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Christmas season was hard to plan for Law.
Or rather something he did not plan at all.
Most of his family were dead or living on another continent so he simply spent the holidays working.
All the people he liked surrounded him at work anyway.
There was Bepo the big but soft-hearted nurse that he could rely on that he was able to calm any patient down. Either due to his sweet personality or the respect his stature gave most at first sight. Combined with his strength working with him Law could even manage the most difficult patients.
Then there was Penguin, who usually worked shifts with Shachi, not only because they enjoyed talking so much but because they could work perfectly in sync without even having to exchange words. Especially at the ER when things got busy those two knew what to do and worked like a good oiled clockwork. And over the years Law became part of that clockwork.
And there was a certain patient that Law had gotten to know very well over the years.
That patient's name was Luffy. Monkey D. Luffy.
Law’s nights usually got much better when he showed up, which was nice. However, the downside of it was Luffy showing up meant that he got hurt. Luffy had grown on Law a lot, and knowing that his sometimes acting-faster-than-thinking personality got him injured a lot made the doctor worry.
Especially because Luffy was a firefighter. Meaning he was in dangerous situations regularly.
Law knew that too reckless behavior was a reason a firefighter could get kicked out, but well Luffy was a different case. He never put his colleagues in danger, and he did not cause any situations that turned dangerous. It’s just that whenever a situation turned bad due to other circumstances he instantly noticed what was going to happen and he acted before anyone could get hurt, except himself.
Law sighed at the thought of the firefighter.
He had known him for over five years now. The other had become better trained and stronger over time but his general mindset always had stayed the same. And he would never stay back when it was about saving another person’s life.
It had been Christmas two years ago, that Luffy had been injured seriously.
Due to that he was not yet allowed back to work full-time for a few months and had visited the hospital more often and it was also that time that Law had found out that he was living relatively close to him. In a cozy little townhouse with red painting that belonged to Luffy’s grandfather who was constantly out traveling due to his work.
The thing was, that since that day, when Luffy was rolled into the ER unconscious, covered in his blood, and not smiling broadly like usual, Law had noticed something. That his life would not be the same if he would never see that smile again.
Not even during the first operation he did alone, Law had felt as nervous and stressed as he did that day operating Luffy. If there had been a different doctor Law trusted he may have asked them to take over. But Law had been the only one on duty that night and time was running out.
So Law had gotten himself together, forced his shaking hands to calm down, and got ready to operate.
And he saved him.
Law had kept himself busy until that double shift ended, hurrying around restlessly, searching for work if there was a rare moment of rest, and doing anything to not have to think.
It was Shachi who forced him to sit down at some point and instead of giving him a talk about stopping to exhaust himself, the nurse simply talked to him and showed him random videos of dogs. Law grumbled at how stupid they were but he was grateful, his body was exhausted and his brain needed those silly videos to shut down for a moment.
When his shift had ended Law did not go home but changed and looked for Luffy, who was luckily stable again and had been transferred to a normal room.
Law had held his wrist, feeling the other’s pulse and it was the reassuring steady beat that lulled him into sleep, not a very comfortable one because he was only sitting on a hard old plastic chair with a broken edge but at least one that gave him some peace.
When he woke up Luffy greeted him with a broad smile and Law’s world was back turning normally again. Except that there was an ache in his chest Law could not place yet.
A week later, when he finally was on his way home Law stumbled over Onigiri. It had snowed and only in the last moment the little ball had moved and Law was able to avoid stepping on him.
Law had tried to find the owner. Had gone to the vet with him too. Had done anything to make sure the dog was fine and that there was not a warm home waiting for him already.
But there was none, the little dog had been alone and Law could not resist those cute eyes, so he adopted him.
Law had called him dog and his name probably still would be the same if not for Luffy who had called him Onigiri the moment he first saw him. They instantly became friends.
As the months went by, Luffy sometimes joined him on walks with Onigiri and often came over to play while he was still not working full-time to recover. Some days Luffy would even visit him during lunch break with Onigiri who he looked after while Law was at work. The wound healed well, Luffy was back training and working soon. Life was like usual, only with them seeing each other a bit more than before.
It took Law a few months more to realize that something had changed.
That Luffy’s smile had become brighter at some point. That he could watch Luffy play with Onogiri for hours without feeling the passing of time at all. That Luffy’s scar when he wore his shirt unbuttoned in the warm summer heat, made Law’s chest feel tight and breathing become harder with the knowledge that he had almost lost him.
And then another couple of months for Law to realize that those things did not actually change but that it was him who experienced them differently.
Because he was in love with Luffy. Wanting to be with him and kiss him and hold him and do more with him in love.
Honestly, it was not Law’s fault that he was dense when it came to love. There were so many kinds of love. There were also so many bad experiences or missing good experiences one could have.
Law had also never looked for it, he was fine with focusing on his studies, becoming a great doctor who would be able to save people. Gathering as much knowledge as he could, and gaining as much experience in his field as possible.
He focused on that. Romantic love was not important in his life.
Christmas Last Year, Luffy showed up in the ER, Law’s shift was about to end too when the firefighter’s laugh sounded through the ER and blew the tiredness of probably everyone present away in an instant.
At first, Law got nervous, thinking he was injured yet again. He had gotten a deep cut on his arm only a week ago, but instead, the firefighter rounded the corner wearing a Santa Clause costume and a fake beard.
„Hey Torao.“
A nickname Law was unable to get rid off the first three years and gave up hope he ever would. Not that he was still minding it as much as in the beginning when of course, Luffy had shown up in hospital the first time, dragged by two colleagues, when Law was in a Leopard costume for the special children's day.
„Thank you for always fixing me. I have something for you.“
Luffy’s grin was too bright and Law looked down at the document he was singing to hide the creeping-up blush.
„I would be happier if you would stop getting injured all the time.“
„But Torao, aren’t you happy when you see me? I’m always happy seeing you.“
Law could feel his cheeks flush more and Penguin and Shachi next to him chuckled suspiciously but he would not give them the satisfaction of acknowledging anything.
Instead, he faked a cough and tried to avert attention.
