More doodles, wooooooo.
I was scrolling through amazon for Ganyu shit to get for Christmas and that outfit showed up; let's just say my brain had a moment.
Also, how blatant is it that I stole the Gray and Mirajane gag from Fairy Tail-
For @cosmicatta!! All credits for this AU and Monkey D. Ola go to her! (Please check out her amazing art and fics <33)
There is going to be a short lawlu extra tomorrow (hopefully, I'm gonna be AFK most of the day) because I have no self-control and I am also not sorry at all :)
Side note: happy birthday Luffy, my one and only sun! Here, have Ola's birth as your gift! I'm gonna try to throw something together for his birthday specifically but uhh who knows ahahah
PLEASE NOTE that this story contains MPREG (you're welcome to use your imagination on who's actually pregnant tho ahaha)
[ Read on AO3 | Extra | Ko-Fi ]
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Sanji wasn’t sure what he had expected when Luffy burst into the kitchen one afternoon with Law in tow. He had expected something—after all, Luffy being late for lunch was never without reason—but that ‘something’ sure as hell wasn’t what actually came out of his captain’s mouth.
“We’re having a baby!”
Dead silence settled over the kitchen as everyone present stared at Luffy with an open mouth.
“I’m sorry, who is having what?” Usopp finally asked, his voice a pitch higher than usual.
“Me and Torao. We’re having a baby,” Luffy replied matter-of-factly as he settled into a chair, grabbing for the whole chicken in the middle of the table.
Sanji automatically swatted him, “Hands off, that’s for Nami-san, Robin-chan, and Ikkaku-chan. Are you actually for real?”
“You’re mean,” Luffy whined, chewing on a slab of sea king meat unhappily, his eyes still fixated on the chicken. “But yeah? Why wouldn’t we be?”
“Because the Captain—You—You know…” Penguin tried, waving his hands around vaguely and obviously looking for words.
“My head already hurts…” Torao muttered, dropping into his designated chair next to Luffy, throwing his arm around the back on Luffy’s own chair.
“Well, considering Torao isn’t trying to murder Luffy right now, I guess it’s not just in Luffy’s head,” Zoro laughed, earning himself a glare from both Luffy and Torao—one of those way more threatening than the other—but he didn’t pay them any mind. Instead he raised his mug in a toast. “Congrats.”
That seemed to break the spell that had both of the crews in a stupor. Suddenly, everyone was cheering and congratulating their captains on the happy news, asking a million questions and already making plans for a celebration.
There was Franky crying his eyes out, Bepo hanging onto Law and rubbing his face against him, Penguin and Shachi fighting over who was going to be the godfather—as if the Straw Hats would let them hog that role all to themselves—Chopper so happy he didn’t know what to do with himself, and of course, Robin enveloping Luffy in a warm hug with a happy smile on her face.
Sanji wanted to feel jealous. He would be, very much so in fact, under any other circumstances.
However, right now…
Right now he had more pressing issues on his mind.
Exchanging a look with Nami and Usopp, all three of them nodded, a mutual understanding between them.
Sanji needed a cigarette.
—————
It was that very same night that Sanji found himself in the kitchen once more. This time, however, the atmosphere was much calmer… and also much more serious. The silence that hung over the room was almost oppressing, the unspoken tension felt by everyone present.
Sanji carefully placed a cocktail glass in front of Nami, who only muttered her thanks in a voice so quiet it was barely more than a whisper.
Usopp seemed to not even have it in himself to protest the unfair treatment or demand his own from where he was lying slumped over the table, his eyes staring off into space and fixed on an empty spot on the wall. Sanji could understand the sentiment.
With a sigh, Sanji pulled out a chair and sat down, grabbing a cigarette and lighting it, taking a long drag. He wondered… how many chances to enjoy a smoke in peace did he have left?
It was only minutes later that Usopp finally broke the silence in a completely lifeless voice, not even bothering to unglue his face from the table. “What are we gonna do?”
“Pray,” Sanji replied, watching the smoke rise to the ceiling. Really, what else was there for them?
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for them okay?” Usopp continued, gesturing with his hand as if to stress his words while still keeping his head on the table. “But can you imagine? A person, a human person who is half Luffy and half Torao? That’s not going to be a human person, it’s going to be the thing that will finally sink the Sunny.”
“Tell me about it…” Sanji mumbled. “If that baby eats as much as Luffy does? Do you have any idea what it’s like feeding one Luffy?”
“Not to mention the cost of feeding one Luffy.” Nami nodded in agreement as she rubbed the bridge of her nose; no doubt already worrying about their already strained finances.
