the heart pirates makes law answer to a love test to see if he's in love with you and how much
a/n: at first I did it with a fem!reader bc I mistook the request, so if you read she/her somewhere it’s bc of this and I skipped it by mistake, so I’ll be glad if you can leave a comment and make me correct it asap! oh and for the test I used one online lmao so the questions are from there eheh
law m.list || anime m.list || ao3 || ko-fi || requests list
The Polar Tang is quiet for about five seconds.
Then Penguin slams a newspaper onto the table “CAPTAIN!”
Law does not look up from the medical reports in front of him “No.”
“I didn’t even ask anything.”
“You yelled. Whatever follows is a problem.”
Shachi appears from nowhere and drops into the seat beside Penguin.
“It’s not a problem, it’s actually a solution!”
“It’s absolutely a problem.” Law says.
Bepo walks in carrying tea “What happened?”
Penguin points dramatically at the newspaper “We found science.”
Law already hates where this is going “Leave.”
“No.”
“That’s not a request.”
Penguin ignores him completely “Look at this.”
He shoves the paper into Law’s face.
Law glances at it, then glances again… then slowly lowers the newspaper… then he says “...Is this a love quiz?”
“It’s in the lifestyle section.” Shachi says seriously “As all important science is.”
Law pinches the bridge of his nose and sarcastically says “I became a pirate for this.”
Bepo leans over to read and his eyes widen “Oh.”
“Oh?” Law repeats.
“Oh.”
“Stop saying oh.”
Penguin suddenly stands on a chair “Today’s experiment is simple.”
“No.”
“We determine whether Captain is in love.”
“No.”
“With a certain person.”
“No.”
“Who definitely is our dear crewmate y/n.”
Law glares.
Shachi gasps dramatically “He didn’t deny that part!”
“I literally denied everything.”
“Not strongly enough.”
Law stands “I’m leaving.”
Penguin points at him “RUNNING FROM THE TRUTH.”
“I’m running from you idiots.”
Before Law can escape, Bepo gently grabs his sleeve “Captain…”
Law looks down.
Bepo gives him the saddest eyes imaginable “...Please?”
Law stares.
Bepo stares back.
Penguin and Shachi are holding their breath.
Finally Law sighs… a long, defeated sigh “One question.”
The room explodes.
“YES!”
“HE AGREED!”
“SCIENCE WINS!”
Five minutes later Law finds himself trapped at the table.
Penguin has a pen.
Shachi has the newspaper.
Bepo has become the official emotional support bear.
The rest of the crew around are pretending not to listen. Pretending very badly.
Shachi clears his throat “Question one.”
Law already regrets everything.
Shachi reads dramatically “First of all, do you have a specific person in mind before starting this test?”
Penguin immediately checks a box “Yes.”
Law blinks “You didn’t even let me answer.”
Penguin looks offended “Captain.”
“What?”
“We’re doing this for a reason.”
Shachi nods “It would be weird if you didn’t have y/n in mind.”
“You don’t know if I do.”
The entire room stares at him.
Penguin marks the answer harder “Definitely yes.”
Law considers murder… just a little.
“Question two.”
Shachi sits up straighter “Could you spend six months on an isolated island with no one else but them?”
Law immediately frowns “What kind of question is that?”
“A powerful one.”
“There are options.”
Penguin points at the paper “Option one: Yes, and I would enjoy it. Option two: It would be difficult, but I could do it. Option three: I don’t think I could survive that with anyone.”
Law doesn’t answer immediately, which is already suspicious.
Shachi notices first “Oh?”
Law ignores him.
He taps his fingers against the table.
An isolated island.
Six months.
No crew.
No pirates.
No newspaper.
Just…
His thoughts stop before THEM reach your name, but unfortunately his silence lasts too long.
Penguin checks the first option “Yes, and I would enjoy it.”
Law immediately points at the paper “I didn’t say I’d enjoy it.”
“Oh?”
“I just said yes.”
Shachi leans forward “You’d spend six months alone with them.”
“Yes.”
“In a tiny hut on an isolated island.”
“Yes.”
“No books.”
“Yes.”
“No one else.”
“Yes.”
Shachi raises an eyebrow “You’d hate it.”
Law opens his mouth, then pauses for a second too long “...No.”
The word is almost a whisper.
The room freezes.
Bepo’s jaw drops.
Penguin drops the pen.
Someone at the other side of the room chokes on water.
Law realizes what he said.
Shachi slowly places both hands on the table “Captain.”
“No.”
“You would enjoy it.”
“No.”
“You literally just—”
“No.”
Penguin checks the answer anyway, very aggressively.
“This quiz is stupid.”
“Question three!”
Law groans.
Shachi reads “Imagine your partner became wildly successful and always had a lot of attention on them, comparatively making you constantly in their shadow.”
Law already hates the wording.
“How would you feel?”
Penguin reads the options “Option A: Incredibly proud. Option B: Proud, for sure, but maybe a little inadequate with myself, too. Option C: I think, in all honesty, I wouldn’t like that sense of inequality.”
Law stands “I’m leaving.”
“Nope.”
“I’m serious.”
“So are we.”
“This is ridiculous.”
Bepo looks up from the paper “Captain?”
“What?”
“If, for example, y/n would defeat some big pirate…”
Law freezes for a moment, but everyone sees it.
Bepo smiles “Captain would be proud.”
The room becomes silent.
Law looks at the door, then at the table, then at Bepo… then away.
But he doesn’t leave.
Penguin slowly reaches for the answer sheet “Silence means yes.”
Law doesn’t argue, because somehow arguing right now feels worse.
Shachi points dramatically “Option one!”
The box gets checked.
Law immediately grabs the newspaper “How many questions are left?”
Penguin grins “A lot.”
Law’s eye twitches “A lot?”
“A terrifying amount.”
“I hate this test.”
Shachi leans back in his chair “Oh, Captain.”
“What?”
“We’re only getting started.”
From somewtheme behind them, a familiar voice speaks “Getting started with what?”
The entire crew freezes.
Law nearly drops the newspaper.
Because standing in the doorway is you, looking confused and holding a stack of supplies.
Penguin slowly covers the answer sheet with both hands.
Shachi smiles far too brightly “Nothing.”
You narrow your eyes “Why does it feel like you’re lying?”
Law immediately stands “Good question.”
You look at him, he stops and you smile at him “I’m going back into my shopping, do you need something? Any clothes? Books?”
Shachi speaks first “Why are you only asking him?? We might need something too.”
You look at him with disgust “You can go get them yourself if you need something.”
He gasps “Captain could go himself as well, you’re being unfair!”
You fight back “Or maybe he has Captain things to do? You are useless so what do you even have to do—”
You two fight for a while then Law tells you “I don’t need anything, don’t worry.”
You nod and leave after punching Shachi, too soft to hurt but Shachi is dramatic, so that was enough.
The door closes behind you.
Silence.
Then someone says… or better yells “CAPTAIN IS SO IN LOVE.”
Law closes his eyes “I hate all of you.”
Penguin looks down at the newspaper “No time for hate.”
“There is always time to hate you.”
“Question four!”
Shachi clears his throat dramatically “Do you think this person is special?”
He reads the answers.
“Option A: Yes, I feel lucky to know them. Option B: Yeah, to me. Option C: Maybe not ‘special’, but they’re definitely a good person.”
Now, he fastly add “To be honest I don’t understand, they’re annoying and stupid. They’re not special at all…”
Law looks at Shachi with disgust “You’re the annoying and stupid one.”
Shachi gasps and adds “Defensive, aren’t we??”
Law looks at the wall, the wall is suddenly fascinating.
“Captain?” Penguin asks.
Law sighs… a long sigh.
Finally he speaks “they're…”
The room waits.
“...Y/N.”
Silence.
The crew stare.
Law frowns “What?”
Nobody answers.
Penguin slowly turns toward Shachi, who slowly turns toward Penguin. Then both look back at Law.
Penguin nods “Yeah.”
Shachi nods too “Definitely.”
Law narrows his eyes “Definitely what?”
Penguin checks a box “‘Yeah, to me.’”
“What?”
“That’s what that means.”
“No, it isn’t.”
“It absolutely is.”
“You asked if they're special.”
“Exactly.”
“And?”
“And you answered by saying that they're Y/N… which means they're special to you.”
Shachi says “Yeah, or you would have said they're annoying, like you do with us.”
Law's eye twitches.
Shachi points at him “Special.”
Law decides silence is safer.
Unfortunately, silence is apparently an answer today.
“Next question!”
Law regrets staying.
Penguin reads “How does the idea of… sleeping with them, and only them, for the rest of your life make you feel?”
The room becomes very quiet.
Very, very quiet.
Even Shachi stops smiling.
Bepo coughs.
Clione, whose silence in the room, nearly falls off a chair.
Law immediately says “I ain’t answering this.”
His answer comes so fast everyone starts laughing.
“Captain’s ears are red.”
“They are not.”
“They are.”
“They absolutely are.”
Law pulls his hat lower, but unfortunately it does nothing for his ears.
Shachi looks at the options and reads them “A: I should be so lucky!! B: I’d rather only sleep with them than not sleep with them at all. B: I’d rather only sleep with one person than potentially not sleep with anyone at all. C: I don’t think I could do that, to be honest.”
Nobody knows what to do or say, so the room falls into deep thoughts.
“But,” Shachi repeats, “he’s obviously completely gone for Y/N.”
“I’m not.”
Nobody listens.
“So…”
The whole crew think. Penguin thinks. Bepo thinks. Jean Bart somehow thinks.
Then “Oh.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah.”
“That makes sense.”
Everybody nods together.
Penguin checks the first answer “I should be so lucky!!”
Law stares at the paper, then at them.
He sighs… a very tired sigh.
But he doesn’t leave.
“Next question!”
“Please stop.”
“Can you name their favourite food, book, and music?”
The room immediately turns toward Law.
Law blinks “What?”
Shachi lowers the newspaper “Captain.”
“What?”
“You know all of them, don’t you?”
Law answers without thinking “their favourite food changes every few months and depends on their mood, but currently it’s—”
The room erupts “HE STARTED ANSWERING.”
“He actually knows!”
“Current favourite food?!”
Law immediately stops talking and looks at the wall, but it’s way too late.
Penguin is already checking the box “I don’t need to hear more.”
Law buries his face in one hand.
The quiz continues.
Shachi reads the next one “Do you think that this relationship is special and unreplicable? Yes, definitely. Or… I think it's a good relationship, but ultimately there are many people with whom I could have a good relationship.”
Shachi doesn't even finish reading that he checks the first box “There.”
Law looks up “You didn’t even ask.”
“I didn’t need to.”
“You absolutely did.”
Shachi points at him “Same logic as before.”
“That isn’t logic.”
“It is.”
“It isn’t.”
“It is.”
Penguin joins him “You only care about Y/N.”
Law looks offended “You’re all here and alive, aren’t you.”
The room immediately becomes emotional.
“Aww.”
“Captain.”
“He cares.”
Law immediately regrets speaking.
“But.” Sahchi raises a finger “Not like he cares about Y/N.”
The emotional moment dies instantly.
Law wishes for a sea king attack “Last question on this page.”
“Thank God.”
Penguin reads “they got a new job offer that meant they’d have to be in a totally different part of the world for eighteen months.”
Law already hates this.
“What would you do?”
He reads the answers.
"A: We’d do long distance, or maybe I'd even move with them. We’d make it work. B: I would give long distance a go, maybe reassess in due course. C: I would ask them not to do it. D: I wouldn’t stop them from going, but we’d probably break up."
Law immediately frowns.
"We’re pirates in the same crew, they works with me."
The room freezes.
Penguin's grin slowly grows dangerously.
“We’re pirates in the same crew…” he repeats.
Law is confused, because isn’t that obvious?
So he answers “Yes.”
“Same crew.”
“Yes.”
“Working together.”
“Yes.”
“Every day.”
“Yes.”
“WITH you.”
Law closes his eyes and the room explodes.
“HE SAID WITH ME.”
“NOT FOR ME.”
“WITH ME.”
“THAT’S SO CUTE.”
Law seriously considers jumping into the ocean.
Bepo smiles “I think the second answer is better in our case.”
Everyone pauses and then nods.
“Yeah.”
“That's reasonable.”
“Very healthy.”
Penguin checks the box.
Law doesn't even bother arguing anymore. He has lost control of this situation completely.
Shachi looks down at the end of the page, then he slowly smiles “Oh.”
Law immediately doesn't like that smile “What?”
“Oh no.”
“What?”
“There are more questions.”
Law stands “I’m leaving.”
“Captain—”
“I'm leaving.”
“Captain, wait.”
“No.”
“Just two! And then there’s a result section.”
Law stops.
“Don't you want to know your score?”
Law stares “...Maybe.”
The crew immediately scream.
After a few minutes… Law should have left. That is the only thought running through his head. He should have left after the first question.
Or the second.
Or when Shachi and Penguin started answering for him.
Instead he’s still here, sitting at the table. Watching his dignity sink deeper and deeper into the ocean.
Penguin clears his throat “Second-to-last question.”
“Thank God.”
“Do you find yourself daydreaming about them and smiling?”
Penguin reads the answers “Literally all the time! Or… Definitely when we first met; less now but it still happens on occasion, especially when they're away. C: No, I’m too busy. D: That's lame as hell.”
Law immediately answers “No. I’m too busy.”
The answer comes so fast that nobody even finishes reading the options.
The room falls silent, then—“Bullshit.”
Law points at Penguin “Oi.”
“Bullshit.”
“Shachi.”
“Bullshit.”
“Bepo?”
Bepo looks guilty “...Maybe a little? …Sorry.”
Law stares.
Bepo immediately looks away.
Shachi suddenly points “Question. When Y/N goes on supply runs alone, what do you do?”
Law frowns “What?”
“What do you do?”
“Work.”
“Liar.”
“I work.”
“You stand near the window.”
Law opens his mouth and closes it.
“Aha!”
“I stand near the window because it's a window.”
The room explodes with laughter.
Penguin wipes tears from his eyes “Captain.”
“What?”
“Last month Y/N was gone for three hours.”
“So?”
“You checked the time seventeen times.”
Law freezes “...Who counted?”
“I did.”
“Why?”
“I was curious. Plus, when they were back you totally stopped. And I tried to see if you do the same when it’s someone else going alone. You checked three times for Bepo and ZERO for the rest.”
“That’s disturbing of you.”
“Not as disturbing as staring out the window for three hours.”
Bepo scratches his cheek “And you smile when they bring you books.”
Law immediately looks at him “I do not.”
“You do.”
“I don’t.”
“You really do.”
“I don’t.”
“You get a little smile.”
‘I don’t.”
“A tiny one.”
“I don’t.”
“A really tiny one.”
Law looks around and sees that nobody is agreeing with him, not even a single person.
Shachi checks the first answer “Literally all the time.”
Law drops his forehead onto the table.
“Last question!”
“Please let it end.”
Penguin reads “Is they your best friend?”
Law immediately regrets staying again.
“A: yes, absolutely. B: they're one of my best friends. C: no, someone else is my best friend.”
Before Law can speak, Shachi shouts “Obviously not!”
Penguin gasps “What do you mean obviously not?”
“I’m his best friend.”
Bepo calmly says “I’m his best friend.”
“No, me.”
“No, me.”
“No, me.”
The room descends into chaos and everyone starts arguing.
At some point Jean Bart claims he’s Law’s best friend. At another point someone says Law doesn’t have friends and Law says that’s the most accurate thing he’s heard all day.
Nobody listens.
“Captain likes me more.”
“No, me.”
“He trusted me with medical supplies once.”
“He asked me to close the door.”
“He told me good job.”
“He also told you to stop talking.”
“That’s basically affection from him.”
The argument somehow lasts five whole minutes.
Law sits there, dead inside.
Finally Bepo raises both paws “Okay!”
The room quiets.
Bepo looks at the newspaper, then at Law.
Then back at the paper “I think we should just put the second answer.”
Everyone pauses, then nods.
“Fair.”
“Yeah.”
“Reasonable.”
“I can live with that.”
Law isn't even asked.
The box gets checked.
And finally.
Finally.
The questions are over.
The crew stare at the paper.
Shachi rubs his hands together “Oh boy.”
Penguin grabs a pencil “We have to calculate the score.”
Law immediately stands “I’ll stop here.”
Bepo gently pushes him back into his chair “Captain, we’ve come this far.”
“I haven’t.”
“You have.”
“I really haven’t.”
“You have.”
For several minutes the crew add points.
Then argue about points.
Then add more points.
Then argue again.
Law has absolutely no idea what they’re doing, he isn't sure they know either.
Finally.
Penguin slams both hands onto the table “WE HAVE THE RESULTS.”
The entire submarine goes quiet.
Even people who weren't involved are now listening.
Shachi clears his throat.
Bepo looks excited.
Law looks like he's preparing for execution.
Penguin stands, unfolds the newspaper dramatically and then he reads “YES, YOU’RE MADLY IN LOVE!”
The room explodes.
“YOU ARE DEEP IN THE THROES OF LOVE.”
“WHAT YOU HAVE IS VERY SPECIAL AND NEEDS NURTURING.”
“WHICH YOU HAPPILY GIVE IT.”
Silence.
Then—“CAPTAIN’S IN LOVE!”
“CAPTAIN’S IN LOVE!”
“CAPTAIN’S IN LOVE!”
Law’s face goes completely blank.
“Congratulations, Captain.”
“Shut up.”
“When’s the wedding?”
“Shut up.”
“Can I be the best man?”
“Shut up.”
“I called it months ago.”
“Shut up.”
Bepo is smiling so hard his cheeks hurt “You really love Y/N, Captain.”
The room quiets a little, because unlike everyone else, Bepo says it sincerely, without any teasing.
Law opens his mouth, ready to deny it, but this time the words don't come, because suddenly he remembers you asking if he needed anything, you bringing him books without him asking, the way you always save a seat for him, the way you smile when he actually takes a break, the way the submarine feels different whenever you're not there.
“...Captain?” Bepo asks softly.
Law looks away and pulls his hat down a little lower and mutters “...It’s a stupid quiz.”
The crew scream.
Because that is not a denial.
“I KNEW IT.”
“THAT COUNTS.”
“CAPTAIN’S IN LOVE.”
Law gets up and the crew immediately start running, and as chaos fills the Polar Tang, the newspaper remains forgotten on the table.
The result still visible, with a big circle around the final answer.
YES, YOU’RE MADLY IN LOVE.
Law says nothing for about ten seconds, then he snatches the newspaper from Penguin's hands.
The room goes silent.
Penguin blinks “Captain?”
Law flips back to the first page “I’m doing it again.”
Silence.
Then the entire crew bursts out laughing “YOU CAN'T RETAKE LOVE.”
“I CAN RETAKE A STUPID QUIZ.”
Shachi falls to the floor dramatically “He's in denial!”
“I'm not.”
“You literally got the highest score possible!”
“The questions and your answers were biased.”
“They weren't!”
“They absolutely were.”
Law slams the paper on the table “Ask.”
Penguin is crying “Oh my God, he's serious.”
“I'm serious.”
Bepo looks hesitant “Captain…”
“Ask.”
Shachi wipes tears from his eyes “Fine.”
He clears his throat dramatically.
“Question one. Do you have a specific person in mind before starting this test?”
Law immediately says, “No.”
The room gasps, then Penguin points at him “You answered too quickly.”
“I didn't.”
“You did.”
“I didn't.”
Shachi narrows his eyes “Captain.”
“What?”
“Who were you thinking about while waiting for me to read the question?”
Law opens his mouth and closes it.
Penguin aggressively checks the box.
Law glares “This is stupid.”
The second question somehow goes worse “Could you spend six months alone on an isolated island with this person?”
“No.”
Everyone stares.
Law crosses his arms “No.”
Shachi leans forward “You wouldn't miss Y/N?”
“No.”
“You wouldn't want to hear their voice?”
“No.”
“You wouldn't like having them all to yourself?”
Law freezes and here the room goes completely silent.
“...That's not what the question says”
Penguin slowly lowers his head onto the table.
Bepo covers his mouth.
Shachi starts screaming “CHECK THE ANSWER.”
Someone says “CHECK IT TWICE.”
“I HATE ALL OF YOU.”
After a few more questions, the answers barely change.
Actually… they get worse.
Because now Law is answering himself, and unfortunately, he's honest.
Ten minutes later Penguin finishes counting.
Law crosses his arms “Well?”
Penguin is shaking.
Shachi is on the floor again.
Bepo looks apologetic “...Captain.”
“What.”
“You scored…”
He flips the page.
YES, YOU'RE MADLY IN LOVE.
And underneath one of the idiots wrote:
YOU ARE EVEN MORE IN LOVE THAN BEFORE, YOU GOT A 100/100!
