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Law has to be the most unlucky kid in the world. He had been inflicted with two incurable diseases in his time in just a short gap.
One was the amber lead disease….he had gone through hell just to live through that disease. First watching his family and friends die, then having to jump into a wagon of their corpses to survive, after that joining the Donquixote Pirates and finally being helpless to the death of the only person left who cared about him…Corazon.
The second was developed shortly after Law cured himself of the amber lead disease. Law assumed it was because of the stress, or the properties or maybe just using his powers for the first time…he would never know for sure. He realized he had an issue once Wolf took him in along with Shachi, Penguin and Bepo.
Often Law would feel extremely tired during the day and fall asleep during tasks or talking with the others. He was also unable to fall asleep at night and when he did he would have short hallucinations and occasionally sleep paralysis when waking up.
At first he thought it was because of the trauma but it turned into a week of the same thing and the same acts. Once or twice Law’s muscles would weaken during that week but at the end of the week Law found himself at a standstill. He had collapsed while holding a heavy tool, almost breaking his foot in the process.
Law stayed conscious but was unable to move any of his muscles including his mouth. It was honestly a terrifying experience and Law was afraid for a moment that the amber lead disease had come back and he just wasn’t getting pain receptors from it.
Wolf found Law on the ground a minute or so after and after a couple of minutes of him panicking Law regained his ability to move. Law immediately hopped up, pushing Wolf away from him in the fear that Wolf would find him weak and kick him out. Bepo had been the one to assure Law that there was no way that Wolf would do that. Penguin gave Law some cold water. Shachi made sure to let Law in on a secret about Wolf that he learned…the guy was a huge softy. It made Law feel a little bit better but he really didn’t want to seem weak anyways so he glared at all of them until they took off, afraid of Law’s devil fruit abilities.
Later that night Wolf approached him. “Hey, kid. Here take this.” Wolf said, handing Law a medical book. Law was confused and looked up at Wolf who looked to the side to hide his expression (Law had the suspicion he was worried). “In order for you to stay you need to pull your weight and you being sick like that does not help. Figure out what you have and cure yourself then get back to work.” Law sleepily nodded and Wolf walked away leaving Law to open the medical book.
Although Law searched and searched, he could see nothing about the condition that he had. Sure there were similar conditions but none that were the exact same or at least close to the exact same. Falsely diagnosing himself was the worst idea especially since he was still young at 13. His body would not react well to misplaced medication.
He approached Wolf tomorrow afternoon and asked a question. “Can I get more medical books?” Wolf raised his eyebrow in confusion, as if not able to comprehend that the giant medical book he had handed Law did not have the same sickness or whatever that Law had. Law looked serious so Wolf huffed. “Go wipe down my lab. Don’t touch anything important or lift up anything heavy.” Law nodded, getting to work. Though, more than a few times he fell asleep while working, much to Law’s upset.
After a few days he had gotten enough work built up for Wolf to give him ten other medical books (Wolf really was a softie…that many books?). Law was on a mission and he went directly to work, ignoring Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin when they came over to peek at what he was doing.
Eventually after succumbing to this mystery sickness at least 30 more times and sealing himself in his room for two days straight, Law found the sickness he was looking for…or rather the disease he was looking for. There wasn’t much on it, in fact he could tell that the author wasn’t sure of it himself but at least he had something that matched Law’s description.
Narcolepsy - A very rare sleep disorder that causes somnolence during the daytime. It is common for a narcoleptic to have vast difficulties sleeping at night. Not much is known about narcolepsy at the current moment but it is suspected to have something to do with the lack of the chemical orexin in the brain that regulates wakefulness. Cataplexy typically follows narcolepsy (see page 354).
Law opened the book to page 354 and read about cataplexy, pretty sure that it was the reason his muscles were going all wacky since it was not said in the definition of narcolepsy.
Cataplexy - A sudden loss of muscle tone while a person is awake and typically upright. This leads to both weakness in the muscles and a loss of voluntary control. Episodes of cataplexy vary.
Patient examples:
Cataplexy in one half of the body
Cataplexy in the hamstrings and quadriceps
Cataplexy in the face
Cataplexy in the entire body
Law let out a groan, leaning back in his seat and closing his eyes
.
