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Law is tired, he’s in the ER on another night shift, and he’s exhausted, because the day has been pretty hectic, he still has like 10 hours to go and wish they could pass fast.
He’s on his probably fifth cup of coffee in the last hour when Penguin, the nurse in charge of the ER and one of his best friends, stands from his seat.
“Alright, listen up people!” he said, catching the attention of everyone nearby “We got a trauma incoming, young man beaten on an alley, the paramedics say it’s looking pretty bad, I need a room ready for him right away, let’s get to work people!” he concluded, the rest of the staff starting to move.
“Hey Law!” Penguin called to him “You got this right?”
Law sighed, finishing his coffee “When do I don’t” he says before grabbing a coat and going to stand at the door of the ER with some other colleagues, waiting for the ambulance.
It doesn’t take long for the ambulance to arrive, the driver getting down immediately and going to open the back door
Immediately, the paramedic attending the patient started talking while lowering the gurney out of the vehicle and moving in inside the hospital “John Doe, multiple fractures, possible internal bleeding and concussion, the attack may have happened at least half and hour ago and…” the paramedic keeps talking, but Law feels like everything is frozen, ever since he got a look at the man laying lifeless in that gurney.
Because
Because
It can’t be
There’s no way
He’s supposed to be home
What the fuck?
“There was no ID on the scene?” asked Shachi, another one of his friends, everyone oblivious to Law’s inner tumulte “Is there any way to find out who he is?” he asks
“My boyfriend” Law talks, automatically, lifeless even, he can’t breathe
Everyone around who heard it whip their heads to stare at the doctor in shock, Law can’t blame them, he never talks about his personal life here.
“What?” Shachi asked, stunned “Law, what’s his name”
Law feels his chest constrict, the air getting thinner
“S-Sanji” he wheezes “Oh God, Sanji ” he’s starting to hyperventilate, he can’t do this, he can’t
“Dr. Trafalgar, are you okay?” another nurse, whom Law can’t remember the name approaches him, but he flinches away “Doctor?”
“I–I can’t take this case” he wheezes between uneven breaths, his head feeling light “ I can’t ”
Thankfully, Penguin is not the head nurse for nothing.
He approaches quickly to the group
“Move it people, we have a patient to save!” he exclaims, which prompts the paramedics to keep moving the gurney into one of the rooms “Dr. Marco!” he calls “Take this case” he ordered, the doctor in question moving quickly, once the curtains to the door have closed, Penguin turns toward his friend
Law’s wheezing has gotten worse and he started to sway from side to side “Law, you need to come with me” he says quietly, knowing not to raise his voice nor touch him when he is on the verge of a panic attack “Law, let’s go to the break room, can i touch you?” he asks, gently, Law’s response was to take his arm, which was all Penguin needed. “Let’s go” he lifted his head and noticed how everybody was looking at them, he snarled “Don’t you all have work to do?” he didn’t bother to keep looking, moving with Law and into the break room, making him sit on the couch
He kneeled in front of him
“Law, listen to me, you’re having a panic attack”
“I–I c–can’t breath” Law wheezed, feeling his heart beating soundly on his ears “I-”
“C’mon man, match my breathing” Penguin started to take exaggerated deep breaths “You can do it”
Law started to mimic Penguin, slowly but steadily, until he could feel his breathing return to normal and his heartbeat to slow down.
It was quiet, for a bit, until Penguin got the need to say something
“Law, the patient…” Law just buried his face in his hands
“S-Sanji” he stuttered “His name is Sanji Black, he’s 26”
“And what you said out there–”
Law feels his eyes start to water “He’s my boyfriend, we’ve been dating for two years, but i have known him for 4 years” he feels tears starting to make their way down his cheeks “I–I don’t understand what happened, he’s a baker and everyone in the neighborhood loves him” he wipes his tears with his hand “Our apartment is right above the bakery, I don’t know who could do something like this” he lets out a sob
Penguin moves to sit beside his friends and puts an arm around his shoulders “Law, he’s in good hands right now and you know it” he tries to console, seeing his friend like this is horrible “Is there someone we should call?” he asks
Law lift up his head so fast, Penguin is scared something cracked in his head “Oh God, his dad , I–I need to call Zeff”
“Do you want me to stay?” Penguin asks but Law shakes his head
“No, I–I can do this” he tries to assure, Penguin doesn’t buy it, but knows Law can be pretty stubborn when he feels like it.
“Alright” he says, standing up “but I’m gonna be right outside if you need anything alright?” he waits until Law nods before making his exit, the doctor already with the phone on his ear, he, from his part, takes out his own phone, dialing a number.
He waits until a little ‘Hello’ sound from the other line
“Hello, Mr. Rosinante? This is Penguin, I’m one of Law’s colleagues, something happened…”
—X—
“WHERE IS MY SON!” was exclaimed though the ER, a man with a big mustache and a prosthetic leg, entering the department with a frantic look in his eyes, he had a chef attire, which meant that he left his work in a hurry
Before anyone else could approach the man, Law got out of the break room to greet him
“Zeff” he called which caught the attention of the man
“Trafalgar!” he exclaimed, making his way quickly to him, he grabbed him by the shoulders “What the fuck happened? Where’s my boy?” he asked, worry etched in every part of his eyes
Thankfully, Penguin steps in, because Law really had no idea what to say “Sir, your son is in surgery, he had multiple fractures and a possible concussion” Law wheezes, like the reminder of Sanji’s injuries are hurting him instead, Zeff is not that far off either.
“Law” Penguin says softly “You can go to the break room with him, alright, you don’t need to worry about work right now, we understand, we’ll cover for you, as soon as we get news we’ll tell you”
Law is so grateful for him
But before he could nod his approval, the door to the ER opened once again, but this time, cops were the ones entering.
One of the officers immediately approached the front desk
“We’re looking for an attack victim” he said while looking through his notepad “ Vinsmoke Sanji ”
And suddenly
Suddenly
Law had a pretty good idea of what happened
“That’s not his name” Zeff growled, catching the officer’s attention “His name is Sanji Black , get it right”
The officer raised an eyebrow “And who would you be, sir?”
Zeff hardened his gaze “I’m his father, so whatever you need to say, you can say it to me”
The cop sighs “Very well sir, is there somewhere we could talk?”