Usopp groaned. “Even just picturing their personality is giving me a headache. We are so fucked guys.”
Suddenly, Nami slammed her glass on the table, startling both Sanji and Usopp and making both their heads turn to stare at her. She was silent for a moment longer, her eyes closed but her posture firm. It was obvious she had come to a conclusion in her mind and was about to assume command of their meeting.
Ah, Sanji loved her when she was decisive like this too…
“Listen, you two,” she said once she finally opened her eyes and gave them both a serious look. “We need to stop panicking. What is our advantage?”
“Uhm.” Usopp frowned, taken aback. “That we’re three adults against one monster of a baby?”
Nami rolled her eyes. “That we’ll be there from day one. We can be positive role models and neutralise the awful influence of their parents and their freak-genes.”
“I see. Avert the worst case scenario with positive reinforcement training,” Usopp hummed as he rubbed at his chin thoughtfully.
“Don’t talk about the kid like they’re a dog.” Sanji lit up a new cigarette before he wondered out loud, “But Nami-san, can the three of us do it? We’re up against Luffy.”
Nami heaved a deep sigh, resting her cheek against her palm as she sipped on her drink. “Well, what other choice do we have? We can’t just will the problem away and we can’t possibly… I don’t know, edit their bloodline element to not be a Luffy and Torao child.”
Sanji winced, not wanting to even think about any genetic modifications. He had had more than enough of that at three years old for the rest of his damn life. He’d rather have the kid eat twice as much as Luffy and be twice as picky as Law than anything even close to that.
(No, Sanji would never let that umeboshi fight they had on their way to Punk Hazard all those years ago go, thank you very much.)
“So, Nami… what’s the plan? Once they’re born, do we just make sure to feed them a normal person amount and teach them not to say or do creepy shit while Luffy, Torao, and Robin are right there?” Usopp asked.
Nami grubbed at her temple and sighed. “Something like that. We still have a few months, we can work on the actual plan during that time…”
“Here’s hoping,” Usopp groaned, slumping back on the table. “Man, kids are exhausting…”
Taking a drag of his cigarette, Sanji couldn’t help but agree with Usopp. He was so tired already and they only found out about it today.
Sanji honestly dreaded the day they were born.
—————
Sanji sighed, running his hands through his hair. He wanted a cigarette but Chopper had made him promise to stop smoking. He supposed he could at least go outside for air but that would mean leaving and what if something happened while he was gone? He had to be there, he had to stay in this room with everyone so that they could help if needed. Or be there once they can meet their newest crewmember.
And no, Sanji wasn’t nervous. Not at all. He knew nothing would go wrong and everything would be fine. He was perfectly fine—
“Can you stop pacing around like you’re the goddamned father, Curly?”
“Shut the fuck up, Marimo,” Sanji snapped, baring his teeth at the man who dared call himself his boyfriend but instead was still the same asshole he was when they first met. Why did Sanji tolerate him anyway?
Zoro rolled his eyes, leaning forward to grab Sanji’s hand and pulling him closer—closer until Sanji was basically standing between the swordsman’s legs with his arms wrapped loosely around Sanji’s slowly growing stomach, his presence solid and grounding and suddenly, Sanji felt like he could breathe easier. Ah… Yes, this was why.
Sanji took a deep breath as his shoulders sagged and his whole body relaxed, focusing on the warmth of Zoro’s body against his own instead of his thoughts.
“It’s fine, Chopper’s there,” Zoro said, his voice steady and firm.
“I know. Sorry,” Sanji muttered back. All of a sudden, he felt like the idiot, getting all worked up for nothing. It wasn’t like worrying would help in any way, was it?
“Thank god, the pacing was making me nervous,” Shachi noted with laughter that sounded way too strained to be amused.
Yeah, they were all nervous weren’t they?
Sanji wished it would end already. The wait was the worst.
Suddenly, as if answering his thoughts, the lock clicked and the door to the infirmary creaked.
Everyone’s heads immediately snapped to stare as the door slowly opened, holding their breaths and not moving a muscle, their hearts beating a mile per second in their throats—at least, that was what Sanji’s heart was doing. But considering even the Marimo froze completely against him, he was sure they were all in the same boat.
It felt like hours before Chopper came into view behind the door, looking completely spent. Tears were glistening in his eyes as he looked up, his gaze taking in all the Straw Hats and Hearts that were packed into the waiting room.
Sanji gulped heavily, watching with wide eyes as Chopper started crying—at the same time as his mouth split into the widest, happiest smile Sanji had ever seen on the little reindeer.
