| SEAT BY THE WINDOW | TRAFALGAR LAW
summary: as a medical student, trafalgar d. water law finds himself constantly exhausted and in need of caffeine. somehow, he stumbles across a cafe near his university that just so happens to be open at all hours of the night! and it just so happens that the owner is cute, too. pairing: med student! law / barista! reader wc: 5.1k tags: modern! au, f! reader, fluff, law wants you so bad, both you and law are tired and have bad sleep schedules, awkward law, law is tall but we always forget because one piece characters are the size of mountains a/n: i love law so much
Law liked to lie to himself and insist that the Keurig Classic coffee maker he owned was enough. Despite the fact that he felt compelled to get his coffee during the day from a cafe, and only used the machine at night when everything was closed, he insisted it was fine.
He would force himself to drink the bitter coffee made from a pod, waving his roommate Bepo off when he offered to brew him coffee from ground beans, saying the Keurig was perfectly fine.
It wasn't like his face twisted every time he took a sip from the piping hot cup, wasn't like he preferred his coffee cold but couldn't put ice in the homemade brew without it tasting like watered-down shit, and it wasn't like it was a big deal.
Until one day, Shachi and Penguin showed up to his apartment, claiming they had a cure for all his problems.
"You're paying my med school bills, or what?" Law asked, bored and hunched over a table. "That would definitely solve a lot."
"Let's not get too crazy." Shachi snorted, before sliding Law his phone. "Look! This cute new cafe's opening a block away from you, and they're open 24/7. You should go try it out!"
"Coffee's probably shit." Law shrugged, barely glancing at the phone. "Anybody who has that much time on their hands to keep themselves open all day and night probably has low quality beans."
"I think you're discounting it too fast." Bepo scolded his roommate, washing dishes from the kitchen. "They could be perfectly fine, and maybe even your new favorite. There's no harm in giving it a try."
Law frowned, glaring at his textbook. Every morning, he got a cold brew from Nico Robin's cafe downstairs. Then, he'd get another one after classes in the afternoon. They closed by five, which was already pretty late for a cafe on the university campus, which meant that at night, his best friend (enemy) was the Keurig.
"Twenty four seven..." Shachi whispered, wiggling his fingers and getting closer to Law. "And they even have pastries. And seating. And wifi, and there's probably nobody there to bother you in the dead of night."
"When do they open?" Law sighed, shutting his eyes and rubbing his temples, doing his best to ignore how Shachi and Penguin high-fived each other behind his back.
"Today! Or actually-" Penguin peered at his watch, checking the time. 1:04 a.m. "I guess yesterday."
"Any reviews so far?" The med student mumbled, closing his textbook gently.
"Five stars!" Shachi said gleefully. "Me and Penguin went after class in the afternoon, and guess what - the owner of the place is super cute!"
"What does that matter?" Law peered at them, annoyed. "Tell me how the coffee was. Or the food."
"Oh." Shachi and Penguin pouted simultaneously, crossing their legs before Penguin spoke. "Well, I thought the coffee was good. Shachi really liked the food - they have some instant ramen options, a lot of pastries, stuff like that. Some quiche, too."
"Quiche." Law repeated, unamused. "You're telling me about their quiche."
"I'm just telling you, in general!" Penguin groaned. "I don't know what you have against quiche - it was really good! Seriously, I think we should go."
"I will go." Law said, grabbing his coat from the back of his chair, tucking his laptop into his bag, and standing up. "You will stay here, with Shachi and Bepo. As for the quiche, I've never had a quiche that doesn't taste like slop and vomit."
"That's just because Bepo's cooking is shit." Shachi said, pointing at Law's roommate, who bowed in apology, murmuring "I'm sorry" and "I'll do better."
"Stop bullying Bepo." Law sighed, patting his roommate on the shoulder. "Your cooking is fine. I'll be back soon."
Shachi and Penguin frowned from the couch, shouting objections about how they wanted to go too. It was too late - Law was already out the door, slinging his coat over his shoulders.
Just as Shachi had said, the cafe was only a block away from Law - incredibly close, and not very hard to find considering most stores had all their lights off already. As he approached, he heard soft jazz flowing from the store, and as he breathed, he couldn't help but sniff the air more.
