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It all started with a simple question.
“When’s your birthday Torao?” Luffy asked, suspended by the knees on a low-branch.
Law had looked up from his seat on one of the tree’s roots and threw him a bored look before answering. “Mugiwara-ya. I can’t remember my human life. How do you expect me to remember my birthday?”
“But you had one right?”
“Well yes or else I wouldn’t be here right now. Why do you ask? Don’t demons have birthdays?”
“I guess we do? I can’t remember when or how I was born. I just recall climbing up Impel’s floors and getting to the human world! So it’s like I have multiple birthdays? Plus time doesn't really exist back home? So even if I have many birthdays I couldn’t tell which day they are and when I got to the human world I didn’t have a calendar..” Luffy concluded his rambling by crossing his arms and closing his eyes, head turning red with a concentrated pinch between his eyebrows.
Law could guess it wasn’t because of his upside down position since the demon had been impersonating a bat for the past 30 minutes. He huffed, slightly amused by the demon using his brain power and brought back his eyes towards the sea in front of him.
“Then what makes you think there was a calendar when I was born an angel?”
Luffy opened his eyes and puffed his cheeks. “‘Cuz you guys are so overly strict! You gotta have records of each angel’s birth!”
Law hummed for a moment thinking back of Skypiea and nodded. “I guess we do but I never bothered asking. It’s not like it’s my real birthday. It’s just the day my soul changed into an angel.” After a short pause, he concluded logically “Which probably means it’s my human deathday. Not as fun I suppose.” He shrugged.
Luffy deflated and let his arms down, pouting. This was not the answer he wanted, why did Law always have to be such a downer. Sanji told him birthdays were a happy event. That they were when friends and family would celebrate one’s birth and thank them for being there. Once Luffy had heard and, most importantly, experienced what a birthday was, he immediately felt the want to give a party to his one angel friend.
The guy was always so serious and gloomy. Always thinking of plans to take down the elite of Skypiea and freeing angels from under its tyranny. Torao never or rarely smiled. Never seemed relaxed. Given that last part might be because of his actual situation being stuck on the mortal realm and fearing for his second life each time a demon would appear. But it was different now! He wasn’t alone anymore, Luffy was there for him!
So it was decided! Luffy would throw a birthday party for his friend!
---
"Allying with humans is already bad enough for our reputation but seeing you around that angel" The word was practically spat out. "Is even worse Luffy. And now you want to throw a birthday party for him? No way in Impel Down’s fire floor." The taller demon finished and the red headed one besides him nodded approvingly.
"Ah! Zoro don't be a hippopotamus!" Luffy put his hands on his hips, back straight and glaring. Despite being shorter than average, the demon always had an imposing presence.
Both demons looked back at him incredulously.
"What?" They said in unison.
"Torao taught me that word! It's when you say to someone to not do something but you do it yourself!"
"...Hypocrite?" Nami suggested.
"Oh yeah that! Don't be a hipocrate, I see how you like to spend time with Sanji!"
Zoro wisely ignored the butched up word in favor of sputtering, his tail swinging aggressively. "The fuck I don't like spending time with that stupid ero-cook! I despise him!"
Luffy lifted an eyebrow, unimpressed. Even he wasn't dumb enough to know that that was a big fat lie and that his best friend liked to mess with the cook and hang out with him. Though it IS true that Luffy wouldn't let Zoro hurt the human since his food was the best in all the 5 Blues. Especially how he prepared meat. Luffy practically drooled just thinking about it and he should totally ask Sanji to cook for Torao’s birthday.
Meanwhile, Zoro had been continuing his defensive charade, ignored by the smaller demon, and finally came to an end. "-and anyway you don’t know his birthday! So forget the idea.”
Luffy whined. “But I wanna celebrate Toraooo. C’mon guys help me oooout pleaaaase.”
Zoro and Nami shuddered. “You asking instead of ordering and saying please is proof that that angel has a bad influence on you.” The redhead demon commented. “Why do you wanna celebrate him so much? If it’s a party you want we can have one. No need to create a special occasion.”
