you and Law are crushing hard, entirely oblivious to it, but the Straw Hats and Heart Pirates know better. (this is a long one sorry)
a man who yearns is a man who earns!!!!!!
The Polar Tang had become like your home away from home. The crew your fondest friends and family. Going a day without them would feel like torment, as though a part of you was missing.
But none so much as Law.
Your feelings for him were strong, yet you remained professional for the sake of the crew, never daring to tempt the boundary. You knew that if the man caught wind of your emotions it would disrupt the meticulously calculated roles each of you were intended to play.
You’d rather push your feelings away and hide than ruin a family forged upon the sea.
Besides, the probability of Law reciprocating your feelings was minimal.
Right?
Docking on an island to resupply was the cover Law had given for this outing. You were running low on items, sure, but nothing to the point you’d be unable to manage a while longer.
The Polar Tang was simply unbearable sometimes, and what better way to retreat from the suffocating environment than stretching your legs?
In all honesty, Law was just looking to spend a moment alone with you.
His plan had been to accompany you on one of the tasks he intended for today. He hates shopping, despises it, really. But with you he finds the task to be tolerable, maybe even enjoyable.
Law loves the way your face lights up when you spot something you like while out on errands. He certainly doesn’t secretly return to buy everything you merely touch, presenting them to you as though they mean nothing, feigning ignorance when you mention spotting it in a marketplace a few islands back.
He plays it off every time Shachi or Penguin bring it up, grumbling whenever they start teasing him.
“Captain, don’t you think these boots are nice?” Penguin exaggerated, waving the pair of shoes around. Law was internally panicking, already knowing where this was going, glaring daggers into the man.
“They’re fine.” He said, uninterested.
“If it was y’know who they’d already be in a bag.” Shachi chuckled at Penguin’s side, the two stifling their laughter with the palms of their hands.
“If you two idiots have something to say then say it to my—“
“Law,” You chirped, walking over with the same pair of boots, only these ones were in your size. “Aren’t these boots nice? Feel the inside, they’re so soft!”
Law humored you, sliding his hands inside and pressing against the cushioning within. To his surprise, they really were comfortable. A practical shoe, something that would ensure longevity and stability without compromising your contentment.
“They’re a bit pricey though…” You hummed in disappointment.
Law swiped them from your grip without a second thought. “Don’t worry about the cost, I’ll get them for you. You’ve been needing a new pair, haven’t you? Consider it a necessary expense.”
“Oh, no, you already buy me so much!” You replied, attempting to take the boots back. But Law wasn’t having it for a moment, shaking his head and holding the pair away from you.
“Why don’t you go find me the herbs on this list, yeah? I’ll take care of these.”
You huffed but agreed, taking the paper from his hand, knowing he wouldn’t relent. Thanking Law, you walked off to do exactly what he’d asked of you.
Once you were gone, Law caught the figures of Penguin and Shachi from the corner of his eye. He turned to face them, their mouths agape as though they’d just seen a ghost.
“You’re not even trying to hide it.” Shachi spoke. It wasn’t so much a jest as it was fact.
Law clicked his tongue. Their comments were the last thing he wanted to hear right now. “Shut up.”
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
On your way to find a shop that sold the herbs Law was searching for, you ran into Chopper and Robin, the pair window shopping outside a bookstore ahead of you.
Chopper was the first to notice you traveling towards them, the blue-nose reindeer flashing you a bright smile. He called out your name, skipping over to you and wrapping you up in a tight hug around your waist.
“Hey, Chopper!” You cheered. “It’s been a minute hasn’t it?”
Robin greeted you soon after, her soothing voice like a salve upon your soul. You’ve always admired the woman, an effortless paragon of beauty and intellect.
“Are you guys docked nearby?” You asked. Chopper nodded enthusiastically.
“We docked to do a bit of shopping, supplies are running low...” Chopper explained.
Robin felt his story required a bit more clarification. “What he means is our Captain raided the fridge in the middle of the night again.”
“Again?” You marveled. “I thought Sanji put a lock on it?”
“He did.” Robin replied. “Multiple.”
“Never underestimate the power of food on Luffy.” Chopper huffed.
As if on queue the aforementioned Captain could be heard yelling in the distance before you. You beamed, raising a hand in greeting only to watch him soar past you, dust kicking up beneath his feet. You coughed, waving the debris away as chants of a familiar nickname fill the air.
“Traffy! Traffy! It’s me, Luffy! Traffy! I know you hearrr meeeeee!”
You watched your captain deflate, clearly defeated. He could only feign ignorance for so long. Luffy was all over him in an instant, scurrying to catch up on lost time.
“Why don’t you guys come hang out on our ship tonight? We’ll have Sanji cook a huge feast for us!”
“We really don’t have the—“
“We’d love to!” Shachi and Penguin interjected, pushing in front of Law to answer on his behalf. The man only grumbled, conceding to their whims. You’d remain throughout the night and depart early tomorrow, anyways. He supposed there was no harm in free food and drink.
Law approached you from where you remained at Chopper and Robin’s side. “Any objections?”
You shook your head. “Sounds nice. When was the last time we relaxed?”
“Law always lets you relax…” Penguin mumbled under his breath. You turned to face him, furrowing your eyebrows.
“You’re talking a lot of shit to someone that has access to your medical records, Pen.” A smile crossed your lips but it didn’t dare reach your eyes.
Penguin felt a shiver run down his spine, leaning over and whispering into Shachi’s ear. “They’re perfect for each other.”
The rest of the supply run went by in a flash, the crew rejuvenated by the prospect of spending the evening with the Straw Hats.
You decided to forfeit your typical uniform and dress up for the occasion, the summer climate of the island causing your boiler suit to stick to you like a second skin. You went with a comfortable, breezy outfit that accentuated your natural appearance, applying lotion and a sweet smelling scent to top it all off.
The Thousand Sunny was roaring with chatter, laughter and dance dominating every corner of the ship. You sat happily listening to a story Usopp was telling, clearly exaggerating his contribution to the situation. You sipped a sweet drink Sanji had concocted for everyone, a hint of mint complimenting blueberry lemonade.
“So, when are you gonna confess to your captain?” Nami asked as though it was nothing more than an inquiry of the weather. You choked on your drink, Robin using her power to spawn a hand on the back your chair, the limb tapping your back in hopes of alleviating the choking.
You caught your breath a few moments later. Though you almost wished you’d passed out in an effort to avoid the conversation.
The two women were nothing less than good friends of yours. Despite your rivaling crews and their will to overcome the achievements of the other, it was always nice to spend time with them. You set your drink down, leaning back in your chair to stare up at the stars glittering across the evening sky.
“Please,” You laughed out, amused by their inquiry. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“We’re not blind, y’know. Anyone could see plain as day the two of you are smitten. So cut the crap, tell him how you feel!”
Out of the corner of your eye you watched Law partake in the festivities from a distance, a content expression on his face as he simply observed the crews.
“He… doesn’t see me that way…” You sighed, turning back to fully face the two women staring at you as though you’d grown a second head.
“You’re joking, right?” Nami asked, incredulous. “Like this is a joke to you, isn’t it? It has to be.”
You shook your head, swirling your beverage in your hands. “We’re just friends.”
Robin cut into the conversation, her comforting silence put on pause. “Friends don’t stare the way your Captain is currently.”
You turned back to gaze at Law once more, your eyes meeting. It was like a trance, pulling you in but you couldn’t dare indulge. You smiled shyly, waving at the man. He regarded you with a nod of his head, turning away as Luffy pounced on him.
You laughed, Usopp dropping down from the table he recounted his tales upon and taking your hand. “Let’s dance already!” He cheered.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Law never was one for a party, content with observing from a distance while those he held dear indulged in their own fun.
He babysat a beverage you’d handed to him earlier, something Sanji had tended for his darlings girls—Nami swiping some for you to drink. You shared with him, and though it was a bit sweet for his taste, he endured.
The way you talked and laughed so freely while conversing with Nami and Robin had his chest tightening. He could look at you all day and never grow tired of the sight, not for a moment. There was something about you, something truly magnetic that just had him wanting more. He craved your presence, yearned for moments where the two of you could exist in blissful peace.
Law always had to fight the urge to reach out and touch you, crossing that boundary between captain and crew mate that had been set in stone the moment he asked you to join the crew.
In the midst of his thoughts you turned to face him. The man was thankful for the distance between you, a whisper of pink dusting his cheeks. You smiled, waving at him with that beautiful expression upon your face. He wished he could condemn the moment to memory and replay it for eternity.
He considered walking over to you, joining you in your conversation when Luffy bounded towards him, limbs stretching as he propelled right next to Law, nearly spilling some of the contents of his drink. He used his hand to cover the lip, glaring daggers at the Straw Hat pirate.
“C’mon, Traffy, have fun!” Luffy groaned.
“I’m content here. Go have your own fun.” Law responded.
“Lighten up! What, you mad Usopp is dancing with your cruuuuush?” Luffy teased.
Law scoffed. “I’m not upset that—! Long Nose is what?”
Luffy sidestepped for Law to get a better view, Usopp twirling you around while you both giggled happily. The night was warm despite it being well into the evening, and suddenly the once comfortable temperature was suffocating. Law downed the rest of his beverage, tossing the cup away and excusing himself to the Polar Tang.
“Hey, Captain!” Penguin called out. “Where ya goin’?”
Law just glared in his direction, the man jumping up and into Shachi’s arms.
“Get off!” Shachi yelled, dropping Penguin on his ass.
He didn’t look back, couldn’t handle the thought of you being whisked away by Long Nose of all people. His jealousy was suffocating, but he wouldn’t dare admit to himself that that was the emotion currently dominating his mind, body and soul. No, Law would rather sulk in the submarine than admit anything of the sort.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Dancing with Usopp had been a whirlwind of fun. You’d twirled between him, Nami, and Robin; Brook taking your hand and dancing with you, too. One by one members of both crews began excusing themselves from the festivities to turn in for the night.
Shachi and Penguin were completely wasted, Bepo bidding everyone a heartfelt farewell as he escorted them back to the submarine. You remained on the Thousand Sunny, head fuzzy as the night took over your mind.
You took notice of Law’s absence a while ago. It wasn’t anything particularly alarming, he was usually the last to arrive and first to go.
But something felt off about this time.
“I should get going.” You sighed. The only remaining member of the Heart Pirates alongside Zoro, Nami and Luffy. Everyone else had turned in, leaving the four of you to stew in each other’s company.
“Whaaaaat!?” Luffy groaned.
Zoro and Nami’s cheeks dusted pink, neither willing to admit they’d begun to feel the effects of alcohol.
“Go get your man!” Nami drunkenly slurred, holding another bottle into the air. You swiped it from her, the woman cursing, sticking her tongue out at you.
“Wait. You’re dating someone?” Luffy gawked. “Lemme guess! It’s a person right.”
Nami hiccuped. “He’s so hopeless…”
“It’s that damn shitty-hat captain.” Zoro mumbled, taking another long sip of his drink. “Anyone with two eyes and a brain could see it.”
“Ohhhh! You mean Traffy?” Luffy said. “That makes so much sense!”
You looked around with frantic eyes. “W-What’s that supposed to mean!?” You choked.
Luffy giggled, swiping leftover bites from what little food remained. He didn’t elaborate, nor did Zoro or Nami, both of them looking nearly passed out atop a barrel.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Much to Law’s chagrin, you concluded your evening on the Straw Hat’s ship, choosing to spend the night there rather than drunkenly stumbling back onto the Polar Tang in the middle of the night.
He’d been up late awaiting your arrival, watching impatiently as the hours ticked on. Law couldn’t remember when he’d fallen asleep. It wasn’t until Penguin mentioned you never returning that Law’s mood soured.
He stood in the kitchen with two mugs in his tattooed hands, filling both up with fresh coffee. He added milk and sugar to taste, then took a seat at the table. One mug in front of him and the other to his right, where you always sat. This was his routine every morning. You’d enter with a plate of something for the both of you to nibble on while sitting in a comfortable morning silence.
You always thanked him for making you the perfect cup of coffee, and everyday he’d hide his smile behind his own beverage.
But today your coffee had grown cold. It wasn’t an issue, he figured your likely hangover kept you in bed a little while longer.
Then Shachi entered, Penguin in tow. The morning silence you both typically shared had come to its end.
“Mornin’” Shachi groaned. Law hummed a greeting, not looking up from the book in his hands. He tapped his finger against the table impatiently. You were taking longer than usual.
“You waiting up for your lover?” Penguin mumbled, tiredly teasing the man. He poured his own mug of coffee, dumping a terrifying amount of sugar into it. “Didn’t come back last night. Must’ve spent the night with Straw Hat and them.”
“What?”
Law shut his book faster than Shachi or Penguin had ever seen.
“I’m going out.” Was the last thing he said before disappearing.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
All things considered, your late night and indulgent drinking, you weren’t hungover by any means. You felt calm, rejuvenated, even. A night of fun was just what you needed.
You’d departed early into the morning, Usopp alongside you while the two of you discussed anything and everything. The sniper had wanted to purchase some materials he’d forgotten for his tinkerings while you simply wanted to enjoy the island a little longer before departing.
You found some bookmarks in the window of one of the shops, beaming at the illustrations of anatomy painted onto them. Law would love them. He was always using random objects to mark pages.
Or, like a maniac, insisting he’d recall where he left off.
The thought sent shivers down your spine.
You ducked into the shop to purchase them without a second thought, inquiring on the most recent installment of a series he’d been reading for quite some time since you were there. To your surprise, they’d received a small shipment this morning, and you swiped that up alongside the bookmarks.
“Soooo…” Usopp drawled. “You guys a thing orrrr…?”
“Oh no,” You grumbled, pressing a hand to your cheek and refusing eye contact. “Not you too.”
“Listen, we’ve all been wondering, alright?” Usopp admitted. His words struck lightning through your heart, short circuiting your brain and making a mess of your thoughts.
He led you towards the stall he was searching for earlier, a small trove of mechanical parts that most would consider garbage. Usopp expertly plucked what he was looking for one thing at a time, slowly amassing a small pile of trinkets in his arms.
“We’re not together.” You finally admitted. The reality had your heart splintering, fragments fluttering onto the floor at your feet. “Honestly, he doesn’t see me that way.”
“Did he tell you that?” Usopp asked.
You shook your head.
The sniper hummed, tossing another part into his pile. “Then how can you be so sure? Have faith in yourself! They don’t call me Captain Usopp because I quit, they call me Captain Usopp because I take what I want when I want it!”
“Nobody calls you—“
“Anyways!” Usopp redirected, turning to purchase the items. “Have you even told the guy how you feel?” He asked.
You shook your head. “No! I could never tell him!”
Usopp shook his head, wrapping his arm around your shoulder and pulling you in close as the two of you departed from the stall. He made deep eye contact with you, his nose pressing against your cheek.
“What do you honestly have to lose?”
You held up your hand, counting on your fingers. “My dignity, my crew, my home, my purpose—“
“Okay, okay!” Usopp interrupted. “That was supposed to be encouraging…”
You laughed, poking Usopp in his side, the sniper yelping and jumping away from you. Moments like these made you grateful for the life you’ve lived up until this point, every decision leading you to this moment.
Though you weren’t ready to convey the depth of your emotions to Law, it helped knowing there was a crew of people who believed in you and your affections.
The call of your name diverted your attention from Usopp, the man now going into depth about what he intended for his tinkering. You whipped around, Law walking towards you, only a few feet behind.
You gasped, hiding the bag you’d purchased for him behind your back. “Captain!” You squeaked.
“You didn’t come back to the submarine last night.” He said without greeting. His expression was cold, a serious gaze as he his eyes flickered to the sniper at your side then back to you.
“I was not in any condition to walk back to the Tang,” You admitted. “Luffy offered to let me spend the night.”
Law hummed. “You could’ve called me.”
“You left so soon I figured you’d turned in for the night. Didn’t wanna bother you with something so stupid.”
“Your safety and comfort aren’t stupid.”
Slowly, whispering a farewell you barely registered, Usopp slipped away, running back to the ship to report what he’d just heard to the crew.
“I’m sorry. I’ll let you know when I’m staying out next time, Captain.”
Law shook his head. “There won’t be a next time. You call me, that’s it.”
Heat fluttered to your face. You managed to slip out a soft “okay” before he gestured for the two of you to get going. You looked around, wondering where Usopp had run off to.
“Did you see which way Usopp went? He was right next to me a moment ago.”
Law huffed, you hardly noticed, too busy concentrating on keeping the gift you’d purchased for him out of his view.
“What does it matter?”
“I just hope he isn’t getting himself into any trouble. He’s very… eccentric.”
Law wished you’d drop the topic. This morning was already going painfully long, his schedule thrown off course causing frustration to rise within him. He couldn’t fathom why you cared about that damn sniper so much.
“Have you eaten?” Law asked.
You shook your head. “I don’t think I could stomach anything. Still full from last night.”
“Can’t have you skipping meals.” Was all you heard Law say before he dipped into a nearby pastry shop. As quickly as he entered he emerged, holding up a sweet bread for you to take. You thanked him warmly, fumbling with shifting the bag of goodies you’d purchased for him in order to grab it.
Law’s eyebrow quirked up, taking notice of the paper bag you held tightly against your side. He caught the briefest glimpse of its contents.
“Do a little shopping?” He inquired.
Against your better judgement you decided this moment was as good as any other. A warm morning, a nice treat and the two of you alone on a nice stroll back to the Tang.
You swore you heard Nami scream but decided you were simply hearing things, shrugging it off.
“Got you a little something since I was out.” You sheepishly explained, handing the bag off to him.
Again. That damn scream.
Law surveyed its contents, first looking over the meticulously crafted bookmarks, condemning their every detail to memory before he smiled the smallest gesture.
“These are lovely.” He spoke softly. You watched the way his hands cascaded along the long-since dried ink, the art protected by an encapsulating layer of some kind. “I’ve been needing bookmarks.”
“I know,” You responded, taking another bite of your pastry. “I don’t know how much longer you can go on swiping pens and medical supplies to hold your place.
“I can remember the pages just fine, too.” He spoke. He knew how much you hated being reminded of it, relishing in the way a shiver ran down your spine.
“It’s psychotic.” You whispered, staring off into the distance.
“It’s practical.”
“There’s something else in there too.”
Law slipped the book out from within the bag, the nice attendant at the shop wrapping it neatly in a layer of tissue paper. Law ripped it apart, gawking at the newest installation.
“I had no idea this was even out yet!” He marveled at the cover. You watched the way he eagerly flipped through the pages, fingers dancing across the cover and lingering on the art.
You giggled, watching the way his excitement festered without him meaning to express it. He was always so cold, so concise. You longed for the moments between you where a slip of a smile or a hint of laughter disrupted his usual attitude.
Your walk continued in silence for a short while, taking in the sights and sounds of a foreign land. It was a crude imitation of the time typically spent between you every morning. You welcomed the change, it’s always nice to disrupt your routine every now and again. And despite Law’s previous reservations, this was a nice surprise, he had to admit.
“Will we be heading off soon?” You asked.
Law confirmed your suspicions with a silent nod, still hung up on the book you’d purchased for him. He was currently reading the first page, not a breath passing his lips as he became entirely engrossed.
The crowd began to grow, the early morning having steadily shifted into afternoon. People pressed against you, skin-to-skin, sometimes knocking you away from where you previously walked comfortably at Law’s side.
A hand pulled you closer, Law’s fingers delicately resting against your waist as he kept you at his side. You stiffened, the sudden contact something Law has never been fond of initiating. Small touches were often shared between you—the passing of a map, steady hands bandaging an injury—but nothing so direct as this.
You welcomed it, a small smile resting on your lips. Law’s face, hidden behind the book, held the same expression.
And again, in the distance, a scream that sounded suspiciously like the Straw Hat’s navigator.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Back on the Polar Tang you fell back into the rhythm of things. There was much work to be done before departing, and as much as you wanted to bid farewell to your friends, you knew there was much to be done between your crews.
You zipped your boiler suit back up onto your body, noticing a freshness it hadn’t held previously. It held the scent of linen, freshly washed.
Odd.
Nevertheless you went straight to work, helping Bepo chart a course in nav then assisting Shachi and Penguin with a few chores that had to be done prior to departure.
“Sooooo…” Shachi trailed off, leaning on the mop between his hands. “Have fun spending the night with your little partner?”
You titled your head. “What?”