Chocolate chip cookies. And they smelled fresh, too. Pushing open the door to the cafe, he heard a tired "Welcome in!", and he hummed in acknowledgement.
"Hi there." You greeted him kindly, yawning a bit. "Since it's still our first week open, we're punching membership cards twice the normal amount to encourage customers to keep coming back. All you have to do is make a purchase and let me know what you think!"
"Sounds good." Law mumbled, eyes scanning over the menu. "Just a large cold brew and -" his face twisted, already annoyed with himself as he thought about Shachi and Penguin's nagging, "-a quiche, please."
"Well, don't force yourself." You laughed. Law peered at you, just a little bit annoyed. He couldn't help but agree with his friends - if you were the owner, you were pretty. Your laugh was infectious, and despite how tired you seemed, you appeared happy as could be. "What kind of quiche would you like?"
"...The Florentine quiche sounds fine." He sighed. He'd force himself to try the quiche. And if it was shit, Shachi and Penguin would be hearing from him. "I know you have chocolate chip cookies in the display, but I smell some freshly baked. Would you mind if I had the new ones?"
"Not at all." You hummed. "Good to make first impressions for opening week."
"Very blunt of you." Law snorted. "That a good marketing strategy?"
"Honesty is more important than marketing." You shrugged. The register dinged, showing that Law owed fifteen bucks - not a bad price at all for a large drink, a meal, and a sweet treat. You punched a brand new membership card for the man, filling up four out of seven stamps, and handed it to him. "I'll call your name when it's all ready, Mister...?"
"Just call me Law." He replied, nodding. "I'll just go sit down and wait, take your time."
He chose a seat by the corner, two windows on each side of him as his body sank into a plush chair and opened up his laptop on the desk. He blinked, realizing that he didn't know the Wifi password to what he assumed was the cafe's network - 'Sunny Cafe Network :)'.
Just as he was about to get up and ask you for it, he realized there was a small laminated sheet glued to the table, with the Wifi password, separate menus for different times of day, and a little QR code for any feedback.
Law hummed, nestling back into his chair as he typed the WiFi password into his computer. He couldn't help but feel grateful for the effort the owner put into each area - he hated going to new places and asking for things like the Wifi, or god forbid a key to the bathroom.
He tried to do a little bit of work, appreciating the soft music flowing through the cafe. He wondered if your opening day was really busy - and he was a bit shocked that nobody else was here at this hour. After all, this was a university campus filled with sleepless students, though they were probably out drinking and partying anyhow.
"Law?" You called from the counter, pushing a tray out. "Here you go!"
He got up from his seat, meandering to the counter with his hands outstretched to take the tray to his seat. "Wait!" You said, hands in a silly 'X' in front of him. He paused, blinking at you. "You have to let me know how everything is!"
"I will." He said, going to reach for the tray again. You cleared your throat, shifting from foot to foot behind the counter. He sighed. You really were pretty - you looked exhausted and worn out, but nevertheless excited for feedback. He couldn't turn you down. "Fine."
He reached for the cold brew first, turning slightly away from you so he wouldn't have to see your excited face in his periphery. He took a sip. "This... Is really good."
"Really?" You beamed, hands on the counter.
"Yes." He affirmed. "Did you add any syrup? It has notes of like..." He trailed off, taking another sip. "Chocolate? Cherries?"
"No syrup!" You grinned, crossing your arms proudly. "The blend I used for your cold brew was a mix of beans from South America and East Africa! African beans are known for giving off some floral or fruity flavors, while South American beans are known for sort of tasting like chocolate, so I blended the two!"
He hummed, clearly satisfied, before reaching for the quiche and the fork. He grimaced, clearly hesitant to take a bite.
"Do you not like quiche?" You wondered, laughing a bit at his face. "You didn't seem happy to order it either."
"Not really." He frowned, glaring at the pastry like it'd offended him. "But my friends came here earlier, and they said it was really good."
"Shachi and Penguin, right?" You smiled at his shocked face. "Yeah, they came in the afternoon, saying they'd try to get their grumpy friend to come on down. Med student, they said."
He clicked his tongue, taking a piece of quiche onto his fork. "Yeah. That's me."
