was a line of tension that dissolved from his shoulders and the emotion swirling underneath his veins was… cathartic. Ruined in the future and ruined in the past. Fitting for a bloodthirsty lunatic. It was obvious the same feeling was coursing through Corazon, the tall man heaving a relieved sigh and an unsteady chuckle. Shoulders slumping and silent tears escaping from his eyes.

Seeing Corazon cry was too much and before Law knew it, he was wiping his own tears away with the collar of his shirt. He let out a startled noise when Corazon turned around and pulled him in for a tight embrace and rested his chin on the top of his hat.

“I told you we’d be okay,” Corazon said, voice trembling, “You’re safe, Law. He can’t ruin you. He can’t ruin us anymore.”

Law hugged him back just as tightly, crying harder into Corazon’s shirt.

Sengoku didn’t say anything and by the time Corazon managed to pull himself together, the fleet admiral asked where they wanted to go.

After half a year on Marineford, Law and Corazon were finally free to travel to Swallow Island.

Chapter Text

Sunlight flared brightly and he squinted his eyes. The sun liked him a lot but it hurt his eyes when he stared for too long. The scent of roasted meat piqued his nose and the last remnants of sleep dissolved as he quickly began to drool, his stomach loud and wide awake. Pushing himself to his elbows, he followed his nose and looked to his right.

Curly blonde hair and a large top hat over his small head. Sabo was humming under his breath, the tune nostalgic to his ears as he roasted an arm and a leg. Dark eyes locked with his own and the blonde grinned, missing tooth and all.

“I knew you'd wake up,” Sabo laughed, “You always do when the food is ready!”

Luffy laughed and didn't deny it.

Another presence joined them and Luffy practically beamed. Messy dark hair and freckles scattered all over his too young face. A ghost who had come back alive but not really, not in this life. At his back, he carried more game to fill their huge bellies.

“I got more meat!” Ace proclaimed as he lugged the dead animal to the ground, “In case we want a snack.”

“You always want a snack,” Sabo grumbled but had already started to skin the game of its fur.

Ace crossed his arms and he stared down at him, “Well don't just sit there, Luffy, help Sabo out. Don't you want more meat?”

“I always want more meat!” Luffy smiled and jumped to his feet.

He made his way over to Sabo and plopped down next to the blonde, aware to not jostle the brother with a knife in hand. Immediately, Ace handed him a well used knife and Luffy took it. Years had passed by but his small fingers acted on their own accord, practiced movements that belonged to a younger version of himself as he dutifully cut away the fat off the raw meat.

Sometimes, in moments like these, Luffy wondered if he was dreaming. One of the happiest moments of his life had been the childhood he shared with his brothers. Such a thing wasn’t possible after Marineford, the closest thing resembling it was a drink of sake on Ace’s grave with Sabo complaining about the remnants of the world government and Luffy showing off the newest trinket he found from his latest adventures. Luffy cherished those rare moments, the two finding time to spare to meet up on their late brother’s grave. A tradition upheld every year without fail.

However, this. This was loads better and Luffy knew the Sabo of his time would say the same.

You’re going to live, Ace. I swear it.

Preparation done and over, Luffy threw an arm around Sabo’s shoulder and stretched his other arm to pull down Ace. He laughed as he dragged both of them closer, finding their kidlike irritated faces endearing.

“Luffy!”

“Hey, watch it!”

“Sorry!” Luffy gave them a toothy grin, “Come on, let’s eat!”

Contrary to what the entire world seemed to think, Luffy was not dumb. Slow, okay he would admit that, but he understood when it mattered. It was why Luffy didn’t panic when he was aware of his tiny body and a smiling younger faced Makino serving him a glass of juice on the bar’s counter. Pissing off the witch was not the worst thing Luffy has done but it certainly made him reevaluate his future decisions. Maybe Law was right about thinking before acting. 

Regardless, Luffy took it in stride like he did with everything else. He quickly realized, however, that somehow he had been unwillingly dragged to the past instead of simply reliving a nice memory of Makino who had always treated him with care and fondness. An apology to his husband was already on his mind- Law was going to be so angry and an angry Emperor was worse- before the implications of being in the past caught up to him.

So, Luffy had let the events of the past play out as it happened the first time. Meeting Shanks, eating the Gum-Gum fruit- it was his by right, Luffy was Nika and Nika was Luffy- and had caused a ruckus with the mountain bandits. Being saved by Shanks had gone a little differently and it paid off when the red-haired pirate left with both of his arms and still entrusting him with his straw hat.

If Luffy could prevent Shanks losing his arm, then he could absolutely save Ace. It would work too because Luffy wasn't alone. He would never be alone now.

Law’s calm heart laid snuggly in his chest, beating quietly and soothingly. Luffy hadn't realized it at first, had already been making half baked plans to win over his husband in Sabaody by punching the Celestial Dragon even harder because that was how Law had first paid attention to him, when a familiar throb in his chest had him sitting up abruptly in the morning light. 

Luffy had spent the entire day in a daze, feeling the rhythm of Law’s beating heart and knew that despite the impossibility, Law had been brought back with him. Once the realization had hit him- his pretty husband was here too- it had sent Luffy’s heart soaring, knowing that Law would feel and hear it wherever he was because he had Luffy’s heart with him. 

They had a piece of each other that was never going to go anywhere without them. And it was because of this that Luffy knew Law would help him.

When the time came, Ace was going to continue living and be happy for it. The days where Sabo and him spoke to a silent grave would be long gone.

Luffy bit into the meat with gusto. He wouldn’t fail this time.

-

A pirate couldn’t be the Pirate King without being selfish and Luffy was very selfish. His body was still too small and feeble compared to the power he would wield one day as the sun god reborn. But Luffy had always had a quick mind for battle, an unparalleled fighting intuition that had led him to victory against the might of the Five Elders and Imu.

It was why Luffy didn't move an inch even as Sabo and Ace hid for cover when Bluejam aimed his gun at them. As if the Pirate King would be taken down by such a mediocre pirate.

The gun went off, the bullet aiming straight for him, and Luffy grinned.

The bullet hit him in his collarbone, trying to pierce his body. Too bad his body wouldn't let it happen, skin and bones stretching with the force of the impact as the bullet went deeper and stretched all the way out of his back. Worried shouts reached his ears and Luffy felt bad for being the reason for his brothers’ distress but quickly shook it off as he tried to take aim.

Luffy bounced the bullet back and missed, hitting the chest instead of the man's torso. Bluejam fell to his knees, hands coming up to put pressure on his bloody shirt and groaning in pain. The other pirates rushed to their captain's side, trying to stop the bleeding, hollering and crying at their captain’s unfortunate demise. 

Oops. Oh well, a pirate was only a pirate when they put their lives on the line.

Ace and Sabo ran to him, frantically talking over one another. One brother pulling at his cheek and the other incredulously patting the spot where the bullet had bounced off from.

“What was that!?”

“I didn't know you could do that!”

“Idiot! You could have died!”

“Don't ever do that again!”

Luffy just grinned innocently, “Hey, bullets don't work on me!”

The moment didn't last long and just like last time, an armed militia was heading their way. A well dressed man was leading them, suit clean and pressed, and sticking out like a sore thumb in the slums of Gray Terminal. The man’s expression was a mixture of disgust and determination, eyes seeking the terrified face of Sabo. Luffy remembered this nightmarish memory all too well.

Like hell was Luffy going to let it happen again.

Ace acted first, fist curling over his shirt and dragging him and Sabo back, “Time to get out of here!”

Running into the forest, it didn't take long to lose their pursuers. No one knew the forest as best as they did and it showed in the way soldiers cursed as they tripped over roots and stumbled into holes on the ground. The unlucky ones were swearing and fighting for their lives as the predators of the forest took advantage of fresh meat. For a moment, Sabo slipped, knuckles pale as he gripped the pipe. Luffy pushed him from behind, not losing their momentum, and Sabo quickly picked up the pace, throwing him a grateful smile over his shoulder.

The last of them faded in the distance and Sabo quickly said, “Climb up before they see us!”

Hiding amongst the shroud of clustered leaves and branches, Luffy breathed heavily through his nose, his body still not used to the exertion. Ace and Sabo looked down and by the time Luffy caught his breath back, he squawked when Ace shushed him and smacked his hand over his mouth.

A beat later, loud angry voices were heard from below. They froze, keeping still, until the heavy footsteps and voices faded into the depths of the forest.

Ace sighed, quickly releasing him and Luffy greedily gulped the air. His heart must be pounding right now and he hoped Law wouldn’t worry over him. What was the point of being worried if Luffy wasn’t there to hug his husband?

“I can’t believe he came to try and take me back,” Sabo broke the silence, lips pulled to a scowl.

Frowning, Ace took his chin in hand, “It looked like your old man knew we would be there. He didn’t look surprised to see the Bluejam pirates either.”

Sabo gritted his teeth, “Knowing him, he probably bought them off to try and kidnap me.”

In another time- or distant future? Luffy’s head was starting to hurt- that had happened and it led to a heartbreaking moment of his and Ace’s life. And Ace had made a promise he couldn’t keep.

Never again.

Luffy would change their future no matter what.

Grinning and puffing his chest, he exclaimed, “Good thing I got rid of Bluejam then! Did you guys see the way I bounced back that bullet!?”

His words had both of his brothers quickly hounding him, lecturing and scolding at once. Poking and pulling at his skin but Luffy didn’t care. He was happy. 

You’re not leaving me, Sabo, Luffy laughed when they grew annoyed by his carefree attitude, You’re staying with us.

-

This definitely didn't happen last time. Then again, Sabo wasn’t with them when this happened and Luffy had been dragged away before it got worse.

Luffy had expected the fire. The scorching and fiery flames that consumed Gray Terminal. Smoke swelled in the air, making it difficult to breathe, but Luffy and his brothers persisted. The people who lived in Gray Terminal were in danger, their lives deemed insignificant in the wake of a Celestial Dragon's looming arrival.

Even Dadan was here, worried out of her mind for their safety and was roped in to help along with the other bandits. She would never outright say it but Luffy knew she loved them. She had saved Ace once in another time and had been the biggest crier at his wedding. Sabo had never stopped teasing her for it.

An explosion went off and Luffy’s eyes widened, surprised by the unexpected boon. A path was made, making a beeline for the shore and kept the fire at bay. Luffy tugged his too big straw hat back, curious eyes observing the new escape route.

There was a ship at the end of the path and the people of Gray Terminal were desperately running towards it, trying to escape the flames and the harsh reality of the town who intended to let them die. Luffy trailed after them, wondering who was on the ship and if their arrival was a coincidence or purposeful. His brothers were at his heel, curious of the newcomer too.

Arriving at the shore, Luffy blinked and stared harder. Yup. That was Dragon. And Ivankov. And Kuma. Wow. He grinned.

Dragon spoke, loud and clear, “Those of you who are willing to fight for freedom, come aboard!”

A rambunctious cheer went around and the escapees of Gray Terminal didn't hesitate to scramble onto the ship.

“Who are those guys?” Ace asked, puzzled.

“Whoever they are, they can't be too bad,” Sabo said, eyes sparkling in a way that had Luffy slightly miffed. 

Go away Dad! Luffy tried to mentally communicate and was offended when Dragon didn't give the slightest reaction, You're not taking Sabo. Not yet!

“Let's get out of here,” Ace said, settling the pipe over his shoulder, “We've done enough. They can handle it from here.”

-

A hard fist came barreling down, smacking Luffy right on the head. Tears sprung forth and he rolled around on the ground in pain, clutching his sore head. Garp, as always, didn't hold back. He was using Haki too! So unfair!

“That hurts!” Luffy whined, knowing there were still plenty of these hard hits left in the future and started to cry even more at the mere thought.

Ace, brave strong Ace, tried to stand up for him. Only to join him on the ground, yelling even louder and holding his bruised head.

“Ace! Luffy!” Sabo shouted, horrified and it was too late to warn him.

Garp’s heavy fist did not discriminate. Sabo joined them too.

“Like I said, all of you are joining the marines!” Garp narrowed his eyes on Sabo, “And I told you to call me grandpa, not old man!”

“No grandpa should be this strong!” Sabo cried out, trying to put distance between them.

“You can't tell us what to do! We're going to be pirates, you old geezer!” Ace shouted right back as he managed to stand on his own feet.

Luffy tearfully nodded, sitting up as he cried out his own declaration, “That's right! And I'm gonna be the King of the Pirates!”

Luffy had said this plenty of times since he came back to the past. Never mind that he was already Pirate King back from where he came from, he would happily do it all over again. This was like another adventure except he knew all the spoilers and couldn't wait to see what he could change and ask Law what he changed because his husband was smart like that and Luffy would be lying if he said he didn’t miss him. Good thing he had Law’s comfy heart beating in his chest.

But, since Luffy had made this declaration plenty of times, it was why he expected Garp to hit him with another so-called fist of love. Just like he had last time he visited, and how he would continue even after Luffy was Pirate King. Hell, the old man even hit him at his own wedding! But when the heavy fist didn't swing, Luffy blinked.

Instead, Luffy scrambled to his feet as Garp slightly swayed. Ace and Sabo panicked too, all of them unused to seeing the unbreakable wall that was Garp show even a small hint of vulnerability.

“There it was again,” Garp said after he managed to gather his bearings, rubbing his temple, face pale, “That terrible image.”

What terrible image could have Garp of all people sway on his feet? Luffy frowned. This didn’t happen before, that he was sure of.

“What are you talking about, gramps?” Ace asked, warily watching the old man.

It didn’t seem like Garp heard Ace or maybe he did but his focus was entirely on Luffy. The old man crouched before him and Luffy’s confusion only grew from the strange behavior. Even crouching, Garp still towered over him and Luffy had to squash down his own irritation at the reminder of his tiny and short body. Luffy wouldn’t even grow tall until he was in his twenties and that was still so far away. He missed being big.

Garp stared at him in the eyes, “Luffy, listen to me. Don’t go off marrying some dumb kid who says they want to marry the next Pirate King. I know you, you’re reckless and you don’t think, so don’t you dare do it.”

“Wha-What kind of idiot would even say that!?” Ace spluttered from behind.

Sabo tilted his head and eyed Ace, “I feel like Garp should be telling you that, being the son of Roger and all that.”

Ignoring the now arguing Ace and Sabo, Luffy observed the old man. His immediate reaction was a firm agreement because he wasn’t going to marry anyone but Law. Luffy loved Law, it was a hard undeniable fact. Luffy would love Law to the end of his days and follow him to the afterlife because the thought of no longer living in the same plane of existence as his husband was inconceivable.

Why would Gramps tell me this?  

Luffy stared back, not looking away as he tried to reason this sudden subject of marriage. He found one reason and it was so far-fetched but it could explain why this topic was even brought up. His husband had mentioned a man he once loved long ago, a man who betrayed the marines and died to save him. Corazon, his name was Corazon, Luffy remembered. A man who could quite possibly be very much alive right now, knowing how strong and smart Law was.

Could it be…?

“Who’s saying that?” Luffy asked, excitement bubbling under his skin, “You said some kid- do you know their name!?”

An irritated twitch propped on Garp’s forehead and a fist swiftly knocked him down. Luffy tasted dirt that had unwillingly gone into his open mouth and he quickly sat up to spit it back out, tears in his eyes as he felt another bruise forming on his head.

“I’m not telling you his name!” Garp shouted and Luffy immediately perked up.

His name.

It had to be Law.

Luffy snickered, and seeing how bothered Garp looked made him ask loudly, “Is he pretty!? I’ll marry him if he is!”

Luffy tasted dirt again, the flying fist hitting him before he could even see it, tears rolling down his cheeks. He was positive he had a bruise on top of the bruise he already had.

“You’re not marrying Sengoku’s damn grandkid! That kid is too smart for you anyways, even if he’s got a dumb dream. Marrying the next Pirate King, I swear kids these days are too rebellious. Sengoku should have forced him to be a marine doctor,” Garp grumbled, much to Luffy’s delight.

Sengoku’s grandkid who was a smart kid, smart enough to be a doctor. Luffy didn’t know the connection Law had with Sengoku but the fact was, Law had managed to change things on his end.

You’re saying you want to marry the next King of the Pirates? Luffy couldn’t help but smile into the ground, his face burning and his heart skipping a beat. A contrast to the calm heart beating steadily in his chest.

Can you feel that, Torao? I wish I could kiss you!

“Heh, if he’s that smart, no way he’ll want to marry Luffy once he meets him,” Ace laughed, crossing his hands behind his head.

At once, Luffy picked up his head and scowled at his older brother, “What are you trying to say!?”

“Luffy, you’re not exactly the brightest crayon in the box,” Sabo smiled and patted his shoulder comfortingly, “But that’s okay. We still like you anyways.”

Garp straightened his back, humming contemplatively, “Hm, good point. That Law kid is too mature. I’m worrying over nothing.”

The name of his husband casually being dropped erased Luffy’s bad mood altogether. He knew it was Law. Hearing that his husband had all but declared to marry him- again for that matter, they were absolutely going to have another huge wedding and party for days- had Luffy smiling even wider, his cheeks hurting from the effort.

Well, if Law had proclaimed his intentions to marry him it was only right Luffy did the same.

“Okay! I’ve decided!” Luffy started, jumping to his feet and resting his hands on his waist, “I’m gonna marry Law! Right after I become King of the Pirates!”

Ace and Sabo blinked before sharing a look and dissolved into snorts and laughter. They weren’t taking him seriously but that was fine. Luffy would prove them wrong. His proud pose didn’t last long, not when another fist of love pummeled him to the ground.

“You’re not marrying anybody! You’re too young to be thinking about marriage!”

Fighting back the tears, Luffy pushed through it to find out more because something was missing and he couldn’t say it, not yet, “Tell me his whole name, gramps!”

“No!”

Luffy smiled innocently, “That’s okay. I’ll just give him my last name since we’ll be married anyway. Monkey D. Law!”

This time, Luffy saw the incoming fist but his body was too slow to respond. The blow left him momentarily dizzy and he fell on his back, seeing stars and that was weird because the sun was still up in the sky. He wondered how many more hits he would take until he got what he wanted but luck was on his side.

Garp’s angry face sure was terrifying, “His name is Trafalgar Law! Not Monkey D.!”

“Got it!” Luffy beamed, smiling brightly, “Tra- Torao!”

“You completely butchered the name,” Ace said, wiping the tears away as he finally stopped laughing.

Sabo was still giggling but managed to say, “It’s a cute nickname though.”

Before Luffy could agree that yes, it was a cute nickname, all of them were sent to the ground by an infuriated Garp.

“If you got time to laugh, you got time to train! Luffy, you better not say any more dumb stuff! All of you get up, I’ll make fine strong marines out of you!”

-

The years passed by in no time and Luffy was staring at a face that was starting to resemble the brother that had died in his arms. Said brother was hauling the bare necessities in a sack, a familiar cowboy hat on his head as he prepared for a journey that would change his life. Ace turned seventeen today and that meant he would set out to sail the sea. The day was remarkably similar to the first time around with the exception of a very well welcomed addition. 

Luffy followed Sabo’s form, the blonde was rummaging through the mess in their now bigger tree house. The large top hat fit him well, no longer sliding off. Sabo was starting to look like the man who would become the Flame Emperor, the No. 2 of the Revolutionary Army, the one who walked back into Luffy’s life after years of thinking him dead. The scar that had marred Sabo’s face wasn’t there, it never would be, and honestly Luffy preferred it that way.

Sabo let out a triumphant noise and he turned around with a compass in hand, “Found it! Can't sail if you don't know where you're going.”

Taking the compass, Ace grinned, “Thanks, Sabo. I think that's everything. I'm ready.”

The walk to the shore Ace would be departing from was a bit of a trek but no one minded it. The sun flared brightly, a nice clear sunny day. The sun liked Nika too much, and he knew such a perfect day was intentional.

As they neared the destination, not for the first time Luffy considered giving Ace and Sabo a hint about Haki, but as always, decided against it. Luffy himself couldn't use it either.

He could train his body to learn Haki again but if he did that then fighting would be boring. The fights he had in the Grand Line at the beginning were thrilling because he was giving it his all. Each fight left him stronger than ever and his crew, his precious friends, had gotten stronger because of it too.

Luffy didn't want to rob Ace of it either. Or Sabo, when it was his turn to leave.

Luffy had put a lot of thought into it. He could still remember everything that happened at Marineford, how weak he was, but this was different. Luffy knew what would happen and he didn't spend the last seven years doing nothing. He made plans.

See, Torao? I can plan too!  

“Luffy? Don't think too hard over there, you might blow a fuse,” Sabo said, smiling crookedly.

Ace chuckled, “We can’t have that, it would be a terrible way for me to last remember you by.”

Rolling his eyes, Luffy replied, “I’m not going to blow a fuse. It would be pretty uncool for the future King of the Pirates to do.”

“That’s right,” Ace nodded before grinning, “Which is why I’m going to find the One Piece and be the King of the Pirates.”

Luffy stuck his tongue out, far used to his brother’s teasing, “It won’t happen because I called dibs first and once I’m Pirate King, I’m gonna marry Torao next.”

A sentiment that had not changed throughout the years. Garp certainly wasn’t happy about it but Luffy refused to change his mind for obvious reasons. Ace and Sabo, after the initial disbelief, simply rolled with it, perhaps thinking he would grow out of it. Luffy didn’t, Law was forever, and now he could see their amused albeit pitying faces.

“Better hurry up then, or you’ll be too late,” Ace smirked, “Doctors are my type.”

Even though Luffy knew Ace was teasing him, it still didn't stop the familiar flare of jealousy in the pit of his stomach. Fights had started simply because eyes lingered for too long on Law and it soon became known how easily jealous the Pirate King was. A fact Law constantly chided him for.

“Back off!” Luffy scowled, prepared to wrestle his brother into the ground. He would lose but it was the thought that counted, “I already decided I’m going to marry Torao!”

Sabo snickered and elbowed Ace’s side, “Careful, Ace, you might find yourself uninvited to the wedding.”

“Yeah, right,” Ace snorted before looking at him, “You’re only setting yourself up for disappointment, Luffy. You can’t honestly expect for the guy to still want to marry the future Pirate King. That was a long time ago, this Law guy might have found someone and moved on.”

Luffy shook his head and crossed his arms, determined, “No way, I know he’s waiting for me. You’ll see. And once we do get married, you’ll both have to flip a coin to be my best man.”

Ace sighed and turned to Sabo, “I tried. Convince him not to get his hopes up, yeah?”

Sabo raised an eyebrow, “Not sure what I can do in three months but I’ll do my best,” he took out a coin from his pocket, “I choose tails.”

Ace ended up grumbling under his breath as Sabo smugly waved him off, losing out of a best three out of five coin flip. Luffy just thought it was funny how Sabo would be his best man again.

-

Dark clouds settled overhead and Luffy sniffed the air. The telltale scent of incoming rain caught his nose and he frowned. He started to eat his food much faster, intent on finishing it before the rain pelted down at them.

Across from him, Sabo did the same, biting into a leg, and warily glanced at the sky, “I hope it’s not like this tomorrow. It’s bad luck to start sailing in the rain.”

Swallowing down the meat, Luffy furrowed his eyebrows as he processed what Sabo said. Luffy wouldn’t like it either if it started raining the day he set out to sail.

After eating another piece of meat, Luffy looked up vaguely to where the sun was and shouted, “Hey! It better be nice and sunny tomorrow!”

Sabo blinked at him and promptly laughed, eyes crinkling in amusement, “Thanks, Luffy. Hopefully whatever god out there listened.”

Sabo obviously meant it as a joke and Luffy couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of it. The sun would do what Luffy said because Luffy listened to Sabo.

When the first drops of rain landed on him, he hurriedly took the remaining meat and booked it. Sabo was way ahead of him, already climbing up to the treehouse. Taking the offered hand, Luffy was swiftly pulled up inside.

They hurriedly lowered the curtains on the makeshift windows and tied them down. The loud sound of the wind echoed and the curtains blew but remained steadfast, protecting them from the rain and any possible debris carried by the wind.

Sabo took off his hat, setting it on the table as he took a seat, “This sucks, I was hoping to head into town to get some rations.”

“I thought you had enough?” Luffy was fully prepared to yell at the sun again before Sabo answered.

“I do but it doesn’t hurt to have more. The life of a pirate won’t be easy.” 

Even as he said that, Luffy noted it wasn’t said with the same enthusiasm as him and Ace. Come to think of it, Luffy saw Sabo reading a newspaper the other day and he was sure the name of his father was on it.

Well, fine. Dragon could have Sabo now, as long as it meant Sabo was happy with where he was.

“I saw you looking at the newspaper yesterday,” Luffy casually began, setting aside his own hat next to Sabo’s and took a seat across, “It said something about the Revolutionary Army. You stared at it for a pretty long while. Is that what you want to do?”

The question caught Sabo off guard and the blonde looked at him before smiling sheepishly, “Man, was I that obvious? You’re not upset with me, are you?”

“No way, not if it’s what you want to do. Ace would say the same thing, you know.”

Sabo smiled, slow and genuine, and then, “Gramps is going to have a fit once he finds out Ace is a pirate and I joined the Revolutionary Army.”

Luffy threw his head back and loudly laughed.

“You do know that means he’s going to give you many fists of love, right?”

Just like that, Luffy choked and Sabo hunched over the table, wheezing as he held his stomach.

-

The last of Sabo’s form faded into the distance and Luffy was left behind. Everyone else who had shown up to see Sabo off had already left, with Makino making him promise to swing by later and Dadan mumbling about how he could move back in with them if he wanted to. Luffy absolutely intended to move back in with her and her merry band of bandits, at least she was supportive of his plan to marry Law. Something about how good it would be to have a doctor in the family.

Underneath their smiles though, Luffy knew they were worried about him but he was fine, really. Before, when Ace had sailed it had left a hole in his chest, the loneliness rampant with one brother thought dead and the other gone to the seas. But things were different now. With Sabo gone, there was none of that aching loneliness. Because Luffy wasn’t alone.

The heart beating in his chest gave Luffy all the comfort he needed. Law’s heart was his, literally and metaphorically. Just thinking about his pretty husband had Luffy smiling softly, his heart racing, and he wished he could see the faint blush that always graced Law's tan skin when he felt Luffy’s heart racing in his chest because of him.

Joy filled Luffy when he felt Law’s heart throb in a peculiar way, the way it always did when Law thought of him so fondly.

With a hand pressed over Law’s beating heart, Luffy looked at the horizon over the sea and smiled, “I can’t wait to see you again, Torao.”

A moment later, he dusted off the dirt from his pants as he stood up. He shifted, intending to see through his promise to Makino, before abruptly turning back, remembering one more thing. It was a very sunny day today, after all.

Tugging back his straw hat, Luffy looked up at the sun and grinned, “Thanks!”

Chapter Text

The steady engine of the Polar Tang was a soothing balm on his soul. There was a certain sort of tranquility that only this particular submarine could provide and while Law had tried to replicate it after Blackbeard had destroyed his ship, it never came close to the original. Thinking about the fight that nearly cost him his crew had him glowering in his seat. This time around, Law wasn't going to make the same mistake. He had plenty of time to plan around it.

For now, he leaned back and smirked, overseeing his excited crew as they finally set sail in the Grand Line. Reverse mountain was as tricky as he remembered but the Polar Tang, as she had done the first time, safely took them to a more dangerous sea without a scratch on her exterior. 

“Captain!” Bepo exclaimed, beady eyes shining with enthusiasm as he showed off the log pose on his wrist. The needle pointed to a fixed direction, “Look! We've got our first route!”

Penguin whistled beside the mink, “Wow, it actually worked, I really thought we were gonna get stranded and die out here.”

Shachi smacked the other’s arm, “Of course it worked! How else would anyone sail through here?”

They fell into an old routine Law had long since gotten used to and tuned out their bickering.

“Make sure we stay on course,” Law advised his navigator, “Remember, the currents here can change at the last minute and I'd hate to waste fuel just to reroute the Polar Tang.”

Bepo dutifully nodded and saluted, “Aye aye, Captain!”

Hopefully the extra reminder would avoid the mistake of swerving too close to an underwater active volcano. It had been nerve-wracking the first time it happened but it did make his crew take the dangers of the Grand Line more seriously. Hm. Maybe Law should let it happen. A near death experience would serve as a fitting lesson, one that his inexperienced crew sorely needed.

The sound of a lighter going off had Law cocked his head over to Corazon’s direction, the older man fitting in amongst his crew as he kept an eye on the gauges. When Law had announced his intentions to become a pirate, he expected a push back from Corazon or even a blown out argument. Law should have known better. Corazon, in the years they spent together in the North Blue, had never been able to say no to him. He remained unrelentingly supportive of whatever Law decided to do with his life.

“Cora-san, you can still back out,” Law said, feeling an ounce of guilt for inadvertently leading his father to the path of a pirate. He was not looking forward to crossing paths with Sengoku.

Corazon looked at him and retorted almost protectively, “As if I could let you go off and marry the first fool who proclaims themselves the next Pirate King.”

Well, Corazon was supportive of everything Law did except for that. There was that one time with the tattoos too but Corazon hadn’t yielded much of a fight once he saw the designs. He had cried instead.

“Don’t worry, Cora-san! We’ll protect Law from any degenerates!” Shachi said.

Penguin backed him up, “Yeah, count on us, Cora-san! We won't let you down!”

“I’m so happy to hear that,” Corazon nearly cried right before jumping to his feet to pull Shachi and Penguin into a crushing hug, “Everyone, let’s protect Law together!”

A cheer went around the entire crew, every single one of them charmed by Corazon’s easy going nature. Perhaps before, Law would have felt bothered by his crew's submission in taking orders from someone other than him. However, the Emperor in him was secured enough in his authority and although they had only sailed together for a couple of months, he knew his crew was loyal to a fault and would remain so until the end, even the ones that were still missing. They had all proven their loyalty when they were imprisoned and tortured by Blackbeard, unbreakable and stoic in their faith to him.

I don't deserve them, but I sure as hell will die for them.

Rolling his eyes and leaving the crew be, Law went back to surveying the submarine. Nervous fidgeting quickly took his attention however, and Law looked to his side to see Bepo had stepped into his personal space.

The mink whispered, “Captain, I know that Cora-san is overprotective of you and that your dream isn’t exactly normal, but if it’s what you want, I’ll do my best to help you make it happen.”

A genuine smile graced his lips and Law was abruptly reminded why Bepo was his first mate and the best man at his wedding.

“Thanks, Bepo. I appreciate it. Now, keep an eye on the log pose.”

-

By the time they arrived on the first island, everyone was understandably a little shaken up. Shachi was the first one out of the submarine, kneeling on the upper deck and crying. Penguin shakily joined him. The rest of the crew opted for the railings, relieved to see another day. Bepo had yet to stop apologizing. Corazon meanwhile was smiling, having finally stopped panicking after the near death experience.

They did not, in fact, avoid the underwater volcano.

Taking pity, Law announced, “We'll dock here and gather more intel about the Grand Line. I expect everyone back in two days. If it's your shift to guard the Polar Tang, don't forget or I'll cut your hands off. If anyone is late in two days, I will leave without you.”

Despite the threat, his crew cheered in joy and hopped off the Polar Tang. The ones who remained were Bepo, Corazon, and Clione. The last named was sulking near the rails, glancing longingly at the backs of his crewmates. Bepo, being Bepo, offered to cover his shift.

Law sighed. He needed to stretch his legs too but he’d come back to relieve Bepo from his watch. He jumped off the Polar Tang and felt more than saw Corazon do the same.

“This looks like a nice island,” Corazon began, scanning the quiet peaceful town up ahead, “Wouldn’t it be nice to find a nice man- or woman- and begin a beautiful long distance relationship with a completely normal civilian?”

“No,” Law answered bluntly, “I want the Pirate King, anyone else will disappoint me.”

Hiking Kikoku over his shoulder, Law headed for the little quaint town. He didn’t hear Corazon anymore and a glance behind showed him the man was complaining to Bepo. Law picked up his pace and resolved to come back soon to save the mink from Corazon’s ramblings.

A look at the clear skies and the brightness of the sun had Law contemplating deeply. It didn’t look like it would rain which was odd because wasn’t the skies supposed to be filled with gray clouds? He remembered the downpour that happened hours later and having to deal with his grumpy crew with their exploring cut short.

Smiling, Law thought of his husband, and wouldn’t put it past Luffy to make the sun listen to his whims. What did Luffy tell the sun to do? Make sure Law had a nice day on the first island he visited? It sounded so remarkably like him that Law’s heart squeezed with fondness.

Just a little more and I’ll see you again. With that, Law strolled into town with a small pep to his step.

His crew had spread throughout town, nodding to Law in acknowledgment or requesting minor things when they passed him in the streets. A beach bar came into view, and the closer Law neared it, the louder Shachi and Penguin's voice echoed from somewhere amongst the crowd.

Law didn't spare the bar another glance. Just like he did the first time he arrived here in another life but a certain flier pinned on one of the wooden poles had him double take, wholly enraptured by the image on it. His heart skipped a beat and his breath hitched.

Wide gorgeous smile and a boyish handsome face with a familiar scar right underneath his eye. His eyes were closed and Law lamented it, wanting to see the warm brown eyes. The dark hair windswept and straw hat that was framed perfectly on his head, always accompanying its owner. Law raised his hand, fingers tracing the outlines of that charming smile. 

Luffy looked so young, which made sense of course, but a small part of Law had been expecting to see the man he married and shared his bed with, who touched him so tenderly with hands that had once crumpled the World Government. He wouldn’t be that man for another couple of decades, just like how Law wouldn’t be the man he was before being thrown to the past, not yet at least.

 Still, this was the first time Law had seen his husband’s face in years, and just the sight of Luffy had taken his breath away. Luffy’s first wanted poster judging by the numbers underneath his picture.

“There you are,” Law softly murmured, “Smiling like always, Luffy-ya.”

He took the wanted poster and gave it a new home in the captain's quarters of the Polar Tang.

-

Law knew this was the fight that would raise his bounty even higher, entering the nine digits for the first time. The entire fight felt like a script with Law methodically cutting the limbs of marines. The attack was strategic, the ambush on the marine ship intended for the sole purpose of raising his threat level as a pirate.

What he didn't account was Corazon fighting alongside him, using his devil fruit to silence the screams of terror. He was a strong fighter, Law knew, and would undoubtedly increase their threat level as the Heart Pirates.

“Sorry, Alan,” Corazon pitifully smiled at the head of a dark haired marine captain, mouth open in a silent shout and strangely heartbroken- oh, he had been one of Corazon’s many suitors, that was why he looked familiar- as the rest of his body was sprawled on the deck, “But Law wants money. I'm sure someone will come rescue you guys.”

For being an ex-marine, Corazon certainly didn't hold back. Law was proud of him.

“Cora-san, check their travel logs. We might find a schedule of supply transports there.”

“Aye aye, Captain!” Corazon cheerily said.

As they kept sailing, Corazon readily following his orders and fighting with him was expected at this point. What wasn't expected was the half grinning picture of Corazon on a wanted poster on the fourth island they visited. The man even managed to look menacing, the face paint looking more like war paint. Staring at the wanted poster, it was obvious Corazon had posed for this picture and suddenly that weird reporter on the last island they visited made sense.

“Look!” Corazon exclaimed, breaking into a smile, “They got my good side!”

Shachi and Penguin popped a bottle of beer to celebrate, something which Corazon happily indulged. The crew made it a party, small as it was. Law, meanwhile, kept staring at the wanted poster and wondered how this would change things. 

Rosinante, The Silencer.  

The moniker was intimidating too and his lips twitched, amused by the change. A pity he would never get to see Akainu’s reaction. Law guessed that meant there were now twelve rookies who would be declared as the supernovas. In any case, he was certainly glad not to be the marine who had to deliver the unfortunate news to Sengoku.

Happy with that thought- and willfully ignoring the inevitable confrontation with his reluctantly pseudo grandfather- he leaned back against Bepo’s comfy figure. The mink was napping, content with the cool breeze as he snored away in the upper deck. The cool taste of the alcohol going down his throat was refreshing, allowing himself to let loose with his crew.

It wasn’t until several drinks later that Law mournfully stated, “I can’t wait to meet my husband.”

There were still several islands left before Sabaody and Luffy’s wanted picture was a respite but it wasn’t a long term solution. Law missed his charming husband and being tipsy as he was, he couldn’t keep it to himself. Beside him, Penguin sighed, the same type of sigh Law did whenever said man accidentally broke the toilet in the Polar Tang.

Good, Law thought vindictively, Payback is sweet, isn't it? 

Law kept going, no longer mournful per say but rather amused with other’s reaction, “Do you think he’ll like me?”

Penguin tried to scoot away, apparently deciding Bepo’s comfy fur wasn’t worth dealing with his rambles, “He’d be an idiot not to, Captain,” Penguin said, because despite everything, he was every bit as loyal as his future self had been, “I think you should take it easy, otherwise Cora-san is going to give you a lecture. He might even hide your coin collection.”

Grimacing, Law finished up his drink and decided sleeping on Bepo was the next best thing to do.

-

“Hey, handsome, can I buy you a drink?”

Law side-eyed the pretty woman next to him. Her tatted skin rivaled his, ink peeking out from her low riding shirt. He remembered then, that he had let her pay for his drink and he in turn did the same. They had spent the night at a nearby inn too, the memories of the night hazy at best.

He could take up her offer. Just like how he could have taken up the many other offers given to him since he set sail and when he had hit puberty. But Law knew they would all pale in comparison to Luffy. His husband, soon-to-be in this life at least, was the only man for him. The only one Law desired so carnally. Law would have no one else but Luffy.

Just like with every offer, Law replied with no hesitation, “I'm taken.” 

“What a shame.”

She left, seeking another target who could give her what she wanted, and Law envied her profoundly for it. He finished his drink and paid for it before stalking out of the bar. The night was calm and Law was anything but calm.

To put it simply, Law was frustrated.

A breeze helped him cool down and he clutched Kikoku as he made his way back to the Polar Tang. His steps were tense and the hard expression on his face must be intimidating if it had the locals scatter from his path. The few pirates that crossed him quickly ran at the sight of him, his moniker leaving their lips in shouts. Teeth clenching, Law continued his trek. It looked like he wouldn't be able to release his frustration by stabbing and amputating people.

Finally arriving at the familiar and beloved Polar Tang, Law bypassed his crew who opted to stay in the submarine instead of spending it in town. Shutting the door behind, Law locked it and was grateful the thick walls of the Polar Tang were soundproof. 

Law was not ungrateful for the second chance he was given, but the years had left him yearning for Luffy.

To feel the calloused hands of his husband on his skin, the eager mouth biting and possessive, the smile on his lips as they kissed, and the sharp breathy moans when they fucked. Already, his pants were beginning to feel too tight and he deftly unbuttoned them and pulled them down. The bulging tent in his boxers would have been embarrassing if Law wasn’t so goddamn horny for Luffy.

Drifting to his thoughts, Law sighed as he imagined his husband pulling them to his bed. Luffy, ever so loving and passionate, kissing everywhere he went and Law threw his head back on the pillow, feeling the ghost of lips trailing along his neck. His hand went down to palm his dick, the thin undergarments leaving little between contact, and Law bit his lips, his thoughts running wild.

What would Luffy do to him first? Would he kiss him hard enough to leave Law in a daze? He slipped his hand under his boxers, rubbing himself, eyes clenched tight. Luffy’s hands were stockier, thicker, and they always fit so perfectly on his dick. It was easy to imagine Luffy touching his dick, greedy and gentle all at once.

“Do you like that, Torao?”

Law began to pant, unable to hold back his moans as he touched himself to the thought of Luffy doing unspeakable things to him, his mere voice pushing him to the edge. Luffy wasn't patient, he'd bend Law over and take him right then and there if he so wanted it. He’d grab his hips and make himself at home inside of Law, murmuring sweet words to his ears as he fucked him into the mattress.

Feeling the familiar build up, Law’s thoughts were consumed with Luffy and the world came to a still. He moaned, loud and heavy as his orgasm shook him to his core. He panted, chest heaving as took his hand away from the mess he made in his boxers. 

Law covered his face with his arm, face flushed. What a fucking a joke. He didn’t even last long, didn't even go as far as to finger himself or use the toy he had safely locked in his drawer. He never lasted long when he jerked off to his husband. 

Fuck. How was he going to keep up with Luffy’s ridiculous stamina? It didn’t help that his current body was untouched, sensitive, a virgin for crying out loud even if he technically wasn’t. He clearly remembered getting his dick wet inside Luffy and being bent in half as Luffy plowed into him.

Then again, the same was true for Luffy. Letting out a soft chuckle, Law thought back to the early days of their relationship, specifically when they had been intimate for the first time. Luffy hadn't lasted very long either, crying sweetly on his dick and dark eyes looking up at him with so much love. Law hadn't minded that he came so quickly, too enamored that he had brought a world of pleasure to the man he had given his heart to. And Law would do it again because Luffy was it and he would kill anyone if it meant he could still have Luffy’s heart beating in his chest. A love he knew that Luffy very well reciprocated. 

Law smiled and pressed his own hand over his chest, where Luffy’s heart skipped a beat. Whether intentional or not, the timing was perfect and Law relaxed, feeling the frustration ebb away.

Dragging himself to his feet, Law cleaned himself up before grabbing a well worn book from the shelf and began reading a romance novel of two time travelers. The irony was not lost on Law.

-

A flash went off but Law merely sighed and didn’t say anything. Gleefully smiling, Corazon held out the picture taken from the cameko in his hands, the very same Den Den Mushi that had accompanied them since the North Blue.

If it were literally anyone else, Law wouldn’t have any qualms in amputating whoever snapped a picture of him. But with his father, Law couldn’t even muster any anger, just sincere annoyance. And perhaps a bit of fondness. He had few memories of his parents and sister- could barely remember their faces now, the ache in his chest dull at the reminder- but his mother had loved to take pictures. She had kept a photo album, gushing over the pictures of a baby Law and baby Lammy and would always take more at any chance she could get.

What did it say when Corazon was doing the exact same thing?

It was why Law let Corazon do as he wished. His saving grace being that he wasn’t the only one getting his picture taken, his crew more than willing to smile for a picture. Corazon had a knack for photography and often found nice soothing pictures of islands they visited. Some of them Law kept because they were pretty to look at, though he would rather eat his own foot than admit that out loud.

A seagull landed on the rails of the upper deck, right next to his father, and Law was, again, conflicted as Corazon tied his picture on the seagull’s leg.

“How are you so sure Sengoku-ya isn’t burning my pictures?” Law crossed his arms, “I’m a pirate captain, the Surgeon of Death, and you became a pirate because of me.”

Corazon waved off his very valid concerns, “Don’t be silly, I’m sure Sengoku has hidden all your pictures in his secret rice cracker stash.”

Law highly doubted it. But then he took a second to remember how Sengoku had treated him throughout their entire stay in Marineford.

The man treated me like his grandkid. Pretty sure I even heard him say it once.

A different concern hit him and he stiffly asked, “You don’t think he’ll come out here to look for us?”

Shaking his head, Corazon answered, “Sengoku is the Fleet Admiral. He can’t. He’s too busy. That’s why I’m sending him pictures of us. So that he won’t miss us so much!”

What a thoughtful man. Law couldn’t believe he was a former Celestial Dragon and Doflamingo’s brother. At least he was happy now. Leaving Corazon to his business, Law turned on his heel to seek out the engineers in his crew for a question when he spotted Shachi dangling dangerously over the rails in pursuit of a different lunch. 

A sudden memory came to mind and Law called out, “Shachi! Don’t sit like that or you’ll get eaten by a sea beast.”

Unsurprisingly, Shachi didn’t take him seriously and snorted, “Sure, Captain.”

In the end, Shachi was coughing up water as the sea beast was cut into pieces.

-

Unable to believe what he witnessed, Law cautiously asked, “Cora-san, did you just break his legs?”

He spared a glance at his crew to make sure he hadn't hallucinated it. When their incredulous looks matched his, he slightly relaxed. And then tensed again when he looked back at Corazon.

There was something unnerving in the smile that graced Corazon’s face. It was an expression Law himself wore when feeling particularly mean. It didn’t look right on Corazon. Law couldn’t help but think his bad habits were definitely rubbing off to his father and not in a good way.

The pirate crew they attacked had a massive amount of treasure they plundered from a small rich island. A tip Corazon had managed to get when messing with the transponder snail. Law, ever opportunistic and glad for something new instead of the same old, intercepted their path and boarded their ship. They weren’t weak but they were no match for Law and the fight had been finished twice as fast due to Corazon’s marine training.

Shachi and Penguin had tied up the pirates to the mast while the rest of the crew was hauling the gold to the Polar Tang. The pirate captain himself was left to Corazon’s care. For some reason, Corazon, a kind and merciful man, decided to break the legs of a man who was already defeated and tied up. 

The pirate captain sprouted atrocities, citing the usual revenge and was quite frankly getting on his nerves. Before Law could silence him, Corazon did it all too happily, knocking the man out cold with a knuckle fist before answering him.

“Mhmm, I sure did,” Corazon chirped, fully unapologetic, “He said something I didn’t like.”

Eyebrows raised, Law asked, “What did he say that made you break his legs?”

“He said he was going to be the King of the Pirates,” Corazon continued cheerfully, “With this, he won’t be any time soon. One less headache to worry about! He’s too ugly for you anyways, Law.”

Well. Law drew his lips to a thin line and said nothing to that remark. Over the years, Corazon had grown very protective of him, not that Law minded. However, Law looked at the other pirate captain’s unnatural angled legs, bent backwards at the knee. Sabaody was only two islands away. The island where Jean was- and fuck did it hurt to think he was a slave around this time without an ounce of hope of being free, seriously fuck the Celestial Dragons- and where Law would have his fateful reunion with his husband.

It didn’t stop there because of course it didn’t and Law realized that this had long since been going on since they entered the Grand Line. And it was with that new perspective did Law notice that Corazon fought viciously when confronted with pirates claiming to be the next King of the Pirates. Not enough to kill, never that, but enough to put their pirate dreams on hold for months. It would have been touching, and amusing really, if Law wasn’t worried for Luffy.

Luffy, I am so sorry, Law fretted when Corazon manically grinned and drove the sword deeper into the pirate’s hand, now mere days away from Sabaody.

“Bepo,” Law softly called out that night, the mink on night shift with some of his crew keeping watch on the Polar Tang’s function. His father was asleep, snoring away with Penguin in the general bunks, Law made sure he was before he sought out his first mate.

The mink heard his call and immediately set aside the map he was drawing to give him his full attention. Law eyed the map, a rather cute and simplistic drawing of the island they had been on. Bepo hadn't been a master cartographer before and he never would be, but Law didn't care as long as the mink knew how to navigate. Everyone knew not to make fun of his maps either and Law, less revenge driven and less uptight this time around, made it a point to hang Bepo's maps along the wall.

Taking a seat next to the mink, Law admitted, “I think I really will need your help.”

Bepo cocked his head in confusion, “With what, captain?”

“With Cora-san. You have noticed that he's… a little bloodthirsty in certain circumstances, right?”

Fidgeting, Bepo whispered, “Everyone has, captain. I think it's because we're nearing the New World. Cora-san is really overprotective of you.”

“It’s ridiculous, I’m an adult,” practically an old man if he counted how old he was before being thrown into the past, “He’s treating me like a child. He can’t keep doing this, not when-”

Law paused, being extremely mindful of what he said in this conversation, what he nearly said. Part of him was afraid of the consequences of revealing he had been sent to the past and was reliving his life with major vast differences to the one he led before. It had gotten to the point where in some mornings, dazed and haunted by nightmares of another life, Law would wake up and pray this hadn't all been an elaborate dream. Rationally, he knew it wasn’t. But sometimes he couldn’t help but feel that way. He wondered if Luffy was experiencing the same dilemma and thinking of his beautiful husband had him settled right back to reality.

“It’s just- I have a feeling I’ll meet him there. In Sabaody.”

“Meet who?”

Law couldn’t tell Bepo the truth without sounding mad but what he could do was pull at the strings of the Will of D.

“The next King of the Pirates,” Law quietly said, lest they draw the attention of the others.

Bepo raised his head, his shock evident.

“I told you my real name before,” Law continued, “There’s a hidden meaning behind the secret name of D. and I’m certain that there will be another D. in Sabaody. I just know it.”

For a moment, Law thought he must look crazy if the way Bepo was staring at him was any indication. But then the mink widened his eyes and said something he didn’t expect.

“Straw Hat Monkey D. Luffy, that’s who you’re talking about, isn’t it? The guy you have pinned in your room?”

Ears burning, Law found his voice to ask, “How do you know about that?”

“Captain, I sleep in your room when you’re drunk,” Bepo mercifully didn’t mention how drunk Law liked to cuddle with cute animals, “Um, half the crew knows too. Shachi found out when he came to wake you up once for an emergency. He told Penguin and Penguin accidentally told Uni and several of the others overheard that. Sorry. But Cora-san doesn’t know.”

Well, that wasn’t embarrassing at all. At least it would make his decision to marry Luffy less like it came out of the blue. Sighing, Law didn’t bother defending himself.

“That’s fine. But yes, okay. Him. He raided Enies Lobby and declared war on the World Government. Not just any man can do that. Straw Hat-ya will be the Pirate King and that’s who I intend to marry.”

Ever loyal, Bepo readily nodded, “Okay, Captain. I’ll help you. I’ll be the best wingman ever.”

That wasn’t what Law meant and while he was endeared by it, he shook his head, “No, trust me, I can make Luffy-ya fall in love with me, that isn’t the problem. You just need to distract Cora-san, or stop him if he ever comes too close to Luffy. Can you handle that?”

Again, Bepo nodded, “I can! Cora-san likes me a lot. He’s like you with cute things. I’ll make sure to give him a big hug and stop him from doing anything.”

Once, hearing one of his weaknesses out loud would have had him denying it outright. Now, Law’s face burned but he shoved it away just as easily as he patted the mink’s back and thanked him. Logically, It would be impossible to break Luffy’s rubbery bones but underneath the carefree attitude, there was a reason why Corazon had managed to deceive Doflamingo and the entire family. It was better to play it safe. 

Law would very much prefer not having his reunion with Luffy be dampened by an overprotective Corazon.

Chapter Text

Setting out to sail was just as exciting as it was the first time Luffy had done it. A brand new adventure that would be shaped and molded to his liking because he was selfish like that and being thrown to the past did nothing to change who he was at the core.

Meeting Koby again sure was a trip. Luffy almost didn't recognize him, unable to believe the short wimp and crybaby would be an admiral in the future. But still, Luffy laughed and went on his way with Zoro in tow, leaving behind Koby and the townspeople. The town was soon out of sight and nothing but endless blue surrounded the boat. 

Yeah, Luffy definitely missed this. He sighed and laid on his back, crossing his arms behind his head as he closed his eyes. Taking a nap on such a sunny day sounded like a good idea right now.

“I still can’t believe you don’t know how to sail,” Zoro grumbled under his breath.

Luffy lazily opened his eyes and stared at Zoro. It felt so weird to see him without the scar over his eye or the other scars the swordsman collected over the years. Even the swords looked all wrong with the exception of the white one. Wado something. He knew that one was special to Zoro.

“That’s why I’m gonna find a navigator next. We’ll meet her soon.”

Lifting a brow, Zoro asked, “Her? You got someone in mind already?”

Luffy grinned, “Sure do! You’ll like her too.”

Apparently satisfied with that, Zoro made himself comfortable and Luffy closed his eyes again, intent on taking a good nap. He didn’t get far, being dragged from the lull of sleep by Zoro’s cursing.

“Fuck. Rain? Seriously? Bad timing.”

Frowning, Luffy looked up and immediately shared Zoro’s bad mood. Dark gray clouds floated in the sky and in the distance, a drizzle of rain was making its way towards them. They wouldn’t be able to find cover in such a small boat and he found himself missing the Going Merry in all of her splendor. He couldn’t wait to see her again. 