Law intervenes
“We can use the break room” he says because there’s no way he won’t be there for this, no way
“We?” The officer questioned
“He is Sanji’s boyfriend” Zeff growls “Whatever you say he can hear it too”
“Very well then” the three of them moved to the break room, but Law could still feel the eyes of everyone on them, it seems like he just became a circus show and he hates it.
Once they were inside the room, the officer didn’t miss a beat to start talking
“The victim was attacked almost 1 hour ago, near a bakery, that’s what the witnesses told us”
Near a bakery
Sanji’s bakery
“T–That’s his bakery, w–we live there” Law manages to breath out, the officer looked at him with pity in his eyes
“That’s what the witnesses told us” he turned back to his notepad “He was attacked by 3 men, pretty recognizable by everyone who knows about them, Vinsmoke…”
“Ichiji, Niji and Yonji” Zeff completed, monotonously
The officer nodded “Yeah, his brothers”
“ Those monsters are not his brothers ” Law snarled “They weren’t when he was little and sure as fuck they’re not now when they did this and I’m sure they don’t regret a single thing”
“I’m Sanji’s father” Zeff says, interrupting Law before he could go all out on the poor officer “His mother was a close friend of mine and left me his custody when she died and his shit bag biological dad surrendered his to avoid a scandal, not that he ever cared for him either way”
“I understand sir” he said “However, are you aware of the fact that Vinsmoke Judge died 2 months ago?”
“Of course, I almost had a party when I heard the wonderful news” Zeff deadpanned which made Law let out the first genuine chuckle of the night “Good riddance”
The officer let out a little snort, seems that the general consensus about Judge is the same “Well, after his unexpected death, Germa Tech went downhill, they filled for bankruptcy a week ago, corruption and fraud discovery played a big part on that”
“I still don’t know what this has to do with my boy” Zeff said, impatiently “Sanji’s been out of their lives since he was 8”
“The three men were drunk and angry, very angry , we think they wanted an outlet and well…”
Law couldn’t take it anymore, he exploded out of his seat
“And they took it out on Sanji?!” His voice broke “Sanji has never made contact with them in all these years and these assholes did this to him, h–he could die” Law felt how his eyes were watering again “ He could die and because of what? Because those three scumbags decided to treat him as a punching bag because they lost their daddy’s money. It’s not fair ” Law started to cry again, suddenly exhausted as he fell back on the couch.
“Doctor, listen to me” the officer started “We have apprehended these men and we’ll do everything in our power to make sure this doesn’t go unpunished”
“The damage is already done” was the answer Law gave, Sanji was fighting for his life on an operating table because of these assholes
“I think” Zeff started softly “That you and I should finish this outside, officer” Law didn’t even bother to look up, his face hidden in his hands.
“As you wish, sir” Law heard the footsteps making their way out of the room, until he was surrounded by silence, his mind making turns, remembering
“Hi! Welcome to All Blue! What can I get you today?” he remembers the first time he laid his eyes on a blonde guy, a kind guy, who opened a bakery on a regular August day
“So you’re a Doctor? That 's great! A friend of mine is studying to become one too!” he remembers how he always talked about his friends with enthusiasm and a big smile on his face
“ What’s your name?”
“Trafalgar Law”
“I’m Sanji, it’s nice to meet you” a shake of hands, a smile, and the beginning of something more, something special
He can’t lose Sanji, he can’t , he doesn’t know what he would do if that happens
His brain is spiraling once again, the tears falling at full force, but he can’t stop, every horrible scenario making way into his mind.
He startles, when he feels a touch to his shoulder, lifting his head to find the culprit, what he sees though, doesn’t make the tears stop, in fact, it just make them fall even harder
“ Papa ” he chokes out between heavy sobs, falling directly into the arms waiting open for him
“I’m here Law” a deep voice said, soothingly “I’m here” and he doesn’t let go
Cora-san is here, and Law, once again feels like a little kid who wants nothing more than for his dad to hold him, to tell him all is gonna be okay, so he cries like he hasn’t since he was a kid, because he can .
So he lets go.
—x—
It’s been 4 hours
4 hours since Sanji got into surgery, in that time, apart from Zeff and his dad, Sanji’s friends also arrived and hell, they almost had to forcibly restrain Luffy and Zoro once they heard what happened.
“Let me go, Usopp!” Luffy exclaimed, struggling to get out of the hold he was in “I’m gonna kick their asses!”
Beside them, the form of Zoro was sitting on the hospital chair, arms crossed, Chopper at his side with his hand on Zoro’s shoulder, given that he had a soft spot for the junior doctor, it was a good strategy to keep the man from moving
The rest of them were scattered around the waiting room, Nami and Vivi sitting together, holding hands, Brook pacing the room from side to side, Jimbei leaning against the wall, a pensive look on his face and Franky still sobbing, his wife Robin at his side patting his shoulder and passing him tissues from time to time.
For his part, Shachi and Penguin arrived to be his company a while ago, Bepo, another one of the nurses and probably his closest friend also appeared even though he wasn’t on call, and hasn’t left his side ever since.
His dad and Zeff were also in the room, talking among themselves a little to his left.
Law for his part, was impatient, he was jittery, he needed to know what’s happening with Sanji and he needed to know now
Being a doctor, the rational part of his brain was telling him that it was normal how long the surgery was taking, given the expanse of Sanji’s injuries, but as a boyfriend, he was anxious, he was scared and he needed answers, right now.
Thankfully, his prayers were answered, because at that moment the surgeon appeared inside the waiting room.
Law was the first one to approach him, with Zeff and Corazon at his heels
“Izo” he breathed out “How is he?”
Izo sighed, his face turning serious, Law felt a coil appear in his stomach at that look
“He had a lot of internal bleeding, a skull fracture, broken ribs, a broken leg and arm, I can’t lie to you, we lost him twice on the table” Law felt his heart drop to his stomach at those words, gasps resonated around from the rest of people.