Silence.
Law stares, then grabs the newspaper and flips it upside down, as if maybe the result will change.
Law stares at the page a little longer, then quietly mutters, “...This quiz is a scam.”
“THAT'S NOT A DENIAL.”
“SHUT UP.”
By now there are papers everywhere.
Crossed-out answers.
Ink circles.
Notes.
Arguments.
At one point Shachi has written: HE’S IN LOVE
Across an entire page.
Law immediately threw that page away, but unfortunately someone picked it back up.
Penguin dramatically points at the final score.
But before he can even say something, the door opens.
“Oh. You’re all still here?” your voice echoes through the room.
Everybody freezes.
You stand in the doorway carrying several shopping bags.
Your eyes travel across the disaster in the room.
“...Should I ask?”
Nobody answers.
You slowly walk into the room, looking around. More confused with every step.
Law immediately speaks “It’s nothing.”
You look at him, then at the room and then back at him.
“It’s clearly something.”
“It’s not.”
“It is.”
“It’s not.”
“It is.”
“It’s not.”
You look at the others “What’s going on?”
The entire crew suddenly becomes very interested in the ceiling… but also the walls, the floor… literally anything except you.
You narrow your eyes and give them the kind of look that has made grown pirates confess crimes they didn't even commit.
“What. Did. You. Do.”
Shachi breaks first, predictably “IT WAS PENGUIN’S IDEA.”
“TRAITOR!”
And suddenly everyone starts talking.
“There was a quiz.”
“A love quiz.”
“He got full points!”
Law closes his eyes. The headache is becoming physical.
You blink. Then reach for the newspaper.
Nobody stops you.
You pick it up, look at the title, look at the answers, look at the circles and look at the notes.
Your eyes move quickly until you reach the result.
You stare at it for a few seconds.
The room is silent.
Then you look up, confused “...Who is in love with me?”
Silence.
Nobody moves.
Nobody breathes.
Nobody blinks.
Even Law freezes.
You look around, waiting.
Then Shachi suddenly points at you “You’re so full of yourself that you assume it’s about you?”
You slowly turn toward him.
The room collectively prepares for his funeral.
“Idiot.”
Shachi immediately regrets everything.
You point at the newspaper “There’s literally a note near the results.”
Everyone looks down and written in messy handwriting there’s:
HE LOVES Y/N AWWW
Shachi slowly lowers his head “Ah.”
You look back at the crew “So?”
Pause.
“Who is it?”
Nobody answers. Which is an answer by itself, because suddenly, every single person in that room looks at Law.
You follow their gaze and find Law staring at the floor.
The pieces connect.
Your eyes widen a little.
Law notices and his soul immediately leaves his body.
For a moment nobody speaks.
Then, unexpectedly, you relax. The tension leaves your shoulders. The surprise leaves your face and something softer appears instead.
You look at Law for a second, then you smile and tell him “I bought you a necklace.”
The room freezes again.
“What?” Penguin blurts.
You continue like nothing happened “It’s really cool.”
Law blinks.
You point at him “It’s totally your style.”
Nobody understands what's happening, not even Law.
“And don’t worry.” you raise a hand “I didn’t use the crew’s money.”
Shachi immediately nods “Good.”
“I used mine.”
“Even better.”
You smile proudly, then start backing toward the door “I have it somewhere between all my new clothes.”
Law is still staring, completely lost.
“So…” you point toward the hallway “I’ll give it to you later.”
A pause, then you smile at him again.
A little brighter this time “Bye!”
And before anyone can answer, you rush out.
The door slams shut.
Absolute silence.
The crew slowly turn toward Law.
Law is still staring at the door.
Penguin speaks first, very carefully “...Captain.”
No answer.
“Captain…”
Still nothing.
“Captain.”
Law finally blinks then quietly asks “...Do you think they figured it out?”
The room explodes.
“HE ASKED IF they FIGURED IT OUT.”
“they DEFINITELY FIGURED IT OUT.”
“they BOUGHT YOU A GIFT.”
“A PERSONAL GIFT.”
“A NECKLACE.”
“they CHANGED THE SUBJECT TO SAVE YOU.”
“CAPTAIN YOU ARE SO DONE.”
Law drops his face into his hands and sighs, regretting all his life’s choices.
The moment you close your bedroom door behind you, your brain starts screaming.
“Oh my God.”
You pace.
“Oh my God.”
Turn.
“Oh my God.”
Turn again.
You bury your face in your hands “What was that?”
You groan loudly and fall face-first onto your bed.
Then immediately sit back up, because that doesn't solve anything.
“He likes me.”
Pause.
“No.”
Pause.
“Maybe.”
Pause.
“Definitely.”
Pause.
“Maybe?”
You scream into your pillow.
A few minutes later you're still pacing.
The necklace sits on your bed, mocking you.
You stare at it and then at the wall, and back at the necklace again.
Finally, Ikkaku enters the room.
“Ikkaku, you’re here!”
“Oh no.” She says.
You stop pacing “What do you mean, ‘oh no’?”
“You're using your emergency tone.”
“...”
“What’s wrong?”
Five minutes later Ikkaku knows everything, the quiz, the results, the notes, the staring, the necklace and the panic.
There is a concerning silence on the other end “Just confess to him.”
You nearly choke “WHAT?”
“Confess.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“No.”
“Good argument.”
You throw yourself onto your bed “I can’t just confess.”
Ikkaku watches you and sits on the edge of your bed, “Why not?”
“Because.”
“Excellent point.”
You groan “Ikkaku.”
“What?”
“What if I’m wrong?”
A pause to judge your stupidity, then “Y/N.”
“What?”
“The entire crew practically pointed at him. He didn't deny it. And according to you, he looked ready to die when you figured it out.”
“...”
“He likes you.”
You cover your face “I hate this.”
‘No, you don’t.”
You hate how right she is.
Hours pass.
Dinner comes and goes.
You barely remember eating.
The necklace remains on your bed. Waiting.
Eventually, very late at night, when most of the submarine is quiet, you finally pick it up.
Your hands shake a little “Okay.”
You take a deep breath “Okay.”
Another deep breath and you leave your room.
Your heart is trying to kill you. Every step feels heavier than the last.
Eventually you stop in front of a familiar door.
Light still shines from underneath, of course he's awake.
You knock and he answers immediately “Come in.”
You open the door.
Law is sitting at his desk. Several books are spread around him. The usual.
He looks up and freezes.
You almost turn around and run.
“Y/N?”
“Hi.”
Brilliant.
Amazing.
A true master of conversation.
Law sets his pen down.
You walk forward slowly, but your eyes never leave the floor.
You stop in front of the desk and hold out the small box “The necklace.”
Law blinks, and then takes it “...Thank you.”
You nod, still staring at the floor.
The silence stretches.
Law notices and then he sighs softly… a tired sigh.
And says “Don’t worry about all that.”
Your stomach drops.
“It was just a stupid test they forced me to do.”
You don't move.
“They answered all the questions for me.” Law leans back in his chair “I didn’t even have a say in it.”
The words hit harder than they should.
You stare at the floor.
Law opens the box, inside rests the necklace. Simple dark metal, exactly his style.
A small smile appears on his face “Thank you for this.”
Your throat tightens.
You don't care about the necklace anymore.
Instead, very quietly, you ask “So the test…”
Law looks up.
“The results and everything…” Your voice gets smaller “Were just for their fun?”
The room suddenly feels too warm.
“So…” You swallow “It’s not true.”
Law's expression changes immediately, because now he's really looking at you and finally notices the tears gathering in your eyes.
The way you’re refusing to blink and the way your hands are shaking.
His heart sinks “Oh.”
For the first time all evening, Law understands.
He stands up quickly “Y/N—”
You immediately step back and his chest tightens.
You look down, still refusing to blink… trying so hard not to cry.
“I thought…” Your voice cracks.
You hate that it cracks but you continue, “I thought I had a chance.”
Law freezes.
Your fingers curl around your sleeves “But it was all just fun and games for the other idiots?”
The room becomes silent.
Law stares, for once, completely speechless.
Because somehow… you wanted there to be a chance… with him.
His heart pounds.
Then slowly, carefully, he takes a step forward and this time you don't move.
His voice is quieter than you’ve ever heard it, almost gentle “I agree with all the answers they gave in my stead.”
You finally blink and a tear escapes.
Law’s chest aches “And…”
He swallows, his eyes never leave yours “I agree with the results, Y/N.”
The world stops.
You stare and he stares back.
“I didn't say anything because… you know me, I was… embarrassed.”
A tiny smile appears.
“And because I was trying to figure out how they managed to know before I did.”
Another tear slips down your cheek.
Law reaches out slowly, giving you every chance to pull away. When you don't, his thumb brushes beneath your eye and wipes it away.
“You had a chance. You have a chance. Actually I’m the one who needs a chance.” his voice is barely above a whisper.
The corner of his mouth lifts slightly “Apparently I was just the last person on the submarine to realize it.”
You stare at him.
Your heart is pounding so hard you're sure he can hear it.
“So…” your voice is small “So you really…”
Law lets out a quiet breath. For someone who always seems to have an answer, he suddenly looks almost nervous “I really do.”
You laugh weakly through your tears, then cover your face “Oh my God.”
Law actually smiles, small and soft, but real.
“Oh my God.” you repeat.
“That’s your response?”
“I’ve been panicking for six hours.”
“Fair.”
You laugh again.
Then neither of you says anything, you just look at each other, and somehow that feels even more dangerous, because now there is nothing left to misunderstand and nothing left to hide behind.
The silence stretches, then Law sighs softly as if he can finally breathe normally.
And before he can think too much about it, he reaches for your wrist and gently pulls you closer.
Your breath catches as his hand slides to your cheek.
For a moment he just looks at you, like he’s still making sure this is real.
Then he murmurs “You know…”
“What?”
“For someone who basically read it, you’re the last one to find out…” a tiny smirk appears "You were pretty slow too.”
Your jaw drops “Excuse me?!”
Law chuckles.
The unfair bastard.
You barely have time to complain before he leans down and kisses you.
The argument dies instantly… your brain dies instantly too.
The kiss is soft and careful, like he's still giving you a chance to pull away… as if that's going to happen.
You grab the front of his shirt and kiss him back immediately. That earns a quiet laugh against your lips.
When you finally separate, both of you are breathing a little harder.
Neither of you lets go.
You rest your forehead against his chest “...The quiz was really accurate. It was basically science.”
Law groans “It wasn’t.”
You start laughing “It literally was.”
“It was a stupid quiz.”
“It was an accurate stupid quiz.”
“It was not.”
“It predicted your feelings.”
Law drops his forehead onto the top of your head “I’m never hearing the end of this.”
“Nope.”
“Penguin is going to be unbearable.”
“Yep.”
“Shachi is going to tell everyone he’s a doctor.”
“Absolutely.”
Law closes his eyes “Maybe I should just throw them both into the ocean.”
You grin, then tilt your head up and steal another quick kiss.
His expression softens instantly and suddenly neither of you cares very much about what the crew will say tomorrow.
Eplogue:
The relationship lasts exactly three days before the crew figures it out.
Which is honestly impressive (negatively) considering everyone was involved in that love test.
You don’t announce it and you don’t hold hands in public. You don’t suddenly become disgustingly affectionate.
At least that's what the two of you think.
Unfortunately, everyone else has functioning eyes and they’re nosy.
It starts at breakfast.
Law sits down first and a few minutes later, you walk into the mess hall.
There are at least twenty empty seats, but without thinking, you sit beside him.
Nobody says anything at first, because it's not the first time you sit next to him, but it's weird enough after that love test day.
So Penguin slowly lowers his coffee “...Interesting.”
The next day is somehow worse… you pass Law in the hallway and either of you stop or speak.
But your fingers brush for half a second.
HALF A SECOND but Bepo sees it… Bepo, who is absolutely terrible at keeping secrets.
His eyes become huge and yells”CAPTAIN HELD Y/N’S HAND!”
Law kinda panics “I DID NOT!”
“You totally did!”
“It was an accident!”
You panic as well “IT LASTED ONE SECOND!”
“SO IT WAS THERE!”
By the third day, the entire submarine knows, including people who weren't even involved in the original quiz.
The problem is that nobody tells you they know, they just become weird… weirder than usual.
Penguin starts making kissing noises at you everytime Law enters a room.
Shachi somehow becomes worse, like one morning he walks into the mess hall with his chest puffed out “Good morning.”
You look at him with disgust and ask “...Why are you smiling like that?”
Shachi places a hand dramatically over his heart “Please.”
You already don’t like where this is going.
“Address me properly.”
“Never, but go on. I want to see where you’re trying to get to.”
“That’s Doctor Shachi to you.”
“No.”
“The Love Doctor.”
You stare.
Law, who is drinking coffee nearby, slowly lowers his cup.
“You can’t just call yourself that.”
“I absolutely can.”
“No.”
“I literally united two souls.”
“You found a newspaper.”
“Details.” Shachi points dramatically at himself “I saw the truth before anyone else.”
“No, you didn’t.”
“I did.”
“You literally thought Law was in love with his sword three months ago.”
The room explodes.
“I WAS GOING THROUGH A THEORY PHASE!”
A week later things somehow get even worse.
You walk into the mess hall and immediately spot Shachi waiting near the entrance and the second he sees you, he points dramatically “How’s married life?”
You freeze.
Law freezes.
The room freezes.
Then you grab the nearest thing you could find… “Oh, you’re dead.”
Shachi immediately runs “CAPTAIN!”
You jump over a chair to follow him “COME BACK HERE!”
“CAPTAIN, YOUR LOVER IS TRYING TO KILL ME!”
“That’s not my problem”
“IT SHOULD BE!”
The chase lasts almost thirty seconds before a hand catches the back of your shirt.
You stop and you turn around. Law is holding your shirt.
“Let me go.”
“No.”
“Law.”
“No.”
“Law.”
“No.”
You point at Shachi, who is currently hiding behind Bepo “His head is empty anyway.”
“I know.”
“Then let me hit it.”
“No.”
“Just two times.”
“No.”
“Once?”
“No.”
You cross your arms and Law sighs.
Then he pulls you a step backward before you can launch yourself at Shachi again.
The crew immediately loses their minds.
“DID YOU SEE THAT?”
“HE JUST DRAGGED THEM AWAY.”
“THAT WAS SO DOMESTIC.”
“I’M GOING TO THROW UP.”
Law's eye twitches.
You point at Penguin “You’re next.”
“THE LOVE DOCTOR WILL PROTECT ME!”
“NONE OF YOU IDIOTS IS A LOVE DOCTOR!”
Shachi gasps dramatically “Excuse me? I’m the greatest romantic genius of our generation.”
“No.”
“I diagnosed Captain.”
You narrow your eyes “You bullied him.”
“I guided him.”
“You harassed him.”
“I enlightened him.”
“You gave him a headache.”
The room is laughing so hard people are crying.
Even Law looks like he’s trying not to smile.
Then Shachi points triumphantly toward a wall.
Everyone turns, and you immediately regret it, because somehow… some way… the original newspaper quiz has been framed.
Under the final result someone (guess who) has written:
LOVE DOCTOR SACHI WAS RIGHT
You immediately grab something else near you again “Oh, now you’re definitely dead.”
“CAPTAIN!”
This time Law catches you before you even take two steps “Stop trying to assault my crew now.”
“I’m trying to improve your crew.”
“By hitting them?”
“Maybe it will make them smart.”
Law pinches the bridge of his nose.
You smile innocently, but nobody is fooled, especially not him.
A few minutes later the chaos settles down.
You end up sitting beside Law while the crew keeps talking, teasing, and generally making everyone's life worse.
Shachi is currently explaining his future plans “The Love Doctor’s Guide to Romance.”
“No one is reading that.”
“I’ll make Captain read it.”
“No.”
“I’ll dedicate the first chapter to you two. My first success.”
Law looks ready to slice him.
You laugh and lean your head against his shoulder without even thinking about it and of course the room immediately explodes again.
“OH MY GOD.”
“THEM'RE SO CUTE.”
“DOMESTIC.”
Law groans and you laugh harder, but despite all the noise, all the teasing, all the comments that you'll never hear the end of… his arm quietly settles around your shoulders.
The crew starts screaming again.
And somewhere in the corner, Shachi wipes away a fake tear “My work here is done.”
❝Raising their children alone can't be that bad...❞
Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Trafalgar Law ╱ fem!reader
Tags: fluff!!! angst, humor, reader's death, teenage pregnancy, minor spoilers from Dressrosa, spoilers about Law's past, sexual harassment, pedophilia, rape
Words count: 20k
MONKEY D. LUFFY
Sudden appearances and fated intrusions. The first time you spoke to him about these concepts, he just smiled as he listened, without fully understanding.
For a boy like him, envied by those who swore they were free under established rules, ignored by those who did not know what loneliness was, and adored by those who loved happiness, your existence was a miracle.
He was twelve years old the afternoon he met you on his way to Partys Bar.
The evening sun was warm, summer was just beginning. He took steps that almost seemed like jumps as he hummed and stroked the overgrown grass. Surely someone would come by in a few days and cut it, because there was always a good neighbour who cared about this area. Especially grandma Yukiko.
That old woman, with grey strands so long they touched her knees and a white dress down to her ankles, had frightened Luffy more than once. She looked like a ghost if you saw her at night. Ace teased him for crying the first time, when he was eight years old and saw her returning from visiting Makino.
His older brother knew her. Despite being a serious boy, he often saw him shopping for the lady. And soon he joined him.
Passing by her cottage meant praying that she was well. She lived alone, amid leaks that reappeared every rainy day, yellowed, peeling windows with broken shutters, and creaky wooden steps at the entrance. The neighbours' proposal to find her a new place had been declined multiple times. Lady Yukiko did not want to move from her beloved home where she had grown up, nor did she want the brothers Dadan was raising to waste their energy on an old person like her.
Luffy understood her loneliness.
And he couldn't accept it.
Over the years, he became friends with that woman, sometimes having breakfast with her, other times singing and dancing to the rhythm of her guitar, played with the same passion of her youth despite the arthritis that bothered her.
He adjusted his hat, smiling as he heard her playing the guitar, opening the small unlocked door as if it were his home. He was about to shout at the top of his lungs so that the woman would hear him, but he stopped in his tracks, looking up at the ceiling.
Raising her head and wiping her sweat with her forearm, there was a girl. She held a hammer in her hand and a clove in her mouth, frowning in concentration.
Luffy tilted his head to one side curiously. She seemed to be his age. Or maybe a year older or younger? He opened his mouth to call out to her, but was interrupted by Yukiko.
"Luffy? You're back again? Kid, I told you to stop doing that. You should be enjoying your youth, not hanging around with this old woman."
You looked down at the garden, glimpsing only a straw hat with a red ribbon around it. You couldn't hear the conversation very well, and you weren't interested anyway. You had to replace some old wooden beams in the roof and fix the leaks. It was the least you could do while staying with your grandmother.
By the time Luffy finished entertaining Yukiko with his stories about training with his brother, the beasts he defeated in the forest, and his new attacks with his devil fruit, he looked for you again, but couldn't find you anywhere.
In the long run, you became a mystery he wanted to solve. No one could stop Luffy's curiosity. Especially when he had a fixed goal. And that goal was you.
Every afternoon he returned to visit the old woman, and day after day he found you doing something new. Removing the shutters, sanding the old wood and painting it a soft green. Sweeping the whole place. Mowing the lawn. Replacing the wooden steps. Painting the door the same colour as the windows. Cleaning all the glasses. Planting flowers all over the garden.
For two months, Luffy just sat next to Yukiko for tea, watching you do everything, without speaking to you yet. The little he had gathered about you only told him your name, that you were his age, and that you were the granddaughter of the owner of this cottage. Unlike him, you seemed like a more serious girl, which filled him with curiosity. He liked to play. You should like to play too.
That was his biggest undertaking that year. Especially when summer came to an end and you opened a flower shop there. Suddenly, this place seemed to come back to life, and Yukiko looked happier than she had since you came into her life. Not a single day went by without the cottage looking resplendent, the scent of flowers filling the air and delighting everyone who came to shop.
Your bouquets became famous in Foosha. Luffy saw the effort behind them every day. The care you took with your garden and the instructions your grandmother gave you so that everything would be perfect. Another difference he had noticed. You were good at taking advice, you didn't always do what you wanted. You knew when to stop and listen to your elders.
When he mentioned it to Ace, he just replied that he was a wild child of the forest. And you were a little princess who lived among flowers.
It was Makino's birthday that sparked your story.
