Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The cicadas were buzzing loudly; the air was humid and hot. It was summertime in Dressrosa, which meant even the birds were too tired to sing their lovely songs. Yet there was a lawnmower to be heard loud and clear on the Campus of the Dressrosa Collage.

The Campus was stunning, with lots of green lawns, flowers and trees, that bring a cool shade on hot summer days. The school buildings were assembled in a half circle around 4 patches of grass each measuring ruffly 4 acers. In between the different green fields there were small passages for walking. In the centre of the campus there was a huge fountain, which looked similar to the “Fontana delle tartarughe”, just with less tourists. Scattered around the campus there are drinking fountains as well.

In the middle of the beautiful view was Luffy, not having the luxury of an air-conditioned auditorium, pushing an old red lawnmower in front of himself. He was hired just a few months prior to mow the 16 acres of lawn every week.

For such a fancy school, they sure didn’t have lawnmower money, Luffy thought to himself when he saw a normal red lawnmower presented to him on his first day. Not one of the fancy types, you can sit on and drive across the lawn to cut in the areas which were desired to be cut. He for sure thought for the 16 acres of lawn the school had; they’d have one of those. The disappointment grew instantly in Luffy, he had always wanted to drive one of those- But oh, was he wrong and it dawned on him why the job was so well paid. 

On the present day he is mowing the biggest of the 4 main lawns. It was located in between the different school buildings. Normally he had to shoo away some Students who were hanging out on the grass, but today it seemed it was too hot even for them. And although Luffy could tolerate a lot when it came to heat, he was dripping sweat as he pushed the old and heavy machine over the grass. 

A little while later he stopped the machine to drink some water and wipe the sweat off his forehead, with a designated sweat towel he conveniently threw around his neck. The heat was giving him a bit of a queasy tummy. And that weird feeling of anxiety that sometimes formed as a result of the heat and the unwell stomach feeling.

The heat was exhausting, and he drank a lot more than usual, when he noticed that his bottle was already empty. Sluggish he turned off the lawnmower and stretched himself, which caused his back to crack a bit. He sighed and made his way to one of the water fountains. Taking one of the grey pathed paths, careful not to step on the geraniums that surrounded the pathways.

As he was nearing the closest fountain he saw a familiar face, he wasn’t sure what his name was, but he thought he remembered that he studied law. They have met by chance when they both attended orientation 4 years back, Luffy attended with his brother Sabo, because he was too nervous to go alone. They talked briefly before going their separate ways.

And what was his name again? Luffy wrecked his brain for an answer, he knew it was something with a T and an R or something. 

Before he knew he arrived at the fountain. 

“Hey Traffy, long time no see! How ya doin?” He greeted and hoped the other would accept the new Nickname.

Law was bent over the water fountain to drink and looked up at the sweaty man in front of him. He stood up straight and looked at Luffy with annoyance and rolled his eyes.

“That’s not my Name.” Law replied drily. Luffy chuckled and scratched the back of his sweaty hair.

“Sorry Traffy I honestly just forgot your name anyways, can I?” Luffy answered and pointed at the unoccupied fountain, the tall man was blocking. “Whatever.” Trafalgar sighed and started to walk to the designated school building for his next lecture. He felt it was too hot to argue with some stranger about his name.

Luffy thanked him and waved as the other went on his way and filled up his water bottle and drank a little straight from the source. With one last big gulp he stood up and sighed contently, that hit the spot. The queasy feeling in his tummy, and with that the creeping anxiety, was subsiding. Satisfied, he made his way back over the grey paved paths, again careful not to step on the geranium that lined the paths, to the abandoned lawnmower and resumed mowing again.

The setting sun envelops the sky in the most beautiful colours. The heat began to subside, and the birds began singing a lovely twilight tune. Just on time Luffy was done with his job and went to store the lawnmower, for until he came back the next week. When he closed the door to the garden shed, he stretched himself good and let out an exhausted sigh. Exhausted he made his way to the front gates, carful not to dilly dally around. 

It’s Wednesday, which meant his brother Ace was coming to pick him up, so they could go to the gym together. Scared that his brother leaves without him, again, he started to jog to the entrance. That’s why he wasn’t paying attention and bumped into someone coming from the other path. He bounced back and landed on his butt. Just as he wanted to complain he saw Sabo standing in front of him and laughing his ass off. Instantly Luffy frowned and furrowed his arms, crossing his arms to sell how upset he was.

“You should- really watch where- you’re going lil’ bro”, Sabo managed to say in between his laughing fit. 

Luffy just pouted and stretched his arm out, so his brother could help him up. “Let me guess, you are late, and scared Ace is going to go to the gym without you, right?” Sabo said once he calmed down, helping his little brother back onto his feet. 

Luffy then smiled and just nodded. While standing up he told him that he’d see him later and hurried to the entrance again.

In the distance he could already see Ace on his blue Yamaha Bike with the cool looking flames he had painted on. It reminded Luffy of the toy cars they used to play with. “Wait for me...almost there!”, Luffy screamed at the top of his lungs, hoping Ace heard him. His belongings jingling wildly in his pockets as he ran the last few meters to Ace.

Just as he arrived at their meeting spot, Ace grinned and teased him. “If it took you one minute longer, I would have gone without you crybaby.”

Luffy pouted as he put on the helmet, Ace handed to him. It was a weird yellow colour with red flames on it, matching Aces red helmet with yellow flames on it.

“No fair, I bumped into Sabo, and he made fun of me and now you make fun of me too? Tsk.” With armes crossed he jumped onto Aces bike and played the insulted maiden. Ace laughed and turned on his Yamaha and gave it a good revving. That was Luffy’s sign to stop pouting and hold on tight. And so, they drove off to the gym.

When they arrived at their favourite gym, the Udon gym, Luffy took his gym bag from Ace, that he had brought with him. As they walked inside and changed clothes, they talked about their day, and Ace told Luffy the funny pranks he pulled on his Boss today.

He opened a Car repair shop with his best friend Marco a year ago, and since only one Person could be on the lease for the shop, they put Marco’s name there, because he was “older and wiser”. Ever since then Ace jokingly referred to him as his Boss. Today he had apparently scared him so much that Marco dropped a tire on his foot and probably broke his toe. 

Luffy found this story hilarious, especially because Ace imitated how Marco then proceeded to jump on one leg, holding his foot and chanting “fuck you Ace, Fuck, Uhg…someday I will get you back just you watch!”

After they caught up on their stories, they started to work out together, pushing each other way beyond their limits.

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It was already past 10pm when they both arrived back home.

The three brothers shared a flat because rent was impossible to pay in Dressrosa, especially for a student, a newly self-employed car mechanic and a freelancer who was in an out of jobs. The house was modest, with three decently sized bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, and bathroom. The hallway led to the bathroom on the right by the entrance, Luffy’s room down the left, and at the end opened into the living room, which adjoined the modern kitchen with its cooking island. Left of the kitchen was Ace’s room, and right was Sabo’s. Generally the place was really cluttered and it surely was not the cleanest home, but still it felt warm and lived in.

As Ace and Luffy entered through the front door, they already smelled food and hurried to the kitchen, where Sabo was cooking what looked like some kind of fried rice with chicken. 

“You two are late. Didn’t I tell you to be back before nine?” Sabo complained as he turned around from the stove to face his brothers. He wore the apron Ace gave him last Christmas. In bold, it said “This guy rubs his own meat” with an arrow pointing up. Ace laughed, still more than amused by the apron.

“Is that meat I see in there?!”, Luffy shouts completely ignoring Sabos complaint. Sabo rolls his eyes, he knows he won’t win against them, so he fixed everyone a plate up with the food he’d cooked. As he put the dishes in front of his brothers he felt as if he was feeding some wild animals, as they started wolfing down their meals. He on the other hand just sat down and ate his food like a normal person.

“And you two should shower. You stink.” He ordered while scrunching up his nose, when he noticed the stench coming from his brothers. Both groaned, and Luffy complained about having just showered three days ago, after Sabo had spilled fruit juice on him at the park that attracted a wasps, that followed them to the doorstep.

With one of Sabos famous “I-swear-I-will-kill-you-if-you-don’t-do-as-I-say” glares Luffy stopped complaining and just muttered “fine, but Ace goes first”

Chapter Text

Another day another Job.

It’s Thursday which means he’s delivering orders, on his shabby Vespa, he lovingly calls Mary. Dadan had gifted it to him when he turned 16. It was one of the only gifts he still had from her, before Luffy and his brothers moved. The day was shaping up to be a little less scorching than yesterday, as it was a little cloudy and windy.

The Hours passed fast as he delivers one order after the other and soon it’s almost the end of his shift as he gets an order for the Dressrosa college campus. A certain “Bepo” had ordered a ton of food. Which came to no surprise to Luffy, it was cramming season after all, he knows that because Sabo is also constantly studying and begging him to play his games more quietly. So maybe this Bepo is cramming at school with friends.

Luffy waited at the Chinese restaurant until the food was readily packed for delivery. As Luffy thought about what Bepo might be studying the order was ready for him to take and deliver. With a few skilled tugs the bag is secure on his Mary, he hops on and starts driving to the college campus. 

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A few minutes later he arrived at the destination, got the food bags and started walking to the school’s library. But it didn’t take Luffy long to notice that he had no idea where the library was. So he called Bepo`s number, which was on the order slip and a happy voice picked up, “This is Bepo speaking, hello!”

Luffy informed Bepo that he was lost and needed directions on how to get to the library.

Bepo told him where he needed to get inside the building, which staircase he needed to take, and which turns he had to make to get to the library. And after 5minutes Luffy could see the entrance to the library and thanked Bepo for the directions and hung up.

As he arrived at the library he scanned the room for a large group of people, which he found by the window. He walks up to them and with a big grin he says, “Order for Bepo?” 

A taller chubby guy stood up to pay Luffy and grab the food. Luffy liked how this man smiled a lot, it made his eyes look like small black buttons when his cheeks pushed up against them while smiling.

While he gave Bepo the food he asked what he was studying and Bepo told him he and his friends are mostly studying either medicine or attending the nursing program. Except for Law who was already a doctor but now studied to become a surgeon. He mentioned how this was their last time studying for finals and after that they were finally free, well as free as someone with a job at a hospital can be.

Luffy looked over the table and recognized the face of a certain black-haired man with deep circles under his eyes. “Traffy? I thought you were studying law or- wooow are you doing two fields at once?! You must be super smart!” Luffy blabbed without thinking. Law sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “No, my NAME is Law, and no I am not studying law and- “, he got interrupted by Luffy, “Oh I get it now, ok so your name is Law.” Law felt a cold shiver go down his spine as Luffy called him by his name. “Yes, and if that’s all, leave” he deadpanned. 

Luffy’s smile vanished, as he didn’t know why the other was being so mean to him, he was just being friendly after all.

Bepo put his hands to his hips and shot Law a disapproving look. “Hey that was not nice Law, the delivery person just wanted to be nice! Wait what’s your name again?” Bepo interrupted lecturing Law when he noticed that he hadn’t asked for his name. “It’s Luffy shishishi” Luffy started grinning again and cackled a bit.

“Whatever” Law replied fed up, stood up and gathered his book to leave.

Bepo noticed and worryingly said “but you haven’t eaten anything Law and we wanted to study together!” Law turned to Bepo and in a monotone voice answered, “I am going to be over there studying call me when your tea party is done.” And off he went to another corner of the library. 

“What a Killjoy” Luffy declared before blowing a raspberry. Bepo and his friends chuckled and agreed. 

“But he really is a nice guy when you get to know him, he just has his walls up really high that’s all.” Bepo tried explaining. “Hard to believe, but if you say so” Luffy shrugged. They talked for a little longer, at least Luffy thought the chat was only a few minutes long, but when he left, he noticed like two and a half hours had passed. 

On his way back to Mary he checked his phone for any notifications and saw that Sabo had texted in the Group chat, that Sabo, Ace and Luffy were part of.

Sabo: be home by 6Pm Koala is coming over! she will bless us with her cooking

Sabo: can someone bring spinach? Koala forgot to bring it

Ace: we don’t need spinach ew

Sabo: just buy spinach!

Ace: fine, be there by 7

Sabo: I said 6 PM!

As Luffy looked at the time he noticed it was already 7:15 pm oh well.

Luffy: be there in 10…maybe 20

Sabo: I better hope you mean seconds!

With a chuckle he shoved his Phone in his pocket and hopped onto his Vespa and started driving out of the Parking lot, but just as he was about to, he caught sight of two of his friends at the other side of the parking lot. So, he drove over there to say hi. 

Franky was leaned up against his black cabrio car talking to Robin who stood in front of him. “Yo! Super good to see you bro!” Franky exclaimed as soon as he saw Luffy approaching. Luffy waved to his friends, slightly losing control of his vehicle and promptly putting his hand back on the handle. “Yo Franky! Robin!”, he shouts as he gets off his Vespa. 

They talked for a bit; about the event they attended on Saturday and who would bring which food or drink. Luffy would probably forget anyway so he wasn’t assigned to bring anything. Even though Robin made a joking remark to bring a good mood with him, knowing Luffy was rarely not in a good mood.

They talk for a bit until Luffy gets an angry call from Sabo. He sounded furious and gave Luffy an earful about Timeliness and asks why he’s always so tardy and how he should become more responsible as an adult etc etc.

When Luffy hung up he looked apologetically up to Franky and Robin and informs them that he has to leave now.

He gave Franky a fist bump and hugged Robin goodbye, and now he will really leave, or else Sabo will kill him, more than now and Luffy is scared to find out what’s worse than Sabo killing him for being late.

Back home Luffy gets another earful from Sabo, and he had to promise to be less tardy in the future or else he’s going to be doing Sabos chores for a whole month. Luffy tried to argue that he was working, but Sabo knew his schedule eerily well and knew that he was off like 2 hours ago. 

As punishment for today he will have to do the dishes when they are done eating, Sabo knew how much Luffy hated doing the dishes, but he knew this isn’t the time to tell Sabo no, he knew he fucked up, he was like 3 hours late and he couldn’t think of a way to get out of the situation.

Ace started laughing at Luffy but that earned him an earful as well, as he was also late and didn’t bring the spinach he was asked to bring.

Chapter Text

It’s Friday, which means it’s Luffy’s day off. He has planned so many things for today like playing his favourite new game, going to eat at Baraties, where his friend Sanji works, and later going to the docks to enjoy the little fair there with his friends. 

But right as he was about to start his first task, he got a call from the college asking if he could come and fill in for a janitor today that had called in sick. Reluctantly and with a promise of a little bonus Luffy agreed, extra money never hurt anyone right?

He shot Sanji a message telling him about the change of plans and that he’ll talk to him later at the fair. 

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An hour later he was cleaning college toilets and questioning why he gave up his precious day off for this, until he remembered he was off until Monday anyways, which made it more bearable. However, cleaning school toilets was not something he had anticipated doing at age 19.

Originally, he wanted to set sail and leave Dressrosa behind, but he couldn’t leave his brothers and friends behind. So, he stayed, and since he never finished high school, because he wanted to work at Jinbes Boat and Motorcycle shop (don’t question the combination of those, Jinbe couldn’t decide which passion of his he wanted to follow so he just chose both). Where he worked for like a year until he got bored and moved on. He still dreamed of sailing one day, but it was more so a hobby for now. And he did also have a passion for a certain other job, but never felt brave enough to pursue it, which is why he was a freelancer now.

And that’s just how it’s been the past few years, doing jobs he found interesting until he grew bored of them. He wasn't passionate about his jobs, but Ace and Sabo warned that if he missed rent again, they'd give his room to Ace's partner—and Luffy didn't want to be homeless. So, he just did whatever job he came across that paid well. At the moment his schedule looks as follows:

Monday: Doing gardening work for a married couple in the south of Dressrosa

Tuesday: Delivery driving

Wednesday: Lawnmowing for Dressrosa College and the gym with ace in the evening

Thursday: Delivery driving again

Friday: his day off/ on call for the College If someone fell sick (which suspiciously happened a lot on Fridays)

Saturday & Sunday: His day off

As he was lost in thought he hadn’t noticed how Law squeezed past his cleaning supply trolley to get to the free Toilet, while he was pushing it not gently, a bottle of cleaner fell and splashed on the ground. The splash hit Luffy right in the eyes. He jumped up and started instantly rubbing them. 

“Fuck! Hey Luffy, don’t rub your eyes that’ll make it worse!” Law exclaimed as he saw what he had done. In a swift motion he pulled Luffy out of the stall and pushed his head under one of the sinks and turned it, rather forcefully to the side, to run water over his eyes.

“Try keeping them open, we must wash them out. Do you know what kind of cleaner that was?”, Law questioned in full on doctor mode now. 

Luffy chuckled, “you know you could buy me coffee first, before you handle me this roughly.” Completely ignoring Laws question. With an annoyed `tsk` Law turned around to look at the bottle of cleaner on the floor and his eyes widened. 

Shit, he thought to himself, he needed to rinse Luffy’s eyes properly with a medicated saline solution asap. Quickly he pulled his phone out of his pocket. And dialled his friend’s number.

“Don’t you dare move!”, he ordered Luffy before calling Bepo. Who answered the call anxiously, considering Law almost never called him, but it’s an emergency. 

“Bepo, bring medicated saline—Luffy got phosphoric acid in his eyes after I dropped a cleaner. Hurry!” Law ordered Bepo in a stern but monotone voice.

“Aye aye captn’!” Bepo was gone before he could complain about that silly nickname his friends gave him. But this wasn’t the time to be mad. He stood up again, from his crouched position and went back to Luffy, to ask him if he felt any discomfort or pain in his eyes. Luffy just told him that it burned a bit, and his eyes felt dry, even though he was still holding them under water. 

Law helped Luffy clean his eyes out a bit until Bepo came crashing through the door completely out of breath. 

“Here…captn’… “he managed to say between breaths.

“Don’t call me that!” Law snapped at Bepo while taking the saline bag from him. 

He turned the water faucet off and started cleaning Luffy’s eyes, surprisingly gently with the saline. 

Luffy was uncomfortable yes, but he noticed his heart skipping a little when Law began touching him this gently. It was rare for Luffy to not laugh or joke at a time like this, but right now he just had nothing to say.

After the whole saline bag was emptied Law demanded Luffy stand up and look at him. Which Luffy did with a big smile on his face. 

“Thanks doc you totally saved my life right now!” Luffy beamed. 

“Shut it and let me look at those eyes.” Law answered cooly. Law took out his phone and turned the flashlight on to inspect Luffy’s eyes and see if the pupils were responding accordingly. 

At the sight of Luffy’s pure and hazel eyes, Law felt a little warm fuzzy feeling in his chest, which the professional in him immediately shoved down. 

“Okay apart from the redness everything looks fine. If you feel any discomfort, pain or severe itchiness please go to the ER and get it checked out.” Law told Luffy and stepped away from him, storing his phone back in his pocket. 

“Will do. Thanks, Traffy.” Luffy smiled and was honestly thankful for Law and his help. 

“It’s Trafalgar Law.” Law commented coldly. He threw the saline pouch away and started to leave the bathroom. 

“Hey wait! Let me invite you to a meal or something, for saving me! I know a place- “, Luffy started rambling and grabbed Laws wrist so he couldn’t leave.

Law interrupted him “Its fine just stop calling me stupid nicknames.” 

And so, he shook off Luffy’s hand. With a slightly red face from the sudden contact, he left the room. He just heard Bepo following him with a suggestive “oooh” sound, to which he only rolled his eyes.

Luffy watched Law and Bepo leave and turned to look in the mirror. His eyes were indeed red like a fire truck. 

The last time they were this red, ace gave some weird kind of cigarette, which made me all loopy and weird, Luffy thought to himself. He shrugged it off, thinking he had survived worse, and the slightly blurry vision and the mild itch didn’t really bother him that much.

After all Law took great care of him! As he thought of Law, a smile blessed his lips, maybe we`ll become great friends someday!

With that thought in mind he went back to cleaning the puddle of cleaner and finished scrubbing the toilet. 

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Just a few minutes passed, as Law re-entered the bathroom. As Luffy looked at him confused Law scratched the back of his neck and answered Luffy’s questioning look with “I originally came here to use the toilet, forgot about that in the heat of the moment.” 

Luffy just grinned in response, “Well, doctors need to pee too, right?” – “Right...” Law replied rather confused by the statement and went into one of the bathroom stalls to finally lighten his bladder.

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After Luffy was done for the day, with his spontaneous Janitor job, he went back home to change. 

There he was met with the funniest sight ever. Ace, Sabo and Koala were playing twister in the living room and where all intertwined and knotted up with each other. The yellow armchair pulled over to the side next to the mismatched brown couch. And the coffee table pulled over as well to create as much space as possible.

“Hey Loof-woah- “, Ace noticed his brother coming in and while waving he caused them to tumble over like a house of cards. Which made them laugh and break out in little `ow` whimpers.

Luffy laughed and joined them for a game. 

After three rounds of twister Sabo gave up, “This isn’t fair Luffy, it’s like you’re made of rubber! There is no way any of us have a chance at beating you.” Luffy grinned and did a silly muscleman pose to show off his, surprisingly, well trained bicep muscles. 

“I am the champion of Twister, look at me, feast your eyes!” Luffy chanted while flexing his muscles. Koala, who was originally sitting beside the Twister mat, fell over giggling like a mad woman. She couldn’t explain it, but she considered the brothers to be the most entertaining company, who matched her sense of humour to a T.

As they were joking around a knock at the front door caught their attention. Luffy stood and walked to the door, wiping his tears away, which had formed from all the laughing. 

He opened the door and there was Zoro, standing with an annoyed look. “Oh, hey Zoro wassup?” Luffy greeted his best friend. 

“Came to pick you up for the fair.”, Zoro muttered, which in reality was more of a "Guide me to the fair or the others will make fun of me if I get lost again."  

“Right! Just a sec”, Luffy said, he almost forgot about the fair. So, he quickly grabbed his necessities and wished his brothers and Koala a good time before going out the door with Zoro.

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On their way Zoro told Luffy about a competition his Dojo was hosting the following week and that he would be taking part in it. Luffy was immediately on bord, asking when it was and if he could bring their whole crew to cheer him on. Zoro of course said yes, he liked the attention, even though he would never in his life admit that out loud. 

He especially liked a certain someone always being on board with everything he wanted to do, which he also would never admit out loud. 

While he was a bit lost in his thoughts Luffy had asked him a question and was looking at Zoro for an answer. 

Shit he hadn’t paid attention to what Luffy was saying. “Sorry what?” He said and just a slight blush tinted his cheeks now. 

Luffy chuckled and repeated, “I asked if you wanted to ride the Ferris wheel at the fair with me?” Zoro’s blush grew stronger but before he could say anything the dark haired continued, “and we can ask Robin too, and chopper and Usopp and what about the whole crew comes on the Ferris wheel, that would be like super amazing, right?” His eyes started to gleam like stars as he was talking about his plan. 

Zoro sighed and his blush reduced, “Sure thing why not”, he shrugged.

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After a 30-minute walk they arrived at the docks, where Luffy already spotted some of his friends and started running up to them with a “Hey you guys!” Luffy stopped when he met his friends and pulled them into a group hug, which some were fonder of than others. He pulled away after just a few seconds and started to jump up and down “ok let’s go, let’s go!” He whined impatiently.

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The evening was coming to an end and they really all agreed to ride the Ferris wheel with Luffy, but only 4 at a time could join a gondola, so Luffy was in one with Sanji, Chopper and Zoro. They had to force Sanji in there because he wouldn’t stop pestering Nami and Robin about how romantic it would be when they were in a gondola together. 

So, he just sat there a little pissed off with his arms crossed, sulking, so upset he couldn’t even make fun of Zoro for being afraid of heights. Zoro tried to power through his fear, so no one would notice how scared he was, and he thought he did a good job, but no one really paid attention to him because Luffy and Chopper were both glued to the windows. 

Chopper kneeled on his seat to watch over the fair and Luffy copied him. As Luffy watched over the city, enveloped in darkness, the lights flickering and gleaming, he spotted something, “Woah, I think I can see Jinbe’s shop from here guys! Look over there!” 

Luffy exclaimed pointing at a building in the distance. “Oh yes Luffy you are right that is Jinbe’s shop, look Sanji, Zoro!”, an equally exited Chopper squealed. 

Sanji just rolled his eyes and Zoro looked over Luffy’s shoulder to see, the height frightening him more than before, which is why he sat back down again, crossed his arms and closed his eyes. “Yeah, pretty nice I guess.” Zoro tried saying nonchalantly, which worked because neither of the two excited guys paid any more attention to him.

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After a short, or long, depending on who you ask, 5 minutes they were all gathered at the exit of the Ferris wheel. 

The fair's crowd had thinned, and the waves against the docks were once again audible over the music and chatter.

Robin and Franky told their friends they would head home, as Robin had to work again tomorrow, and wished the rest a nice rest of the evening. The friends hugged and waved the two goodbye. Jinbe, Brook, Usopp and Chopper also left shortly after and that only left Nami, Sanji, Zoro and Luffy. 

They went to the edge of the pier, a bit off to the Fair and sat by the ocean. They talked and Nami and Zoro drank some sake. 

While Sanji drank water and Luffy drank some of Franky’s homemade Cola. (Franky released his Super Cola 3 years ago and now you could buy it almost everywhere) But Luffy preferred the homemade batches, so Franky brought some with him when he had the time.

The sound of waves and the buzzing of cicadas created a sense of tranquility. The warmth of the summer evening and the scent of saltwater contributed to the overall serene atmosphere.

As they chatted Luffy mentioned the accident he had that day and how Law totally saved him. Excitedly he told his friends how professional the aspiring surgeon was and how he had hoped to befriend him. 

Zoro said Law was likely an edgy emo, which unsettled him because he disliked emo`s—they even scared him a bit, even though he would never say that, not in front of the stupid cook anyways. His childhood rival Kuina was also an emo and the only one to defeat him, so he's had concerns about emo`s ever since then. 

Luffy shrugged, “even if he is an emu, I don’t care, he’s cool, and his friend Bepo too, he gave me a springroll when I delivered them food and…” Luffy proclaimed happily and blabbed on and on how cool he thought Law and his friends were.

Just after 11pm Luffy managed to get home and into his bed. His bedroom was a complete mess—clothes strewn across the floor, the bed left unmade, dresser drawers half-open, and shelves haven’t seen a duster in probably... never. The walls were covered with posters of skateboarders, snapshots of him with his friends, the occasional pirate image, and a few band posters scattered throughout. Luffy practically heard Sabos nagging in his head to finally clean up this mess, but he ignored Sabo in his head, just like he did with the real Sabo when he started to nag,

Exhausted he fished out his Phone to see who had texted. Only a few Group chats and…wait a notification from Onestagram, a UTAlover333 wanted to be his friend, he looked at the Profile picture more closely and recognized that that was Bepo. So, he accepted and followed him back. His follow request was promptly confirmed. Luffy looked through Bepo’s Posts and liked and commented them. When he scrolled to the last picture, he noticed it was already past midnight, and he should probably sleep.

Before finally calling it a night, he wandered into the kitchen to make himself a midnight snack. He rummaged through the fridge, pulling together a strange but satisfying assortment of leftovers—half a slice of cold pizza, some grapes, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a few crackers stacked with cheese. It wasn’t exactly gourmet, but it hit the spot. With his hunger satisfied and the events of the day still replaying in his mind like a warm highlight reel, he returned to his room, climbed into bed, and drifted off to sleep with a contented sigh.

Chapter Text

It’s Saturday, which meant Luffy could sleep in, that’s what he always enjoyed the most about weekends. 

Unfortunately, he made today’s calculation without Koala, who was an early bird through and through. 

So, when she started cooking breakfast at 8 am Luffy got woken up by the heavenly smell of Koalas Pancakes and…is that bacon? Luffy rose and jumped out of bed, struggled to put on pants while walking, fell face first to the ground, stood up and rushed to the set table and clanked his utensils on the table and whined, “I am hungry what’s taking so long?”

Koala turned to Luffy and wanted to make a comment on patience but was distracted by Luffy’s bloody nose. She turned pale and shrieked, “Oh my god Luffy what happened?!”

She let the cooking utensils fall and rushed to Luffy. Who was obviously oblivious to the blood running from his nose. “What? Hey gimmie food Koala!” He tried standing up to get the food himself but was stopped by Koala. 

“Oh, hell no you don’t! Not with that bloody nose. Go wash yourself!” Koala ordered Luffy as she noticed he was fine, and she needn’t be concerned.

“But– “

“-No buts go wash yourself!” She interrupted and added “Then you can come to eat. And wake your brothers up.” Luffy let his shoulders hang and sulkily went to the bathroom. He knew better than to challenge someone with a black belt, especially this early in the morning, and without food in his system. 

He scrubbed his face clean of blood then went back to the kitchen and yelled “ACE, SABO COME EAT!” 

Koala covered her ears and glared at him, “you know I could have done that too- “

“Then why didn’t you?” Interrupted Luffy with a confused look. 

Koala answered that with just a slight face palm and a mumbled “whatever” and turned back to cooking the last few pancakes. 

Ace emerged from his room, his wavy hair standing in every direction. Luffy pointed promptly at his brother and made fun of him telling him he looked like a cow licked his hair. 

Meanwhile Sabo came from the door right next to Aces, he looked like he’d already showered and been awake for a few hours.

“You know I wouldn’t look like this if I didn’t have so sleep face hugging my pillow because someone can’t control their volume when doing midnight gymnastics.” Ace glared between Sabo and Koala who both grew red in an instant. 

Only Luffy seemed confused. “Why were y’all doing gymnastics at midnight? Is that like something people do? Oh my god can I joi- “

“OH, HELL NO” Sabo and Koala screamed in union. 

Luffy cocked his head and let out a confused “huh?”

“Never mind what Ace said he just dreamed something weird” Sabo tried to get out of the situation. 

“Luffy they were fucking, not doing gymnastics.” Ace laughed. 

“Ew, I really don’t wanna join that.” Luffy said scrunching his nose but then proceeded to laugh. “Now let’s eat I am hungry!” Luffy exclaimed and sat back at the table ready to be served by Koala. 

Koala and Sabo looked at each other like embarrassed teenagers who just got caught doing the devil’s tango. 

Breakfast was relatively quiet, except for Luffy who kept on talking about yesterday, how the fair was, how Law had saved him and finally what he found on Bepo’s Onestagram.

“You know if I didn’t know better, I’d say you have a crush on that Law guy” grinned Ace with his mouth full of Pancakes. 

“Nuh-uh” 

“Yuh uh”

“Nuh-uh!” And this back and forth went on way too long until Sabo interrupted.

“Ace you know that Luffy has never had a crush on anyone, and I doubt that he will ever love someone more than as a friend- Woah that sounded mean- Sorry Luffy, but you know what I meant... right?” He fumbled on the last part. 

“Nah you good Sabo and you are right I never felt that mushy lovey dovey stuff like you do for Koala or Ace for- “

“Okay that’s enough. Let’s drop that topic” Ace interrupted. 

Sabo rolled his eyes. 

“Only because you and Yamato are just ‘friends with benefits’ and yeah, yeah you don’t label it, Yamato is just a bro blah blah blah” Luffy tried imitating Ace which earned him a chuckle from Sabo and Koala. 

“Ha-ha very funny” Ace rolled his eyes and stood up to put his empty dishes in the sink. 

“I have to go to Yama- “he sighed, “to my bro, to help him move”, he corrected. While the others burst out laughing, he grabbed his helmet and left.

After Luffy was done with breakfast he chose to have a little nap before he got up for real.

At 11am Luffy opened his eyes again and stretched himself and sighed, that nap was amazing. After blinking the sleep out of his eyes, he rubbed them and sat up in his bed. He grabbed his phone and opened the crew group chat.

Franky: Luffy bro don’t forget ill pick you up at 6pm sharp 

Robin: can you pick me up too? I’ll be at the library till 5.30pm

Franky: of course, gorgeous <3

Usopp: oh my god get a room

Nami: Usopp you’re just jealous cuz Kaya dumped you

Usopp: the great Usopp would never look back on a woman who didn’t want him!

Usopp: but fr what did I do wrong?

Zoro: here he goes again

Luffy: yes Franky be there at 6 by the curb!

Luffy: Usopp that Kaya woman isn’t worth your tear’s! you are the coolest that chick is soooooo dumb

Nami: or smart enough that she knows she can get someone better

Usopp: hey that’s so mean Nami! And thanks, luffy you are a good friend.

Franky: Let’s just all calm down and talk in the evening, ok?

And with that the group chat went silent. So, he checked other messages and replied to them, nothing major, the usual memes his friends sent him or a picture of a car, Ace sent him that he’d like to drive someday.

Then he scrolled a bit through Onestagram, where he noticed Bepo’s story, which showed a picture of censored UTA tickets with the caption “omg can’t believe it @Surgeonofdeath is the best!” 

Luffy replied to his story with a shocked emoji and “I will see you there!” and then he clicked on the linked account. 

The profile picture was just a tattooed hand showing the middle finger. In the bio it said “Doctor, going to be surgeon, wish me luck or don’t.” with an exhausted emoji beside it. 

Luffy giggled, this must be Traffy, he thought, and promptly sent a friend request. Was that his hand on the profile picture? Luffy hadn’t really paid attention, whether he had tattoos or not. The few encounters they had were either really quick or pretty blurry. 

He smiled and put his phone on his nightstand and stood up. He went to his dresser to pick out an outfit for the evening. He quickly put on jean shorts, a black sunflower-patterned button-down, and the straw hat his uncle Shanks had given him as a child. He glanced in the mirror and shot himself some fingerguns and laughed at the action before leaving his room. 

What to do now? He thought when he stood in the hallway. It was still a few hours till Franky came to pick him up. He blew a raspberry and looked over the flat. 

Koala and Sabo seem to have gone out as well, how boring. So, he shot Usopp a text if he wanted to hang out until they had to leave and he replied after a few minutes that Luffy was welcome to join him and Coby at the Park, they were playing some frisbee.

About twenty minutes later, Luffy arrived at the park, where Usopp and Coby were already waiting for him under the shade of a tall oak tree. The afternoon sun was warm, and a light breeze rustled the leaves as the three friends kicked off their hangout with a game of frisbee, laughing and shouting as they chased it across the open grass. After working up a sweat, they wandered over to a nearby ice cream truck, each picking out their favourite flavour—Luffy went for something bright and fruity, Usopp chose classic chocolate, and Coby picked a swirl of vanilla and caramel.

As they sat on a low bench, enjoying their melting treats, Usopp’s mood shifted. He sighed; his voice tinged with frustration and sadness as he began to talk about Kaya—how things had been and how upset he was. Coby, tried to offer support, but his words came out uncertain, as if unsure whether advice or silence would help more. Every now and then, he glanced over at Luffy, hoping he might chime in or know just what to say—but Luffy simply listened, not knowing what do either.

He didn’t really get why Usopp was so upset though but still tried his best to distract his dear friend. And at the end of the day Luffy thinks he at least accomplished a little betterment in Usopp’s mood, though he had to leave early. Today he couldn’t be late.

Jogging back, Luffy stood punctually at the spot where Franky had told him to wait. He waited patiently, occasionally whistling as he paced along the street, until Franky arrived a few minutes behind schedule. 

“Howdy bro! hop in!” Franky greeted his friend and gestured him to sit in the back of his cabrio. 

With a huge grin on his face Luffy hopped in and greeted Franky and Robin, who sat in the front seat next to Franky. Franky floored his gas and started driving to their destination. Luffy enjoyed being pressed into the seat and feeling the wind slap against his face and he laughed like a little kid and just enjoyed the drive. 

The same couldn’t be said about Robin, she dearly loved her boyfriend, she really did, but every time Franky felt the need to floor it, she held onto her seatbelt for dear life. 

“Honey could you please slow down a bit- ”

“Oh sorry of course” He understandingly moved his foot up from the gas, to drive at a normal speed.

Luffy sighed, “kill joy” and he crossed his arms. 

“Not everyone is fond of action like you man, have some consideration for my lady here.” Franky defended Robin and let his hand slide on her thigh and smiled at her. 

“He’s right Luffy, you need to be considered of others, especially in relationships.” Robin tried to teach Luffy about relationship etiquette from time to time. 

Luffy rolled his eyes and a muttered “okay okay.” Luffy had no interest in relationships, finding them too much effort and unable to picture himself doing what his friends did with their partners. Shaking away the thoughts he leaned forwards and asked when they would be there, and Franky promised it wouldn’t be long.

Soon they arrived at the town centre Franky luckily found a parking spot to park his car. Before raising the roof of his car, Luffy leapt out and bounced around with excitement.

“Let’s go guys it will start soon comeoncomeoncomeone-” Luffy rambled without a stop or even a comma. 

“Calm down dude we’ll be ready, just a second” Franky had to laugh at the younger one so full of energy.

Not long after, Luffy and his friends gathered in a wide, grassy clearing near the main stage, the hum of distant music and excited chatter filling the air. Sanji was already setting up the portable grill he’d brought along, expertly arranging the coals. Nearby, Nami and Robin sat cross-legged on a picnic blanket, threading skewers with vegetables and marinated meat from the cooler Sanji had packed. They worked in easy rhythm, chatting and occasionally rolling their eyes as the familiar sound of bickering echoed across the lawn.

Sure enough, Zoro was already at it, arms crossed and scowling at Sanji.

“The stupid cook can’t even light a fire,” he muttered loud enough for everyone to hear.

Sanji shot back with a lit cigarette between his lips, “At least I don’t sleep through half the day and call it training, moss-head.”

Their voices rose as sparks flew—both literal and metaphorical.

A short distance away, Chopper, Brook, and Usopp stood in line at the colourful UTA merch booth, peering at the posters and whispering animatedly about which song she might open with.

“She’ll definitely start with something new!” Usopp insisted.

“No way,” Brook countered, “it has to be her classic hit—set the mood!”

Chopper just nodded, eyes wide, holding onto his hat as the breeze picked up.

Further back, Jinbe and Franky lounged on the grass, deep in conversation. They sat shoulder to shoulder, soaking in the late-afternoon sun as they talked boats and blueprints. Franky’s eyes lit up as he described the project he was working on for his engineering course. A year ago, he’d taken the plunge—leaving behind his job at Jinbe’s boat repair shop to enroll in university and chase his dream of designing and building ships from the keel up. Jinbe listened with a proud smile, offering a few thoughtful nods and the occasional wise comment.

Luffy, meanwhile, couldn’t stay still. He bounced from group to group—laughing with Usopp, stealing a bite of food from Sanji’s prep table, trying to help Nami (and getting shooed away), and dropping into conversations mid-sentence without ever missing a beat. The air buzzed with excitement, the stage lights beginning to flicker on in the distance, and the sense that something special was about to begin.

I really need to thank Uncle Shanks and Uta for gifting us those Tickets! Luffy made a mental note. 

When Brook, Chopper and Usopp got back, and they seemed to have made new friends, because two people were following them. 

“Luffy, we have met some cool people by the merch booth is it okay if they join us?” A shy Chopper asked. 

Luffy tilted his head up, he was now sitting on the grass with Jinbe and Franky, and he began beaming. 

“Bepo! Traffy! Of course they can join!” He jumped up and slung his arms around the both of them. 

“Didn’t think this was your taste in music Traffy. Zoro said you are more of a… how was it called? Emu?” Law rolled his eyes while Bepo chuckled.

With a swift motion Law ducked under Luffy’s embrace and put some distance between them. 

“First of all, I am not a bird and secondly, I am just here to babysit Bepo because the last time he went to a concert alone, he got so wasted I had to pump his stomach.” Bepo’s chuckles stopped and with a truly remorseful voice he mumbled “I told you I was sorry like a million times. It wasn’t on purpose and how could I have known the bartender gave me straight liquor an- “

“Bepo, you drank straight tequila shots what do you even mean?”, a disturbed and concerned Law interrupted him. 

Bepo scratched the back of his head and apologized again. Luffy laughed, “Anyways guys, let’s sit down the shows about to start!”

“And the meats almost ready, I hope meat is ok?”, Sanji chimed in and made sure all their dietary needs where met, a true cook.

The show had started and the whole group now sat on the grass, eating and singing along. Bepo sobbed and screamed when his favourite song was played and went into full fanboy mode, if that was even possible considering he had put on all of the UTA merch he had. Luffy chuckled and leaned into law, they sat next to each other and whispered in his ear, “I didn’t know there was a bigger UTA fan than me.” Law just pulled up the corner of his mouth into a crooked smirk and nodded.

The next song came on and Bepo calmed down a bit. Luffy noticed how Law slightly tapped his feet to the beat of the song and when he looked at his face, he was looking mesmerized at the stage. 

Luffy chuckled again, leaned in to whisper again, “Not a fan of UTA? You seem to enjoy that song a lot Traffy.” Law’s eyes widened and his whole body erupted into goosebumps. He blushed brilliantly and looked away while scratching the ear Luffy had whispered in. 

“Stop whispering in my ear.”, Law demanded in a rougher tone than he intended. Luffy just shrugged it off and enjoyed the concert. 

Law though couldn’t concentrate on the concert anymore. Why the fuck did I react like that?! Law questioned. He has never gotten goosebumps before when someone whispered to him. He disliked the way the goosebumps sent heat through his body, instead of the normal shivers down his spine. He was so lost in his thought he didn’t even notice the intermission had started until Bepo shook his shoulder.

“Law I really need to go to the toilet do you need to go too?” Law shook his head, to get rid of the thoughts and stood. 

“Let’s go.” he motioned Bepo to follow him, which he did. 

Intermission ended and Law had decided to sit next to Robin. He didn’t want to take chances of Luffy whispering in his ear again and the black-haired woman seemed quiet enough. But just before the first song ended, she leaned in and whispered to him, “Luffy can be a lot, but I saw that blush, you seemed-”

“I just hate people whispering in my ear so stop it.” Law was telling the truth, but he couldn’t help but slightly blush again and confront the fact that Robins whisper hadn’t sent goosebumps all over his body. 

“Yes sure, if you say so. But don’t get your hopes up, Luffy is the most aro/ace person I have ever met, and I work at a library.” Robin told him with a cheeky smile. 

“Tsk, I don’t want anything from him. I like to keep my sanity thank you.”  Law snapped and started to regret sitting next to the woman. 

“And what does being aro/ace have to do with libraries?”

“Oh, more than one thinks…” And she went on about the correlation of the two things for at least another song. 

He regretted that question quickly. And Law definitely regretted coming here, pumping Bepo’s stomach suddenly seemed like the better option. But he had originally thought it was just going to be him and Bepo and that they would go after the concert had ended. But now he’s sitting there in a group of 10 almost strangers and talking to a woman about a sexuality he isn’t even interested in. So, he just let himself zone out and just nod approvingly every so often.

After the concert ended and Bepo announced that he would pay for a round of drinks at the Pub around the corner everyone seemed excited, except for Law. But since some of Luffy’s friends had to work on Sunday Chopper, Jinbe and Robin said their goodbyes to their group and left early. 

It was 2am and Law was more than fed up. Most of Luffy’s friends have left and now it was just him, Bepo and Luffy. 

Bepo was on his 6^th beer and Luffy still sipped at his 3^rd, but he seemed well drunk as well. Until a few moments ago they were still talking in excitement, which has died down now and they both looked like they would soon clock out. So, Law got up to pay the tap and call an uber for Bepo. 

When the uber arrived, he put Bepo in the back seat and told the driver where to drop him off. He made a mental note to make Bepo pay him back with interest for the tap since Bepo was supposed to pay it. 

Law then went back inside and looked at Luffy, who planted his face on the table and slept like a baby. And what am I going to do with you now?

Chapter Text

It’s Sunday and Luffy got woken up by the sunrays tickling his nose. Drowsily he tried to open his eyes, but it was just too bright, and he quickly rubbed his eyes. He groaned and turned around only to be met with another body beside him. 

Any remnants of sleep immediately vanished as he sat up to look around in a panic. He looked down at himself and saw that he was only wearing underwear. 

It… It wasn’t his, he knew that much. 

What the heck happened?! Luffy ruffled through his hair. 

He sighed and looked over at the other body, tattoos? He scanned the body until his eyes met Laws sleeping face. Now he was even more confused. Normally after a night of drinking he would end up at Zoro’s place, but this…was new. He just remembered having fun with Bepo and then falling asleep. 

Slowly he stood up, being careful not to wake Law. He exited the room and looked around. He saw a modern looking flat. The kitchen/living room was open, without a door, to his right. To the left was the entrance to his apartment. On the right side, where he currently stood was Laws bedroom and right on the opposite side was a closed door. Luffy assumed it was the bathroom, since there was no other room left where the bathroom could be. He opened the door and confirmed it; it was the bathroom. Quickly he went in and did his business. 

Well, where the hell are my clothes? Luffy questioned and looked around the bathroom. What should I do now? I don’t even know where my phone is, I can’t even call Ace to pick me up. 

Amid his thoughts Law knocked at the door. “Luffy you in there man?” His sleep deepened voice sounded.

Luffy blushed. He couldn’t go out there, not half naked. He blushed a little more and asked sheepishly through the door. “Yeah? Uhm Traffy? Where are my clothes?” 

He heard law sigh. “They are in the dryer beside the shower; I had to wash them. Come to the kitchen if you want breakfast and then get the hell out of here.” 

Luffy turned his head scanning for the dryer, spotted it and took his clothes.

While getting dressed Luffy wracked his brain to see what might have happened. He never drank much, so what did he do to get so dirty, that his clothes needed washing? 

In the kitchen Law sat with a bowl of cereal, looking less tired than usual. And Law did feel less tired than usual, but he would never admit that.

“Take a bowl and eat if you want.” Law said after swallowing. 

Luffy was unsure, which was new to him, he never felt unsure or embarrassed, but this situation was awkward and even he got that much. 

“Traffy what happened yesterday?” 

Law raised an eyebrow. “What you mean you don’t remember? You had like 2 or 3 beers and like 1 shot of tequila.” 

Luffy shook his head, he could not remember. He took a bowl and then sat down next to Law. 

“Care to explain?” Luffy asked while shoving cereal into his mouth. 

Now Law smirked. “Oh, you really don’t seem to remember okay this will be fun.” 

He started to count on his fingers what had gone down.

“First you fell asleep at the Pub, then I tried calling one of your sober contacts, but your phone was dead. Then I tried calling an uber but had no clue where I should send you, so I asked the Pub owner if he knew you, because you seem to be friends with everyone, but he didn’t know as well. Then I thought ok I’ll take you to my place and let you crash on my couch but when we got here you woke up a little and nagged that you were hungry, so I cooked you some ramen- ”

“You cooked for me?”

“Yes, anyway. After you ate you wanted dessert and since I only had mint chocolate chip ice cream, you complained the whole time while eating it. You still ate the whole tub, then you got ice cream all over yourself and because there is no way in hell, I’ll let you sleep on my couch like that I told you to get out of your clothes so I can wash them. Which you did. On your own so don’t think I am some kind of pervert- Anyways, I told you to sit on my bed while I searched some clothes for you in my dresser, but you took off your underwear and made yourself comfortable in my bed. And since there’s no way in hell I was gonna let you sleep in my bed I tried to wake you but you never did- Get that checked out by the way that was freaky- Anyways, as you didn’t budge I tried dressing you, but I only got boxers on you before you…anyhow you owe me a bunch!” 

Luffy blushed the more Law counted. 

“And I did what?” Law sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was so deep into his self-satisfied lecture he stopped too late in his story. 

Well karma is a bitch. 

“Well, you pulled me into a headlock and wouldn’t let me go.” This was not the whole truth, but Law wasn’t going to tell Luffy that he cuddled him almost the whole night. When he finally let go, he only had the energy to take off his shirt (because Luffy’s body emitted an ungodly amount of heat) and turn around to keep sleeping. What’s worse; Law doesn’t know when he last slept this well. 

“I am really sorry Traffy, I will do anything to make it up to you. I was trying to become your friend, and I fucked up.” Luffy showed remorse and Law almost choked on his cereal when he heard the other swear. 

He hadn’t thought swear words existed in Luffy’s arsenal of words. 

“Just eat your damn cereal and leave.” Law said impatiently, he wanted the smaller man gone, fast, for reasons he did not even want to think of.

Luffy pouted but nodded. “Did you charge my phone? I`ll call Ace to come and pick me up.” 

Law stood up and brought Luffy’s phone, fully charged. 

“Thanks. What’s the address? So, Ace knows where to pick me up.” Law didn’t really want to give Luffy his address, but he realized he had no other choice. 

“It’s XX street number 12” Luffy just wanted to start typing but stopped and looked up to the older one, “12?” 

Law rolled his eyes and nodded. 

“Oh, okay then I’ll just walk then.” Luffy smiled. 

Now it was Laws turn asking questions. “Walk? Where do you live?”

“XX street number 8.” Luffy grinned wide. “Didn’t know we were neighbors.” 

This was probably Laws worst nightmare come true right now. What do you mean- this annoying bouncy ball was his neighbor?! 

Law swallowed. “Oh, how…nice?” 

“That means I can come over when I am bored and we can-”

“No stop right there. I am not and I repeat; I am not going to spend more time with you.” 

Luffy pouted. “But you fed me, and gave me a place to crash, we are friends Traffy.” 

“No, we are not.” 

The discussion continued until Luffy outsmarted Law by claiming that "we are not friends." 

In response, Law insisted, "we are friends." Then rubbed the bridge of his nose as he felt a headache coming on. 

Luffy beamed as he won the argument and stood up. “Okay Traffy I will leave for now, but I’ll be back soon!”

“It’s Law and no you are not.” Luffy turned to him and declared. “Just you wait we are gonna be like best friends, right after Zoro of course.” 

“Says who?” 

“Me.” Luffy grinned and chuckled. “I gotta go Ace and Sabo are probably worried. Byeee!” 

At home, Sabo and Ace sat at the kitchen table looking worried. When they saw Luffy come in, they jumped up to greet him. 

“Oh my god Luffy! Never do that again!” Sabo exclaimed while hugging his younger brother. 

“What? Not do what again?” Luffy asked with his cheek squeezed against Sabos chest. 

“Ace and I tried to get a hold of you since like 12 pm! You weren’t answering your phone or texts and none of your friends knew where you were and…Oh my god Luffy are you okay?” Sabo spilled out like a waterfall. 

“We were worried sick bro we even almost called the police!” Ace added. “But Koala told us to wait.” added Sabo. 

Luffy had to laugh. “You guys are ridiculous I am a grown man I can take care of myself! I am fine guys.” 

Ace smacked the back of his head. “Never do that again you idiot.” he said in an exasperated voice. 

“Where even were you? No one knew where you went.” Sabo questioned.

“Oh! I slept at Traffy’s flat. He lives down the street and we met at the concert yesterday and…. Uhm Sabo could you maybe let go of me? It’s getting weird.” Luffy requested still squeezed against Sabos chest.

“Just a little longer, I thought you were dead Luffy!” Sabo exclaims squeezing his younger brother even tighter. Until he let go. “But this Law guy didn’t steal your phone, right? Why didn’t you text us in the morning?”

“Oh, uhm… Traffy charged my phone, and I didn’t know where it was and after he told me what happened I just forgot.”

“What happened? Oh my god! Did you have a one-night stand with that guy?” Ace asked in shock.

Luffy sighed and rolled his eyes. “No, I didn’t, whatever that is, and I don’t wanna know.” And Luffy explained to his brothers what Law had explained to him this morning.

They sat on the couch now that Luffy was done explaining what had happened. 

“So that Law guy is your friend?” Sabo asks in a confused manner. 

“Yup and we are gonna be super good friends, I can feel that.” 

Ace couldn’t hold it together and burst out laughing. Sabo responded with a jab of his elbow to his side. 

“Ow ow!” Ace yelps while still laughing his ass off. 

Luffy was confused. “What’s so funny?” 

Sabo eyed Ace with a look that warned Ace to keep his mouth shut. 

“Oh nothing! I just found a bet I will finally win against Nami.” He stopped laughing but still had a big dumb grin on his face. 

Luffy shrugged. He thought Ace would bet against Nami on whether Luffy could actually befriend Law. And that Ace was confident in Luffy’s success, which’s why he wanted to bet.

“Anyways let’s do something fun!” Luffy demanded while he acted like he was melting onto the couch.

“What do you want to do Luffy?” Sabo asked.

Luffy thought long and hard about his answer. “Let’s go to the beach!” he resolved.

Ace and Sabo looked at each other and smiled. 

“Sure.” They agreed. 

“I’ll ask Koala if she’d like to come too.” 

“And I’ll ask Yamato, my bro.”  Ace grinned. 

Luffy thought long and hard about who he would bring if his brothers had dates. “I’ll just ask Zoro, I bet he is bored too.”

And with that they each called their respective people if they wanted to join.

Chapter Text

It was the kind of scorching summer day that begged for cold drinks, sunscreen, and the sound of waves crashing on the shore. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the beach where Luffy had gathered with his brothers and their partners. He’d also brought along his best friend, Zoro, who—despite claiming to hate the heat—had somehow been roped into the day’s chaos.

Out near the shoreline, Luffy, Sabo, and Zoro were hard at work constructing what could generously be called a sandcastle. Buckets, plastic shovels, and the occasional empty soda can were their tools of choice as they built uneven towers, carved lopsided walls, and argued over whether or not a moat was structurally necessary. Luffy, of course, insisted on digging one “for defence,” even though the tide kept washing it away.