For now though, Luffy reassured himself with the fact that it wouldn't rain for that long. If memory served him well, it would probably rain for half an hour or so before it moved past them. It sucked but they would have to put up with it for a bit. Luffy abruptly sat up, ignoring Zoro’s questioning gaze. He realized, suddenly, that they didn't have to put up with it.

“Hey!” Luffy looked at the sun and waved his arms, “Do something about the rain! Me and Zoro don’t wanna get wet!”

Behind him, he heard Zoro laughing but Luffy didn’t let it bother him. He knew he was going to have the last laugh anyway.

The dark clouds swiftly parted as if Haki had split the skies and left a dry space in the middle as the clouds drifted overhead, sunlight peeking through the opening. Rain pelted around them and the waves pushed against the boat but didn’t dare topple it and not a single drop of water touched them either. The mini storm strolled past, the dark clouds combining once more as it headed in the direction of the town they left.

Satisfied, Luffy grinned and relaxed as he laid back down perfectly dry. The sun flared brightly, happy as always to help.

“What was that?” Zoro suddenly asked, disbelief splattered all over him, “What did you do!?”

Luffy pursued his lips and decided there was no harm in revealing his weird deity thing. It was Zoro after all, he wouldn’t really care. He never did.

“Oh, I'm the Sun God, but that's not really important. What is important is me becoming the King of the Pirates! And I’m gonna marry Torao right after!”

There was a beat of silence before Zoro accepted his answer with a shrug, “Okay. Who’s Torao? I think you mentioned him before when I was still tied up.”

Law was everything. He was his beginning and his end. His pretty husband with his pretty gold eyes and pretty smile. Luffy could talk for hours about him but the last time he did that Zoro was so annoyed by the end of it that he got himself drunk stupid to forget the entire conversation. Luffy had, apparently, overshared stuff that was meant to be kept private. At least now he knew not to say it. Still, Luffy debated what to say and settled on the truth since he wasn't a great liar. Keeping up a lie would be such a hassle anyway.

“Torao has my heart.”

Zoro whistled, giving him a half-grin, “You’re really in love with this guy, aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” Luffy smiled, teeth and all, “I love him a lot!”

-

“Do you know that your heartbeat doesn't match your pulse?”

Blinking, Luffy cocked his head at the little reindeer. Chopper was still hiding, and doing a poor job of it, but his inquisitive eyes peered at him. Swallowing down the urge to yell meat- Luffy was hungry and when he was this hungry, he shamed himself by looking at Chopper in a different light- Luffy raised a hand and pressed it over his chest. Whatever his husband was, he must be having fun since his heart was racing. Law was probably slicing and cutting people up with that pretty smirk he always wore. Luffy briefly lamented. He would do anything to see his husband fight.

“Yeah, I know they don’t match,” Luffy patted his chest, grinning, “Pretty cool, right?”

“It's not! It's biologically impossible and the fact that they're not in sync with each other should concern you because what if you have an underlying illness that could cause you problems later in-”

Yeah, Chopper lost him. Luffy tried to keep up but the reindeer was just getting more incensed and the words were getting far too complex. He was happy however, when Chopper’s rant had him move closer, no longer trying to hide and more importantly, no longer afraid of him. They were friends and friends were never afraid of each other. Luffy was more than happy to teach Chopper this lesson all over again. For now though, it was probably best to keep Law’s heart a secret. 

You should be proud of me, Torao.

“Hey, Chopper, can you keep that a secret?” Luffy asked, cutting off the little doctor mid rant, “Even if they don’t match, the heart in my chest is still my heart. It was given to me by someone I love a lot.”

Chopper's eyes widened, naive curiosity sparkling, “Someone you love gave you their heart? How can a heart be given to you?”

“With consent,” Luffy seriously stated, “Don’t tell anyone. You can keep it a secret, can’t you?”

“You want me to keep it a secret?” Chopper blinked, “But… why?”

“I'll tell you one day. Of course, you have to join my crew if you ever want to know.”

The way the reindeer tensed didn't upset Luffy. Nor when Chopper yelled at him for being a dumb human and ran off to hide somewhere in the cold castle. Luffy merely laughed and headed back to check on Nami. Chopper would be back and he would undoubtedly keep it a secret. The reindeer was trustworthy like that.

Luffy crossed his arms behind his head and smiled. It felt nice to have his crew come together one by one.

-

Alabasta was hot. It was hot in an unnatural way and Luffy wouldn’t have noticed the abnormality if he weren't Nika himself. There was nothing he could do about it now- he already demanded the sun to leave but the shining ball of fire was hindered by an outside force. By Crocodile. His other dad. Sometimes, Luffy still couldn't believe it.

Whatever. Luffy had no qualms giving his good old deadbeat of a father a beat down. He honestly couldn't wait for it. But he couldn’t beat up people on an empty stomach. He was happily munching away on delicious food and he ate faster, knowing he didn’t have much time.

Seeing Smoker again was a blast and Luffy ran off, laughing as much as he could with food still in his mouth. He couldn’t fight Smoker directly, not without Haki, but he was a lot less worried this time. Because his big brother had his back.

“Is it okay to just leave him there?”

It was Usopp who asked, a line of worry on his face that never truly went away in the years to come. The rest of his friends echoed the same worry and Luffy smiled wider, pleased by it.

“Ace is strong, he’ll be okay!”

“He’s strong?” Chopper asked, wide eyed.

“Yeah, he didn’t have his devil fruit power three years ago but even then, I couldn’t beat him in a single fight. Ace is really strong,” Luffy grinned, sharp teeth and all, “But I bet I can beat him now!”

Someone made a remark- Zoro probably- but Luffy laughed it off and just like last time, his brother jumped onto the rails of the Going Merry.

“Who can beat who now?”

“That’s a big claim, Luffy. If you can’t beat me, then there’s no way you can beat Ace.”

Shock filled Luffy to his core and he whirled his head. Up on the upper deck was a smiling Sabo. The blonde jumped and landed gracefully beside Ace, bumping his fist against his. Sabo didn’t waste a second to ruffle Luffy’s hair immediately after. 

“Sabo!” Was the only thing Luffy could say and beamed as he dragged Sabo for a hug. What a surprise! Luffy liked surprises! Especially now that he knew everything that would happen in the future.

Sabo laughed before pulling away, “Can’t you two not make a ruckus?” He crossed his arms, evidently disappointed, “Everyone and their mothers know both of you are here now.”

Ace waved it off, “It wasn’t that bad, relax.”

“Wait, wait. Hold on. Sorry, um, who are you?” Nami asked and it was then Luffy noticed how confused his friends were.

“You guys! This is Sabo!” Luffy exclaimed, “He’s our brother too!”

“Oh, another pirate in the family then?” Sanji asked.

Sabo shook his head and smiled, “No, I’m a revolutionary.”

There was a quiet pause before- “Wait! You’re Sabo!? The Chief of the Revolutionary Army!?”

Usopp turned to him, grabbing his shoulders as he shouted, “You have a brother who’s a Second Division Captain of Whitebeard and another as the Number Two of the Revolutionary Army!? Your family is crazy!”

Ha! Wait until they found out about Garp and Dragon, their reactions would be priceless. Just like it had when they found out about Crocodile.

Nonetheless, Luffy smiled as he eagerly introduced his precious friends, “Ace, Sabo, this is my crew- my friends!”

Ace bowed his head, polite in a way his younger self hadn't been thanks to Makino, “Thank you all for taking care of our little brother!”

“Luffy might be a bit too much to handle, so I really appreciate you all looking after him,” Sabo added, bowing his head as well.

“So polite!” Nami exclaimed, side-eyeing him.

“Nothing like Luffy!” Chopper cried in disbelief.

“Almost hard to believe they’re Luffy’s brothers,” Sanji grumbled, lighting a cigarette.

“Makes you wonder what went wrong with our captain,” Zoro dryly stated.

“More like what didn’t go wrong,” Usopp muttered.

“There’s no need for all of that,” Vivi chided.

“Hehe, aren’t they great?” Luffy asked, tugging his straw hat back, all smiles.

Ace and Sabo shared an exasperated look before, “Please take good care of him.”

Before Luffy could ask what Sabo was doing here- not that he minded at all, it was so cool to see the ripples of effect from averting a major life event- shouts of discontent reached their ears. Tilting his head, Luffy blinked at the sight of the Baroque Works ships. Right. Luffy almost forgot about them.

Ace made quick work of them in a show of prowess that awed Luffy the same way it did last time. Nostalgically, Luffy thought of the way Sabo had once wielded the same devil fruit. He wondered if it was a coincidence that their fighting style was remarkably similar.

With a flair, Ace came back on board without a single scratch and a smug grin.

“Show off,” Sabo immediately said.

“You’re just jealous because you lost to me at rock-paper-scissors and had to sit back and watch,” Ace shot back.

Luffy perked up, “Hey, if I win at rock-paper-scissors, you guys have to join me!”

“No way!”

“In your dreams!”

Pouting, Luffy crossed his arms behind his head. He knew they would say no but he still had to ask. Usopp patted his back comfortingly and the others promptly introduced themselves to his brothers. Warmth filled Luffy and he took a moment to step back to appreciate his family. It wasn’t everyone and Luffy couldn’t wait for the day he would have them all together. He was especially excited for Ace to meet the rest of his crew and his husband. They never had the chance before. The grave didn’t necessarily count.

Sabo had been in the middle of explaining his appearance in Alabasta, putting together the little hints there were and reaching a conclusion that he might find both of his brothers in one place, when his eyes lit up with a certain mirth. The blond reached into his coat and pulled out a rolled piece of paper.

“By the way, Luffy, I got a surprise for you,” Sabo announced and handed him the parchment.

Taking the wrinkled scrap of paper, Luffy blinked, “What is this?”

Sabo smiled, in a particular way that meant he was hiding something, “It’s a wanted poster.”

Ace had the exact same smile, “Go on, take a look.”

Needing no further prompt, Luffy hastily smoothed out the paper. He choked.

Confident smirk and beautiful features. Sharp jawline accompanied by side burns and neatly trimmed goatee. The spotted hat that never went anywhere without its owner and earrings settled on the ears like they belonged there. The familiar swirls of ink that peeked from underneath his hoodie. He looked young in this picture, thick hair dark with not a single gray streak. The colors were dull and Luffy longed to see the striking golden eyes that matched the sun itself. Pretty golden eyes that had always felt like they were made for him.

Holding the poster to eye level, Luffy couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. Law was just so gorgeous. It was the first real picture Luffy has ever seen of him since before and it was enough to leave him speechless, face burning, and heart racing.

Luffy missed him so much. Did Law miss him too? Luffy knew he did, feeling Law’s beating heart throb every once in a while in long nights.

“I guess you like my surprise,” Sabo chuckled, leaning on the rails of the Going Merry.

“I think he likes it too much,” Ace said, amused, “Now we’ll never hear the end of it.”

“Who’s the guy on the wanted poster?” Nami asked, stunned for some reason, “Why does Luffy look like that!?”

“He literally has heart eyes!” Usopp exclaimed, horrified.

Turning the wanted poster around, Luffy happily explained, “It’s Torao! I’m gonna marry him after I become King of the Pirates!”

“Ah, so that’s Torao,” Sanji said, pulling away his cigarette, “Not bad.”

“He is quite handsome,” Vivi said, looking at the wanted poster, “Trafalgar Law. So, Torao really is a nickname.”

Zoro nodded, approving, “Congrats, Luffy. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

“Oh, I see,” Ace threw his head back and laughed, “Luffy, did you forget to tell your friends a very important detail here?”

“Yeah, like the fact that you’ve never met Law,” Sabo picked up, giving him another disappointed look, “Plus, he’s way too old for you. Imagine my shock when I found out he has you beat by seven years.”

At once, shouts of shock echoed from his friends and Luffy was suddenly thrown a barrage of comments.

“You’ve never met him!?”

“No way! I thought you and Torao were childhood sweethearts or something!”

“Seven years!?”

“You don’t know the guy and you want to marry him!?”

“Hey!” Luffy retorted, scowling as he answered, “Torao wants to marry me too!”

“No, he wants to marry the King of the Pirates,” Sabo corrected, “Something which you are not.”

“I hate to bring it up, but you’ve got to get over him, Luffy,” Ace insisted, “You’re going to get your heart broken. You’ve got zero chances with this guy. I’m pretty sure you’re not even his type.”

Luffy was a grown man, almost an old man if he counted the years from before. It still didn’t stop him from childishly sticking his tongue out.

“No! I’m gonna marry Torao and that’s it! I don’t wanna hear anymore of it!”

The discussion was done and abandoned but Luffy didn’t miss the way his brothers tried to tell his friends to try and convince him to move on from Law. Puffing his cheeks, Luffy sat on the Going Merry and angrily drank. He couldn’t wait to prove everyone wrong. 

Luffy looked at the wanted poster again, the anger ebbing as his stomach fluttered and his heart raced. Maybe it was dumb but half of Luffy expected to see the man he had married for years, the one who held him as though he was his entire world despite being so much taller than the other. The lovely crow's feet Luffy adored and the long hair with shining gray streaks. The Law here was too young on the wanted poster and the more Luffy stared, the more he noticed something undeniably different about him. It showed in the way his eyes were so light and his eyebags practically invisible. 

Law looked happy. Luffy’s heart squeezed. In response, the heart in his chest throbbed in a familiar peculiar way.

Luffy made sure to keep Law’s wanted poster pinned to the dining room. His friends teased him for it but he didn't mind. They would have to get used to seeing Law's face anyway.

-

“Watch your mouth! I am God!”

And. Well. Underneath the anger from this guy hurting his friends, Luffy felt it slowly dissolve as laughter bubbled up inside of him, boisterous and loud. Bright and reverberating. Allowing his friends to fight their battles would help them grow strong despite all the pain. It was why Luffy didn’t change much of the events- definitely not because his memory wasn’t good and he forgot how tricky these guys were- because at the end of the day, they would all make it out alive and that was more important than anything else. Well, that, and the huge party afterwards.

However, being confronted by someone who claimed to be a god was funny. Hilarious even and it put everything else on hold because a fake god was telling him to watch his mouth.

“You dare laugh at me!?” Eneru glared, taking offense in a way he hadn’t shown last time Luffy was here to beat him up.

“Luffy!” That was Nami and she looked worried. Angry too but mostly worried, “Stop laughing!”

“Sorry, sorry!” Luffy giggled and threw a sharp grin at the supposed god, “Hey! What’s the difference between you and me!?”

Eneru smirked, no longer perceiving him as an equal as he spread his arms out and answered, “Everything. I am God! You are nothing more than just another weak human.”

Stretching his arms, Luffy ascended to the top of the rail where the fake god stood. Eneru narrowed his eyes, following the way his body stretched with suspicion.

“I see. It looks like you are not an ordinary human. But it does not matter, you're only a paramecia. You cannot beat me!”

Lightning cackled in Eneru's hands and behind him, Nami tried frantically to gesture at him to run away. Too bad Luffy had no intentions to do so. Besides, Nami should know better since she was smart. Lightning was nothing to rubber.

At best, Luffy felt a tingle as the attack landed. When Eneru attacked him again, closer this time, Luffy grinned wildly, bare teeth and all, as the lightning was nothing more than child’s play.

Eneru showed a pretty funny face. Luffy didn't let the chance pass him and clutched the other man's wrist in a tight grip, the hold bruising and just a few pressure shy of breaking bones.

“Hey, Eneru, right? You're pretty dumb. Can't you see when a real God is in front of you?” Luffy laughed, an echo of the same laughter Gear Five brought him. When he was more Nika than Luffy with the sun shining behind him.

There was a certain type of fear that struck Eneru and Luffy wondered if he knew of him. It made sense, he supposed. Remnants of Nika were everywhere if one knew where to look. Luffy did find an island where the inhabitants worshiped him and built temples out of his name. It was a weird thing but the people were nice and they made the best meat buns. Luckily, Sanji had learned the recipe. Unluckily, the Sanji of this time didn’t know it. Yet.

Fear did not stall Eneru forever and the supposed god turned red, his fury evident as he shook himself out of his hold. He looked very angry. Luffy guessed he had hurt the man’s pride.

It was only after the whole thing was over did Luffy realize that Nami was there and she heard the entire conversation and bore witness to how terrified Eneru looked for those brief seconds. She cornered him at night, secluding them to a corner and away from the on-going party.

“Luffy, back then with Eneru, what did you mean?” Nami questioned, her gaze skeptical but hardened all the same, “Are you saying you're a God?”

Wanting to get back to the party, Luffy just sighed. Nami would know in a couple of years, so what if she knew right now?

“Yeah, I'm the Sun God, but it doesn't matter. Go talk to Zoro, he knows too. Can I go back to the party now?”

Nami pinched the bridge of her nose, “Sure, Luffy. Go ahead, forget I said anything. In fact, let's pretend like you didn't just tell me you're the Sun God.”

Alright. That was easy enough to do. Luffy shrugged and went back to the party, throwing an arm around Usopp and Sanji's shoulders and cheering into the night.

It was only until days later he regretted telling her when she gave him the biggest side-eye and complained about how she didn’t want to get wet today and that it would be nice to tan. Zoro couldn’t meet his eyes after she said that and Luffy knew then Nami had forced the swordsman to tell her everything. She was scary so Luffy couldn’t exactly blame Zoro nor could he deny her requests.

They had plenty of sunny days, which in hindsight, didn’t change much from the last time they sailed here the first time.

Heh. Luffy smiled up at the sun. It seemed like the sun had always been looking out for him even before he knew who he was.

-

Normally, Luffy didn’t have favorites. His friends all had a space in his heart and there was no question that he would do anything to keep them safe.

Right now, though, Robin was undeniably the best. She was also the only one who didn't try to convince him to move on from Law.

“Perhaps Torao likes books,” Robin suggested, enjoying her tea and pastries on the upper deck of the newly built Thousand Sunny. She offered him a piece of delicious sweet bread and Luffy gladly bit into it.

Happiness, real true happiness, suited Robin and Luffy liked seeing her so carefree unlike the mask she wore before they raided Enies Lobby. She indulged his every whim- something that definitely wouldn't change in the future- and it was very obvious now compared to the reserved distance she had kept before.

“What kind of books do you think Torao will like?” Luffy questioned, curious for her answer.

“Hm, my guess would be novel stories,” Robin pondered with a hand on her chin, "Adventure with horror on the side.”

Wow. If Luffy didn't know better, he would think Robin had traveled to the past too. She guessed Law’s favorite genre on the first try. But was that really a surprise? Law and Robin got along extremely well, even setting up book club meetings to discuss their favorite books. Luffy had tried many times to get involved in it. He was always asleep by the end of it. Neither of them minded though so Luffy kept attending them anyway.

“Can you help me pick some books out the next time we stop by a town? I want to give them to Torao as a present,” Luffy said, looking down at her from the rail he sat on.

“Of course.”

“Are you sure you should be super encouraging this?” Franky asked as he joined them with a bottle of cola, “Luffy, you've never met Torao, have you?”

That question was really starting to get on his nerves but Luffy scowled and restrained himself from what he really wanted to say. He couldn't just tell them he knew Law and that they were already married and had been for decades. It would ruin the fun if they knew that Luffy had lived their future. They would want to know everything and that would be boring. Thankfully, he was saved from answering Franky's question.

“Does it matter?” Robin piped up, “I think it's romantic either way. Luffy has set his eyes on the same person since he was a child. If he hasn't changed his mind all this time, why would he start now?”

Smiling widely, Luffy perked right back up, “Yeah! You see? Robin gets it!”

The cyborg- still so awesome, Luffy couldn’t wait for the bigger upgrades that would come in the future- contemplated it before eventually shrugging and striking a well familiar pose, “Alright, Captain, I've decided to super support you! I'll be the best wingman and help you make Torao fall in love with you! You can count on me!”

The thought was appreciated even though Luffy didn't need it. He didn't need any help on that front. Because Law already loved him.

“Thanks Franky!” Luffy laughed and pointed to the others who were doing a poor job of eavesdropping, “You should convince them to support me too! It’s getting pretty annoying to hear them tell me to move on. They’re dumb.”

Nami and Usopp smacked him for that but Luffy barely felt it and definitely didn’t regret saying it. At least Sanji gave him more sweet bread, even if it was out of pity.

-

The stars looked pretty. Sparkling in the dark sky as they stretched over the horizon. The sea was unusually calm as well and Luffy didn’t dare make any sudden loud noises. His friends deserved a good rest, especially Brook, who was finally with him. One by one, his friends were taking their rightful place at his side and things were starting to feel right. And to make the whole thing even better, they were heading to the final island in Paradise.

Heart racing in anticipation, Luffy noted he wasn’t the only one reacting this way. He grinned, his palm warm to the touch and felt the heart in chest anxiously beating.

I’m going to kiss Torao, Luffy firmly decided. Amidst everything that would happen in Sabaody, nothing was going to stop him from kissing his husband, the man he was hopelessly in love with.

Throwing his arms back to cross them behind his head, he physically winced when the stench of his odor reached his nose. He sat up quickly. Law liked it when he smelled nice. Law would not kiss him if he smelled bad. Luffy learned that lesson the hard way.

Sighing, Luffy jumped to his feet and bumped Brook’s shoulder on the way out of the crow’s nest. The musician’s snoring was cut short, the clattering of bones an indication that he was awake and alert.

“I’m going to take a shower,” Luffy bluntly stated, “Don't fall asleep or Nami will hit us both. I'll be back.”

Yawning, Brook nodded and sat up, more alert as he took his shift. Luffy left him behind, taking off his blue shirt on the way down. At the sight of his naked torso, Luffy still felt so off at the lack of his iconic x-shaped scar. Eh. The scar would soon be on his chest again, Law wouldn’t let him die.

Stepping into the bathroom, Luffy went ahead and yanked off his shorts with the same carelessness, private parts bare for the entire world because who wore underwear? The straw hat he settled on a hanger on the wall, mindful to keep it dry and intact. It belonged to a Pirate King once and would belong to the next one too.

Stark naked, Luffy shivered and immediately set to run the water. The first touch had him yelping, ice cold water that nearly numbed his hand. He messed with the lever, slowly growing frustrated until the water turned lukewarm and soon enough, hot enough that it ran pleasantly on his skin. Grabbing a random bar soap, he lathered it and began to scrub himself everywhere he could reach. Which meant nothing would be missed- it really was convenient to be rubber- and Law better appreciate it because Luffy was doing this for him.

Law would let Luffy kiss him. In fact, when Luffy was this clean, Law was the one who kissed him. Law especially liked doing many things when Luffy was fresh out of the shower. Blood rushed down and Luffy bit his lip as he took himself in hand, quickly forgetting what he was supposed to be doing. It wasn’t his fault- thinking about his husband in that way always made him hard. And frustrated. Very frustrated.

Before, Luffy had never given sex much thought. He hadn't need a reason to. He knew about it, courtesy of Ace- and Sabo now too- but it wasn't something he desired when he first set out to sail all those years ago.

Meeting Law had slowly changed that. Being with Law had opened up all kinds of desires Luffy didn't know he needed. Having known what it is to love, to fuck, had Luffy beyond frustrated in some nights. Like, right now.

Panting, Luffy stroked himself and thought that his dick would look a lot better in Law’s mouth. Pretty golden eyes staring up at him with a smirk, teasing the tip with his tongue. Nuzzling the side of his erection, his sideburns rubbing pleasantly against his skin, and licking all the way to the base of his already weeping dick. Luffy could almost feel the phantom touch of Law kissing his thighs just to rile him up and his deceptive soft tone.

Already so hard for me? Luffy-ya?

Luffy gulped and sped up, chasing the vivid memories of his gorgeous husband on countless nights where lust consumed them entirely. Law always looked so hot on his knees for him, the way his sweet mouth gladly took the weight of his heavy cock. The wet hot warmth always drove Luffy mad. Would Law let him fuck his mouth? Luffy hoped so, he was craving for it, his hips jerking as his thoughts ran wild. 

Drool pooled at the edge of his mouth and Luffy couldn't help but hope Law would fuck his mouth too. He wanted to feel Law’s hands pulling at his hair, using his mouth to reach his own climax, moaning above him and taking what he wanted. Law always looked so pretty when he came, red face and debauched, eyes brimmed with love and pleasure. Luffy could feel he was reaching his peak and after a few more desperate strokes, he came with a moan, breathing heavily as the last of his seed dropped onto the tile.

That was quick, far too quick. Luffy had a feeling he wouldn’t last long when he eventually shared Law’s bed again. He hoped Law wouldn’t be disappointed. But thinking about it now, maybe they both wouldn’t last long. The years had passed and they hadn’t met yet but Luffy knew his husband loved him too much to even entertain the thought of being disloyal. The same went for Luffy too. No one could ever hope to match Law’s everything.

Feeling sticky, Luffy sighed and properly washed himself, feeling spent but pleased.

Luffy really couldn't wait to see Law again.

Chapter Text

Looking at himself one last time in the mirror, Law straightened his shirt and smirked. He remembered very well what he wore to Sabaody and while he could wear his comfy yellow-black hoodie again, the intense desire to enrapture Luffy’s attention after years of absence overtook him. Law was a pirate at heart and he was not exempted from being selfish. 

The reason for his revealing attire was, simply put, to make Luffy jump his bones. The spotted hat was a given, Law would take the furred accessory to the grave, but the tight spotted jeans that hugged his ass and every outline of his long legs was new. The equally tight red shirt unbutton on the top, the show of bronze skin and swirly dark ink. Red was Luffy’s favorite color on him and Law decided to indulge his husband for their inevitable reunion. Besides, Law rather liked dressing up and he loved dressing up for Luffy. His husband always gave the best reactions and acted accordingly to them too.

Unfortunately, Law didn’t make it past two steps on the upper deck when a frowning Corazon stood in his way. Tilting his head back to see Corazon in the eye, Law perfected a blank expression. It was a stark contrast to the expression his father wore, pinched with blatant disapproval.

“What are you wearing?” Corazon asked, eyes narrowed with skepticism.

“A shirt and pants,” Law dryly answered and stepped around the taller man. 

Corazon immediately stepped in front of him, “Your chest is exposed and I didn't even know you owed jeans this skinny!”

Law tried not to let out an exasperated sound and crossed his arms, “I don’t see a problem with what I’m wearing and might I remind you that I am an adult and not the thirteen year old you kidnapped a long time ago.”

I’m also twice your age. Law obviously didn’t mention this despite wanting to.

“You’re still my son,” Corazon retorted and that almost made Law reconsider. Almost but not quite.

“I’m not changing.”

Releasing a huge sigh, Corazon backed off, mumbling under his breath. Bepo immediately went after Corazon but not before throwing him a thumbs up. Well, at least Law knew they would meet back up eventually before heading to the auction house. It was a surprise to know it was still occurring despite Doflamingo being imprisoned but Law wagered with the Celestial Dragons around taking slaves it was bound to fall upon someone taking advantage of the profit. Disgust curled in him and Law couldn’t wait for Luffy to topple the World Government again. For now, freeing Jean was a priority amongst meeting Luffy again.

Hopping off the Polar Tang, Law was greeted with a grinning Shachi as the remainder of his crew waited for him to disembark, all looking at the island with wonder.

“For the record, Captain, I support your right to dress like a slut.”

Law rolled his eyes, “Thanks. Make sure Hakugan doesn’t get scammed. I have a feeling he’ll get ripped off for the parts he’s looking for.”

“You have some seriously scary predictions,” Shachi muttered, “Are you sure you’re not a seer or something?”

“Or something,” Law answered and didn’t bother explaining himself. Seeing his crew fumble and gossip amongst each other over his supposed future sight was amusing.

The Sabaody Archipelago was as enchanting as the first time he and his crew stumbled upon it. Bubbles floating in the sky with a rich green mangrove, children running amok and smiles on people as they went about their day. One would have never suspected the black market that lay within the island nor the horrors of the Celestial Dragons that liked to visit and treat the island as a personal playground.

Clutching Kikoku, Law gave a lopsided grin as they headed toward the unsavory parts of Sabaody. He remembered the brawl that happened between the other supernovas. But after that…

Law had a husband to meet.

-

There was a bubble of excitement underneath his skin, pure joy and anticipation coursing through him. Luffy tugged his straw hat back, his smile blinding. They were heading for the amusement park after leaving Shakky’s bar and man was it a surprise to find out his husband had a new member in his crew who was big enough to join the ranks of the supernovas. This meant that the Rosi guy was strong.  

Which was a good thing because it meant Law wouldn’t burden himself as much. That wasn't to say the Heart Pirates were weak, the bear was crazy strong in his Sulong form and even picked up Haki later, but Law had always overextended himself to make up for the strength his crew lacked. Luffy was definitely looking forward to hearing how his husband obtained a brand new crew member. Did Rosi have something to do with Corazon? Luffy wondered.

Speaking of his husband, Luffy struggled not to run around the entire island in search of Law. An ongoing fighting battle within himself and it was a miracle Luffy hadn’t lost it. After years apart and oceans away, they were finally on the same island but Luffy realized he couldn’t immediately seek out Law. Not yet.

The wait would be worth it, Luffy knew, and there would be nothing stopping him from having Law in his arms where he belonged.

Reigning back his desire and excitement, Luffy kept a keen eye on Camie. He didn't remember when she would be kidnapped but knew that it happened at Sabaody Park. To think that Camie couldn't attend all this time simply because of slavers, because of the Celestial Dragons. Luffy had half a mind to kick down the doors of Mary Geoise and wreak havoc on the World Government like he did before. For now, he mollified himself with the chance of punching one after making sure Camie was safe. Maybe he would get the opportunity to punch more than one since he remembered that disgusting guy wasn’t alone in that auction house. Yeah, that sounded great-

Eyes sparkling, Luffy gasped as he caught sight of a familiar eye catching ice cream stand with unique flavors. No matter how many times he tried them out, they always left a new taste in mouth. Before he knew it, his feet brought him excitedly to the stand, Chopper and Brook at his heel with the same enthusiasm, and eagerly yelled and pointed out what he wanted for his ice cream.

Only for another voice to repeat every flavor Luffy had called out. Blinking, Luffy looked to his left. He looked up. And further up. Woah, this guy was as tall as Garp. The guy looked down at him and blinked too, blonde hair falling over his face. He had pretty cool paint on his face too, a weird pattern of blue under his eye and a red streak across his lips and cheeks.

Luffy, feeling no hostile intentions, grinned, “Hey mister, I like your face paint!”

The guy easily grinned back, “Thank you. I like your straw hat!”

Whoever this guy was, Luffy immediately liked him. Someone who liked his straw hat couldn’t be bad. Those were the rules and they haven’t failed him yet.

“My name is Luffy,” he introduced himself, puffing his chest, “I’m gonna be the-”

“Luffy, come on, move out of the way, I want ice cream too!” Chopper cried, pushing him out of the way with such force that it really impressed him.

“Oh, sorry about that, I didn’t see you there,” the guy said, taking a step back as the little reindeer pushed ahead, “I’m Rosinante! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a mink that small,” Rosinante blinked, “Or a walking skeleton.”

Brook laughed in his own unique way and extended an arm, “The name is Brook. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Rosinante eagerly shook Brook’s hand with none of the wariness people usually had, “You can talk too! Amazing! It’s so nice to meet you!”

“Right!?” Luffy exclaimed, glad to know he wasn’t the only one who first reacted to the living skeleton with such enthusiasm, “Brook is a musician. He’s awesome!”

Laughing, Brook tipped his hat modestly, “Well, I certainly don’t disappoint.”

The blonde smiled wider, “I have to hear you play. I keep telling my son we should have a musician on board, it would make traveling so much fun, but he never listens. Maybe if he hears you play, he’ll reconsider!”

“We’ll make it a party then! I’m sure your son will change his mind!” Luffy announced, never one to let the opportunity of having fun pass by. But then he remembered that throwing a party in Sabaody likely wouldn’t happen. Of course, that was when he noticed Pappag next to Chopper with two scones in hand. 

Oh no. Luffy immediately looked back. His eyes flitted all over the amusement park but he couldn’t spot the mermaid at all. Those kidnappers were quick, way too quick, and Luffy felt a flare of anger.

“Where’s Camie?” Luffy loudly asked, immediately gathering the attention of his friends.

Pappag turned pale, “I only left her alone for a minute. Don’t tell me… Camie must have been kidnapped!”

They ran off in a hurry just like last time to find the mermaid but Luffy knew they wouldn’t find her within the vicinity. At least he knew where to look this time but he’d have to wait until he was told of the auction house. Playing by the rules lately were starting to strain Luffy which was why he was so looking forward to seeing Law again.

Luffy set off too, intent on rescuing Camie and definitely intended to take the bullet for Hatchan to stop the fishman from getting shot so crudely and unfairly. He had already covered a great distance when the guy from the ice cream stand cried out. Luffy totally forgot about him.

“You seem like such a caring nice young man! You have to meet my son someday! I hope you can find your friend!”

What a weird guy. Still, Luffy appreciated it. It was always nice to have surprises like this that didn’t happen the first time around. Luffy sprinted ahead, head held high as he started to smile despite the unfortunate events. He couldn’t help it.

Luffy was going to see his husband again.

-

In another life, Law had sat here with his crew with a perfected mask on his face. Smirking on the outside while he was internally seething with vengeance in the hopes of trying to find something that could hurt Doflamingo’s empire. Now, he was seething for a different purpose. His crew couldn’t stomach it either but they couldn’t call themselves pirates if they let it show on their faces. Slavery was a business for some pirates too after all. Corazon, however, did not hide his disgust. He was sitting beside him, legs crossed and arms tense.

“What are we doing here, Law?” His father questioned in a low voice.

“Gathering intel,” Law answered casually and kept his body relaxed, “It never hurts to be prepared, even if it means attending something so ugly.”

That seemed to mollify his father but it was evident he still didn’t like it. Leaving Corazon be, Law nonchalantly took a look around. The crowd of slave owners was expected but there were a few outsiders here. Eustass and his crew, for one, and it was odd to see him without immediately throwing barbs at each other. A part of Law was even a tiny bit glad to see him again. Kid had already been dead in the future, dying to liver failure of all things just a few years before Law was sent back through time. Killer and the rest of his crew continued to sail though, crossing paths more than a few times for old times sake.

The sound of the doors being pushed open with such force had him smirking as he took in the rather young faces of the Straw Hat Pirates as they barged inside. Law’s heart skipped a beat, feeling the one in his chest mimic it shortly after. Only a little more and he would see his husband again. The wait was nearly excruciating but he held tight, knowing he only had to wait a couple of minutes and that was far better than the years he spent yearning for Luffy.

A Celestial Dragon walked in but Law paid no attention to it other than faint amusement. That was the one Luffy was going to punch and Law had the fortune of witnessing such a grand event twice.

With the sound of a crash from the ceiling falling onto the audience, Law’s attention was quickly hooked onto the newcomers. On one in particular. Young face, filled to the brim with righteous anger, and a hard set to his eyes. Blue vest, dark shorts, and the familiar old straw hat. Law’s heart skipped a beat.

You're finally here.

Leaning back to drape his arms on the seat, Law smirked and enjoyed the show. A gunshot fired but the bullet rebounded to the startled crowd, Luffy’s rubbery nature allowing him to protect the fishmen from getting shot, a thing that didn't happen last time. The serious expression on Luffy’s face was a sight to behold and not one he often made, an expression that made Law’s insides flutter. When Luffy’s fist connected to the Celestial Dragon's face, throwing him back several feet and crashing through the stands, Law felt himself fall in love all over again.

Luffy tugged his straw hat on, smile completely unapologetic as he addressed his crew, “Sorry guys. Punching this guy means a navy admiral is gonna come here with a warship.”

Law couldn't help but laugh at that. Luffy really was reckless and that was something that would never change. Law wouldn't want it any other way. Immediately, Luffy’s eyes went straight to him, fierce brown eyes pinning Law to his seat. The heart in Law’s chest immediately began to race.

For a moment, it felt like everything went still and there was no one else in the room but them. Any paranoia Law had about Luffy not remembering the past practically dissolved when Luffy gifted him his loving smile. Brown eyes shining with recognition and heart thumping loudly in Law’s chest. 

Despite looking so young, Law was still able to see the face of the older man he had spent decades sharing a life with. The scruffy beard and laugh lines weren't there, nor was he towering over anyone with the Monkey genes that wouldn't kick in for at least another couple of years, but that smile. That smile never changed. Law’s heart squeezed.

“Torao! You're here!” Luffy’s eyes drifted lower and blatantly stared, as Law expected he would. Shameless man. “Wow.”

Law was not immune to his husband. He smiled too, the kind of smile reserved only for Luffy. And if he leaned back further to push his chest up and spread his legs invitingly, enjoying the way Luffy seemed to be struggling to not pounce, no one noticed.

“Straw Hat-ya,” Law drawled out the name, having fun despite the intense situation, “You're here too.”

Someone was scolding Luffy for being too obvious. The navigator and cook, Law thought, but he didn't pay attention, not when Luffy finally peeled his gaze away from his chest. Vaguely, Law was aware of Corazon tensing beside him.

“Hey, Torao,” Luffy laughed, beautiful and charismatic, “Marry me!”

Law smirked and asked, more for appearances sake since Luffy didn’t care for it, “Will you be the King of the Pirates?”

There was a glimmering mirth in Luffy’s eyes, “Of course!”

“Okay. I’ll marry you.”

Silence. 

The type of silence a pin drop could be heard from. That didn’t last long. Shouts of disbelief echoed strongly. The crowd, the announcer with the mic, their crew and Kid’s crew. Law’s own crew mimicked Luffy’s, shouting and shoving over one another. Law barely had time to react when his father suddenly threw his feathery jacket on him, shackles raised as he covered him. Law didn’t know whether to be amused or annoyed.

“You can’t marry him!” Corazon screeched, “Not without my blessing! And don’t stare at my son like that!”

“What?” Luffy frowned, cutely confused right before indignantly yelling, “Hey! You said you wanted me to meet your son!”

Did he? Law looked at his father, intrigued, When was this? How the hell did Luffy manage to meet my dad before meeting me?

The timeline was a funny thing. Law bet it happened at the amusement park. Bepo did mention he found Corazon rambling about a nice civilian man there that he wanted Law to befriend.

Oh my god, Law nearly laughed, Cora-san was talking about Luffy.

Irritation was plastered all over Corazon, “That was before I knew of your intentions of wanting to be the King of the Pirates!”

Sharp laughter barked and everyone’s eyes went to the last of the pirate captain within the auction house. Thick red hair and a crooked grin. Law wondered if he told Eustass to drink less this time around that he might survive to his mid-forties.

“You’re all crazy!” Eustass exclaimed and pushed himself off the wall he was leaning against, “Although I can’t tell who’s crazier, Straw Hat for punching the Celestial Dragon or the Surgeon of Death for agreeing to marry the son of a bitch who did it.”

There wasn't any more conversation after that. The other Celestial Dragons went into action, quickly breaking the tentative peace. The rest of the audience scattered, people rushing out of the auction house. 

Law merely rolled his neck, a sense of content coursing through him. He locked eyes with Luffy, his gaze intense the longer he stared at him. Suppressing a shiver, Law focused back to the matter at hand. They needed to escape this place first before they did anything else.

-

Luffy had a very hard time keeping his eyes off of Law. Who could blame him? Law was just so pretty and so calm, and he gave the best soft smiles. He was a sight for sore eyes after so long apart. The man whom Luffy loved and gave his heart to willingly and happily. Law, who always held his heart with so much fondness and gentle care, warms hands grasping his beating heart and pressing soft kisses to the gel-like substance that covered the organ.

Luffy didn’t care what anyone said, he thought it was beautiful when Law did that. He couldn’t find anything creepy about it, people were just so weak-willed.

Although, Luffy was kind of a hypocrite, because he was very weak-willed to the temptation that was Law’s chest right now. Nice and supple, and Luffy knew Law dressed this way on purpose and it was another battle of wills of not throwing his husband over his shoulder and dragging him to the nearest alley to have his way with him. Even now, Luffy wanted to shove his face into that nice tan chest with the familiar dark ink that Luffy knew like the back of his hand and spent so many nights kissing. 

Such a shame the feathery jacket covered most of him. Life really was unfair. Although the feathery jacket did leave multiple questions for Luffy seeing as how the tall blonde guy he met earlier was actually Law’s dad. Luffy decided to leave it be for now, he didn’t want a headache.

“Eyes up here, Luffy-ya.”

Listening to his husband, Luffy saw his favorite shade of yellow in the irises of Law’s eyes. Like the sunrise at its peak and glimmering gold found in treasure. It felt weird to look up to Law, Luffy hadn't done that in forever, just like it was weird to see a young version of his husband without the wrinkles Luffy liked to kiss first thing in the morning of their married life.

“When are we getting married?” Luffy promptly asked, suddenly filled with the desire to have Law be his again and for the entire world to know about it too.

He also wanted to hug Law. Which. Well. There was nothing technically stopping him, right?

“After you become Pirate King,” Law sent him a coy smirk and Luffy’s heart did weird summersaults.

Luffy threw all reasoning behind as he wrapped his rubbery arms around Law’s waist. Feathers tickled his face but Luffy didn't care as he squeezed his husband tight. Tight arms embraced him back, holding Luffy close and their bodies slotted together like two pieces of a puzzle, not a single empty space between them. Law smelled nice and Luffy inhaled him deeply, remembering the scent after so long of being apart from each other.

Law was real and warm to the touch and Luffy was just so happy.

I love you so much. I love you so so much. I love you-

The moment was abruptly broken when Eustass spoke up. Right. Luffy forgot he was here too. This was the first time they would fight together after all. It was nice to see Eustass alive and kicking, even if Luffy wished he went away so that he could have Law all by himself.

Eustass hadn't noticed they stopped walking, or simply didn't care, as he swaggered forth to where the marines were waiting, “Bold declaration. What makes either of you so sure I won't be the Pirate King.”

“You can try, but I'll beat you to it!” Luffy immediately snapped his attention to Law, smiling widely and Law matched it in his own unique way, the tilt of his lips that looked very delectable, “Can I kiss you, Torao? I really wanna kiss you.”

Before Law could respond to his polite and reasonable demand, Eustass looked back at them and groaned. The other pirate captain made a disgusted face.

“Oh no, you two will not make out with me still here. Go do that shit somewhere else!”

“You're free to leave us be,” Law snapped and looked right back at him, smiling with so much fondness. Too quickly for Luffy to comprehend, Law gave him a tiny peck on the forehead before tilting his head to where the harsh voices of the marines barked.

“You can kiss me properly after we deal with the marines,” Law said, hand coming around to tug on his cheek, the way he always did when he was laughing at him on the inside. Luffy missed that little show of attention so much that it didn't even annoy him like it usually did. Luffy would take any crumble of attention from his very pretty and smart husband.

“Okay!” Luffy reluctantly let go of his husband, his arms snapping back into place and already mourning the warm contact. 

He cracked his knuckles and raced forward, leaving behind an angry Kid in the dirt. Beating up the marines so that he could kiss his husband faster sounded like music to his ears.

-

In hindsight, the dick measuring contest was hilarious from a certain point of view. Law couldn't believe he was reckless enough to engage in it in the past. Luffy certainly brought out the worst and the best in people, Law would personally know.

The rest of their respective crew were outside too, intending to escape before an admiral arrived with reinforcements. They were lucky it wasn't Akainu but an admiral at this point was still troublesome. Law was still trying to get the hang of Haki. It wasn't something easy to learn, knowing it wouldn’t cut it, his body would have to train for it, and this time around Law had a proper teacher for it in Corazon. The next two years would certainly be spent in mastering Haki in preparation for the New World.

Chaos swept through the battlefield although it was clearly one-sided with the pirates having the upper hand. Luffy’s crew were already making waves to leave and Law barely had time to react when his husband quickly reached for him and pulled down his feather jacket. Behind Luffy, Law saw Kid quickly turn around and booked it while their crew and the marines all had their jaws dropped.

Warm lips met his and Law knew no more of his surroundings. He melted. Law kissed back, their lips moving against each other desperately, teeth clashing and biting. A calloused hand sneaked under the feather jacket and cupped his behind, groping unashamedly, and Law submitted to the whims of his husband, his own hands coming up to pull at the nape, forcing Luffy’s head back to kiss him deeper. Luffy pulled him close by the waist, strong arm manhandling him, their bodies pressed against one another once more.

The sturdy body of his husband made Law dizzy and it didn’t help when Luffy bit his lip, his tongue begging for entrance. Law easily gave in, the kiss intoxicating and overwhelming in every sense and he moaned into the kiss, Luffy more than happy to swallow any sounds with his persistent mouth.

Law wanted nothing more than to continue kissing Luffy after years of yearning but he forced himself to stop because he knew Luffy wouldn't and this was such an inappropriate time to pop a damn boner. Already their impromptu kiss turned into a full blown make out, giving their crew and marines alike a front row seat and probably nightmares to boot. Forcibly pulling himself away, spit connected their lips and Law’s face burned with embarrassment, quickly wiping his mouth, panting as he tried to catch his breath. He resisted the urge to kiss his husband again when Luffy tried to tug him back down, chasing his bruised lips like an old friend, and as always, uncaring of who saw them.

“Pay attention Lu-ya,” Law spoke quickly before he got lost in those dark brown eyes, “Do you want my help to escape Kuma?”

Luffy managed to snap out of his daze, blinking twice before shaking his head, “No. My friends got stronger after being separated. We need that strength for the New World.”

That made sense but Law still had to ask. Knowing his husband, he would still go to Impel Down too. Jinbei and Luffy’s other dad were there, rotting away behind bars.

“I'll be there earlier,” Law hastily said, “Take your brother and get as close to the harbor as possible. Use your heart to signal me. I'll be there waiting.”

Needing no further explanation, Luffy smiled brightly and nodded, “Okay! I'll see you later, Torao! You have to introduce me properly to your dad too! I’ll make sure to get his blessing!”

A pleasant warmth rose in his chest. Luffy absolutely didn’t need Corazon’s blessing, Law would marry Luffy with or without it, but it was the fact that Luffy cared enough to be considerate of his future father-in-law made him feel unbearably happy with the mere notion.

Smiling, Law pushed Luffy away, “Come back to me soon.”

The blinding smile was gone and Law missed the sunny warmth already. The Straw Hat Pirates made a run for it, all the while looking back at him in various expressions of disbelief. Turning back to face his own crew, Law noted the similar looks on their faces too. Corazon especially was appalled.

“Law,” Corazon hissed, finally reaching him in the midst of the mayhem, gripping his shoulders tightly. Bepo was handling himself well despite his father abandoning him in the fight, “You’re going to send me to an early grave! I can't believe you just made out with him! I can't believe you agreed to marry him! You don't know him!”

“I know enough,” Law said as he swatted his father's hands and made his way to a still shackled Jean, “He'll do it Cora-san. He'll be the King of the Pirates. The freest person in the entire world. Luffy-ya is who I want to marry.”

Perhaps it was the steely determination in what Law said that had Corazon sighed in frustration, not exactly pushing the subject but not liking it either. His father went to rejoin Bepo with renewed vigor, furiously fighting with a dangerous capacity. More heartbroken marines were left in the wake of Corazon’s wrath.

“Gotta say, Captain, I really didn't think you'd move that fast with Straw Hat,” Penguin said, pouting, “I lost the bet. Couldn't you at least court the guy before marrying him?”

“That's on you for making a losing bet and for not having faith in me,” Law scoffed before staring up at Jean.

Using his devil fruit, Law made quick work of removing the collar. The burden on his shoulder lifted a little, relieved to have another of his crew back with him.

Jean rubbed his neck, surprised, “Why?”

“I don't like the Celestial Dragons,” Law bluntly answered and smirked, “Feel free to join my crew. We have karaoke nights every week.”

Something which Jean loved to do from his time and something he had always loved even while he was a slave to those disgusting bastards.

“We also have bingo nights!” Penguin added, already warming up the man, “Bingo nights can get crazy.”

Shouts echoed and Law noticed a swarm of marines aiming straight for him. Jean moved, intending to protect him like he had done so in the past. But it was unnecessary. An overprotective father had saved him, as if his instincts drove him to sense any attacks coming Law's way.

Teeth bare, Corazon’s smile looked anything but friendly.

“That's Cora-san,” Law felt like he needed to explain, “He's my adopted father. He doesn't like the fact that I just agreed to marry Luffy. The guy in the Straw Hat.”

Jean raised an eyebrow, “The one you kissed in front of everyone? How long have you been with him?”

“I just met him today.”

With the same old nonchalance, Jean stared at him, appraising him, before nodding, “I see. Very well. I will gladly join you if it means never being a slave again,” a pause, hesitate before straightening his back without the heavy collar around his neck, “And for karaoke nights.”

Grinning, Law stepped back into the fray with Jean's strength and made pummeling the marines a lot smoother. Granted, half of them had lost the will to fight when facing Corazon, but it was still a win well deserved in his books.

They had to lay low for now but Law wouldn't forget the promise he made to his husband.

Chapter Text

With bated breath, the Polar Tang steadily reached the shores of Marineford. Law and his crew had sailed the moment Fire Fist Ace's execution began broadcasting. An execution that Sengoku was spearheading. Law rubbed his temple, feeling a slight headache. This really was his life now, his grandfather leading the execution of his brother-in-law along with his grandfather-in-law. What a shit show. That wasn't even the entire family either and that was not a reunion he was looking forward to. Remembering the incident involving Crocodile and Dragon at the wedding, Law seriously considered throwing their invitations to the sea this time around.

Regardless, Law shoved those thoughts away as he yanked open the door to the upper deck, a breeze hitting his face. Booming sound of cannons bursted in the air. War cries and the sound of gunshots. The waves fiercely clashed against the submarine but she held tight, unyielding to the sea. Scanning the sky, there was no levitating clown pirate in sight or admirals. Good. This was good. Law had made it here early. No one had noticed them yet either. This should make escaping a lot easier compared to last time despite Red-Haired Shanks not being here to protect the Heart Pirate's departure.

Corazon hovered protectively in front of him, his wary eyes taking in the brutal war. Law couldn't imagine what he was thinking. The marines had been his way of escaping Doflamingo’s lunacy and he had found a real family in Sengoku. But the marines would always answer the call of the World Government and Law supposed that was the reason why the pirate life hadn't bothered his father. 

Few of his crew cautiously stepped out, a tense silence befalling them as the war continued to loom. The high walls of the fortress certainly made it a challenge to search for Luffy and his brother and the distance was altogether a different problem. But Law hadn't been given the title of Emperor on a silver platter. He was feared as much as Luffy was for a reason. He scattered pebbles on the upper deck, prepared in case he needed to bring more than just Luffy and his brother.

Law pressed a hand against the beating heart in his chest, ignoring the loud whispering from his crew. Corazon stared at him too, inquisitive, as he was the only one who knew about the oddity of his heart. He didn't know the truth and had even marked it as a side effect of his devil fruit after Law had made an offhand comment on it once. There was no way for Corazon to guess that the heart in his chest was Luffy's but he was certainly thinking that Law must be absolutely smitten with Luffy. Which wasn't a lie.

Still, Law waited with his arm raised, ready at a moment’s notice. He didn't have to wait long, Luffy's steady heartbeat began to race quickly and he braced himself. The well practiced movement of his fingers and a singular ‘room’ activated his devil fruit. A blue sphere stretched and continued stretching. He gritted his teeth and pushed himself to the max capacity, creating a room that far exceeded any that he had made in this new life, feeling for Luffy’s presence within his domain amidst the pirates and marines. His crew gaped, amazed at the show of power, and his father quickly stepped in to hold him when he began to falter. Corazon was shouting at him to stop but Law couldn’t. He couldn’t bear Luffy’s sadness if he did, the weight of his failure would eat him from inside out.

Someone entered the blue sphere, warm and familiar and loud, and two others followed it closely. Someone hostile entered it too, giving chase and quickly catching up.

There you are. I found you.

“Shambles!”