“I want to make Torao happy! We had so much fun at Franky’s birthday, I would just like for him to have that much fun too!” The dark-haired demon finished by using one of his mightiest weapons: his puppy eyes. (That’s what Usopp called them anyway.) He wetted his eyes with unshed tears, lowered his pointy ears and dropped his tail so it was swinging low.
Despite their incredulous look at his declaration, they only lasted 5 seconds.
“Oh alright! We will celebrate your stupid crush!” Nami finally exclaimed, throwing her arms up in the air, unable to resist such a cute face.
Zoro looked away, crossing his arms and mumbling. “How could you fall for that prick, seriously.”
---
Preparation was a quick affair. Without knowing the birth date of Law their little group of friends had to invent one and decided to do it on a saturday at Sanji’s restaurant.
He had asked Usopp for help since he apparently had made many birthday parties for people ranging from royalty to normal folks. These parties all had one thing in common: In the end they would exclaim their heartfelt thanks and happiness for the best birthday ever to Usopp. How could Luffy miss this opportunity to make Torao that happy?
He had asked for Sanji to cook, of course, and his friend had gladly accepted. He caught him mumbling to himself, while thinking over the menu, wondering what could be good enough to make an angel cry. Zoro had only heard that last part and spent the entire day in the kitchen, possibly trying to give advice to the cook. It slowed the process quite a bit.
The rest of their group took part in decorating and getting everything ready. Usopp and Chopper made a huge banner that said “Surprise! Happy Birthday Law”. Luffy got the help of Franky, Robin and Nami in blowing up the balloons and installing smaller banners and ceiling swirls. Brook prepared the music and Jinbei installed some games with Usopp.
Luffy could feel himself getting giddy and couldn’t wait to see the surprise and happiness in Law’s eyes. It will be such a great surprise!
---
It all went so wrong.
In perspective, Luffy should have guessed that inviting all his demon and human friends and throwing a surprise party for a lone angel could look like a trap to kill said lone angel.
The moment Law entered the restaurant was like trapping a canary in a room full of cats.
He maybe also should have told Law there would be many demons. He maybe shouldn’t have made it a surprise either.
He DEFINITELY should have kept the lights on.
Because as soon as Law took a hesitant step into the restaurant, holding Luffy's hand as he followed him (Luffy admits he wishes he could have held it longer), the door closed and the lights came on, a loud cry of "SUUURPRIIIISE" rattling the walls. Law was so surprised indeed that his power activated, unleashing a Room and calling Kikoku to his side. His huge white wings ruffled in a survival mechanism to look bigger and his golden gaze sharpened at the sight of so many potential enemies.
To Law’s defense he had only met them briefly once or twice and they hadn’t been that keen on meeting him.
Chaos ensued as Law immediately attacked, protecting Luffy instinctively behind one wing. He swung his nodachi, trying to cut as much as he could in one swing. Robin and Nami were able to fly up with Franky and Chopper thanks to their reflexes. Zoro summoned one of his katanas to block the incoming power with his own. (If it kept Sanji safe at the same time it was just a coincidence that the demon was in front of him.) Brook got Jinbei out of harm too by placating them both to the ground. The unlucky one was Usopp who got cut in two at the waist, his upper body falling from his legs.
“I’m dying guys!! Help I see my legs where they should not be!! I can feel myself leaving this plane of existence!”
This stopped Law, who kept his sword raised while breathing rapidly. He continued to take quick glances around the room, at all the decorations and food that had been cut down, and then at the occupants as if to see who would attack him first.
Luffy pushed the fluffy wing in front of him and stood before Law, assessing the damage and the angel’s state. Though, before he could open his mouth Zoro turned and growled at the angel while summoning his second katana. “What the fuck Trafalgar?! We actually threw you a party and that’s how you thank us you fucking prick?”
Law ignored the demon and looked down at Luffy, eyes still wild. “What the fuck Mugiwara-ya?!”
Luffy lifted his hands in defense. “I’m so sorry Torao! I just wanted to celebrate your birthday and make it a surprise! Please calm down?”