Further up the beach, Koala and Yamato were stretched out on towels, sunglasses on and glistening with sun lotion. They chatted lazily while soaking in the rays, occasionally tossing a comment toward the boys when the sandcastle got particularly chaotic or when Luffy’s voice rose above the crashing waves.

Ace had wandered off earlier, claiming he’d take care of drinks for everyone. Now, he was making his way back toward the group, a tray of colourful beverages in hand and a smug, almost too-proud grin on his face. Not only had he scored a generous discount at the beachside bar, but he’d also managed to charm the bartender into giving him her Onestagram handle. He practically radiated self-satisfaction, his steps light and head held high as he rejoined the group—already preparing to brag about his "heroic efforts."

“Drinks are here!” He exclaimed and gave everyone their drinks. 

Koala and Sabo each had a Pina-colada, Yamato and Zoro had straight sake, Ace had a Bloody Mary. “And for my little bro a virgin sex on the beach.” Ace grinned. 

Luffy rolled his eyes. “You bring that joke every time when we go to the beach. Someday I will have sex on the beach to just prove you I can tolerate that.” Luffy meant the alcohol of course but it sent a wave of laughter over his friends and Zoro blushed while laughing.

Luffy was confused and cocked his head. “What? I can get one right now and prove it!”

The laughter grew even more hysterical.

“You forgot the `a` as the article.” Koala said wiping her tears away, feeling a bit bad for confusing him this much.

Luffy blushed as he realized what he had said. “Y’all are mean.”

They calmed down and proceeded to drink their drinks, to talk and laugh. 

Ace and Yamato went to play some beach Volleyball with a group of strangers. Sabo wanted to go on a walk on the beach with Koala, which left Zoro and Luffy now alone building their sandcastle. 

Zoro watched Luffy build another tower, and it was really crooked. He smiled and told him that it would collapse like that. That he’d need more water to stabilize it and helped him figure it out.

After the tower was securely built, they started to dig a moat, again, around the whole castle. “Hey uhm… Did you get home okay yesterday?” Zoro asked out of the blue while he dug a trench.

“Oh yeah! Traffy took good care of me.” Luffy smiled brightly, which made Zoro’s heart pound a bit harder.

“Oh- did he take you home then?”

“Nah, apparently I was way too wasted so he let me sleep over.”

“Yeah, was his couch fine then?” Zoro asked grinning, because he knew Luffy preferred beds. When he slept over at his place Luffy would always fight him to sleep in his bed. The look Luffy had when Zoro pinned him down was always so…funny.

“Nah, I slept with him in his bed, he has like one of those king-sized beds and…” Luffy went on about how the bed was so comfortable and big, but it pulled Zoro right out of his thoughts, and he was flabbergasted.

“You slept with him?!” Zoro exclaimed while blushing violently, not noticing his thoughts and Luffy’s story had overlapped a little in his head. 

“Hm? Yeah, why’s that so weird? By the way I’d put on some sunscreen your face is becoming really red.” Luffy stated in a confused manner.

“Oh uh…”, Zoro touched his blushed face. “No, it’s not weird it’s just… I thought I be the first one to know when you lost your virginity and like-“

“My virginity? When did I lose that?” Luffy cocked his head.

The links in Zoro’s head started to connect and he facepalmed his forehead, “I thought you slept slept with him, not as in actually just sleeping- oh god this is embarrassing.”

Luffy blushed and felt his heart sting a bit, though he couldn’t figure out why. “No, I just slept over, like I do when I sleep over at your place. And I don’t wanna do that pervy stuff with Traffy. I just want him to be my friend. But why do you all always think I’d do pervy stuff with Traffy? It’s so weird.”

“Never mind.” Zoro brushed off the forming pit in his stomach and pointed at the trench he’d built. “Let’s fill it with water.”

Luffy nodded. They started running back and forth to take water to the trench, with their two buckets. Until Bepo appeared out of nowhere with another set of buckets and shovels. “Would you like to have some more buckets?”

Luffy eyes widened. “Bepo? What are you doing here?! And of course we would like another bucket.”

Bepo laughed and gave them one of his buckets. He explained how him and his best friends where there to enjoy the day and asked if it would be ok for them to move closer to their place. 

“Of course! You, Traffy and the others can join us!” Luffy beamed without asking the person who was with him.

“Oh, Law isn’t here today, he has to work at the hospital today.” Bepo explained smiling.

Luffy didn’t even notice how his beaming smile began to shrink to just a small one. “That’s fine you, Law and the others can come over.” And Bepo did just that.

Zoro watched all this go down and saw the way Luffy had reacted to being told Law wasn’t coming. It made him seethe, and his heart ache. But he tried to stay as cool as possible. 

While Bepo was getting his friends Zoro promptly asked Luffy if he wanted to stay over at his place tonight to play some games.

Luffy scratched the back of his head. “Sorry Zoro, I would love to but I gotta do gardening for Scarlett and Kyros in the south and I would like to start as early as possible, so I won’t be out in the afternoon heat. But I can come over Friday after work- if I have work, and then we can play some games!”

Disappointed Zoro nodded “Ok sure, let’s do Friday.”

Then Bepo and his friends where back. They joined Luffy and Zoro in building one of the biggest Sandcastles, that made some passersby’s stop and stare in awe as they watched the process.

Covered in sweat and sand Luffy fell on his butt. Wiping the sweat of his forehead, after having finished the last detail. It had already begun to get dark and everyone else, except him and Zoro, Sat in a circle on some towels and walking.

“Let’s go into the ocean one last time for today.” Zoro proposed.

Luffy smiled brightly and nodded rapidly. He stood up and began running towards the ocean. “The last one in the water is a stinky tangerine!”

“Unfair!” Zoro yelled and started to run too.

With a big splash Luffy barrelled into the water first, yelling all the while that Zoro was a stinky tangerine. To which Zoro answered with a glare and dunking the black haired under water. They began to brawl and laughing while at it. 

Zoro managed to get Luffy into a chokehold, ruffling up his hair with his knuckles. “Okay, okay you win!” Luffy laughed exhausted.

Satisfied Zoro let go and Luffy dropped into the water. But Luffy was still laughing when Zoro let go of him, so he swallowed a good amount of sea water. 

Anxiety filled Luffy. He sprang up, coughing and choking. Zoro realizing what happened, started apologizing profusely and smacking his back. 

The taste clung to his tongue, sharp and bitter, and for a second, he had to fight the urge to gag. His chest heaved with each breath, and his whole body trembled—whether from the cold or the adrenaline, he couldn’t tell.

Zoro started to gently stroke Luffy’s back. “You ok?” Zoro asked so quietly, Luffy almost didn’t hear him.

“I-I think I am…” Luffy nodded slowly, still a bit shaken up.

With a heavy conscience Zoro helped Luffy out the water, his hand not leaving Luffy’s back. Their friends were already waiting on the shore, concerned about what had happened.

Zoro was explaining for Luffy. So, he just sat down and tried get his breathing back under control. 

“I’ll get him some water.” Bepo stated and walked to the beach bar.

Ace and Sabo kneeled to make sure Luffy was okay, and everyone asked him concerned questions.

Zoro felt so bad he just stood there and tried his best to still hold his cool together. Even though the situation also gave him quite the scare and he felt his eyes begin to burn. 

But in Zoro’s world he wasn’t allowed to cry, he had to be strong, especially if he was the reason for another person’s misery. 

“I am really sorry.”

Chapter Text

It was already Monday again and Luffy had recovered fast from yesterday’s shock. His brothers and him got home, right after the incident. 

Bepo gave him the advice to drink a lot so he will rehydrate after swallowing so much saltwater. Which he did and it helped a lot.

Zoro had followed them to make sure Luffy was alright and stayed until Luffy fell asleep and then left as well to go home.

Right now, Luffy was plucking some weeds in Kyro`s and Scarlett’s Garden. The sun leaving a burning feeling on his neck. He liked working in the spacious garden, it always smelled of different flowers, to which he was learning the names one by one from Rebecca. 

She loved flowers and was aspiring to become a florist, so she often sat with Luffy while he plucked weeds or tended to flowers and told him about the flowers he was tending to, the name, their folklore and sometimes she even dabbled in the symbolism of the flowers. The last one Rebecca taught him about was foxglove.

About a week ago Luffy was kneeling by a bundle of white and purple foxglove and was ripping out some dandelions in between them, when Rebecca kneeled next to him, paying attention not to wrinkle her dress. 

She told him those were her favourite flowers because not only were they pretty, but they are said to attract fairies. Apparently, some folktales say they are used as some kind of portal to the fairy world, which Luffy found hard to believe. Rebecca also explained the symbolism associated with the foxglove, noting that it is often regarded as a double-edged sword. While some believe foxglove represent healing and protection, others associate them with misfortune, hidden truths, or deceit. 

Although Luffy may not look like it, he is eager to acquire knowledge about the world and uncover its hidden secrets. It also brought him immense joy seeing people talk about their passions and dreams and sometimes they even left a lasting impression on him. Like Rebecca, who always talked so passionately about the flowers in her garden, it filled Luffy with a fuzzy feeling in his chest, knowing she will eventually live her dream. She inspired him; to follow his dreams just as passionately as she did.

The midday heat had torn him out of his memories, the drops of sweat rolling down his temples. He used his hands to fan himself and wished for a break, but with work left and no entertaining stories from Rebecca, the task felt even more tiring.

Luckily, right on time Scarlett came out of the patio door, with some fresh homemade lemonade and gestured Luffy to come and have some. With a big grin Luffy stood up from the ground, dusted himself off and went to the patio through a small path which was paved with gravel and at the side of the path there were bigger stones, to keep the gravel from getting into the garden fields. To the left and right of the path were different kinds of flowers blooming in the prettiest colour. The garden gave Luffy a truly tranquil feeling and he hoped he could work here for a long time and preserve this feeling for as long as possible.

They sat down on the white patio lounge set and drank some lemonade together. It was nicely sweet but also a bit sour. Luffy wondered if Scarlett used the Lemons from her garden to make the lemonade. Somehow the lemonade made him feel at peace and it filled him with a warm glowing feeling. 

He often asked himself what it was like having a mother, since he’s never met his mom, and Dadan was more like an angry-but-loving-aunt than a mother. He still loved her dearly and appreciated what she has done for him, but sometimes he would wonder and imagen what it must be like having a loving mother. When he watched Scarlett and Rebecca, he thought about how nice it must be to be Scarlett’s child, because she was, in his eyes at least, a warm loving mother. 

She cooked, baked, she tended to a gorgeous garden, and her presence always made him feel at home. Maybe this was exactly the reason why he never grew tired of this job, even after 2 years of doing it. He felt like he could always come here and be greeted with open arms.

Even a year ago, after having a disagreement with Sabo regarding uncompleted chores, Luffy visited this place. Dadan lived in another country, which Luffy and his brothers had left to begin a new life. When he felt the need for guidance or support, he came to Scarlett, as he did that night. She comforted him with a homemade apple tart, discussed possible faults on both sides, and assisted in resolving the conflict with Sabo.

He sighed and leaned back into the soft cushions of the lounge. While they sat and drank their lemonade Scarlett asked how Luffy was doing and how he held up with the jobs. 

To which Luffy replied with a big smile, “Oh great, I have had some extra work, so I have a bit of money left at the end of the month and I am thinking of what snack I should buy with the money.” Scarlett just nodded with a smile of understanding and gave him some ideas what he could buy.

After Luffy finished his last glass, he stood up to continue his work, but Scarlett held his wrist. “Wait Luffy, could you maybe do us, well me, a favour and also clean out the gutters of the roof? Rebecca complained about a strange Odor coming from there and Kyros can’t get on a ladder himself because of his leg, and I am honestly a bit afraid of hights I fear. I will of course pay you in return, so you will have even some more berries to buy snacks with, right?” She smiled shyly and gave him a little wink while saying the last part. 

Luffy grinned and nodded. “Consider it done Scarlett. I`ll just need a ladder.”

Scarlett sighed in relieve and nodded. “Of course, I’ll fetch it for you after I brought in these glasses, just a second.” And with that she stood up and walked inside with the empty lemonade glasses. 

Luffy smiled, he thought about what delicious treat he’ll get for himself with the extra money he has made the past few days and went back to the small field he was working on earlier.

He plucked some more weeds until Scarlett came back with a ladder, almost triple her size. Quickly he rushed to her, helping with the big ladder. 

They set it up and Scarlett handed him some tools and gloves to clean out the gutters. “Thanks again Luffy, I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She smiled warmly.

“As far as I know you, you would just eventually go up there yourself and do it.” Luffy chuckled and put on the gloves, then stored the tools in his pockets.

Scarlett chuckled. “Yes probably, but I am glad you are doing it, and I don’t have to.”

Luffy grinned and started to climb the ladder, while Scarlett held the bottom of the ladder. 

There was a lot of gunk in the gutters and Luffy just threw down what he pulled out, minding where he threw it so it wouldn’t land on Scarlett. There were mostly sludgy leaves and twigs from the nearby trees. Until he fished out a decomposing small animal, which made him gag a bit and he exclaimed to Scarlett that he has found the source of the strange Odor. He climbed down the ladder and laid the animal in his wheelbarrow, which he used to throw in the weeds and stuff he pulled out the fields. He felt it wouldn’t be right throwing the deceased animal down like the sludgy leaves. He would later bury it somewhere, for now it would be safe in his wheelbarrow. 

He went back to Scarlett and told her he would go up once again and make sure nothing else was up there. Scarlett nodded and held onto the ladder once again so Luffy could climb up.

He was almost done as he was suddenly spooked by a huge spider jumping out of a pile of leaves. In his shock he jolted backwards, and when he realized what had just happened it was too late, he fell backwards down the ladder. He felt the exhilarating wind on his back and the ground getting closer until he landed on his back on the ground with a thud. The last thing he heard were Scarlett’s worried shouts and then everything went black.

Law rushed from the doctor’s lounge to the ER after Bepo rung him, reporting that someone they knew had fallen from a ladder and was in bad shape. Though Law didn't like treating people he cared about, he pushed aside his worry to help. Even though he didn't consider Luffy a friend, he was still concerned; a fall from that height could be life-threatening.

As he arrived at the room, he swung open the door and saw Scarlett and Kyros standing there, her silently crying in Kyros shoulders.

On the Bed there was Luffy, covered in bruises and cuts and with a nasty bent out of shape leg. With an IV bag already attached to his arm, dripping fluids and probably some painkillers.

Law took the patient file at the end of the bed and asked Bepo what was already done, his professionality taking over, trying to save the younger man before him.

Several days have passed since the accident, Law had operated on Luffy’s leg and his rib. His leg was an easy fix; it just had to be bent the right way and attached with some screws and plates. But his rib was a bit trickier. It had punctured part of his lung after breaking and was stuck in the left lung. He managed to get the rib out and sew the punctured lung shut. Luffy had lost quite a bit of blood and needed some blood transfusions.

In the end Law managed to fix up Luffy, but after the operation the young man refused to wake up. Even after the 3^rd dose of adrenaline. Nothing happened, which, even though Law hated to admit, made him worry.

At the moment Law had a few patients under his care, nothing major, just a few broken bones, an infected appendix, some nasty abscesses and Luffy. 

His patients usually didn’t like him very much because of Laws young age and tattoos and as a result he rarely got taken seriously. Which was one of the things Law hated the most about his occupation. It was a very ungrateful job in his eyes. 

Exhausted he got to his 2^nd to last patient, an infected appendix, he knocked at the door and entered, promptly disinfecting his hands.

Law asked the patient how he was, but the patient responded angrily, accusing him of lacking empathy and being stingy with painkillers. Law calmly explained that the dosage couldn't be increased and advised rest instead of walking around all the time. The patient insisted on speaking to the head doctor, which Law didn't mind, so he went to fetch the head doctor for the third time that day. 

“If you weren’t such a good surgeon and doctor, I’d kick you to hell you know that Mr Trafalgar Law?” The head doctor spoke with pure annoyance.

Law just scratched his back and mumbled. “It’s not like I can do anything about snippy patients.” 

The head doctor sighed. “Just that no one else seems to have as many ‘snippy patients’ like you.” Law looked at the man apologetically and he just walked past Law and to the ‘snippy patient’.

Law turned on his heel and started walking to his last patient’s room of the day. Luffy.

He knocked and entered the room, disinfected his hands and looked around to see if one of Luffy’s friends or brothers was here to visit him, but to his surprise it was just Luffy laying alone in bed. 

The machine beside him beeping in a monotone rhythm. 

Law checked on the machines and the IVs to make sure everything was doing what it was supposed to do.

Then he proceeded to go and get some files, his lunch and came back to Luffy’s room. Somehow this had become a habit in the past few days, when none of Luffy’s friends or family were there. 

He enjoyed the quietness the room provided, it kept him away from Bepo’s worried nagging because he should ‘drink more’, ‘sleep more’, or his favourite ‘eat more’. So, he came here to work on files and sometimes actually eat the lunch he brought.

He came through the door, made sure there was no one else in there and started setting his stuff up at the table beside Luffy’s bed. The yellow curtains where drawn, which made the light in the room appear in an orange tinted hue. The hospital room was as cozy as possible, though the growing pile of flowers, balloons, and stuffed animals on Luffy's side table weighed down the atmosphere.

Law sighed and was nose deep in a rare case file, ruffling through his hair, trying to think of a treatment plan. When he heard a raspy voice whisper. 

“Water…”

Chapter Text

Startled Law sprung up from his chair and got to Luffy’s bed. 

Luffy looked at Law with a dazed smile. 

“Am I in heaven?” He rasped. 

“No Luffy, you are in a hospital, do you remember what happened?” Law asked his voice filled with relief. 

“Mmmh…it’s a bit blurry… I think I fell from a ladder?” Luffy thought out loud and lifted his hand to touch his head. 

“Well, that sounds about right. You were out for quite some time. I’ll have to check some things first and then I will get you some water.” Law informed him and Luffy nodded.

Slowly Law moved Luffy’s hand away from his face, getting a little zap from the touch. He was a bit startled, as he didn’t know what caused the static shock between them. 

Internally he shrugged it off and continued examining Luffy’s head, shining a light into his eyes and seeing if his pupils dilated properly. Then he started touching Luffy’s arms and legs and asked if he could feel it all, which gladly he did. With his fractured leg secured in a cast, he gently brushed over the exposed tips of his toes. Which made the smaller one giggle tiredly and scrunch up his nose.

“Traffy that tickles”

“Sorry.” Law responded drily and felt the shivers on his back again. Worriedly he wondered if he had caught a cold or something. 

Law began writing down something in Luffy’s file and told Luffy without looking up. “Well, everything so far seems normal so- “As he looked up, he that saw Luffy fallen asleep again, a small smile blessing his lips. 

Law caught himself smirking a bit. “All that sleeping must have made you tired huh?”

Gently he pulled up the blanket, that he’d pulled down for the exam and patted it slightly. He froze-

What the hell am I doing?! Law thought and pulled his hands off Luffy, realizing the unprofessional and unreasonable behaviour he had just shown. He shook his head slightly and just wrote it off as a onetime unprofessional act.

Law heard the door open and looked at the green haired man who frequently visited Luffy. In his left hand a new bundle of red roses and in the right, he held a small trophy.

“Good afternoon, Zoro.” Law greeted the man unnecessarily dry and wrote down what the exams just concluded.

“Hey doc.” Zoro replied with an equally dry tone. 

Zoro walked past Law, placed new flowers in a vase, and disposed of the old ones. Nami and Usopp instructed him to replace the flowers every few days, as they were unable to visit regularly. After his initial meeting with Rebecca and Scarlett, they requested that Zoro bring fresh flowers from their garden. That way when Luffy woke up he’d know that they thought of him. Thus, he followed this routine every few days.

Law didn’t know this piece of information and just thought the green haired man had it bad for his best friend. 

Next to the flowers Zoro placed the little trophy, he had just won at his dojo’s tournament. A little bummed out about the fact Luffy wasn’t there to watch him win the shit out of the competition.

“Any changes doc?” Zoro asked while sitting down, shoving away the files to rest his head on his hand.

Law scribbled down the last thing and looked up at Zoro. He felt a smirk starting to form but the professional in him pushed that right down. What is wrong with me today?!

"Yes, he regained consciousness a few minutes ago. He is responsive, shows no signs of amnesia, his pupils dilate appropriately to light, and there are normal physiological responses to tactile stimulation." Law stated. 

For reasons he couldn’t understand, Law disliked Zoro's presence and felt the need to use words he hoped the dumb looking man wouldn’t understand.

Zoro’s eyes widened. “He was awake? He really is going to be ok?” Zoro beamed a bit in his relief.

“Yup, so, I got to go now. I will tell the nurse to bring him some water for when he wakes up again.” Law stated, taking his files and leaving the room, only slightly embarrassed for his unprofessional behaviour.

Before Law left for the day, he went to Luffy’s room again to check up on him. 

He opened the door and noticed that the night lamp was on, as usual, but Luffy’s desk light was also illuminated, which was unusual. He checked the room for Zoro but saw that he had left. He entered slowly, disinfected his hands, and walked to Luffy’s bed. There he found Luffy already looking at him and smiling tiredly.

“Hey Traffy, or should I say doctor?” Luffy’s voice was still raspy, but his smile was as bright as ever.

“Law would be best. How are you feeling? Any pain or discomfort?” Law asked and checked on the IVs.

“Okay Law. I feel fine, just really thirsty and hungry, but Bepo told me dinner would be here soon.” Luffy continued to look at Law and smiled.

Law got goosebumps when he heard the other call him by his actual name. He must be getting sick, or else this would not be explainable.

“Has someone brought you water?” Law looked around for a water bottle.

“Yeah, Bepo brought me some, but I can’t reach it over there.” Luffy pointed at the edge of his side table.

Law nodded in understanding, walked around the bed and grabbed the bottle. He automatically opened it and handed it to Luffy, who smiled thankfully in response.

“Just drink slowly or you might choke-” Just as he finished the warning Luffy started coughing. Law swiftly took away the water and started pounding gently but firmly Luffy’s back.

Luffy regained his breath and gazed apologetically at Law. “Thanks again Traffy.” Luffy rasped.

Law shook his head. “Just so you know you should pay attention when you drink and eat, you were out for 6 days and had some serious injuries. Your body isn’t used to that right now, because up until you woke up you were hooked on a feeding tube.” Law explained carefully, so Luffy would understand. 

He allowed himself to sit on the chair next to Luffy bed and explained to Luffy what had happened, about his injuries and his treatment plan. Luffy just nodded and tried to pay attention.

“So, I will be here for how long?” Luffy asked rather overwhelmed by the new information.

“About another week, just so we can be safe that you really didn’t suffer any brain injuries, and we can get you into physiotherapy for your leg, that way you can walk on crutches by the time you leave.” Law explained and hoped Luffy understood.

A few seconds passed in which no one said anything, it was not an uncomfortable silence though.

“I guess I should really thank you huh, Traffy? Without you I would have probably died.” Luffy concluded, seemingly a bit lost in his thoughts,

“No, you would have just had another capable doctor and- “

Luffy interrupted. “Yeah, yeah, but this time you were my doctor, right? and you saved me. And for that I owe you big time.”

Law felt his cheeks warm up slightly. “No, its fine Luffy, I just did my job.”

Luffy giggled. “Just take the compliment dummy.”

That sentence broke something loose in Law, he wouldn’t know until much later, but in this moment something in him changed. 

Law smiled genuinely, for the first time in a long time. Feeling seen as a doctor and not treated ungratefully. 

“Thanks, Luffy”

Chapter Text

Somehow, it was already Sunday again. Time felt strange in the hospital—slow and fast all at once. Luffy blinked his eyes open, wincing slightly as the morning sun spilled through the blinds, warm rays dancing across his face like a gentle nudge.

He shifted, trying to roll onto his side out of habit, but the heavy cast on his leg made the movement awkward and frustrating. With a quiet sigh, he gave up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, his fingers brushing against the rough band of the hospital bracelet around his wrist.

Sitting up slowly, he glanced around the room. It was still and quiet. The chair by the window was empty, the tray table untouched since last night. No buzzing voices in the hallway, no nurses checking in, no friends barging through the door with snacks and stories. Just the steady beeping of machines and the faint scent of disinfectant clinging to the sterile air.

He let out another sigh, deeper this time. Sundays were supposed to feel easy and bright. And not include him having to ring a nurse, so he can use the toilet.

Groggily he rang the nurse call button and yawned.

Bepo walked through the door and smiled brightly at Luffy. “Good morning Luffy, did you sleep well?” 

He came in and closed the door behind him and disinfected his hands and watched Luffy nod tiredly.

“Yeah… I just need to go to the bathroom.” Luffy said while brushing his hair back with his hand.

Bepo gave a quiet nod and moved toward the wheelchair parked beside the hospital bed. With practiced care, he unfolded it and locked the wheels into place. Then, gently—without rushing or making a big deal of it—he helped Luffy ease off the bed and into the chair. Luffy gritted his teeth slightly at the awkwardness of it all but said nothing. Bepo adjusted the footrests and made sure he was seated comfortably before turning the chair toward the door.

The hallway outside was flooded with harsh, sterile light, and Luffy had to blink a few times as his eyes adjusted. The walls were an endless stretch of white—white floors, white doors, white ceiling—and everything smelled faintly of disinfectant and something vaguely lemon-scented. Bepo turned right and wheeled him down the corridor in silence, the soft hum of the chair's wheels the only sound.

They entered the bathroom a moment later. It was cold and clinical like the rest of the place, tiled from floor to ceiling. Bepo helped him transfer onto the toilet, moving carefully, respectfully, never making it awkward. Still, Luffy felt the familiar twinge in his chest as Bepo stepped outside to give him privacy.

He hated this part.

Needing this much help—it wasn’t just uncomfortable, it was frustrating. He prided himself on his independence, his ability to jump headfirst into any challenge without needing a hand to hold. But here he was, relying on someone just to make it to the toilet. A knot formed in his stomach, equal parts embarrassment and guilt. He knew no one blamed him. Least of all Bepo, who helped with steady hands and quiet patience. But still, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was wasting people’s time.

When he finished, he called softly for Bepo, who re-entered immediately, his expression as calm as ever. With the same careful touch, he helped Luffy back into the wheelchair and wheeled him over to the sink. Luffy reached for the soap dispenser, pressing down until a strange white foam pooled into his palm.

It smelled...odd. Sharp and clean, almost too clean. It reminded him of the word white, which didn’t make any sense, but it stuck in his brain anyway. He seriously doubted the bottle read white-scented, though it wouldn’t surprise him if it did. This place was weird like that.

He rinsed the foam away under cold running water and tore a few paper towels from the dispenser, drying his hands in silence.

Bepo wheeled him out the door, where they met Law. “Good timing, I just came to check up on you.” he said.

Luffy could feel his blues melt away at the sight of him. “morning’ Traffy. How you are doin’ today?” He beamed. 

Law chuckled. “That’s my line.” Then he turned to Bepo. “I’ll take over, you can go take a break.”

Bepo grinned and let the doctor take over. “Sure, thing boss. Later Luffy!” He said and walked away.

Law wheeled Luffy back into his hospital room, the quiet hum of the hallway quickly replaced by the familiar, suffocating stillness of the space. Luffy let out a long, audible sigh as they crossed the threshold. He’d only been here—consciously—for maybe a day, but already the room was grating on him.

Everything felt too clean, too controlled. The walls were a sterile white that hurt the eyes if you stared too long, and the yellow curtains looked like they’d been pulled straight from a dusty catalog from the 1970s. The cloying scent of disinfectant clung to the air like a second skin, soaked into the sheets, the floor, even the walls. Another six days of this? It sounded less like healing and more like slow torture.

Law, sharp as ever, seemed to catch the shift in Luffy’s mood.
“You know,” he said, casually but not unkindly, “you’re allowed to go to the cafeteria or even out to the hospital park. You just need to let the nurses know where you’re going—and have someone push you, of course. Maybe ask one of your brothers or friends?”

Luffy blinked, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. The thought hadn’t occurred to him. He could leave the room—even just for a bit. His lips curled into a grin, the first genuine one in a while.
“That actually sounds amazing,” he said, nodding. “Sabo and Ace were planning to come over soon anyway. I’ll tell them.”

Law gave a faint smile in return, satisfied to see a spark of life return to his patient’s face. It suited Luffy far better than the restless, moody frown he’d worn since waking up.

He moved the wheelchair into position beside the bed and gave Luffy a small nod.
“I’ll help you up now.”

Luffy reached out, gripping Law’s shoulder with one hand and the armrest of the chair with the other. Law slid his arms carefully under Luffy’s to support him. With a shared effort—gentle but practiced—they shifted Luffy out of the chair and back into the bed. Once he was seated, Law helped lift Luffy’s casted leg, positioning it comfortably on a raised pillow to reduce the swelling.

“There we go,” Law said, brushing his hands off. “Now that you’re back in bed, let’s do a quick checkup.”

After breakfast Sabo and Ace came to visit him. Sabo rushed to the bed and hugged Luffy. 

“Never scare us like that again you idiot!” Sabo muttered into Luffy’s neck, which tickled and made him chuckle.

Ace stood beside Sabo now, rolling his eyes at Sabo’s overjoyed hugging. “Yeah, you had us real worried for a sec there Loof.” He agreed, nonetheless. He would never openly admit to having also lost some sleep to his worries.

When he finally let go Sabo scanned Luffy thoroughly, to ensure his brother was really okay.

“I am fine guys, just a broken leg! No big deal.” He replied brightly.

Sabo shot him with a warning glare. 

“Bro, you fell from a ladder and were unconscious for 6 days. That is a pretty big deal.” Ace underlined.

Luffy made an innocent face before he blew a raspberry. “I been through worse, I am alive, and I got the best doctor in Dressrosa. I am not concerned at all, and neither should you two be!”

There really was nothing that could kill Luffy’s spirit.

Ace was wheeling Luffy back to his hospital room like a pair of kids sneaking back home past curfew. They’d stayed out in the courtyard well past the time they were supposed to return, soaking up the sun and laughing about everything and nothing. Now, the mission was survival—specifically, avoiding the wrath of any roaming nurses.

They crept down the hallway, moving as quietly as possible. When they passed by the nurses' station, both of them ducked comically low, Luffy barely suppressing a snort of laughter. Ace grinned, wheeling faster as they made the final turn.

As soon as they rolled into the room, the tension broke.

“We did it!” Ace whispered triumphantly.

Luffy held up his hand for a high-five, eyes sparkling. “Stealth kings!”

But before their palms could meet, a sharp, deliberate ahem cut through the room like a scalpel.

Both brothers froze mid-celebration.

Standing at the far end of the room, arms crossed and gaze sharp enough to draw blood, was Law.

He didn’t raise his voice, but the weight in his tone made it feel like thunder. “You were permitted to go outside,” he began evenly, “and you informed the nurses, which was the correct thing to do. However,”—he stepped closer, his voice cooling—“you were also instructed to return at the scheduled time.”

Luffy sank slightly into the wheelchair, his grin fading.

“While in hospital, you still have responsibilities,” Law continued, his words clipped and precise. “That includes attending all scheduled appointments. Today, you missed two—two—because you decided sunshine and sneaking around were more important than your recovery.”

Luffy winced.

“The physiologist waited fifteen minutes before leaving, furious—because he had other patients. You can pray that he won’t make your next few sessions a living hell out of spite. But if this happens again,” Law said, voice suddenly hard as iron, “I won’t hesitate to restrict your outings entirely.”

He let the silence hang for a moment; eyes locked on Luffy like a predator daring him to talk back.

Luffy swallowed hard, shrinking just a bit under the weight of the lecture.
“…So no more stealth missions?” he asked quietly.

Ace, still frozen beside him, muttered, “Maybe we should’ve taken the back stairwell…

“Good night.” Law pushed pass them, giving them one last warning glare. He walked out the door, straight to the doctor’s lounge to work on some important patient files.

Luffy and Ace shared a look before bursting into laughter. “Oh boy was he mad!” Ace howled.

“We really messed that up huh?” Luffy joined in.

It was Monday morning, and Luffy had already done everything he was supposed to—used the bathroom (with Bepo’s help), eaten his breakfast (twice the amount most patients did), and sat through the usual check-ins from the nurses.

But now… he was bored.

None of his friends could visit today. Sabo had work, Ace had some Yamato-work-thing, and even Usopp had texted something about his mom needing help with her garden. Nami had an important commission to finish, and Zoro was teaching some twirps the way of the swords, or something like that.

So Luffy did what anyone in his position would do. He stared up at the ceiling and began to count the tiles. Out loud.

“One... two... three... okay, wait, did I already count that one?”

He groaned dramatically and flopped his head to the side. The get-well cards lining the windowsill had been read (and re-read), and he’d already sent thank-you messages to everyone—well, except Buggy, but that was on purpose. He’d scrolled through every new Onestagram post and even kept up with the latest drama between UTA and some singer he didn’t know.

Eventually, in a last-ditch effort to fight the crushing boredom, Luffy downloaded some random mobile game involving flying chickens and exploding bread. It was stupid. He loved it.

The day blurred past in a mix of half-naps, phone charging, and exaggerated sighs. By the time evening rolled in, painting the walls gold, he perked up at the sound of a familiar knock.

The door creaked open, and in stepped Law—immaculately calm, hands already being disinfected before he even said hello.

“Evening,” Law said in his usual flat tone, stepping in to do the routine checkup.

Luffy waved lazily from the bed, phone resting on his chest. “I’m so bored.”

Law raised an eyebrow as he approached the bedside. “Didn’t Ace bring you that book you wouldn’t shut up about?”

“Nope,” Luffy pouted. “He forgot. And Bepo said the kiosk doesn’t sell manga. I already read all my cards, scrolled through Onestagram, and played a game where chickens throw toast. I’m losing my mind.”

Law paused in the middle of checking Luffy’s IV line. “…MobPsycho100?” he asked slowly, like he was testing a theory.

Luffy nodded dramatically. “The newest volume just came out. I was gonna beg Ace to bring it, but now he’s probably doing something dumb like setting off fireworks again.”

Law didn’t respond right away. His eyes flicked over Luffy—less bright than usual, that famous grin of his replaced with something softer, more subdued. He looked… stuck. Caged. The boredom didn’t suit him.

“You know what?” Law said abruptly, stepping back. “Wait here.”

Luffy blinked. “Where else would I go?”

But Law was already out the door, white coat trailing behind him.

Five minutes later, he returned, holding something behind his back. Without a word, he approached Luffy’s bed and handed over a clean, slightly worn copy of the newest MobPsycho100 volume.

Luffy stared at it like it was the Holy Grail. “No way.” His eyes lit up instantly. “You had this the whole time?”

“I keep it in my locker,” Law said casually, though there was the faintest trace of a smirk tugging at his lips. “It’s mine, actually it’s my favourite series so uhm.... Just don’t bend the pages.”

Luffy grinned wide, already flipping it open. “You’re the best, Doc.”

Law adjusted his posture. “Yes. I know.”

Tuesday morning brought another physio session, and with it, a reluctant Luffy being wheeled down the corridor by Bepo. The cramped space of his hospital room wasn’t enough for today’s training, so they were headed to the physiotherapy wing—a bright, open space where Luffy could practice with more freedom.

Today’s focus: crutches.

Luffy was getting the hang of them—well, mostly. He’d figured out the rhythm, the weight shift, and could hobble his way across flat ground without too much trouble. But longer distances wore him out fast, and stairs were still the enemy.

The therapist, a kind and patient man named Dr. Miyagi, guided him to the stairwell to tackle the next step—literally.

“You’re doing great, Luffy!” Dr. Miyagi encouraged as Luffy slowly made his way up the first few steps. “Just try keeping the crutches a little closer to your body. When they're too far apart, you’re more likely to lose balance.”

He stepped forward, gently repositioning the crutches in Luffy’s hands to demonstrate the proper stance. Luffy adjusted, tried again, then gave an exaggerated huff and plopped down onto the stairs with a dramatic groan.

“Break time,” he declared. “This is way harder than it looks.”

Dr. Miyagi chuckled. “Totally normal. You're using muscles you haven't relied on in a while. Even gym junkies have trouble with crutches. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Luffy nodded, trying to take the words to heart, but the frustration lingered. He hated how weak he felt, hated the way his body didn’t just do what he wanted it to. Walking shouldn’t be something he needed lessons for. And even though no one had said it, part of him wondered if he was being slow to recover.

He was still deep in that train of thought when the sound of fast footsteps echoed down the stairwell. He glanced up, blinking in surprise—and met Law’s eyes halfway down the stairs.

Law, who looked equally surprised to see him.

“Good day, Doctor Law,” Dr. Miyagi greeted with a polite nod.

“Doctor Miyagi. Luffy.” Law slowed, stepping closer and folding his arms. “Practicing stairs, I see. How’s it going?”

Luffy lit up instantly, springing to his feet as if the soreness had never existed. “Traffy, look! I’m actually getting good at this!”

Without waiting, he carefully made his way up two steps, then back down again—his grin wide and proud. Law watched silently, brows furrowed in that way that always meant he was observing something a little too closely.

Luffy’s grin faltered. “What? What’s wrong? I did it right, didn’t I?”

Law tilted his head slightly. “No, it’s not that… Let me see your hands.”

“My hands?” Luffy repeated, confused, but obediently held one out. “What do my hands have to do with stairs?”

Law took it gently, thumb brushing across the palm. His fingers lingered, steady and thoughtful.

“Dr. Miyagi,” he said, not looking away from Luffy’s hand, “would it be possible to add extra cushioning to the crutch handles? He grips them tightly when lifting himself, and I noticed his hands tremble under the pressure. Some additional padding could reduce the strain and give him a better grip.”

Dr. Miyagi nodded. “That’s actually a great observation. I’ll take care of it before our next session. Thank you, Doctor Law.”

Law gave a small nod but didn’t immediately let go of Luffy’s hand. He seemed lost in thought—until he realized he was still holding it.

He released it quickly, clearing his throat and looking away a little too casually. “I’ll leave you to your session.”

Luffy tilted his head, amused. “You okay, Doc?”

“I’m fine,” Law said stiffly, turning on his heel.

As he ascended the rest of the stairs, Luffy watched him go, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.
“Hey Traffy,” he called after him, “thanks for the hand!”

Law didn’t respond—but the tip of his ear might have gone a little pink.

It was a lazy Wednesday afternoon, and the air in Luffy’s hospital room buzzed with quiet laughter and the sound of shuffling cards. Luffy sat on the bed with one leg dangling off the side and the other still propped up on a pillow. Across from him, Zoro sat cross-legged, hunched over a worn UNO deck with all the intensity of a life-or-death duel.

They’d been playing for a while, half-focused on the game, half-catching up on everything else.

“So, you’re still living in the Dojo basement?” Luffy asked, raising an eyebrow as he played a colour change card. “I want red.”

Zoro shrugged like it was the most reasonable thing in the world. “Why wouldn’t I? It’s quiet. Comfy. Rent-free.”

“Wouldn’t you wanna have, I dunno… a job?” Luffy tilted his head. “Or a place of your own?”

Zoro snorted, throwing down a red card. “I get by fine on the tournament prize money. And anyway, not having a job means I’ve got more free time. Like now. I can come visit you anytime. Can’t say the same for the rest of our over-scheduled friends.”

Luffy huffed. “Yeah, but it’s nice to do something too. Being stuck here’s got me thinking…” He tossed another red card on the pile. “UNO.”

Zoro narrowed his eyes. “Thinking about what?”

Luffy shrugged a little, hesitating. “I dunno. Freelancing’s fun. But… maybe I wanna try something else. Like… I don’t know. It’s dumb—whatever—”

But then his face lit up as he slammed down his last card—a wild draw four.

“I win!”

Zoro stared at the green seven still in his hand, looking deeply betrayed. “You sneaky little—”

A quiet throat-clear interrupted the moment.

They both looked up to find Law leaning casually in the doorway, arms crossed, an amused smirk on his face.

“Sorry,” Law said dryly. “Didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I just came in to see Luffy completely annihilate Zoro.”

Zoro groaned and shot him a glare. “Of course you show up now.”

Luffy grinned brightly. “I didn’t even hear you come in. How long were you standing there?”

Law stepped in, already pulling on his gloves. “Long enough to witness your stunning victory. Impressive work, really.”

He set his bag on the side table and glanced at the clock. “But I’m here for your evening checkup. Quick note though—I won’t be around for the next three days. Finals start tomorrow. The nurses will check on you until I’m back. I should make it in time for your release.”

Luffy's expression shifted into a mild pout. “You’re leaving for three days?”

Law gave a soft nod. “Only three.”

Then, before Luffy could sulk further, Law straightened his back slightly—just a little proud. “And when I come back… I’ll be an official surgeon.”

Luffy’s pout melted into a wide, beaming smile. “That’s so cool! You’re gonna ace it, I just know it.”

Law’s expression softened for a beat—just a hint of something warm behind the tiredness in his eyes. “Thanks. That’s nice of you to say.”

He turned to look at Zoro, still sitting stubbornly at the foot of the bed like a boulder that refused to move.

“…Can I do the checkup now?”

Zoro sighed dramatically, stood up, and slumped into the chair beside the bed.

“Fine. But next round, I’m not going easy.”

“You say that every time,” Luffy snickered as Law began his routine.

“Everything looks fine so far. I will come again later tonight to check up on you for a last time, before I will leave you in the nurse’s care. “, Law informed Luffy.

Dinner had come and Luffy has eaten, and now the room was quiet except for the distant sounds of hospital life beyond the hallway. Luffy sat in bed, staring out the window, his tray pushed aside. The sky was dimming, brushed with soft orange and pink hues, but his eyes didn’t really seem to be looking at anything.

Law stepped in, quietly as always. He disinfected his hands out of habit, then glanced over at the bed.

“Evening,” he greeted, but Luffy didn’t respond. Not even a blink.

Frowning slightly, Law walked over and stood right in front of the window, gently blocking Luffy’s view.

“Luffy?” he said, voice low but firm. “You alright?”

Luffy blinked like he’d just been pulled out of a dream. “Oh—yeah. Sorry. Zoned out.”

“You sure?” Law asked, studying him more carefully now. “You looked kind of… off.”

“I mean,” Luffy said with a sigh, “my leg and rib are fine. So don’t worry about that.”

“That’s not what I asked,” Law replied, voice even but direct. “I’m asking you. Are you okay?”

Luffy hesitated. His shoulders dropped a little as he looked away.

“…Not really,” he admitted. “I’ve been thinking too much lately, and it’s making my head hurt.”

Law quirked a brow and pulled the nearby chair closer to the bed. “That’s a first.”

Luffy let out a short laugh. “Yeah, yeah, very funny.”

“So?” Law prompted, settling into the chair. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

There was a pause. Then, Luffy sighed again, deeper this time.

“It’s dumb,” he muttered. “I’ve just been thinking about… I dunno. Life. What I’m doing. I like the freedom of freelancing and just figuring stuff out as I go. It’s fun. It’s me. But lately… it just doesn’t feel like enough, y’know?”

Law nodded slowly, waiting him out.

“I wanna do something that matters,” Luffy continued, his voice quieter now. “Something real. But when I think about actually chasing that… I feel stupid.”

“What kind of ‘something’?” Law asked, more curious now.

Luffy hesitated again, chewing on his bottom lip. He rubbed the back of his neck.

“…I wanna be a firefighter,” he said finally, his tone uncertain. “Always thought it was cool. Running into danger, saving people, doing something that counts. But… I dunno.”

“You don’t know what?”

“I feel silly,” Luffy admitted. “Everyone has this idea of who I am. Like, wild, fun, not serious, irresponsible. If I tell them I wanna be a firefighter, they’ll just laugh or say it’s not for me. Doesn’t fit the image people have of me, y’know?”

Law was quiet for a moment, watching him carefully. Then he leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees.

“Luffy,” he said, calm but sincere, “you’re allowed to grow. You’re allowed to want different things. Doesn’t matter what other people expect from you—what matters is what you want.”

Luffy looked up at him, wide-eyed.

“If it’s important to you,” Law continued, “then it’s not silly. Wanting to help people, risking your life for others—that’s one of the most honourable things you can do. And if that’s your dream? You should go after it. No one else gets to decide what’s right for you.”

Luffy didn’t say anything right away. But slowly, the corners of his mouth turned up. Not in his usual huge grin—but something softer, more real.

“…Thanks, Traffy.”

Law rolled his eyes at the nickname, but he didn’t correct him.

Luffy leaned back against the pillow, hand resting gently over his chest. There was a warm, fuzzy feeling there—something he had never felt before.

And Law? He just sat there, watching as that fire started to spark in Luffy’s eyes again.

Chapter Text

The days leading up to Saturday passed faster than Luffy expected.

Zoro had dropped by again, though he mostly napped in the visitor chair, but his presence was comforting. Ace and Sabo came too, bringing snacks, loud stories, and even louder laughter. A few more friends trickled in over the week, and slowly, the loneliness that had crept in during the first few days began to fade.

And now, finally, it was Saturday. Discharge day.

Morning sunlight poured into the hospital room, warm and golden. Luffy was already awake, fully dressed - well, as dressed as he could be, considering the cast, and fiddling with the strap of his crutch when the door opened.

As promised, Law stepped inside, clipboard in hand.

“Good morning,” he said, tone steady but with a flicker of something lighter in it.

“Traffy!” Luffy grinned. “You actually came back on time.”

Law arched a brow. “I said I would, didn’t I?”

Luffy nodded proudly. “Yeah, I guess you did.”

He leaned a little on the crutch as he shifted to face him better. “Oh! You missed it, yesterday I went to the toilet all by myself. No help.”

Law paused, surprised but pleased. “That’s good progress.”

“And” Luffy added, “one of the nurses showed me this trick where you tilt your head forward to swallow big pills easier. Works like magic.”

Law chuckled faintly, already jotting down notes in the patient file. “That nurse deserves a raise.”

He glanced up at Luffy again. “You’ve come a long way this week.”

Luffy puffed his chest a little. “I told you I’d bounce back fast.”

“You also told me not to put you on any painkillers unless your leg was falling off.”

“…And you didn’t, so I win again.”

Law shook his head, but the corner of his mouth twitched.

Luffy shifted his weight, looking around the room one last time. It had been bland, boring, and smelled like disinfectant, but a part of him realized… he didn’t hate it. Not entirely. Not with the people who'd come to visit. And not with Law always showing up, like clockwork, even when he claimed he was “just doing his job.”

He looked back at the doctor. “So… am I free to go?”

Law gave a small nod. “Discharge papers are signed. Just take it easy for the next few weeks, alright?”

Luffy gave a thumbs-up. “No stair races. Got it.”

Law closed the file with a soft click. “And Luffy?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t forget what you said the other night. About the firefighter thing.”

Luffy blinked. Then smiled - genuine and wide. “I won’t.”

That warm, fluttery feeling had crept back into Luffy’s chest, the same one he’d felt a few days ago when Law encouraged him to chase his dream. He didn’t quite know what to do with it.

He wanted to leave, of course he did. He missed the beach, his friends, his freedom. But as he glanced at Law, packing up the last of the paperwork, a small ache tugged at his chest.

Was this really the end of it?

The thought left a strange hollowness in him.

Trying to stall, even just for a few extra seconds, Luffy asked, “So… how’d your finals go?”

Law looked up from his clipboard, one brow arching. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Oh?” he said. “Stalling, are we?”

Luffy shrugged, playing it casual. “Just making conversation.”

Law stepped a little closer, arms folded, amused. “If you’re trying to stay longer, I’m sure we could arrange for a mysterious relapse. Maybe sudden leg pain, or memory loss?”

Luffy grinned, but there was a flicker of something more in his eyes. “Nah, I don’t wanna stay. Just… not sure I’m ready to say goodbye to all this either.”

There was a beat of silence. Not heavy - just… full.

Law’s smirk softened a little, and he said, “The finals went well. I passed.”

Luffy’s eyes lit up. “Knew you would.”

Law gave a small nod. “Thanks.”

Luffy shifted on his crutch, gaze dropping to the floor for a moment. “It’s weird. I woke up here thinking this was gonna be the worst week ever. But it wasn’t. Kinda turned out… nice.”

Law didn’t say anything right away, but his voice was quieter when he finally did speak. “You surprised me, Luffy. You took everything seriously, even the hard parts. That’s not nothing.”

Luffy glanced up at him with a crooked grin. “Don’t tell anyone, but I can be pretty cool when I want to.”

Law chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

For a moment, they just looked at each other. Something unsaid lingered in the air, comfortable, but also somehow a weird tension.

Then Luffy broke it with a soft laugh. “Alright. Guess it’s time to go before I turn into a total sap.”

Law nodded, stepping back toward the door. “Take care of that leg. And don’t forget, firefighter program applications open next month.”

“I’ll apply,” Luffy said, surer of it now than ever. Surprised that Law seemed to have researched when the applications started. Smiling brightly, he looked into Laws eyes and said quietly, “Promise.”

Law gave a final nod, and with one last glance, half smile, half something he rather didn’t want to name, he opened the door. And Left through the door.

But as Luffy turned to follow, that warm feeling in his chest didn’t go away. If anything, it burned a little brighter, and stinged a bit as well.

Outside the hospital entrance, Franky leaned casually against his car, sunglasses pushed up on his head and arms crossed. The moment he spotted Luffy wobbling out on his crutches, he lit up like a firework.

“Looking good, bro!” he shouted, waving both arms. “It’s super awesome to have you back again!”

Luffy laughed, grinning wide as he made his way over. “Told ya I’d make it out in one piece!”

Franky moved to help him, steadying Luffy as he slid into the passenger seat. He tossed the crutches into the trunk and shut it with a solid clunk before climbing into the driver’s seat.

He looked over with a toothy grin, already revving the engine like a race car driver. “You ready?”

“Ready!” Luffy beamed, practically bouncing in his seat.

And with that, Franky slammed the pedal, tires squealing just a little as the car launched forward, making Luffy laugh all over again.

As the hospital shrank behind them in the rearview mirror, the city blurred by in streaks of colour. Luffy leaned his elbow against the window, the wind ruffling his hair.

They turned onto a familiar street, and Luffy sat up straighter.

Inside his apartment, a colourful banner was stretched across the living room: "WELCOME HOME, LUFFY!" music was playing and a crowd of familiar faces stood waiting; Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Chopper, Robin, Brook, Sanji, Koala, Ace, Sabo, even Jinbe and Yamato, cheering as soon as Luffy and Franky entered the flat.

Luffy blinked in surprise, then broke into an ear-to-ear smile.

“Told ya we missed you.”, Franky said as he nudged Luffy gently, paying attention not to let him loose his balance.

Luffy laughed again, eyes bright as ever. “I missed you guys too.”

A party was exactly what Luffy needed.

After a week stuck in that hospital room, surrounded by white walls and scheduled check-ups. The chaos of his welcome-home party felt like breathing again. Music blared from speakers set up in the kitchen, the scent of grilled food and something sweet in the air, and laughter echoed through the apartment.

Luffy couldn’t dance, not properly at least, but that didn’t stop him from shuffling, bouncing, and wildly shimmying around the living room, crutch in one hand, Franky Cola in the other.

He made his rounds, grinning ear to ear, pulling people into messy one-armed hugs and chatting animatedly with anyone who stood still long enough.

Sanji, of course, had gone all out in the kitchen. The table was covered in trays of mouthwatering food-skewers, rice balls, crispy fried chicken, and a chocolate cake shaped vaguely like a vespa.

Luffy had a plate in his lap for most of the evening and managed to thank Sanji between bites, his cheeks stuffed like a squirrel. “You’re the best, Sanji!”

He made sure to thank everyone who had come too, sincerely and with that unmistakable brightness in his voice. “Seriously, you guys, this was the best surprise ever.”

The energy in the room was electric. People were relaxed, happy, loud in the best way. A few of his friends had pulled a table into the corner, bottles and shot glasses lined up in front of them. Cheers and laughter erupted from time to time as they dived into drinking games, Usopp swearing he definitely wasn’t drunk, Zoro already looking smug with a bottle in hand, and Robin calmly winning at whatever game they played, as usual.

Even though Luffy wasn’t drinking, the atmosphere was contagious. He didn’t need alcohol - he was already buzzed, the feeling of finally being surrounded by the people he cared about again.

Even with all the music, the food, the laughter… Luffy couldn’t shake a tiny, nagging feeling in the back of his chest. Like something was missing, but he couldn’t put his finger on what.

It felt wrong, though, to even think like that. The party was amazing. Everyone he loved had come. The food was delicious, the vibes were perfect, and he’d been grinning so much his cheeks started to hurt.

So instead of sitting with the feeling, he did what he always did—he shoved it down, buried it deep under joy and movement and noise. No way was he going to ruin tonight by thinking too hard.

He laughed louder, ate a second helping of cake, argued in a playful way, with Zoro over who cheated during Uno, and swayed to the music in his own clumsy way.

And when the night finally set in, Luffy collapsed onto the couch exhausted from the eventful day, half-buried in a pile of throw pillows and one of Chopper’s blankets. His eyes fluttered closed, his lips still curled into a soft, sleepy smile.

Chapter Text

A beautiful sunny day dawned over the city of Dressrosa, a quiet Sunday morning. The birds sang a happy morning tune, and the cicada were still asleep, letting the citizens rest. The morning breeze cooling down the air from the heat wave, that was raging for a few weeks now.

At precisely 05:30, his alarm pierced the silence. Law silenced it with a sluggish and heavy hand, exhaling through his nose in irritation. Four hours of sleep. No more than usual. The familiar weight of fatigue pressed down on him as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. With exhaustion and a pulsating headache, he made his way to the bathroom.