„You don’t seem to be hurt, why are you here?“
Luffy pouted now and despite being a very strong firefighter that, as Law knew, was able to easily carry Law around, he looked cute. Kissable cute.
„Torao, stop being so cold. I know you’re off soon too. I came to take you home.“
Since Luffy knew they lived close to each other that sometimes happened.
Shachi and Penguin made an ‚Ahww‘ sound next to Law and he kicked Shachi, the only one he could reach, with his foot.
Luffy gave them each a Cup with some goodies inside and wished them a Happy Holidays, stopping them from bothering Law.
„That one is for Bepo, because he is also usually there when I come here.“
Law left on time that day.
They walked home together enjoying the soft snowflakes falling and the Christmas lights that were all over the town illuminating the already dark sky beautifully. Luffy talked about his day and asked Law about his who only gave his usual short answers. Law enjoyed it more to listen to Luffy, it made it much less suspicious to watch him too. Because it was normal to stare at people while they talked to you right?
„Ah, I almost forgot. Here that’s for you, Merry Christmas.“
Luffy grinned broadly and handed a flat, wrapped gift to him. It felt like a magazine.
„We made that for work actually but each of us got a special one, Iva said we should give it to our special person, and with you saving my life and us becoming friends I thought it would be you for me right?“
Law pressed his mouth into a thin line, swallowing down the lump in his throat that suddenly appeared. Somehow too many emotions at once were bubbling up and he had to hold them down because otherwise he might break down right there in front of Luffy on the street. He did not know what that would mean but he knew he was not ready to face it so he hugged the other and told him thanks.
„Merry Christmas too. Sorry I did not think of anything to give you.“
Law did not think of getting anything for anyone, the last days were intense with many colleagues being sick and him working double shifts. This day had been the first calm in a while.
„What are you saying Torao, it’s the first time you hugged me.“
Luffy leaned back and his smile was just too much for Law’s heart, being a doctor he knew better of course but he almost thought he would die right there from a cardiac arrest.
„That’s the best gift already. I have to do some stuff, Grandpa is here. You know how he is still grumpy I didn’t choose the military and constantly complains about the mess in the house.“
„You’re not going to clean up anyway.“
Law added dryly and was proud of being able to keep a steady voice.
„True, but he is, so I have to check what I can save. See you around.“
Luffy waved him goodbye and turned to walk up the steps to his door.
„See you, happy holidays.“
Law held up his hand for a goodbye too.
His fingers felt cold around the gift so he held it closer to his body and went home.
He felt tired and placed the gift on his bed to open it after the shower he barely managed to take before falling asleep.
When he was done showering, he almost would have forgotten about the gift if it had not pressed into his back when he fell on the bed.
Curious what it was Law reached for it and opened it carefully.
The outside looked like a simple Christmas-themed Calendar, with a festive written Happy Holidays on it in the typical Gold and Red colors.
However, when he opened it, Law was wide awake again.
He blinked, and just stared at the calendar, then, wondering if it was just that one page and a joke from Luffy he looked at the next page, and the next, and the …
Law closed it, put it to the side, blinked at it, then took it again and opened the January page one more time.
The lower part was a typical calendar page, with typical quarters for the days each having its number, and above the days it stated the month and the upcoming year.
But the upper part. The picture part.
Law swallowed thickly, almost unable to look at it until he managed and could not stop staring instead.
Had Luffy figured out that Law had a crush on him? Was he playing with him?
Luffy did not seem like he would do something like this, but why would he give Law a gift like that?
Law once again, but this time slower looked through all the calendar pages.
His mouth felt dry, his face hot.
Another thought suddenly crossed his mind and before he could stop himself he wrote a message to Luffy.
His brain was short-circuiting, he needed answers.
Ever since Law had gotten the other’s phone number about two years ago the doctor had only sent Luffy festive greetings. Thats all.
If Luffy wanted to visit he just came over and rang the doorbell anyway.
But the questions were too many he had to at least get some of them out.
Law could hardly ask him if Luffy wanted to play with his feelings. He thought for a moment and then just went with what else ran through his mind.
‚Luffy-ya, is that calendar being sold, are there more?‘
To his utter surprise, he got an instant answer. A voice message actually, he could hear clattering sounds and stuff crashing in the back as well as a deeper voice, probably Luffy’s grandfather complaining about „the army would have thought you“.
„Hey Torao, there is a calendar sold but with all of us, if you want to get more I can ask Iva to print it again but he said that one is a special print he made for me because it would have been a shame to waste the photos or so.“
‚Thanks, I don’t need another print.‘
Law stared at his phone for a moment. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the neat packaging that he had tried to take off as carefully as possible to not rip the paper.
Then he realized something.
It was wrapped way too neatly.
‚Luffy-ya, have you looked at it?‘
„Ah no sorry, Iva said it's a great gift for a person I like, he’s an amazing photographer. Have you seen his work?“
Yes. Yes, Law had seen his work, he was holding it in his hands right now.
He had to agree with Luffy there, Iva was an amazing photographer. What he had to disagree with was that the present would fit just any person someone liked. But then maybe Luffy did misunderstand the kind of like Iva was talking about here.
Another voice message arrived and got Law out of staring, once again, at the January photo.
„Why were you asking if I looked at it? Is there something wrong with it?“
Law typed back quickly.
‚No it’s great. Thanks.‘
Law brushed his hand over the image absentmindedly.
Seems like Luffy gave him this present totally unaware of what exactly it was and Law? Law could hardly give it back or throw it away, it would not be polite at all.
Law decided to just appreciate it and hung it on his wall, still closed, it was not the new year yet.
He lived alone so luckily there was no one to question him about a calendar like this on his bedroom wall. At least Law thought that.
Penguin proved how noisy he was a few months later. Law had banned him from his flat after that incident.
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„Hey Law.“
Luffy was standing at the reception and was talking to Bepo.
„Hi Luffy, what is it this time?“
Law sighed and tried to see any sign of injury from across the room.
„Nothing I was close by and thought I bring you some lunch.“
The other just grinned broadly at him and held up a box from Sanji’s, a small, cozy restaurant in the neighborhood. The owner and cook, Sanji, had worked at a very popular restaurant before but apparently, he had very different ideas about the menu. So eventually Sanji after a drunk talk with Luffy, decided to open his own restaurant.