"Anything you wanna be in particular?" You said, giggling as he kept glaring at the quiche.
"A surgeon." He shoved the quiche in his mouth, as if he felt like it was going to grow legs and run away.
"That'll be hard work." You laughed, watching him chew the pastry like he expected it to be his worst enemy. His face turned into a surprised, pleasant acceptance. "Good?" You asked, chin resting on your hand.
"...Yeah." He stared at the tart. "It's pretty good."
"I'm happy to hear that." You smiled, pushing off the counter to begin wiping down the equipment. "I work the afternoon to morning shift. I hope I'll see you again, Law. Make sure to bring that membership card in for some free stuff!"
"Okay." He blinked, watching you grab a rag and start cleaning. "Do you have LinkedIn?"
You paused, rag dripping with water onto the quartz counter. "Why??"
Law cringed at himself. He was twenty-six and still didn't know how to properly ask for something. "No, I mean like, uh..." He stared at the quiche. That damn quiche. "Somewhere I could find you?"
You grinned, pointing at the poster by the register. "The cafe has an Instagram!"
Law withered. "Right. I'll be sure to follow it, then."
You laughed so hard your side started cramping - it was painfully obvious what he wanted, but it was funny how incredibly bad with words he was. "Hand me your phone, Law."
He stared at you, confused, before realizing you were still waiting. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, unlocked it, and bashfully handed it to you. You clicked around on it, and he just watched you the whole time.
Your hair was a little oily. There was a smudge of espresso remnants on your eyebrow. A strand of your hair was in your face, and you kept crinkling your nose every time the hair came in contact with it.
Jesus, you were pretty. He was never going to admit to Shachi and Penguin that they had, for once, made an accurate and compelling point as to why Law should've come.
"Here you go, Law." You handed his phone back with a sly grin. Pretty barista, you'd saved yourself as. Even taken a selfie for the contact picture too. "I hope I'll see you again."
"I'll be back tomorrow." He promised, watching your features - exhausted yet happy as possible - smiling kindly at him. "I'll try your whole menu."
"Will you now?" You chuckled. "Well, I'm looking forward to it. Looks like I got my own personal taste tester." You pulled out a notebook from under the counter, flipping it open and showing him the wrinkled pages. "Well, good. The menu's still pretty small, and I have a lot of ideas to expand it. I'll never turn down an extra palette."
If he was any less restrained with himself, Law could've been jumping for joy. Maybe it was the night speaking, the long hours getting to both of you, but he'd take any opportunity to help you however he could. He found himself undeniably drawn to you, to your tired demeanor and your willingness to work.
"Can I ask why you chose to open your cafe here?" He inquired, flipping through your recipe book. Blueberry muffins, many different flavors of macarons, brown sugar toffee latte. He couldn't wait to watch you make all of them.
"I went here for my bachelors, actually - for Business Administration. Very boring. But I always complained about how early the places closed! I'd get my coffees from Ms. Robin's place, but-"
"She closes at five." Law added. You blinked at him, but nodded, surprised. "Yeah, I know. I get her drinks too."
"That's too funny." You said, taking the cookbook back from him. "Ms. Robin actually helped me open this place. She's really nice."
"Yeah, well." Law shrugged, biting his cookie and humming contently. "So are you."
"Thanks, Law." You replied, watching him. Your eyes crinkled, trying not to laugh aloud at his slightly sad attempt at complimenting you. "Is it good?"
"I know I'm your taste tester now, but I really don't think that should even be a question." Law huffed, shoving the rest of the cookie in his mouth and speaking with it full. "Yesh, itsh good."
"I'm happy to hear that." You grinned. "Well, I'm going to get back to baking cookies for the morning shift. It was nice to meet you, Law." You took his tray.
"No, the pleasure's all mine." He replied, shaking his head.
"The pleasure can be both of ours, you know?"
Unfortunately, his friends caught on awfully quick. Within a week, it was no secret that Trafalgar Law had a massive crush on the owner of the Sunny Cafe. From midnight to three, all his friends knew - if Law wasn't in his apartment, he was going to be at the cafe down the block.
Ms. Nico Robin, too, was also fully aware of this fact, having come to check in on your business after the end of the week. You joked that Law was single-handedly keeping your business open, before clarifying that you were joking and that business was stellar.