“You and the sniper!” Penguin clarified. “You two were dancing all night! Is there something we should know?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
“Gosh, no!” You laughed, spraying some disinfectant onto the counter’s surface and wiping it away. “Usopp is like the weird brother you go to for advice.”
“Great news,” Shachi sighed in relief. “I was beginning to think Captain’s mood would be all over the place.”
Again, confusion crossed your features. “Why would Law be upset?”
“I mean, isn’t it obvious…?” Penguin spoke, staring into your soul.
You slowly shook your head, stilling your movements. “Am I missing something?”
Shachi and Penguin shared a look. “They’re hopeless.” The two spoke in a strange tandem.
Shachi was the one to bite. He took a deep breath, propping his mop up against the wall. “Listen, anyone can see you two are smitten. Just get it over with already and tell each other how you feel!”
“Oh, not this again…” You groaned, pinching the bridge of your nose. “Guys, I already heard this from Luffy’s crew all night! Don’t make me hear it from you too.”
“Oh… and that didn’t… raise a few signals…?” Penguin interjected.
You shot the man a glare.
“There’s nothing going on between Law and I. We’re crew mates, that’s it… that’s all we’ll ever be.”
“Could you be anymore oblivious of each other?” Shachi was practically gnawing at nothing, fighting back words he promised Bepo he’d keep to himself.
“You guys are delusional.” You laughed.
That was the straw the break Shachi’s back.
“He buys you presents, like all the time!” He groaned, fed up. If it was up to him he’d lock you in a broom closet and force you to kiss.
“Expensive ones.” Penguin chirped.
“Expensive ones!” Shachi reaffirmed.
“I ask him not to. I’m capable of buying them for myself.” You spoke confidently, as if those words helped the situation in the slightest.
Shachi raked his fingers down his face, unable to take another moment of this.
“He knows how you take your coffee, can somehow sense when you’d prefer tea, waits for you every. single. morning. like a lovesick fool and was soooo pissed this morning when you weren’t there!”
This was news to you. You opened your mouth to say something, but Shachi continued to cut you off.
“And you! You’re no better! With your cute little snacks while he’s working, checking up on him, listening to him ramble about his medical findings!”
“I think they’re interesting.” You weakly defended.
“Of course you do!” He yelled, taking hold of your shoulders and shaking you like a doll. “He could shit in his hands and clap and you’d find it interesting!”
Penguin stilled Shachi, urging him to calm down before Bepo came in and heard a conversation he made the two of them promise was forbidden.
Or worse. The captain himself.
As if on cue, Bepo entered to let you guys know you’d be leaving momentarily. He stilled, viewing the way Shachi held you in place while Penguin urged him to be silent.
“Please don’t tell me…” He gasped. You were sure he went pale underneath that already stark white fur of his.
“He choked.” Penguin blamed, pointing a finger at Shachi.
“Me!? You’re just as guilty.”
The pair began bickering between themselves, Bepo silently swooping in and delivering you from your misery. “Let’s get you to your room, yeah?” You nodded without a word, hanging onto Shachi’s frustrations like a prayer.
He wasn’t right, was he?
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Shachi’s words left you avoiding Law, throwing off a rhythm once carefully cultivated. You wondered if you were coming on too strong, doing too much when Law would simply prefer if you’d give him a moment away from it all.
He was a silent, reclusive man, after all.
It started the next morning. You’d walked into the kitchen yearning for a warm cup of tea.
Law, as always, was seated in his usual spot. In front of him he had his own steaming cup of coffee, while to his right there was a warm mug of tea.
“I added lemon today,” He spoke softly, voice still lingering with the effects of the morning. “I hope you don’t mind.”
You shook your head, thanking him softly. Rather than taking a seat you picked your mug up off the table and leaned against the sink, sipping away as you stared into nothingness. Law noticed this, furrowing his brows but not looking up from the book you’d purchased him the day previous.
You finished your beverage, dipping out of the kitchen without so much as a farewell, leaving Law there to ponder what had just happened.
Law’s day had been painfully devoid of you after that. While he was working he could typically count on you to make a few appearances, checking up on him and offering him a glass of water, or splitting a snack you’d made for yourself (though you had every intention of sharing it with him).
The man was growing frustrated. One day turned into two, then three. Before he knew it an entire week of this behavior had passed. It soured his mood, dampening what patience he typically held, and it surely showed.
“Cap, need you to look over these charts.” Shachi asked politely.
Law huffed. “I’m sure they’re fine.”
“Bepo asked me to check with you to be sure.”
The man groaned, looking over the charts quickly, absorbing the information but hardly caring about the contents for once in his life.
“See? They’re fine. Now leave me alone.”
“R-Right.” Shachi affirmed, offering a messy salute due to his arms being full of charts.
He ran like hell out of there and back to Nav. Bepo and Penguin were discussing the next island on course when Shachi burst in, a frantic expression on his face.
“He’s pissed.” He squeaked.
“What did you do now?” Penguin asked, clearly irritated.
“Why does it have to be me?”
“It’s always you!”
“Nuh uh!”
Bepo snapped the two out of it. “No, he’s right, it’s definitely your fault.”
“What the hell!”
“No, seriously. Think about it. Have you seen the two of them together ever since your little talk?” Bepo asked.
Penguin and Shachi exchanged a frantic look.
“We messed up.”
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
You hated the silence.
Well, usually you wouldn’t mind it, often sharing it with Law. But today, devoid of his presence, you couldn’t stand it for a moment.
You found yourself pondering thoughts of him, what he was doing right now, though that was painfully obvious—always working, never taking a moment to relax if he could help it.
Bepo knocked on the frame of your open room, lingering in the threshold.
“Cap is doing surprise checkups right now. You’re up.”
You thanked Bepo for letting you know, a sigh escaping your lips as you hopped off your bed and started down the hall. There was no point in delaying the inevitable. If there was one thing Law took seriously, it was the collective health of the Heart Pirates.
“You’re here.” Law greeted, setting his tools neatly onto the table at the examination beds side. He gestured for you to have a seat. You took it without a word.
The air was tense. That much was for certain.
The examination continued as usual. Questions pertaining to your diet and daily activity, whether there had been any particular changes or observations of note for him to be aware of.
“Everything is the same as always.” You spoke honestly. “No changes that I can think of.”
“I can think of a few…” Law huffed under his breath.
Your eyes flickered to his in an instant. “What?”
Law cursed under his breath. “Nothing… forget I said anything.”
“No,” You urged. “You have something on your mind. What is it?”
Law attempted to avoid the topic as best he could, taking his final notes of your examination without a word. But you pressed forward, pushing until he reached a breaking point.
Finally, after much pestering, Law relented.
“You’re avoiding me.” He spoke.
Your eyes widened, breath caught in your throat. You knew it’d likely been obvious, but you never thought it would’ve bothered him enough to bring it up. You couldn’t bear looking into his eyes, seeing the emotions pooling within them. Was this the result of unspoken emotion?
Or was it merely an observation?
“I wouldn’t say avoiding… more like… staying clear.”
“That’s the same thing just worded differently.”
You agreed, staring into your lap, hands cupped delicately.
“Can you tell me why?”
You shook your head, embarrassed you’d brought it to this point.
“Room.”
Law’s sudden use of his devil fruit caught your attention immediately. You looked up, watching as the chart in his hand was quickly replaced with a small bag. You tilted your head, confused as he held it out to you.
“I’ve been meaning to give you this. Just haven’t found the right time.” Law admitted.
“What is it?” You asked, a bit embarrassed by the sudden presentation.
“Open it.”
So you did. Slowly, as if opening it any faster would shatter what was inside. Within the bag was a box. You were careful with the lid, gasping when its content was on display for you to witness.
“It’s so cute!” You gasped, picking up the transponder snail in two hands, beaming at the creature’s cheery expression.
“I’ve already saved my number onto it, so you don’t have to worry about doing that yourself.” Law spoke, watching the way you cooed at the little creature.
“You didn’t have to get this for me, Law. I’ve been fine using the one we all share on the Tang.”
Law nodded. “I know. I wanted you to have a way to contact me—us!—whenever you need it. That way you won’t be stranded all night like you were the other day.”
You set the snail down gently at your side.
“I’m sorry I’ve been so distant lately. I didn’t mean for it to influence you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re alright.”
You smiled. Glad the air had settled between you. The last thing you wanted was for the calm that surrounded the pair of you to be disrupted.
“But, if you don’t mind me asking, what brought this up?”
Honestly, if you ever intended to move past this, you’d have to speak about it. Only through silence were you condemning yourselves to failure.
“Shachi said something totally crazy! I mean, you’re gonna laugh when you hear it, I’m sure.”
Law remained silent. Your sign to continue.
“He went on and on about how you have feelings for me. Saying how obvious it was that we’re smitten.”
You rambled about the conversation that’d occurred, the way you thought it would be best to keep your distance so Law didn’t get the wrong idea. You even told him about what the Straw Hats and Usopp had said only a short time before that.
Law broke his silence in the midst of your ramble. “Do you?”
“W-What?”
He got closer, the distance between you steadily faltering into nothingness. “Do you have feelings… for me…?”
You didn’t know how to answer. What would be the correct response? Should you jeopardize your dynamic and potentially ruin everything? Or lie and condemn your feelings to ruin?
“I heard everything that day. I listened to every word Shachi’s big mouth blubbered and heard everything you said in response.” He admitted.
Law took your hands in his, looking into your eyes.
“Tell me you don’t have feelings for me,” Law almost begged. “It would make this so much easier.”
“Easier?” You whispered.
“If I know this feeling is mine alone I’ll force myself to forget, make it so that I never let my emotions hinder me again. But…” You watched the way he paused, considering his words carefully. His grip on you tightened ever so slightly. “I can’t stand another moment like this. My chest hurts so much and there’s practically no logic about it, apart from it being a side effect of affection.”
“Do you like me?” You asked carefully.
“I asked you first.” He dryly attempted to make you laugh, his nerves betraying him.
Words are a difficult thing. It’s the very reason so little are shared between you. You were comfortable with your long stretches of silence, favors passed between you without having to ask. Morning coffee and snacks, daily check-ins and little gifts that should mean nothing. But to you, to both of you, they’re everything. It wasn’t a matter of whether or not affection was present, it was whether you were willing to admit it, willing to surpass that threshold and conquer what had been holding you back.
Because no matter what you told yourselves, every action since you can remember has been an act of undying affection.
So, wordlessly, Law pressed his lips against your cheek, pulling away just as quickly as he’d been there. He still lingered, your body tingling where his lips had met your skin.
“Was that… um… was it okay?” He was suddenly so timid, worried he’d read your reaction wrong and you would momentarily condemn him for being so dense.
But you looked down where your hands remained conjoined, tracing the shape of his tattoos with your thumb. Then you leaned forward, pressing your own kiss against his lips.
It was shy, almost awkward. Law didn’t kiss back, not right away. By the time he’d gathered the courage you were already pulling away.
And so the two of you remained there, once more enveloped in that comforting silence you enjoyed so much, the silence that told you he was there, the silence that told you he always would be.
puta-puta-puta puta-puta-puta
You turned to your side to find your snail ringing.
“Should it be doing that?” You asked, confused.
Law shook his head, hesitant to allow you to take the call. His gaze was criminal as he watched you pick up the receiver, holding it up to your ear.
Nami called out your name from the other line.
“How did you get my number?” You asked, your confusion only growing. The only one with access to your line should be Law and Law alone.
“Don’t worry about that right now!” She deflected. “I sensed cash in the wind and I knew I had to call you!”
“Nami, what the hell are you talking about?” You laughed out, a bit nervous.
“Did you and Law just confess your very obvious feelings?”
“W-What!?” You choked.
Law gently coaxed the snail from your hands, pressing the receiver against his ear.
“That’s right, Navigator. What’s it matter to you?”
God Spelled Backwards is D-O-C-T-O-R (Trafalgar Law x Reader, Chapter VIII)
Synopsis: Dr. Trafalgar Law is the brilliant, cold, new electrophysiologist fresh out of residency with something to prove. He wasted no time in singling you out as you battle his unyielding demands and an overbooked schedule with non-existent back up. Your dynamic goes beyond professional tension, and in a hospital where boundaries are protocol, and protocol is gold, it’s an all out fight for power and control.
Word Count: 8k
Tags/Warnings: Minors DNI, CardiacElectrophysiologist!Law, EchoTech!Reader, AFABFEM!Reader, Modern Hospital AU, Language, Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn, Dom!TrafalgarLaw, Dubcon, P in V Sex, Dirty Talk, Workplace Sex, Sir Kink, Heavy Degradation (Slut, Whore, Pet), Petnames (Good Girl, Baby, Sweetheart), Unprotected Sex, Inappropriate Use of Hospital Equipment, Foreign Object Vaginal Penetration, Breath Play (?)
Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI Chapter VII Chapter VIII
Note Edit: The start of the sexual encounter is marked by 𓊹𓊹𓊹 and the end is marked by 𓊹 for those who would rather skip it. The end marking (𓊹) is 5 paragraphs from the bottom.
You proceeded to have the best sleep of your life that very night. And for once, you slept in, waking a whole hour past your usual work start time to the warmth of a calm Saturday morning. You rolled over in bed, reaching for your phone to check your notifications like the phone addict you are.
And among the usual pop-ups about the latest news, the day's weather, and some miscellaneous social media items, your heart stopped at the text you received an hour ago.
“I instructed the delivery person to leave it at your door,” were the only words the message from “Doc Trafalgar NBUMC” said.
You immediately shot up in bed, throwing your blankets off you. The residual fatigue from sleep hit you as you did, causing you to take a moment to shake off your sleepiness before bolting out of the bedroom. Because what the fuck did Law send to your place?
You threw open your front door, blinking a few times as you found a plastic bag on your doorstep. You glanced around outside before snatching the handles and bringing the package inside.
The packaging wasn’t exactly discreet. You dumped the contents of the bag onto your kitchen counter, and two small boxes tumbled out. Law had sent a morning-after pill and a vaginal boric acid suppository, respectively.
You immediately whipped out your phone.
“Stalking me now?” You typed furiously before placing your phone on the counter. You planted your hands on the cold surface, reading the boxes in front of you.
If you gave Law one thing, it was that he didn’t cheap out on you. This can send you name-brand, physician-approved, and certified products. It had to have cost him a pretty penny. You reluctantly tore through the tape seal on the morning after pill.
God, he sent you a morning-after pill.
Trafalgar Law sent you a morning-after pill.
As if the soreness between your legs wasn’t enough to remind you what you did.
Law’s response came swiftly. It lit up your screen, and you jumped for it faster than you were willing to acknowledge.
“Just being responsible,” it wrote plainly. You rolled your eyes, making a face at the screen.
“Seems a little late for that,” you fired back, placing your phone back down, but face-up and on this time. You popped the pill out of the bundle of packaging, throwing everything else in the trash, before you prepared a glass of water. But Law didn’t write back even after you took the pill. You messaged again, “What’s the other one?”
“Vaginal suppository,” Law answered quickly, as if that was helpful in the slightest. That’s what it said on the box. “For your pH. Probably want to insert at night.”
You frowned because, for whatever reason, you really didn’t want Trafalgar Law talking about your pH. Call yourself crazy for such a thing…
You didn’t respond, and instead went about your Saturday.
***
The weekend came and went as it usually did for better or for worse. On the one hand, you got better sleep than you had been getting. On the other hand, your brunch date with Sanji went on just about as well as you expected.
He had met you at your place, pulling up in a pristine, yellow sports car. He sported a basic, but clearly expensive, collared shirt and designer sunglasses, and you had an excuse for that light, flowy outfit in your closet that had been sitting collecting dust for the better part of two years. The food was good, but the conversation around it was a lot more dull.
At the very least, Sanji appeared to have had a great time, not noticing how your responses came a beat too late. Or rather, if he noticed, he didn’t seem to mind.
You, meanwhile, continued to shift in your seat, still fighting that dull ache that Law had lovingly left behind Friday night. The very memory of it seemed like a dream, like it hadn’t been real. Because by all means, the fact that you’d let Trafalgar Law of all people fuck you on your desk at work, of all places, continued to register in your mind as insane.
Well, it was. And you were equal parts anticipating and avoiding the workday on Monday because of it. Knowing Law, it was likely that nothing would change. But at the same time, you weren’t sure you could display the same nonchalant attitude about things. How were you supposed to look at him the same way ever again? And worse, Law wasn’t the type to brag about a conquest, was he?
The two of you had been rivals ever since he started months ago, and you weren’t sure if you could put it past him to not take pleasure in finally coming out on top. He had the potential to say all sorts of things about the mouthy technician from imaging who finally submitted that attitude to the new, young doctor. And you supposed you would only be able to put your quiet worries to rest once you got a feel for things on Monday.
With any luck, Law would be as cold as usual, and things would eventually settle back into the way they were.
When you first walked into the building on Monday morning, you noted first that Law was not loitering outside of imaging. You took a breath in, deciding that it was a good thing, before tapping into your office.
The automatic lights illuminated the room in a familiar clinical glow. Everything was exactly how you’d left it on Friday night. Your chair was somewhere across the room. The little trinkets and items that you kept on your desk were in a different spot than they had been after Law had scooped them up off the floor. The pens in your stationery cup were pointing in all sorts of directions, with some of them right-side up and others upside down.
And knowing the office as well as you did, you only saw evidence that something messy had occurred. You placed your things down and clocked in before donning gloves and arming yourself with sanitizing wipes.
You and Law cleaned up a fair bit before you left the building in tense silence, but the very memory and the heart-racing shame of it had you scrubbing the surface of your desk twice over.
You caught your reflection in the dark monitor just as your clock-in screen timed out.
What could have possibly possessed you to do that?
You pursed your lips, moving elsewhere in the office to begin your day.
***
At the very least, the schedule was back to normal. Nami was back in at the Kokoyashi office, so Law wasted no time in monopolizing your time again. You began your morning in the cath lab as if nothing in the world had changed since last week.
Law’s team hustled to get things prepared. You took your place at your monitor as usual, and when Law entered the room, he took up even more space than he typically did.
He was a magnet, always existing in your peripheral vision, his very presence bidding you to look his way. You kept him there in the corner of your eye, trying to avoid his gaze as you forced your hands to be steady.
It was the first time you’d seen him since last week, and no matter how hard you tried to go about things as usual, the weight of what you’d done together brought the room to a sobering gravity. You felt like you could hear everything, the bustle of papers, footsteps on tile. You could feel the way your gloves coated your hands, and the warmth of our own breath through your mask.
You could still feel his breath, too, from when he had whispered in your ear. The electricity where his fingers dug into your hips continued to spark every time you heard his voice. And most abhorrently, you could still feel the way he dripped out of you that night.
And now, the space between you was charged with a secret. You stood side by side, going through the motions of taking care of the patient under you. Law was a doctor you worked with, and now, things weren’t the same.
Law was different too, though not in a way that could be quite put into words. His scrutinizing gaze didn’t feel as heavy as it sleeted over you. He wasn’t softer—not him—nor any less icy than usual, but the cold that always surrounded him, like a snow globe, now felt less like a barrier. Somehow, you belonged inside it.
You forced professionalism, keeping your words curt and ignoring the way his hand nearly brushed against yours or that the shoulder of his scrubs grazed your elbow. He was too close. Far enough away for deniability, but too near to be unnoticeable.
You stood at your monitor, and Law worked right beside you. Shoulder to shoulder, attention wrapped up in your respective tasks.
That’s when you knew that things would never return to the way they’d been. You’d been toeing a line ever since you met, and on Friday, you finally crossed it. You weren’t colleagues anymore. You weren’t work enemies.
You didn’t know what you were.
And when the case wrapped, you lingered at your monitor a bit longer than necessary. The rest of the team was already beginning to trickle out of the room, talking about miscellaneous things and patting themselves on the back for a block well done.
But you stayed glued to your console, having felt a pair of eyes on you since the procedure started. The hum of the machinery around you had faded into little more than white noise.
Law’s presence already filled up a room as it was. His dark glare could freeze over any atmosphere, but now, he made the air between you feel as thick as jelly.
The door clicked shut.
You waited.
“You haven’t so much as looked at me all morning,” he remarked, his voice steady and calm. Law stood near the counter on the opposite side of the room.
“I’ve been busy,” you retorted, clicking through a few things on the monitor. You were double-checking things that didn’t need to be rechecked and scribing notes that didn’t need to be written.
He leaned the back of his hip against the counter.