The mirror in his bathroom confirmed what he already knew: dark circles shadowed his eyes, his skin had the taint of someone who lived more by fluorescent light than the sun, and his hair stood off in every angle. A surgeon’s hands could hide exhaustion. His face could not

With his breath held he turned on the shower on a cold setting. He stepped beneath the cold spray of the shower, body tensing instantly, jaw clenching as the shock bled through his muscles. He stayed there, letting the icy water numb his thoughts into order as he exhaled the breath he didn’t know he was holding. 

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash- mechanical, efficient motions. The blade of his razor gliding over his wet skin, looking at the mirror he stuck to the shower wall, making sure his facial hair was professionally maintained.

After drying off, he tied a towel around his waist and brushed his teeth, the mint bit against his tongue.

Breakfast was a habit he rarely indulged in; today, a cup of bitter black coffee would have to substitute. Enough to function.

Back in his room, he packed a gym bag, his movements deliberate, methodical. He dressed simply; black jeans, a white tank, clothes chosen for practicality rather than presentation. Afterall there was no one to impress.

By the time he stepped into his car in the garage, the city was just beginning to stir. 

Law, however, was already on his way to the hospital, where the true weight of the day would begin.

The sterile brightness of the hospital corridors was already shining brightly when Law stepped inside.

He was immediately met by the contrast of his coworkers Bepo, greeting him with irrepressible energy, and Penguin and Shachi, who both looked as though they’d crawled out of bed minutes before themselves.

“Captain, you’re here early again!” Bepo nagged, strolling along beside him with unshaken cheer. “You don’t even have to start for another two hours.”

Law didn’t bother answering or acknowledging the silly nickname. His silence was answer enough, but that never deterred Bepo. The nurse continued pressing questions, his voice following them into the locker room.

Law set his bag down and began changing into his scrubs with the same clinical efficiency he applied to everything. Penguin stifled a yawn; Shachi leaned against the lockers, half-asleep. Bepo, however, kept circling eagerly, fussing over his friend’s health with the persistence of a mother.

By the time Law tied the last string of his scrub, the irritation in his jaw was visible. He finally looked at Bepo. Sharp, warning, enough to still him mid-sentence.

“I don’t need reminding of my schedule.” Law said flatly, closing the locker with a metallic snap.

That was the end of it. At least for now.

The day unfolded without incident, though “uneventful” was always relative in a hospital. A handful of patients had the usual complaints, one particularly vocal patient insisting he looked too sickly, too much like a thug, to be a doctor worth trusting. Law ignored them with practiced indifference. Their judgments were meaningless; the work he did carried more truth than their words ever could.

Between routine surgeries, post-op evaluations, and the endless tide of paperwork in the doctors’ lounge, the hours bled together. He sat hunched over files, pen scratching against the paper, the low hum of fluorescent lights needling at the edges of his sanity. The headache growing more persistent by the hour.

Bepo hovered nearby, earnest as ever, nudging cups of tea or bottles of water toward him, offering food with an insistence that bordered on nagging. “Law, you can’t just live off of caffeine!” He said more than once.

Law didn’t look up from his files. The untouched coffee cooling at his side was answer enough. He had no time, or motivation, to indulge in anything beyond what kept him moving. Nerves frayed, body worn, he endured it the same way he endured everything else: silently, and without compromise.

At precisely 7pm, Law rose from his chair. His body moved on instinct, carrying him through the corridors to the second floor, room 209. He stopped before the door, knocked once out of habit, and stepped inside.

His hand hovered over the disinfectant dispenser- then he froze. The bed was empty. The room, silent.

It took him a moment to remember. Luffy had been discharged yesterday.

For a moment, Law stood there motionless, the realization unsettling in a way he hadn’t anticipated. Somewhere between late-night rounds and paperwork, that patient had carved himself into Law’s routine. 

The conversations had been… tolerable.

More than tolerable, even. Luffy’s laughter, his stubborn optimism, his unshaken confidence in Law’s abilities; these things had cut through the monotony in a way few others could.

Now, with the room stripped of that presence, Law felt the hollowness in his chest. He pressed his lips into a thin line, forcing the thought aside before it could take root.

Ridiculous. To let someone like that occupy his mind.

With a quiet exhale that carried more weight than he cared to admit, Law pinched the bridge of his nose, turned on his heel, and left the empty room behind.

Law made his way back to the lockers, already anticipating Bepo’s inevitable attempt to chase him out for overstaying his shift. He had lingered far past his scheduled hours again, and the nurse was nothing, if not predictable in his concern.

Stripping out of his scrubs, Law changed back into his private clothes. The gym bag waited where he’d left it; he slung it over his shoulder, shut the locker with a decisive click, and headed for the exit.

The hospital’s sterile brightness became the dimly lighted garage. His car was waiting, silent, steady, unlike the constant noise and hectivity of his job. Without hesitation, he slid inside and started the engine, already setting his mind toward the next task: the gym

At the Gym he started off with some cardio, running on the treadmill usually calmed his mind. Today though it was occupied with a certain man who liked to wear a straw hat.

Displeased with himself, he abandoned the treadmill and turned to the weights. The routine became harsher, heavier, each repetition deliberate punishment. He added more plates, then more again, until his muscles strained and the rush of blood pounded in his ears. The rush of blood in his ears tuning out the inappropriate thoughts in his mind.

By the time Law returned home, every movement was followed by exhaustion. He prepared a protein shake, then scraped together fried rice from what was left in his refrigerator.

He ate alone at the kitchen table. The apartment was silent, except for the low hum of the fridge. Normally, the quiet was something he welcomed. Tonight, though, it felt differently. Heavy. Hollow.

The feeling of loneliness clung to him even after he left the table. In bed, he shifted restlessly beneath the sheets, fatigue gnawing at him, but the insomnia kept him awake deep into the night and early morning hours. Only after hours of tossing and turning did his body finally start to drift off, pulling him into a restless sleep.

Chapter Text

A few weeks have passed; the heat slowly began to retreat and make space for autumn to come and take its place. The birds slowly starting to migrate to warmer climates. The cicadas almost gone by now. 

The only thing that persisted was Laws inability to sleep. As he woke up again on only a few hours of sleep again. 

Today he woke up well before his alarm, like for the past few days. He felt sick, not that he was actually sick, but the constant sleep deprivation has started to take a turn for the worse.

He sat up in bed took a painkiller, which were now stored beside his bed on his bedside table. The pill went down his throat without the need of water to help it go down. It did concern Law that he took this many painkillers for his migraines, but his ability to focus hast started deteriorating under the constant pain.

With a huff he stood up from his bed and tiredly walked to his bathroom. The mirror has been covered by a towel a few days ago. He couldn’t stand the sight of the man looking back at him, cavernous dark circles, unkept hair and a ghostly flesh colour.

He ran a cold shower, his muscles have started not to tense up anymore, they have grown used to the coldness. His morning routine persisted as usual, to maintain his professionality.

Friday brought no relieve to the hospital. By morning, the ER was already filled with patients; some feigning illness to escape work, others genuinely injured on their shifts. As the hours passed, the faces changed but the chaos remained constant: construction accidents, sprains, cuts, then, by evening, a spike of intoxicated businessmen stumbling through the doors. Law treated them all with the same cold efficiency, his sharp gaze and steady hands betraying nothing of the fatigue pressing at the edges of his focus.

By nightfall, he had already stretched hours past his scheduled shift, yet the true test of the day had only just arrived. The shrill announcement of a massive car accident cut through the hospital, and within minutes the ER overflowed with victims. The room pulsed with urgency. nurses calling out vitals, gurneys slamming against walls, blood staining sheets faster than they could be replaced.

Among the most critical was a young man, barely conscious, his hand crushed beyond recognition, blood loss threatening to take him before they reached the operating room. Law gave a curt order, and he and his team wheeled the patient down the sterile corridor, the fluorescent lights overhead flickering with each step.

Inside the operating room, Law slipped into the role he knew best. His voice was calm, precise, directing nurses and assistants as instruments were laid out under the glare of surgical lamps. Hours blurred together in a haze of sutures, clamps, and transfusions. The operation stretched well over four hours- exhaustion clawed at everyone present, but Law’s focus never wavered. His hands moved with practiced certainty, cutting and stitching with the precision of a man who had long since turned survival into science.

When the bleeding was finally under control and the young man stabilized, the tension in the room eased. The team slumped in relief, but Law only stripped off his gloves, eyes heavy yet detached, already cataloguing what came next.

Law stepped out of the operating room, the harsh fluorescent lights of the corridor stabbing at his eyes after hours under the surgical lamps. A strange unease curled low in his stomach, twisting tighter with each step. A cold shiver crawled up his spine, and his mouth flooded with saliva.

He stripped off his mask with an impatient tug, moving toward the sink. Bracing himself against the steel, he gripped the edge so tightly his knuckles became white, tendons straining under the pressure. His reflection in the steel fixtures wavered, pale, sweat beginning to bead along his temple.

Bepo entered a beat later, a small smile tugging at his face, already opening his mouth to offer congratulations. But the words died on his tongue the moment he saw Law’s posture; rigid, unsteady, wrong.

A dry heave tore through Law before he could stop it, as dizziness surged over him in a suffocating wave. His vision blurred, black spots spidering across his sight, the corridor collapsing inward. He tried to say something, some half-formed slurred words meant for Bepo, but the words scattered uselessly into the air.

His grip failed. Hands slipped from the sink. Knees gave out beneath him. And in the next breath, Trafalgar Law crumpled, the sound of his body striking the floor echoing sharply in the sterile quiet.

When his consciousness returned, it came slowly- like surfacing through heavy water. Law’s eyes cracked open against the dim light of the room, the steady beeping of a monitor ringing in his ears. An IV line tugged at his arm, the slow drip of fluids feeding into his veins. He let out a low groan, lifting a hand to his temple.

“Law!” Bepo’s voice shot up, the chair beside the bed scraping across the floor as he leapt to his feet. His voice filled with relief. “You’re awake!”

Law exhaled through his nose, shutting his eyes briefly. “...How long?” His voice was a hoarse rasp.

“A few hours.” Bepo answered quickly, already fussing. “Do you know where you are? What day it is? Your name?”

Law cracked one eye open, giving him a flat look. “I’m not concussed.”

“You fainted.” Bepo pressed with agitation. “You hit the back of your head when you went down- you needed five stitches. Five, Law. Do you have any idea how close-”

“Tch.” Law turned his gaze to the ceiling, fingers flexing against the blanket. “So, I collapsed. Nothing new.”

Bepo’s voice hardened. “It’s not nothing. You’ve been running on caffeine and scraps for days, if not weeks. Your body finally gave out.” He crossed his arms, the rare seriousness in his tone catching Law’s attention. “You’re taking time off, or I’ll report this. Don’t think I won’t.”

Law’s brow twitched. “You’d sic the authorities on your friend?”

“If that’s what it takes to keep you alive.” Bepo said firmly. “Yes.”

For a moment, silence settled between them, broken only by the steady rhythm of the IV. Law pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly, too drained to argue.

“...You’re insufferable.”

Bepo was relieved at the lack of protest. “Good. Then it’s settled.”

Law closed his eyes again, pretending to sleep to end the conversation. But his jaw was tight, and he knew Bepo wasn’t wrong.

By late evening, Law was back in his flat, discharged with strict instructions he had no intention of following. He sank into the couch, a mug of lukewarm tea on the table beside him, the television murmuring with reports about the previous night’s car accident. The footage was as chaotic as he remembered; sirens, twisted metal, flashing lights. He muted it with a flick of the remote, the silence somehow preferable.

On a whim, he unlocked his phone, scrolling through Onestagram for the first time in weeks. Notifications cluttered the top of the screen, most irrelevant- until his eyes caught on one: a follow request.

“@pirateking.”

Law arched a brow. Of course. Curiosity edged past caution, and with a flick of his thumb, he opened the account. The grinning face staring back from the profile picture left no doubt that this was Luffy.

He hesitated a long moment, thumb hovering, before finally accepting the request. Minutes later, his screen lit up again, Luffy had liked every one of his five posts, leaving comments with his usual lack of restraint.

Cool hat! ...  You look serious in all of them, Law! … Where’s your smile?

Despite himself, Law’s lips twitched, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Idiot.” he muttered under his breath, though his chest felt strangely lighter.

Settling deeper into the couch, he began scrolling through Luffy’s feed. 166 posts. Food, friends, wide grins, and snapshots of places brimming with life. Law moved through them methodically, careful not to like or comment on anything. He told himself it was just curiosity- clinical observation. Nothing more.

Time slipped by unnoticed until he reached the last photo: a shirtless selfie on the deck of a small boat, Luffy grinning, sunlight catching on the sea behind him. Law’s thumb hovered, his gaze lingering longer than it should.

When he tried to scroll again, his finger slipped. A soft double tap. A red heart appeared beneath the photo.

Law’s stomach dropped. His face heated instantly, a rare flush burning across his skin. 

“Shit.”

With a sharp motion, he tossed the phone across the sofa, pressing the heel of his hand to his forehead as if that could steady the hammering of his heart. The screen lit up once more in the corner of his vision, but he didn’t dare look.

Chapter Text

A chill hung in the September air, the first bite of autumn cutting through Dressrosa as the sun dawned over the horizon. Birds chirped somewhere in the distance, their voices light, as the city stirred awake.

Law was awake, not because dawn had woken him, but because sleep had refused him entirely. His skull throbbed with a steady, merciless pulse, and more than once he’d been forced to drag himself to the bathroom, emptying what little food and liquid he’d managed to keep down. 

He sat hunched on the closed lid of the toilet now, head resting against his hand, the pounding behind his eyes a dull reminder of the stitches in his skull. Concussion, his mind admitted clinically, even as his pride rejected the diagnosis outright. Bepo would never hear it. He’d rather face another twelve-hour surgery than give Bepo that kind of leverage.

But the pain wasn’t the only thing gnawing at him.

On the nightstand, his phone glowed faintly with a notification. The screen mocked him with a single line: 1 new message from @pirateking.

Law closed his eyes, exhaling through his nose. He hadn’t opened it. He couldn’t. The very idea made heat creep up his neck. After that accidental like, he could only imagine what kind of idiotic comment Luffy had sent.

“Pathetic.” He muttered under his breath, rubbing the bridge of his nose. His stomach twisted, not entirely from nausea this time. As the phone buzzed again. Another notification. Another reminder that ignoring it wouldn’t make it disappear.

For the first time in years, Trafalgar Law found himself genuinely unsettled, undone by the weight of one unread message.

An hour dragged by in a haze of nausea and pounding headache. Shachi had stopped in, holding a bag with a small bowl of rice porridge and a packet of nausea medication. He lingered long enough to raise an eyebrow at Law’s appearance.

“You know, Law.” Shachi said, setting the bag on the table. “Bepo’s gonna skin me alive if I don’t tell him you’re concussed.”

Law’s eyes narrowed. “You’ll keep your mouth shut.”

Shachi smirked. “And if I don’t?”

Law reached into his wallet, flicking a few berries across the table with practiced annoyance. “Consider that your silence fee.”

Shachi pocketed the bribe without shame, chuckling as he left. “You’re lucky you’re scarier than Bepo.”

Left alone, Law forced down a few spoons of porridge, the bland taste settling uneasily in his stomach. He leaned back on the couch, eyes on the television. Some ridiculous dating show blared across the screen- laugh tracks, dramatic confessions, contrived music. His gaze glazed over almost instantly.

Because his mind wasn’t on the TV. It was on the phone on the armrest beside him. The blinking notification light taunting him.

That single notification. The one message he hadn’t dared to read.

He exhaled sharply through his nose, dragging a hand down his face. “Ridiculous.” His fingers twitched toward the device.

Hesitated.

Withdrew. 

Then, with a muttered curse, he snatched it up, opening his DMs before he could change his mind.

His hands trembled, whether from the lingering weakness or something else entirely, he wasn’t sure. 

The message popped into view.

Luffy: Oi, Traffy! Thanks for the like! Didn’t know you were checking me out 😁

Law froze. His pulse jumped, a flush creeping up his neck. His first instinct was to fling the phone across the room again, but this time he forced himself to keep staring at the words.

The corner of his mouth twitched. “Cheeky bastard.” he muttered under his breath.

The phone buzzed again almost immediately.

Luffy: Wanna hang out? I still owe you some great food!

Law pinched the bridge of his nose, torn between irritation and an odd, unwelcome warmth in his chest. For once, he had no immediate reply.

Law sat there for a long moment, staring at the blinking cursor in the message box. His thumb hovered over the keyboard, deleting and retyping half-formed sentences he couldn’t bring himself to send. Evasion would’ve been easier, he could brush it off, give a curt response, or ignore it entirely.

But something in him, worn down by exhaustion and the throbbing in his skull, chose honesty. With a resigned sigh, he typed:

Law: I’m concussed. Bedrest. Ordered by Bepo.

The reply came almost instantly.

Luffy: CONCUSSED?! 😱 What happened?? Do I need to come over??

Law rubbed at his temple, already regretting his choice. He tapped back slowly, his words as short as always:

Law: Hit my head. Nothing serious. Stay where you are.

Another flurry of typing bubbles appeared, then:

Luffy: NOTHING serious?? You need bedrest and you’re saying nothing serious?? Law you’re such a bad patient!

A faint huff of amusement escaped him. “Idiot…” He muttered under his breath, though the tightness in his chest eased.

Law: Save your energy for someone else. I’ll be fine.

Luffy: Nope. I will bring food later!

Law’s brow furrowed as his screen lit up with the grinning emoji spam that followed. Against his better judgment, a small, reluctant smile tugged at the edge of his mouth.

He set the phone down on the couch beside him, exhaling through his nose. Though he didn’t believe that Luffy would dare to come.

Law drifted in and out of a shallow, restless sleep, shadows of nightmares gnawing at the edges of his mind. Sweat clung to his skin, his shirt damp and twisted around him as he tossed. When the sharp buzz of the doorbell cut through the silence, he jolted upright, heart pounding.

The sudden motion sent a wave of pain straight through his skull, sharp and blinding, as if a butcher knife had been stabbed into his skull. He hissed, clutching his head with one hand, forcing his breathing to steady.

The doorbell rang again. And again. Each chime more impatient than the last.

Muttering a curse under his breath, Law swung his legs over the couch and pushed himself upright, with every step fighting against the wave of dizziness threatening to topple him. He crossed the living room with slow, measured strides and pulled the door open.

Standing there was Luffy. Grinning from ear to ear, the light of the hallway catching in his hair, both hands full with overstuffed paper bags. His leg was no longer supported by crutches- only the medical boot remained, worn exactly as Law had prescribed.

“Oi, Traffy!” Luffy’s voice was bright, unbothered. “I brought food!”

Law blinked at him, the words rasping from his throat rough and dry from sleep and nausea. “What are you doing here? I told you to stay home.”

Luffy tilted his head, grin unwavering. “Yeah, but you’re hurt. So, I came here instead. Besides- ” He lifted one of the bags in triumph, the smell of grilled meat already wafting out. “- meat tastes better when you share it.”

Law pinched the bridge of his nose, torn between irritation and something else entirely, he didn’t want to examine. “You’re insufferable.”

“Thanks!” Luffy said, already stepping past him into the apartment without waiting for permission.

Law didn’t have the strength to argue. He let the door fall shut behind him with a sharp exhale, rubbing at the tension in his temple as Luffy padded deeper into the apartment like he owned the place.

“You know…” Luffy started brightly, plunking the bags down onto the kitchen counter, “Food always helped me when I felt bad. Oh- and I brought ice cream too! I like ice cream when my head hurts.” He began unpacking, pulling out tubs, containers, and packets with reckless enthusiasm.

“And in case you can’t eat that, Koala helped me make chicken noodle soup! Well, she did most of the work while I watched, but I told her exactly how much meat to use. A lot, obviously. Oh! And-” He reached into the last bag with a flourish, pulling out a Manga. “- this week’s Shonen Jump! I thought you might like it. Wait- can you even read with a concussion? Whatever, it’s here anyway. As I was saying-”

Law dragged a hand down his face, eyes half-lidded, every word hitting him faster than he could process.

“Lord help me…” he muttered, before finally cutting in, voice rough with fatigue. “Luffy, do you even breathe when you talk? One thing. At a time.”

Luffy froze mid-unpack, blinking at him innocently. Then his grin returned, wider than before. “I breathe between words!”

Law stared at him in confusion, maybe even faint amusement, lingered beneath the exhaustion.

Luffy was already opening his mouth to launch into another tangent when Law raised a hand, his expression sharp despite the exhaustion dragging at him.

“Luffy.” He cut in, his voice low and rough. “I’m not doing well. I’ve slept maybe two hours since yesterday, and I can’t keep much down. What I’d appreciate right now is peace. And quiet.”

For once, the room actually went silent. Luffy blinked at him, tilting his head as if gears really were turning inside. Law braced himself for an argument, or worse- a joke.

Instead- “Have you ever seen Surf’s Up?”

Law frowned in confusion. “…What?”

“It’s my favourite movie,” Luffy explained, and this time his grin softened, less energetic and more sincere, warm. “I put it on when I want some quiet. We can watch it. No talking, just… coexisting. If you get hungry, I’ll heat up the soup or the meat. If you want to sleep, that’s fine too. But-” He set his hand flat against the counter, steady. “- we’re friends, and I don’t want my friend sitting alone while fighting a concussion.”

Law blinked at him, caught off guard. Of all the things he’d expected Luffy to say, that hadn’t been anywhere on the list. He stared for a beat longer, studying the boy’s earnest face, the warmth that didn’t demand anything from him.

“…You’re full of surprises,” he muttered finally, slowly sitting down on the couch.

Luffy’s grin came back, brighter this time. “So that’s a yes?”

Law sighed, a fait smile tug at the corner of his lips. “Just put the damn movie on.”

Luffy lounged on the couch, a strip of beef jerky hanging from his mouth as he scrolled through Netflix before finally finding the movie. 

Law sat stiffly beside him, arms crossed, fighting the heaviness dragging down his eyelids. The film wasn’t his taste, animated penguins surfing across waves wasn’t exactly the kind of movie he would choose. Every scene only seemed to lull him further into drowsiness.

Still, he resisted. The idea of dropping his guard, of sleeping next to someone he barely knew pressed into his space, grated against every instinct he had. 

Yet exhaustion weighed heavier than pride. His body betrayed him. Slowly, his shoulder sagged against Luffy’s, his head tipping until it found the younger man’s shoulder.

Luffy glanced down, jerky still in hand, blinking in surprise. 

“Heh.” he whispered, more amused than anything. 

“Guess you can sleep.”

Hours slipped by. By the time the credits rolled, Law had shifted further without realizing it, his head resting comfortably on Luffy’s lap. A blanket, one Luffy had dragged haphazardly from the arm of the couch, was tucked over him.

Luffy leaned back, careful not to jostle him, a soft grin on his face. His fingers tapped at some game on his phone, the screen glowing faintly in the darkened room. Every now and then, he glanced down at Law’s steady breathing, making sure he was all right.

Don’t worry, he thought to himself. I’ll keep quiet.

Chapter Text

Law stirred at the low rumble of snoring. His eyes cracked open reluctantly, the dim light of the living room blurring into focus. For the first time in weeks, he felt… rested. The pounding in his skull had dulled, his body lighter, less weighed down. He stretched faintly, scratching at his cheek, still hazy with sleep.

Then he realized the pillow beneath him was slightly moving, it shifted with every slow rise and fall of breath. Law’s eyes snapped open. A plain white shirt filled his vision, the fabric stretching and relaxing with each inhale. 

His stomach dropped.

Slowly, almost too slowly, he tilted his head upward. And there he was: Monkey D. Luffy, mouth slightly open, head lolled at an awkward angle against the back of the couch. One arm was hanging uselessly over the edge, the other bent at an impossible angle. Snoring softly, utterly at ease, even though he was contorted into what looked like the most uncomfortable position Law had ever seen.

Law swallowed hard, his throat dryer than the desert. “...You’ve got to be kidding me.” he rasped under his breath.

Luffy snorted in his sleep, mumbling something incoherent before settling again, his grin faint even in unconsciousness.

Law pinched the bridge of his nose, careful not to move too suddenly and wake him. The mortification hit him in waves. 

He had not only fallen asleep on this idiot’s shoulder- worse- his lap, but he’d also clearly used him as a pillow the entire night.

“Perfect.” he whispered bitterly, dragging a hand down his face. “Absolutely perfect.”

Law sat up carefully, inch by inch, peeling himself away from the warmth he’d been unconsciously laying on. His movements were cautious; one wrong move and he might wake the snoring nuisance beside him.

Once upright, he blinked the heaviness from his eyes and reached for his phone on the coffee table. The screen’s glow stabbed at his vision, and the time made him pause. Four in the morning. He had slept- like really slept, for nearly eight hours straight.

His brow furrowed. That was unusual of him. Suspicion immediately coiled in his gut. Had Shachi slipped something into the porridge as a way of forcing him to rest? Or, God forbid, had Luffy done something ridiculous like drug him? No- his mind was sharp, his body steady. It didn’t feel like he ingested sedatives. He exhaled slowly, almost grudgingly. So, it was just… actual rest.

He turned his gaze downward. Luffy was still out cold, slouched awkwardly on the couch, his breathing even, a faint grin tugging at his lips even in sleep. The sight made Law rub the back of his neck, unsettled. He hated to admit it, but… the idiot had helped. More than he wanted to acknowledge. It wasn’t often someone forced him to stop, to actually take a break, and yet here he was, feeling the proof of it in the absence of a headache for the first time in days- if not weeks.

With a quiet sigh, he crouched and tugged a blanket from the floor, that had fallen to the floor- His hand hesitated mid-air, fingers twitching, before he draped it gently over Luffy. The action was clumsy, unpractised, and he hated how purposeful it felt. Normally, in his private life, he didn’t bother with anyone else’s comfort- especially not after a shift that left him exhausted beyond measure. But leaving Luffy there without at least cover in after what he had done for him, after the fool had spent the night watching over him, felt…wrong.

He straightened with a muted huff, shoving his hands into the pockets of his shorts, and turned toward his bedroom. His footsteps were quiet, careful not to wake Luffy. As he slipped beneath his own sheets, trying, and failing to ignore the way his heart pounded against his ribcage, for no reason.

Law laid in bed, staring at the ceiling as the hours dragged on. Sleep had abandoned him again, slipping through his fingers like sand no matter how tightly he tried to grasp it. After tossing and turning for two hours, he finally gave up. Maybe a shower would help, calm his mind and body.

He padded quietly into the bathroom, turning the water to warm for once instead of his usual cold plunge. The steam rose quickly, curling around him as he stepped beneath the spray. For a moment, he just stood there, head bowed, letting the warmth loosen the tension in his muscles.

His thoughts began to wander, something he usually didn’t allow. 

He thought of the ER, of the constant stress, of Bepo’s worried face. And then, totally unasked for, his mind shifted to last night. 

The way he’d fallen asleep against Luffy without realizing it, how he’d woken up feeling more rested than in weeks. The image of Luffy slouched awkwardly, blanket pulled over him, flashed in his mind. Why the hell am I even thinking about that idiot now? he scolded himself, dragging his hands through his wet hair. Still, the thought lingered. The apartment had felt… less lonely with someone else in it.

The sound of the door creaking open snapped him back into reality.

Through the haze of steam, a figure stumbled in, a mop of messy black hair sticking in every direction, eyes half-lidded with sleep. Luffy yawned so wide it looked like his jaw might unhinge.

Then he froze. His eyes went round as plates, locking onto Law. Looking at him.

For a split second, the two just stared at each other, Law naked under the water, tattoos prominent against his pale skin, the water running down his surprisingly trained body.

“Ah-! So Sorry! I thought you were still asleep, Traffy!” Luffy yelped, blushing and trying to look away.

Law’s face flushed violently. 

“Get out!” he barked, hastily covering his penis with both hands, his composure shattered.

Luffy spun on his heel so fast he nearly tripped, stumbling backward into the doorframe and out of the bathroom. The door banged shut behind him with a loud clack, followed immediately by a thump, the sound of him falling onto his butt in the hallway.

Law pressed a trembling hand to his forehead, his other still clamped desperately in front of him. Steam swirled around his burning face. He felt, humiliated, yet the way he’d looked at him sent him shivers down his spine. Unbelievable. That stupid idiot…

And yet, despite the embarrassment, a traitorous part of his mind replayed the shock in Luffy’s eyes, not mocking, not judging, just… genuine surprise. Law clenched his jaw and turned back into the spray, determined to wash the thought out of his head.

When Law finally emerged from the bathroom, hair still damp and clinging to his forehead, he found Luffy sitting on the couch like a spring wound too tight. The younger man’s face was bright red, his fingers knotting together restlessly, leg bouncing as if he couldn’t contain the energy in his body.

The second Luffy heard Law’s footsteps, he shot up as if launched from a cannon. “I- I’m sorry, Law! I didn’t mean to- really, I just had to pee, and I thought you were asleep, and I should’ve knocked- dammit, I knew I should’ve knocked- and now you probably think I’m a creep and I ruined everything and-”

Law closed his eyes and let out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. He hadn’t even made it five steps into the living room before the barrage hit him. This idiot… he’s going to give me another headache at this rate.

“Luffy.” he cut in sharply.

But Luffy kept rambling on, tripping over his words in his rush. “-and I swear I wasn’t staring, okay maybe a little but not in a weird way, I just didn’t expect you to look like- like that, and-”

“Luffy.” Law’s voice grew firmer.

Still nothing.

Law exhaled sharply and stepped closer, lifting a hand and setting it gently but firmly on Luffy’s shoulder. The younger man twitched under the sudden touch, eyes snapping up to meet his. For once, he went quiet.

“Look.” Law began, his voice calmer now, though his face blushed slightly. “I don’t appreciate you barging in on me in the shower. Or dropping by unannounced like yesterday.” His fingers flexed slightly before he withdrew his hand, stuffing it into his pocket as though embarrassed he’d initiated the contact at all. “But… you did help me when I needed it. So, let’s just forget what happened and move on. Understood?”

Luffy blinked at him, wide-eyed, and to Law’s dismay his eyes became watery. “So… we’re still friends?” he asked, voice soft and uncertain, so unlike his usual brash confidence.

Law’s chest tightened unexpectedly at the sight. He wanted to roll his eyes, to scoff, to say something dismissive. But instead, he found himself muttering, “…Yeah, sure”

The relief on Luffy’s face was immediate, breaking into a shaky grin.

Law looked away quickly, tugging at his sleeve to hide the warmth creeping up his neck. What the hell am I doing letting this idiot under my skin…

Law cleared his throat, the sound sharp in the quiet room. “You should leave though.”

Luffy’s head snapped up, his grin flattening. “Eh? But why? I don’t wanna go yet! And you- you said everything was ok, right?” He almost bounced forward like he could anchor himself there.

Law exhaled slowly. “Because I need some time alone, Luffy. That’s all.”

Luffy tilted his head, eyes wide and searching his face. “But… don’t you feel lonely? I can stay quiet! I promise!”

The corners of Law’s lips twitched despite himself. He shook his head, softer this time. “You? Quiet? I think yesterday alone was a miracle.”

“Oi! I can be quiet; you saw that yesterday!” Luffy pouted, crossing his arms, though his eyes sparkled with stubborn determination.

Law let out a breath that was half a sigh, half a laugh, then leaned back against the wall. His voice dropped, gentler now. “I just need some rest. But… we can meet another time. Soon.”

Luffy blinked, then broke into a wide smile again, all sunshine and certainty. “Promise?”

Law rolled his eyes, but there was no real bite behind it. “Yeah. Promise.”

That seemed to satisfy Luffy, who lingered just a moment longer, as if memorizing the sight of Law standing there, before bounding toward the door.

Chapter Text

Luffy slipped the key into the lock as quietly as he could and eased the door open to his shared apartment. The living room was dark, only the faint hum of the fridge breaking the silence. Even though he had told Ace and Sabo that he wouldn’t be back for the night, he hadn’t given them a reason, and he was grateful neither of them pressed.

He padded down the hallway on bare feet, careful not to creak a floorboard, and ducked into his room. The door clicked shut behind him, and he collapsed onto his bed with a heavy exhale. For a moment, he just sat there, staring at his hands like they might hold answers.

His mind was loud, too loud. The past twenty-four hours replayed in fragments: Law pale and feverish, the quiet comfort of sitting side by side, the weight of his head on Luffy’s shoulder, his lap… and then- his face heated just thinking about it… the shower incident. His chest tightened at the memory, heart pounding faster the more he tried not to focus on the image of Law’s bare, tattooed body.

He grabbed his pillow and buried his face in it with a muffled groan. 

Why am I thinking like this? It’s just because it was awkward. Anyone would get flustered if they walked in on someone like that. Right?

He shifted restlessly, trying to reason it away. Nervousness, embarrassment- that had to be it. He told himself it was normal, even if the stubborn flutter in his stomach refused to settle.

With a sigh, he pulled out his phone, needing a distraction. His thumb hovered before finally typing a quick message to Zoro.

Luffy: You busy?

The reply came fast and blunt as always.

Zoro: Training. You can come watch. Talk while I train.

Luffy smiled faintly at that, comforted by the predictability of his friend. He typed back a quick: yeah, I’ll come by. Before tossing the phone onto the bed. Maybe seeing Zoro would clear his head or at least drown out the restless buzz in his chest.

But even as he leaned back against the wall, staring up at the ceiling, his thoughts circled back to grey eyes, quiet sighs, and the warmth of Law’s hand brushing his shoulder. He felt a soft wave of goosebumps washing over his body, before he jumped off the bed to get dressed.

Zoro swung his wooden katana at the dummy again and again, each strike harder than the last, the sound of wood against straw echoing through the training yard. Sweat ran down his temple, but his focus was split. Luffy sat cross-legged a few feet away, openly recounting the events of the past twenty-four hours.

“…and then he just appeared in the shower!” Luffy exclaimed, flinging his hands for emphasis, cheeks burning bright red. “I- I didn’t mean to see him like that! It was so embarrassing, Zoro! And I… I don’t know why I can’t stop thinking about it!”

Zoro gritted his teeth and forced another swing, trying to keep his body busy while his mind betrayed him. Every detail Luffy shared made his chest tighten in a way he hadn’t felt in years, the sting of jealousy gnawing at him. His hand gripped the katana tighter. Why am I letting this bother me so much? It’s Luffy- wait he is never flustered by stuff like that?! What’s so special about that emo doctor?!

But it was something. Watching Luffy talk about how his heart raced, how he couldn’t stop thinking about Law, Zoro felt a sharp pain in his chest. Those were his own feelings, unacknowledged, buried, long ago- rising again. And it burned. Why is my chest aching over him liking someone else?

“Zoro…” Luffy continued, frowning as he ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t even know what that all means… we’re just friends. Right? He’s grumpy and… complicated, but he’s a good friend. Right?”

Zoro’s jaw tightened. He wanted to snap, wanted to say: No, Luffy, you don’t get it- you don’t just feel that way about him, not like a friend. It’s more than that! … But instead, he forced a rough chuckle and shook his head. “Yeah, yeah, that’s all it is. Just friends. You like him like a friend and that’s what friends do, you get embarrassed- that’s normal. Nothing more.”

Luffy brightened, leaning back on his hands. “Right? Exactly! I mean… it’s just friendship. And that encounter made it a bit weird.”

Zoro’s chest ached further. Every word, every innocent gesture Luffy described, made his own feelings flare hotter, sharper. He forced himself to feed into Luffy’s theory, the lie smooth on his tongue despite how much it hurt. “Yeah. Friendship. That’s all it is. You’ll get over the embarrassment, like you always do.”

Luffy nodded eagerly, satisfied with Zoro’s reassurance, oblivious to the simmering storm in the swordsman’s chest. Zoro exhaled through his nose, gripping the katana like it could anchor him against the surge of jealousy and longing, and continued his practice with an edge that wasn’t all about technique.

Gods… why do I let him talk about it so freely? Zoro thought bitterly. It should be me, he`s confused about. Not him. Not Law! 

And yet, he didn’t say a word, forcing himself to remain the supportive, neutral friend, all while every strike of the wooden blade was shadowed by the ache in his chest.

Luffy sank into the couch, booted leg propped on the coffee table, his other tucked beneath him. The weight of the past day pressed down, every moment replaying like a slideshow in his head. He stared at the ceiling, absently fidgeting with the corner of a pillow he had placed over his lap.

His thoughts drifted to Law. The way he’d fallen asleep on Luffy’s shoulder, head tilting slightly, chest rising and falling in a quiet rhythm. The stray strands of hair that had fallen across his face. The occasional soft snore that had slipped past him. The little things that made him seem… human. And then, the memory of waking up to find Law gone, but having left a blanket neatly tucked around Luffy… the simple thought made his chest tighten in an unfamiliar way.

And, of course, there was the shower incident. Luffy shivered at the memory, the blush creeping across his cheeks again. Why do I keep thinking about that? His mind replayed the image again: Law standing there, pale skin slick with water, tattoos contrasting his pale body… Luffy’s fingers curled tightly around the pillow. His stomach fluttered, unfamiliarly.

A hand shook his shoulder, pulling him out of the spiralling thoughts.

“Earth to Luffy? You okay there?” Ace’s voice broke through, calm but tinged with concern.

Luffy jerked upright, eyes wide, and finally noticed Ace standing beside him. “Ah- uh… yeah, hey, Ace…” he stammered, trying to shake the lingering images from his mind. After a pause, he added, “Can I… can I ask you something?”

Ace lowered himself to the free space on the coffee table, leaning forward slightly. “Shoot.”

Luffy took a deep breath, hugging the pillow closer. His voice rushed out in a torrent, words tumbling over each other. “So… you know I texted you that I wasn’t coming home last night, right?” Ace nodded, listening carefully. “Well… I stayed at Law’s. The doctor. He… he had to get stitches on his head, and I think he had a concussion. I didn’t want to leave him alone, ‘cause I remember when I had a concussion before… the doctors told you and Sabo to watch me while I slept, because I could- like- vomit or… you know, die or something. So, I stayed. And… then he fell asleep on me. I didn’t want to disturb him, so I stayed the night… and in the morning, he was gone, but… he put a blanket over me! And then, I went to the bathroom to pee… and he… he was there… naked… and I don’t know what to do with that memory. It was so embarrassing! And then he told me to leave, but he said we were fine, that we’d see each other soon. And now, every time I think about it… my heart does this weird thing… and Zoro told me it’s normal, that I’m just embarrassed… but I’ve never felt like this before. It’s… just… so weird.”

Ace leaned back slightly, letting Luffy’s words hang in the air. He didn’t interrupt, just gave a steady, warm presence, letting Luffy unload everything. Even though he had his own hunch at what was going on, but he wasn’t going to spoil that to Luffy yet. When Luffy finally paused, breath shaky and cheeks flushed, Ace placed a hand lightly on his shoulder.

“Hey.” Ace said gently, voice calm and reassuring. “Sounds like you did the right thing, looking out for him. You were careful, and you cared. That’s… good, Luffy. And the other stuff? It’s just… your brain and heart trying to make sense of a weird situation. You don’t have to understand it all right now. Just… let it be. You’re not in trouble, and you didn’t screw anything up.”

Luffy let out a small, relieved sigh, curling back into the pillow. “Yeah… I guess… thanks, Ace.”

Ace ruffled his hair lightly, smiling. “Anytime, kid. You just focus on being you. Law’s complicated, sure, but you’re figuring it out in your own way. And whatever this is… you’ll figure it out too. I promise.”

Luffy nodded, staring at the ceiling again, feeling a little lighter, the knot in his chest loosening. For the first time in hours.

Chapter Text

It was a chilly Monday afternoon in September, the kind of day that made staying inside feel like the best idea in the world. Luffy had turned the living room into his own little “man cave.” The coffee table was piled with snacks; half-open bags of chips, candy wrappers, and a bottle of soda balanced dangerously close to the edge. His leg was propped up comfortably, surrounded by a nest of pillows and blankets. A controller rested in his hands, his eyes glued to the screen as he prepared to start a new round of his game.

Just as the loading screen came up, his phone buzzed against the armrest. With a groan, he tossed the controller aside and grabbed the phone. The moment he saw the caller ID; Traffy, a grin spread across his face. He hadn’t expected a call from Law.

“Ya, hello Traffy? Wassup?” Luffy answered, voice bright, though there was a faint coil of nervousness in his chest he couldn’t quite explain.

There was a pause, then Law’s voice came through, a little uneven.
“Uhm… hey, Luffy. This might- no, this will sound weird. But… I need someone to attend my graduation party with me. Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin all have to work- lucky bastards- and I don’t want to go alone. I mean, I don’t need someone there, but it’d be… better. Either to help me dip early or- no, actually just to let me dip early if it gets too much.” He cleared his throat. “I thought you might… maybe… have some free time? If not, that’s fine too, you don’t have to-”

“Course, Traffy! When and where?” Luffy cut in, grinning as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

“Oh- uhm- yeah, about that…” Law stammered, caught off guard. “It might be tomorrow. Look, it’s fine if- ”

“Tomorrow works perfect. Text me the details, ok? I’ll be there,” Luffy interrupted again, his smile carrying straight into his tone.

There was a beat of silence on the other end before Law spoke again, his voice a little lower, almost disbelieving. “Really? Oh, uhm… thanks. I… appreciate it.”

“Of course! For my friends, I do it all!” Luffy laughed, carefree and genuine.

The phone went quiet after that, but not with awkwardness, more like both of them were lingering, neither wanting to hang up.

Eventually, Law cleared his throat. “Uhm… yeah. I should go. I’ll shoot you a text with the stuff, and… yeah. Bye, Luffy.”

“Sure thing, Traffy! Have a nice day and see you tomorrow,” Luffy replied warmly, nodding as if Law could see him.

For a few more seconds, the line remained open, until Law finally hung up. Luffy chuckled softly to himself, setting the phone down before diving back into his blanket fortress, though his game was the last thing on his mind now.

“Hey Sanji, can I borrow a suit for tomorrow?” Luffy blurted out over the phone, his voice carrying that usual careless cheer.

There was a pause, and Sanji raised an eyebrow even though Luffy couldn’t see him. “Uhm, sure… but what do you of all people need a suit for?”

“Oh! Traffy has that thing and asked me to attend. He just texted me the event’s a bit fancy, and I thought a suit would fit, no?” Luffy answered, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Sanji blinked. Traffy? That grumpy surgeon guy? Since when are those two close? “Traffy? That doctor guy? What do you have to do with him all of a sudden? But—” he sighed, a smile tugging at his lips in amusement, “sure. I think I have a suit that’s too small for me. Want to come over later? I work until 8 p.m.”

“Me and Traffy are friends and yeah, I’ll come by your place at 8:30, ok?” Luffy said brightly, his tone so genuine it almost made Sanji laugh.

“Ok? Sure, I’ll be there. I’ll see if I can bring some leftovers to eat.”

“Yum! ”

At 8:45 p.m., Sanji wasn’t even surprised when the doorbell rang, Luffy’s definition of “8:30” had always been flexible. He let him in, and soon they were sitting at the table with a spread of reheated leftovers. Luffy dug in happily, chatting with his mouth full while Sanji just lit a cigarette and let him ramble.

It wasn’t long before they moved into Sanji’s walk-in closet, the blond pulling open racks of suits while Luffy stripped out of his hoodie without a care in the world.

“Try this one,” Sanji said, tossing a suit jacket his way. “It’s a bit snug on me now, but it should fit you better.”

Luffy slipped it on, wobbling a bit as he tried to shove his arms through the sleeves. He turned to the mirror and blinked. “Whoa… I look… weird.”

Sanji chuckled. “Weird, he says. No, idiot, you look good. Sophisticated, even.”

As Luffy undressed, Sanji spotted a big bruise on Luffy’s backside of his arm and asked him what had happened, which sent Luffy in full on `Law rambling ‘-mode.

As he struggled with the buttons, he told Sanji; about how Traffy had been hurt, how Luffy stayed with him to make sure he was okay, how Law had fallen asleep on his lap and how peaceful he looked. And of course, the shower incident.

“And then, boom!” Luffy flung his arms dramatically, nearly hitting a row of jackets. “I opened the door, and there he was, butt naked! In the shower! I didn’t even know where to look! My heart went like boom-boom-boom, but Zoro said that’s just embarrassment between friends. Right? Totally normal.”

Sanji watched him with a practiced poker face, though inside he was sighing heavily. Zoro, you idiot. I knew that mosshead had no clue about feelings but not getting this much? Ridiculous.

He crossed his arms, exhaling slowly. Poor Luffy. He has no clue he’s falling headfirst for that guy. And if I say it out loud, it’ll just confuse him more- or worse, make him push Law and make his life hell as a result. I doubt that doctor has anything left for Luffy but friendship and even that is a surprise.

“Uh-huh,” Sanji said aloud, smirking faintly. “Sounds like you’ve been busy, Luffy.”

Luffy beamed at his reflection, still fiddling with the tie Sanji had handed him. “Traffy’s cool. Kinda weird, but… cool. I’m glad we’re friends.”

Sanji stepped closer, adjusting the knot properly for him. His fingers lingered on the tie, then he stepped back with a nod. “There. Perfect. Honestly, it suits you better than I expected.”

“Really?!” Luffy spun around, nearly tripping over the discarded hoodie. “Then Traffy won’t be embarrassed to be seen with me!”

Sanji just shook his head, biting back a laugh.

It was already past 10 p.m. when Luffy finally pushed open the apartment door, humming to himself as he kicked off his shoe, and pulling off the `outside ‘sole for his boot. The warm smell of tea and food lingered in the air. At the kitchen table, Ace and Sabo were sitting side by side, laughing at some half-finished story- until they noticed their younger brother standing in the doorway. Both of them fell quiet, heads tilting almost in unison.

“Well, look who finally decided to come home,” Ace said with a grin, leaning back in his chair. “Out late two nights in a row now, huh? Where’ve you been, Luffy?”

Sabo raised an eyebrow, though his smile was softer. “Yeah, you kinda disappeared. Everything okay?”

Luffy blinked, then wandered over, plopping his bag down on the table and pulling up a chair. “Yup! I went to Sanji’s place after playing games all day. He made me food- oh, and he let me borrow this!”

He jumped back up, fumbling with the garment bag he had slung over his shoulder. With a dramatic flourish, he unzipped it and revealed the neatly pressed suit inside.

Ace’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that… a suit?”

Sabo chuckled, taking a sip of his tea. “That’s not exactly your usual style, Luffy. What’s the occasion?”

“Oh! Traffy asked me to come to his graduation party thing,” Luffy explained cheerfully, as if it were the most normal request in the world. “He said it’s fancy, so I thought, ‘Suits are fancy, right?’ Sanji said it looks really good on me!” His grin was wide, almost proud.

Ace and Sabo exchanged a quick look over the rim of the teacup- one of those silent brotherly conversations. Ace’s smirk deepened. “So Traffy, huh? The grumpy doctor guy you’ve been talking about?”

“Yeah! He’s cool,” Luffy said, tugging the suit out of the bag to hold it up against himself. “He fell asleep on me when I stayed over to watch him- oh, and he covered me with a blanket when he went to bed! And then there was the shower thing-”

Sabo choked slightly on his tea, coughing into his sleeve. “The… shower thing?”

Luffy waved his hands quickly, face heating up. “It’s nothing! I just… walked in by accident and he was there, naked under the shower an- anyway! It was embarrassing, that’s all!”

Ace leaned his chin into his hand, watching his brother babble with a knowing glint in his eye. He doesn’t even realize it. Poor idiot’s head over heels and still calling it ‘embarrassing.’

“So…” Ace said slowly, trying not to grin too wide, “you’re really going with him, then?”

“Of course!” Luffy nodded enthusiastically. “Traffy asked, so I’m gonna go. Friends help each other.”

Sabo smiled gently, setting his cup down. “Right. Just… don’t forget to have fun while you’re helping him.”

Ace laughed under his breath, shaking his head. “Yeah, Lu. Have fun. You’re gonna knock ‘em dead in that suit.”

Luffy beamed, completely missing the undertone in their voices as he looked at the suit once again. “I know, right?!”

Chapter Text

Tomorrow came faster than Luffy could wrap his head around. Suddenly it was only two hours before he had to be on the college campus for Law’s graduation party.

Fresh out of the shower, a towel loosely knotted around his waist, Luffy stood in front of the bathroom mirror. Droplets slid down his neck as he ruffled his damp black hair, making it stick up in every possible direction. He frowned, tilting his head. “Hmmm…”

He could already hear Sanji’s voice in his head- ‘A suit without good hair? Sacrilege!’- and for once, Luffy actually kind of agreed. “Can’t just show up lookin’ like a mop… Traffy’s thing is fancy, right?” He chewed the inside of his cheek, brain working in overdrive for a solution. Then, with a spark in his eyes, he had it.

Without a second thought, he left the bathroom and padded down the hall, still dripping water and still wearing nothing but the towel. He knocked eagerly on Sabo’s door. “Koala! You in there?”

The door cracked open, and Koala peeked out. The second her eyes landed on him; her cheeks flushed a little pink. “Luffy- why are you not dressed?!”

“Oh, that- doesn’t matter right now!” he waved it off with both hands. “I need help! I’ve got this super fancy thing tonight, and I gotta wear a suit, but my hair- ” He pointed dramatically at the wet mess on his head. “-my hair’s a disaster. Please, please, pleeeease help me, Koala!” He unleashed his biggest puppy eyes, wide and sparkling.

Koala pressed a hand to her forehead, half-laughing, half-exasperated. “Unbelievable. Fine, I’ll help you- but only if you put clothes on first. I’m not doing your hair while you’re… like that.”

“Deal!” Luffy said without hesitation and went to his room.

Minutes later he returned, awkwardly tugging at the collar of the suit Sanji had lent him. It felt stiff, like the fabric was trying to strangle him. “How does Sanji wear these all the time without dying?” he muttered to himself. Still, he had to admit- when he caught a glimpse in the mirror, it didn’t look half bad.

Koala was waiting in the kitchen, a small arsenal of hair tools already laid out: a blow dryer, a comb, some mousse. “Sit,” she instructed, patting the chair.

Luffy obeyed, bouncing a little in excitement. She blow-dried his hair first, her fingers brushing through his locks as she worked. He couldn’t sit still, legs bouncing, so she gave him a few gentle swats on the shoulder to keep him still.

“Hold still or I’ll fry your ear,” Koala warned with a smirk.

“Shishishi, sorry!” Luffy grinned, though he tried harder to stay put.

Once his hair was dry, Koala styled it into something neat but casual, smoothing it back slightly while still leaving the natural fluffiness. It was tidy, polished, but still very Luffy.

“There,” she said at last, stepping back and handing him a mirror. “What do you think?”

Luffy’s jaw dropped. His eyes went wide. “Wooooah…” He gasped, tilting his head left and right, admiring the way the suit and hair matched. “Koala! You’re a miracle worker!”

Koala giggled, shaking her head. “Well, I am a trained hairdresser. It’d be sad if I couldn’t make something out of that mop.”

Luffy bounced up from the chair, grinning from ear to ear. “Traffy’s gonna be so surprised! Shishishi!”

Koala crossed her arms, watching him with an amused smile. “Surprised is one word for it. Just don’t go messing it all up before you even get there.”

“I won’t!” Luffy promised, still beaming at his reflection in the mirror, heart beating a little quicker at the thought of Law seeing him like this.

Sabo had insisted on driving him to the event, brushing off Luffy’s complaints about “being fine on the Vespa.” Truth was, his older brother wasn’t about to let him risk his half-healed foot- or ruin Koala’s hard work on his hair, by stuffing it under a helmet.

The drive had been quiet but comfortable, the low hum of the car and the blur of city lights giving Luffy too much space to think. He fiddled with the cuff of his suit jacket, tugged at his collar, stared out the window, all the while feeling his stomach twist tighter with each passing block. Writing it off to nervousness.

When they finally rolled into the campus parking lot, Sabo cut the engine. Luffy reached for the door handle but froze halfway through. His hand lingered there before he slowly turned to look at his brother.

“…I do look okay, right?” His voice was softer than usual, lacking its usual boundless confidence. “I mean… this is a party full of doctors and smart people, and I’m just…” He trailed off, his mouth pressed together to a slim slit. Unemployed? Idiot? Just Luffy? He couldn’t find the right word, and the thought made his chest tighten.

Sabo studied him for a moment. His kid brother- who usually charged headfirst into every situation without hesitation, looked uncertain. He smiled gently and reached over, giving Luffy’s shoulder a firm, reassuring squeeze.

“You look more than fine,” Sabo said with warmth. “Better than fine. You’ll be the brightest one in the room, and not just because of the suit. Just… be yourself, that’s more than enough.”

Luffy blinked at him, then slowly grinned, a flicker of his usual sunshine breaking through. “…Yeah. You’re right.” He leaned back in his seat, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “Thanks, Sabo- for the drive, and, uh… for everything, really.”

Sabo chuckled softly, though there was a faint shine pooling in his eyes. “For you, little brother, I’d do it all. Always.” His voice caught for just a second before he cleared his throat and straightened back up. Then he smirked, masking the emotion with his usual playfulness. “Now hush and go, before I get all sentimental and ruin your hair with a hug.”

Luffy laughed, the sound bright and easy again. “Shishishi, fine, fine!” He finally pushed open the car door, stepping out into the cool night air.

