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Law looked up at the sky, where stars twinkled like scattered diamonds on a dark canvas.
Tonight, the moon seemed to be hiding, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the New World. The waves gently lapped against the shore, creating a sense of calmness and tranquility.
Taking a deep breath, Law inhaled the fresh air infused with a subtle hint of salt. It had a soothing effect on him, providing relief from the years of enduring constant mental and emotional turmoil. Finally, he could fully embrace the serenity of the tranquil sea.
Law's crew was sound asleep in the men's quarters, sharing the space with the Straw Hat Pirates crew. However, their swordsman was recuperating in the infirmary after a fierce battle with the swordsman from the Blackbeard Pirates.
Law couldn't help but feel frustrated with the cheater and his unfair fighting tactics – the swordsman was almost cut into two, yet he was still standing until the end, and was more worried of his nakama’s state than his own. Law really can’t underestimate the one-third of the monster trio – it was the doctor's order, everyone knows not to defy the doctor's order if they wanted their body parts still intact; he’s with the ship’s cook who refused to leave his side. If back then he was wondering what’s the real score between the two, now it was apparent enough even to their allies and alike, the cook’s belong to the swordsman and vice versa. Meanwhile, the long-nose sniper kept a watchful eye on the ocean from the crow's nest.
The men’s quarter was cramp inside. He sees how it is that’s why he opted to go outside and possibly passed out in the deck’s flat surface. At least he can breathe freely here and avoid sleep-grabbing hands.
They had decided to board the Thousand Sunny for their journey to the next island, as the Polar Tang was in need of major repairs. The island the Straw Hat crew was heading to have a large port where they could find a skilled shipwright and the necessary materials to patch up the Polar Tang. What was initially intended as a temporary alliance had evolved into a fully committed one.
After successfully defeating Kaido and Big Mom, Luffy, Law, and Kid had reclaimed their positions in the New World. Now, their only remaining adversary was Blackbeard, as they continued their quest for the One Piece.
“Hey,” Law shifted his gaze slightly, allowing him to catch a glimpse of the rubber-captain of the Straw Hat crew.
"Hey," he greeted the other man in a soft tone. Luffy had come a long way from the reckless, overly friendly, naive, and overly kind kid Law had first encountered in Sabaody. Over the years, Luffy had matured and developed certain features that emphasized his adulthood.
At the age of 19, he had become, albeit reluctantly, quite a striking figure, catching the attention of those around him. Law vividly recalled the time when the ship's navigator, Nami, fiercely dealt with those who dared to pursue their captain and sought permission to court him. It was quite amusing to witness how Zoro and Sanji, also known as Zoro-ya and Blackleg-ya respectively, effortlessly defeated those low-life pirates who foolishly believed they could easily win over their captain's affections. Law couldn't help but take note of how Luffy remained completely oblivious to it all, even going as far as punching anyone who approached him, mistaking them for enemies.
Law shifted his attention away from the ocean and turned to face the other man directly. Leaning against the railings, he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Aren't you tired? You should be getting some rest," he remarked, recalling how exhausted the man had appeared after their recent clash three days ago.
Luffy grinned and looked at Law, his eyes filled with mischief. "Not really. I just wanted to spend some time alone with you," he replied, his intentions clear.
Law raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Despite being accustomed to Luffy's straightforward nature, he couldn't help but question his motives. "Why is that?" he asked, seeking further clarification.
"I have something to tell you, Torao," Luffy said, his tone serious. Law felt his heart skip a beat, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty flooding through him.
"What is it?" he asked, trying to maintain his composure, wondering if Luffy had a specific request in mind.
Luffy scratch the side of his cheek and clearly bit the inside before he open his mouth again, “Uhm, I don’t know if you would like to hear it though.”
Law tilted his head to the side. “Hm, do you want to drop us somewhere else? Because that would be news I don’t like hearing now, especially given the condition of our ship. That would be bad.”
“No. No. Not that.”
“So, what is it?”
Luffy bounced slightly on his feet, appearing fidgety, before a shy smile spread across his face. "Don't you know that I like you?" he blurted out, his cheeks turning a shade of red. Embarrassed, he quickly looked away from Law. "It's not sudden," Luffy continued, his cheeks turning a shade of red. He averted his gaze from Law, seemingly embarrassed. "I actually figured it out a while ago, back on Sabaody. The first time I saw you, I knew that I wanted to be with you someday," he confessed, his words filled with sincerity. "You were so cool back then, and even now, in Dressrosa and beyond, you've remained cool," Luffy added, expressing his admiration for Law.