Sanji died
“Thankfully, we were able to bring him back, but” he met Law’s eyes “He is in a coma, we’ve done everything we could from a medical perspective, but Law, you know how this is, we won’t know if there is brain damage or the level of it until he wakes up” he says
If he wakes up
That’s what Law got from that, that’s what Izo didn’t say and he knows everybody else got the message too, loud and clear
“Can we see him?” Usopp's trembling voice sounded from the back of the group
“Visiting hours are over” Izo looked genuinely sorry that he had to say this “But, first time tomorrow you can” there were noises of displeasure at those words
“Put him in the suite” Law says immediately, monotonously “I’ll cover it”
“Are you sure?” Izo asks “You know it can be expensive”
“But it would allow more people to see him at once, instead of just one person per time” Law says, resolutely “Do it”
“Alright” Izo agrees “Law, as a friend, I’m sorry this happened to your boyfriend” seems like the news spread like wildfire through the hospital “If there’s anything I can do” Law shakes his head
“You already did enough” and he means it “You saved him, when I couldn’t” he says the last part quietly
Izo gives a soft smile, putting a hand on his arm “Law, don’t beat yourself up about it, you’re too emotional compromised, it was the right choice to step back”
“That doesn’t mean…” he started but a hand on his shoulder made him stop, he looked sideways to see Cora-san, squeezing his shoulder, he turned back to Izo “Is there anything else you need to say Izo”
Izo shook his head “No, Law, that’s all the information I can give at the moment, but we’ll keep monitoring him closely” he gives a little bow of his head to the rest of occupants in the room “I’ll see you later” with that he makes his exit.
Everything falls into silence once again when he leaves.
Thankfully, someone breaks the ice
“Well guys, I think we all should go home and come back later” Cora-San started “Sanji’s not going anywhere” everyone agreed, some begrudgingly, Luffy at least still looked like he was about to go find the Vinsmokes and finish them himself, Zoro at his side was the same.
Law wouldn’t blame them if they did
Little by little everyone cleared the room, until only him, Cora and Zeff remained.
“You” Zeff said pointing at Law “Take care of my boy, I’ll be here first time in the morning” he waited until Law gave a nod before nodding himself “I’ll see you later” he bid his goodbyes and leaves, but Law couldn’t help but notice how his eyes were still red. Not that he can blame him, he’s sure his face is the same.
He turned to Cora-San
“You can go home, I’ll be alright” he assured his dad, Cora looking doubtful
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?” He asked “I’m pretty sure the hospital would understand, is not as if you don’t work overtime already, a night wouldn’t hurt them”
Law shakes his head
“No, I’m gonna stay here”
Cora still looked unconvinced, but he knew how stubborn his son could be, so he nodded
“Alright Law” he said before pulling his son into a hug again “But if you need anything, no matter how small, you call me , I’ll be here as fast as I’m able” he whispers in his ear and Law feels his eyes water again.
He really is so lucky to have him
“I get it, now go”
Cora leaves after that, and, once he finds alone again he sighs, before starting to make his way to where he knew Sanji was.
He reached the hospitalization wing, and immediately all eyes were on him. Law hated it, he never liked to be the center of attention, especially now .
He ignores all the stares until he stands before a door, taking a deep breath before opening it, entering slowly.
And his heart broke
At the sight that greeted him
Sanji
He was laying on the bed, motionless, eyes closed, an oxygen mask over his face, his right arm and right leg both in casts, a heavy bandage wrapped around his head, obscuring some of his blonde hair, connected to tubes and wires.
He looked awful
Law felt tears gathering in his eyes, god, he hasn’t cried so much in what felt like forever
He approached the bed, using his hand to brush some loose strands of blonde hair, his other hand took Sanji’s uninjured one, squeezing softly as his lips found his forehead, giving a chaste kiss to it
“I’m here Jiji” he whispered to deaf ears “I’m here” and he let the tears fall.
—x—
5 days passed and Sanji’s condition remained the same, he didn’t get worse but he didn’t improve either, he stood stagnant.
The rest of his friends, have been coming to visit on the daily, sometimes all together, sometimes taking turns, bringing balloons, flowers and get well cards, either from them or from the people that lived in the neighborhood wishing Sanji a speedy recovery
Zeff also has been with Sanji as much as he is able, sadly, his restaurant wasn’t going to run itself without him.
Cora-san, for his part, has been busy, being a lawyer, he took the case against the Vinsmokes and he was relentless in his task of making sure the brothers went down for what they did.
Law was so, so grateful to have him.
Law has been right at his bedside the entire time, thankfully, the hospital higher ups understood and given that he has been working non-stop for the last few months, he had a lot of rest days summed up.
So he’s been with his boyfriend day and night, literally, Cora-san had to force him to go home to bathe and change clothes and even then it didn't take more than an hour between going and returning to the hospital.
He needed to be at Sanji’s side
He wanted to be there if– when he wakes up
Today, the only person accompanying him was Usopp, Sanji’s best friend, he got a free day from work and decided to spend it with his friend.
But
Law had a feeling ever since Usopp entered the room and realized that it was just them, that he wanted to say something, but abstained himself from it, but to be frank the looks he was giving him were about to tip Law’s patience.
Law raised his head to look at him, scowling
“If you have something to say to me, just do it” he says, startling Usopp “Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you’ve been looking at me”
Usopp looked like a deer caught in headlights “N-no, it’s nothing”
Law sighed “Usopp, that’s the most blatant lie you have uttered, tell me what’s up”
Usopp bit his lip “I don’t think it’s my place to do it”
“Does it involve me?” Law asked, the other man gave a nod “Then you can tell me, because frankly your constant staring have been unnerving me, so if you so kindly would–”
“You’ve been neglecting Sanji!” he chokes out, his hand coming immediately after to his mouth, like he didn’t mean to blurt that out.
What
“What the fuck are you talking about?” he raises his voice a little, frantic, seeing as the other man kept quiet, Law gets up from his seat until he stood face to face “Usopp, what the fuck do you mean? Neglecting ?”
Usopp finally takes his hand out of his mouth, sighing, looking like he really didn’t want to do this.
But he meets his eyes, and when he speaks, his voice is firm “Law, you’ve been working non-stop for the last 6 months, taking more and more shifts, you’re barely even home, when you have night shifts, you don’t see Sanji when you get to your apartment because he’s already working, when you get the day shifts, you go directly to bed afterwards, tell me when was the last time you and Sanji went on a date?”
Law kept silent, he was right
“Exactly” Usopp said “You’ve been so focused on your work that you haven’t made space to be with Sanji, how do you think he felt?”
It can’t be
“H–He never said anything” but even to his own ears, the excuse was weak
Usopp also realized that, if the look he gave him is any indication “ It’s Sanji ”
Which, to an outsider, wouldn’t make sense, but to him, to him, it made all the sense in the world.