The angel growled, willing his nodachi and Room away. “I told you I don’t have a birthday! Why would you insist on celebrating my stupid existence and drag them into this mess!” Law looked torn as he pointed to the people in the restaurant and Luffy’s heart broke a little at the self-hatred he saw in Law's golden eyes.
He didn’t let Luffy answer as he turned towards the room. Everyone was back on their feet and Sanji had put Usopp back in one piece. The latter was on the verge of hyperventilating. With a tight throat he bowed slightly.
“I’m very sorry for this. Even if it’s thoughtful I can’t accept it.”
And on those words he got out and flew away.
---
The day was a bit cold for the season as Rosinante was heading home with his grocery bag, opting to walk instead of taking the car. Ever since the car accident Law, who apparently was his guardian angel, saved him from, he was a bit reluctant to drive. As he approached his house, he saw a recognizable straw hat. Monkey D. Luffy was sitting on the sidewalk in front of his parking spot.
The tall blond man called to him. “Ah, Luffy? What are you doing here?” The fact that the young man in front of him was supposedly a demon baffled him.
“Hi Cora-san. I was just walking around…” The kid’s eyes averted and his lips pursed. Rosinante laughed inwardly, he really couldn’t lie. “You wouldn’t happen to have seen Torao? I have to say sorry... “
Finally, seeing the angel moping on his couch these past few days had an explanation. Law had appeared one morning, lying in his angelic form on the soft furniture, wings wrapped around him and even though he was tall, he looked like a small child.
“So you’re the reason he’s all down lately. He wouldn’t tell me what happened.”
Luffy got up from the sidewalk quickly, worried in his eyes. “He is?!”
Rosinante felt bad for the young demon.“Well, a bit more than usual I’d say but honestly I’ve seen worse.” He smiled reassuringly. “How about we get inside and you tell me what happened.”
Once inside, Luffy recounted the event of what happened while the blond man put his groceries away, offering some steak leftovers to his guest. Rosinante could understand the gravity of the situation on Luffy’s psyche when he declined the offer.
“I thought it was such a good idea and Usopp is so good at throwing birthday parties. But now I can’t find him anywhere to apologize… ”
"Well" The human sat down across from the demon and offered him a comforting smile. "I think what you did is very nice and thoughtful. Only, not everyone likes to be celebrated in an extravagant way. I think you know how Law is after what, almost a year now?"
Luffy nodded, looking down at his hands. Rarely would he feel so unsure of himself. Only the angel could make him feel like that. He looked up at the human.
“Once I apologize, do you think I could try one more time? Like. Organize a birthday for him with just the people he likes so they could celebrate him?”
“I think that would be a great idea, Luffy. I would very much like to celebrate Law’s existence.”
With that Luffy gave a huge smile and asked if he could still have that steak leftover.
---
This time they decided to do it the next sunday. Well, more like Rosinante decided the date and prepared everything with Luffy’s help. They made rice balls and grilled fish, Law's favorite, which ended up pretty messed up but still good. The human only caught fire twice! They then invited three of Law’s friends Luffy never really saw and was surprised to meet another angel. The latter - Bepo- was quite surprised to see him and ended up a bit nervous but after Rosinante explained everything to him, the very tall angel wasn’t worried anymore.
Law was surprisingly receptive when Cora talked to him. "So, could you be there on Sunday? Actually, I invited Bepo, Shachi and Penguin to come hang out. I thought it had been a while since we had all been together and it could cheer you up."
Law readily agreed, still reeling from his reaction to his surprise birthday party and his inability to confront Luffy since that debacle.
So when he opened up Cora’s front door and saw his friends waiting for him to wish him a happy birthday he didn’t know what to say besides a refusal on the tip of his tongue when the blond human came forward.
“A little demon told us he wanted to celebrate your birthday and we thought it was a good idea so we felt like throwing a party too!”
“ But I don’t-”
Cora tutted him, walking closer. His foot caught on the carpet of the living room and he fell forward directly on the ground. “Cora-san!” Law got to his side to help him up with the others not far behind.