Luffy was desperate. He didn't know what to give the woman. He wasn't as good as Ace at robbing nobles, and his brother didn't do it anymore. In fact, he had done a few odd jobs to buy her a nice, inexpensive necklace. He was the only one without a gift. Even the mountain bandits had pooled their money to buy her a ring! Oh, Luffy was bad with birthdays. Would Makino get angry if he gave her meat wrapped in paper?
The little rubber boy sighed, twirling his hat between his hands, leaning against the wooden floor of Yukiko's cottage. The cool air hit his face, relaxing him as it carried the scent of flowers for him to enjoy.
"Are you here again? Don't you have any other friends?"
He placed his hat on his chest and looked up at you. You had your hands on your hips and your brow furrowed. The apron you were wearing was covered in dirt and old mud stains.
"I only have Ace."
"Well, go to him."
"I can't! He's at the bar showing Makino his gift, and I'm the only one who doesn't have anything for her."
The pout he made brought a mocking smile to your face.
"Why don't you say it's a gift from both of you?"
"Ace will hit me."
You nodded slowly. You had no reason to help him, but your grandmother adored him. You had grown accustomed to his presence and to hearing him laugh over the past two months. Seeing him now, defeated and pouting, was not pleasant. You turned on your heels and entered the cottage. What used to be the living room was now the flower shop. There you prepared bouquets under your grandmother's instructions.
"Then give her some flowers. Is she allergic to pollen?"
"What's that?"
You rolled your eyes.
"She's the woman from Partys Bar, right?"
"Yes! Makino," he said, poking his nose. You grimaced.
"Does she usually have flowers in her bar?"
"Under the window and on the counter."
You nodded again, looking for a pot. Luffy followed you closely, standing next to you at the counter. The tiny spade caught his attention and he picked it up. There was a huge bag of soil nearby and other strange things. Everything you did, your explanation of how you did it or why you had chosen purple flowers, went in one ear and out the other. Had you said something about health and prosperity? Or love and talent? Or were those other flowers? At some point he got lost, but he appreciated the red bow around the pot and the little note that said what flower it was, its meaning, and how to care for it. Makino would surely like it.
From that day on, the rubber boy stuck to you. He drew words from your mouth effortlessly, making you laugh, tease him, and follow his jokes. Luffy was captivated by your smile. Little by little, you loosened up around him, and your grandmother liked that too. A twelve-year-old girl should be just that, a girl, and not someone who was forced to grow up too quickly.
As the months went by, Luffy learned your story. The death of your parents and the long search you undertook until you found your maternal grandmother moved him. The fact that he was your first friend somehow made him happy. It was no longer just Ace and him in his life. Now it included you too.
The day you met Ace, you were already thirteen years old. Something stirred inside Luffy when he saw you blush in front of his brother. He didn't understand what it was, why his heart tightened and made him frown. He didn't understand why that expression came out with the freckled one, and he only got a pinch of the nose from you. But he never asked.
That feeling vanished as quickly as his brother showed him the big bear he had hunted. Inviting you to Dadan's house with the bandits had been quite an experience. They had behaved so politely when they saw lady Yukiko's granddaughter, who was carrying a basket full of plants. Lots of colourful flowers to plant in their cabin, you had said. They were surprised to see someone so sweet with Luffy. The contrast between your white dress with tiny red flowers printed on it and the scruffy appearance of the rubber boy (who was forced to bathe) made more than one person sigh.
And when you finally met Makino, you never imagined you would receive so much love from someone. She was so warm, like a mother caring for her children. She welcomed you with open arms, praising your work and showing you how well she had cared for the plant that Luffy had given her on her last birthday. Now it looked bigger. She had learned how to propagate it with grandma Yukiko. The food you tasted at her bar was unmatched, and fighting with Luffy so he wouldn't eat your portions was daring.
Before you knew it, you were both fourteen. You loved running through the forest playing hide and seek. Chasing each other around like fools until you ended up exhausted. The laughter that escaped from within you filled the place, bringing huge smiles to Luffy's face.
It hadn't been long since he had nervously visited Makino, thinking he was ill. He told her how his heart beat fast when he saw you. You could do something as simple as make a bouquet for a local man who wanted to confess his love to his girlfriend, and he would be stunned. You could run alongside him, your hair floating and bouncing in the air with every movement, and he would be mesmerised. You could talk to Ace, giggling foolishly, and he would sulk. As if something that was his had been taken away.
The woman listened patiently, smiling tenderly. She did not explain what he was feeling, merely confirming that he was not ill. If Luffy found out, he would do so on his own. No one should rush his heart. Everyone in Foosha had bet that sooner or later something would happen between the two of you. But no one knew who would be the first to make a move.
The famous confession came months after Ace set sail, beginning his life as a pirate.
He had invited you to the tree house he had built with Ace and his other brother, Sabo, whom you had only just learned existed. You understood why he had never taken you there or why he had never mentioned him, despite how long you had been friends. For Luffy, it was an important occasion. You were both fifteen years old and seventeen was closer than ever.
"My dream is to be the king of pirates," he repeated, lying down, wrapped in an old blanket.
"It's a good dream. You'll make it," you murmured sleepily the answer you always gave him when he said that to you.
"I want you to be part of my crew."
It took a great effort to half-open your eyes and stare at him dazedly. It had been a hard day and sleep was overcoming you.
"What use would a florist be to the crew? Don't be silly, Luffy. You need strong people who will protect you and who you can protect. People who will fight."
"You can always learn to use a gun or a katana," he said, turning sideways to look at you. "You can even fight with your fists like me. Or with kicks."
You rested your head on one arm, stretching out the other to pinch his nose. You liked it when it stretched. And it didn't seem to hurt him.
"I don't like to fight."
"I just want you to come with me."
"Luffy..."
"I'll protect you! You can continue being a florist. I don't need my mates to be strong, I just need us all to have a great adventure," he insisted.
The sigh you let out made him shudder.
"Why me?"
"Because I like you," he murmured, frowning.
"I like you too, Luffy. You're my best friend, you know that. But I don't think..."
He interrupted you, sitting up abruptly and looking down at your body lying there, wrapped in an old blanket. Maybe Ace's. Maybe Sabo's. Or even his own. It didn't matter.
"You don't understand. I like you in that way, and you're coming with me."
They say you never forget your first love.
Luffy certainly wouldn't. By your side, his curiosity ran wild, doing everything that came to mind. Did he see a man in Foosha kissing his girlfriend? He would ask for one too. He liked the warm, soft feeling of your lips on his. Your arms around his neck and your fingers stroking his hair, all so that you could pull away slightly and whisper that he should cut it because it was too long. He wanted to tell Ace that he had had his first kiss, and that you were his girlfriend. As if the older one hadn't been one of the many who had bet on their relationship years ago.
Holding hands, continuing to play in the forest, watching him train, watching you make bouquets of flowers, being teased by Dadan and the bandits for having a girlfriend, receiving advice from the mayor that he never listened to. His fifteen years had been crazy. Beautifully crazy.
And maybe he should have listened to the mayor, that grumpy old man who always insisted that he shouldn't become a pirate because it would be a disgrace to Foosha. Protection? Luffy didn't like to use it. He was young and careless. He did everything his own way and you just let him, because you enjoyed it as much as he did.
The consequences came a month before you turned sixteen, when you got pregnant.
It was the biggest event in the village. The cheerful little boy everyone adored was going to be a father. A teenage father.
More than one adult scolded the two of you. Dadan went crazy after hearing the news, being held back by the bandits when she tried to hit Luffy, and everyone agreed not to tell Ace yet. There was no way to contact him either. Makino just looked at them. Her heart ached. Seeing Luffy about to have a child interfered with the image she had of him as a little boy, crying on the dock, clutching his straw hat to his chest because Shanks was leaving. The mayor shouted as he entered the bar, hitting Luffy on the head with his cane for not listening to him, doing the opposite of what he told him to do.
And your grandmother, that old woman who had lived so much in her life... The sigh that escaped her lips made you sob. She didn't have the strength to shout at you. She hadn't had any strength lately. Getting out of bed was impossible for her, so she relied on you to bathe and feed her. She didn't know if she would be there on the day you gave birth.
It certainly wasn't the life she wanted for you. Discovering that she had a granddaughter and that her daughter had died consumed her. She did her best for you, giving you what little she had. Now all she could do was support you in this new stage of your life.
Because having a child as a teenager would bring many difficulties into your life. Difficulties for which you were not prepared. But you would not be the first or the last woman to go through this experience.
Luffy was twelve when he met you.
And he was sixteen when he lost you.
He didn't know what had gone wrong.
He didn't understand.
He didn't want to understand.
He wanted to cry out loud, but the tears stopped as soon as he heard soft babbling. Dadan tried to explain. You had suffered a haemorrhage after giving birth. The baby was in perfect condition. She was a healthy girl. The information didn't register in his brain, he could only hold her in his arms with tears running down his cheeks.
He didn't want to lose anyone else.
He had to be strong.
No one else was going to take care of that girl. She was his girl. Yours.
The first month was torture. He didn't understand what to do. He didn't understand how to change a nappy or how he was supposed to bathe her if he couldn't put her in the water. And the baby wouldn't eat meat either. How could she not eat meat? If it weren't for Dadan and Makino, everything would have been a disaster. The women raised the girl in her first months, feeding her, bathing her, changing her nappies and dressing her up cute. They were delighted. She was a sweet girl, with Luffy's huge eyes and smile.
And when the long-awaited day arrived, everyone was anxious.
Luffy was already seventeen years old. He would set sail to fulfil his dream in a tiny boat, with only a barrel of provisions and a baby in his arms.
He had learned everything he needed to know from the women around him. Dadan and the other bandits watched them from behind a building, not wanting to alarm the inhabitants of Foosha, who hated them but had come to say goodbye to their beloved Luffy. Her heart beat with longing as she looked at the baby. At her babies. First Ace had left. Now Luffy and his little one. Tears stung her eyes. She couldn't stop the passage of time, she couldn't deprive these kids of their dreams or of living up to their expectations.
They watched him set sail, barely knowing how to change her nappy or feed her properly. Had it been a mistake? Should they have told him that they would raise her until he returned home? That the girl would grow up safe and sound in Foosha, in her mother's old cottage, witnessing her great-grandmother's final moments? Even if they had suggested that, lady Yukiko had begged the rubber boy to take the girl with him. No one knew how she had whispered that she didn't have much time left, that the baby would have no one there and would constantly ask for her parents or why they had abandoned her. No one but Luffy, who took her hand and promised to take care of her on his journey.
Now Luffy was leaving, and everyone prayed that he would find a good crew that would know how to help him.
He found them little by little.
First came Zoro. The events leading up to him joining the crew as the first member had not been seen by the baby, so he choked when Koby handed a little girl to Luffy, bidding them farewell so they could continue their adventure.
Zoro went crazy, not knowing what to do. He was more alert than ever, his hand on his katanas at the slightest sign of danger. He shook Luffy more than once, upset. His captain had a daughter. A baby girl just a few months old who babbled and squeezed the swordsman's finger with her tiny hand, laughing when she looked at him intently with eyes as big as those of the boy in front of him. He had to learn how to change nappies and prepare bottles. But they didn't understand how to bathe her.
The addition of Usopp and Nami to the crew was a blessing. The short haired woman knew how to navigate, and the long nosed man had secured a good ship for everyone. Their reactions to the baby were not the best.
Usopp was terrified, consumed by uncertainty. How would she survive the Grand Line? How would he survive? The fear haunting his soul faded with each passing day as he watched her crawl across the deck, giggling foolishly into the air every time the sun caressed her face. She often approached him, taking the things Usopp bought in her hands, preventing him from continuing to work because he had to watch her so she wouldn't swallow anything or hurt herself, but his heart warmed when he saw her. She was a cheerful and curious child. It seemed that when she grew up, she would like to build or fix things.
Nami had to sit down and listen to the whole story, apologising to Luffy for doubting him and Zoro, her harsh words about them kidnapping the girl dying on her lips.
The short haired woman unwittingly took on the role of aunt, following the baby everywhere. Her weakness for children was palpable from the moment they met her, and they could only watch as she took over the tasks they had been doing. The strange coloured baby purees that Zoro prepared were replaced by tastier and more edible ones. The bottles that Luffy gave her were almost replaced.
"Nami, feed her!"
"Huh? I already gave her porridge a few hours ago," she said, drawing a map.
"But she's hungry, she keeps babbling."
The woman looked up. Luffy was standing in front of her, arms outstretched, showing her daughter who was sucking on her fist.
"Luffy, go play."
"Feed her."
Her eye twitched.
"She's not hungry."
"You have boobs, feed her."
Nami took the baby from his arms. The blow Luffy received sent him flying out of the kitchen and onto the deck floor.
Sanji joining in was all Nami needed. Now she had more help. The blond had adored his captain's daughter from the moment he saw her at the Baratie.
"What's the princess's name?" he asked, leaning on the deck railing.
He tried to smoke away from her, watching the girl playing with Zoro's katanas, who was asleep on the floor. The pretty dress with a mandarin print indicated that Nami had taken good care of her. He didn't want to imagine what her first days at sea had been like, with only the swordsman and the rubber boy.
Luffy looked up, swallowing his meat.
"Nika."
"Nika?" Sanji murmured. "That's a strange name."
"Makino wouldn't let me name her Niku."
"Of course not!" Nami shouted, hitting him on the head.
"How could you call her meat, Luffy?" Usopp shook his head.
The journey was full of adventures. When Chopper joined them, the little one examined the baby to see if she had any pain or illness. It was a miracle that she was healthy so far. That whatever Nami had contracted had not affected her.
It was at night that the navigator watched her captain most closely.
Luffy used to spend every night on the Grand Line with his daughter by his side. He would sit on the deck with her between his legs, stretching his rubber fingers and making his little girl do the same. After a few hours, in the stillness of the sea and under the stars, they would both fall asleep. The captain would wrap his arms protectively around her, as if afraid she would slip through his fingers. If a tear or two escaped in his sleep, Nami said nothing.
Nika's mother was never mentioned. If Luffy was suffering, he would always pretend to be fine. Everything was hidden behind huge smiles.
The arrival in Alabasta had everyone on edge. The heat was so intense that it could almost rival the fires of hell. Chopper and Nami took care of Nika, keeping her hydrated and in the shade to prevent heatstroke. They would have preferred to stay on the Going Merry, but circumstances required them to remain alert.
That's why Luffy's brother's visit was ideal.
"Oi, Luffy, didn't Y/N come with you? I thought you'd still be obsessed with bringing her along," said the freckled man, drinking his beer.
The rubber boy tensed up and then smiled, biting his lip. A cry echoed through the ship, causing Ace to frown.
"Did you guys kidnap a baby?"
"No!" They all shouted.
Chopper left the room, moving his short legs carefully, trying to calm Nika down. Long arms picked her up, and the last thing Chopper saw was the baby flying through the air.
"Luffy! Don't do that!" the doctor screamed.
"Shishishi, it's okay," he placed the baby in front of Ace. "Look!"
The commander of Whitebeard's second division tensed up. A baby. There was a baby in front of him. She didn't look like anyone else there. And those big, bright eyes.
"Luffy..."
"Doesn't she look just like Y/N? Makino said she looked like me, but I think she smiles like Y/N."
"Luffy."
"Dadan told me not to bring her because it was dangerous. Even the mayor tried to convince me."
"Luffy!"
The boy looked at him with tears in his eyes, but without losing his smile.
"I'm all she has."
It didn't take long for the eldest brother to understand the situation.
The answer to your absence was right in front of him.
That girl who ran through the forest, playing freely after working at her flower shop for a plate of food, that girl who took time to watch her little brother's training sessions and congratulate him when he won, that girl who burst into Dadan's cabin holding Luffy's hand to eat with them, making a place for herself among the bandits, that girl he had nicknamed little princess. That girl was no longer among them.
She had taken his brother's love with her and, in gratitude, had left the baby he held in his arms. Only memories would take care of Luffy on this journey.
Ace did not scold him, not when he himself was a mess.
For a while, he stayed on the Going Merry, looking after his niece while the crew completed their mission. Nika's clothes were stored in a drawer in Nami's wardrobe. The number of patterns and colours he saw left him in no doubt. The navigator loved the little girl and treated her like her own doll. The commander of Whitebeard's second division had fun with her, watching her crawl around the deck, smear her face with ice cream made by Sanji, and play in the water in the tiny pool Usopp had built for her.
The following adventures were crazy for everyone. The addition of Robin, Franky, and Brook to the crew had brought more joy to their lives.
Luffy enjoyed watching the archaeologist tend to her plants. The sweet smile on his face gave the woman an idea of what he might be thinking.
"Y/N had a flower shop," he said casually. "It seems Nika likes flowers too."
The little girl played with the dirt and occasionally touched Robin's flowers. Luffy stroked her hair. She would soon be one year old. If it weren't for his friends, he wasn't sure he would have been able to raise her. He needed them. He needed the help of others and would never say otherwise. Sanji fed her. Nami bought her cute clothes that a little girl would wear. Usopp made her laugh. Zoro protected her. Chopper took care of her health. Robin let her play in her garden and had offered to be her teacher when she was old enough. Franky made toys for her. Brook played songs and made her clap her hands.
Would Y/N be happy to see them? Would she be proud of him? Would she smile when she saw how grown up Nika was? Would she like her name or would she think it was silly? Would she have liked to accompany him on this adventure or would she have told him she would wait for his return in Foosha?
His lower lip trembled.
"You're doing an amazing job, Luffy."
The affection in Robin's voice made the rubber boy hold back a sob.
"Not everyone would do what you did. You brought hope to the lives of everyone in the crew, and you gave us a great gift," the archaeologist smiled kindly at him. "It's difficult to raise a baby in her early years, but we'll all help you. Just like you helped us."
No one but the two of them and little Nika knew about that conversation. For some reason, Robin seemed to understand him very well. Always with good advice to give. Always trusting him.
The passage of time made Dadan anxious. Every year in Foosha, they prepared a party for Nika. Her first year of life, her second year, her third year, her fourth year. All were celebrated by the bandits, Makino, and the mayor.
And like them, the Straw Hats also celebrated.
"Come back here, Nika!" Usopp shouted, running across the Sunny.
The five year old girl burst out laughing as she jumped from the second floor onto the deck. Nami held her breath. Zoro didn't have time to react. And Luffy caught her in his arms, laughing.
Her brown curls bounced from side to side with every step she took. She was a girl with a lot of energy. The older she got, the more grey hairs she gave some people. Jinbe used to say that she would be worse when she turned ten. And at twenty, she would be a force of nature. Robin laughed, covering her mouth, thinking that maybe her name had something to do with it.
Her name, which had caused problems with the world government more than once. It took them two years to discover its meaning and why, when it became public knowledge that the Straw Hat Yonko had a daughter, some adored her and others sought to kill her. The only one who managed to lay a hand on Nika, squeezing her arm until it bruised, suffered a painful death at the hands of Luffy. He was not a violent man, at least not without a purpose. He did not kill. But he would do anything for his little girl.
"Sanji-san, can I have some more ice cream, please?" she asked when she saw him coming out of the kitchen.
They still remembered the night they asked the girl who her favourite member of the crew was. They thought she would say Luffy, after all, he was her father. But her answer was Sanji, because he cooked her everything she asked for. Then they fought for second place without receiving any comment from Nika confirming or denying who had it.
The bright eyed girl ran towards him after letting go of her father, hugging his leg and looking at him sweetly. Sanji smiled tenderly, ruffling her hair.
"Today you'll have all the food you want."
"You spoil her too much, shitty cook."
Zoro growled as he walked towards him. Although he wouldn't admit it, the fact that Nika didn't choose him as her favourite hurt his pride. He was the first one in the crew to change her nappy. He even had to cook for her.
"You're one to talk, stupid marimo. I saw you lending her your wado ichimonji the other day."
The two began to fight, distancing themselves from the girl.
Luffy climbed into his special seat on the lion's head, watching his crew interact with his daughter with a smile from ear to ear.
"Beautiful Nika, your favourite song," exclaim Brook, taking the little girl’s hand and spinning her around.
His violin played a tune familiar to all, followed by their voices.
"Yohohoho, yohohoho!"
"Sudden appearances and fated intrusions? I still don't understand."
You looked at him amused. It was the third time you had explained it to him.
"It's when..."
A person suddenly appears in your life, unaware of how timely their presence is. Using a force that is not force, they make a space for themselves in your daily life. You forget what your life was like before them, because every second by their side feels as if destiny had planned it all.
Luffy stretched out his rubber arm, slipping between his friends, until he managed to gently place his straw hat on his daughter's head.
He had been that person in your life. It had taken him several years to understand it. Only now, seeing the smile of his little girl, who was growing more like you every day, did he understand.
"Dad, come play with me!"
"I always beat you! I'll only do it for a prize."