Luffy had held word and became his almost daily customer since.
Sometimes, like now he would bring Law Onigiri for lunch too. The first time it was a sandwich and Shachi quickly told Luffy that Law hated bred before he even had the chance to politely decline himself.
Surprisingly the next time Law had walked past the restaurant Onigiri was mentioned as a new lunch option on the menu.
Luffy had brought him some the next day.
„Thank you.“
Law fought the blush that still showed up, even after months of this happening occasionally. Shachi or Penguin would always mock him about it when they noticed.
„Bepo just told me you’re usually alone at Christmas.“
„Did he?“
Law’s eyes fell on the nurse and he furrowed his brows. If it had been Shachi or Penguin he would assume they are trying something. But Bepo? Neither he nor Luffy were noisy much so it was odd it even came up.
„Sorry.“
Bepo apologized, realizing with Law’s expression that he was not so happy about his Christmas habits being revealed.
„It’s fine.“
„My grandfather will be here around Christmas and Sanji said he would cook something to save me from having to make something with my grandpa after the house almost burned down last year.“
Luffy grinned and scratched his head a bit embarrassed.
„How can you as a firefighter almost burn down your own house?“
„It was not me alone, my grandfather was complaining constantly and we got into a wrestling match and didn’t realize the candle was knocked over. And once we put out the fire on the tablecloth we smelled the burning turkey. It was still edible though.“
Bepo and Law both just looked at Luffy with their mouths open.
„You still ate the burnt Turkey?“
They asked in unison.
„We were hungry.“
Law sighed. Luffy once had come with food poisoning after he ate something he found in his fridge that he did not even remember putting in there.
„Anyway, Sanji will cook. Nami wanted to come over with Vivi too and I think they wanted to bring Robin, you know your next-door neighbor, because Vivi knows her from work. Zoro will be there too, you know the guy with the eye injury,“
Of course, Law knew, Zoro was kind of Luffy’s best friend and working with him. Law had met him the first time when Luffy was brought in with that severe injury that almost killed him.
„And I think you know Chopper when he was an assistant here, he works at the hospital on the other side of the city now and Usopp heard Sanji will cook so he asked about coming too. Ah and Brook is here because of his tour and wanted to come over. Unfortunately, Jinbei couldn’t make it but have you met that guy Frankie yet? I met him when he walked Onigiri with Robin. A verycool guy we talked about robots. So I invited him too.“
Alone from all the names Law’s head was spinning. Too many people all at once.
„You can bring Bepo too and Shachi and Penguin if you want. I’m sure Sanji won’t mind. It will get a bit crowded but the living room is big enough.“
The No was on Law’s lips. He got a headache only imagining an evening with so many people. Really, just Onigiri and him sounded great. Ah, and that calendar hanging on his wall if he felt too lonely.
„I think I bette-.“
„Come on it will be fun.“
Oh this face, Law knew it was his weakness. Years ago he would have easily said no. But his experience with Luffy was that usually even if he said no in the end he ended up spending time with him anyway.
Law sighed.
„Fine. What about you Bepo?“
„My brother will visit the day after, so I can come.“
Shachi and Penguin were not working and when they heard where they would go they instantly changed their original plans.
This Christmas was going to be different. Law was not sure if that was a good thing or not though.
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The shift Law disliked the most was the Monday to Thursday morning shift. If he was able to he always took the weekend.
He had no plans to go out anyway.
During the week shifts were much more annoying not because of the work itself but thanks to the people who were sponsoring the hospital for charity points or also their high-up boss sometimes showing up.
One of those people was Big Mom. Charlotte Linlin actually but she wants everyone to call her Big Mom. Big Mom was complicated. Because yes she did buy parts of this hospital because she wanted to help people not only for her image. She did it to-and here starts the problematic part of it, those poor, lower-class people who would otherwise just die.
It was her view of the people. She lived in poor conditions growing up too, but she seemed to have forgotten all about that, and how poor did not mean you were not a human like everyone else. Sometimes Law had to bite his tongue hard with the oblivious things she said to patients or workers. He was not sure what was worse actually, someone saying those things not knowing their impact or if they did it on purpose to raise themselves over others.
Another problem with Big Mom was, she always had to get her will. Usually, Law managed to get out of her way or pretend he did not exist. She was not interested in him much either and he would have been glad to keep it that way.
Unfortunately today she had come up to him and invited him to her Thanksgiving party.
Law sighed, he knew he could not say no, so he had to force himself through an event with who knows how many people. Listening to annoying talks and keeping up a nice social facade while he wished he was lying at home in bed with Onigiri on his chest.
„Law, did Big Mom just invite you to her Thanksgiving party?“
Penguin’s concerned tone had Law look at him.
„Yes?“
Shachi made a sound on the other side of the counter and chimed in, „You better ask Luffy to be your date.“
So it was another try of them to hook him up.
„Why should I?“
Law mumbled while continuing to take notes in the patient file he had been sitting on way too long already because of all the interruptions.
„Because Big Mom will marry you to one of her daughters or grandkids if you are single.“
To his surprise, Penguin sounded urgent.
„She told me to bring my significant other if I have one.“
Penguin was concerned for nothing, right?
„Yeah, she always does, but she wouldn’t have asked you if not someone had told her already you’re single.“
Shachi added dryly from the side.
“I’m not going to ask Luffy to be my boyfriend because of something stupid like that.”
Law groaned and took the file of the next patient he was going to check up.
“Trust me if you don’t want to lose your job and not get any other again in this half of the globe you will go there with your fiancé.”
Shachi used his fingers to emphasize the word fiancé.
„There is one yet who visited those parties without a partner that didn’t end up marrying into her family or losing their job within a year after. She only respects serious relationships and won’t break them up.“
„You can just ask Luffy to fake it. And who knows maybe it’s gonna be fake it till you make it.”
Penguin winked at him with a grin.
Law sighed again and got up.