“Busy,” he repeated, the slightest amused twinge forming at the corners of his lips. He let out a light chuckle to himself, crossing his arms over his chest as he glanced somewhere random in the room. “You’ve been busy…” he mused.
“Do you think this is funny?” You snapped toward him, realizing too late that you’d been trapped.
Because the moment you locked eyes with him, your breath hitched. Those damn golden eyes of his had pinned you down, piercing you right through the heart. A sudden pang reverberated in your chest as you found yourself stunned under his even gaze.
“Do you regret it?” he asked, his tone too even.
How could he be so calm about this? How could he just say things so bluntly after everything that happened?
The sheer need to avoid the question overwhelmed your frozen state. You tore your eyes away like you’d been shocked out of a trance.
Your stomach twisted.
This was so sick. You disliked Trafalgar Law just as much as every other entitled, arrogant doctor here. He was cocky, demanding, and thought he was god just as much as you’d expect from a newbie doctor. But you hadn’t been able to forget the memory of his skin on yours and the way his mouth tasted.
“I hate to break it to you,” he said, that tiny little smile still on his lips. He looked at you like you were a frog ready for dissection. “But no answer is an answer.”
“You’re an ass,” you spat.
“I think my original assessment was spot on,” Law mused, seeming to ignore you. “I think you crave being handled because it’s someone else taking responsibility and pressure out of your hands. And you know that I can handle you both mentally and physically.” His smirk only seemed to widen at the theory before he returned his gaze to you. “That’s why you’re so worked up over this.”
“I can’t even look at you,” you muttered, wrapping up your busywork to turn to leave.
Law stepped off from the counter, stepping toward the center of the room. He didn’t approach you or chase after you, staring in your direction instead.
“You don’t have to look at me,” he called from behind you, his voice just a tad louder than his normal speaking level. You made your second fatal mistake as you stopped, turning with a huff to glance back at him. Law appeared as self-assured as ever, hands shoved in his pockets as he regarded you casually. “Because thing is, I told you you didn’t have to—and yet, here you are, still looking.”
You turned on your heel, swiftly exiting the lab.
***
Unfortunately, now that you were back to your regularly scheduled programming, your day consisted heavily of Law’s patients. It was like a factory. Patients came and went from the rooms. You held your probe all the same. Gel, scan, adjust, rinse, repeat. You’d done this process a thousand times, your muscle memory carrying you through the day as you manage the patient flow.
If one thing returned to normal, it was Law standing behind you. He’d abandoned his station near the door, choosing to return to hovering over your shoulder. You couldn’t say which you disliked more: Law breathing down your neck or Law posted up menacingly by the door.
Although Law continued to make no commentary on your work, something you also weren’t sure you preferred over the ladder. Because at least before, your banter had filled the thick silence between you.
“The septal view is fine,” you retorted without a prompt. Your eyes were glued to your monitor. You could see it, those little fringe details you knew Law would be picky about, and you weren’t going to let him call it first.
Law paused for a moment.
“I didn’t say it wasn’t,” he said.
“Good,” you spat back, continuing your scan.
The patient, Mr. Rayleigh, chuckled faintly at the exchange. You stopped your scan at the first sign of movement artifact and then resumed it after the motion.
“It’s fine,” you muttered.
“I didn’t say it wasn’t,” Law repeated.
“So,” Rayleigh entered the conversation swiftly, not wasting a second. And perhaps both you and Law made the fatal mistake of tuning out a patient about to engage in small talk. “How long have you two been married?”
The question nearly made you fumble your probe.
“We are not married,” your response came quickly, accompanied by a shaken, disbelieving laugh. You couldn’t see Law’s face from where he stood behind you. “If I were married to him, I’d ask for a divorce.”
Law scoffed behind you.
“As long as I get custody of the lab in the separation,” he gruffed.
And you timed things perfectly, ending your scan just the second before Rayleigh laughed again. It hadn’t even been a conscious thought—just instinct.
“Sure coulda fooled me,” Rayleigh hummed. “You must work together a lot then.”
The very observation made your chest tighten, as if you were under the scrutiny of a magnifying glass. You forced a polite smile, trying to ignore the way your heart squeezed in your chest.
“Every day,” you sighed a little too quickly with just a little too much bite to pass off as a light-hearted joke.
“She knows how I want it done,” Law replied, his voice clipped and curt.
You glanced at him over your shoulder. He was already staring. Your gazes lingered on each other’s for a moment before you tore your attention back to the monitor.
***
When you exited, Chopper was passing by. He perked up, his laptop in the crook of his arm. After taking a few days of imaging patients, Chopper had more questions than ever. And on any other day, you’d be more than enthused about answering them.
“Oh wow!” he chirped with a sweet smile, “You guys are on a roll today!”
Law ignored him, rounding the corner out of the exam room and down the hall. You offered Chopper a polite smile.
“Gotta get through Monday somehow,” you breathed, ever used to substituting a cliche into a workplace conversation when you weren’t in the mood to talk. People ate it up every time.
“You’re tellin’ me!” he laughed, following you as you walked toward the pod. You had another patient coming in at any moment. It wasn’t worth trekking all the way back to imaging. “I hope I can be as good as you one day.”
He was such an angel.
Your smile turned genuine as you glanced his way.
“You know, when you’re running your own clinic, you won’t have to do the images,” you said, “You’ll probably have an echo tech of your own.”
Chopper turned to you, stopping just outside the pod. He had little dimples that creased his cheeks. Poor baby-faced thing, he was going to look young forever.
“Well, I hope I have a tech who works as well with me as you do with Dr. T!” he beamed. “You’re so in sync it’s kinda unbelievable.”
Law was sitting just inside the pod to Chopper’s left, facing away from you toward a computer. You noticed as the clicking of his mouse stilled for just a few seconds. You were sure no one else would have noticed, but you did.
And you wondered how people could see something between the two of you. The very thought made your skin crawl. Because they didn’t know, they couldn’t. There was no way anyone knew about what had happened in that exam room after the last scheduled patient on that day. No one could’ve possibly known about what happened after everyone had gone home just a few days ago.
And yet, every compliment toward you and Law felt like a direct jab. Like an accusation levied against her as to why you worked so well together. Before, it was a simple answer. You were the best. But now, things were blurred because it was precisely like Law said.
You handed control over.
And he took it.
And somehow, it felt as though he’d left a mark on you.
***
And Law didn’t appear to be bothered in the slightest.
If anything, he appeared to be the slightest bit energized… although it was apparent that this wasn’t because of you. No, you knew that much when you had rounded a corner and heard a laugh you didn’t recognize. You hadn’t thought much of it at first. It was a patient, you assumed, until you had glanced up. You did a double-take when you saw Law on the phone.
He was leaning up against the wall, laptop folded under his arm. His chin was slightly downturned as he smiled— like actually smiled, and not his usual grin that looked like he was about to rearrange your organs and not in a fun way. And when he laughed again, it wasn’t a cocky chortle or an arrogant hum. It was a real laugh.
Law sounded like a real man… who laughed and smiled normally at things. And it all made you wonder just who the hell was on the other side of that phone.
Law noticed you, his eyes drifting over, then away, before darting back in recognition.
“Hey, I’ve gotta go. But I’ll see you Wednesday,” he said, only pausing to listen for a beat before saying goodbye again and hanging up. He turned to you, the afterglow of the conversation causing the ghost of a smile to grace his lips. “Got something for me?” he asked with a certain nonchalant tone you weren’t used to from him.
You couldn’t help but freeze, glancing him up and down as your lips parted.
“Who was that?” you questioned, the words coming out as more of an accusation than you intended.
Law’s face didn’t fall, but it turned back to his neutral expression.
“Not something you need to be concerned about,” he said. “Did you need to talk about something?” he repeated, glancing from you to your equipment cart.
That was quite the loaded question.
You heaved a heavy breath.
“No, I don’t,” you gritted, before moving to your next patient.
***
Marco wasn’t someone you worked with often. He had been assigned to Hogback, who mainly worked out of Water 7 as his preferred location. He was there a few days a week, and Franky had been gracious enough to staff that location after Hogback had a few instances of inappropriate conduct with female staff members. Nothing ever came of the investigations, but it didn’t take a genius or a detective to clock Hogback as a creep immediately.
Just like how Hancock preferred a primarily female staff, Hogback usually ended up with a predominantly male staff. But ever since there had been a shift in fellow assignments, Marco had been surprisingly well accepted into Hancock’s fold while Niji and Yonji had been allocated to Hogback. You had wondered what the change was about, but after working with Marco yourself, you understood.
Marco was far more interested and dedicated to cardiology than Niji and Yonji appeared to be. The Vinsmoke brothers were only doing an extended rotation through cardiology while their interests lay somewhere else entirely. Marco, on the other hand, proved himself to be a rather respectful and dedicated student.
He wasn’t your average fellow. While he had his fair share of basic questions and needed guidance, as to be expected for his education level, he held himself similarly to a doctor with experience under his belt.
“You have that ‘I’ve done this a hundred times’ vibe,” you commended as you were coming out of an exam room together. “Should I trust it?” you joked, flashing him a playful look.
Marco laughed with a sheepish shrug.
“Let’s call it confidence by association,” he said with a dip of his lip. “I’m figuring it out as I go.”
“Hey, I hate to say it, but faking it until you make it goes a long way around here,” you offered, stopping at the pod. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing great. You’re putting in the work, and it really shows. I know it can be a lot.”
Marco dipped his head, a slight smile on his lips. He didn’t seem to be the type to know how to take a compliment.
“Tell me about it,” he breathed. “I think we all could take a load off.”
“You got that right,” you laughed, starting to trot off to your next stop.
Marco shifted awkwardly behind you.
“Hey, um,” he started, calling after you. You turned, brows slightly raised in attention. Marco stood a short way away, shifting as he tried to find words. “If you ever wanted to take a load off, some of the other fellows started these gatherings on the weekends. Someone’s got this cool rooftop spot and everyone on staff is usually invited,” he offered.
You flashed a polite smile.
“I’m not usually one for after-work things,” you admitted.
Marco didn’t seem to take it any sort of way, shrugging as his lip dipped.
“I thought I’d offer. Pretty sure they do it every weekend. So if you ever change your mind, I’m happy to give you the info.”
You continued your way down the hall, flashing him another polite nod.
“Will do! Thank you, Marco!” You waved before disappearing around the corner.
***
You weren’t awfully surprised when the day went as quickly as it did. You had forced yourself into the zone. With all the pent-up energy you had swirling inside you, you needed to feel productive in one way or another.
You ended your day with some outpatient cases. You got to stick to your own wing, utilizing your familiar workrooms and taking easy case after case until the day ended.
You lingered in your last room, leaning against the echo table. Everything had been sanitized and just about wrapped up, but you were putting off sending all the images through as you looked at your phone.
Sanji had texted you earlier in the morning, thanking you for the weekend. You hadn’t wanted to respond, but after all your thinking, you decided to challenge yourself. You looked at the phone screen like it was a clinical task, thumbs hovering over the keyboard.
Sanji was sweet and normal. You were going to like him. Because Sanji was uncomplicated, he pulled your chair out for you. He actually smiled when he saw you, and when it came to communicating his interest, there was no question.
And a reply to, “I had a great time yesterday :)” should have been absent-minded.
“Me too!” you typed and deleted.
“Yeah! Those waffles were no joke! Let’s go back—” you deleted before you even finished.
“I had such a great time. Free Saturday?” Deleted.
You covered your pursed lips with your hand, staring down at the conversation chain.
A knock came from the open doorway. You nearly jumped at the sound, shoving your phone in your pocket as if you’d been caught doing something you shouldn’t have. Law leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed as if he’d been watching you for a minute now.
“Thinking about texting him?” Law motioning his head in the general direction of your phone.
You fiddled with the hem of your scrub top, glancing off to the side.
“Thinking about it,” you admitted.
“You’ve been giving me the cold shoulder all day, but here you are, frames still pulled up and thinking about texting Vinsmoke back,” Law mused, the sharp edge of judgement in his voice deneniable, yet cool.
“Why? Are you jealous?” You didn’t look up, fishing your phone back out of your pocket. You glanced back at Sanji’s message. “Bored of taking your secret phone calls during clinic?”
Law shrugged, ignoring your last jab.
“Jealous? No,” Law answered boredly. “Just had a feeling it wouldn’t last long.”
You frowned.
“What? You don’t think the last name Vinsmoke would suit me?” you jabbed. You didn’t like it when he was right. You hated it. His entire profession revolved around him being God’s gift to cardiology—he didn’t need to clock your relationship with Sanji. And you desperately wanted to prove him wrong.
Law rolled his head back for it to rest against the doorframe. His brows bobbed.
“I’m just saying I wouldn’t get too hung up on texting back. I’m sure he’s used to it,” Law said. He might as well have yawned. “Vinsmoke casts a big net.” Law busied himself picking a piece of fuzz off his coat.
“What are you talking about?” Your mouth ran dry.
Law glanced up at you with barely feigned mock surprise.
“Oh, you didn’t know?” he hummed, piercing your gaze with his, “Vinsmoke is a notorious flirt. He’ll chase anything with a skirt and a badge… or without a skirt and a badge.” Law picked at something on his cuticle. “Everyone knows that.”
“Heh, just like how everyone apparently knows that the fellows throw a rager every weekend on some rooftop,” you scoffed, despite your fingers freezing over the keyboard. You slowly turned the screen off, slipping your phone back into your pocket for the second time. “I don’t mind an outgoing guy. Beats an office hermit with no social skills.”
“He didn’t tell you about the date he went on with Charlotte Pudding this past Saturday?” Law scrutinized, still feigning indifference. “That wasn’t a conversation topic over your brunch?”
You rolled your eyes.
“I’m dating a fisherman. So what?” you retorted with narrowed eyes. “It’s not like we’re exclusive. I fucked you, didn’t I?”
You hadn’t intended for it to come out as poisonous as it did like a volley of sharp icicles, sharp, dangerous, cold. You continued to stare him down, waiting for a reaction.
But Law didn’t flinch once. He stood, leaned against the doorframe, arms still folded. He didn’t move. He didn’t speak. Law just held your gaze as you detected the faintest tightening of his jaw.
“Yeah… You fucked me…” Law said, and when he spoke, his voice was a low, slow whisper. “You think I care if you spread your legs for Vinsmoke?” Law glanced you over, dragging his eyes over you, his nose crinkling the slightest bit in disgust. “Go ahead. See how far he gets before you get bored.”
“Maybe I want a gentleman, not some heartless experiment in what happens when nobody raises you right,” you snapped, and the moment the words left your mouth, you knew they were the wrong ones. 𓊹𓊹𓊹
Law’s face didn’t change much, but the temperature in the room plummeted. Your words hung in the air with more weight than you intended. The silence was sharp.
And then, he laughed. The single noise drove a lethal warning through your chest. You instinctively stepped back, feeling the echo table preventing you from moving farther.
Law stepped inside the room, closing the door after him. His eyes were amused, his lips forming the ghost of an entertained smile. He didn’t appear angry, but his attention was razor-focused on you.
“Say that again,” he goaded. A sharp glint cut through his stare.
You swallowed hard, your heart racing into a panic as you watched Law reach for the nitrile gloves. He plucked a pair of large ones from the top box, slipping them unceremoniously over his hands like he was preparing for a procedure. He let them snap against his wrists.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it,” you sputtered.
Law was on you in an instant, crossing the exam room in just two wide strides as you fell back onto the exam table. He didn’t say a thing, stepping on the control pedal on the floor to raise the table and plucking your transducer from the holder on your equipment cart.
“You didn’t mean it,” he mused. Your pulse skipped as he took the probe’s cord in his hands, wrapping it around his fist like a whip. Your eyes widened, darting from the wire to Law’s face.
“Law… We can’t just—”
You tried jumping down from the table, but Law was too quick. He stepped in front of you before you even made it off, lodging his thigh between your legs. The head of your probe tilted your chin up, forcing your eyes to meet his.
“You wanted a gentleman,” he muttered, tilting his head slightly to the side. He dragged the head of the probe up, bringing your chin to an awkward angle. “What you’re getting is me.”
Law pinned you with that same amused look in his eyes, the slightest smirk on his lips as he turned his attention to the instrument in his hands.
Sterile. Familiar. Precious. Yours.
“Funny,” Law mused, almost talking to himself as he turned it over in his palm. He pulled back just slightly, still trapping you on the exam table as he inspected the label on the probe. “You told me you’ve been using this for years… Your years of experience, you said. You’ve probably used this on hundreds of patients at least. Taught those fellows with it—”
“You’re not going to—”
“Oh, you think this is negotiable?” Law pinched the probe where the end met the cord, letting it fall forward between your collarbones. He dragged the head down between your breasts, his eyes dipping as it went. “I let you mouth off and yell at me and get away with being impossible in my clinic. And then you fucked me and walked off like nothing happened, apparently.”
You tried to close your thighs, scooting back on the table to escape him, but Law gripped your knee and shoved your legs back apart.
“So let’s make it nothing,” he hissed, forcing the head of the probe up against your clit through your scrub pants. “You wanted to provoke me? You wanted to test me and see what I’d do? Congratulations. You succeeded.”
An unmistakable damp spot had already formed at the crotch of your pants. Law turned the probe in his hands, driving the head to your most sensitive spot.
“I had a little theory that arguing actually got you off,” he chuckled to himself, his eyes glued to the probe and the growing wetness evident on the fabric below. “You’re ruining your scrubs for me, and I’ve barely even touched you.” Law drove the probe just right, watching you cringe as you bit your lip. “I should stop now and make you walk around like this. But we both know you don’t want me to stop.”
You turned your head away.
This was sick. So sick. Being in an exam room like this. Using the equipment. You hated how it made your heart flutter.
Law gripped your cheeks in one hand, scrunching your face in his firm grip as he forced you to meet his gaze.
“Eyes on me, sweetheart. You’re the one who wanted attention so bad.”
Law allocated the probe to one hand, looping his thumbs in the waistband of your pants. He pulled your pants and ruined panties out from under you like a cloth from a table, letting the inside-out ensemble hang from your one ankle.
The probe head immediately went back to your clit. Your skin was already burning like you were an ant under a microscope. And slowly, Law lowered the probe head until it poked at your drenched entrance.
Fuck, you were soaked. You were more wet than you cared to admit. Law had you in one of your exam rooms, about to fuck you with your own equipment, and you were dribbling onto the table.
“No… You wouldn’t—” you whimpered. You could feel how wide your own eyes were. You stabilized yourself by gripping Law’s arm, your legs still spread. It wasn’t him you were mortified with. It was the situation that you found yourself in yet again, and more specifically, how much you liked it. “You’re crazy. You’re fucking insane,” you rambled, not even sure if you were talking to him at that point.
Law bullied the head of the probe into you, the pathetic whine he drew out of you, betraying your resolve. The tip of the probe wasn’t thin. It had a head that was swiftly swallowed by your heat.
“Maybe it would be,” Law muttered, his eyes locked onto where the rest of the probe poked out from you. He held onto the bottom of it, not moving in or out. He looked up to meet your mortified expression, the corner of his lips hooking upward as he leaned to speak directly into your ear. “If you weren’t grinding on it like a filthy fucking slut.”
He pressed it deeper, savoring the moan that tore out of your throat. You leaned your head against his, already beginning to grow delirious from the intense pressure between your thighs. Your cheek brushed up against Law’s, your temples touching as you were forced to lean back on your palms.
He smothered you with cold heat, overwhelming your senses with an intensity you weren’t sure you could handle. The probe barreled in and out of you, a hard plastic rubbing against every inch of your soft walls. You could feel the familiar shape of it inside you. The cord smacked against the side of the table and whipped around your ankle. And the pure, filthy reality of what was happening made you clench. Law let out a breathy laugh into your ear.
“You’re not denying it. You’re not telling me to stop. No, you’re not a tech anymore. You’re not even a colleague or a person, are you? You’re just a filthy, dripping cunt getting off on hospital equipment.”
You could feel his smirk against your face, but a blissful numbness was beginning to overtake your skin. Law hooked his arm under one of your knees, tilting your body to expose you more to his brutal onslaught against your sore pussy. You trembled, trying to shift your hips to keep the unceasing momentum off your most sensitive spot.