“It—” Chopper started but then stopped as he choked on his own words. “It’s a girl. They–they’re–everyone’s doing great.”
Silence settled over the room for a moment as the information slowly sank in. But then…
“WHOO-HOO!!”
Loud cheers erupted around the room as the invisible weight they had been carrying around lifted. Sanji laughed in relief, his lips stretching into a smile. One of his hands automatically came to rest over Zoro’s arm around his stomach, squeezing lightly.
He heard Zoro huff in response, the man only hugging him closer in a wordless gesture that they both understood but neither addressed.
“Shut the fuck up!” someone finally snapped from inside the infirmary when it seemed like the cries and excitement wasn’t about to end anytime soon.
And, as if by magic, everyone went quiet, some even going so far as to slap their hands over their mouths. There were only several muttered ‘sorry, Captain’ and ‘sorry, Torao’s to be heard before the thin film of Law’s room appeared—and only a split second later, the door to the infirmary slammed shut again by itself.
“Well, I guess they really are fine…” Usopp mumbled after a moment.
“So uh. Can we meet her or?” Uni asked uncertainly.
“Who’s going to ask them though?” Penguin asked back, shooting a look at Uni, then the door, then finally at everyone else in the room.
A moment of silence passed before everyone echoed, “Bepo.”
“Why me?” the bear whined.
“Because he’s not going to kill you,” Shachi explained helpfully, which only earned him an unhappy frown from Bepo.
“Stop bullying my bear!” Law snapped from the inside of the infirmary.
“It’s fine~! Come see her!” Luffy called, completely ignoring Law.
The two crews exchanged glances, all of them hesitating to move at first but then Ikkaku sighed and got up. “Cowards,” she shot with a smirk before reaching for the door handle, opening the door and walking inside like nothing was wrong.
“Now she acts all cocky but when it was just the Captain threatening us…” Clione grumbled only to receive general hums of agreement.
But, with the spell broken, everyone slowly shuffled into the infirmary to meet the 'Pirate Princeling (gender neutral)', as Big News Morgans had dubbed her.
Was that going to be 'Pirate Princess' now?
Sanji took a deep breath, preparing himself—he wasn’t even sure what for. He didn’t fight it when Zoro grabbed his hand to pull him inside the room with everyone.
By the time they got there, a crowd was already gathered around the bed, all of them cooing and giggling as they greeted their youngest crew member, everyone pushing at each other to get the better view. It was so crowded in fact, that Sanji couldn’t see a thing.
“My, she is quite adorable,” Robin whilpered, a soft smile on her face.
“Yeah, thank god she looks nothing like the Captain,” Shachi mumbled—unfortunately for him, not quiet enough for the parents to not hear him, as proven by the swift kick he received in response, as well as Luffy’s laughter.
Nami sighed. “How the hell are you both so full of energy? I feel like I’m more exhausted than the two of you combined and I was just waiting out there, not giving birth or watching my partner do that…” she groaned as she rubbed at her face tiredly while everyone else nodded.
“Eh, it wasn’t that bad,” Luffy said with a cute little frown before he glanced at Law. “Right?”
“Yeah, we’ve had worse in a fight than this.” Law shrugged, making everyone exchange a glance.
“You’re both freaks,” Usopp decided before his tone completely changed, turning into the sweetest, most obnoxious voice Sanji had ever heard. “Little Ola, are you hearing this? Your dads are freaks. At least you are cute.”
Sanji bit back a snort. He had to wonder whatever had happened to ‘this kid will be a monster!’ which had been the only thing that Sanji had heard from the sniper in regards to the child since they were told she was on the way. Just how easy was Usopp to sell?
Because Sanji, as happy as he was for his captain and for Torao, still remembered and dreaded what she was going to grow up into. A bottomless pit who ate nothing but tuna-mayo onigiri? Did she have any idea how much work that was going to be?
No. No way Sanji was weak enough to just ignore that.
“Sanji-kun, stop hanging out in the back and come look!” Nami said, waving him over almost… excitedly.
Ah, Sanji really was left alone with his fears, wasn’t he? But he could forgive Nami at least.
“Yes, Nami-san!” he called, his lips curling into a wide smile as he skipped over to their navigator’s side.
“So whipped,” Zoro said with badly suppressed amusement.
Sanji clicked his tongue, reminding himself they were currently in the infirmary with a newborn baby, and that Chopper would cry if they started fighting. Settling to only shooting his so-called boyfriend the dirtiest glare he could manage, Sanji quickly turned his attention back to the matter at hand.