„Luffy is not the person for stuff like that.“
“But Luffy is a person that saves lives and your life needs saving right now. A lot.”
Law would never get the courage to ask Luffy. Penguin however did when the firefighter came around later to pick Law up after his shift.
And to Law’s big surprise, Luffy agreed.
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It was the first time for Law to visit Big Mom’s hotel.
She always had her Thanksgiving Party there.
Law looked up at the high glass ceiling of the entrance hall. Little bright lights were sprinkled everywhere looking like bright stars in the sky. Many people were already gathering down the stairs chatting and sipping champagne or something non-alcoholic the servers gave them as a greeting.
Law was still wearing his coat and stood at the top of the stairs to wait for Luffy who had sent a message that he was a few minutes late. Law hoped it really was ok to bother the firefighter with this.
The guilt Law felt over dragging Luffy into this got a little better when he heard the other’s excited shout at the mention of a big self-serve buffet.
There were many faces Law noticed. Important people, rich people, and leaders of the city but also some celebrities.
This was going to be a very exhausting evening.
Law had gotten a suit for it. He wanted to rent it at first because he was not the person usually going to events where he needed one, but Penguin had mentioned that everyone should at least have one suit at home and in some way, Law had to agree with his reasoning.
So he got a nice black one that was cut not too tight and not too loose, the Sacco a little bit longer but with a nice cut collar. He got a yellow golden tie with it and a black shirt, because why not? The vendor gave him a white shirt too for half prize because he somehow really wanted Law to have one too.
For the event, Law still wore the black shirt because it fits the golden tie much better in his opinion. And he had no desire to be interesting for Big Mom’s daughters or grandkids.
„I’m sorry I’m late.“
Law turned around when he heard Luffy’s voice and instantly got his breath knocked out by the view.
Luffy wore a suit, of course he did, it was the dress code. It was just that Law had never seen the other in anything but casual or his firefighter clothes and Luffy looked good, really good. Breathtakingly. It was unfair. It should have looked wrong and not fitting but instead, it seemed like Luffy wore that all the time.
It was a very dark blue suit, almost black and he wore a dark red bow to a white shirt.
His wild hair was still wild but looked a little bit more tamed at the same time. It fits his style well somehow. Law had a hard time not staring at him dumbfoundedly.
„You look good Torao, I never saw you in a suit before.“
Luffy smiled at him an almost shy-seeming one, compared to his usually very wide and bright grins. This was a new one Law had not seen yet.
Not that Law kept an encyclopedia about Luffy’s different kinds of smiles in his head.
He partly had it on his phone too.
Law almost did not notice the firefighter’s words and mumbled a weak thank you.
They stood a bit awkwardly, probably due to having to pretend to be boyfriends as soon as they walked down those stairs. Hopefully, Luffy did not regret it already.
„I haven’t seen you in a suit before either.“
Law mentioned when Luffy did not say anything again.
„Yes, it’s the first one I own, Nami helped me pick it.“
„Nami the famous weatherwoman.“
Luffy had mentioned that name a couple of times but Law only had found out when he was recovering from the bad injury last Christmas, that it was the Nami from the weather news.
„Yes, she loves shopping but it costs a fortune and it is very exhausting.“
Law could very well imagine Luffy being dragged from store to store while begging about going to get some food instead.
„She has a good eye, you look really good.“
Was the light in the room odd or did Luffy just blush? Law was not sure. But what he knew was that Luffy would be going to be his fake boyfriend now and that they should be convincing to avoid his future to change drastically in a way he did not want.
„Thank you for helping me out with this.“
Law offered Luffy his arm and the firefighter took it. They had often walked side by side and it was not so rare that Luffy’s arm would brush his or his shoulder would bump into Laws. This was still very different though. Law was very aware of Luffy next to him now.
„I couldn’t just let you get married or lose your job.“
Luffy squeezed his arm a bit tighter and Law cursed at himself for being thrown off by something simple like that.
They walked down the stairs and Law gave his name to the man standing at the entrance who checked it off at his list.
They were shown to their seats at a table. Only a few minutes after they sat down and got their ordered drinks, Big Mom got up on the stage and held her speech.
Law had to hand it to her that she was not speaking for hours while everyone was hungry.
She only talked for about 20 minutes, mostly stating the year's successful end and announcing she had adopted five more children this year.
Well, that explained how she could have so many children. Law thought he had misheard when someone stated something with 60. He probably should have known that many were adopted.
To be fair, Law was mostly avoiding any sponsors or owners of the hospital as much as he was able to. He just wanted to do his work and be left alone, no need for social chit-chat and faking interests to rise in ranks.
Law did not plan to get more influence and paperwork, he just wanted to help patients in peace.
„Finally food. I've been starving!“
Luffy jumped up happily once Big Mom left the stage and turned around for the buffet excitedly.
„Aren’t you always starving?“
Law chuckled and followed him. Probably too slow for Luffy’s liking because he took Law’s hand and hurried him along to the food.
When it came to food, this was not the first time Luffy did that, so Law’s heartbeat was only slightly going faster. It was the first time however that they were holding hands while faking being a couple.
Luffy was not a person that was faking stuff like this though, he was simply excited to get tasty food as much and as quickly as possible. Surely that was the only reason he agreed to this too. Penguin had been describing the buffet to him in a way that everyone would have wanted to be Law’s date, especially Luffy.
„That’s a lot of food.“
Law stated dryly when they reached the first of five tables.
„It looks so good. Should we start with the first table and then get one plate for each? And then after pick the best of it all again?“
Without even waiting for Law’s reply Luffy had grabbed two plates and started putting food on them.
Some of the people were giving him a weird side eye and while Law would have been bothered if it was about himself he had to hold back a laugh while he watched Luffy excitedly filling his plates.
It also kept anyone from talking to them because they were more busy with staring, fine for Law.
Many people took quite long to eat because they were holding conversations while eating. Law was glad no one came up to their table trying any of that. Maybe Luffy devouring his food while by the way keeping the etiquette by using the proper cutlery for every dish, was keeping everyone away. Or maybe it was them both not being any important or rich personality others wanted to deepen business and social bonds with.
Unfortunately, after dinner, they weren’t so lucky anymore.