“Please— Law, sir— Please— I can’t—”
“No, no, no… You don’t get to run from it.” Law grabbed you by the hip, pinning you open as he fucked the probe in and out of you furiously. It made an obscene wet noise as it did, only overshadowed by your shaky gasps. You didn’t want to moan. You didn’t want to give in and reveal how fucking close you were. Law growled in your ear, “You’re gonna cum for me just like this. Humiliated. Exposed. Owned. I want you dripping down the cord of your own fucking equipment while you thank me for ruining you.”
He pulled away from you to watch your face. Law looked like he was on the knife’s edge of restraint, his expression calm and his posture calculated. But his goddamn eyes. You watched as his pupils dilated, growing slightly larger and smaller as he observed the desperation on your face draw tension around your cheeks.
“What do you think everyone would think, huh?” Law drove the probe in deeper, finally drawing a sharp cry from your lips. Your legs shook hard. “If they saw the North’s perfect little know-it-all fucked open on her own probe? Do you even hear how wet you are? And over the filthiest fucking thing I could do to you? God, you’re such a good little whore.”
“Please—” you whimpered.
Law continued to drag the probe over your sensitive areas. He wasn’t holding back. He wasn’t trying to be gentle in the slightest. He kept a punishing pace as pressure began to build up in your stomach.
“Please what?” he spat, narrowing his eyes at you.
You turned away, closing your eyes.
“Please let me cum…” You whined, your voice barely above a whisper.
And then the pace of the probe slowed. It dragged, keeping just enough pressure to keep you on the edge of climax. You could feel how drenched you had made yourself by the feeling of the air alone. The undersides of your knees were clammy with sweat. You could feel your scrub top sticking to your skin.
‘You’re going to have to do a lot better than that,” Law snarked.
“Please, sir—! Please let me cum!” you sobbed, the plea coming from your throat with no further prompting. Law continued to smile his cruel smirk as you began to shatter against him. “I’m sorry, sir— I won’t text him! I won’t bring him up ever again! Please— I’ll be good!”
Genuine tears were beginning to prickle in your eyes, not because you were in pain, but from the sheer humiliating and overwhelming input that overrode your nerves.
“Oh, you’ll be good?” Law purred, “You’re done being a little brat? You’re gonna be a good little echo slut? A good little lab pet?” he cooed mockingly.
“Please, please, please, please…” You whimpered under your breath, repeating the word like a prayer. Law was already staring at you when you looked up, like he hadn’t taken his eyes off you for a second. Not a hair was out of place on him. His coat was still as neat as ever. “I’ll be a good little echo slut, your lab pet— I swear, anything, please let me cum!”
He yanked your chin up, not letting you escape his scathing stare for a second. A dark storm whipped behind his eyes.
“You won’t be able to ever hold this probe again without thinking about me and what I did to you here,” he chuckled darkly, never looking away, “This is my little gift to you, baby. You’ll never be able to look at another doctor, teach another resident, or scan another patient again without thinking of this. Cum. Be a good lab pet and cream all over your own probe.”
And you did. God, you did.
You weren’t even thinking about anything anymore except for the heat between your legs. A broken scream spilled from your lips as you squeezed around the probe and jerked against Law’s firm grip. He pinned you, forcing you to ride it out against the cold, clinical tool. You gasped as the aftershocks made your sobs into ragged, gasping pleas.
And when you were just fucked out enough, and just wrecked enough for Law’s liking, he pulled the probe out suddenly, tossing it aside onto a tray before he slid his gloves off like he’d just finished a routine procedure. He left you spread out on the table, chest heaving, legs hanging over the edge above the floor. Your scrub top stuck to your skin, and Law looked like nothing had happened.
“Still breathing?” Law shrugged off his coat, hanging it on one of the hooks by the door. He had peeled his gloves off, disposing of them in the waste bin. His hand was on his belt. “Good. I’m not finished.”
You propped yourself up on your elbows. Your pulse still hadn’t come down. You were still so dazed.
“What—?”
“I allowed you to cum. That doesn’t mean we’re stopping.”
The clink of his belt filled the room with a sharp finality. His hands gripped your hips, bringing you back to the edge of the table. He flipped you around. You stood on your toes, bent over the table.
“Law— What if someone—?”
“You’re worried about whether someone sees? Hears?” You leaned forward, just barely able to stand due to the height of the table and how far Law had you bent over it. You let out a whimper as Law’s strong hands spread your ass, his hot tip pressing up against the folds of your cunt. Law let out another breathy laugh. “Then they’ll find you spread out like the newest equipment demo. What you should really be worried about is me.”
Law slid into you in an instant, bottoming out with a ferocity that drew a sharp gasp from your lips.
“Ah—! Law— Fuck! Ah!” you cried, arching your back, clawing at the table to keep you grounded as he drilled into you.
“Go ahead,” Law growled as he pounded into you. His fingers dug into your hips, angling you just the right way to bully into your drenched cunt. “Go ahead and act all high and mighty tomorrow. I dare you—brat off in my lab. Throw yourself at Vinsmoke for all I care. You’re mine. Dripping for me. Ruined by me.”
He rutted into you with a vengeance. You could barely hold yourself up. You could barely find your balance as each stroke of his thick cock left you delirious. He hit even deeper than he did at your desk, and with his hands keeping you in a vice grip, there was no escaping his relentless onslaught.
You heard the clink of metal from somewhere next to you. You turned your head to see the probe in Law’s hands. You immediately tried to push off the table with your hands, but one press to the center of your back had you smacking back down to the table as Law continued to fuck into you.
“Wait! What are you—?”
“Shut up.”
One hand gripped a clump of your hair as close to the roots as possible, forcing your head back as Law brought the ruined probe to your lips. It was still slick. Used.
“Open your fucking mouth,” he commanded with a hiss. “I want you choking.”
Law forced the probe over your tongue. The entire surface tasted of you, the bitter, musky flavor of your own cum filling your senses. Law shoved the probe to the back of your throat, leaving it there as his hand went back to your hip. His fingers still had a death grip on your hair as he forced you back onto his cock.
“Keep it in your mouth,” he growled. Your body jerked, overstimulated and overwhelmed as you sobbed around the plastic. You collapsed on the table, your limbs like jelly as his length completely dominated every inch of you. “God, look at you. Gagging on a probe while I fuck you like the little fucktoy you are. You’ve got no attitude when you’ve got dick in you, now don’t you, sweetheart? Maybe I’ll jump straight to this the next time you want to mouth off.”
The walls of your cunt were twitching around him, squeezing as heat coiled up inside you again.
“Oh, you like that. You like when I talk to you like the echo slut you are.” His hand left your hair, focusing on angling your hips to hit that angle just right. And when he did, you screamed around the probe, clawing at the table under you as he drilled you over and over. He was so deep. “He’d never fuck you like this, and you know it. You don’t want a gentleman. You don’t want the door held open for you. You don’t even want to have sex. You want to be fucked and used until that pretty little head turns off.”
“Law— Please, I’m yours!” you cried, voice muffled. You couldn’t think. You could barely get his name out. And then, a sob tore out from around the plastic, your hips jolting as you came harder than you’d ever had in your entire life. You were crying, gagging, shaking, clenching around his hot, thick length inside you.
Law felt it— the way you squeezed around him, shook under him— and something in him snapped. He ripped the probe from your lips, drawing out for only a fraction of a second to flip you over. He held you up, eyes locked onto your puffy, fucked out, tear-stained face. His thrusts somehow roughened, becoming erratic as he held you close, pressing his forehead against yours.
“Fuck— You are mine,” he groaned, “Say it— say it again— say you’re mine—”
“I’m yours,” you whimpered, dazed. “I’m yours. I’m yours.”
He thrust in deep once, twice, then he buried himself at the hilt to grind up and spill into you. The sound that ripped from his throat was a half-snarl, half-moan as he closed his eyes, forehead still pressed up against yours. And he stayed there, still grinding against you the slightest bit as he rode out his high. His fingers were still pressed into your hips, his hands trembling from the sheer intensity of holding you down as he emptied himself inside you.
You continued to shake as the silence went on. You tried to move, but Law held you in place. You panted, trying to catch your breath. 𓊹
“This was an accident,” you tried to excuse, shaking your head, “This was a mistake… We’re a mistake… Things just got out of hand.” Your words were halfhearted. You didn’t believe them, and you were sure that Law didn’t for a second.
Law breathed out, pulling back just enough to meet your tired gaze. He was unshaken, as cool and steady as always. His voice was calm and terrifyingly confident.
“Not a mistake,” he said, almost like a verdict. His golden eyes stared into yours. “An inevitability.”
His words made your breath hitch. It felt solid, or at the very least, a confirmation that you weren’t the only one who was feeling this way. And when he helped you clean up in silence and told you, “We’ll talk about it,” you believed him.
Mistakes. Mistakes. Inevitabilities.
Thank you to all who liked, reblogged, followed, and supported. Your support means so much and is greatly appreciated.
Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI Chapter VII Chapter VIII
God Spelled Backwards is D-O-C-T-O-R (Trafalgar Law x Reader, Chapter IV)
Synopsis: Dr. Trafalgar Law is the brilliant, cold, new electrophysiologist fresh out of residency with something to prove. He wasted no time in singling you out as you battle his unyielding demands and an overbooked schedule with non-existent back up. Your dynamic goes beyond professional tension, and in a hospital where boundaries are protocol, and protocol is gold, it’s an all out fight for power and control.
Word Count: 5.2k
Tags/Warnings: Minors DNI, CardiacElectrophysiologist!Law, EchoTech!Reader, AFABFEM!Reader, Modern Hospital AU, Language, Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn, Explicit Adult Content, Over Clothes, Sir Kink, Dumbification,
Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV
Notes: If you're going to comment and interact, I'd be eternally grateful if you read the endnote first! Thanks!
After being trapped in a hallway conversation with Dr. Jimbe (a pleasant man, but ever talkative), Law arrived at Takoyaki 8 about ten minutes after the meeting time. But he didn’t even have to make it all the way down the food cart line for him to pause mid-step.
You were halfway down the block, sitting with the rest of his team at a nearby picnic table. Your thigh was slung over Shachi’s, and your hand was raiding Penguin’s fries. The rest of his staff were absolutely losing it with laughter from something you said, and by all means, you sat there like you owned the whole damn street.
He definitely didn’t invite you. And after you became a nuisance in his office, he had been more than content not to see you until the afternoon clinic started up.
You spotted Law from over Bepo’s shoulder. You flashed him a smile. A smile— a dare that said I win.
Law reluctantly approached. Small talk, sitting outdoors among the general public, socialization for the sake of morale— it was Law’s personal hell. And now you were there.
He took a seat between Bepo and Jean Bart on the bench opposite you.
“I didn’t realize my invitation included support staff,” Law cleared his throat as he sat.
You found it odd to see him without his white coat. While he still sported his typical white collared shirt and dark slacks, you realized you had never seen him outside the hospital before. You and the rest of the team were still in scrubs. Law glanced toward Penguin’s half-finished fries.
“And I see you’ve started without me.”
“I’m working your wing about just as much as these guys,” you grinned.
“Just an appetizer, Captain!” Penguin hurriedly pushed the basket of fries toward Law.
“Cap’n!” Shachi, Penguin, and Bepo saluted with a scarily synchronized unison, hand salute, and everything.
Law shook his head like it wasn’t the first time his team had called him that.
“Captain, huh?” you rested your cheek in your palm, raising a brow toward Law.
“Why don’t we order?” he suggested, and the table was more than enthused to stand quickly.
The entire group made for Takoyaki 8, which serendipitously didn’t have a line. Hachi greeted Penguin and Shachi by name, and all three of them engaged in a lengthy conversation over the counter of the truck. The rest of the team studied the menu board.
Law stood at the back of the group, and you fell into line next to him. He tried his best to ignore you as he stared straight ahead.
You cheekily bumped his elbow with yours, standing with your hands behind your back as you rocked on your heels.
“So… Captain, huh? You’re just collecting all sorts of nicknames,” you hummed. You bumped Law’s elbow again. “Someone made a joke about you running a tight ship, didn’t they?”
“Once,” Law grumbled, causing you to laugh. “One time.”
“I’m not surprised, especially when you’ve got a bunch of goofballs like these guys on your team,” you sighed, jabbing a thumb in the general direction of the others. “Although I think sir has a better ring to it.”
“Watch it.” The snap of his tone made your eyes flicker toward him. Law appeared deadly serious and as calculated as ever, even in this relaxed setting. “Keep talking like that and someone might not think you’re teasing anymore.” He glanced you over neutrally, frowning.
“Someone?” You mused.
“Captain! Card, please!”
“Card, please, Captain!”
Law sighed, stepping forward as he fished his leather wallet out of his pocket. He nimbly plucked out a card, holding it between his index and middle fingers to hand to Hachi. Hachi received the card graciously, although his hand dipped slightly as he took it.
“Geez, friend. That’s one heavy card!” he exclaimed, swiping it in the machine before turning the screen toward Law to sign off on.
“I’m pretty sure it’s just a slab of metal,” Law muttered, pressing a few things on the screen before taking his card back and sliding it back into his wallet. “Gets kinda annoying when it starts peeling.”
The group lingered around the truck as Hachi and his crew got to work. You meandered over to Shachi and Penguin, placing an all too familiar arm around Penguin’s waist. He absentmindedly moved his arm to drape over the back of your shoulders as you pressed your cheek against his shoulder to pout.
“So… You guys really just ordered without me, huh?” You leaned your weight against him. He felt so comfortingly familiar and smelled like a laundry detergent you’ve inhaled a hundred times before.
“Not our fault that you were goofing around instead of putting your order in.” He swatted your forehead with his palm, just hard enough to produce a light smacking sound.
“I was not goofing around.”
You poked him in the stomach, causing Penguin to recoil. He channeled his momentum into bringing the arm wrapped around your shoulders around to your neck. Penguin braced his wrist with his opposite hand to get you into a chokehold. Your hands shot to his arm, your legs kicking in the air as you violently squirmed.
“Goofing around.”
“Oh my god, let go of me, you ass!” You moved your leg back, throwing your weight back as well to try to trip him. Penguin got lucky and stumbled around you, laughing like a damn hyena the entire time. “Shachi, you’re gonna help me?”
“Nah,” Shachi called rudely. He was already sipping on some sort of energy drink. “Looks like Penguin’s got this covered.”
“You dick!” You braced your feet on the pavement, trying to shake Penguin off your back.
“Who are you callin’ a dick?” Shachi feigned offense. “We ordered your gyoza for you!”
You stilled, glancing over your shoulder toward Penguin.
“Did you really order my gyoza for me?” you gasped. Feeling a lack of resistance, Penguin also stopped, keeping your neck in the crook of his elbow.
“Well, yeah. Of course, we did.” He frowned, stating it like it was a fact of the universe. Penguin’s grasp loosened the slightest bit.
You snickered.
“You always were a softie!” You grabbed him by his loosened arm, pulling him forward to trip him onto the pavement. His back hit the ground, just in time for lunch to be ready.
***
Lunch went on surprisingly normally despite Law’s presence. He didn’t speak much as he held his position at the center of the table. Conversation seemed to flow around him as he ate.
It dawned on you that you hadn’t seen Law eat before, and just like seeing him without his perfect white coat, the view was rather odd. He ate surgically, with purpose and without a single crumb out of place. Law was quiet and lacked any apparent poor table manners. He didn’t speak with his mouth open or chew loudly. He kept to himself as the meal passed.
But for having such a dark presence, the rest of the team didn’t appear to have an issue carrying on as usual. Jokes were shot across the table, as well as a few patient stories from the day. Some shop talk was had between Chopper, Bepo, and Jean Bart before Shachi interrupted with a staunch ban on work speak. He used the scolding as a ruse to steal one of your gyoza, and while you were busy fighting Shachi off, Penguin took a few from under your arm.
It didn’t matter that Shachi and Penguin ordered an entire party pack of nearly everything on the menu. They wanted those specific gyoza simply because they were yours. At least, that was the logic they called upon in response to your protests.
And when the team finally left to trudge back to the hospital, Law trailed behind the group, corraling them all back through campus like a shepherd tending to hyperactive sheep. You slowed your pace, falling back to walk alongside him.
You strolled silently for a few steps, watching as the team chatted amongst themselves.
“You were awfully quiet,” you remarked as you strolled. “You like taking the ‘social’ out of social event, or are you just not a fan of takoyaki?”
“I enjoyed lunch just fine,” Law uttered. The side of his lip flickered down in thought. “I’d say it was… educational.”
The group stopped at a crosswalk. You glanced at Law, forehead scrunched skeptically.
“I don’t know what kinda conversation you were having in your head, but I’m pretty sure we banned shop talk.”
Law met your eyes from the corners of his. His expression was cool and neutral as usual, as if he were studying a medical textbook.
“You’re very comfortable being handled,” he noted in a similar way he’d dictate into his voice recorder during labs.
You paused for only a beat.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” You glared.
The pedestrian light turned, and the group moved forward.
“I’m not the biggest fan of distractions in my clinic,” Law said before stepping into the street. You briskly followed.
“We’re not in your clinic.”
“We’re with my team,” he retorted. “I need them to be focused, not… Whatever was going on there.” Law gestured in the vague direction of the food truck with his head.
“Trafalgar.” You stopped short on the side of the sidewalk, and Law made it a half step forward before pivoting to face you. He didn’t say a word, nor did he move from where he stopped. He just met your elongated stare, staying with you in your silence as you considered the following words to come out of your mouth. “What is this?” you asked with the same inhale you used to sigh.
Your shoulders melted as you cocked your head, almost as if you were physically calling for a timeout between your usual jabs and bickering. Law glanced to the side before meeting your eye again, his bottom lip dipping as he shrugged.
“A walk,” he expertly deflected.
“I’ve been friends with Penguin and Shachi for years,” you asserted, shifting your weight from one leg to the other. You planted your hands on your hips. “I think they forget we’re not actually related sometimes.”
Law unconsciously mirrored you, swiveling his head from side to side as if debating if he wanted to get into it with you here.
“I’m just asking you to act like a professional with my team. Having two male colleagues feed you lunch and put their hands all over you where half the hospital can see comes off as a lot more than just friendly,” he lectured sternly. His jaw tightened and his shoulders tensed. “It reflects on the lab, on the team, on me and you.”
“No one thinks that. We’ve been friends for years, even before we worked together. If people are looking for a scandal, they’re going to have to dig a lot harder because me, Shachi, and Penguin are a stretch at best,” you laughed. Law’s eyes narrowed.
“I wouldn’t call what I just saw a stretch,” he asserted. “And people don’t have to dig, they just need to talk. And considering you’re on all of my imaging, working in my lab, I think you need to be more careful about how things look.”
“Oh, so it’s about you?” you snapped. “You don’t want your perfect reputation ruined because the echo tech— who isn’t even a part of your team, by the way— has friends?”
“This isn’t about me.”
“Oh, please. Let’s not pretend you weren’t gunning for Dr. Saturn’s chair as soon as you started.” That assertion gave Law pause. He didn’t say anything for a moment, although he didn’t appear caught off guard.
“That has nothing to do with this.”
“So you’re jealous then,” you snapped back pointedly.
“No,” Law stressed, clenching his jaw.
“Because that’s what it sounds like to me,” you shot, jabbing a pointed finger in Law’s direction. “It sounds like you’re jealous and you’re pissed off that I’m not just a good little cog in your machine and that you can’t control me outside of work.”
“That’s not what’s happening here, and you know it.”
“I do?” you mocked.
Law pinched the bridge of his nose, crossing his other arm over his chest.
“Yes,” he bit out. His hand came away from his face, and his palm made a curt slicing motion in the air toward you. “Because you’re fucking smart. You’re good at what you do, and I would hate to see all your hard work undercut because people don’t think you earned what you’ve achieved professionally.”
You barked out a sharp laugh.
“Why? Because Shachi stole a dumpling from my plate and Penguin… What? Breathed next to me?” you retorted, tone clipped and quiet. “If you don’t think I’ve earned my place, just say that.”
“I never doubted that. Not once.” He didn’t miss a second. The moment your words left your lips, Law’s proclamation was already leaving his tongue.
He never doubted that you earned your place through hard work. He never doubted it for a second.
You didn’t have a retort for that, not when Law was looking at you the way he was. Stern. Neutral. Eyes half lidded like he was bored, but… Gentle. You wanted to accuse him of lying, scoff at him, and shoot back another clever retort, but you knew. You knew he was telling the truth. God, you hated that you knew he was telling the truth.
You tore your eyes away, making for the hospital.