Because Sanji, he’s kind , maybe too much, he gives everything of himself but to get him to take something in return is almost impossible, he prefers to keep his troubles to himself to not be a burden to anyone, even though he never is one.
So, of course, Sanji would have never told him anything about how he was feeling, if he got even the minimal thought that it would make Law drop his work to be with him.
Because in his mind, he would have been selfish .
Which is wrong
Because the only selfish one in this relationship was him .
He’s been neglecting his boyfriend.
He probably made him feel like he didn’t care about him anymore
Oh God
He is a shitty person, he is and now he doesn’t even know if he’ll get the chance to beg for forgiveness.
He doesn’t deserve him
“Law, Law! C’mon, breathe man” he heard Usopp call to him, but it was nothing compared to the feeling in his chest, was the air getting thinner? “Law, please!”
His head was feeling lighter, and his knees were buckling, he felt himself tipping forward, the last thing he remembers were some arms that caught him before he could hit the floor
“LAW! SOMEBODY HELP!”
And he knew no more.
—x—
He comes by in a room in the ER, his eyes take a while to adjust to the sudden light that invades them but once he can focus, he notices that Usopp is gone.
But Cora-san was there
“Papa?” he calls, gaining the attention of the other man, who had his face in his hands
“Law!” Cora exclaims, getting out of his seat so he can approach him on the bed
“What happened?” Cora grimaces a little
“You passed out” he answers “You had a panic attack, Law, so the staff put you here until you woke up”
“I see”
“Yup, now, mind telling your old man right here, what happened, Usopp was pretty tight lipped about it, said it wasn’t his place to say, not after what happened with you”
What happened with him?
Oh
He remembers now
Usopp
The conversation
Sanji
Helplessly, he feels moisture gathering in the corner of his eyes, and some tears must have felt because Cora has his hands on his cheeks, weeping them away almost immediately
“Law” the tone he uses is one full of concern “You can tell me”
“I–I’ve been neglecting Sanji” he whispers, almost soundlessly, because saying it out loud it’s too much to bear, it would mean it’s real
“What?”
“I-I’ve been working so much, dad, I’m barely home” was that a sob that just came out of his mouth? “Sanji probably thinks that I don’t care about him anymore, I’m a horrible boyfriend, I don’t deserve him” he buried his face in his hands, he’s been crying a lot the past few days.
“No, Law, listen to me, you know that’s not true” a huff was the answer Cora got “ I’m serious , c’mon son, look at me” Law shakes his head “Law, look at me” he tries again, while using his own hands to get Law’s off his face.
A moment passed before Law finally met his dad’s gaze
“Law” Cora started, softly “ Sanji loves you , he looks at you like you hung the moon and the stars, that boy adores you and I’ll be forever grateful for that”
Law feels his lower lip trembling again
“But I still hurt him” he refutes, Cora gives him a smile, a sad one, you could say
“You did” he says, because he’s honest like that “But Sanji isn’t completely innocent in this either” Law must put on a face at those words because Cora rushedly raises a hand “Let me finish, I’m not saying he’s guilty or anything like that, but a relationship works both ways, you’ve both made mistakes, you were focusing on your work too much, that’s true, but Sanji could have told you how he was feeling”
“You know how he is” Law defends
“I know and I also know that he’s been working to get over that and I know it can be hard, I’m not trying to single anyone out here Law, I’m just saying what I think about this whole situation”
“So what do we do?” He asks, because his dad always has an answer
“You both work through it, like the couple you are, relationships need communication, Law, you know that”
Law feels his eyes leaking again “I don’t even know if he’s gonna wake up”
Cora takes him in his arms, rubbing his back
“He will, Law, he’s gonna wake up” and he sounds so sure, that Law can’t help but ask
“How do you know that” while he snuggles closer to him
Cora smile gets bigger “Call it a father’s intuition, but your story isn’t done yet Law, it’s only just beginning”
Law couldn’t do more than hug him fiercely at that
I hope you’re right
–x–
Another week passes, Sanji has been getting better, the bruises on his face have gone away almost completely, his head scans have also shown improvement, his leg and arm were still in casts, but they would probably be removed in a few weeks.
He’s still asleep, though, and hasn’t shown signs of waking up anytime soon
Law’s been with him the whole time
Ever since Usopp told him, ever since Cora comforted him, he had a lot of time to think, a lot of time to reminisce, about different moments in time that have shaped Sanji and him into what they are today
When they confessed that they liked each other–
–x–
“ I—I like you!” Sanji said, flustered and nervous, his hands trembling, Law for his part was rendered speechless at those words.
“A-And I don’t know if you feel the same way, but Nami-San told me that it’s better if I get this out of the way so I can get over it if you don’t feel the same, but I don’t know I think I just made a mistake” he was rambling and his eyes glossed over, he looked like he was about to cry, Law needed to say something, now .
“You know what, w—we can’t forget this ever happened and never speak…” Sanji got quiet when calloused hands took his own and held them gently “L-Law?” He said but couldn’t meet the other’s eyes
“Sanji” Law called softly “Look at me”
Sanji shook his head
“Jiji” he tried again, the nickname that has been on his mind lately slipping without his consent “Jiji, please look at me”
Sanji finally met his eyes, but his lower lip was trembling.
“There you are.” Law’s voice was soft, if not a little nervous, he caressed Sanji’s cheek with his hand and gave him a little smile “I—I like you too, for a long time now” he said, cursing himself because his voice trembled a little.
“R-really?” Sanji’s voice was quiet but his expression was hopeful
“R-really” Law confirmed “So, if you would do me the honor, would you perhaps consider being my boyfriend” he said, nervously, even though his brain told him not to worry
Sanji stood staring at him for a long while, Law becoming more nervous by the second, until finally a big smile started to show its way in Sanji’s mouth and before he knew it he had his arms full of blonde.
“Yes! Yes!” He said excitedly, clinging to him, Law could hear the smile on his voice and could feel his heartbeat, which was as loud as his “Of course I will” he laughed, which prompted Law to laugh as well
He was so happy
Law broke the hug to be face to face with Sanji, his faces extremely close, he took his chin with his hand “Can I kiss you, Jiji?”