Law should have known.
His plan had been, listen to Big Mom’s speech, get good food, and flee home.
Now it was Big Mom herself blocking their way out.
„Doctor Trafalgar.“
She looked at him and then her eyes fell on Luffy.
„And you are?“
„Luffy.“
„Monkey D. Luffy, he is a firefighter.“
Law added, knowing the question would have come next anyway.
„Are you? So you two are?“
Big Mom gestured between them with a questioning look on her face.
„We’re boyfriends.“
Luffy announced without a pause and put his arm around Law’s waist, pulling him close with a strong grip. Maybe Law had blushed a bit and his knees went a bit weak suddenly, maybe the glass of wine was too much.
„Is that so? I thought Doctor Trafalgar was single? Everyone in your work thinks so it seems?“
Big Mom asked suspiciously.
„I prefer keeping my private life private.“
It was not even a lie, Law rather had any noisy colleagues leave him alone.
„How did you two meet?“
So it seems the interrogation has started. Law noticed some people around them got quiet and were probably listening. Probably wondering why Big Mom even talked to them. Honestly, Law still wondered how he had ended up here too.
Luffy answered before Law could even open his mouth.
„Often when I got hurt at work Law was the doctor that put me back together. Two years ago it was really bad.“
He paused and turned his head to Law looking right into his eyes while he answered Big Mom.
„The last thing I thought about before everything went black was Law. Law’s exhausted face after a busy shift, him biting into the Onigiri I got him from Sanji, the first snowflakes melting in his hair while he gave me one of his rare smiles.“
Law shuddered and breathed „Luffy“ unintentionally. Luckily Luffy turned back to Big Mom then because Law could do nothing but stare at him like a deer in headlight. His heart beating so loud he could hardly hear anything around them anymore.
Only Luffy’s voice when he continued.
„When I woke up again he was sleeping in the chair next to my bed and held my hand. That’s when I realized I love him. I learned later that he was the one operating me and saving my life.“
A quiet followed.
Luckily Big Mom did not ask Law about it too because he was not sure he could form any coherent sentence right now.
„What happened in that accident?“
„Something heavy and burning was catapulted against my chest and pierced me when the building collapsed. Many told me later they thought it was impossible to survive.“
The people around gave shocked gasps and exhales while Big Mom’s gaze fell to Luffy’s chest where the Scar Law knew very well was hidden underneath his clothes. For a moment Law thought she would make him strip.
„Doctor Trafalgar is really a great doctor.“
She glanced at Law now with what seemed an impressed look.
Luffy wrapped his hand around Law again and nodded eagerly giving Law a big grin.
„An amazing one even. You can be very glad he’s working in your hospital.“
„Yes, our hospital is very lucky we have him. Doctor Law, it was nice to get to know you and your partner a bit better. You seem very happy, congratulations. I hope you will invite me to your wedding.“
Law almost choked on his own breath but Luffy’s laugh covered him.
„We will Miss Charlotte.“
And if that was not enough to make Law’s mind race with images of them marrying.
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Law yawned tiredly.
He just had finished his late shift and would have another tomorrow on Christmas Eve. It either would be very busy or rather calm. The last years it had been like that at least.
It was late but Law could not sleep. His mind kept drifting to the day after tomorrow.
When they will have the Christmas dinner at Luffy’s. He was nervous for some reason.
How would it go?
It had been so long since he had spent time with so many people outside of work.
Law did not know most of them well, Vivi he had never met before at all. Chopper, had been an assistant doctor at Law’s hospital and left to finish his studies. Law. Had not met him again since. He was only about 1,40 meters tall but he was the most hardworking assistant doctor Law had ever had.
He also knew Robin, who he always thought of more as a loner like himself.
And of course, he had Bepo. And Shachi and Penguin, even though the fact that Luffy was there too made him unsure if he should be glad or bothered that they joined the party.
Just in case he had made them promise to not try any stuff. He trusted them enough to respect his wish.
He realized also, that it was the first time he spent Christmas outside of work with them.
Even though they had been friends not only colleagues for at least six years now. Maybe that was why they had instantly agreed despite surely having other plans too.
But probably the reason that made him roll around restlessly the most was that he would spend Christmas with Luffy at his house and meet his grandfather for the first time.
Luffy was a bubbly very social and open person, and his grandfather very likely was too. At least from the stories Law had heard.
He groaned and rolled around, pressing his pillow against his face.
There was a soft pressure on his chest coming from little paws and he felt a lick on the back of his hand.
„Onigiri.“
Law put the pillow aside and scratched the dogs ears.
„At least I have you with me too, you will just distract everyone from me with how cute you are right?“
The little dog gave him a quiet reassuring bark and wiggled his tail, or rather his whole body. Law smiled at him and eventually fell asleep while patting Onigiri.
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This year, the Christmas Eve shift was busy.
But Law was glad about that.
Since that accident with Luffy two years ago he had always been more stressed during the holidays. It was not logical, because the chances of something happening to Luffy were not higher than during the year, but like it was typical with unreasonable fear, Law could not control the anxiety that would overcome him like a spider crawling over his shoulder.
He could mostly ignore it but it was there. This year, though he was relaxed because he knew Luffy was at home, preparing stuff for Christmas with his grandfather and Sanji.
That’s why Law almost dropped his coffee cup when Luffy suddenly walked in, a bloody cloth wrapped around his hand.
„Hey Torao.“
His smile was still broad like usual, not at all hinting that he must have had a bad cut with how red the towel wrapped around his hand was.
Luffy waved at him and dropped the towel by doing so and even while he was still almost at the other side of the hall, Law could very well see the cut running over his palm.
Hopefully, that one was not deep enough to have cut through nerves.
Law sighed.
„I fill in his information you can take him.“
Luffy was a regular by now, every nurse working at the registration probably knew his data by heart without wanting to. Law thanked her and walked with Luffy to an examination unit.
Until now it had been a calm day, from experience, it would get busier later.