.
.
He ended up falling asleep but once he woke up he flung the book across the room, angry at how his life could once again turn to a fight against a disease. This time this disease will make him easier to catch. He falls asleep at random times in the day! What bullshit.
After a bit more rampage he picked the book back up and looked back at page 405 for narcolepsy. There was no cure nor treatment listed there much to Law’s anger but he already had an idea how narcolepsy formed. He needed to give himself more orexin. He knew where orexin was so he looked it up quickly in one of his medical books.
One way, it said, to replenish orexin was to eat fermented foods like pickles, sauerkraut etc. Law jumped up and tried that out and in the morning he found it only helped barely, he was still sleeping at random intervals and he was tired at all times. All that served to do was ruin his appetite (he found out that he was not a fan of pickles).
After that he figured he would try a good dose of melatonin at night, hoping that will force him to rest until the morning and make him feel more active. He found some herbs nearby and crushed them up into something ingestible (though still gross).
When he settled down in bed he felt relieved to feel so tired during the night for the first time in a while. It was always during the day, when the sun was out. He hated staying awake at night so this was an obviously welcome change.
He passed into a sleep though not a peaceful one (nightmares bit him in the ass). In the morning he thought he was all good again, feeling refreshed and completely free of his drowsiness! However in about an hour that was stripped away from him.
Yes, okay, he had much less sleep attacks. He only had two that day when normally he would have ten or maybe even double per day. But he was still slow and tired. Not only that but his cataplexy didn’t leave him be. It proved it was still there when Law lost the muscle control on his face, causing him to look stupid and slack-jawed. He could see Shachi trying not to laugh and it was humiliating.
That night Law took a walk, deciding he would take his melatonin later. He sat down on a rock, looking at the moon and scowling at it as if it was the one who had given Law his narcolepsy. Law heard a sound and shot from his seat. He started a room and looked around himself for danger.
There, stumbling out from the brush was Bepo, looking sheepish but glad to see Law. Law let out a huff, stopping his room and sitting back on the rock. He hoped that Bepo saw his face and ran away like they should do. Penguin, Shachi and Bepo should fear him!...Or something.
“Law…” Bepo started, sitting down next to him and offering out a fuzzy hand-paw-thing that Law glared at. “You alright?” Law tsk’d, glaring at Bepo. “You think I’m alright?” Bepo shook his head, facing away from Law. “Sorry…”
.
.
.
“You know…” Bepo started and Law looked over at him. “...Whatever you have Shachi, Penguin and I will always be here to help or whatever…” He said anxiously, playing with his fur. Law felt himself soften if only a little and he patted Bepo’s fur as a show of support. “Yeah. But I would rather not be this weak.” Bepo perked up, looking at Law. “What if we found a cure?” He exclaimed, looking excited.
Law tilted his head and Bepo continued. “Like, Shachi, Penguin and I were already talking about that idea you had where you talked about a pirate crew or whatever! What if we made that and while we traveled around the seas we found a cure!” Law was open-eyed. “Wait what about a pira-” Bepo laughed and jumped out of his seat. “I’m gonna go and tell them about our plan!” Law started to object to Bepo’s words but decided to shrug it off in the end, letting Bepo run off and be happy. He would rather not get himself in a tangle of apologies anyways.
Honestly…even though they’re idiots…
Law was sure a pirate crew with them wouldn’t be too bad.
-------
Law was now 24, he was the captain of the Heart Pirates and branded as “The Surgeon of Death”. Honestly a counterintuitive name but who was Law to stop people from giving him a cool ass title? He wore that title around with pride, damnit!
As for his narcolepsy? Well…a cure had still not been found much to Bepo’s disappointment and Law’s annoyance. However, he had learned how to suppress his cataplexy using some mushrooms that caused serotonin intake. That paired with the melatonin did wonders for Law despite him still having narcolepsy and cataplexy attacks every once and a while. They happened less often but it was still a once per day thing indefinitely. Especially if he was chill which lately he was. Law was smirking a whole lot more often, the serotonin mushrooms boosting his mood a lot more.