A mouth that invaded his was answer enough.
And it was perfect
— x—
When Sanji asked him to move in with him
—x—
“Can you repeat that again?” Law asked his boyfriend, he must have heard wrong.
Sanji, for his part looked determined, while a little nervous too
“Move in with me” he said, resolutely “I—I know my place is not as big as yours, b—but you spend so much time here already and it’s closer to the hospital than your place a-and”
“Sanji” he tried to intervene but it seemed that the blond didn’t hear him,
“A-and I just, I want you, here, with me, as much as we’re able, b-but if you don’t want to move in now w-we can wait” he finished looking at his boyfriend with a nervous look
Law, suddenly stood from his place on the couch and made his way towards where Sanji was standing
He took his hands and smiled at him “Ji, I wanted to move in with you since you first said yes to being my boyfriend” he confessed
Sanji looked shocked “W-Why you never said anything?”
Law let out a small laugh at the question “Have you met me? I worry too much about negative outcomes to say something”
Sanji frowned “That’s stupid”
“Hey!”
“B—But then” Sanji looked hopeful “Do you want to?” He asked once more
Law smiled, letting out a laugh bigger than before “There’s nothing I would like more, Ji” he said, looking at Sanji with eyes full of love “I love you”
Sanji smiled, teeth and all “I love you too” he said before leaning in for a kiss that Law eagerly corresponded
— x—
Law also remembers, about that little box he got two years ago on a whim, shoved to the far end of his side of the closet, hidden between old clothes and other garments, the symbol of a promise he wanted to make to the love of his life.
—x—
“That is one of my most precious rings!” An elderly woman said, Law startled from where he was looking at said ring, silver, adorned with diamonds and with a little blue stone right there in the middle “I’m very proud of it”
“You made it?” He asked, the woman huff
“Of course I did boy, everything in this shop has been hand-crafted by me or my family and we only do the best of works with the finest things jewelry has to offer”
Law laughed a little at her proud works “This one is beautiful” he noted
“Of course it is” the woman answers “Are you perhaps interested in it? Let me tell you, it’s one of its kind, there’s no two of the same”
“I—I don’t know, we just recently got together” which was true “I don’t know if we’re gonna last” which, sounded like a pretty lame excuse even to his own ears
The woman’s gaze softened “Do you love this person?” She asked
Law didn’t miss a beat “I do, very much”
“Then, I think you know the answer already”
Law stood contemplating for a little, before his face turned serious, she looked at the woman “How much it is?”
— x—
He just hoped, that he would get the chance to do it
—x—
two weeks later, his prayers were answered.
—x—
It’s been a normal day, well as normal as you could find in this routine Law has made.
Sanji’s been getting better, he didn’t need the mask anymore, and both his leg and arm were taken off the casts, he still had the bandage around his head, but it was lighter than before. Medically speaking, he should have woken up already. But he hasn’t
Law was going crazy
His pessimist mind conjured every possible worst case scenario even though his friends and family told him he was an idiot for that.
But he couldn’t help it
Why hasn’t he woken up?
And were those thoughts that were running around his head at that moments, so lost in them that he didn’t feel the hand that landed on his head, until the moment a voice he knew so well called out to him.
“L—Law” came in a raspy voice, quiet, so quiet you could have missed it.
But Law didn’t
His head shot up to stare and the culprit and he felt tears gathering in his eyes at the sight that greeted him
Those blue eyes he loved so much were staring right back at him
“ Sanji ” he breathed out, relief flooding his body for the first time in a month
“W-What happ—” Sanji started to talk before he fell into a coughing fit. No doubt because of how dry his throat was, Law immediately got a cup of water, helping Sanji drink slowly from it.
Once he finished with the water, Law stood up “Let me look for the doctor, he needs to check you up”
Sanji raised an eyebrow “You’re a doctor” he deadpanned
Law couldn’t help it, he let out a laugh, probably the first genuine one in the last month
“You don’t have an idea of how much I missed you, Ji” he said before taking his hand to give a kiss to his knuckles “I’ll be right back” with that he leaves to look for the doctor on his case and, while they were examining Sanji, he took his phone out and sent a wonderful message to everybody.
He’s awake
—x—
After the medical team left, with the wonderful news that Sanji was pretty much okay, not brain damage, not permanent disabilities, just a weakened leg that was going to need physical therapy, Law and Sanji were left alone again.
“So…I was attacked” Sanji said, quietly, Law was sitting on the bed with him “By my brothers”
Law swallowed the lump in his throat “Yeah, they cornered you outside the bakery while you were taking out the trash”
“Oh god” Sanji said while hiding his face in his hands, his voice trembling “I’m pathetic”
What?
“I haven’t seen any of them since I was 8 and they still got to me” his shoulders were shaking “Even after all these years, I’m still so weak ”
And nope, Law was not going to allow this
“Hey, look at me” Sanji shook his head, but Law took his hands out of his face, guiding his chin so they could see eye to eye
“You are not weak” he growled because he needed to make that clear “They cornered you, it was three against one, it wasn’t by any means fair since the beginning”
“B—but”
“No buts here, Ji, yes they made you go through hell, but you survived because you’re stronger than those asshole could ever hope to be, also, the police got them, turns out daddy’s little boys were upset because their company went bankruptcy, they were angry, they were drunk and—”
“They took it out on me” Sanji huff, softly “How long”
Law bit his lip “A month”
Sanji’s eyes widened “ A month!? ” He exclaims, raising his voice a bit, which turns out to be a mistake as he instantly falls into a coughing fit
Law takes the glass of water and rubbed his back as he started to come down from it “Take it easy, you just woke up”
Sanji glared at him but kept quiet while he finished his glass
“I’ve been unconscious for a month?” he asked once he put the glass aside
Law nods, feeling a knot form on his throat “Yeah” he says shakily “Ji, i–it was bad, like really bad when you first came in, we didn’t know if you were gonna make it through the surgery” his voice breaks and Sanji’s eyes soften
“I’m sorry” he said, because of course Sanji would be apologizing for this, that’s just him “I must have scared you all so much”
“It’s not your fault” Law assures, his voice still trembling, did his eyes feel wet? “And you’re here now and you’re gonna get better”
“Really?” Sanji asked while putting a hand on Law’s cheek
“Really”
“Then…Why are you crying?” Sanji questioned, softly, while wiping the tears that were running down Law’s cheeks, when did they get there?