He paused once more, standing tall in the suit, his hand hovering over his chest as he took a deep breath. His heart thumped a little harder than usual.

Traffy’s waiting.

With that thought, he squared his shoulders, flashed Sabo one last grin through the car window and waved him goodbye, and made his way toward the entrance doors, where Law was supposed to be waiting.

Chapter Text

Law stood in front of the mirror in his bathroom, a small black pencil of kajal in his hand. He leaned closer to the glass, carefully tracing a dark line along his lower waterline. It wasn’t something he did often, but on nights like this, when he wanted to look a little bit more handsome, he would put some on. It gave his gaze an edge, and he thought it made his eyes just pop a bit more.

He set the pencil down and studied his reflection. His dark hair was freshly styled, swept into neat order with just the right amount of product, and his outfit lay ready on the bed behind him. A simple black blazer, crisp yellow button-down shirt, slim black tie, and corduroy trousers. Not extravagant but still fancy enough.

He might have change once, or twice... okay maybe trice but he would never admit that out loud. Usually, he didn’t care much for appearances. Tonight was different. He told himself it was just because of the event- his graduation party deserved a bit of effort. But a quiet voice in the back of his head whispered another reason, one he wasn’t ready to face.

It’s not for the party. It’s for him.

Law clicked his tongue in annoyance at his own reflection, tugged once more at the tie to straighten it, and shook the thought away. He grabbed his essentials; wallet, phone, keys, and slipped them into his trousers pockets, and headed into the garage.

The sleek black SUV greeted him at his usual spot. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he started the engine, the low rumble filling the quiet space. The drive to campus should have been routine, but his mind refused to stay still.

Somewhere between the second red light and the freeway exit, it hit him: He had invited Luffy.

Monkey D. Luffy- the loudest, most reckless, endlessly excitable person he knew. The same person who had barged into his life only recently and somehow taken up far too much space in his head since then. Law gripped the steering wheel tighter, his jaw clenching.

Out of all people, you asked him. To a party full of doctors. People with egos bigger than the room. People who think “fun” means debating journal citations over bad champagne. Brilliant move, Trafalgar.

He exhaled slowly, forcing his shoulders to relax. Too late now. Maybe- just maybe- it wouldn’t be a disaster. Maybe Luffy would manage to… blend in. Or at the very least, not cause a commotion.

Law allowed himself the smallest smirk.

Yeah. And maybe I’ll win a lottery ticket on the way home.

The thought lingered, bitter and amused all at once. Still, a part of him, an irritatingly hopeful part, wanted the evening to be something else. Something… enjoyable.

He pulled into the campus parking lot, choosing a space near the entrance. Killing the engine, he leaned back in the driver’s seat for a moment, eyes drifting to the building’s glowing windows.

The night air outside was sharp when he finally stepped out, adjusting his blazer as if it could straighten his nerves along with the fabric. He took his place by the entrance, hands tucked into his pockets and let the quiet anticipation wash over him.

Now, all that was left was waiting- for Luffy.

7:30 p.m. sharp.

Law leaned casually against the entrance door, arms crossed, though inside he was already calculating how long he’d be waiting. He knew Luffy. The man was never on time, not once, not even for his own checkups. He was certain he’d be standing out here for at least another fifteen minutes, maybe more. In fact, he’d purposefully told Luffy to arrive twenty minutes earlier than they actually needed to be, just to account for the inevitable delay.

A wry smirk tugged at his lips at the thought. Tardiness embodied. That’s Monkey D. Luffy.

He checked his watch, debating how many minutes past the agreed time would confirm his theory. But then headlights cut across the lot. A car pulled into the space next to his own, and Law’s chest tightened with a strange anticipation.

The door opened, and out stepped Luffy.

Law’s eyes flicked down to his watch again. 7:31. His brain stuttered. He’s… on time?

That surprise quickly faded into something else entirely when Luffy walked toward him, passing beneath the glow of a streetlamp. For a brief second, Law’s breath caught in his throat.

A suit. Luffy was actually wearing a suit. And not just any suit- it was fashionable, well-fitted, deep wine red with a sharp black tie and a white button down. Even his trousers matched the look- corduroy, of all things, but somehow it worked. Perfectly.

What the hell… Law almost let his jaw drop, but years of practice kept his face in check. His mind, however, was a mess. He hadn’t prepared himself for this- he hadn’t expected Luffy to look…

Like that.

When Luffy finally stopped in front of him, the younger man scratched the back of his neck, his grin sheepish but warm. “I look weird, don’t I?” He chuckled, the sound as unguarded as always.

Law swallowed, forcing words past the tightness in his chest. Slowly, he shook his head. “No… not… at all.” His voice was low, quieter than he meant it to be, almost betraying how disarmed he felt.

Luffy laughed, the tension rolling right off him, and puffed out his chest a little as if reassured. “Well, you don’t look bad at all either, Traffy!” His grin stretched wider, his usual confidence sparking back to life. He adjusted his posture, standing taller. “So- should we head in, mister graduate?”

Law blinked, still trying to catch up with everything he was seeing and feeling. The way Luffy’s enthusiasm lit up the cold parking lot, the way the suit somehow didn’t erase his character. Against his will, the corner of Law’s mouth curved upward into the faintest of smiles.

“Sure,” he said, nodding as he gestured toward the entrance. “Let’s go.”

And even though he didn’t notice it himself, that small, reluctant smile lingered as they walked side by side into the building.

The diplomas had already been handed out, and the party was in full swing. Music and chatter mingled in the air, glasses clinking as people laughed and congratulated one another.

Luffy, to Law’s quiet astonishment, fit in better than anyone could’ve predicted. He drifted from group to group, talking with strangers like he’d known them forever, somehow managing to charm even the stiffest faces in the room. Whenever questions turned toward Law; questions about his future plans, his research, his family, Luffy always seemed to swoop in with some silly remark or a sudden change of subject, pulling Law out of the spotlight before it grew unbearable.

He’s… actually making this tolerable, Law realized, though the thought came with a quiet sting of disbelief.

But tolerable didn’t mean easy. Socializing drained him far faster than he anticipated. His answers grew shorter, his polite smiles thinner. His gaze flicked toward his watch every few minutes, and when offered another glass of champagne, he declined with a tight shake of his head. All he wanted now was to leave, to sink back into silence and recharge.

Yet when he glanced at Luffy, laughing brightly with a small crowd, Law stopped himself. He didn’t want to ruin the younger man’s fun. Just endure a little longer, he told himself.

Then, all at once, Luffy doubled over, clutching his foot with a cry of pain.

“Ahhh, Law! My foot- it hurts! Something’s wrong!” His voice cracked, his eyes watering, his whole body curling protectively around his leg.

The room stilled. Every doctor turned their head toward the scene, instinct tugging at their training. Law’s heart plummeted straight into his stomach. What? No- this can’t be happening. The screws? They’re not due out yet. Did I miscalculate? Did I-

Kneeling instantly at Luffy’s side, Law’s hands hovered, searching. “Where does it hurt? Can you stand? We should go to the hospital- now.” His tone was sharp, efficient, his doctor persona in full command.

Luffy whimpered, balancing awkwardly on one foot, tears streaking down his cheeks. Another graduate quickly rushed in to help, and between the two of them, they half-carried, half-dragged Luffy out to Law’s car.

Law’s heart hammered against his chest, his hands tight on the steering wheel as he tore out of the lot. His breaths came faster than he liked, but he forced them steady, reaching one hand out to gently rest on Luffy’s thigh. “It’s okay. Just hang on. We’ll be there soon.” His voice softened, reassurance layered over the chaos inside him.

And then- silence.

The cries stopped. The trembling stilled. Luffy rubbed at his face, wiping away his tears with the heel of his palm, and let out a long sigh.

“Law, I’m fine,” he said lightly. “We don’t need a hospital.”

Law’s head snapped toward him, disbelief flashing across his face before he returned his eyes to the road. “What? You were in agony. Don’t tell me-”

“Law,” Luffy cut him off gently, almost sheepish. “I’m fine. I only… I noticed you wanted to leave. And I know you wouldn’t want to seem rude in front of your doctor friends, so I thought-”

Law’s foot hit the brake, pulling the car sharply to the side of the road. His head whipped toward Luffy, a mix of anger and disbelive etched into his expression. “You’re telling me… you faked all of that? Just to get me out of there?”

Luffy shrank a little under the weight of Law’s gaze, suddenly unsure if his plan had been clever or catastrophically stupid. “…Yes?”

For a long, tense moment, Law said nothing. His hand slipped off Luffy’s thigh, fingers curling into his own chest as he tried to calm his pulse. He shut his eyes, forcing his breaths even.

“Look, Law, I didn’t mean to upset you. I just-”

“It’s okay,” Law interrupted, voice quieter now. “I’m just… glad you’re alright.” His eyes opened again, softer, though still clouded with lingering adrenaline. “…But how did you know?”

Luffy tilted his head, blinking as if the answer was obvious. “That you wanted to leave? You looked uncomfortable, kept checking your watch, and stopped drinking that gross champagne- even though you liked it at the start. And…” He smiled faintly. “You once told me you have a hard time being taken seriously. So, I figured, why not use my old middle school acting skills?”

Law stared at him, dumb struck. Emotional intelligence, so raw and instinctive- it was something he’d noticed before, but this? This was on another level. The way Luffy had read him, without hesitation, and stepped in to help him escape…

It hit Law like a loose train.

And then, before he could stop it, he laughed. A short, bark at first, then deeper, rolling into genuine laughter that shook his chest. The first real laugh he’d allowed himself in years.

Luffy blinked at him in confusion, head cocked, lips twitching upward. “Ehh? Did I say something funny?”

But Law couldn’t stop, and for once, he didn’t want to.

Chapter Text

Luffy watched as Law laughed, really laughed, and something in his chest fluttered. The sound was warm, like sunlight spilling into a room that had been dark for too long. His own lips curled up without him realizing, and soon he was laughing too, because how could he not? It was one of those contagious laughs, the kind that pulled you in whether you wanted it or not.

When Law finally exhaled, wiping the corners of his eyes, he shook his head lightly. “I can’t remember the last time I laughed that much… Thanks.” His voice was softer, almost vulnerable, but the smile lingered stubbornly on his lips.

Luffy tilted his head, eyes wide. “What do you mean? Why are you thanking me?”

Law’s gaze met his, steady but gentle. “Thanks for seeing me.”

The words hit Luffy harder than he expected, and his cheeks warmed instantly. He broke eye contact, scratching the back of his neck with a nervous grin. “Shishishi… you’re weird, Traffy.”

Silence stretched for a moment, but not the awkward kind. The kind that hummed, that felt full, like the world was holding its breath.

Finally, Luffy cleared his throat. “You probably wanna go home now, right? You can just drop me off at my place.”

Law tapped the wheel with his fingers, thoughtful, before starting the car again. But instead of turning down the road toward Luffy’s apartment, he kept driving straight.

“Uh… Traffy?” Luffy leaned forward, pointing. “Didn’t we need to turn right just now?”

Law’s lips curved into the faintest smirk. “If we were going home, yes.”

Luffy gasped dramatically, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oi, oi- are you kidnapping me, Law?!” He put on a fake-scared expression, clutching his chest.

A small shiver ran down Law’s spine at the word Law, though he quickly dismissed it as the thrill of the moment. His smirk deepened. “Nothing that dramatic. I just… haven’t been to the beach in a while. It’s too cold for a swim, and with your leg it’s not exactly practical, but…” He paused, almost shy. “…I had the sudden urge to go. If that’s okay with you.”

For a heartbeat, Luffy just stared. Then his whole face lit up, brighter than the streetlights flickering past outside the car. “Of course, Traffy!” he practically shouted, bouncing a little in his seat. “The beach at night sounds awesome!”

Law’s grip on the wheel tightened, not from tension, but from the strange, electric rush of being near someone who made even detours feel like adventures.

About thirty minutes later, Law and Luffy were walking along the dark beach. The waves rushed and retreated in steady rhythm, the salty air cool against their faces. Neither of them spoke much, they didn’t need to. The silence felt comfortable, like a blanket draped over them.

Luffy’s boot left uneven prints in the sand, and after a while he slowed. “Oi, Traffy… I’m kinda running outta steam. Sand is hard.” He laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Can we sit for a bit?”

“Of course.” Law’s answer came without hesitation, and he adjusted his stride to lead them toward a weathered bench perched near the dunes.

They sat down, the wood creaking softly under their weight. For a while they just listened to the ocean, waves crashing in a tranquil rhythm. Above them, stars scattered across the night sky like diamonds.

Law raised a hand, pointing. “That one’s the Big Dipper. And right there… the Little Dipper.” His voice dropped low, almost like he was sharing a secret.

Luffy leaned forward, eyes wide as he tried to follow the shapes. “Whoooa. You’re like… a walking, grumpy telescope, Traffy!”

Law huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “Hardly. Just… something I picked up.”

They fell into a peaceful silence again, the night wrapping around them. Until Luffy shifted, his palm brushing over the bench. His fingers caught on something rough. Curious, he pulled out his phone, flicked on the torch, and aimed it at the spot.

“Oi, look at this!”

Law leaned over, eyes narrowing- then widening. Carved into the wood was a large heart, with L + L carved inside.

Luffy burst out laughing, nearly dropping his phone. “Shishishi! It’s us, Traffy! Guess we’re soulmates now!”

Law had to choke back his own laugh, biting his lip before it spilled out. “Ridiculous. Could be anyone’s initials.”

“Or fate,” Luffy teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

That earned him a quiet, genuine chuckle from Law, and soon they were both laughing together, into the darkness around them.

When the laughter faded, Luffy tucked his phone back into his pocket and set his hand down on the bench again, right where it had been. His expression softened, eyes still on the stars. “Y’know… you make me feel seen too, Traffy.” His voice was quieter now, almost thoughtful.

Law blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean? You’ve got… more friends than anyone I know. You make friends everywhere you go. I don’t see how anyone could not see you.”

“Yeah…” Luffy tilted his head, lips curling into a faint smile. “I like being friends with everyone. But this- ” he gestured to the quiet night, the waves, the stillness between them- “not everyone cares about this side of me. And I like that you do.”

Law hummed low in his throat, mulling over his words. Without thinking, he set his hand back on the bench too. His pinky brushed against Luffy’s.

Both of them jolted slightly, a spark shooting through the small contact. Neither pulled away though. Their pinkies stayed there, just barely touching, and heat crept up their cheeks.

Luffy’s heart thudded loud in his chest, so loud he was sure Law could hear it. His mouth went dry, and after a moment too long, he cleared his throat loudly and jumped to his feet. “Uh- let’s walk a little further, yeah?”

Law straightened up quickly, his own ears burning. “Y-yes. Sure. Let’s walk a bit more.”

They walked for about forty minutes before finally turning back. The night had grown colder, but the sound of the waves and the easy rhythm of their steps kept the silence comfortable. Every now and then Luffy broke it with little nothings; pointing out a seashell, joking about how the sand “ate” his boot, or asking Law silly questions about the stars. Law found himself answering more often than not, his replies short but sincere, and to his surprise, he didn’t mind.

When they reached the car, Luffy wobbled a bit, trying to knock sand off his boot. Law crouched down without a word, brushing it off carefully. His touch was gentle, deliberate, almost reverent for something so mundane.

“Thanks, Traffy,” Luffy said softly, watching him with gleaming eyes.

Law stood, dusting his hands against his trousers, trying not to meet Luffy’s gaze for too long. “Sand in the car is a nightmare,” he muttered, though his tone was far lighter than usual.

Luffy swung himself into the seat with a grin, letting the metallic clunk of the door settle the quiet. Law slid into the driver’s side, placing both hands on the steering wheel. But he didn’t start the engine. He sat there, staring at the dashboard, his lips pressed into a line as if debating with himself.

Finally, he exhaled. “I can’t believe I’m saying this right now but…” His voice trailed, then steadied. “I had a really good time tonight. And I’m… really glad to have you as a friend.”

For a heartbeat, Luffy just blinked at him. Then his entire face lit up like a sunrise. “You mean it?! Like- we’re totally friends now?”

A tiny smirk tugged at Law’s lips despite himself. He nodded. “Yes. We are.”

Luffy’s heart did a happy flip, and before he even thought about it, he leaned across the console and wrapped his arms around Law. The hug was awkward in the small space, Luffy half sprawled over the seats, but his laughter was warm and unrestrained, brushing against Law’s ear.

“Shishishi, I knew you weren’t as grumpy as you pretend to be.”

Law froze, his whole neck burning, his pulse thundering traitorously. He hesitated, then lifted a hand to pat Luffy’s back, a little stiff, a little unsure. Friends hug. Perfectly normal. Bepo hugs me all the time, he reminded himself.

But this was not the same. Not at all.

Luffy clung a second longer before finally pulling back, still grinning from ear to ear. “Best night ever.”

Law cleared his throat, forcing his expression back to neutral, though his cheeks still tinged pink. With a soft sigh, he shifted the car into gear. “Let’s get you home. I’m sure your brothers are starting to worry.”

Luffy leaned back in his seat, still beaming, his chest warm and full. “Heh… yeah. But don’t tell them about the hug. That one’s just for me and you, Traffy.”, and he winked playfully.

Law’s hands tightened slightly on the wheel. His lips curved into the smallest smile, hidden by the dark. “…Fine.”

And with that, the car hummed to life, carrying them back through the quiet night.

Chapter Text

It was already past two in the morning when they finally pulled into Luffy’s apartment complex. Law parked neatly in the lot and shut off the engine. For a moment, he let the silence of the car settle, intending to say something- to remind Luffy to text him when he got inside, maybe, or to comment on the night.

But when he turned, the words caught in his throat.

Luffy was fast asleep.

His head was tilted slightly toward the window, lips parted, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. A few strands of hair had fallen over his face, and with the faint glow of the streetlamp washing through the windshield, he looked… peaceful.

Something warm and unfamiliar spread in Law’s chest, a fuzziness that made his lips twitch upward before he could stop it. He caught himself staring far too long, smile tugging wider, and immediately shook his head, slapping his cheeks lightly as if to snap himself back into place.

Get a grip, Trafalgar. You’re not here to…

Still, he couldn’t leave him like that.

Leaning over, Law reached out and gave Luffy a careful shake. “Luffy. Wake up.”

Luffy groaned, blinking bleary eyes open. He rubbed at them with the heel of his palm, his voice deep and husky with sleep. “Mmm… we home?”

The sound sent goosebumps prickling up Law’s arms. He forced his expression back into neutrality and nodded. “Yup. Just arrived.”

“’Kay…” Luffy yawned wide, stretching as much as the car allowed. Then, without warning, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Law.

“Goodnight, Traffy,” he mumbled into his shoulder, the words warm and drowsy, more instinct than thought.

Law went rigid, his breath hitching, heart hammering hard against his ribs. The hug was brief and loose, Luffy already half-asleep again, but the heat of it lingered all the same.

Before Law could even process, Luffy pulled back with a sleepy grin and clumsily pushed open the door. “See ya soon,” he added, wobbling slightly as he climbed out and headed toward his building.

Law sat frozen in the driver’s seat, staring at the spot where Luffy had just been. His pulse refused to slow, his thoughts a mess. He pressed a hand against his chest, trying to steady it, but the pounding only grew louder in the quiet car.

It’s nothing. Just a hug. Friends do that all the time.

Quietly, Luffy slipped his key into the lock and nudged the apartment door open. The place was dark and silent, only the faint hum of the fridge in the kitchen greeting him. He stepped inside, careful not to wake anyone, and shut the door behind him with a soft click. Just as silently, he turned the lock, then padded barefoot down the hall to his room.

Once safe inside, he let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding and tugged off the suit piece by piece. The blazer, the tie, the stiff white shirt; he tossed them over the back of his chair with no real care, sighing in relief when he was finally down to just his underwear.

Collapsing onto his bed, he rubbed at his eyes, another wide yawn escaping. His body was heavy, but his mind… his mind was still humming.

The beach. The stars. The bench with the silly carving. Law’s laugh, the way it had startled him, but then made him laugh too.

He curled onto his side, pulling the blanket up around his shoulders, grinning faintly at the memory. Traffy really does smile nice…

The thought made his cheeks warm, though no one was around to see. He buried his face into his pillow, nestling in deeper until the last of the day’s tension melted from his body.

Within minutes, his breaths evened out. A soft, sleepy smile lingered on his lips as he drifted off, heart still light from the kind of day he knew he’d never forget.

Meanwhile, only a few block down the street, Law laid wide awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling. The room was quiet, yet his thoughts were unbearably loud, spinning in circles he couldn’t seem to stop.

He dragged a hand down his face and sighed. He needed to get a grip. He wasn’t some teenager losing sleep over another person. He’d always been fine on his own, and he wasn’t about to start slipping now.

It’s just Luffy, he told himself. A friend. That’s all.

But the word felt weak, flimsy, as if it couldn’t contain the way his chest had tightened when Luffy hugged him goodnight… or how his laugh still echoed in his ears.

He scowled at the memory, rolling over and clutching his pillow like it might hold the answer. He hated how unsteady it made him feel- how someone like Luffy of all people could turn his carefully ordered mind into mush.

And yet, under all that denial, there was a small, undeniable warmth he couldn’t shake. A feeling he refused to name.

With a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes and forced himself to think only one thing:

He’s just a friend. Nothing more. I won’t allow it to be anything else.

Chapter Text

Two weeks passed in a blink. Even if they didn’t meet in person, Law and Luffy had been in touch almost every day. Most of the time, it was Luffy spamming him with videos of cats trying to squeeze into boxes too small for them, or memes so dumb Law couldn’t stop the small huffs of laughter escaping him in the middle of paperwork. Sometimes Law would reply with a dry comment, other times with nothing more than a single “…”-but the fact that he always answered told Luffy enough.

Today, though, was different. No more screens. No more little pings of notifications. They were finally going to see each other again, because it was time for Luffy’s screws and plates to come out.

Sabo was pacing around the apartment like a mother hen, fussing over Luffy’s hospital bag. “Okay, you’ve got pyjamas, your toothbrush, chargers… what about snacks? You always complain about hospital food-”

Luffy flopped onto the couch, groaning dramatically. “Sabo, I’ll be fine! I don’t need snacks, I’ll just eat when I get home.”

Sabo shot him a sharp look. “You’ll eat what I pack for you. And don’t give your doctor a hard time, alright?”

Luffy snorted, grinning. “I won’t! I trust Traffy. He’ll take great care of me.” He said it so matter-of-factly, so cheerfully, that Sabo paused.

“…Traffy,” Sabo repeated slowly, narrowing his eyes. “That’s what you call him now?”

“Yeah! That’s his name!” Luffy replied innocently, scratching the back of his head. His grin softened into something a little dreamy. “He’s really good, y’know. I don’t mind the hospital stuff so much when he’s there.”

That stopped Sabo in his tracks. He stared at his little brother for a moment, the protective part of him bristling, but in the end he just sighed and shook his head. “As long as he makes you happy, Luff, that’s all I care about.”

Together, they carried the bag down to the little old car Luffy had managed to snag from a friend for cheap. It coughed a little when it started, but Luffy patted the steering wheel like it was an old companion.

Sabo loaded the bag into the backseat, still muttering reminders. “Don’t run around right after the procedure. Listen to the doctor. Don’t-”

“I knooow, Sabo!” Luffy cut him off with a laugh, his energy bright as always. He fastened his seatbelt and looked ahead, his eyes gleaming. “I can’t wait to finally get these out.”

At the hospital, Bepo greeted Luffy with a wide, toothy smile that immediately put him at ease. The nurse busied himself with preparing Luffy for the operation, but as always, his curiosity slipped through.

“So… how have things been with Law lately?” Bepo asked innocently while adjusting Luffy’s IV line, though his voice pitched in a way that betrayed just how badly he wanted answers.

Luffy tilted his head. “Huh? With Traffy? Well…” He grinned, thinking back on the graduation party, the beach, the late-night car ride. His cheeks warmed without him realizing.

That was all Bepo needed. The clever nurse had already noticed the shift in Law. His friend had been distracted these past days; spilling coffee over important files, overfilling his water bottle so it splashed onto his coat, even dropping his pen after suddenly zoning out in the middle of paperwork. Law never slipped like that. With patients, he was still razor-sharp, professional to the core, but behind closed doors? Something was clearly up. And Bepo had a strong suspicion that “something” had Luffy’s smile.

Soon, Luffy was ready to go. He waved at Sabo, who looked like he was about to faint from nerves, biting his nails and pacing like a worried parent. Luffy laughed at him, “Don’t worry, it’s just a few screw thingy’s coming off. I’ll be fine!” But Sabo’s eyes remained glued to him, full of quiet panic.

When they wheeled Luffy into the OR, Bepo explained a few things about the anaesthesia, his voice gentle and reassuring, but Luffy’s attention was already wandering. His eyes landed on Law.

There he was, scrubbing in, movements precise and practiced, but something about him made Luffy’s heart pick up. He stared openly, his grin fading into a dazed little smile.

Bepo’s words blurred into the background. Luffy felt the medicine begin to pull at him, everything growing soft and warm. His last clear thought was a jumble of curiosity and comfort, because just before the world tipped into darkness, Law’s eyes lifted and met his.

Luffy’s chest fluttered, and then everything faded to black.

The operation went well, and Luffy was back in his hospital room, in an out of sleep and sprawled across the bed.

 Law knocked, entered, disinfected his hands, and froze.

Luffy laid there like a starfish, blanket barely covering him, limbs splayed in every direction, hair messy from sleep. A soft snore escaped his lips, utterly unconcerned.

Law’s eyes wandered over his patients body, the messy hair, the sprawled-out limbs, his boner…his what now? There it was undeniable evidence that Luffy wasn’t as small as he’d thought. His throat went dry, and heat rushed to his face.

He hadn’t expected to see that. He shouldn’t have looked. His heartbeat sped up, and for a moment he forgot he was supposed to be professional.

With a sharp exhale, he spun on his heel and bolted to the nearest bathroom. Where he splashed cold water on his face, he tried to regain control. His reflection stared back at him, flushed and tense.

“Get it together, Law,” he muttered, forcing himself to focus. “Patient. Friend. Nothing else. Just get it together.”

After a few moments, he steadied himself, wiped his hands, and decided it would be best to visit Luffy at a later time.

Luffy jolted awake at the sharp clack of the door swinging into its hinge. His heart raced, and his mind was still foggy from the remnants of a dream that had left him flustered and breathless.

In the dream, it hadn’t been just the usual awkward shower moment with Law. This time… he had stepped into the shower with him. Every detail lingered in his mind- the way Law’s hair clung to his damp forehead, the sharp line of his jaw, the steamy water tracing over his skin. Luffy’s chest had tightened, his breath hitched, his hands had fumbled, and… his body had betrayed him, reacting in ways that left him utterly embarrassed even in his sleep.

Blinking, he realized he wasn’t dreaming anymore. He glanced down-and froze. His own body had responded in full force, a stubborn reminder of the vivid dream. His face heated instantly, and without thinking, he yanked the blanket over himself, pulling it tight and hiding every trace of his embarrassment.

His mind raced as he buried his face in the soft fabric, cheeks burning. Why? Why now? Why him? Every nerve in his body seemed to tingle, recalling the warmth and closeness of that imaginary encounter. Luffy squeezed his eyes shut, wishing desperately that the world, and his body, would just calm down.

Even under the safety of the blanket, he couldn’t stop the rapid pounding of his heart. The memory of the dream lingered like a stubborn shadow, leaving him flustered and very aware of every part of himself.

Luffy had made himself a promise after waking up from that… dream. He would never, ever, think of Law in that way again. It made his stomach twist, and his cheeks burn just to think about it. He had never had those kinds of dreams before, and the idea of doing… anything… with Law made him feel wrong, somehow. At least, that’s what he told himself.

Just as he was trying to shove the memory away, the door opened.

“Yo, how’s my favorite patient doing?” Zoro’s gruff voice filled the room as he stepped in, leaning casually against the doorway.

Luffy forced a normal smile, but Zoro’s sharp eyes immediately caught that something was off. He narrowed them slightly.

“You’re… not your usual self,” Zoro said, crossing his arms. “Spill it.”

Luffy let out a long, frustrated sigh. “Okay… but don’t laugh, and don’t freak out or anything.” He fidgeted with the edge of the blanket, avoiding Zoro’s gaze. “Just… hypothetically, if you… had a dream about a friend… and in that dream… you, uh… did some… things… and then you woke up and… your, uh… thing… was, you know… standing up… what would that mean? Or what should I-- I mean, what would you do?”

Zoro’s eyes widened ever so slightly before narrowing again, his jaw tightening. A rush of jealousy ,he didn’t even register until it was already too late, had flared up. “What kind of sick dream are we talking about here?” His voice was rough, but his knuckles whitened around the edge of the doorway.

Luffy’s blush deepened as he stammered, “I-I don’t know! It’s… it’s gross! It’s… uh…” He trailed off, clearly flustered, twisting the blanket in his hands.

“Well,” Zoro said bluntly, “if that happened to me, I couldn’t… I mean… I just… I wouldn’t be able to look at that person the same way. Friends or not, it’s… gross. Totally gross.”

Luffy’s smile faltered, and he let out a shaky laugh, trying to make it sound casual. “Yeah… yeah, you’re right… that’s so… gross…”

He avoided Zoro’s eyes, even though he felt the weight of Zoro’s stare lingering. For a moment, the room was quiet, both of them lost in their own thoughts; one embarrassed and conflicted, the other… unusually tense.

Chapter Text

A few weeks had slipped by, and the days had been… uneventful, to say the least. The energy between Luffy and Law was awkward, tense in a way that made Luffy’s stomach twist. Their checkups had turned into brief, almost mechanical meetings, cold and distant, leaving Luffy to replay every word, every glance in his head.

At least he could walk again. And, determined to keep moving forward, he had enrolled in the Firefighter program starting January next year. Something to focus on, something to fill the void.

October had just begun, four days in, and Luffy hadn’t heard much from Law. Part of him thought that was good, maybe Law needed space, but another, louder part of him missed the doctor more than he wanted to admit. He had sent the occasional text or meme, hoping to get a laugh or a reply, but the responses were always short, distant, almost dismissive.

Luffy sank onto his bed with a long, exaggerated sigh, staring at the ceiling. His mind kept wandering to Law, to the sound of his voice, the way his eyes seemed to notice everything. He shook his head, muttering to himself, “Why is it so hard to just… talk like normal?”

After a few more minutes of wallowing, he finally grabbed his phone and texted Usopp. Hey, you free?

Almost immediately, the reply buzzed in: Chopper, Robin, and I made reservations at that pottery painting café. You’re welcome to join if you want.

Luffy blinked at the message and grinned faintly. Painting pottery… that could be fun, and honestly, it was better than sitting around thinking about Law all day. With nothing else pressing, he quickly texted back: I’m in! See you there!

He tossed his phone onto the bed and stretched, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervous energy. Maybe this would be the distraction he needed, or maybe it would just be another reminder of how much he missed Law. Either way, it was a step outside the apartment, and for now, that was enough.

Luffy sat at a round table with his three friends, each of them hunched over their chosen pottery pieces, brushes in hand. The café was cozy, soft music playing in the background, the smell of coffee and fresh clay in the air. Around them, other tables were filled with people painting quietly, some giggling over mistakes, some concentrating hard.

Chopper was focused, tongue poking out slightly as he carefully painted delicate cherry blossoms on a teacup. Robin, ever graceful, painted a wide bowl with tiny, whimsical animals running around its rim. Usopp had taken on a teapot, his brush strokes bold, painting Kaya’s favourite flowers across its surface. Luffy, true to form, had grabbed a flat plate and was scribbling a giant monster across it, jagged teeth and glowing eyes.

The moment felt peaceful, almost meditative, until Usopp broke the silence with a low, heavy voice.

“You guys… I think I really messed up.”

Robin leaned over to glance at his teapot. “The teapot looks absolutely fine. I love the combination of poppies and lilies.”

Usopp sighed, slumping in his chair. “Not that… Those are Kaya’s favourite… yeah… I mean I really, really messed up.”

That caught Chopper’s attention immediately. He tilted his head, brush hovering midair. “You never did tell us what happened with her.”

Robin’s smile softened, though her eyes sharpened with curiosity. Her interest peaked at the sound of hot tea. “Yes, you’ve been avoiding that subject for weeks, Usopp.”

Luffy, meanwhile, was too caught up in painting jagged claws on his monster and thinking about Law’s distant texts to notice the change of mood at the table. His brows were furrowed, tongue pressed to the corner of his mouth, caught between concentrating on his monster and replaying memories of quiet nights he spent with him.

Usopp rubbed his face with both hands and finally said, “Well… you all know Kaya started studying medicine a few years ago?”

Chopper and Robin both nodded.

“She’s finishing next year,” Usopp continued, voice unsteady. “And I… I brought up this stupid, silly idea. I told her that when she finished, we should get married. Maybe… even start a family.”

Robin gasped softly, though it was more surprise than disapproval. “And she didn’t like the idea?”

Usopp let out a small laugh, but it was bitter. “No, no. That’s the thing- she loved it. She was over the moon. Told me she’d been waiting for me to finally talk about marriage, about kids. Said it made her so happy.” He paused, face twisting. “But then I opened my big stupid mouth and ruined everything.”

Chopper set his brush down completely now, eyes wide. “What did you say?”

Usopp smacked his forehead with his palm, groaning. “I just… I assumed. I assumed she’d stay home with the kids while I kept working. Like that was just obvious. And she got so mad. She told me I was selfish. That she’d worked her butt off for years, and she’d probably end up making more money as a doctor than me with my silly IT job. She said I was treating her like she didn’t matter.”

Robin’s brows furrowed together with sympathy.

Usopp’s voice grew tighter. “And I wanted to explain, I tried to. I wanted to tell her about my promotion, about how I thought I was finally building something for us. But she cut me off. And I got angry too. And I swore I’d never be like my father, never leave someone I loved over a fight, but… I stormed out. Haven’t been back. Haven’t texted. Been living on my mom’s couch for three months.” His voice broke. “And I miss her so damn much.”

Robin reached out, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. “It sounds like you both spoke from hurt. But that doesn’t mean it’s over.”

Chopper sniffled, eyes glossy, holding his brush like it was a tissue. “Yeah… You really messed up, Usopp. But maybe you can fix it.”

Usopp stared down at the teapot, the flowers blurring as his eyes stung. “But how? I can’t just show up at her doorstep after three months, acting like she’ll just listen to me. What if she’s moved on? What if she doesn’t want me anymore?”

Chopper tilted his head, voice quiet but firm. “But what if she does? What if she’s just waiting for you to finally show her that you’ll listen?”

Usopp bit his lip, thinking, before muttering, “Or… what if she says no, and makes it official that I lost her forever?”

Robin and Chopper exchanged a helpless glance before both turning toward Luffy, who was still hunched over his plate, muttering to himself about whether his monster needed bigger claws.

“What do you think, Luffy?” Robin asked softly.

Luffy looked up like a deer in headlights. “About what?”

Usopp groaned, dragging his hands down his face. “You weren’t listening at all, were you?”

Luffy scratched the back of his head with an apologetic grin. “Sorry… got a bit lost in thought. What were we talking about again?”

So, with a frustrated sigh,” you really need to start listening to people” and so Usopp explained it all over again, from marriage to the fight to his regrets.

When he finished, Luffy leaned back, frowning in thought. “You really did fuck up, Usopp. But maybe you just gotta go to her and say all that stuff. Tell her you weren’t thinking, that your pride got in the way. That you weren’t trying to assume anything, you just messed up your words. Kaya knows you, right? She knows you say stuff without thinking sometimes. But you love her. And she loves you. And it’s sad seeing you two apart- it’s like… like eating noodles without sauce, you know?”

For a moment, the table went dead silent. Robin, Chopper, even Usopp, all stared at Luffy with wide eyes. The air was so heavy with shock you could hear a pin drop.

Finally, Usopp blinked rapidly and cleared his throat. “…You know, that’s… that’s actually good advice.”

Luffy grinned brightly, completely oblivious to the way he just blown his friends minds. “See? Just go tell her! Don’t waste any more time, Usopp!”

Usopp glanced at Robin, then at Chopper. Both nodded firmly. Slowly, Usopp pushed his chair back, standing tall, his face set with determination.

“Alright,” he said, puffing out his chest. “The great Usopp will win his girl back!”

Chopper cheered, Robin smiled knowingly, and Luffy proudly held up his half-painted monster plate like a trophy.

Luffy had snapped a picture of his plate before handing it to the kind café employee to be fired in the kiln. The monster he’d painted looked more funny than scary, its teeth crooked and its eyes uneven, but he’d been proud of it. It felt like him- imperfect, but still full of life.

Now he was back home, lying flat on his bed, the room dark except for the glow of his phone screen. He stared at the open chat with Law, the blinking cursor almost mocking him. His thumb hovered over the screen. Should he send it? Would Law even care?

He sighed, rolling onto his side, frowning. He should stop overthinking. It was just a plate. Just a picture.

Before he could talk himself out of it again, he hit send, attaching the photo with a quick caption:

“Tried pottery painting today and maybe I’ll become a potter instead of a firefighter 😊”

The message went through instantly, and Luffy froze, holding his breath like Law would somehow reply right that second. He didn’t. The screen just stayed the same, quiet.

His fingers lingered on the keyboard, the warmth of the phone pressing into his skin. His chest tightened with something he couldn’t quite name- regret? Fear? Missing him? He typed slowly, hesitating between every word:

“Hey Traffy, if I fucked up, I am really sorry… I didn’t mean to.”

For a long moment, he just stared at the words on his screen, thumb hovering over “send.” His heart thumped in his ears, loud enough to drown out everything else.

And then- click. The message was gone. Out there. No taking it back now.

He laid on his back again, phone clutched to his chest, eyes on the ceiling. Waiting.

Chapter Text

Law was at the gym again, later than usual. The place was almost empty, just him on the treadmill and two other guys messing around with the weights. He adjusted his pace, watching them from the corner of his eye.

The blond man laughed loudly as his red-haired friend- broad, muscled, and far too cocky, struggled under the heavy weight of what had to be over 120 kilos on the bench press. With a loud grunt and a final push, the redhead managed to slam the bar back into its place, chest heaving.

“Ha! See? I can easily lift your weight, Killer! Pay up!” He barked, puffing his chest like a victor.

The blond- Killer, apparently- sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It’s still different lifting a bar than lifting an actual body. Don’t get cocky.”

The two started to bicker, voices bouncing around the otherwise quiet gym. Law smirked faintly, slowing his pace just enough to watch. Then, in one sudden move, the redhead grabbed Killer around the waist and heaved him onto his shoulder like he weighed nothing at all.

“See?! Told ya! Look at this, I’m the champ!” The redhead shouted, flexing and stomping around the mats like some wrestling champion while Killer clung on for dear life.

“Oi! Put me down, Kid!” Killer barked, slapping at his friend’s back.

The redhead laughed before gently setting Killer back on the ground. He stretched out his hand expectantly. “Bet’s a bet. Pay up.”

Grumbling, Killer disappeared into the locker room and returned with a crisp 100 Berri bill, slapping it into his friend’s palm.

Law had watched the entire exchange with faint amusement. That redhead- his ridiculous energy, his stubborn competitiveness, it reminded him of someone.

Before he realized it, his mind drifted. He zoned out, imagining something absurd: himself being thrown over Luffy’s shoulder the same way. The visual was so vivid it made his chest tighten and his mouth twitch into the faintest of smiles.

He hated that.

“Oi! What the fuck are you staring at, you stupid cunt?!”

Law snapped back to reality just as the redhead- Kid, apparently- stormed toward him, fire in his eyes.

Caught off guard, Law’s expression didn’t falter. He stepped off the treadmill, cool as ever. “I wasn’t staring. I was thinking. You know, something your pea-sized brain probably struggles with.”

Killer slapped a palm over his face with a groan. “Oh no…”

Kid froze for half a second, then his jaw clenched. “You little shit. You shouldn’t have said that!”

Law crossed his arms, tilting his head just slightly, provoking him further. “Oh yeah?”

And that was all it took.

The two lunged at each other, trading blows. It wasn’t elegant, it was brutal almost, fists and shoves, grunts echoing through the gym. It took Killer and a frantic staff member to pull them apart, both men glaring at each other like they’d go another round the second they were free.

“For today, this is just a warning.” The staff member barked, flushed with frustration. “But if it happens again, there will be consequences. Clear?”

Law wiped at the corner of his lip where a drop of blood had formed, his expression blank as ever- but inside, he was boiling.

Not at Kid.

At himself, for letting his thoughts drift to Luffy. 

Again.

Back home, the first thing that greeted Law was the blinking light of a new notification on his phone. He tossed his gym bag down, already half-expecting who it was. A quick glance confirmed it- Luffy.

His chest tightened.

He did feel bad. Luffy hadn’t done anything wrong, and yet Law had been cold, distant. He had no excuse, except for the fact that he couldn’t scrub the memory of that sight out of his head.

For god’s sake, he was a grown man. Morning wood was normal, a basic fact of biology. But Law hated how his mind reacted. He hadn’t looked away. He hadn’t brushed it off with clinical detachment like any professional should.

No. His first instinct had been to stare. To register the size. To feel heat, crawl up his neck. 

What the hell is wrong with me?

He groaned, dragging a hand down his face, nails pressing into his skin in frustration.

Finally, he unlocked his phone. The first message was a picture of a plate, sloppy but oddly charming, painted with a monster. The caption read: 

Tried pottery painting today. Maybe I’ll become a potter instead of a firefighter 😊

A laugh slipped out of him before he could stop it. Stupid. Silly. But so very Luffy.

Then he saw the second message.

Hey Traffy, if I fucked up, I am really sorry… I didn’t mean to.

Law froze, guilt slamming into his gut like a punch. Luffy thought this distance, this coldness, was his fault. That he had done something wrong.

“Shit…” Law muttered under his breath.

Ignoring it wasn’t an option—not anymore. With stiff fingers, he typed:

I was busy. Sorry for not texting much. See you in 2 days for your check-up?

Almost immediately, Luffy replied with a ridiculous gif of a cat giving a thumbs up.

Law exhaled, slumping back onto his bed, phone resting against his chest. He stared at the ceiling, jaw tight.

Something was wrong with him. He couldn’t deny it anymore. And he had no idea what to do about it.

Two days later at the hospital Law was fed up. He had never once told anyone when his birthday was. He made a point of it. Yet here he was, sitting in the doctors’ lounge with a ridiculous paper party hat on his head, a cake in front of him, and his coworkers, his so-called friends, singing Happy Birthday.

He didn’t sing. He didn’t smile. He just stared at the cake.

The candles flickered, the tiny flames making the wax melt. Too many of them, in his opinion. His chest felt tight, as if each one was another reminder of how much time had passed, how much he’d lost, how far he’d strayed from the boy he once was.

Bepo, with his boundless enthusiasm, wrapped him in a hug and grinned. “Happy birthday, Law! Come on, blow out the candles and make a wish!”

Law’s lips pressed into a thin line. He leaned forward, his tone dry as he muttered. “I wish for you to finally leave me alone.”

Then he exhaled, blowing the candles out in one smooth breath.

Bepo frowned dramatically. “Oh no, you said it out loud. Now it’ll never come true!” Still, the corners of his mouth twitched upward, betraying the smile tugging at his lips.

Law ripped the party hat off his head, tossing it onto the table like it had personally offended him. “I have check-ups to attend.” he said flatly, already turning toward the door.

He left the cake behind, his coworkers exchanging amused looks, chuckling as he walked out.

Truth was, he did appreciate the thought. He knew they meant well. They always did. And he always responded with the same sharp-edged grumpiness, his default armour. Sometimes, he wondered why the hell the three of them stayed. What masochistic streak kept them tethered to him when he made no effort to make their lives easier?

But he couldn’t deny the truth either: beneath all his barbs and sighs, he was glad for it. Glad they stayed.

Shoving the thought aside, Law picked up his clipboard and went to his first appointment of the day. An elderly man who had tumbled down the stairs and concussed his head.

How ironic.

Bepo lounged back in the doctor’s lounge chair, a menacing grin stretching across his face. His face flicked with the satisfaction of a man, with a plan.

He pulled out his phone, opened Onestagram, and scrolled straight to his DMs with Luffy. His fingers tapped the screen with exaggerated slowness, savoring the moment.

Remember when you asked me about Law’s birthday and I said I couldn’t tell you? Well… it’s today. Do with this information what you will.

Bepo’s grin widened into something downright villainous. He could already picture it: Luffy barging into Law’s life like a human-shaped confetti cannon, dragging chaos and joy in equal measure.

Perfect revenge.

Law had stormed out earlier, leaving Bepo with a sting in his chest. A nurse had to stay professional, yes- but a patient? Oh, patients were feral. They didn’t follow rules. They didn’t know boundaries. They were walking loopholes.

And Bepo was about to unleash the biggest one right on Law’s doorstep.

He clasped his hands together like an evil mastermind, chuckling under his breath. “Fufufu… soon, Traffy… soon…”

A passing nurse glanced at him, concerned. “Uh, Bepo… are you okay?”

“Never better.” he said, barely containing another maniacal giggle.

Chapter Text

Law was drained. The day had dragged on endlessly, and the only thing dangling in front of him like a carrot was the promise of a day off tomorrow.

He checked his watch, then his schedule. In ten minutes, he had Luffy. He set his jaw and made himself a promise: no weird thoughts, no awkwardness, just pure professionalism.

Clipboard in hand, he reviewed the last entries to refresh himself. Then- showtime.

He dragged himself into the waiting room. “Monkey D. Luffy.”

Luffy practically bounced to his feet, grinning like the sun. “Hello doctor! Nice to see you! Wonderful day, innit?”

Law raised an eyebrow. Punctual. And unusually chipper. That’s suspicious. “…Sure.”

They headed into the empty office. Luffy hopped onto the gurney while Law shut the door.

Then Luffy tilted his head, grin widening with something almost… sinister. “Do you know what day it is, Traffy?”

Law frowned. “The sixth of October. Why?”

“Oh, it’s just-” Luffy began rummaging around in his pants pocket.

Law froze. His blood ran cold. Oh no. Bepo. He told him. Panic flared. What was Luffy about to pull out? Confetti? Fireworks? A whole marching band crammed into his pants?

“There it is!” Luffy exclaimed, yanking out a small black box and thrusting it toward him. “Happy birthday!”

Law stared. He accepted the box with all the dread of someone holding a live grenade. Closing his eyes, he cracked it open- ready for a glitter bomb, a popper, maybe even a screaming chicken toy.

But …Nothing. Just silence.

“What are you doing, Traffy? Look at it!” Luffy chuckled, nearly bouncing off the gurney from excitement.

Law cautiously peeked, carefully opening one eye after the other. Inside sat a bracelet with smooth marbled beads of white and green. Pretty. Elegant, even.

“…What is this?” he asked slowly, glancing up at Luffy.

“Bepo told me it’s your birthday, so I went to that jewellery shop nearby!” Luffy said proudly. “The lady said this was moss… ah, fagot? Yeah, moss fagot. Anyway, it balances stuff and is good for friendship or something. I got one too!” He lifted his wrist, showing off the identical bracelet.

Law blinked. Then huffed out a laugh. “I think you mean moss agate, not… fagot.”

Luffy squinted, thinking hard. “Nah, I’m pretty sure she said moss fagot. Don’t you like it?”

Despite himself, Law smiled faintly. “I do. Even if I think the idea of magic rocks, is nonsense. But the colour’s nice.”

He slipped it on, setting the box aside. “Honestly, I thought you were about to hit me with something loud and obnoxious.”

Luffy grinned sheepishly. “I was gonna bring a confetti bomb. And maybe a mariachi band. But Ace said the confetti would be too messy.”

“…And the mariachi band wasn’t?” Law deadpanned.

Luffy huffed, crossing his arms, frowning. “Sabo said you wouldn’t like that. But what does he know?”

Law chuckled under his breath. For once, he was grateful for Sabo’s intervention. “I’m glad this was your backup plan.”

Law went through his usual motions during Luffy’s checkup, listening to his breathing, checking the healing progress, jotting down notes in his clipboard. 

The room was quiet except for the scratching of his pen.

“Hey, Traffy?” Luffy’s voice cut through the silence, bright but almost uncertain.

“Hmm?” Law hummed without looking up, still writing.

“Are you free tomorrow?”

Law nodded absentmindedly, his mind focused on finishing the chart. “I should be.”

Luffy’s face lit up instantly. “Perfect! Then- would you like to come jetskiing with me?” His grin was so wide it looked like it might split his face in two.

Law finally looked up, brow arched. “Jetskiing? Why?”

Luffy swung his legs and fiddled with his fingers. “Well, Usopp and Kaya made up, and he’s moving back in tomorrow. But we already booked two jetskis at the pier, and we can’t cancel. So…” He gave Law an almost sheepish, hopeful look. “I thought I’d ask if you’d come with me instead.”

Law studied him for a long moment. He could’ve said no, should’ve, maybe, but after everything, after the distance he’d put between them, he knew he owed Luffy more than cold silences and clipped answers. Especially after what Luffy had done for him. A small sigh escaped him. “…Sure. Why not.”

The effect was instant. Luffy threw his hands up in the air and shouted, “WAHOOOO!” His laughter rang out so pure and unrestrained that it pulled at something soft in Law`s chest.

Law’s lips curved into the faintest of smiles, for once, he didn’t try to hide it.

Law’s shift had finally ended, and he was changing out of his scrubs, feeling oddly pleased with his nearly on-time departure, just one hour of overtime today. That satisfaction evaporated the second he heard the telltale sounds of Bepo and Penguin approaching.

“…so I though then, when Law finds out, he’ll be so mad, he won’t even know what hit him!” Bepo’s voice carried down the hallway, full of glee.

Law froze mid-button, eyebrow twitching. I knew it.

By the time Bepo and Penguin burst into the locker room, chuckling like schoolboys caught planning a prank, they froze. Their laughter died in their throats the moment they saw Law’s face. Serious. Menacing. The kind of face that could make grown men cry.

“So… it was you,” Law said, voice low, cold, and with an edge sharp enough to cut through steel. His eyes locked on Bepo like he was some tiny, guilty rodent.

Bepo started stammering, “W-Well… I mean, it wasn’t- I didn’t- I just thought-”

Law tilted his head, letting the silence stretch. Long. Too long. Every second made Bepo’s heartbeat triple, Penguin twitching nervously beside him.

Then, suddenly, Law let out a bark of laughter, not menacing, not threatening… just pure, unexpected, chaotic laughter that made both of them jump.

He grabbed his bag, swung it over his shoulder, and began walking toward the door.

Bepo exhaled shakily, half in relief, half in awe. He’s… laughing? That sound was almost extraterrestrial coming from their usually stoic friend.

Before stepping out, Law paused, gripping the doorframe, and glanced back with a perfectly timed smirk. “On your next nightshift,” he said, voice playful but still carrying that subtle threat, “sleep with one eye open.”

And with a wink, he was gone.

Bepo gulped audibly. Penguin whimpered. Both stared at the door.

Chapter Text

It was October 7th. The air had cooled noticeably, the sea breeze sharp against the skin even though the temperature lingered around 20 degrees. Law stood on the pier, already zipped into his full neoprene suit, watching Luffy fight a losing battle with his.

The younger man was hopping up and down, yanking at the stubborn zipper with all his might. Hair messy, cheeks flushed pink, chest half-exposed through the unzipped suit, he was a mess, and, admittedly, a little distracting.

“Ugh, FUCK!” Luffy yelled, his hands hurting from the effort.

Law nearly choked on his own spit at the sound of Luffy’s cursing, coughing before breaking into a chuckle. 

“This is NOT funny, Traffy!” Luffy barked, glaring up at him, frustrated.

Law stepped closer. “Let me,” he said smoothly, though his voice carried a little more warmth than usual.

He crouched slightly to reach the zipper, brushing against Luffy’s side. Heat radiated off the smaller man, mingling with the crisp ocean air, and Law felt that strange, fluttering pull in his chest.

He tugged gently, testing the zipper, but nothing.

“See?” Luffy deadpanned, unimpressed.

Law huffed, jaw tight. He gripped the fabric more firmly, pulling the edges together with one hand while working the zipper with the other. His face was close enough now that he could feel Luffy’s body heat through the cool air, hear the quick puff of his breathing. For a second, he almost forgot what he was supposed to be doing. With a hard yank, the zipper finally slid upward. Law straightened immediately, exhaling a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

“There,” he said, trying to sound casual.

Luffy looked up at him, eyes bright and lips curling into a grin. “You’re really strong.”

Law felt heat rise to his cheeks. “Nah… just skilled with my hands,” he muttered, hoping his voice sounded normal, though his gaze lingered on Luffy’s flushed face a bit longer than necessary.

Luffy chuckled, that soft, teasing laugh that made Law’s chest tighten. “Skilled, huh? I’ll keep that in mind,” he said almost innocently.

“Shall we?” Law motioned toward the waiting jetskis, though his voice was quieter now, trying to ignore his rushing thought.

Did Luffy just flirt with me? No, he wouldn’t. he’s probably thinking of me operating on him... Get it together Trafalgar Law!

Luffy nodded eagerly, all bright excitement again, skipping toward the water like the moment hadn’t even happened. He sprang onto the blue jetski with a laugh, while Law rolled his eyes and mounted the red one, trying not to think too hard the situation.