„How did that happen Luffy-ya?“
„I wanted to build a shack for Onigiri but I slipped into the saw.“
Law took Luffy’s hand and disinfected it. He saved himself the warning that it would burn, Luffy knew already. Everything he did was a simple routine, the only question was why did the firefighter manage to get hurt on his day off. And more important who would let him get close to a saw?
„You have no tools at home because everyone knows that while you’re amazing at your job you’re really bad at crafts. So how?“
Luffy chuckled.
„I asked Usopp to let me use his.“
„Doesn’t he know you better?“
Law would have to talk to Usopp it seems.
„He had to get something and said I should wait but he took so long.“
Luffy still managed to sound like he was complaining about the wait time. Knowing him Law guessed it was not more than a minute of waiting that had Luffy act on his own.
„He doesn’t know you well enough if he let you in alone for even a second.“
Law mumbled and looked at the cleaned wound.
He checked if he could see bones or if the tendons or muscles were cut and sighed relieved when he noticed that the cut was not that deep.
„Can you move your fingers forward and back and make a fist carefully?“
Luffy did and Law touched each of his fingertips asking if he could feel it.
Which he did.
Luffy had more luck than anyone else Law knew.
„I’m going to glue it together. You’re lucky it did not go deeper or even cut through.“
Luffy smiled and looked at Law directly and for a moment Law felt this feeling in his belly again, the one that made his head feel light and like being on a rollercoaster as a child. Just like when Luffy had looked into his eyes while telling Big Mom about Law’s smile.
„The saw had a security function and turned off.“
The grin on Luffy’s face made it obvious he seemed proud of the saw.
„I’m glad your neighbor seems to have proper tools at least. Even though he should not let you near them at all.“
„Hey, I’m not that bad.“
The smile turned into a sulk, with his cheeks blown and Law had to keep himself back from just poking them.
He leaned in a little closer to Luffy while still holding his hand tight so he could not move while the glue was drying.
„Yes you are.“
Luffy exhaled suddenly his eyes going wide and Law could feel the air against his neck where goosebumps formed.
Something between them shifted and instead of moving back Law just stayed where he was with Luffy’s face right in front of his. His eyes flickered down and he noticed Luffy’s lips were parted, his heartbeat suddenly going much faster. The blood was rushing too loud in his own ears and drowned out all the other sounds.
Luffy licked his lip and tilted his head a tiny bit to the side and Law felt the other’s fingers brush against the back of his hand when Luffy’s hand twitched.
He could feel the warmth of the other’s skin against his, as he got closer, like he was pulled in by an invisible force. The same force that was drawing Law in too.
Law licked his lips too, feeling the other’s breath against them.
One of Luffy’s hair strands was tickling his forehead. Luffy was so close now, Law’s eyes could not focus anymore so he closed them instead.
„Doctor Trafalgar.“
Law and Luffy both flinched violently, hitting their foreheads together.
„Oh, sorry, was I interrupting?“
„No, all is good I just glued the cut, it should be holding now. He was very lucky again, like always. Do you need anything?“
Law forced himself to not rub his throbbing forehead while looking at the nurse who had just interrupted them. It was a newer one he did not know so well yet. What was the name again? The name shield was too far away for him to read. He will have to make sure to remember it the next time he sees it.
„Oh just wanted to remind you to check on the patient from earlier today, he asked if he is stable enough to leave.“
„I’ll be right there.“
The nurse left again and Law noticed he was still holding Luffy’s hand so he let go. He cleared his throat.
„It should hold but don’t move too much yet just in case.“
„I will doctor.“
Luffy smiled at him but almost rubbed his palm over his pants so Law grabbed his wrist again.
„And don’t rub it over any surfaces especially rough clothing yet.“
Luffy gave him a cheeky smile.
„I’ll try to remember. When will you be done with your shift? Should we walk home together?“
„It will be a few more hours. Wait.“
Luffy was about to get up and looked at him questioningly or was it even with hope?
„I will put something around it so you don’t rub the glue off right away.“
Knowing Luffy very well Law decided to better be safe than sorry.
They were both very quiet while Law bandaged Luffy’s hand. Law could very clearly feel the other’s gaze on himself and kept his eyes down on Luffy’ hand, concentrating on his work more than he needed to.
But it was the only way to stop his thoughts running wild over what almost had happened between them just now.
When he was done, Luffy got up with Law and followed him back to the waiting area.
„See you tomorrow“
„Try not to get hurt again until then.“
„Ah I’m not worried I have you after all who can care for me.“
The firefighter smiled and Law tried to stay calm on the outside and not let it show how quickly his heart was beating because of what Luffy just had said. Reminding himself that Luffy was someone to get hurt easily he managed to keep an earnest voice.
„I mean it Luffy-ya.“
Luffy just grinned and waved goodbye with his bandaged hand, making a turn while walking to the exit.
„I thought he has his day off today?“
Law almost jumped when Shachi suddenly showed up behind him out of nowhere.
„He does, he hurt his hand while trying to build a dog hut for Onigiri.“
„Your dog?“
„Yes.“
Shachi looked at him a bit too interested for Law’s liking.
„Nurse Jane said she thought you two were kissing, and that you hit your heads.“
„She was wrong. I only glued his hand.“
„Then why are you blushing?“
Law flinched when Penguin asked from the other side, walking down the hallway, still rubbing his hands together with disinfect, spreading it between his fingers while grinning at Law with that knowing expression.
„I’m not.“
„Why are you so flushed Law? Did you have to carry a patient? Sorry if you needed me I was on break.“
Now Bepo out of all people, had to join in too.
„It’s fine Bepo.“
Law pressed out through gritted teeth. Shachi and Penguin laughed because even Bepo was unknowingly confirming their suspicions.
„Don’t worry Bepo. He was treating Luffy.“
„Luffy? I thought he’s free today?“
„He wanted to build a hut for Law’s dog.“
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Later that night Law dropped into his bed exhausted after he managed only with all his willpower to not fall asleep in the shower.
He blinked and his gaze fell on his wall, where Luffy only in bright red boxer briefs was looking back at him holding a gift.
December, the last month.
As far as Law knew this year they did not make any calendars.
Too bad, that calendar had grown on Law.