“I–”
Sanji smiled “Law, you don’t have to put a strong facade before me, you know that, you can let go ”
The dam broke, and tears started to make their way faster down Law’s cheeks, he let out a sob, before hiding his face on Sanji’s shoulder, his arms embracing him, as tight as he can without disturbing his injuries, Sanji, for his part, returned the embrace, while passing a hand trough Law’s hair, comforting him.
“I–I’ve never been so s–scared” Law managed to blurt out between sobs “I was so afraid I was gonna lose you”
“Hey” Sanji said softly “I’m still here right?” he makes Law lift his head so he can meet his eyes “I’m not going anywhere, I promise”
Suddenly, Law remembered a certain conversation with Usopp, but he decided to leave that can of worms for another day, right now, he just wanted to bask in his boyfriend being alive, that was enough right now.
He sniffed “I love you”
Sanji gives him a smile, full of love “I know, I love you too” and he leans in to kiss him.
Oh, how Law has missed this, and to think that he could have just lost it all
He kisses back, but they don’t have more time to get into it because suddenly the door bursts open, which makes them break the kiss, both turning to the door, just in time to watch a herd of people making their way into the room, Zeff at the helm.
Sanji feels his eyes water at the sight of all them
“Hi dad” he said shakily, but the smile was evident in his voice “Did you miss me?”
Zeff making his way faster than he should be able to tackle his son in a hug was all the answer he needed.
—x—
“We’ve been taking care of the bakery while you were here Sanji!” Luffy exclaimed happily, once everybody was settled
“You have?”
“Of course, cook” It was Zoro this time “As if we were gonna let you go out of business like that” he scoffed, like it was the most obvious thing in the world
Sanji really was grateful for his friends
“Zeff and some of the guys at the Baratie have been helping us with the actual baking part” Nami intervened “But, apart from the first few days, All Blue has been opening everyday on the clock”
Sanji’s eyes watered
“Thank you, guys” he said, sincerely “I really appreciate it”
“Don’t mention it cook-bro” Franky said “It’s the least we could do!”
“Once I’m finally out of here, I promise I’ll make you all a feast, as a thank you” he said, which was received by loud cheers, especially from Luffy
“Settle down people!” Law said from his spot next to Sanji, which he hasn’t left even for a minute. “We’re still in a hospital and too much noise would get you kicked out!” he growled
“Ahh Traffy” Luffy pouted “Don’t be boring! Sanji, tell Traffy to stop being boring!” he exclaimed
Sanji laughed “You heard him, dear”
Law pouted “You’re not the boss of me” which gained him a raised eyebrow, he grimaced, backtracking “I’m sorry”
Zoro coughed into his fist “Whipped” which made everyone start to laugh
Once they calmed down, Sanji’s smile diminished
He didn’t want to ruin the mood
But he needed to ask
“What is going to happen?” he asked, quietly, the room fell into silence “W–With my brothers?
Law had every intention to make clear that those people were not his brothers, but before he could say anything, Cora took the room.
“You don’t need to worry about that” he said “I’m going to make sure they’ll never see the light of day for a long time” he assured
“Really”
“Of course”
“C–Can you tell me what happened, I mean why?”
“Eggplant” Zeff started, but Sanji lifted a hand
“No, dad, I want to know”
“If you’re sure” Zeff still didn’t look convinced, neither did anyone else in the room, especially Law, but they all knew how stubborn Sanji could be when he wanted.
“W–Well” Cora started “You are aware that Vinsmoke Judge died from a heart attack two months ago right?”
“Yes, can’t say I felt sorry for him though” Sanji deadpanned, Law beside him letting out a chuckle
“It seems that after his death, Germa Tech started to fall apart” Cora continued “Corruption discoveries, fraud investments, cover ups, you name it, they discovered it all”
Sanji’s eyes widened at the news “I’m not surprised about it, Judge was too ambitious for his own good, doing whatever he could to get what he wanted, not caring who he could hurt on the process” he shivered
“Yeah, well apparently, according to police reports, they got an anonymous tip after his death, that gave them all the information they needed to raid the place, to cut the story short, Germa Tech went bankruptcy, they lost everything, and I mean everything, the money , the estates, the patents”
“I bet Ichiji, Niji and Yonji weren’t too amused by that” he said humorlessly
Cora smiled sadly “They weren’t, they were angry, they were drunk, they were looking for an outlet”
“And they took it out on me” Sanji whispered “Just as they did when we were kids” Law squeezed his shoulder, comforting him
“They did, but, the good news, kinda, is that the alley outside the bakery has cameras, also there are a lot of witnesses that are willing to testify in court, so we have this case in the bag, Sanji, I promise you, I’m gonna make all the weight of the law fall on them” Cora was sporting an unusual serious facade, one you would normally see when he was in court, completely demolishing whoever stood in his way.
Sanji, finally smiled “Thank you Cora-san”
Cora smiled too “Anything for my favorite son in law” he winked
Law went red at those words, at an incredibly fast pace “ Oh my god, Dad! ”
Needless to say, the tension broke at that and everyone started to laugh once again
Sanji laughed too, he really was lucky for the family he had.
—x—
4 days later, Sanji was finally discharged and even though Luffy wanted to throw him a welcome party, Law, with the help of Nami, made him desist of the idea, Sanji needed to rest.
And also
Law needed to talk about the elephant in the room
Which is why, now finally in his bed, with Sanji in his arms, he was thinking on how to start the conversation, he must have been making some kind of face, because suddenly Sanji turned to him, confusion on his face
“Law, what is it?” he asked
Damn, Sanji was too perceptive for his own good
“I–” Law sighed “You know I love you, right?”
Sanji smiled “Of course I do, I love you too”
Law managed a little smile at that “Is just, while you were, well, unconscious, Usopp and I had a talk”
Sanji frowned “Usopp? What could Usopp and you probably talk about?” he asked
It was now or never “Well– you, or more exactly, us”
“Oh?” Sanji’s eyes widened in realization “ Oh ”
Law nodded, “Yeah, why didn’t you tell me?”