Nami smiled happily, listening to them shouting at each other across the distance between them, something that had become normal since Nika started talking.
"Fine! If I win, I'll have all your meat for a day," shouted the girl, adjusting the straw hat on her head as she looked up at the man who loved her most.
Robin, Jinbe, Franky, and Brook laughed.
"Okay, but if I win..."
Usopp and Zoro agreed among themselves that he would ask for the same thing, all of his daughter's meat. Sanji, Nami, and Chopper agreed. He never asked her for much. He even let her win just to see her laugh.
Luffy let out a soft "shishishi" as he closed his eyes.
"I want a bouquet of flowers."
RORONOA ZORO
He never regretted his actions.
Every step he took, every decision he made, and every word he used had made him the man he was. His confidence did not waver in encounters that could push him to the brink of life and death. His confidence did not waver when someone stronger than him stood in his way, demanding a fight. His confidence did not waver when he had to protect those he loved. And it certainly did not waver when he had to be tough to control a situation.
That's why his imbalance upon meeting you baffled him.
It didn't make sense. Not to him.
Dressrosa was a lively kingdom. Its people danced to the rhythm of guitars under clear skies. Children played with various toys as they roamed the streets. Restaurants were packed with tourists. Zoro had only one mission: to find Luffy.
The sudden excited shouts caught his attention as he approached the city centre. Outside the Coliseum, a huge screen was broadcasting an event, and the inhabitants were watching the spectacle. He didn't know the reasons for the competition, but anything that involved a good fight appealed to him. However, he was forced to be just another spectator. Registration had closed.
And his search had not been a failure. He shook his head, adjusting his fake moustache, watching his captain compete against a whole block of experienced fighters. He couldn't say he had gotten himself into a mess. He wasn't breaking any of Trafalgar Law's rules. His straw hat was covered, and he was wearing a helmet, a beard, and a cape. He had even changed his name. He could relax, they wouldn't find him out.
Watching Luffy win entertained him. He was the most reliable person he knew. Whatever he was trying to achieve, he would succeed.
Or so he believed until he saw you appear.
A swordswoman. Two katanas.
There were few swordswomen he had ever met. His interest grew uncontrollably.
Your movements were graceful. Your turns were controlled, precise. The way you dodged your opponents made him grip his wado ichimonji tightly. There was something about your katanas that drew him to look at them closely. They were cursed. Could they be better than his? Could you withstand an impact with all his strength? What was your goal? Why were you a swordswoman? Your next attack made him smirk. In front of you were ten men ready to defeat you with their own weapons and fists, but you remained impassive. Your extreme concentration and the constant twirling of both katanas caused a tornado. He unconsciously read your lips. It was just an inaudible whisper to everyone else, but Zoro could understand you. Pandora's Delirium.
That single attack started your story.
Dressrosa became a nightmare. The Coliseum had collapsed due to an attack by Lucy, who had been crowned the winner of the event. By the time you managed to crawl out from under the rubble, pressing your palm to your bleeding forehead, the sunlight greeted you. You felt frustrated. You wanted the prize, you wanted to see if a swordswoman was stronger with a Devil Fruit, but once again you had to stick to your superior katanas. You trusted them and yourself in using them, but it felt distant. Your skill was no match for him. You were not close to defeating him yet.
You walked through those streets that had welcomed you with such joy. Their inhabitants were now crying and shouting. You didn't understand what was happening, but it didn't take you long to find out. The complaints and pleas were clear. What they were asking for was clear. The removal of their king.
A beeping sound deafened your ears. Doflamingo's voice echoed throughout the place. His face was seen on different screens. You looked at the blood on your hand, growling under your breath as you slid down a yellow-painted wall until you sat on the floor. As you looked up at the screen, a photo appeared. They were offering a reward for him.
Roronoa Zoro.
Your eyes sparkled as a contemptuous smile appeared on your face. So he was here. That swordsman from the Straw Hat Pirates. The one you had been watching for two years, following his progress in the newspapers as his bounty grew and he gradually became a promise of legend. His fighting style with three katanas caught your attention. Even if you tried, you couldn't control the third one in your mouth. But that was fine. He had his style. You had yours.
Knowing that he was in the same place as you, that somehow life had brought you together, excited you. You wanted to see him in action. With any luck, challenge him to a fight. And if you had time, ask him his motivation.
The blow to your forehead had left you disoriented. So much, that you thought you had hallucinated a speck of green hair flying in front of you, towards a huge stone person. How bad had the blow been?
As the minutes passed, the truth revealed itself. A city inhabitant was bandaging your head, asking you questions that you answered disinterestedly, your attention focused on the conversation a couple further ahead were having. Monkey D. Luffy had defeated Doflamingo, and Dressrosa once again had its former ruler. Everyone seemed to be living more peacefully, not caring if they became poor in the future. As long as they were happy and with their families and loved ones, that was enough.
You stood up and thanked the person who healed you. He tried to insist that you stay seated longer, saying something about shock, but you just refused as you took confident steps. You wanted to get to the hill. To the cabin where they said the straw hats were.
Zoro kept his eyes closed, but his rest was not continuous. He woke up at the slightest sound. The marine was still in the city and was not yet looking for them. He did not understand the reason, his main concern was that Luffy would heal so they could escape. Especially after Sabo's words.
He opened his eyes at the sound of jingling. Bells? Who could be announcing their presence so loudly? They must be confident enough not to hide. He took his wado ichimonji and opened the door, closing it behind him. He would only intervene if someone tried to attack his friends.
His steps stopped short when he looked ahead. In that field of flowers, completely surrounded by them and smiling broadly, was she. Two katanas. Incredible strength radiated from her.
Now that he could see them up close, he could notice the small details. You looked like a girl who left her mark on every object. A symbol of your existence. Silver bells hung from the handles of your katanas, jingling as they moved and collided with each other.
"You..."
"Roronoa Zoro, I want a duel."
"That sounds fun!" Someone shouted from the doorway.
You tilted your head to one side. It was the captain. His hair was sticking out in all directions; he looked like he had just woken up.
"Luffy, this isn't the time. We have to run away, the marine wants to capture us."
Nico Robin's melodious voice reached your ears. The woman spoke with an almost maternal gentleness and sweetness as she peeked through the door to see what was happening. Zoro watched you closely.
"It'll be quick. I'll defeat you," you insisted.
"Zoro is the strongest," said the boy in the straw hat, putting his hands behind his head.
"Why are you a swordswoman?" That deep voice rang in your ears, your attention focused on him in seconds.
It was impossible not to look at him. You were finally face to face with him.
"I want to defeat the red haired yonko, Shanks."
Absolute silence. Whether Luffy started a commotion upon hearing the name of the man who inspired him to become a pirate, whether Robin giggled, or whether Franky, who had just woken up, got excited about the idea, none of that mattered. Not when you had Zoro in front of you, smiling sideways, as if he saw something in you that no one else noticed.
"I've made up my mind! You're joining my crew."
Moments like that, where you lose all ability to make your own decisions, where your life undergoes drastic changes without you asking for them, happen. They had convinced you. You had heard the story from your now captain about the original owner of his hat, and you just burst out laughing, explaining that you didn't want to kill Shanks. You had faced him three years ago, when you were still a self-centred young woman who believed she could defeat anyone. The reality check he gave you when he defeated you while laughing at you, amused by the situation, was the catalyst for a new objective. A new goal.
What's more, you could train with Roronoa Zoro. Measure your strength against his. Find out what motivated him to improve. And one day have that duel that was left unfinished in Dressrosa.
Since then, every day of your life has been filled with chaos. Nami's shouts scolding Luffy and Usopp, Sanji's constant flirting and his delicious dishes, Robin's weird comments that made you laugh and her sudden compliments that made you blush, watching Franky build something new with incredible utility, listening to Brook play his instruments and invite you to sing with him (only to later ask you about your underwear), the dedicated training sessions with Zoro that left you panting on the deck, and Chopper's concern as he tended to you and grew larger to carry you to the infirmary.
You had fun. They were all unique, with different personalities, and they all got along and loved each other just as they were, without asking anyone to change.
You liked having sleepovers with Nami and Robin, using the face masks that the navigator prepared or having the archaeologist paint your nails. You liked playing with Chopper, pretending to have some illness so he would treat you. You liked joking around with Luffy and running around with him all over the Sunny Go. You liked trying Sanji's desserts and being the judge who gave him the highest scores.
The comfort that embraced you after a few weeks was, without you knowing it, what you had needed your whole life. The warmth they brought to your life made your journey no longer so lonely. Now you had friends.
Zoro could only watch.
When you thought he was asleep and didn't dare speak to him, he waited for you to turn away before opening his eye and observing you. When you thought he would deliver the final blow in training, he simply reached out his hand to help you to your feet. When you thought you would go alone to visit an island, he accompanied you. No wonder you ended up lost, because he was a stubborn man.
"Zoro, it's that way," you groan, pointing to a path that led to a village.
"No, woman. I'm telling you it's that way."
There was no way you could get to the shop to buy map paper if you went into the forest.
Your time together became constant. You used to fall asleep next to him after training, being found by Chopper who hid behind whatever he could find so you wouldn't notice him. He didn't want to wake you when you looked so peaceful, his mission to heal you interrupted. He couldn't do it when you had your head on his shoulder and he had his resting against yours, as if you'd done that a thousand times before.
Soon it became normal for Zoro to clumsily treat your wounds.
"Not so tight!" you shouted when his bandage on your thigh made it hurt more.
All you achieved was him tightening it even more. And then he loosened it as you requested.
"You complain a lot."
"You're a brute."
"Ah?!"
You used to stay on the Sunny Go to keep watch with him while everyone else visited a new island. You could catch glimpses of his smiles out of the corner of your eye, and when you least expected it, he started laughing beside you. It felt so natural to hear him laugh that you didn't notice Nami and Robin's questioning looks. Or Usopp's jokes.
At banquets, you moved from place to place, enjoying yourself and laughing with everyone. One second you were shoulder to shoulder with Franky dancing, and the next you were stealing Zoro's alcohol while he looked at you with a soft smile.
"I think that's enough for you today."
"I can!" The green-haired man raised an eyebrow when he heard you. "I can keep drinking... I swear."
"Don't lie to me."
"I swear, Zoro."
"I'll take you to bed," he murmured just for you.
Amidst the music and fun, Zoro walked with you on his shoulder. Everyone was oblivious to the situation unfolding between you. To the feelings that were beginning to blossom.
That night was the first time Zoro felt nervous around you. Nervous about his feelings. Nervous about an experience he had never had before. It wasn't like fighting someone powerful and feeling like he was losing. It was like fighting his heart and feeling like he was losing a battle he hadn't asked for. It was like fighting his urge to kiss you even though he didn't really know how to do it, as he watched you lying on your bed, covered with a pink blanket, looking at him with bright, curious eyes.
"Zoro?"
Why did his name feel good on your lips? Why did your lips seem to shine brighter after you licked them? Why did everything seem easier when he was drunk?
"Sleep."
"Zoro... Stay. I sleep better with you by my side."
Those were the words of alcohol. You couldn't really feel that. He didn't want to believe it.
"I won't move and I won't snore. I'll try."
Your insistence would drive him completely mad.
"If that witch Nami finds out..."
"I'll say it was my idea."
He didn't care about listening to you and giving in to your request. He didn't care about Nami's screams the next day, telling him never to enter the women's room again and that he owed her an exorbitant amount of berries for invading her privacy and corrupting her beautiful friend. He didn't care to tell her she would go to hell. How could he care when he woke up with you in his arms, your head resting on his chest and your hair tickling his nose? And that smile you gave him when you opened your eyes, resting your chin on his chest and whispering "good morning".
He no longer knew what to do with his heart.
He had to do something about it soon, before he exploded with pent-up jealousy when he saw you interacting with the cook. Or before he suddenly blushed when you beat him in training and smiled triumphantly, teasing him with your words.
It took him two months to do it. Zoro was not a man capable of confessing his feelings unless he was backed into a corner. That's why, at times like this, alcohol became his true best friend.
It all started with a foolish move.
The atmosphere was charged with joy, and you didn't know why you were still surprised by what your captain could do. He had liberated Wano. He had made an entire country want to live again, given them hope, given them food. You drank while sitting on a hill, not too far from the celebration, but not too close either. You smiled, tapping your foot lightly to the rhythm of the music, watching the people laugh gratefully. From above, you could see most of the place and where most of the crew was. But you couldn't find Zoro.
He had awakened from his injuries, and you hadn't had time to see him, running back and forth with Otama, who wanted to show you the beautiful kimonos for the women in Wano.
You jumped when something heavy fell beside you. You looked up, stopping drinking, to find Zoro in a beautiful green yukata sitting next to you. His knee was gently caressing yours. He decided not to look at you as he poured sake into a cup.
"How are your wounds?" You both asked at the same time.
You looked at each other for a second before you laughed softly and he smiled, looking away.
The passing of the hours and the constant drinking, while he listened to everything you had to say, how you had improved your katana attacks, how you had gotten a scar across your stomach, and everything you had heard about Zoro fighting King, came to an abrupt end when you gave in.
Your head rested on his shoulder and you looked at him enchanted.
The way you looked at him left him speechless, breathless, and he could only look away countless times so you wouldn't see him blush.
No one knew how it happened, but that night, slipping through the crowd, walking holding hands between paper lanterns and all kinds of scents of freshly prepared food, you ended up in a secluded cabin. The touch of his rough hands against your skin, the feeling of his fingers tracing every inch of your chest as he slowly moved down without taking his eyes off you was something you could never forget.
Your first time didn't end there. It wasn't an experience Zoro was willing to let go of. He wasn't willing to let you go.
So he blamed it on the alcohol every night you made love, every time he kissed you softly or buried his face in your neck, panting so softly that no one but you could hear. Something deep in your heart told you that this wasn't normal. That if you tried, confessing could work out.
But you weren't ready to confess something of such magnitude. You were afraid when you received the news from Chopper. The youngest member of the crew was bad at keeping secrets, you had to bribe him with sweets and lots of cotton candy so he wouldn't reveal why he called you to his office every monday. You didn't count on the doctor not being able to hide anything from Robin.
The archaeologist was the first to find out, telling Nami without hesitation, thinking you would need all the help you could get. It was a secret that included all three of you, but you weren't aware of it.
Zoro didn't understand your strange behaviour. Your denials when alcohol went to his head, your refusal of his invitations to drink, your constant escapes to Chopper's office, or how lately you told Sanji that you didn't like his food. You always flattered him and told him he was the best. A score of ten. If he didn't understand, Luffy understood even less.
The girls cornered you on a monday, both of them being in the doctor's office before you. You got nervous. You stuttered and tears welled up in your eyes, but Nami calmed you down. They both held your hands while you confessed. Your nighttime adventures with Zoro, how and when it started, your growing feelings, your failure to confess, and your refusal to talk about the pregnancy.
Chopper spun in his chair.
"But Y/N, Zoro will soon notice. Human females give off a different scent when they are pregnant."
Robin chuckled, stroking the fur on his head. Nami sat down next to you on the examination table, smiling.
"He won't notice until someone tells him. Zoro is an idiot," said the navigator.
"You should confess. He doesn't seem like the type of man who can't handle his actions." Robin's voice made you relax your shoulders.
"Oh, and you should tell him soon. If you keep telling Sanji that you don't like his food, he won't stop crying."
"Today I saw him banging his head against the counter when you rejected his breakfast!" Chopper shouted.
"See?" Nami let out a soft laugh, placing her hand on your belly.
"Zoro is going to be a dad," whispered Chopper, pausing to think for a second. The idea of the swordsman who protected him so much becoming a father was sweet in his mind. "Do you think it will be a girl or a boy?"
"I hope it's a girl. The four of us can go shopping together." The navigator was excited, caressing your belly affectionately.
"Something tells me that won't be the case," Robin refuted, crossing her legs.
"By the way, Y/N, how long has it been since you've eaten something without feeling nauseous?" Chopper inquired.
"Since we found out, I think. I don't like the smell of fish. Three weeks?"
"I'll tell Sanji to prepare a diet until you can talk to Zoro. I won't confess anything, this is Chopper's mission, the best uncle ever."
The confidence with which he got out of his chair and stuck to the wall, taking short steps towards the kitchen as if he were a spy, made the girls smile fondly.
Contrary to the advice you had received from your two friends, you believed you could keep it hidden for another week. You wanted to prepare yourself mentally before giving Zoro such big news. News that would change his entire path. His whole life.
And yours. What would you do in the future, when you had the baby in your arms? You couldn't carry a newborn and two katanas at the same time. You didn't want to give up your dream. But neither did you want to give up that little creation of love you had for the swordsman. Because it was okay if he didn't love you or if you didn't mean anything to him, at least you felt it.
"Doctor Chopper, do you smell that sweet scent in the air? It's as if someone is pregnant," Jinbe murmured when they were all on deck.
"Pregnant? I don't smell anything. Maybe your nose is wrong, Jinbe!"
You shifted nervously on the grass. You didn't know that the fishmen could know about those things too. A peculiar silence accompanied them for a few seconds.
"Pregnancy? Among us? Nami, are you pregnant?" Luffy asked.
The navigator hit him on the head.
Sanji frowned as he lit a cigarette. Recent events flooded his mind. Jinbe's comment. Chopper's nervousness and quick denial. Your sudden dislike of his cooking. The way you ignored Zoro. He paused, the cigarette suspended midway and his lips parted.
Zoro? It couldn't be.
That stupid marimo?
He looked at you again, but you were more attentive to the sea. Then he looked at Zoro. He looked at you intently and seemed frustrated that you weren't looking at him.
"It can't be Robin," Usopp said, laughing. "Is it you, Y/N?"
You frowned without looking at him.
"How could it be Y/N!? Although I did see her in Wano running away with Zoro, shishishi."
Luffy's words confirmed Sanji's suspicions. Robin and Nami said nothing about it, but others such as Usopp, Franky, and Brook congratulated Zoro, who frowned more and more. Jinbe understood that it was not a matter for others to concern themselves with, but with all the commotion, he did not know how to divert attention.
"I made a new chocolate dessert, Luffy, don't you want to try it?" Sanji asked, distracting everyone with just that one sentence.
The cook glanced at Zoro before leading everyone to the kitchen, leaving you alone with the swordsman. You would thank him later for covering for you, but now it was on everyone's minds. The next member of the Straw Hat Pirates could be in your belly. They would have a baby on board. No one said anything as they ate their desserts, pretending they didn't want to peek through the window to eavesdrop on the pending conversation between Zoro and you.
The green haired man sat down carefully beside you. His katanas rested in his lap. His expression was impossible to read. His thoughts were beyond your comprehension.
"Y/N?"
You played with the silver bells on your katanas, indecision written all over your face as the idea of confessing your feelings and the reality of confessing your pregnancy clashed with each other, almost fighting over which was more important. But you knew the answer. You knew what you had to do. You knew the reason why you should live in the future.
"I'm pregnant." Your voice came out almost as a whisper, not daring to look at him.
Zoro remained silent for a few minutes, just listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the ship and the jingle of those bells. He liked them. He liked to hear them every time they fought in training or against an enemy. With them, he could find your location on the battlefield. With them, he knew when to protect you and when not to.
They were a grounding force for you. He didn't know the meaning behind them, but he always saw you fiddling with them when you were indecisive or nervous.
Just like now.
"I will train him to be a good swordsman."
You blinked a couple of times until his words registered in your mind. You frowned and turned your head to look at him, your lips parted slightly.
"What?"
The green haired man shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest as he closed his eyes, ready to sleep. You noticed a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
He was calm. As if that news didn't change everything in both their lives. As if it weren't a problem. Not for him.
"Don't ever leave me again."
You raised an eyebrow.
Something in his expression changed and the tips of his ears flushed. His heart felt trapped by the weight of his words. He wanted to keep it inside a chest that you couldn't open yet, but it stumbled and cracked, becoming impossible to close. He didn't mean to sound like that. As if he missed you. As if those weeks without your attention had not been the greatest loss of his soul.
"I mean... You're pregnant now. I don't want anything to happen to the baby."
You nodded, turning your gaze back to your katanas.
Both of you were too stubborn to confess.
"Aren't you angry that I hid it from you?"
"No."
"Not even a little?"
"No."
"Really, not even a little bit?"
"Shut up and let me sleep, woman."
The confirmation of your pregnancy reached the crew the next morning. Luffy smiled broadly, patting your shoulder hard and saying he already knew before anyone else did. Nami pulled on his red shirt, scolding him for hitting you. Robin and Chopper smiled, both happy that you could finally be free. Franky shouted that he would make toys and a crib for the new crew member. Brook composed lullabies, one for a girl and one for a boy. Jinbe apologised to you for bringing up the subject in front of everyone without meaning to, grateful for your quick forgiveness. Usopp congratulated you both, arguing with Luffy over who would be the best uncle.