Law had only grumbled at this, suddenly very glued to his textbook and the task of memorizing the brain. You always had a new pastry or drink to give him, and he was always willing to try whatever you had to offer. For someone who was evidently fearful of quiche, he didn't seem to mind eating all your different variations at all.
Sometimes you'd see Law in the afternoon too, at the start of your shift, being dragged to your cafe with his two friends you were already familiar with, and another who he later introduced as his roommate. They'd tease him the whole time they were there, throwing out comments like "Isn't the owner looking cute today?" and, "Aw, look, his face is all red! Law and the owner, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"
Grown ass men, by the way.
Of course, this would always result in Law leaving abruptly and texting you an apology, to which you would always say you didn't mind and you actually found it rather cute. He always left you on read, but that was mostly because he hadn't a clue how to respond and was honestly embarrassed that you thought someone like him was cute.
Tattooed, dreary, tired Law. Cute?!
When he came alone, he'd always sit in the same seat he'd sat in the first day he came in. Right in the corner of the shop, a small plush seat for one.
Whenever he came in with his friends, he'd be dragged to the closest 4-seater to you - a table nobody else would willingly take because everyone was bustling around the area.
They'd sit there nonetheless, Law tucked into the seat with the least people shoving by him as he glared at Shachi and Penguin, who would wave at you flirtatiously as Bepo stole off his plate.
"I wanted that." He'd say.
"The quiche?!" Bepo gawked at him. Law, quiche?! "I'm sorry."
It became even more normal for him to text you late at night after he came in one particular night and it wasn't you working. Don't get him wrong - the barista named Sanji was perfectly kind and hospitable, but they just weren't you. Plus, he was strangely much kinder to the girl who came in after Law than he was to Law himself.
L: How come you're not in tonight?
Y: I should've known you were going to text me! I had to call out, my cat was still lying on my chest when I wanted to leave.
Law blinked at his screen. Maybe this was the pros of owning your own business, having the ability to call out to love your cat.
L: Can I see?
Y: I just said he was lying on my chest! What're you getting at?
L: Man let me see the cat
He huffed, ears red as he stared at the phone, huddled in the corner of the cafe as Sanji continued to feed free samples to the girl trying to place an order.
Y: [video]
A video of you, taken from around your stomach, with your cat nuzzled into your neck as the rest of him laid on your chest. You were smiling, sticking your tongue out before kissing your cat on the head multiple times, saying "Pretty boy!" over and over.
Law wished he'd been born a cat.
From then on, he'd texted you pretty much every night, checking that you were going to be the one working. Luckily, your cat had only decided to pull that stunt the one time, and Law never had to watch Sanji flirt again.
You never pointed out how casually the two of you would interact from then on, little texts of "craving one of your scones," or "that latte saved my life today, wouldn't have been able to stay awake."
You snagged small, intimate moments with Law here and there, whenever you could, and he gave them to you, as if it was normal to exchange little bits of unseen affection with someone you'd met a week or so ago.
Not that either of you minded.
He'd taste test for free, get free snacks from you late at night if nobody else was in the store, help you behind the counter if you were particularly tired.
You started asking how his exams were going, wondering where he was looking to go for residency, asking about his friends. He found himself sharing every part of his life with you, even the little things. With time, he learned more about your life, your childhood, the friends who dropped in to see you in the cafe.
Months and months passed, and relentless teasing from his friends began to stack. Shachi would poke fun at him, Penguin playfully badgering you for your number as you kept shaking your head, smiling, pointing at the flyer with the cafe's Instagram on it. Bepo would always ask if he'd asked you out yet, to do anything at all, go anywhere.
Law knew he should - but he just didn't know how.
"She likes to read." Nico Robin prompted as you handled other customers, sitting at a table in front of Law with a stack of books herself. "I believe going to a bookshop would be quite a safe option."
"I didn't ask for advice, Miss." Law grumbled halfheartedly. He couldn't ever bring himself to be angry with the other cafe owner, who had treated him so kindly the many years he went to her cafe.
"I know." She hummed, flipping a page and glancing at him. "It seems like you needed it, though. You haven't been to my cafe in months - figures you would be here."