Three pebbles were swiftly replaced. The largest of them was the First Son of the Sea Jinbei, looking worse for wear but not in any immediate danger. The second was a thankfully still breathing Fire Fist Ace crumbling to his knees as the side of his torso showed second-degree burns. The last of them was Luffy, still as badly injured only this time one of his hands suffered from burns too. All it took was one relieved look at Law before Luffy passed out and fell forward, all of his energy spent and succumbing to his dire wounds.

Releasing his power, Law nearly swayed on his feet, exhaustion hitting him full force from exerting his devil fruit, but gritted his teeth and managed his bearings, leaning against his father for support before pushing him away. He could rest later, right now he had patients to treat and a husband to save.

“Take them inside!” Law commanded, “Cora-san, start treating Fire Fist-ya’s burns. Leave Luffy-ya to me, his injuries are too great. I’ll have to start operating on him.”

A barrage of indignant shouts reached his ears and Law looked up. Fuck. Admiral Kizaru saw them and was quickly heading their way with a sea of ice. Marines in the distance spotted them but were held back by the Whitebeard Pirates, catching on that Ace was moment’s away from escaping.

“Get your submarine out of here,” Jinbei said, all wariness leaving him as Law’s crew ushered in Ace and Luffy, “I’ll stall Kizaru. Please save them both.”

“Neither of them are dying under my watch,” Law promised.

The fishmen nodded, relieved, before diving into the water. Not wasting a single precious second, Law shut the door behind him and the Polar Tang began to submerge.

-

“You never make things easy for me,” Law muttered, eyelids heavy and utterly exhausted. It still didn’t stop the faint smile on his lips. Law never liked easy anyway. Although he did wish to not have to be intimately familiar with Luffy’s bloody insides a third time. Twice was enough, rearranging the organs of his husband on the brink of death, his life essentially in the hands of Law's expertised surgeon hands. The surgery was thrilling but Law wished it wasn't without the added pressure of his husband dying on him should he make even the smallest mistake. At least the familiar x-shaped scar would be back, Luffy would be happy about that.

Fondly staring at his husband, Luffy looked almost peaceful in his sleep, a stark difference from the silent agony a lifetime ago. Bandages covered his husband from head to toe and a ventilator was fastened on him, he somehow ended up more injured than last time. Law quietly slotted a hand against Luffy’s badly injured one, the one that had burns but not nearly severed as Ace’s had been. Akainu had gotten close, way too close for comfort. Judging from Luffy’s burned hand and the way Akainu hadn’t showed up after them, it left Law pondering if Luffy had managed to get the upper hand.

A snore resounded in the air and Law looked past Luffy’s bed to see the still sleeping form of Luffy’s brother. Corazon had done a fine job of patching up Ace, well versed in medical techniques simply because he wanted to lighten the burden on Law’s shoulders. His father certainly passed with flying colors, Law hadn’t seen anything else wrong on Fire Fist after he was done stitching up Luffy.

Ace was another ghost from the past alive now. One Law never had the chance to meet but heard many stories of. The brother Luffy had tried to save and failed, the screams of his grief so similar to Law’s own in a lifetime that seemed so far away. But Fire Fist Ace was breathing in this life and Law couldn't wait to see the blinding smile on Luffy’s face when he realized it.

Footsteps thudded from behind and Corazon spoke tersely, “Law. We’ve got company.”

Sighing, Law placed the straw hat to the side of Luffy’s bed and unsheathed Kikoku to let her watch over Luffy. He stood up and Corazon followed him, hovering protectively close. Stepping onto the upper deck, Law understood why his father was tense. Boa Hancock, Jinbei, and Ivankov, Law expected. Emperor Red-Haired Shanks and Marco the Phoenix were not expected. Three ships surrounded the Polar Tang, one belonging to Ivankov, Shanks, and the Whitebeard Pirates. Considering how Whitebeard was nowhere in sight, Law wagered he hadn’t made it out alive.

“How is Luffy?” Hancock was the first to demand.

“Is Ace okay?” Marco immediately followed up, “Can I see him?”

All eyes were on Law. The attention didn’t phase him one bit despite the numerous powerhouses on the Polar Tang. The Emperor in him and the husband of the Pirate King would never flinch.

“Alive, for now,” Law crossed his arms, methodically explaining his patient’s status, “Fire Fist-ya has second-degree burns that were treated and is resting right now. Yes, you can see him. Luffy-ya is stable, he took greater damage than expected, and he’s lucky to still be breathing. But there’s no guarantee that he will survive yet.”

Sharp inhales went around but they really should know better. Luffy was a stubborn man. If he told Death to wait, then Death would obey because it was better than trying to convince Luffy otherwise.

“I want to see Luffy too!” Hancock was quick to request.

At this point in time, Law was aware she had romantic feelings for Luffy. He couldn't exactly blame her, his husband was charismatic to a fault and it was easy to be pulled in by his easy demeanor and good looks. Just because Law understood her infatuation didn’t mean he was okay with it. Luffy was the jealous one between them but Law was the possessive one.

“Are you part of his crew? Or family?” Law asked.

Hancock frowned, “No-”

“Then I’m afraid I can’t let you see him. Immediate family and crew can go in. You’ll just have to wait until he wakes up.”

The Pirate Empress was obviously not happy with this but Law couldn't care less. He looked forward to the day she realized she was a raging lesbian and would marry a woman who tried to rob her ship before falling in love. Their love story was very popular from his future. Law was even certain there were songs and books written over them. 

Not dallying any further, Marco and a long haired swordsman- Izou, Law recalled- stepped into the Polar Tang with Bepo as their guide. Ivankov was as flamboyant as Law remembered and he got the rundown of how Impel Down went along with Jinbei. Events similar to last time, Luffy pushing himself too hard, losing years of his life again, but rewarded for it by saving his brother. Funny, how similar and different the speech went from before and now. And it seemed like Law was right about Akainu, the admiral managed to reach Ace and had been close to punching a hole in him but had been thrown back by a show of power as Luffy had managed to use what little Haki he had to sucker punch the living daylights out of Akainu. Law wished he could have seen it.

The others rejoiced in it, always down to make fun of the marines but there was a singular pirate who was, and had been this entire time, closely watching him and his crew. The one Corazon was keeping a valiant eye on, braced for a fight. His father probably sensed the barely restrained but powerful Haki Shanks was known for.

“Trafalgar Law. Rosinante. Two rookies from the North Blue,” Shanks started, deceptively casual, “I hear the Surgeon of Death is a lone wolf. So what makes someone like you decide to help Luffy and Ace escape? And save Luffy’s life?”

Last time, there was no reason, just another of his whims and perhaps gratitude of being witness to a brilliant punch to a Celestial Dragon’s face. Law had wanted to see more of that dangerous streak and thought it would have been a pity if Luffy had perished before Law could see more. Things were obviously different this time around and Law decided to settle on the truth instead. Luffy did just propose to him after all.

“Luffy-ya is my fiancée. That’s reason enough.”

Behind him, Corazon sighed loudly, defeated. The shocked faces of everyone else nearly made Law laugh but he kept it back by smirking instead.

“You’re Torao!?” Ivankov perked up, delighted by the turn of events, “Luffy boy told me about you! He said he told you to marry him after he punched a Celestial Dragon and that you said yes! And that you two shared a lover’s kiss in front of all the marines before escaping! Ah, and you came all the way to Marineford to rescue him and saved his life too! That’s so romantic! Young love is beautiful!”

“Luffy told me about you too,” Hancock sniffed, over her shock and now heartbroken, “I thought… I knew but I still hoped…”

Shanks blinked, “That’s… not what I was expecting. Anchor boy is getting married before me.”

Jinbei laughed and the action seemed to have pulled at hidden injuries as the fishmen slightly grimaced, “I see! So that’s why Luffy told us to rush for the blue circle. He said Torao would help us escape and you did.”

“You’re injured,” Law promptly frowned, uncrossing his arms, “Come inside and let me treat you.”

Thankfully, Jinbei was the least stubborn Straw Hat Pirate and accepted his offer.

“Wait, do you have a transponder snail?” Hancock asked, finally pulling herself together. Law nodded and she continued, “I’m going to call the Kuja’s ship so we can go across the Calm Belt even with this submarine. If the government finds out about Luffy and Ace, they’re going to come after them. Let us harbor him at Maiden Island. If they still see me as a Warlord, Luffy can rest safely and his brother can stay hidden if he wants to.”

That was a relief to hear. It seemed despite being heartbroken she still cared about Luffy as a friend. Law had already been making plans to hide his husband if she hadn’t offered sanctuary. One less thing to worry about.

“Thank you,” Law sincerely said because he knew the rules of Amazon Lily and he wasn’t the type to take help for granted.

Hancock observed him but didn’t say anything more and Law ordered Penguin to bring her the transponder snail. Just before heading inside the Polar Tang, Law stopped Corazon.

Law quietly spoke, “Bepo’s not here, you have to delegate the others until they leave or just keep them company.”

Corazon pouted as though he were a child, “Fine.”

Looking back at Shanks, Law couldn’t help but remember the jokes he had made years ago. A terrible idea came to him, one born from his hatred of Akainu getting too close to taking the lives of his husband and his brother. If Law could give the admiral misery in any way, he’d take it no matter what. Shanks was a nice guy too and especially protective of those he cared about. Luffy idolized this man for a reason after all.

In short, the Red-Haired Emperor had his approval.

“Hey!” Law shouted at Shanks, who didn’t know how to react to being addressed so casually by a rookie who was Luffy’s fiancée, “Are you single? Are you into blondes?” He pointed at Corazon, “Do you want to piss off Admiral Akainu who’s been in love with this man right there for years? You should date my dad.”

Law immediately left afterwards, dragging an amused Jinbei with him as Ivankov cackled in the background. Corazon would thank him. Hopefully.

-

Corazon didn’t thank him but he was rather red faced and Shanks ended up escorting the Polar Tang as far as he could to Amazon Lily. It was already overkill, with the Kuja’s ship and the Whitebeard ship- Ivankov and his merry group had left- but Shanks was adamant.

According to Penguin and Shachi, after Law’s abrupt departure to fix up Jinbei, Corazon tried to play it off as a joke his son often did and when he tried to light up his cigarette to avoid the awkward moment, his feathery jacket caught on fire. Penguin swore that it all played out like the start of a love drama, with Shanks helping Corazon put out the fire and their hands touching and eyes meeting with their faces close to one another. Shachi definitely insisted that was the moment Shanks fell in love because after that moment, the Emperor took any chance he could get to start a conversation with Corazon.

Law couldn’t help but be impressed by his father’s unparalleled charm. He genuinely began to wonder if Blackbeard could also be ensnared by Corazon by just one meeting. So many things could be averted if that happened. Then again, having Corazon be an obsession of Blackbeard spelt trouble. Law decided right then and there to never have those two meet.

A day after leaving Marineford, Fire Fist Ace woke up. Marco the Phoenix had stayed vigil by the man’s side and Law had even gotten to get acquainted with him. There were many similarities between them, being doctors and forced to wait as their injured beloved were resting. Law hadn’t even known Ace and Marco were in a relationship. Although, considering what happened in the future Law was from, he gathered it was a painful subject to bring up.

Marco had gotten up to retrieve a glass of water for a dehydrated Ace and that was when Fire Fist truly looked at him. The slow dawn of realization filled Fire Fist’s face and Law wondered what Luffy had said to his brothers growing up. In any case, Ace certainly recognized him.

“You helped us escape. You saved Luffy’s life,” Ace bowed his head as deeply as he could, still laying on the bed, “Thank you.”

Law shook his head and decided to rip off the band-aid, “It’s the least I could do for my fiancée.”

Ace immediately raised his head, eyes wide, “What?”

“Luffy-ya demanded that I marry him,” Law looked down at Luffy, smiling at the memory of a rushed proposal and everything that followed after it, “He told me he’ll be the Pirate King. So, I agreed to marry him once he does.”

Ace’s eyes somehow got even bigger. He hurriedly looked at his brother, who still hadn’t woken up.

“I can’t believe he did it,” Ace nearly whispered, face contorted with something akin to awe, and stared back at him, “You’re not joking either, are you? You really are going to marry Luffy?”

“I’m in love with him,” Law answered honestly and then told a half truth, “I saw him punch a Celestial Dragon in Sabaody and decided that was the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

“Holy shit, your crazy matches Luffy’s crazy,” Ace rested his head back on the pillow and looked up at the ceiling, “Oh my god, Luffy told us he was going to prove us wrong and he was right.”

That made Law curious and he raised a brow, “What exactly was Luffy-ya right about?”

Resigned to his fate, Ace tiredly explained, “When we were kids, gramps told us about a kid who said he wanted to marry the King of the Pirates. Since Luffy believes he’ll be the Pirate King, he told us he was going to marry that kid. Gramps told us the kid’s name was Trafalgar Law and Luffy couldn’t pronounce it at first and called him Torao,” Ace looked at him, “Luffy has been wanting to marry you since he was seven.”

Face burning to the tip of his ears, Law shoved his face into his hands. Luffy had basically told everyone around him he was going to marry Law for years. Granted, Law had done the same thing but he never outright stated Luffy’s name and apparently his fiancée had no qualms whatsoever with casually throwing his nickname and declaring he’d marry him one day.

Luffy, I think I’m falling in love with you again and I can’t even kiss you for it.

As if that wasn’t enough to embarrass Law, Marco stepped back into the room.

“What did you do, Ace? This man literally helped you and your brother escape and he’s Luffy’s fiancée, yoi!”

“I didn’t do anything! But it’s nice to see he’s as smitten with my brother as Luffy is with him.”

A crash. Several people cursed and some raised their voices, panicked. Law and Marco quickly grew alert. Law instinctively moved to cover Luffy, one hand around the hilt of Kikoku and his other hand ready to draw out his power. Likewise, Marco hovered in front of Ace, the glass of water shattering on the ground as the Phoenix surfaced. However, the defense stance was unwarranted as a blonde man came stumbling through the double doors. In his hand was a vivre card. Well, that explained how the Chief of the Revolutionary Army found them.

“Ace! I’m sorry I couldn’t get there in time! I’m so happy you’re alive!” Sabo cried before his face morphed to worry at the sight of Law’s comatose husband, “Luffy! What happened!? Is he okay!?”

Shoulders relaxing, Law lowered Kikoku, “Luffy-ya took a lot of damage. We don’t know when he’ll wake up.”

“Luffy will be fine, Sabo,” Ace said with a smile, “It’s Luffy. He’ll wake up soon, he’s stubborn like that.”

That eased Sabo, “That’s true,” and did a complete double take at the sight of Law, “You!”

“Me,” Law responded, knowing now why Sabo knew his face.

“Wha- you helped my brothers escape?”

“He saved Luffy’s life too,” Ace added.

“Thank you!” Sabo said, genuine and sincere, and furrowed his brows, “But why? What’s in it for you?”

“Well, I prefer to have my fiancée alive than dead,” Law said and wondered how many more times he would have to call Luffy his fiancée. He rather liked saying it to be honest. Although husband was his favorite term to call Luffy but that wouldn’t be happening until a couple of years later.

Sabo’s eyes were wide, mimicking Ace’s initial reaction, and he whirled his head at Luffy before turning to Ace, as if looking for confirmation.

“It’s true,” Ace huffed out a laugh, “Luffy told him to marry him and Torao agreed because he saw Luffy punch a Celestial Dragon in the face. They’ll marry as soon as Luffy becomes Pirate King.”

“Wait, everything they said in the newspaper is true!?” Sabo cried out, throwing his hands in the air and shifting to look back at Law, “You and Luffy made out in front of the marines and you agreed to marry him!? That’s insane! You’re insane! Oh my god, your crazy actually matches Luffy’s crazy.”

“That’s exactly what I said!” Ace immediately said only to reel his head back, “Hold on- what newspaper are you talking about? Luffy made out with Torao in front of the marines? Shit, we have to avoid gramps now.”

The brothers continued rambling to one another, apparently frightened of the fist of love that Law knew well enough to know their fear wasn’t misplaced. 

Marco stepped next to him and gave him an amused half smile, “Welcome to the family, yoi. I’m sorry about the broken glass and spilled water. If you can tell me where the broom and towels are, I’ll clean it up.”

Feeling strangely welcomed, Law shook his head and quietly activated his devil fruit. A shambles later and said items were brought into the room.

-

Having a good memory meant Law was able to prevent most of the unfortunate events that happened in the past, even the minor ones. Some he intentionally left alone because he understood certain obstacles must be overcome to grow strong and gain experience. However, Law was selfish and once the day Luffy would wake up arrived, he excused himself to check on Luffy’s vitals.

Everyone else was in the bay, Sabo and Jinbei forcing Ace to get some sun and exercise with Marco in deep discussion with Hancock. Red-Haired Shanks had left already with the Whitebeard ship, intending to escort them to Whitebeard’s hometown and lay to rest the body of one of the few great pirates that knew the first Pirate King, but not before leaning down to kiss the back of Corazon’s hand and giving him his transponder number. Law was quite certain he had never seen such an expression on his father’s face. His stunned father was with his crew, who were excited to be on Maiden Island like the heathens they were.

With everyone busy, it was the perfect chance to finally speak alone with Luffy. Sheathing Kikoku and sitting beside the bed Luffy laid on, Law waited patiently for his husband to finally gain consciousness. A few minutes were easy to wait out compared to the decade Law had to go without his husband.

Brown eyes blinked once, twice, dazed, before they widened and Luffy began to move. Law immediately shifted, shoving his husband back into the bed, removing the ventilator, and leaned over him.

“Luffy-ya, don’t! You risk reopening your wounds.”

“Ace,” Luffy croaked out, frantic eyes trying to search for his brother.

Law leaned down to peck Luffy’s forehead and the same old trick worked, the action calming his husband down, “Alive. Sabo-ya is with him. Your brother is alive, Lu-ya, you did it. Now, please don’t move and stay in bed. Doctor’s orders.”

Tension released and it almost made Luffy look like an entirely new person without the suffocating regret he once held so tightly. 

Breathing evenly, Luffy tiredly smiled at him, “That’s cheating, using doctor’s orders,” his smile became more vibrant when he lifted a bandaged hand to gently cup his face, trailing the sideburns with his thumb, “We did it, didn’t we? Your dad is alive. My brother is alive.”

A lump formed in his throat and Law’s eyes felt strangely wet. He swallowed and nodded, smiling fondly as he brought up a hand to grasp Luffy’s wrist, nuzzling into his warm touch.

“Yeah. We did it.”

“I wanna kiss you so bad.”

Snorting rather ugly, Law decided to indulge the man he was in love with and gave him a chaste kiss. Slow and sweet. The heart in Law’s chest began to race. Law would have laughed if his own heart wasn't in the same state, throbbing with unrestrained love.

“I missed you,” Law softly muttered, pressing another soft kiss.

Luffy smiled against the kiss, “I missed you more.”

“I doubt it,” Law teased.

Luffy smiled wider, “I love you. I love you so much.”

Who was Law to deny saying it back? Not when Luffy was practically vibrating despite the numerous injuries he still sustained. Not when wonderful brown eyes were filled with the same love coursing through Law.

“I love you too,” Law whispered, suddenly all too aware of what they had done, “We changed a lot of things.”

“Yeah,” Luffy agreed, guiding him back down for another kiss, “I don't regret it.”

“Neither do I,” Law said against warm lips and hovered over his husband, finally able to talk about what started all of this, “I don't know why the witch sent us to the past. I've been wracking my head over it for years. You broke her crystal ball and she just decided to throw us back in time? Why?”

Shrugging, Luffy asked, “Does there need to be a reason? All I remember is that she started chanting and I was suddenly six again with Makino taking care of me. I thought it was some sort of memory thing but everything felt too real.”

“Yeah? I thought it was a dream at first,” Law quietly admitted, “A nightmare. I came back the day Cora-san was supposed to die and I stopped it from happening. Doflamingo is in jail now. You might have seen him in Impel Down.”

“I did see him down there,” Luffy cracked a grin, “I laughed at him when he tried to convince me to get him out.”

Law couldn't help the giggle that left from his mouth, “Tell me, how did he react?”

“Very angry,” Luffy answered, his gaze suddenly soft, “I like it when you laugh, Torao. You smile and laugh a lot more now. You're happy.”

“It's not like I wasn't happy before,” Law rushed to say, because he had very much enjoyed their other life and he didn't want Luffy to think otherwise.

Luffy brought their clasped hands to his lips, kissing tattooed knuckles, “I wasn't trying to say you weren't. Things here are just different. You saved your dad and I have both my brothers. To be honest, I want to find the witch again and thank her.”

Crumbling under Luffy’s lovely demonstrations, Law murmured, “She might not even know who we are. The witch in this life isn't the same witch who threw us back in time and I really don't want her to do that again. I might go crazy if I have to pretend I don't know my crew a third time.”

Pulling a face, Luffy pouted, “Yeah, I don't like that either. Do you remember the island we met her on?”

“I do and thankfully, we're still a long way away from ever visiting it again. When we do eventually visit it, we're staying very far away from the witch, okay?”

Luffy nodded, “Got it.”

“You better,” Law threatened before he remembered a very important detail Ace had revealed to him. Raising his other arm to pinch at his husband’s cheek, the skin stretching beyond normal human capabilities, he lightly scolded, “I can't believe you told everyone you wanted to marry me when you were seven! You're lucky no one even questioned it because you're you.”

Luffy let him do as he pleased, which definitely meant he missed him too much to be annoyed, “You’re the one who said you'd marry me first! It's only right that I do the same thing too!”

“But I never said your name! I only said I'd marry the next Pirate King.”

“Yeah, and that's me.”

Groaning, Law released the rubbery skin, “Forget it. Common sense doesn't work with you. I should have known better.”

“If you wanna talk about common sense,” Luffy grinned, “You don't have that either when you agreed to marry me right away in Sabaody even though we technically don't know each other.”

Face burning to the tips of his ears, Law wished he could hide his face from his entirely too pleased husband. It was true, Law had gotten swept up in the moment, but what was he supposed to do? Say no? Reject Luffy? The mere thought was blasphemous. Besides, the sooner everyone knew they were it for each other, the better.

Still, Law had a reputation to maintain- what little there was- and demanded, “I want a divorce.”

“Denied,” Luffy smiled, eyes sparkling, “Can we make out?”

Yes, was Law’s immediate answer. Thankfully, he still had his wits with him and as much as he wanted to bask in Luffy’s presence, his prolonged absence was certainly going to be noticed.

“Not right now,” Law reluctantly pulled away and Luffy pouted as Law settled the other’s hand back down to his chest, “I'll go tell everyone you're awake. Do you need anything?”

Luffy pursed his lips, “Meat,” then, “Will you stay with me when Ace and Sabo come in here? I wanna rub it in their faces that I got you to marry me. They've been trying to convince me to give up on you for years.”

Law lifted a brow. He hadn't known about that last part and he was suddenly struck with the same desire to very much prove Luffy’s brothers wrong because how dare they? Law knew it was irrational to think that way but Luffy was his. There was nothing that was going to separate him from the man he gave his heart to.

“Fine. I’m going to give you many kisses. That should scare them too.”

Luffy beamed, “That's fine with me! Let's prove them all wrong!”

Chapter Text

“Luffy!”

“You're awake!”

“I can't believe you broke into Impel Down!”

“I can't believe you made it out!”

“Don't ever do that again!”

“Not without me at least.”

That last comment had Sabo whirling on Ace and smacking his arm.

“Of course I made it out!” Luffy laughed, a certain type of joy encasing his entire being at the sight of his lively older brothers at his bedside.

Sharp pain stabbed at his chest as he laughed but he continued anyway, his pain tolerance far exceeding normal limits by simple willpower. This very moment with both of his brothers alive and well was what was robbed of Luffy in the other life he came from. He remembered too well his grief and agony, the loneliness that was rampant, painfully alone and suffering from the loss of another brother. The shrill cries and heavy tears, the nightmares that haunted his restless sleep in the weeks that followed Marineford.

It was why there was nothing that could erase the wide beaming smile on his face. Blackbeard and Imu could show up and even then Luffy would still have the same jolly smile.

Sabo crossed his arms and frowned, “You got lucky, that’s what happened.”

“Extremely lucky, I'd say,” Ace pointedly said, hinting at something.

That was the moment Law joined them, stepping into the room with a cool indifference. At once, Luffy’s heart soared, always glad to see his husband and especially so in this new life where everything was going great.

“Torao!” Luffy perked up, pain surfacing with every movement he made as he pointed to his brothers, playing innocent because technically they haven’t properly met, “Hey, Torao! Meet my brothers! Ace and Sabo! Ace is the oldest and Sabo here is gonna be my best man when we get married.”

Sabo choked. Ace looked peeved at the reminder.

A pretty smirk settled on Law, “We’ve already met,” and true to his promise, his husband took the other side of his bed and placed a small kiss on his nose, forehead, and cheeks, “I told you not to move around too much.”

Luffy grinned, entirely smug as the years of being told to move on from Law were completely and utterly destroyed. He saw his brothers share a look, communicating entirely through their expressions. Growing up with both of them this time around, Luffy knew exactly what they were saying and he puffed his cheeks.

No, Sabo, this is not an elaborate joke. Yes, Ace, I did actually pull a baddie.

Ignoring them, Luffy pushed his luck, always greedy for more of Law, “Can I have another kiss?” He smiled innocently  “On the lips?”

“The last time we did that, we gave the marines and our crew a show,” Law answered and Luffy pouted as it meant his husband was not going to do what he asked. It wasn't his fault that he got carried away. He just really liked kissing Law. Law was very kissable.

“Yeah, no,” Ace swiftly cut in, shaking his head firmly, “We don't want to see our little brother sucking faces.”

“Same here,” Sabo crossed his arms, warily eyeing Law, “So, Torao, you have to understand why we're a little wary of this entire situation. There's the, uh, age difference to account for.”

Luffy was ready to defend himself, his husband too tensing up as the possibility of being separated was a real chance, when Ace scrunched his face and guiltily looked away, a telltale sign that he was hiding something from them. Evidently, Sabo had not expected that. Luffy hadn't either.

Law, it seemed, knew what Ace was hiding and bluntly stated, “At least Luffy-ya and I don't have a nearly two decade age difference.”

Oh. Luffy blinked. Right. The pineapple guy. He had been in love with Ace. Luffy was pretty sure he never moved on either. Looking at Law, Luffy understood why he hadn't.

“What!?” Sabo exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air, “Ace! Do you have something to tell us!?”

Ace pursed his lips, “I think we should talk about our little brother and his engagement to Torao, that sounds like a more pressing matter.”

“I'm glad to talk about it!” Luffy piped up and went to clasp his bandaged hand around Law’s warm one, who was watching his brothers like an intense tennis match, thinly veiled amusement in his pretty golden eyes, “Torao says he'll marry me after I become Pirate King.”

“Yes, we know, Luffy. Torao already told us,” Sabo's face twitched as he grabbed Ace’s necklace, getting close to the oldest of the brothers, “Ace, why haven’t you told me you were seeing someone? Who are you seeing?”

With a sheepish smile, Ace answered, “Marco. Turns out, I'm really into older men and it definitely doesn't help that he's a doctor.”

Jaw hanging, Sabo nearly screeched, “He's old enough to be your father.”

Ace shrugged, not a single look of regret on him, “Yeah, that's kinda the point.”

“I'm stepping out,” Law whispered to him as the argument between Ace and Sabo escalated.

“Take me with you,” Luffy pleaded.

“You should be thinking of backing up Ace-ya, otherwise, I don't think Sabo-ya will be your best man by the time we get married.”

Which, okay, good point. Law was right, as he tended to be.

“Kiss me one more time?” Luffy begged, pulling the big wide eyes and he watched, satisfied, as his husband closed his eyes, succumbing to his weakness.

A soft kiss was planted on his lips and by the time Law left, Luffy barged into the argument with renewed enthusiasm.

-

Law eventually left the dumpster fire that was Luffy and his brothers yelling, fighting, and right before he left, biting at each other. Sabo was not as calm or responsible as he claimed to be, Law amusedly thought.

Stepping into the upper deck, he spotted Corazon fiddling with a piece of paper in his hand as he leaned against the rails of the Polar Tang. There was a conflicted look on his father's eyes, nervous biting of his lips, and his gaze settled onto the horizon. Particularly to the direction the Red-Haired Pirates had sailed to.

Briefly making sure his crew was safe from the fierce women of Amazon Lily- Law wouldn't put it past Penguin and Shachi to do something stupid but Bepo would make sure they would be on their best behavior- Law spoke up when he neared his father.

“A berri for your thoughts?”

Corazon jumped, too deep in his own musings to notice his presence, “Law! Don't scare me like that,” he scowled and bitingly said, “Well don't scare me even more. I've already resigned myself to having a reckless son-in-law to pair with my equally reckless son.”

Good, Law happily thought. Corazon would get to know Luffy soon anyway, he would change his mind. It was impossible to hate his husband after all.

Law nodded at the piece of paper in Corazon’s hand, “What are you going to do?”

Tensing, Corazon clutched the paper, “Nothing. Shanks is an Emperor. Why would he waste time on me?”

Something pulled at his chest and Law frowned. Hearing his father talk so lowly about himself didn't sit right with him. Corazon deserved the best the world had to offer. Especially so after taking in an unruly brat and showering him with affection and doing everything he could to keep a smile on Law’s face. They weren’t poor on Swallow Island- Sengoku’s visits prevented that- but Corazon had always worked a little too hard just to give him and his childhood friends extra comfort and full bellies. After everything his father had done for him, Law at least wanted Corazon to seek the same type of love he found within Luffy. The special kind that was robbed of him in Law’s other life so unjustly.

“I think you should call him Cora-san,” Law said, reaching out to smooth the paper from the crumbled state before handing it back, “Luffy-ya speaks highly of him. Something tells me he'd treat you well. You deserve happiness too.”

Corazon pouted and took another look at the hastily written number on the parchment, “I'll think about it. Shanks was rather sweet, I wasn't expecting that from an Emperor.”

Fighting back the urge to grin, Law could only pat his father’s shoulder. When news of his father and Shanks's relationship hit the news, Law hoped it would ruin Akainu's day and life.

-

Sunlight shone brightly, reflecting Luffy’s good mood as he barged into the upper deck of the Polar Tang, having grown tired of hearing Sabo lecture and left Ace to his fate. The Heart Pirates, Jinbei, and Marco were scattered amongst the bay with a few of the fierce women providing food. He reminded himself to thank Hancock the first chance he got. Luffy almost missed Law, who tried to reach for him but was stopped by a tall blonde, his giant figure nearly hiding his husband from view.

Right. Law’s father. Corazon- Rosinante? The guy introduced himself with that name. Either way, Luffy had to get his blessing, it would make Law happy even if he knew his husband would still marry him without it. Law was sensitive like that, although not many people knew it. Back straight and tugging on his straw hat, Luffy made a beeline for them.

“Law! Rosi!” Luffy greeted with a wide smile, entirely ignoring the aches on his still healing body.

Law gave him a tiny fond albeit worried smile, “Luffy-ya, you should be resting.”

Rosinante smiled too but it was tight and strained, “Straw Hat,” he smiled wider, “I think you and I need to have a talk. Alone.”

“Cora-san, don’t,” Law protested, tugging at the sleeve of the feather jacket, “You promised.”

“I’m not going to harm him,” Rosinante insisted, settling a placating hand on Law’s shoulder, “It’s just a talk. A conversation. I have the right to it since I’m your father,” the blonde’s smile was all teeth as he stared down at him, “Let’s talk, Straw Hat.”

The abrupt shift of personality from when Luffy first met Rosinante was bewildering but as always, he took it in with little fanfare and nodded, “Okay!”

His husband had nothing to be concerned about and Luffy wondered why he had that troubling expression when Rosinante led him to the wild jungle of Amazon Lily. However, the further they went into the thick greenery, the more Luffy considered the possibility that Law’s dad might try to kill him. Which, bummer, because Luffy really wanted to get his blessing. Maybe he could still try with Sengoku if things went south since he was Law’s grandfather apparently.

Fortunately, when Rosinante turned around with no murderous weapon in hand, Luffy felt himself relax. The blonde instead crossed his arms, a myriad of emotions flickered through him too quickly for Luffy to make out before it smoothed out to a thin, polite smile. The type of smile that was fake.

“Ever since I took my son from my brother's manipulation, Law has wanted a peculiar thing. Freedom. He thinks that he can have that if he marries the Pirate King. It's true that the Pirate King embodies freedom itself but the title comes with a price. Law refuses to change his mind and after seeing what you did in Marineford for your brother and hearing what you did in Enies Lobby for your crew-mate, I actually think you have a chance and that terrifies me because that means Law will be in danger.”

There was something akin to panic in those eyes, the carefully controlled expression breaking apart, “The worst part of all of this is that he’s in love with you, he’d follow you anywhere, he followed you to the war at Marineford. I never put much thought into those silly love-at-first-sight stories but I’m seeing it happen to my son.”

Rosinante stopped for a moment, chest heaving as the last of his panic left him, and he swallowed, wincing as though he hadn’t meant to reveal that last part. Suddenly, Luffy perfectly understood the reason why Rosinante sought to speak to him in private, he knew what the blonde was truly saying, what he wanted to know.

Your dad really cares about you, Torao. I'm happy for you.

“Hey, you don't have to worry,” Luffy said, earnest and genuine, “I love Law. I can't live without him. He's everything to me. I'm not strong now but I will be and nothing will ever stop me from protecting those I care about.”

A throb in his chest had Luffy settling a hand over Law’s chest, trying to reassure both father and son, “I'll make Torao happy and never take his freedom away. I'll take care of him and love him forever.”

Laughing a bit hysterically, Rosinante weakly said, “You don't know him and what's with that silly name?”

“Gramps told me about Torao a long time ago,” Luffy explained, “He said there was a kid saying he wanted to marry the next Pirate King, so I told gramps I'd marry him. I couldn't pronounce Law’s name so I gave him a nickname!”

“… Who is your gramps?”

“Garp,” Luffy said, rubbing the back of his head as he recalled his grandfather’s job, “I think he's some big shot in the marines. Do you know him?”

“No way,” Rosinante gasped, uncrossing his arms to rub at his temple, “That’s why he turned so pale,” in a blink, the blonde squeezed his shoulders in a death grip that would have hurt if Luffy wasn’t made out of rubber, “So then, ever since you were a kid you wanted to marry Law? Just because your gramps talked about him once? Are you telling me you've been in love with him too? For years?”

“Yup!”

They stared at each other. Luffy was unphased. He was not going to budge and he needed Law’s dad to see that.

Letting go of his shoulders, Rosinante looked up at the sky and rubbed at his face vigorously, face paint smearing, “I can’t tell if this is fate or just one big crazy coincidence,” a heavy sigh released as he placed his hands on his hips, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but okay. Fine. I will give you a chance to earn my blessing.”

Rosinante’s eyes narrowed, piercing, predatory almost, dangerous. For a moment, Luffy saw Doflamingo instead, presence heavy and filled with tempered madness. The hair at the back of his neck rose, goosebumps rising along his arms, and Luffy suddenly grew alert when faced with a presence startlingly similar to the madman who had imprisoned Law and an entire kingdom.

They’re brothers, Luffy swiftly reasoned, squashing down the urge to throw a punch, Of course they feel the same.

The blonde raised a finger coated in Haki and poked him in the forehead, a sharp pain rising from the action, “But one misstep, you hurt my son or break his heart, you’re dead. Do you understand?”

Rosinante meant it too, his Haki flaring around him with that declaration, and again so eerily reminiscent of Doflamingo and his brand of craziness. But whereas Doflamingo had been merciless, Rosinante's wrath brimmed with a protective love, an intent wildly different from the anger the other brother carried. Different but not lesser in its looming promise of death.

Taking the full suffocating force, Luffy did not dare falter. He didn't take a step back or flinched. He braved forward, head held high as he met Rosinante’s stare head on.

“I do.”

Approval made its way to Rosinante and he stiffly nodded, “Good. Very good. Now, let me tell you some things about Law that you need to know. He hates bread, I think he gets it from me-”

Everything Rosinante told him from that moment Luffy had already known. But still, he listened, amazed at how well Law’s dad knew everything about his son.

-

“I’m putting one hundred berri on Cora-san hiding Straw Hat’s body in that wild jungle,” Penguin said.

“Yeah? I’m betting twice for both of them making it back,” Shachi paused, “Along with Straw Hat getting Cora-san’s blessing.”

“Stop making bets,” Uni scolded before opening a mini notepad, “We have to talk about wedding plans. Our captain deserves the best but the money will be an issue. We’re short on funds right now.”

“Didn’t Straw Hat say he was going to be the King of the Pirates?” Clione asked, “I say we let the Straw Hats foot the bill once they find the One Piece. Or at least make them pay for most of the expenses.”

“Good thinking,” Uni furrowed his brow, “Hey, Red-Haired Shanks is an Emperor, if Cora-san ends up calling him, maybe he could convince Shanks to pitch in as well?”

Bepo tapped his chin, contemplative, “That could work.”

Penguin groaned, “We should have asked him when he was still here. We gotta convince Cora-san to call the guy now.”

Law stared at his crew, feeling a little helpless and kind of endeared by their ready enthusiasm. Some of his crew was still missing yet Law had a feeling they would be just as willing and as obnoxious as the others.

A strong presence neared them and Law drew his lips to a frown. Bepo and Jean jumped to their feet, ready to defend and fight on his behalf, but Law shook his head and met Hancock halfway. He didn't want to risk his crew getting turned into stone. The Pirate Empress had largely kept her distance and her slightly red eyes and barely there puffy cheeks told Law all he needed to know about how she was handling Luffy’s engagement to him. 

Hancock flipped her hair back, her mask stoic as ever, “I'll be upfront with you. I expected your father to try and murder Luffy. I had hoped so, that way I could have saved Luffy and tried to convince him you weren't worth the trouble.”

Taking a deep breath, Law contained the ugly vicious anger that he once wielded like second skin in his mad days for revenge. Hancock spying on the conversation somehow didn't surprise him, but the latter part of what she said made him want to snarl. The only reason why he didn't was because there was no need to be upset over it. She wouldn't have succeeded. Luffy was already his and Law had his beating heart in his possession, a treasured hostage in the impossible event should his husband’s eyes ever stray from him. Still, she did unknowingly lessen one of his worries and Law dropped his shoulders.

“I'm glad to know Cora-san didn't harm him. And you wouldn't have gotten far, Luffy-ya doesn't give up so easily,” Law stated as a fact.

Hancock’s face remained impressively blank, “I know. I heard the entire conversation. I realize I truly do not have a chance, Trafalgar Law. Luffy has loved you for a very long time and I cannot, in good conscience, get in the way of his happiness.”

Law thought about giving his condolences but she wouldn't want them. She was a proud woman. He thought about giving her a hint of the women she would one day spoil and wax poetry to but wagered she would probably take it as an attack. Instead, he nodded, grateful she hadn’t started on a hellbent and useless goal of trying to win over his husband.

“That’s a relief. I know you’re strong and if our pettiness had gotten bad enough for us to fight, it would make Luffy-ya upset. I don’t want to make him upset. I want him to be happy.”

“On that, we can agree on.”

Another startlingly strong presence had them snap their heads to the sea. A figure in the distance was swimming towards them. The Dark King, Rayleigh, landed on shore and promptly gave everyone a fright.

Briefly exchanging a glance with Hancock, they both made their way to greet the former right-hand man of the late Pirate King and the man who would train his husband for the next two years.

-

Unlike last time, Law opted to stay the entire two weeks of Luffy’s recovery, and it made Luffy immensely happy as it meant it was two weeks of being able to stare at his pretty husband as much as he wanted to and be fretted over by Law’s caring hands. Whereas Law stayed, some of the others didn’t. Jinbei and Marco had set sail for Whitebeard’s grave, leaving behind Ace who was offered the same training as him by a misty eyed Rayleigh. Sabo was given the same option but refused, intending to return to the Revolutionary Army and train under Dragon. Which was a tad bit upsetting but who was Luffy to force someone to do something they didn’t want to do? It would be a besmirch in Nika’s name and everything he stood for if he did that.

Although, Sabo didn't want to sail until he spoke to Law. Privately. Ace was surprisingly in agreement too. The matter of the conversation was obviously about Luffy and while he did try to follow them in the revolutionary ship in hopes of eavesdropping, Rosinante pulled him back by the collar of his shirt.

“I don’t like it either, but considering I gave you the shovel talk, it’s only fair your brothers do the same.”

Luffy blinked, “The shovel what?”

“It's a promise of violence from the family should the suitor hurt the person they're dating,” Rosinante patiently explained, “In this case, the person they're marrying. Like how I told you you're dead if you do anything to upset my son.”

“Oh,” Luffy said, scrambling his brain if anyone had ever given him the shovel talk in the other life. He found that no, no one had said anything to him about Law. A shovel talk was given from family after all. Law’s crew had merely congratulated them and wished them happiness. In fact, they thanked him for marrying Law.

“You care about Torao a lot,” Luffy ended up saying.

Rosinante puffed out a laugh, “I'm his father, that goes without saying.”

Shaking his head, Luffy said, “That has nothing to do with it. My dads don't really care about me. They don't know me either. Dragon’s too busy leading the Revolutionary Army and Crocodile doesn't know he's my dad. All I had was gramps and my brothers but now I have my friends and Torao!”

The blonde stared at him. He stared at him for a long while.

“I see,” Rosinante then patted his back, his features softening, “I knew my parents but I lost them when I was still a kid. Sengoku took me in after that, a lot like your gramps did to you.”

“Seagull guy?” Luffy grinned, “I saw him when I rescued Ace! He tried to stop me but we still made it out. He was pretty angry, haha.”

Grimacing, Rosinante nodded, “That's him. We don't talk- kind of impossible with us being pirates and him the Fleet Admiral- but I know he misses us a lot. I always send him pictures of Law and I whenever I get the chance. Don't you and your brothers do the same thing for Garp?”

“We don't,” Luffy frowned and thought about how he rather liked the idea of sending pictures to his grandfather, that way Garp wouldn't miss him so much and hopefully wouldn't hit as hard with a fist of love the next time they meet.

“But now I want to!” Luffy brightened up, “I wanna send him a picture of me and Torao saying we're gonna get married soon! And one of Ace to show him he's alive!”

Sighing, Rosinante relented, “Alright, I can help you do that. I do have a camera. Let's hope Garp doesn't have a heart attack once he gets those pictures,” a pause, “Let's hope both Garp and Sengoku don't try to kill each other too.”

-

In another life, Sabo had been rather grim and stern. A man thankful to have at least one of his brothers and a guilt that rivaled Luffy’s when it came to the oldest of the brothers. The shovel talk the Chief of the Revolutionary Army had given him was more a quiet thanks for loving his brother and a half-hearted threat of violence, having known Law and witnessed the growing affection between Luffy and Law over the passing years.

Unfortunately, in this lifetime, Law and Luffy had forgone the slow romance and everything that came with dating. In the eyes of Sabo, and an alive Ace now, Law was still essentially a stranger and they were right to be wary of the man their brother had suddenly proposed to, and to be even more concerned when said stranger accepted the proposal. They had not expected Luffy to achieve his goal of marrying Torao so it should come as no surprise that they were suddenly left baffled by it.

However, Law was a man of many plans and he knew that to convince Ace and Sabo he had to stretch the truth and make it known that he was so enamored with Luffy that he would never think of betraying him. Which, in hindsight, was very easy to do.

The sun shone brightly and it was all Law needed to stay relaxed as he came to a halt on the deck of the revolutionary ship. Kikoku was nowhere in sight, Law had left the cursed sword in Bepo’s fretting hands. An act of goodwill.

Ace casually leaned on the rails of the ship but there was no mistaking his sharp eyes. Sabo was more direct, gone was the gratitude from a different timeline, replaced by a menacing gaze as he crossed his arms. Law did not miss how they essentially blocked his exit, the only way out being the dangerous sea where he'd immediately drown.

“Once Luffy has made up his mind about something, he doesn’t give up on it,” Sabo began, “He said he wanted to marry Torao. Fine. We didn’t think he’d get very far.”

“Luffy, being Luffy, has managed to surpass all our expectations,” Ace picked up, “How were we supposed to know you’re just as crazy as Luffy?”

“That doesn’t matter anymore,” Sabo said, putting them back on track with a firm glare. The Haki of the Chief of the Revolutionary Army slightly flared, just enough to intimidate Law. Having experienced Haki far worse than Sabo’s, and more dangerous too, Law didn't fold under the pressure.

Jaw clenched, Sabo proclaimed, “We can’t stop you two getting married. But hurt our little brother, Trafalgar Law, and you’ll wish you were dead.”

Ace smiled, casual yet daunting, “I’ll burn your body until there’s nothing but ashes left.”

It didn’t take a genius to figure out they were being sincere in their threats. Obviously, they cared about Luffy a lot. Considering how he and Luffy skipped everything to immediately be fiancés, Law was honestly glad the brothers wouldn’t try to separate the two of them. But their concerns were for naught and when Law stared at them both, he came to an abrupt decision.

“I’d kill myself before I let that happen,” Law said and pressed a hand over where a specific organ laid in his chest. Murmuring under his breath, he activated his devil fruit. His lung rested in his hand, the gel-like substance covering it, and a hole was left in his chest from the absence of the organ.

Law offered his lung to the gaping brothers, “If that’s still not enough, you can have my lung.”

Sabo audibly swallowed, reaching out as if intending to take it but was, apparently, too grossed out by the working lung. Ace pushed himself off the rails, awe written all over his face as he leaned down to get a closer look at his lung.

“What if we ask for your heart instead?” Ace asked, looking up at him, face blank as he waited for an answer.

Hook, line, and sinker. Law expected one of them to ask for it. It would make this entire endeavor play right into his hands.

“You can’t have my heart. Luffy-ya has it.”

A beat of silence fell. Law inwardly grinned as he waited for the implications to hit.

Sabo straightened his back, his quick mind at work, “Do you mean that metaphorically or literally?”

Entirely unphased by the question, Law put his lung back and took out the beating heart in his chest. However, he didn't offer it to the brothers. This heart was staying with him forever.

“Literally. The heart I have is Luffy-ya’s,” Law couldn’t help but smile, seeing the way Luffy’s heart rested comfortably in his hand, strong and soothing, and he gave the cubed heart a chaste kiss, if only to further sell his infatuation, “If you need proof, you’ll notice that my pulse doesn’t match this heart. It’s the same for Luffy-ya.”

After a quick demonstration and immediately realizing Law was telling the truth, Ace and Sabo looked at one another.

“Luffy works way too quick. When did they even switch hearts?” Sabo groaned into his hands, “I don't even want to know.”

“Sabo, I hate to say it, but this guy might actually be perfect for Luffy’s stubborn ass.”

“I was just thinking the same thing.”

Smirking, Law put Luffy’s heart back in his chest and asked nonchalantly, “Do I have your blessing now?”

Ace looked at him, face scrunched, and turned back to Sabo, “I want a rematch for the position of best man.”

As far as shovel talks go, Law could certainly say this one was very entertaining, standing as a referee for Ace and Sabo as they wrestled each other, shouting at the top of their lungs.

-

The two weeks of their stay were nearing its end, Luffy recovering as quickly as ever, and Law quietly sighed. Two weeks were not enough to make up for the years apart and he found himself ironically wishing for more time. 

However, two weeks were enough for Luffy to integrate himself well with his crew and, as Law expected, bump shoulders with Corazon as they laughed together and shared drinks around a bonfire. An overwhelming amount of pure content rushed through Law as he watched his husband and his father excitedly exchange stories of their respective marine parental figures.

“Man, if I needed any more convincing, that look on your face would do it. Just like yesterday. And the day before yesterday. And the day before that day too.”

Law merely rolled his eyes as Ace threw an arm around his shoulder, having reached a point where strangers were definitely not what they were anymore. Akin to family and while it was a strange feeling, Law welcomed it. Bepo’s snoring came to a halt, looking at the newcomer who leaned against him with beady eyes before deciding sleep was more important and the mink returned to restfully snoring away.

“You think this is bad?” Shachi laughed from Law’s other side, “You should see the captain when he's drunk! He gets all-”

“Finish that sentence and you won't have your hands until the next day,” Law casually threatened.

“Boo!” Shachi retorted and his cries were repeated by his drunk crew, having no idea why they were booing but gladly doing so nonetheless.

“Aww come on, I wanna know!” Ace grinned and leaned in, the smell of alcohol heavy this close, “I'll tell you embarrassing Luffy stories in return.”

Fire Fist drove a hard bargain. Fortunately, Law was saved from answering when Luffy plopped himself between them rather forcefully. 

Wait. Don't tell me Luffy was-

“Ace, back off,” Luffy scowled, tugging Law to his side, “You have your own doctor.”

He was.

“You’re a ridiculous man,” Law stated, letting Luffy do as he pleased as he wrapped his arm around his torso several times, “And the most jealous man I've ever met.”

“I can't help it,” Luffy adorably whined, “You're mine.”

“Please don't start making out,” Penguin immediately said from across, “I'm not drunk enough for this.”

Jumping to his feet and abandoning them, Ace echoed the same feeling, “I don't wanna be traumatized again,” and practically ran toward Rayleigh, who was more than glad to spend time with the son of his late captain, even if Ace insisted his real dad was Whitebeard.

When Luffy tried to lean in to kiss him, it took every willpower in Law to raise an arm between them to put a hand on his husband’s mouth, effectively halting him from going any further. Luffy gave him a confused look but Law forced himself to not give in. While it was true they had two weeks together- two weeks of wonderful cuddling, and kissing under the sun and moonlight much to the annoyance of everyone around them- they were never left alone. Ace was not the issue, not when he was begrudgingly impressed that Luffy had managed to secure an engagement with him, but the real concern was Law’s father.

Corazon, with his keen eyes, simply didn't let them have any privacy. Needling himself at the last second and somehow effective in dragging an oblivious Luffy away. Perhaps a part of his father refused to let him go despite getting along so well with Luffy. Perhaps Corazon thought he was protecting him in some weird way. In any case, Law was tired of passionately making out with his husband only to be left frustrated in the wake of it when he was forced to sleep alone in his cold bed. He wasn't the only one feeling this way, seeing Luffy frown at rare times when Corazon casually forced Law to retire to his quarters alone.

Luffy must have seen the pure frustration on his face, and finally decided to do something about Law's overbearing and frankly, cockblocking father, because next thing Law knew, his husband went back to Corazon’s side and picked up a mug. He smiled innocently and offered the drink to the other man. And kept offering more the longer they cheerily laughed together and talked.

Scoffing, Law joined his crew who were playing poker with an undefeated Hakugan. The tactic Luffy was trying was not going to work. Law had tried to do the same thing several nights ago but had been quickly found out and Corazon took extra care to watch his alcohol intake, giving him a very disappointed look afterwards.

When Corazon tipped backwards, laughing maniacally before falling on his back ungracefully, snoring away next to a passed out Ace, Law should have known Luffy was capable of the impossible. The disarming smile certainly helped throw people off their rhythm and his husband used it shamelessly to his advantage. Luffy poked Corazon’s cheek and when he didn't move an inch, his husband swiftly abandoned him.

Not wasting a single second, Luffy excitedly grinned and grabbed Law's arm, tugging him up with his strength. Law went without hesitation, trailing after his husband, his heart skipping and anticipation running through him.

Whistles were thrown at them as they made their way to the Polar Tang and Law’s entire face was aflame. Normally, he wouldn't be this damn eager or obvious but like hell was he going to let this chance pass. Luffy was likely thinking the same thing, quickly pulling him into his arms, and he jumped and almost fell as they landed on the submarine.

“I can walk just fine, Lu-ya!” Law said, clutching onto the red vest, “You shouldn't be carrying me-”

Luffy beamed and all of Law’s worry and annoyance disappeared, “I know you can walk but this is faster and I'm fine! Really! Good as new! Good enough to have sex!”

So blunt. How was Law so easily charmed by him? He stifled a laugh and let his husband carry him to his room, hiding his smile into Luffy’s chest, hearing his own heart race quickly. 