Sanji moved his head, not meeting Law’s eyes “I– It was stupid” he whispered
“Ji, nothing you do is stupid, less of all this” Law dropped his head “I hurt you”
Sanji startled at those words “No! Law, it wasn’t your fault, It was mine”
Law shook his head in disagreement “No, it was mine, I was so focused in my work that I didn’t make time to be with you” his voice trembled “I’m so sorry love”
Sanji’s eyes started to water “I–”
Law took his chin in his hand, forcing him to look at him in the eye “I have a lot to make up for, but I need you to know, I’d never give you up, not for the world” he kissed his forehead, tenderly “That much at least, I can assure”
Sanji’s resistance broke, a sob making its way past his mouth
“I just, I missed you so fucking much , you have no idea, you came home late directly to bed or you were already gone by the time I woke up” he confessed “I didn’t know what to do”
Well, if Law weren’t already feeling like shit, he definitely would be now
“I didn’t know how to bring it up, I didn’t want to be selfish”
Oh, Law’s assumption was correct, of course Sanji would be thinking it was selfish from his part
“Hey” he said softly, he could feel his own eyes watering “Love, first of all, you couldn’t be selfish even if you tried, especially for this, never for this ”
Law took a deep breath
“I let my work take all my time, I was the one being selfish” he said, speaking again when Sanji looked like he was going to interrupt him “I promise I’ll do better, I’ll stop taking so many extra shifts”
“No!” Sanji exclaimed “Don’t do that, your work is important”
“But you’re more important to me” he assured, caressing his cheek “And I’m so, so sorry, that it took me almost losing you for me to notice” he gave him a kiss on the cheek
Sanji wiped some of the tears making their way on his own cheeks “I promise I’ll do better too, I’ll try and tell you when I’m feeling like this, I swear” he gave him a kiss on his jawline before burying his face on his shoulder, hugging him
“That’s all I can ask for” Law answered, returning the hug and kissing his hairline
Later, with Sanji asleep on his chest while Law ran a hand up and down through his arm, Law thanked the Gods he didn’t believe in for allowing him to be here, with the love of his life in his arms, alive.
He was not going to waste this opportunity
He promised
—x—
“ 40 years?!” Sanji exclaimed, voice loud enough that everyone in the bakery turned to look at him, he rapidly went red at the attention, but stood his ground “A–Are you serious?”
Cora nodded, a very satisfied smile on his face “And no possibility of parole either”
“T–That’s…” Sanji couldn’t find the words, thankfully Law intervened
“That’s exactly what those scumbags deserve” he growled, Sanji glared at him “What? You know I’m right” he huffed, taking his hand and intertwining their fingers
“Still” Sanji pouted, but didn’t try to say anything else regarding the topic
Law looked smug “That’s what I thought”
It’s been 2 months already since the day Sanji woke up from his coma, thankfully all has been going upwards, Sanji already recovered full mobility of his leg and arm after physical therapy, it was a hassle to get him to stay in bed for the first few weeks, him wanting to go back to work as soon as he could. Thankfully Law, with the help of their friends and family were able to convince him otherwise.
The day when he was finally able to go back to work, everyone in the neighborhood came by to greet him, some of them even brought him little gifts. Law still remembers the overwhelming happiness on his boyfriend’s face at the sight of all the people that came to welcome him back.
And Law, well
He’s been working on being there for his boyfriend more, he stopped taking extra shifts, except for the times he really needed to, he made sure to greet Sanji every morning, even if it was by a text message, be there for every meal and going on dates just as they used to do when they first started dating.
Sanji, on his part, was also putting effort of his own, vocalizing when he was feeling sad or inadequate even when it was clear to Law that it was hard for him to do so, so used to keep things he deemed irrelevant to himself.
They both have been working to make their relationship work even better than before, and it was going pretty well.
But
Lately, Law has been thinking more and more about the little box in his closet, knowing with more certainty what he wanted to do with it.
What he wanted to ask
He was sure
Sanji was it for him
No regrets, no take backs
He just hoped that Sanji thought the same about him
But there was one person he needed to talk to first, before doing anything else.
And well
That was honestly, the scariest part
—x—
It was quiet, the tension was high, Law could feel sweat dripping down his face, everything was quiet, too quiet and Law felt like it had been like this for hours.
When in reality, not even 15 minutes have passed.
Still, he felt like someone waiting for his execution
Zeff has been staring at him, face impassive, arms crossed, without moving a muscle, ever since Law first talked
Law felt like his nerves were eating him alive
He didn’t know how much more of this silence he could take
Thankfully
The gods seemed to take pity on him, because Zeff finally, finally spoke
“Can you repeat what you just said, Trafalgar”
Law took a deep breath, but met the other man’s eyes when he talked
“I wanted to ask for your blessing, to ask Sanji to marry me”
Zeff raised an eyebrow “You know eggplant would kick you if he knew that you were asking me for permission like he is some victorian princess, right?” he deadpanned
At those words, Law couldn’t help but chuckle “I’m not asking you for permission, I’m gonna ask him either way, what I want is your blessing” he remarked
“What’s the difference?” Zeff asked
“Sanji is his own person, you and I know better than anyone that nobody owns him and as you said he would kick my ass if I asked you for permission, but your blessing is important, because you’re the most important person in his life, so it would mean the world to him… and to me” he concluded
Zeff looked serious for a moment, before he started to talk
“You know, I have known the little eggplant ever since his mother took him to my restaurant when he was still a crazy toddler” he said “I saw him when he first took a knife in his hand when he was 3 years old, almost giving his mother and I a heart attack” he chuckled
Law did too
“I saw him grow, I saw the bruises that him and his mom tried to hide, I knew about everything that was going on at that home and I helped them, as much as I was able, because Sora always said she couldn’t do anything, no matter how much she tried”
He took a deep breath
“Then Sora died and I was terrified, what was gonna happen to that little kid I learned to love? Without his mother, the only person that gave a shit about him in that house, to protect him?” he continued
Law could feel a knot forming on his throat
“Imagine my surprise, when social services came knocking through my door, eggplant with them, with a little backpack on him, and the social services lady telling me that I had full custody of him? That was the only thing her mother left in her will”
Law has heard this story once already, but it still amazed him to hear it again
“I don’t think I have ever been more scared in my life, Sora trusted me with taking care of her son, me? An ex-convict turned chef? I was scared shitless I was going to fuck him up, me? A father? That was the biggest joke I’ve ever heard at the time” he let out a breath “But you know what the little eggplant did?”