His crew were all still supportive of Law even after the large growth in numbers. Law was happy with that. But while he appreciated them, he insisted that none of them touch him ESPECIALLY when he’s run out of medication or even when he collapses in front of their eyes. Law hated being touched let alone moved around like a ragdoll. He would rather hit his head on the floorboard. He just felt too…useless in that state. Too weak. It pissed him off.
Law had reached Sabaody, he was sure he and his crew were ready for the grand line especially with the lovely “Polar Tang” that Wolf had given him all those years ago. The bubble island entranced his crewmembers and he had to remind them that they needed to stay focused especially with so many ‘worst generation’ captains and crews around. They complied but Law broke away from most of his crew members except for Bepo who was there to accompany Law to the auction going on (He was curious about it though pissed off at the notions of the Celestial Dragons).
This was when Law had seen Luffy. Now, Law had never met Luffy before but he had read news stories of the Straw Hats and he was intrigued at their dumbassery. And of course, Luffy made quite the impression, the type of impression that broke Law out of his usually slow and tired manner while sitting in a chair like this during the day.
The damn kid punched a Celestial Dragon! No one else would have caught the eye of another so well, Law was sure. It struck even more intrigue into Law’s heart.
“Hey, Straw Hat.” Law started. Luffy looked over at Law and Law marveled at the look in the guy’s eyes. He ignored the comment that Luffy made about Bepo a second later of course… “You should be more careful, yeah? An HQ is right on this island. The Navy is outside waiting for you…(yawn)...you…”
Their first meeting was supposed to be cool but after telling Luffy there was Navy outside he fell asleep, waking up a few seconds after Bepo nudged him. “Wha- what was I saying?” Law asked, his mind suddenly foggy. Law felt his ears burn as Luffy laughed. He forgot what he was saying or where he was, it’s not his fault his disease is such shit! “Wow! You're really funny! Why are you so sleepy?” He continued to laugh and Law felt his stomach boil. Just as Law was about to forget about the Navy and start beating the crap out of this brat, the woman next to him that Law remembered is named “Robin” spoke.
“Luffy.” Robin suddenly said, getting Luffy’s attention. Robin narrowed her gaze, the intelligence in her eyes making Law’s anger start to fade. Good on her for stopping a fight. “He’s a pirate captain. His name is Trafalgar Law.” She stated.
“The bear too?” Luffy said, looking somewhat…jealous? Whatever. Law chucked deep, looking away from the Straw Hats. “You’ve shown me something very interesting today, Straw Hats.” Was all that Law said, watching as Robin introduced Kid to Luffy as well (did he seriously not know them?).
All that Law knew was that he was pissed when Kid said he was going to clean up for him. Who the fuck said that Law couldn’t handle this himself?! He got out of his seat and went ahead, Luffy following close behind and eventually they both caught up to Kid. This started a fight on who would do the cleanup - of course, it should be Law - and it ended with them all showing off their abilities and trying to outdo each other.
The rest of Sabaody was a flash and even though Law wishes he could recount those events, all he really remembered was meeting Luffy for the first time.
What an interesting man…
-----
It was during the end of the Summit War that Law saw Luffy again. Only this time, he shouted out he was a doctor just to get his hands on an almost lifeless body that Law could only call ‘Luffy’. This body seemed nothing like Luffy and that made Law a little bit off-spin. The shine in him was gone, Law could tell that much. He clicked his tongue and Bepo took Luffy into the surgery room while the rest of the crew gathered up and descended before any enemies could come near.
Jinbe was there too but he was a…lesser patient.
So Law let some of his crewmates do that.
Law knew for this operation he would need to be pumped full of drugs that’ll keep him awake as well as have much support not only for the surgery but also to make sure Law’s condition doesn’t cause a terrible accident. His drugs typically worked well. They depleted all of his energy at the end of usage which makes him vulnerable but they keep him concentrated enough to use his skills properly.
He popped a couple of pills and got to work on hospice for this reckless man. Law was sure he would get a good favor out of this from Luffy at the very least (especially considering how innocent this guy seemed to be).
It took countless days and nights in order to start recovery with him but it finally happened, he was stable! Law stayed on the drugs for long enough to get past the issue with Amazon Lily and passed out right after they docked. Law warned his crew that they had to not only stay vigilant but also watch Luffy for any signs of unrest. They knew this already, of course, and they saluted before Law slept.