Law froze, his mind racing to decipher the true meaning behind Luffy's words. He couldn't help but refer to Luffy as "kid" in his thoughts, a habit he had developed over time.
He turned around to face Luffy directly, his gaze searching for any hints or clues. For a change, he got a long white sleeves shirt on, Straw Hat nowhere near his head – first time.
"For clarification, what do you mean by 'like'?" Law asked, his voice tinged with confusion. In his years of existence in this world, the word 'like' could have various interpretations, ranging from a friendly affection to something deeper and more romantic.
Law's mind raced as he considered the different contexts in which the word 'like' could be used. Cora-san had liked him as a father figure, seeing him as a son. Doflamingo's 'like' was more complicated, driven by Law's rebellious nature and his inability to be controlled. The World Government's 'like' stemmed from their desire to possess Law's unique ability, even if it meant wanting him dead. And then there was Eustass Kid, who claimed to 'like' Law but in a twisted way, as a rival seeking to defeat him.
Law's confusion deepened as he realized the complexity of Luffy's statement. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of 'like' Luffy was referring to. Was it a friendly affection, a deep emotional connection, or something entirely different?
Luffy exhaled, his expression filled with determination and confidence as he turned fully towards Law. The words that followed left Law momentarily speechless.
"I like you," Luffy stated firmly, his voice carrying a mix of desire and openness. "I mean, I want to kiss you, or... well, you know," he continued, his words leaving no room for ambiguity. Luffy expressed his willingness to explore physical intimacy with Law, leaving the choice of who takes the lead up to him.
Law's eyes widened in surprise as he heard Luffy's bold and explicit declaration. Law's mind raced again, trying to process Luffy's unexpected confession.
The air between them crackled with tension as Law contemplated his own feelings and how to respond to Luffy's bold proposition. Law felt a sudden tightness in his throat, nearly choking on his own saliva.
As a grown man, he realized the gravity of the situation before him. He hadn't expected Luffy to be so blunt, especially considering the explicit nature of his words. Law couldn't help but wonder if Luffy truly understood the implications of what he was suggesting. Did Luffy even comprehend the concept of intimacy and physical relationships?
The thought of what the Straw Hat crew might have taught their young captain crossed Law's mind. He couldn't help but be surprised once again by Luffy's unexpected behavior, this time in a manner that caught him off guard in the most unforeseen way.
The complexity of the situation weighed heavily on Law as he grappled with his own emotions and the implications of Luffy's bold advances. Law let out a silent sigh, his mind filled with a mix of confusion and concern. He realized that he needed to clarify something to Luffy.
"Luffy-ya," Law began, his voice gentle yet firm, "liking someone isn't the same as taking their treasure or enjoying Sanji's cooking, or even liking meat. It's a different kind of feeling, one that involves emotions and a deeper connection." Law paused for a moment, searching for the right words to explain his point. "When you say you 'like' someone in the way you just described, it goes beyond simple preferences or desires. It involves a level of emotional intimacy and understanding that goes beyond physical actions."
Law hoped that his words would help Luffy grasp the significance of what he was trying to convey. He wanted Luffy to understand that liking someone in a romantic or intimate way was a complex and profound experience, far different from the simple pleasures he was accustomed to.
"I know," Luffy replied, his voice carrying a hint of determination.
"And that you shouldn't tell that to a man like yourself." Law emphasizes.
Luffy nodded and grinned wider, saying, "I know what you're talking about, Law."
Law felt a lump in his throat. Luffy only used his name when something was truly important and he wanted Law's full attention.
“I like so many people in my life, like the old man in the Sky Island, he was kind and very funny. I also like Yamao, he’s strong and adventurous and he protecting the Wano makes me like him more because I know he’s a good person. I also like Makino-san because she feed me delicious food and the bandits of the mountain that raised us. I like Ace and Sabo, because they’re my brother, Shanks and Red Haired Pirates and so many more.” Luffy looks at Law and smile, “But the “like” that I have for you is not the same with the “like” that I have for them and even for my nakama. The "like” that I have for you is like how Zoro like Sanji.” And he giggles at that.