Making his way through the huddle of people, he took in the sight that was the patient’s bed. Luffy and Torao were both sitting on it as if they had just come out for tea and cookies—Luffy was sitting cross-legged on the covers, grinning like the idiot he was with his chin resting against Law’s knee where he had it pulled up. Law let him; he himself played absentmindedly with Luffy’s fingers but he also looked almost bored and ready to get up and leave, just to get some peace and quiet.
If Sanji didn’t know what they had been doing in here up until a few minutes ago, he would have thought they had just walked in on them playing cards with Chopper.
Truly freaks of nature, the both of them.
Sanji huffed, his eyes dropping to where Ikkaku was now cradling the kid in her arms.
He studied her tiny face, round and red, the shape of it so close to Luffy’s that he startled. She looked so comfortable all bundled up in her blanket, resting against the crook of Ikakku’s elbow, her tiny fist curled around Hakugan’s little finger and holding it close. She looked so fragile…
Ah.
He got it now.
And he didn’t care how much she was going to eat anymore.
“So your name is Ola?” Sanji asked as a soft smile pulled on his lips. Placing his right hand over his heart, Sanji bowed deeply. “It’s a pleasure, Princess.”
Dark round eyes clashed with narrowed golden irises.
There he was, that dark haired man with the spotted hat from earlier. He sat up in the bleachers, in between their rented arena and the field that housed the two other students. His notebook sat open on his lap and he held a pen in hand, as if he had simply been teleported across campus and hadn’t actually moved an inch.
In the bright light of the stadium, Luffy was able to see the shadow that bobbed at the man’s shoulder better than before. A black, slightly transparent creature that seemed more limb than body hovered close to the man’s face, large red eyes staring unblinkingly at its trainer. Two long arms clutched at nothing, a golden plated death mask propped between a curled tail and its body.
A Yamask – a Pokémon said to be the spirit of a departed human, a vengeful soul.
The man was staring at Luffy, lips moving as silent words were uttered to his creature companion. His brow furrowed in irritation and his head swiveled towards the Yamask, as if an argument was unfolding between them.
Luffy lifted a hand as those topaz eyes glared his way once more, waving casually, putting on his sunniest smile.
He thought he saw a flicker of surprise pass through the man’s expression, though it was fleeting, replaced immediately by a tight lipped frown. Breaking eye contact and returning to the book in his lap, it was as if he had never even looked at Luffy in the first place, ignoring the wave and neglecting to return the gesture.
“Don’t bother with Trafalgar Law, Luffy."
Sanji’s smooth drawl directed his attention back to his new group of friends. The blond sucked on his cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke before adding, “He keeps to himself.”
Zoro shouldered Chopper’s back pack (insisting on carrying it in appreciation for the medical treatment of his Pokémon), grunting, “That third year gives me the creeps. Such a spooky fucker. Always talking to that ghost of his.”
“He gives you the creeps?” Usopp squeaked, clinging to Nami’s shoulders as he cowered behind her, “Count me out. I’m not befriending anyone who spends all their time with ghosts.”
Robin giggled ominously, “I suppose I’ll see myself out, then. Zoro can escort me back to the residence since his Honedge is a ghost type as well.”
The green haired man crossed his arms over his chest, frowning at Usopp. The latter's Joltik tittered nervously under Zoro's steely gaze, scurrying down from her trainer’s bandana to hide in the curly mess of hair on his shoulder.
They began to make their way towards the walk out from which they had came, laughing amongst themselves about Usopp’s naïve remark and chatting about what ghost Pokémon were considered creepy, cool, or cute.
Luffy paused, allowing the rest of the group to continue forward as he lingered behind.
He took in the bright lights of the stadium, the massive rows of bleachers, the assortment of arenas. A bubble rose into his throat, a squeal of excitement dying to be let out. In a few days time, he would have his first Battle School class in the building, and in a week, he would be practicing on this very field.
Looking up towards the stands where he had seen the mysterious third year known as Trafa…Toraf…Torao Law, he searched for that solemn gaze once more.
It was nowhere to be found.
The bubble popped.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
@lawluevents - Day 9: Reunion/Trust
@onepiece-bingo: Sword
Alternate summary: "I trust you with my life but do NOT touch that knife or so help me..."
Insert obligatory "I don't have a single word for tomorrow so if you don't hear from me by 4am my time tomorrow, you know why"
[ Read on AO3 | series ]
—————
The moment he heard Straw Hat had arrived in the Land of Wano, Law knew he had to act fast. They didn’t spend weeks planning, preparing, carefully protecting their covers, and secretly gathering information and allies for it all to be destroyed by one unsupervised idiot.