"Stupid marimo, a baby and a beautiful woman," Sanji whined, placing a cup of tea in front of you. "Sweet Y/N, why couldn't it be me? He doesn't bathe... Is that your type? Is that how I should be?"
"Get lost, you shitty cook."
"I hope you take good care of them," warned Sanji. Zoro's eyebrow twitched and he drew his katana.
Carrying your pregnancy with them was a blessing.
The months passed and your belly grew larger. Sanji's meals no longer made you feel sick. He had made sure you were eating a healthy diet and that all your meals were nutritious enough to give you strength. Zoro didn't say so, but he was grateful to the blond.
At some point, your usual clothes no longer fit, but you didn't have time to feel bad about it, because Nami and Robin were there to take you shopping and always find the prettiest things in the shop for you. Zoro would take a minute to just stare at you while you got ready in front of the mirror. You could hear him whisper that you were beautiful, and then he would take you for a walk around the islands, walking with one hand on his katanas and the other on your waist. Slowly, not wanting to rush you.
Brook sang you different songs every day with possible names for the baby. Jinbe entertained you with stories and adventures from his youth. Usopp and Franky showed you the toys they created, most of them for men. Luffy kept asking if he could be the favorite uncle, unaware that Zoro had already chosen him as such.
And Chopper... Chopper was worried.
Taking care of you had made him happy at first. Everything seemed to be going well. Sanji's meals kept you healthy. Then he didn't know what started to go wrong in the seventh month. He had to respect your wish to keep it a secret so as not to alarm anyone, but your constant headaches and fatigue made him stay closer to you than he should have.
Then he noticed your high blood pressure. And the grimaces you made when touching your belly. You weren't having contractions, but you whispered to him that it hurt and that surely, surely, it would pass quickly. He never knew that you were short of breath, that you felt your throat closing up and forced yourself to close your eyes and wait to stabilise.
On the day after your last check-up, you squeezed Zoro's arm tightly. He looked at you, alarmed, not knowing what was happening. He shouted for help and everyone came running. Chopper noticed your contractions and broke out in a sweat. Premature labour was not ideal. With the swordsman's help, they took you to the infirmary and the little blue nosed one tried to stop the contractions.
The serum was cold. Your gaze was lost, staring at the light on the ceiling, not fully recognising that Zoro was holding your hand. The green haired man squeezed it between his own when he felt you trembling. It was slight, but it was there. And your breathing. Your breathing was rapid. He didn't understand what was happening. He whispered that everything would be fine, that you should relax.
That Chopper would know what to do.
That you were safe.
The crew's doctor entered the infirmary again, climbing onto a bench to examine you. He frowned. Only Zoro noticed.
"Chopper?" His voice sounded strangled. He didn't like that expression.
"The baby's heart beat is slowing down." The swordsman didn't understand his words. But Robin and Nami standing in the doorway did. "Get ready for the childbirth! Y/N, everything will be fine, please... You can do this."
The speed with which things happened left deep wounds in the crew. Those listening from outside could only wait. Sanji paced back and forth smoking, Usopp bit his nails, Luffy stood in surprising silence leaning against the wall, Franky, Brook, and Jinbe silently prayed that everything would turn out all right.
Nami stroked your hair, whispering words of encouragement in your ear as you pushed. Zoro squeezed your hand anxiously. Robin helped Chopper.
When a baby's cry echoed through the ship, everyone breathed again. The girls smiled tenderly. It was a boy.
Everyone crowded around the door to see the newborn, distracting them a little from you. The only one who paid you any attention was Zoro, who kissed your hand tenderly and cried silently at the miracle. His son. And the woman he loved. He kissed your head and smiled sweetly at you.
But you were lost.
You tried to breathe, but your chest felt heavy. Zoro stood up, squeezing your hand.
"Y/N." His voice caught Robin's attention. The baby in Chopper's arms was placed in Nami's arms.
"Y/N?" Chopper said, rushing over.
"I can't..." That was the only word that escaped your lips.
You gasped for air that never reached you. You couldn't hear anything. You looked lost at Zoro. He squeezed your hand and shouted. Luffy shouted. Brook, Nami, Franky, and Usopp cried desperately. Jinbe's heart beat faster than it had in a long time.
The despair that afternoon in the infirmary tormented them from time to time.
Chopper fell to his knees on the floor, sobbing heavily.
He hadn't been able to do anything. He hadn't been able to save you. Did his promise to cure all the diseases in the world mean anything if he hadn't been able to save his friend?
The diagnosis he gave devastated everyone.
Amniotic fluid embolism and cardiorespiratory collapse.
You had passed away holding Zoro's hand, amid the pleas of all your friends and the cries of your newborn baby, disturbed by the commotion. Although Chopper did everything he could, from chest compressions to medication, your heart did not respond.
Zoro's tears of happiness soon turned to tears of sadness. The entire crew was devastated.
The little blue nosed one apologised over and over again, crying, while Robin hugged him and cried silently.
As the days passed, nothing improved. The atmosphere was heavy. Zoro barely ate. Sanji forced him to eat and sat silently beside him, smoking and staring into the distance.
The passing months made the swordsman nervous.
He had a premature son. A healthy son who had been cared for by Chopper, who even fed him for him.
It tormented him that you never got to meet him. To see how his hair was also green. But when he laughed so happily, holding his finger, it made him forget all his pain.
Everyone in the crew found it difficult to live with the fact that you were no longer there. It was Robin who cheered them up in the second month of the child's life, saying that you were still there through the little one.
Soon the women set out to teach Zoro everything.
Nami deducted nappies, talcum powder, wet wipes and everything else the baby needed from his treasure share. Zoro looked at her irritably. But it was valid. But she could be good with a single father. Robin taught him how to change nappies and bathe him. Unfortunately for him, he had to let Sanji help him.
"Stupid marimo! You can't feed him that! Do you think he's a beast like you?" shouted the blond man irritatedly.
The green haired man grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. The fight was stopped by the navigator, who hit them both. The swordsman had to accept that there was no one better to feed someone than Sanji. He made apple and banana puree, and Zoro ate it from time to time as well.
Jinbe always laughed at how similar Zoro and his son were. Usopp would shout every time he saw him crawling towards the deck railing, on the verge of falling, only to turn around and find his father sleeping peacefully under a tangerine tree. Relaxed, with his hands behind his head as if his son wasn't about to fall overboard.
The question that drove Zoro crazy was asked by Brook.
"Yohoho, I can't sing to this little one if he doesn't have a name yet, Zoro-san."
The swordsman drank his sake, squinting his eye.
"This idiot probably doesn't have anything yet. He'll reach the age of five without a name," scowled Nami.
Luffy held out a piece of meat to the green haired baby. When the little one tried to take it, Luffy quickly snatched it back and put it in his mouth.
"He should be named after me, so he'll be an incredible warrior of the sea," Usopp suggested, puffing out his chest and smiling.
"He'll be a swordsman." That was all Zoro said.
"Usopp... Usopp... Sweet Usopp..." Brook sang to the baby, who was eating his apple puree with his hands, not understanding the skeleton.
"Haku would suit him well," Robin commented.
Zoro considered it for a second. Haku. It sounded good. Would you have liked it too? He took another sip of his sake, silently agreeing.
Haku was growing quickly. And every day he looked more like Zoro. His green hair was short, just like his, and in his first year he already knew how to take a few steps before falling down. He never cried, which made the navigator and the archaeologist laugh quietly, noticing how similar father and son were.
The men pretended not to notice, closing their eyes every night, but they could hear it. At bedtime, the baby cried, unwilling to leave the warm chest of his father, who carried him all day. The only thing that relaxed him in his cot until he fell asleep was a sound.
A jingle.
The jingle of the silver bells on your katanas.
Haku giggled, making everyone smile, stretching out his tiny hands to touch the bells. Unknowingly claiming his mother's katanas as his own.
It was on his birthdays that Zoro missed you the most. Seeing him grow up, seeing him learn to talk, even if it was just silly words, seeing him play with everyone calmed his soul. But even with all that, he couldn't help but imagine you among them, carrying his son in your arms, wearing something pretty and singing happy birthday with a huge smile.
He had seen you interact with other children. He had seen you bandage their scraped knees after they fell while playing. You were sweet. You were caring. And he was sure you would have been a good mother.
All the unfulfilled dreams you had left behind hurt him. Wanting to defeat Shanks, wanting to visit thousands of places with him, wanting to raise the baby you had carried with so much love for months.
It hurt him that he had never confessed his love for you. It hurt him to hear from Nami that you did love him, but that you were just as stubborn as he was.
Life was uncertain. Destiny was uncertain.
Haku was three years old when he first picked up a wooden katana. He wielded it clumsily, it being enormous for his tiny hands.
"You're silly!" Luffy shouted from the lion's head, laughing at the sight of the child.
"Shut up!"
And Haku was rude to his father's captain. Luffy's playfulness amused everyone. Nami said it was like having two children on board.
"You have to be tall to wield one of those." The rubber boy stuck his tongue out at him.
"I'll be tall like dad!"
The green haired boy's lower lip trembled, frustrated at not being able to carry the katanas. Zoro lifted him up in his arms, placing him on his shoulder.
"Now you're taller than everyone else."
His giggle warmed the crew's hearts.
"I'll teach you how to use the katanas when you're five," he promised.
"I won't let a child carry katanas!" Nami shouted.
"He's my son!" Zoro protested.
"And Y/N's son," she replied.
"She would teach him too. And she wouldn't let him wear all those silly clothes you buy him. He should wear a haramaki like me."
"Dad looks silly in that," Haku muttered.
Sanji burst out laughing, making Zoro blush with embarrassment and anger.
Every day was like that. Jinbe taught him how to swim and many tricks with water, promising that one day he would show him the underwater world. Brook sang to him non-stop, only getting nods from the boy. Sanji made him try different desserts, wanting to find his favourite, but he could never guess. Haku was impossible with him. The cook thought that Zoro was teaching him to be that way.
Nami and Robin took him shopping, dressing him according to their tastes. They also made him bathe every day. But it seemed that in a few years he would be like his father, showering once a week.
Usopp showed him different gadgets that the boy couldn't understand how they worked, but he still thought they were great. Franky took him to his factory twice a week, letting him choose designs for new additions to the Sunny.
Chopper healed his wounds whenever he got hurt fighting his father with just a wooden katana. The boy flew into the wall more than anyone would have liked. And he and Luffy lived by fighting, as if the captain were a child.
Haku was five years old when everyone was sitting on the deck, enjoying the warm day.
A tinkling sound caught everyone's attention. A tinkling sound they hadn't heard in five years. Soft, slow with each step. A marked rhythm they only heard when...
All eyes turned to the little boy in front of them.
Your katanas hung from his hips. They were still too big for him. But they were his first real katanas. And they were yours. The girls pressed their lips together, holding back their tears. They thought they would never see them again. Zoro had kept them after your death, refusing to leave them on your grave, because he said they would find their new owner in a few years.
And those years had now passed.
Haku smiled excitedly. He looked almost mischievously at his father.
"Dad, I want a duel."
Some had déjà vu. Franky sobbed loudly, causing Haku to roll his eyes. He didn't understand what was wrong with everyone. Luffy bit into his meat, smiling broadly.
"That sounds fun!"
Robin rested her cheek on her hand, smiling tenderly.
"Haku, we're almost at a new island, that'll be impossible."
"I'll beat him! It'll be quick," insisted the boy, stamping his feet on the grass. His movement made the bells jingle.
Zoro smiled. He smiled broadly for the first time in a very long time. You were still there with them. You were still there in his son. In the end, he had been right. You were a woman who left a trace of your existence in every little thing. In every little detail.
The swordsman wielded his wado ichimonji.
"What is your motivation, kid?"
TRAFALGAR LAW
He still believed in miracles.
Being touched by them was reason enough. The loss of hope for his own future, his uselessness weighing heavily on his feelings, his inadequacy tormenting his dreams, and his resignation to an early death had marked a point in his life that had found redemption thanks to one person.
Cora-san had taught him to fight, to have faith, to trust in tomorrow no matter how difficult the present might be.
To dwell on his past or discuss it with others was not something he enjoyed. He carried it in his soul as something precious, cherishing the people who remained there as something to be treasured.
And you entered into them.
The toothless smile was something that came to mind from time to time, making him laugh in the solitude of his office.
The two of you were just kids attending school in Flevance. Restless as you were, one day you couldn't stop talking about your loose tooth. You touched it and touched it, loosening it more. You showed it to your classmates with a huge smile, saying you wanted it to fall out so you could see the new one, but that it was taking too long.
You decided to do the silliest thing in the world. Law watched everything from his seat, frowning slightly. Somehow you had managed to get some thread, and one of your friends carefully tied it to your tooth. The other end of the thread was tied to the classroom door handle.
Your scream echoed in everyone's ears when your friend pulled the door shut and your tooth was ripped out.
You were a silly girl. That's what Law thought of you as he looked inside your mouth, holding back his urge to scold you. You refused to go to the infirmary, and he knew a little about medicine thanks to his father. Treating his first patient couldn't be that complicated. Luckily, the tooth had come out clean, but the bleeding had stained your white shirt, and it was slowly stopping after he put some gauze on it.
The bad thing about the situation was that before he knew it, it had become an everyday occurrence.
You lived across the street from his house. Clinging to him after being healed by those tiny miraculous hands didn't seem strange to you, it was natural.
It was natural how you got used to knocking on his door every morning, waiting for him to go to school with him. Law suspected that you had changed your sleep schedule. He went to class early. And you arrived just in time. But now you smiled and said good morning, swaying your body from side to side as you tightened the straps of your pink backpack, eager to go together.
It was natural for you to leave your usual place in the classroom and sit next to him, just watching him study.
It was natural for you to become his friend. To enter his house, to insist on going to the fairs with his younger sister, the three of you holding hands, to catch frogs because you knew he liked to study them, to have him heal your scrapes every time you played and he would laugh quietly because you were crying.
That girl who called herself his best friend and promised to protect him from everyone disappeared one day.
There was no trace of you when tragedy struck Flevance. The screams echoing in his ears, the desperation in every cry and plea made him nervous. He had seen his parents die. He had been useless in saving his younger sister. He had witnessed the death of all his classmates. All because of that incurable disease. All because the world government did not want to help them. All because they believed it was contagious. That they were the plague.
He was devastated. He had lost everyone he loved. And he couldn't find you anywhere.
Hiding among the dead bodies until everything calmed down gave him time to look for you. Not finding you among them made him anxious.
It was a year later, as he was being carried on Cora-san's back, walking under the cherry trees after leaving another hospital, that Law told him about you. The man with the splendid make-up smiled broadly at him.
"Do you see the good in that, Law? She's alive out there. She's alive! So you must live to find her."
Law lived for many years believing those words. If Cora-san was right, and he always was, then a miracle would happen and you would come back into his life. Someone from his past, from his childhood in Flevance, was out there in the big wide world, waiting for him. He wanted to find you and hold on to the memories of his parents and little sister through you. To the memories of his friendship with you. To the happy memories.
And yet, he never found you.
His secret search caught the attention of Shachi, Penguin, and Bepo, the friends he had recently made. They believed you were his girlfriend and that he didn't want to introduce you, only to receive a threat from Law if they continued talking nonsense.
He had asked everyone he could. Normal people, farmers, and merchants didn't know you. Not even if they saw a half-burnt photo of you next to Law. A girl with that appearance never passed through the islands.
And when he began his pirate life, entering the Grand Line, he had his first encounters with the underworld. That dirty network he knew all too well since childhood now served him well. Some informant should get information about you, a clue that would show him your whereabouts.
Even if it's just a photo of how you are now.
Law was looking for a miracle that would never come.
You were a helpless child, screaming and crying amid the fire and dead bodies when a marine found you. You wiped away your tears, sobbing for help, feeling safe when you saw that uniform. The marines protected the weakest from the wicked. That's what they said at school. And that's what Law said when he talked to you about Sora.
You believed you could trust him, following him by the hand to a "safer" place.
Words that should never have been used to describe a minor. That marine held a den den mushi in his hand, watching you out of the corner of his eye as you trembled on the "rescue ship".
It took you a few days to realise that something was wrong. You couldn't be the only survivor from Flevance. There should be more ships. There should be doctors trying to heal everyone. You were lucky enough not to contract the disease. Law's father had said he should keep an eye on you for a few more months in case you developed antibodies that could save lives. You could help them. You could talk to that marine who saved you. You could talk to the doctors yourself if necessary.
But it would never work, because the place you were in didn't look anything like a marine barracks.
The high walls made you dizzy. The white marble everywhere blinded you, and that skylight didn't help, with the sun beating down on your face with its intense rays. The marine gently pushed you forward, towards a golden throne occupied by a man who must have been about fifty years old.
You squeezed your eyes shut tightly and opened them again, trying to get used to the brightly lit room.
The man in front of you had little hair, which he concealed with an enormous crown. He stroked and stretched the moustache on his face between his fingers as he scrutinised your body with his gaze. Every inch was analysed for several minutes.
"She is perfect. When she has her first period, I will make her mine." You heard the man, the king, say.
The tension in your muscles was an immediate response.
The passing of the years had not healed the wound of that memory. It had not made you forget.
You had been sold by someone in the marine as if you were nothing more than an object. As if you were nothing more than your body and a beautiful face. You had been stripped naked by that man who took you away, with the eyes of the king of that country in North Blue upon you. He ignored the trembling of your body, your pleas for him not to do it, your lower lip quivering and the tears running down your cheeks. You had seen the king's erection at the sight before him. You had felt the marine captain's hands on your undeveloped breasts as he explained to the king how you would develop.
You remembered your first attempt to escape. The blow you dealt the marine captain with your elbow, running towards the enormous doors. All resulting in your hands being handcuffed and your imminent confinement in a room adjacent to the king's.
If you could make one wish in your life...
If only you could...
No matter how much you imagined it, the door connecting the two rooms from the inside would never disappear.
The trauma that began when you were ten and lasted until you were thirteen would never go away. If you closed your eyes, you could still hear that door slowly opening. The shuffling footsteps on the wooden floor making their way towards your bed, the king's ragged breathing and his presence standing next to your face.
If you closed your eyes, you relived the sensation of his seed staining your face, leaving you a nervous, sobbing wreck in that dark room when the door closed again.
You had tried everything in your power to escape. You jumped out of your window on the second floor, stifling your screams when you landed badly and broke your ankle. You forced yourself to heal yourself through tears, a botched job on the bathroom floor. You could never perform surgery on yourself, and you would never let anyone see you like that. If you weren't perfect, they would kill you. And yet, despite everything, you wanted to live. Something told you that you had to. And that something was a white hat with black spots that came back to your mind whenever you had to treat yourself in solitude.
You limped whenever you were alone. You held back your grimaces when you were in front of the king or when you passed by the servants or guards, walking as best you could.
You dug a hole in the garden bushes, which was always covered up by the gardeners. You dissolved sleeping pills in his wine when no one else was looking, but the guards surrounded the garden and the entrances every night. The dream of escape grew more distant with each passing day.
Sometimes you lamented. You believed your fate was cursed. That not even a miracle could save you from this hell.
Your first period came when you were fourteen. You were late for breakfast, and one of the maids was sent to get you ready. Everyone was waiting expectantly. You were entering three crucial years.
And when the king saw your bloodstained sheets, he was excited.
If you talked to someone about your nightmares, you wouldn't know whether to talk about the ones that tortured you in your dreams or the ones that tortured you in all your senses.
At some point, you stopped crying.
You could only wait in your bed, staring at the ceiling with a blank expression. Always naked. You would be punished if you made him wait or if you refused. You felt his hands on your body, every inch of it. His lips in places he shouldn't touch. His fingers inside an area that should be off-limits.
You could only wait in your bed with your eyes closed throughout the encounter, praying for it to end soon.
And when he did, leaving your room muttering curses at you because you no longer satisfied him as before, because you were already too "used", you would run to the bathroom to get into the bath. An hour. Two hours. Until the water cooled down and the sensation of his release inside you faded away.
You were eighteen when the visits to use your body became less frequent. The king had found a new girl. A twelve year old who shared your fate.
You couldn't say you were grateful. You couldn't say you felt at peace now that it wasn't your turn. Not when you hugged that little girl after finding her crying every night in the garden.
But even though your body was no longer his favourite, he found another use for it.
He wanted riches.
He craved more power.
He wished to have the favour of the celestial dragons.
This way, your body became the ideal object for experimentation in your twenties.
One of the five elders requested a report once a month. Your body's responses to the injections. The reaction to the first stimuli. Any anomalies observed. All in exchange for being affiliated with the world government.