"I've seen Sanji kiss Zoro while he's sleeping, whether it's behind the mikan or in the galley, or when he thinks no one's watching. And even though Sanji often kicks Zoro in the head, he still sleeps beside him in the bunk, despite complaining about Zoro's lack of gentleness. I think it would be fun to do the same with you."
Law sighed in frustration and brought his hand to his face, facepalming. "You're not even listening to me," he muttered, feeling exasperated.
Luffy's laughter grew louder in response to Law's frustration. "I know, Law," he said, his tone filled with amusement.
But then, Luffy's expression turned serious, a smile that Law had never seen before gracing his face. "I love you, Law. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. We could sail the oceans together, fight off marines, and discover new things. Or we could settle down in a small village, where you could be a skilled doctor with your own clinic, and I'll go fishing with our little kids, watching them play and swim. That's what I want. I want to build a big family with you, Law."
As Law observed Luffy's expression shift from determination to a slightly dreamy state, a smile forming on his face, a sense of awe washed over him. He couldn't help but think, "Damn."
"You can't even swim," he mumbled to himself, which caused the rubber captain to giggle. He cleared his throat to conceal the small smile that was creeping onto the corner of his mouth. “How about Hancock? She’s better than me and she’s a woman. You can have real family with her.” He tried.
“Nuh. I don’t like Hancock that way. She’s beautiful, yeah, but I can’t see a future with her.”
That left Law speechless once again. He sighed, thinking of what was with him that he was able to capture the rubber-captain’s attention. He has nothing to offer to him. He’s weak, he’s emotionally unstable, he had lots of issues in the past and he doesn’t even know if he is capable of loving someone or returning the feelings as much. But he know Luffy, and if he’s as determines as this, then it means he can’t escape it.
"Do you like me that much?" Luffy nodded once more, this time with determination and a hopeful expression. "How much are you willing to let go for that, Luffy-ya?"
The response was almost immediate, as if Luffy didn't even have to think about it.
"Everything," he replied with unwavering conviction. Law chuckled at Luffy's answer.
"Sorry, but you can't afford me with everything you have right now," he said, shrugging nonchalantly. He turned around and added, "Maybe in a few years, let's see how much you have. See you then," before making his way out.
Luffy was left perplexed, trying to make sense of Law's words. He watched as the door to the bunk closed, a mix of determination and curiosity in his eyes.
He nodded to himself, a newfound understanding dawning upon him. "I'll definitely prove myself, Law. Just wait," he whispered with a determined smile.
==========
Five years later.
Law gazed up at the sky, its hues resembling the color of blood, both fresh and dried. The sky seemed to bleed, much like the wound on his body. He applied pressure to the injury, temporarily halting the bleeding, but he knew he would need to properly bandage it soon.
Kneeling beside Eustass Kid, who lay on his back, covered in blood, Law could see the struggle in his eyes as he gasped for breath. Upon spotting Law, Kid mustered the strength to move and began activating his ability.
"Don't move, dumbass. Your wound will worsen if you do," Law warned, his voice laced with concern.
"You don't have to do this, Death," Kid protested weakly.
"Shut up," Law snapped, gently pulling at what remained of Kid's shirt to fashion makeshift gauze and padding for his worst wounds. He didn't need the power of his Devil Fruit to dress someone's wounds. He’s a doctor, after all.
"It's over," Kid murmured, followed by a pained yet soft chuckle escaping his lips.
Yeah, it's finally over. The war has come to an end. The search for One Piece is complete. Luffy has obtained the One Piece, and in a few hours, he will be officially declared as the new King of the Pirates. Who would have imagined that the reckless kid from before would become the Pirate King?
"He somehow manages to surpass all expectations," Kid murmurs, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and astonishment. "He's truly something, just like you said back in Sabaody." Law simply hums in agreement. "I'm reaching my limit as well, and I would appreciate it if you spared an unarmed and weakened enemy," Kid adds, his tone pleading.
"If I wanted to, I could," Law replied, his voice tinged with a hint of irritation. "You really know how to get on my nerves sometimes. But our fight is over, and it ends here. Just don't attempt anything against me or my crew again, and I can assure you, I'm as heartless as you may think."
"Heartless, yet still beautiful," Kid murmured, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Law let out a frustrated groan. "Enough of that," he muttered, wanting to put an end to the conversation. He doesn’t have enough energy for this.