Next time Law woke up it was right before the crack of chaos. Luffy woke up with a burst of grief and Jinbe ran after him, leaving Law to snatch Luffy’s precious hat out of the air and watch in worry (his work was going to be ruined!) of the reopening of wounds. He didn’t bother following though as he was sure he would just go into cataplexy at the worst time and be killed by a raging Luffy. That was his luck after all…
Law was just thinking about how holding Luffy’s hat made him more tired than usual when Rayleigh ascended out of the water like the second coming of Christ. Law just passed Luffy’s hat over to him, trusting that it’ll be in good hands with the literal Dark King himself. How did Luffy even know this guy?!
Law took off after that, his crew celebrating a successful surgery (as the sounds died down and Rayleigh assured them Luffy wasn’t dead) and dancing around on the deck of the submarine. Law let them take their time with that but he did warn they’d be going back underwater in two hours at most.
-----
Law couldn’t believe that he was doing this. Allying with the most crazy people he’s ever seen (and he doesn’t even know them that well!). He stood there, looking at Luffy, looking at his companion beside him (oops Law’s powers seemed to have switched some Straw Hats up!) and he said “I have a plan to take down a Yonko!” The robot guy (girl?) looked absolutely terrified. However, just as Law suspected, Luffy took him up on his offer, asking which one. Law said Kaido and he thinks the robot almost passed out at that.
While allying with Luffy, it was an intense moment that wasn’t broken by Law’s disease. However, when he reached out to shake Luffy’s hand in a good old pirate agreement, Law couldn’t help but notice how much his body weighed down at the contact. He pulled away as quickly as possible, trying to hide his reaction.
They went through Punk Hazard just as Law had planned (more or less) and Law found himself in the zone and only feeling sleepy once or twice. He didn’t know if that’s because of the sheer adventure of it all or if whatever mystery gasses this place produces is curing his narcolepsy.
In the end Luffy had found a way to do it all his way and Law didn’t know how he felt about that. That was one of the most stressful experiences of his life and after living through a party (what in the world?!) and getting onto the ship he asked where he could sleep and went right to it. He heard whispers about how it’s the middle of the day but he just rolled his eyes and ignored them. His body has never listened to such a statement.
-----
As Doflamingo fell, Law couldn’t help but feel his throat catch. He finally, after so long, had gotten what he’d wanted. The end of Doflamingo Donquixote. But he didn’t do such a thing alone. Oh no.
He looked at Luffy, seeing the man in a new light now that his confidence and persistence has truly shined into Law’s heart. Law now held a sort of respect for the man - possibly even admiration. Law wished he was strong enough to get rid of Doffy alone but seeing Luffy in action, in his element? He figured that was worth more than just plain victory.
Saying such a sappy thing was out of his own element though so he hid that feeling of his.
Luffy’s brother swung by but honestly? Law didn’t exactly care. Bye bye Mr. Revolutionary Army! Hope to see you never again!
He sprawled out on the ground of the cottage (no beds were free sadly), the victory making him wonder about some things. What was next? He was planning to die after all so what was now supposed to be? He thought now would be the end but that was false. The more he thought about it, the more he hurt his head.
When Luffy woke up, Law was sure that he could tell that Law was off as the first thing he did was stare at Law. “What are you looking at Straw Hat?” He scowled, trying to hide his injured arm the best he could. Luffy seemed to ponder for a moment before saying, “I miss the bear. We’re going to that…uh….slow island aren’t we?” Luffy asked, obviously not knowing what he was saying. “Zou.” Law gave him, and Luffy smiled wide. “Yeah, that!”
Law shrugged. “I don’t know nor do I care.” He lied.
In all honesty he missed his crew. He missed them all. He was lonely without the people that understood him the best and in this time where he didn’t know what to do next it would be nice to have them there to suggest ideas goofy or not.
Luffy tilted his head and patted Law’s shoulder causing a shock of electricity to go up it. “You’ll see your nakama soon!” He proclaimed, not reacting when Law shoved Luffy’s hand off of Law’s shoulder violently. God did Law hate touch, especially if it made him fuzzy and sleepy in the end. Yes, once again contact with Luffy was making him feel sleepy. He honestly didn’t understand what was going on there but he knew it wasn’t good.