He knew that if he didn’t grab Straw Hat by the neck the moment he stepped in, it was only a matter of minutes before he went and shouted he was going to kick Kaido’s ass and become the Pirate King from the roof of some building in Bakura Town. Foolishly, Law had thought that with Roronoa there, they wouldn’t straight up pick a fight with the Beast Pirates at the very least. Foolishly… he forgot that an unsupervised Roronoa was just as bad as an unsupervised Straw Hat.
Never mind the two of them being left unsupervised together.
As Law watched the people of the Okobore Town cry and celebrate at the sight of the crashed, stolen in broad daylight Treasure Ship, he sighed deeply. He really should have ignored Hawkins and just gone to drag these two idiots away.
But, what was done was done and now Law had to deal with the consequences—the Beast Pirates knowing they were there, Holdem about to run crying to Jack, and a bunch of Gifters stomping their feet and yelling about robbery just metres away.
And yet, the worst thing to happen to their plan wasn’t even there yet.
Law barely managed to finish the thought when a giant basin crashed to the ground and right on top of the aforementioned Gifters.
“Here we go! Fresh water!!”
And there it was. The greatest disaster to ever befall the Land of Wano and Law’s entire life.
Law wanted to chew him out but seeing how he grinned and told all the people of Okobore Town to blame him… Law couldn’t do anything but sigh deeply. Leave it to Straw Hat to be so selfless in the most selfish way humanly possible.
How was Law supposed to yell at him now without making himself be the asshole?
“Oh! Torao!!” Straw Hat called when he finally noticed him, his face lighting up and splitting into a grin so wide that it felt like his mouth was going to tear—an expression that made Law’s heart skip a beat at the knowledge that he was the one to put it there simply by being next to him.
Law hated how the corners of his mouth twitched in return. He was trying to be mad here, goddamn it. Not fall in love all over again just because he didn’t see that smile for a few weeks….
“Straw Hat-ya,” Law said, keeping his voice carefully measured. “You do realise this is a rebellion, right?”
“I’m just repaying a favour!” Straw Hat defended himself. “It’s not like I punched Kaido in the face. Yet.”
Law groaned. “You’re impossible.”
When Straw Hat only laughed, Law couldn’t say he was surprised. But then warm arms wrapped around his waist and a whole human body pressed against him and he blinked.
“What are you doing?” Law asked, his eyes dropping to look at Straw Hat’s face which was tilted back further than should be possible, his rubbery neck twisted back into an unnatural angle where he was resting his chin against Law’s chest.
“I missed you,” Straw Hat said happily, the grin plastered on his face widening even more.
The sight was making Law’s heart do weird things, things Law understood but refused to acknowledge. But even so… it was impossible to fight anymore.
Before he could stop himself, one of his hands cupped Luffy’s face and he leaned down, pressing a kiss to Luffy’s lips. It was a simple kiss, one they’ve shared so many times before they had split up in Zou, and yet, it felt like the first time. It hadn’t even been that long since they had last seen each other. Maybe three, four weeks? How stupid.
If it was like this after so little time apart, what the hell were they going to do when the alliance fulfilled its purpose?
Law felt almost embarrassed being worried about something like that. He wasn’t a horny, pining teenager after all—never was one in the first place—so what the hell was his problem?
He should probably think about all that after they actually beat Kaido. Right now, Straw Hat was in his arms and hopefully not going anywhere unsupervised for a while. He had punched a bit too many holes into their carefully laid out plan already for Law to let him go anywhere without someone with an ounce of sense in their head. Not that that had ever stopped Luffy from ruining everything but there was this thing called damage control which Roronoa had spectacularly failed at just earlier.
Idiots, the both of them.
Law hated how that thought made him smile into the kiss, making Luffy giggle. Law huffed to himself before he finally pulled away.
“I trusted you’d come back,” he muttered quietly, his thumb tracing the scar underneath Luffy’s left eye gently.
Luffy snickered. “Of course! Got Sanji back and all!”
“Good job.” Law chuckled quietly, pressing one last peck to Luffy’s mouth.
When he tried to pull away, however, Luffy stopped him; his hand grabbed onto Law’s yukata, pulling him down and refusing to let go. And somehow… Law didn’t have the willpower to fight him.
His lips curling into a smirk, Law let Luffy lead the kiss this time, his clumsy movements making warmth spread in Law’s chest. God, he missed this idiot so much…
“Get a fucking room.”
Law clicked his tongue in annoyance at the same time as Luffy groaned as the two of them finally let go of each other. But even when Law took a step back, their hands still found each other and Law laced their fingers together, squeezing Luffy’s hand gently.