Kid grinned and nodded, accepting that Law was now far beyond his reach, not only in terms of power but in every aspect. He had learned this the hard way. Lay a finger on Trafalgar D. Water Law, and he would not only have to face the Surgeon of Death himself, but also the formidable Straw Hat Pirates. Kid vividly remembered the consequences of his previous actions against the doctor. Half of his crew had been lost, with a quarter of them beheaded by Law and the other quarter crippled by the Straw Hat Pirates' Monster Trio. It was a deadly combination indeed. If he wanted to protect what remained of his crew, he would have to stay out of their way. The real question that lingered in Kid's mind was why the Straw Hat Pirates would come to the aid of the Heart Pirates, considering their alliance had been severed a few years prior.
"Eustass Kid, I'm warning you! Don't touch him ever again, or I'll kill you," came the most serious threat Kid had ever heard from the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. It was accompanied by a display of powerful Haki that brought him to his knees within seconds.
So, going back to the main question, what is the reason behind Monkey D. Luffy's unwavering determination to protect Trafalgar D. Water Law and his strong desire to seek revenge on anyone who harms him?
It seems that there is a deep connection between these two individuals that goes beyond a simple alliance or friendship. Law's past and his connection to the Yonko make him a target for many powerful enemies. One such enemy is Doflamingo, who held Law's crew hostage and subjected him to immense suffering. And Monkey D. Luffy witnessing Law's plight first hand during their alliance and understanding the pain he endured, became determined to rescue him and bring justice to those who harmed him. Maybe, it’s the reason behind. But, it's not all, is it?
“I have question Death,”
“Stop calling me that.” Law grunts in response and tightens his grip on his sword, Kikoku, as a sign that Kid has captured his attention.
Kid chuckles in response, finding amusement in Law's preference for being called "the Death" it suits him knowing that he was like the personification of Death, himself.
“What’s with you and the Straw Hat Pirates’ Captain?”
Law raises an eyebrow at Kid's question, slightly intrigued by his curiosity, “What do you mean?”
“Remember back in Nievas?" Law's aura grows darker and stronger as Kid mentions the events in Nievas, a painful memory where Law lost half of his crew. It was a time when Kid cunningly exploited Law's weakness as a doctor, refusing to let wounded individuals die when there was a chance to save them. Kid's trick had left a lasting impact on Law, and he couldn't forget it. Kid chuckles, acknowledging Law's recollection, and proceeds to ask his question. "After we left the island, I was surprised to find that it was the Straw Hat Pirates who pursued and tracked us down a few days later," Kid explains. "Their interference resulted in the loss of one-fourth of my crew and left the rest severely crippled for several months. And then, you arrived and lost another one-fourth of my crew to you. So, my question is, why would Luffy, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, go to such lengths to track me down and warn me not to harm you again?"
Law takes a moment to absorb Kid's question. He knitted his eyebrows dangerously at Kid’s mischievous grin.
"Because he's mine, so move away or I'll make you," carries a strong sense of possessiveness and determination. His words make it clear that he considers Law to be under his protection and that he will not tolerate any harm coming to him. Luffy's Conqueror's Haki, a manifestation of his overwhelming willpower, adds an extra layer of intensity to his statement.
Law and Kid's attention is abruptly drawn to the source of the voice, and they turn to see Luffy standing there, his Conqueror's Haki flaring dangerously, their expressions shifting from indifference to a more cautious demeanor.
Kid, having experienced Luffy's power firsthand, knows better than to underestimate him. “Woah! Straw Hat, you see, I'm injured and defenseless. I pose no threat, and I'm not even doing anything to your boyfriend. Geez! I-” Kid exclaims, trying to diffuse the tension in the air. He emphasizes his vulnerability, hoping to convey that he means no harm to Law or anyone else.
However, before Kid can finish his sentence, he finds himself with Law's Kikoku pressed against his throat in an instant.
“What did you just say?” The low, menacing murmur from Law sends a chill down Kid's spine, causing his arm hairs to stand on end. Kid realizes the gravity of his words and the dangerous position he has put himself in. Damn.
“I’m wounded.” He reminded him. Kid raises his hands in surrender, a gesture of submission and acknowledgment of his vulnerability, emphasizing his physical condition as a plea for mercy and understanding.