After a few hours out on the sea, the adrenaline was still buzzing in their veins. They had raced each other until their throats hurt from laughing and yelling, splashed each other relentlessly, and at one point nearly toppled both jetskis because Luffy had swerved too sharply. Law couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed so freely- or the last time he’d let himself. But with Luffy, it felt natural, easy, like the tension in his chest had loosened without him noticing.

By the time they pulled back into the pier, the sun was dipping lower, painting the water in gold and pink. They carried their heavy bodies, from the wet suits and exhaustion, to the small changing room nearby. Inside, the air was damp with the smell of salt and somehow soap, and far too chilly to linger unclothed for long.

Both of them struggled out of their wetsuits, peeling the tight fabric from damp skin. Law kept his eyes determinedly on the floor, telling himself I will not stare at him, not at the droplets of seawater trailing down his skin, not at the way his shoulders flexed when he tugged his suit off. He shook his head, why do I need to remind myself so detailed- what is wrong with me? I am professional, and Luffy is a friend- nothing more

Luffy, as always, seemed blissfully unaware of the charged silence. He hummed some tuneless melody while he tugged on his jean shorts, leaving his button-down shirt hanging open and flapping as if he couldn’t be bothered to button it. His hair was still damp, sticking up wildly, his grin as careless and bright as ever.

Law dressed quickly, sliding into skinny jeans, a white tank top, and his knitted cardigan. He turned, finally letting his eyes flicker up to Luffy, only to sigh at the sight of all that bare skin. “Don’t you think you’ll get cold like that?” he asked, more sharply than he intended, but his concern slipped through anyway.

Luffy shook his head immediately, unconcerned. “Nah. Until it hits below fifteen degrees, I wear shorts and button-downs. I would longer but Ace and Sabo would get mad. but they’re just really comfy.” He shrugged, tugging his shirt half-heartedly around his shoulders, still refusing to button it.

Law rolled his eyes, grabbing his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. Of course. Typical Luffy logic. Still, the corner of his mouth twitched upward, because the sheer stubbornness was amusing. 

“I bet you’re hungry,” he said.

Instantly, Luffy’s head shot up, eyes sparkling like a child promised candy. “You have food?” he asked, leaning in, excitement written all over his face.

Law shook his head, lips curling into a faint smirk. “No. But I know a place that does.”

Luffy beamed so brightly it made the small changing room feel warmer. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

He grabbed Law’s wrist without hesitation, tugging him toward the door with the kind of enthusiasm that made it impossible to resist.

And as they stepped back into the cool evening air, Law found himself strangely content, his skin still buzzing from the rush of the ocean, his chest strangely light at the thought of sharing one more moment with Luffy. He wouldn’t admit it out loud- not yet- but something about this, about him, felt dangerously like more than just friendship.

Law pulled the car into the lot, the neon light of Baratie’s sign reflecting off the windshield. It wasn’t the kind of place he visited often- too loud, too crowded- but when he did, the food never disappointed. Although he usually ordered in.

As they stepped out of the car, Luffy’s grin widened like he’d just stumbled upon a treasure chest. “You’re taking me to Baratie’s?” he chuckled, eyes sparkling.

Law shot him a sidelong look, eyebrow raised. “Problem with that?” His voice carried that sharp edge of defensiveness he hadn’t intended, but he didn’t take it back.

“Not at all!” Luffy shook his head so fast his damp hair flopped into his eyes. “It’s my favourite place. Plus, my buddy works here.”

Law’s chest tightened, the sudden sour taste of suspicion crawling up his throat. A buddy. Of course. Why wouldn’t Luffy have someone here? He shoved his hands deeper into his cardigan pockets, trying to act neutral. “Which friend? Do I know them?” His tone was casual, almost too casual, slightly forced- but he couldn’t help it. The thought of walking in and seeing that green-haired nuisance behind the counter made his blood boil.

“Oh, hmm…” Luffy tilted his head in thought, the streetlight catching the water droplets still clinging to his hair. “I think you saw him once. Sanji? He’s an amazing cook! And a really good friend. He lent me that wetsuit a few weeks ago, remember?”

The knot in Law’s stomach loosened immediately, and he exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Not Zoro. Thank god. The image of that smug swordsman had been flashing like a warning sign in his brain. At least Sanji was tolerable, annoying, but tolerable.

“Then let’s head in, shall we?” Law said smoothly, tugging the door open and gesturing for Luffy to go first.

Luffy barreled inside with all the subtlety of a storm, calling out Sanji’s name before they even reached the hostess stand. Law followed at a slower pace, shaking his head with a faint sigh, though the corners of his lips betrayed him with the smallest upward twitch.

Because for some reason, watching Luffy’s uncontainable joy—even when it made his blood pressure spike—always left him strangely… lighter.

Inside Baratie’s, the warmth and hum of the restaurant washed over them, the chatter of diners, the clinking of glasses, the sharp hiss of pans from the open kitchen. Luffy immediately waved toward the counter where a tall, blond man in a crisp uniform was plating a dish with meticulous care.

“Sanji!” Luffy yelled, voice carrying across the room like he owned the place. Heads turned, and Law pinched the bridge of his nose.

The cook looked up, surprise flashing into a grin. He set the plate down and came around the counter, tugging his cigarette from his lips as he approached. “Well, well,” Sanji drawled, eyes flicking between Luffy’s wide grin and the far more composed doctor beside him. “Look who dragged you in. And here I thought you’d only come back if I bribed you with extra dessert.”

“Traffy brought me!” Luffy announced proudly, pointing at Law like he’d just uncovered the secret to eternal life.

Law raised an eyebrow, about to correct him, Trafalgar, not Traffy, but Sanji beat him to it. He leaned in close to Luffy with a sly smirk, lowering his voice just enough to make it sound conspiratorial. “Brought you here, huh? What’s this then… a date?”

Luffy blinked once, then twice. His mouth opened, and Law’s entire body went rigid, heart skipping in ways he refused to acknowledge. Before the panic could rise in his chest, Luffy burst out laughing, slapping the blond on the shoulder. “A date? Nah! But maybe if it means I get free food!”

Sanji rolled his eyes, chuckling as he ruffled Luffy’s damp hair. “Figures.” But then his gaze flicked over to Law, sharp and knowing, as if he could sense the tension that lingered beneath the surface.

Law adjusted the strap of his bag, expression neutral, though his ears burned. “Table for two,” he said firmly, pushing past both of them before Luffy could add anything else.

“Of course,” Sanji said smoothly, leading the way with a grin that promised he wasn’t done teasing.

Luffy jogged up to walk beside Law, still chuckling, his shoulder brushing lightly against his. “You heard him, Traffy. A date!”

Law let out a low huff, half annoyance, half something he couldn’t quite name. 

But as they followed Sanji deeper into the restaurant, even Law couldn’t deny the small, reluctant smile tugging at his lips.

Chapter Text

The table looked like a battlefield, or maybe a feast. Plates stacked high, bowls scraped clean, dishes scattered everywhere. Most of them were Luffy’s, though Law had long since stopped keeping count. He sat with his own far more refined meal; coq au vin, neat and deliberate, while across from him, his companion inhaled what had to be his tenth course, chopsticks moving with terrifying speed.

Law leaned his cheek against one hand, equal parts horrified and fascinated. “Where does all that food even go?”

Luffy paused mid-bite, lifting an eyebrow at him as if it were the dumbest question he’d ever heard. “My stomach, duh. Aren’t you supposed to know that, Traffy?”

Law snorted, covering his mouth to keep from outright laughing. “Yes, but you’re so…” He trailed off, searching for the right word. Muscley sounded juvenile. Skinny sounded wrong. Lean didn’t quite fit either. “…fit,” he finally settled on, though it came out more reluctant than he intended.

Unbothered, Luffy grinned around his food. “Sabo always says me and Ace have a furnace in our bellies. We can eat anything and never get fat.” He giggled, shaking his head. “Poor Sabo, though- he just looks at a burger and gains a stone.”

Law chuckled under his breath, thinking back. Even at the hospital, Luffy had eaten like a starving man, demolishing cafeteria trays and sneaking snacks between checkups. Yet somehow, it never seemed to catch up with him. He shrugged it off, if it wasn’t harming the patient, there was no reason to intervene.

By the time Law finished his coq au vin, savouring every last bite, Luffy was leaning back in his chair with both hands on his stomach, plates piled like a tower beside him. He let out a satisfied sigh. “That hit the spot,” he said, voice dreamy with contentment.

“I’ll go pay the tab,” Law said, pushing his chair back, ready to leave. But before he could stand, a shadow fell across the table.

“Was everything to your liking?” Sanji asked smoothly, his customer-service smile firmly in place.

“It was amazing as always!” Luffy shouted, far louder than necessary, grinning like a child who’d just discovered free candy.

“Yes, I enjoyed it too,” Law said politely, adjusting his cardigan. “Where can I—”

“Oh, no, no, no,” Sanji cut him off, clicking his tongue, voice turning teasing as his smirk sharpened. “You two lovebirds don’t need to pay tonight.” His gaze flicked between them, lingering on Law just a fraction too long.

The words landed like a punch. Heat surged up Law’s neck, flooding his face scarlet. His chest tightened, pulse quickening, every muscle in his body locking up. For a moment he swore he couldn’t breathe, couldn’t even move. Goosebumps crawled over his arms, and his fingers twitched against his thighs.

The silence stretched; until Luffy burst out laughing, slapping the table so hard the dishes rattled. “Sanji, you’re hilarious! Just put it on my tab, I’ll pay next month!”

Sanji chuckled, flicking ash from his cigarette as if he’d achieved exactly what he wanted. “Of course,” he said, grinning knowingly wicked, before turning on his heel and strutting back toward the kitchen.

Law sat frozen, still fighting to steady his breath.

“You should see your face, Traffy!” Luffy cackled, tears forming the corners of his eyes. “You look like someone told you you’re getting married tomorrow!”

Law glared at him, cheeks still burning, but the edge of his lips betrayed him—curling ever so slightly upward.

The night air outside Baratie was cooler than before, the sea breeze brushing past them as they stepped off the glowing terrace. The muffled clatter of plates and Sanji’s voice faded behind them, replaced by the rhythmic crash of waves against the pier.

Luffy walked ahead with a spring in his step, hands folded behind his head, shirt still carelessly unbuttoned so the wind tussled it. He was humming a tune only he seemed to know, grinning from ear to ear, entirely unbothered.

Law followed a few paces behind, shoulders hunched slightly as if the autumn chill had bitten him. In truth, the cold wasn’t the problem; his ears still burned from Sanji’s smug little jab, and his mind wouldn’t stop replaying it like a broken record. Lovebirds. The word clung to him like salt on skin.

“You’re still red, Traffy,” Luffy called without turning, his laughter carried in the wind, “Sanji really got you good!”

Law shoved his hands deeper into his cardigan pockets, scowling at Luffy’s back. “I’m not red. It’s just cold.”

“Uh-huh.” Luffy spun around and began walking backwards, his sandals slapping against the wooden planks of the pier. His grin was mischievous, eyes sparkling with the remnants of amusement. “You looked like you were about to pass out when he said it. I thought I was gonna have to catch you!”

Law rolled his eyes, fighting the urge to smirk. “You’re imagining things.”

“Nope,” Luffy said cheerfully, tilting his head as if studying him. “You get all serious and scary with everyone else, but the second someone teases you, poof! Your face goes boom!” He mimed an explosion with his hands, giggling so hard he nearly tripped walking backwards.

Law sighed, finally letting a small laugh escape, quick and quiet. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re fun when you stop frowning,” Luffy shot back, spinning on his heel to face forward again. 

He suddenly pointed toward the dark stretch of ocean, glittering under the moonlight. “Hey, Traffy, next time we should come back and race at night! It’ll be awesome!”

Law studied him in silence for a moment, the way his hair caught the wind, the carefree joy radiating from him like sunlight even in the dead of night. Something in his chest eased, the earlier embarrassment softening into something warmer.

“Maybe,” he said finally, his voice low, almost lost under the sound of the crashing waves.

Luffy beamed, satisfied, and jogged ahead toward the car, calling over his shoulder, “I’ll hold you to that!”

Law followed, shaking his head, but the corner of his lips stayed curved upward all the same.

The drive back was quieter than either of them expected. Luffy had slumped against the passenger seat, gazing out the window as the neon lights of the harbour gave way to the softer glow of street lamps. The hum of the engine filled the silence between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable, if anything, it felt unbothered.

Law kept his eyes on the road, fingers tapping once or twice against the steering wheel. Sanji’s mocking voice still lingered in his head, but instead of sending his pulse racing with embarrassment, it had dulled into something strange. Something that made him glance, just briefly, at the reflection of Luffy’s grin in the glass.

When they pulled up to Luffy’s building, the street was quiet, washed in warm yellow light from a single lamp above the stairwell. Law shifted the gear into park, when Luffy spoke.

“Hey, Traffy.”

His voice was softer than before, missing the usual edge of excitement. Law turned, surprised to find Luffy looking at him.

“Thanks for coming with me today. Jetskis, dinner, everything. I had a lot of fun,” Luffy said, grinning wide but with an earnestness that tugged at something deep in Law’s chest.

Law cleared his throat, trying to push back the feelings that rose in his chest. “...Yeah. It was… better than I expected.”

Luffy laughed, leaning closer across the console, his shirt still half-open and his hair messy from the sea breeze. “Better than you expected? That’s practically a compliment from you.”

Law huffed, rolling his eyes to mask the twitch at the corner of his lips. “Don’t get used to it.”

But Luffy just giggled and nudged his shoulder before reaching for the door handle. He hesitated, though, turning back one last time. “We should do it again, soon. Not just because of leftover reservations or whatever, just because.”

For a moment, Law forgot how to breathe. His throat tightened, but instead of snapping out something defensive, he found himself nodding. “...Yeah. We should.”

That grin again, brighter than any lamp on the street. Luffy hopped out, slamming the door shut behind him, and jogged up the steps two at a time. Before disappearing inside, he leaned over the railing and shouted down, “Night, Traffy! Sleep well!”

Law sat there for a long second, staring at the empty steps and the faint glow of the building’s hall light. His hands tightened on the wheel, then loosened again.

Oh man what is he doing to me?, Law thought to himself, chuckling lightly to himself.

He shifted the gear and began driving home.

Chapter Text

Two weeks had slipped by since Luffy had last seen Law. Between the hospital’s endless demands and Luffy’s own return to work, their paths hadn’t crossed, but not a day had passed without them texting. Luffy had taken it upon himself to give Law a running commentary of his life; what he ate, the stupid things Usopp (or other friends) said, his workout routine which he frequently attached a silly mirror selfie to, even the weather. Law never asked, but he always answered, and that was enough for Luffy.

Now it was a crisp autumn Friday evening, the air cool enough that Luffy tugged his hoodie tighter as he wandered through the backstreets. His feet carried him to his favourite hideout: a shabby little manga shop tucked behind a row of convenience stores. He had found it while he was recovering and since then frequented the store. He’d been working out daily, besides also working, pushing his body harder in preparation for firefighter training, and today he craved something quieter. 

The sign buzzed faintly overhead as he stepped inside. The place smelled the same as always, paper, dust, and cheap ramen broth. At the front desk sat Bartolomeo, hunched over a steaming bowl of ramen, chopsticks dangling as he slurped noodles and half-watched something on his computer screen.

“Hey, Bartolomeo!” Luffy called out with his usual burst of energy.

The man’s head shot up, eyes gleaming as if royalty had just walked in. “Sir Luffy! How very nice to see you again!” he exclaimed, nearly spilling broth on his keyboard.

Luffy laughed, strolling further inside and glancing at the empty room. Twelve tall shelves lined the walls, stacked with manga of every genre, and beyond them was the little lounge: a sagging couch, a few beanbags that looked like they’d seen better days, and a crooked lamp giving off weak yellow light.

“Not much going on, huh?” Luffy asked, tossing a grin over his shoulder.

Bartolomeo gave a solemn shake of his head. “No, Sir Luffy. Not at all. You are the only one here tonight.”

“Nice,” Luffy said, his grin widening. “Then I’ll go hang on the couch and read something. Could you maybe bring me a cup of ramen? I’ll pay when I leave.”

Bartolomeo’s whole demeanour shifted into dramatic reverence. He all but leapt to his feet, bowl forgotten. “Of course, Sir Luffy. Anything for you!” He looked like he might actually bow, which made Luffy snort with laughter.

“Man, you’re weird,” Luffy chuckled, padding off toward the couch, already imagining himself sprawled out with a stack of manga and a hot cup of ramen in hand. It was the perfect way to end a long week; warm, cozy, and just what he needed.

Luffy was halfway through his fifth cup of ramen, slurping without shame, eyes glued to the pages of a brand-new manga. He was nestled deep into the old couch, surrounded by chaos of his own making, a leaning tower of books he’d already devoured on one side, and an even bigger stack of Manga waiting for their turn to be read. Bartolomeo came and went like a loyal attendant, whisking away empty cups and occasionally asking if his “esteemed guest” needed anything else.

The quiet hum of the shop was broken by the jingle of the front door bell.

“Good evening, Sir Law! How very nice to see you again!” Bartolomeo’s voice rang out, overly dramatic as always.

Luffy froze mid-slurp. He tilted his head, chopsticks dangling from his lips, wondering if he’d misheard. Slowly, curiosity dragged him to peek around the corner; and his jaw dropped. He hadn’t misheard. There, standing in the dim light of the shop, was Law. His Law.

“Traffy?!” Luffy’s voice cracked with surprise, loud enough to make Bartolomeo flinch.

Law spun at the sound, sharp and startled, scanning the lounge until his eyes landed on Luffy sprawled out on the couch, cheeks full of noodles and hair sticking in every direction. His posture eased a fraction, though his brows stayed furrowed in confusion.

“Luffy?” Law said, in disbelief.

For a beat, they just stared at each other, as if the dim little manga shop had suddenly shrunk around them. Luffy put down his ramen cup.

“Wait- what are you doing here?” Luffy scrambled to his feet, nearly tripping over the beanbag, his grin already spreading wide.

Law adjusted the strap of the bag on his shoulder, his usual guarded expression flickering under the warm yellow light. “I… didn’t expect to find you here,” he admitted quietly.

Luffy practically bounced over to the front desk, a wide grin stretching across his face. “What do you mean, Traffy? This is like, my absolute favorite place in the world!” he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling as he gestured around the dimly lit shop.

Law stood there, arms crossed, blinking in mild disbelief. “I… I’ve never seen you here before,” he said, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and caution.

Luffy shrugged casually, though the light in his eyes betrayed a hint of nostalgia. “Well… I used to spend most of my time here while I was recovering,” he admitted softly, almost as if sharing a secret. “But, you know… once I got better, and with all the training I started, I came in less and less.”

Law tilted his head slightly, scanning the small, cozy shop. His gaze landed on Bartolomeo behind the counter, who immediately straightened, hands clasped in a dramatic flourish.

“What an honour! Truly, a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle!” Bartolomeo announced, his voice booming in exaggerated awe. “The great Monkey D. Luffy, and the illustrious Trafalgar Law, gracing my humble manga shop! It must be my luckiest day yet!”

Luffy laughed, the sound light and infectious. “If you’re free, Traffy, wanna join me in the lounging area?” He gestured toward the corner of the shop where soft beanbags and a slightly worn couch waited, stacks of manga sitting on the table in front of the couch.

Law hesitated for a heartbeat, originally planning to just borrow a few volumes to read at home. But the warmth of the shop, combined with Luffy’s bright enthusiasm, made the idea of staying far more appealing. “Sure… why not?” he said, his lips twitching slightly as he followed Luffy toward the cozy nook.

Once settled, Luffy immediately plopped onto a beanbag with a satisfied sigh, patting the space next to him. Law took the spot, careful not to invade Luffy’s personal bubble, though the proximity still sent a quiet warmth through him.

Hours melted away as they read side by side, exchanging whispers and quiet laughter. They debated plot twists, critiqued character decisions, and shared excited predictions, eating cups of ramen Bartolomeo continued to deliver with impeccable timing.

Between bites of noodles and occasional snorts of laughter, the air around them grew soft and easy, the kind of comfort that made the outside world fade away. Law caught himself smiling more than he thought he would, and Luffy’s eyes shone with that infectious light, tugging at a part of Law he rarely let anyone see.

Time seemed to slow, the shop’s quiet hum wrapping around them like a gentle blanket, and for a while, it was just the two of them: laughing, reading, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

Luffy was halfway through a particularly ridiculous panel when he let out a loud snort, causing Law to glance over, one eyebrow raised.

“You’re laughing at that? It’s… kinda dumb,” Law said, though the corner of his mouth twitched, betraying the smallest hint of amusement.

Luffy grinned, leaning slightly toward Law, nudging him gently with his elbow. “No, Traffy! You don’t get it! Look at this; he literally tried to fight a dragon with a spatula!” Luffy’s laughter bubbled over.

Law couldn’t help but chuckle softly, shaking his head. “Only you would find a spatula vs. dragon battle funny,” he murmured, trying to sound unimpressed but failing miserably.

“You know,” Luffy said, still smirking, “you should laugh more. You look way too serious all the time. I bet you have fun, you just… hide it.” He leaned a little closer, the warmth of his body brushing against Law’s arm, and for a moment Law forgot to breathe.

Law’s chest tightened, a mix of embarrassment and something else he couldn’t quite name. He cleared his throat, adjusting his posture. “I… I don’t usually-”

“Shh,” Luffy interrupted softly, tilting his head so his messy hair brushed against Law’s shoulder. “It’s okay. I like seeing you smile.”

Law felt heat creep up his neck and he slightly boxed Luffy’s arm, “idiot”

Chapter Text

Another week had quietly slipped by, and it became a routine that Luffy and Law met at the manga shop, it had also become something they both silently looked forward to. Between debating which characters had the most ridiculous powers, exchanging tiny theories about upcoming plots, and Luffy’s endless updates about what he had eaten or what chaos he’d caused that day, the shop had become their little corner of calm chaos. Law had even started to anticipate Luffy’s random memes, though he’d never admit it aloud.

One afternoon, as Luffy waited for an order to be ready for delivery, he picked up his phone and sent a text.

Luffy: Hey Traffy! Me and my brothers are planning a Halloween party. It’s gonna be super fun! Music, food, and even a motto! You coming?

Law’s phone buzzed beside him, and he picked it up, reading the message carefully.

Law: I don’t like parties.

Luffy groaned dramatically, slumping onto the chair.

Luffy: Pleeease, I promise I’ll save you like that one time at your graduation thingy!

Law’s eyes flickered with a hint of amusement, but he stayed firm.

Law: Won’t that upset everyone? Your friends always seemed worried about you.

Luffy: Hm… you’re right… what if I bought you the newest manga volume of any manga you’d like?

Law narrowed his eyes at his phone, suspicion creeping into his calm demeanour.

Law: Are you… bribing me?

Luffy: Is it working?

Law sighed, trying to remain composed, but Luffy’s mischievous grin practically jumped off the screen.

Law: Fine. But make it two.

Luffy: YES! It’s gonna be on the 31st, starting at 7 pm! The motto is demons and beats!

Luffy’s excitement practically radiated through the phone, and Law’s lips twitched in the tiniest hint of a smile. Maybe, he thought, it wouldn’t be so bad to go to this party after all.

It was Saturday, October 31st, just an hour before the party was set to begin. The flat buzzed with activity. Sabo, already in costume, darted from one room to another like a general before battle, checking decorations, adjusting lights, and rearranging bowls of candy and snacks with military precision.

In the living room, Ace sat slouched on a stool, though his grin betrayed his excitement. Yamato hovered close, carefully applying eyeliner along his lower waterline to sharpen his look. “Hold still,” Yamato scolded gently as Ace blinked too much, laughing under his breath.

Meanwhile, Luffy was in his room, struggling with his own preparations. Ace had insisted on getting his costume for him, saying with a mischievous smirk, “I’ve got just the thing, don’t worry.” At the time, Luffy had been relieved- thinking less about what to wear meant more time for him to focus on other things.

Now, standing in front of his mirror, he tugged on a pair of short black pants before picking up the strange chest harness Ace had thrown in the bag. It was made of leather straps and buckles, and no matter how he twisted it, Luffy couldn’t figure out which part went where. “Ughhh, what is this thing?!” he groaned, giving up after a few tries.

“ACE!” he hollered.

Ace appeared in the doorway a moment later, eyebrows raised, lips twitching. “Seriously, you couldn’t figure this out?” he teased, stepping in. His hands worked quickly, looping the straps around Luffy’s torso with practiced ease. He smirked to himself the entire time, clearly amused at his brother’s cluelessness.

“There,” Ace said, giving one of the buckles an extra tug for good measure.

“Thanks!” Luffy grinned, oblivious to Ace’s scheming expression.

With the straps secured, Luffy reached for the next part of the outfit: a heavy cape with faux fur around the collar, the kind you’d expect to see on a Viking warrior. He swung it dramatically over his shoulders, laughing at how cool it felt. Finally, for the finishing touch, he slid a pair of dark demon horns onto his head.

He paused, staring at his reflection in the mirror. The costume suited him far more than he’d expected. The weeks of training were evident now; his muscles sharper, lines of definition clear even under the leather straps. 

For a moment, even Luffy was surprised by the figure staring back at him.

The party was in full swing by the time the clock edged past seven. The house was buzzing with voices, laughter, and the occasional shout of someone greeting a latecomer. Music pulsed through the rooms, lights dimmed low with the occasional flicker of orange and purple string lights casting everything in a festive, eerie glow. Guests were trickling in, costumes ranging from silly to downright impressive. Luffy had wasted no time diving into the chaos; chatting with old friends, laughing with strangers, sneaking handfuls of candy, and generally radiating energy like the centre of the universe for the entire party.

It was almost an hour later when the door creaked open again. Law stepped inside, tugging lightly at the cuff of his jacket. He had gone with something simple; a tailored black suit, the white shirt beneath unbuttoned just enough to relax the look. On his head sat a pair of sleek, black demon horns, a half-serious attempt at playing along with the Halloween spirit. He thought the “corporate demon” idea was clever, maybe even funny. But as he was greeted by Sabo at the door; also dressed in a Viking-style costume, though less revealing than Ace’s or Luffy’s. Law suddenly felt his confidence begin to fray.

“Glad you made it,” Sabo said with an easy smile, clapping him on the shoulder before disappearing back into the crowd.

Law’s golden eyes swept across the room, scanning past painted faces and elaborate masks until they landed on a familiar back; messy black hair, a fur-lined cape, shoulders drawn back in that relaxed, unbothered way that was unmistakably Luffy. He was laughing with a group of guests, gesturing wildly as though he were telling a story only he found hilarious.

Law’s steps carried him closer almost on instinct, the crowd parting just enough until he was standing behind him. He cleared his throat and called out, “Luffy.”

The younger man spun around at once, face lighting up like a firecracker. “Traffy! You came!” His grin stretched wide, eyes sparkling with genuine excitement.

And just like that- Law was done for.

The sight hit him like a sucker punch. The way the leather harness hugged the sharp lines of Luffy’s torso, every muscle defined from weeks of hard training. The cape draped over him, framing his body like some wild warrior king. And those horns- God, those horns- perched crookedly on his head as though they belonged there. His smile was blinding, unguarded, so purely Luffy it almost knocked the breath out of him.

Law felt the heat coil low in his stomach, burning its way upward until his throat went dry and his neck flushed red. His heart gave an uncomfortable lurch, pounding harder than he wanted to admit.

“H–ey,” he managed, though the word came out cracked, his voice pitching embarrassingly high. He cleared his throat sharply, forcing his features back into something neutral, something professional. Anything but the image of a man on the verge of falling apart at the sight of his friend in leather straps and demon horns.

Luffy tilted his head, still grinning, clearly oblivious to the storm he’d just set off inside of Law.

“Your outfit is so cool, Traffy!” Luffy grinned, bounding over to him without a second thought. His eyes sparkled as he looked Law up and down, clearly impressed despite the simple suit and crooked demon horns.

Law shifted uncomfortably under the gaze, trying to keep his composure. “Yours is…” his brain offered up a dozen words- stunning, filthy, unfair, hot- but what came out was a clipped, “…it suits you very well.”

“Shishishi, thanks! Ace picked it out for me.” Luffy tipped his head toward his brother, who was currently tangled up with Yamato in a corner, making out like the world was ending.

Law barely registered them. His attention was glued to Luffy- bare skin framed by the leather harness, muscles taut and defined, that ridiculous cape brushing along his sides, and those damn horns making him look far more dangerous than cute, and before he could stop it, heat was curling low in his stomach, a pulse of arousal he couldn’t ignore.

His throat felt dry. He adjusted his stance, but it didn’t help, he could feel the problem growing in his pants, a humiliating reminder of exactly how little control he had in this moment.

“Uh- hey, Luffy. Where’s the bathroom?” Law asked, sharper than he meant, his eyes darting anywhere but Luffy’s chest or horns.

“Right next to the entrance,” Luffy said easily, tilting his head with that wide, innocent grin.

Law muttered a quick thanks and bolted, forcing himself not to walk too fast. He shut the bathroom door behind him, bracing against the sink, heart pounding like he’d just run miles.

One glance in the mirror made his stomach flip. His pupils were blown wide, cheeks flushed, lips parted as if he’d been caught in the middle of something shameful. He looked horny- plain and simple- and there was no use lying to himself anymore.

Images rushed through his mind with brutal clarity, things he used to push back, but now flooded his mind: The way he saw Luffy’s size, Luffy’s laugh against his ear, the press of his body against Laws, those strong hands gripping his hips, tossing him over his shoulders like he weighed nothing. He imagined that harness digging into Luffy’s chest while he moved over him, imagined being tossed onto the bed like nothing, wrecked by someone who looked like sin and smiled like sunshine.

Law squeezed his eyes shut, dragging in a shaky breath. He was supposed to be in control- always calm, always composed. But right now, his body was betraying him, his growing embarrassment straining against the fabric of his suit pants as his thoughts spiralled lower, filthier, impossible to reel back.

He pressed his palms harder against the sink, trying to ground himself, but all he could see- all he wanted- was Luffy.

After a very shameful- but absolutely necessary- wank, Law finally stepped out of the bathroom. His hair was a little tussled, the collar of his shirt slightly off centre, but at least the pressure in his chest (and lower) had eased enough to breathe again.

Unfortunately, the universe wasn’t about to let him off easy. The first thing he saw was Ace leaning casually against the wall, drink in hand, a wicked grin plastered across his face. The look screamed I know what you just did.

Law’s stomach dropped. His jaw tightened, but he didn’t give Ace the satisfaction of a reaction. He snapped his gaze away instantly, mentally carving Ace’s name deep into his growing revenge list. That smug bastard would pay.

He wove back into the crowd, forcing his steps to stay even, controlled. But then his eyes landed on someone he really didn’t want to see tonight.

Zoro.

The green-haired menace sat sprawled on a chair like he owned the place, a cup dangling lazily from his hand. But it wasn’t the drink that had Law’s blood boiling; it was the way Zoro was looking at Luffy. His gaze was heavy, locked on him like he was stripping him bare with his eyes. Admiring. Wanting.

Law’s chest tightened, heat twisting through him in a way he couldn’t disguise as anything but jealousy. Violent, sharp jealousy.

His pulse jumped. No. Not tonight. Not with him.

Without thinking twice, Law strode forward, his boots hitting the floor a little harder than usual, his posture sharp enough to cut. He closed the distance between himself and Luffy in a straight line, like he was moving on instinct alone.

Luffy turned, grin bright as always, but Law barely registered it. He stopped right in front of him, close enough that their shoulders brushed, and deliberately planted himself between Luffy and Zoro’s line of sight.

He didn’t look back at the swordsman. Didn’t need to. He could feel the glare burning into his spine.

Good. Let him.

Luffy blinked up at him, tilting his head in confusion at the sudden closeness. “Traffy? You okay?”

Law smirked faintly, his voice low and steady even though his heart hammered in his chest. “Perfectly fine.”

But inside, he wasn’t fine at all. He was wired, restless, his mind replaying every reason why he couldn’t stand Zoro- and every reason why Luffy should only be looking at him.

Chapter Text

Law hadn’t expected to find himself in this kind of situation tonight. Not in the slightest.

For one, he was at a party. That fact alone was strange enough, he avoided them whenever he could, preferring the quiet of his apartment or the background hum of the hospital. But here he was, surrounded by loud music, people laughing too hard at jokes that weren’t funny, the faint burn of alcohol in the air.

And then there was him.

The man standing right in front of him, in that ridiculous leather harness, his chest and shoulders framed like some cruel temptation. The horns, the cape, the playful grin- everything about Luffy felt like it was designed to test the limits of Law’s self-control.

It didn’t help that the more people looked at Luffy, the more compliments thrown his way, the more gazes aimed at him, the more Law felt something ugly and hot coil in his gut. 

Jealousy wasn’t something he was used to, but tonight it gripped him sharp and unrelenting. He hated the way it made his chest feel tight, the way his jaw clenched every time someone’s eyes lingered too long on the younger man.

So, he did what he always did: forced his face into a mask. Poker-faced, detached, calculating. If his insides were a storm, then nobody needed to know. 

Or at least, that’s what he told himself. How well it was working… well, that was another matter entirely.

Luffy, of course, was oblivious. He was in the middle of some long, winding story about who-knows-what, gesturing wildly, laughing halfway through his own sentences. Law should’ve been rolling his eyes or dismissing the tangent, but instead his focus narrowed down to one thing: Luffy’s mouth. The curve of his lips, the way they moved with every word- it was hypnotic.

Law dragged his gaze away, a muscle flicking in his jaw. 

Get it together. You’re acting like a teenager. But no matter how often he reminded himself, the thoughts kept coming. Thoughts he had no business having. Thoughts of that harness being pulled off, of those hands pinning him down, and everything in between.

He needed a distraction, badly. So, he reached for the easiest one at hand. 

Alcohol.

One glass turned into two. Two turned into several more. He justified each one. He wasn’t driving tonight, so it didn’t matter. His apartment wasn’t far, so stumbling home wouldn’t be an issue. And the warmth spreading through his chest, dulling the sharp edges of his thoughts, felt like relief.

But the minutes bled into hours. His social battery was already scraping at rock bottom long ago, and the alcohol blurred his usually sharp edges into something hazy, heavy. He drifted between conversations, nodded at jokes he didn’t care about, tried not to stare too openly at Luffy across the room.

By the time midnight rolled around, the effort caught up with him. His body gave in before his pride could argue.

Law slumped against the couch, head lolling back, the faintest crease still between his brows. Passed out, half from the drinks, half from sheer exhaustion. His last thought, fleeting and unguarded, was of Luffy’s grin, bright and untouchable in his mind.

Luffy noticed it the moment Law’s head slumped against the couch cushion, his usually sharp gaze softened into something rare, unguarded, almost peaceful. The music and laughter around them carried on as if nothing had happened, but to Luffy, the rest of the room blurred out. All he could see was Law, asleep.

He excused himself from the group he was chatting with and padded over quietly, crouching beside him. Up close, Law looked different. The faint crease between his brows was still there, but his features had eased in a way Luffy wasn’t used to seeing. He reached out, hesitated a second, then gently nudged his shoulder.

“Traffy?” He whispered, tilting his head.

No reaction. Law was out cold.

Luffy’s lips quirked in a soft smile, a mix of fondness and mischief. He stayed there for a moment, just watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. Then he stood and made his way to find Ace and Sabo, weaving through the crowd until he spotted them together.

“I’m gonna take Law home. He drank a little too much.” Luffy explained simply.

Sabo and Ace exchanged that wordless, telepathic kind of look only the two siblings seemed to share. Then Ace smirked, leaning in with a wink. “’Course, lil bro. Just… don’t come home too early.”

Luffy blinked, head tilted in confusion, before breaking into a laugh. “You’re weird.” He said, shaking his head. Whatever joke that was, it had gone right over his head.

Back at the couch, he crouched again, nudging Law’s shoulder once more. Still nothing. Law didn’t even stir.

“Hm…” Luffy hummed, scratching his cheek. He glanced at the tall man and wondered briefly if he’d be too heavy to carry. But the thought didn’t linger long. With a quiet huff, he carefully slid one arm behind Law’s back and the other beneath his knees. In one smooth motion, he lifted him.

He adjusted his hold so Law’s head rested against his chest, keeping it steady so it wouldn’t bob around while he walked. The weight surprised him- Law felt lighter than expected. Or maybe all the extra hours of training were paying off. Either way, it was easy.

People turned to look as he moved through the crowd, some smiling, others whispering, but Luffy didn’t care. He was focused on keeping Law steady, every step sure. He slipped his feet into his sandals at the doorway, and went out the door, the cold air rushing in to bite at his bare skin.

With a soft laugh at the chill, he shifted Law slightly in his arms, holding him closer against his chest for warmth. Then he stepped out into the night, heading toward Law’s apartment at an unhurried pace, the quiet street strangely calming after the noise of the party.

Law’s breath was warm against him, steady and even, and Luffy smiled down at him. 

“Sleep well, Traffy.” He whispered. 

“I’ll get you home safe and sound.”

After about fifteen minutes of walking, Luffy finally stopped in front of Law’s apartment door. He shifted the taller man carefully in his arms, only then realizing he had a small problem; he didn’t have a key.

He puffed out his cheeks, glancing around for a solution. His eyes landed on the wide, sturdy windowsill that doubled as a bench in the hallway. 

“Guess you’ll have to sit for a sec, Traffy.” He whispered.

He bent down and set Law gently onto the ledge, making sure his head leaned against the wall so it wouldn’t loll awkwardly. Law groaned softly at the sudden loss of warmth, his nose wrinkling in protest.

Luffy chuckled under his breath and crouched beside him, nudging his shoulder. 

“Traffy? We’re here.” He whispered, voice warm and low.

Law mumbled something unintelligible and promptly slipped back into sleep.

A giggle escaped Luffy before he could stop it. 

And here I thought you had trouble sleeping, he shook his head fondly. Seeing Law so peaceful, trusting enough to just drift off like this, made something in his chest squeeze.

With gentleness Luffy slid a hand into one of Law’s pockets. Nothing. He checked the other, biting back another laugh at how ridiculous this felt. His fingers finally closed around the cold metal of a key in the second pocket. 

“Gotcha.” He murmured triumphantly.

He padded over to the door, unlocked it, and nudged it open just enough. He propped it in place with an umbrella stand he spotted in Laws hallway, making sure it wouldn’t swing shut. Then he returned to Law, crouching again.

“Okay, up we go.” His voice was soft, like he was talking to someone fragile. Carefully, he slid his arms under Law once more; one supporting his back, the other curling under his knees. With a quiet huff, he lifted him easily, adjusting so Law’s head came to rest against his chest again.

Inside the apartment, the air was warmer, quieter. Luffy padded through, shutting the door behind him with his foot before carrying Law toward the bedroom. 

When he reached the bed, he crouched again, lowering Law carefully onto the mattress. He shifted him onto his back, tugging the blanket up over his shoulders. For a moment, he just stood there, watching.

Law’s face was softer in sleep, the usual sharpness gone. Luffy couldn’t help but smile. He reached down once more, brushing a stray strand of hair from Law’s forehead with a gentleness that surprised even him.

“Night, Traffy.” he whispered, almost like a secret, before stepping back and letting him rest.

Chapter Text

Law laid sprawled on his bed, his breath already uneven, and Luffy straddled his hips with a confident, hungry grin. The younger man leaned in close, fingers working at the buttons of Law’s shirt. One by one, the fabric gave way, exposing more of the doctor’s pale, tattooed chest.

“You look so beautiful, Traffy.” Luffy murmured, his voice rougher, huskier than Law had ever heard before.

A flush crept up Law’s neck and into his cheeks. He turned his head, teeth sinking into his lip, trying to maintain some shred of composure. But with Luffy’s weight pressing down on him, pinning him, there wasn’t much he could do.

The shirt finally parted fully, and Luffy tugged it aside, revealing the lean muscle and the black ink across Law’s skin. His chest rose and fell quickly, every breath shivering out of him as heat pooled in his stomach.

Luffy’s fingers trailed over the tattoos, tracing them like a map, his fingertips sliding down over firm pecs and across defined abs. He lingered, stroking, caressing, as though memorizing every inch. “Has anyone ever told you just how sexy you are?” He said lowly, almost a growl.

Law groaned in frustration, half from the touch and half from the words. 

Too much talking, damn it, he thought, but he couldn’t form the words. 

Then Luffy leaned down, lips brushing Law’s chest, soft at first, teasing kisses that made his body tense.

He bit down suddenly, hard enough to leave a mark, and Law’s sharp moan filled the room. His hips bucked instinctively, grinding up against Luffy’s ass. The friction sent a jolt of pleasure through him.

Luffy chuckled darkly, shifting deliberately against him. “Someone’s horny.” He teased, tone dripping with smug amusement.

Law’s eyes widened slightly at the filthy edge in his voice, not expecting that from him- but God, he didn’t mind one bit.

Luffy shifted lower, sliding down until he was between Law’s thighs, mouth leaving a trail of heat as he kissed his way down his torso. Each press of lips, each bite, pushed Law closer to the edge. When Luffy reached his V-line, he nipped lightly at the skin, making Law groan louder, his head tilting back against the pillow as waves of pleasure burned through him.

He was ready, desperate for more. His pants felt painfully tight, his member aching for attention, and he could feel himself trembling with anticipation.

And then- nothing.

Law blinked and looked down, chest heaving. Luffy’s face hovered just above his waistband, smiling like a devil. And then he opened his mouth.

“Bee beep.”

Law froze. Confusion jolted through him. 

What?

“Bee beep. Bee beep.” Luffy repeated, grin widening, voice robotic now.

Suddenly Law felt like he was falling, around him pitch black darkness of a never-ending abyss.

He gasped and ripped his eyes open, chest still heaving. He was in his room. The dim glow of morning illuminating it faintly.

His alarm clock blaring beside him.

He groaned, dragging a hand down his face. Just a dream. A painfully vivid dream, which his throbbing nether region confirmed.

Annoyed, Law slammed his hand down on the alarm, cutting off the shrill beeping.

Like I’m a teenager again… Fucking hell, he thought, jaw tightening in frustration.

His temples throbbed from the alcohol he’d downed the night before, a dull ache that made it hard to remember much of anything. He couldn’t even recall when- or how- he’d gotten home.

With a sharp exhale, he admitted the inevitable. His nether region was still begging to be taken care of, still burning from that damned dream. 

He’d have to take care of it if he wanted any chance of functioning today.

He slid a hand beneath his blanked, closing his eyes, getting himself to focus. 

Just when his fingers grazed down, the silence shattered.

A loud, unmistakable snore cut through the room.

Law froze. His eyes snapped open. For one wild second he thought he was still dreaming, caught in some surreal loop. Heart hammering, he jolted upright, whipping his head to the side.

And that’s when he saw him.

Luffy.

Lying beside him, curled into the fetal position. His tanned skin bare but for a pair of briefs- and that damned leather harness still strapped across his torso, gleaming faintly in the morning light. His messy hair stuck out in every direction, his lips parted at each soft, wheezy snore.

Law’s blood turned cold. His pulse thundered in his ears.

What the actual fuck happened?!

His hands scrambled for the blanket, yanking it up to check himself, panic lancing through his veins. 

Shirt- still on. Pants- still on. His belt was even fastened. Relief washed over him, but it was short lived.

Because none of that explained why Luffy was here. Why he was in Law’s bed. Why he was dressed- or undressed- like that.

Law sat frozen, staring at him, heart still racing. The younger man shifted slightly in his sleep, murmuring something incoherent before settling again, utterly at ease.

Meanwhile, Law’s thoughts spiralled.

Law sat frozen, his body stiff as stone, until the shrill sound of his second alarm dragged him out of the spiral of thoughts. He fumbled to shut it off, the sudden silence almost deafening in its weight.

Slowly, he turned his head again. Luffy was still there, still sleeping deeply, chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

Law lowered himself back against the mattress with care, staring up at the ceiling. His mind spun in useless circles- what gods had he angered, what cosmic grudge was the universe holding against him to land him in this position?

Beside him, Luffy shifted, rolling slightly as though searching for a better spot. The leather straps of the harness creaked faintly.

I’d be uncomfortable too if I was still wearing that damned thing, Law thought with a bitter twist of his lips.

And then, without warning, Luffy’s arm slung across him.

Law went rigid.

The younger man nestled closer, a smile tugging at his lips even in sleep. His forehead brushed Law’s shoulder, and he made a small, content noise, rubbing his head against him like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Law’s throat tightened. He swallowed hard, every nerve in his body on edge.

I’m sorry. Whoever I offended, whatever I did- please, forgive me!

That morning, Law did something he had never once allowed himself to do- he called in sick.

The excuse felt flimsy on his tongue, but there was no way he could drag himself out of bed. Not with the pounding in his skull from too much alcohol, and not with the heavy weight of a certain idiot curled against him, holding him captive without even knowing it.

To his own surprise, Law drifted back to sleep. The warmth and steady rhythm of Luffy’s breathing lulled him deeper than he expected.

When he woke again, it was to the sensation of movement. Luffy stirred beside him, stretching like a lazy cat, and then sat up. Law blinked against the grogginess, rubbing at his temples.

“Luffy?” His voice came out low and rough with sleep. “What’s going on?”

Luffy winced at being caught, cheeks flushed. He gave Law a sheepish look, his voice just as rough. 

“Oh- mornin’, Traffy. Did I wake you?”

Slowly, Law pushed himself upright, fighting through the fog in his head. He rubbed his eyes, his expression caught between suspicion and disbelief. “By the way… what are you doing here?... Dressed like that?”

Luffy tilted his head, clearly confused, before he broke into an awkward grin. Bit by bit, he began to explain; how he had carried Law home, how Ace and Sabo had teased him on the way out, how Law had been dead to the world the whole time.

With each sentence, Law felt his face heat more and more.

“…And then-” Luffy continued, scratching at the back of his neck. “-You pulled me down. Mumbled something about…” He trailed off, suddenly shy, eyes darting away. “…Not wanting to be alone.”

The words hit Law like a punch to the gut. His ears burned. He wanted to deny it, to argue, but Luffy was still talking.

“And because I still had on my costume, I just… crashed like this.” Luffy tugged at the leather straps of the harness, giving a soft chuckle. “Honestly, I didn’t even know how to get this thing off.”

Law swallowed hard, forcing his thoughts into order before they strayed too far. “Need help?” He asked, keeping his tone as even as possible.

Luffy nodded, still pawing sleep from his eyes, and turned his back toward him.

Carefully, Law leaned in, fingers working at the buckles one by one. The straps gave way under his touch, the leather falling loose.

His knuckles brushed against Luffy’s warm skin more than once, and each accidental graze sent a spark racing through him.

Law clenched his jaw, pushing every dirty thought as far back in his head as possible.

But as the harness finally slid free, leaving Luffy bare-shouldered and smiling in relief, Law’s chest tightened with a dangerous mix of fondness and want.

Chapter Text

Steam curled around him as the water beat down, hot enough to sting. Law stood under the showerhead, palms pressed against the tiled wall, head bowed. Drops rolled down his face, dripping from his chin, but they did little to wash away the thoughts rattling in his skull.

He should’ve felt relieved. After waking up beside Luffy, after untangling him from that damned harness, watching him yawn and grin like nothing was out of the ordinary- things had ended cleanly enough. Luffy had borrowed some joggers and a hoodie, thanked him in his usual cheerful tone, and left without a shred of awkwardness.

Simple. Harmless. Forgettable.

So why was his chest still tight? Why was his mind still circling back to the weight of warm skin under his fingers, to the sight of Luffy rubbing sleep from his eyes in his bed, like he belonged there?

Law let out a sharp exhale, water splashing off his lips. “I must be sexually frustrated.” He muttered to himself. The words sounded pathetic even as he said them.

He tried to reason it out. It had been years- years- since he’d bothered with anyone. His work, his walls, his damn perfectionism had made intimacy a hassle he didn’t want to deal with. His hand was easier, simpler. But no amount of cold logic erased the way his body had reacted last night, or the way his pulse quickened just thinking about Luffy’s laugh.

That’s all this is, he told himself, running both hands over his wet hair. Just hormones. Pent-up need. Anyone who treated me decently would’ve gotten the same reaction. It’s not him- it’s me.

But the lie didn’t quite land.

Because it hadn’t been anyone. It had been Luffy; stupid, reckless, infuriating Luffy. Luffy, who carried him home without a second thought. Luffy, who snored in his bed like it was the most natural thing in the world. Luffy, who looked at him with those bright, unguarded eyes that made Law feel like the ground wasn’t quite steady anymore.

He clenched his jaw, forcing the thoughts down, telling himself again and again that he was just tired, just horny, just-

“Just stop.” He hissed at his reflection in the fogged glass of the shower door.

But the water kept running, and his heart kept pounding, and deep down he knew this wasn’t going away.

Luffy’s morning, unlike everyone else’s, was filled with far too much energy.

He bounded through the front door, cheeks flushed from the chilly air, grin stretched wide as ever. At the kitchen table sat Ace, Sabo, Yamato, and Koala—every one of them looking like the definition of regret. Their hair was messy, their eyes half-lidded, and the strong smell of coffee clung to the air like a lifeline.

“Hey guys!” Luffy shouted cheerfully, like he hadn’t been out all night.

A collective groan rolled through the room, all four clutching their heads at the volume.

“Too loud.” Ace mumbled into his coffee mug.

“Too happy.” Yamato added, face buried in his arms.

Koala didn’t even look up, muttering something about noise being illegal.

Sabo just winced and made a vague gesture that Luffy interpreted as go away.

Luffy only laughed, peeling off his sandals and padding across the wooden floor. He hummed as he went, a bright, bouncy tune that seemed designed to torture the hungover group. Another wave of groans followed him down the hall like a chorus of dying whales.

He giggled, thoroughly entertained, and slipped into his room. But the grin froze on his face.

Because there, in his bed, snoring like a chainsaw, was none other than Roronoa Zoro.

Luffy blinked.

“…What the heck?”

Zoro didn’t stir, one arm hanging off the edge of the bed, drool pooling onto Luffy’s blanket like it was his own. He looked completely at home, which only made it weirder.

Luffy padded closer, poking Zoro’s cheek once. Nothing. He poked again, harder. Still nothing.

“Oi, Zoro! Why are you in my bed?!” Luffy finally yelled.

Zoro just groaned, turned over, and mumbled something about “wrong damn room” before promptly going back to sleep.

Luffy puffed out his cheeks in frustration. “Geez, you’re heavier than Law when I had to carry him! And at least he had a reason…”

Luffy scratched the back of his head, lips pressed tight as he weighed his options. Kick Zoro out? Or just let him hog the bed like nothing was wrong?

He decided quickly. Definitely kick him out.

“Oi! Wake up! Get out of my bed!” Luffy shook him, harder this time, scowling. Normally, he didn’t care if Zoro crashed with him—half the time, it just happened without either of them thinking. But this? Zoro sneaking in while he wasn’t even home? That felt different.

Zoro groaned, cracking one eye open, irritation clear. He rolled his head toward Luffy, voice gravelly from sleep. 

“The hell, Luffy…?”

“Good morning, Zoro.” Luffy said, arms crossed. “Now tell me- why are you here?”

Zoro yawned, scratching his chest like it was the most normal thing in the world. “What do you mean? I sleep over all the time.”

“Yeah.” Luffy shot back flatly. “When I’m actually here.”

Zoro sat up slowly, the blanket sliding off his shoulders. His eyes narrowed, the annoyance fading into something heavier, darker. “Just drank too much. Didn’t feel like leaving.”

Luffy squinted. “Of course. And my name is Peacock Fish Bird.”

That finally got Zoro’s full attention. He straightened, turning to really look at him. His gaze snagged on the oversized hoodie hanging off Luffy’s frame. Not just any hoodie- Law’s.

Zoro’s jaw tightened. His expression shifted into something sharp, an emotion Luffy couldn’t name but felt pressed down by all the same.

“I waited here.” Zoro said, voice low. “Because I don’t trust that damn emo doctor.” His eyes lingered on the hoodie again, narrowing. “And looks like I was right not to.”

Luffy blinked, head tilted in confusion. 

“Huh?”

Luffy blinked again, utterly lost. “Right about what? You mean waiting in my bed? ’Cause that doesn’t make any sense, Zoro.”

Zoro grunted, looking away like the wall had suddenly become fascinating. “Tch. Forget it.”

Luffy squatted in front of him, hoodie sleeves slipping over his hands, curiosity written all over his face. “You’re acting weird. Did you hit your head or something?”

The question made Zoro’s eye twitch. Weird? He wasn’t the one parading around in another man’s clothes like some… trophy. But he swallowed the words, jaw locked tight.

Instead, he muttered.

“You shouldn’t trust him so much.”

“Traffy?” Luffy tilted his head, confused but smiling. “Why not? He’s nice! He even lent me these clothes after the party.” He tugged at the hem of the hoodie proudly, as if showing off a prize.

Zoro’s hands curled into fists on the sheets. That stupid hoodie. It smelled like Law, looked like Law, screamed Law; and here was Luffy grinning in it like it was his favourite thing in the world.

Luffy, oblivious to the storm brewing across from him, just kept talking. “Anyway, next time you’re tired, you should just use the couch. Beds are for sleeping in when I’m here!”

Zoro exhaled sharply through his nose, forcing down the retort on his tongue. Luffy wouldn’t get it. He never did.