“Sorry, Zoro,” Luffy said, but it wasn’t very convincing with the happy smile that was still plastered on his face.
“Yeah, sorry Black Leg-ya’s not here,” Law added.
“Fuck off, Torao,” Zoro hissed, shooting Law a glare.
“It’s not my fault your precious soulmate ran off to get married, don’t take it out on me,” Law shrugged, a smirk pulling on his lips.
“Now, look here—” Zoro growled but before he could say any more, Luffy interrupted him.
“Zoro, you should see your face!” He laughed loudly as he pointed at his first mate.
At that, Zoro's expression twisted in annoyance even more before he snapped, "You shut up, Luffy! Also let me see that katana already."
“No,” Luffy replied immediately while sticking his tongue out to stress his point.
Law blinked. Did he hear that right? Straw Hat and… a katana?
Turning his gaze down to Luffy’s waist, Law did a double take at the sight of the purple hilt, gold, cross-shaped handguard, and dark and light purple striped scabbard. There really was a fucking katana tucked away into Straw Hat’s obi. And judging by the aura it was giving off… it wasn’t just any random, rusty katana he found lying around somewhere either.
“Are you seriously carrying around a Meito?” Law asked, the dread he felt at the very notion almost tangible in his voice.
“What kind of samurai would I be without one?” Straw Hat asked, sounding almost offended.
“I told you you’re not even using it, Luffy,” Zoro grumbled.
“Give me that thing before something happens,” Law said as he held out his hand expectantly.
At that, Straw Hat jumped away from Law and out of reach, his hands flying to hold the katana protectively. “No way! Why does everyone keep trying to take it?”
“I just want to look at it,” Zoro snapped.
Ignoring Roronoa’s frustration, Law closed his eyes momentarily, praying for patience before he looked back at Luffy. “Because you’re going to fucking trip and stab your eye out. Give it.” Law stressed his final words by gesturing with his hand once more.
Luffy gasped dramatically while his face morphed into the most upset, unhappy expression Law had ever seen. “I thought you trusted me!” he cried, pointing an accusing finger at Law who only met his glare head on, thoroughly unimpressed.
“Not when there’s a sharp object involved,” Law stated matter-of-factly.
Immediately, Zoro burst out laughing. He clutched at his stomach, doubling over in his fit as he watched the way Luffy’s mouth fell open, an almost comedic shock painted on his face, and despite himself, despite trying to be as stern as possible, Law felt laughter trying to force its way out of his own chest as well at the sight.
With a huff, Straw Hat crossed his arms over his chest, shooting another glare at Law, then the still laughing Zoro, and finally Law again. “You’re a jerk. You’re both jerks. I hate you!” he announced before turning around decisively—
—and gasping again when his eyes fell on the Treasure Ship that was now swarmed by the people of Okobore Town, all the food being carefully unloaded and divided between everyone. Immediately forgetting about either Law, Zoro, or the katana, Straw Hat ran forward, shouting at the townspeople, “Hey, the meat’s mine!! Don’t just take it all!!”
Law shook his head in disbelief. Unable to fight it anymore, a chuckle slipped past his lips as he watched Luffy jump around, stuffing his face and laughing with people he didn’t even know. Bringing smiles to everyone’s faces without even trying, just like he always did.
“And here I got made fun of because Ero-cook ran off,” Zoro muttered pointedly, amusement clear in his voice.
“Shut the fuck up, Roronoa-ya,” Law groaned.
Zoro snorted, his voice light when he replied, “You’re hopeless, Torao.”
“Says the guy who did nothing but stress-train the entire way here.”
“Touche,” Zoro laughed.
They were silent for a moment, simply watching as Luffy talked to Tama about something with a serious, determined look in his eyes. It felt like he was a completely different person now than he was a mere minute ago… but he was still Luffy even so.
And Law loved both versions of him—the bubbly, stupid one and the deadly serious, charismatic one—equally.
Oh god, how embarrassing.
Law took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. “Let’s never talk about this again.”
Hello, I was wondering if you could please do a “right person, wrong time,” au with lawlu and side zosan? Just some hurt/comfort with a possible open ending?
Here you go anon~ Thank you so much for sending this in! I hope you like it :D
See you in the New World
Turning the old, tattered straw hat in his hands, Law tried not to pay attention the screams and sounds of trees falling over as a result of Monkey D. Luffy’s rampage. He really hoped Jinbe would calm him down soon or the young pirate would actually die and even Law could do nothing about it then.
That was the last thing Law needed after all the trouble that he went through.