“Wounded or not, I’ll kill you if you ever utter the same word ag—”
In the midst of the tense standoff between Kid and Law, Luffy's boisterous laughter suddenly fills the air, breaking the tension and causing everything else to fade into the background. The sound of Luffy's laughter has a remarkable effect, dissipating Law's previously intense and murderous aura. As Luffy's laughter echoes through the air, Law can't help but let out a sigh, his anger and hostility diminishing. It momentarily lifts the heavy atmosphere and brings a sense of relief to both Kid and Law. Kid, too, finds himself chuckling softly in response to Luffy's laughter. The tension that had gripped him moments ago begins to loosen its hold.
“Hey, Torao, here, wear this one.” And he put something into Law’s head, “See Zoro, I told you it will fit.”
Law and Kid's eyes were drawn to Law's head, where a crown was being placed upon it. Kid's eyes widened, and a mischievous grin spread across his face, while Law's expression paled in response.
"Ro—" he murmurs softly, but before he can fully activate his ability, Trafalgar D. Water Law finds himself immediately pinned to the ground. Wado is pressed against his throat, and Sanji's leg adds even more pressure, further immobilizing him.
The other members of the Straw Hats gasp in shock at the sudden turn of events. The sequence of actions happened so quickly that they struggle to comprehend what has just transpired.
"F*ck!" Law can only curse, feeling the weight of his wound pressing deeper into the ground. His vision becomes blurry from the significant amount of blood he has already lost, and then some.
"Let go of him! Dr. Law is wounded, you idiots!" shouts the Straw Hat Pirates' doctor, flailing in panic. Some things never change.
Luffy giggles in response. "Guys, come on, let him go. He won’t go anywhere." he says, but the two individuals remain unmoved. "Right Torao?" Luffy grins at the other man, referring to Law by his nickname.
Law glares at Luffy, his murderous aura still swirling around him.
"Shambles!"
In an instant, everyone's positions are swapped. Luffy now finds himself underneath Law, pinned down by Law's sheathed Kikuko. Sanji and Zoro stumble clumsily as they switch places with the stone near Nami's foot.
The tension in the air dissipates as Luffy continues to grin, undeterred by Law's hold on him. "I can definitely afford to be with you now, Law. I pretty much have everything," Luffy declares, his eyes filled with determination and a smile so sweet that it tugs at Law's heart.
"Idiot. All I want is for you to achieve your goal, to become the Pirate King that you've always desired and not—"
"Maybe that's not what I'm aiming for either?" Luffy grins, interrupting Law. As Law gazes at the grinning man beneath him, his features soften.
He sighs. "Idiot," Law says before removing Kikuko and the crown from his head, placing them beside Luffy's head. "I don't need any of those," he adds, dipping his head towards Luffy and lightly headbutting him. "Annoying," Law mutters before lying down next to the Pirate King.
His vision starts to blur, and he huffs in annoyance. Luffy's laughter echoes around them.
Chopper immediately tends to Law's worst wound, carefully checking every aspect of his condition.
"I'm fine, Tony-ya," Law mumbles to the small doctor.
"Shut up!" another doctor scolds him. A small smile curls on Law's lips, barely visible to anyone but still a smile in his opinion.
His crew gathers around them, watching with relief as Law is tended to by the small doctor.
They exchange smiles, silently celebrating the fact that they have made it through, that they have all survived. Kid's crew and other pirate crews also approach them, as an invisible white flag is raised to commemorate the end of another era.
After being bandaged and tended to, Law sits up, testing the tightness of the bandage. He feels the steady beat of his heart and flexes his muscles, checking to see if everything is still functioning properly. Suddenly, he is startled as a weight drops into his lap, straddling him, and a head is pressed against the crook of his neck.
"I'm glad we made it, Law," Luffy whispers.
Law feels the same way. He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly, allowing himself to surrender to the moment. He wanted this too, although he had been reluctant to admit it to himself. He had believed that he didn't deserve to experience such pleasure after leaving Flavence and losing Cora-san. But deep down, he longed for it as well.
Law turns his head and gently plants a soft kiss on the top of Luffy's head, disregarding the scent of blood, earth, and sweat. Luffy lifts his head and gazes at Law with eyes brimming with life, determination, confidence, hope, and something more. Without hesitation, Law lifts his hand, firmly grasps Luffy by the nape, and their mouths collide in a forceful embrace.
They move together, sharing an impossibly deep and passionate first kiss, as the world around them fades into insignificance. In that moment, nothing else matters except the two of them.
Both of them are left breathless as they reluctantly separate, needing to catch their breath. Luffy's smile is incredibly sweet.
"Does this mean you belong to me now?" he asks. Law chuckles at Luffy's innocent yet endearing whine.