Despite the long years apart, Luffy had no trouble finding his room. Yanking the door open- Luffy didn't kick it, a miracle itself- Law barely had time to react as he was thrown onto his bed on his back, releasing a startled yelp as he bounced and his hat rolled off to the floor. Law used his elbows to raise himself up, only to be pushed back into the mattress as his husband licked his lips and made himself at home between his sprawled legs, hot bodies pressed against one another.

The dark fervent expression on Luffy’s face had Law’s insides fluttering and his dick twitching in the tight confines of his jeans. Warm desperate lips met his, eager and wet. Calloused hands touched everywhere, down his sides to his stomach before slipping them under his shirt. Law shuddered at the first physical contact of bare skin and he nearly lost himself to Luffy’s pace before he remembered a vital thing.

“The door-” Law gasped out in between kisses, tugging back dark locks to let him speak. If anyone walked in, he wouldn't be held responsible for his actions.

“Locked,” was all Luffy said right before demanding entry to his mouth, his tongue reaching for every surface of his mouth. 

Luffy's fingers slipped further under his shirt, hot hands leaving a blaze until they reached his pecs. Greedy hands played with his pecs, the buds sensitive to every push and pull, and Law couldn't help the moans that slipped out of him. Every part of his body was on fire, finally getting to know what it felt like to be touched by eager hands. While Law remembered everything from his other life, this body clearly didn't. It showed in the way his hips jerked on their own account, desperate for friction. Luffy himself was unconsciously strutting into his leg, his own body likely overwhelmed with the pleasurable sensations. They wouldn't last long, Law knew, but these bodies were young and the night was just getting started.

Gripping onto the red vest, Law decided he wanted to see his husband naked now and deftly unbutton the shirt. He pushed Luffy back and quickly removed the offending article, lamenting the sight of toned abs that were still covered by bandages, right before immediately reaching for the shorts. Luffy hastily picked up the pace, the sound of a zipper coming undone, pulling down his shorts and threw them into the air. The straw hat followed too, joining his spotted hat.

Naked and utterly shameless with a thick weeping erection begging to be touched, Law swallowed, head heavy with the realization Luffy would be inside of him, and he huffed out a small laugh.

“No underwear?”

“No,” fingers wrapped around the belt loop of his tight jeans, slowly growing frustrated, “Come on, take them off, I wanna see all of you again.”

The outright desire had Law doing exactly as Luffy demanded, removing his shoes, jeans, shirt, until there was nothing separating them anymore. Luffy hungrily eyed him, greedy eyes drinking in the ink and tan skin, and Law smirked as he raised his arms to grab onto the pillow behind him and played coy, spreading his legs, his hard shaft pleading for attention, and presented himself for Luffy’s intense gaze.

Law didn’t even get the chance to say a teasing remark, Luffy grabbing the back of his knees to throw them over his shoulders, leaving Law more exposed. His husband’s dick slipped into the crevice of his ass, teasing and a promise for more and his own cock dripped with pre-cum, tears threatening to rise with the ache to have Luffy inside.

“Lube,” Luffy hoarsely said and Law knew instantly it was taking everything in his husband to not immediately start fucking him and his dick jumped at the thought of having the Pirate King near shambles with want, “Where?” 

“Where I always keep it,” Law managed to answer.

Without further prompt, Luffy stretched his arm and retrieved a half filled tube of lube from one of the many drawers of his desk. Taking a look at it, his husband grinned and Law felt his face burn.

“Do you think about me when you finger yourself, Torao?”

Law gazed up at his husband as he softly answered, “I think about you every night.”

Luffy smiled, eyes crinkling as he leaned down, bending Law in half in the process, to kiss him slow and needy before breaking the kiss, “I think about Torao every night too. I’m gonna be really sad when you leave,” his husband turned his head to place small kisses on his legs and Law shuddered, “I know I’ll see you again in two years but I just got you back and I don’t wanna let you go.”

Law didn’t want to let him go either but if he said it out loud, there was a real chance Luffy would actually stay and that was something that simply couldn’t happen. Training for two years was how Luffy became powerful to deal with the dangers of the New World and achieve the title he had dreamed for so long.

So, Law smiled and locked his arms around Luffy’s neck, foreheads touching and their breaths mingling with one another from the proximity, “You have me the entire night. Don’t think about anything else.”

Luffy's brown doe eyes were soft, “I’m gonna make love to you, Torao.”

Hearing that had Law's composure shattered and he shakily nodded, his heart fluttering and matching the one beating like crazy in his chest.

The next morning everyone knew how the night had gone when Law walked with a limp, pleasantly sore and satisfied, and a very smiley Luffy at his side. It certainly didn't help that both sported hickeys and bite marks, more on Law’s end because Luffy was as insatiable as he remembered.

A few thumbs up were given to them, an annoying congrats from his childhood friends, Ace doing the same for his own brother. But it was Corazon who stewed with displeasure, hangover evident, and loudly announced his blessing was now revoked.

Luffy was distraught but Law could only think that it was absolutely worth it.

Chapter Text

Raised in the North Blue his entire life twice over, Law wholly welcomed the wintry air and cold snow. The powdery snow didn’t bother him as it fell around him, cascading the entire ground in a blank canvas. Once upon a time, the snow had represented a melancholy of bittersweet memories. First with an infamous white city and a loving family. Then later with a smiling man who whisked him away from the grasp of a madman.

Sometimes, Law wondered what he would have done if the witch had brought him back further. A part of him was thankful she hadn't done so. The fate of his blood family had been sealed long ago. It would have torn another hole in his soul if he had to see the walking dead faces of his parents and his sister. They would stay lost no matter how much Law wished otherwise. It was why he guarded what he considered his so close to his chest. His crew. His husband. Not even his father was the exception, less so when Law had lived and loved an entire lifetime because he had died for him.

The pale fingers looked wrong around Corazon’s hand. Law reminded himself that he could not slice off the mad scientist's hands. A bile of disgust rose in him and he wondered at how Corazon hadn’t yet broken the scientist’s wrists for touching him so carelessly. Law supposed that the instinctual need to break bones was preserved for him instead of Corazon’s own wellbeing.

“You're more than welcome to stay here!” 

Caesar smiled and even that looked wrong. One look at Rosinante Donquixote really was, apparently, enough to have a mad scientist abandon all rational thought. At least Law’s heart wouldn’t be used as hostage, not that he would have done so anyways since the heart in his chest was Luffy’s.

Corazon narrowed his eyes at the purple haired scientist and Law was abruptly reminded that this man had handled himself well around an even crazier man. 

Smiling politely, Corazon raised his hand to place it over the pale hands that grasped his other one, “Thank you for letting me and my son stay here! Say, where can we place our submarine? Our crew is always with us of course, especially since my son is a Warlord now.”

It would seem Caesar’s infatuation only went so far. The mad scientist let out an airy laugh.

“Oh, you see, I can't let that happen. My benefactor won't be pleased to hear an entire pirate crew is here. If it's just you and…” a glance his way, as if in disbelief, “Your son, then yes, you can both stay!”

The smile on Corazon’s face turned sharp but Law intervened before he could say anything. With the information he scouted- along with Shanks’ confirmation- Kaido still had Wano crushed under his foot. Dressrosa was no longer ruled by an oppressing king but a hidden factory remained there nonetheless since it was closer to Wano. Considering how things in this timeline were running similar to the other life he came from, it meant that Zou would be in trouble too. 

The people of Zou had survived thanks to the intervention of his and Luffy’s crew. It was essential that his crew made it there. It was where the foundations of the plan to take down Kaido would happen and that was a factor Law didn’t want to risk changing. After all, Kaido and Big Mom were dangerous adversaries even with knowledge of the future. Their success in defeating both Emperors had been done on a very slim chance and dumb luck. Fortunately for Law, dumb luck favored Luffy. He had faith in his husband, they would survive and come out on top. For now, he had to take the necessary steps to make it happen.

“That’s fine,” Law drew his lips to a smirk, “We’re in agreement then. You let us stay in the laboratory to research and we’ll leave you alone to do whatever it is you’re doing on this island.”

His father easily followed along, “That’s right! You don’t have to worry about us, we’ll be out of each other’s hair!”

“I’ll tell my crew to set sail. We’ll be right back.”

Leaving behind a floundering Caesar and his naive lackeys, Law trekked through the heavy snow to make his way to the harbor where the Polar Tang was stationed in all of her majestic beauty. Once they were far from the mad scientist's earshot, Corazon breathed a sigh of relief.

“That guy gives me the same creeps as Doffy,” his father immediately said, shivering for an entirely different reason than the cold.

“Try not to be alone with him,” Law cautioned, “He’s a mad genius. Those types tend to be stalkerish.”

“Just my luck,” Corazon dryly said.

And it’s going to get even worse, Law thought bemusedly to himself, Smoker will be here soon. Things were different this time around, no Vergo or Monet, which definitely meant there was a very high chance of a fight breaking out between Smoker and Caesar. A fight Law anticipated but not as eagerly as he did for the inevitable reunion with his fiancé. A couple of more weeks and Law would be free to kiss Luffy as much as he liked.

A seagull was on the rails of the Polar Tang and Ikkaku whistled at them as soon as they boarded the submarine. The rest of his crew was sprawled on the deck, grinning, and Law had a feeling whose letter was in Ikkaku's hands.

“Captain! You’ve got another letter from your grandpa!” Ikkaku announced.

Sighing and rubbing his face, Law took the letter from her hands. He read the contents of the letter out loud, that way his crew wouldn’t pester him later for it.

“Dear beloved grandson, I am asking you once again to reconsider,” Law rolled his eyes but continued anyways, “That boy is trouble and the fact that there’s been no news of him in over a year means he’s scheming something. He hasn’t visited you either and you deserve more than a no-good pirate, no offense to you or Rosinante. Leave Straw Hat for good or else I’ll revoke your Warlord status. I gave you Warlord status and I can just as easily take it back. Your doting grandfather, Sengoku. P.S, tell your father to give me more pictures, I’ve grown fond of scrapbooking.”

Hearing giggles and snickers, Law ignored his crew and let the letter fly away from his hand. He watched the wind carry the letter to the sea, forever lost as the rest of the letters Sengoku had sent them.

“Hasn’t he been threatening to take away your Warlord status for months now?” Penguin laughed, wiping tears from his eyes, “The old man has gotten soft.”

“It’s either that or the new fleet admiral won’t let it happen,” Shachi answered, “Didn’t you say that Akainu is in love with Cora-san, Captain?”

“It’s not like that-” Corazon immediately refuted but Law didn’t let him go any further.

“Yes. I won’t be surprised if this is Akainu’s way of trying to protect you,” Law pointedly said to his father.

Corazon crossed his arms, unamused, “Or it could be because you delivered one hundred beating hearts to the marines and that type of strength is something they want on their side.”

“Sure,” Law said, mimicking the other by crossing his arms as well, “I suppose it's a coincidence that I keep getting summoned for a meeting with the Fleet Admiral under the guise of protecting the marines from other pirates. Not to mention that your name is constantly brought up to take with me to said meetings.”

The crew laughed and it was Bepo who consoled a pouty Corazon who turned his back, childishly ignoring him. Sometimes, it felt like their roles were reversed with how old Law truly was and how petulant Corazon acted.

Shaking his head, Law turned to the rest of his crew and delivered the news. Zou would be in good hands with his crew, especially with a Bepo who could now use Haki.

-

“Law, we have to save them.”

They had discovered the kids Caesar was using as experiments for his drug. Looking at Corazon, he had the same worried face he always wore for Law back in those months they spent traveling from hospital to hospital. Trying to do everything he could to save Law from a disease that had already staked its claim on his life.

“We will,” Law promised, because underneath his tough exterior he wasn't as heartless people believed him to be. 

The first time he had discovered them he had lamented their fates and pushed through it, his thirst for revenge taking all priority. It wasn't until Luffy and his merry crew arrived and announced to save them that he let himself think that maybe it wasn't too late to save their lives. And when Luffy did the impossible as he always did, Law had set to work on ebbing the addiction to make their return to a normal life easier.

“But we have to wait,” Law said, tightly gripping his beloved cursed sword, all too aware of the rippling effects, “Caesar has too many guards and his bodyguard is too strong in Haki. We need a distraction, a big one.”

It wasn't too long now. Soon, a samurai from Wano should be making their way to Punk Hazard. Law was positive he saw Momonosuke in the room where Caesar kept the children imprisoned. His blood pumped, heart throbbing in a way it would always do for one man. Let his husband know that Law was thinking of him.

“I…” Corazon started, face scrunching as his fingers fidgeted with the laces of his feathery jacket, “I could be… the distraction.”

It took a moment for the words to process. When it did, Law put his foot down.

“No,” Law hissed, glaring up at his father, “You're not going anywhere near Caesar. It's bad enough he's already forcing you to have dinner with him twice a week.”

“Having dinner with him was how you discovered the chemical he was producing,” Corazon retorted.

His father was unfortunately correct on that front. While things had remained remarkably similar to the other timeline, the absence of Monet and Doflamingo’s influence was evident in the way Caesar ran his lab. With complete free reign, the production of SAD had been moved to an entirely different location. It had unsettled Law the first time he didn't see it, spending weeks searching every nook and cranny. The change of locations had left Law wary of changing too many things in the past.

Still, Luffy and his crew would be here soon and that was a fact Law could rely on.

“Let's just wait for now,” Law reasoned.

Sighing, Corazon relented. His father plopped down on the couch, head rolling back, “At least tell me you've satisfied your curiosity with this dreary place.”

With no true reason to stay on Punk Hazard, Law had chalked up his desire to research Vegapunk's findings on a whim. He knew, of course, that sailing in the New World as a pirate captain was impossible with the Four Emperors ruling the wild sea. They would want him to kneel and Law’s pride chafed by it. He was an Emperor in another life and that was a title he would have in this new timeline as well. 

It was why he went to obtain the Warlord status, to have invulnerability in the New World. Even Shanks, with his slow steady courting with Corazon, couldn't force him to sail under his flag no matter how much he implied it. Although Law suspected the other reason why Shanks wanted him under his flag was to protect Luffy’s fiancé. Which, while heartwarming, rubbed him the wrong way. He wasn't weak by any measures and soon the whole world would know it too.

“Yeah, I'm done here,” Law said, relaxing his grip on Kikoku, “We'll have our chance. And then we can help those kids.”

“Alright. But if it takes too long, I'm going to do it. We can't let them suffer for too long.”

The hard set on Corazon’s face had Law wishing for Luffy to get here faster.

-

When Law overheard Caesar's dilemma with a pesky marine landing on their shore, his entire mood uplifted.

Fucking finally. 

An entire chain of events would now unfold and Law was one step closer to reuniting with his beloved husband once again. This would be the last time they would spend so much time apart. In fact, Law couldn't wait for Luffy to become the Pirate King just so that he could marry that man and call him his husband out loud.

It was that rush of anticipation that had him smirking at Smoker as he casually leaned against the doorway. Corazon, at Law’s orders, should be with the children. His father would run into the Straw Hat Pirates that way. There was safety in numbers and together they should be able to hold the kids from running back to the lab when the addiction became too much.

Unlike last time, Smoker didn't immediately glare at him. No, instead, surprise filtered over the now vice admiral. Marineford hadn't been a complete waste then. Smoker seemed too hesitant to attack. Behind the vice admiral, the marines gasped as they took notice of who he was. His moniker left their mouths along with relief at the fact that he was their supposed ally. Law felt pity for them.

“Trafalgar Law,” Smoker slowly drawled out, hand tense around his weapon and an absurd amount of cigars in his mouth, “I didn't expect to see you here.”

“This is my vacation home,” Law said with an innocent grin, the same grin he wore as a kid when he ruined every interaction Smoker had with Corazon, “And right now you're intruding, Smoker-ya,” his grinned turned mean, “If you're looking for Cora-san, I'm afraid he's already taken. A certain Red-Haired Emperor might be dating my father.”

There was a blatant twitch on Smoker's face and he scowled, now looking like the Smoker who had come in glaring at him the first time around. No doubt he was remembering how much of a brat he was and clearly ticked off by the news of his crush now being romantically involved with an Emperor.

“You're lying.”

“I'm not.”

The swordswomen, Tashigi, winced and the other marines murmured to themselves. No doubt this was turning into one of the worst days of Smoker's life. Funny that because this was one of Law’s favorite days.

“We know you're a Warlord, Trafalgar Law,” Tashigi said, moving past Smoker's unrequited feelings, “But we know someone else is on the island!”

Swiftly taking out the snail transponder, Law heard the exact same message. The way Luffy answered the call never changed, and especially so when he became the Pirate King. An idiot but he was Law’s idiot.

Tashigi narrowed her eyes, “The name of the island and the fact he said it's cold. There is almost no doubt that this man sent the signal from this island.”

Inhaling deeply, Smoker gritted his teeth, “You know Straw Hat Luffy. Two years ago, during the Roswald incident, you fought with him at Sabaody. You're intimately familiar with him. Later, at Marineford, when Akainu was after Straw Hat Luffy, you helped him get away.”

“I am, in fact, very intimately familiar with Straw Hat-ya,” Law smirked, enjoying the way Smoker grimaced, “If you're looking for him I hate to be the bearer of bad news. He's not here. I'm the only resident of this place.”

“Cut that shit out,” Smoker warned, somehow patronizing, as if still seeing the same little kid that made life hell for everyone at Marineford, “I don’t want to get on Rosinante’s bad side. Just tell me where Straw Hat Luffy is. You can do much better than a runt like him.”

What was up with all these marines trying to get Law to move on from Luffy? Why was Smoker of all people doing it too? God forbid Akainu do the same thing. Law would rather cut off his own ears to not hear it.

The sound of a stampede was looming closer and Law sighed as he realized that despite Corazon’s intervention the Straw Hat Pirates still ended up running out of the same door with a dramaticness unique to them. Law didn’t see his father amongst the crowd of children and he frowned. He hoped Corazon wasn’t with Caesar.

“You look familiar- Wait! You're Torao!” The cat burglar exclaimed, halting her movements in shock at his appearance. 

“Torao!? He's here!?” Chopper echoed the same disbelief. 

“You better not be the one who locked up these children!” Nami snapped, “Or I'm telling Luffy!”

Before Law could even get a word in to defend himself, Black Leg was telling them to run back inside, noting the marines that were blocking the entrance. They left as quickly as they arrived, leaving Law behind to deal with an irritated Smoker.

“You lied! You're not the only one here!”

“Of course I lied. You should know better by now,” Law pushed himself off the doorway, bringing up a hand, his power yearning to be called, “As if I'd tell you where my fiancé is.”

-

“Hey! Torao! It's me! I missed you so much, Torao!”

There was no time to react. Law was embraced in a crushing hug, strong arms wrapped around his waist and a smiling Luffy nuzzling into his neck. Cute. He readily hugged back his husband, taking a moment to relish in Luffy’s presence, feeling their hearts pump in excitement from reuniting once more.

Law had almost forgotten the scent that belonged to Luffy, the sturdy body that never faltered, and the bright beautiful smile that was capable of lighting up the entire world. He looked different, the last remnants of his softness lingering, yielding to a sharpness he would grow into in the following years. Closer to the man Law had loved for decades. 

“Lu-ya, I missed you too,” Law quietly said, not ready to let him go just yet.

Luffy laughed and looked up at him, eyes turning into crescents, “I missed you more.”

“Impossible.”

The touching reunion was, unfortunately, cut short with Tashigi’s cries. Reluctantly, Law pulled away and unsheathed Kikoku, switching Tashigi’s soul with Smoker. What was another harmless attack? Smoker and Tashigi wouldn’t see it that way but who cared what they thought. Law was much more concerned with his adorable husband.

“No way, Torao really did wait two years for you!?” The sniper of the Straw Hat cried out.

“True love really does exist!” Soul King said.

“I’m so happy for you, Luffy,” and that was Robin, with an ever calm smile on her face.

“I can’t believe it,” Zoro muttered.

“I told you guys he’d wait for me!” Luffy grinned.

Did Luffy’s crew really believe Law would move on from him? It rattled at him that they would think so. It was one thing for the marines to believe it but Luffy’s crew? The people Luffy cherished as much as Law did to his own crew? His love for Luffy wasn’t a passing fancy. Fine. Law was determined to make it obvious how much he intended to take their captain as his husband.

Grabbing the collar of Luffy’s jacket, Law yanked his husband toward him and kissed him hard. He hardly let Luffy breath, taking away every little gasp. He didn't let the kiss linger for long. He couldn't, not unless they were going to give everyone a show and Law was not an exhibitionist. He pulled away, satisfied and pleased as Luffy stared up at him with big dark eyes.

Smirking, Law pushed his husband away and pointed, “Go around back to the laboratory. You should find what you're looking for there. We'll meet up later.”

“Not fair, Torao,” Luffy whined, not moving an inch despite Usopp's claim to leave before the marines started chasing him.

Luckily, Law knew the perfect thing to say to motivate his husband, “I'll give you another kiss later. Now go.”

This time, Law didn’t hold back his amused snort as Luffy quickly did as he was told.

-

Snow fell around them and Law wondered if it was the universe’s way of playing along to their dramatic whims. He had given the same spiel as before if only because the cat burglar was here, in her proper body too because Law didn’t want to make a bad impression of himself and he did just save her life too, that should make her less likely to try to swindle him out of his money.

Still, Law smirked, mirth clear in his eyes as he offered the start of their journey, “Then we have to form an alliance.”

“A pirate alliance!” Luffy happily exclaimed, getting ahead of himself, “Right?”

“No.”

The distraught on Luffy’s face nearly made Law regret what he said. Especially when confusion was clear on his big brown eyes and pouty lips, unable to comprehend the sudden change.

“I don’t want a pirate alliance,” Law sharpened his smirk, “I want a marriage alliance. Those last forever and I have zero intentions of letting you go.”

The possessive streak of his was well known to his husband. Yet, it still stunned Luffy and Nami gasped, her wide eyes looking between her captain and Law.

“I have a plan to take down one of the Four Emperors. The King of the Beasts Kaido,” Law continued for Nami’s sake and dangled the alliance once more, teasing, “What do you say, Straw Hat-ya? You demanded that I marry you two years ago. You haven't changed your mind, have you?”

“No way!” Luffy threw him an offended look for even suggesting it, “I’ll do it!” He grinned, eyes glinting, “A marriage alliance is even better! You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours! But I want to beat all Four Emperors. Let's take them all down together!”

The sudden shriek from Nami was admittingly funny. 

Even more so when the rest of Luffy’s crew echoed the same disbelief as they joined them in the cold cavern.

“We’re gonna form a marriage alliance with the Heart Pirates!?”

Usopp shook Luffy back and forth, “I can't believe you! You went out to save Nami and came back engaged again!? To the same man!? To Torao!?”

“Listen-”

“With full offense, your creepy fiancé gives me the chills, I won't be able to sleep in peace at night!”

Luffy swatted Usopp's hands away, “You'll sleep just fine because Torao will be sleeping with me!”

“Don't tell me that either! I don't wanna know!”

“Listen, Luffy, marrying Torao is understandable. You've been wanting to marry him for a long time now, I get it, but going after the Four Emperors!? Going after Kaido!?” Nami tried to reason with her captain, “Let's not do it! It's too risky!”

“She's right, Luffy!” Chopper backed her up, “It's too early to even think about the Four Emperors. We can't fight them yet! But we can start wedding plans. That's a lot safer to do!”

Law looked down at the little reindeer and was promptly reminded of Bepo. Such a supportive furry friend. Law definitely wasn't biased just because he was weak to cuteness.

“My crew decided you guys should foot the majority of the expenses of the wedding,” Law spoke up when the rambling was going nowhere, everyone's eyes landing on him, “Since you guys will find the One Piece.”

“Hah!?” Nami was vividly displeased but before she could start ranting, Law was saved by Robin.

“Luffy, I will support your decision but alliances between pirates are often marked by betrayal,” Robin's eyes held a dark mirth, “Marriage alliances especially are infamous for assassinating the other on the night of the wedding.”

Luffy, in casual fashion, outright asked him a ridiculous question, “Are you gonna kill me on our wedding night?”

Knowing everyone was very much listening, Law couldn’t help but put on a blank expression and answered simply with, “No,” his resolve broke shortly after, smirking as he added, “I think we’ll both be too busy doing other stuff on our marriage bed.”

Luffy turned back to his crew, hands on his hips, and smugly proud. 

“Have a little doubt! And don't think with your thing down there!” Usopp yelled, mindful of what he said in front of Chopper, who was blinking, “You barely know the guy! ”

“Torao saved my life,” Luffy said, head held high and his crew quieted down at the uncharacteristic solemn face. The type of seriousness that meant Luffy had come to a final decision and he would level the entire world to get what he wanted, "I love Torao and Torao loves me. So, let's have fun together!”

Hiding his smile behind the high collar of his jacket, Law fought back the blush threatening to rise. To drive the point further, Law leaned down to peck the corner of his husband’s lips before facing the astonished Straw Hat Pirates.

“Luffy has already met my crew,” he smirked, “It's only fair that I do the same. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you.”

-

The events at Punk Hazard went suspiciously all too easy. There was a minor scare with Caesar taking Corazon hostage but Luffy had done a fine job of rescuing his father. The bodyguard- whose name was too long for Law to even bother to remember and insignificant- was defeated by Zoro. With the production of SAD destroyed by his hand, Law inwardly congratulated himself for a job well done. No one had been captured and put in a cage either. The lackeys that served Caesar quickly began to serve Law instead. Not like he minded but he did find their clinginess annoying.

Of course, the absence of any high level enemies meant that there was no need to team up with Smoker and the marines. But with a final desperate move, Caesar had managed to release his deadly weapon and like last time, they were forced to escape the laboratory by that giant cart. The children were safe too, and Law sliced them up to cut out the worst of the drug. 

Walking out of the ship, Law accidentally found himself with a front row view of the awkwardness between Corazon and Smoker as the rest partied together by a weird truce and by Sanji's irresistible cooking. Seeing how hopeful Smoker's eyes went, Law immediately abandoned his father to his fate. There were some things that were meant to be private and while Law did find the situation amusing, Smoker had been one of the only people who cared for him at Marineford. The least he could do was turn away as Smoker used this chance to confess. A rejection was heading his way and Law did not want to feel sympathetic for a marine that wasn't Sengoku.

Taking a bowl from Sanji, Law shoved past the crowd and went to sit beside his husband, who was devouring his meal. Sensing his presence, Luffy looked up at him, food sticking to the corner of his lips and cheeks puffed like a squirrel. Endeared by the adorable look, Law wiped the remains of rice off his husband’s face with a thumb. Luffy beamed and practically pulled him to sit closer, half sprawled on his lap and an arm wrapped tightly around his waist.

“Torao! You owe me a kiss!” Luffy whined and stretched his lips to steal a kiss.

Far too used to all of Luffy’s tricks, Law pushed those lips back and scolded, “Later, Luffy-ya, be patient,” he spoke in a lower tone, right next to Luffy’s ear, “I'll make it up to you when we're alone.”

Luffy shivered and the hand on his waist tightened, fingers pressing into his jacket almost painfully. The moment was ruined as a certain swordsman hollered at them.

“Hey lovebirds, don't go around making a repeat of Sabaody!” Zoro snickered.

“You mean the rumors are true!?” The marine next to the swordsman said, words slightly slurred, “The Surgeon of Death and Straw Hat are together!? Like that?”

“Not just together, they're engaged!” Usopp cried out, his words quickly garnering everyone’s attention.

Luffy didn't waste a single second, raising a mug as he laughed and announced loud and clear, “That's right! Torao and I are in a marriage alliance! We're gonna get married after I become Pirate King!”

Shouts echoed strongly and many, many, congrats were thrown their way. Even the children were delighted by the news, wishing them the best. The samurai from Wano, Kin’emon, and little Momonosuke didn't and Law waited for the inevitable questions they would ask. They had been unable to comprehend it in the other life too. But neither of them made a move and Law wagered they would ask once they were on the Thousand Sunny. A shadow was casted over Law and he shifted to look up at the newcomer. 

With a deep frown, Tashigi said, “You are aware that officially declaring a marriage alliance with Straw Hat Luffy means you will lose your status as a Warlord.”

“I know. I won’t need it anymore,” Law shrugged, “If I’m a Warlord, I can’t marry the Pirate King.”

“And that's me!” Luffy nuzzled shamelessly against his cheek, as if he needed to clarify when the entire world already knew it.

“I see,” Tashigi softened her expression, “Well, congrats, I suppose.”

“Thanks!” Luffy smiled, “Don't worry, we'll invite you to our wedding. Make sure Smoker comes too.”

Tashigi laughed, obviously thinking it was a joke but Law still remembered the entire guest list and the people who attended their wedding. She would absolutely be there.

“Hey!” 

That was quick. 

Law didn't bother moving, far too cozy at Luffy’s side as he ate his meal, and his father barreled through a group of marines. Reaching them, Corazon glared and repeatedly poked Luffy’s forehead with a Haki coated finger. Luffy yelped but did nothing else under the assault.

“What's this about a marriage alliance? I haven't even given you my blessing, Straw Hat!” Corazon hissed, “I haven't forgotten what you did to my poor innocent son. You mauled him the entire night before you left to train for two whole years!”

The ones who understood what Corazon was saying outright barked in laughter. Franky and Sanji even whistled. He could have sworn Nami was deviously grinning as Zoro handed over a couple of berri to her, grumbling all the while.

Sighing, Law dryly said, “Say it louder Cora-san, I don't think everyone heard you.”

“Torao, help!” Luffy pleaded, unable to fight back against his father lest it lowered his chances of getting Corazon's blessing.

“Don't help him, Law,” Corazon immediately said and Law was at a stalemate, unable to believe his father and his husband were still at odds with each other.

“Awe come on, I saved your life!” Luffy retorted, “That clown looked like he wanted to maul you too. Lucky I was there, right?”

What?

“What happened?” Law quickly questioned his father, fingers tense around the half finished bowl, “What did Caesar do?”

“Nothing,” Corazon stressed, all the fight leaving him as he crossed his arms and reluctantly admitted, “Nothing happened, thanks to Straw Hat.”

Eyes narrowing, Law turned to face his husband. Law wouldn't put it past his father to lie just so that he wouldn't worry but Luffy wouldn't lie. He couldn't. He was a terrible liar and even if he wasn’t, the heart in his chest would let Law know if he did lie.

Luffy scratched his cheek, looking at Corazon before staring back at him, “Rosi is telling the truth. I punched the clown before he could do anything.”

Relaxed by the reassurance, Law smiled. Sharp and dangerous.

“Luffy-ya, I think we should kill Caesar.”

Law did not say that lightly. He was a doctor, saving lives often usurped taking them. However, there were exceptions and Law wasn't a goody two shoes preaching for every life to be saved, not when the atrocities far outweighed their overdue existence. Caesar was already in the negative but adding his attempt to maul Corazon? Planning around the absence of the mad scientist's role would be difficult but certainly doable.

There was laughter at the suggestion but when Luffy tilted his head, actually considering the possibility, an abrupt silence fell. Despite the boyish face and pure smile, Luffy- like Law- was not a saint. He had been a Pirate King for decades and having the title meant there were difficult decisions he had to make. Sometimes, those decisions were made without a second thought because once Luffy decided what was right and wrong, he didn't have mercy for what he deemed wrong. 

It seemed like everyone was grasping the kind of man Luffy was- and realizing that at the end of the day, he was a pirate first and foremost. In any case, the marines tensed up, eyeing one another, always the paragon of justice.

In the end, Luffy nodded, “If the clown tries touching your dad again, sure, let’s kill him.”

Satisfied with the answer, Law said to a nearby marine, “Someone should go tell him that. Otherwise, I’ll be more than glad to rip out his heart if he tries anything.”

Rubbing his face and smearing the face paint, Corazon gloomily sat across from them, “Law, you can’t just go around killing people. You, Straw Hat, shouldn’t be encouraging him either!”

“I’m not gonna say no to Torao,” Luffy said, so painfully earnest with his big brown eyes.

Such a simple declaration made Law want to kiss his husband senseless but he pushed that desire back. Later. For now, Law drew his lips to a small smile and pecked his husband’s cheek. Someone cooed in the background. It sounded suspiciously like Robin. He'd give her a reason to coo even more. 

Raising his hand to intentionally squish Luffy’s cheeks and making sure he looked absolutely smitten, Law looked up at his father, “Isn’t he perfect? You should be happy for me.”

“You should give me your blessing too,” Luffy hastily added.

“No!”

Jumping to his feet and stomping off, Corazon went to entertain the children with a wide smile. Alone with his husband- well, no one was really paying attention now that there was no more drama- Law let go of his husband’s face and relaxed further into Luffy’s warm body. With the sound of rambunctious laughter and music from the talented Brook, it almost resembled the parties they threw all the time in their other life. Almost because Law’s crew could get just as loud as the Straw Hats and Law sorely missed them.

Luffy noticed the absence too and rested his chin on his shoulder, “Where’s your bear and your friends?”

“Zou. Kaido is still a big problem,” Law quietly said, eyeing the samurai and Momonosuke.

Following his line of sight, Luffy asked, “What are we gonna do about the traitor when we find him?”

“Nothing. We should let him be,” Law stared at his husband, “If we change things too much, we might change the outcome of the battle. We could lose.”

Luffy grinned, wide and reckless, the smile that had wreaked havoc all over the world, “Or we could win.”

Matching the grin, Law placed a small kiss on his husband’s nose, “Or we could win, yeah.”

Chapter Text

Sharp breathy moans invaded his ears, beads of sweat clung to his body, rubbery legs locked around his hips, refusing to let go much like how his own hands gripped a muscled waist. With one last thrust, Law buried himself deeply into the sweetness of Luffy’s warm welcoming hole. He spilled inside his husband, groaning in content, and Luffy squeezed him dry, softly kissing his neck and hands tangled in his messy hair. Warmth pooled in his belly and Law yanked Luffy’s head back by the nape to kiss him properly, mouths slotting perfectly against each other. 

Luffy all but whined when Law broke the kiss and gently slid out of his husband’s too inviting body. He soothed his pouty husband by wrapping his arms around his torso, pulling him closer as they basked in the aftermath of their passionate lovemaking. The bed sheets were stained and rumpled and a mess, and normally, Law hated it when they cuddled on top of it. However, considering the two years apart Law had to endure on top of the decade since they traveled to the past, he made an exception.

Luffy was almost glowing and he smiled, pearly white teeth and all, “I love your dick, Torao.”

How romantic. His husband truly was the pinnacle of romance. Yet, Law would certainly not trade it for anything else. Smiling fondly, Law settled comfortably on the bed, the captain’s quarters as comely as he remembered. Inked fingers lightly grazed the skin over where his own heart laid, where it rested comfortably beating in Luffy’s chest.

“This doesn’t look like my skin anymore,” Law said, recalling the square shaped skin he once bore on his chest, missing ink and several tones lighter, “If we switch our hearts back, it won’t even look right.”

“I like it that way,” Luffy replied, rubbery arms stretching to encompass Law in an inescapable embrace, clingy and affectionate, “We belong to each other, so it’s only right.”

The simplicity of his statement, the pure sincerity only served to make his heart throb. Law shoved his red face into Luffy’s neck, ignoring the way his husband laughed, all too aware of how much his words had affected him. Feeling mean, Law bit into the skin, Luffy’s laugh breaking into a startled gasp. Law could fuck his husband again but unfortunately their time was limited and sooner or later someone was bound to come looking for them. Law would prefer to not be balls deep in Luffy only to be rudely interrupted.

“Come on, it’s time we join the others.”

“Can’t we stay like this a bit more?” Luffy pouted, holding him tight.

It was hard to say no to Luffy. It always was even after Luffy had shot up, broader frame and rugged handsome face, scruffy beard and charming smile. The boyish look given to him right now resembled that same puppy eyed expression in their much older bodies.

Sighing, Law answered, “If Cora-san finds us like this, you’re less likely to get his blessing.”

That had his husband finally move albeit with obvious reluctance. Using a towel to remove the excess spunk and rummaging the room to put their clothes back on, Law picked up his cursed sword and threw it over his shoulder. He quietly opened the wooden door and peeked through the opening. Empty. Good.

“There’s no one,” Law looked back, seeing Luffy pull his shorts back on, “I’ll leave first.”

“Can't believe we have to sneak around,” Luffy grumbled, zipping up his shorts, “As if we haven't been married for years.”

Rolling his eyes, Law left the room and shut the door behind him. Footsteps quiet, Law was familiar with the layout of the Thousand Sunny like an old friend. She, like the Polar Tang, was a home Law knew he could fall back on and that was not something he said lightly.

Ears picking up chatter, Law followed the commotion, navigating easily through the halls of the ship. Grass met his feet and Law nearly stumbled into the archeologist of the Straw Hats. A dear friend from the future and one Law absolutely wanted to kindle that same friendship.

“Torao,” Robin greeted, her smile suspiciously innocent, “I trust my captain gave you a very thorough tour.”

Law froze. They weren't that loud were they? His eyes searched the deck, wary of an overprotective father. But the others went about their day, Usopp and Brook in particular excitedly talking about the fish they caught for the chef to cook for dinner.

“Not to worry, I happen to have ears everywhere,” Robin clasped her hands together, “I was worried for my captain but it seems like I had no reason to be.”

Right. How could Law forget the women before him was a master spy capable of sprouting ears wherever her eyes could reach. Still, her protectiveness for her captain was something Law understood and couldn't blame her for it. His own crew had been the same the first couple of days with Luffy before eventually warming up to him.

“I am serious about him,” Law began, shoulders relaxing, knowing she wouldn't blatantly gossip, and gave her an amused grin, “Besides, he's too cute to stab on the night of our wedding. I'm rather fond of him.”

“Luffy is adorable,” she matched his amusement and her eyes shone with excitement, “I'm looking forward to the wedding. I’ve never been to one.”

Law hadn't either, not yet at least, “You and me both.”

“Ugh, please spare me the details. I do not want to know about you and Straw Hat. Unless it's about Rosinante!”

They both shifted to the mad scientist, who was tightly bound by the seastone handcuffs and was sprawled on the deck. He was smiling pervertedly and Law stayed his hand, keeping Kikoku sheathed. There wasn't much Caesar could do, not much of a threat with how powerless he was, but it was better to have him out in the open where he couldn't be plotting anything.

Still, Law narrowed his eyes at the scientist, a threat on the tip of his tongue when Caesar suddenly howled with pain and laid helplessly on the deck. Blinking, Law eyed the cubed heart in Robin's hand. Either it was her turn to keep the heart as hostage or she plundered it to keep Ceasar under control as she lounged under the bright sun.

“Quite rude of him to interrupt us,” Robin calmly smiled, “Don't you think?”

Law smirked. This was why they got along very well.

-

Dinner was a rambunctious and nostalgically familiar affair. Everyone hoarded their plate from Luffy’s greedy hands and were left absolutely stupefied when his husband didn't touch a single crumb on his plate.

“Love really does change a man,” the sniper muttered.

“I knew it did but to see it change Luffy…” Sanji trailed off, eyebrows high.

Zoro said something but was too busy inhaling his food just so that his captain wouldn't steal from his plate. An action that never truly went away in the future. In the midst of the chaos, Corazon didn’t even stand out not with the skeleton calmly sipping tea at his side and a cyborg gobbling up a burger on the other. The Straw Hats always were a colorful bunch, a stark difference from his crew and their regulated uniforms.

“Dear young lady,” Corazon said to the navigator sitting across from him, “Aren't you cold? You should really wear a shirt. In fact, if it's fashion you're worried about, Dressrosa is famed for it, amongst other things.”

“Really?” Nami’s interest was piqued, “What else is Dressrosa known for?”

“The country of love and passion! A place where couples fall in love with each other all over again with everything the country has to offer!” Corazon dramatically answered, splaying his arms out.

Biting into a drumstick, Luffy’s eyes perked up and he turned to him, “Torao! Let's go on a date in Dressroba!”

“Dressrosa,” Law corrected before finishing up the last of his onigiri and said, “Alright.”

A date in Dressrosa would be perfect. Bury all the terrible memories of that place- Doflamingo’s empire and the family- straight to the core of the world where it would burn out of existence. Reliving the country and its fair ruler with Luffy at his side sounded like music to his ears. 

Judging from the meaningful smile on his husband’s face, Law gathered Luffy had demanded so intentionally. The Pirate King was insightful, far more than what people gave him credit for. And having been married for as long as they have, they knew every telltale sign of each other. Luffy was fully aware of how much turmoil Dressrosa had given him. Much like how Law was aware of how much grief Marineford had given Luffy.

However, Marineford had changed for Luffy in this life. Dressrosa would change for Law too now. 

“Oh, that was smooth, Luffy!” Franky exclaimed, giving his husband a thumbs up, “Good job!”

“Yeah, nice one,” Zoro proudly grinned at Luffy’s other side and clapped his back.

Nami smiled, “Don't mess this up, Luffy. Ask me for advice if you need help.”

“Likewise,” Robin added.

“If you need a lovely serenade,” Brook happily said, “Just ask and you shall receive!”

Similar remarks were given by the cook, sniper, and the adorable doctor. Honestly, the fact that they were just as supportive as his own crew made Law more endeared by them. Maybe it was the old man in him that made him soft. Or perhaps it was the easiness of this new life Law and Luffy had changed for themselves.

Eyeing his reluctantly frowning father, Law couldn't help but raise a brow and asked, “No words of support for me? This is my first date with my fiancé.”

“Both of you are doing everything completely backwards,” Corazon nearly hissed before smoothing out his expression to something more caring, “The only advice I can give you is to have fun. You deserve that. Even if it is with Straw Hat.”

That had Law faintly smiling and Luffy practically vibrating in his seat with the closest thing to acceptance from his father. A moment which was, unfortunately, ruined by the samurai from Wano.

Purposely coughing, Kin’emon tried to ask nonchalantly but was very obviously failing, “So. Erm. Is it the norm for two men to be involved in a romantic relationship?”

Momonosuke tilted his head, confused but curious, “If you two get married, who will take whose last name?”

That dinner had somehow ended in a full scale heated debate over who should inherit what and Law found himself amused, abruptly reminded of his own crew who had planned out the intricacies of the wedding. A disaster was waiting to happen once their respective crews met and yet Law found himself looking forward to it.

-

With no former celestial dragon lunatic running the country, Dressrosa was turning out to be a fun venture with none of the baggage Law had once burdened himself with. Moreso on a date with Luffy.

Over the years, Luffy has learned a better idea of what a date entailed and so in this lifetime, Law was pleasantly surprised that Luffy had managed to outdone himself compared to the first date they had in their other life. Granted, Law still had a great time looking at beetles simply because those little critters made Luffy smile very prettily. He had known what he had signed up for when he first began dating this man. Law would have been content to look at those flying insects again if it meant Luffy would happily show them off and tell him interesting little facts about them and listen to his chirpy eager voice. While that was a cherished memory, this one was on par with it.

As soon as they stepped out of the photo booth, Law hastily put up his hood, far too aware of the fact that their marriage alliance had made the front page and was gossiped about by all manner of people. Likewise, Luffy wasn’t wearing his straw hat and he quickly put on the fake mustache. The disguise made him look ridiculous and Law couldn’t believe he had worn the same disguise all those years ago.

Smiling with the essence of the sun, Luffy happily showed off the pictures they had taken in the photo booth. Glancing down, Law’s lips quirked to a fond smile. There's three pictures, one of Luffy pulling in a surprised Law. Followed by both of them smiling into the camera, cheeks squished. And lastly, a soft kiss shared between them, looking every bit in love. The final picture would look lovely next to the wanted poster of Luffy he had stashed away in his room.

“I'm keeping the last one,” Law decided, swiftly tearing apart the sides of the picture and immediately safeguarding it in his jacket's pocket.

Luffy pocketed the remaining pictures and beamed at him, “Sure, Torao. But don't forget, if you wanna kiss me, do it,” he gave him a small pout, “Don't look at that picture.”

Absolutely ridiculous. I love him.

Pecking Luffy’s cheek, Law took his hand once more, intertwining their fingers, “You're lucky I find your jealousy endearing or else I would have left you years ago.”

“I would have chased you down,” Luffy grinned, pulling him along to a less crowded street, “Together forever, remember?” He straightened his back, voice low to mimic the dark king who had officiated the wedding, “Till death do us part.”

Law huffed out a small laugh, going along to Luffy’s whims, safe and secured as he always was with Luffy, “Even in death, you'd find me, wouldn't you?”

“Definitely! Being a god means I get to do whatever,” Luffy's gaze went past him, sparkling as his attention was taken somewhere far behind him, “Torao! Look! That's where I punched Mingo to the ground!”

Law sighed, a part of him nostalgic and longing to see the sight of Luffy pummeling Doflamingo black and blue. That was where it all started, the warm feelings that had sprouted in the aftermath, heart throbbing and left in awed. Seeing Luffy come out on top, victorious and bright. His stomach fluttering with Luffy on his lap, unconscious and bruised but still gorgeous.  

He remembered pushing away those emotions, tried to lock them away in the deep recess of his mind, but there was no escaping the sun. Not when the sun gently took his hand and kissed him in a rare moment of solitude. Recently crowned Pirate King and he had set out to find Law immediately after.

Breaking himself out of his musings, Law smiled, “I kind of wished I had taken a picture at the time.”

“You were way too injured and your arm was cut off,” Luffy reminded him, almost scolding, before abruptly gasping and brown eyes turned wide in mischief, “We can always break into Impel Down.”

They could. But between the two of them, Law had to be the voice of reason. Even if he sometimes wished otherwise.

“Don't tempt me. It'll be hard to break out,” spotting a restaurant nearby, Law quickly said, “I'm hungry and I know you're always hungry. Let's eat.”

Fortunately, all talk of breaking into a tightly defended facility was abandoned as food took higher priority. Honestly, Law felt spoiled as he contentedly bit into the rice ball. Luffy was already four plates down, devouring everything in sight and hollering for more, much to the surprise of the waiters and cooks. 

They were seated in a booth across from each other, next to a window that displayed one of Dressrosa’s many beautiful mini plazas. It was here where Law double took, nearly choking as he caught sight of a familiar figure strolling down a street. Dread coursed in him when the figure looked in their direction, and he held his breath, tensed, before sighing as a goat butted into the person’s legs, effectively distracting him.

Hurriedly taking off his spotted hat, Law sat further away from the window, not wanting to be seen in case he looked back. Luffy paused, a question in his gaze and loudly slurping a noodle.

“Don’t look,” Law warned before closing his eyes, resigned. Luffy was going to look anyway.

True to form, Luffy curiously peered out the window, entirely ignoring what he said, and exclaimed, “Woah! What’s seagull guy doing here?”

“I wish I knew,” Law muttered, “He’s not even supposed to be here this early.”

“Eh? He was here last time?” Luffy asked, dumbfounded.

Law nodded, relaxing now that the former fleet admiral had passed by, leaving the mini plaza. They were safe. Sengoku would have made a commotion if he had noticed them. Like father like son, Law thought with discontent.

 “Sengoku-ya was here towards the end. He wanted to speak to me about Cora-san. We didn’t chat for long, we had to leave. My guess is that he’s in Dressrosa for vacation. He did mention that in his last letter. I just didn’t know it would be here.”

“Man, that’s kind of weird. He’s your gramps now, right?” Luffy cocked his head.

“Much to my reluctance, yes,” Law admitted and resumed eating, “He’s not so bad, if you take away his annoying demands asking me to leave you and find someone better.”

That had Luffy scrunching his face in obvious dislike and he whined, “Why does your family hate me? That’s not fair. Ace and Sabo like you!”

“Ace-ya likes me. Sabo-ya tolerates me,” Law said, “I don’t think Garp-ya likes me.”

Luffy shrugged, “He will. I mean, he cried at our wedding.”

That was very true. Sengoku had cried too. They would both be supportive in the end. Thinking of parental figures had Law thinking of Dragon and Crocodile but he knew better than to ask. His husband knew they were his parents but didn’t put much thought into it. He wasn’t raised by them after all.

Seeing the clock hanging over the menu of the restaurant, Law took a deep inhale and said, “It’s almost time.”

Sharp eyes stared at him, “Big Mom?”

“Yeah. Your cook will be calling me soon. You’ll have to tell them to head to Zou. Once you do that, you can go fight to your heart's content in the coliseum.”

“Yes! Are you sure you don’t wanna join me?” Luffy adorably asked, “It’ll be so fun.”

Shaking his head, Law leaned back against his seat and draped his arms over the top of the booth, immediately catching the way Luffy’s gaze drifted lower to stare at the part of his chest that wasn’t covered by the jacket, “I don’t trust you not to suddenly maul me in the middle of a fight.”

Luffy pursed his lips and sketchily looked away, “I wouldn’t do that.”

That was all the convincing Law needed. He rolled his eyes and pushed his empty plate away. Things were different this time around and he knew Luffy’s capable crewmates would immediately snuff out the underground factory Kaido kept in Dressrosa. The rulers of Dressrosa were unaware of the dark secrets lingering in the shadows but that was fine. That was why they were here.

“Just remember to keep a low profile for as long as you can. We don’t want to alert the marines too early. Don’t mention your brother either. The whole world still believes he’s dead. If you win the devil fruit, don’t eat it.”

Luffy grimaced, “Why would I eat another devil fruit? Mine is so much better. They don’t taste good anyway.”

“Just making sure. I can never be too certain with you.”

The den den mushi in his pocket began to ring. Locking eyes with Luffy, Law fished out the transponder snail from his pocket and answered it.

-

Knowing everything about the future certainly made Law much more relaxed. Planning became easier too or perhaps that was due to the fact that he had long since begun to accommodate the random variable in his plans that was Monkey D. Luffy. 

Either way, Dressrosa was left in a far better state than last time. Minimum casualties and very high spirited people. His husband had managed to charm the royal family of Dressrosa too because of course he did. Law hadn’t been able to leave until he was forced to promise to come back for their honeymoon to the young bright eyed princess. Rebecca, Law recalled, certainly looked much happier in this lifetime, and was eager to accommodate those that had helped her take out the underground factory and fought off Kaido’s competent pirates that had posed as civilians lurking beneath their very noses. It had been difficult to distinguish who was innocent and who wasn’t but ultimately, they prevailed.

And to top it all off, right before Law could rendezvous with his husband so that they could rest for a day or two before sailing out, Corazon had dragged him away at the last minute. Only to happily force him to sit down across from Sengoku. Lips drawn to a thin line, it did not escape his notice that they were in the same restaurant Law had been with Luffy earlier. He was glad the restaurant survived the battle. Less glad to see his grandfather though.

“No hello for your doting grandfather?” Sengoku raised a brow, his goat comfortably sitting beside him, “I didn't even interrupt your date with Straw Hat.”

“So you knew it was us,” Law sighed and petulantly said, “Thanks, I guess.”

“Be more respectful Law,” Corazon chided from his side right before beaming at Sengoku, “Sir, since you're retired and all, why don't you join us?”

Controlling his expression was second nature and Law was proud of the way he didn’t turn pale. That was a bad idea. A monumental terrible one. Luckily for Law, the former fleet admiral shook his head.

“No, I still have matters to attend to,” Sengoku’s smile was sharp, “Like tracking down your beau, Rosi. I want to know more about the man who has caught your attention.”

Amused, Law glanced at his father who was laughing nervously. Corazon side-eyed him and Law nearly felt betrayed at the next words that left his mouth.

“Don't you wanna know more about Straw Hat? Law is engaged to him, you know. It’s all anyone talks about since their marriage alliance became public.”

“No, because I know exactly who Straw Hat is. Now that our families will be tied, Garp has made it his life mission to not let me forget him,” Sengoku said through gritted teeth, “He came around surprisingly quick. Apparently, he's happy Luffy managed to get a doctor in the family. All smart and proper,” Sengoku gave him a look, “He’s actually hoping for you to not leave his troublesome grandson.”