"Sorry for swapping." Law shrugged, glaring at his iPad, internal organs staring back at him. "She's just-"
"Open all day and night." Robin smiled. "No worries. I was just teasing you. Though, if it's been months, one would think you two would've gotten somewhere by now."
Law flushed a gentle shade of pink, tattooed hand running through his hair. He twirled the stylus in his fingers, chewing on his lower lip.
"She doesn't need big actions." Robin said, eyes skimming the page - The Killer Angels, she was reading. "Maybe a craft day - bookmarks?"
Law wished he could say he already had an idea what to do with you - but in truth, he had too many ideas. He didn't know where to start, how to pick just one gesture to win you over. Too many ideas of how to spend time with you, see you, touch you, hold you.
It took a few more days before he decided to just take Nico Robin's advice.
"I remember you mentioning you wanted a new book a while back." Law prompted. It was a Friday - a long day for Law, as he had an eight a.m. class immediately followed by hours of shadowing at the hospital, then working as an EMT until seven p.m. when he finally got time for himself. It was midnight now, and yet he still continued to visit your cafe without flaw. "Would you want to go get it tomorrow? There's a nice bookstore that's also a jazz bar a few blocks from here."
You pulled a fresh batch of cookies out of the oven, sliding one off the hot baking sheet and onto a plate, handing it to Law with a grin. "Are you asking me on a date, Law?"
He flushed again, the only indication of his nervousness. "Yeah. If you'd want to go, I mean." He took the plate from your hands, grazing yours just as they did every day.
"I've wanted to for months." You smiled, leaning over the counter to peck him on the cheek. You smelled like chocolate chip cookies and espresso, hair a little damp from a day's work. "So of course, yes. I'd love to go on a date with you, Law."
When Law went home that night, he found himself unable to sleep. It's not like this was irregular - his sleep schedule was constantly unstable, and he was bordering on becoming nocturnal soon.
But this was different. He couldn't sleep because his heart wouldn't stop pounding in his chest, and he tossed and turned thinking about you. Intertwining your fingers tomorrow, brushing hair out of your face.
He forced himself to take some melatonin, lest he show up to your date groggy and half-alive in the afternoon.
As he started to sleep, he could only hope he'd dream about you.
Reluctantly wearing an outfit Shachi and Penguin had picked out - baggy jeans, a purple sweater that screamed "Casual, but not nonchalant" in Penguin's words, Law tapped his foot nervously as he waited outside the bookstore.
The bustle of the street was drowned out by the thumping of his own heart, and he continued to gnaw on his lip as he waited for you to show up outside the bookstore.
"Hi, Law." You greeted from behind him. He jumped, not expecting you to approach from that direction, and you laughed, looping an arm around his. "You look nice."
He cleared his throat, embarrassed. "Thanks. So do you. I like what you did with your hair."
You squeezed his arm, and he nearly jumped again. "Wow! This sweater is very soft, Law! Where'd you get it?"
He squinted at the sign of the bookstore, trying to ignore how you were basically just squeezing on his bicep. "I knitted it."
Your jaw dropped. "No way! I didn't know you knew how to knit!" You continued running your fingers over the fabric, ooh-ing and aah-ing at the handiwork. "This is really good, Law. Wow."
"Not a big deal." He managed to squeak out, finger shakily pointing at the bookstore. "Do you want to go inside?"
You removed your arm from his, laughing a bit at how he seemed to curl into himself at the loss. You intertwined your fingers with his, watching as he visibly brightened a bit, letting you tug him towards the door.
The bookstore was warmly lit and dark, the owner greeting you kindly from behind the desk. You immediately wandered to the back, Law following you as you set out in search of your favorite genre.
"What're you looking for again?" Law asked, hand warm against yours and not letting up anytime soon.
You peered at him from the corner of your eye, rubbing your thumb against the back of his hand. "I'm seeing what might catch my eye. I've been meaning to buy a book called Pachinko for a while though - it should be in the historical fiction section."
Law hummed, eyes skimming the bookshelves to help you look. "That one? With the light blue spine?" He pointed at the top of the historical fiction shelf, a gently worn book spine glinting back at you.