Your first symptoms never appeared. The king took it as a good sign. Whatever they were asking him to inject you with, it was making you look more beautiful than ever. It was almost as if you were once again that girl he once had in front of him, radiant and innocent. His desire for you returned and with it, the visits every night.
Three years later, between injections and occasional nightly visits (because you were too old for his taste), the first symptom appeared. But it wasn't from the disease that one of the five elders was developing in his laboratory in Mary Geoise. It was a symptom of pregnancy. Your period hadn't come that month, and the nausea from the medication was unbearable.
When the confirmation of your two-week pregnancy reached your ears, you cried inconsolably in your room.
What else could happen to you? What else did life want from you? What else did they want to take away from you? Your body, your freedom, your happiness, everything had been stolen from you.
You were not allowed to have an abortion. Surveillance was extreme. The maids accompanied you to the bathroom, counting the minutes you spent inside, forcing you to keep the door open. Your meals were served especially by the chef in front of you. Four guards followed you to the garden if you wanted a single moment of peace.
But it never crossed the king's mind that what he should control most were those injections.
The black eruptions that appeared on your skin overnight disturbed the entire personnel. Suddenly, no one wanted to touch you. No one was interested in the six-month pregnant woman.
They shouted that it was contagious. That you shouldn't come near. The king spat at you, keeping his distance, claiming that both you and the baby were sick.
San Saturn's exact words upon receiving the report were "discard her, she's no longer of use."
Sometimes you lamented. You believed your fate was cursed. That not even a miracle could save you from this hell.
But the miracle was within you. In that disease. In your womb.
The miracle was happening right before your eyes when they threw you out onto the street. At twenty three years old, with a huge belly, an incurable disease and a lame foot, you allowed yourself to take a deep breath.
You walked carefully, one hand caressing your belly and the other holding a bag with some stolen berries and a few dresses. The fresh air filled your nostrils as you admired the landscape far from the palace that had tormented you for so many years.
Seeing the villagers looking at you with uncertainty because of the marks on your skin didn't hurt you as much as you thought it would. You didn't know the name of your illness or how much longer your body could endure it. But if this was the price you had to pay for your freedom, to free yourself from all your traumas, then you would take it.
In your seventh month of pregnancy, you had arrived at a new island in the North Blue. Sailing had become your escape from your memories. You believed that the further away you got, the more peace you would find within yourself. You didn't stay long on any island, just two or three days, and then you gave yourself over to the sea, excited about tomorrow.
You fought against the thoughts that sought to undermine your morale. So close to giving birth, you couldn't help thinking that the baby you carried in your womb was the fruit of a man you hated deeply. But it wasn't the child's fault for the father it had been given. It wasn't its fault for having a sick mother, from whom it would inherit an incurable disease.
The time you had left was beyond your control. You had surrendered yourself to death. It could take you whenever it wanted.
But if you could make one wish… It would be for your baby to be born. And for you to find someone who could take care of the child before you had to abandon it.
You walked through the winter village, hiding your body under a cape. The black spots spreading across your arms and legs required attention more than once. After five days, they grew in size, creating blisters that, if they burst, bled. Tolerating the burning sensation and seeing how the strange disease made your open wounds look dead upset you.
You entered a coffee shop ready to order some tea. You sat down at a table to wait, observing the cosy interior. On one of the walls there were lots of bounty posters. The woman who appeared to be the owner of the shop came in with a newspaper in her hand. She stretched out her other hand to pin a new poster on the wall.
"Trafalgar Law? Who is this kid?" murmured a man at the table next to you. "Now everyone thinks they can be pirates."
You opened your eyes in confusion. You groaned at the pain of turning your head so quickly, but you couldn't help standing up, running towards the wall with one hand on your belly.
Your eyes stung.
"Hey, Law, stop studying already, you promised we'd play after school!"
"I study after school. You're irresponsible."
"I'm not!"
"If you deny it, it's even more true."
The man on the bounty poster was not the kid you had in your mind, in your sweet memories. His features had become refined. There were dark circles under his eyes. He had two gold earrings in each ear. A well-groomed beard. And that hat. That white hat with black spots for which he had hit you on the head more than once for taking it from him.
Law was alive.
Law was an adult.
Law was a pirate.
You left your tea behind, stole the bounty poster from the wall, and hurried to the dock.
If Law was a pirate, what were his goals? Did he want the famous One Piece? How did he end up becoming a pirate? Would he still remember you? You laughed as you looked at his photo. Your friend was alive! Despite running, with a lame foot and pregnant, you were going very slowly. You could see a woman with long, brown, curly hair loading barrels and bags onto a small ship. It looked like she would be setting sail soon, so you quickened your pace.
Her face filled with surprise when she saw a girl clutching the edge of her ship, breathing heavily.
You held your hand out in front of her, silently asking for a minute.
"Please, tell me where you're going."
"What the hell?"
"I just want to know where you're going."
The brown-haired woman clicked her tongue as she hoisted another barrel onto her ship.
"Get lost. I'm not taking anyone with me."
"Please..."
She looked at you for a second and then ignored you again.
"I want to go to Grand Line!" you shouted, drawing the attention of more than one person on the dock.
"To Grand Line? Have you lost your mind? No one survives there. And you least of all," she muttered the last part, looking down at your belly.
Your cape had opened, revealing your seven-month pregnancy. You covered yourself again, muttering under your breath.
"I want to find someone," you insisted.
"So do I. All the pirates I can find, to get the bounty on their heads," growled the woman, hoisting a fifth barrel onto her ship.
"It will only be for a while. I won't stay long. Just until the first island in Grand Line."
"I'm not taking a pregnant woman with me. What's wrong with you? Just look at yourself! If you set foot on an island there, that baby will come out of your belly with a pop! As if it had been waiting too long to come out."
You pressed your lips together, amused.
"Just to the first island, and then I'll leave you alone to continue on your way."
The woman adjusted her orange hat, letting out a huge sigh.
"Fine. But if you're willing to go to such a dangerous place to look for that baby's father, I swear..."
"He's a childhood friend. He's not the father." You quickly corrected her.
She nodded and then reached out her hand to you, helping you up.
"My name is Ikkaku, by the way."
"I am Y/N."
Sailing with Ikkaku was like a caress to your wounded soul.
She didn’t turn away when you showed her what the disease was doing to your body. Her compassionate eyes were soothed by her delicate touch as she tended to your attempts at healing. She washed each wound with warm water, disinfected it with alcohol, and sterilised a knife with fire to remove the dead skin. She caught your attention with all the ointments she kept in a box, from medicinal mud and herbal oils to antibiotics.
Her knowledge of medicine was more advanced than yours.
She listened to your story during your eighth month, crying her eyes out trying to hug you, but you kept laughing and then letting yourself be. Opening up to her, vocalising your traumas, letting go of everything you had held back for years in broken sobs, held in warm arms, was unknowingly what you needed most.
From time to time, you could see the frustration in her furrowed brow, her foot moving anxiously as she drew lines in a notebook. She would look at you for long minutes and draw you without saying anything about it. If you asked, she would only say that it was scientific research.
She couldn't prevent the spread or stop the advance. She could only control the infections, prevent you from having fever and pain, change your bandages daily, and every few hours let the wounds heal in the open air. But healing often did not occur. This disease, which she had never seen before, behaved strangely. Despite all her efforts, Ikkaku noticed a new level of depth in the wounds every day.
As if a worm were eating your skin down to the bone.
"So? Who are you looking for?" she asked one day, sitting down next to you on the deck floor.
She had forced you to rest, even though you hated staying still in one place. She took a bite of a peach and gave one to you. You accepted it with a smile.
"His name is Trafalgar Law."
Ikkaku looked at you, swallowing her peach with force.
"You're joking. That pirate from this sea who got a huge reward?" You nodded, biting into your fruit. "That's the friend you're risking your life for!?"
"He's a good guy."
"He's a pirate. No pirate is good," she hissed in frustration.
"Ikkaku, I think you noticed it too." She frowned. "I don't have much time left."
"Don't say that. I'll find a way..."
You interrupted her.
"With luck, I'll be able to live through the first few months of my baby's life. But when I'm gone, I want Law to have it."
"A pirate raising a baby in Grand Line? It's dangerous. Y/N, reconsider. I can stay on the first island and raise it myself, with you. Don't take any more risks."
You shook your head. Ikkaku had a goal. A dream. You couldn't ask her to give that up to look after a baby for you when you were dead. Asking Law was just as bad. You'd be getting in his way, imposing something that had nothing to do with him. But he was the only one you could leave it with without feeling guilty about abandoning it.
"Law will understand."
"A baby shouldn't live at sea. A sick woman shouldn't be making this journey... And you can't make him shoulder such a responsibility. It's selfish. It's..." She looked down. "I'm sorry."
You patted her shoulder.
"I understand what you're getting at, but he's the only person from Flevance who's still alive." You rested your head against the railing. "He's my best friend. If he raises this baby, I can leave this world in peace. It doesn't matter if it's at sea."
Ikkaku bit her lip, unsure.
"We have to hurry, then."
If someone had told Ikkaku in the past that her entry into the Grand Line would lose all meaning, that her life as a bounty hunter would be left behind and she would instead be helping a pregnant woman give birth just as they crossed the reverse mountain, she would surely have laughed.
But that day, she didn't laugh at all. Her hand was on the rudder as she watched you lying next to her, breathing deeply through the contractions. The continuous movement of the ship made you dizzy, and she could see how the black spots were ravaging your belly. At some point during the descent, as you were about to reach Twin Cape, Ikkaku let go of the rudder, praying that everything would turn out all right as she crouched down beside you.
She had been referring to your illness as living putrefaction for two months without you knowing. Your arms and legs were about to show bone in different areas, so she covered them with bandages so you wouldn't see. You could no longer feel anything; the nerves in those areas had died. And when the smell of rotten flesh was noticeable, Ikkaku pretended not to notice. That it was nothing bad.
You didn't notice the tears welling up in her eyes as she watched the inevitable happen.
You reached Twin Cape safely. It was as if something stronger was watching over you. Neither of you got off the boat to ask for information at the lighthouse. The man who guarded the entrance to Paradise sat frowning, looking at the ship without understanding.
No ship ever arrived alone.
Crocus jumped onto the deck of the small ship. He walked towards the door and, as he opened it, he got a surprise.
Two women were on the floor, crying, while the one who appeared to be the mother held a baby in her arms and the other sobbed happily.
For a few hours, he heard the other girl, Ikkaku, crying and repeating over and over that it was a miracle. Crocus checked the vital signs of the mother and child. A girl had been born in such a violent and unique sea. Both were fine. But the rare disease in the mother's body was now ravaging her womb.
The miracle Ikkaku was referring to was now understandable to the old man. With the bone exposed in her arms, it was a blessing that the girl had been born before the disease touched her. And she did not seem to have contracted it.
The three stayed for a few days at Twin Cape, Crocus helping to build a cradle for the girl. He gave them a log pose and invited them to eat.
"Why are you in Grand Line?" asked the old man, discreetly observing the sick woman.
"We're looking for a man," said Ikkaku, biting into her fish.
"The girl's father?"
"I wish," mumbled Ikkaku under her breath, and you kicked her foot with yours.
Whenever she could, she repeated that your childhood sweetheart must be the girl's father, not that monster. She consoled herself with the thought that, at least, he would raise her. But she wasn't sure she could abandon that baby.
In recent months, she had made an incredible friend who looked at her with sparkling eyes and admired everything she could do. Your compliments and sweet comments every time she sailed or healed you brought a thousand smiles to her face. You were a good woman. Crossed by evil beings.
"We're looking for my best friend, Trafalgar Law," you said with a smile.
"Trafalgar Law? I think I've heard that name..." Crocus put a finger to his chin thoughtfully. "Ah! The rookie with the Ope Ope no Mi. I remember now. He was here two months ago."
"He was here?" you asked excitedly.
"Ope Ope no Mi?" Ikkaku continued.
When Ikkaku heard Crocus, she was quick to get you and the baby onto the ship. The man said goodbye to the three of you, wishing you luck in finding the man quickly.
Your friend was excited. It was crazy that a Devil Fruit of that magnitude existed. If you were lucky and found it, then you could live. It could heal you. You could watch your daughter grow up.
Sailing those waters was torture. Ikkaku kept you inside the small room with the baby. Complete rest for you and protection for both of you from the high temperatures and sudden storms. The information she got on the first island about Trafalgar Law was useless. He hadn't visited it. He had taken another direction.
Ikkaku climbed onto the boat in a huff, sitting down next to you on the deck as she opened the bag of food. Buying two meals hadn't cost that many berries, and she was grateful for that. She had spent the rest on nappies, clothes for the three of you, all sorts of things the baby might need, and baby formula.
The two of you sat down to eat while the baby slept in the cradle in front of you.
"She looks just like you. A carbon copy."
You choked on your noodles.
"Do you think so?"
"She has your hair, your eyes, your nose, and she'll have your smile. It makes me happy to see her," Ikkaku stated, laughing.
You ate happily, without taking your eyes off your daughter. She looked like a healthy baby. There were no marks like yours on her tiny body. And she was cheerful. Ikkaku always made her smile, even without teeth. You didn't have to do much to make the baby smile.
"What will you call her?"
"I haven't the faintest idea."
"I bought a book of names too," said Ikkaku, opening another bag.
You giggled as you read the book beside her. There were so many, and you didn't like any of them. You looked up to observe the child and discarded names from A to C when you didn't think they suited her.
"Look at this one!" Ikkaku shouted. "Cora."
"Cora?"
"It means love, affection, and sensitivity." You were about to dismiss it, but Ikkaku put a hand in front of you. "But also rebirth, cycles of life and death, and transformations."
Your heart tightened as you watched the baby in the cradle open her eyes, closing them in annoyance at the sun.
Over the next two months, you watched her grow a little more. You fed her a bottle, bathed her, and dressed her in pretty outfits. Ikkaku had decided to take you to see the islands. She didn't want you to spend your last days, with your illness so advanced and your bones showing through your skin, locked up between four walls.
The two of you visited many places, towns, and customs in Paradise. Together, you chose clothes for Cora, who had taken on that name. There was no name more perfect for her. Rebirth and transformation. You wanted your daughter to have a free life and grow up as she pleased, without anyone taking anything away from her. You wanted her to have a life different from yours.
Finding Law was difficult. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. You asked around in every seedy bar. You saw how his bounty gradually increased, and you kept all his wanted posters.
It was in his fifth month on the Grand Line that Law received information from the underworld.
The young captain held the paper in his hand, sitting in his office. It was nothing. It just said that a woman had been looking for him for three months. And many people were looking for him to take revenge. There was no guarantee that that woman was you.
He glanced at the clock on the wall. Shachi and Penguin should have already obtained the supplies for the Polar Tang, but like Bepo, they were probably wandering around the island. They would set sail in an hour. Rushing to get ready for it irritated him.
Bepo was walking around the new island eating from a bag of crisps. What should he buy? What would his captain like? Maybe a new pen? He pretended not to, but he knew he kept glitter pens in his drawer. He never used them, but he didn't throw away his gifts either.
In his moment of distraction, he bumped into a woman.
Bepo blushed and tried to apologise quickly, but he stammered when he saw her. She had curly hair and wore a cute orange hat. Her face was covered in tears, she tried to speak, but her lip trembled violently and a sob escaped her throat. He looked down at her hands. She was carrying a basket.
He had to look twice to discover that there was a baby inside.
The woman fell to her knees, devastated, and Bepo knelt in front of her, nervous and not knowing what to do.
"Is Trafalgar Law with you?" she managed to whisper to the polar bear.
Bepo's expression shifted from surprise to confusion to uncertainty in a matter of seconds. What could a woman and a child want from their captain?
"Depends who's asking."
"Y/N."
The polar bear gasped as he looked at the woman and the baby, but she looked nothing like the girl in the photo Law had hanging in his room. The girl he had only mentioned twice. The woman standing in front of him couldn't be Law's best friend.
"She passed away," whispered Ikkaku.
Bepo carried the basket with the baby and dragged the woman, who couldn't stop sobbing, with him. On the way, he ran into Penguin and Shachi, who stopped joking around with the bear and quickly followed the three of them, worried. No one understood what was going on.
No one understood why their captain had been locked in his office with a woman and a baby for fifteen minutes. If the mink knew anything, he wasn't saying.
Ikkaku wiped away her tears and told him everything. How she met you. Why you looked for her. How you became friends. Your pregnancy. What had happened in your life. Your illness. Nothing was withheld from the golden-eyed man who listened attentively without taking his eyes off the baby.
Cora-san had told him not to lose faith.
One of his many missions as a pirate was to find you. To reconnect with his past through you, to remember how good life was when childhood innocence had not been taken away.
He waited for a miracle that would bring you before him, only to be struck by your past, as painful as his own. Only to hear how this woman, Ikkaku, had witnessed your last wish a week ago. Law couldn't hear, his ears were ringing, he had lost you.
Now, as they spoke, that ship in which you had searched for him for months was carrying your body, adrift, among flowers and a blanket that belonged to your daughter.
Law squeezed the edge of the examination table where the baby was sleeping, letting out a couple of tears.
"Did you say a disease?" he murmured.
Ikkaku handed him a notebook. When he opened it, he found several drawings. They were good, even detailed.
"I called it living putrefaction. It was the result of an experiment. The spots were like... Like a worm was eating her skin, digging and digging until there was nothing left," she whispered.
Law looked at the child.
"She was in the bones when she forced me to take the baby."
"Did she force you to leave her alone?" Law growled.
"Her daughter was important to her."
"So was she. I could have done something. My fruit... I could have..." The frustration in his voice was not lost on Ikkaku.
"Cora needs a good father," she said. "Those were her last words."
Law's heart skipped a beat. The girl's name was Cora? Cora, like...
"Cora?"
"Isn't it a pretty name? Y/N chose it." Ikkaku smiled.
Law swallowed a sob. Of all the names, you chose that one. Somehow, everyone in his past was connected. The baby babbled something, catching Law's attention. He let her take his tattooed finger in her hands and smiled painfully.
"And by the way, I'm joining your crew."
"Excuse me?"
"You may be Cora's father, but I'm her favourite aunt. I'm not leaving her side." Her authoritative tone wiped the smile off Law's face.
Life on the Polar Tang became chaotic.
Cora crawled from one corridor to another. If she wasn't in his room or his office, she was in the control room staring at the screens in amazement. The good thing about travelling in a submarine was how much it could entertain a little girl. She would often sit on the floor of the control room, surrounded by cushions with her little legs stretched out, putting things in her mouth. Her hand, her bottle, her dummy, Penguin's hat, whatever was within reach. And it was also common for Hakugan or Shachi to juggle to avoid stepping on her when they stood up from their posts distracted and didn't see her.
The addition of a baby girl to the crew was not taken badly. Bepo was delighted with the child. He said there was no safer place in the world than their submarine. Shachi and Penguin took her on trips to all the islands to find women, saying something about how women liked men who were affectionate with children. In the end, they would return disappointed, without even having received a kiss themselves, but with Cora's cheeks covered in lipstick.
They would get scolded by Law, who would wash her hands and cheeks whenever they brought her back from their walks, muttering something about germs.
Hakugan loved showing her the different fish through the screens in the control room or through the few windows there were. They would get scared if a very large one appeared. When Cora cried, Law would snatch her from his arms, taking the girl with him while he calmed her down.
No one but Law could calm her down when she cried.
Ikkaku wanted to take care of buying her clothes, especially for her first birthday, but Law wouldn't let her. He was a devoted father. And he had a soft spot for those chubby cheeks and cute animal outfits for babies. He would never admit how much he loved cute things.
"Cora-chan, happy birthday!" Penguin shouted, holding up a cake. The single candle on the cake was a sad sight.
"Couldn't you buy a candle with the number on it and some other decorations?" Law grumbled.
"Captain, you're offending me. I did everything I could," he complained, leaving the cake on the kitchen table.
"That's a lie, he spent the berries on clothes for a girl who ended up giving him nothing but a smile as thanks," Bepo said.
"Bepo!? You promised not to tell!"
The polar bear shrugged, smiling at little Cora, who was wearing a cute polar bear costume.
By the time Cora was two years old, she could already say "daddy" and a few other words. Her favourite was "boring".
Law smiled at her, showing her a frog. The girl looked at what was in front of her on the desk with disgust. Why was her father showing her something so ugly?
"So, you use the scalpel and make a clean cut in the centre," he murmured as he made the cut.
Cora leaned back in his chair, frowning.
"Frogs are an incredible subject of study. When you grow up and become a doctor like me, I'm sure you'll understand when..."
"Daddy, boring," she complains, jumping out of his chair.