"That's a big statement," he replies.
"Eh? But Torao," Luffy continues to whine, and Law can't help but find it both childish and adorable. "When will you be mine, then?"
Law playfully teases,“Let me think," as Luffy pouts at him. Unable to resist, Law kisses him again, this time briefly but with lingering affection. "I'm done thinking," he declares, before activating his "Room" ability. Luffy watches him with amusement, responding with a playful "Mes!"
Both their hearts are now in Law's hands. Law holds Luffy's heart and says, "Here, you take care of my heart while I take care of yours." With a gentle yet determined motion, he places Luffy's heart into the space in his chest, while Luffy reciprocates by placing Law's heart into the space in his own chest. Miraculously, both organs fit perfectly and begin to beat in sync. Law gasps in surprise, while Luffy giggles with delight.
"I love you, Law. Let's get married," Luffy declares with genuine affection.
Law is taken aback by Luffy's sudden proposal. "Woah! Hold on, brat," he responds, realizing that Luffy may not fully understand the implications of such a commitment.
Their conversation is interrupted as both of their heads turn towards the Redhaired Yonko, Shanks, who appears to be very angry.
Law feels a lump in his throat as he swallows nervously. Despite being in a similar position of power and having proven his own strength countless times, the Redhaired Yonko still possesses an aura that commands respect and sends shivers down everyone's spine.
"Yes, Luffy. You can't marry a man who doesn't even know how to properly ask for your hand," Fire Fist Sabo, the Chief of the Revolutionary Army, interjects, pointing his finger towards Trafalgar D. Water Law. "I wouldn't give my blessings to you anyway," he huffs.
"Oh, come on, let them be," Koala exclaims in exasperation. She grabs Sabo and forcefully drags him away from the group, shoving him onto their ship.
Sabo continues to angrily complain about how foolish his brother is and how Ace would have scolded him for making such a decision without thinking. "I would like to see you asking for his hand, you bastard!" Sabo shouts as she pulls him away.
Both Luffy and Law share a quiet laugh at the scene. Suddenly, a powerful blow lands on Law's head, so forceful that it could have cracked open the skull of an ordinary man.
"I'm not going to hand him over to you. It's over my dead body!" Redhaired Shanks declares defiantly.
The Straw Hat Pirates and the Red Hair Pirates all sigh in boredom, while Law's own crew pays no attention to them and continues doing whatever they want. Traitors.
"Eh???!!"
"Luffy, come on, get away from him.”
Law immediately, tightened his grip around Luffy's waist and pulling him closer to his chest. “No, he’s mine now, old man.” Law sternly said and glared at the old man.
“What did you call me? You —”
"Enough, Shanks. Let the kids go. The Marines' backup will be here any minute," the former Warlord, Dracule Mihawk, speaks up in a low but audible voice that reaches everyone's ears.
“But Hawky—”
“I’ll slice you up if you don’t get into the ship this second.” A flare of powerful haki had the other Yonko pouted at his comrade.
“You’re no fun.”
Amidst the chaos between the crews of different pirates who had made it to Raftel, Law uses his Devil Fruit ability to create a room and transports them all to the deserted Sunny.
All Law wanted was to find a moment of rest and be with Luffy. However, as soon as they land on the soft mattress of the infirmary bed, with the scent of disinfectant and mixed medicines in the air, Luffy captures Law's lips in a passionate kiss. Law doesn't even have a chance to complain as Luffy rips off his already tattered coat and flings it aside.
"Hey, be careful with that one," Law groaned as Luffy's wandering finger brushed against the particularly deep wound. Luffy kissed him again, this time messily, as an apology. Law took control, guiding Luffy on how to do it properly. Luffy moaned into the kiss, lost in the moment.
After gently nipping on Luffy's bottom lip, Law released him. "Let's continue this another time. We really need to rest," Law said, emphasizing the last word to remind them both that they were exhausted and in desperate need of rest.
Luffy nodded, understanding the unspoken words between them.
They both settled onto the mattress, with Luffy resting his head on Law's chest, listening to the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat. Law pulled Luffy even closer, wrapping his arm around him.
"I love you too," Law murmured, his words a response to Luffy's earlier declaration. He felt the need to reassure Luffy that he wanted this too, that he belonged to him, and that, for once, he wanted to belong to someone.
Luffy's embrace tightened around him, conveying his own feelings without the need for words.