“I’m fine! I’m fine! ” Cora smiled and laughed it off while staying seated cross legged with Law on one knee in front of him. “Listen Law, today is the day you saved me one year ago. It’s been a year since you got down from Skypiea to become my guardian angel.”
Law’s eyes widened at that information, has it already been a year?
“We might not know what your birthday is but the first day you came to earth in this life was this exact date so we think it’s just as good. We’d love to celebrate your arrival in our lives because you’re precious to us, all four of us.”
Even if he wasn’t present in the room, Law could guess who was the fourth person. Unshed tears filled his eyes. He always felt so lonely until he came to the 5 Blues. He had felt such a strong connection to Cora-san that he saved his life on a whim, using his Guardian power without thinking. It was also the same day he met Luffy for the first time. Since then, his days have been filled with sunshine smiles. He guessed that, even if he didn’t feel like he deserved it, he could spend one day of the year enjoying the company of all his loved ones celebrating his “birth”.
“I think.. I would like that.” Law answered, and Cora smiled, illuminating the room and grabbing the angel in a crushing hug. Followed up by multiple other arms.
---
“Why is he looking through the window like a creep?”
“Well, he said he wanted you to have a fun birthday with people you enjoy the company of. So he let himself out. I guess he still wants to see you happy though.” Cora chuckled. “He’s quite special for a demon.”
Luffy finally saw Law looking at him and ducked under the window, only to peek back 2 seconds later to see if the angel was still looking towards him. When he met Law’s eyes he plunged again. “Yeah, he is.” Law left the weird-shaped onigiri he had started on a plate and excused himself. “I’ll be right back.”
The angel went to the front door and one could have seen the ‘sneaky’ demon look back up only to be confused when he no longer saw Law.
“Hey.” Luffy’s wings and tail stood straight for a second but that was the only thing that showed the demon had been surprised. He turned around to look up at the angel who had got out to meet him.
“Torao! I’m very sorry for what happened at the restaurant! Please forgive me and talk to me again! It’s pretty lonely without you around…” Luffy looked up so earnestly at the angel that the latter couldn’t help the pink tinge in his cheeks.
“Hum.. I’m sorry too for the way I reacted. I hope your friends are alright? Especially Long Nose-ya.”
“Oh Usopp’s all good! He actually loves telling his new story and makes it like a big adventure!. Everyone’s okay..”
An awkward silence stretched between them.
“Me too.”
“Huh?”
“It felt pretty lonely too without your constant pestering. Seriously, how can you call yourself a demon...” Law talked low but Luffy could still hear what he said. His tail started wagging as his sunshine smile returned.
“So. We can be friends again??” The demon enticed excitedly.
“Well, technically we never stopped being allies.” He made sure to emphasize the last word, smirking.
Luffy laughed through his teeth and caught Law’s hands, pulling him down quickly. Law yelped but the sound caught in his throat when the demon’s nose nuzzled against his own. The angel’s wings stilled and puffed as his entire body turned red, frozen. How did Luffy know this intimate way angels express affection? Or did he just do it without knowing its meaning? That would be quite likely, knowing the demon in front of him.
“Hey lovebirds, get inside we got ice cream cake to eat and embarrassing singing to do!” Cora shouted from the front door.
That woke Law from his stupor and straightened up, still holding Luffy’s hands. He cleared his throat and forced himself to look at the demon’s chocolate eyes and slightly too smug expression. “Hum. Wanna come to my birthday?”
The smile on Luffy’s face turned from smug to a thousand watt of pure joy. “Totally!”
They both made their way inside, still keeping contact between them. “I hope you brought me a birthday gift.”
“Of course I did! Cora-san helped me find it! You're gonna love it!”
Law chuckled as he opened the front door. “Well if you say so with such confidence, I can't wait to see it.” Then after a pause. “ Wait. What does he mean by embarrassing singing?”
Luffy didn’t spoil the surprise, only laughed and as both passed the calendar besides the front door, one could see that today was October 6th.