Well. Luffy’s family was warming up to him. That only left Sabo as an outlier. He should have been here in Dressrosa but with the changes they had made, Sabo was notably absent. Luffy had been a tad bit upset before Law reminded him that it was a good thing Sabo wasn't here because it meant he had no reason to be, not with Ace alive. It still hadn’t stopped his husband from moping over it.

Corazon puffed his chest, smiling in a proud way only a parent could, “As he should be. Law is the best this world has ever seen and Straw Hat is lucky to even breathe in the same space as him.”

The praise from his father had Law fighting back a smile. He wasn't the best, probably the best doctor yeah, but in general? He was aware of his own shortcomings and yet, Corazon was willingly blind to it.

“Technically, Law has no license to practice. Therefore, not a doctor,” Sengoku rudely reminded them.

Law grinned at the former fleet admiral, all too happy to demand, “Sengoku-ya, surely you, as a former fleet admiral, can get a license for your dear grandson.”

Sengoku narrowed his eyes at him, “You're overestimating my authority.”

“On the contrary, I think you’re underestimating it,” Law countered, “You’re well respected and your word still holds weight despite being retired. Akainu could never hope to achieve your level.” And he wouldn’t. Luffy had made sure of that in the future.

“Well, you certainly know how to use flattery.”

“I learn from the best,” Law said, glancing at his father.

Corazon frowned, “I do not do that.”

“You do, Rosi,” Sengoku heartily chuckled, “Fine, your doting grandfather will see what he can do. But don’t expect much. Now, why don’t you tell me if Garp’s brat is treating you well. I may be old but I can still give him a good wallop.”

Considering how Sengoku’s devil fruit made him Buddha incarnate, Law didn’t doubt his word.

-

Despite Luffy’s best efforts to avoid it, he still ended up with a grand fleet of over five thousand strong. It had been delightfully amusing to see his husband look back at him, as if hoping Law would shamble him away from five thousand loyal pirates who would serve to strengthen Luffy’s reputation.

Taking a drink from a mug given to him by a tipsy Zoro, Law found himself chatting with Robin as the others regaled their fights in Dressrosa. It would have been a pleasant chat if it weren’t for a certain green haired rooster staring at them with sparkles in his eyes. Law clearly remembered Bartolomeo hating his guts in the beginning only to begrudgingly respect him later on when he had married the Pirate King. He had expected the same treatment in this lifetime.

Color him surprise when Law had been greeted with the same favoritism reserved for the Straw Hats, the other pirate captain groveling at his feet when they first bumped into each other during the sudden pirate battle in the middle of Dressrosa. Announcing their marriage alliance would cause major ripples, Law had known it, but it still stunned him. Everyone had given their loyalty to Luffy, true, but Law had shifted rather uncomfortably when he noted they were respecting him too.

Almost… almost as if-

“Trafalgar Law!” Bartolomeo squealed, eyes sparkling as he dared to step closer, “When Luffy senpai becomes Pirate King, will that make you Pirate Queen?”

Taking a deep inhale- and ignoring Robin’s stifled laugh along with the pirates nearby who had overheard- Law glared at the green haired fanboy, “Don’t be an idiot. By the time Luffy-ya is Pirate King, I’ll be an Emperor.”

“That’s right!” Law nearly jumped by the sudden appearance of Corazon, who was glaring down at a sweating Bartolomeo, “My son will not be a Pirate Queen and he definitely will not just be a trophy husband! He has ambition, he’ll be an Emperor, and be damn good at it!”

Ah. Here it was. Karma for all the tricks he pulled as a kid in Marineford. Now his father was embarrassing him in front of all of Luffy’s men and Law had to suffer hearing the different things that were said about him.

“If not Pirate Queen, then Consort, right?”

“No you idiot, Trafalgar will be an Emperor!”

“He sure is lucky. I’d like to be a trophy husband.”

“Lucky him? Lucky Straw Hat! I’d like a trophy husband like that.”

“Who said that!?”

And there went his jealous husband, manifesting out of sheer willpower and positively green and livid. The look on Luffy’s face was quite intimidating and it would only grow to be more frightening once he grew into his absurd Monkey genes. Unsurprisingly, Corazon joined Luffy, snapping at every pirate in vicinity with an overprotectiveness Law was used to.

While amusing it would be to watch them both interrogate everyone, or in Luffy’s case, scare the living daylights out of his men, Law decided to do damage control. He brought up his hand, calling for his power and swapped Corazon next to a cheerily singing Brook and swapped the nuisance that was Bartolomeo for a jealous adorable Luffy.

“Luffy-ya, leave it be,” Law invitingly smirked at his husband and reached for a rubbery hand to pull Luffy against his chest, “I’ll be your husband in the end. No one is taking that.”

Strong arms wrapped around his torso and Luffy’s smile took up half his face as he looked up at him, acting way too innocent, “My trophy husband.”

Raising a hand, Law pinched the rubbery cheek and stretched the skin, “You’re literally broke. If anything, it would be the other way around.”

“The Pirate King can’t be a trophy husband,” Luffy seriously stated.

“I’ll make you one,” Law threateningly said, rising to the challenge. A challenge that only further excited his husband, judging from the mischievous grin.

A giggle, “You two really act like an old married couple.”

Honestly, Law had forgotten the archeologist was still here. With his husband around, Law tended to drop his guard more than usual. Before he could respond, Luffy happily did so.

“That’s because we are!”

A twitch and Law hastily squished his husband’s face in one hand to prevent him from saying anything else. He softened the harsh action by leaving a kiss on Luffy’s forehead, aware of Robin’s very observant eyes.

“It certainly feels like we are,” Law said, swiftly remediating the situation with a well worn smitten look he didn’t even have to fake. Looking at Luffy was all it took.

Robin smiled but it was the type of smile she wore whenever she found a new piece of history to unlock. There was a reason why Luffy had made it to Laugh Tale without fail. Not liking the idea of being under her keen eyes, Law made a show of kissing Luffy on the lips. Open mouth with tongue. His husband was certainly eager to reciprocate and Law pulled back shortly after, ignoring Luffy’s whines and wolf whistles from the crowd.

“Please excuse us.” 

Law shambled them away from the thick of the party, the two alone in an empty closet aboard the ship they were celebrating on. Sighing in relief, Law took a moment to consider that maybe he and Luffy should act a little less familiar with each other. He would have pondered it further if calloused hands didn't slip under his jacket, fondling at his bare chest. Dark brown eyes looked at him in want and Law shivered under the intensity. In hindsight, he should have known Luffy would have taken their abrupt departure from the party as a signal to have sex. It certainly wasn't the first time they had done so.

“Luffy-ya,” Law halted the movements by grabbing Luffy’s wrists, trying to get his husband to listen before they both got too lost in one another, “We have to be careful. You can't just admit that we're already married. People will ask questions!”

Luffy paused and went to rest his hands on his waist like they belonged there. Luffy’s hands didn’t cover his waist, and Law found himself missing the much older version of his husband who could cover his entire waist. 

“But it's our friends. It's okay if they know, right?”

“Would it be okay?” Law quietly said, “No one knows we're from the future. I…”

Being this vulnerable around his husband had not been easy at first. Their relationship had nearly fallen apart from it, with Law’s deep emotional wounds and lingering ghosts. Yet, Luffy had stayed with him regardless, had coaxed him throughout every pained argument and healed the self sabotage Law had been prone to.

Luffy was doing it now too. Soft lips caressed his jawline. Gentle arms bringing him in for an embrace. Brown eyes waited patiently, always so patient with Law, the only exception he made.

“What if we tell them and it all goes away?” Law's inked thumb traced the scar under the eye, voice soft, “This life we made for ourselves could disappear. You could disappear.”

Blinking once, Luffy smiled brightly, the simple act lifting the heavy paranoia Law carried so heavily on his shoulders. Luffy pulled him down to kiss him deeply, passionate and consuming. His husband didn't let him breathe, intent on devouring him whole, and his head was dizzy by the time Luffy broke the kiss.

“Silly, Torao. As if I'd let anything like that happen.”

Letting out a small laugh, Law gave him a chaste kiss, “You wouldn't let that happen, that's true.”

“But, you know, we don't have to tell our friends,” Luffy grinned, “They're smart. Except Zoro.”

“You have no room to talk,” Law chided, amused and catching on to where Luffy was going with this, “You want to give them hints. Let them figure it out for themselves.”

“It'd be fun!” Luffy’s smile was gentle, “And that way, you don't have to tell them.”

His father and grandfather had certainly remarked that Luffy was a lucky man to have Law as his fiancé. However, Law knew it was the other way around. Because here Luffy was, considerate as always and thinking of his comfort first and foremost. Law was the lucky one to have Luffy’s love.

“I think you know this but it doesn’t hurt to remind you,” Law gave his husband a fond smile reserved only for his eyes, knowing without having to feel that his heart was throbbing in Luffy’s chest, “My heart beats for you.”

“I know,” Luffy placed a calloused hand over his inked chest, smiling as he felt the rush of his beating heart under Law’s rib cage, “That’s why I gave you my heart.”

The words made his heart skip a beat, chest swirling with undeniable warmth and affection. What would Law do without this man? What would he ever do if something terrible happened to Luffy? 

Law would likely burn the entire world down for him. There was absolutely nothing that could stand in his way if it meant he’d get to possessively hold Luffy in his grasp. Selfishly. Greedily. Luffy was his. Just like the beating heart in his chest. 

All mine.

Heart full and desire running rampant, Law slid down to his knees and pulled down his husband’s shorts, springing free a half erected cock. He looked up at Luffy, enjoying the hitched breath and the look of pure pleasure when Law took all of him in his mouth.

Chapter Text

Dense fog made it difficult to see ahead of him but Luffy stayed put, tugging on his straw hat as the ship sailed against tough currents, inching closer and closer to a towering landmass. Vaguely, he was able to make out Law’s calming voice explaining to the others about the true nature of the island, the shock quickly filling everyone’s faces. Luffy would admit he wasn’t paying much attention, not when he was smiling from ear to ear as the last of the fog cleared away. 

Zunesha in all their glory was always a stunning sight. A dear friend of Nika, which meant a cherished friend of his.

“That’s a huge elephant!” Luffy exclaimed, all bare teeth as excitement pumped in his veins.

At the mention of food, Luffy was brought back down and laughed as Bartolomeo happily granted Law’s request. His husband was still uncomfortable with the blatant favoritism and Luffy understood why. Bartolomeo definitely wasn’t this friendly with Law in their other life. Normally, Luffy wouldn’t even have tolerated someone fawning like that over Law- he would have already put the fear of god in them- but the green haired pirate captain was like that with him and to the rest of his friends. So, Luffy let it slide.

What he didn’t let slide was who got to sit behind Law. Even if it meant giving up the front seat.

“Torao, go first, I wanna sit behind you,” Luffy immediately said when they were given the go ahead to start climbing the weird dragon.

Well used to his jealousy, Law merely rolled his eyes but stepped on the odd dragon’s back first without protest, throwing a leg over to take a seat near the head. Hastily following his husband, Luffy planted himself right behind. Broad shoulders, firm back, and tantalizing neck was right in front of him and Luffy unabashedly pulled his husband closer, an arm steadily wrapped around the waist and enjoying the warmth of his husband.

“Luffy, you better not do anything funny with your fiancé,” Zoro said, taking a seat behind him.

“If he does, let me know,” Rosinante warned.

“Jeez, Torao, now I know where you get that scary face from,” Usopp muttered, getting behind Law’s father.

“Cora-san and I aren't blood related,” Law said, looking back at his long nosed friend to smirk, “But thank you anyway.”

“Could have fooled me.”

“If that's the case, I hope neither of you mind me asking how you two met,” Robin chimed in, settling comfortably between Usopp and Franky.

“Cora-san kidnapped me when I was thirteen.”

Amazed, Luffy stretched his head around to face Rosinante, who was choking, “You kidnapped Torao?”

“Yeah, I did, but-”

“Is it normal to kidnap a kid where you come from?” Franky asked.

“No! I-”

“You kidnapped him and now he calls you father?” Kanjuro asked, surprised.

Kin’emon grabbed his chin, “I must say, the world outside of Wano is very interesting.”

Law chuckled and Luffy felt the vibration against his front. His husband should laugh more. Luffy liked the way how happy it made him look. With everyone on board, the dragon began its ascent and Rosinante quickly tried to clear up the misunderstanding.

“Stop saying that to everyone, Law!” Rosinante shouted, “Back then, Law and I were both part of my brother's pirate group. My brother is not exactly a sane man, so yes, I did in fact kidnap Law to give him a happy life my brother couldn't give.”

Huh. Luffy was positive there was a lot more behind that story. He remembered the stories Law had told him about a distant dark past. In any case, he didn't really care if Rosinante told the entire story or not, because what he said in the end was true. Law grew up happy in this life. As happy as he could be considering the unfair start he had been born with.

“But now you're both pirates again,” Franky pointed out.

“Trust me, I tried reasoning with him but Law was very adamant about becoming a pirate.”

“Why is that?” Robin curiously inquired.

Rosinante went silent, clearly unwilling to answer. Luffy grinned, fully aware of why Law had set out to sail. His husband shifted and Luffy perked up, seeing the faint outline of a blush and suddenly wished Law hadn’t sat in front of him. Luffy wanted to see that pretty blush on Law’s face.

It was Law who answered Robin's question loud and clear for everyone present to hear, “Because I want to marry the King of the Pirates.”

A beat of silence. 

His heart soared.

Luffy broke out into laughter, something gooey and warm swirling underneath his chest and his heart raced, feeling the pulse of it under the palm of his hand as he instinctively reached for where his heart was settled comfortably in Law’s chest. He happily shoved his face against the back of Law’s neck, smiling widely.

“Oh! That’s why you asked Luffy that question back in Sabaody!” Franky was the first to speak.

“Wait, are you saying you would have married anyone who told you they were going to be the King of the Pirates?” Zoro incredulously asked, “What if I said I was going to be the Pirate King? Would you have said yes to me?”

The ugly flare of jealousy shot up, all common sense leaving him as he scowled and twisted around to grab Zoro’s collar, “You wanna marry Torao!? How could you!? I trusted you!”

The swordsman matched the scowl with his own and swatted his hand away, “Relax! I meant it hypothetically! No one is stealing Torao away from you.”

“I wouldn’t marry just anyone. I have standards,” Law scoffed, settling a warm hand over the arm embracing him and Luffy found himself calming down, “Luffy-ya punched a celestial dragon. I decided then that I wanted to marry him.”

“How romantic,” Robin said, tone cheery.

A complete contrast to Usopp’s foreboding one, “That’s some crazy high standards. I guess it all worked out in the end though. You two are crazy for each other.”

“Yeah, super crazy in love!” Franky added.

Franky wasn’t exactly wrong. Luffy smiled and went back to nuzzling Law’s nice neck and inhaling his nice musk scent. Law did make him crazy sometimes. In the best way possible.

-

Knowing about the future, knowing that Sanji would leave, did not mean it hurt any less. If anything it made Luffy brim with determination. The decision had already been made and Whole Cake Island would not be safe from him and the Emperor who ruled it.

But first, a party was absolutely necessary and Luffy knew Sanji would have agreed with him if he were here. Cat Viper was still the biggest cat Luffy has ever seen and he was just as joyous and boisterous as ever. Licking his lips, Luffy drooled as he reached back for seconds of the delicious lasagna.

“Say, is it really true-gara?” Cat Viper vaguely questioned, taking a huge bite of the lasagna. 

Cheeks stuffed, Luffy questioned back, “What's true?”

“You and Bepo’s captain are in a marriage alliance?”

“Oh!” Luffy swallowed and beamed, “Yup!”

“Simply wonderful!” Cat Viper laughed, “You must invite me to the wedding when it happens-gara!”

Considering how Cat Viper picked a fight with a drunk Eustass and somehow won, Luffy was absolutely going to invite him just to see the entire scuffle again. And laugh at Eustass for it.

“Then I better see you there!”

“Hey, Straw Hat! Did you really pick a fight with your swordsman over our captain?” Shachi snorted, voice slightly slurred.

Zoro was sitting right beside him, face animated in a way that said he was halfway drunk, “I'm serious!”

“I believe you!” Hakugan said, sitting across from Brook and a few minks, “Straw Hat even got jealous of his brother just because he sat next to our captain. The brother he literally went to rescue from his execution.”

“Figures Luffy would get jealous of Ace too,” Usopp laughed, taking a swig of his mug.

Penguin grinned, already chummy with his long nosed friend as they sat shoulder to shoulder, “His jealousy truly knows no bounds. It's hilarious!”

They laughed and Luffy pouted, seconds away from giving them his own piece of mind when a very welcomed presence joined him. Pretty smirk and pretty face. A smile easily settled on his face, forgetting why he was annoyed to begin with.

“You have no one else to blame but yourself,” Law chided as he sat beside him, barely leaving any room between them. Close as always, as if any tiny space left bare was miles apart, too far from each other and entirely unacceptable. 

Obviously, Luffy did not mind this at all and he pouted as the words his husband said registered in his mind. Unfortunately, his husband was right. Luffy was old enough to admit it.

“This reminds me,” Nami suddenly spoke up, her smile all sharp, “I was told that we’ll be the ones to foot the bill for the wedding. Which doesn’t sound fair. We’re supposed to be equals, aren’t we? That means we each pay half of the wedding expenses.”

Clione bravely stood up to her, “You’re the ones who’ll find the One Piece. You guys should pay for most of the expenses.”

“Torao is the one who’s going to marry the Pirate King. If anything, he should be marrying Luffy with a dowry in tow.”

Luffy kept silent and ate as Law’s eye twitched and the rest of their crew began to argue over one another. Luffy didn’t know what a dowry was but his husband definitely didn’t like it.

Laughing rambunctiously, Cat Viper grinned and stood on his feet, plate empty and no doubt intent on getting more lasagna, “Your crews sure are funny-gara! A dowry!”

“A dowry?” Rosinante cried out, joining them from whatever discussion he had been in with a couple of minks, “What the hell is going on here?”

“My hand is being bargained, that’s what’s happening,” Law dryly answered.

Listening to their crew- and hearing their very alarming suggestions- Luffy began to put the pieces together and he furrowed his brow, “Torao, I think Nami just bargained for three of your friends.”

Sighing, Law took a small bite of food from his plate, “Yes, she did, and Ikkaku-ya managed to bargain Brook-ya and Robin-ya out of it. At least the trade will take place after we get married,” his husband paused, contemplating, “Something tells me everything between us will be shared now.”

“Well that’s to be expected,” Rosinante said, looking over the now calming dispute, “A marriage alliance is permanent. Both of your crews understand that and they’ve accepted it. I guess neither of you have to worry about whether or not your crews will get along.”

Sharing a look with Law, Luffy merely smiled and shrugged. Sure, the way their crews were behaving was wildly different from before but Luffy wasn’t bothered by it. Their respective crews in the future had become good friends in time, especially after the wedding. Speeding up the process- entering a marriage alliance- seemed to have shifted the relationship between their crews.

In fact, now that Luffy was taking a closer look, their crews were much more open with one another. Bepo and Zoro were enthusiastically exchanging battle stories. Jean and Franky were arm wrestling in one corner, their crew and minks alike cheering them on. Nami and Ikkaku were in deep discussion with Uni in the middle writing everything down on a notepad. Even Usopp and Chopper easily fit in between Shachi and Penguin, singing at the top of their lungs to Brook's song. Their camaraderie was bare to see, the easy acceptance of one another. 

Tugging his straw hat back, Luffy wondered if this sudden proximity was due to the obvious affection he and Law shared. It had to be and for a moment, Luffy marveled at how their relationship itself- the engagement, the marriage alliance- significantly impacted the way their crews treated one another. 

Before there had always been a sense of mistrust, two rival pirate groups serving different captains and pushing to be the best. In another life, Law had competed with him too and had accepted defeat when Luffy had made it to Laugh Tale. That was the moment tensions between their crew had lessened. However, here, they acted more like friends than the rivals they were supposed to be. Rosinante explained it perfectly. They accepted the marriage alliance and everything with it. It meant now that they were family. They always had been but the bridge between them had been forged a lot earlier and Luffy was sure it would only strengthen from here on out.

“I knew our crews would get along,” Law said, golden eyes watching over everyone and no doubt seeing the same changes Luffy had noted, “I just didn’t expect them to be this close already.”

“That’s likely because they’re following the example of their captains. And you two are not exactly quiet about your relationship,” Rosinante bluntly stated.

Luffy frowned, “I love Torao, I’m not gonna keep that a secret.”

“Yes, I know, Straw Hat. You never fail to remind me.”

Law smirked, mischievous in a way that meant he was going to get under his father’s skin just because he found it amusing to do so, “I love Luffy-ya too.”

Luffy burst in laughter as Rosinante gritted his teeth, “I know Law. I’ve known for the past two years. I swear both of you act like children.”

Rosinante couldn’t be far from the truth. Cackling, Luffy couldn’t help but add, “We’re more like old men.”

Law tensed beside him but it was so subtle Luffy doubted anyone noticed. Luffy only did because he was so incredibly attuned with his husband’s entire presence. The important thing to note was that his husband didn't elbow him or try to shush him up and that was all Luffy needed to know their agreement days prior was finally taking action.

Seemingly playing along, Rosinante raised a brow, “Yeah? Then tell me, how old are your weary old rubbery bones?”

Well, since he asked, Luffy looked up, chin in hand as he tried to remember, “Somewhere in my sixties, I think. Sixty-one? Sixty-three?”

“Sixty-three,” Law confirmed and nonchalantly added, “That makes me seventy.”

“Why make yourself seven years older?” Rosinante chuckled before he suddenly straightened, looking at Law first and turning his unreadable gaze on Luffy, “You're seven years younger than my son. Which means that two years ago you were seventeen.”

There was blatant disapproval in his tone and Luffy was confused before piecing together what this reminded him of. This was just like the Sabo situation. A question on their age and possibility of being taken advantage of. Sabo had certainly knocked that into his head right before he left, concerned for all the wrong things. A concern that had been overshadowed by Ace and Marco's much bigger age gap. Somehow, Luffy figured Rosinante wouldn't push the matter aside so easily. He was a former maine and all.

Fine. Luffy could absolutely play up the dynamics. He'd further lose his chances of getting Rosinante’s blessing but staying with Law was a higher priority. Seeing as how Law avoided Rosinante’s gaze, it fell onto Luffy to fix this and fix this fast.

“So?” Luffy raised his head and grinned, teeth sharp, “We’re pirates. Besides, I’m the one bending Torao over-”

A hand was slapped over his mouth and Luffy’s grin didn’t lessen even as he saw Law’s mortified red face, “Luffy-ya! I think he gets it! So shut up!”

Rubbing his temple, Rosinante walked away from them, muttering under his breath, “I need a drink. I need to forget this conversation.”

Giggling, Luffy pried Law’s hand away only to turn it around and kissed the inked knuckles as an apology. The annoyance and embarrassment on his husband’s pretty face melted away and Luffy inwardly grinned, pleased. Having been married together for so long, Luffy has learned to mend any mistakes he accidentally or purposely made to Law by blatantly showing his affection. It helped that Luffy always liked to shower Law with all the affection he could muster. His pretty husband certainly deserved that and more.

“Well, at least Cora-san won’t bother us anymore,” Law said with a sigh, relaxing once more, his pretty golden eyes glinting from the bonfire.

Law really was too gorgeous. Smart and strong. Luffy tugged the hand closer, pressing his lips against the pulse point of Law’s wrist before boldly trailing the bare skin of his arm. He looked up and saw the way his husband’s expression darkened with want. Law raised his other hand, the beginning of the well familiar blue sphere coming to life when a sudden shriek snapped them out of their trance.

“Captain!” Bepo cried, head in his hands as the rest of the Heart Pirates panicked, “We lost a bet and with it, our submarine!”

Luffy had always known Nami was powerful but this was on a different level. Her grin was greedy, flipping a card in her hand, eyes glinting as Ikkaku cursed. Loudly. Law suddenly stood up and Luffy nearly begged him not to leave but the hard set on his husband’s face had him shut his mouth. 

“That’s fine,” Law calmly said before a smirk settled over, “We’ll just get the Thousand Sunny.”

It was completely unfair how gorgeous Law looked when he oozed confidence. Luffy pouted but did nothing as they raised the stakes of a bet, the minks cheering with vigor as their crew began a game of cards. Sharing ships sounded like fun to him anyway, he thought as he went back to devouring his plate.

“Before I forget,” Cat Viper said, his plate full of lasagna as he sat back down beside him, “Congrats! I wish you and Law the very best!”

Slapping the cat’s back, Luffy grinned, “Thanks! Also, do you have a spare room by any chance? Anywhere? Anything?”

“I won’t even ask why,” Cat Viper smartly said, “There’s an abandoned house on the far left. It’s far enough that no one should hear you.”

“Perfect!” Luffy exclaimed and jumped to his feet, belly full but filled with a different hunger, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

When Nami glared at Law, Luffy wagered he had arrived just in time to sweep his husband away. It couldn’t be helped. The Thousand Sunny would be in good hands of the Heart Pirates, just like how his own friends would care for the Polar Tang.

-

The original alliance from before had been made with the same fanfare. Luffy had refused to help unless Momonosuke asked for it and just like last time, the kid he had long since viewed as a little brother bravely demanded it. He was a good kid with a heavy burden on his shoulders, an entire country on his back, and Luffy was proud of him for growing a spine. He had grown too fast, literally, and Luffy found himself pondering. Momonosuke deserved to be a kid a little longer. He would have to talk to Law about it, his husband was better at planning.

Everything had been running the same- the ninja was still incredible and Luffy would never stop being amazed by Raizo- until Cat Viper mentioned bringing up a potential ally. One that Luffy had gotten to know a bit more in this lifetime.

“The former first division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates,” Cat Viper grinned, “Marco the Phoenix.”

“Pineapple guy. Ace’s boyfriend!” Luffy couldn’t help but blurt out.

The cries of shock were loud and Luffy winced. He couldn't remember if Marco and Ace's relationship was a secret or not. Oops.

Having known this particular piece of information, Law was unfazed and shifted to face him, golden eyes bright, “Luffy-ya, what are the chances of your brother joining us?”

All thoughts came to a halt. Luffy stared at his husband, recognizing the change for what it was. Long past memories resurfaced, of tiny little Otama and her hopes of Ace returning to save them all from poverty. Her tears and sobs when told the pirate who had promised to come back had died. The ache of a dead brother had been profound, a deep loss that Luffy never truly recovered from, not even two years after his passing. Wano had served as a reminder of his loss but more bittersweet at the fact that Ace had been there and since he couldn't fulfill his promise, Luffy was damn sure he would do it in his brother’s place.

However, Ace wasn't dead. He wasn't dead. Ace could do what he failed to do in another life. Knowing his brother, knowing how stubbornness ran in their family despite the lack of shared blood, Luffy nodded.

“Ace will join us,” Luffy confirmed, head held high as he smiled and he turned to Cat Viper, “If you find Marco, you'll find Ace. My big brother is really strong! They'll definitely help us take down Kaido.”

“Your brother and the first division commander,” Dog Storm said, blinking before smiling, “Well, if your brother is anything like you, we’ll be glad to have him on our side.”

“Hey Luffy, what about your other brother?” Usopp spoke up, “You think Sabo can lend us a hand too? We’re going to need all the help we can get.”

“Sabo isn’t a pirate though. He’s a revolutionary and last I heard, they’ve been pretty busy,” Nami answered.

Rosinante nodded, pulling away a cigarette reminiscent of the way Sanji used to do, “That’s right. The Revolutionary Army has spread all over the Grand Line, I hear some countries are in favor of them. Something which the marines obviously don’t like. Rumor has it that they’re planning something big too.”

“In other words, it’s a no on Sabo-ya,” Law said, golden eyes calculating, his husband’s mind already at work for future planning.

While Luffy wanted to protest, he knew better. Sabo hadn’t been there in Dressrosa- which was a good thing, Law had told him, but Luffy had been banking on seeing him regardless, had expected to see the curly blonde brother once more only to be utterly disappointed with his absence. He would love nothing more than to ask if they could at least try- it would be amazing if he could get both of his brothers in Wano- but Rosinante’s words held merit. His memory wasn’t good but he was positive something big was going underway and Dragon probably really needed his brother right now.

Leaving the matter alone, Luffy smiled as the same friends voiced their determination to get Sanji back. He knew they felt guilty too, for being unable to do anything when Sanji left for their safety. It was why he hadn’t refused their help last time and less so this time around. 

However, what Luffy didn’t expect was Rosinante demanding to join him too.

“If you're going to sneak inside, you'll need someone who can infiltrate and blend in. Big Mom and her children are powerful people and not to be underestimated,” Rosinante said as he crossed his arms, “My son, unfortunately, loves you, so the least I can do is make sure you come back alive.”

There were a few laughs from his crew, having known how Rosinante felt about him, but Law was the only one not amused out of the entire group.

“Cora-san!” Law exclaimed, clearly shocked, and Luffy tensed, expecting to hear father and son argue.

But Rosinante didn't let him, “I've made up my mind,” the blonde stared at him, expression oddly blank, “To be frank, Straw Hat, you've grown on me. Like a fungus. And you've set the standards so high, I don't think I can accept anyone else but you for my son.”

Luffy gaped and quickly closed it to hastily ask, “Does this mean I have your blessing-”

“That’s still pending,” Rosinante cut in, quickly crushing his hopes, “Let's get your friend first and come back alive.”

Beside the tall blonde, Law’s hand tensed around Kikoku, conflicted, before relaxing. Golden eyes caught his gaze and Luffy smiled, catching the words without his husband having to say anything. 

Luffy would have voiced the reassurance if it weren't for the sudden presence of an intruder and Zunesha groaning in pain, their voice loud and ringing in his head.

-

“There's too many of us already,” Luffy bluntly stated, “I don't think it's a good idea if you join us.”

The frown on Pedro's face did not budge Luffy from his decision. He remembered quite well how driven the mink was. How he valued his own life so little, strapped to the brim with explosives and ready to take everyone down with him. Much like how Law used to be in a distant past so far away now, driven with vengeance and ready to give his life for it. Even ready to die with Luffy if that was what it took.

Difference here was, Pedro did die. Luffy would very much prefer to prevent that from happening again and the best way to do that was to deny the mink's request to join. Pedro was too stubborn, too prideful, too ready to die, too much of a risk.

“I'm the only one who can control Pekoms,” Pedro insisted, hands tense.

“I can handle him. I'm pretty strong,” Luffy said, stretching an arm to pat Pekoms' head, who was still grumbling about being tied to his back, “He's injured anyway, he's not gonna be a problem.”

“Five is already too many, Luffy-ya has a point,” Law spoke up as worry was plastered all over him, “Too many can draw attention. I'd rather my father and fiancé avoid that.”

Practically attached to the hip of his husband, Luffy knew Law wasn't really worried. At least, not to the extent he was showing. Law was backing him up and making it much more difficult for Pedro if he pushed. Which, judging from the tight jaw, Pedro had been close to until Law intervened.

“What are we, chopped liver?” Nami rolled her eyes.

“You're the devil incarnate, something tells me you'll be fine,” Law deadpanned before his features softened, “Just come back alive.”

There it was again. The paranoia and deep rooted anxiety within Law that never truly went away. Luffy was confident they would all come back safe and sound with Sanji in tow. Things would be different without Pedro, Luffy was aware of this, but he saw how Rosinante fought in Dressrosa. The tall blonde deserved his status as one of the supernovas and Luffy was relieved that such strength was at Law’s side. 

He would have liked it better if Rosinante stayed with Law but his husband and friends had managed to stay undercover in Wano in their other life. Right up until Luffy had arrived of course. Law and his friends would be safe. Luffy didn’t need to worry about them. Whole Cake Island was where the danger was at and Luffy, practical as always, appreciated having a strong fighter in their efforts to retrieve Sanji. And if Luffy understood this, then so did Law. But Law would always worry and Luffy wished he could soothe all the anxiety away. Time was short, however, and Luffy resolved to do exactly that when they reunited in Wano.

In the end, Pedro was benched no matter how much he tried to push, growing almost desperate and even revealing he could help get the road poneglyphs since it was a vital piece needed to reach the last island. The other minks supported Pedro for it too, citing that they had to help in return for everything they had done for them. 

It had all but stopped when Luffy had put his foot down and announced that they were friends and friends didn't have to return favors- never mind that Carrot would sneak her way in. She was likely already on the Thousand Sunny. Regardless, what he said made the minks cry out of joy and Brook once again a victim to the chewing of the canine minks.

Hiking Pekoms comfortably on his back, Luffy smiled at the party of people there to see them off. He smiled wider when he noted how his crew and Law’s crew mingled, wishing each other the best. Ikkaku was even crying for Nami while Robin consoled her and hanging off Brook's side was Shachi and Penguin, who quickly became a fan of the skeleton.

Gold caught his attention and Luffy smiled up at the pretty face of his husband. Everything else faded into the background as Luffy focused entirely on Law.

“Can I get a goodbye kiss?” Luffy asked, swaying back and forth on his heels, hoping for a resounding yes.

Law bluntly answered, “No.”

The crushing devastation that Luffy felt didn't last long, not when Law smiled shortly after. Warm inked hands came up to cup his face and the affectionate expression on Law had Luffy’s heart racing and cheeks warm.

“I'll give you a good luck kiss instead.”

Soft warm lips met his, chaste and short, but full of all the love Law was somehow able to encompass in one tiny action. In much higher spirits, Luffy smiled, pearly white teeth and all, feeling like the luckiest man in the entire world when the heart in his chest throbbed.

“Come back with everyone,” Law softly said, his words for Luffy alone, “Look after my father. Don’t let him get kidnapped.”

That was an odd request, Luffy thought with brows furrowed and assured him, “I won’t, I promise.”

And when Luffy made promises, he didn’t break them. His husband knew that.

Giving him a fond smile, Law stepped back and Luffy stared at his husband, drinking in the sight of him and burning it to mind. Separated again but not for long. Not a decade or two years. A couple of days. Two weeks tops. They could manage two weeks easily.

Falling off Zunesha, Luffy laughed and smiled even as the others screamed.

Chapter Text

Growing consciousness and lungs tight, Luffy quickly sat up, coughing up the lingering effects of the fish he had eaten. He was breathing heavily, his body becoming much more responsive than the slowish numbness he had been struggling against.

“What!? What happened!?” Luffy blurted out, feeling his body reverting back to normal.

Cries of his name echoed and he was swiftly bombarded by Carrot and Chopper sobbing in relief. Did he get sick? Luffy couldn't tell- couldn't remember either- but a tingle in his mind sensed this had happened before. He just didn’t remember because, well, his memory wasn’t that great.

A shadow was casted over him and Luffy looked up. Deep frown was casted over Rosinante's face, his arms crossed. The blatant disapproval was heavy and Luffy gulped, unable to comprehend what he could have done to garner such an expression. Weren't they just cheering alongside one another when Luffy had caught that dark colored fish, saving them from the pains of hunger?

Rosinante’s eyes were sharp, “You're a cheater, Straw Hat. I knew you were no good for my son.”

“What?” Luffy was baffled and indignation rose in him at the offensive accusation, “I'm not a cheater!”

“That’s right! Luffy is not a cheater!” Nami angrily defended him, pointing harshly at Rosinante’s stomach, she was much shorter than him, “You know it wasn't like that! She did that to suck the poison out of him! If she hadn't, Luffy would have died! How do you think Torao will react to you failing to bring back his fiancé alive!? He’d be heartbroken!”

That had Rosinante sulk and Nami triumphant. Confused, Luffy would have questioned it further if he hadn't spotted familiar curly brows onboard the Sunny.

“Sanji!” Luffy exclaimed, surprised, but he took a closer look, realizing that while the person may look like Sanji, the hair was the wrong color.

“She’s a woman!” Chopper hastily corrected.

That too. Sanji was a man. Pink haired lady wasn't. Because she was Sanji's sister- Luffy abruptly remembered- and quite frankly, the only good sibling Sanji had.

“Luffy-san, she saved your life,” Brook stated.

Scrunching his face, Luffy began to piece together what happened. Luffy had gotten poisoned. Pink haired lady sucked it out of him. Rosinante called him a cheater and Nami was vehement in saying he wasn’t. Alarmed, Luffy licked his lips, feeling them a bit swollen.

No. 

Oh no.

“I’m a cheater!” Luffy cried out, despair making itself known as tears began to well up in the corner of his eyes.

Only to be slapped by Nami’s merciless palm, “Not you too!”

“But I promised Torao I’d never kiss another man or woman or anything!” Tears trailed down his cheeks, snot running rampant, lips wobbly. While the promise had been made in their other life, it did not mean he wouldn’t uphold it in this timeline, remembering the soft loving smile on Law’s face when he had declared it. Luffy cried even more, “I broke my promise. What if Torao leaves me? What if he doesn’t wanna marry me anymore!? I can’t live without him!”

A strong hit had Luffy seeing stars as he was sent sprawling on his back. All thoughts of misery and accidental infidelity came to a halt as a towering blurry blonde stood over him with a Haki coated fist.

Mingo? Was Luffy’s first jumbled thought, still recovering from the punch.

“Pull yourself together, Straw Hat,” Rosinante said through gritted teeth and he swiftly dragged him to his feet by the collar of his cardigan, “Your navigator has a point and as long as you keep that promise you made, my son will never leave you. Trust me, I already asked.”

Sniffing, Luffy fought back the disheartening emotion as rationality made it back to him and the tall blonde let him go. Nami was right. Rosinante was right. Law wouldn’t leave him for a misunderstanding. And right now, he was being pretty rude to the pink haired lady who saved his life. Ace and Sabo would smack him for such impoliteness. He wiped off the snot and tears with his cardigan, his confidence restored once more.

“Sanji’s sister!” Luffy exclaimed, head held high as he faced her, “Thank you for saving my life!” His smile turned sharp, “Where’s Sanji?”

-

Sweet velvety chocolate invaded his mouth, overwhelming his senses and Luffy delightfully continued eating, his stomach an endless pit. Pudding may be evil right now but wow was her chocolate amazing. Her acting was impeccable too. Luffy would know, he and his friends had fallen for her charade in his other life. A tiny part of him was even envious of how well she lied. Luffy had never gotten good at lying.

There was no Pedro to threaten her but it still fell on Rosinante to soothingly calm her down. Luffy ate another piece of chocolate as he noted the way Law’s father carefully studied her. With wary. Huh. Luffy wanted to grin. He couldn't wait to see how this played out.

“So, you came for Sanji. To take him back,” setting down her tea, a perfect sad smile crossed Pudding’s face, “I knew he didn’t consent since Mama is so self-centered. She even uses her children’s marriage to strengthen her pirate group. We give up on marrying someone freely out of love. We only have two choices, give up or run.”

Even if Pudding was tricking them all at the moment, Luffy sensed the truth in her words. She was being forced to marry Sanji. A loveless marriage forced upon them by families that shouldn’t even be considered one. 

Having been married for decades- and would marry again to the same man- Luffy slammed a fist on the table and blurted out, “That’s not right!”

Pudding was startled before realization dawned, “No, it’s not. Straw Hat Luffy… you’re in a marriage alliance with Trafalgar Law. Many of my siblings thought you two did that to increase your strength,” her astonishment was genuine, “But that’s not true, is it?”

Nami snorted, “Those two are not marrying for power if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Luffy and Torao are in love!” Chopper happily said, munching on dessert.

“It’s true, I’ve never seen two people so head over heels for each other,” Carrot smiled, “They’re so cute together!”

“They’re truly the leading example of romance,” Brook added, “I’ve even written many songs inspired by their love.”

Luffy laughed, glad to see his friends recognized what he and Law shared was the real genuine thing. He would have added his own piece if Law’s father hadn’t intervened.

“Yes, yes, my son and Straw Hat are in love. What else is new?” Rosinante cut in, “Young lady, if you don’t mind, please continue.”

“Oh, sorry,” Pudding’s blush was convincing, “As I was saying, one of my older sisters that I loved very dearly went out to the sea looking for love. To seek a match.”

“Just out of curiosity,” Brook said, “The invitation said you’re the thirty-fifth daughter of the Charlotte Family. Does Big Mom have thirty-five daughters total?”

With a sheepish smile, Pudding answered, “Well, Mama has thirty-nine daughters and forty-six sons. We’re eighty-five siblings.”

No matter how many times he heard it, Luffy was still unable to contain the shock. Eighty-five was a huge number, it would mean so many Aces and Sabos. A thought came to him and never one to keep his mouth shut, Luffy found himself grinning.

“Wow! So many brothers and sisters! If Torao and I start having kids right now, we can totally beat that number!”

A beat of silence fell. Luffy couldn’t tell who was more shocked or horrified. 

Nami was the first to break the silence, shaking him back and forth by the shoulders and practically shouting, “That’s impossible! You do know that’s impossible, right!?”

“Luffy, neither you or Torao have the means to carry a child!” Chopper hastily explained, “It’s not biologically possible! Unless you’re talking about adoption or having someone to carry the child-”

The blue nosed reindeer’s mouth was quickly slammed shut by a vividly angry Rosinante whose face twitched, “Don’t give him any ideas Doctor Chopper!”

Luffy blinked, “Oh I didn’t think about that. I just thought maybe a visit to Iva was enough.”

“No one is visiting Iva!” Rosinante hissed, the expression venomous enough that Luffy wisely decided to drop the matter. When he got that angry, he really did look like Doflamingo.

Besides, the idea of having that many kids with Law was more of an offhanded suggestion. A funny thought really. Law would have laughed if he was here and maybe even agreed because he was the type of person who liked messing with other people. And in all honesty, Luffy had no true desire to sire that many kids, especially when he and Law never had one in their other life. 

There were discussions for it, Luffy remembered that much, but was shut down by both of them. It was risky. Luffy being King of the Pirates meant he had a target on his back as big as the sun. Literally. With the Polar Tang and the Heart Pirates natural inclination for stealth, Law had considered the possibility but shook it off in the end. An Emperor and husband of the Pirate King represented the same danger, perhaps doubly so for people who wanted Luffy’s title and thought going after an Emperor would increase their chances of it. Not like it bothered Law, his pretty husband always delighted in sinking ships to pieces.

However, thinking back on it, there was Otama, whom they treated as the closest thing to a daughter but never outright said. Everyone had treated her a little differently, being the youngest in his crew and just about as headstrong as him. Regardless, it didn’t matter to Luffy if they did have kids or not. His friends and brothers were enough. Kids were such crybabies anyway. They reminded him too much of himself.

Giggling under her hand, Pudding said, “At least you’ll have them with your Torao. My siblings and I have different fathers. Mama has forty-three husbands, so we’re a family of one hundred twenty-nine…”

-

All of Luffy’s friends were precious to him and he would level entire islands if it meant he would have them. It was no different for Sanji, everything felt right with his cook back by his side. But they still weren’t done on this island and so, Luffy sat with his back straight and immediately made a grab for the cookies on the table, uncaring of the tension that filled the room as he opened his mouth and devoured the sweet snacks.

Likewise, Chopper happily followed his example, “It’s good, Luffy!”

Nami was quick to retort, “Would it kill you guys to show some restraint!?”

“Eh?” Luffy blinked, “These are for us to eat, right?”

Bege spoke up, clearly annoyed by them and immediately started threatening them. Luffy was completely unbothered as his crew made their own snappish remarks, much more content with eating all the free food. He knew how this ended anyway.

“Luffy,” he snapped to attention when Jinbei called him, “Does your gut tell you that you can team up with them? What do you think?”

Swallowing down fresh grapes, Luffy paused as he considered everyone in the room. Tensions were still high, his crew and Bege’s crew watching each other with skepticism. However, there was one particular man who refused to even stare at his direction, instead stealing glances at the tall blonde sitting across from him. Ah. Caesar. Right. Luffy nearly forgot he was here during the whole fiasco.

Remembering the promise Luffy made to Law, he loudly warned, “Hey, keep your hands to yourself, Caesar! Don’t forget, I’ll kill you if you touch Torao’s dad.”

The mad scientist glared, abandoning all pretenses as he snapped at him, “As if I’d forget when all you and your precious Torao do is remind me at every possible second!” Caesar’s disturbing smile locked onto Rosinante, who shifted uncomfortably, “Rosi, it’s so nice to see you again! I do wish it was under better circumstances.”

Rosinante gave a polite smile, subtly scooting closer to Brook, “The feeling is not mutual. What are you even doing here?”

“I’m not here because I want to be!” Caesar retorted and narrowed his eyes back at him, “Because of you fools, I was handed over to Big Mom and when I was in a desperate situation, Bege threatened me with my heart again! Straw Hat, tell your fiancé, Trafalgar Law, that I’ll kill him when I see him again!”

Vicious hot protectiveness coarsed through him and Luffy jumped out of his seat and marched over to the clown, hand fisted around a blue collar and the other one raised back before lunging, striking a pale jaw. Groaning in pain, Caesar fell back on the couch, dazed from the sudden hit. 

Shock filtered through the room, Bege’s men pointing their guns at him and he could have sworn Rosinante nodded in approval as his own friends, Sanji and Jinbei, dragged him back.

“You’re not going anywhere near Torao!” Luffy growled, struggling against their hold.

“Enough of this,” Bege exclaimed, expression something akin to respect as he looked him over, “I understand your anger Straw Hat. I’ll kill anyone who threatens my wife. But for the plan to work, Caesar has to work for me. If he steps out of line,” Bege smirked, holding a cubed beating heart, “I’ll handle him. Now, are we joining hands or not?”

-

Jumping out of the cake was still the best decision to wreak havoc on a supposedly perfect wedding. Cries of terror and shock echoed, guests of the wedding making a run for it lest they accidentally gain Big Mom’s ire. Grinning from ear to ear at a job well done, Luffy munched on the delicious wedding cake as his clones did all the distraction for him. He reached for one more bite when the Emperor’s voice bellowed loud and clear.

“Where are you, Straw Hat!?”

Never one to hide, Luffy responded in kind, back straight as he tugged his straw hat on, “I’m here!”

Heart pumping with excitement- Law must be feeling it too and oh how he missed him- Luffy’s grinned refused to wane despite being stopped from breaking the portrait by Katakuri. How could he stop grinning when this was the moment Jinbei fearlessly faced Big Mom and declared his intentions to leave her crew in order to join Luffy and his friends.

Pride bloomed in him, the way it always did for each and every one of his friends who showed their bravery in the midst of chaos and fear. An emotion that wasn't smothered even by Big Mom’s relentless and fierce attacks, wrath incarnated. Luffy didn't come here to fight her- wouldn't rob Law of his fight- but wow was it difficult to restrain himself.

The attacks came to a freeze when shattered glass echoed. Expecting to see Brook, Luffy was surprised instead to see Rosinante with a white cane over the now ruined portrait. Dressed in the same formal clothes the rest of the guests of the wedding wore. His trademark paint was switched for a less conspicuous look, seemingly another normal guest as he had succeeded in infiltrating the wedding without having need to crash it. He had, somehow, managed to secure being a plus one to one of Big Mom’s daughters and apparently bided his time if Luffy was unable to succeed. 

Rosinante smiled, big and full of insincerity as he lowered the cane, hands crossed politely over it, “My apologies, madame.”

Someone cried out, one of Big Mom’s daughters, and Luffy readily defended himself, knowing the Emperor wouldn’t shriek, knowing that their plan would ultimately fail. But that was fine because Luffy thrived off of chaos and improvisation.

Fighting with Jinbei at his side was almost nostalgic. Sure, they had fought together during the events at Impel Down and Marineford but Luffy was referring to the life that seemed so far away. When Luffy had long since towered over the fishmen and gladly surfed the waters without a hint of fear because he knew the helmsman had his back.

Although Luffy could do without the small fries. A fight wasn’t fun if they were all weak but Big Mom’s children were so damn persistent and there were way too many of them. And while Luffy had no qualms with Sanji’s dad and brothers losing their life here, his cook would be really sad over them. Plus, it meant Reiju would live too and that one Luffy did want to see alive.

Picking up the broken portrait and making a run for Big Mom, he sensed the danger of Katakuri hot on his heels. Teeth clenched and having to reign back the excitement- he’d fight him later, he would- he turned his back to block the incoming mochi attack. Only to see Rosinante’s Haki coated cane.

“Straw Hat, go!” Rosinante shouted, tensed as he eyed Katakuri, who froze at the sight of him, likely sensing that the blonde before him was no easy opponent, “I’ll deal with him.”

Huh. Maybe things could actually be different. Because Luffy was well aware of how adept Rosinante was in Haki. He certainly didn’t have to worry about any mochi as he continued to make his way to Big Mom, looking back once to see that the tall blonde was fighting back with everything he had, keeping Katakuri at a distance. An impressive feat. By the time Katakuri had finally shaken off the blonde, it was already too late.

Big Mom shrieked, loud and piercing, and the plan still failed.

Ears ringing, Luffy managed to grin.

He’d still have his fight then.

-

When Rosinante lingered close to Brook, Luffy noted how off he looked. He especially noticed how Nami clung to Rosinante’s arm, glaring holes at the red haired brother of Sanji whose intense gaze was locked onto the tall blonde. Sanji himself wasn't even bothered by how close their navigator kept Rosinante. He too was throwing mean looks at his brother.

“What’s going on?” Luffy immediately questioned.

“Nothing happened, I just tried to get Germa 66's autographs for Law. My son is a huge nerd of the Sora comics. I told you about it two years ago, remember?” Rosinante smoothly said and Luffy wouldn't have doubted anything was wrong if it weren't for Nami quickly speaking up.

“Rosi got their autographs but then he accidentally tripped in front of Sanji's dumb red haired brother and he grabbed Rosi before he could fall.”

Blinking, Luffy was about to question why they all looked like that if what Ichiji did was a good thing until Sanji picked up where Nami left off.

“And Ichiji refused to let him go. I had to pry Rosi away from him.”

The promise he made to Law rang loudly in his head and Luffy snapped his head toward the tall blonde.

“Rosi! Stay away from him! I promised Torao I wouldn't let you get kidnapped.”

Rosinante gaped, “Law made you promise not to let me get kidnapped? Why?”

“I know why!” Nami answered, looking up at the blonde with an exasperated expression, “Honestly, I should have expected this. Caesar still isn't over you. I see him in the back right now, glowering and wanting to strangle that dumb brother of Sanji's. Heck, Smoker was like this too! You attract trouble! Literally! How does Torao deal with it!?”

“It's not my fault!” Rosinante whined, eyes wide, “I don't want these people to like me! I only want Shanks!”

“Shanks?” Luffy was baffled by the sudden mention of the pirate whom he long admired.

Jinbei chuckled, “Luffy, you should pay more attention to things other than your fiancé. Last I heard, Rosinante and Shanks have a steady relationship.”

“I heard that too. I thought it was a rumor,” Brook laughed, “But I guess it's true!”

“Rosi is dating an Emperor?" Chopper exclaimed, “Wow! Why didn't you tell us?”

“What!?” Luffy shouted, stunned in disbelief and his friends winced at the loud volume with everyone in the castle turning their head towards him.

A shock that didn't last long when Bege manifested inside his castle. Worse for wear and grim face. The assassination on Big Mom failed, Luffy had known it would, but the others had hoped and he wouldn't dare try to break that tentative wonderful emotion. If there was no hope, none of this would be happening. Nika was aware of this, had been the god whom hope was laid upon even in the darkest hour. Luffy was certainly going to uphold that same evoking emotion. 

Even as the entire castle shook with the force of an Emperor’s fists. Bege was sprawled on the ground, every hit on the castle a toll on his body. Luffy gritted his teeth. Not yet.

Bege grunted in pain, “Big Mom came to her senses.”

She did. Her oppressing nature was a frightening thing that made everyone else afraid. She was merciless. Her children were no exception.

Chiffon pleaded but it fell onto deaf ears. Stretching his arms, Luffy quickly pulled her away right before Big Mom’s fist struck the window of the castle. A plan was made, one that relied on Bege and Caesar and Sanji's family.

Luffy had to admit it was funny how quickly Caesar agreed once Rosinante begged him to. It also left him wary.

I can't let Rosi get kidnapped. Torao will kill me.