“I would have liked to hear that if you didn’t lead with a fight,” you muttered as you passed him.
Law didn’t chase after you.
***
He picked a hell of a time to get you in a mood, because Law had absolutely stuffed his afternoon. Overbooked it, in fact, and that was in addition to the emergency add-ons he tacked at the end. Those add-ons in and of themselves had you questioning if he was trying to make a point.
And for once, Law’s wing was eerily silent. No bickering. No back and forth. Just footsteps, typing, the necessary exchange of information, and patients milling about. It was almost like it was a regular hospital wing.
Your last patient had already left—Law kept adding on patients to receive imaging before they went to check out, as if you didn’t already have enough on your plate—but you were still in the exam room, going over images. You tried to ignore the door opening and closing behind you. You continued to click through things on your monitor, watching videos you had saved of your previous scans. You had gone over the same spot a few times and wanted to pick out the best frames from each attempt.
The sound of clicking filled the small exam room.
“Your patient already left, Doctor,” you sighed, “If you saw something you didn’t like on their last scans, you’ll just have to wrangle them in another time.”
“You’ve been quiet today.”
Your finger paused mid-click.
“Wouldn’t want camaraderie in the workplace,” you spat, returning to your work on the monitor. Maybe if you didn’t look at him, he’d go away.
“Depends on the kind of camaraderie.”
You stopped, taking your hand off the mouse entirely. You clutched the other corner of your cart with your other hand, leaning over your keyboard just slightly as you mustered up all the will you could to restrain yourself.
You turned to face him. He was a lot closer to you than you anticipated. Law somehow always chose the least convenient spot to plant himself in the exam rooms. Perhaps it was because he seemed to feel a compulsion to hover over your shoulder at all hours of the day, or maybe he really did feel like he owned whatever room he stepped into.
“Careful—” You pointed over his shoulder. — “You closed the door with me in here. You wouldn’t want anyone getting the wrong idea.”
“Should I have caused a scene in front of the team?”
“Oh, so you closed the door to cause a scene?” You leaned back against the stationary cart, crossing one ankle over the other. You clutched your wrist loosely, resting your elbow near your equipment.
“Less than I intend to and more referencing that you already caused one over lunch.” Law held his hands casually in the pockets of his slacks, drawing his white coat to bunch up at his sides. He offered you a bob of his head in accent.
“Did you really just corner me to fight again?” you sighed. “You’re an ass to me, I dish it back. I’m quiet for an afternoon, and what? You seek me out to argue? There’s no winning with you, is there?”
“You’ve been off today, and the lapse in communication hasn’t been helping,” Law asserted. “Hold a grudge as much as you’d like. I just don’t want to see it in my scans.”
“Nothing’s in your fucking scans, Trafalgar. They’re perfect as usual.” You swiftly moved to the side, still turned toward Law, and pointed at your monitor with a challenge. “If you’re going to insult my work, you better back yourself up with some receipts. Show me the scans you have issues with.”
Law didn’t say anything. He didn’t move.
You scoffed in disbelief.
“Yeah. That’s right. You can’t. You know you can’t,” you fumed, already storming up to him to confront him to his face. “Say it again, sir. If I’m so fucking smart like you said, tell me to my face that my scans are anything less than exactly what you want.”
Law looked at you, slowly and deliberately. He blinked once.
“Don’t,” he warned, “Don’t use it like a shield.”
“Why?” you smiled, “You gonna malfunction again?”
“I’m warning you about what happens when you keep pushing.” His presence thickened the air more than usual, charging it with heat and electricity. Law took a slow, measured breath before exhaling, a low growl vibrating in his chest.
You watched as something simmered behind his golden gaze. You frowned, unimpressed at the display.
“Warning accepted,” you conceded before the corners of your lips twitched up once again, “Now make good on it, sir.”
He didn’t even wait. He didn’t let a single moment pass before Law crowded you backward in one smooth step before lifting you onto the edge of the echo bed. His hands were even stronger than they looked, and his movements were precise, clinical, as if he were just handling another piece of equipment. He was fast, almost as if he were waiting all day for you to just say the word.
“You want a reaction so bad?” Law stepped between your knees. You were situated just at the edge of the bed, sitting just far enough back to not feel like you were falling forward as Law steadied you. One hand grabbed your hip, a few fingers slipping under the waistband of your scrubs. The other hand immediately slid between your thighs, pressing firmly and slowly with just enough pressure to draw a gasp from your throat. Law leaned forward to whisper directly in your ear. “You got it.”
Your eyes widened.
“Wait— I didn’t mean—”
“Tell me to stop.” His hand leaves your waist to tilt your chin up toward him before returning to your hip. Law kept his other hand still, cupped over you, maintaining a constant pressure without moving. The way he studied your eyes made you hot with acute embarrassment, vulnerable, and pinned.
You glanced away.
“It’s just—” Your voice caught in your throat. “What if someone sees?” You were still in an exam room in his wing. His pod wasn’t too far from the door, and it wasn’t unlikely that someone would be through to sanitize the room.
“And?” Law smirked faintly, applying straight hot pressure directly onto your clit through your scubs. Your hand flew up to your mouth as you choked back a moan. Law pressed his lips to your temple as he whispered. “You didn’t seem to have a problem when you were mouthing off and making a spectacle of yourself in front of my team earlier.”
Law’s hand immediately found a slow, devastating rhythm. His fingers circled the fabric in teasing, informed circles. Your hand shot to his wrist, grasping hard but not doing anything for the punishing pace he was working. The other hand immediately grasped his bicep, crumpling the perfectly ironed white fabric of his coat in your fist. You pressed your face into his shoulder, nearly doubling over as you tried to keep your voice under control.
“You want to test me? Thinking you can get a rise out of me by calling me ‘sir’ at work, blatantly flirting with my team, mouthing off in my own damn clinic with patients present. Now you’re acting so surprised by how thoroughly I can take control away from you when I decide you’ve had enough freedom.”
Law moved his hand from your hip once more, needing very little effort to pry your hand from his wrist. His hand morphed over yours, pinning it to the edge of the table.
His thumb brushed torturously over your clit again, causing your back to arch. You clutched his arm tighter, somewhere between pushing him away and pulling him closer.
“Oh— Oh my god!” you stuttered into his lapel. “Fuck—!”
“That’s doctor to you, not god.” Law couldn’t help the dark chuckle that escaped him as he pressed your clit. You bit your lip as you tried to stifle a scream. He was still over everything, and it still felt like this. You were both still fully clothed, and it made you wonder if you could keep quiet if he decided to venture farther.
Law’s mouth was still pressed against your ear.
“I’m going to make you cum—” The very word shot straight fire through your body, turning you into a stuttering blaze. —“Just like this— dressed, mind fucking empty, and so worked up you won’t be able to read a single word in a goddamn chart for the next hour.” He laughed. He laughed lowly in your ear.
An embarrassingly large wet put had soaked through your panties a while ago. Law’s fingers kept striking the same delicious nerves over and over, keeping reprieve from you as he flooded your head with mind-numbing dopamine.
“Every time I speak, every time I call your name and request you from your little office in imaging, this is what I want you to remember the next time you think about trading blows with me in my clinic. How fast you crumbled the moment I even touched you and how badly you wanted it.”
You managed to release your death grip on Law’s upper sleeve, instead pushing his bicep with a flat palm. He didn’t budge, only offering a still resistance to your half-hearted push.
“Stop— stop talking—” you gasped. Your body twitched, instinctively attempting to jerk away from the overstimulating sensation between your thighs. Law turned his head just slightly to the left, brushing the lower part of his cheek over your hair. You could feel him grin against you.
“You don’t want me to stop,” he purred. “Don’t be shy now, just because you’ve found someone who knows how to handle you. And know that next time, I’m going to make you beg for more and worse.”
“Please— Law, ah— I’m gonna—” You shuddered. Law let go of your pinned wrist so you could grab the front of his coat with both hands.
“Make good on it, baby,” Law growled into your ear, and you broke.
You cried out into the fabric of his lapel, trying to muster all the restraint that still resided in your body to keep your voice down as you shattered against him.
And Law waited. Keeping consistent—but not overstimulating— pressure on you as you shook with quiet, embarrassing bliss. He remained still. Calm. Collected. Completely unmoving.
The moment it was over, it hit you like a truck. All four walls of the room manifested around you. You could feel every little sway of the badge that hung from your pocket. You slowly pulled back from where you had buried your face in Law’s coat— the side that had Dr. Trafalgar Law, MD., Electrophysiologist, Cardiology, Electrophysiology Division, North Blue Medical Center (NBMC) embroidered in dark blue on the breast.
Your eyes shot to his, only to find Law unnervingly calm. No smirk. No follow-up. He still had his hand between your legs.
“We’re still at work,” you stammered. Law nodded.
“We are.” He pulled his hand away from you before taking a step back. His hands, as if he hadn’t just done that with them, returned to their usual place in his coat pockets. “I suggest you clean yourself up. We still have my emergency add-ons coming in any minute now.”
***
You had an extra set of scrubs stashed in the bottom drawer of your best. Despite not having a position that guaranteed a splash zone in the job description, it didn’t mean you didn’t have your fair share of near misses with body fluids. They were usually a patient’s, usually vomit, and not usually brought on by you having a secret fling with a doctor in a patient exam room.
You buried your face in your hands, standing over your desk. Your backpack sat on your swiveled chair with your dirty scrubs stuffed all the way down to the bottom. Your body, predominantly your cheeks, still felt hot and clammy.
There had been a moment when you ass hit the exam table that you had thought to yourself, God, what are you doing? But you were too worked up and angry and absolutely infatuated by Law’s words to care at the time. It felt almost satisfying to do something about your mutual tension— if you could even call it that— instead of fighting in circles… even if that was what the two of you decided to do.
You groaned, shaking your head at the thought of having to go back there and look at him.
“Your day that bad?”
The sudden voice made you jump, almost drawing a yelp out of you. You weren’t always this jumpy; in fact, it was typically the opposite, but it also wasn’t every day the new EP made you cum through your scrubs, so it was apparently a new day for everything.
Dr. Sanji— sweet, sweet, Dr Sanji— stood just inside your office door with a take-out container clutched in both hands. He beamed at you kindly.
“You have no idea.” Your eyes widened with a playfully bitter smile. Sanji laughed, taking a few steps forward.
“I had a feeling, so I brought you something.” He held the container out to you. You blinked at it in shock for a moment before graciously taking it.
“Oh my god, you really didn’t have to,” you said sweetly. “Sanji, you’re the best!”
He raised his arm, approaching you with a friendly hug to which you reciprocated politely, albeit a bit awkwardly. Sanji was always a lot more familiar with others than you were with him.
Not to say he wasn’t harmless. Sanji always seemed rather harmless. He maintained a generally positive demeanor, always looking to help and smiling. You were work acquaintances, nothing more and nothing less. Every so often, you’d have a conversation in the hallway. You’d recommend him a restaurant, and he’d tell you about a new dish he cooked last night. Most of your conversations revolved around food.
“Well, we’ve been working on a new dish to introduce downstairs, and it made me think of you. Plus, two of my brothers are starting fellowship here, so it’s almost like an apology in advance, and I missed you the other day, so…”
“That’s a lot of reasons, Dr. Vinsmoke,” Law’s voice cut through the atmosphere.
You immediately separated from Sanji, taking a step back like you were a teenager again. The two of you instinctively turned toward the door where Law leaned against the open door. His hands were buried deep in his pockets as usual.
He stepped off from the door, letting it waver behind him as he approached you and Sanji. He stopped a short distance in front of you.
“Dr. Trafalgar! Good to see ya!” Sanji smiled politely and extended his hand.
Law did not take his in return. Instead, he kept his glare steadily on you.
“I’ve had three patients who’ve been waiting for you. We’ve been waiting on you for the last ten minutes.”
You glanced in the vague direction of your computer.
“Last I saw, they hadn’t even been worked up yet. Just checked in,” you said slowly. The tension was already thick the moment Law made his presence known, but it only grew more suffocating. “I was getting ready to come over there.”
Law scowled.
“Well, we’ve needed you over there whether you think it’s a good time to show up or not.”
“Hey, man, you heard the lady.” Sanji swiftly stepped between you and Law. He was still smiling, but he held an open palm up by his chest, facing out toward Law. “It was my fault for interrupting the preparations, so don’t get too worked up that your images are a minute or two late. It sounds like you have some time before you need those scans anyway.”
“Thanks, Doctor,” Law snipped, a deep scowl on his lips, “But I think we’ve got the medicine part handled.”
Sanji’s smile immediately fell. He stepped forward to square up against Law.
“It’s after hours. You might want to check your Rolex before you make demands.”
“I don’t recall asking for your permission or your opinion for that matter.”
Law glanced at you from around Sanji’s form.
“When you’re done dragging your heels, I’ve got patients in my first three rooms.” Law didn’t linger, immediately making for the doors. They closed behind him with a smack, wavering in the air from the sheer force he used.
You placed the take-out container on your desk, rolling your chair with your backpack on it nearly next to it before making for your equipment cart.
“Wait, you’re not actually taking his patients, are you?” Sanji followed closely behind you as you prepared.
“It’s easier. Trust me, he’s insuffereable when he’s…” you trailed off as you pushed your cart. You almost stopped short, the memory dawning on you. You shook your head. “If I do it quickly, I’ll be out of here.”
Sanji put a hand on your cart. His big, baby-blue eyes were round a concerned.
“It’s after hours. You can leave,” he said. And for some reason, you didn’t have an immediate response for that.
You could. In fact, it was standard protocol that the doctors had a cutoff time. Maintaining that boundary was a tough fight in and of itself, but it kept your staff protected and their time respected. It wasn’t as if you were itching to stay after, and yet…
“Thank you, Dr. Sanji,” you smiled. “But it’s okay. Dr. Trafalgar told me about these three earlier.”
Sanji’s demeanor softened a bit, as if the new information was enough for him to finally feel comfortable letting the topic go.
“If you’re sure,” he nodded. He frowned again. “But if he keeps talking to you like that—”
“I got it handled.” You offered him a soft smile.
You thanked him again for the dessert before making your way to Law’s wing.
Thank you to all who liked, reblogged, followed, and supported. Your support means so much and is greatly appreciated.
Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV (Next chapter drops at approx. 100 notes)
Glossary for Nerds
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Important Notes: So, here's the thing. This is my first adult content, I have a deeply fucked up history with SA, and this is me being brave and writing what I want to write despite it all. Enjoy the story, just please take it easy on me in the comments if you're gonna be spicy. But hey I'm putting myself out there and I can't control what you do.
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amid the chaos of punk hazard, you reunite with trafalgar law, stirring old memories, buried emotions, and a shared past haunted by corazon’s death. but there's no time to dwell—doflamingo’s name resurfaces, and this time, you refuse to let history repeat itself.
tags: punk hazard and dressrosa spoilers I guess, angst to fluff, childhood friends, slow burn
a/n: this isn't really what happened in the anime/manga but I couldn't remember it all and couldn't make it too long lmao
word count: 3.4k
masterlist || ko-fi
You don’t know how long you stand there, wrapped around Law like you’re afraid he’ll vanish. Maybe a few seconds. Maybe a lifetime.
All you know is that for the first time in years, the weight on your chest feels just a little lighter.
Eventually, though, Law shifts.
You feel it before he actually moves, the slight tension returning to his frame, the way his fingers twitch like he’s restraining himself. And then, with a sigh, he pulls away.
Not all at once. It’s slow, almost reluctant. But it happens. And you let him.
Because even if he won’t say it, you know this was a lot for him.
He clears his throat, glancing away, shoving his hands back into his pockets. His usual mask slides back into place, the unreadable, too-cool-to-care captain of the Heart Pirates.
But you don’t miss the slight red tint at the tips of his ears.
“You done being dramatic?” he mutters.
You snort, rolling your eyes “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I ruin your broody loner aesthetic?”
Law gives you a flat look “You ruined it the second you showed up.”
You grin “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
He mutters something under his breath but you catch it.
“…Should’ve known you’d be like this.”
And for the first time in a while, you feel lighter.
The mood doesn’t stay light for long.
Dressrosa looms ahead.
The tension on the ship shifts the moment the island comes into view. The crew gathers on the deck, eyes fixed on the landmass in the distance.
Even Luffy, who’s usually oblivious to tension, seems unusually serious.
You stand beside Law, arms crossed, heart pounding.
“We have a plan,” Law says, addressing the Straw Hats. His voice is level, but you can hear the edge beneath it “We need to be careful. Doflamingo isn’t someone you can take lightly.”
Luffy grins, cracking his knuckles “We’re taking him down, right? Sounds simple to me.”
You groan “Luffy... this isn’t a bar fight, this is—”
“—war,” Law finishes, cutting you off. His gaze flickers to you for a second before returning to the others “And we can’t afford to lose.”
You swallow hard.
Lose.
You don’t like that word. Because losing means watching everything fall apart. It means losing more people.
It means losing Law, and you’re not letting that happen.
Luffy, of course, is completely unfazed “We won’t lose.” He grins, full of confidence, full of that ridiculous faith of his “We’ve got you and Y/N with us, right?”
You blink “Huh?”
Luffy just laughs “You and Law are like, super serious about this guy. It’s personal, yeah?”
Your stomach twists.
Law goes rigid.
Luffy doesn’t seem to notice. He just grins wider “Then we’ll win for sure.”
You don’t know what to say to that.
Law doesn’t either.
But when you glance at him, when your eyes meet there’s something unspoken there, something that means, we’re in this together.
No matter what happens next.
The Thousand Sunny docks at Green Bit, just off Dressrosa’s coast. The island is as beautiful as it is deceptive with its bright skies, warm air, a paradise hiding a monster beneath.
Law stands at the railing, arms crossed, gaze fixed on the distant city. You don’t need to ask what he’s thinking.
You already know.
You step beside him “We’re really doing this.”
Law doesn’t respond right away. Then, in a quiet voice, he says, “It’s not too late for you to stay behind.”
You scoff “Are you serious?”
“I don’t want you involved more than you have to be.”
You stare at him “Law, I’ve been looking for you for years. I followed every scrap of news, chased every rumor, just to find out if you were still alive—and now you think I’m gonna just sit this out?”
Law’s fingers twitch at his sides. He doesn’t meet your gaze.
Your voice softens “I’m not leaving you to fight this alone.”
His jaw tightens. But he doesn’t argue.
Because he knows you won’t back down.
Because deep down, he doesn’t want you to.
The plan is set.
Law, Usopp, and Robin will exchange Caesar for their end of the deal with Doflamingo. Meanwhile, Luffy and the others will head into Dressrosa.
Simple.
At least, it’s supposed to be.
You’re supposed to stay with Luffy’s group. That was the agreement.
But as you step onto Dressrosa’s streets, surrounded by laughter, music, the scent of fresh food filling the air, you feel like your skin is on fire.
Like you’re walking straight into the past.
Like he’s watching you already.
You swallow hard.
Luffy is already distracted by the town’s wonders (and the scent of meat). The crew is focused on blending in. But you... you can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong.
That something is waiting for you.
Your stomach churns. Your fists clench.
And before you know it you’re running.
Ignoring Luffy’s shout behind you. Ignoring the looks you get from people on the street.
You don’t stop.
Not until you reach the one place you know Law is supposed to be, because something tells you you don’t have time to wait.
Your heart pounds in your chest as you race through Dressrosa’s streets. The sun is bright, the people are laughing, but to you, it’s all wrong.
Your instincts scream at you that something isn’t right.
Law is walking into Doflamingo’s hands.
And you’re not about to let that happen.
You weave through the crowd, nearly knocking over a vendor’s cart. The shopkeeper yells after you, but you don’t care. You have one goal.
Find him.
You don’t know how long you run before you finally spot Law, Usopp, and Robin, standing near the bridge to Green Bit.
You barely slow down before skidding to a stop in front of them, panting “Law—!”
Law’s eyes snap to you immediately, sharp and questioning “What are you doing here?”
Robin and Usopp look confused, but you don’t have time to explain.
“You can’t go through with this” you blurt out.
Law’s expression hardens “We don’t have a choice.”
“Yes, we do!” You step closer, your chest tightening “You think Doflamingo’s just going to let this trade happen? You think he’s going to honor any kind of deal? It’s a trap, Law.”
Law doesn’t flinch. He just stares at you, completely unreadable.
“I know.”
You freeze “What?”