The last thing Law saw was her running towards the door, asking Bepo to go and play on the deck. The polar bear happily carried her. And Law lowered his arms in defeat.
Cora was restless. She enjoyed playing all the time, which resulted in the occasional scrape. The number of times he disinfected her knees and elbows was countless. The older she got, the more he realised how much she resembled you. It wasn't just physically. Cora's personality was lively, similar to yours.
The little girl was three years old when Law decided to teach her to read.
He wanted her to have an advantage over others. There was nothing better for a child than to be educated, cultured, and remain free from illiteracy. An educated person was the key to the future. So, every Tuesday and Thursday, he would sit the girl in the kitchen while Bepo and Ikkaku prepared onigiri for her.
The tattooed man was thrilled when his daughter told him it was her favourite food. His chest swelled with pride at the thought that his daughter thought he was cool. With cool tastes.
He opened a page of the book that showed the entire alphabet. Cora bit into her onigiri without looking at the page. Law tapped his finger twice to get her attention.
When Cora didn't look at him, Shachi and Penguin covered their mouths to hide their laughter. But everyone could hear soft "pfft" sounds.
"Hey, Shachi, do you think child prodigies are born or made?"
"I don't know, Penguin, but I think someone at that table is dumb."
"My daughter isn't dumb!"
"Dad isn't dumb!"
Father and daughter stared at each other. Penguin and Shachi filled the air with their laughter, making Cora blush.
"Penguin and Shachi look dumb in their uniforms."
The two stopped laughing and turned to look at the kid, hands on their hearts. Law blushed too.
He had chosen the crew's uniforms.
"Are you calling your father dumb?" Penguin hinted.
"Calling parents dumb is disrespectful, Cora-chan," Shachi said, shaking his head.
"Dad doesn't look dumb! He has that cool hat."
That single sentence sealed Cora's fate. Or so everyone in the crew told their captain. For her fourth birthday, Law gave her a hat just like his, made to measure. They walked everywhere together wearing the same clothes. If Law wore a yellow shirt and his spotted jeans, Cora wore a yellow shirt and a spotted skirt. If Law bought a blue feather coat, Cora wanted the same one in black.
She was a mini Law with your face.
What surprised Penguin and Shachi the most was how easily the girl learned to read. Law had told them that his mother was a restless child who refused to study, but Cora had picked up all her father's habits. Ikkaku, Bepo, and Law (in denial) were dying of love when they saw the girl sitting on the deck railing every morning with a book in her hands. Her favourite subject to research was birds. There was one in particular she wanted to find in Grand Line. A phoenix.
It didn't take her long to learn from her father that there was a Phoenix Devil Fruit. And Cora wanted it. She wanted to fly, to see the world from above. She was disappointed when they explained that Marco, Whitebeard's right-hand man, already had it.
That same year, the girl ran up to him. As a father, he was concerned and thought she had scraped herself again. Ikkaku gasped when she saw the black spot on her arm. It was the same disease her mother had had.
But this time, the curly-haired woman was able to witness what could have happened to her friend.
Law worked diligently. He asked his daughter to remain calm as he extended his hand and a blue dome, as thin as a curtain, enveloped her. Within his power, Law could perform miracles. This was the greatest one he could perform. To save your daughter and allow her to live peacefully, just as you wished. He separated the little girl's body into many small pieces until he found the source of the disease, and removed it.
Ikkaku prayed that, wherever you were, you could rest in peace, without stopping laughing when Law returned the little girl to normal and she jumped into his arms, shouting that it was fun to see her limbs floating. As if that were normal.
The girl was five years old when a scream caught the attention of the entire crew. They had gone to a small restaurant to celebrate Bepo's birthday. They rarely indulged in going out to celebrate. They usually did so in the kitchen of the Polar Tang, but if they could, they appreciated food prepared by someone else.
The Heart Pirates ran after Cora's voice. Law found it suspicious that Penguin and Shachi were not at the table when the scream was heard.
When they found them, Cora's white shirt was covered in blood and she was holding her mouth.
Penguin and Shachi stood next to a closed door, the first one pulling a thread towards him. They high-fived each other while looking at the tooth.
Understanding the situation, Law's eye twitched. He stretched his hand out in front of him without taking his eyes off his friends.
BOYFRIEND!LAW (トラファルガー・ロ ) ─── him letting you color his tattoos <3
“pleaseeeee, it’ll be a cute pop of color!”
law just rolls his eyes and sinks deeper into the cushions, practically melding into one with the couch.
this was your latest request to him - it was always something with the two of you. being together for nearly three years now had created a new level of comfortablity between the two of you, a part of that comfort became lodging ridiculous requests at law until he finally gave in and said yes to you.
just last month, you had insisted on dyeing a streak of his hair blue and matching a part of your hair in the same shade of blue to match with him. last week, it was getting matching earrings together where the jewel still currently glittered near his ear lobe.
and now, you were curled into him while clutching his arm. tattoos littered his arms, a collection of small art pieces scattered around his brown skin. you always thought they were so hot pretty on him and you made sure to always let him know. just in this moment, you wanted to make them extra pretty, in your words.
law sinks deeper into the sofa before grumbling, “fine.”
squealing, you hurry off the couch and rush to get your markers before settling down next to him once more. without wasting any time, you begin coloring any blank space you can see within the ink designs.
just like that, the time passes in the quietude of your shared apartment. a medical show plays on tv with law muttering about the inaccuracies of the whole thing and you humming your responses back to him.
at some point you shift positions to move from his side to being sat on his lap to get better grasp of his other arm and he welcomes you in gladly, with his other hand warm on your hip, thumb dipping into the waist of your shorts and rubbing small circles.
“there! all done.” you beam at him before flourishing your hand to his brightly colored arms now.
there is a silence as he looks down at his arms, taking in the neat way you colored his tattoos, the loud colors an even starker contrast on his typical grim body.
“they’re nice, thank you baby.” he presses a kiss to the corner of your lips. “you made them look pretty.”
now, with both arms free, he pulls you in closer to him, large hands cupping your ass and dragging you in till you’re face to face. he cups your face, squishing your cheeks tightly so that your lips naturally end up pouting and then kisses you promptly.
“so pretty,” he rasps in between kisses. “never as pretty as you though, nothing ever is.”
It only took one shift in those bundled sheets for consciousness to seep back to you — and with a throbbing headache, at that.
You hissed, a hand coming to your temple before you even opened your eyes.
Ow.
Your body curled tight into a ball, and you tried to take a deep breath to ease the nauseating pulse. However, the rich, clean and achingly familiar scent that surrounded you made your pulse spike.
Your eyes flew open.
Every part of you stilled —you blinked in shock, your eyes rapidly adjusting to the dim light to confirm your suspicions.
What the hell am I doing in Law’s room?
In his bed?
You sat up sharply, you palm clutched against your thundering chest.
Your captain was nowhere to be found, but your eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets when you looked down to see yourself in his clothes. You knew that shirt (you knew every shirt, fangirl) and this was undoubtedly, familiarly, his.
What the hell happened last night?
“Oh God, oh God,” you muttered repeatedly. You wracked your brain, desperate to recall exactly what kind of night resulted in such a predicament.
Portions of the last hours came to you in flashes — the tavern. Ikkaku’s questioning. Law carrying you.
Oh my God.
You flopped back into the bed, covering your face in despair. You had never been so humiliated in your life. How could you face him after being such an idiot? He carried you all the way home from a tavern! Did you smell? Were you heavy? And you had the audacity to try and flirt with him?
I have to get out of here.
Maybe you could maintain a shred of your dignity if you escaped before he had to see you looking like you’d been picked up off the street.
With a steely breath you rose again, creeping out of the bed gingerly. You groaned, your vision feeling like shutter speed and limbs aching. With a thick swallow, you braced yourself for your green mile.
The hallways light was practically blinding as you creeped out with bleary eyes. The air was far too cold, and you wrapped your arms around your torso tightly with a displeased shiver.
Just when you turned to shut the door behind you as silently as possible, you froze with terror when you saw Shachi’s stunned mouth agape at the end of the hallway.
You jolted, shushing him with panic as you could see the gears in his mind begin to shift. You knew how horrifically incriminating this looked, and you needed to shut it down as soon as possible.
You were on him in a second, hand over his mouth shaking your head with a look that could kill.
“Not a word,” you hissed. “Nothing happened.”
He yanked your hand away. “You’re in his clothes!” His whisper sounded almost like a scream. “Don’t you ‘nothing happened’ me!”
“Where is he?” You asked nervously.
He gestured to the office, and you swallowed thickly. Before leaving, you pointed an accusing finger at him with lethal warning.
“You say a word about this, to anyone, and this whole ship will know how I found you with Ikkaku’s wanted poster that night.”
Shachi froze in terror. “You wouldn’t.”
“Do you want to find out the hard way?” You seethed. He shook his head with raised hands before scurrying off.
You sighed, pressing your hands to your temples.
Maybe I should get into my own clothes.
You couldn’t risk someone else seeing you like this.
The soft patter of your footsteps echoed quietly down the halls, but as you rounded the corner you nearly bumped into a large frame that made your heart leap to your throat.
Law blinked down at you in surprise, and you thought the ground would swallow you whole.
“Captain,” you piped nervously. “I was just—“
Your gaze flicked down, to his hands that held your favorite sweatshirt and some pajama shorts, and a steaming cup of coffee in the other.
The two of you just stood there, both looking equally as surprised to have encountered the other. Law’s head gestured to the hall behind him vaguely.
“They’re all still asleep in your cabin. I figured you’d want to change before they woke up.” He meekly handed you the clothes, and his eyes fell to the coffee as he paused in thought. Your cheeks burned when you saw it had cream in it — he only ever drank his black. It was in your favorite mug, too.
“You can change in my room,” He continued. “I’ll take this to my office for when you’re done.”
Before you could even utter a word he was gone, leaving you a flustered mess from the unexpected encounter.
Your mind was moving a mile a minute while you changed. The longer you’d been awake, those puzzle pieces of memories began to click together, and your mortification was indescribable.
You remembered the way you’d leaned in close, the way he’d looked almost affected by your words — had you imagined it?
Damn Ikkaku.
She’d almost given you a false hope that maybe, just maybe, there was a part of him that could see you as more than a crewmate. You couldn’t decide if the thought was terrifying, or exhilarating.
You made quick work of changing and hurriedly returned his bed to its tidy state before you’d sprawled all over it. Maybe it was just the hangover, but you’d felt lightheaded the whole time imagining yourself sleeping away in somewhere so intimately him. It was embarrassing the amount of times you’d imagined yourself in that bed — however most of your fantasies involved him in it as well. Not you, plastered and probably reeking of a tavern, drooling all over his sheets. You cringed.
Your hands lightly smacked your cheeks, forcing yourself out of your stupor. With nothing else to procrastinate, you took a steady breath and headed back for his office.
The door creaked open as you slipped inside, and Law only briefly flicked his gaze to you, before slightly nudging the cup of coffee in your direction and returning to the piles of paper in front of him.
“How’s your head?” He asked quietly.
You recalled when he gave you the medicine the night before (specifically so he wouldn’t hear you bitch about it, in his own words). “It’s not so bad,” you replied.
He gave you a glance like he didn’t quite believe you, but chose not to comment on it.
You shuffled over to the desk, and accepted the coffee with a mumbled thank you.
A thick silence settled over the air, and your mind reeled for something, anything, that you could say.
“You could have kicked me out, you know.”
He shrugged, leaning back a bit as he reached for his own cup. “There wasn’t any need to.”
An open chair was beside him, and without giving yourself time to second-guess it you curled into the seat quietly. Your knees tucked up, and you rested your mug atop them. It was warm, the smell of the steam a small soothe to the nerves of feeling his eyes on you.
“Well, I did sleep like a rock — your bed is comfy.” You paused, peeking up with a shy grin. “You should try it sometime.”
This earned you a small smile, a glint of amusement pointed your way. Just the sight of it made you settle into a much more familiar dynamic with him. It was calming. Your eyes fell to the papers that littered his desk. The open textbooks of anatomy and miscellaneous notes were nothing out of the ordinary — none of which seemed to be be very pressing, either.
“What had you up all night this time?”
“I wasn’t tired,” he replied simply. “Got a second wind after I had to scoop a drunk girl out of a bar.”
You laughed, rubbing your face in embarrassment. “Be honest, how bad was I?”
“You weren’t so bad,” he said airily. “Apart from trying to jump off the tables to crowd surf.”
Your smile dropped, looking at him with fear. “I did not.”
After a second too long of torture, his flinty eyes glanced over at your mortified expression.
“No, you didn’t,” he admitted with the ghost of a smirk. You exhaled in relief, smacking his arm lightly.
“You’re an ass,” you giggled.
“However,” he replied. “You did bust your hip into one before I got there.” He placed his cup down, gesturing to your side. “How’s it feel today?”
Your eyes lit in understanding, reaching down to lift your sweater. “You know, I thought it was sore this morning…”
He scoffed in disbelief at your remark before looking down at it, and his small smile faltered. “Shit, it’s bigger than I thought. C’mere.”
Your eyes widened as you stood, the dark black and purple spread across your hip stunning even you. You’d been so panicked while you changed that you hadn’t even thought to inspect it.
You stepped closer, but the surprise of the injury was nothing compared to your now fluttering pulse at his scrutinizing gaze on your bare skin.
He tensed for a moment, eyes flicking up to you almost cautiously. His hand hovered over your waistband. “Can I—?”
His voice was thick with something you couldn’t describe, but it made your legs feel funny. You only nodded, cheeks burning with lidded eyes as you watched his hand begin to pry at the hem of your shorts, pulling them down just below the bone.
His fingers were warm, and your breath hitched when you felt them graze the top of your underwear to expose your skin.
At the sound of your breath with the small jolt that came with it he pulled away, peeking up with concern. “Did that hurt?”
You swallowed, cheeks burning and you could barely get a reply out. “No.”
If you’d imagined it before, there was no doubting it now — he was just as red as you were. His gaze pulled away from your own, almost reluctantly, and he once again gently brushed the clothes aside to look again.
He sighed wearily, seeing just how far down the splotching travelled. “It should heal on its own, but it’s gonna take some time,” he said with a gravelly rasp. “Does it hurt to put weight on it?”
“Only a little,” you mumbled.
This made him scoff with a frown, parroting your words in a low grumble.
He took your waistband, gingerly slipping it back up over your side. You didn’t miss the way his knuckles slid up the skin from behind as he did — it made you almost dizzy.
“You know, there’s a hundred-percent correlation between drinking and injuries for you,” He said dryly.
You flushed in embarrassment, pulling your sweater down.
“That’s what I’ve got you for,” you replied lowly. He stilled at your words, his eyes now locked in your own with something unreadable.
You two stayed like that, unmoving, for a beat longer than your heart could take. He cleared his throat, turning away with a hazy blink.
“Then, doctors orders, you’re taking it easy for the day. No heavy lifting — just don’t put any unnecessary pressure on it.”
You paled. It was bad enough to have been such an inconvenience the night prior — and now, to have to be babied because of your clumsiness? You shook your head in defiance.
“No, really, I’ll be fine. I’m not gonna skip out on—“
He interrupted before you could finish. “If you don’t let it rest, it’ll turn into something that actually is a problem. No chores. And that includes helping the others on theirs.”
You must have made an untrustworthy expression, because he gave you a pointed look.
“I mean it. If I catch you trying anything I’ll throw you right back in that bed again.”
You opened your mouth to reply, before closing it to try and fight a laugh. “Well that’s hardly a punishment,” you muttered.
His eyes flashed before he turned scarlet, scrubbing a hand over his face with a growl. “Honestly,” he seethed, but you now could only giggle at the familiar sour attitude you’d become terribly fond of.
He stood now, clearing the papers as he tried his best to face away from you. “I’m going to wake the rest of the idiots up. They’ll be out of your cabin. Stay in there.”
You sighed in defeat. “Fine, fine. But,” you reached over, stopping his hand from collecting one of the stacks of expense records. You didn’t miss the way he stilled at the contact. “At least let me finish these for you. It’ll give me something to do while I’m resting.”
“Only if you’re up for it,” He mumbled.
“Honestly, Captain. It’s a bruise,” You laughed breathlessly in exasperation.
“And a bad hangover.” He tapped your head, featherlight with a teasing glint. “You’re not as good an actor as you think.”
He walked off before you could reply, and your hand raised to touch where he had with a small blush.
***
“Are you kidding me?” Shachi whined. “Last time I had a hangover he made me go inspect the boiler room.”
“You were scheduled to do it anyway and chose to drink the night before, idiot.” Ikkaku rolled her eyes.
It was the late evening, and one by one your crew mates had slowly snuck into your cabin, huddled around the bunks as they held onto your words with baited breath.
“I’m telling you, nothing happened. He just put me to bed, and things were…normal this morning.”
“That fact that we’re even calling putting you to bed “nothing” is insane to me, sorry.” Penguin shook his head in disbelief.
Shachi nodded in agreement and you groaned.
“You’re reading too much into it! This room was full, and—“
“And he didn’t kick us out? Like he easily could have? Like he did this morning?” Ikkaku shook her head. “I don’t buy it. He wants you.”
The boys muttered their agreements, and you buried your red face into your hands.
“You should have seen the way he flew out the door when you called,” Shachi added.
Penguin nodded solemnly, rubbing his chin in thought. “We need to corner the bear.”
“What good is he?” Ikkaku replied. “We already know they’re head over heels for each other. This is up to Y/N, now.”
Your head flew out from your hands. “Me!?” You choked.
Ikkaku leaned close. “Let me spell it out for you. The man is too straight-laced — he’d die before telling you out of fear of pressuring you. Not to mention his complete inability to deal with his own emotions. If you don’t say something, it’s just gonna be a permanent, silent torture. For the both of you.”
“For all of us,” Shachi muttered under his breath.
You have gave him a scowl, crossing your arms over yourself nervously. “But, what if….he doesn’t feel the same?”
“Oh, we’re out of the denial phase, are we?”Penguin muttered, but not long before being slapped on the shoulder by Ikkaku.
“Y/N, if we are wrong, you can personally throw each off us off the ship.”
“I’d be following,” you mumbled wearily. “Oh, God.” Your stomach lurched at the possibility of confronting him.
“Y/N, listen. I know it’s scary, but I think you’re building him up to be something far worse in your brain. This is Law were talking about. The same Law you spend every day with. You two are attached at the hip,” she said softly. “And I think you and I both know you two are far closer than just a captain and his crewmate, hmm?”
You sighed, sitting on her words. She had a point. You were sat together at practically every meal and meeting, he never once placed you in a separate group during missions, and you were the only crewmate apart from Bepo who’d sit in his office until the sun rose. If you were being honest, you didn’t think anyone on the ship knew you better than him. You’d never said it aloud, but he was your best friend.
“I just,” you breathed shakily. “I don’t want to lose him. If I’m wrong, we’d never be the same.”
“What’s the alternative? Slowly suffering in silence? This can’t be fun for you, either.”
“Trust me, it’s not,” you huffed.
“So fuck it,” Penguin said mischievously. “Go for it.”
The others giggled, and Shachi chimed in with a Playful nudge to your shoulder. “You’re a Heart Pirate — we’ve crossed the grand line, we’re not scared of anything.”
“Yeah! You’ve fought marines, monsters, pirates — and you’re gonna let a man scare you?”
The three of them egged each other one with devious laughter. “A coin-collecting comic reader? That’s what stops you?”
You nodded, feeling your confidence surge as you rose to your knees. “Yeah. Yeah! I’m not about to let a man get me this down!”
“Yes,” Penguin whispered menacingly. “Yes, Y/N. Do it.”
He may have been the devil on your shoulder, but you were just tired enough of your own misery to listen to him.
You huffed. “Alright, I’m doing this.”
***
“I’m gonna be sick.”
The four of you were cornered in the kitchen, the dim light shadowing the faces of excitement that surrounded you.
Any bravado you’d had just minutes earlier had vanished now that you were on your feet.
Without hesitation Shachi turned to the cabinets, pulling out a handle of vodka. Ikkaku scowled at them.
“She’s not confessing to him drunk.”
“Not drunk,” Penguin countered, unscrewing the cap. “Just relaxed.”
You watched them pour the shot, shifting on your feet in anticipation with your hands pressed to your mouth. “I’m just — I’m just gonna walk in, and say it.”
“Maybe throw in a little intro. Get your feet wet.” Ikkau suggested.
“Intro?” Shachi countered? “Like what, a weather report?”
You felt like there were swirls in your vision, their banter sending sweats across your skin.
“Stop it,” Penguin snapped. “You’re getting in her head, look at her. She knows what to do.”
He handed you the shot, and without giving yourself time to think you gulped it down.