Instead, he flopped back onto the mattress, one arm behind his head. “Whatever. Do what you want.”

Luffy grinned, satisfied he’d “won,” and padded toward the door. “Okay then! I’m getting breakfast. You want ramen?”

Zoro grunted again, eyes closing, though his mind was far from calm. He didn’t need food; what he needed was for that damn doctor to stop hovering around his Luffy.

But Luffy was already gone, humming down the hall, leaving Zoro alone with the weight of his own jealousy.

Zoro had seen it; every damn second of it. The way Luffy had bent down, arms sliding under the lanky doctor as if it were the easiest thing in the world. Lifting him like he weighed nothing, like he’d done it a hundred times before, like Law belonged there in his arms.

And Luffy; smiling, proud, walking straight out the door with that bastard cradled against his chest.

Zoro’s jaw locked so tight it ached. If he hadn’t been furious before, he sure as hell was now. First, that emo bastard hogged Luffy’s attention all night, cutting off Zoro’s line of sight every damn time he so much as tried to look at him. Then he passed out like some delicate damsel after a couple drinks, forcing Luffy to carry him out like some kind of… princess.

Pathetic.

Zoro huffed, tipping back his sake, letting the burn distract him for all of three seconds before the fury returned.

Ace leaned casually against the back of his chair, the grin on his face infuriatingly smug. “He’s not coming back.” Ace sing-songed, wiggling his eyebrows like the menace he was.

Zoro’s eye twitched. 

Of course, Ace knew. Ace always knew. 

That bastard had been watching him all night, like he was just waiting for Zoro to crack. And the worst part? He did know, exactly how much Zoro hated seeing Luffy walk off with someone else.

Zoro didn’t dignify it with an explanation. Instead, he tipped his bottle back again, emptying another mouthful before slamming it down. “He’ll be back. Thirty minutes, tops. That guy tries to lay a hand on Luffy, and he’ll be tossed out faster than he can blink.”

“Oh yeah?” Ace drawled, smirk widening. “Care to make it interesting?”

Zoro turned his head, narrowing his eye.

“Hundred berri says you’re wrong.”

The swordsman’s teeth ground, but he wasn’t backing down. Not from this. “Deal,” he growled, then drained the rest of his sake like he was sealing a pact in blood.

Minutes ticked by. Then half an hour. Then an hour.

Zoro’s chest grew tighter with each one. His confidence shrank, replaced by a slow, gnawing dread. What the hell was taking so long? That bastard wasn’t actually trying something, was he?

The thought had his hands tightening into fists, nails digging into his palms. His teeth ground so hard his jaw ached.

Law… better not.

Because if that emo piece of shit had laid even a finger on Luffy in the wrong way, Zoro swore; no amount of hospitals, stitches, or blood bags would be enough to put him back together again.

Chapter Text

Luffy sat at the table, watching his brothers and friends slump over their cups, groaning with every sound he made. He tried to talk to them, but it was like chatting with a pile of corpses. His eyes flicked toward the hallway.

Zoro still hadn’t come out of his room.

He didn’t know why that fact gnawed at him, but it did. The idea of Zoro sulking away, shut off from everyone- 

It felt… strange. Heavy. Wrong.

With a small huff, he pushed back his chair. The table groaned in relief as his voice left the table. Luffy padded down the hall, bare feet against wood, until he reached his door.

He stepped in, closing it behind him.

“Look, Zoro.” He started, tone firmer than usual. “I’m sorry I worried you, but cooping up in my room is unfair.”

On the bed, Zoro laid sprawled out, not even looking at him. Just a small, irritated huff escaped him, like he was too tired, or too angry, to care.

Luffy frowned, crossing his arms. 

“Zoro!” he snapped, warning in his tone.

That got him a reaction. Zoro rolled, turning his face toward him.

Something twisted in Luffy’s chest at the sight; Zoro’s eyes rimmed red, the faintest trace of wetness still clinging to his lashes.

“Zoro?” His voice softened, the fight draining out of it.

Zoro grunted, rubbing his arm across his eyes in a sharp, almost angry swipe. “What?” His voice was rough, unnecessarily sharp, as if he could cut Luffy with it.

“What’s going on?” Luffy asked quietly, stepping closer. “Were you… crying? I’m fine, you know.” He sat down beside him, watching him carefully.

“Yeah, I see that all right.” Zoro’s huff was bitter, heavy.

Luffy tilted his head, confusion settling deeper. “I don’t get it, Zoro… what’s going on?”

Zoro sat up abruptly, fists clenching against his thighs. “I’m upset! You spent the night at that stupid emo doctor’s house. And now-” His eyes narrowed on the hoodie his so-called best friend was wearing. “-you’re walking around wearing his hoodie like it’s some kind of prize.”

Luffy blinked. “What do you mean? He lent it to me. I only had my costume, and it was too cold to walk home like that.”

“It’s obvious why you stayed there.” Zoro bit out, agitation rising in every word.

“What?” Luffy asked confused, brows furrowing.

“It’s just- so obvious!” Zoro’s voice cracked with frustration.

“What is?!” Luffy’s confusion spiked into irritation. It felt like Zoro was accusing him of something, but he couldn’t even figure out what.

Zoro’s fists trembled. He couldn’t stop himself anymore. “It’s obvious you two fucked!”

Luffy froze, eyes wide, breath catching in shock. 

“WHAT?!” His voice rang louder than he meant, sharp with disbelief. “Even if I did- which I didn’t- what is it any of your business?!”

Zoro’s mouth opened, then shut, lips pressed to a thin line, his throat tight.

“Because…” The word hung in the air like a sword waiting to fall.

“Because?” Luffy pressed, chest tight now too, waiting.

Zoro’s jaw worked, his teeth grinding, the word clawing at his throat- jealousy, protectiveness, fear- all twisting into one unbearable knot.

“Fucking hell! You are so incredibly stupid!” Zoro barked, his voice cracking again under the weight of frustration.

Before Luffy could even blink, Zoro’s hand shot out, gripping the back of his neck. Rough, desperate. He yanked him forward and crashed their mouths together. 

It wasn’t soft, it wasn’t gentle; it was messy, angry, a collision more than a kiss. And not a trace of any romance. 

Then just as suddenly, Zoro shoved him back, his face flushed crimson. 

His chest heaved, eyes burning. “Do you get it now?!” He snarled, not realizing in that moment how deeply he’d crossed a line.

Luffy sat frozen, one hand pressed against his lips. 

His wide eyes shimmered, tears gathering fast as his heart felt like it was being strangles. His chest felt like it was splitting open, his emotions pulling him in every direction at once. Filled with confusion, anger, maybe even disgust.

Before he could think, before he could speak, his body moved on its own. Like he was on fire.

He shot up from the bed, stumbled toward the door, and bolted; bare feet pounding against the floor as he tore out of the apartment.

The door slammed shut behind him, leaving a heavy silence in its place.

Outside in the hall, the eavesdroppers sat frozen, all four of them wide-eyed, still processing what they had just witnessed through the thin walls.

Koala’s hand flew to her mouth. 

“Oh... my… god…” She whispered, still in disbelive.

Yamato clenched his fists, jaw tight. “The idiot kissed him- without asking.” His voice trembled with restrained fury.

Ace’s brows knitted together, a low growl rising in his throat. “That bastard…” His body shifted like he was about to storm in right then and there.

But Sabo was already on his feet. The protective heat in his chest drowned out any hangover left in his body. His chair clattered against the floor as he marched toward Luffy’s room, blue eyes sharp, dangerous.

“I’ll deal with him.” Sabo hissed, voice colder than steel. “No one gets to put their hands on Luffy like that.”

Ace was right behind him, like fire threatening to spark. Yamato followed too, his presence heavy, ready to back the brothers up.

Only Koala reached out, trying to stop them. “Wait- maybe we should check on Luffy first!”

But Sabo’s protective instincts had already taken over. Luffy had run out in tears, and to him, that was all that mattered.

Inside the room, Zoro sat frozen, his hand still tingling from where he’d grabbed Luffy. Slowly, the weight of what he’d done began to crush him. His ears caught faint footsteps approaching- heavy, purposeful. He didn’t need to guess who it was.

For the first time in years, Roronoa Zoro felt a twinge of fear.

The door slammed open.

Sabo was the first through, his fury barely contained, golden hair still tamed, but eyes sharp like steel.

Ace trailed close behind, fists clenched and trembling with fury.

Yamato filled the doorway like a silent wall of judgment, and Koala slipped in beside Sabo, her expression uncharacteristically dark, lips pressed tight with anger.

Zoro sat frozen on the bed, still tasting the bitter aftermath of what he’d done.

“What the hell was that?” Sabo demanded, his voice low and dangerous, the kind of tone that could make armies flinch.

Zoro held his ground, jaw tight. “I made it clear.”

Sabo’s expression twisted. “Clear? You forced yourself on him. That’s not clarity, Zoro. That’s… disgusting behaviour!”

Ace stepped forward, boiling with anger. 

“You made him cry!” He spat, fury crackling off him like sparks. “Do you have any idea what that means? He trusts you with his life, and you just… tore into that.”

Zoro gritted his teeth but said nothing.

Koala’s voice cut through the room, calm but sharp enough to sting. “Do you even realize what you did? Luffy’s too trusting for his own good. And you-” She jabbed a finger at him. “-you took advantage of that trust. Whether you want to admit it or not.”

Zoro looked at her, then away, shame creeping into his chest like a slow poison.

“Don’t look away!” Koala snapped, stepping forward. “You don’t get to act like this is just some stupid mistake. You crossed a line you can’t uncross.”

For once, Zoro had no comeback. He clenched his fists until his knuckles whitened, the weight of everyone’s eyes bearing down on him.

Sabo stepped closer, his voice low but lethal. “You don’t decide for him, Zoro. He decides. And if you ever touch my brother like that again, I don’t care how many swords you swing - I will make sure you regret it.”

Ace’s hand trembled. “Seconded.”

Yamato finally spoke, his tone calm but absolute. “You’re not welcome here anymore. Get out.”

Zoro’s head jerked up. “What?”

Koala folded her arms, gaze icy. “You heard him. You’ve done enough damage. Leave before I call Dragon and tell him what you just did to his son. “

The air thickened with tension. Zoro’s chest burned with anger and shame all at once, but the sight of their united stares -hard, unyielding - told him there was no winning this.

He stood slowly, the floorboards creaking under his weight, and grabbed his things. For the first time in a long time, he felt heavy and unbalanced.

Without a word, he walked past them, the room suffocatingly quiet.

The moment the door shut behind him, Ace exhaled a long, shaky breath. Sabo’s hands unclenched, but his eyes still burned like coals. Koala rubbed her temples, the anger not softening, only settling deeper.

“Someone should go find Luffy.” She murmured.

Sabo nodded grimly. “I’ll go.”

Chapter Text

Luffy practically flew down the staircase, feet pounding so hard against the concrete floors it echoed like a drum. He stumbled once, caught himself on the railing, and kept going. His chest burned, his throat tight, but he didn’t stop. He couldn’t stop. The only thought that anchored itself in his head was get away.

His ears rang with every step, the pounding in his chest louder than the busy after-work traffic on the streets. It felt like someone was chasing him, even if he knew no one was. Still, he ran as though his life depended on it, as though if he slowed down for even a second the whole world would collapse on top of him.

He didn’t notice when the tears started; only that his vision blurred, his cheeks grew hot, and his breaths came out in sharp, broken gasps.

His thoughts spun in circles, crashing into one another. He never felt the need to run away, not once in his life, he had always challenged every situation head on. But right now? 

If one kiss- one kiss- could make him feel this horrible, this unraveled, then it could just as easily make him feel the opposite. Which meant he wasn’t indifferent to it. Which meant…

Things he didn’t even want to start to think about. Things he wasn’t ready to think about.

Luffy’s legs carried him without a plan, without direction, nor a goal; until he realized where he’d ended up. The streets blurred together until suddenly he was in a part of town his body knew better than his brain did: near Law’s apartment.

And then he collided.

Hard.

His shoulder slammed into something solid, sending him sprawling to the ground. His knees scraped against the pavement, the road welcoming him with its rough arms. The impact made him feel every bone in his body, but it didn’t matter- nothing hurt as much as the storm inside his chest.

“Damn it! Don’t you watch where you’re-” A familiar voice snapped, sharp as a blade. Then it softened, breaking mid-sentence. “Oh god. Luffy?”

Luffy blinked up, his eyes flooded with tears, everything blurry and shimmering under the streetlight. The shape above him came into focus slowly; broad shoulders, a dark hoodie, eyes widened in alarm.

“Law…?” his voice cracked, barely audible.

Law crouched down immediately, curse forgotten. “What happened?” His hands hovered as if afraid to touch him wrong, his sharp voice laced with worry. He reached for Luffy’s face, thumb brushing gently at the tears streaking down.

Luffy hiccupped, trying to form words, but they tangled in his throat. All that came out was a broken sob, one that tore at Law’s chest.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay.” Law murmured, voice softer than Luffy had ever heard it. “You’re alright. I’ve got you.”

Luffy sat curled up on Law’s couch, swallowed whole by a thick fuzzy blanket until only his messy black hair and the rim of the mug in his hands peeked out. He looked like some oversized burrito. 

His eyes were red and swollen from crying, every so often he sniffled between quiet sips of the hot chocolate Law had made for him.

Since arriving, he hadn’t said much. Just little one-word answers, fragmented thoughts that trailed into silence, sometimes broken up by another round of muffled sobs he tried to hide behind the blanket. It was almost unbearable for Law to watch; Luffy, of all people, reduced to this fragile, trembling mess.

Law sat nearby, elbows on his knees, forcing himself not to stare too openly. He wanted answers, needed to know what could’ve possibly shaken the usually unshakable idiot this badly- but more than that, he wanted to keep him safe. So instead of interrogating him, he leaned close, murmuring reassurances in a low, steady tone:

“You’re safe here.”

“Don’t force yourself to talk yet.”

“I’ve got you, Luffy. Just… breathe.”

Every word felt clumsy, inadequate, but it was all he had. And when Luffy shifted, leaning almost unconsciously against his side, Law felt a surge of something fierce, almost primal, inside him. Whoever had done this- whoever had made Luffy’s sunshine dim like this- they’d pay. He would make sure of it.

Minutes ticked by in heavy silence, broken only by the soft slurp of Luffy’s drink and the occasional creak of the couch when he adjusted in his burrito-wrapping. Law stayed right there beside him, trying to comfort him as best as he could.

Then his phone rang.

Law frowned, pulling it from his pocket. The number flashing on the screen wasn’t saved. He stood, shooting Luffy a quiet; “I’ll be right back.” Before slipping onto the balcony and shutting the door behind him.

“Yeah?” he answered flatly.

“Law?” The voice on the other end was tense, panicked. “It’s Sabo. Please tell me Luffy’s with you- no one’s seen him for almost an hour!”

Law’s spine went rigid. His gaze darted back through the glass door to the living room, where Luffy sat bundled up, staring blankly at his mug. “He’s here.” Law confirmed quickly, his voice sharper than he intended. “Safe. But what the hell happened to him?”

There was a pause, Sabo’s sigh carrying equal parts relief and fury. Then he told him.

With every word, Law’s blood ran hotter. His jaw clenched so tight it hurt, fingers whitening around the phone as the story unravelled. By the time Sabo finished, Law’s pulse thundered in his ears.

He cast another glance inside, at the boy on his couch, looking smaller than Law had ever seen him. His chest tightened, and a promise formed in the pit of his stomach, dark and unshakable.

Zoro… would regret it.

After their short talk, Law ended the call with Sabo, giving him firm reassurance that Luffy was safe with him. He slipped his phone back into his pocket, exhaled slowly, and went inside.

The sight was still uncanny. Luffy was still curled up in the blanket, mug abandoned on the table, his body slouched as if the weight of the world pressed down on his shoulders. When Law sat back down beside him, Luffy leaned into him again almost immediately, resting his head against Law’s shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Who…?” Luffy’s voice was hoarse, quiet, like he wasn’t sure he was allowed to ask. His eyes flicked nervously toward Law, almost fearful.

Law tilted his head down slightly. “Who was on the phone?”

Luffy gave a small, hesitant nod. He was afraid, Law could tell, that it was the hospital, calling him in. That he’d be left behind.

“Your brother.” Law said softly. “Sabo. He was looking for you.”

Luffy let out a shaky breath, nodding slowly. “Sorry…”

Law blinked at him, frowning. “Sorry for what?”

“Running…?” Luffy’s answer was almost a whisper, like he thought he’d committed some unforgivable sin.

Law huffed out a breath, the corner of his mouth twitching upward in something close to a smile. “You did nothing wrong. Don’t worry about it. No one’s angry.” His tone was firm, because if there was one thing he wanted hammered into Luffy’s thick skull right now, it was that he wasn’t at fault.

Luffy sniffled, shoulders relaxing just a little, and nodded again.

For a long moment, silence settled between them. Law’s mind churned, trying to think of what else he could do- how to lighten this crushing weight without fumbling it. He almost gave up, until a thought struck him.

“Hey…” he murmured, glancing sideways. “Do you wanna watch that penguin movie? I kinda fell asleep last time.”

The words sounded awkward even to his own ears, and his attempt at a smile probably looked more like a grimace, but it was the best he could offer.

Luffy blinked up at him, then let out a small, tired chuckle. It wasn’t his usual bright laugh, but it was real enough to ease the knot in Law’s chest. “Surfs Up…” Luffy mumbled, lips tugging into the faintest of smiles. 

“Yeah. Sounds good.”

Chapter Text

Law set everything up, switching on the TV and searching for the movie, while Luffy burrowed deeper into the blanket like some kind of cocoon. Like it could protect him. Once the screen showed the opening credits, Law settled back down beside him.

The moment he did, Luffy shifted again, leaning into him fully this time, his head pillowed against Law’s shoulder as if that spot belonged to him. His hair tickled Law’s jaw, and Law froze for a second, every muscle tense.

Calm down, idiot, he told himself. He’s just tired. He’s just had a terrible day. relax.

On screen, animated penguins and a rooster were trying to get Cody onboard the whale, while the weird bird was not a fan of it. Beside him, though, Luffy was quiet- eerily so. From time to time, he let out a small laugh, but it was soft, muted, nothing like his usual bursts of joy.

Law glanced down at him. His eyes were puffy, lids heavy. He looked worn out in a way that made Law’s chest ache. It wasn’t just the crying; it was everything building up, spilling over.

You don’t deserve this, he thought, whoever makes you cry again… they’ll regret it.

The movie carried on, but Law barely registered it. His thoughts spiralled.

Why did he care this much? Why did seeing Luffy cry burn like acid in his veins? Why was it so damn hard to look at him without feeling like his carefully built walls were being chipped away one piece at a time?

A soft sound drew him out of his head. Luffy had dozed off, breathing deep and even, his lips parted slightly. His cheek pressed against Law’s shoulder, and one of his hands had slid across Law’s arm, loosely clutching his sleeve as if he was making sure Law wouldn’t leave.

Law stared at him, torn between exasperation and something far more dangerous.

You’re too trusting. Your trust just got shattered by your best friend. You have so many friends and family worrying over you so…

…why me?

He told himself it didn’t matter. He told himself it was just circumstance. He told himself this wasn’t anything. But when Luffy shifted in his sleep and pressed even closer, Law knew he was lying through his teeth.

The doctor leaned his head back against the couch, eyes closing briefly. He let out a long, controlled breath.

“I’m in trouble.” He muttered under his breath, so quiet it got lost under the movie’s background music.

But he didn’t move him.

The movie had ended ages ago. Law hadn’t even noticed when the credits rolled, too focused on the steady weight of Luffy pressed against him. He didn’t want to move, didn’t want to wake him, and if he was honest, he didn’t want this to end. So, instead of getting up, he queued up another random show, something to fill the silence while the room grew warmer and heavier with sleep.

Every now and then, a yawn caught him off guard, the kind of bone-deep fatigue he rarely felt. He rubbed at his eyes with his free hand, the other trapped under the blanket by Luffy’s loose grip on his sleeve.

When he finally looked down, his chest tightened. 

Luffy was out cold, breathing soft, lips slack, hair falling into his face. Peaceful. Too peaceful.

Law swallowed hard. He couldn’t lie to himself anymore. There was something here- something he felt when he looked at Luffy, something that made him restless and uneasy and… alive. 

He called it affection, tried to frame it like the sympathy people had for those sickly street dogs that looked too pitiful to ignore. Except… Luffy wasn’t sick. And he definitely wasn’t ugly.

No, he was—

Stop. Just stop.

Law squeezed his eyes shut and shifted carefully, trying to angle his legs in a way that would hide the sudden problem in his joggers. Heat crawled up his neck, shame mixing with affection in a way that made him feel unhinged.

What the hell was wrong with him? Luffy had just been betrayed, thrown off balance by his own best friend. He needed comfort, stability, someone to just be there. And here Law was, sitting with his head full of dirty thoughts, body betraying him like some horny teenager.

He exhaled through his nose, sharp and irritated. Pathetic.

Carefully, so as not to wake Luffy, he pulled out his phone. His thumb hovered over the screen, mind racing. He needed a release, a distraction, anything to burn this out of his system. A hookup, faceless and fast. 

Something to remind him he was in control.

The App Store blinked back at him, waiting.

Law clenched his jaw, glaring at the download bar like it might erase the turmoil inside him. Anything was better than letting this… whatever it was… grow.

A few more hours crawled by. The glow of the TV long forgotten. Law’s eyelids burned, heavy with exhaustion. He fought it as long as he could, but eventually his body had other plans. He needed to lie down properly or he’d collapse sitting upright.

Carefully, he shifted, slipping his arm out from under Luffy’s weight. The movement made the younger man stir, his head wobbling forward. Law’s reflexes caught him, steadying him so he wouldn’t slump awkwardly.

A faint whimper left Luffy’s lips at the loss of warmth, so small and fragile that it made Law’s chest squeeze. He hesitated, watching him.

“...Tch. You’re impossible.” He muttered under his breath.

With a soft sigh, he bent down, sliding both arms under Luffy’s body. The younger man was lighter than he looked- or maybe Law’s time in the gym had finally paid off. Either way, it was effortless to lift him.

He carried him into the bedroom and lowered him onto the mattress with a precision that surprised even himself. For a moment, he lingered at the edge, pulling the blanket over Luffy’s shoulders, adjusting the pillow so his head rested comfortably. The sight made something sharp and unfamiliar twist in his gut.

The couch was the obvious choice. It would’ve been safer, easier, less… complicated. He even turned halfway toward the door. But the memory of Luffy’s shaky voice earlier and the way he had instinctively leaned on him, searching for closeness, stopped him cold.

If he walked away now, if Luffy woke up reaching and found no one there… 

He couldn’t do that to him. Not tonight.

With a quiet curse at himself, Law sat down on the edge of the bed, then slowly laid back. Careful not to crowd him.

He stayed near, but not touching, though he knew it was only a matter of time before Luffy rolled over and sought him out again.

Staring at the ceiling, Law exhaled.

“Just this once.” He told himself. “Only to keep him calm.”

But even as the lie formed, he knew this wasn’t the last time they would share his bed.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Luffy was woken by the blaring of an alarm. He groaned, burying his face deeper into the soft pillow he’d been hugging. His fingers fumbled in the fabric as he muttered something unintelligible, trying to silence it. The alarm finally cut off.

With a relieved sigh, he nuzzled back in, giving the fabric a little playful bite, a habit he couldn’t quite shake. The softness and warmth lulled him, and he drifted back to sleep, the thin piece of fabric still resting between his teeth.

Minutes later, the alarm blared again, insistent. Luffy stirred, groaning and nuzzling further- but something felt off. The fabric beneath his face wasn’t as soft as it should be. His eyes blinked open, vision blurry, and as it slowly cleared, realization hit him like a splash of cold water.

This wasn’t his pillow.

It was Law’s back, covered by a white tank top. And… his teeth were gently biting down on it. Heat immediately rushed to his cheeks. Right. He was at Law’s place.

Law didn’t move. So, he must still be asleep, right? Carefully, Luffy began to lift himself up, trying not to disturb him; but halfway through, a low, hoarse voice stopped him.

“Finally done gnawing at my shirt?”

Luffy froze, cheeks flaming red. “S-sorry… thought you were my pillow,” he mumbled, voice thick with embarrassment.

A quiet hum of approval came from Law, still half-lidded, half-asleep. “Mmhnn… it’s okay… come back.”

Luffy blinked, confusion flickering across his face, but the warmth in Law’s tone made him feel safe. Shrugging slightly, he shifted back, snuggling in close once more. He spooned Law from behind, nuzzling his face back where it was, wrapping his arms gently around him.

Law didn’t protest, just let out a soft exhale. 

The third alarm rang some time later, piercing the quiet of the morning. Law groaned, stretching reluctantly, and immediately noticed how Luffy had curled around him in his sleep, arms draped over his torso, head resting lightly on his chest. A faint blush crept up Law’s face.

But reality intruded- he needed to get to work. And for that, Luffy would have to leave.

Law turned off the alarm and shifted carefully, not wanting to disturb the younger man too much. Luffy didn’t budge, mumbling something incoherent about pillows, still half-lost in dreams. A small smirk tugged at Law’s lips at the thought.

“Luffy… wake up. I need to get to work.” He said gently, voice still gruff from sleep.

Luffy stirred, nuzzling closer against Law’s chest, eyes still shut. His murmurs were soft, dreamy, utterly endearing. Law tightened his jaw, fighting the surge of thoughts he knew he couldn’t indulge in right now, or ever matter-of-factly.

“Luffy, I really need to get ready.” He pressed, shifting slightly to nudge the younger man awake.

Slowly, Luffy blinked open his eyes, groggy and squinty, like a cat stretching after a long nap. The sight made Law bite the inside of his cheek to keep himself composed. He reminded himself: pent-up tension, not actual feelings. Just breathe, Law.

He reached out and ruffled Luffy’s messy hair, careful not to tug too hard (a man can only compose himself that much, ok?). Luffy blinked up at him, and for a moment, the fatigue and tears from yesterday softened into a warm, sleepy smile, the kind of smile that Law so missed yesterday without even knowing.

“Mornin’, Traffy,” Luffy murmured, voice husky from sleep and yesterday’s crying.

Law exhaled softly, letting himself enjoy the small, fleeting comfort, even if it was just for a few minutes before the day began.

Then they got ready to leave. Law offered to drive Luffy home, since it was conveniently on the way to the hospital anyway. Luffy’s face lit up with a small, grateful smile, and he accepted without hesitation.

The drive itself was uneventful, but in a comforting way. The city lights streaked past the windows, casting soft reflections across the interior of the car. Five minutes wasn’t nearly enough time for anything significant, but it didn’t matter.

Luffy balanced a heavy box labelled Usopp’s tinkering stuff against his hip, his voice carrying as he vented.

“…and then he just kissed me! Can you believe that? I never knew…” He trailed off, shaking his head in disbelief.

Usopp frowned, already annoyed on his friend’s behalf. “Zoro really doesn’t know how to use his words. Idiot. But Luffy… what are you gonna do now? You two are, like, best friends.”

Setting the box down in the hallway, Luffy rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know. Maybe I should talk to him? Tell him I don’t feel the same way? Maybe even apologize-”

“Apologize?!” Usopp cut him off, staring. “Why should you apologize? He kissed you without asking!”

Luffy sighed, eyes dropping to the floor before looking back up to his long-nosed friend. “Yeah, but… I ran away. Left him there. And knowing Sabo and Ace, he probably got an earful he didn’t deserve. I just- ugh, I don’t know.”

They headed back to the U-Haul together, grabbing the last two boxes. Luffy gave a small laugh, trying to ease the tension. “Honestly, I don’t even know why I flipped out like that. It was ridiculous, right?”

Usopp shrugged. “Not really. I’d panic too if Nami kissed me out of nowhere and told me she was into me.”

That made Luffy snort. “But I bet Vivi would’ve dared her to.”

“Hey!” Usopp puffed up dramatically. “I am an attractive and intelligent young man!”

“Mm, can’t deny that.” Kaya teased gently as she came down the stairs, smiling at her boyfriend’s antics.

Usopp turned red at Kaya’s words, coughing into his hand as if to recover his composure. “W-Well, of course! You see, Luffy, this is exactly what I mean. I don’t need Vivi daring anyone. I have plenty of charm all on my own!”

Kaya laughed softly and leaned against his shoulder, clearly used to his boasting by now. Luffy grinned at the two of them, the warmth of their easy closeness sinking into his chest.

For a moment, he felt lighter- like everything was going to be alright. But then Usopp nudged him with his elbow. “You know, joking aside, you really do have to talk to him. Otherwise, it’s just gonna hang over both your heads. And you’re not the type to avoid things forever.”

Luffy frowned, chewing on Usopp’s words as he followed them back inside. Kaya set one of the lighter boxes down and turned to him, her voice gentle but serious. “He’s right, Luffy. Zoro probably didn’t mean to hurt you but bottling it up won’t make it better. And… if he’s really your friend, he’ll listen.”

Luffy stuffed his hands into the pocket of Law’s hoodie- he stole another one this morning because he didn’t bring spare clothes- tugging it a little tighter around himself. His grin dimmed into something softer, more thoughtful. “Yeah… guess I can’t keep running forever. Even if he is an idiot.”

Usopp smirked. “That’s the spirit. Just, y’know, maybe don’t punch him in the face when you see him.”

Luffy laughed, loud and bright enough to make Kaya wince and cover her ears. “Shishishi! No promises!”

But inside, as the laughter faded, Luffy couldn’t help but wonder how Zoro would look at him the next time they met. And if they could resolve this.

Chapter Text

Zoro’s bamboo swords clashed against the wooden dummy with a sharp crack, the bamboo splintering under the force of his swing. Another broken weapon. He tossed it aside with a low growl, sweat dripping down his temple.

He’d been at it nonstop for days, training harder, angrier. But no matter how many swings he took, the knot in his chest wouldn’t loosen. A week. A whole damn week, and Luffy hadn’t said a word. No text, no call, not even one of those stupid short messages that never made sense.

Zoro knew why. He knew exactly what he’d done. He’d crossed a line, acted without thinking, and now he was paying for it. That didn’t make it sting any less. Every time he remembered Luffy’s face- shocked and hurt- it twisted like a blade in his gut.

He should’ve just used his words. Idiot. But instead, he let his frustration and jealousy boil over, and now… now he didn’t even know where they stood.

The sword cracked again, another splintered bamboo falling to the floor. Zoro let out a sharp breath, fighting the urge to smash the pieces entirely. He was supposed to have made peace with it. Luffy wasn’t the type to care about that kind of stuff- he’d told himself that a thousand times. But seeing him drift closer to someone else, watching him smile at another man like that… 

…it burned. 

Especially after he made peace with the fact that Luffy wasn’t interested in these sorts of things. It hurt more than he ever wanted to admit.

A heavy hand settled on his shoulder, grounding him.

“Zoro.” Rayleigh said, his tone calm but firm. “You’re not gonna find answers by breaking every sword in this dojo.”

Zoro gritted his teeth, looking away. “…I want to go to him. I do. But it feels like if I show up now, it’s just me being selfish again.”

Rayleigh gave a quiet hum, his lips curling into the faintest smirk. “You’ve been thinking about feelings a lot lately, huh? Not exactly your specialty.”

“Tch. Don’t start with me, old man.”

But the truth was written all over Zoro’s face.

The sun hung low, bleeding red and orange through the dojo windows. The streets outside had quieted, but inside, Zoro dragged a mop across the floor, the steady scrape of wood and water filling the silence.

The old door creaked open.

“Classes are over.” Zoro muttered without looking up. “Come back tomorrow.”

“…Sooo, no chance for a private lesson?”

That voice. Zoro froze, his grip on the mop tightening before he forced himself to look up.

Luffy stood there, scratching at the back of his neck with that crooked, uneasy smile. He looked the same as always- messy hair, bright eyes- but Zoro’s chest still tightened at the sight.

Shit, Zoro thought, before blurting out far too quickly, “Yeah, sure! Come in.” His tone came out too eager, too sharp. He cleared his throat, trying to reel it back. “What’s up?” What’s up? Really? You know what’s up!

Luffy shifted his weight, still scratching at his neck. “Wanted to… talk. That okay?”

Zoro’s throat went dry. He’d been wanting this. 

He’s been dreading this too.

“…Yeah. Yeah, that’s fine.” He lifted the mop, gesturing. “Just let me finish up here first. Head downstairs- you remember where it is.”

Luffy nodded once, simple as ever, and padded off toward the stairwell that led to Zoro’s small room in the dojo’s basement.

Zoro exhaled slowly, forcing his hands steady on the mop handle. He wasn’t sure if he was about to be patched back together or torn apart.

Zoro finished up faster than usual, tossing the mop aside once the floor was halfway decent. His feet felt heavier than his swords as he made his way downstairs.

The basement was dimly lit, smelling faintly of sweat, sake, and old tatami. Luffy was sitting cross-legged on the futon like he owned the place, fiddling with one of Zoro’s practice weights.

“You’re late.” Luffy said casually, not even looking up.

“Tch. You didn’t even wait five minutes.” Zoro muttered, shutting the door behind him. His arms folded out of habit, like a shield.

For a moment, silence stretched. Zoro leaned against the wall, arms crossed, while Luffy kept spinning the weight lazily in his hands.

Finally, Luffy broke the quiet. “Why’d you do it?”

The words hit harder than any strike.

Zoro’s jaw worked, but nothing came out at first. He wanted to say I don’t know. 

He wanted to say because I’m an idiot. He wanted to say because I couldn’t stand watching you smile at someone else.

Instead, he muttered, “I lost my head.”

“That’s obvious,” Luffy said bluntly. He set the weight down and looked up at Zoro, his expression serious in a way it rarely ever was. “But why me?”

Zoro’s chest tightened. He clenched his fists, staring at the floorboards. “Because it’s always been you.”

The air grew heavy. Luffy blinked, tilting his head slightly, as if trying to read between the lines.

“…That’s stupid.” He finally said.

Zoro’s eye twitched. “Hah?”

“It’s stupid to just… grab me like that without saying anything. You should’ve talked first.” Luffy’s tone wasn’t angry. More disappointed if anything, which somehow felt worse.

Zoro’s shoulders slumped. “Yeah. I know.”

For a long while, neither of them spoke. The silence was broken only by the faint creak of the dojo above.

Then Luffy sighed and leaned back on his hands. “I don’t know what to do with this. You’re my best friend.”

Zoro’s heart twisted. He wanted to ask if that was all he’d ever be—but he bit his tongue.

“…That’s enough.” He said finally, even if it burned to admit.

Luffy studied him a moment longer, then gave a small nod. “Good. Then let’s not make it weird.”

Easier said than done, Zoro thought, but he just grunted in reply.

Chapter Text

November had settled heavily over the town, painting the air crisp and sharp. The once lively trees stood bare and skeletal, their leaves scattered across the ground in brittle piles. Even the birds seemed to have surrendered to the cold, their songs replaced by silence. Anyone stepping outside without a jacket found themselves retreating quickly, breath puffing white in the chill.

Luffy, however, was busy with his usual routine. He tugged the bright red lawn mower back into its storage spot, the machine rattling slightly as he pushed it over the uneven floor. The shed smelled faintly of cut grass, oil, and the metallic tang of tools. He brushed the back of his hand across his forehead, humming softly to himself.

That’s when he heard it.

A sound, faint and broken, almost lost in the shuffle of him moving the mower.

Meow.

Luffy froze, head snapping up. “...Huh?” His eyes darted around the dim shed, searching for the source.

Meow.

This time it was clearer, sharper, and definitely distressed. Luffy’s chest tightened at the sound.

He crouched low, knees pressing against the cold concrete as he peered beneath the rows of shelves and stacked tools. “Where are you, little guy?” he muttered, his voice gentle.

After a few moments of searching, his gaze landed on a flash of orange fur pressed against the wall. A tiny kitten, no bigger than his hands, crouched trembling behind a clutter of forgotten tools. Its wide amber eyes glistened in the dim light, ears pinned back in fear.

“Ohhh…” Luffy whispered softly, heart squeezing. He leaned closer, and that’s when he noticed—the kitten wasn’t just hiding. Its little legs were stuck fast in the black glue of a sticky mousetrap.

The poor thing thrashed weakly, letting out another pitiful meow.

“Oh no, you’re stuck…” Luffy’s voice softened even more. He lowered himself onto his stomach, stretching a hand out carefully as though approaching a wild animal. “It’s okay. Don’t be scared, kitty. I’ll help you.”

The kitten hissed, back arching despite how feeble it looked. The sound was more desperation than threat.

Luffy only smiled gently. “Heh. You’re tough, huh? I like that.”

“Don’t be scared, kitty. I’ll help you out of that mess.” Luffy whispered, his tone steady and warm, the kind of voice that promised safety even if the little creature didn’t believe it yet.

He reached in slowly, fingers careful not to jolt the trap or frighten the kitten more. He pinched the scruff of its neck, lifting it the way a mother cat would. The tiny body squirmed, letting out another hiss that was far too small to be threatening. The sound almost made Luffy laugh, though his heart ached at how desperate it sounded.

“It’s okay, I’ve got you.” He murmured, pulling the kitten out from the shadows and into the light. Its paws were still glued awkwardly to the trap, its fur ruffled and sticky, but at least it wasn’t wedged in anymore. Luffy held the little one close against his chest, shielding it from the cold draft that crept through the shed.

He stood, brushing the dust from his knees, and began the short walk toward the campus bathrooms. The kitten trembled against him, every so often letting out a small, pitiful meow. Luffy cradled it carefully in one arm, using the other to steady the trap so the kitten wouldn’t hurt itself more by struggling.

On the way, he stopped by the janitor’s closet, nudging the door open with his shoulder. “Hey, sorry, just borrowing some stuff!” he called out even though no one was inside. He grabbed a bottle of vegetable oil, some soap, one rag, and a pair of scissors- everything he thought he’d need.

As he walked again, his steps soft and even, he whispered down to the bundle in his arms. “Don’t worry, kitty, you’ll be safe soon. We’ll get that sticky stuff off you, then maybe find you something warm and yummy to eat, yeah?”

The kitten’s ears twitched at his voice, and though it still trembled, it let out a quieter sound this time, something closer to a whimper than a hiss.

Luffy smiled faintly, holding it a little closer to his chest. “See? You’re starting to trust me already.”

Once he reached the bathrooms, Luffy shouldered the door open and flicked on the light. The room hummed faintly with the sound of the fluorescent lamps above. He hurried to one of the sinks and twisted the handle, letting the water run until he found the perfect warmth—not too hot, not too cold, just right for something so small and fragile.

Balancing the kitten carefully in one arm, he tested the water with his fingers. “Perfect.” He muttered to himself with a grin before turning his attention back to the trembling ball of fur.

“Alright, Mr. Kitty.” Luffy said, giving his new friend a name on the spot. “We’re gonna get you all cleaned up, yeah? No more sticky trap.”

He set the kitten gently on the counter, holding it steady with one hand while wetting a rag with the other. The moment the warm water touched its fur, the little orange thing let out a sharp hiss, its tiny claws scraping against the porcelain sink.

“Shhh, it’s okay, Mr. Kitty. I’m not gonna hurt you.” Luffy soothed, his voice as soft as he could make it. He worked the rag carefully around one paw, adding just a little soap to loosen the glue. Bit by bit, the sticky residue gave way, until at last, one front leg came free.

“There you go! See? Not so bad.” Luffy said with a bright smile, as though the kitten could understand him.

The kitten still trembled, meowing in distress, but its hisses grew quieter, its resistance weaker. It was listening—maybe not to his words, but to the calm in his voice. Luffy kept talking, narrating every little step, as if explaining would make it less scary.

“So now, just this paw… then we’ll get the back legs. You’re doing great, Mr. Kitty. Almost done.”

So focused was he on gently working at the trap, on making sure the kitten didn’t hurt itself more, that he didn’t hear the door open behind him. Nor did he hear it close again.

Luffy fumbled with the soap, trying to get more, and the bottle slipped from his hands, clattering to the floor.

“Damnit!” He muttered, stretching awkwardly to reach it without letting go of the drenched kitten in his other hand.

“Here.”

A familiar voice cut through the bathroom air. Luffy froze for a second before seeing a tattooed hand holding the fallen bottle. He looked up, blinking, and saw Law standing there, calm as ever.

“Oh, thanks, Traffy! When did you get here?” Luffy asked, his smile soft and appreciative as he took the soap.

“A few minutes ago.” Law replied, his eyes flicking over Luffy’s shoulder at the tiny orange creature. “You must have been pretty focused not to notice me.”

Luffy glanced down at Mr. Kitty, still struggling slightly in his grip. “Yeah, I found him in the tool shed when I was putting away the lawn mower. He sounded really helpless, so… I had to help.” He shrugged, a little embarrassed. “And now I’m trying to get this glue off. Could you, um… help me? Just for a few seconds?”

Law’s expression softened, and he nodded. “Of course. What do you need me to do?”

Luffy handed him the kitten gently. “Can you hold him like this? Just enough so he’s comfortable. I need to reach the sticky pad on his back paw.”

Law took the kitten carefully, his hands steady and reassuring, and Luffy felt a tiny wave of relief. With Law’s help, the little rescue suddenly seemed much easier.

“See? He’s calmer already.” Luffy said, his voice a mixture of awe and gratitude.

Law gave a small nod, glancing down at the tiny ball of orange fur. “Yeah… he trusts you.”

They stood close, shoulders brushing, both of them murmuring softly to the kitten, as if talking it through the ordeal. Luffy carefully worked the last of the sticky pad free, tossing it aside, and began gently washing the tiny fur and limbs with warm, soapy water.

The little orange creature’s struggles slowed, its eyelids drooping as exhaustion began to take over.

“Do you have a towel, by chance?” Luffy asked, glancing up at Law.

Law looked down, and only then did he realize their faces were just a few centimeters apart. A faint blush rose to his cheeks, and he nodded.

“Not with me, but I know where to get one. Hold the kitten for me.” He said quietly.

Luffy’s smile was soft and reassuring as he carefully cradled the kitten in his hands. “Got it.” He murmured.

Law hurried out of the bathroom, returning a few minutes later with a fluffy towel. Meanwhile, Luffy kept the warm water running, letting gentle streams wash over the kitten so it wouldn’t get cold.

Together, they wrapped the tiny creature snugly in the towel, like a little burrito. The kitten purred softly and nestled into the warmth, finally closing its eyes in peaceful sleep.

Luffy and Law exchanged a glance, shoulders still brushing, and for a quiet moment neither spoke, content in the simple, shared satisfaction of a little life saved.

“Thanks for the help, Traffy!” Luffy said, smiling up at him.

“No problem.” Law replied, his voice calm but softer than usual. “But… what are you going to do with it now?”

“I’m going to take Mr. Kitty to a vet, get him checked out.” Luffy said, gently adjusting the little bundle in his arms.

Law nodded, considering. “Should I drive you?”

Luffy hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “That would be really nice. I’ll have to call Ace though—I won’t make it to the gym with him today.”

He pulled out his phone and quickly dialled, explaining the situation, while Law stayed nearby, quietly watching over both Luffy and the kitten.

Luffy sat in the passenger seat, the freshly vaccinated kitten curled gently on his lap. He ran a careful hand over its soft orange fur, scratching behind its ears while keeping an eye on the small bag of medicine resting on the floor.

“By the way, Traffy,” Luffy spoke, breaking the comfortable silence, “why were you at the college? I thought you were done studying?”

“I’ve been giving a few lectures on asbestos poisoning and long-term treatment options.” Law replied, keeping his tone calm, though a faint pride showed in his voice. “Actually, I’ve recently found some new treatment methods that could be useful…”

Luffy’s eyes widened, sparkling with admiration. “Woooow… you’re even cooler than I thought, Traffy!”

Law cleared his throat, trying not to let the blush creeping up his neck show. He looked straight ahead, but a small smile tugged at his lips. “Well… it’s just research. Nothing special,” he said, then hesitated, “but if you want, I can tell you more about it.”

Luffy nodded eagerly, his curiosity impossible to hide. “Of course! Tell me everything!”

And so, as the car rolled along, Law found himself speaking in quiet, careful detail about his studies, while Luffy listened, half amazed and half grinning, the kitten softly purring between them.

The car hummed quietly as Law drove, one hand steady on the wheel, the other resting near Luffy’s knee on the joystick of the car, as if subconsciously wanting to be close. Luffy, meanwhile, was entirely focused on the kitten, occasionally glancing up at Law with wide, admiring eyes.

“Sooo, wait.” Luffy said after a while, still gently petting the little furball. “You actually figured out ways to help people who’ve been poisoned… long-term? That sounds… wow. That’s like… superhero stuff.”

Law’s lips twitched into the faintest of smiles. “It’s not superhero stuff.” He replied softly. “It’s just science… patience, observation, and careful treatment. Anyone could do it if they worked hard enough.”

Luffy tilted his head, thinking, then smiled mischievously. “Hmm… well, you make it sound way cooler than science usually is.”

Law’s fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel, though he didn’t look at Luffy. “You always have a way of exaggerating things, Luffy.”

“But it’s true!” Luffy insisted, his voice full of excitement. “I mean… you literally know stuff that can save lives. And you do it quietly, without making a big deal. That’s… really amazing.”

The kitten stirred, blinking slowly, clearly comfortable and safe, and Luffy chuckled softly. “See? Even Mr. Kitty agrees.”

Law glanced down at the sleeping kitten, then back at Luffy. His eyes softened in a way he only found himself do around Luffy. “You talk about other people like they’re heroes… maybe you should start talking about yourself like that too.”

Luffy’s grin faltered for a second, then returned, softer this time. “Well… maybe. But for now, I’m just happy I can help little guys like this.” He said, holding the kitten a little closer.

The rest of the drive passed in quiet warmth; Law explaining details of his work, Luffy asking endless questions, and the kitten purring between them. Outside, the November wind howled, but the warmth inside the car left no one cold.

Chapter Text

Mr. Kitty had been living with Luffy, Ace, and Sabo for about a month now, growing stronger and more confident with each passing day. The medicine Chopper had prescribed seemed to be working wonders, and the little orange furball had become a familiar, comforting presence in the house.

Luffy was still curled up in bed when Mr. Kitty leapt onto his chest, letting out a tiny, urgent meow. The kitten nuzzled and gently headbutted Luffy’s face, demanding attention.

Luffy groaned, stretching one arm around the small creature, and hugged him close. The warmth of Mr. Kitty against his chest was surprisingly soothing. Just then, his alarm blared, marking the start of his `new` morning routine.

“You have an uncanny sense of time, Mr. Kitty.” Luffy mumbled, reaching over to silence the alarm. He blinked slowly at the bright light, letting the kitten’s tiny tongue sweep across his cheek. A soft chuckle escaped him as he petted the little creature.

After a few moments, Mr. Kitty hopped down with a decisive meow, clearly signaling that breakfast awaited. Luffy swung his legs off the bed and padded barefoot to the kitchen, stretching as he went.

He opened the fridge, scanning for his breakfast items, and started preparing his meal with sleepy efficiency. Once he was done, he carefully prepared Mr. Kitty’s breakfast, placing it in the little designated corner Sabo had set up. The kitten immediately sniffed the food and began eating, tail flicking contentedly, while Luffy watched with a soft smile.

Since Mr. Kitty had entered Luffy’s life, he noticed how much more structured his days had become. Caring for the little orange kitten meant he had to plan carefully around work, gym training, and the kitten’s needs—feeding times, playtime, and even short naps. It was a surprisingly grounding routine, and his friends quickly noticed the change.

“Look at you, actually on time for once!” Usopp teased one afternoon.

“Yeah, who knew all it took was a cat?” Chopper laughed, shaking his head.

Ace, of course, had been a fan from the very beginning, instantly smitten with the little bundle of fur. Sabo, on the other hand, had taken a bit longer to warm up. The first two weeks had been cautious, watching from a distance, careful not to startle him. But now, Sabo had fully embraced his role as Mr. Kitty’s caretaker-in-chief. He insisted on feeding him the highest-quality cat food, had designed a detailed meal plan to ensure he received all necessary nutrients, and even went out of his way to order special kitten supplements.

Luffy sometimes laughed at how seriously Sabo took it, but deep down, he appreciated the effort

Luffy panted heavily, running on the treadmill in a corner of the gym tucked away from prying eyes. This was his little secret mission—training without Ace noticing, and without anyone questioning why he suddenly had more stamina than usual.

His phone buzzed, and a string of adorable videos from Sabo appeared, each one showing Mr. Kitty tumbling over a toy or pouncing on a feather. Luffy couldn’t help but let out an exhausted laugh, tapping out a quick reply filled with heart emojis.

“I’m at work, can’t text more 😅❤️❤️❤️” he typed, knowing Sabo would understand without asking.

He had told his brothers he was taking on extra hours at work to afford better food for Mr. Kitty. That wasn’t entirely a lie—he did need the money—but the last hour and a half of his “work” were spent here, sweating and training, carefully hidden at the other end of town so no one would find out.

A pang of guilt flickered in his chest, but he quickly shoved it aside. He didn’t want anyone, not even his family, knowing about this side of him—his firefighter training, his secret workouts. For now, this was his alone, and it felt worth it.

Lost in his thoughts, Luffy didn’t notice someone occupying the treadmill next to him- and honestly, the other person hadn’t acknowledged him either, so how could he?

After another thirty minutes of running, Luffy finally slowed, sweat soaking his shirt. He grabbed his towel, wiping his face, and began stepping off the treadmill while sipping from his water bottle.

That’s when he bumped into the person on the treadmill next to him, who was also just getting off.

“Ah—sorry!” Luffy exclaimed, looking up. A familiar face met his eyes, and he couldn’t help but laugh.

“Hey, I’m bumping into you a lot lately.” Luffy said cheerily.

“Seems so.” Law huffed, taking a long swig from his water bottle.

“I didn’t know you came to this gym. Isn’t the one on our street closer?” Luffy asked, grabbing a rag to wipe down the handle and display of his treadmill.

“Well, this one’s closer to the hospital, and I tend to come after work… but why are you here?” Law asked, his voice calm but curious.

“Uh… so the others don’t find out.” Luffy muttered, scratching the back of his neck, a little embarrassed.

Law raised an eyebrow, a flicker of concern in his eyes. “So… you still haven’t told anyone?”

Luffy shrugged, looking away for a moment, then forced a small grin. “Not yet. Don’t want to ruin the surprise.”

Law tilted his head, studying Luffy carefully. “You really are stubborn.” He said quietly, though there was no real edge to it- more a note of concern.

Luffy grinned sheepishly, taking another sip of water. “Yeah… well, it’s my thing. Can’t just tell everyone everything, right?”

Law let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. “I get it. But hiding it like this… it’s a lot of extra stress for you.”

Luffy shrugged again, trying to play it off. “Eh, it’s fine. I like… you know, handling things myself sometimes.” He paused, then added with a hint of mischief, “But I am glad I bumped into you today.”

Law’s lips twitched, almost a smile. “Of course you are.” He said dryly, though his eyes softened. “Just… don’t overdo it, Luffy.”

Luffy laughed lightly, wiping the last bit of sweat from his forehead. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll try not to. But hey… maybe you can come to my ‘secret workouts’ more often?”

Law raised an eyebrow, a trace of amusement creeping into his expression. “We’ll see.” He said, and for a moment, the air between them felt lighter- like their usual quiet understanding, just a bit closer.

“Hey Traffy, wanna maybe come to my place after the workout? You should see how much Mr. Kitty grew!” Luffy’s grin stretched from ear to ear as he headed toward the weights, practically vibrating with excitement.

Law followed, walking beside him with that calm, measured pace, but there was a slight warmth creeping into his chest he refused to acknowledge. He hadn’t been there when Zoro and Luffy had… their falling out. He only knew what Luffy had told him afterward, when the younger man had bumped into him, cried his eyes out at his shoulders and he cared for him. And somewhere in the back of his mind, he kept replaying Luffy’s voice, the little cracks in it he would never admit to anyone else noticing. He shook his head slightly, blaming the fluttering in his chest on horniness- or at least that’s what he told himself.

“Aw, come on Traffy, that’s totally different!” Luffy’s eyes lit up as he adjusted the barbell. “You’ve only seen him in texts and pictures. You don’t know how huge he’s gotten!”

Law raised an eyebrow, letting a corner of his mouth twitch in amusement. “I’ve seen the photos every day. Pretty sure I know what he looks like now.”

“But not in real life! You don’t get the full effect.” Luffy protested, lying down on the bench and gripping the barbell with that mix of determination and cheerfulness that made Law’s chest tighten for no good reason.

Law sighed, stepping closer. “Fine. Should I spot you?” His voice was low, almost casual, but he stayed close enough to glance down at Luffy’s focused expression. There was something about the way Luffy’s brow furrowed in concentration that made his heart skip. No, he told himself, it’s just the adrenaline of the gym.

Luffy nodded, pushing up the barbell with a grunt. “But seriously! You should play with him! He’s like the cutest cat ever!”

Law blinked at that, suppressing a small smirk. Every time Luffy texted updates about Mr. Kitty, it had been… entertaining. But hearing him gush in person, that soft, pleading tone- it was disarming. He shook his head internally, blaming it again on horniness, though a part of him knew it was something else, he would never dare name.

Law finally relented. “Fine. But I want dinner when we get there.”