“I know it’s a trap,” he says calmly, like it doesn’t even matter “But we don’t have any other options.”
You feel like you’ve been punched.
“Then why are you walking into it?!” you snap, grabbing his coat “I didn’t come all this way just to watch him take you again!”
Law’s golden eyes widen, just for a second.
Then his expression shifts.
“…Take me again?”
Your breath catches.
Shit.
You didn’t mean to say that.
Law doesn’t look away “You think I wouldn’t fight?” his voice is low, measured “You think I’d let him take me?”
“That’s not what I meant—”
“Then what did you mean?”
You bite your lip, frustration bubbling in your chest “I meant—”
I meant I can’t lose you.
I meant I’ve been chasing after you for years, and I only just got you back, and I can’t... ugh
You swallow hard, shaking your head “I meant I’m not letting you do this alone.”
Law exhales sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose “You’re impossible.”
“You love it.”
He doesn’t deny it.
But then, his expression darkens. He steps closer, voice quieter “This isn’t just about me. It never was.”
You know what he means.
Corazon.
Doflamingo.
Everything you lost.
Everything he lost.
You take a slow breath “…I’m coming with you.”
Law doesn’t argue. But his jaw tightens.
You don’t have to wait long.
The moment Law steps onto Green Bit’s bridge to make the exchange with Doflamingo, the air turns heavy.
The jungle hums with life, but everything else is too quiet. Too still.
You tense, standing just behind Law, Usopp, and Robin. Your eyes scan the treeline, your stomach twisting.
Then the sound of footsteps. And a voice you haven’t heard in years.
“Well, well…”
Your blood freezes.
A shadow steps out from the trees, a tall figure in pink feathers, grinning like a demon.
Doflamingo.
His sunglasses gleam in the light, his expression unreadable until his gaze lands on you.
He stops dead.
“…Oh?”
You grip your fists, trying not to react.
Law tenses beside you, his hand already on Kikoku.
Doflamingo’s grin widens.
“Well, now THIS is a surprise.” His voice is mocking, laced with amusement “I thought you were dead.”
Your stomach churns, but you keep your face blank “Sorry to disappoint.”
Doflamingo laughs. A low, slow chuckle, like this is the most interesting thing that’s happened all day.
His eyes flick to Law.
“Didn’t know you were the sentimental type, Corazon’s little brat.”
Law’s grip tightens on his sword “Shut up.”
Doflamingo ignores him. His grin turns sharp, wolfish.
“Now it makes sense. I always wondered what kept you going after Corazon died.” His sunglasses flash as he tilts his head “Tell me, Law… how long have you been dragging your little lover into your mess?”
Your brain short-circuits “Excuse me?”
Law visibly twitches “She’s not—”
“Oh, come on.” Doflamingo smirks, stepping forward “The way you’re standing in front of her? The way she’s glaring at me like she’s ready to rip my throat out? Cute.”
Your face burns.
You point at him, scowling “First of all, you’re disgusting. Second, if I wanted you dead, you’d already be bleeding.”
Doflamingo grins wider “Spicy. No wonder Law likes you.”
Law looks murderous.
Usopp, watching from the sidelines, whispers, “Uh. Should we be here for this?”
Robin hums “It’s getting interesting.”
Meanwhile, you’re seething “Don’t act like you know anything about me.”
Doflamingo just laughs again “Oh, but I do. I remember everything, little one.” His voice drops, something darker curling beneath it.
“I remember how Corazon used to look at you two.”
Your breath catches.
Law goes rigid.
Doflamingo grins “You were both his stupid, dumb kids.”
The world feels smaller, colder.
Because you remember it too.
Corazon’s laughter. His warmth. The way he used to ruffle Law’s hair, the way he used to pull you into his coat when you were cold.
The way he died for you both.
Law’s voice is low, dangerous “Enough.”
Doflamingo chuckles “What? Can’t handle the truth?”
Your hands shake. Not from fear but from rage.
You clench your fists, stepping forward “You have no right to talk about him.”
Doflamingo smiles lazily, but his eyes are sharp “Oh, but you do?”
The words sting.
Because for years, you avoided this. Avoided thinking too hard about Corazon, about Law, about everything you lost.
You ran.
And now, it’s caught up to you.
Law moves before you can.
His sword is out, his stance set. “We’re done here.”
Doflamingo tilts his head “Oh, I don’t think so.”
And then everything happens at once.
The bridge shakes. Threads of white string shoot toward you.
And before you can react Law grabs your arm and shambles you away.
Your vision blurs. One moment, you’re staring at Doflamingo’s smug face, the next, you’re standing on the other side of the bridge.
Too far from Law.
“Damn it—!” You whip around, just in time to see threads cut through the air where you’d just been. Thin, deadly, fast.
Law dodges, barely. But his coat tears, a red line appearing on his arm.
Doflamingo laughs “Tch, still quick on your feet.”
Your stomach twists. Law is alone over there.
And Doflamingo is still smiling.
You move without thinking.
But the second you take a step forward more strings fly.
“Shit!” You barely dodge, hitting the ground in a roll. The threads slice through the bridge like butter.
Doflamingo tilts his head at you “You should be careful. I might start to think you care.”
Your teeth grind “Oh, screw you.”
Law snaps his fingers “Room.”
A blue sphere expands. He teleports to your side in an instant, his hand grabbing your wrist, tight, grounding.
“You’re reckless” he mutters.
You glare up at him “Like you’re any better?”
Law doesn’t answer. But his grip doesn’t loosen either.
Doflamingo clicks his tongue “You two really are inseparable, gives me a good idea.”
He lifts a hand and suddenly, the sky turns white.
Threads spread above you like a spider’s web, casting a shadow over the bridge.
Your heart races.
Doflamingo smiles “Let’s see if Corazon’s little brats can survive this.”
Then he brings his hand down and the web falls.
You barely see it happen.
Law’s beside you, his hand wrapped tight around your wrist, his breath ragged with effort, “Room” stretched to its limit.
Snap.
A glint of string. A flicker of movement.
And then you’re gone.
The air leaves your lungs as you’re yanked backward, the force like a hook in your gut. You scream, twisting, but the threads around your limbs are too tight. They bite into your skin, slicing deeper with every movement.
You hear Law shout your name. Hear the panic, raw and sharp in his voice.
But it’s too late.
Doflamingo is smiling.
The next thing you know, you’re slammed onto cold stone. Disoriented. Gasping.
You’re inside some kind of ornate chamber, gaudy, too gold, too bright. A palace dressed in blood.
You’re in his domain now.
Doflamingo stands above you, relaxed, calm, like this is just another game. His threads retract into his fingers with lazy grace.
“You know,” he drawls, brushing imaginary dust off his coat, “I wasn’t planning on taking any souvenirs today.”
You glare up at him, trying to get your limbs under you “I’m not a souvenir.”
He laughs amused “No, no. You’re something else, aren’t you?”
He crouches beside you, sunglasses gleaming. His grin is all teeth “You're Law’s little shadow, just as the good old times.”
You jerk back instinctively, but you’re still bound. His strings have you like shackles.
“You should’ve seen his face instead of fainting like an idiot” Doflamingo continues, voice smooth and cruel “Utter panic. I never saw him like that.”
You go still.
He knows exactly what he’s doing. And he’s enjoying every second of it.
“You really don’t get it, do you?” he says, tilting his head like he’s studying a curiosity “You think you’re just part of this little rebellion. But you—you’re actually Law’s weakness right now. I can use Corazon’s name a million times to make Law lose control but you… you could do so much better than just that ghost.”
You don’t speak. You won’t give him the satisfaction.
He stands, turning his back to you like he’s already won “I wonder what he’ll do to get you back.”
Your chest twists because you know Law will come for you and that’s exactly what Doflamingo wants.
He gestures with one hand and the threads yank you to your feet. Your body screams in protest, muscles burning.
He leans in close.
“You two aren’t subtle, you know,” he murmurs, low and mocking “The way he looks at you? Like he’d burn the world down just to keep you breathing.”
You snap, “He’s not—”
But Doflamingo cuts you off with a smirk “Oh, but he is, little one.”
His smile turns cold “And now I have you.”
He strides to the door, tossing a glance over his shoulder “Make yourself comfortable. You’re going to be here for a while.”
The door slams shut and you’re alone. Bleeding. Furious... Afraid.
Meanwhile Law stands in the rubble, chest heaving, blood running down his side. His haki’s fading. And you’re not there.
He’s frozen, staring at the empty space where you’d been just seconds ago.
Gone.
Doflamingo’s laughter still echoes in the trees.
Robin and Usopp are shouting, but Law doesn’t hear them.
He only hears your name.
His hand clenches around Kikoku’s hilt. Now, you are alone and it’s his fault.
You’re still in the palace when the explosion hits.
The walls tremble. A distant boom echoes through the stone. You stumble, heart racing... they’re here.
Luffy. Law.
They’re fighting him.
Your chest tightens.
You don’t know how long you’ve been here, trapped in this golden hell, toyed with like you’re just another one of Doflamingo’s games. But now, the tides are changing.
You can feel it.
Chaos tears through Dressrosa.
Luffy and Law crash through the palace in a storm of fury and fire, slamming into Doflamingo with every ounce of rage they’ve buried for years.
“You really don’t learn, do you?” Doflamingo sneers, flicking blood from his lips “Even together, you can’t kill me.”
Law’s eyes burn gold “We’re not here to kill you.”
Luffy’s fist cracks with Haki “We’re here to end you.”
And for a moment Doflamingo’s smile falters.
Then he sees you.
Dragged there mid-fight, bruised but standing tall, defiant. The guards had tried to hold you back. They failed.
His grin returns.
“Oh, you made it! I was wondering when my little distraction would show up.”
Law’s blood runs cold.
“Don’t” he warns, voice like a blade.
But Doflamingo steps toward you anyway, lifting a hand, threads spiraling through the air.
“You sure you want her in the splash zone, Law?” he says “I could snap her spine before she even blinks.”
You don’t flinch “Try it.”
But Law does move, so fast you barely see it. He’s between you and Doflamingo in a heartbeat, sword drawn, fury etched into every line of his face.
“She has nothing to do with this” he growls.
“Oh, don’t be stupid,” Doflamingo chuckles “She has everything to do with this. You think I didn’t see it? Back then?” He gestures vaguely, mockingly “Two kids huddled in the dark, pretending they didn’t care about each other. You think Corazon didn’t notice? Since I couldn't see your face that day, I would love to see it now when I'll take her away from you.”
Law doesn’t speak. He doesn’t have to.
Doflamingo hums “Corazon always was a sentimental idiot. Guess you inherited that too, huh?”
“You don’t get to talk about him” you snap, stepping forward.
Doflamingo’s grin stretches wider “Oh, but I do.”
And then he strikes.
Threads launch at you, impossibly fast. But Luffy is faster.
“Gomu Gomu no Jet Gatling!!”
His fists slam into the threads mid-air, tearing them apart in a blur of Haki and fury. He lands in front of you with a scowl.
“Back off, bird freak.”
You blink “Luffy!”
He throws you a crooked grin “You okay?”
You nod, breathless “Thank you.”
He turns back to Doflamingo “You leave her outta this. If you’re mad at Law, fight him. And stop talking so much, you're annoying.”
Doflamingo’s laugh is harsh “Oh, Strawhat. Playing Cupid too, huh?”
Luffy blinks “Huh? You mean… them?”
He gestures between you and Law, who, despite the blood and bruises, suddenly looks very tense.
Luffy beams “They’re cute!”
“Luffy,” you and Law say in unison “We’re not—!”
Luffy waves a hand “Yeah, yeah. Not in love... Sure, got it.”
Doflamingo cackles.
You want to sink into the floor.
Law just mutters, “Kill me already.”
But there’s no more time to argue. Because Doflamingo lifts his hand and the threads descend.
The palace trembles beneath your feet as the battle rages on.
You’re by Law’s side, ducking threads and deflecting stray attacks, your breath burning in your lungs. Luffy’s fists slam into Doflamingo again and again, but nothing sticks long, he keeps getting back up.
Then Doflamingo grins, dark and wild, and hurls a barrage of strings straight toward you.
You freeze for half a second. And that’s all it takes.
You hear Law shout your name, then “ROOM.”
Your surroundings warp in a flash of light-blue energy.
The world disappears.
When you land, you’re way far from the battlefield. Far from him.
The silence is deafening.
You stumble forward “Law?”
No answer.
Panic claws at your throat. You spin in place, trying to understand how to get back there, fast. But nothing... He cut you out of it.
He teleported you away.
You slam your fist against a stone wall, heart pounding “Damn it, I hate you Trafalgar Law! You better survive this because I need to kill you with my own hands now... UGH!”
Meanwhile, Law’s breath shudders.
Teleporting you drained the last of his energy. His hand drops to his side, fingers trembling.
“Clever,” Doflamingo says, amused “Sending your little girlfriend away. Always the noble one, huh?”
Law says nothing. He just smirks and lets the blade strike.
Part of the Polar Tang Chronicles but can be read as a standalone! (They're all just various one-shots featuring the Reader, Law, and the Heart Pirates)
Summary:It’s poker night on the Polar Tang, and you managed to pull Law into joining the fun
Tags: suggestive at the end (they really all turn this way)
Words: 3.3k
Notes: Originally, I wanted to describe the game more. I even did some research for it, but honestly, I didn’t want to mess it up since I’ve only played poker once or twice in my life. In the end, I decided it wasn’t that important.
It ended up turning suggestive. Apparently, every little story in this series wants to go in that direction.
I still have a lot of ideas for this, so if you want, help me decide the next story here.
English is not my first language
Masterlist
Law was sitting at his desk, hunched over various maps, plans, and some random notes, his sharp eyes scanning everything with meticulous focus. He was always like this—lost in some work, as if the weight of the world rested solely on his shoulders.
You stopped in the doorway for a moment, captivated by the sight of him. His spotted cap lay forgotten on the desk, leaving you free to admire the chaotic state of his black hair, likely ruffled even more with his hands—those beautiful, tattooed hands—whenever frustration got the best of him.
A smile pulled at your lips as you leaned against the frame, arms crossed, unable to tear your eyes away. There was something oddly endearing about how consumed he became by his responsibilities.
You always admired that about him.
Law continued scribbling notes, utterly unaware of your presence. The only sounds in the room were the scratching of his pen against parchment and the distant murmur of the crew moving around other parts of the submarine.
With an amused shake of your head, you cleared your throat.
Law's head snapped up, his piercing gaze locking onto yours. “What is it?” he asked as he set his pen down to give you full attention.
That was your first sign that you could get him away from his work.
“Nothing, just wanted to check up on you.” You stepped closer, slowly making your way towards him.
“I'm fine,” he waved his hand, dismissing your concerns. Typical.
“You always say that,” you said with a smirk, standing behind him. You put your hands on his arms, hugging him from behind. “The rest of the crew is drinking and playing cards tonight. You need to unwind a little too, you know.” You basically purred into his ear, wanting nothing more than to persuade him to join in your activities.
Law exhaled through his nose slowly, his expression remaining impassive, but you caught the subtle change as he mulled your words over. “I have work to do,” he replied, gesturing to the mess on his desk.
You scoffed, rolling your eyes as you pressed more against his back, peering down at the parchment. “You always have work to do,” you teased, pushing one of the maps aside.
“I don’t need to unwind,” he said stubbornly. “I'm fine here.”
You arched a brow, sensing an opening. “Oh, come on,” you pressed, your voice dripping with charm. “Pretty pleeeease?”
“Nope.”
“Please, my darling, my love, Captain of my heart, my Doctor Heartstealer, my star guiding me through this chaotic life, my—”
“Are you done?” he interrupted, deadpan. Completely unbothered by your theatrics.
“I’m done.” You flashed a playful grin. “But you can grace us with your presence every now and then. It won't kill you to enjoy yourself.”
Law let out a quiet sigh, running a hand through his hair as if debating whether indulging you was really worth the trouble. For a moment, it seemed like he might object again—but then, at last, his lips quirked ever so slightly at the corners.
“Fine,” he relented.
You grinned, triumphant. “Finally.” With a playful shove to his shoulder and a quick kiss on his cheek, you straightened up. “Now hurry before they drink all the good stuff.”
Law huffed, as if exasperated, but there was a spark in his eyes as he stood, stretching his arms over his head, though you could tell that he wasn't really opposed to the idea. He never was, just liked to pretend otherwise.
You wasted no time, looping your arm through his and leading him toward the door. “You'll thank me later,” you teased.
“I doubt that,” Law murmured in his usual fashion, but you knew by now that he enjoyed being pestered to join in on the fun. Especially if you were the one doing the prodding.
You kept dragging him through the corridor, the distant sounds of laughter and clinking glasses growing louder with every step. You were almost giddy at the thought of having a relaxing evening. What made it even better was the fact that Law was letting himself be pulled into it.
And whether he admitted it or not, you knew he wouldn’t regret it. The rare moments of peace, the simple joy of being with the people who cared for him—this was exactly what he needed.
The second you entered the common room, you were met with a chorus of cheers and whistles from the gathered crew members. The warm overhead lights filled the room with a pleasant glow, as your eyes swept over half-filled glasses and scattered playing cards.
“Well, well, well,” Penguin drawled, throwing his cards down dramatically. “The captain actually left his cave. Somebody mark the calendar!”
Shachi snickered, leaning back in his chair with a knowing grin. “For a second there, I thought he'd fused with his desk.”
A ripple of laughter spread through the room, and even Ikakku joined in, crossing her arms with an amused smirk. “Pretty sure the only reason he's here is because you dragged him out.”
You chuckled at their reaction, steering Law toward the table. “See? I told you they'd be happy to see you out here for once,” you said, plopping down into an empty chair.
Law sighed as he lowered himself into the seat beside you. “Yeah, yeah,” he muttered, but there was no real bite in his tone.
Bepo beamed from across the table. “We're glad you're here, Captain! It’s always more fun when you play.”
Clive leaned forward. “Now the real question is—are you gonna let us win this time?”
“You’d better watch out, Captain. We’ve been practicing without you.” Jean Bart added.
He rose from his seat and made his way toward the bar. Without needing to be asked, he started preparing drinks for you and Law. You watched him for a moment, grateful for the kindness, and accepted the offer with a soft, murmured thanks.
“You all talk big,” Law said, picking up his cards with practiced ease, “but I’m not going down easy.”
You watched the exchange, shaking your head with a grin as you leaned in slightly, giving Law’s arm a playful squeeze. “Better be prepared to back up that talk,” you teased.
“Just watch,” he murmured, his gaze not straying from his cards.
The game began, and just as expected, Law approached it with the same intense focus he applied to everything else. He studied his cards, his expression unreadable, his brilliant mind already calculating every possible move. The crew did their best to distract him with banter, but he hardly flinched.
Penguin groaned as Law won yet another hand, tossing his cards onto the table in defeat. “Dammit, Captain, you're like a damn rock. Can you at least pretend to look phased for once?”
Shachi narrowed his eyes, squinting at Law with mock suspicion. “You’re cheating, aren’t you? No way you’re this good without some kind of ruse.”
Law barely acknowledged their accusations, simply smirking as he shuffled his cards. “No tricks,” he said smoothly. “Just skill.” He glanced at you then, an almost imperceptible smile showing at the corner of his lips, a tiny acknowledgment only you would catch.
A few more rounds passed, and Law's dominance remained unchallenged. The crew's attempts to rattle him were futile, though their frustration never soured the mood. If anything, it only fueled the playful competitiveness.
“I'm starting to hate you again,” Shachi muttered as Law raked in another pile of winnings. “No one is this good every single round.”
“Oh, accept your defeat gracefully, Shachi,” Law responded dryly, stacking his chips with practiced ease. “Not my fault you’re all so predictable.”
You laughed at their exchange, enjoying the crew’s exaggerated complaints. “He’s got a point,” you teased, nudging Shachi with your elbow. “You guys are pretty easy to read.”
Shachi pouted, crossing his arms. “Easy for you to say! You’re doing way too well, too. Maybe you’re both just cheating.”
You laughed, shaking your head. “No cheating here, just pure skill,” you said smugly, leaning back in your chair. “Right, Captain?” You turned to Law with a knowing wink.
For a split second, you and Law exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between you.
The truth?
He had taught you how to play—how to spot the tells, how to bluff, and how to read people before they even realized they’d given themselves away. But neither of you was about to disclose that.
“That’s right,” Law said, his poker face impenetrable. “We’re just that good.”