-----
They get back to the Thousand Sunny, having avoided a literal admiral through the power of friendship and Luffy gets an entire fleet of thousands of men. What. The. Fuck.
-----
They had just left Dressrosa when Law was leaning against one of the ship’s poles, the Straw Hats all around doing their own activities like the ship is a little daycare. Law was just mellowing out, debating if he should let himself take a rest when Usopp brought Law into a game of…well…he didn’t really understand the game?
Usopp was playing Poker, Chopper was playing Go Fish, Luffy was playing…a Luffy game and Law was stuck there, having been handed his own stack of cards. “You pick a game and then you see if you can play it with the other game!” Usopp unhelpfully said, causing Law to sigh and open the package. Law decided to play Solitaire. The only reason why he was going along was because he was nervous about seeing his crew again and he didn’t want to think about it. Luffy, Chopper and Usopp all tried to pair up with Law but he just waved them off, investing in his own little game of Solitaire.
After having won against himself, he stood up only for Chopper, Ussop and Luffy all at once to look at Law like sad puppies that just watched you eat all of your food without giving them some. Law, having already been loose from just finishing a war, laughed a little too hard.
And then it happened.
The DAMN cataplexic attack. A full-body one! His first one with the Straw Hats nonetheless! He hadn’t bothered to say his condition nor set any boundaries for it, a massive oversight on Law’s end. Bepo or the rest of Law’s crew wasn’t there to tell the Straw Hats not to catch Law when he lost control of his muscles.
So Luffy decided that was an open idea.
Luffy’s hand secured Law’s back as he set Law down and called for Chopper who rushed right over. Luffy’s hand didn’t leave Law’s back and since he was still conscious he could feel the burning of the gentle touch even against clothing. Though he was blurry-eyed and tired, he was aware of every movement that Luffy made and he wanted to squirm.
Having not been touched in such a way for such a long period of time, he felt uncomfortable with such a close and constant touch. Law wanted to tell Luffy off for touching him but Law was completely slack-jawed, unable to use his muscles and accepting that for the time being, he would have to deal with it.
Chopper went on his medical jargon about Law’s condition, saying everything that Law himself already knew. Everyone on the crew except for Luffy listened close. All Luffy said was “Oh! So THAT’S why he was sleepy back then!” How the fuck did Luffy even remember that happening? Is that seriously his most prominent memory with Law?
“Wow Torao’s thingy sounds so cool!” Luffy spouted and Law could feel how genuine Luffy was about that. It made him angry because no, his disease was not ‘cool’ it was debilitating and ate away at his self-confidence. But at the same time, it touched him. He’s been with this disease for so long that it’s become part of him. No one has ever complimented it before but it feels like a compliment to him as a person as well. It’s stupid and Law hates how he thinks, but it made him ‘happy’ if only for a bit.
Law’s body still wasn’t turning to normal when the ship went back to normal activities. This was a longer episode and Law hated that. Luffy kept his hand on Law’s back the whole time but chatted with everyone anyways. Law wanted to push him off, wanted to snap out of this and then cut off his hand…
But every moment Luffy’s hand was on him it was another moment that Law got more tired, and more tired, and more tired…he regained movement, he could feel it, but due to the drowsiness, he just closed his eyes.
Later he was told that he fell asleep and subconsciously grabbed onto Luffy in an awkward hug-cuddle mix. Apparently Luffy was ecstatic, talking about how ‘Torao’ seemed to like him as if Law were a cat or something.
-----
A day later during the night Law tried to sleep but his melatonin was frustratingly not working with him quick enough. Law just got up when he had enough and decided to look around the Thousand Sunny. He walked towards the edge where the railing was and looked up into the moon. Law sighed, “Let me sleep.” He groaned to himself and sat back on a convenient seat pointing towards the moon.
Law was just watching the moon when suddenly Luffy appeared and sat beside Law. Luffy seemed very slow compared to his normal self at this time of night but his energy was still the same, radiating off him in waves.