“Sure! We will order whatever you want!” Luffy replied, still lying back on the bench and pressing the weight upward with an easy confidence that made Law’s chest tighten a little more. He didn’t notice- or maybe pretended not to- how much he looked forward to spending time at Luffy’s place, seeing him in his element with the little cat that had stolen so much of Luffy’s heart.

Chapter Text

After a victorious workout, Law found himself driving Luffy back to his apartment. But unlike every other time, he wasn’t just dropping him off. He was actually going in. 

The realization sat heavy in his chest, tangled with a nervous excitement he didn’t want to acknowledge.

The last time he’d been in that apartment, he’d done something shameful, something he’d sworn to himself never to repeat. Standing in Luffy’s bathroom, Law’s mind had gone places that day, shameful, desperate places. He clenched his jaw now, gripping the wheel a little tighter. 

He wouldn’t let it happen again.

Lost in thought, he barely registered Luffy’s cheerful voice until it cut through the hum of the engine.

“Ace and Sabo went to a concert.” Luffy said, eyes on his phone as his thumbs moved quickly. “Ace texted he’s staying at Yamato’s, and Sabo’s at Koala’s. So it’s just gonna be us tonight!”

Law nearly choked on air. 

Just us.

He swallowed hard, sneaking a glance at the passenger seat. Luffy was still busy texting, utterly oblivious, his messy hair sticking up from where he’d run a towel through it at the gym, a faint smile tugging his lips. Carefree.

Law tore his gaze back to the road, silently cursing.

He thought the shower had been hard enough- trying not to stare at the naked body in front of him- too provoking- staring at the floor tiles, pretending he had shampoo in his eyes so he wouldn’t get caught watching Luffy talk and laugh, standing there without a single ounce of shame, while his trained body flexed while he washed himself. Soap lather everywhere… His brain had nearly boiled over then, the image of pinning him against the wall and doing shameful things in that locker shower seared into his mind… 

No. Not again. Calm down.

“Traffy?” Luffy’s voice pulled him back, confusion clear. “You okay?”

Law cleared his throat, forcing the tension from his voice. “Yeah. Just… thinking about dinner.” He paused, scrambling for something casual. “I was going to say pizza, but… maybe sushi?”

Luffy’s face lit up instantly, grin wide and genuine. “I was actually craving sushi!”

And just like that, Law felt doomed.

Law sat cross-legged on Luffy’s bed, one hand absently stroking Mr. Kitty’s fur. The little creature purred so loudly it almost rattled in his chest, rubbing its tiny head against Law’s palm with such trust it made something twist deep in his stomach. So far, the evening had been surprisingly easy. Light, even. They’d played with the kitten, traded a few dumb jokes, talked about nothing and everything. For once, Law didn’t feel like he had to measure every word. It was… nice. 

Too nice.

“Traffy! Food!” Luffy’s voice rang out from the kitchen, cheerful as ever.

Law pushed himself up, Mr. Kitty trotting after him like a tiny shadow. In the kitchen, the kitten immediately abandoned him, diving headfirst into the bowl already set out. Law couldn’t help but huff a laugh.
“That’s truly your cat.” He said, shaking his head.

“Course he’s awesome!” Luffy grinned, balancing two sushi trays as if they were treasure.

Law sat down across from him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. It was then he noticed it- something he hadn’t registered before. On the corner of the table, half-hidden behind a pile of napkins, was a small bouquet of flowers. Fresh. Bright colors against the dim kitchen light.

His eyes lingered on it longer than he meant to. Flowers weren’t something he associated with Luffy.

“When’d you get those?” Law asked casually, though his chest felt oddly tight.

Luffy plopped down beside him, immediately reaching for sushi. His gaze flicked to the flowers on the table, and he grinned.
“Ah, I picked those. Nice, right?” He said, already stuffing a roll into his mouth.

Law raised a brow. “Didn’t think you were a flower guy.”

“Well, not really. But you know Rebecca? I work for her parents sometimes, and they let me bring home flowers. I liked those ones.” Luffy’s smile widened, crumbs of rice sticking to the corner of his lip.

Law glanced at the bouquet again. “They are… pretty.” He admitted with a shrug.

“Not just pretty! Peonies are awesome!” Luffy insisted, speaking around his food. He swallowed and leaned forward, eyes bright. “In some mythology from overseas, there was this guy- Peon, I think- who was like a doctor for the gods. He studied under this other god of medicine- uh, Ascul- something, can’t remember- but anyway, Peon healed Pluto with peony root. And the teacher dude got so jealous he wanted to kill him. So, Pluto turned Peon into a peony flower to save him. That’s why peonies mean compassion, and they still use them in medicine today!”

His words tumbled out fast, proud and animated, as if he’d been dying to share the fact since he’d learned it.

Law froze, chopsticks hovering in midair. His heart kicked against his ribs, heat rising at the base of his neck. He’d known Luffy wasn’t an idiot but hearing him rattle off mythology with that kind of focus and passion- it caught him completely off guard. And worse, he found it… insanely attractive.

Luffy rubbed the back of his neck and laughed nervously. “Kinda boring, huh?”

Law snapped out of it, clearing his throat. “No! Not at all. Just… surprising.”

He forced himself to look away, trying to hide the slight blush building up.

Luffy squinted at him, chopsticks paused halfway to his mouth. “Surprising? Why’d you look like your brain just broke?”

Law stiffened, forcing his gaze back to his food. “It didn’t. You just… talk too fast sometimes.”

Luffy leaned over the table, grinning mischievously. “Traffy, you’re blushing.”

“I’m not.” Law snapped a little too quickly, stabbing a piece of sushi like it had personally wronged him.

“You are!” Luffy laughed, mouth full of rice again. “Your ears are red. That means you’re embarrassed.”

Law grit his teeth and kept eating, refusing to meet Luffy’s gaze. “I’m just warm. You keep the heater too high in here.”

“It’s not even on.” Luffy countered immediately, eyes sparkling. He leaned closer, peering at Law like he was some rare animal. “Wow… I’ve never seen you like this before. You really do get embarrassed easy, huh?”

Law pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath. “You’re insufferable.”

Luffy only laughed harder, popping another sushi roll into his mouth. “Guess I’m not boring after all, then!”

Law risked a glance at him- 

and immediately regretted it. That smile, that easy laugh… his chest tightened, and he had to remind himself to breathe. It was too much. Way too much.

“Eat your food before I lose my appetite.” He muttered, but his voice lacked its usual bite.

Before Luffy could press him further, a little thump sounded under the table. Mr. Kitty had finished his own meal and decided to make himself a part of theirs. With a nimble jump, the kitten scrambled right into Law’s lap and curled up like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Law froze. “...Seriously?” He glanced down at the tiny ball of fur now kneading his thigh with sharp little claws.

Luffy snorted so hard he nearly choked on his sushi. “Pfft— He likes you!”

“He’s heavy,” Law lied flatly, though the kitten weighed practically nothing. He shifted awkwardly, as if moving would change anything, but Mr. Kitty just settled deeper, purring loudly.

“You’re blushing again.” Luffy singsonged between laughter. “First flowers, now cats! Traffy’s soft side is coming out!”

Law shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel. “If you tell anyone, I’ll-”

“What, deny you’re Mr. Kitty’s new favorite pillow?” Luffy grinned ear to ear. “Don’t worry, Traffy, your secret’s safe with me.”

The kitten purred louder, rubbing its tiny face against Law’s stomach. Luffy leaned his chin on his hand, watching with amused satisfaction. “See? Even Mr. Kitty thinks you’re nice. He doesn’t cuddle with just anyone, y’know.”

Law tried to roll his eyes, but the heat creeping up his neck betrayed him. He gave up with a muttered, “Unbelievable,” and went back to his food—though the corners of his mouth betrayed the faintest twitch of a smile.

Dinner was finished, plates stacked haphazardly on the counter for “later.” Luffy insisted on letting Mr. Kitty lick a stray grain of rice off his chopsticks, while Law shook his head in exasperation but didn’t bother lecturing him.

Soon enough, Luffy flopped onto the couch, stretching out like he owned the entire thing. “Alright, Traffy, your turn. Pick a movie!”

Law stood in front of the shelf, scanning titles with his arms crossed. He didn’t want something too heavy, but also not something that’d make Luffy bounce off the walls. Eventually, he pulled out a DVD and held it up. “How about this?”

Luffy squinted at the cover. “...A sci-fi movie?”

Law shrugged. “It’s a classic. Thought you might like it.”

“Okay!” Luffy said immediately, no hesitation, as if the choice didn’t matter in the slightest. He patted the empty spot beside him with a grin. “Come on!”

Law slid the disc in, dimmed the lights, and finally sat down. Mr. Kitty climbed onto the backrest like a tiny overseer, tail flicking lazily.

As the movie played, Luffy wriggled around until he was half-sitting, half-leaning against Law’s side. At first, Law stiffened, shoulders tense. But Luffy was warm, and quiet for once- his focus locked on the glowing screen, lips parted in awe. Little by little, Law let himself relax, sinking into the cushions.

“Whoa!” Luffy whispered at one of the special effects. “That’s awesome!” He tilted his head up, grinning at Law like a kid showing off a cool toy.

Law felt his throat go dry. He muttered a, “Glad you think so,” and fixed his eyes on the screen again.

Luffy didn’t move away. In fact, he yawned after a while and let his head rest on Law’s shoulder, hair tickling his jaw. Mr. Kitty, not to be left out, padded down and curled into Luffy’s lap, purring like a little chainsaw.

Law sat frozen for a long moment, heart racing. Then, quietly, he let his arm rest along the back of the couch, close enough that his fingers almost brushed Luffy’s hair.

The movie rolled on, its glowing light flickering across the room. Luffy stayed tucked against Law’s side, absentmindedly scratching Mr. Kitty’s chin as the little thing purred like a motor.

Law tried to pay attention, he really did, but half his focus was on the way Luffy’s breath brushed his collarbone whenever he laughed or muttered a comment about the movie.

When the credits finally started to roll, Luffy stretched with a big yawn, arms up like he was trying to touch the ceiling. “That was awesome! Way cooler than I thought it’d be.” He beamed, turning to Law with his usual unrestrained smile.

Law cleared his throat, fighting down the warmth in his cheeks. “Told you it was a classic.”

Luffy chuckled and reached down to scoop Mr. Kitty into his arms. “What about you, huh? Did you like it too, Mr. Kitty?” He asked the kitten, who meowed in response.

Law let out a short laugh. “Pretty sure he slept through half of it.”

“Yeah, but he’s still part of the group.” Luffy said matter-of-factly, hugging the little ball of fur. Then his gaze flicked back to Law, softer this time. “I’m glad you came over, Traffy.”

The words were so simple, but they hit harder than Law expected. He looked away, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah… me too.”

There was a brief silence, not uncomfortable but full. Luffy grinned again, already bouncing to his feet. “Next time, I’ll pick the movie! And we’ll get pizza.”

Law shook his head, lips curving despite himself. “Deal.”

Luffy hopped up and started gathering the empty sushi boxes. “Okay, cleanup time before Sabo comes home and scolds me for leaving a mess.” He said with mock seriousness.

Law stood too, collecting the cups and chopsticks. “I can help. You’ll just make it worse if you rush.”

“Hey! I’m perfectly capable of-” Luffy started but then dropped a chopstick onto the floor. He scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. “-okay maybe you’re right.”

Law smirked faintly and shook his head, crouching to pick it up. “Figures.”

They worked side by side, washing the dishes and packing away the leftovers for later. Luffy hummed some silly tune while drying the plates, tapping the towel against Law’s arm every so often just to make him roll his eyes. Mr. Kitty trailed after them, batting at the towel whenever it swung close enough.

When the kitchen finally looked presentable again, Luffy leaned against the counter, still humming. “That was fun. You’re fun, Traffy.” He said out of nowhere, looking at Law with an earnest smile.

The words hung in the air a beat too long.

Law froze, fingers tightening slightly around the edge of the counter. Fun wasn’t a word he was used to hearing about himself. From Luffy’s lips, though, it sounded like something heavier. 

Like it meant more than just a laugh shared over sushi.

When Law finally looked at him, Luffy wasn’t grinning anymore. His smile had softened into something smaller, gentler. Their eyes locked, and for a moment the world went quiet, even Mr. Kitty curling up in the corner as if to give them space.

Neither of them moved.

Law could feel the electricity in the air, that unbearable tug between wanting to lean in and the voice in his head reminding him that this was dangerous, reckless. Luffy, for once, didn’t fill the silence with words. He just looked at him.

Curious, open, waiting.

Law swallowed hard, forcing his voice to break the spell. “…You’re exhausting.” He muttered, tone a little rougher than he intended.

Luffy blinked, then laughed- a sudden, bright burst that made the tension crumble, though the warmth in his cheeks lingered. “Guess I am.” He admitted.

Law glanced away, tugging his jacket on to hide the heat rising in his own face. “I should get going. Early shift tomorrow.”

“Right…” Luffy pushed off the counter and walked him to the door. He still wore that smaller smile, like he hadn’t quite let go of whatever had just passed between them. Mr. Kitty padded along at their heels, quiet as a shadow.

At the doorway, Luffy leaned casually against the frame, but his eyes held Law’s for a second too long. “See you soon? Maybe this weekend?”

“…Yeah. Call me.”

“Deal.”

Law stepped out into the cool night, pulling the door closed behind him. His heart still hammered in his chest, and he couldn’t tell if he’d just dodged disaster— or missed something he might never get back.

Chapter Text

Then his gaze flicked back to Law, softer this time. “I’m glad you came over, Traffy.”

The words were so simple, but they hit harder than Law expected. He looked away, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah… me too.”

There was a brief silence, not uncomfortable but full. Luffy grinned again, already bouncing to his feet. “Next time, I’ll pick the movie! And we’ll get pizza.”

Law shook his head, lips curving despite himself. “Deal.”

Luffy hopped up and started gathering the empty sushi boxes. “Okay, cleanup time before Sabo comes home and scolds me for leaving a mess,” he said with mock seriousness.

Law stood too, collecting the cups and chopsticks. “I can help. You’ll just make it worse if you rush.”

“Hey! I’m perfectly capable of—” Luffy started, but then dropped a chopstick onto the floor. He scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. “...okay maybe you’re right.”

Law smirked faintly and shook his head, crouching to pick it up. “Figures.”

They worked side by side, washing the dishes and packing away the leftovers for later. Luffy hummed some silly tune while drying the plates, tapping the towel against Law’s arm every so often just to make him roll his eyes. Mr. Kitty trailed after them, batting at the towel whenever it swung close enough.

When the kitchen finally looked presentable again, Luffy leaned against the counter, still humming. “That was fun. You’re fun, Traffy,” he said out of nowhere, looking at Law with an earnest smile.

Luffy leaned against the counter after they finished cleaning, towel still draped over his shoulder. He looked at Law, grin wide and unguarded.
“That was fun. You’re fun, Traffy.”

The words hung in the air a beat too long.

Law froze, fingers tightening slightly around the edge of the counter. Fun wasn’t a word he was used to hearing about himself. From Luffy’s lips, though, it sounded like something heavier—like it meant more than just a laugh shared over sushi.

When Law finally looked at him, Luffy wasn’t grinning anymore. His smile had softened into something smaller, gentler. Their eyes locked, and for a moment the world went quiet, even Mr. Kitty curling up in the corner as if to give them space.

Neither of them moved.

Law could feel the electricity in the air, that unbearable tug between wanting to lean in and the voice in his head reminding him that this was dangerous, reckless. Luffy, for once, didn’t fill the silence with words. He just looked at him—curious, open, waiting.

Law swallowed hard, forcing his voice to break the spell. “…You’re exhausting,” he muttered, tone a little rougher than he intended.

Luffy blinked, then laughed—a sudden, bright burst that made the tension crumble, though the warmth in his cheeks lingered. “Guess I am,” he admitted.

Law glanced away, tugging his jacket on to hide the heat rising in his own face. “I should get going. Early shift tomorrow.”

“Right…” Luffy pushed off the counter and walked him to the door. He still wore that smaller smile, like he hadn’t quite let go of whatever had just passed between them. Mr. Kitty padded along at their heels, quiet as a shadow.

At the doorway, Luffy leaned casually against the frame, but his eyes held Law’s for a second too long. “See you soon? Maybe this weekend?”

“…Yeah. Call me.”

“Deal.”

Law stepped out into the cool night, pulling the door closed behind him. His heart still hammered in his chest, and he couldn’t tell if he’d just dodged disaster—or missed something he might never get back.

The quiet hum of the city filling the space around him. He leaned against his car, hands deep in his pockets, trying to calm the sudden spike of heat in his chest. What just happened back there? he wondered, replaying the moment over and over.

He had been inches away from doing something he swore he wouldn’t—not again. Not after the bathroom incident. Yet… there was Luffy, smiling like it was the most natural thing in the world to stand there, looking at him that way. That soft, open look—it was pulling at him in ways he hadn’t fully admitted, not even to himself.

Law shook his head, a small, frustrated laugh escaping. It’s ridiculous. I’m not supposed to feel like this. His rational side reminded him: Luffy was impulsive, chaotic, endlessly distracting… and yet, he was fun, as Luffy had said. Fun in a way Law hadn’t expected, not for himself anyway.

He closed his eyes, imagining Luffy leaning there, the dim glow from the kitchen casting soft shadows across his face. That warm, mischievous smile, the way his eyes lit up talking about anything and everything—even something as random as peonies. Why does that feel so… magnetic?

The rational part of him tried to reason, tried to push down the surge of longing. But the rest of him—the part that admitted, just barely, that maybe he liked Luffy more than he should—throbbed in quiet insistence. He could feel the pull, like a tide dragging him toward something he wasn’t ready to name.

Law ran a hand over his face and let out a slow breath, trying to regain control. Just… take it slow. Keep your distance. Observe. Don’t… he shook his head again. He couldn’t finish the thought, because the truth was stubbornly simple: he didn’t want to stop being this close to Luffy. Not tonight. Not ever.

With a final glance at the warmly lit apartment behind him, Law started the engine. The city blurred past as he drove, but his mind stayed stubbornly fixed on Luffy—on that smile, that laugh, that warmth—and on the unspoken question that lingered in the air: What would happen if I stopped holding back?

Chapter Text

Winter had fully claimed Dressrosa, wrapping the city in a thick blanket of snow that softened every sharp corner and muted the usual bustle of the streets. The rooftops glistened beneath a pale morning sun, icicles hanging like crystal ornaments from every balcony and lamppost. Each breath of wind carried with it a sting of cold, sharp against the cheeks, but it also brought the faint jingle of bells from a shop down the street, the smell of roasted chestnuts curling through the air from a vendor’s cart.

The wide plazas, normally buzzing with voices and music, now looked like scenes pulled straight from a holiday postcard. Children bundled in oversized scarves and mittens laughed as they built lopsided snowmen, while couples strolled hand in hand, leaving twin trails of footprints in the untouched powder. Fairy lights framed the windows of cafés, glowing golden against the pale blue of the frost, while wreaths and garlands decorated the doorways, dusted with snowflakes as if nature itself had added the finishing touch.

Yet beneath all that cheer, the cold held its grip. The air was so crisp it seemed to burn when inhaled, and the stone streets, slippery with patches of quick ice, reminded everyone to walk carefully. Dressrosa was quieted, slowed- muffled beneath winter’s hand- yet in that stillness there was someone who didn’t slow down for no mere weather. And that was Laws work.

Law felt horrible. Truly, utterly horrible. If there was a stronger word than hate, he would’ve used it to describe how he felt about Christmas. Hate didn’t even scratch the surface.

For most people, December meant twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and ridiculous sweaters. For Law, it meant pain. Not just his own- though the ache in his chest at this time of year never seemed to fade- but also the pain of others, delivered to him in a steady stream of patients who seemed to get more reckless with each passing holiday season.

He had just finished operating on a middle-aged man with a fractured tailbone. The poor idiot had stepped outside in flip-flops- in the middle of a snowstorm, no less- to grab the mail. He hadn’t salted his walkway, of course. His wife, still frantic in the waiting room, had described the fall “like Bambi on ice, but without the cute ending.” More tragic than comical, the man had lain sprawled on the frozen path, unable to move, gasping like a fish out of water until the ambulance arrived.

Law pressed the heel of his hand against his eyes as he sat heavily in the doctors’ lounge. The scent of burnt coffee and antiseptic lingered in the air, clashing horribly with the faint trace of cinnamon from a holiday-scented air freshener someone had hung in the corner. It made his stomach turn.

Twelve days into the month, and Law already wished it were January.

A paper cup of hot cocoa slid across the table and stopped in front of Law. He blinked, glancing up from the bleak spiral of his thoughts to see Bepo lowering himself into the chair beside him. The nurse looked strangely content, his own cocoa clasped carefully between his hands, steam curling around his face as he blew gently on the surface.

“Hard day, Captain?” Bepo asked, his tone soft but knowing.

Law grunted, fingers curling around the warmth of the cup. “Why are people so damn stupid?” His voice came out sharper than intended. He exhaled, gave the cocoa a cautious puff of air, and stared into the rippling surface like it held the answer.

Bepo’s chuckle rumbled low in his chest, warm as the drink he cradled. “Maybe. But they’re also… really kind this time of year.” He tilted his head toward the corner table, where a small mountain of gift baskets and tins of cookies sat, tied up with bows and cheerful thank-you cards from patients and their kin.

Law followed his gaze and rolled his eyes. “I’d rather have fewer idiotic patients than another pile of cheap wine and stale chocolates.”

Bepo’s mouth corners twitched, but he didn’t argue. He knew better than to try changing Law’s mind when he was in this mood. Instead, he gave a small, patient smile. “Just… take care of yourself, okay?”

Law made a noncommittal noise and took a sip of the cocoa, only to hiss through his teeth as the liquid scorched his tongue. “Agh- dammit!”

Bepo chuckled outright this time, shaking his head. For a brief second, the doctor’s lounge almost felt warm, almost felt like one of those holiday scenes people enjoyed so much in movies.

But the moment was fleeting. The intercom crackled overhead, paging Law to the ER. The warmth of the cocoa cooled instantly in his hands, his scowl slipping back into place as he stood. Bepo watched him go, eyes flicking thoughtfully, while the untouched cocoa steamed quietly on the table.

Law snatched the clipboard from the nurse’s hands with a sharp tug, barely glancing at her as she launched into her report. He tuned her out almost immediately; her voice was just background noise against the scratch of his eyes scanning the chart.

Young male. Bay 6. Laceration under the eye. Requires sutures.

Law exhaled through his nose, irritation prickling hot in his chest. “And why, exactly, did you page me for this? Any other doctor on this floor can handle stitches.” His voice was clipped, colder than the December night outside.

The nurse hesitated, shifting the weight of her clipboard nervously. “He… insisted.”

Law’s brows furrowed. “Who—” He shoved the curtain aside with one hand, his mouth already set in a grim line.

“Traffy!”

The name hit him like a slap, bright and unfiltered. Luffy sat on the cot, grinning like a fool despite the blood seeping through the towel pressed to his cheek. His dark eyes sparkled, wide and shamelessly happy to see him.

Law froze in the doorway, one hand still gripping the curtain. For a moment, he simply stared. Of course it was him. Of course, the universe had decided that this was how his night off would end.

“…You’ve got to be kidding me.” He muttered, the words half under his breath.

But Luffy only grinned wider. “Knew you’d come!”

Law let out a long, world-weary sigh, flicked his wrist to dismiss the nurse, and tugged the curtain shut behind him. The thin fabric muffled the sounds of the ER but did nothing for the pounding in his temple.

His gaze landed on Luffy, who sat swinging his legs off the edge of the cot, still pressing that sorry excuse for a towel to his face. Snowflakes clung to his dark hair, melting in tiny droplets that trailed down his temple, making him look even more ridiculous.

“What the hell did you do this time?” Law asked flatly, already pulling on a fresh pair of gloves.

“Oh! Well, I was doing laundry, y’know, and then I heard someone cry outside, so I went out and saw my neighbor flat on his butt- he slipped hard. Looked like he was doing the splits or something! So, I called an ambulance, and then I helped him up and- oh, they took forever, but finally, they picked him up. And then I was walking back, and I remembered, oh yeah! My laundry’s still going—”

“Luffy.” Law’s voice was low, a razor cutting through the ramble.

Luffy blinked at him. “Huh?”

“I meant how did you get hurt.” Law’s tone was flat as he pulled a sterile tray closer, already lining up sutures and antiseptic.

“Oh, that!” Luffy grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head with his free hand. “Well, after that, I wanted some cocoa ‘cause I ran out. So, I kinda ran down the stairs real quick to go buy some and, uh… slipped. Hit my face on the edge of the staircase.”

Law pinched the bridge of his nose beneath the gloves, fighting the urge to groan out loud. “Of course you did.”

Luffy chuckled.

“All right, I’m going to patch you up.” Law said, voice firm but steady. He snapped open a sterile pack, the sound sharp in the small space. “Show me your wound.”

Luffy pulled the towel away. The gash stretched ugly and raw under his eye, still oozing sluggishly. Law clicked his tongue.

“That’s going to be at least twelve stitches.”

“Sweet!” Luffy grinned wide, as if Law had just told him he’d won a prize.

Law raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. Only he would think that’s something to be proud of.

He prepped quickly, drawing up the local anaesthetic with practiced precision. The syringe caught the harsh fluorescent light as he brought it closer.

The shift in Luffy was immediate. His tan skin went pale, his grin faltering as his eyes widened. “T-that’s a big needle.” He stammered, throat bobbing as he swallowed hard.

Law paused, studying him. He’d seen fear plenty of times- on battlefields, in operating rooms, in patients who had every right to dread what came next. But seeing it on Luffy’s face? That was new.

“It’s just lidocaine.” Law said evenly, holding the syringe steady. “Numbing agent. You won’t feel the stitches.”

Luffy pressed his back into the wall like a cornered animal. “Looks sharp. You’re gonna poke me with that thing!”

“That’s the point.” Law’s voice was flat, but his eyes softened slightly. He lowered the syringe a fraction, letting Luffy breathe. “You’d rather I stitch you raw? You wouldn’t last the first one.”

Luffy shifted, restless. “I can handle pain.” He muttered stubbornly, but his grip on the edge of the cot was white knuckled.

“I know you can.” Law said, softer now. He angled the needle out of direct sight, lowering it just below Luffy’s eye line. “But this isn’t about proving anything. It’s about healing without making it worse. All you need to do is stay still for a few seconds.”

Luffy bit his lip, eyes darting between Law’s face and the glint of steel. His bravado cracked, just for a moment. “…Promise it won’t hurt too bad?”

Law exhaled through his nose, a ghost of a smirk tugging at his mouth. “Promise.”

He stepped closer, steady and deliberate. “Look at me, not the needle.”

Luffy’s wide eyes snapped to his, as if the command left him no choice. His breathing was quick, uneven, but he didn’t look away.

“That’s it,” Law murmured, voice low, almost coaxing. “Deep breath. In… now out.” He timed the words with his own steady inhale and exhale, and Luffy followed clumsily but earnestly.

“Good. Keep your eyes here.”

And in the next heartbeat, the needle slid in.

Luffy flinched, a tiny hiss escaping, but Law’s gloved hand was steady against his jaw, keeping him still.

“There. Halfway done.”

Luffy blinked fast, realizing it hadn’t been nearly as bad as he imagined. “Oh.” He exhaled a nervous laugh. “That wasn’t so bad.”

Law allowed himself the faintest of smirks. “Told you.”

Luffy sat there enduring the last of Law’s stitches, his fingers gripping the edge of the cot, knuckles pale against the metal.

He could feel it. 

Law’s breath ghosting across his skin, warmer than the sterile hospital air, raising goosebumps in its wake. The sharp sting of the needle was gone, replaced by a different kind of ache that made his chest tight and restless.

And still, he couldn’t look away. Law’s eyes held him captive- grey and sharp like steel, but soft at the edges, focused entirely on him. 

It was… dizzying.

“There you go.” Law murmured finally, cutting the last thread with precise ease.

But he didn’t pull away. Not right away.

The distance between them was barely a breath- centimeters at most. Luffy felt the weight of it settle, heavier than any pain he’d walked in with. His heart was pounding so loud he was sure Law could hear it.

Law’s gaze lingered, flicking briefly down- too quick, too subtle- but enough to make Luffy’s stomach flip. His throat went dry.

For a beat, neither moved. The hospital faded- the hum of fluorescent lights, the distant shuffle of nurses, even the beeping monitors. It was just them.

“...Thanks.” Luffy whispered, though it came out softer than he meant, as if speaking any louder might break whatever held them suspended here.

Law’s lips curved- just barely. The smallest smirk, but it carried a weight that made Luffy’s pulse skip. “Don’t make a habit of this.” He answered back, voice low.

Luffy swallowed, torn between laughing it off or blurting the reckless thought burning in his head.

Were you about to kiss me?

But before he could choose, a sharp knock rattled the curtain. A nurse’s voice called, “Dr. Trafalgar? They need you in Bay 3.”

The moment snapped like a taught thread.

Law stepped back smoothly, mask of professionalism sliding over his features as if nothing had happened. “You’re good to go. I’ll send someone in to wrap it.”

Luffy blinked, still buzzing, the ghost of Law’s closeness clinging stubbornly to his skin. He wanted to say something- anything- but the words stuck, caught in that thick, unspoken space between them.

And then Law was gone, the curtain swaying gently in his wake, leaving Luffy sitting there with stitches in his face and a question pounding in his chest.

Luffy flopped onto his bed, arms and legs sprawling in every direction like a starfish. Mr. Kitty immediately jumped onto his stomach, curling into a warm little ball. The purrs were loud, steady… but even that wasn’t enough to quiet Luffy’s thoughts tonight.

He kept thinking about Law. About how close they have been, while Law stitched him up. His warm hand gently grabbing Luffys jaw to still him. Luffys breath hitched, he never had this feeling before, his heart felt like it was going to burst.

Luffy wondered what Law was thinking of when he didn’t back off after finishing the stiches. Maybe he thought about kissing him? Luffy had seen Laws quick glance at his lips, or was that just his imagination running wild?

“What would it even be like to kiss him?” He mumbled aloud, scratching absently under Mr. Kitty’s chin. “Like… would his lips be warm? Or cold? Probably warm, ‘cause his breath felt warm when he was right there…”

He paused, frowning. “But… he’d never do it. Traffy’s way too serious for that kind of thing. I mean… come on. He wouldn’t- couldn’t- kiss me. Not in like a bagillion years.”

Mr. Kitty gave a tiny chirp, which Luffy decided counted as an answer.

“Still… I wonder what it’d feel like. Isn’t that weird?” Luffy muttered, tilting his head back. “Would it be ticklish? Or soft? Will it be anything like when Zoro did it? Bet it’d feel… funny.”

He yawned and rubbed his eyes, already drifting even as his brain stayed tangled in the thought. “Yeah, yeah… probably just a funny thought in my head. Can’t happen for real. Nope. Not gonna happen.”

A lazy grin spread across his face as his eyelids drooped. Mr. Kitty purred louder, curling tighter against him.

And just like that, Luffy fell asleep. The fantasy of kissing Law secretly following him to his dreams.

Chapter Text

Luffy woke up to the soft glow of his phone screen buzzing on the nightstand. Squinting against the morning light, he saw a new message from Law.

“Hey… doing better?”

A grin immediately spread across Luffy’s face. He read it again. And again. Somehow, seeing Law’s name pop up first thing in the morning made the room feel warmer, even though the winter air through the window was crisp and cold.

Without thinking, he quickly typed back:
“Never been better!”

He attached an image to the message. Of him, tangled in messy bed hair, one eye half-open, his stitches neatly hidden under a crisp white plaster. Beside him, Mr. Kitty had plopped his little head against Luffy’s cheek, pressing softly, eyes half-closed in pure contentment.

He pressed the phone to his chest, staring at the text, letting the warmth of it settle in. Somehow, a simple text made everything about yesterday- the awkwardness, the closeness, the tiny heart-flutters- feel like it had been worth it.

And maybe… just maybe… he thought, lazily tracing Mr. Kitty’s fur with one hand, he wouldn’t mind a few more mornings like this.

A few blocks away, Law was buttoning up his coat, ready for another shift at the hospital, when his phone buzzed. Luffy’s picture lit up the screen.

And suddenly, yesterday came crashing back with all its impossible weight.

He could still feel the warmth of Luffy’s jaw beneath his hand, the soft brush of skin he shouldn’t have touched. He’d stared too long into those hazel eyes- eyes that seemed to draw him in with every careless blink- and for a terrifying moment, he’d imagined leaning closer. Closing the distance between them. Pressing his lips against Luffy’s, just to feel them, just to know if the younger man would even care.

His chest tightened, and a low groan escaped him. He knew it was unprofessional, reckless. Insane even- but the thought wouldn’t leave him. 

He wanted it.

Wanted Luffy’s lips against his own. Wanted to test that boundary and see if Luffy, bright-eyed and oblivious as he was, might not pull away.

The picture on his phone made it worse. Luffy looked disheveled, tired, and utterly endearing- messy hair falling over one eye, Mr. Kitty snuggled at his cheek- but Law couldn’t stop himself from imagining leaning down, brushing a kiss just over that soft plaster covering the stitches, letting the younger man taste him for a heartbeat.

He shoved the phone into his pocket, muttering under his breath.

“…Ridiculous.”

But even as he pulled on his scarf and stepped into the cold, crisp air, the urge lingered stubbornly, curling in his chest like fire. He knew he shouldn’t, couldn’t, but part of him- the part that had stared at Luffy’s lips far too long yesterday- wanted nothing more than to see if Luffy would let him.

By the time Law reached the hospital, Luffy’s image had already claimed his thoughts. The moment in the ER kept replaying, relentlessly.

Luffy sitting there, trustful and oblivious, eyes wide, lips slightly parted, just a breath away. Law could still feel the warmth of him under his hands, the soft skin, the hum of his breath against his own fingers.

At first, his mind lingered just on the lips, on the pull of leaning in, wondering what it would feel like to close the small distance between them. One imagined brush, one gentle press. But as the minutes ticked by, the thought stretched, unspooling into something sharper, hungrier. What if his lips traced the curve of Luffy’s jaw? Pressed against his neck, just under the ear, teasing a shiver from the younger man?

Law chastised himself, but the images refused to be silenced. With each patient he checked on, each chart he filled, Luffy’s warmth returned. He imagined Luffy tilting his head, breath hitching as Law’s mouth trailed down to the collarbone, hands brushing over the shoulder, a touch so light it could almost be mistaken for professional proximity.

By mid-morning, the fantasy had grown bolder. Luffy’s shirt, his chest rising with every shallow breath, and Law’s own pulse racing as his imagination pressed against every boundary, he had carefully erected. He pictured trailing kisses along the slope of Luffy’s shoulder, lingering at sensitive spots that would make the younger man bite his lip, eyes widening in both surprise and wonder.

Law shook his head, tried to focus on a patient’s vital signs, but it was hopeless. Every beep of a monitor, every shuffle of a nurse, reminded him of that soft, oblivious gaze that had held him captive just yesterday. He imagined Luffy leaning into him, seeking contact, and the thought twisted into a longing he didn’t dare admit aloud: to feel Luffy’s hands on him, to trace that soft skin he’d only held in passing, to hear a gasp that was meant only for him.

Hours later, Law’s imagination had evolved yet again, more consuming than ever. He imagined whispering into Luffy’s ear while lips pressed to the tender skin at the nape of his neck, feeling a shiver run through him. Luffy’s laugh, once so carefree, now laced with startled pleasure, making Law’s chest tighten, pulse skipping with a mix of desire and guilt.

By the time the shift should have felt routine, Law was a storm of suppressed need and frantic daydreams. The kiss had become a prelude in his mind, a dangerous, uncharted path that he both ached for and feared. Every imagined touch, every imagined gasp, every imagined sigh kept spiraling, the line between thought and temptation blurring until he could barely think of anything else.

Its just Luffy! For heavens sake! Law lectured himself in his mind.

Yet the next image of Luffy squirming under him popped into his head.

Chapter Text

Law woke with a sharp inhale, sheets tangled around his legs and his body hot with frustration. The heavy weight pressing against the front of his sweats was impossible to ignore, throbbing insistently, as though mocking him for every ounce of restraint he’d fought to keep. He dragged a hand over his face, groaning under his breath. This was getting out of hand.

It wasn’t just one restless night. He hadn’t been sleeping properly for days. Every time he closed his eyes, Luffy was there. Bright and unguarded, filling up the silence with his voice, his laugh, his warmth. It wasn’t enough that Law couldn’t go a full shift at the hospital without his mind wandering into dangerous territory- no, now his subconscious had joined in on the assault, weaving fantasies that left him waking up panting and furious at himself.

Last night’s dream clung to him in vivid, tormenting fragments. Luffy pressed against him, lips parted in a messy kiss that stole the air from Law’s lungs. His own hands- shaking, desperate- gripping Luffy’s hips, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them. Then it shifted, blurred, spiralled- rope tight around Law’s wrists, his body straining against the restraint as Luffy looked down at him with wide-eyed mischief, grinning like he had all the control in the world. And then, just as quickly, Law was the one looming over Luffy- Luffy squirming beneath him, cheeks flushed, voice breaking into gasps and pleas that made Law’s pulse slam in his ears.

He squeezed his eyes shut, jaw clenching. The images refused to fade. Each version of Luffy his mind conjured only made the ache worse. He wanted to curse himself-  his lack of discipline, the sheer recklessness of letting it get this far. But the proof of it, thick and unrelenting between his legs, betrayed him. His body didn’t care about reason or restraint.

Law sat up slowly, pressing his palms into his eyes, trying to breathe through the storm tearing through him.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. Not with him. Not with Luffy.

And yet… the heat in his gut said otherwise. The more he fought the thoughts, the more vivid they became. Luffy’s lips under his. Luffy’s voice cracking on his name. Luffy’s body arching against his hands.

He let out a sharp, bitter laugh, one hand tugging angrily through his hair. He was losing it. Completely. And the worst part? Some traitorous part of him didn’t even want to stop.

Just as Law was about to drag himself up for a shower, the sudden shrill of his phone cut through the stillness of his apartment. He flinched, groaning under his breath. Who the hell is calling me this early? Who did I piss off now?

He glanced at the screen, and his stomach twisted. Luffy. Of all times. He sent a silent prayer skyward, though he wasn’t sure to who or for what. Either way, he swiped to accept.

“Mh… yeah, hello?” His voice came out rough, cracking halfway through. Law coughed, trying to disguise it.

“Hey Traffy!” Luffy’s voice was as bright as ever- though this time there was a tremor beneath it, something that set Law’s nerves on edge. The clatter and shouting in the background didn’t help. “Just a, uh, hypothetical question: we’re really good friends and you like me staying over, right?”

Law rubbed the bridge of his nose, forcing himself upright on the bed. His pulse was already quickening, though he wasn’t sure why. “Guess so…” He frowned. “Why, though?”

“Well…” Luffy hesitated for half a beat before blurting it out. “My kitchen kind of burnt down and-”

“What?!” Law’s voice cracked again, this time sharper, pitched with panic. He bolted upright, the phone nearly slipping from his grip. His heart slammed painfully against his ribs, and his free hand clutched the edge of the mattress, knuckles blanching.

“I’m fine! I’m fine!” Luffy rushed, like he always did when he could sense someone’s worry. “It’s just… a gas leak or something? Then it caught fire. Nobody got seriously hurt, promise!”

Law squeezed his eyes shut, breathing through his nose to keep from yelling into the phone. His chest still ached from the initial hit of panic. “And you?”

“I’m fine.” Luffy repeated, softer this time. “It’s just… I don’t really have a place to stay right now. Nami’s allergic to cats, me and Zoro, ehh…” He trailed off, avoiding that landmine. “And the others either don’t have space or they’re too busy, and… I mean, it’s okay, I can always grab a hotel. I just thought-”

“You’re not going to a hotel.” Law cut him off sharply, already yanking open drawers and pulling on clothes with his free hand. “I’ll be there in ten. Don’t move. You and the cat, stay put.”

There was silence on the other end, and then Luffy’s relieved grin practically vibrated through the line. “Heh… thanks, Traffy.”

Law hung up before he could say more, tossing his phone onto the bed. His pulse was still hammering, though for different reasons now- fear, irritation, and underneath it all, the undeniable, restless pull he could no longer pretend didn’t exist.

Law grabbed his keys and jacket, shoving his feet into his boots with far less precision than usual. His hands trembled as he locked the door behind him, and he swore under his breath the whole way down the stairs. The December air hit him like a slap, cold enough to sting his lungs, but it only made him move faster.

Kitchen fire. Gas leak. He said he’s fine, but what if—

He gritted his teeth, forcing the thoughts down as he slid into his car and started the engine. The drive was a blur of red lights and slippery streets, his fingers clenched so tight around the wheel that his knuckles ached. All the while, his chest buzzed with the image of Luffy hurt, coughing on smoke, reckless as always- too reckless.

By the time he pulled up to Luffy’s street, his pulse hadn’t slowed once. Even with fire trucks gone, the faint stink of smoke still hung in the air. His eyes locked on Luffy instantly, standing outside with Mr. Kitty bundled in his arms, a cheap backpack slung over his shoulder. Snowflakes clung to his dark hair, his plaster still visible on his cheek where Law had stitched him days before.

And he was smiling.

“Traffy!” Luffy waved with the hand not holding the cat, grinning like his kitchen hadn’t just gone up in flames.

Law shoved the car door open and strode over, his breath fogging in the icy air. The moment he was close enough, his eyes swept over him- up and down, searching for burns, for cuts, for anything.

“You idiot!” He snapped, though his voice was rough, uneven. “You could’ve-” His words caught, tangled in his throat.

“I’m fine.” Luffy repeated stubbornly, though his grin softened as he tilted his head. “See? Not even a scratch.”

Law’s hand twitched at his side, aching to touch him, to make sure. He clenched it into a fist instead. His rational brain wanted to scold, to demand why Luffy hadn’t called him sooner, why he always ran headfirst into chaos. But all he could do was stare, the leftover adrenaline still burning hot in his veins.

Luffy shifted Mr. Kitty higher in his arms. “So… do we still get to stay over?”

Law let out a low breath, half-laugh, half-growl, rubbing a hand over his face. “Get in the car before I change my mind.”

Luffy’s grin broke wide again, that unstoppable, dazzling thing that made something inside Law unravel every single time. He bounced toward the car, snow crunching under his boots, Mr. Kitty meowing indignantly at the movement.

Law followed close behind, shoulders tight, jaw locked. He told himself he was only doing this because it was practical, because Luffy needed somewhere to stay, because there was no other option.

But when Luffy slid into the passenger seat, humming cheerfully as if nothing had happened, Law knew damn well it was more than that. And he hated how much more.

After Luffy finished setting up a makeshift corner for Mr. Kitty; complete with food, water, and the scratch post he’d salvaged from the burnt remains of his apartment. He dusted off his hands and looked around proudly. Mr.Kitty was already investigating its new kingdom, rubbing its cheek against the post before pawing at the carpet.

Law, meanwhile, sat at the kitchen island, hunched slightly over a folded newspaper. A pen tapped rhythmically against the surface as his brows furrowed in concentration. The sight would’ve been intimidating to most; that sharp, serious look that could probably kill a man- but Luffy wasn’t most people.

He padded over quietly, curiosity sparkling in his eyes, and leaned forward until his chin came to rest on Law’s shoulder. “Whatcha doin’, Traffy?” he asked, his breath warm against Law’s neck.

Law stiffened immediately, pen freezing midair. “What exactly do you think you’re doing?” He asked flatly, keeping his gaze glued to the crossword as if it could save him from the sudden heat rising up his neck.

“Lookin’.” Luffy said, as his eyes scanned the paper. “Whatcha doin’ there?”

“Crossword puzzle.” Law muttered, trying to sound unaffected. “Trying to solve this one, but it’s giving me a headache.”

Luffy tilted his head, his hair brushing Law’s jawline. “Which one?”

“Number twelve, vertical,” Law said with a sigh.

Luffy squinted at the page, reading aloud. “‘A flower that is associated with the word flame, symbolizing harmony, unity, and affection.’”

He sat down beside Law, sliding the paper over to him and grabbing the pen from Laws hand. He paused, tapping the pen against his lower lip. “Huh. I’ve heard of that one before… Rebecca told me about it once.”

Law hummed, still pretending to focus on his half-filled crossword, though every inch of his awareness was fixed on Luffy.

Luffy puffed his cheeks, frowning as he concentrated. “Ugh, what was it called again? It was a weird name.” He began rubbing his temples, brows knitted together in exaggerated effort.

Law glanced at him out of the corner of his eye- and immediately had to look away before his mouth twitched into a smile. It was like watching the visible manifestation of three tiny brain cells frantically running around inside Luffy’s head, bumping into each other, setting things on fire, trying to find the answer.

He snorted quietly. The sound slipped out before he could stop it.

Luffy blinked at him. “What?”

“Nothing!” Law said too quickly, shifting in his chair. He cleared his throat. “It’s fine. You don’t have to hurt yourself trying to remember, I’ll just skip it.”

“No way!” Luffy said, puffing his chest out. “I almost got it, it’s right there on the tip of my tongue-”

Law couldn’t help it, the corners of his mouth curved. There was something absurdly endearing about how seriously Luffy took something so small. Cute, even.

Wait.

…Cute?

Law’s smile faltered. His chest tightened. A quiet panic began to stir somewhere deep inside him.

He stood abruptly, the chair legs screeching against the tile floor. “I need to use the bathroom.” He muttered, voice clipped.

Luffy blinked, a little confused but unbothered. “’Kay! Don’t fall in!”

Law didn’t respond. He strode down the hallway, pulse hammering in his ears. As soon as he reached the bathroom, he leaned on the sink, staring at his reflection. His expression was unreadable, but the faint blush dusting his cheeks.

He exhaled sharply. “What the hell is wrong with me…”

Why had he agreed to let Luffy stay? Why did it have to be him, of all people, Luffy had to stay with? He has like a thousand friends.

Law shook his head, trying to free it. Then he splashed some cold water in his face, sighing and looking at his expression in the mirror, as water dripped down his slight beard.

He noticed that he looked tired, probably from the weeks he’s been sleeping bad now. Yes… it was the lack of sleep that made him loose his mind. Nothing more and nothing less.

“Phlox!” Luffy announced triumphantly, jabbing his finger at the crossword.

Law froze mid-step, blinking. “…Bless you?”

Luffy tilted his head. “Huh?”

“That word you just said- it sounds like a disease.” Law deadpanned, walking closer.

“The flower, Traffy!” Luffy insisted “It’s called phlox! That’s the answer!”

Law stared at him for a beat, skeptical as always. “You’re serious?”

Luffy nodded eagerly, a proud sparkle in his eyes. “Yep! Rebecca told me once- they’re those pinkish ones that grow all bunched up together. Symbol of unity, or harmony, or something like that!”

Law’s brows lifted slightly. He leaned over the table, scanning the crossword again. Sure enough, in Luffy’s unmistakably messy handwriting; big, uneven letters like a kid’s handwriting, the word PHLOX was scribbled into the boxes. Somehow, it fit perfectly.

“Huh…” He muttered under his breath, more to himself than to Luffy.

Luffy beamed, clearly waiting for some kind of acknowledgment. He sat there with his hands clasped, eyes practically sparkling with anticipation, the way a puppy might wait for praise after bringing back a stick.

There it was again. That weird feeling Law had felt before, when Luffy talked about the Peony’s in his apartment. It felt warm and Law felt like he was melting like butter.

Disgusting.

He coughed once, composing his voice. “Good job.” He muttered, eyes glued to the crossword instead of Luffy’s almost electric gaze.

It was quiet for a moment. Then Luffy’s grin returned, brighter than before; like a kid being told he’d done something amazing. “Shishishi, I knew it!” He laughed, folding his arms behind his head. “Told you I’d get it, Traffy!”

Law didn’t answer right away. He was too busy fighting the corners of his lips from turning upward. His pen tapped once against the table before he finally muttered, “Yeah, yeah… you got it.”

And just like that, Luffy’s laugh filled the kitchen; a warm, careless sound that echoed through the space, softening the sharp edges of Law’s day.

He hated that sound for what it did to him.

And he couldn’t help but want to hear it again.

After a few hours of quiet coexisting, Law finishing his crossword, Luffy sprawled on the floor playing with Mr. Kitty, the calm was broken by the loud rumble of Luffy’s stomach.

It echoed through the apartment like thunder.

Law didn’t even look up from his paper. “Sounds like someone’s hungry.”

Luffy pouted immediately, rubbing his stomach. “I haven’t eaten since I got here, okay?”

Law snorted softly, eyes still on the crossword. “Tragic. Four whole hours without food; how are you still alive?”

Luffy gasped dramatically. “Exactly! I could’ve starved!”

That earned a small, reluctant smile from Law, just a twitch at the corner of his lips, but a smile nonetheless. He folded up the crossword and stood. “Come on, idiot. Let’s get you something to eat. We can grab groceries on the way back.”

“Food!” Luffy cheered, practically leaping to his feet. Mr. Kitty meowed indignantly as Luffy’s sudden movement startled him.

Law grabbed his coat and keys, still fighting off the smile that wanted to stay. Luffy’s energy was exhausting, but somehow it had a way of pushing the gray edges off his day.

The drive was mostly filled with Luffy’s chatter; about how much he loved snow, how Mr. Kitty was a “fuzzy genius,” and how Sabo once tried to make hot chocolate with salt instead of sugar. By the time they reached the small Soobway on the corner, Law felt… weirdly lighter.

Until he saw him.

Bright red hair. Piercings. Arms crossed behind the counter like he owned the place. Kid.

Law’s jaw tightened immediately. Of course. Of all the restaurants in town.

Luffy, oblivious as always, bounded up to the counter with that infectious grin. “Heya! Can I get a footlong tuna with everything? Oh! And lots of pickles. Like, a lot.”

Kid leaned on the counter, his grin sharp. “Sure thing, sunshine. You want me to throw in some extra sauce too? Or would that be too much for someone like you?”

Luffy blinked, not catching the tone at all. “Nah, extra’s great! I love sauce!”

Law, standing a few steps behind, felt something unpleasant twist low in his stomach. His jaw clenched, arms crossing without him realizing it. Kid’s gaze flicked to him; recognition flashing instantly- and that smug smirk widened.

“Well, well. If it isn’t Trafalgar Law.” Kid said, his tone deliberately casual. “Didn’t know you liked Soobway. Or… bringing company.” His eyes slid back to Luffy, a little too slowly.

“Just make the sandwich.” Law said flatly, voice like a blade.

Kid chuckled, but obliged. “Sure, doc. Gotta feed your date, huh?”

Luffy perked up, confused. “Date? Nah, we’re just getting food! Right, Traffy?”

Law exhaled through his nose, trying not to let his irritation show- trying being the key word. “Right.” he muttered, though his tone came out sharper than he meant.

Kid handed Luffy the sandwich with a grin that was far too smug for Law’s liking. “Enjoy your meal, sweetheart.” As he winked at Luffy.

Luffy, completely missing the flirtation, beamed. “Thanks, Kid! You’re nice!”

Kid’s smirk turned feral. “Oh, I can be very nice.”

Law’s hand twitched at his side. His voice dropped, low and precise. “He’s good. You can stop talking now.”

Kid laughed under his breath, clearly enjoying himself. “Touchy, doc. Didn’t peg you for the jealous type.”

“I’m not.” Law said, cold and controlled; but even he could hear the thinness in his voice.

Luffy was too busy unwrapping his sandwich to notice the tension thickening between them. “Mmm! Pickles!” he mumbled happily, mouth already full.

Law turned sharply, walking toward a booth without looking back. “Come on, Luffy.”

“Coming!” Luffy said cheerfully, hurrying after him with his sandwich.

As they sat down, Law’s pulse was still annoyingly elevated. He focused on his coffee instead of looking back at the counter; at Kid’s smirk, or the way Luffy had smiled at him so easily.

“Traffy?”

He looked up. Luffy was tilting his head again, eyes wide with concern. “You okay? You look all tense. You mad your crossword was too hard?”

Law’s lips twitched. “Something like that.” He muttered.

Luffy grinned, oblivious as ever, and pushed half of his sandwich across the table. “Here, you can have some! Sharing makes everything better, right?”

Law sighed but took it anyway- partly because he was hungry, partly because it made Luffy beam again.

And as much as he hated to admit it, that grin was worth more than putting Kid in his place.

Almost.

… ugh who put this many pickles in here?!

Luffy sat perched on one of the highchairs by the kitchen island, one hand lazily scratching behind Mr. Kitty’s ears while the kitten purred like an engine. The picture was so casual, so domestic, that it only made Law’s frantic search feel more ridiculous. He crouched, opened one cabinet after another, then another- each one emptier of bedding than the last. He knew he had spare pillows and blankets somewhere. He always kept them for emergencies.

It hit him all at once. His jaw tightened. He remembered lending the set to Bepo weeks ago when his friend had hosted some kind of "movie night sleepover." And of course, that airhead had never returned them. Law muttered a quiet curse under his breath, already planning to throttle Bepo tomorrow.

But that didn’t solve the problem tonight.

He straightened slowly, scratching the back of his neck, trying to school his face into something neutral before turning back toward the kitchen. Luffy was still sitting there, swinging his legs idly, head tilted as he watched Law with unfiltered curiosity.

The moment Law met his eyes, Luffy’s brow furrowed. “You constipated, Traffy?”

Law froze mid-step. “...What?”