The three of them watched with wide eyes as you nearly gagged, a shuddering cough escaping you. Shachi hurriedly handed you some water, and you chased it down with a shiver.
“I can do this,” You mumbled, and they echoed your words back and patted your back.
“It’s now or never — quick, before you change you mind.” Shachi nudged you towards the hallway.
You turned back to them over your shoulder with one last meager look of fear, sniffing before you continued on.
“They grow up so fast,” Penguin clipped, and Shachi and Ikkaku both smacked him.
Your knock on the door was weak — your legs even weaker after hearing a gruff come in.
The door peeled open, and you half stepped in to find him working away at his desk (shocker).
Law’s eyes only briefly flickered to the door, but returned after registering what they fell on. His head lifted, and he placed his pencil down. “What’s up?”
He wasn’t in his hat, his shaggy locks tattered from what was likely a long evening of him running his hands through them in concentration. He’d even swapped his usual dark coat for a relaxed tee, and you could see the edges of his tattoos peeking out beneath the hem on his bicep. It was a rare, relaxed version of him that you’d only had the pleasure of getting to know in the later hours of life — when you usually creeped in to bother him about something probably pointless. Only now, the intimacy of it felt suffocating. You swallowed thickly.
Your arms wrapped around yourself in discomfort, and you shuffled into the room with little fanfare. Goosebumps welled across your legs that were exposed to the cold air, and you felt your toes scrunch inside your slippers. His eyes followed you wordlessly, but there was a slight furrow to his brows as he watched.
“Are you busy?” You asked quietly.
Law frowned, shaking his head. His gaze felt razor sharp, and it was a look you knew well — he was practically scanning you, running his own prognosis and already well aware of just how strange you were behaving.
Damn it.
“I wanted to….to talk.”
He looked uneasy now, turning to fully face you. His own arms crossed over his chest, and his voice took on a practiced steadiness. “Okay” He said quietly. “So talk.”
You paled, a huff escaping you as your eyes looked anywhere but him. You were pacing back and forth across the room, and your anxiety was only rising at the feeling of his unrelenting watch.
Now what?
“We docking anywhere tomorrow?”
He looked at you like you’d grown a third eye. “That’s what you want to talk about?”
You exhaled, and you could feel your cheeks burning so red you thought steam might start coming out of your ears. “No. I don’t know, are we though? It’s good to have a schedule—”
Law stood now, walking over to your with brows pressed in concern. “Are you sick?” Before you could react his hand was on your forehead, and the coolness of it nearly made you jump from your own skin.
“No,” you whined sharply, stepping back with your heart racing. “Can we talk about something else?”
He looked at you with exasperation. “I don’t even know what we’re talking about.”
You groaned, a distressed palm wiping over your face. “I’m sorry. I’m gonna go.” You turned sharply to leave, hurrying towards the door.
You almost gasped feeling his hand grip your arm, turning back at the sound of his worried voice.
“Hey, no. Relax.” You sighed, trying to even out your breathing, and he gestured his head toward the couch. “Sit.”
He sighed himself now, hands on his hips as he looked deep in thought while you meagerly shuffled over to the couch. You plopped down, curling into a ball with your arms tucked behind your legs.
Law walked over, crouching in front of you and his voice was low as he spoke. “Is…something wrong?”
You shook your head, eyes downcast at your nails that you picked at. When you glanced up he only nodded, seeming to process your wordless reply. He relaxed, just slightly after confirming there wasn’t a problem, and his shoulders loosened. “Okay,” he breathed.
He rose, striding over to sit beside you on the couch and leaned back. He looked at you from the side of his gaze warily. “We don’t have to talk about whatever you came in for,” He said quietly. “We can just talk. Or not at all.”
You nodded haphazardly, willing your posture to defrost from its rigid coil.
“We are docking in the morning,” Law said. You finally looked at him fully now, eyes piqued with a silent urge for him to continue. “It’s an island in the tropics — pretty dense jungle. Word is there’s a village there with some good medicinal knowledge of the plants in the area. Thought we could get a few.”
“The tropics sounds nice,”you mumbled, and a ghost of a smile etched into his lips.
“I figure’d you’d like it — a good bit warmer than the last island, and decent beaches too.”
You felt a small smile creep on yourself, toying with the sleeve of your sweater. “That’ll be nice. I like to swim at the good ones.”
“I know.” He’d said it so simply, and for some reason it made your chest tight.
“Do you ever miss it?” You asked.
He turned to you with a raised brow. “What, swimming?”
You nodded, and he chuckled lightly. “It’s more of an inconvenience than anything. I guess I never really swam much before I had the fruit anyway, so not much to miss. It was cold where I grew up — wasn’t exactly having pool parties.”
You giggled, familiar with some of the stories he’d told of his hometown. “No, I can’t imagine it would have been much fun. For Bepo, maybe.”
He hummed in agreement, and already you felt the thundering anxiety in your chest begin to ebb away. Ikkau’s words echoed in your mind.
The same Law you spend every day with.
It was easier to remember when you two were having your usual conversation, no pressure tied to the soft words you exchanged in the quiet room. You could tell he wasn’t totally relaxed, but he was very much making an effort to mask his discomfort concern in hopes of coaxing out whatever it was you were so obviously bottling. He was always patient like that, despite usually acting like he was overall disinterested. Normally Law avoided uncomfortable emotions like the plague, having little sympathy for those who couldn’t contain their own. And yet here he was, not pushing, but not wanting you to leave either.
“Do you ever think about what you’ll do after all of this?”
The words escaped you without much thought.
He was quiet for a moment — he often was, when he wanted to think about his reply. You never rushed him.
“I think I forgot how to imagine a future after my plans,” He said with a raw voice. “I’ve been so fixated on Doflamingo — on finishing what he started. I don’t even know if it’s something I’ll see the other side of.”
Your heart lurched. It was a fear that always crawled at the back of the entire crew’s mind throughout the entire journey of trying to find him — the fear of just how far Law was willing to go. “You will,” you refuted with a firm utterance. He nodded, just once, as if he wanted to believe the thought.
“It’s just,” He continued with eyes looking heavy. “Hard to picture anything beyond what I need done today. I’ve been a pirate so long, I almost can’t remember how to live in anything before it.”
You nodded, looking at him with soft eyes. “I get it,” you replied gently. “We’ve come a long way. I can’t really imagine a time where we’re not together.”
He looked at you now, eyes set on you with a weight that was indecipherable. You flushed, shaking your head with a light laugh.
“The crew, I mean. I’ve just been so caught up in the adventures of day to day, haven’t needed to look too far ahead.” Your smile grew, just barely, and you peeked up at him in curiosity. “Have I ever showed you my necklace? I have one that I wear every day.”
He nodded with familiarity, eyes glancing down to the chain that snuck out beneath the neck of your sweater. “The heart?”
You blushed, half expecting him to not have a clue. “Yes, the heart, but it’s not just that. It’s a locket.”
You sat up on your knees, scooting closer to face him. You pulled it up from your collar, and he peeked down at it curiously. It wasn’t exactly large, and you had to lean close for it to be easily visible — a proximity that had the both of you shift hesitantly closer.
When it pried open, a tiny piece of paper was folded inside. “It’s probably a bit silly to you,” you said in a voice so low it could have been a whisper, “but my mom always told me to chase the adventure. She wrote it down and gave this to me when I left with you. I think she knew I’d find it here.” You giggled softly at the thought, looking down at the trinket fondly. You missed the eyes that were stuck on you like glue.
“I didn’t ever imagine I’d get to see the world like I have since joining. I’ve been so caught up in all the excitement, it’s hard to imagine a day where this won’t be my life.”
He was quiet for a moment, his hand reaching up to fiddle with the heart mindlessly. You blushed at the intimate gesture, your heart quickening.
“Is that what you want?”
There was a weight to his words that floored you, and when you finally looked back up at him, you were so close it was petrifying. His eyes flickered between yours with an intensity that you’d never seen before. His cheeks were a ghosted shade of pink, and your breath hitched at the way he was looking at you.
“I—” you huffed breathlessly, and you felt your lidded eyes looking down at his lips. You shifted closer, just barely, and if you weren’t so staggered you might have thought he did too.
A loud clatter far off in the ship startled you so bad you nearly jolted.
There was a panicked shout calling for Law, The disgruntled cry of Captain ripping the two of you from your stupor.
“The pipe’s bursting again!”
Law’s eyes closed, and he turned with a sharp huff as a hand scrubbed over his face.
Your breath was shaky, your eyes darting down in quiet shock from the tension snapping.
“I need to deal with that,” Law muttered. His voice was tight with something that almost sounded like irritation, and he rose sharply.
On his way out he swiped his hat from the desk, tucking it over his eyes. Just before the door his hand lingered on it, turning back over his shoulder.
“I can come back,” He said so quietly you would have missed it if you weren’t listening closely. It almost felt like a question.
You shook your head softly, casting him a small smile. “It’s all right, I should get some sleep anyway.”
His head dipped, and the shadow of his hat made you miss whatever look was hiding beneath it. He opened his mouth to reply, but not before another call for him made him growl.
“I’m coming,” he hollered in reply. “Tch, damn idiots...”
With the demands for his presence he slipped out, and when the door clicked shut you practically melted back into the couch, your head spinning.
I’m screwed.
part three
author note below
guys listen, LISTEN - I know the whole point of part 2 was for the confession but i will DIE on my sword of having to pace it when i think he realistically woulddddd
~however~
this only gives way for a part three.....*rubs fly hands together*
I just REALLY think it would take a severe inciting incident for this man to come out with it - dare i say....danger
stay tuned for part 3 and anyone who would like to be added to the taglist, let me knowwww
𓂃⋆.˚ randomly asking your boyfriend, trafalgar d. water law, if he finds you pretty
"law, do you think i'm pretty?" you asked, out of the blue, sitting on the stool on the side of his desk, your elbows beautifully sitting on it so your chin rested on your hands, this position only enhancing your facial features. face-framing pieces of hair naturally fell from your mouvement, your lips, a sweet shade of dusty pink, pursed in an adorable, interrogative pout as you waited for a semblance of answer.
your boyfriend was of course used to your antics — but this, was a first.
his eyes did not have to lift from the paper he was reading to know you were beautiful. after all, you were the most beautiful being to grace the earth and bless his eyes.
"heeey" you pouted, tilting your head to the side, your hair following the movement, like a rocking, soft wave, your lashes batting, "don't ignore me, i asked you a question."
law sighed. what kind of idiotic question was that anyway? deadpanned and unphazed, his eyes turned to you and it hit him again, like it did each time he stared at your radient, ethereal self.
your face was his favorite study, from the curves of your lips to the tip of your nose, from your jawline to the length of your lashes, he could trace them all with perfect acuity.
he could not pretend anymore, his signature smirk returning on his handsome features, a teasing tone you knew too well now heard.
"i think your beauty could cure diseases."
you laughed at his unique form of compliment, the genuine sound ringing like music to his ears.
"so", tilting your head to the other side, your eyes never leaving him, you asked again, "does that mean you think i'm pretty?"
he scoffed, raising his eyebrows as he let his pen down. "how about i show you?"
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."
author’s note: In case you couldn’t tell I absolutely love this man.
Law knows he has a crush, and he hates it. Feelings are liabilities. People close to him die. So the more he likes someone, the colder he becomes. It’s not really tsundere behavior. It’s a trauma-driven emotional shutdown.
Law becomes protective in this unnerving, clinical way. You get injured? He patches you up himself, no matter who else is available. His hands are steady, but his eyes avoid yours.
Staring too long. Law stares. Calculating, cold eyes, completely blank. But it’s not judgment, it’s the storm in his head that you can’t see: Why them? Why now? Why do I keep looking? He doesn’t realize how intense he looks.
He overanalyzes every damn thing you do.
He watches like a hawk, quietly studying every expression, gesture, tone, not out of romantic adoration, but analytical compulsion. You’re a puzzle now. And he must understand the mechanics of you.
Your tasks will mysteriously get easier. Suddenly, someone’s organized your books by genre in alphabetical order. Suddenly, no one assigns you night watch. He’ll deny any involvement.
“What? You got lucky. That’s all.”
Law is not out here peacocking to impress or woo you. He tells himself he is playing the long game while he is actually just really emotionally constipated.
Rare but meaningful compliments. “I trust your judgement.” He doesn’t want to shower you with compliments in fear of chasing you away. But that makes the ones he let slip out every once in a while all the more heart warming.
“I rely on your presence.” “You calm my mind.”
Reads books he thinks you would like, either to recommend them or learn more about your interests. Romance? History? Geography? Math? Philosophy? Doesn’t matter, he is reading it.
Remembers. By that I mean a wide variety of things. Your allergies, medical conditions if you have any, foods you like and dislike, how you take your drinks. If you told him something, anything at any point in time he remembers it.
When it is just the two of you, he softens. Slightly. Awkwardly. But it’s there. His gaze softer, lingering on your face. His voice lowers, more tired if it’s been a long day.
Jealousy in silence. Law won’t interfere if someone flirts with you… but his entire body stiffens. His fingers twitch towards Kikoku. He’ll walk past just close enough to “accidentally” bump their shoulder hard. Subtle violence, not so subtle claim.
Hyper control. Law’s natural instinct is to calculate and plan, so if he likes you, he probably has a ten step hypothetical escape plan in case you reject him, and a backup Room prepared to teleport away mid-conversation. Just in case.
Actual confession? It would come out during a moment of pressure, like:
“If we die here, I should say it now. I’ve had feelings for you for some time. It’s… inconvenient. So don’t die, alright?”
Okay, so damn... I received so much positive feedback on my last fic so I thought I would spread the love and give you some more Law content. I am open to writing for other characters but who would you guys like to see me write for? Any requests, either drop a comment or an ask.
Synopsis: Your Captain always overworks himself, sometimes he just needs to relax. You and Bepo are the perfect combination to finally ease his tense shoulders and get him to kick back for once. (Established relationship / soul crushing fluff / sfw)
Word Count: 1417
-
This is the third time - the third time you have now been forced to resort to barging into his office. Why will he not let himself catch a break?
Papers are strewn everywhere, some medical, some navigational, but their contents matter little to you.
"You've been in here for eight hours. Eight. Come on, come up for air!"
Law looks up from his paperwork, irritated. "I told you I'm busy. Stop interrupting me."
"But Law, we've finally surfaced, and it's so sunny , surely-"
Law's jaw tightens as he takes you in, leaning against the doorway in a skimpy bathing suit and shorts, sunglasses perched on top of your head. You look way too cute. It's disturbing his workflow.
"What part of 'I'm busy' don't you understand?" he says through gritted teeth. "I'm not coming out. So just..."
"Fine, have it your way, be boring," you reply with a huff, pushing your sunglasses down to cover your eyes. "While you turn practically vampiric, I will be getting a nice tan."
Law's expression softens slightly at your pout, but he quickly masks it with a stern look. "I'm the captain. Being boring is kind of the point."
"Yeah, yeah. Later then?"
Law pauses, his pen hovering over the paper as he thinks about your question. Later... when he was finally done with this never-ending barrage of paperwork. He sighs gruffly and leans back in his chair. "Yeah. Later. And I want the deck clean by the time I am done."
"Yes, Captain," you reply, barely listening as you push up off the door frame and turn away.
...
Climbing up the ladder and onto the deck, Law shields his eyes from the glaring sunlight. Bepo is stretched out on the deck, which is only partially clean, and you are cuddled up in his fur, basking in the sun's rays. You both look incredibly peaceful and adorable, causing Law to fight to maintain his usual stern expression. He is unable to help how his eyes soften at the sight.
"You two look ridiculous."
"Comfy," you murmur sleepily, lazily burying your head further into Bepo's fur.
Bepo snores loudly, nuzzling closer to you, and Law watches this interaction, his jaw tightening slightly. He finds it incredibly cute how you're using Bepo as a pillow, but he also feels the need to maintain his composure.
Law walks over until he is standing over you both, casting a shadow that blocks the sunlight.
"Hey! How am I meant to tan when you are getting in the way of the sun?"
He stands over you both, trying to ignore the way his heart is beating slightly faster. He has a soft spot for you, and he has a soft spot for cute things; this sight is traitorously adorable.
"You're supposed to be cleaning the deck, not using Bepo as a cushion."
You reach up to adjust your sunglasses. "Mm, cleaning this , cleaning that; it's so sunny it'd be wrong of me not to enjoy it while it lasts."
Law's lips twitch as he tries in vain to maintain his annoyed expression, but his amusement at your lazy attitude is clear. He crosses his arms, leaning against the submarine's railing. "And what if I said I need that deck cleaned right now?"
"Is that a direct order, captain?" you say teasingly, rolling your eyes under the sunglasses, even though you know he can't see.
Law's expression softens completely despite himself; trying to maintain his facade of indifference is a losing battle. He hates how cute you look, teasing him while lying on Bepo - his two weaknesses.
"Yes, it is. Get your lazy ass up and finish cleaning," he orders half-heartedly.
Bepo starts mumbling incomprehensibly, his fur puffing up as he shifts in his sleep, and you settle further onto his warm belly. "Mmph... tuna... so much tuna... All mine..."
His sleepy murmurs amuse Law, and he watches, one eyebrow raised, as one of Bepo's massive paws flops from his chest and onto the deck.
"You are just jealous because you've been cooped up in your office all day, being all boring. You're like a hermit crab, babe."
Law's face reddens slightly at your teasing remark, and he hates how right you are. He has been locked up in his office all day, reviewing documents and talking to his crew members. Meanwhile, you're out here enjoying the sunshine with Bepo and effectively slacking off from your cleaning duties.
"Shut up," he replies, but it holds no bite.
"How rude... I did ask you to join me on deck earlier. We were cleaning, but the weather was so inviting, and we just needed a little break."
His jaw shifts as he looks at you, tightening. He knows you're right, but he is stubborn and doesn't like admitting it.
"Maybe I would have if I weren't busy with important work, unlike some people who just lie around napping," he retorts.
"It's been ages since we last surfaced; surely you can take a break every once in a while. Besides, it is always so hot for Bepo in the sub when we are cooped up underwater; he needs some air."
Law hesitates, and his stern expression cracks completely. You're right-he has been pushing himself relentlessly since you last surfaced, and poor Bepo always struggles with the stuffy heat when you are submerged. He watches the way the sunlight catches your hair and how peaceful you look, nestled up against Bepo. By God, he also notices how damn good that bathing suit looks on your body.
"... Fine." He sighs heavily before adjusting his hat and sitting down next to both of you on the deck, leaning back against the railing. It feels so good to stretch out his legs after being cramped up in his office all day. The warmth of the sun on his face for the first time in ages is delightful, and his shoulders finally relax.
"Why are you so far away?" You pout, moving your sunglasses to the top of your head so he can see your sulky expression properly. He shoots you an incredulous look, cheeks flushing slightly at the invitation.
"Absolutely not. I'm not cuddling with you like some sort of lovestruck fool. I'm merely... enjoying the sun. Alone." His voice lacks all conviction as he speaks, averting his eyes from your piercing stare.
"But Bepo and I are so comfy," you whine, poking the bear's fur.
Bepo sighs deeply, drool escaping his mouth. He mumbles, "tuna, more tunnnaaa."
This makes you giggle, and Law looks at you endearingly. The sight of your laughter and Bepo's sleepy face is too much to resist. He shifts slightly closer, still trying to play it cool. "You're being ridiculous."
You outstretch your arms, beckoning him over. "You know you want to…."
That's it. Law's resolve crumbles completely. He just cannot resist your inviting arms any longer, and with a frustrated sigh, he moves closer, sitting down next to you. He wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you against his side as he also leans against Bepo's warm, fluffy belly.
"There, you happy?" he says, not looking at you, his face buried against your hair. He doesn't want to admit that this might be the most comfortable he has felt in ages. The warmth of Bepo and how soft your hair is are a deadly combination. Although he would not admit it, he finally feels content and slightly sleepy.
"Very much so."
Bepo lets out a loud purring sound, and Law can feel the vibrations of it against his back as he shifts slightly.
"Fucking ridiculous," he mutters.
You cuddle into his side and place a soft kiss on his neck, which causes him to freeze. His heart did not just skip a beat-it absolutely did not. For a moment, he just sits there stiffly, unsure of how to react. Slowly, he relaxes and tilts his head slightly, giving you better access to his neck as you nuzzle into him.
"You're such a brat."
"Yeah, but you love it. Now what was that you said about cleaning?" You joke, placing more lazy kisses along his neck and down to his collarbone.
Law's expression shifts playfully at your teasing, and his fingers begin to trace idle patterns at your sides.
"Don't push your luck," he murmurs, but there's no real threat in his voice. Surprisingly, the sun has made him quite docile, and he submits to this rare moment of relaxation.