Law tried not to make eye contact but Luffy started a conversation anyway.
Law, always unlucky, had to listen to this comment.
“You looked so happy when you let me hold you.” He said, still watching the moon as Law snapped his head around to look open-eyed and blushing at the damn fool. Law hated that Luffy didn’t understand how extremely flustered that made Law feel. Law shouldn’t have closed his damn eyes!
Luffy continued even when Law didn’t respond. “Hey, y’know, you can do that whenever you want! I don’t really mind as long as you give me meat!” Luffy exclaimed with stars in his eyes. Law’s throat made a noise and he bit his tongue. “I don’t like being touched.” He insisted, voice sounding rough. Luffy frowned and looked at Law. “You never really touch anyone do you? Chopper says that’s unhealthy.” Law went face-to-face with Luffy. “It’s none of your business, Straw Hat.” He cautioned, his face turning into a scowl with the sudden burst of emotion.
Luffy clicked his tongue, thinking for a moment before holding out a hand. “Alright, not that close. How about we just hold hands then?” He asks, his eyes showing genuine concern for how worked-up Law was about touch. Law looked at the hand and froze. What was Luffy requesting?...
He swallowed and although he was hesitant at first, Luffy’s expression and the heat of the moment caused Law to take Luffy’s hand with his hand before looking away from Luffy and into the ocean in embarrassment.
Luffy laughed and said that Law’s hand was so warm. That caused a zap in heart rate for Law and he resorted to fiddling with Luffy’s hand to distract himself from it.
Soon enough Law fell asleep but before Luffy picked Law up to take him somewhere warmer to sleep (no nakama of his are getting colds!) he remembered that Law was sensitive to touch and might wake up. So, he just covered Law with a blanket and put a pillow under his head, going back into his bed to take some much needed sleep.
------
Day and day until they finally got to Zou, Luffy and Law had their moments of touch, each moment bringing Law closer to Luffy and getting Law more comfortable with the idea of touch. Only Luffy’s touch but Law didn’t mind that.
It was during the end of the feast in Zou where the building of Law’s tolerance of touch really reached its peak.
It was 1 am at night and Law, having dropped his medication and not being able to find any sleep aid on the island (Chopper was so busy and Law refused to ask help from him), had decided to go on walk. Just a quick clearing of his head before he succumbed himself to hours of not being able to sleep and the eventual hallucinations that come with unmedicated sleep.
He was just about to head back when Luffy appeared out of nowhere, looking stuffed (from the way he was patting his belly) and satisfied. Luffy at first walked past Law but he did a double take, walking backwards to get back to Law. “What are you doing out here? I thought you went to sleep? Did you lie just to get out of the feast?” Luffy looked at Law as if he were very suspicious and Law just shrugged, not bothering to mention his lack of melatonin.
To Law’s surprise, Luffy gently grabbed Law’s hand, heading towards the Zou houses. Luffy sang a very…terrible…tune to himself as he went along but it was barely a yell so Law went along with it.
He let Luffy take him all the way inside and towards the bed that Luffy typically slept on. Law was about to ask Luffy what the hell he was planning when Luffy just asked straight up, “Do you wanna take a rest with me?” Law could feel his heartbeat going at a cheetah's pace. Fuck what the hell was wrong with him. Both him and Luffy?!
Law felt the drowsiness seep into him from Luffy’s hand, Law still not quite understanding why it was that Luffy could do such a thing to Law.
Law was frozen in place, thinking for a bit before he squeezed Luffy’s hand and smirked. “Yeah, y’know what, why not?”
As they adjusted into the bed and huddled up together, Law thought he figured it out.
The sleepiness that permeated from Luffy was the sleepiness that spread with his spirit, because Luffy had a sunny spirit.
Law found it funny. The idea of Luffy’s spirit being described as “sunny” at least. It’s the perfect description for him, yes, but if Law didn’t pump himself full of drugs just to feel like a normal human then he would definitely be a night owl. In that case, would it not make sense to compare himself to the moon?
They’re like two sides of the same coin. Not only that but they’re like partners in that sense.
That thought made Law smile slightly and he brought Luffy closer to him, closing his eyes and getting some well-deserved sleep.
His crush could wait.