“You just looked really constipated.” Luffy replied matter-of-factly, still petting Mr. Kitty like he hadn’t just thrown a verbal grenade into the room.

“I am not constipated.” Law bit back, voice a little sharper than he intended. He rubbed at his temple, muttering under his breath, Okay, maybe emotionally, but not physically.

Luffy just shrugged, completely unbothered.

Law sighed. No point dodging it. “I… lent my spare pillow and blanket to Bepo.” He admitted finally. “And it’s too damn cold for you to sleep without them.”

Luffy blinked at him, then broke into a grin so wide it made Law’s chest ache. “Huh? That’s no problem. I’ll just sleep in your bed with you.”

The words landed like a blow.

Law’s throat went dry. Heat flared up his neck, curling low in his stomach with a weight that made him feel unsteady on his feet. He opened his mouth, but only a strangled “uh-” came out.

“Cat got your tongue?” Luffy teased, hopping off the chair with a playful bounce. Mr. Kitty let out an annoyed meow as he was jostled, but Luffy didn’t even notice, padding across the floor with easy confidence.

And then- close. Far too close. Luffy stopped just shy of him, tilting his head back to meet Law’s eyes, grinning like this was all a game. “Y’know…” He said, voice dropping lower, almost a husky whisper. “… Sleepovers can be a lot of fun.”

Law’s pulse jumped so hard he swore it shook his chest. His throat bobbed painfully as he tried to swallow, breath coming short and uneven. Is he… flirting? No, he can’t be. This is too close. He’s too close. Am I even breathing right now?

All he could see were those hazel eyes, warm and guileless and far too close. Luffy. Luffy. Luffy.

And then, just as quickly, the tension snapped.

“Shishishi.” Luffy giggled, stepping back with a satisfied look. “I like your flustered face, Traffy.”

Law stood rooted to the spot, ears burning. His heart still thundered in his ribcage, but his mind replayed the way Luffy had leaned in, the way his voice had dipped, the warmth of his breath so close to his lips.

So, he did do it on purpose?!

The awkward silence after Luffy’s teasing laugh lingered far too long for Law’s liking. His pulse hadn’t slowed; it thumped in his ears, a dull rhythm that wouldn’t let him think straight.

Meanwhile, Luffy stretched like nothing had happened, scratching his stomach and wandering toward the bedroom as though he already owned the place. Mr. Kitty trotted after him, tail high in the air.

Law dragged a hand down his face. What the hell is happening… why does he make everything feel so-

“Oi, Traffy!” Luffy’s voice rang out from down the hall. “You coming? The bed’s big enough, y’know!”

Law closed his eyes and inhaled through his nose, muttering a string of curses under his breath before finally following.

When he stepped into his room, Luffy was already sprawled across the mattress, legs crossed, Mr. Kitty nestled against his chest. He looked so at ease, so completely unbothered by invading someone else’s personal space.

“This is cozy.” Luffy said brightly, patting the space beside him. “C’mon, Traffy. Don’t stand there like a weirdo.”

Law stood frozen in the doorway, watching the way the soft lamplight caught on Luffy’s hair, the faint outline of stitches just barely visible under the plaster on his cheek. Every rational part of him screamed to tell Luffy to take the couch, to put some distance between them. But his body betrayed him- he sat down on the edge of the mattress, stiff as a board.

Luffy rolled onto his side to face him, propping his chin on his palm, eyes glittering with something between curiosity and mischief. “You always this stiff? It’s just sleeping. It’s not like the first time I am sleeping over anyways.”

“I know that…” Law muttered, though it felt different. He knew he was sexually attracted to the younger man beside him. But now he had these other feelings he couldn’t try not to name anymore. But he also wasn’t quite sure himself what exactly they were. And he sure wasn’t thinking about what those were now.

“See? So, everything’s fine.” Luffy grinned, scooting closer. So close their knees brushed.

Law swallowed hard. The mattress dipped with every little movement Luffy made, pulling him further into his orbit. He could feel the warmth radiating off him, the faint tickle of his breath whenever he spoke. His mind circled back- again and again- to that moment in the ER, the needle forgotten, Luffy’s lips inches from his own. What would it have been like if he’d leaned forward? Just once. Just enough.

Luffy tilted his head, studying him. “You keep making that face.” He said, eyes narrowing slightly in thought. “Like you’re about to explode. You’re not constipated again, are you?”

Law choked, heat rushing to his ears. “I told you- I’m not constipated!”

“Then what’s wrong?” Luffy asked bluntly, unflinching. He leaned in, eyes searching Law’s face. “You look… weird. Like you’re thinking too much.”

Law’s breath caught. His mouth was dry. The answer pressed against his tongue, desperate to escape. I want to kiss you. I want to touch you. I want to know what you’d do if I gave in.

But all that came out was a ragged; “Go to sleep, Luffy.”

Luffy huffed, unimpressed, but instead of arguing, he simply flopped onto his back, arms behind his head. Mr. Kitty kneaded happily at his chest before curling into a tiny ball.

Within minutes, Luffy’s breathing evened out- soft, steady, oblivious.

Law lay stiff beside him, staring at the ceiling, his body strung so tight he thought it might snap. Every inch of him was aware of Luffy’s warmth, the occasional brush of his arm, the scent of him lingering in the sheets. His thoughts spiralled back to that almost-kiss, playing it again and again, but his imagination kept going further: Luffy leaning in first, Luffy smiling against his lips, Luffy pulling him closer—

Law shut his eyes and pressed a hand over them, jaw clenched. I’m losing my mind. Luffy. Luffy. Luffy.

And still, despite everything, he stayed.

Chapter Text

The shrill chime of Law’s alarm cut through the soft quiet of his bedroom. He groaned, dragging a heavy hand across the nightstand to silence it. The sudden hush that followed left him acutely aware of his surroundings—of the warmth, the weight, the way his chest rose and fell against something not his own.

Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he tilted his chin downward. Mr. Kitty was curled into a tight ball right on top of him, tiny paws twitching with dreams. But the real shock was the body wrapped around him.

Luffy.

The younger man was snuggled into him like it was the most natural thing in the world, one arm flung across his ribs, cheek pressed against his shirt, lips parted in a soft snore.

“Oh great.” Law muttered under his breath, but his pulse betrayed him, kicking up into a frantic pace.

What unsettled him more, though, was the strange, foreign sense of… peace. He’d slept. Actually slept. Eight full hours, uninterrupted. No tossing, no waking at 3 a.m. with his mind gnawing at itself. For once, he didn’t feel like dragging himself into the nearest grave just to escape exhaustion.

And it wasn’t coincidence. He knew that now.

Every damn time Luffy crashed here before, the same thing happened- he woke up rested, his body unknotted, his mind quiet for once. He’d refused to acknowledge it, too stubborn, too proud. But this morning stripped away the last of his denial. Sleeping beside Luffy- of all people- more for him than any prescription ever had.

Law exhaled slowly, the sound catching in his throat as he felt Luffy shift against him. The smaller frame tightened briefly, clinging in that half-conscious way of someone unwilling to let go. His warmth seeped straight into Law’s skin, sinking into the places he’d thought were frozen solid.

Carefully, Law reached up and brushed his hair out of his face, then gave a small nudge to the lump pressed against his chest. His voice came out low, rough with sleep.

“Luffy… I have to get up.”

The younger man stirred, mumbling something incoherent into his shirt. Then, with a sluggish groan, he grabbed for Mr. Kitty instead, hugging the cat like a pillow before rolling onto his side, back facing Law. Within seconds, his breathing evened out again.

Law sat there for a moment longer, staring at the curve of Luffy’s shoulders rising and falling under the blanket. His heart was still thudding, his thoughts circling in endless loops. He should get up, shower, head to work- be rational. But some traitorous part of him, buried deep in his chest, whispered that he’d like to crawl back under the covers, close his eyes, and let Luffy anchor him for just a little while longer.

Instead, he swung his legs off the bed with a quiet sigh.

The hours at the hospital bled together like spilled ink on paper. Law could barely remember where one ended and the next began. What felt like minutes ago, he had cornered Bepo in the staff corridor, tearing into him about returning borrowed blankets. Now the clock mocked him; five hours had vanished, eaten whole by emergencies.

He moved on autopilot- scrub in, scrub out, deliver news that cracked voices and hollowed faces, then onto the next. Four times already he’d told families their loved ones hadn’t survived the night. Twice more, he’d had to stand in the ER hallway with strangers and explain that someone they kissed goodbye only hours ago wasn’t coming back. Each time, Law kept his tone flat, clinical. Each time, he walked away with the weight pressing heavier.

He hated days like this. Days where death seemed to hang in the halls like mildew, where even the fluorescent lights felt dimmer, grayer. His mind always spiralled on these days.

Glass half empty, glass shattered on the floor.

By the time he trudged down another anonymous hallway toward the elevator, the world felt drained of colour. Gray walls. Gray doors. Gray faces. Even his own reflection in the sterile window glass looked like a shadow.

And then-

Colour.

It spilled out from the hospital’s social area, so vivid it made him blink.

There sat Luffy.

Bright, loud, moving with the kind of careless energy that made it look like the dreary place around him was just a backdrop for his own ridiculous sunshine. He was seated on a couch, gesturing animatedly with his hands as he talked. Beside him, a white-haired man leaned back, smiling faintly. And next to him- Ace.

Law stopped dead, then instinctively stepped behind the corner wall, hiding himself. He told himself it was only caution. In reality, he was listening.

“You really saved our butts yesterday, Yama-bro!” Luffy said, his grin wide and easy.

“Never scare me like that again, babe!” Ace snapped, the words rough but his eyes clearly tight with worry.

Law blinked. Babe?

“Oh, we’re at babe now?” the white-haired man teased, voice playful.

“Oh, come on- you know I love you!” Ace fired back without hesitation.

Law nearly snorted aloud. He hadn’t expected Ace- Ace, of all people- to say something like that out in the open.

“Yeah right!” Luffy interjected, cackling. “A few months ago, you told me and Sabo you two were only bros!”

“Oh, did he?” the white-haired man raised a brow.

“Feelings change, okay?!” Ace snapped, flushed and indignant.

And that was when Law stopped listening. The words stuck in his head, rattling like coins in a jar.

Feelings change.

He stood there in the shadow of the wall, jaw tight, a strange twist in his chest. He told himself it was nothing- just Ace being a fool, just Luffy stirring the pot. But the thought dug deeper anyway, like a thorn catching on cloth.

Feelings change.

Could his? Had they already?

He forced his eyes away from the burst of color spilling out from the lounge- Luffy’s laughter, Ace’s flushed irritation, the stranger’s smirk- and stepped into the elevator. The doors closed with a sterile ding, sealing him back inside the gray.

But his mind didn’t stay gray. It lingered stubbornly on Luffy’s grin, on those damn hazel eyes, and on the echo that wouldn’t stop.

feelings change.

The hospital doors slid shut behind him with a hiss, and the evening cold bit at Law’s face the moment he stepped outside. The day had wrung him out completely- every bone heavy, every thought dulled to gray static. His breath clouded faintly in the icy air as he trudged toward his car, rubbing at the tight knot in his neck.

Then he froze.

Leaning casually against the hood of his car, hands shoved into his pockets, head tilted up to the sky like he had all the time in the world, was Luffy. Each exhale puffed out in soft bursts of white against the night air, his dark hair catching the orange glow of the parking lot lamps.

Law’s chest constricted, his mind flashing back to the words he’d overheard earlier.

Feelings change.

He swallowed hard, forcing himself to speak. “...What are you doing here?”

Luffy dropped his gaze to him, lips curving into a grin that was infuriatingly warm. “Kidnapping you.”

Law blinked, thrown. “What? Luffy, I am not in the mood-”

“I know.” Luffy cut in, tone softer now, like he’d read the exhaustion in Law’s posture without needing to be told. “Hard day?”

Law hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. How did you-”

“Know?” Luffy’s grin widened a little as he tapped his phone. “I texted Bepo. He said you were stressed out of your mind.”

Law exhaled sharply, muttering. “That stupid idiot…”

“What?” Luffy tilted his head.

“Nothing.” Law dismissed quickly, raking a hand through his hair. “So, you wanted to kidnap me? I’ve got work tomorrow.”

“I know.” Luffy replied, stepping forward like this was all the most natural thing in the world. “Just get in. I’m driving.” He swung the passenger door open with a flourish, waiting expectantly.

Law frowned, incredulous. “You… know how to drive?”

Luffy smirked, eyes glinting under the streetlights. “There’s a lot about me you don’t know. So, get in.”

And just like that- against all his instincts, against his own need to keep walls up- Law handed him the keys. His fingers brushed Luffy’s in the exchange, brief but electric, before he slid into the passenger seat. Luffy, grinning like a thief who’d just gotten away with a heist, jogged around to the driver’s side.

Law let out a quiet breath, sinking into the seat, watching him. He couldn’t help but think: What the hell am I getting myself into?

The car rumbled to life beneath Luffy’s hands, and Law tried not to think too hard about how unsettling it was to see him behind the wheel. Somehow, he did it with the same reckless ease as everything else in his life, one hand loose on the steering wheel, the other tapping a rhythm against his thigh in time with the muffled hum of the radio.

They pulled out of the hospital lot, headlights cutting across snow-lined streets. For the first few minutes, neither of them spoke. Law leaned his head back against the seat, watching the frost-painted world slide by, still too drained to muster questions.

But curiosity clawed at him eventually. “Where are you taking me?”

Luffy grinned without taking his eyes off the road. “You’ll see.”

“That’s not reassuring.”

“Shishishi- don’t worry. You’ll like it.”

Law sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He should be annoyed, should put a stop to this whole thing. And yet, some stubborn part of him relaxed in the silence between Luffy’s cheerful humming and the steady rhythm of the road.

Twenty minutes later, Luffy turned onto a side street Law didn’t recognize. Another five, and he parked in front of a small park, the entrance framed by strings of golden lights swaying gently in the winter wind.

Law frowned. “A park?”

“Not just a park,” Luffy said, already hopping out of the car. He leaned down, grinning through the open passenger window. “Come on, Traffy. You’ll thank me later.”

Against his better judgment, Law followed. The air was sharp with cold, his breath spilling in pale clouds, but the sight that opened before him made him pause.

The park was transformed- trees draped in lights, snow crunching underfoot, a small skating rink off to one side where families and couples glided clumsily across the ice. Music drifted faintly from somewhere- a holiday melody, cheerful but soft.

Law’s chest tightened. He hated Christmas, hated everything that came with it. But standing there, with Luffy’s wide grin reflecting the glow of the lights, he felt something loosen in him.

“See? Not so bad.” Luffy said, nudging him with an elbow. “Better than moping in a gray hospital, huh?”

Law exhaled slowly, his breath mixing with the cold night. “You’re impossible.”

“Yeah, but I make you smile sometimes.” Luffy shot back with that maddening confidence.

Law glanced at him, the corner of his mouth tugging despite himself. “...Sometimes.”

They walked side by side down the lit path, snow crunching beneath their boots. And though Law told himself he was just humoring Luffy, a quiet truth stirred in his chest: maybe this was exactly what he needed.

Luffy led the way through the park, hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie, his steps light and almost bouncing. Law followed behind, trying to keep a careful distance, yet feeling every small motion Luffy made pull at him. The lights overhead painted everything in warm gold, and for a fleeting moment, Law almost forgot the weight of the day.

“C’mon, Traffy! You have to try this.” Luffy said, stopping at the edge of the small skating rink. Kids and couples glided awkwardly, laughter spilling into the cold night air.

Law froze. “Skating? You want me to… skate?”

“Yep!” Luffy’s grin widened, that same insufferable confidence that made Law both exasperated and… uneasy. He could already feel the tension coil in his stomach. “It’s fun! And I’ll help you.”

Law exhaled slowly, adjusting his coat. “I haven’t skated in years. I’m probably terrible.”

“Perfect! Then I’ll hold you up.” Luffy said, holding out a hand. “Come on, Traffy.”

Reluctantly, Law took it. Luffy’s fingers were warm, firm, and something about the casual brush against his hand made his heart skip. He couldn’t bring himself to pull away. Not yet.

The moment Law stepped onto the ice, he wobbled violently, catching himself just in time. “Ugh- this is ridiculous.” He muttered, trying to keep his balance.

“Shh, I got you!” Luffy laughed, moving closer. His hands brushed Law’s arms as he steadied him, and the contact sent a strange heat curling through Law’s chest. “See? Not so bad.”

Law cleared his throat, forcing himself to focus on the rink instead of Luffy’s proximity. But his eyes kept darting to the younger man- the mischievous smile, the soft glow of his cheeks in the lights, the way his hazel eyes seemed to sparkle even in the cold.

“You’re lucky I’m feeling generous tonight,” Luffy teased, twirling lightly on the ice. “Otherwise, I’d totally race you.”

Law’s lips twitched, despite himself. “I highly doubt I’d win.”

“Oh, come on! Don’t tell me you’re scared of losing to me.” Luffy said, skating closer, almost brushing against him.

Law swallowed. “I’m… not scared.” He said, though his voice sounded thinner than he intended.

Luffy’s grin softened slightly. “Yeah? Then… maybe we should just… see how far you can go.” He murmured, stepping right next to Law. The closeness made it impossible for Law not to notice how warm Luffy was, how much his presence made him hyper-aware of his own heartbeat.

Law’s throat tightened. His usual calm, professional exterior was crumbling under the subtle pressure of Luffy’s body so near, his casual teasing, the easy laughter that somehow felt like it was meant just for him. He knew he should step back, should put some distance between them. But the pull was magnetic.

And Luffy? He seemed oblivious to the storm he was stirring. He only grinned, eyes bright, and gave Law’s shoulder a playful nudge. “See? You are smiling, Traffy. Admit it.”

Law exhaled sharply, gripping the edge of the rink. “Damn you, Luffy!” He muttered under his breath.

Luffy just laughed, and Law realized, with a mixture of dread and anticipation, that the night was far from over- and somehow, he didn’t want it to be.

Law adjusted his footing on the ice again, muscles tense, heart racing- not entirely from the skating. Luffy circled him like he owned the rink, carefree and laughing, his hands occasionally brushing against Law’s as he steadied him.

“Careful, Traffy! You’re leaning too far forward!” Luffy called, grabbing Law’s elbow. The sudden contact sent a shiver down his spine.

“I can balance!” Law muttered, though the faint tremor in his voice betrayed him.

Luffy grinned, skating closer until their shoulders brushed. “Sure you can,” he teased. “But if you fall, I get to catch you. Deal?”

Law froze, feeling the warmth of Luffy so close, and the impossible pull in his chest. He nodded slowly, though his mind was suddenly a jumble of what ifs.

“You know…” Luffy said, leaning slightly to match Law’s pace. “I think you’re doing better than I thought.” His tone was light, teasing, but the soft glint in his eyes made Law forget how to breathe normally.

“Flattery won’t save you if I fall.” Law muttered, gripping the ice railing for support.

“Then I guess I’ll just have to stay close.” Luffy said, skating right alongside him. Their arms brushed repeatedly, just enough to make Law’s pulse spike. Every accidental touch made him hyper-aware of the other’s proximity, of the soft scent of Luffy’s hoodie, of the warmth radiating from his body.

A small stumble sent Law’s balance faltering, and instinctively, Luffy’s hand shot out. “Got you!” He said, steadying Law. Their hands lingered together for a heartbeat longer than necessary, and Law felt heat creeping up his neck.

“Thanks…” He said, trying to sound composed, but his voice was low, almost rough.

“No problem, Traffy.” Luffy said, his grin softening into something warmer. “You’re… actually kinda fun to be around like this.”

Law’s stomach flipped. Fun? With Luffy? Every interaction felt like a tug-of-war between frustration and fascination. And somehow, skating- something he thought was ridiculous- felt electric with Luffy so close.

“You’re lucky I’m good at this.” Luffy added with a playful nudge against Law’s shoulder as he skimmed past him. “Or else, you’d be eating ice by now.”

Law exhaled sharply, gripping the railing. “Don’t tempt me to prove you wrong.” He muttered, though he was well aware he’d be terrible at it.

“You wouldn’t hit me, Traffy.” Luffy said, skating backward to face him, mischief dancing in his hazel eyes. “You’re too responsible for that.”

Law’s chest tightened. “Responsible… sure.” He muttered, but the word felt hollow compared to the thrum of his heartbeat, which seemed to echo every brush of Luffy’s hand, every playful tilt of his head.

As they skated together, the night wrapped around them like a quiet cocoon, and Law realized something he hadn’t admitted yet.

He didn’t want it to end. Not tonight, not ever.

Chapter Text

It had been two days since Luffy had moved into Law’s apartment, and to Law’s own surprise, he couldn’t find as many reasons to complain as he’d expected.

Not that he wouldn’t have loved to in fact; he’d mentally drafted several perfectly valid rants about personal boundaries, noise levels, and hygiene- but Luffy kept… disproving him.

Yes, he was messy. Of course he was. There were socks in strange places and a permanent dent on the couch from where he flopped down after training. But it wasn’t disaster messy. Luffy somehow managed to keep things from spiralling into chaos. He washed his gym clothes without being asked, cleaned up the kitchen after eating (even if he sometimes left the sponge in the sink), and he was strangely respectful of Law’s space. He even knocked before entering the bathroom- which was, frankly, more than Law could expect after their first bathroom encounter.

It was almost unsettling. Law found himself waiting for the other shoe to drop, for some sort of catastrophe that never came. Instead, he’d catch Luffy quietly playing with Mr. Kitty, or humming while folding laundry, or staring out the frosted window like he was trying to see past the snow itself, looking like he was searching for an answer, while drinking hot cocoa. Or how he went showering after the gym, giving Law bad ideas for a “payback”.

And every time, Law’s chest would tighten with a feeling he still refused to name.

At the hospital, the breakroom chatter was a constant, dull hum in the background of Law’s thoughts. He sat at the table, absentmindedly stirring his coffee, eyes unfocused as Shachi and Penguin bickered in front of him.

“- I’m telling you, she just ghosted me again!” Shachi complained, running a hand through his hair dramatically. “What’s wrong with me, huh?”

“Plenty.” Penguin deadpanned, earning himself a glare.

“Oh yeah? You think you could do better?”

Penguin smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Easily. Tell you what, why don’t you give up on women entirely and date me instead?” He waggled his eyebrows, voice dripping with mock seduction.

“Ew. You’re an idiot.” Shachi said, smacking him upside the head.

“Ow! See, this is why you’re single!”

Law’s pen hovered above his clipboard, halfway through a note. He hadn’t heard a single word before that exchange. His mind had been miles away- somewhere between the memory of Luffy’s laugh echoing through his apartment last night and the way he’d found him asleep on the couch, hugging Mr. Kitty like a plush toy. Exhausted from their kidnapping adventure.

“Right, Captain?” Penguin turned toward him suddenly, smirking. “You got any romantic advice for our lonely Shachi? Maybe you know someone he could date?”

Law blinked. “...What?”

Shachi sighed. “He wasn’t listening again.”

“I said-” Penguin repeated, slower this time. “-you got anyone for Shachi? Maybe someone from the ER?”

Law exhaled through his nose and leaned back in his chair. “Leave me out of this.” He said flatly, eyes narrowing just slightly.

Shachi rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, typical Captain answer.”

Penguin grinned. “He’s just saying that because he’s already taken.”

Law looked up sharply. “What?”

“Come on.” Penguin teased. “Word around the hospital is you’ve been spending a lot of time with that Luffy guy. What’s the deal, huh?”

Shachi laughed, elbowing Penguin. “Yeah, maybe Luffy’s the reason Captain’s actually been smiling lately.”

“I don’t smile.” Law said automatically, though his pulse spiked in irritation.

“Sure.” Penguin drawled. “And maybe I’m a model.”

Law turned back to his paperwork with forced calm, ignoring the warmth crawling up his neck. “Shouldn’t you two be working?”

They snickered and backed off, leaving him to his thoughts. But the damage was already done- because now, despite his best efforts, his mind wandered right back to Luffy again.

Luffy, standing barefoot in his kitchen wearing one of Law’s shirts, smiling like he belonged there. Asking Law if he would like a coffee before he left.

Luffy, humming out of tune while washing dishes.

Luffy, who made his apartment feel less like a tomb and more like a home.

Law took a slow sip of his now-cold coffee, glaring at his own reflection in the surface.

He was definitely in for a losing game.

Even if he would admit the feelings- he obviously doesn’t have- Luffy would…could never feel the same way for him and admitting these feelings would just end in him with a broken heart. So, he just chose denial.

The gym buzzed faintly with the sound of weights clinking and sneakers squeaking against the mats. The faint tang of sweat and chalk hung in the air, sharp under the cold hum of fluorescent lights.

Luffy had arrived earlier than planned, figuring he’d start warming up until Law finished his shift. He stretched, jogged a few minutes on the treadmill, and soon found himself drifting toward the sparring ring; a space buzzing with energy.

That’s when he saw Kid.

The red-haired man stood near the ropes, taping his hands, a cocky grin already curling his lips when he spotted Luffy. “Well, well. If this isn’t sunshine himself.” Kid drawled, his voice low and rough, carrying that trademark confidence that usually made people back away- but Luffy just grinned right back.

“Hey, Soobway guy! Wanna spar?”

Kid chuckled, rolling his neck until it cracked. “You sure you can keep up, sunshine?”

“Bet I can!” Luffy beamed, hopping over the ropes with that effortless energy that made everything feel like a game.

They started slow- circling, testing each other’s reach. Kid was powerful, heavy on his feet, while Luffy was quick, springy, unpredictable. What began as playful soon turned competitive. Each dodge from Luffy earned a sharper jab from Kid, each feint returned with a bright, mischievous grin.

Kid’s smirk deepened as he caught Luffy’s wrist mid-swing, twisting slightly. “You move fast.” He said, voice dropping, a teasing edge curling around the words. “Bet you drive that doctor of yours crazy.”

“Huh?” Luffy blinked, genuinely confused, still tugging at his wrist. “Why would Law be crazy?”

Kid laughed, stepping closer, close enough that Luffy could feel the heat radiating off him. Their forearms brushed, breath mingling in the short space between them. “Forget it.” Kid muttered, though his eyes lingered- not on Luffy’s fists, but on his face, flicking down at his body, checking him out.

Luffy tilted his head, smile unfazed. “You’re a weird guy.”

Before Kid could answer, the gym doors opened with a faint metallic thud.

Law stepped inside, hair damp from the snow outside, dark circles shadowing his sharp eyes, though they faded a bit since Luffy slept beside him. He scanned the room automatically- then froze.

There, in the ring, was Luffy. Laughing. His arm hooked around Kid’s neck in a mock grapple, faces barely inches apart. Kid obviously checking Luffy out.

Something hot and unfamiliar flared in Law’s chest. His jaw tightened as he watched Kid’s hand hover far too comfortably near Luffy’s waist, and Luffy- oblivious as ever- only laughed harder, bright and loud, lighting up the dull gym like a spark.

Kid noticed Law then smirked.

And he didn’t move away.

Law’s knuckles went white where they clenched around his gym bag strap. He walked toward them with deliberate calm, every step echoing against the mat-covered floor.

“Having fun, Straw Hat?” He said evenly, though his voice came out colder than intended.

Luffy looked up, grinning wide, his hair sticking up wildly. “Traffy! You’re done with work!”

Kid’s grin widened too, all sharp teeth and provocation. “We were just warming up, Doc. Didn’t know your boyfriend here was this feisty.”

Law’s glare could’ve frozen fire. “He’s not- ” He caught himself, jaw tightening, pulse hammering. “He’s my friend, patient if you will.”

“Sure.” Kid said, stepping back but still smirking. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

Luffy blinked between them, confused. “Wait, boyfriend? Me and Traffy? Nah, he’s just grumpy.”

Luffy just laughed and jumped off the ring. “Come on, Traffy! You promised to teach me that shoulder stretch thing! And maybe we can spar after? ‘That be fun!”

As he tugged Law’s sleeve toward the mats, Law didn’t even resist. He just let himself be pulled, trying to ignore Kid’s amused snort behind him- and the way his own heart wouldn’t stop racing.

After Law had showed Luffy some stretches, he warmed up himself.

Law hadn’t meant to get pulled into sparring. He only planned to warm up, maybe correct Luffy’s form once or twice, but somehow, here they were- circling each other in the ring, grins sharp and eyes focused.

Luffy moved like chaos incarnate; unpredictable, fluid, grinning one moment and darting in the next. Law met him with precision, measured counters, and calm calculation. It was a dance- fast, unrelenting, and more fun than Law would ever admit out loud.

Their shoes scuffed against the mat, the air filled with the sounds of their breathing- uneven, fast.

Law ducked, Luffy spun; Luffy feinted, Law sidestepped. Neither gave an inch. Sweat slicked their skin, gleaming under the harsh gym lights.

Then it happened- a blur of movement, a slip, a shift of weight.

Law’s back hit the mat with a dull thud. A startled breath left his lungs. Before he could react, Luffy was there- straddling his hips, pinning his wrists beside his head to the mat with surprising strength. His shirt clung to his chest, damp from sweat, and a few stray strands of dark hair fell into his eyes.

The world narrowed to the sound of their breathing heavy, ragged, uneven.

Luffy’s face hovered just above his, so close that Law could feel each puff of warm breath fan across his skin. A droplet of sweat trailed from Luffy’s temple, down the curve of his jaw, along his throat, and disappeared into his shirt. Law’s eyes followed it- involuntarily, shamefully- and he felt his pulse kick hard against his ribs.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Luffy’s grin had faded, replaced with something sharper, a wild, focused look he got when fighting. His eyes were darker, serious, burning with the thrill of victory.

“Gotcha!” He breathed out, a smile finally tugging back at the corner of his mouth.

Law didn’t answer. Couldn’t. His throat felt tight, his mind blank except for the heat of Luffy’s body pressed against his.

He could’ve pushed him off. But he didn’t.

Instead, he just looked- really looked- into those brown eyes that always seemed to pull him in, and his thoughts tangled in all the wrong directions. His pulse roared in his ears, and it wasn’t just from the sparring anymore.

Luffy tilted his head slightly, curious. “You okay, Traffy? You look kinda weird.”

Law swallowed hard, forcing his voice steady. “You’re heavy, Luffy.”

Luffy just laughed, leaning a little closer, the sound soft and breathless. “You’re just weak.”

Law opened his mouth to retort-

“Didn’t think you two were into this kinda thing in public.”

Kid’s voice cut through the moment like a slap.

Both of them froze. Luffy blinked and turned toward the ropes. Now sitting atop Laws thighs as he let go of his wrists. Kid stood there, arms crossed, smirk plastered across his face.

Luffy scrambled off, scratching the back of his neck. “We were just sparring!”

“Sure, you were.” Kid said, smirking wider as he walked past. “Looked like he was about to tap out for a whole other reason.”

Law stood up stiffly, brushing off his shirt, refusing to meet Luffy’s eyes. His ears burned red.

“Kid, I swear if you don’t shut up-”

“Relax, Doc.” Kid laughed, walking off toward the lockers. “Didn’t mean to interrupt your bonding time.”

When he was gone, silence fell again.

Luffy tilted his head, confusion all over his face. “What the hell was that? That guys wierd.”

Law sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Yeah…”

Law had finally retrieved the blanket and pillow from Bepo, satisfied that Luffy would finally have a proper place to rest. He carefully arranged them on the couch, fluffing the pillow just right and spreading the blanket evenly so it looked cozy.

“I know it’s not much… I hope it’s enough?” Law murmured, stepping back to inspect his handiwork. The soft glow of the living room lamp made the couch look warm and inviting, and for once, Law felt a faint sense of domestic pride.

Luffy, sprawled on the couch, tilted his head up at him with a sleepy smile, eyes half-lidded. “Don’t worry, Traffy. The kitchen guys said it’s just going to take a few more days. I should be able to get back there on the 23rd… then we can celebrate Christmas!” His words tumbled out in a cheerful, rambling rush, as if he couldn’t contain his excitement. “I hope you’re coming! After all, with everything you’ve done, you have to!”

Law couldn’t help but smile. “Sure… I’ll think about it.” He replied, trying to keep his tone casual, though the idea of seeing Luffy so happy warmed something deep inside him.

Luffy yawned, stretching lazily before sinking into the makeshift bed. “Thanks, Traffy. You’re… great.” He said softly, his voice carrying that rare, unguarded sincerity that always made Law’s chest tighten.

Law turned away quickly, pretending to adjust a book on the shelf so Luffy couldn’t see the faint red creeping across his cheeks. “Sure. Night.” He said, voice a touch hoarse from the lingering amusement and something else...

With that, Law disappeared into his bedroom, leaving Luffy curled up on the couch, the blanket tucked snugly around him. Outside, the faint hum of the city continued, but inside, for a brief, quiet moment, everything felt almost… right.

Suddenly, he was somewhere familiar and yet impossibly distant- his childhood home. The smell of polished wood and old books filled the air as he sat at the small kitchen table, a book about human anatomy open before him. The afternoon sunlight streamed in through the window, casting warm, golden patterns across the floor.

He looked up, confusion knotting his stomach. His father sat across from him, hunched slightly over a cup of tea, his face soft with that rare, patient expression. “Everything okay, champ?” His father asked, but the words sounded muffled, almost as if coming through water, unfamiliar in their tone.

Law nodded slowly, unsure why the comfort of the scene felt so unreal.

“We love you.” His mother said from the doorway, her voice carrying that calm, unwavering warmth that had always made him feel safe. But even her words sounded distant, distorted in a way that made his chest tighten.

And then- the world shattered.

A flash of fire blazed through the room, turning everything into harsh streaks of red and orange. Screams tore through the air, mingling with the acrid stench of smoke and burning wood. His hometown was in ruins, reduced to ash and dirt. He could see the silhouettes of his neighbours running, their faces contorted in panic, but it was all blurred, unreal.

He found himself on the scorched ground, sitting beside the lifeless bodies of his parents, their eyes closed as if they had simply fallen asleep. He clawed at the ground, shaking them, his voice breaking into desperate, guttural cries. “Mom! Dad! Sis! Wake up! Come on, we have to leave!”

But before anything else could happen, a sudden void swallowed everything. Silence- complete and suffocating- engulfed him. The absence of noise, of warmth, of even the chaotic destruction he had just witnessed, pressed in from all sides. He clasped his ears, screaming, trying to fill the emptiness with his own voice, but it was useless. The void consumed even that, leaving only the cold, unyielding nothingness.

Then, a flash of light and color pierced through the darkness, followed by a laugh that made Law’s chest tighten and glow with warmth.

There was Luffy- carefree, grinning, waving at him from the ice as if the world had never been cruel. “Come on! Ice skate with me!” He shouted, his voice bright and full of life.

Law’s lips curved into a genuine smile. He ran toward him, the cold ice beneath his feet nothing compared to the fire building in his chest. “Luffy!” he laughed, almost roaring in relief, and pulled him into a tight hug. Luffy chuckled softly, melting into the embrace.

For a moment, the chaos and void melted away, leaving only the two of them. Law cupped Luffy’s face in his hands, thumb brushing lightly against his cheek, gazing into the familiar hazel eyes that had haunted his thoughts.

“Can I… kiss you?” He whispered, voice trembling with something he had never allowed himself to admit before.

Luffy froze. “What? Ew!” His voice cracked like glass, and suddenly he was being pulled away, yanked toward some unseen force.

“Wait for me!” Law shouted, reaching out desperately, but Luffy didn’t listen. One hand went into Zoro’s grip, the other flipping him off, mocking.

“You’re not worth it. Did you really think I’d go for someone like you, Law?” Luffy’s words, though mocking, cut through him like knives.

“You’re just a lame doctor, so emotionally unavailable- it’s sad, really.” Zoro added, sneering.

“Have fun with that boring life of yours.” Luffy laughed, and that bright, careless sound began to echo and twist, filling the void he had been left in. The darkness surged around him again, swallowing every colourful memory, leaving only emptiness.

Law felt himself falling, helpless. He screamed, trying to reach for Luffy’s fading silhouette, but the void swallowed his voice. He began screaming. A guttural scream he had only heard of mothers or wife’s losing their loved ones before. It made him choke. But the sound was muffled by the black void. Tears overflowing, running in thick streams down his face and neck.

“Don’t leave me here! I’m sorry! I’ll change! Stay with me! Luffy! Don’t leave me alone!” He begged, every word choked with desperation, tears burning hot as they spilled down his cheeks and neck.

“I love you!” He cried into the abyss, the words trembling and raw, a plea into the void that seemed endless.

And then- a jolt. A rattling, gentle shake, as if someone were trying to pull him back from the edge.

“Traffy?… Hey, Traffy?”

Law’s eyes snapped open, and there was Luffy, leaning over him, eyes sleepy but filled with concern.

“Wha-” His voice was raw, a rasp from the sobs and the weight of what he had just lived through.

Gently, Luffy brushed away his tears with a thumb, warm and grounding. “Shhh… I’m here.” He murmured, soft and unwavering.

Oh

And in that moment, with his chest still heaving and the echo of the void fading, Law realized the truth that had been burning inside him all along.

He loved Luffy.

So much it hurt.

Chapter Text

Gently, Luffy scooted closer, letting Law rest his head against his chest. One hand lazily traced through his hair, soft and reassuring. The taller man’s body shook quietly, silent sobs he hadn’t let out in decades now slipped past his control. It was humiliating and embarrassing, but also… strangely comforting, to let it out.

“Shhh… it’s okay, I’m here, Traffy.” Luffy murmured, his thumb brushing tenderly across Law’s cheek whenever a tear spilled past.

Hesitantly, Law wrapped an arm around Luffy’s torso, drawing him closer, sniffing as his chest heaved with lingering grief. The warmth and steady heartbeat beneath his ear slowly eased the storm in his chest. As he began to regain himself after a while.

“Better?” Luffy asked softly after a while, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Law only nodded, too embarrassed to speak, but he didn’t let go of Luffy. He couldn’t.

“Nightmare?” Luffy asked, quiet and tentative.

Law pressed his face into the crook of Luffy’s neck, secretly inhaling his scent; the faint trace of sweat, shampoo, and something uniquely Luffy. Somehow, it grounded him more than he thought possible.

Law’s voice was barely a whisper, trembling. “My parents… and my sister… everyone’s gone. I saw their… corp- They’re gone, Luffy. They’ve been gone for so long I can barely remember their voices.” His breath tickled Luffy’s neck as he spoke in a quiet broken voice.

“That’s… horrible.” Luffy murmured, his hand still weaving through Law’s hair, steadying him.

Law swallowed, voice shaky. “After… I was in an orphanage. The owner, Donquixote Doflamingo- he was cruel. Made me do- terrible things. But his brother, Rosinante… he saved me. But he… he died too. I’ve been free ever since. But I… I was too scared to be close to anyone… until…”

Law’s words trailed off. He didn’t know why he was telling Luffy, not even Bepo knew the half of it.

“It’s not your fault, Law.” Luffy said, voice steady, serious.

Law lifted his head slightly to look at him. Luffy’s gaze was earnest, unwavering, something he’d never seen directed at himself. The words resonated deep inside, soft and insistent: It’s not your fault.

Without realizing, Luffy’s thumb brushed away a fresh tear. “It’s okay.” He said gently. “You don’t have to tell me everything. I’m here.”

I love him. It’s not my fault. Luffy… Law’s mind was in shambles, heart pounding.

“Is it… alright if you sleep here… just tonight?” Law asked, hesitant, almost afraid of the answer.

Luffy chuckled, warm and soft, tilting his head so Law could see him smile. “Of course. Just sleep, Traffy.”

Slowly, Law laid his head against Luffy’s chest, listening to the steady, comforting rhythm of his heartbeat. Luffy’s hand continued to stroke through his hair, soothing, and warm. The tension in Law’s body eased, the exhaustion and fear melting away as sleep slowly reclaimed him.

Badum… badum… badum…

The next morning Law woke up to his alarm ringing. His arms still curled around Luffy’s torso, not letting him the option to escape. As he slowly rose, he felt a throbbing pain in his head and turned off the alarm.

He looked down at Luffy, still fast asleep. Slightly drooling and snoring.

I love him.

The last night came crashing down on him like a wave. That was so embarrassing! A blush rose to his cheeks. He got up, in a slight panic, still careful not to wake Luffy.

He quickly retreated to the bathroom and took a shower.

How am I gonna be able to look him in the eyes after how I acted? He has to know now that I’m completely in love with him!

He sighed and leaned his head against the wall.

“Traffy, can I come in?” A knock and Luffy’s groggy voice sounded at the bathroom door.

“Yes?” Law answered without registering it.

Luffy silently slipped in, holding a hand over his eyes. “Not looking this time, I promise! I just need something from the dryer”

When Law realized what had happened it was too late. Luffy was in the bathroom now.

And he held his eyes closed. How considerate. If he wasn’t stumbling to the shower instead of the dryer.

“Hey uhm wrong way- wait Luffy- stop ahh!” Law tried redirecting him, but Luffy was too disoriented. He stood in the shower now, the water drenching his white sleepshirt.

“Ahh damn it’s hot!” Luffy exclaimed flailing his hands trying to find a wall to orient himself while pressing his eyes closed.

“Open your eyes damn it!” Law ordered.

“Nooo!” Luffy exclaimed panicked.

Then he slipped and made him and law tumble over.

“Augh. I told you to just open your eyes idiot!” Law scolded rubbing his head.

“Sorry!” Luffy said.

He still had his eyes tightly squeezed together and Law had another problem on top of that, or well on top of him.

Luffy was over him, one hand on his torso, the other on the floor next to him. His legs between Laws, dangerously close to certain body parts. Luffy’s shirt was now soaked, and Law could see the trained and well-defined muscles.

Holy shit… Why is he so hot?! Law fought to keep his composure.

“J-just open your eyes and get out!” Law said.

“I can’t!”

“Why not?!” Law asked now panicked as he didn’t know how much self-restraint he could muster up.

“B-because the last time I saw you naked in your shower it got weird!” Luffy said, his voice filled with panic and embarrassment.

Law remembered now. The night Luffy had drunk too much and walked in on him in the shower.

“It’s totally different now we aren’t strangers anymore. We’re friends its ok just get up.” Law reassured him.

“Promise it won’t get weird Traffy!” Luffy asked.

“Yeah, yeah now hurry up.” Law pressed.

Slowly Luffy blinked open his eyes. Meeting Laws flushed face. His eyes flicked down as he jumbled to his legs before bolting to the dryer to fish something out and then out the door. The last thing Law saw was the wet trail Luffy left behind.

Law sat there, heart pounding, a mixture of exasperation and something much, much deeper flooding through him. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm down, but the sight of Luffy, soaked and oblivious, replayed in his mind, igniting a heat he wasn’t sure he’d ever fully control.

Why is he so oblivious? How can someone be that hot and not even notice? Calm down Law.

Steam still clung to the air as Law stepped out of the bathroom, a towel draped around his neck, damp hair sticking to his forehead. His heart still hadn’t slowed down from the chaos earlier. The sound of Luffy slipping, the feel of his weight against him, the heat of their bodies pressed together- it all replayed in his head on a torturous loop.

He’d taken an extra long shower to calm down, but it hadn’t helped. If anything, it made things worse. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Luffy’s grin, felt his hand on his chest, heard that panicked but warm voice yelling, “I can’t!” That would surely become a secret pleasure of his, and he hated it.

When he finally emerged into the kitchen, Luffy was there; of course he was. Now in his freshly dried shirt, hair sticking up in damp curls, humming as he flipped pancakes in Law’s frying pan like he’d lived there all his life. Mr. Kitty lounged nearby, tail flicking lazily as if he, too, had accepted that this was just normal now.

“Morning!” Luffy chirped, glancing over his shoulder with that sunshine grin that made Law’s chest ache. “Hope you’re hungry!”

Law froze in the doorway. Oh great. He’s cooking.

“Luffy, you know I told you not to touch my-”

“Relax, Traffy! I didn’t burn anything this time!” Luffy interrupted proudly, pointing at a very golden, but questionably shaped, stack of pancakes. “See? Not even one’s on fire!”

Law exhaled slowly through his nose, fighting back a smile. “That’s… an improvement.”

“Thanks!” Luffy beamed, completely missing the sarcasm as he reached up to grab a plate. His shirt rode up just slightly, revealing a sliver of tanned skin above his waistband, and his toned V-line stealing the show. Law’s gaze flicked down before he could stop himself, his pulse skipping a beat.

No. Stop it. Don’t you dare. He’s not even aware of it.

“So-” Luffy started, setting the plate down in front of him. “How come you take so long in the shower, huh? I thought you drowned or somethin’.”

Law nearly choked on air. “I- what?! I was… thinking!”

“About what?” Luffy asked between bites, completely genuine.

“...Medical stuff.” Law muttered, though it came out weaker than intended.

Luffy just hummed, nodding like that made perfect sense. “Makes sense. You think a lot, huh? Always looking serious.”

“Serious?”

“Yeah.” Luffy said, leaning on the counter, chin in hand, smiling lazily. “Like you are thinking about something big. Or maybe someone?” He wiggled his eyebrows teasingly. A way of teasing he had obviously learned from Ace.

Law nearly dropped his fork. “Wh- what do you mean someone?”

Luffy blinked. “I dunno. You’re always all stiff and quiet when you’re thinking. Kinda funny to watch. Like you’re gonna explode or somethin’.”

Explode was one way to put it.

Law pushed his plate away, face warm. “Eat your pancakes, Luffy.”

“I am!” Luffy grinned, cheeks full. “Oh, and hey- sorry about earlier. You know, in the shower.”

Law stiffened instantly. Don’t. “It’s fine. Forget about it.”

“I really didn’t mean to knock you over.” Luffy said, frowning slightly. “But you’re soft for a guy who looks so serious all the time.”

Law blinked, nearly forgetting how to breathe. “I’m…soft?”

“Yeah! Not like, squishy soft, but y’know… warm and soft I dunno.” Luffy nodded seriously. “Like a heated blanket. Or a cat.”

Law’s mind short-circuited. “A cat.”

“Yeah! Mr. Kitty likes you too, so that’s proof!” Luffy said matter-of-factly, completely unaware of how red Law had gone by now.

“I- Luffy-”

“Wanna go to the park after breakfast? Or do you have work?” Luffy asked suddenly, already moving on, smiling like the earlier awkwardness never happened. “I saw some guys building a snowman on the way back yesterday, and it looked fun!”

Law sighed, rubbing his temples, fighting a losing battle against the corner of his mouth tugging upward. “You’re impossible.”

Luffy grinned even wider. “I’ll take that as a yes!”

“But just until my shift starts at 3pm!”

And just like that, Luffy bounded off to grab his coat, leaving Law standing there with his heart doing double-time and his thoughts a tangled mess.

He exhaled quietly.

He has no idea what he’s doing to me.

By the time they reached the park, the air was crisp, and the ground sparkled with fresh snow. Luffy was bouncing ahead, kicking up powder with each step, leaving tiny clouds in his wake. Law followed, hands buried deep in his coat pockets, trying, and failing, to act calm.

“Look!” Luffy shouted, pointing to a half-built snowman. “They left it for us to finish! Come on!”

Law sighed but couldn’t resist the grin tugging at his lips. “We’re not ruining someone else’s… work.”

Luffy scoffed, grabbing a handful of snow. “It’s meant for fun! And besides…” He grinned mischievously, scooping up more snow and aiming it at Law.

Before Law could react, Luffy flung the snowball with deadly precision. It hit him square in the chest. Law froze, staring down at the melting snow soaking into his coat, while Luffy doubled over laughing.

“You’re so slow, Traffy!” Luffy cackled, wiping tears from his eyes.

Law’s cheeks warmed- not just from the cold. “I can be fast, when I want to!” he muttered, forming his own snowball with deliberate care.

Luffy’s grin widened. “Oh yeah? Prove it!”

The next few minutes were a blur of laughter and flying snow. Luffy darted around with impossible speed, laughing uncontrollably each time Law almost hit him. But then, as Law lunged to throw a snowball, Luffy tripped over a hidden stone, and Law’s instincts kicked in. He caught him before he fell, arms locking around Luffy’s torso.

Both of them froze. Luffy’s face was barely a hands-width from Law’s chest, cheeks flushed red from the cold and running.

“Thanks, Traffy.” Luffy said softly, his voice barely above the winter wind.

Law’s heart threatened to leap out of his chest. “Y-yeah…” He swallowed hard, gripping a little tighter than necessary, aware of how warm Luffy’s body felt pressed to his own.

“You’re so strong!” Luffy laughed, leaning into him without thinking, completely at ease. “I mean… not too strong. Perfect!”

Law’s ears burned. Perfect? He could feel every inch of Luffy’s warmth through his coat, every inhale of Luffy’s scent. His mind was a jumbled mess of adrenaline and undeniable love.

“Stop talking and help me finish the snowman.” Law muttered, trying to focus on something- anything- other than the way Luffy kept bumping into him, clumsily brushing against his side, laughing.

“Sure!” Luffy said, bouncing ahead again, entirely unaware of the storm he’d left in Law’s chest. He tossed another snowball back at him. “But you better be ready! I’m getting you this time!”

Law groaned internally. He has no idea what he’s doing to me… and he’s laughing while he does it.

By the time they finished the snowman- messy, lopsided, but somehow perfect- Law was panting, not from running through the snow, but from trying to keep his cool while Luffy bounced around like he owned the world.

Luffy threw his arms around the snowman proudly, turning to Law with a grin. “See? Isn’t it great? Take a picture of us, come on Traffy!”

Law stepped closer, brushing some snow off Luffy’s sleeve. “It’s… chaotic. Like you and uh… sure.”

Luffy tilted his head, smiling innocently. “Chaotic? Me? Nah…” He winked, completely oblivious to the shiver Law felt running down his spine. As they took a photo together. Luffy smiling brightly and Law trying his best at a smile.

In the middle of all their chaos, snow flying and laughter echoing through the park, neither of them noticed the eyes watching them.

“Fufufu… oh dear, Law.” A voice purred from the shadows, soft but full of amusement. “So in love… and too shy to even speak. What will I do, what will I do?”

Law’s ears twitched at the sound, but he was too busy shoving snow off Luffy’s sleeve to respond. Or watch where it came from.

“Bepo, come on! Our shift starts soon!” Penguin’s impatient yell cut through the quiet of the park.

Law couldn’t help but glance over at the two, cheeks heating, not from the cold. Meanwhile, Luffy, completely oblivious, laughed and tossed another handful of snow at him, entirely unaware of the little audience they had gained.

After Law left for his shift, Luffy met up with Sabo at a nearby coffee shop. The warm scent of cocoa and pastries surrounded them.

Luffy ordered a hot chocolate with marshmallows, and Sabo got the same, smiling as he stirred his drink.

“Good news, Luffy.” Sabo began, voice bright. “The guy in charge of remodelling our kitchen said this morning they’ll finish tomorrow, and the day after we can move back in. Apparently, the damage wasn’t as bad as they first thought.”

Luffy nodded, picking at the foam on his drink. “Oh… really? Nice.” He murmured, but his usual sparkle was absent.

Sabo’s brow furrowed. “Everything okay?”

Luffy sighed, shoulders slumping. “I don’t know… I think I might be getting sick. But who knows. I’ll tell Traffy I’ll be out by the day after tomorrow. Bet Mr. Kitty will be happy to see you and Ace again too.” He rambled, forcing a small smile.

“And… you sure you’re fine with moving back? Is Law’s place really that much better?” Sabo asked, a hint of concern threading through his voice.

Luffy shook his head quickly. “No! It’s just… fun staying over, that’s all.” He tried to sound casual, but his tone betrayed him.

He took a slow sip of his chocolate, but the rich sweetness felt muted, duller than it did before. Maybe he really was getting sick.

Chapter Text

A few hours earlier…

Luffy woke up to an empty bed and let out a sleepy groan. Law was gone.

Did he leave for work already?

Yawning, Luffy padded toward the bathroom, the soft sound of running water reaching his ears.

The shower.

Part of him thought he should just wait. But another, far louder part of him- annoyingly insistent- wanted to see Law again… like that. His mind betrayed him, flicking back to the first time he’d accidentally seen Law naked. Was he still that fit? His heart began to race and he felt a wierd feeling coil inside of his stomache.

“Stop it, brain!” He muttered to himself, shaking his head. “What am I thinking?”

After a brief internal debate, he made a compromise: he’d go in but not look. Just to satisfy that nagging curiosity. Besides, he did need a new shirt- his current one was a bit itchy from the tears Law cried the night.

So, he stepped forward cautiously, hands over his eyes like a child playing a prank on himself.

One step… two steps… and suddenly, one slip, one misstep, and he found himself on top of Law.

“Oh- ah!” He squeaked, heart hammering as he realized just how close they were. His hands brushed against Law’s soft, yet firm, chest. He wanted to squeeze- no, inappropriate. Absolutely inappropriate.

Eventually his eyes tentatively cracked open- and froze.

Law’s startled expression, droplets of water clinging to his skin, the taut lines of muscle… Luffy’s throat went dry. His heart raced, and his brain short-circuited.

Flailing slightly as he scrambled off, he almost slipped on the wet trail he’d left behind barely remembering to grab the shirt he came for.

By the time he reached Law’s room, he was panting, hands shaking as he changed into the fresh shirt. His mind refused to let go of the image: Law’s body, stunned and wet, right beneath him.

And somehow… Luffy was already looking forward to the next time he could “accidentally” be that close.

To forget about it as fast as possible he busied his mind by making some pancakes.