Law shook his head
“He took my hand and asked me in a little voice, if I was going to send him back” he said “And that’s when I realized two things, the first one was that over my dead body Sanji was going to go back to that cursed house and that cursed bastard”
“And the second thing?” Law asked, even though he had a pretty good idea of what Zeff was going to say
The first smile of the night showed up on the chef’s face
“ I was already Sanji’s father , I have always been his father, ever since Sora first appeared at my restaurant with him, signing those papers was only going to make it official, so that’s what I did”
Zeff looked at him directly in his eyes before speaking again
“Sanji is the most important person in my life, there is absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for my son, nothing , and he loves you, the lord knows he does, he was insufferable on the pining stage and the day you both finally got your heads out of your asses and you asked him to be his boyfriend? I don’t think I ever saw a smile as big as the one he was sporting that day when he told me”
Zeff’s eyes softened, before getting up from his seat and going to where Law was, the doctor also standing up
“You better make him happy, for the rest of his life, or so help me God, Trafalgar” he extended a hand towards him
Law let out an exhale he didn’t know he was holding
He smiled
“If I ever don’t do that, sir” he said before shaking the hand in front of him “You’ll be the first to know” he added “ Thank you ”
Zeff response was pulling him into a hug
“Don’t mention it” he whispered
—x—
Now, two weeks later, Law swore he wasn’t avoiding the actually asking part, it was just–
He didn’t know how to do it
He had the box in his pocket every single day and still didn’t have a clue on when or how to do it
He spent hours and hours looking at youtube videos of proposals and each one was worse than the last.
He was not going to dance before proposing, thank you very much, he was not a dancer and he would never live it down
Then he tried asking for advice
That didn’t work either
Because everyone he asked started talking about how they would like to get proposed, and their ideas weren’t something that Law thinks would have worked for him and Sanji
But
There was something Luffy told him, a week ago, that have stayed with Law for the past few days
—x—
“You’re being silly Traffy” Luffy said, entering the break room of the hospital where Law was drinking a coffee
“What the hell are you doing here Luffy?” he asked, raising an eyebrow, he didn’t remember inviting him to visit him while he was at work
“Usopp told me you asked him how to propose to Sanji” he said, like it was the most obvious thing in the word
That little snitch
“And what if I did?” he growled
“You’re thinking too hard!” Luffy exclaimed “You know Sanji better than anyone, stop thinking on how to ask him to marry you and just do it”
Those were, well, pretty nice words that Luffy were saying
“And how would I know when the right moment is?” Oh god, he was asking Luffy for advice, he really was desperate
Luffy response was one of his usual big smiles “You’ll know, trust me”
—x—
Now, a week later after that particular conversation, Law was starting to think that he was right.
Because right now, on the couch in their living room, watching one of those rom-com movies Sanji loved so much, while eating popcorn and making commentaries about the things happening in the movie, Law couldn’t help but think
I want this for the rest of my life
The words were out of his mouth before he even realized it
“Marry me” he froze, did he really say that? Now?
Sanji froze, his head turning to look at him so fast Law feared something snapped on his neck
“W–What did you just say?” he asked
Law stared at him for a while, a loss for words
You’ll know, trust me
He took a breath
“Marry me, Ji” he said, softly, a smile making its way into his mouth “I love you and if you allow me, I want to make you happy for the rest of our lives” he took his hands in his, kissing his knuckles
Sanji’s lower lip trembled, a sob bursting at those words “You already make me happy, idiot”
Law let out a little laugh “Maybe, but I want to keep doing it, so what do you say love?”
Sanji response was to throw himself into his arms
“Of course I’ll marry you” the tears were evident in his voice “There’s nothing I’ll want more”
Law couldn’t help it, he laughed, closing his arms around his boyfriend, no, his fiance , lifting him in his arms and off the couch, Sanji holding onto him the whole time.
“I love you” Law said, kissing him
“I love you too” Sanji answered once they separated, he laughed “Guess we have to go and buy rings now–”
Oh, right, he forgot
“Well…” he grimaced
Sanji raised an eyebrow “Law?”
Law sighed, his hand going to his back pocket, taking out the little box
Sanji’s eyes widened
“B–But when?” he managed to ask, his eyes watering once again when Law opened the box to reveal the ring, the blue stone staring right at him, it was beautiful
“Two years ago…” Law confessed
“B–But we started dating two years ago…” Did Law really been holding on to it this whole time?
Law smiled “Maybe, but I knew ever since, that my forever was with you” he took Sanji’s left hand, slipping the ring on his finger slowly
Sanji let out a sob, admiring the ring now on his hand for a while before throwing himself in his boyfriend’s arms once again
“Oh, you cheesy bastard” he whispered, “What am I going to do with you?”
“Marry me, hopefully, and spend the rest of your life with me” he said cheekily
A kiss was the answer he got for his troubles
—x—
“Papa, you can stop crying anytime now” Law deadpanned
A wail was the response he got
“I’M JUST SO HAPPY” Cora wailed, blowing his nose on a tissue
It’s been like this for the past 30 minutes
Ever since Law and Sanji arrived at Zeff’s restaurant to tell their parents the news
Everyone in the restaurant was staring at them weirdly
“MY BABY BOY IS GETTING MARRIED” He sobbed even harder
Oh god, at this rate, Law felt like he was going to explode because of how red his face was.
“Dad!” He exclaimed, embarrassed “I’m 30 years old!”
“AND YOU’LL ALWAYS BE MY BABY BOY, WHAT POINT ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE HERE” Cora hit back
Law went to talk again, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him
“Stop, love” Sanji said from beside him, amusement coloring his tone “You know you’re not gonna win this one”
Law sighed, giving up
Cora turned to him “Thank you, Sanji” he said “This is why you’re my favorite son in law”
“He’s your only son in law” Law whispered, but fell on deaf ears when Cora was demanding to see the ring, which Sanji happily complied
And while they were busy with that, Zeff approached him
“I’m holding you accountable” he said, quietly, as to not be overheard “On that promise you made me”
And Law
While watching his father and fiance admiring the ring and talking plans on wedding planning and engagement parties with big smile on their faces, eluding happiness from around them couldn’t help but think
Yes, this is everything I’ve ever wanted
“Don’t worry, Zeff” he finally talked “I intend to make my words last”
He meant it