-

Rosinante was kidnapped.

By the person Luffy least expected. Not Caesar. Not Ichiji. But by Katakuri.

Luffy had already smashed the mirror too. How did he miss Katakuri grabbing Rosinante? Luffy gritted his teeth, seeing the way Katakuri had Rosinante tightly bound by mochi. Well, it was a good thing Luffy was going to improve his Haki in this fight. Surprises like that wouldn't catch him off guard in the future.

“I'm gonna kick your ass!” Luffy shouted, brows furrowed and hands braced for a fight, “And let Rosi go!”

The other Big Mom pirates jeered at him but with one gesture from Katakuri they quieted down.

“You're dangerous, Straw Hat Luffy,” Katakuri spoke, red eyes piercing, “Even though it was reckless, there aren't that many people who have caused this much damage on the Big Mom pirates. If I let you get away, you'll be a bigger threat to Mama.”

“Heh, that scared of Straw Hat?” Rosinante said, evidently displeased by the situation and doing what Law liked to do when he was backed into a corner. Provoke to get a reaction and an opening.

“In terms of ability, he's on a lower level than me. There is nothing to be scared of,” Katakuri shifted his gaze to the prisoner in his hold, “The Straw Hats are done for. You've disguised yourself well but I recognize your face. Rosinante, The Silencer. You're part of the Heart Pirates. You have a chance. Marry into the Big Mom pirates and you and the Heart Pirates will be spared. We're a much better choice than the soon-to-be dead Straw Hats.”

Eh? What? 

Indignation quickly rose. Jealousy he was so well familiar with bursting out of him, his Haki coating the air with a flare as he snarled.

“Hey! The Heart Pirates are with me! Torao is mine! I'm not letting him marry any of you!”

“I'm not talking about the Surgeon of Death,” Katakuri was looking at Rosinante very strangely, “Marry me and live. The Heart Pirates will be under Big Mom’s protection.”

This was not what Luffy was expecting. Nami was right. No wonder Torao made him promise to not let his father get kidnapped. Luffy looked at the blonde, waiting for his answer. Everyone, it seemed, was waiting for Rosinante’s answer with held breath.

Rosinante smiled, eyes turning into crescents, “What a romantic proposal. I'm afraid I have to decline. My son is the captain and he decides what to do with the Heart Pirates, not me.”

“Yeah, you tell him Rosi!” Luffy yelled, breaking into a grin.

“Besides,” Rosinante continued, smile turning sharp, “If news of our engagement gets out, it won’t just be the Straw Hats and the Heart Pirates fighting you. Red Haired Shanks will do everything in his power to stop it from happening. I doubt any of you want to be at war with an Emperor, especially since I’m the beloved partner of said Emperor.”

Murmured whispers rose, the soldiers of Big Mom looking at one another with unease. Luffy was impressed and for a moment, the idea of Shanks crashing into Totto Land didn’t sound half bad. But a promise was a promise and so Luffy hoped that out of everything that was happening, Shanks should be the very last resort.

Katakuri reeled back but quickly gathered his composure, “You’re bluffing.”

“Do you really want to take that risk?” The soft expression on Rosinante looked off, entirely fake to anyone who didn’t know him. Luffy would know, he had been the ire of too many fake smiles and glares.

“Katakuri,” Rosinante purposely drawled the name out, “Let me go.”

Ah. Luffy understood. Law had done the same thing to him on many occasions. In that brief moment, Luffy felt bad for Katakuri. Rosinante had made up his mind after all. He had no intentions of marrying the sweet general. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been surprising when Katakuri reluctantly did so, stoic face not so perfect and adamantly looking away from the blonde.

Taking advantage of the situation, Luffy stretched and made a grab for Rosinante and it was a testament on Katakuri’s character when he did not stop him. Rejection must be a painful thing and Luffy was lucky to never have experienced such a thing. Luckier to have his love reciprocated in the same manner with a freely given heart in his chest.

“Rosi, there’s mirrors on the Sunny. Keep an eye on the mirror woman,” Luffy immediately said as he unwrapped his arms from Law’s father.

The blonde nodded and looked back at Katakuri before facing him, lips drawn to a thin line, “He’s not lying. He’s stronger than you. He's stronger than both of us combined.”

“Not for much longer. Haki grows in battle,” Luffy grinned, vividly remembering the words of the Dark King. Excitement pumped through his veins, eager for a fight to settle his adrenaline and wondering how much things would be changed now that he knew why his attacks looked like they weren’t landing.

A deep sigh, “Don’t die, Straw Hat. I can’t live with my son’s broken heart.”

“I’m not going to be defeated,” Luffy loudly declared, his eyes set on Katakuri’s powerful presence, “I'm going to be the King of the Pirates, I can't lose here.”

-

Bruised black and blue and bandaged all over, Luffy grinned despite the aching pain. The fight with Katakuri was as thrilling as he remembered, the result of it a victory against such a strong opponent he respected and a more honed Haki in the aftermath. Escaping Totto Land by the skin of their teeth thanks to Jinbei and the Sun Pirates and boasting new wanted posters, Luffy and his friends took advantage of the bright sunny day that definitely didn’t escape his notice.

“Thanks!” Luffy exclaimed, smiling up at the sun.

“Keep it like that the rest of the way to Wano, Luffy,” Nami said, sighing in content as she sunbathed in her beach chair, “We deserve it after what we just went through.”

Good point. They hadn’t lost anyone, not even Pekoms- who was sleeping in the bunks, still recovering but alive instead of unknown- but they came out battered and exhausted. And knowing what awaited them in Wano, Luffy easily granted Nami’s request.

He shouted at the sun once more, “Keep it like this until we reach Wano!”

When he looked down, he was met with Rosinante’s confused albeit worried face.

“Did you hit your head?”

“No.” 

Luffy stopped himself from saying anything else. He kind of forgot he wasn’t supposed to be so obvious when he spoke to the sun. And he was a terrible liar so it wasn’t like he could make up some excuse to cover it. Before he debated whether or not he should just tell the truth, Nami gladly did so on his part.

“Luffy is the sun god,” Nami bluntly stated, holding a foil reflector in her hands, “Apparently, it doesn't matter. You get used to it.”

Chopper gasped, “I thought we were supposed to keep that a secret!”

“We’re in a marriage alliance with the Heart Pirates and a formal alliance with the minks,” Sanji shrugged, “They’d found out eventually,” 

“What are you guys talking about?” Carrot asked, mirroring Rosinante’s expression with a head tilt, “Luffy is a sun god? Oh! Is this a prank?”

Shaking his head, Brook said, “It’s no prank, Carrot-san. Luffy-san is the sun god.”

“Wait!” Luffy suddenly cut in, throwing incredulous looks at everyone, “I thought only Nami and Zoro knew! How do you guys know!?”

Settling a hand on his shoulder, Sanji looked beyond exasperated, “Luffy, you shout at the sun and it listens to you. Robin, Franky, and Usopp know too. One day, it rained really hard and you literally said stop and it did. Next thing we knew, there was no more rain for weeks.”

Oh. Luffy scratched his cheek, sheepish. In hindsight, he was rather obvious. His friends from another timeline all knew. He supposed he just got too used to them knowing than not knowing.

“Is everyone on this ship okay?” Rosinante said before he nodded and snapped his fingers, coming to a conclusion, “I’m dreaming. That must be it. Because Straw Hat obviously isn’t the sun god and no one in their right mind would believe him to be one. I know crazy, I’m related to him by blood, so this is clearly a very weird dream.”

Carrot blinked and pinched Rosinante, who yelped, “If this was a dream, you wouldn't have felt that,” she turned to them, eyes and smile wide, “All of you are serious about this. Luffy, prove you’re the sun god!”

Snorting, Luffy did so because never has he heard such a blatant request to prove his godly status. 

“Hey!” Luffy waved at the sun, “Go hide for a bit.”

The shining ball in the sky dutifully obeyed, playing along to his whims as clouds and more clouds shrouded its light. The sky darkened alarmingly quick, the mood tense and foreboding as his friends were taken aback by the sudden change. Oops. Luffy hadn’t meant to scare them. He forgot sometimes that making the sun go away was a powerful thing and wasn’t particularly normal.

“Come back out!” Luffy proclaimed and watched as the light returned in seconds, the clouds dissipating as if never there to begin with, and the sun shone brightly, happy to have his attention.

“Luffy!” Hands grabbed his shoulders and Nami looked somewhere between angry and concerned, “Don’t ever do that again!”

“That was scary!” Chopper cried out, “Luffy, never tell the sun to go away!”

Rubbing the back of his head, Luffy laughed it off. This was why he didn’t like flaunting how much the sun listened to him. 

“Sorry, sorry,” he smiled, eager to make up for the accidental scare, “If it rains at any point, I’ll tell the sun to stop it, okay?”

The weird anxiety in him all but vanished as Nami, Brook, Carrot, and Chopper hugged him tight, cheering for sunny days. He smiled wider, pleased by their easy acceptance.

“Does Law know?”

Luffy looked up at Rosinante, seeing his unreadable gaze, and replied with a simple, “Yeah,” because it was true.

“Well,” Rosinante stared up at the sky, hands on his waist, “I guess having the sun god for a son-in-law is okay at best.”

Chapter Text

The bustling sound of the flower capital was busy at this hour. Children running amok with glee on their faces and vendors hollering and pitching their products. The bright sunny day served to remind him of his husband and briefly, Law wondered how Luffy and his father were doing. Pointless thoughts really but Law would always worry. It was part of his nature.

Sticking to the alleys, Law made himself as incognito as possible. Normally, he wouldn’t have ventured into the city during daylight but the little girl tugging on the sleeve of his dark yukata insisted otherwise. She knew, at least, that he valued privacy and secrecy, doing her best to lead him in a less conspicuous route. Law let her because for one, he still hadn't memorized the pathways of the entire city and two, her situation was dire, and three, her brown hair reminded him of a little sister he used to have so long ago.

Soon enough, the little girl slid a shoji open and hastily ushered him inside. A small humble abode with just the bare necessities, likely a family struggling to make ends meet. Like many other families. It was obvious Kaido and Orochi did not care for their people.

Near the sunken hearth was a man with eyes shut tight and sweating as a wet cloth was placed over his forehead. A woman was attending him, forehead creased with worry. She smiled tiredly at the sight of her daughter but her eyes widened at the sight of him looming by the entrance. Law, for his credit, wasn't trying to be intimidating but the inked black lines and his overall stern demeanor would always have that effect. He wasn't like his husband, disarming and approachable with a bright smile.

“Ma!” The little girl excitedly exclaimed, breaking the tense silence, “I brought the miracle healer! He says he can fix Pa! He can do it, he told me!”

The woman was tense, hovering protectively over her husband, eyes flitting back and forth. Deciding. Hoping.

“We have no money,” her voice broke at the end.

“I don't need it. All I want is a favor,” Law answered, “You live close to the geisha house. In exchange for healing your husband, all I ask is that you keep watch of the men who go in there or linger outside. Your daughter knows where to find me. A small report every morning should suffice. Do we have a deal?”

Desperate, she voiced her agreement and graciously thanked him, going as far as to yank him in for a trembling hug as she cried into his yukata. Awkwardly, Law patted her back with a hand, motion stiff but trying nonetheless. 

He would have helped her regardless but he spotted the geisha house down the street and took advantage of the situation. It was a good idea to have more eyes and with Law gaining favors for his medical expertise, it also became easier to stay hidden. Unsurprisingly, not many were willing to rat out the person who had helped their ailment by use of sorcery.

“If you know of me, you know how I heal,” Law warned and knelt by the man’s side.

Calling for his power, he meticulously set to work on cutting the man's limbs to take out the infection that had bedridden him. It was quiet, deathly so, and by the time Law was finished, he sighed and rose to his feet. The man had stopped shivering and his expression soothed, no longer suffering so harshly from his ailment. Another job well done.

Law was thanked once more, given a bag of white rice as a gift and a parting hug from the little girl. Back onto the streets, he set out with a purpose to find more people to gain favors.

Only to see Robin blink at him, stopping right before entering the geisha house. Well, Law supposed this made things easier. He made his way to her and she smiled, calm as ever.

“Is your colleague still sick?” Law quietly asked, mindful as always for any curious eavesdropper.

Robin clasped her hands together and responded in kind, “She is. I thought you were dropping by later.”

“Things happened.”

Her smile turned mischievous, “Oh. You found another poor soul who needed help and you couldn't say no.”

Law raised a brow, not even bothering to defend himself, “Just take me inside so I can leave as soon as possible.”

It was too early for the geisha to entertain any guests, so when Law stepped in behind Robin, many eyes immediately pinned him. A few of the geisha giggled but Law ignored them, scanning the room for a particular person. A shoji slid open and Law was inwardly relieved to see Ikkaku doing well. 

In this timeline with the open friendship with Robin, she begged to be part of the geishas as well. A request Law had granted if only because it meant less of his crew to hide in the forest. There was safety in numbers too. Each Straw Hat was paired with a Heart Pirate, watching each other’s back as they gathered intel and recruited for the inevitable fight with Kaido.

“Orobi, who’s your friend?” A red haired geisha asked, coyly smiling. She, unfortunately, wasn’t the only one batting her eyelashes at him.

“This is Torao,” Robin announced and her eyes glinted, “He’s a healer. He’s also engaged to a dear friend of mine.”

Ikkaku grinned, using her geisha training to fan her face and voice deceivingly soft, “I’ve met Torao’s fiancé. She’s the jealous type. Better be careful ladies.”

Law refrained from rolling his eyes. So much for not acting too familiar with one another. There were groans of disappointment but Law paid it no heed and Robin led him further inside to cure one of the geishas.

-

“I am once again in your debt, Torao.”

The man bowing his head before him was a noble lord. Young faced with sophisticated features that some may find handsome. A young bachelor with a big enough name to be wary of but not exactly under Orochi's thumb. Last Law heard from Ikkaku, there were several eager women lining up in the hopes the noble would take one of them as his wife.

With the way this young noble looked at him when he thought Law wasn't watching, he pitied those poor women. And cursed his own luck. 

Have I inherited Cora-san’s unparalleled ability to attract strangers? It should be impossible. They weren't related by blood and yet, Law had found himself attracting unwanted attention. 

This is what I get for treating people out of the goodness of my heart. Law resolved himself to never do it again. A promise he would likely break in a couple of hours. 

“Lord Daiki-ya,” Law said, not missing the way the noble lit up at hearing his name from his mouth, “The payment.”

This was why Law even bothered to entertain this man for five days straight. Retrieving a pouch from underneath his expensive kimono, Daiki happily handed over days worth of food in the form of coins. Enough to feed the crew hidden in the mountains with Kin'emon and the others. Raising an arm, Law went to grab the bag and accidentally brushed fingers with Daiki. Unfortunately, the noble seemed to have thought that was the perfect moment to speak up.

“Torao, I think we both know your talents are wasted here. I have a proposal,” Daiku pulled him closer by the wrist, slightly breathless, and Law grimaced at the proximity. 

The only touch he welcomed was Luffy’s, anyone else who touched him that way left a bile of disgust in him. The noble man either didn't care about his boundaries or didn't notice them as he continued.

“Join my staff as my personal healer. You will want for nothing and I will cater to your every need.”

Cora-san, this is your fault.

The sharp sound of a sword unsheathed echoed in the air and the hand that had gripped his wrist immediately let go. Relieved, Law gladly pulled away with the coin bag as the tip of a sword was placed directly underneath the noble's chin. Zoro was no longer napping, it seemed. 

“That's enough. You can leave now,” Zoro said with a harsh glare, “Torao is engaged already. Go find some other healer.”

Scrambling to his feet, Daiki stood with his back straight and matched Zoro’s gaze with determination, “Torao deserves better than a brute.”

Oh my god, why?

Fortunately, Daiki said no more and swiftly turned his back and yanked the shoji open to leave the old creaking house. A house stationed in the outskirts of the flower capital, a place where all manner of people could find the miracle healer who performed sorcery. And a place where his and Luffy’s crew could report to him by the end of the day.

There was a sudden shriek along with hurried footsteps. Entering the small creaking house was Bepo, smiling and satisfied with himself. 

Sheathing his sword, Zoro proudly grinned, “Was that you?”

“I didn't do much,” Bepo tried to shrug nonchalantly but utterly failed with that pleased expression on his face, “I heard what he said, he deserved it! Captain is already spoken for.”

Sighing, Law threw the coin bag with the others, “I hope you realize, Zoro-ya, that Daiki-ya thinks I am engaged to you.”

Horrified, Zoro turned to Bepo, “That's not true. Right?”

Bepo gave the swordsman a pitying smile, “Without any context, it did sound like you were Captain’s fiancé. Sorry.”

“Luffy cannot know this,” Zoro groaned, “I don't wanna deal with his crazy jealous ass.”

“I won't say anything,” Bepo promised as he patted the swordsman's back in comfort. He paused, “We shouldn't tell your captain about that guy either. Straw Hat can get pretty scary when he's jealous.”

And when Luffy shot up to tower over everyone, he would be even more frightening. Law was looking forward to it. Never let it be said he didn't find his husband’s jealousy cute. 

Ignoring the pair, Law began to arrange the reports from the past several days. An hour later, the second of the Straw Hats-Heart pair arrived.

“Zoro beat us?” Franky asked, brows raised high, “I almost can't believe it.”

Jean Bart chuckled, “No thanks to Bepo.”

They laughed and Zoro scowled but said nothing since it was true. Soon enough, Ikkaku walked in with Robin right behind her, both in simple yukatas instead of the eye-catching attire of a geisha.

“Captain, those ladies at the geisha house will not stop talking about you. It's so damn annoying!” Ikkaku complained, all of her geisha training leaving and reverting back to her harsh speech.

Robin smiled, adding on “You made quite an impression.”

“It wasn't my intention to,” Law dryly replied and finally, the last of the Straw Hats arrived with Penguin and Shachi at his side.

“Torao, we made good progress today!” Usopp’s grin matched the ones on his own crew.

“Good,” Law straightened his back and the others made a circle, well used to reporting to him, “Bepo, Zoro-ya, you have the floor.”

As Bepo and Zoro recounted their findings, Law couldn't help but think of the differences he made. The differences that he and Luffy made. In the other distant past, Law vividly remembered trying to haggle the Straw Hats to obey but it was a lost cause and the only person they had even bothered to listen to was Kin'emon. At that time, Law had understood their disobedience- he wasn't their captain, the pirate alliance was only temporary- and had worked around it, pleased that at least they had stayed undercover. Until Luffy had arrived of course.

It would seem that the marriage alliance greatly impacted everything. Faced with the sincerity of Law and Luffy’s relationship and a permanent alliance, the Straw Hats followed him as if he were their captain. Law was under no delusions they would ever put his word over Luffy’s but without their captain’s presence, the well being of the Straw Hats had fallen under his care. The Straw Hats recognized that, his own crew realized it too. 

Chain of command was an important thing after all, especially when mutiny was prevalent in pirate groups. With the marriage alliance, they recognized Law as Luffy’s equal and acted accordingly. An enormous responsibility and one Law wouldn't take lightly.

After all, they were in it for life now.

-

Gritting his teeth, Law kept his composure even as the noble woman in front of him haughtily laughed as her servant quickly pushed herself off the floor. The servant stumbled over her own words, mumbling apologies even though it was the noble woman who had deliberately pushed her and sent the folded clothes in her arms sprawled to the floor.

“Honestly, why does my husband even bother to keep such a useless maid,” the noble woman sneered.

Law wondered if this was really worth his time. He absolutely loathed nobles, he despised any type of royalty, treating the few tolerable ones with the bare minimum respect. In the end, they were all the same, selfish with a superiority complex as high as the skies itself. The noble woman was no different, even going as far as to mess with her own servants.

By the time he was led to a room with a sickly child, coughing deeply even in his sleep, Law put aside his grievances. This was why he was here. He went to work quickly, the noble woman showing a shred of human decency for her only son. She didn't flinch at his devil fruit power either.

Scanning the ill child, Law frowned as he noted the fluid in both lungs, the infection well on its way to taking the boy’s life. Law had known the medical expertise in Wano was far behind from the rest of the world but to witness it in person was an entirely different subject. Pneumonia was an infection that could be cured by a local doctor. Here, even the rich struggled with it.

Slicing out the boy’s lungs, Law cleared away the air sacs before placing them back in the boy’s chest. The cough subsided, the sickly pale was gone, and the boy notably rested easier on his futon. The boy would live.

“I hope you have what I asked for,” Law said, immediately wanting to leave the estate. He priced her the same as he did all the other rich lords and ladies. So deep it put a dent on their pockets.

There was no complaint now that she has seen the proof of his work, “Here. Take it all.”

The shoji slid open just as Law reached for the heavy coin bag. Covered in silks and with an air of superiority, Law gathered this was the woman's husband. He didn't look happy.

“What the- Why is there a man in this house!? Who is this!? Who have you brought!?” The noble bellowed and it happened so quickly, Law couldn't believe what he was seeing. The noble lord had struck his lady wife on the cheek with enough force to send her crying on the floor.

Tears in her eyes and cheek flaming red with a handprint, she yelled back, “Our son was dying! But look! Look at him now! The healer saved his life! Our son lives now because of him! Our son would have died if I had done nothing like you told me to!”

Perhaps Law shouldn't judge too quickly. He sensed the attack and before the man could even step closer to him, he wasted no time in cutting him apart, limb from limb. Grabbing a bandage from his bag, Law tied it around the noble's head to stop him from screaming. Smirking, Law pulled the hair, raising the head from the floor and tossed him in the air before catching the head with one hand.

Facing the now vividly stunned noble woman, Law said, “As long as you don't put him together, he'll stay like this forever. Treat your servants well and you'll have their loyalty and silence.”

She was quiet, eyes wide before she asked in a small hushed voice, “Forever?”

With a pep in his step, Law left the estate.

Sunset settled on the horizon, the bustle of the capital not so loud anymore with vendors closing shop for the day. With quiet steps, Law headed for a particular stand, knowing that a certain group was closing up. The streets were quiet and calm as he trekked the dirt path and the last of the light was dying as the moon made its appearance.

A child suddenly bumped into his leg when he rounded a corner. An apology left his lips, soft as always with children, when the girl's wide purple eyes looked up at him, violet hair strung up in an updo. Baby face and so incredibly innocent. The clothes on her back were dull and worn and wrinkled with age.

Since the second his feet touched the soil of this island, Law has crossed paths with many familiar faces in Wano, safe from a distance and deciding what should be done to those who would die upon Kaido and Orochi’s hands. But there was one person he hadn't seen and to see her again out of the blue had Law reeling back.

To see her so young had pulled a string in his chest. Logically, he knew he would not see the confident kunoichi woman that was every bit as a Straw Hat as the others. The stubborn teen that had forced her way into Luffy’s ship and sailed with a bright smile the years following after. The kunoichi that teased him relentlessly for his obvious weakness; Luffy. A young woman Law had more or less treated like a little annoying sister even if he never admitted it out loud. Luffy had remarked once that Otama felt like a little sibling too. 

Although, they knew in reality that she was more like the child they never had. She certainly behaved like one, always causing a ruckus and completely unapologetic, knowing that with a smile, she'd be forgiven for it.

Otama hastily bowed, movements untried and ungraceful, “Sorry mister! I wasn't watching where I was going.”

On her back were bamboo hats, items she had likely been unable to sell. And even if she had, not enough to keep her fed. It hurt to look at her too malnourished figure, clothes too big on her, and slightly gaunt face. A surge of protectiveness fell over him and Law crouched before her. She took a step back, wary. Good. She shouldn't be so trusting.

“I wasn't watching where I was going either,” Law smiled, small and faint but genuine, “Those bamboo hats- are they for sale?”

Otama immediately brightened and grabbed three sets off her back, tone upbeat, “They are! They're good quality and sturdy! I weaved them myself and I'm good at what I do! They're not expensive either, I sell them at a discount you won't get anywhere else!”

She puffed her chest, proud of her sales pitch as she named her price. Law softly chuckled, seeing the personality he was far more familiar with. Cheap or not, it didn’t matter. Law reached into his yukata and pulled out the coin bag. As much as he wished to give her the entire bag, she'd likely be targeted on her way back home. Plus, Law still had a crew to feed.

Still, he loosened the string and handed her triple of the amount she was selling each hat.

“Keep it,” Law said before she could open her mouth to protest, “You’re good at weaving, right? I have a fiancé who wears a straw hat. Maybe you can patch it up for him when you see him.”

He hadn’t noticed the slip-up until Otama furrowed her brows, confused before, “Oh! You're just like the two old ladies in Ebisu!”

At least she was aware unlike Momonosuke.

“That's right,” Law replied and straightened his legs, towering over her as he hiked Kikoku over his shoulder, “It's getting late. You should head home.”

Smiling brightly, Otama bowed her head once more and ran along. Law watched her back, noting the skip in her step. She turned back, still smiling wildly and waved at him, thanking him and resolved to fix the straw hat for his very good friend.

Snorting, Law shook his head and continued his trek. Perhaps she would be able to piece together who Luffy was and hopefully lead Luffy to him. Wishful thinking, Law knew, considering how loud Luffy liked to make his appearances.

-

“Torao, come on, take a drink!” Usopp laughed, having long abandoned his fear of him with each passing tale Shachi and Penguin divulged.

“I’ll pass,” Law said, far too aware of how deep in enemy territory they were in. His crew and Luffy’s crew could have as much fun as they liked. Law would ensure any antics of theirs would stay under the radar and if need to, silence anyone who dared intrude.

Hakugan giggled, “He doesn’t wanna drink because he doesn’t want you guys to see how cuddly he gets with Bepo.”

There was that too.

“And when Captain gets drunk,” Penguin happily added after chugging down a cup of sake, “He starts talking about Luffy this and Luffy that. I swear you can never get him to shut up about Straw Hat. You would think they’ve known each other their whole lives with the way they act too!”

“Same here!” Franky exclaimed, gesturing wildly with his hands, “As if it wasn’t enough to have Torao’s wanted poster in the dining area, when Luffy does drink, he’s always going on and on about how much he loves Torao and how he'd love him forever and something about how not even death will separate them. It’s super crazy intense!”

They laughed, not registering the truth in their words. With them bonding so easily- with Kin’emon and Momnosuke to boot- Law saw no reason to cut it off. Instead, he stepped out of the castle's ruins, wanting to feel the cool breeze on his skin and to keep an eye out for any stragglers. He doubted he’d find anyone out here, the real danger was Kanjuro but he and Luffy decided to wait until his husband arrived to take action. 

At least both of their crews interacted much less with Kanjuro this time around. Law was the one everyone reported to and he in turn reported only what was necessary for Kin’emon. Still, the thought of his husband had Law fondly smiling as he leaned against a wooden pillar.

Two more days. Two more days and they’ll be here.

It did feel strangely weird to not have his father by his side, having grown used to Corazon’s overbearing nature in this life. However, despite the paranoia Law was unfortunately saddled with, his father was a strong fighter and a valuable asset with his espionage background. Luffy had promised him too they would make it all back and if there was one truth Law knew it was that his husband would never break his word.

A rustle and light footsteps and Law was shortly accompanied by the well mannered Robin. He found it ironic that her calm nature paired off so well with Ikkaku’s brash one. That was a friendship that certainly wasn’t prevalent in his other life.

“It’s true what they said in there,” Robin began, eyes glinting and Law restrained from tensing, “You and Luffy act as though you’ve known each other your whole lives.”

The conversation he had with Luffy weeks ago echoed in his head. Of the agreement they had made. It’d be fun, Luffy had said. So, Law shrugged off any anxiety over it and smirked at the archeologist.

“What if I said we have known each other our whole lives?”

Excitement shone, “It would answer many of my questions,” she glanced back, “Of our questions.”

Ah. So they were already speculating. Gossiping about their captains. They really were a shameless group of people.

“Luffy-ya is mine and I’m his,” Law said, having a little too much fun as he continued, “Whether it be the past, present, or the future.”

“The sun will always find you, then?” Robin asked, using a metaphor for Luffy but Law knew she was being literal with the way she sized him up.

“You know?” Law huffed out a laugh, “I suppose Luffy-ya wouldn’t be able to keep that to himself. He’s terrible at lying. Who else knows?”

“Everyone in the crew,” Robin answered with a smile, “Luffy shouts at the sun a lot.”

That idiot. I love him, Law fondly thought. And then he froze as a sudden thought came to him.

“Torao? What’s wrong?”

Law grimaced, “I just realized my father will probably find out Luffy-ya is the sun god. I’m not sure if he’ll take the news well.”

Robin opened her mouth but before she could say anything, Shachi stepped outside. He stumbled, briefly looking at them right before hurling at his feet. Law sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

It looked like he had laundry to do first thing in the morning.

-

“So,” Penguin drawled out the following morning, “Just out of curiosity- how long have you known Straw Hat?”

Law hummed, fighting the urge to manically grin as he left his yukata out to dry. Good thing Kin'emon had a spare.

“Decades.”

“Decades,” Penguin repeated, looking as though his entire world was turned upside down.

Raising a brow, Law nonchalantly asked, “Did you speak to Robin-ya?”

“I did. Several of us did,” Penguin said, tilting his head to a still snoring Bepo, “What she said… enlightened us.”

A slow smirk, “And what exactly did she say?”

Here, Penguin paused and threw him a scrutinizing expression, “You wouldn't lie to me, right, Captain?”

“I've never lied to you,” Law truthfully answered before shrugging, “Omitted some things, but otherwise, no.”

“Right. Okay,” Penguin looked like he wanted to rip his hair out, “Straw Hat Luffy really is the sun god?”

Law was certain he had never seen that type of expression on his childhood friend. Luffy was right. This was fun.

“Luffy-ya is the sun god, yes.”

“And- you- you're Luffy’s? Like, forever?” Penguin stumbled over his own words, still trying to wrap his head around it. Law understood what he was trying to get at though.

“And Luffy-ya is mine forever too,” Law said with a tilt of a smile, “But you already knew that.”

“Yeah but- not like this!” Penguin exclaimed and looked at Bepo and the others still passed out in the rundown house, “Can I- oh whatever, I'm telling everyone. You can't stop me.”

“Do what you want,” Law said, watching the sun peek over the horizon, “Make sure to wake up Usopp-ya and get back to work.”

Grumbling, Penguin did as ordered and lightly slapped the faces of Shachi and Usopp. Groans were heard and one by one the rest of the crew were waking up, bleary eyed and nursing a hangover. 

Law made sure everyone returned to their stations, all the while ignoring the weird and even baffling expressions of both the Heart and Straw Hat pirates. He could have sworn he heard Clione and Franky gossiping something about past lovers too. Robin's smile was unnervingly bright, pairing well with Ikkaku's smug one. The only ones who didn’t make much of a reaction were Zoro and Jean Bart. The latter Law knew would remain hard to shake no matter what he was presented with- an unfortunate consequence of having been a past slave. For the swordsman, Law wouldn't put it past his husband to slip up around his first mate. Or it could just be Zoro’s personality overall, he had never cared about his captain being a sun god.

Amidst all this however, Law had a hunch that there might be something awry as he heard more muttured words passed between them. Whatever theory they had come up with seemed to stem from Luffy being the sun god. The hints Law had given to Robin and the sparse ones to Penguin definitely weren't enough to draw conclusions of time travel.

Well, Law smirked as he picked up his cursed sword, Let's see how this plays out.

“Captain?” Bepo called out, after all the others had left. 

The swordsman of the Straw Hats was waiting for the mink but at a respectable distance. Back against a tree and eyes closed. Law wondered if Bepo being paired with him would result in Zoro not being branded as the slasher. He doubted it though, the Straw Hats would always bring chaos much like their captain.

Still, Law gave his full attention to his first mate, “What is it, Bepo?”

“They say you've known Straw Hat for a very long time,” Bepo nodded in the distance everyone had left.

“It's true,” Law confirmed, wondering where the mink was going with this.

“I see,” Bepo said, something in his tone and expression dawning to a realization. Of what, Law didn’t know, and he was morbidly curious of what was going through the mink's head.

“Luffy-ya will be here soon,” Law ended up saying, both because he was amused and because he wanted to share his giddiness with someone, “In two days, I'm certain. With everyone.”

“Ah. That's why you've been smiling a lot more lately,” Bepo tilted his head, “The smile that you always have when you're with Straw Hat or even just thinking about him. You were like this too, back then when we were heading to Sabaody.”

Trust Bepo to always be so observant to his moods. That would never change. Law was glad it wouldn't. 

“Am I that obvious?” Law asked with a tilt on his lips. A rhetorical question honestly since everyone in the entire world knew his affection for one Straw Hatted idiot.

Bepo laughed, “Very. But now it makes sense why. You and Straw Hat must have lived through so many lifetimes together.”

Remarkably, Law didn't react to the mink's statement.

So that's what they came up with, Law shoved his spotted hat over his face, failing to suppress a grin, So close and yet so far.

I can't wait to tell Luffy this.

Chapter Text

To the absolute surprise of no one, Luffy had arrived with the exact same gusto- stealing the treasure ship and single handedly delivered an enormous bucket of clean fresh water for the starving people of Okobore town. Law couldn't even be mad over it despite the trouble that would follow.

Not when Luffy took one glance at him and broke into the biggest smile ever. Years they spent together married and his husband still gave him the same beautiful smile. Never faltering and always so full of love. The racing heart inside of Law threatened to jump out of his chest from excitement but he was well used to it. Just like how he supposed Luffy was used to his throbbing heart.

“Torao! It's been a while! I missed you!” Luffy exclaimed, his entire upper body bare and proudly showcasing the criss crossed scar. 

The red kimono fit him too well. Law certainly appreciated the sight and he enjoyed it even further when his husband lunged forward and wrapped his arms around his waist. Strong toned body pressed against him, warm and entirely happy to see him. Luffy was adorably looking up at him, face expectant and lips pouty. Who was Law to deny him?

“Lu-ya,” Law greeted with a small smile as he raised an inked hand to cup Luffy’s face and gave him a small peck on the lips. 

There was a murmur of scandalized gasps- Wano unused to the sight of two men in a relationship. Law ignored it as he pinched a rubber cheek, stretching the skin as a familiar bout of irritation welled up in him, “You ruined the entire plan!” Again, he wanted to say but obviously couldn’t, “Why do I even put up with you!?”

Luffy laughed, bright and unapologetic, and Law wondered why he even asked such a useless question. For his reputation, most likely, seeing as how the curious gazes of Zoro, Okiku, and tiny little Otama had yet to leave them.

“Because you love me!” Luffy unabashedly stated.

Well, he's not wrong. I do love him. Law merely sighed and released the rubbery cheek, still trapped in Luffy’s solid embrace. 

“I knew it! I knew big brother Luffy was your fiancé!” Otama exclaimed, eyes sparkling at him while she kept a finger pointed at Luffy. Her manners were as impeccable as Luffy’s and certainly reminded him of the older version of her.

Luffy was baffled, stretching his head around to blink at Otama, “Eh? How did you know!?”

“Because I told her,” Law swiftly intervened and gave the tiny girl a smile, “Glad to see you're doing well. You should go and take something to eat too.”

“That's right!” Luffy managed to untangle himself from Law, all smiles as he presented a bright red apple to Otama, “Here!”

The pure happiness on the young girl’s face pulled at the strings of his heart as she took the apple. This amount of joy for such a small apple. It only spoke of how Kaido willingly let the people of Wano suffer for decades. His fingers began to fidget the slightest bit, his grip on Kikoku tight. They did it before and they could do it again. Kaido, Big Mom, and everyone else. Law released a small exhale, relaxing once more.

Luffy crouched, still smiling as he patted her small head, “Tama, I’m paying you back for feeding me. This is just the start of it.”

Words of a declaration. An unbreakable vow that meant Luffy would turn over the entire world to fulfill it. Law has heard them many many times throughout their adventures in the seas. His smile widened, unable to hold back as he recalled every single moment Luffy had made such promises. But none could ever hope to match the vows Luffy had given him the day they married. 

Unfortunately, the moment was ruined by his husband suddenly straightening his back and turning around as he demanded to be given meat. A low whistle and Law looked over to see a smirking green haired swordsman. The smile slipped off his face as he narrowed his eyes at the other.

“You were supposed to be with Bepo,” Law reprimanded.

Zoro shrugged, “Things happened.”

Things always happened with the Straw Hats, even the more reasonable ones like Robin and Jinbei. Each of them somehow embodied Luffy’s spirit in some way or form. It was honestly impressive, if a bit irritating.

Law sighed and took a seat on a wooden broken plank, knowing they would linger here for a bit before heading to the ruins of Oden's castle. Seeing as how Luffy returned with the same old vigor, Law wagered his crew and his father were safe too. He wondered what kind of changes had happened- and if his father had managed to unknowingly woo someone during the entire fiasco at Totto Land. 

Law bet all his organs that there was some offspring of Big Mom with a giant broken heart just like Akainu. His mood immediately lifted even more, as it always did with thoughts of the red dog in misery.

-

Law was limping by the time they neared the ruins of Oden castle, hair disheveled and desperately trying to cover the hickies on his collarbone. In contrast, Luffy beamed as he held his hand, as if he hadn’t just pushed him against a tree and had his wicked way with him the moment they were alone. Quick and rough. Law’s back still ached from the coarse bark.

“You really do look pretty in that kimono, Torao,” Luffy said, dark eyes yet to stop roaming over his figure. Insatiable. A fact that would never change.

Law tugged his husband’s hand, lest his husband get the idea of wanting to go again, “I know. This is the fourth time you've told me that.”

“It's true! You're very pretty in that outfit.”

“And now that's five times,” Law caught sight of the gravestones coming into view, “Remember, we're going to replicate everything up until Onigashima- with less casualties.”

Bringing up his other hand, Luffy rubbed the back of his head and smiled sheepishly, “I don't remember everything I did.”

Law wasn't even surprised. He rolled his eyes, “Just do what you always do.”

The reply was quick, “I wanna punch Kaido.”

“Then that's exactly what you'll do. I'll figure out the rest.”

Luffy immediately rubbed his cheek against his, “You're the best, Torao!”

Law very nearly let himself get swept by his husband’s pace but he steeled himself. He squeezed Luffy’s hand, bringing up another subject and grinning as he said it, “Our crews think we're reincarnated lovers. You being the Sun God who took me as your mortal lover. Apparently, we lived through so many lifetimes together.”

Luffy separated their faces just to bark in laughter, “Wow! They're so dumb!” And paused, “Wait- does everyone know I'm the Sun God now!? Who else knows!?”

“Well, judging from your questions, I can assume Cora-san knows now?” Law huffed out a small laugh, annoyingly endeared by his husband who guiltily looked away, “You really are the world's most terrible liar.”

Puffing his cheeks, Luffy grumbled, “It's not my fault. I keep forgetting that they don't know.”

Sympathetic, Law kissed the worry lines on Luffy’s forehead, “It doesn't matter. You're going to awaken your devil fruit soon anyway. You won't have to keep pretending.”

Luffy beamed up at him, “That's true!” His gaze drifted up, chin in hand, and his smile turned playful as he looked back, “As funny as reincarnated lovers are, should I just tell everyone my real age? And how long we've been married?”

“It'll throw them for a loop,” Law grinned, “Sure, why not? Tell them whatever you want.”

The conversation was forced to an end with the appearance of Kin’emon. All too soon, the tearful reunion of Luffy and Momonosuke and his samurai was as heartfelt as the first time around. And despite being reassured by Luffy that everything had gone well, his nerves finally settled at seeing Corazon alive and kicking with the remaining Straw Hats. A reunion that got even more teary eyed as his father crushed him in an inescapable hug and breathing became a difficult challenge.

“Law! You're alive! Did you eat enough while I was away? How are the others? Oh! Law, I got you the best souvenir ever!”

Just as quick, Corazon released the vice grip he had on him and Law managed one inhale right before scraps of paper were thrown at his face. Frowning, Law grabbed the parchment, confused on why his father thought giving him a souvenir from a place that was just as dangerous as Wano was appropriate. Such thoughts dissipated when he glanced upon cursive dark ink, the monikers of a certain royal family of the north blue. Law froze, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. Unable to comprehend how his father had managed to acquire the autographs.

“Cora-san… how?” Law breathed out, the faintest hints of excitement peeking through, the remnants of a childhood sparking back to life. Hell, remnants of a comic he still very much enjoyed reading in his free time and stashed a collection in his quarters.

Of course his husband immediately picked up on it, attuned to just about everything about him, and grumbled out of irrational jealousy as he stuck himself to his side, “You like me more, right? Torao? Sanji's brothers are dumb.”

Fondly exasperated, Law kissed his husband’s forehead, succeeding in mollifying Luffy right before glancing up at his father's proud expression, “Again, how?”

“All I did was ask very politely.”

The navigator of the Straw Hats suddenly scoffed, releasing Momonosuke as she started to scold, “Your dad asked and was suddenly kept hostage. The red one wouldn't let go of him!”

“If they had any emotions,” Sanji began, irritated from just the mere mention, “I would have said Ichiji fell in love right then and there. But they don't. I had to save Rosi from him.”

“I was fine,” Corazon insisted and gestured to himself, “I am fine. See? Not a single scratch on me.”

Nami raised a brow, “A miracle itself since you got kidnapped on top of it.”

“Kidnapped!?” 

Whirling his head at Luffy, Law watched as his husband winced.

“I got Rosi back in the end!” Luffy defended himself and pointed accusingly at Corazon, “It’s not my fault donut guy fell in love him!”

“It’s not my fault either! I didn’t want any of it!”

And there went his father and his husband, yelling at each other over whose fault it was. Uncaring of the spectacle they were making in front of their samurai allies.

Instead, Law ignored them as he asked the remaining Straw Hats, “Who exactly is the donut guy?”

“A sweet general with a bounty of over a billion. Katakuri, third child of Big Mom. I hear he proposed to your dad as well.” Sanji answered with a sigh.

Law knew it. He pitied the poor man but did not let it stop him from growing amused. Another to lump with the red dog of the marines.

“But Rosi said no, and Katakuri and Luffy fought, and then Luffy won!” Chopper exclaimed, condensing what was likely a long story into one sentence. His happy expression peered up at him and Law tried so hard to keep his face a perfect blank mask. His eye twitched though.

“Law-dono, it is somewhat impressive how your father manages to woo almost every enemy he has faced,” Kin’emon inputted and said into existence something Law was actively wishing against, “Perhaps he could ensnare Kaido or Orochi under his spell.”

“Oho, I was just having the same thought!” Brook cheerily said, making the entire situation worse.

As if to hammer in the very real possibility, Okiku, who had yet to stop staring at Corazon with a light blush, said, “I can see it happening. He is quite beautiful.”

By the time his crew joined them, Law was more than glad to move past it and talk about plans. No one brought up the autographs Corazon had acquired for him either and Law made sure to safely pocket them away to glee over them in privacy when he had the chance. 

-

With Kaido destroying the mountain where the remains of Oden's castle were- where they last saw their allies- Luffy had let his emotions get the better of him. Even after Law had managed to get through Luffy’s thick skull that everyone was still very much alive, his husband had still seethed with righteous anger, hot headed as always. Although, anyone would react the same way. Law had the first time he witnessed the destructive power of a singular blast breath, believing his childhood friends were gone in a devastating instant.

Seeing Luffy fight was always a wonder but it was clear he was outmatched by the full might of an Emperor at his peak. Kaido thriving and wreaking havoc in his drunken stupor. Their younger bodies were strong but not strong enough to meet the dragon as an equal.

However, Luffy did punch Kaido. Several times. And was promptly beaten right after. A turn of events that certainly looked bad- and had been bad in another past. With future knowledge and a good memory to boast, Law knew to stay out of sight and fought the urge to shamble his injured husband away to safety.

Luffy had to be taken to Udon. Out of all the things that happened, that was one factor they couldn't risk changing. Udon was where Luffy trained for days, learning a particular Haki under the guidance of Hyogoro, another arsenal to use against Kaido- the very same one where Law had looked upon in awe, seeing Luffy punch Kaido without even touching him. That one tiny moment where Law believed he was seeing a god triumphant against a great malicious dragon. It was ironic that his initial thought wasn’t wrong.

And the fact that there were benefits to this training certainly didn't bother Law. Not when he got to watch the glistening sweat on a rapidly growing muscular chest. Broad shoulders, tight pecs, and sun kissed skin. Thick toned thighs that were disappointingly hidden by the patched kimono. Fortunately the fabric rested around his hips most of the time, leaving everything else bare to see.

A samurai stepped in front of Luffy and Law frowned. His frown deepened when the samurai refused to move. He swiftly stood up, moved his makeshift chair to a different spot, and sat back down. Law smirked. Luffy’s well built body was back into view. 

This was infinitely better than being tortured by Hawkins. Almost better than seeing Stealth Black again and annoying the cook of the Straw Hats with his infodumping. Still, Law couldn't believe he had been deprived of this. Perhaps if he had seen Luffy’s sweaty body and muscles bulging all those years ago, he would have confessed sooner. Such things were in the past now, nothing more than idle thinking, but Law found himself passing the time by daydreaming. 

And by running over the plan he and his allies painstakingly crafted. The plan was underway, the final stages to take down Kaido and Orochi were going smoothly. As smoothly as they could be considering Kanjuro was still running loose. A threat that would immediately be dealt with as soon as his true colors were revealed. Eliminate the traitor and keep Momonosuke as a child he deserved to be. Luffy had been very adamant on it and despite knowing the complications that would arise to not have another giant dragon on their side, Law was banking on their future knowledge to mitigate the worst of Onigashima should Kaido take them to the skies. Either defeat him sooner or don't give him the opportunity to do so. He made sure to hammer that in Luffy’s head on their last night in Zou.

Law was broken out of his musings when he noticed Luffy looked up at him and grinned. Flexing an arm before training twice as hard. Luffy had noticed him three days ago but had kept his distance, too engrossed into his training, too focused on beating Kaido. All sweaty and hot. Luffy looked best under those conditions.

Law would have preferred to be left alone as he shamelessly watched his husband workout but the universe had other plans. A presence joined him. Two of them, one of which was the familiar comforting presence of his first mate and the other was a certain money loving Straw Hat.

The cat burglar herself gave him a look and dryly asked, “Can you stop objectifying my captain?”

Deciding not to answer that, Law asked a question of his own, “Why are you here?” And glanced at Bepo’s nervous body language, “What happened?”

Nami sighed, “Do you want the good news or the bad news?”

Alarmed, Law straightened his back. Everything had been going so well. He should have known better than to let his guard down. “Tell me the bad news first.”

They both exchanged looks and Bepo began to fidget, “Um, well, Cora-san was visiting Ikkaku. And… uh… I’m so sorry Captain!”

Nami crossed her arms, expression akin to begrudging awe, “The shogun was out last night and saw your dad. I think you can guess what happened with Rosi's track record of having his enemies fall for him.”

Clenching his eyes shut, Law let out a heavy deep sigh. Mind racing and a thousand plans coming and going. Of course. Of course. Count on his father to enrapture the shogun himself.

“Was Cora-san recognized?” Law sharply asked.

“He wasn't wearing any of his usual makeup and there hasn’t been talk of the Silencer or anything like that.”

Bepo cried out, at odds with Nami’s calm facade, “Captain, I should have stopped him! I knew something like this would happen- it always does with Cora-san!”

“Nothing we can do about that. Unfortunately,” Law muttered and pinched the bridge of his nose, “Alright. What’s the good news?”

“Erm, Kin’emon thinks we should use this to our advantage,” Bepo answered.

Nami nodded, “It’s not a bad idea. The shogun will drop his guard around Rosi- probably already smitten with the guy since Komurasaki is dead. Ikkaku said Orochi did nearly trip over his feet for your dad. He already played some of Big Mom’s children, he can do it again with the shogun.”

Law despised how much that made sense. Knowing Corazon, he would take advantage of the situation he was forced into. It was a solid plan but only if his identity wasn't leaked.

“Who else knows about this?”

“Ikkaku, Robin, Bepo,” Nami raised a finger for each name, “I was the one who told Kin’emon. The others were out.”

This could definitely work. But Nami and Bepo had to be quick.

“Don't let anyone else know,” Law drew his lips to a thin line, “I'm sure you're aware of this, there's a traitor amongst us. It's best for less people to know where my father is. Tell Kin’emon to keep it a secret.”

Unsurprisingly, Nami agreed with him, “That's why we're here. The less people that know the better.”

Bepo glanced at her and then at Law, “I don't like this plan, Captain. Cora-san will be in danger.”

“I know,” Law stressed, letting his first mate know he wasn't completely on board with it but he was practical and had faith in his father. Worst comes to worst, Law would be there, and if not him, then his husband would. “But right now, we need every advantage we can get.”

Nami quirked her lips, “Hey, do you think Kaido will fall for your dad too?”

Huffing out a dry laugh, Law said, “At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if it happens.”

-

The ship was split into pieces and Law smirked, proud of his own handiwork and unapologetically joining the dick measuring contest with Luffy and Eustass. 

“Torao! No fair!” Luffy shouted, vexed but far too in love with him to truly be angry.

“Fuck you Trafalgar!” Kid snarled, not holding back at all since there was nothing but contempt in their relationship. 

Luffy whirled on the metal wielding captain, apparently hearing an entirely different thing as he grabbed his collar, “Ha? You're not fucking Torao, Gizao! Stay away from him! He's mine!”

It was amusing to see Eustass' disgusted face as he harshly shoved Luffy away, “I don't want your boytoy! And get off me!”

The two resumed arguing and Law let them be. Lifting his head, he smirked as he spotted a white bird flying overhead. A bird big enough to carry someone. And using that bird as transport was a certain red haired traitorous samurai. As expected, the samurai had Momonosuke under his hold and the boy was crying and shouting for help. Although his voice barely carried through the rough waves and rain.

Law raised an arm and easily called forth his power with a few simple gestures. The blue sphere stretched and the second his room reached his target, he shambled Momonosuke for Luffy. Eustass tsked and backed off, muttering something about weak kids. 

“W-What?” Momonosuke was utterly flabbergasted until he saw him.

Law pointed at Kanjuro. His smirk widened as he witnessed Luffy deliver a powerful blow, sucker punching the traitor. He shambled Luffy with a stray pebble immediately after, not wanting his husband to accidentally fall into the water.

Luffy grinned right beside Momonosuke, tugging his straw hat back, “That felt great!”

Kanjuro was still flying, still able to escape- granted his nose was bleeding but that was about it- and Law raised a brow, “You didn't punch him hard enough.”

Shrugging, Luffy simply said, “He's someone else's to beat.”

Hmm. Law did recall Kanjuro being the one to be Orochi’s ultimate doom. Fitting for such a vile man.

“Law… Luffy….” Momonosuke finally regained his composure, wiping away the snot and tears, and bowed deeply, “Thank you!” 

Luffy laughed and patted the kid's head, “Thank me by staying the way you are. A little crybaby!”

Momonosuke immediately fought his husband for the supposed insult and Law rolled his eyes, Luffy blunt but childish as always. Effective in relaying what he wanted to say if that option ever occurred in Momonosuke's head during the raid.

Eustass was further disgusted by the display and turned his back, “Yeah, no, I'm stepping off. I want no part of this found family bullshit you and Straw Hat got going on.”

“Jealous much?” Law drawled out and wanted to cackle at Kid’s enraged expression.

With a dramatic flare, the red haired pirate captain jumped back on board his own ship, leaving them alone in the rubble of the pirate ship Law tarnished. He shifted to face his husband, intending to give one last parting before they landed on Onigashima. Only to come to a halt when a small boyish voice called out to him.

“Law, will you take me back on land?” Momonosuke asked. It was expected of him to remain back where it was safe, away from the fight, but his expression showed he was conflicted over it.

Law shifted Kikoku onto his shoulder, “That depends. Do you wish to stay behind?”

“No,” Momonosuke said and blinked, surprised by the answer that left his mouth without hesitation.

“I guess Momo isn’t such a coward as I thought,” Luffy teased, “Stick close to us. We’ll protect you. And if not us, then our friends will! You understand?”