The crew groaned in unison at his remark, though beneath their dramatic protests, there was just a joy of spending time together.
“This is getting ridiculous,” Ikkaku grumbled, glaring after her latest loss. “Are we absolutely sure Captain isn't secretly psychic?”
Law chuckled, setting down his cards with easy confidence. “You’re just a sore loser.”
Shachi threw Law an unimpressed look. “You could at least pretend to lose once in a while,” he complained.
Law raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “What, and go easy on you all?” he replied. “Where’s the fun in that?”
Bepo grinned at his captain. “You're just too good, Captain.”
It wasn’t every day that Law let loose like this. There was a lightness to the way he played, an almost uncharacteristic charm as he gathered his winnings with that trademark smirk of his.
You couldn’t even be mad at losing. The warmth, the laughter, the carefree fun—it all felt like a small victory, one that came not from triumph over others but from moments like this, where everyone could just be present, enjoying themselves without worry. And, as always, it came with the unmistakable thrill of being with a crew you could actually call family.
You leaned back in your seat, taking in the chaos of it all. “So,” you mused, your tone dripping with amusement, “still happy I dragged his ass here, guys?”
The collective groan from the crew was all the answer you needed.
“Yeah, yeah,” Shachi grumbled, tossing his cards onto the table in defeat. “Even if he's kicking all our asses.” With that, he drowned the rest of his drink.
“You all make it too easy,” Law replied smoothly. His words were cool, casual—like he was simply stating a fact—but the twinkle in his eyes and the way his smile deepened betrayed the pride he took in each flawless victory. Even in moments like this, when the game was more about fun than stakes, Law’s competitive edge never quite faded.
You shook your head, still laughing, as you turned to Law. “See? I told you it would be fun.”
“I guess you were right,” he admitted.
The crew mumbled their reluctant agreement, still licking their wounds from their losses.
“You should listen to her more often,” Penguin quipped, though there was still a sulky edge to his voice. “She knows what’s good for you.”
Law shot him a pointed look, but there was no real annoyance behind it. Without thinking, his hand drifted to the small of your back. His fingers brushed lightly against your skin, a casual, instinctive gesture that sent a welcome sensation through you. Affection between you two was rarely displayed in front of the crew, kept tucked away waiting to be shared in private. So even something as simple as this felt deeply intimate. It wasn’t much, not outwardly. But to you, it meant everything.
Feeling his touch, you turned your head slightly, your gaze finding his. Soft, unspoken, meant only for him.
The crew noticed, of course. They always did. But, for once, decided not to comment, content in the knowledge that their captain—reserved, calculating, and stubborn as he was—was finally, slowly, allowing himself to let go.
“Alright, that’s enough poker for one night,” Law declared, pushing back from his chair. The crew nodded, still pouting over their losses, but none of them had the energy to protest.
“Yeah, I need a break from getting my ass handed to me,” Shachi muttered, rubbing his forehead in defeat.
Bepo beamed at Law, his fluffy ears twitching with excitement. “You were awesome tonight, Captain.”
“Next time,” Law drawled, voice laced with mock arrogance, “maybe you all can put up more of a fight.”
You stood up beside him, stretching slightly. “Or maybe you could just go a little easier on them,” you countered.
Law rolled his eyes dramatically. “And give up the chance to watch them suffer a little?” He smirked. “Never.”
The crew groaned once again. But even as they grumbled, they couldn’t hide their wide smiles. Because, for all his teasing and destroying them in games, Law’s way of letting go had its charm.
“You’re ruthless, Captain,” Harugan complained, shaking his head.
Shachi nodded in agreement. “We’ll get you back. Count on it.”
Law’s grin widened slightly, clearly enjoying their futile determination. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”
As much as you enjoyed your life as a pirate, all the adventures, discoveries, and endless places to explore, those small moments with the crew—with your family—were always the most significant part.
You grabbed Law’s arm, pulling him away from the table. “Alright, that’s enough gloating. Let’s give them time to nurse their wounded egos,” you said, laughing.
Law followed your lead, his arm naturally sliding around your shoulders as you both walked away from the table. His gaze drifted back toward the crew, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. “See you all tomorrow. Rest up, lick your wounds.”
“Yeah, yeah,” they called after him, waving him off. Their complaints were empty, their eyes glinting with the promise of future revenge.
As the two of you stepped out into the quieter halls of the ship, the sounds of laughter and grumbling fading behind you, the air seemed to settle into a more peaceful atmosphere. Law let out a low chuckle, a rare softness creeping into his voice.
“Thanks for dragging my ass out there, as you put it.”
You grinned up at him, amused by his reluctant admission. “Told you it’d be good for you,” you replied, poking at his side playfully. “Besides, it was fun watching you humiliate them—even if I got a little humiliated in the process too.”
“No, no, you held your own,” he assured you. “You even beat me a couple of times.”
“Yeah, a couple,” you scoffed, though you couldn’t hide your smile. “But you still won overall. I forgot how competitive you can be.”
Law’s smirk deepened. “Can you blame me? Sometimes it’s good to remind them who the captain is,” he said, a hint of that cocky arrogance of his slipping through.
You shook your head fondly. “And there’s that ego of yours,” you teased. “You really can’t resist proving you’re the best, can you?”
“When I am the best,” he said smoothly, his voice dropping slightly. “Why would I hold back?”
Oh, how you loved that cocky edge in his voice.
You wouldn’t confess it out loud easily, but truth be told, you wouldn’t change a damn thing about him. Not his arrogance, nor the way his eyes were a little too sharp. Not even how blunt and insensitive he could be.
It was late by the time the two of you reached the captain’s quarters—your quarters now, too.
Officially.
The air carried a familiar tranquility, broken only by the steady motion of the submarine and the distant, muffled sounds of the crew retreating to their routines. But here, behind the closed door and beneath the soft, amber glow of the lights, the world had narrowed to just the two of you.
As the door clicked shut behind you, you marched toward Law. “Thanks for teaching me how to play poker,” you said. “It really paid off in there.”
Law chuckled, leaning casually against the wall, his golden eyes studying you. “You picked it up fast,” he admitted, the usual calm in his tone betrayed slightly by the note of pride. “Didn’t expect you to catch on that quickly.”
You grinned, practically glowing at the compliment. “Well,” you said, taking a step closer, just enough for your shoulder to brush his arm, “I had a good teacher.”
Before he could respond, you closed the distance between you in a heartbeat, wrapping your arms around his neck. Your fingers slid into the strands at his nape as your body pressed flush against his.
Law inhaled sharply at the sudden intimacy, his body stiffening for just a second before his hands instinctively found your waist, pulling you even closer. His grip was firm, the warmth of his palms seeping through the fabric and settling into your skin.
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” he murmured.
You laughed, soft and smug. You reveled in the power of being the one to rattle him. “I know,” you whispered, your lips grazing along the sharp edge of his jaw before pressing a tender kiss there.
Law’s breath hitched at the contact. His tattooed fingers tightened on your waist as he tilted his head slightly, granting you better access.
Taking full advantage of the way he melted beneath your touch, you let your lips trail slow kisses along the sharp line of his jaw, down the strong column of his throat. Your fingers slipped over his chest, exploring the muscle hidden under his shirt, every rise and fall of his breath growing just a little less controlled.
“You know,” you said against his skin, the words barely more than a breath. “I think we’ve spent enough time entertaining everyone else for tonight. Don’t you?”
“Yeah…” His voice was rougher now. His hands slid from the back of your neck down your spine. He paused at the curve of your hip before gripping your thigh firmly, pulling it up to hook around him, and the shiver that coursed through you was instant. “Let’s entertain ourselves now.”
A delighted giggle escaped your lips just before Law moved, swift and decisive. In one fluid motion, he lifted you as if you weighed nothing, his grip secure. Your legs wrapped instinctively around his waist, your arms tightening around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair for balance—or maybe just to feel closer.
The world blurred as he carried you across the room with that same steady confidence he carried everywhere.
When your back met the bed, a small gasp left you, the mattress dipping beneath you as he hovered above. His gaze was heated, his expression unreadable like usual and yet entirely consuming.
“So…” You looked up at him, your lips parted, your body already responding to his touch. “What kind of entertainment did you have in mind?”
Law’s smirk deepened, his hands sliding over your body with intentional slowness, tracing every curve beneath his fingertips. His golden eyes gleamed with that vitality that was reserved just for you as he leaned down, his lips brushing just barely against yours.
“Something a little more… private,” he answered, his voice a dangerous whisper. His hands traveled lower, fingers tracing heated paths along your skin. “Something that doesn’t involve any cards… or clothes, for that matter.”
“Sounds like my kind of entertainment,” you whispered, your fingers tightening in his hair just as he finally closed the space between you.
The time you spent with the crew was important, meaningful in its own right. But this? These rare moments behind closed doors, when Law let the world slip away and gave you the parts of himself no one else saw. This was what you treasured most.
One piece characters reaction to their girlfriend wearing a sexy maid outfit.
Warnings: slight suggestive nothing too crazy tho.
Characters: Zoro, law, kidd, ace, and Marco.
Zoro would initially be taken aback, his usual stoic demeanor faltering for a moment as he processes the sight before him. He’d try to play it cool, crossing his arms and leaning against a wall, but the slight blush creeping up his cheeks would betray him. “What’s with the outfit?” he’d grumble, trying to sound indifferent. However, his eyes would be glued to you, and he’d find it hard to concentrate on anything else. As the day goes on, he’d become more flustered, especially if you playfully tease him by bending over to pick something up. Eventually, he’d pull you aside, his voice low and serious, “You’re making it hard to focus… Let’s find somewhere private.”
Law would be intrigued and slightly amused by the sight of you in a maid outfit. He’d raise an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips as he leans against a wall, arms crossed. “You know, that’s quite the outfit you’ve got there,” he’d say, his tone teasing. He’d enjoy watching you move around, a playful glint in his eyes. If you decided to tease him by pretending to serve him, he’d chuckle softly, but his heart would race. Eventually, he’d pull you closer, whispering in your ear, “You’re going to have to make it up to me for distracting me like this.” His hands would find their way to your waist, pulling you into him, and you’d know exactly what he meant.
Kidd would be unabashedly vocal about his appreciation for your maid outfit. “Damn, you look good!” he’d exclaim, a wide grin spreading across his face. He’d likely make a few bold comments, teasing you about how you should wear it more often. Kidd would be playful, perhaps challenging you to a little game of chase around the ship. As you run away, he’d enjoy the thrill of the hunt, his laughter echoing as he pursues you. When he finally catches you, he’d pull you close, his eyes darkening with desire. “You think you can get away that easily?” he’d growl, before kissing you fiercely, his hands roaming over your body.
Ace would be utterly captivated by you m in a maid outfit. He’d have that signature grin on his face, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Wow, you’re really trying to kill me, huh?” he’d joke, though he’s clearly flustered. He’d love to see you playfully serve him, but he’d also be the type to pull you into his lap, wrapping his arms around you. “You know, I could get used to this,” he’d say, his voice low and teasing. If you decided to play coy and tease him, he’d chase after you, laughter bubbling up as he tries to catch you. Once he does, he’d pull you into a passionate kiss, his hands exploring as he whispers sweet nothings in your ear.
Marco would be both surprised and delighted to see you in a maid outfit. He’d chuckle softly, a warm smile spreading across his face. “You look adorable,” he’d say, his tone affectionate. He’d enjoy the sight of you flitting around, but he’d also be a little protective, making sure no one else gets too close. If you decided to tease him, he’d play along, pretending to be oblivious while secretly enjoying the view. When you finally catch his attention, he’d pull you into a gentle embrace, his voice soft. “You know, you’re making it really hard to concentrate on work,” he’d murmur before leaning in for a sweet kiss, his hands tenderly caressing your back.
————————————————————————
Thanks for reading! I’m going to make a part two with; shanks, mihawk, Aokiji, sabo, lucci. Let me know who else I should add!!!
Part of the Polar Tang Chronicles but can be read as a standalone! (They're all just various one-shots featuring the Reader, Law, and the Heart Pirates)
Summary: Your crew discovered that you and Law are closer than you seemed when the two of you stumbled out disheveled of his quarters one morning due to the ship’s alarm. After the battle, Law left, leaving you to endure the crew’s relentless teasing—which eventually escalated a bit too far.
Tags: suggestive, obvious mentions of sex (but no smut), nudity, hickies mentioned, swearing, teasing, kinda crack, a bit angsty
Words: 5.6k
Notes: I had a lot of fun writing that one! I considered using it for a longer fanfic, but the one I’m currently working on (which will take a while to complete) doesn’t quite match this vibe. Still, I’m thinking about doing more one-shots with this kind of atmosphere—just some daily life moments with Reader, Law, and the Heart Pirates. I already have outlines for two: one where Penguin and Shachi accidentally walk in on Reader and Law, and another where Reader gets tipsy with Ikakku (I'm more than open to your suggestions)
English is not my first language
Masterlist
You woke up, nestled under the covers and enjoying a morning of quiet bliss. You snuggled closer to the warm body next to you. Law.
“Morning,” he rasped, kissing your collarbone tenderly.
You hummed happily in response, exposing your neck to him, and he quickly took advantage and started putting his lips all over it. His hands moved to explore your naked skin slowly. You tilted your head to capture his lips in a gentle kiss. You both made out lazily, taking your time to relish one another. Soon the room was filled with the sounds of quiet moans and sighs, passion building with every touch. Lost in the sensations, you were completely oblivious to the world outside your small haven.
Then, the sudden blaring of the alarm shattered the peaceful atmosphere like glass. You both jolted upright, the reality of the situation crashing down on you like a bucket of cold water. The moment of intimacy was gone, replaced by an urgent need to spring into action.
You and Law hurried out of the captain's lodgings, your attires randomly assembled of whatever clothes had been within reach. You couldn't take the time to look presentable; the ship's alarm was a call to action, and you had to respond quickly.
As you stepped into the hallway, Law's expression was grim; his mind already focused on the impending danger. You took your eyes from him, and you regretted it immediately as you found yourself face to face with a few of the crew members. Their gazes flicked between Law and you, taking in your disheveled state, and a murmur of surprise and recognition rippled through the group.
Law clenched his jaw, cursing silently as he realized your secret was out. With a stern glare, he stepped forward, taking charge of the situation. “Alright, listen up! We don't have time to waste ogling. We've got a dangerous situation on our hands, and we need to spring into action now.”
Law's voice cut through the commotion, commanding and resolute, as he issued orders to prepare for battle. The air was charged with urgency as the submarine broke the surface, and without hesitation, you leapt onto the deck alongside your crewmates.
As the ships closed in, the sounds of battle began to swell. The creak of wood, the sharp clang of blades, and the guttural cries of the enemy pirates filled the air. They swarmed over the rails, swords, and other weapons gleaming as they poured onto the deck.
Law stood at the helm, calm and focused, his stern gaze tracking every movement below. You stood beside him, gripping your weapon tightly, a determined edge in your eyes. For a brief moment, his eyes flicked to yours.
“Be careful.”
“You too.”
With that, you plunged into the chaos.
The Heart Pirates fought with fierce determination, refusing to give an inch to the invaders. Swords clashed, bodies collided, and the deck became a storm of violence. Law, as always, took the lead, enforcing his Devil Fruit power and cutting through the most dangerous foes with a precision that left no room for error.
By the time the battle ended, the enemy was in full retreat, their ship disappearing over the horizon. Slowly, the tension on the deck eased, and cheers broke out. The crew’s voices rose together, celebrating their victory as they let the weight of the battle fall away.
“You okay?” Law asked softly, standing next to you.
“Yeah,” you replied, a weary smile curving on your lips. “You?”
“I'm… fine,” He reached out a hand, gently brushing a stray strand of hair away from your face. “You fought well,” he murmured quietly, his eyes searching yours.
Law suddenly became aware of the crew's gazes, noticing the smirks and winks they were shooting in your direction. He shifted uncomfortably, his face flushing a subtle shade of pink. He quickly stood back to address the crew.
“Alright, everyone. You did well,” Law said, his voice firm and commanding once more. “Let's get this mess cleaned up, and everyone back to their duties.” And just like that, he turned on his heel and walked away.
You were used to the attention and the rumors that swirled about Law and you, but being caught in a compromising position earlier still made you feel awkward and exposed. You felt a pang of irritation at Law's sudden departure. You understood his need for privacy, but it still stung a little that he had left you there to deal with the crew's prodding alone.
“So... how do you feel about the captain?” Shachi asked with a smirk.
“That he is being an ass,” you muttered angrily, starting to clean up, hoping it would allow you to leave soon.
The crewmates snickered at your insult.
“Damn,” Penguin remarked with a grin. “It's the first time I've heard someone call the captain an ass and live to tell the tale.”
“I guess being the captain’s lover has its perks. You can get away with more than most.”
You bristled at that comment. Law was a strict captain, and you knew that others respected him. Being able to call him an 'ass' and getting away with it did feel satisfying, but you certainly didn’t appreciate the implication that whatever you had with Law granted you special privileges.
You felt exhausted, and you didn't have the energy to argue with them. Instead, you let out a weary sigh, your shoulders slumping slightly as you snapped back at the crew member who had spoken. “Can you just shut up and do your job?” You felt hot and embarrassed as you unzipped your hoodie a bit, looking around to busy yourself with something.
The crew members snickered at your response, clearly enjoying the chance to tease even more.
“Oh, is that something you told the captain this morning, too?” someone jibed,
Your frustration boiled to the surface. “You guys suck,”
But as soon as the words left your mouth, Penguin quipped back, “Not as good as the captain on your neck this morning.”
You froze, your eyes widening in shock, and your hand instinctively reached up to touch your neck, where Law had indeed spent a lot of time just this morning. You hadn't even had a chance to look in the mirror yet, and now you realize that unzipping your hoodie, or actually Law hoodie, which you noted with a mental curse now, was a wrong move.
Ikkaku cast you a sympathetic glance. “Yeah, we can see those hickies,” she noted with a wry smile.
Shachi immediately added. “We would have to be damn blind not to notice them.”
Penguin grinned cheekily and chimed in. “Who knew Captain was such a sucker,”
The crew members continued their teasing, their jokes, and comments, escalating with every word. You felt as if you were drowning in a sea of ribbing, and you just couldn't take it any longer. You spun around and stalked away, leaving the laughing crew behind.
As you stormed off, you overheard a puzzled Bepo comment, “I don't know why everyone is making a big deal out of this. She's been staying with the captain for months now.”
The crew's confusion only seemed to grow, and the explanation fell into a series of muttered exchanges.
“What?!”
“You didn't know that?”
“None of us did!”
You sought sanctuary in your and Ikkaku's room, isolating yourself from the rest of the crew for the remainder of the day. Various crew members came by, attempting to apologize through the door, but you refused to speak to anyone but Ikkaku.
You heard their voices through the door, their tones ranging from apologetic to pleading.
“Oh, come on, we were just teasing.”
“We're happy for you, really.”
“Come out, will you?”
“We're sorry, okay?”
You were not the only one avoiding everyone. Law was also absent, and nobody managed to catch a glimpse of him. The crew was left wondering how to mend the situation, and after a while, they came to a consensus. Someone needed to speak to Law and try to smooth things over.
And that's how Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin, Law's longest serving crewmates, and closest friends, found themselves standing outside his room. Summoning his courage, Bepo finally raised a trembling paw and struck the door with a soft, tentative knock.
There was a pause before Law's voice echoed through, a grumpy and dismissive, “I'm busy.”
The trio exchanged nervous glances, their resolve faltering for only a moment before Bepo mustered his courage once more. “We need to talk to you, Captain. It's important.”
Another moment of silence followed, and then they heard Law's resigned grunt. “Fine. Come in.”
They pushed open the door cautiously, their gazes darting nervously around the room. Law leaned back in his chair, one eyebrow raised in mild irritation. “Everything alright?”
Penguin spoke up hesitantly. “No, not really,” he began. “I mean, the ship is fine, and we're not being attacked, but there's something else…”
“What? Just say it.”
Shachi rolled his eyes. “Come on, Captain, we need to talk about what happened this morning.”
Law immediately rejected the notion. “No, we don't,” he said, his shoulders tensing, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Yes, we do, and you're gonna listen to us.” Undeterred by Law's expression, he continued, “You shouldn't have just left her alone with us after a fight.”