It was an always welcome sight to wake up to a nice picture of Luffy and fall asleep to it. To Law’s shame, he had to admit he even started talking to it. Well, there was probably worse he could do to a calendar containing pictures like that of Luffy but he had the feeling he would be unable to look into Luffy’s eyes ever again if he would look at his photo while-.
Law flushed again and turned away from the calendar.
He was almost glad his exhaustion took over and he fell asleep instantly.
Onigiri woke him up by jumping on his back, demanding the early morning walk he was used to. Law had picked his walking times with his shifts. When he would get home from the night shift, he would walk Onigiri in the morning.
It was a bit difficult with the evening times. Sometimes Luffy helped or his other neighbor Robin.
Onigiri sometimes also spent his evening with her.
She was a professor at a University and had studied ancient languages and history.
Robin loved cute things, especially animals and while they had lived next to each other for years they had not talked until he had brought Onigiri home and she asked if she could pet him.
Sometimes Law would find Onigiri sleeping on her desk next to a cup of tea and a heavy old book.
Other times Onigiri would play with Frankie, the very guy Luffy thought was so cool that sometimes visited Robin, those two were so complete opposites in character Law often wondered how their paths even crossed.
‚Hey Law, nervous because of your date?‘ - Penguin
His phone chimed with the message and he sighed, he never should have agreed to this chat group.
‚It’s not a date you’re invited too. And this group is for work matters.‘ - Law
‚This is a work matter.‘ - Shachi
‚My private life has nothing to do with work.‘ - Law
‚This group only has us three so it’s obviously about private life that affects work.‘ - Penguin
‚Anyway, try to smile sometimes you’re meeting your new grandpa-in-law.‘ - Shachi
‚Don’t worry we’ll be your wingmen.’ - Penguin
Law put his phone aside and ignored them.
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Dinner with so many people was chaotic. Of course, it was.
And while it should have drained Law’s low social energy within minutes somehow it did not.
Maybe it was because he felt oddly recharged and sizzling with energy whenever Luffy, who was most of the time sitting across Law, smiled at him. Maybe it was that everyone was chatting and laughing and just enjoying the time, not nagging him. Or also that Zoro was most of the time just as quiet as Law, drinking his liquor but still joining the party with a sentence or two in between.
Law also could see that Luffy’s big appetite ran in the family. Garp was around 70 but he still managed to eat almost as much as Luffy.
Dinner went by so quickly Law didn’t realize already three hours had already passed.
Bepo was a calming presence next to him too. He kind of always was even at work. Law chatted a bit with him about his plans for the upcoming days with his brother visiting. In between he suspiciously eyes Penguin and Shachi when they had started talking to Luffy’s grandfather. They had mentioned before they would put him in a good light. Law hoped they would not paint him unrealistically perfect.
Vivi and Nami already had excused themselves because Nami would have to get up early to announce the weather.
Meanwhile, Law had found a cozy place on the couch while Onigiri was snoring, sleeping in his lap. Onigiri had been busy all night collecting pats and sharing dog kisses. In between Robin had even taken him on a short walk to digest the food. He felt too comfortable to move.
Franky even got Onigiri a little Robot head hat for Christmas while Usopp had finished the Hut that Luffy had planned to make. The hut was actually for Luffy’s small garden because Law did not have one. Onigiri was very interested in exploring it while almost everyone watched and encouraged him.
Nami had joked that Luffy tried to bribe Onigiri to move in to which Luffy had replied something like he would not mind Onigiri and his dad moving in. Vivi and Nami both had chuckled at what Luffy said. But Law was not sure what exactly it was, only overheard it so he surely just misunderstood. Wishful thinking probably.
He patted Onigiri while he was watching Luffy who was sitting next to Chopper on the floor while both were immersed in a story Usopp was telling, or rather performing in his case.
„They both love Usopp’s stories no matter how ridiculous they get.“
Zoro sat down next to Law with a glass of whatever liquor he had found in his hand. Law wondered how he could not be awfully drunk by now. At first, he thought that Zoro maybe was just good at hiding it but he had helped Sanji and Garp with the dishes without breaking anything so he had to be still sober enough.
„I have a feeling the ridiculousness is a reason they love it so much.“
„You’re probably right.“
Zoro made a sound that was probably a laugh and took another sip from his glass.
For a moment they were both just watching the three silently before Zoro talked again.
„I heard you took Luffy to a party hosted by Big Mom?“
„He was talking about the food was he?“
Law scratched Onigiri’s ear, trying not to think of the words Luffy had said at that party. Which he had been thinking about way too often since the last month.
„Yeah, that too. I was surprised when he told me he was there to play your boyfriend?“
„Ah yes, he saved me from having to marry into Big Mom’s family or lose my job. He was very convincing.“
Law answered, having the feeling Zoro was probably wondering about the last part.
„Hmm.“
Zoro made a sound that had Law look at him curiously.
„Luffy is not good at lying.“
It was all Zoro said while taking a sip again and Law did not quite get what he meant. Because why did Zoro say it like this and why in that context?
He waited for the other to say more but when he did not Law had to ask.
„What do you mean?“
„Just saying,“ Zoro emptied his glass and got up, „If he was convincing then it very likely was not a lie.“
And with that, he just left. As if he had not just told Law that in his opinion all Luffy said was true. Zoro was close to Luffy, his longest friend, so why would he say that?
Law stared after him, his mind and heart racing. Onigiri, probably woken up by him being so tense nudged his arm and yawned.
Absentmindedly Law patted Onigiri’s head. It seems that it was not enough attention for the little dog though, because he got up and jumped down to run over to Luffy and Chopper.
Maybe Zoro just didn’t know that Luffy was a good liar. Maybe he was just not one in other situations. Sure, Law had been surprised too at how convincing Luffy was, because he never had witnessed him lying much before either but that did not mean he could be a convincing fake boyfriend right?
But then there was that moment yesterday that Law had not allowed himself to think about too much. When he had almost leaned in to kiss Luffy.
If nurse Jane had not interrupted them, would they have kissed? Did Luffy want to kiss him?
Law had been so deep in thought he almost did not realize when everyone but Chopper left.