"Yeah, I think so." You said, squinting at the book. You walked up to the bookcase, up on your tippy toes to try to reach for it. You grunted a bit, arm fully extended as you fumbled for the book.
Warmth enveloped your back as Law pressed against you, a soft "Excuse me" coming from his mouth. He gently pushed your hand downwards, grabbing the book for you with ease and handing it to you. "Is it the right book?"
"Yeah!" You said, reading the author's name. "Thanks, Law. How tall are you? That book was super high up."
Law cleared his throat, thankful for the store being dark enough that you probably couldn't see his face turning red again. Down bad, Shachi had called him. "I'm six foot three."
You whistled, intertwining your fingers again. "Built like a tree."
"This tree helped you reach a book, you know." Law teased, finger playfully pushing against your forehead. "Could be a good thing."
"Didn't say it was a bad thing." You shrugged, tugging him towards the cashier. "You're just my type."
Law's hand tightened around yours, and you laughed a little. You greeted the cashier, reaching for your wallet when she said it was only ten dollars since it was an already used book.
Law beat you to it, tapping his phone against the card reader. The owner smiled at the two of you, wrapping your book for you and handing it back, both of you waving goodbye as you left the store.
"I could've paid for myself, you know." You frowned, bumping shoulders with Law. "Shouldn't you focus on paying for school?"
"I spend at least ten dollars at your cafe every single day." Law replied, shrugging and reaching his free hand out to carry your book for you. "Spending another ten because I want to do something nice for you isn't a big deal."
A small smile graced your face, leaning your head against Law's shoulder. "Okay. If you're sure, then."
"Couldn't be more sure." Law replied, leaning his chin on your head. The two of you stood there, outside the used bookstore, holding each other and watching the city bustle around you. Law smelled like coffee and pine, warm and comforting.
"I'd like to see you again." He prompted, arms tightening a bit around you, burying his face in your hair. He did his best to ignore how your face was very clearly purposefully pressed into his built chest.
"Law, you have a sleeper build!" You laughed, voice muffled from where you were. His heart raced faster, and he was sure you could hear it, because your shoulders still shook with laughter, even as you looked up at him, forcing him to stop leaning on you. "Yes, of course I'd like to see you more too, I had a really good time. Even though I'm sure I'll see you later tonight when I work anyways."
"You will." Law promised, brushing your hair out of your face. He knew you didn't like it when it brushed against your nose, even accidentally. "And I'm glad you enjoyed yourself today."
"Won't you ask me to be your girlfriend?" You teased, pinching his waist and watching him flush.
"I thought it might be too fast." He replied, hands tightening around your arms. "I didn't know if you liked me enough."
"If I didn't like you," You said, hugging him close, "I wouldn't have given you my number the first night we met. You took a while to work up to it, Law."
"Well." Law huffed, looking away. "I thought maybe it was another clever marketing strategy from you."
"Could be a smart move." You hummed, starting to walk away from the bookstore. "Maybe I should start giving my number to every guy that comes in."
"No, maybe not." Law grumbled, grabbing your wrist and looking at you. He ruffled his hair, golden eyes swimming with apprehension, though it was clear he was mulling things over. "I really like you. I enjoy spending time with you, and I want to have you in my life every day."
He paused, eyes skimming over your face, reading your every expression. Your cheeks were flushed with the spring breeze, smiling at him as you watched him talk. "Please do me the pleasure of letting me be your boyfriend."
Your smile grew ever wider, pulling him in tightly for a bear hug. He choked a bit, surprised at the gesture and your strength. He wheezed, gently and awkwardly patting you on the back. "Can't breathe. Can't."
You released him, gesturing for him to lean down. He blinked, but listened to you anyways, leaning towards you. Your arms wrapped around his neck, lips meeting his, smiling as you kissed him.
Law froze for a second, mind blanking, before cupping your face with his free hand and kissing you back. His ears felt hot as he kissed you with desperate fervor, before pulling back, face red as a tomato.
"I'd love to be your girlfriend, Law." You said happily, stealing your book from his hands and checking your phone. "I have to clock in soon, but I'll see you tonight?"
"Uh, yes." Law replied after a beat, blinking at you, still breathing heavily. "Yes. I'll be there."
"Good." You hummed, walking away. "I'll save you your regular seat."