Hell, who was he kidding; he really just couldn’t stand the idea of Straw Hat slipping through his fingers and disappearing from this world. It was the same reason why he went to save him in the first place; because Straw Hat didn’t even hesitate in beating up a Tenryuubito in that auction house and because Law couldn’t deny the interest and pull that he felt then. Because Law wanted to know more about the man, and about the D. in his name, and he wanted to see what more he could do.
Because the fire in his eyes made Law feel something he didn’t think he was capable of feeling.
Law wasn’t stupid, he knew what the sinking feeling in his gut and his wildly beating heart when Straw Hat first appeared on the live feed from the war meant, but he didn’t hate the realization as much as he probably should. He did question the sanity of his decision to go save his crush from the middle of the navy’s greatest, strongest seat of power, with all the world’s strongest people going at it and wrecking the entire place, however, he didn’t regret it. It was worth it knowing they had gotten away and that Straw Hat would live.
Definitely worth it just to be able to see his soft, gentle smile when he woke up for a little while a few days ago. When Law had noticed Straw Hat’s big eyes staring at him while he was changing his bandages, he froze in place, just waiting for Straw Hat to start asking after his brother. But he didn’t, his mind probably still hazy from his grave injuries and the cocktail of painkillers he was on, and Law was relieved. He didn’t know what or how to tell him if he did ask.
So instead, he welcomed the tired mumble, “You’re from the auction house. Torao, right?”
Law blinked but then he huffed in amusement, “That’s Trafalgar Law, Straw Hat-ya. But I’m glad you remember me.”
“Of course,” Straw Hat said, his smile widening. “Your powers are really cool. You can join my crew.”
Law laughed as he declined, “No, thanks. You might be cute but I have my own crew.”
“You think I’m cute?” Straw Hat asked him then and Law’s eyes immediately dropped to the bandages that he was supposed to be changing.
“What of it?” he asked back, hoping his embarrassment at his slip up wasn’t obvious.
“Just that I think you’re really handsome, too, so I’m glad.”
Law paused, slowly glancing back up at Straw Hat’s face. He was looking at him with a soft, open expression that told Law he definitely wasn’t lying—if a person as reckless and honest as Straw Hat seemed to be would ever even bother with lying—and somehow, Law wasn’t surprised when a hand wrapped in bandages came up to shakily touch his cheek.
The surgeon was impressed Straw Hat even had the strength to move at all. He didn’t fight him when he weakly tried to guide Law’s face towards his own, only searching his eyes for answers and finding nothing but trust and want. And a cheeky glint as if he was daring Law to back out.
And who was Law to refuse a challenge like that.
The kiss they shared a second later was clumsy, just a quick, chaste touch of lips but it felt like fire ran through Law’s entire body. Even his fingertips tingled and his heart was beating faster than it had in years and years. He wanted to kiss him again. And so he did.
But now, with Straw Hat’s mind fully awake and breaking... Law didn’t know what to do but wait. This wouldn’t be fixed by painkillers or a kiss. He knew how much Straw Hat had to be hurting. Knew better than anyone what it was like seeing the person you love most die right in front of you while you can do nothing but watch. Yet, even after all these years, he didn’t know how to deal with someone grieving like that. He could only hope Jinbe would do a better job than he himself would.
And that Luffy would be able to come out all the stronger for it. If he didn’t die from his wounds reopening first, that is.
Suddenly, Law was torn away from his thoughts by a huge splash followed by Penguin’s shouting about a neptunian fight. As if that was so surprising in the middle of the calm belt. What was surprising, however, was the Dark fucking King Rayleigh climbing out of the water moments later.
“I’m assuming Luffy is on this island, right?” he asked then.
Law regarded him carefully for a moment, but he didn’t sense any ill intent from him. Still he didn’t let his guard down as he slowly replied, “What if he is?”
“You seem quite protective of him,” Rayleigh laughed, walking past him and completely ignoring the glare Law gave him. “You’re a doctor, aren’t you? When will he recover?”
“He needs about two more weeks of rest, assuming he doesn’t kill himself today.” Law sighed as he gave up. But he really didn’t like where this was going.
“Great. Thank you for saving him.” Rayleigh looked at him, and though he was smiling when he spoke next, there was a threatening aura like he was just daring Law to refuse. “You can leave him in my care now. I’ll make sure he doesn’t over do it before the two weeks are up.”
There was heavy silence around the bay. Unwittingly, Law noted that even the sounds of Straw Hat going wild have stopped now.
“Fine,” he conceded eventually. He wasn’t blind or stupid enough to think he could do anything against this man anyway so he simply tossed the straw hat in his hands at the Dark King, who caught it easily before looking at it with a fondness that made Law wonder what he was thinking then.