„Deep in thought?“
The couch was moving down and Law rolled a bit to the side when Garp let himself drop next to him.
„I’m just tired, exhausting shifts.“
It was only partly a lie.
„You’re the doctor that saved him last year aren’t you?“
Garp was looking ahead at Luffy while he asked and Law had no clue how to interpret his expression or tone. Why did he get so nervous talking to Luffy’s grandfather?
Maybe because you’re hopelessly in love with his grandson and have a calendar with photos of his grandson being half naked most of the time hanging on your wall.
Law choked on the air he too quickly had sucked in at the thought of said calendar image while sitting next to Garp.
At least it helped the thoughts and heat to leave.
„Thank you. I had heard from many that his chances were very low.“
Garp had raised an eyebrow at Law’s sudden coughing but otherwise talked calmly.
„I was scared shitless.“
Law answered truthfully, thinking back to that moment when Luffy was lying in front of him on the operation table. He would never forget that day. That image still visited him regularly in his dreams.
„But I knew I had to save him, no matter what. There was no one else there but me, so I just had to.“
Garp nodded and looked at him. Law had fought the initial urge to look away and held his gaze. Garp was a military man and Law wanted to make a good impression. Avoiding his eyes would not help him to do that.
„Luffy talks a lot about you.“
Law was not sure if that was a good or bad thing, Garp’s tone did not give it away either.
„He is very fond of you.“
Garp still talked very neutrally.
„What about you? What do you think of Luffy?“
Now his tone changed and Law swallowed thickly. He was not so sure what was the right answer here.
„He is really nice.“
Law answered lamely and noticed so he added, „The nicest person I know, even. He helped me a lot too.“
„He said you patch him up regularly. This boy has a way too risky job but I guess I can’t say anything I wanted him to join the military and that would not have been better.“
Garp mumbled the last part scratching his beard.
„It’s how I got to know him. We often have our shifts at the same time.“
Law only answered to the first part of the sentence, even though he very much agreed to the second he did not want to criticize a guy he barely knew about his parenting.
„You know it’s odd. He knows very well how to patch himself up as long as he can reach the spot himself. I was surprised when he told me for which stuff he comes to visit you.“
Garp looked at Luffy now who was smiling at both of them while he held up Onigiri.
„Does he?“
Law wondered what Garp was aiming for here.
„Yes, he does and he is not very fond of doctors. At least he wasn’t.“
Garp’s words had Law thinking. A lot, the second time this evening.
The first time Luffy showed up the wound was on his back. He was dragged by two other firefighters, and they told Law he may had to knock Luffy out first. Law always had thought they were just joking.
„You can imagine I was very surprised he suddenly was going to the hospital on his own will. And then even talking nice about a doctor.“
Garp laughed like it was a joke and it probably was to him.
„I guess you’re fine.“ Law huffed when Garp squeezed his shoulder and gave him a strong pat on his back. „But remember I’m his grandfather and I don’t like my grandson being hurt.“
„I don’t like him being hurt either.“
Law spilled out before he could think much, still wondering about the odd talks he was having this evening with people close to Luffy.
„Good. Well I’m an old man I will go to sleep.“
He stood up and stretched, yawning loudly.
„Night grandpa.“
Suddenly Law was alone with Luffy. And Onigiri, of course.
The little dog made his way back over to him and jumped on his lap, curling up there into a little furball.
„Seems like Onigiri wants to sleep here tonight. It’s way too cold outside now too.“
Luffy smiled almost cheekily at Law, while still sitting on the floor.
„Onigiri would not even notice if I pick him up and carry him home in my jacket.“ While Law would not mind just staying here he was not so sure it was the best idea. The guest room was already occupied by Chopper who lived across the city and stayed overnight because the way home was too long.
Luffy got up and stretched. Then he walked to the shelf and picked something up before walking over to Law and sitting down next to him.
„I have a gift for you.“
Grinning Luffy gave him the wrapped item in his hand.
„Didn’t we all exchange all gifts before?“
„Yes but I wanted this to be special.“
Luffy was looking at him expectantly now and Law furrowed his brow. Carefully he took off the bow and then opened the wrapping. He noticed Luffy’s leg wobbling next to him and could feel him being very impatient. Luffy was more the type to rip the wrapper off quickly.
When Law saw the gift he instantly recognized what it was. But just to be sure he quickly flipped through it. Very quickly though without looking too closely because he could already feel his cheeks heat.
„I thought you didn’t make any this year?“
Luffy’s grin was even broader when Law finally managed to look at him.
„We didn’t. But Penguin told me you like the calendar you got last year a lot,“ Law made another inner note to not allow Penguin in his flat again while Luffy continued, „So I went to Iva and asked him to make one again. Iva asked me then if my boyfriend had liked it. I was a bit confused but then he showed me the photos he had used. He really chose the most special ones.“
Luffy laughed now and Law could not help but join in.
„I was so surprised last year.“
„You could have given it back.“
„No.“
Law answered sternly, he could give many reasons like it was just rude to give gifts back, but it did not matter. Not with the way Luffy was smiling at him and how his knee pressed into Law’s thigh.
„I was not sure if Penguin was only joking after I saw the photos, but I thought I’d give it a try.“
„Penguin saw it hanging in my bedroom.“
Law blurted out, his eyes lost in Luffy’s and the other’s honesty was contagious.
„Your bedroom?“
Luffy asked him with an interested spark in his eyes, moving in a bit closer.
„Where else should I hang that, the kitchens so everyone sees it?“
Laughing again, Luffy put his hand on Law’s shoulder.
„I guess it makes sense. And did you like it a lot?“
„I’m not feeling bad about getting one again if you were wondering about that.“
Luffy chuckled but then his gaze changed a bit and Law noticed they were very close now. He took a deep breath and asked something that had been on his mind almost constantly for four weeks.
„When you were playing my boyfriend, did you mean what you said?“
„Have you ever heard me say things I did not mean?“
Smug Luffy was not something Law experienced too often but he liked it.
„I also thought you are very impatient and go for the things you want but here you sit still not kissing me so I think-.“
Law did not get to finish his words because Luffy’s patience finally had reached its end.