“I-I do!”

“My father has a soft spot for children,” Law said, “Once we find him, he’ll make sure nothing will happen to you,” his lips shifted to a faint smile, “If we’re lucky, maybe Kaido will fall for Cora-san, and you can see him reject the almighty Emperor.”

Momonosuke let out a baffled laugh and Law figured he succeeded in raising his spirits. He meant it as a joke and he adamantly hoped it stayed as a joke. Orochi was easy to deal with. Kaido was the bigger issue along with his alliance with Big Mom.

Taking a deep sigh, Law shambled himself and the boy onto the Polar Tang. It was time to see the changes they made come to fruition.

-

War cries echoed around him, blood spilled as a twenty year vengeance still raged with all of its might. The plight of the samurai and everyone who opposed the current rulers of Wano was a sentiment Law was far too familiar with. Destruction and mayhem was everywhere, samurai and pirates alike falling in battle.

Yet, there was nothing but cries of joy as his crew hollered their delight at the sight of Law and Eustass victorious against the monster that was Big Mom. She really was a powerful woman and while Law figured he could have been able to beat her by himself, it would have been too risky. The chances of winding up dead were far too high. There was no second chance- no witch who was capable of it for at least another couple of decades and even then it would have to fall on Luffy to do it. And who knew if his husband was able to wait that long just for the chance to do it all over again. Luffy would be too heartbroken and Law wouldn't be able to rest even in death at the mere thought of Luffy in pain because of him.

Leaning on Kikoku, he waited for the dizziness to pass and hadn't noticed he was swaying until a warm fuzzy hand settled him to sit on crumbled stone. Spent of his energy and barely aware of his surroundings, he blinked up at the sight of white fur and one of dark haired and freckles. His mind took a bit to process who the latter was. Simultaneously seeing a ghost and a living person, much like how he viewed Corazon when the nightmares dared to resurface in this new life.

Ace grinned down at him with the same type of fierceness his husband wore, body littered with injuries but still had some fight in him, “Glad to see you're still alive. Luffy would have been so sad if you had kicked the bucket.”

“We all would have been sad!” Bepo indignantly shouted, tears of joy still falling from his dark beady eyes, “Captain! You're so amazing!”

His first mate's cries were instantly repeated by his crew and just as loud as Kid's crew in their shared joy. A joy that was cut short when the ceiling cracked and fell, reminding them all of the other Emperor and who was fighting said Emperor.

“Should we prepare…” Kid struggled to say, just as equally beat up as Law, “For Kaido?”

Laying Kikoku beside him, Law shook his head, “Not necessary…” he weakly smirked, wishing he could see his husband in all his glory, wishing he could see the moment Luffy awakened his devil fruit and became the sun god, “Luffy-ya will do his part.”

Eustass gagged, as he always did whenever Law and Luffy spoke so fondly of one another. Meanwhile, Ace's grin widened, pleased by his answer and opened his mouth to say what was likely another sassy retort when a powerful attack had them back on alert. The devastating blast breath tore a hole in the ceiling and below them and the blast of it had them bracing themselves. 

For the briefest moment, Law caught the sight of Luffy struggling against the attack as it pummeled him to the lower levels of Kaido’s mansion. The heart in Law’s chest kept racing, kept beating far beyond its normal pace, the adrenaline pushing Luffy's current limits.

“Was that Luffy?” Ace immediately asked, face contorted with worry.

Even though Law knew the outcome of this battle, it didn’t stop the anxiety climbing up his throat, “I saw him too.”

To pile on to his worry, Shachi and Penguin came running from inside the mansion, “Captain! We got separated from Cora-san! We don’t know where he is!”

Law tried to wrack his brain, pulling old memories from a different past, “Orochi is a coward…” he breathed out, regaining his strength just the slightest bit, “Cora-san will be fine,” he insisted, because he couldn’t afford to think about anything else.

More of the animal pirates tried to get the jump on them and Law was accurately aware of the war zone he was still in. Ace and his crew made quick work on protecting his back, the enemy still far outnumbering them despite being weaker.

It happened so suddenly Law couldn’t understand it at first. The small whisper that Law had always been able to hear, the Will of D. pushing softly but never forcing. It told him the impossible, it told him the same message Law had heard in another battle that mimicked this one decades ago.

Above, a strong flare of Haki roused, everyone tense as Kaido’s anger spoke through it. Law’s heart thumped loudly to his own ears despite it beating behind rubbery ribs and skin. Law’s heart always pulsed slower than Luffy’s, so why was Luffy’s heart beating slower?

Numb, Law’s trembling hand called forth his power and clawed at his chest. The cube like heart was in his palms and his eyes were wide open as Luffy’s heart continually weakened. Vaguely, Law heard the voices of Ace and Bepo but couldn’t hear them. Couldn’t make out what they were saying. 

Law watched as Luffy’s heart stopped beating altogether. He waited, as if by some miracle it would start back up again. But nothing happened. Luffy’s heart wasn't moving.

Someone screamed. His throat was hoarse. Questions sprang forth, Fire Fist’s voice the loudest among them. 

Law’s vision turned blurry. Oh. He was crying. Someone kept screaming. His throat was starting to hurt.

The ground shook and Law lifted his head to see Kaido. But no Luffy. He looked down at the still heart in his palms. Kaido had said it but Law still couldn’t process it.

Luffy was dead. Law had the proof in his hands.

This happened before.  

Did it? 

They said he was dead before too.  

But what if Luffy stayed dead?

Someone kept fucking screaming. His throat was becoming unbearable. A face came into view, blue and red paint sticking out as they crouched before him.

Law recognized him through the heavy tears. That was Corazon. The screaming finally stopped.

Corazon rested his hands on his wrists, saying something but Law couldn't hear it through the loud ringing in his ears. His father sounded desperate. 

Someone else joined them- Ace knelt between them, staring hard at the heart in his hands. He said something too. Shouted mostly before leaving them, running toward the dragon with Haki and fire flaring wildly.

Law should have stopped Ace. Luffy would be sad if Ace died again. The screaming started back up again. 

Right. Luffy was dead. 

Corazon tried to move his wrists but Law yanked back, breathing heavily as he clutched the cubed heart to his chest. Luffy had given him his heart. Law refused to let go of it, even if it no longer held the familiar strong beat. 

He stared at the unmoving heart. 

Luffy was dead and he left Law behind. 

That fucking bastard. That idiot. That stupid, stupid man.

A thought came to him. The witch. The goddamn witch. She could do it all over again and Law wouldn't be alone. He knew where the island was. He could go to the past and find Luffy again.

Law looked at Corazon, his voice rough as he shakily said, “I have to follow him.”

He tried to drag himself on his feet and released an angry noise when Corazon pushed him back down. His father yelled at him, tears trailing down his cheeks.

Someone shouted. It sounded an awful lot like Nami. She refused to believe Luffy was dead. 

But Law had the proof in his hands. 

She said the same thing before too.  

And Luffy had come back alive.

He died back then and came back alive.  

Oh god, Luffy really had died back then and Law hadn't known it. Luffy didn't tell him, he didn't even bother giving him a heads up that he would die in his fight against Kaido.

What a terrible fucking husband. Wiping away the tears, Law settled on an emotion he was far more intimate with. Bright righteous anger. He pushed his father back and stared up instinctively to where he knew Luffy laid.

“Luffy-ya!” Law shouted so loud his throat hurt from it, “I'm going to kill you if you don't get back up!”

And then it happened. In his hands, Luffy’s heart pounded once. Twice. It began to jump. The beat was loud. A strange sort of rhythm that only occurred when Luffy was at his most free. 

The drums the entire world could hear- the one that herald the arrival of the Sun God.

Chapter Text

The cubed heart in his hands jumped around, the drums a familiar tune Law could hear even in his deepest sleep. The drums of liberation were a powerful beat and Law hadn’t known how much he missed hearing it until now. Joyful and enchanting, just like the original owner himself.

With Luffy’s heart out in the open, the drums carried freely in the air. Shocked gazes fell upon the bouncing heart, allies and enemies seeking where the powerful drums came from. Kaido and a bloody Ace froze in their tracks- fighting coming to a halt as their attention was drawn to the playful heart in his hands. 

But just as the heart returned with a vigor, so did Luffy. An overwhelming Conqueror’s Haki swept through Onigashima but it was nothing like Kaido’s menacing and oppressive pressure. This one gave comfort and warmth, washing over Law with tenderness. The same could not be said to the beast pirates- the slam of forceful willpower immediately knocking out a sufficient portion of them. 

And there went a giant rubber hand blasting through the ceiling to yank Kaido up, as though the enormous dragon was a mere toy to play with. Seeing an Emperor be grabbed like nothing stunned the bystanders, and more importantly, morale had returned with a ferocity. There was zero doubt that the hand was Luffy’s- and just like that, the samurai cried out in joy. 

The tide of the battle had been turned, victory now within their grasp. Law heaved a shaky sigh of relief and pressed the bouncing heart of Luffy against his lips. Luffy’s heart skipped out of tune, messing up the beat, and a small bubble of laughter escaped his dry mouth. Lips curled to a tiny smile, consumed by love from the action and yet still simmering from unadulterated anger.

“What’s happening? What’s going on?” Corazon babbled, eyes wide as he shifted between the beating heart and the broken ceiling, “I thought- Why is- why does that sound like drums?”

“This is what freedom sounds like,” Law said, breathless, holding Luffy’s heart with renewed care. Luffy’s beating heart.

Debris fell around them- a fight more intense than before taking place on the roof. The fire was relatively tamed but still a danger if they didn't get enough water to put it out. Especially since the hot flames surrounded them, making it impossible to move through without help from outside. At least they were still on land. Luffy had kept his word.

Corazon helped him back on his feet while his crew was still adamantly fighting. No one questioned his sudden panic attack but Law wagered it was a conversation for later. After they dealt with this mess. Eustass Kid apparently did not get the memo.

“Looks like Straw Hat is alive,” Kid bit out, knocking back a beast pirate that had taken aim at his crewmate and looked over his shoulder, exhausted but still had the energy to glare, “Don't cry like a bitch Trafalgar. It's pathetic. You can always find a new boytoy.”

Law gave him the middle finger, snarling, “Fuck you, I hope you stay miserable and single for the rest of your life.”

“Law, take it easy,” Corazon soothed, hands hovering protectively over him. It would have annoyed Law if he hadn't known the reason for it was because of his near cardiac arrest.

Eustass opened his mouth but did not get the chance to reply. A booming crack resounded in the air, silencing them as they felt the heavy pressure. Sudden and thunderous.

The sight was nostalgic.

Stuck in the ceiling was the white haired form of his husband. Clothes dyed, wispy floaty white strands, and bright red eyes. Achieving the peak of his power in a monumental battle. Awakening to who he was, the symbol of freedom to Wano and so many others. Exaggerated scrunched face, feeling the pain of the king of the beasts’ attack but handling it as though one would a stub toe.

Law was the only one not to gape at Luffy’s awakened form. He chuckled instead, the last residing tension and anxiety dissipating at seeing Luffy whole and breathing and free.

Red eyes immediately averted to his direction. It was amusing, and incredibly flattering, to see literal hearts pop out of Luffy’s eye sockets. Law almost forgot how blatantly ridiculous Luffy was in his final gear.

“Torao!” Luffy bellowed, his voice reverberating amongst the walls, and pushed himself out of the hole he made in the ceiling. His descent was swift and the ground became malleable under his feet, stretching and bouncing as he landed, causing everyone around him to trip or fall over their own feet from the unsteady ground.

Law just barely managed to keep himself on his feet- Corazon sprawled on Bepo somewhere behind him- when Luffy floated right over him. Pearly white teeth on display, smile literally stretching from ear to ear. Without a care in the world, indifferent to the fact that Law had cried over him and for a brief minuscule time, had mourned him.

At once, the bubbling anger in him welled up and he reached out to yank at Luffy’s collar, fist balling up the fabric, and shouted at the other’s face, “You bastard! You were dead! Your heart stopped beating!”

Luffy laughed, joyful and tinged with an edge of madness, “Torao is dumb, I’m alive! My heart is jumping in your hand, see?”

It was- bouncing and playful, still playing the same fervent drums. Gazing at his husband, at his painfully naive face, made Law want to tear his hair out. Luffy hadn’t even known he had died. How could he have warned Law about his death if he didn’t know it? This man made it so difficult to love him.

“I’m divorcing you!” Law yelled, needing to snap and uttered the first thing that always came out when Luffy upset him to such a degree.

Luffy smiled even wider and cupped his face, cheerily exclaiming, “Denied!” He pouted, fully put out, “Hey, you kissed my heart. Kiss me too!”

Lips stretched to find their mark, the sight an old familiar chase and Law, exhausted to his bones and utterly resigned, let it happen. He yanked his husband closer, smacking those lips back in place with his palm, and kissed Luffy hard. Letting his husband know the tinge of desperation- the boiled anger that had consumed him. He felt Luffy press back softly, his own way of telling Law sorry even if he didn't know why he was apologizing.

A conversation for later. For there was a furious Emperor roaring from the skies, upset at having lost his wayward opponent.

“Get back here Straw Hat, we're not done fighting!”

Judging from the tongue trying to enter his mouth, Luffy very much thought otherwise. Law had to forcibly separate those tempting lips from his.

“Give Kaido hell,” Law smirked.

Luffy huffed, actual smoke leaving his nostrils as he indignantly replied, “Don't talk about other men when we're kissing!”

Rolling his eyes so far back, Law was surprised they didn't fall out with Luffy’s rubber properties affecting everything he touched.

He pushed his husband away, lips curling to a teasing smile, “Win and I won't.”

It truly was difficult to stay mad at Luffy, especially when he exaggerated his flexing muscles that were three times their normal size. The white billowing figure of his husband sprang back to the fight in the skies, loudly declaring to beat Kaido and You better keep your promise Torao! to everyone in hearing vicinity.

Law rubbed his temple, irritated and yet so damned fond.

-

Sleeping on the futon, Luffy looked peaceful despite the many bandages that were wrapped around his body. Likewise, the green haired swordsmen laid on Luffy’s other side, just as battered as his captain. A sight that was not unfamiliar- the other injured Straw Hats coming to mind along with his own crew. But the one person who would be injured without fail was always the Straw Hat captain himself. This would not be the last time Law would sit by his husband's unconscious state, fraught with worry and wishing he could do more.

They might never wake up.

Absolute fools. Law had scoffed then, immediately following up the statement with They will. A sentiment Chopper had wholeheartedly agreed to, much to the surprise of the mink doctor from Zou and his nurse.

Luffy would wake up, that was never in doubt. But that didn't mean Law liked the suffering and silence of waiting.

The crisp fresh air of the morning helped relax some of the tension on his shoulders as he sat cross-legged with Kikoku on the floor within reach. He bit into an onigiri, having been served a plate of it from the newly acquired servants of the Kozuki household. He had been up since before the sun could rise, too saddled with anxiety to properly rest longer than a couple of hours. 

Luffy would scold him if he were awake. Considering recent events however, Law knew he would get a pass for it.

Luffy died and came back to life. Was that how it was supposed to happen? To awaken into his godly status, Luffy had to die for it? Law frowned. He loathed the mere concept and it was disheartening that there was no one knowledgeable enough to give him an answer. Luffy obviously hadn't known he had died. It would be pointless to ask his husband. There were no other gods Law was aware of, be it past or future. Luffy had shrugged when Law had asked him about it in their other distant life.

“They’re out there. They’re like me.”

The cook of the Straw Hats had shouted dinner was ready and that was the end of that conversation, Luffy beelining for the first servings of whatever delicious meal Sanji had made. Law had it let slide back then after he realized the simplicity of Luffy’s answer. Any god or goddess out there wouldn’t know anything more than Luffy. They just… existed. A comforting thought really.

Footsteps thudded, growing closer and closer, breaking the tentative silence. Law reached out with the faintest hint of Haki and knew immediately who was heading this way. This group was preferable- if anyone louder had come, Law would have needed coffee for it.

“Captain! I knew I'd find you here,” Ikkaku exclaimed the second she caught sight of him.

At her side was the ever calm demon child Robin, “Good morning, Torao.”

And last but not least, was the grinning brother of Luffy with a plate of meat in his hand, “Hey, Torao! How's my baby brother and his friend doing?’

They were dressed in Wano attire, silks with flowery patterns courtesy of Momonosuke. Much like Law’s own clothing. They were rather comfortable, he wouldn't lie.

“Ikkaku-ya, Robin-ya,” Law greeted right before answering Ace, “Stable. Less pale than yesterday at least.”

“Luffy’s heart is still beating then,” Ace said and Law was abruptly reminded of the fact that Fire Fist was there the moment Law’s entire world nearly shattered. Ace had seen Luffy’s heart stopped beating too. The bandages wrapped around his arms and hands were a sign of what he had done in the aftermath- fighting Kaido with every fiber of his being right up until Luffy got back up again.

“Yes, his heart is still beating,” Law said, because what else could he say? People had seen him holding Luffy’s unmoving heart- had witnessed Law’s sudden spiral. His entire crew and Corazon knew the truth of the heart in his chest. And with how tightly knitted the Straw Hats and Heart Pirates were- it stood to stand Luffy’s whole crew knew too.

Robin’s eyes shone in a particular way that meant she was thinking, calculating, “Has your heart always been with Luffy?”

Ace glanced at her, confused as he bit into a meaty drumstick, and Law wagered he was going to be hit with a rather startling half true theory. Hopefully he wouldn’t choke.

Law sighed, deciding on what to say and went ahead with, “Ever since I ate my devil fruit. I was thirteen.”

“Really?” Ikkaku raised a brow and tactlessly asked, “Not when you were born? Does that mean you didn’t know about Straw Hat until later?”

“Perhaps the devil fruit awakened his memories,” Robin said, tilting her head curiously, “I imagine it would be quite a shock for a child to know his lover is the sun god.”

No matter how many times Law witnessed it, it was terribly amusing to see the utter confusion at the sight of his and Luffy’s time traveling relationship. The pure bafflement on Fire Fist lightened his mood.

Ace’s brows furrowed deeply and he swallowed down the meat he had been chewing, looking at them all warily, “I am… very lost. Torao and Luffy switched their hearts two years ago- it’s impossible for Torao to have had Luffy’s heart since he was thirteen. They hadn’t even known each other yet! And why the fuck are we talking about gods?”

Perhaps with the worst timing ever, Corazon leisurely walked in, cigar in hand as he bluntly stated, “Your brother is the sun god. Apparently it doesn’t matter,” his blank expression turned to Law, “I heard some concerning things from Bepo and the others. I think we need to have a chat. Father to son.”

Law really did not want to have a chat with Corazon. He had a feeling a particular subject was going to be brought up. It had only been two days ago that Law had broken down in front of his father. And from the sound of it, his crew had informed Corazon about the reincarnation theory.

“That explains literally nothing,” Ace cried out, still helplessly confused.

“We’ll be happy to explain!” Ikkaku mischievously grinned, pairing well with Robin’s calm yet amused one.

Corazon clapped his hands, “Perfect! Law, if you don’t mind.”

Law very much did mind but the tone of his father's voice implied that it wasn't a request. It was a demand. Law respected Corazon too much to act like a petulant child.

Unsheathing Kikoku, Law left her behind to stand watch over Luffy and Zoro as he quietly followed his father.

-

Standing in the middle of an empty courtyard, Corazon turned his back and crossed his arms as he looked down at him, “You and Straw Hat are not reincarnated lovers.”

“We could be,” Law countered and when his father gave him a look, he ended up admitting, “Luffy-ya and I aren't reincarnated lovers.”

“But I can see why everyone else believes it. Am I the only one who knows you and Luffy’s real age?”

Law’s eyes widened, reminded of the conversation back in Zou, “Wait- you actually believed us when we told you?”

Corazon’s eye twitched, “No! Of course not! I didn't believe it when you two first told me. But after Big Mom and Kaido- after everything the crew told me- I started thinking. I mean, why else would Straw Hat pick such a specific age? Why would he tell me you both were more like old men? It was odd, even by Straw Hat’s standards.”

His father uncrossed his arms only to point at him. Law was glad he wasn't poking him with a Haki coated finger.

“And you! You knew exactly what you were doing when you told me you wanted to marry the King of the Pirates. You knew all along. And when you first met Straw Hat, I didn't clue it in, but it was weird how you two were already so comfortable with each other when you're socially inept. Which led me to believe it was because you two had already known each other but that's impossible because I raised you and we sure as hell were nowhere close to the East Blue. So, there was really only one plausible conclusion I came to- time travel!”

Finishing it with a heavy breath, Corazon chest's heaved, expression entirely set.

There's a reason why Cora-san had hid himself so well under his brother's nose and gathered every scrap of intel with accuracy. 

Law gave a half uncertain smile, shifting on his feet, “You're pretty good, Cora-san.”

“Thank you,” his father said after a moment's pause and lowered his hand, voice softer, “That's what you meant back then. I have to follow him. You were going to travel back in time, right? Please tell me that's what it was. Otherwise, we need to have another conversation.”

Swallowing, Law stiffly nodded, “Yeah that- It wasn't my proudest moment. I knew Luffy-ya would come back alive but I- I wasn't prepared to feel and see his heart just stop.”

His voice broke at the end- embarrassing really, he was a goddamn Emperor for crying out loud- and Corazon wasted no time in gathering him in his arms. His embrace was warm and comforting, making Law feel like a kid again. The days where Law had let himself act like one because he was privileged enough to have a decent childhood with a parental figure who loved and supported him. He let himself hug his father back, taking the offered consolation that helped in easing the last of his stressful nerves.

The stress returned however when Corazon spoke up, tone deceptively soft, “I don’t care that he’s the Sun God, I'm going to kill Straw Hat for making you cry like that.”

“Please don't.”

“Maim him. Only a little.”

Law almost agreed to it but if anyone was going to maim Luffy for making him cry in front of so many people, it was going to be him.

“I love him. So, no.”

A sigh. “Fine.” A pause. “How did you two travel back in time anyway?” Corazon pulled back and leaned down to whisper, “I thought going to the past was impossible. Momo’s mother couldn’t do it.”

“Luffy-ya and I found a witch,” Law replied in the same manner, “We won’t see her for another two decades. But I remember the island we found her on- I would have-” Law took a deep breath, “If Luffy-ya had stayed dead, I was going to look for her.”

Corazon drew his lips to a thin line, “By yourself?”

Without me? Without your crew?

Law hesitated and hated himself for saying, “Yeah.”

Corazon rubbed his face, thoroughly disappointed and defeated, “I suppose I should be glad Luffy is just as crazy for you too.”

“Oh! Torao! Rosinante! Rosinante, that kimono suits you well! Say, have you eaten yet?”

Yamato’s loud shout effectively ceased their conversation altogether and Law hid a grin as Yamato barreled his way to them, eyes set on Corazon. Kaido’s son was a suitor of his father, another who had fallen for Corazon sometime during the raid on Onigashima. He- unlike Katakuri- was completely determined to fight Shanks for his father’s hand. Amusing but ultimately pointless. Yamato was persistent however and Law admired his tenacity despite the many rejections. 

Seeing Corazon’s expression morph into a tight smile, Law took advantage and slipped out of the courtyard, leaving the two alone and made his way back to Luffy feeling lighter than ever.

-

Unfortunately, as much as Law wanted to take care of his husband, there were many who needed his expertise now that Kaido and Orochi were no longer in control. Word spread quickly of his abilities and when it became known he was the miracle healer who used sorcery to heal every ailment, the citizens of Wano came groveling to the Kozuki estate for his services.

Not that Law minded. It would take Luffy and Zoro a week to wake up from their temporary coma and another couple of days before their eventual departure from Wano. Besides, he took the oaths of a doctor seriously- saving lives rather than taking them.

What he did mind was the very same noble lord who had tried to hire Law as his personal healer. An offer he kept pushing no matter how many times Law refused him. It was one thing for it to happen to his father- it was expected when it came to Corazon. No one batted an eye considering the long line of admirers the tall blonde left in his wake. But for it to happen to Law? Nothing like this had ever happened to him before and he blamed his father for it.

It was the fourth day and Daichi looked no less determined. Law thought that after the initial scare from Bepo and Zoro that he wouldn’t have to see this man again. But if anything, the knowledge that Zoro was in a coma only seemed to have incensed Daichi to come back. The noble lord was still under the impression that Law was engaged to Zoro of all people and was adamantly hoping for the swordsman’s demise.

“Zoro is on death’s door,” Daichi proclaimed with an air of superiority and Law saw the way his and Luffy’s crews tried to stifle their snorts behind the noble’s back, whispering to one another, “The life of a samurai is honorable but dangerous. The life of a pirate is even worse. I can offer you safety and happiness. For you and your entire crew. Live in comfort under my roof.”

So, essentially be a glorified housewife. The thought wasn’t appealing.

Someone was snickering. It sounded suspiciously like Shachi and Penguin. And wherever those two were, Usopp and Chopper followed suit. Law had wondered who kept letting this man inside the estate. He should have known it was the fault of his annoying childhood friends.

“Lord Daichi-ya, I must reject your offer once more,” Law said as blandly as he could, “My fiancé is a jealous man. When he wakes up- and he will- he will not hesitate to punch you. Bepo, escort this man out of my sight.”

Daichi stiffened as the mink drew closer and Law smirked. He waited until they were out of earshot to narrow his eyes at the two laughing idiots. Usopp and Chopper had wisely left those two alone, not willing to risk his ire. Law didn’t miss the way they hovered behind Franky and Jean.

“If you two let him in again, I'm taking your hands along with his,” Law threatened.

Shachi and Penguin hastily ceased their antics and before they could defend themselves and sprout weak excuses, a quick shuffle of feet stole their attention. Momonosuke’s sister, Hiyori, tripped as she entered the room but Nami quickly caught her before she could fall.

“Be careful, Hiyori,” Nami’s brows furrowed, concerned, “What's got you in a rush? Is everything okay?”

“Nami! Thank you for catching me!” Hiyori smiled, although it looked slightly frazzled. Her gaze landed on him, eyes wide as she asked, “They're saying Zorojuro is engaged to the miracle healer. But that can't be right since you're engaged to Luffytaro.”

A pounding headache surfaced and Law released a deep heavy sigh. The rumor had spread. At this point, Luffy might fight half of Wano itself.

Nami laughed out loud as she released Hiyori, tears springing from the corner of her eyes, “Luffy is not going to like this.”

“No, he won't,” Shachi giggled, “I'm betting Straw Hat is gonna pick a fight with Zoro.”

Penguin grinned, happily adding, “I'm betting he's gonna pick one with Zoro and that noble guy.”

Nami’s eyes gleamed and Law knew at that moment she was going to clear Shachi and Penguin's pockets. Served them right. Law didn’t put a stop to her antics, leaving the two in the cat burglar’s greedy hands.

“How did such a thing even come into existence?” Hiyori pouted, “Zorojuro doesn’t seem to be interested in anything but his swords.”

“It’s a misunderstanding. Don’t read too much into it,” Law dryly replied, “As if I would ever cheat on my fiancé, much less leave Luffy-ya for him.”

“It’s wonderful to see how much you two care for each other,” Hiyori wistfully said, “You both remind me of my parents. I hope to find something as special as that one day.”

She would one day in the future. Law had attended her marriage, and had apologized for the mess Luffy had made the following morning. Before he could reply, a servant several paces behind Hiyori reminded her of her duties and her upcoming meeting. Bowing slightly, Hiyori excused herself, her exit graceful and seamless. A sharp contrast to her chaotic entrance.

With his and Luffy’s crew mingling and discussing future plans, Law took a moment to relax. The worst of the sick had been prevalent the first two days and he was grateful today had been much less taxing. He rubbed his shoulder, thinking of how to convince his husband to massage his tense shoulders when a large figure joined him.

Jinbei smiled warmly at him, “I don’t mean to pry but I overheard your conversation with Hiyori. She’s right- it’s nice to see young love as passionate as yours and Luffy’s. I’ll admit, I had my doubts, but this marriage alliance is nothing at all like the marriages Big Mom was infamous for. With that in mind, I look forward to the permanent alliance. And the wedding too of course.”

This was why Law enjoyed the fishmen’s presence. He was just as rational and level headed as Robin. The duo that was perhaps the most sanest on the Thousand Sunny.

“You might regret saying that,” Law couldn’t help but grin, “Luffy-ya and I have received many complaints of how disgustingly annoying we are.”

Someone from his crew shouted, having apparently eavesdropped, “It’s true! It was cute at first but then they started fucking everywhere and no one wants to hear or see that-”

“Hakugan,” Law immediately cut him off, effectively stopping his embarrassing ramblings, and hoped his face wasn’t too red. 

The worst part of it was that everyone was nodding and voicing their agreement. Law had been certain he and Luffy were keeping their intimate life strictly behind closed doors or at least out of sight. It was a rather rude awakening to learn it wasn’t. 

With an amused grin, Jinbei shrugged off the crude statement, “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about the marriage alliance possibly breaking apart. Which is a good thing. I rather enjoy my friendship with Rosinante.”

Speaking of his father, Law searched the room, realizing why something felt just a tiny bit off.

Law addressed the Straw Hats and the Hearts, “Someone go rescue my father from Yamato.”

-

On the sixth day of dutifully caring for Luffy- and Zoro by extension- Ace was miraculously up before noon and had decided to visit his brother. Normally, Ace usually saw his brother in the evening when Chopper took the shift. Being doctors of the Straw Hats and Heart Pirates, Law didn't let anyone else tend to their patients. He and Chopper were more than enough and that meant they took alternating shifts. 

Ace knew this- had tried to fight it with adding Marco in but Law had stood his ground. Logically, Law knew Marco was a great doctor and ally- eventual family too- but he couldn't help his nature. Luffy would be cared for by his hands- Chopper the only exception. His possessiveness showed in little subtle ways and this was one of them.

“Morning, Torao,” Ace greeted with a hesitant smile as he leaned against the threshold of the shoji. He was tense. Law supposed it made sense- whatever he heard from his and Luffy’s crew had certainly shocked him. They firmly believed the reincarnation theory, despite his father trying to convince them otherwise.

Regardless, Fire Fist could have sought him out in private but he hadn't. The man had avoided him these past several days. The fact that he was here now at this hour meant he was done hiding.

“Ace-ya.” 

“Luffy and Zoro still healing fast?”

His lips curled to a faint smile, looking at Luffy’s sleeping face, “They are. It almost makes me want to pick apart their bodies and see how they're healing so quickly.”

Law did it before and Luffy would let him do it again. With certain conditions. It was a win-win situation overall.

“Geez, Luffy really knows how to pick them,” Ace muttered and then purposely coughed, “I heard some… interesting stuff about you and Luffy.”

Law raised a brow and Ace took that as a hint to continue. 

“I wasn’t sure to believe it at first- I was kinda waiting for Shachi and Penguin to say Surprise! We got you good! but no one was laughing and Chopper said I could talk to him under the whole doctor-patient confidentiality. Marco even encouraged me to take up that offer,” Ace’s smile turned to a slight grimace, “Luffy’s friends and your crew sounded pretty sure of themselves. But I want to hear it directly from the source. And since Luffy is currently comatose, that leaves you.”

Fire Fist was skeptical, that much was clear to see. Not that Law could blame him. Luffy hadn’t bothered to inform his brothers of his godly status. It likely wasn’t intentional either, his husband never brought it up because no one had asked. 

“Luffy-ya is the sun god,” Law admitted, shifting from his kneeling to face Ace, “Your brother will be happy to prove it to you once he wakes up,” he smirked knowingly, “Which means you can ask him tomorrow.”

With a frown, Ace said, “They mentioned something like this too- how you and Luffy have known each other for a very long time that you two can just- predict each other's moves? Something about having already lived together for several lifetimes. Again, I was waiting for someone to say It was a prank! but everyone was totally serious about it.”

Ace hesitated, looking at Luffy and back at him, “If it’s true- then it makes sense. I remember when he kept bugging gramps for your name- I thought it was just Luffy being Luffy but he was really insistent on getting to know your name- your full name by the way. And Luffy had the biggest smile on his face once he found out and practically declared to marry you right then and there.”

Flutters settled in his stomach, warm and bright as the person who owned his heart. It was unfair how Luffy was in no state for Law to give him mind blowing kisses. Although, amidst his ever burning love for his husband, a small semblance of guilt hit him. The Straw Hats and his crew hadn’t bothered to ask him or Luffy for the truth- they were far more content in their theories even if they were woefully wrong about it. They seemed to enjoy discussing his relationship with Luffy, making it an odd pastime and strangely bonding them closer. 

But Ace was not a Straw Hat or a Hearts Pirate. His questions came off as concern instead of playful amusement.

It was what led Law to say, while averting his gaze, “I think you should speak to Cora-san.”

Silence. Then, “Why? Why can’t you tell me? I’ve already seen you at your worst.”

Law smirked but it felt hollow, “My worst was the day my entire family died but this one was close. Go talk to my father, Ace-ya.”

The dismissal was curt but acknowledged. Sighing, Law reached out to intertwine his fingers with Luffy’s, needing solace in some form. 

Something on his expression must be off because when Bepo and Nami arrived with lunch, there were no smart remarks about how grossly affectionate or clingy he was being.

Chapter Text

Biting into a meaty leg, the taste and juices of it invaded his mouth, successfully satisfying the hollow pit that was his stomach. He bit into another, sharp teeth ripping the meat off the bone. His stomach was happy but he himself wasn't. 

Waking up with Law at his side was normal and Luffy was practically beaming when his husband's soft lips peppered his face. Lovingly. Tenderly. His heart felt like it would burst out of Law’s chest with the affection he was receiving if he wasn’t careful. It wouldn’t be the first time. However, his smile slipped when Law fisted his hands, expression turning completely blank, and left the room shortly after with no explanation. 

The beating heart in Luffy’s chest squeezed painfully, the first sign that let him know things weren’t okay. Luffy would have followed him but Nami and Chopper flooded into the room, immediately hugging him as their loud cries of relief alerted everyone in the estate that he was awake. 

Soon enough, all his friends were crammed in the room and a now awake Zoro was chugging down alcohol, having woken up shortly after Luffy did. A happy affair by all accounts except Luffy wasn’t. He was confused. That happened often with things he didn't understand but this was Law. The man he cherished and took as his husband, promising to forever make him happy- something that wasn’t holding up and that was downright concerning. Luffy could read Law like an open book, every shift of expression, the change in body language, the words that left his mouth that had a different meaning to what he was thinking, the given heart in his chest that exposed Law far more than anything else ever could.

Law was upset with him, like really upset, and Luffy didn't know why.

He huffed and tore off another piece of meat, devouring it whole without even chewing. Not even Ace had lifted his mood and it was becoming apparent how obvious his discontent was.

“What’s with that face?” Ace raised a brow, bandages all around his arms. It made Luffy pause for a bit. His brother had fought Kaido too, just before Luffy pulled the big guy back into the air. Ace must have been injured severely if those bandages were still on him. “You just beat the crap out of Kaido. Be happy.”

“I am happy.” 

Luffy really was. Kaido and Big Mom defeated, Momonosuke and all the friends Luffy made in Wano free, awakening to who he was.

But Law.

“No one is stopping you, Luffy,” Nami crossed her arms, “It doesn’t seem like you know what happened to you either, which is a good thing, considering Rosi- Ah, it’s too late. Here he is now.”

Brows furrowing, Luffy finished off the meat and grabbed another drumstick as he looked at the direction Nami pointed. The towering frame of Law’s father marched into the room, the disappointment on his face heavy. An expression Luffy was unfortunately becoming used to. The room quieted down, his crew suddenly looking away and pretending to be busy with something. No one was meeting his eyes.

Luffy had a feeling he was missing something. Which only made his confusion worse.

Still, Luffy gave Rosinante a smile, “Rosi! Good to see you’re okay!”

Rosinante smiled back but it was all too nice. Fake. “Glad you’re not dead. Oh wait. You did die. You died and left your non-beating heart to my son.”

Well, now Luffy was doubly confused, “What are you talking about? I’m not dead! I’m still here- are you okay? Did you get hit in the head?”

Ace clapped his hands together, coming in between them, “I told you he didn’t know- it’s Luffy!”

Luffy huffed, quickly growing irritated, something's wrong. “What don’t I know?”

Rosinante crossed his arms, looking down at him but it was Ace who answered, lips drawn to a thin line, “Luffy… you died. Torao took out his heart- your heart from his chest and it wasn’t beating. Hell, I thought you died too! And Torao… he-”

“My son cried,” Rosinante effectively cut off his brother, “You did the one thing you said you would never do. You hurt my son.”

No one was contradicting what Rosinante said. Not even Nami, who always stood up for him, which meant it was true.  

Luffy had died. All the pieces fell together. It suddenly made sense. He tugged down his Straw Hat, hiding his face from everyone. 

Luffy cannot imagine living without Law. But for a brief moment, Law had known what it felt like and that was something Luffy could never take back. When did it happen? And just as he asked himself that question, the answer came to him too. Law had looked so painfully relieved to see him, holding Luffy’s playful heart in his hands. Relieved and angry. Eyes rimmed red and dry tears.

“You bastard! You were dead! Your heart stopped beating!”

Luffy had been too engrossed in his own high- Nika reborn and with a thirst to smack Kaido off the planet to not question it. 

“My son cried.”

To cry was to show weakness, that was Law’s mindset, even if Luffy thought he was wrong. His husband would rather eat his own sock than cry. But Law had. And judging from how everyone shifted uncomfortably, they all knew. Perhaps even saw Law cry.

Taking a deep breath, Luffy lifted his head. He jumped to his feet and didn’t bother telling anyone where he was going. There were murmurs of protests but no one stopped him. 

-

Flaring out his Haki the slightest bit, Luffy pinpointed where his husband was. Bypassing servants and samurai alike, Luffy made his way to a secluded side of the estate and yanked the shoji aside with enough force to shake the paper walls.

Golden eyes looked straight ahead, overlooking a small courtyard, sitting cross legged with Kikoku at his side. Donned in a dark kimono with his jolly roger stitched in it. Luffy liked this outfit, for obvious reasons. Long legs were exposed far too easily in that attire.

Law didn't move from his spot, hadn't since Luffy made it obvious he was looking for him. Law could have left if he wanted to, he knew how to hide himself well enough if he truly wished to avoid Luffy. Instead, here Law sat, waiting for him.

Sliding the shoji behind him, Luffy apologized, “I'm sorry.”

“Idiot,” Law replied, sighing softly, “It's not your fault. You didn't know.”

“Still,” Luffy sat behind his husband, making space to fit Law comfortably between his legs and wrapped his arms around the other’s waist. Luffy nosed the place where neck and shoulder met, ghosting his lips over the bronze skin, “I know how your mind works. Your dad said you cried.”

“I don't really remember it,” Law quietly admitted, “I dissociated for a bit.”

It was that bad then. Luffy tightened the embrace and planted soft kisses, and it was a testament to how much Law had changed when he didn't shove Luffy away. His husband instead tilted his head, giving Luffy more access to kiss the warm neck.

“When your heart stopped beating, I was going to leave.” 

Luffy tensed. Law continued, voice akin to a whisper.

“I was going to find that damn island and force the witch to send me back again.”

Breathing in his husband's nice musky scent, Luffy replied, “If it were the other way around, I would have done the same thing. I don't wanna live this new life without you.”

“I don't either,” inked hands settled over his, easily slotting their hands together. Law's voice went deeper, threatening as nails dug into his rubbery skin, “Don't you ever do that again, Lu-ya.”

Luffy didn't hesitate, “I promise I won't.”

Finally, a line of tension released from Law's body. They sat there, comforted by each other's presence. Moments like this were very often in their other life and Luffy adored each and every one of them. He looked forward to doing each of them all over again. 

“You know…” Law slowly began, “I didn’t stop to think about what would have happened if the worst occurred. The both of us were sent back because we were together at the time. If it was just me… you wouldn’t even love me if I had gone back to the beginning. I’d be a stranger to you.”

There Law went again, trapped in the pessimistic mind of his, spiraling to what-ifs and scenarios that would never happen. A mindset Luffy had and was still currently doing his best to absolve it. Fortunately, Luffy had a lifetime of experience to deal with a negative Law.

“Easy. You make me fall in love with you and we’ll be together again,” Luffy declared.

His husband tsked and turned sideways to look down at him. Brows furrowed and lips pulled downward to a frown, and Luffy smiled up at him, completely unperturbed.

“You make it sound so easy when you’re you.”

“Exactly! You know me!” Luffy’s hand traveled south, squeezing an intimate part hidden underneath the kimono, and smugly grinned when Law startled, “Seducing me will be easy when Torao looks like that.”

“We’re not fucking here,” Law hissed, dragging his wrist away, and Luffy pouted, “Although I did plan on doing that, when I noticed I was sent back in time and before I realized you were sent back too. Did you?”

“Duh,” Luffy felt offended that Law even asked, “I was gonna make you interested in me by punching that celestial dragon harder. And convince you to have sex with me after saving my life. And trap you into a relationship after that.”

Shaking his head and huffing out a small laugh, Law said, “I hate how much thought you put into that. What’s worse is that I think it would have worked too.”

“Of course it would have,” Luffy kissed the earlobe, right above the golden hoops, and slithered his hands under the kimono, touching bare thighs, and absolutely enjoying the way Law shivered, “Torao had always wanted to be loved. I would have showed you that and more. I can show you that right now.”

Too quick to process, Luffy yelped as he was shoved on his back, landing with a hard thud.

Law shifted and moved his legs so that he was no longer between Luffy. He glared but it was half hearted, “Like I said, we’re not fucking here. It’s too open- the courtyard is literally right in front of us,” his husband smirked, sultry and pretty, “Be patient, Lu-ya, and I'll give you a reward”

That had Luffy sitting up straight and smiling widely. Innocent almost. As if this hadn't been what he was aiming for.

“Okay!”

Amused, Law gave him a peck on the lips before standing on his own feet and offering him a hand, “There’s something you should be aware of.”

Taking the hand, Luffy tilted his head, curious as he stood up, “What is it?”

“Cora-san knows we time traveled from the future. He figured it out on his own.”

Luffy blinked, “Eh?”

Law nodded, “Ace-ya knows too.”

Rosinante figuring out the true nature of their past made sense. He was good at that type of stuff. He was like Robin in that regard. Ace, on the other hand…

Now, Luffy admired and respected his big brother. He could admit there were traits Ace was better at than him. However, there was one singular fact that remained true in the other life he came from and in this one. Sabo was the smartest one. Ace was nowhere near Sabo's level, Luffy less so.

It was what made Luffy scrunch his face in disbelief, “There's no way Ace figured it out on his own.”

Lips curled to a small grin, “Such little faith in your own brother?”

“I believe in Ace,” Luffy countered, “It’s just… it’s Ace. We’ve both eaten rocks because of Sabo and since he was with us the entire time in this life, we’ve eaten a lot of rocks.”

“It’s a miracle your teeth haven’t fallen off,” Law muttered, “But you’re right, Cora-san told him.”

“Who else knows?”

“Just those two. Cora-san is trying to convince the others of it but everyone is far too attached to the reincarnated theory.”

Which was still hilarious and wow were they going to feel dumb once they knew the truth. Speaking of their crews however, Luffy remembered a very important conversation that happened in the beginning of the Onigashima raid. More precisely, when he and Zoro were trying to find their way to Kaido.

“Zoro knows we’re from the future too,” Luffy swiftly stated lest he forget.

Golden eyes narrowed, “I refuse to believe Zoro-ya figured it out by himself,” his husband paused and grimaced, “Actually, I kind of can. How did he find out?”

Snickering, Luffy answered, “Zoro overheard us that night on Zou when we told your dad how old we are and back in Onigashima, Zoro asked me if we time traveled to the past so I told him yeah.”

Rubbing his temple, Law dryly asked, “And he told no one about us?”

Shrugging, Luffy said, “I told him I was the sun god and that you had my heart way back when we first met and he didn’t tell anyone. Well, he told Nami I’m the sun god but that’s because I accidentally let it slip in front of her.”

“Sometimes, I am truly surprised by your swordsman’s ability to never mention things of importance if it doesn’t benefit him,” Law lowered his arm and fingers curled over Luffy’s wrist, “Come on, I can feel people looking for us.”

Luffy felt them too and it was Yamato who barged in with no hesitation, happy to have found them. When Momonosuke peeked into the room, he too smiling at the sight of him, still very much the child he was and not the grown up that had been forced into an adult, Luffy smiled back.

-

“A hint,” Yamato said, a steely determination in his eyes, “A clue. Anything.”

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Law flat out said, “There is nothing you can do. My father is quite content with the Red Haired Emperor.”

It still baffled Luffy to hear it and after chewing the last of the caramel apple, he spoke up, “I think it's really cool that Shanks is officially family too now, with him dating your dad and all.”

“Cora-san would have to marry Shanks in order to count it as official,” Law said offhandedly before resuming his conversation with Yamato, “You're strong but I've seen Shanks' power up close. You'd lose.”

“I'm not going to accept that!” Yamato exclaimed, angrily chewing a sweet in his hand, “I have to try at least!”

Law sighed heavily, “Cora-san isn’t even interested in you, you do know that, right? I’m positive he turned you down, you’re just too stubborn to give up.”

Gritting his teeth, Yamato turned his attention to him. A hand gripped the front of his red kimono and the other pointed at himself, Yamato’s expression still unwavering, “Luffy! Do you think I have a chance?”

“I believe anything is possible,” was what Luffy said and he would have said more- would have brought up how Rosinante turned down Katakuri and how loyal he was to Shanks- but hearing that simple statement had revved up Kaido’s son.

Releasing his kimono, Yamato was doubly roused, orange eyes bright. He patted his shoulder, “I’m going to go look for Rosinante again!”

A whirl of dust kicked up and Yamato trailed down the path, the citizens of Wano clearing a path for one hurried samurai. Everyone was clearly in high spirits, laughing instead of becoming annoyed that they were almost trampled over, enjoying the festival without the threat of its once dictators.

The festival itself was just as vibrant and fun as Luffy remembered. Paper lanterns glowing in the night, stalls of games and food, people eating and drinking until their bellies were full. As it should be.

“You gave him false hope,” Law said, looking into the direction Yamato had taken off and turned his gaze to another direction, golden eyes seeing past the walls and houses, “He’s not going to find my father. He’s with him. Are you sure you don’t want to see him?”

Of course Luffy wanted to see Shanks again. His mentor, his father figure, his friend. The same man who led Luffy on the path to the greatest adventure of his life. Who stood proud of him once Luffy had found the One Piece.

But this wasn’t the time. Not yet.

Luffy shook his head, “No way, I’d be upset if anyone interrupted us having sex after months of not seeing each other.”

His husband made a face of disgust, “Please don’t ever reference sex and my father in the same sentence,” he looked at his empty sticky hands, always so considerate Law was, “I’ll get you another one.”

“I want two,” Luffy immediately said and Law gifted him a small smile, a fond one. They're okay again.

“Wait for me then,” Law paused, as if reminding himself who he was talking to and sighed, shoulders slumping, “Just don't go looking for trouble.”

Hilarious. They both knew by now Luffy didn't search for it. Why would it when trouble finds him first?

While Luffy could wait for Law, and smugly grin at exceeding Law’s incredibly low expectations, the sound of vibrant cheers garnered his attention. Intrigued, Luffy traversed through the crowd, his feet leading him to a stall with a show.

Knives flew in the air, deadly and sharp and very real. His grin stretched, impressed by the skill that no doubt took years to perfect. He nearly shouted for the guy to do it again when an arm was thrown over his shoulders.

The distinct smell of alcohol hit him first, not overpowering, so definitely not Zoro. Luffy turned his head and was met with Usopp’s happy smile, swaying them to the strings of an instrument playing in the background. 

“Luffy, have you tried the dango over there? It's really good-” Usopp stopped and winced, “Wait, I probably shouldn't tell you that, you'll eat it all.”

“Too late!” Luffy dragged the long nosed sniper with him, determined, “Where did you say it was?”

Usopp ended up sighing before guiding Luffy to the sweet stall. In his haste, Luffy accidentally bumped into a pair of guys and an apology was on his lips before they turned around, familiar faces meeting him once more.

“Watch it, Straw Hat! Just because you're marrying our captain doesn't mean you can push us around,” Shachi said, crossing his arms.

Penguin fixed his hat, looking at him and Usopp, brows furrowing, “You're kidnapping your own crewmate? Shachi, write this down as a con for you know what.”

“Alrighty mentally filed it away. Usopp, we're here for you bro, but uhh, it is Straw Hat. We don't stand a chance.”

“I get it,” Usopp gave the two a wobbly smile, “But it's nice to see you two would help a bro out.”

Luffy was glad they were such great friends now but his irritation was creeping up on him. Dango. He wanted to know what it tasted like. He was sure he had eaten it before but the taste of it evaded him. This body didn't know what it tasted like.

Tapping his foot, Luffy let his annoyance be known, “Hey, do you guys know where they're giving out dango?”

For some reason, that had Penguin and Shachi exchanging a brief wide eyed look. Shachi laughed but it came off as forced and Penguin went ahead and took the other side, arm overlapping over Usopp's.

“Who wants dango when there's mochi?” Penguin loudly exclaimed, tugging them to the opposite direction. 

Usopp spoke up, slightly frowning, “The mochi was alright but it's the dango-”

“Mochi is superior, much better than dango, where uh, a couple of people are excited for a wedding that they think is going to happen,” Shachi smiled at him but it was tense, “Best to avoid all of that, wouldn't want you to get ideas like eloping with our captain.”

“O-Oh!” Usopp jolted and laughed way too loudly, causing Luffy to tilt his head, confused, certain he was missing something. Was there a joke somewhere in what Shachi said? It wasn’t like Luffy and Law could elope, Rosinante made it very clear that was not going to happen.

Usopp began tugging at him too, “Come on, Luffy, I was wrong! The mochi is the sweetest most delicious treat I have ever eaten! Better than the gods’ food themselves- better than whatever godly place you came from.”

Luffy frowned, letting himself be dragged as he corrected his friend, “I came from Windmill Village.”

“Yeah and the sky is red,” Penguin said, rolling his eyes.

“No?” Luffy’s frown deepened. Everyone is acting weird. “It's not red, it's dark.”

Shachi snorted, following them as he said, “Captain has a really obvious type here.”

They didn't make it far before a woman with a fancy updo stopped them in their tracks, dark eyes shining, “Excuse me, you young men are part of the pirates that helped us, correct?” Her hands curled underneath her chin, excited, “Do you happen to know when the wedding between the miracle healer and Zorojuro will be!?”

There was a moment of pause, utter silence from his companions as the festival continued on. 

But Luffy broke out of his stupor pretty quickly and shouted, “Zoro!? Zoro is getting married!?” 

He whirled his head at Usopp and Penguin, noting they didn't look particularly surprised but instead looked tense, “Is that what's happening at the dango stand!? Who is Zoro marrying!? Why didn’t anyone tell me!?” He grinned, “We can bring whoever Zoro is marrying with us! They're probably really strong, right!? They have to be with a name like miracle healer! ”

Usopp adamantly shook his head, “Zoro is not getting married. Trust me, you don't want it to happen.”

“What? So it's not happening?” The women in front of them pouted, disappointed.

“I'm afraid not,” Penguin said, nervously glancing around them.

People were staring at them- likely because Luffy had shouted at the top of his lungs. Or so he thought. The disappointment on the women before them was replaced by vivid eagerness and she raised her arms in the air, her gaze averting to something behind them.

“That's Zorojuro! Zorojuro, is the wedding not happening anymore!?”

“Lady!” Shachi hastily intervened, his smile tight, “There's really no wedding!”

Usopp vigorously nodded his head, “No wedding at all!” He turned back, catching sight of a green haired swordsman, "Isn't that right, Zoro!?”

The question had Zoro turn pale and Luffy blinked. The swordsmen never married in the other life he came from and Luffy was starting to wonder if it was because marriage scared him. It felt out of character for someone like Zoro, who was pretty fearless with everything else. Although, Luffy supposed it was like Nami and Sanji’s fear of insects. Fears that weren't rational, but up there in the head regardless.