As the Tang set sail again only minutes later, accompanied by Shachi and Penguin’s whining about not getting to enjoy the island of women, Law tried to ignore the painful throb in his heart. He didn’t like leaving Luffy with the Dark King, especially not while he was still recovering, but… maybe it was better that way. After all, it didn’t matter how much Law liked him, or how much Luffy might or might not like Law, because there was nothing in the future for them.
There was nothing in the future for Law. Cora-san was waiting for him and nothing was more important to him than that; he didn’t have the time or luxury for feelings, especially not now that he had finally made it this far. Everyone would just get hurt so it was better to leave, to end it before it started.
But he couldn’t help but hope that one day, when everything was over, that it might change. That one day, if they both still felt the same way, there might be a better time to see where they could go.
—————
“See you in the New World, Luffy.”
Law jumped at the words that were like an echo of his own from more than two years ago. He turned around from where he was watching his crew, the Straw Hats, and the minks dance and play around as they celebrated the reconciliation of the country’s leaders to glare at Zoro.
The swordsman paid him no mind as he sat down next to him. “Someone left Luffy a note like that. I had thought it might have been something from Ace but it was from you, wasn’t it?” he asked and Law froze in shock.
He didn’t know what to say, Zoro was right after all. But how did he know? “Why would you think that?” he asked instead of admitting it, but he was sure his long silence before that was telling enough.
“Ever since the crew met up again, he would stare at the note whenever he had nothing else to do but he stopped after we ran into you. And seeing how you two act around each other, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out,” Zoro explained, the smirk he gave Law turning into laughter when he saw the expression Law was making.
But he couldn’t help it. Straw Hat actually kept the note he had left him along with his hat back when he had left him alone on Amazon Lily. That knowledge was making Law feel lightheaded; startled and happy and embarrassed and hopeful. His eyes inadvertently slid back towards the centre of the party, searching for Straw Hat. It was almost disturbing how quickly he found him, like his attention was literally drawn to the bright smile and energy. Or maybe it was simply because the loud, bouncy idiot was impossible to miss even in the middle of a partying crowd.
Law still didn’t know what to say but it didn’t seem like Zoro was waiting for him to reply anyway. He ran his hand over the sheaths of his swords, then spoke up again, voice serious, “A word of advice. If you really want him, go get him before runs off to get married.”
“He’s not going to get married.” Law sighed and gave the man a blank look, wondering when and how exactly the conversation turned from his stupid old note to this.
“Luffy might not seem like the type to care about romance but he likes you, so you can never know.” Zoro shrugged.
Law stared at him for a moment, wondering whether he was just playing dumb or if he honestly thought Law didn’t know what this was really about. “I meant your boyfriend. Straw Hat said he’ll bring him back. He’s your captain, I shouldn’t have to be the one to tell you how stubborn he is.”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Zoro muttered bitterly, a frown on his face when he looked away.
Law laughed. He couldn’t help it, it was just so ridiculous. Law hadn’t been around the crew long but even he could tell the tension between these two was ridiculous. He had honestly thought they were together already. And here he thought Zoro had come to confront him about Law possibly seducing his captain but he really only came because he wanted someone to assure him his not-boyfriend was going to come back? What a round about way to do things. Not to mention Law had to question his sense of judgement in coming to Law of all people for this. Hell, Law couldn’t even handle his own problems, relationship or otherwise—after all, if it weren’t for Straw Hat and his absolutely maddening insistance on saving him and the entire goddamned country of Dressrosa, Law was ready to leave all his problems in Doflamingo’s hands. The man would have made absolutely sure Law would never have a single problem again.
Now, Law had to smile to himself and quietly thank Straw Hat for not leaving him to die in the end.
As if hearing his thoughts, Straw Hat started looking around as if searching for something, until his eyes found Law’s. Then he grinned in that way that made Law’s stomach do a flip and waved at him widely, gesturing for Law to stay where he was as he started weaving his way out of the crowd.
Law shook his head and chuckled to himself before he said quietly, “Hey, Zoro-ya?” He didn’t even tear his eyes away from Straw Hat, who took a detour to the food table. This idiot was seriously impossible and Law was so helpless against him.
Zoro hummed in acknowledgement and Law continued, finally looking back at the swordsman seriously, “When the two of them make it to Wano, you do something about the not-boyfriend thing.”
Zoro huffed, not saying anything either way, but obviously accepting the challenge. “And you?” he asked, eyebrow raised.
“I’m about to do something really stupid right now.”