Law remained impassive, his voice cool and matter-of-fact. “I had to take care of something, and I didn't think I was needed there,” he reiterated. “You guys were supposed to clean, and I had other matters to attend to.”
Penguin chimed in, his expression slightly sheepish. “Yeah, you were…You left after we all knew what happened in the morning, so of course we turned to her…We teased her, and I guess we took it a bit too far.”
Law clenched his jaw, his annoyance growing with each passing second. He didn't need a lecture on how to handle his life, and he definitely didn't appreciate his crew sticking their noses in his business.
But the trio wasn't finished yet. Bepo's worried gaze met Law's, his tone earnest as he added, “She didn't take it well, Captain. She locked herself in her room.”
Law's voice remained steady, feigning indifference as he asked, “So you want me to punish her for skipping out on her chores?”
Gasps of disbelief erupted from the trio.
“What, no!” Shachi barked. “Are you insane?”
“Yeah! What is wrong with you?” Penguin added, his tone incredulous.
Bepo took a deep breath, trying to reason. “You need to talk to her, Captain. And to us—your crew.”
Law's reply was curt and final. “It’s a private matter.”
Penguin wasn’t having it. “No, it’s not. Not anymore. But the crew’s okay with that—we’ve talked about it.”
Shachi nodded, his tone firm. “More than fine with it. We know you’ve been worried about what we’d think. But here’s the thing: we’re happy.”
“Yeah,” Penguin chimed in. “You’ve been dancing around each other for too long.”
“And honestly? It was getting annoying,” Shachi added.
Bepo’s voice softened, but his words carried weight. “We want you to know we support you, Captain.”
Law blinked, their bluntness catching him off guard. Despite their sincerity, he still hesitated. “Is that so?”
The trio nodded in unison, their expressions hopeful.
Shachi stepped forward, crossing his arms as he locked eyes with Law. “Well, it needed to be said,” he stated firmly. “We know how you are, Captain. You could sit here for weeks if we let you. But we can’t let her suffer any longer.”
Law repeated, almost incredulously, “Suffer?”
Shachi shrugged apologetically. “We couldn’t speak to her personally,” he admitted, glancing toward the others. “But Ikkaku told us she’s obviously humiliated—not just by us, but by you, too.”
“You just left her there,” Penguin added, his tone tinged with guilt as he stepped closer. “And you haven’t spoken to her since. She thinks you’re ashamed of—”
“Of course I’m ashamed,” Law interrupted sharply, sitting forward as his jaw tightened. “That should have never happened. You shouldn’t have seen us like that.” His tone was clipped, frustration dominating his words as he averted his gaze.
Penguin picked up his sentence. “No, she thinks you are ashamed of her,” he clarified, his voice trailing off awkwardly.
Shachi frowned, his usually lighthearted expression turning uncharacteristically serious. “Ikkaku said she thinks she was forcing herself on you. That you only gave in because you were lonely,” he explained, his voice lowering. “And now everyone knows, and she feels embarrassed and pitiful.”
Law’s chair scraped slightly as he pushed back, his voice rising in outrage. “What? That’s absurd!” he exclaimed, shaking his head. His clenched fists rested on the armrests, knuckles whitening as he struggled to contain his mounting exasperation. The thought of you feeling that way—that you thought he was ashamed of you—sent a sharp pang through his chest.
“Yeah, we figured as much,” Penguin said, cutting through the tension. “But she doesn’t know that, Captain. You need to remind her she’s more than that.”
Shachi leaned forward, his tone pressing yet sincere. “She is more, right, Captain?”
Bepo’s soft, worried voice followed, his eyes searching Law’s face. “You did tell her, didn’t you? That she’s more?”
The room fell deathly quiet, the three of them staring at Law, waiting for a response. He sat frozen, his mind racing with thoughts and emotions he couldn’t quite organize. A subtle tremor ran through his hand as he clenched and unclenched his fist.
Shachi's voice cut through the silence, his tone firm and insistent. “You're awful,” he said bluntly. “You need to tell her.”
“I can't,” Law said, looking away.
“Why not?”
Law’s lips parted, and for a moment, he hesitated. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet but raw, laced with an uncharacteristic vulnerability. “Because... I can’t lose her.”
The words lingered in the air, a heavy confession that seemed to sap the strength from him. His crewmates stood still, the weight of the admission sinking in. They had known Law for years, long enough to understand the fear buried beneath his stoic exterior. This wasn’t just about pride or embarrassment. This was about the scars of loss he carried, the pain he feared reliving.
After a brief pause, Penguin spoke up. “Well, we can't promise you that,” he stated, his words heavy with the acknowledgment of the uncertainty of the future.
Shachi nodded, his expression softening. “But she doesn’t want to leave you, Captain. That much we’re sure of.”
Bepo added, his voice solemn yet earnest, “And besides, she always says that life is a fucking nightmare, full of pain, and that you never know when you're going to die, so you should cling to every single small moment of happiness.”
Shachi and Penguin turned to Bepo, their mouths falling open in shock. Penguin gawked at him. “Wow, Bepo,” he said, his voice tinged with disbelief. “I’ve known you forever, but I’ve never heard you swear.”
Bepo’s face flushed under the sudden attention. “I was quoting!” he stammered, his ears flicking nervously. “The point is, if you won’t listen to us, maybe you should listen to her. You deserve some happiness too, Captain,” he finished, his eyes locking with Law’s.
Law's expression eased as he heard Bepo's words. The crew's support, combined with the reminder that your wisdom echoed their sentiment, struck a chord within him. He couldn't deny the truth in their words, even if fear still held him back.
The silence stretched once more, thick with emotion. Finally, Penguin broke it hesitantly. “Um, Captain?”
Law straightened, his usual composure returning. “There will be an obligatory meeting in two hours,” he said, his voice firm and commanding once more.
Bepo tilted his head, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. “Everyone?” he asked tentatively, unsure if Law meant to include you.
Law’s reply was curt and resolute. “Yes. Everyone. Now go.”
The crew spread the word about the meeting, making their way to the girls' dormitory. Shachi rapped on the door, and moments later, Ikkaku appeared, leaning casually against the doorframe.
“The Captain called for an obligatory meeting,” Shachi informed her. “Everyone needs to attend.” He craned his neck slightly, calling out into the room, “That means you too.”
From within, your voice drifted toward them, muffled but tinged with resignation. “Yeah, yeah, I figured.”
Ikkaku gave a short nod and closed the door with a soft click. Turning toward you, she crossed her arms and regarded you thoughtfully. “You should shower first,” she suggested gently.
Sprawled across your bed, you rolled your eyes, a wry smirk tugging at your lips. “Thanks, Ikka,” you quipped with playful sarcasm. “You really know how to make a girl feel special.”
Despite the jest, a flicker of vulnerability lingered in your eyes, betraying the weight of the upcoming meeting and the emotional turmoil still churning beneath the surface.
Taking Ikkaku’s advice, you trudged to the bathroom and showered, the hot water doing little to wash away your apprehension. When you returned to the room, your skin still damp and your hair wet, you began to change.
You couldn't help but notice Ikkaku’s gaze lingering on you. Sharing a room—and a shower room—meant you were no stranger to Ikkaku’s teasing observations, but this time, her stare felt particularly pointed.
You raised an eyebrow, turning to face her. “Okay, I know you’ve said my boobs are awesome, but the staring’s a bit much, don’t you think?” you remarked, your voice dripping with sass as you shot her a look.
Unfazed, Ikkaku smirked, leaning back against the wall with casual ease. “Sorry,” she said, her tone laced with amusement. “I was just curious to see how far those hickeys go.”
You froze, the memories of your night—and morning—with Law surfaced unbidden, leaving you momentarily speechless.
“Don’t you have something better to do than ogling me?” you shot back, your voice flustered but defiant as you busied yourself with brushing your hair.
Ikkaku’s grin widened as she shrugged nonchalantly. “Not really,” she admitted. “Besides, your face right now? Totally worth it.”
Slowly, with reluctant resolve, you pulled away the towel, letting it fall to the side. The marks Law had left on your skin—bold, unmistakable—were now fully exposed. Ikkaku’s grin widened, her eyes shamelessly scanning the array of hickeys decorating your breasts and stomach.
“Wow,” she remarked with a teasing lilt, humor sparkling in her gaze. “Someone likes to sign their work.”
Despite the wave of mortification, a small smirk crept to your lips. There was something strangely endearing about her playful commentary, even if it only added to your flustered state.
You turned away and began dressing, methodically slipping on your bra before pulling a tank top over your head and following it with your uniform. Your movements were deliberate, almost mechanical, as though each action was part of a ritual to compose yourself. Hands trembling slightly, you reached for the zipper of your uniform and drew it up all the way to your neck—a rare act of modesty for you.
With the uniform now in place, you grabbed a bottle of concealer from the desk and leaned toward the small mirror affixed to the wall. Your eyes narrowed in concentration as you dabbed and blended the makeup over the hickeys that still were visible on your neck, working meticulously to erase any evidence of your time with Law.
Behind you, Ikkaku’s grin remained fixed. Her gaze was both amused and curious as she watched you work. “So, is he good?” she asked bluntly.
The question caught you off guard, your eyes widening in surprise as you glanced at her through the mirror. “Oh, come on,” she added before you could respond, rolling her eyes dramatically. “We’ve been pretending I didn’t know for months. At least give me something.”
A groan escaped you as you turned to face her, the reluctance plain in your posture. Yet, under her persistent gaze, you relented. “Fine, he’s… amazing,” you admitted, your voice softening. “I know, I know—you’ll say I’m biased, but he really is. Or it really is,” you added, a faint smile tugging at the corners of your lips as the memory resurfaced. “I never knew sex could be that good.”
Your cheeks flushed anew as the words left your lips, the vivid recollection making it impossible to hide your emotions. Ikkaku raised a brow, her interest clearly piqued by your admission.
“You’ve had sex with other people before, though,” she pointed out, her voice tinged with curiosity.
You nodded, your expression turning thoughtful. “Yeah, and it was nothing compared to that.”
Ikkaku tilted her head slightly, a flicker of contemplation crossing her face before she spoke again. “It was good, or good because it was him?”
Your breath hitched slightly at her question, the double meaning not lost on you. The intensity of your feelings threatened to bubble to the surface, but you kept your composure. After a brief pause, you answered. “Both,” you confessed, the honesty in your words both exhilarating and terrifying. “It was good, and it was good because it was him.”
“Well, I’m glad for you.”
You sighed, shaking your head slightly, your smile fading. “Yeah, well, that doesn’t matter now.”
“Why not?” she asked, leaning forward slightly.
Your lips pressed into a thin line. “Because, obviously, it won’t be happening anymore,” you replied flatly, your tone resigned, though a flicker of sadness betrayed you.
“You can’t know that.”
You scoffed, shooting her a skeptical look. “Oh, I think I know,” you muttered, the bitterness of your words undercut by the vulnerability in your eyes.
“No,” she said again. “You don’t know that. You can’t know that.”
A lump formed in your throat as her words lingered in the air. You tried to brush them off, letting out a heavy sigh. “I… Let’s just get to this meeting,” you murmured, the finality in your tone signaling an end to the conversation.
Law arrived, his commanding presence as steady as ever, and began by addressing the crew in his usual manner. He outlined the agenda for their imminent arrival on the island, detailing their expected conduct and assigning responsibilities with precise efficiency.
Despite the focus on practical matters, an undercurrent of tension lingers in the air. You sat among the crew, listening with a stoic expression, but your mind reeled with the weight of recent events. The words spoken seem distant, their meanings muted by the emotional turmoil swirling within you. Law’s voice remained firm and unyielding, yet there was a subtle flicker of concern in his eyes each time his gaze landed on you.
After finishing the official agenda, Law cleared his throat, his posture shifting slightly. “There’s another matter we need to discuss,” he stated.
Your body tensed as the weight of his announcement settled over the room. The earlier incident—he’s going to talk about it. Your pulse quickened, the anticipation prickling your skin as you wondered what he'd say and how it would alter the fragile balance you felt.
As the eyes of your crewmates subtly shifted toward you, the sensation of being exposed made you want to disappear. Their curiosity, though unspoken, was palpable. Only Law refrained from looking your way, his avoidance making you wonder if it’s deliberate.
Finally, he spoke, “I was informed by Shachi, Bepo, and Penguin that there are no objections to this… relationship.” His pause is brief but meaningful, the word relationship hanging in the air. For a moment, he looked at you before continuing. “Is that correct?”
The crew’s response was instantaneous and resounding.
“Not at all!”
“We’re all happy for you!”
“It should have happened sooner!”
“We’re more than fine with it!”
You leaned closer to Ikkaku and whispered. “Did he just say relationship, or am I delusional?”
Ikkaku chuckled softly. “You heard him right,” she confirmed.
The reality of the moment began to sink in, the word relationship replaying in your mind. It felt surreal to hear Law speak of your connection so openly. Your heart fluttered, caught between happiness and nervousness as you processed this unexpected declaration.
Relationship. Did he just make it official—without asking you first? You’d expect irritation, but instead, you felt a surprising sense of ease. When his gaze met yours again, a flicker of nervousness in his expression, you offered him a small smile and nod. His shoulders relaxed, and a faint, fleeting smile crossed his face before he regained his usual composure.
Law’s commanding voice broke the moment. “Alright, that’s enough,” he said, addressing the crew. “Don’t go overboard with it. If any concerns arise, come to me directly.”
He paused, then added with authority, “This is a private matter, and it will remain that way. Don’t get too curious, and no discussions about it outside this ship. Understood?”
Everyone nodded. You joined them in silent acknowledgment, feeling a wave of relief at the boundaries Law set.
With a touch of humor, he continued, “I’d also like to forbid all talks on the ship, but I don’t believe in miracles.”
The crew erupted in light laughter, the mood easing slightly with his words.
“Now, I’ve heard that instead of focusing on cleaning as I directed, some of you were too busy gossiping and fooling around. As punishment, everyone will be cleaning the storage room.”
A collective groan rose from the crew, though none dared protest. Law had chosen this task deliberately, knowing it needed to be done and that no one would volunteer.
Once the commotion died down, Law turned to you. His tone remained firm and impartial. “Besides you. But for missing work earlier, you’ll take an extra shift cleaning the kitchen.”
Cleaning the kitchen was your least favorite task, and everyone on the ship knew it. Yet, you couldn't bring yourself to feel resentment. Law was fair; everyone else faced consequences for missed duties, and he was showing you no favoritism. The consistency in his decisions left you feeling unexpectedly grateful.
With the meeting concluded, Law’s voice rang out one final directive. “That’s all. Everyone, return to your tasks.”
Usually, he would leave immediately, but this time, he lingered. His gaze scanned the room, ensuring no one had the chance to approach you as the crew dispersed.
As you turned to leave, you felt the light pressure of a hand on your shoulder. Startled, you glanced back to find Law standing close. His voice dropped to a quiet murmur, just for you. “Come to me when you’re done. We need to talk.”
You arrived at Law's door later, your heart beating slightly faster in anticipation of the conversation ahead. Knocking gently, you heard his voice inviting you in. You entered the room and took your usual seat across from him, settling into the chair as you took a moment to compose yourself.
“I can’t believe you did that,” you said, referring to Law’s earlier declaration at the meeting.
Law smiled softly, a rare expression reserved just for you. “I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner,” he replied apologetically. He paused before asking, “Are you okay with it?”
Your heart raced at his apology, the words sending a flutter through your chest. Taking a deep breath, you gathered your thoughts and responded, “I’m… surprised.” You paused for a moment, mustering the courage to voice your true feelings. “But… yes, I’m okay with it. More than okay.”
Law’s eyes locked onto yours, and you could see that your words calmed him. Your words—more than okay—settled the doubts that had crept into his mind. He let out a small sigh, the tension leaving his body.
Switching to a lighthearted tone, you added with a playful pout, “I’m still a little mad, you know. For leaving me there like that.”
Law’s response was matter-of-fact, his voice composed. “I know. I didn’t do it intentionally. I just didn’t see the point of sticking around.” There was a hint of nonchalance as he added, “I got injured a bit during the battle—didn’t want anyone making a fuss over me.”
Your eyes widened in disbelief, anger, and concern flooding you. “Law!”
He chuckled lightly, his tone soothing as he hastened to reassure you. “I’m fine, I am. I swear.”
Crossing your arms, you murmured, “You better be.” Sighing in exasperation, you scolded him. “You should’ve told me.”
“You weren’t visiting me…”
“I didn’t think you wanted me to…”
The room fell silent, the weight of your words sinking in. Law studied your face, the truth behind your statement hitting him. He realized how his actions might have led you to that conclusion, and guilt welled up inside him. His voice was quiet as he replied, “You were wrong.”
“Well, how was I supposed to know that?”
Law sighed, running a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration. “I should’ve been clearer,” he admitted, his tone tinged with regret. “I shouldn’t have left you hanging like that.” He paused, considering his next words. “I didn’t want anyone fussing over me, especially not you. I didn’t want you to worry…”
“You can’t just avoid everyone when you’re injured. Especially not me. I… I care about you, you know that.”
“I know, I know,” he conceded, “I just… I didn’t want to be a burden. And it wasn’t anything serious.”
“You’re not a burden. You could never be a burden to me.” Leaning forward, you held his gaze. “Even if it wasn’t serious, you should’ve told me.”
“I probably would’ve told you if you’d visited me. You know, I usually tell you everything. If you’d come to check on me, I would’ve spoken up eventually.”
“You’re impossible sometimes, you know that?” you said, though there was no real anger in your voice. You sighed. “You shouldn’t have left me there with the crew after they found out about us. I… I thought you were ashamed of me, that I was just some dirty little secret…”
“No. I’m not ashamed of you, not at all.” Meeting your gaze, he continued firmly, “You’re more than that. You’re…” He faltered, struggling with the words he wasn’t used to saying.
“You don’t have to say anything.” Seeing his struggle, you gently reassured him. “I suppose that means we’re official now, huh?” you asked, a shy smile tugging at your lips.
“I suppose we are,” he replied, a tender edge in his voice. “I hope you’re still comfortable with that.”
“Of course I am. I’ve wanted this for a long time.”
Law's heart felt lighter at your words. He hadn't realized how much he needed to hear you say that. “Good,” he said simply, a rare smile playing on his lips. “Because I have too.” Law's smile softened, and a more somber expression settled on his face. “It's… it's not going to be easy,” he admitted quietly. “You know that, right?”
You nodded, your expression serious as well. You understood the challenges that came with a relationship, especially in your unconventional circumstances. “I know,”
“I'm not… going to be easy.”
You reached out and gently laid your hand on top of his on the desk. “I know that too.” You laced your fingers with his, stroking his thumb softly. “Law, I'm not going into this blindly. I… I'm just as scared as you are.”
As Law started to object, you stopped him with a determined look. “No, don't give me that look. You're emotionally challenged, and we live in a shitty world. Of course, you're scared. So am I.”
Law fell silent, his eyes locking onto yours as he absorbed your words. He hadn't expected you to acknowledge his fears so bluntly—most people just assumed he didn't have any. Yet here you were, acknowledging them and admitting to sharing similar feelings. “You're incredible, you know that?” he murmured.
Your lips curled into a small, wry smile. You were flattered by his words, but you also knew him well enough to see the lingering hint of disbelief in his eyes. “I have my moments,” you replied lightly, your tone filled with a hint of humor. “But I mean what I said. I know this won't be easy, and I'm scared too. But… I want this. With you.”
“I am a broken man,” he confessed, his tone filled with an undercurrent of regret and a hint of shame.
Your gaze didn't waver. “And I won't fix you,” you said quietly. “And I am a broken woman, and you won't fix me either. But… maybe,” your voice softened. “Maybe… the broken pieces… just fit together, you know?”
Law's breath hitched in his throat at your words. He felt the truth of your statement deep within, a part of him yearning to believe it. But his logical mind reminded him of the harsh realities of your lives. Yet, something about your words, your touch, made him want to believe it all the same. “Broken pieces…” he mused quietly, a hint of both longing and skepticism in his voice.
“Yes, broken pieces,” you reiterate gently. “Sometimes, the unique things are created from broken pieces that just… fit.”
Law's gaze flicked down to your joined hands, the sight of your touch against his skin grounding him. He took a slow, deep breath, your words sinking into his heart, chipping away at his usual skepticism.
“Maybe you're right,” he murmured, his voice low and tinged with a faint hint of wonder. “Maybe… maybe the broken pieces do fit together in ways that make something… significant.”
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