“No,” Zoro answered firmly, gravely, “I am not marrying, therefore, there will be no wedding.”

The women sighed, clearly upset, and bowed in apology before leaving them alone. There were murmurs of disappointment from the crowd too. Luffy couldn't help but notice how his friends took a deep breath and relaxed once more.

“That's weird,” Luffy commented, trying to get to the bottom of this weird situation, “If Zoro isn't marrying anyone, then why are people talking about a wedding? And who's the miracle healer? Is it someone we know?”

Strong disagreements echoed from the group and Luffy suspiciously eyed each one of them. Usopp and Penguin pushed him along, happily recounting the flavor of the sweet called mochi and the promise of food was nearly enough to make him forget the entire encounter. If they thought it wasn’t important enough for Luffy to know then it probably wasn’t. Besides, the only wedding Luffy cared about was his own one with Law.

The weird tense mood dissolved and Luffy outright cackled at the antics his friends had gotten up to while they were undercover in Wano. Shachi and Usopp were in the middle of how they managed to scam some rich noble when a terse voice called out for the green haired swordsman.

Luffy frowned, seeing Zoro choke on the alcohol he had downed in one go. Zoro was pretty popular if everyone knew his name. The newcomer who halted them in their path held his nose in the air, almost condescending and was glaring at Zoro. His clothes looked pretty fancy.

“So you live,” the fancy guy started, “You live and dishonor your betrothed. A fine man like Torao deserves to be treated with dignity. Instead, you go off announcing to everyone you’re not marrying him. I knew you were a brute but this is too far. I would treat Torao better than you ever could.”

Shit. Someone said. Luffy wasn’t sure who said it. He didn’t particularly care. Not when his jaw clenched, a flare of jealousy rising to levels he had to be cautious with. The vicious type of jealousy that made him want to punch those who dared to speak of Law in such way six feet under. Buried deep underground with no hope of resurfacing. Clawing desperately for air and yet staying down there because it was the better alternative- facing him.

In less than a second, Luffy was growling, his grip on the back of the man’s head firm as he uselessly flailed about, face smashed on the ground. Fingers scratched at his arms but did not pierce skin, weak underneath his immense presence.

“Luffy, no! That’s a civilian!” Usopp cried.

“I don’t care!” Luffy shouted, teeth gritting and he focused on his target, “Hey! I have no idea who you are, but you’re not going anywhere near Torao! Torao is marrying me! Not you! Not Zoro! Not anyone else!”

The guy tried to say something but it was impossible. The shivers and sense of fear was palpable and that was enough for the fierce swirling emotion to curb. It would have to do because apparently he had a swordsman to beat submission into. Which sucked because it was Zoro.

Letting the fancy guy go, and thoroughly ignoring the bloody nose on his face, Luffy snapped toward Zoro, hands itching to punch.

Zoro quickly raised his hands up, abandoning the gourd as it spilled on the ground, “Shit, Luffy, you know I don’t wanna marry Torao! He’s yours!”

Frustration built up and Luffy gestured to the crowd around them, “Then why the fuck does all of Wano think you are!?”

“Because people are stupid!”

“It was a misunderstanding, Straw Hat!” Penguin spoke up, looking like he wanted to leave.

“A huge misunderstanding!” Shachi backed him up, “Look, the important thing is, our Captain is going to marry you. So, please don’t fight Zoro. I don’t think any of us want to get caught in the crossfire. You’re scaring the people too.”

A misunderstanding.

Fine. 

Luffy would make sure to clear up this misunderstanding.

Taking a deep breath, Luffy raised his voice to ensure everyone in the vicinity heard him loud and clear, “My name is Monkey D. Luffy! The man who will become the King of the Pirates! The man who will marry Torao! If I hear another lie about Torao, I will punch your face in!”

More threats were on the tip of his tongue, wanting to leave his claim on Law permanently, but a familiar Haki in the air had the words in his throat die out. A translucent blue wall had him ensnared in an instant and the dizzying power of shambles had him standing right in front of Law.

Law looked angry. Pretty but angry. He only had one caramel apple in hand. He must have used the other one to switch with him.

“I told you not to look for trouble!”

“It’s not my fault!” Luffy retorted, feeling the jealousy ebb slightly just from the close proximity of his husband, “Everyone thought you were going to marry someone that isn’t me! I couldn’t stand it!”

“And you used your Conqueror’s Haki to threaten innocent civilians?” Law hissed.

“Yes!” Luffy begrudgingly admitted, still tense, still filled with that ugly lurch swirling in his being. A part of him knew it was irrational to feel this much jealousy but he couldn’t help it. It was deeply ingrained in him, made him who he was. Luffy valued his friends a lot, would go through hell for them, and would snarl at anyone who dared try to take them away. With Law, the feeling intensified so much more.

Golden eyes carefully observed him and after a moment, Law brought up his hand to call forth his power. Dim lights of the paper lanterns were gone, the noises of the festival muffled, and it was just the two of them alone. Transported to an empty room with a neatly made futon. One of the rooms Momonosuke had given them during their stay. 

The only light provided was the silver moon that entered through an opened window. A pale light covering half the room and Law himself. Silver light hitting golden eyes. Luffy wasn’t the poetic type, words never came naturally to him. He couldn’t describe how Law looked. Gorgeous. But even that word wasn’t enough.

Inked hands cupped his cheeks and Luffy leaned into the touch, following his husband as he led them to the futon.

“You’re lucky I find your jealousy cute,” Law said, crawling over Luffy, his body warm from the sight of his husband smiling. His heart fluttered too, nearly matching the one in his own chest.

Luffy’s jealousy had all but disappeared as Law kissed him.

-

“I heard you put the fear of god on the poor people of Wano last night,” Ace said, casually leaning against a stacked crate, “You make a pretty shitty god. Aren’t you supposed to be old enough to let things go already?”

Some part of Luffy half expected for his brother to treat him differently but he should have known better. What did it matter that Luffy time traveled from the future? Or that he was more god than man? They shared cups long ago, swore to be brothers no matter how far apart they were. Luffy guessed that was why Ace hadn’t made a huge deal over it, not if he was bringing this all up on the day he and Law’s crew were set to depart.

“When Torao’s involved, no,” Luffy replied, letting his straw hat dangle around his neck. The others were a fair distance away, likely giving them some privacy. He gave his brother a mischievous grin, “I’m technically older than you. Doesn’t that make me the big brother?”

“Ha! Nice try! Unless you miraculously start showing wrinkles, you’re still my little brother,” Ace punched his shoulder, amused, “Besides, Sabo would have a fit if the title of big brother passed him.”

“Are you gonna tell him?”

“Sure am. Can’t wait to see the look on his face when I tell him you’re an old man. It will be payback for all the sass he gave me over the years.”

Funny how Ace saw it that way when Luffy, even if know-it-all Sabo had annoyed him too, had cherished those moments far more than anything else. The childhood he and Ace should have had in a distant past that now seemed out of reach. Almost like a dream, a nightmare in some nights.

Luffy laughed, “Take a picture when you do!”

“I’ll take more than one,” Ace promised and his grin slipped, taking on a more sober expression, “You end up finding it, don’t you? The One Piece.”

There was no point in lying, Luffy was a terrible liar, “Yeah! You’re looking at the King of the Pirates,” he proudly announced, “And I’m gonna do it again.”

“Isn’t that kind of cheating? I mean, you already know where it is.”

“I do, but I can’t get there,” Luffy looked at his crew, smiling as he continued, “I need them to do it. They don’t know. Not yet. They think it’s funny that me and Torao lived through so many lives together.”

Luffy looked back at Ace, matching the solemn face. He hasn’t told anyone this, but the more times it was brought up, the more he found himself wanting it and he has never denied himself from what he wanted, “I think I can do it.”

Ace sucked in a breath, “That looks like the face of someone who knows it too. You always reach for what you want. I knew that since we were kids. Don’t die too early trying to test that out.”

Luffy would have laughed if the ache wasn’t there. Still there after all this time. After having Ace right here living and breathing.

“You too,” Luffy said, smiling.

His brother pushed himself off the crate, “I’ll be staying in Wano with Marco. We’ll protect this place until they get back on their feet. It’ll be nice to catch up with Yamato and Otama. She doesn’t want me to leave anyway, she insists that I have to stay and see how much of a kunoichi she’s grown to be.”

Hearing that did plummet his mood. Otama was one of them. Yamato was too. And while Yamato made it clear he would join them later- much like he did in the other life- the same couldn’t be said for Otama. She idolized Ace. Admired him. Like Luffy did. 

Well. She would be in good hands with Ace.

“You don’t have to stay. I’m gonna give Momo my jolly roger,” Luffy grinned, “No one's gonna mess with an Emperor’s territory.”

“Emperors, not just Emperor. Don’t forget, my son is named one too.”

Rosinante hadn’t hidden his presence. Didn’t look like he eavesdropped either. He picked up one of the stacked crates and glanced at his brother.

“Not going to ask Straw Hat to demonstrate his supposedly divine power?”

Ace blinked, “How do you know I haven’t?”

“Because the sun is still up there,” Rosinante said, and very obviously side-eyed Luffy, “It’s terrifying to know the sun listens to the whims of a man who does what he wants without thinking of the consequences.”

Squashing down his irritation, Luffy huffed, “How long are you going to avoid talking to me? I didn’t do anything! Not on purpose!”

“I think I hear the buzz of a fly. A fly who made my son cry,” Rosinante stressed.

Luffy crossed his arms, petulant but understanding. Didn’t mean he had to like it. Getting Rosinante’s blessing felt like it was impossible now but Luffy was not and would never be a quitter.

Rosinante continued on, taking the crate with him, “Take care Ace. Tell Sabo he was missed. The more rational brother out of all three of you, and honestly, the one I wished Law had fallen for.”

“Sabo!?” Luffy angrily exclaimed, well familiar jealousy rising up to sprout insults, “But he’s boring! A nerd! And ugly! He puts me to sleep when he talks sometimes!”

The tall blonde paid his rant no attention and Luffy was left with a wheezing Ace using the remaining crate as support as he struggled not to fall. He failed, tears at the corner of his eyes and laughing as he held his sides. So much for brotherly support.

“This isn’t funny!” Luffy stomped and when that only made Ace laugh harder, he swiftly turned his back, put his straw hat back on, and left his brother on the ground. They had nothing else to say anyway.

Most of the supplies had already been carried onto the Thousand Sunny and the Polar Tang. Just as he suspect was the same for Kid. And like last time, Kid looked pretty mad that they had decided to leave today as well.

That was how Luffy found him, with the other captain arguing with a smirking Law. Their voices carried in the wind as everyone else packed away the remaining items.

“-like I’m part of a goddamn throuple! Find some other day to leave with your boytoy!”

“We’ve already decided to leave today. Why don’t you pick a different date?”

“Wipe that smirk off your face Trafalgar, don’t think I haven’t noticed how smug you’ve been since the papers announced you as an Emperor too,” Kid scoffed, “Co-Emperors with Straw Hat. What a fucking joke. I get why they named Straw Hat but you? I killed Big Mom too! You practically slept your way to it.”

“Then I’m pretty impressive,” Law’s smirk was mean, “So good at fucking, I was named an Emperor for it.”

Kid rolled his eyes, “Please, Straw Hat was likely a virgin before your ass showed up.”

“I wasn’t gonna fuck anyone but Torao,” Luffy said the second he reached them.

“My point exactly,” using his mechanical arm, Kid presented them with a log pose, the three needles pointing in different directions. Each one leading to a difficult path, each one that decided their fate. Barely surviving but alive.  

“Look, let’s just choose separate directions! The log pose locked on to three different islands. Northeast, east, and southeast. Pick one!”

Luffy already knew which one. Law made sure he remembered where Vegapunk was. He shouted southeast as the other pirate captain declared for east. 

His husband shrugged, feigning indifference but still smirking, “Looks like you got your wish, Eustass-ya. Far away from us.”

“And you two better keep it that way,” Eustass said, grinning to himself, satisfied that he had gotten his choice as he started to head toward his ship. Luffy found it funny. Good luck with Shanks, he wanted to say. Eh, he would get the opportunity to laugh at him later for it.

“We’ll invite you to the wedding!” Luffy declared and couldn’t help but add, “After I become King of the Pirates!”

The pirate captain let out a bunch of colorful curse words and Luffy laughed. He turned his attention back to Law, smiling as he said, “You’re gonna love Egghead! I wanted to show it to you back then- but then it got destroyed.”

“I’m sure I will after we deal with Blackbeard,” Law said, a dark look overtaking his features. A lifetime ago and he still wasn’t over the destruction of the submarine that had dutifully carried her captain and the crew for years. Nor the fact that a certain infamous Emperor had taken his crew hostage. Luffy understood that feeling well.

“I’ll punch Blackbeard extra hard,” Luffy offered.

Law narrowed his eyes at him, the smirk on his face cruel, “He’s mine to deal with. You just need to make sure we don’t lose anyone or the Polar Tang.”

The prospect of a fight, the prospect of seeing Law fight in particular, had Luffy filled with anticipation. His grin felt far too sharp, knowing what the outcome would be with their combined force. Knowing what tragedies would be averted with Blackbeard out of the sea now.

“I can’t wait!”

Chapter Text

It was blessedly quiet. Law savored it as much as he could for moments like these were rare to come by.

The only noise came from the ambience of the environment. The gentle breeze and calm waves, the rustle of the sails, the steady mechanism. The squawk of a bird flying overhead. The soft hums. The chuckle here and there. The quiet smalltalk.

The shouting. 

There was a lot of shouting. Both from his crew and the Straw Hats. Sighing deeply, Law abandoned Bepo’s warm and soft fur and stood on his feet, stretching his back and arms as his vision adjusted to the bright day. The mink blearily opened his eye too, the other remained closed, a jagged scar running from his ear to his snout. A constant reminder that Law had nearly let his hubris be his downfall and it had cost him his first mate's eye. 

Fuck you Blackbeard. Law vehemently thought and it wouldn't be the last time he would say so. At least Bepo liked showing it off, pride bouncing off in waves at saving Law right before Luffy intervened. That fight had ended shortly after that- the amusement dying out with Bepo’s bleeding eye. 

Law had landed the final blow despite the broken leg and shaking arms. Revenge for what the Emperor had done in another life, angry for what he had done to Bepo, and reeling in satisfaction as the remains of Blackbeard drifted in the sea with his allies.

If anything, Bepo was happy to be matching with Zoro. Their damaged eye had, unsurprisingly, bonded them deeper.

Chaos had overtaken the deck, a name echoing and repeated amongst those on board The Sunny and the Polar Tang. No one acted yet, waiting for his orders. 

Penguin practically shoved the binoculars into his hands the second he joined him at the end of the deck. Lifting the item to his eyes, Law saw the ship in the distance, barred from any logo or jolly roger. Inconspicuous. Multiple people were on it but there was a singular man who stood out, his name and reputation well known. Slick back dark hair with a scar over his face. Hooked hand and billowing cape.

The ship was heading their way. There was no sign of it slowing down either. In fact, the man in charge looked to be barking orders, his gaze fixed in their direction.

Law passed back the binoculars, “He got the invitation.”

“He doesn't look happy about it,” Penguin remarked.

“How would you feel if the kid you abandoned turned out to be the one who foiled your plans of ruling a country, got you sent into prison because of it, only to break you out of prison, and suddenly sent you an invitation to his wedding?” Law chuckled and threw Kikoku over his shoulder, entirely relaxed, “Luffy-ya wrote the invitation himself. Signed it with Croco-dad along with a smiley face.”

Clione snorted from his other side, “Must have been a nasty shock, like all of us when we found out.”

The fallout of the news dropping had been met with disbelief. Garp had been incredibly nonchalant about it, the reveal lackluster, as though he was talking about the weather in the midst of an impromptu visit to his grandson via ambush. Many jaws had been hung open. Law had gotten a good kick out of it and questions if he had known all along. He had simply looked away when asked and they ran with their ridiculous theories once again.

“He should have pieced it together back when it was revealed Dragon-ya was Luffy-ya’s father,” Law stated and pitched his voice higher to be heard amongst the chaos, “No one is allowed to attack unless done in self defense!”

Fortunately the more reckless members of the Hearts and Straw Hats were currently on an island under the watchful eye of his father. It meant no one was preparing for a fight by the time Crocodile and another man boarded the main deck of the Straw Hats’ ship. Without permission too and Law raised a brow at the boldness. Crocodile hadn’t come bearing gifts either, as was tradition. Law supposed he could let it slide- it was obvious the man’s emotions had gotten the better of him. His lips curled to a faint grin. Just like a certain pirate captain he knew.

The ship they arrived in flanked the Thousand Sunny. There wasn’t anyone readying the cannons or assuming battle stances. Clearly, Crocodile was not here for a fight. Which meant he had begrudgingly accepted the fact that Luffy was his son instead of thinking the entire endeavor was a joke.

It was rather amusing to see Robin readily invite the two newcomers to join her, Jinbei, and Jean for afternoon tea. Like an old friend trying to catch up. Crocodile, evidently, was not expecting such a warm reception from his former tentative allies. Instead, his eyes flitted everywhere, searching for a particular someone. Most likely for one straw hat wearing pirate.

Using the power of his devil fruit, Law was onboard the ship, announcing his presence with a small hint of Haki. Crocodile’s companion, Law swiftly noted, was Daz Bonez, and he was just as loyal as the other one from his distant future-past. Blades for hands and ready to fight if need be.

Law gave the two a polite smile, his grip on Kikoku lax to show his peaceful intentions. First impressions were important. This man gave birth to the love of his life after all, before the change in his body thanks to a certain flamboyant revolutionary member.

“Crocodile-ya, it’s nice to meet you. Your friend can take Robin-ya’s offer while we talk.”

Crocodile looked tense, jaw clenched. He exchanged a sharp look with Daz before stiffly nodding. The two separated, Daz taking the empty chair and oddly at ease as he poured himself tea, Robin settling into small talk with a calm smile. Crocodile stepped forward and Law led them further away from any gossipers and eavesdroppers. 

The upper deck of the ship was empty and the figurehead beyond the rails reminded Law abruptly of his soon-to-be husband who claimed that spot. No one else was allowed to sit there, Law included. 

A curt voice broke Law away from his musings.

“Where is he?” Crocodile immediately prompted, expression stern. Intimidating. There was a flicker there but Law caught it. The man was conflicted.

They hadn't met like this in Law’s other life. Their first actual introduction had been during the wedding where an explosive argument between Dragon and Crocodile occurred. It was a mess. This time around, Law wanted to prevent it. Luffy didn't care, so he shrugged when Law suggested reaching out to Crocodile earlier instead of last minute.

Law lowered his cursed sword against the rails and answered, “Luffy-ya’s at the island we're getting married on,” he casually leaned against the rails and crossed his arms, “I'm sure you've noticed there's a significant amount of people missing here.”

The former Warlord sighed, although Law wasn’t certain if it was from relief or exasperation. The man pulled a cigar from under his cloak and put it in his mouth. He wasted no time in igniting the lighter in hand and the smell of tobacco invaded Law’s nostrils.

“I see,” Crocodile said after a pause, eyes narrowing, “You’re out here with the ship and the submarine to serve as a distraction while the majority prepare for a wedding worthy of the Pirate King and his Emperor.”

Law’s lips curled to an amused smirk, “Well, now I’m starting to wonder where Luffy gets his stupidity from. He still confuses his left and right.”

Crocodile's forehead visibly twitched, “It sure as hell ain't from me! It's Dragon's fault! The entire goddamn Monkey bloodline. I've met Garp- that boy has the same stupid smile as him!”

“I don't know,” Law drawled out, “When Luffy-ya slicks his hair back, he looks an awful lot like you.”

The man twitched again but not from irritation. He shifted, standing almost awkwardly. 

“Why…” Crocodile was visibly uncomfortable, “Why did Straw Hat even bother sending me an invite when I abandoned him with Dragon? I didn’t care back then- I won’t start now.”

Funny, how he and Luffy shared the same sentiment. They were more alike than Luffy and Dragon were.

“Luffy-ya doesn't care either. He already has a mom, his grandfather, his brothers, Shanks,” Law shrugged, “But he still sent you that invite. You could have just ignored it but you didn't. You came here looking for him. Just as I’m sure Luffy-ya expects to see you at our wedding.”

An inhale. An exhale. Smoke rings released in the air.

“I’ll be there,” Crocodile said at last, his expression unreadable. His lips pulled to a frown shortly after, “But keep Dragon away from me.”

Maybe Crocodile and Luffy’s relationship would be different this time without the disaster reunion with Dragon. It certainly felt like it was going to be different.

“You can stay here if you want,” Law offered, “We’ll be sailing in Paradise until the wedding draws near.”

For a moment, Law really thought Crocodile would say yes. The man hesitated, but the former Warlord declined instead. He barked at Daz and the two left just as quickly as they arrived. Law watched them sail into the sea, wondering if this time around Crocodile would make it a habit to spontaneously arrive without warning in the near future.

 “So?” Penguin asked, practically dying from curiosity, “What did he say?”

Law sighed, now the center of attention as everyone neglected their duties. Gossipers, all of them.

“Crocodile will be in attendance,” Law confirmed and addressed Robin, “Call Uni and let him know to place Crocodile far away from Dragon.”

She nodded and her lips curled to a smirk. Law loathed that smirk because it usually meant he was going to hate what she would say next.

“Ikkaku still insists on a wedding dress.”

“Tell her she's no longer a Hearts Pirate,” Law snapped.

“She's technically not a Hearts Pirate,” Jean not so helpfully added, “She, Hal, and Uni were traded for Chopper in the last bet. You can't kick her out, Captain, not when she's currently a Straw Hat.”

Rubbing his face, Law bit out, “Why hasn't the whiteboard been updated then?”

“Because I told Shachi to do it,” Penguin explained, “He forgot and he was already gone. I was going to do it but you ordered me to fix a valve and then I forgot.”

Great. Incompetence. Good to know those two would never change.

“No one is wearing a wedding dress,” Law stressed to the entire crew, which was only a handful. He turned to Bepo, “Go update the whiteboard so that I can make my threats count.”

“For the record, Captain, I think you’d look good in a wedding dress,” Bepo supplied. While the comment was weirdly sweet, it made his brow twitch.

“He would not,” Penguin immediately protested, “Unless Captain turns into a woman- I still remember how cute you looked!”

Law threw him a judgemental look, “And I still remember how fast you folded for Cora-san.”

That made Penguin shut his mouth, the others laughing at his misfortune and no doubt recollecting the fiasco that had occurred moments prior to clashing with another Emperor.

Jinbei chuckled, “If I remember correctly many of Blackbeard’s men fell in love with your father too.”

“Please don’t remind me,” Law dryly said and walked away, ordering, “Return to your stations. Bepo, make sure we’re still on course after you update the whiteboard.”

-

The wind was stronger here, whipping past him as he neared the cliff. Memories flickered behind closed eyelids, a soft smile tugging at his lips. Dark and blonde hair running amok these never changing forest grounds. Two sets of memories whisking past him, each childhood life just as endearing, just as precious. But one was evidently better than the other and there was no denying that.

Luffy plopped on the ground, legs dangling over the cliff, hands keeping him anchored as he looked over the ocean blue. Dawn Island welcomed him entirely, embracing his friends and family with a calm day. The sun helped, providing clear skies.

“Make sure to keep it sunny for Torao and my friends!” Luffy shouted, glad when the sun shone brighter in response.

A presence grew closer, finally catching up to him, and Luffy turned his head back and grinned.

“So, what do you think?”

Rosinante whirled his head around, looking approvingly at everything, “You were right, this is a beautiful island! The weather is perfect too- that’s not your doing is it?”

“Nope!” Luffy patted the grassy terrain, “It’s all on her!”

The tall blonde hovered next to him, smiling as the ocean spread before them. He sat down next to him, branches and leaves sticking to him. He tripped plenty of times as Luffy showed him around the forest he grew up in twice over. A rare bout of calm silence washed over them, Luffy reminiscing of the old days and Rosinante likely imagining the approaching celebration that would result in many hilarious fights and break headlines all over the world.

To think Law’s father hadn’t liked him at one point. Although, Luffy thought it was rather hard not to like the guy who saved his son and bear from a desperate and dangerous Emperor. Even now it made Luffy scowl, the memory of a cunning Blackbeard with a bloody grin, his distinct laughter ringing in his ears. Law had been, in a sense, playing with his food and it had almost been his undoing.

Luffy didn't like remembering it, Law less so for having been too arrogant. They pulled through it though, Law with a broken leg and shaking hands, his bear with a bleeding eye. His husband had felt light in his arms when he passed out. Both him and Rosinante refused to leave Law’s side afterwards. Law's father thanked him that night and the rest was history.

Like two peas in a pod, Law had said.

“With how ridiculously jealous you can be, I'm actually surprised you waited this long to marry Law,” Rosinante quipped, breaking the silence, “He told me how long you two were married before, you know,” he waved his hand nonchalantly, “that happened.”

Luffy laughed, “I wanted to marry Torao right away when I saw him at Sabaody! I asked him when he wanted to get married- if he had said today I would have totally married him right then and there.”

The blonde sighed, amused and exasperated all the same, “I would have blown a gasket if that happened,” he paused, deep in contemplation judging by the solemn face, “Law… hasn’t told me a lot about the life he had.”

“Probably because this one is loads better,” Luffy looked at the ocean in front of him, eyes distant at the reminder of what once was his reality. He hasn’t said what happened to that life out loud. Only Law knew. Yet, the pain and ache that had gripped him was absent and he found himself saying, “Ace was dead in that other life. I couldn't save him. He died in Marineford.”

Rosinante choked and Luffy glanced back at him, finding the startled expression amusing, “But he’s alive now because Torao helped me save him.”

“I had no idea,” Rosinante quietly said, “I can't imagine the turmoil. You love your brothers so much,” his hands curled to a fist, pinched with concern that only a parent could have, “Law lost someone too, didn't he? I don't just mean his family- someone else he cared for a lot.”

For a moment, Luffy thought Law might throw him in the ocean for answering that question. His soon-to-be husband had clearly avoided mentioning much of his past to his father. Omitted the glaring fact that the person sitting next to Luffy had once been a ghost like Ace. 

Luffy waited too long to answer and he winced as Rosinante stared him down, inquisitive eyes bright and glinting. Funny, how similar father and son were.

“He did lose someone,” the blonde said and his lips were drawn to a thin line, “I remember the day he ate his devil fruit. The way he looked at me and cried. He clung to me the entire time, almost like he was afraid I would poof and disappear.”

Rosinante asked but it came off as a statement, “It was me, wasn't it?”

Face scrunched, Luffy averted his gaze and muttered, “Torao’s going to be so mad at me. But yeah.”

The tall blonde patted his shoulder comfortingly, “I'll tell him I figured it out,” he sighed, “Law may not have told me much about his past life but he did tell me about the man he once was. It's easy to see it now that I have the information. Doffy probably killed me- which sucks because I still have hope even though I know he's a lost cause. Revenge is a powerful motivator and from what Law told me, it shaped him to the man he once was. Angry. Spiteful. Hateful.”

“He wasn't all that,” Luffy defended, annoyed that Law once again saw the worst of himself and had told his father of it, “He was kind- still is! He's a good guy. Even back then when all he wanted to do was to destroy Mingo.”

Rosinante cracked a smile, “You saw the good in him when he could only see the bad. Straw Hat-” he shook his head, “Luffy. Thank you. For loving my son back then.”

Law’s father sure was weird. Luffy tilted his head, confused, “You don’t have to thank me for that.”

Rosinante chuckled, “Well, I just did. You have it anyways.”

That sparked a different interest, one that Luffy still hadn’t gotten.

“What you should really give me is your blessing,” Luffy pointed out, half grumbling and half hoping, “Me and Torao are gonna get married in one month- after Blackbeard, you said you’d give me your blessing when the time was right!” He gestured to the island, the cliff, himself, “There’s no better time than right now! I need it before I marry Torao!”

The blonde laughed so hard, he would have fallen off the cliff in his clumsy state if it weren’t for Luffy’s fast reflexes. He threw Rosinante behind him, not eager for the man to accidentally stumble into the water and drown. Luffy wouldn’t be any help- there would be two drowning devil fruit users. Zoro was too far away, very likely lost in the forest. So much for following them. Hopefully Shachi and Chopper would find him.

“You never needed my blessing,” Rosinante said, his sudden bout of laughter dissipating as he regained his bearings, “I mean, yeah, I said that in the beginning but that was before I knew you weren't just a random pirate. And afterwards… after everything that happened,” his shoulders notably slumped, the half smile genuine, “It just feels like I don’t have that right. You're the freest man in the world and you're sharing that freedom with my son. Why do you even need my blessing at this point?”

Shifting away from the cliff, Luffy crossed his legs and rested his palms on the dewy grassy ground. Rosinante was smart in a lot of things but in this one, he lacked the foresight of it. 

“Because it would make Torao happy,” Luffy said, “You matter a lot to him. He loves you. That’s why I need your blessing,” he paused, “And because I told Torao I would get it. He looked really happy when I told him that.”

Rosinante smiled, “How can I not give you my blessing after hearing that?”

Luffy’s own smile stretched from ear to ear, “Does this mean-”

“Yeah. Yes,” Rosinante dragged himself to his feet and offered him a hand, “Past, present, future- no matter what, you have my blessing.”

Luffy ignored the hand and jumped. Pulling in Rosinante for a crushing hug. They stumbled, Luffy hollering in joy and Rosinante trying in vain to push him away, shouting for air. 

A step later though, they both screamed at each other's face as they fell off the cliff.

-

“Luffy! You can’t die now! If you die, we can’t eat the big wedding cake Sanji is going to make!”

At those words, Luffy fought valiantly against the sea’s curse. He ended up heaving seawater from his lungs and an excited blue nosed reindeer hugged him, crying in relief. The hug was short-lived though.

“Thank fuck.”

That was Shachi and Luffy blinked, seeing the man sigh in relief with an equally wet Rosinante laying next to him. Chopper immediately helped him, hooves pushing and Law’s father began to cough up water.

“Captain would have killed me if either of you two had drowned. Zoro! Your inner compass may be broken beyond repair but at least you're there when it matters.”

A huff and Luffy looked over his shoulder to see the swordsman scowling as he wrung his shirt to squeeze out the water.

“I don't want to hear that from someone who couldn't find his way back either.”

“Cut me some slack! I've never been here before,” Shachi retorted.

“Neither have I,” Zoro firmly said but he hesitated shortly after, less sure of himself, “Maybe. The town we passed by looked awfully familiar.”

Shachi snorted, “It wouldn't surprise me if you have been here.”

The sound of groaning caught their attention. Rosinante looked like he was recovering quickly, even if he told Shachi to start writing his will. Whatever that meant. 

Luffy grinned. Getting Rosinante’s blessing, another survival against the sea, it all pointed to a good day.

“Rosi is okay!” Chopper announced, smiling widely, “The cake isn't in danger anymore!”

“Don't forget the wedding,” Zoro replied, grinning as the reindeer laughed sheepishly.

“And the food,” Shachi eagerly said.

“The gifts,” Rosinante weakly added.

“It's going to be an awesome wedding!” Luffy proclaimed and jumped back on his feet, tugging his straw hat on, “Follow me, I'll take us back to Makino and we can all eat!”

With no protests against food, Luffy contently led their small group to Windmill Village. The rich forest green eventually gave away to the quiet little village Luffy often visited with his brothers. 

The people of the village had welcomed them with open arms when they arrived days ago and Luffy had beamed with pride when they addressed him with the title he yearned for so long. The title that was rightfully his. 

Everyone was friendly with his friends too, the combined Hearts and Straw Hats being led around the village. Luffy left them to their own devices, mostly because they were given orders to prepare for the wedding. 

Luffy, as much as he pouted and complained, had been told to stay put and catch up with Makino and Dadan the next couple of weeks. He would have preferred being in sea, sailing and having adventures but he relented because the last time it was Luffy who was the distraction and he had ended up late to his own wedding. He still remembered how angry Law was. Yeah, Luffy wasn’t going to risk it.

Oh well. He brightened up as he slammed the door open to a well familiar bar. He did have hundreds of stories to relay to Makino and later, he was absolutely going to bother Dadan.

“We're back!”

To his surprise, Luffy found Nami and Ikkaku sitting and conversing with Makino. A large notebook was on the counter, writing sprawled all over the page. His loud voice caught their attention, the deep discussion abruptly cut off with their arrival.

Nami frowned, “Did you all take a swim? No, wait, Luffy probably fell in the water and had to be rescued.”

“Cora-san, did you accidentally trip into the water?” Ikkaku sounded disappointed, “You have to be careful!”

“Oh, I have extra clothes for you and your friends, Luffy,” Makino said, the ever present fond smile on her face. The toddler at her hip babbled and Luffy immediately rushed forward to grin at the kid, the toddler blinking up at him and babbling even louder.

“You’re the best Makino!” Luffy grinned and gladly took the kid off her hands, “Is there any food too? I’m hungry,” he raised the kid’s hand up, “We’re both hungry!”

“Your friend, Sanji, left sandwiches for everyone,” Makino replied, already heading toward the back of the bar as she pointed to a newly installed fridge courtesy of Franky, “It’s in there.”

“Sanji’s the best,” Luffy happily stated and took the kid with him as he started ransacking the fridge, “You gotta eat lots too,” he acknowledged the still babbling toddler, “You gotta grow up big and strong to help Makino run the place.”

The kid laughed. Luffy took it as a sign that he understood what he said.

“What if he doesn’t want to run the bar?” Nami asked with a playful smile on her face, “Maybe he’ll want to grow up and be a pirate like you.”

Luffy laughed as he took a sandwich, sitting right next to her as the others piled around the bar for drinks and food. The kid was now sitting on the wooden counter, looking up at him with Makino’s wide brown eyes. 

“Nah, that won’t happen. He’ll want to run the bar, but he’ll always ask about our adventures.”

Ikkaku made an odd noise, her eyes glinting, “You sound pretty confident. Is this another of your god-like intuition kind of thing?”

“If it is, you should have told me Luffy,” Nami reprimanded, “We can make money off you being a fortune teller!”

Zoro, who had been drinking booze, raised a brow, “It’s not because of that. Luffy is a time traveler.”

Ah. It happened. Zoro finally brought it up.

Luffy snickered, relishing the confused faces of his friends. His grin widened when Rosinante slammed his palm on the counter.

“I told you! I keep telling everyone! Look, even Zoro knows!”

“Yeah, and I don’t buy it,” Nami said, narrowing her eyes.

“It won’t hurt to bring this up in the next conspiracy meeting,” Shachi said, chin in hand as he looked at Rosinante and Zoro, “Cora-san finally has someone on his side for it.”

“We can’t- Hakugan has a presentation on Moon God Torao,” Chopper said, taking a sip of juice.

“I actually support that theory,” Ikkaku hummed, dropping her pencil from whatever she had been writing in the notebook, “Can’t have the Sun God without the Moon God.”

“Don’t be stupid,” Zoro’s voice cut through, looking at all of them with confusion and agitation, “I thought this whole conspiracy thing was a joke. Something to bond the crew together, I never realized you all actually believed it.”

There was a moment of silence. It was broken by the kid babbling at Luffy’s side.

The swordsman crossed his arms, head raised high, “On the first day I met Luffy, he told me he was the sun god,” he smugly looked at Nami when he said that, “He also told me Torao had his heart. I believed him and they turned out to be true.”

Zoro stepped forward, poking his cheek as he ate his sandwich with gusto, “On Zou, I overheard him say he was sixty-three. Our captain is dumb but he’s not that dumb. I overheard Torao say he was seventy that night too and that got me thinking.”

Zoro thinking? Someone said. Luffy was certain it was Chopper.

“Both Luffy and Torao acted like they knew what was going to happen all the time,” Zoro went on, “So I asked Luffy if they were time travelers in Onigashima and he said yeah.”

Every pair of eyes were on him now.

“Luffy,” Nami’s voice was too sweet, too fake, “Is that true?”

Luffy had a feeling that if he didn’t have Makino’s kid with him, his navigator would be pulling at his face and smacking him. He gobbled the remains of his sandwich and took his straw hat off, letting it dangle behind his back so that everyone could clearly see his face.

“Yeah,” Luffy admitted with a grin, “It was really funny how everyone thought me and Torao were reincarnated lovers. It’s not true,” his grin turned sharp, “But I can make it happen. Then those funny theories wouldn’t be lies anymore.”

They shared wild looks of disbelief with each other. The toddler on his lap giggled, sharing Luffy’s amusement.

Rosinante coughed, loud and purposeful, “Well! Ignoring that latter statement, my son and Luffy are time travelers. I’ll present it at the next conspiracy meeting with Zoro to make sure we’re all on the same page.”

By the time the rest of their friends joined them in the bar when the sun began to set, the fact that Luffy and Law were time travelers spread. Uni had even let the others on the The Sunny and the Polar Tang know. It also meant that Luffy was under scrutiny, being asked questions from left and right, which were annoying and he started giving ridiculous answers like Penguin is a merman and Brook becomes an Emperor.  

Luffy was terrible at lying so they brushed it off and scoffed, finally abandoning grilling him for the future. At least Makino didn’t do any of that- even if she casted them with odd looks.

“I thought they already knew you time traveled from the future,” Makino said, pouring him a glass of milk. Her kid had been put to bed some time ago.

Luffy blinked at her, “You- you already knew?”

Makino laughed, smile beaming, “Luffy, you literally told me Makino, you look so young again! Ah, I must have been sent to the past!” her impression of him was spot on, “I thought it was weird but then you kept doing things you shouldn’t have known how to do. You were only seven. Many weird things happen in the sea, so I guess it wasn’t that hard to believe.”

Smiling sheepishly, Luffy asked, “Can you keep that a secret? I don’t want Torao to find out and get mad at me for it.”

“Sure, as long as you tell me about your darling Torao,” Makino teased, “Exactly how long have you two been married?”

Chapter Text

A day before the wedding, the Red Force loomed in the distance, the jolly roger of Red Haired Shanks waving proudly in the air. To the right of the ship, miles away, was a different kind of vessel in the sea. There was a marine flag on its sails and heading for the same port the Red Force was.

“This is going to be a disaster,” Law stated, arms crossed and lips curled upward.

Luffy hummed, not getting what he meant as he nuzzled closer, face tucked between shoulder and neck and rubbery arms wrapped around Law's grabbable waist, “What do you mean? There's a truce! No one is gonna do anything.” 

He paused, grinning as he fondly recalled old memories, “At least not until after the party.”

“That's not what I'm referring to,” Law shifted to look at him, smirking wide as he said, “My grandfather will be meeting Shanks for the first time.”

Their families finally meeting only put a smile on Luffy’s face, “That's great, isn't it?”

“It is. I'm not denying that. But remember, Cora-san is dating Shanks,” Law emphasized.

“Oh!” Luffy exclaimed, looking at the sea once more, glancing between the two ships and giggled freely, “Does this mean Seagull guy is gonna give Shanks the shark talk?”

“Shovel talk,” Law corrected and planted a kiss on his forehead before he suddenly manifested out of existence. Luffy pouted as he turned around, the other walking back to the village and leaving Luffy with a pebble as a sorry replacement. “I'll let Cora-san know they're almost here.”

With everyone else still prepping the last of the decorations- he could hear Nami’s frighteningly loud voice, Franky’s super shouts, and a heap of begging in the distance- it left Luffy swinging his legs back and forth on the wooden port, singing an off key tune that Brooks liked to play on slow days. Beaming from ear to ear and tugging his straw hat on, Luffy jumped to his feet as the Red Force anchored, feeling incredibly nostalgic. Just like the days he would wait for Shanks to come back and regal amazing pirate adventures.

Only Luffy wasn’t a kid anymore. He was a man now, a Pirate King who was going to marry the love of his life with all of his precious people witnessing such a grand ceremony.

Red entered his vision and Shanks grinned back at him from the rails of his ship, “Luffy!”

“Shanks!”

The hug was tight, the unspoken words of affection were unnecessary with how loud their actions spoke. The rest of Shanks’ crew clamored about and Luffy boisterously laughed as he attacked each one with the same embrace, given smiles and head pats in exchange. They teased him, his title leaving their lips with pride.

“Where’s the rest of the StrawHearts crew?” Beckman asked with a tilt to his lips, “Don’t tell me they’re tired of us.”

Jabbing a finger toward the village, Luffy explained, “They’re finishing up the wedding stuff for tomorrow! I wanted to help but everyone just shouted at me to stay away.”

“Good thinking on their part,” Lucky Roux snickered and chewed into a meaty leg that made Luffy drool, “You used to break all our crates back then!”

“Not all of them!”

“No, not all of them, but enough that we almost went broke,” Yasopp snorted, anxiously peering into the village. His nervousness was plain to see, the act of a father waiting to see his son again. That anxiety had never really gone away, even decades after. Usopp shared a lot of similarities with his father, barring of course his long nose. No one matched Usopp in it, that much Luffy was certain of.

Soon enough, the vigor quelled down as a shadow was casted over them. Luffy remained the only one enthusiastically smiling, Shanks and his crew growing tense as the marine ship came to a halt on the other side of the harbor.

“Anchor,” Shanks muttered next to him, strangely fixing his shirt and straightening up, “Care to tell me where my beau is? Or am I going to have to meet his father without him?”

“Torao left to tell Rosi you guys were here,” Luffy answered, scratching his cheek, “Don’t know why they’re not here yet.”

Before any of them could react, the abrupt presence of an immense amount of Haki soared in the air and Luffy, caught off guard, was unable to escape a fist of love from Garp. A cry escaped his mouth, tears welling in the corner of his eyes as he faceplanted into the port, feeling the bruise as he clutched his poor head.

“Luffy! Why are you sending Sengoku more pictures than me!? Your own grandfather!” Garp bellowed, easily picking him up by the back of his collar, and Luffy was dangling in the air like an unruly pet, “I can’t compete with his scrapbooks if you don’t send me any!”

“I’m not sending him anything, gramps!” Luffy defended himself, using all his strength to pry away the old man’s hand. He was delightfully surprised that he was now able to do it with success, Garp blinking as Luffy removed his hand and landed back on his feet. He rested his hands on his hips, defiantly looking up at his grandfather, “Torao’s dad is doing that! Go yell at him!”

“Excuses are not what I want to hear-” Garp stopped mid-rant, finally noticing the big audience of one Emperor and his crew. A few of them awkwardly waved. “Oh. You lot.”

Evidently, Garp was still hung up over the pirate that changed the trajectory of Luffy’s life- twice over for that matter. Luffy very nearly stepped in between them, ready to fend off Garp if he had to when the old man unexpectedly grinned at Shanks. The grin reminded Luffy of his own, mischievous but more wicked than anything else.

“You’re brothers are here, aren’t they? I need to show them my love too," Garp said to him, grasping his shoulder with a weighty hand before letting go. He bypassed Shanks and his crew, proclaiming almost ominously, “Have fun with Sengoku.”

Amazingly, that had Shanks swallowing and Beckman comfortingly patted his captain’s back. He was just as tense as the Emperor of the Sea too. For a moment, Luffy was reminded of his own talk with Rosinante, of the shovel talk in the jungle of Amazon Lily, the threats and menacing presence that had been too eerily similar to a mad brother that had once caused mayhem and pain.

Huh.

Luffy wasn't sure if he wanted to be here anymore.

A figure jumped off the marine vessel, not as loud as Garp but stiflingly heavy nonetheless. White long beard and wrinkly face. Towering over everyone as he stood at full height. Sengoku’s gaze landed on Luffy first before shifting onto Shanks. The mood was awfully tense, tense enough to cut into it with a knife.

Luffy spread his arms out, smiling to break the heavy tension of the people who were family, “Seagull guy! Your beard has gotten longer!” He frowned, looking at his head, “Where’s your hat with the bird?”

“Straw Hat Luffy,” Sengoku started off, albeit tiredly. Resigned. “I know you know my name and my hat is the least of your worries. Where’s my son and grandson?”

Good question. Luffy was starting to want them here too, the atmosphere almost suffocating him. 

“They’ll be here soon,” was all Luffy said.

Shanks coughed, purposeful, and Luffy watched the man step up with an outstretched hand toward Sengoku, hard set eyes and brimming with determination.

“It’s nice to formally meet you, sir, on friendly circumstances. I’m Shanks, Rosinante’s partner,” Shanks greeted with a smile, charm oozing off of him in waves. 

Luffy admired the man’s ability to skirt around the devastating war on Marineford, the last time the two had apparently met, even if brief and antagonistic. His eyes flitted toward Sengoku, surprised to see how emotionless he was.

Sengoku stared down at the hand. He didn’t reach for it.

There was some fidgeting from the others, Yasopp more obvious than the rest. Luffy started whistling, filling the silence and wondering if he should say anything but opted not to. This felt like a test. For Shanks. 

Shanks didn’t budge, his smile still in place if a bit strained.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Sengoku took the offered hand. Veins bulged and Luffy winced as the old man squeezed Shanks’ hand hard. Something cracked. Shanks impressively kept his composure, his Haki not once wavering.

Luffy was incredibly awed. Was there anything Shanks couldn't do?

“You have a strong grip,” Sengoku said as he let go, as if he hadn’t just nearly crushed Shanks’ limb. Clasping his hands behind his back, the old man smiled, “Rosinante tells me you treat him well.” 

The smile turned sharp, “Listen very closely to me. If you hurt my son, I have every arsenal of the marine force at my beck and call to make sure you sink at the bottom of the ocean.”

Shanks audibly gulped and laughed nervously, “Duly noted.”

“Good. Make yourself useful and take my bags off the ship,” Sengoku ordered and turned his attention to Luffy, “You’re in charge of my goat.”

“Does your goat talk!?”

“No. Get moving before I think about objecting at your wedding.”

Laughing, Luffy did as he was told. The old man was kidding- he never said a thing before and certainly wouldn’t now. But it was rather amusing for Shanks to believe it, the Emperor tugging him along by the arm.

-

“This isn’t fair!”

“It was a best out of nine. It’s totally fair!”

“You don’t even have a speech ready!”

“It’s hard! Okay!? Our baby brother is getting married- I can’t find the right words to say!”

“Which is why I should be the best man. I have a speech ready- Ow! Ace, you little-”

Rolling on the floor with jabs and bites, Ace and Sabo continued their arguing. Successfully halting the rehearsal dinner as everyone in attendance looked on with amusement. Some of them egged his brothers on, some even placing bets. The others tried to frantically protect the tables and glassware. Rambunctious shouts filled the courtyard, pulling the attention of the curious onlookers of Windmill Village.

“It’s your family again causing a ruckus, Garp,” Sengoku said from the other side of the table, sitting next to a well mannered Rosinante, who sat next to a smirking Law.

In true Monkey fashion, Garp laughed it off, his booming voice not bothering Luffy one bit as he sat to his right. On the other side of Garp, Makino giggled under her hand with Shanks chuckling too. The seat next to Shanks was empty, Dadan well on her way to pry apart the clawing brothers.

When Dadan had sat in the last seat, Garp had pulled Luffy aside to quietly ask about where Dragon would sit. And while Luffy acknowledged the reason why Dragon had left him behind, he didn’t know his father. Shared blood meant nothing compared to real bonds forged through experience and hardship. That was what he told his grandfather and Garp, uncharacteristically saddened by the explanation, had simply nodded and said nothing else. Neither of them pointed out that Dragon wasn't here anyway.

“They’re young! They’ve got so much guts and spirit!” Garp exclaimed, “Maybe I should join them.”

Sengoku made a snide remark and that had Rosinante eagerly trying to move past the best man's speech. It only worked because Ace and Sabo were thrown into their seats with a scolding Dadan, shouting at how rude they were being and Are any of you marrying doctors!? No! I didn’t think so! The embarrassment on their faces had Luffy snorting, seeing them more like the tiny kids they had once been- boasting about their dreams and what adventures they would have in the sea.

All at once, Luffy felt his age. Not as the twenty year old his body currently was but as the older man who lived an entirely different life prior to this one. Last time there had been no rehearsal dinner because Luffy had arrived late- barely making it in time to his own wedding. Regardless, Luffy was certain that even if he had been there on time, it wouldn't have been as lively as this. There had been no Ace. No Rosinante.

Shifting on Luffy’s left side, Law leaned down to whisper to his ear, “You might as well just make your brothers both the best man that way they don’t have to fight anymore.”

Luffy blinked at his pretty soon-to-be-husband, “I can do that?”

Law shrugged with a self assured grin, “Nothing says you can't.”

Even if it was the rules, Luffy lived to defy and break them. Although Luffy figured he should get a pass this time for never thinking of making Ace and Sabo share the best man position. He’d only ever been to a couple of weddings after his own and that was more than two decades ago- his memory was getting a little fuzzy.

Good thing Law had a mind like a steel trap. Pretty and oh so very smart. And Luffy never failed to remind Law of this.

“You’re so smart, Torao.”

“Hm, am I?”

Recognizing that fond expression, the very same one that meant Law would indulge Luffy’s every whim, had him grinning. This old banter they played over and over and never getting tired from it.

“Yeah, smart and pretty.”

“Go on.”

“Torao’s very gorgeous.”

“What else am I?”

Luffy’s grin softened, “Torao’s kind.”

“I beg to differ.”

“And he’s sweet,” Luffy went on, relishing the tiny smile and the light pink hues on bronze skin. The way Law’s heart absolutely throbbed in his chest, “Torao indulges me a lot.”

“Enough to marry you, that’s for certain,” Law quipped and, as if unable to help himself, soft lips kissed him. Brief and sweet.

The tender moment was unfortunately broken by the oldest of Luffy’s brothers.

“Those two are going to get so much worse after they get married,” Ace looked toward the back of the courtyard, shouting, “Yamato, it’s not too late to join my crew!”

“Back off!” Luffy immediately retorted, standing up from his spot and waving his hands in desperate hopes of shielding the white haired Yamato who cluelessly stared at them both, “You already have Tama- don’t be so greedy!”

“That’s rich coming from you.”

Luffy glared but soon grinned, “You know what? I think Sabo should be my best man-”

Ace promptly cut in, “You take that back!”

The last of Luffy’s brothers, Sabo, cheered rather loudly as he fist pumped. He also reached into his pockets to fish out a stack of white cards with a maniac glee. Did Sabo write an entire book? He hadn’t done that in Luffy’s other life and while a part of him was overwhelmed by what that meant, the other part was horrified. Sabo was going to put everyone to sleep on his wedding day. The petrified face on Ace led Luffy to believe he was likely thinking the same thing.

The grin on his face slipped and Luffy quickly announced, “You two have to share it!” 

He looked at them both, the panic eventually subsiding to a warm gooey emotion. Both of them are really here.

“There’s no rule saying I can’t have two best man,” Luffy said, smiling at the pair.

The rehearsal dinner went smoothly after that. Luffy even gave Law a grateful kiss when he sat back down.

-

“Are you getting cold feet?”

The question was a tease, a rhetorical question rather than a real one. The baffling concept nonetheless had Law scoffing, fixing the cuff on his sleeve. Pure white silk with gold trimming woven up his arms, patterns of the sun in between. Subtlety was lost on Luffy and Law supposed he should be glad his soon-to-be husband hadn't made any ridiculous flashy statements on their wedding attire.

Shaking his head, Law faintly smiled at the memory of another lifetime, of uncertainties and frightful anxiety, “You asked me the same question once. I told you we needed to leave right away, to get back on the sub and sail far far away. And there you were, standing right in front of the door. Blocking the exit even though I could have used my devil fruit to get us out.”

A beady eye blinked and Bepo incredulously asked, “No way- you were going to leave Luffy at the altar!?”

“You made sure I didn’t,” Law softly answered, “I was- I was different before. More guarded. More stoic. And I was afraid.”

A beat of silence fell.

Bepo came up to stand beside him, “That’s hard to imagine. You’ve always been so laid back. Carefree. Like nothing can stand in your way.”