Archive of Our Own

Ichiji waits at the gates of the manor with trepidation, fingers curling around the bars of the black iron gates. It’s only when he hears the loud groan of metal that he realizes he’s been squeezing too hard. A glance down reveals finger shaped indents in the once sharp cast iron design. He grimaces and pries his right hand loose from the metal, shoving it inside his pocket instead.

A cold breeze blows past him, but Ichiji barely acknowledges it. His nerves are jittering enough that goosebumps don’t even register in his brain. For probably the fifth time that evening Ichiji considers texting his boyfriend and calling the whole night off. Maybe he could apologize with flowers and a dinner out later that weekend-

No.

He’s already put off introducing Law to his family for nearly five months now. If he drags it out any longer he’s pretty sure his mother is going to start looking up his boyfriend’s information herself. She’s been desperate to meet Law ever since Ichiji first casually mentioned him in passing one evening, and she hasn’t let it go ever since, bringing his boyfriend up with increasing regularity and pointed looks.

It had started with more subtle offerings of ‘you’ll have to bring him over some time’ or ‘I can’t wait to finally meet him in person’.

But just a few days ago his mother had all but cornered Ichiji in the living room and said with a bright smile, “I think this Saturday would be a perfect night to host a dinner! Law will be there, yes?”

And Ichiji’s only option had been to nod meekly and mumble about he’d make sure to check with Law to confirm. They both knew that Ichiji would make it happen. His mother was a kind woman who overflowed with love and patience, but she could be downright terrifying when her mind was set on something.

And it’s that knowledge that stays Ichiji’s hand before he can text his boyfriend to cancel. He didn’t fear his mother punishing him, god knew she’d never had the heart to do that, but she would certainly be disappointed. Worse yet, she might think that Ichiji was ashamed of her somehow, and Ichiji would literally rather rip his heart out than give her that impression after all she’d sacrificed raising him and his siblings.

He lets out a long breath, only to nearly jump out of his skin as his phone vibrates in his pocket. He hastens to pull it out, swiping to his messages.

Law

Hey, I just got to your neighborhood but I can’t find your house

Law

You didn’t say how big this place was

Me

Drive to the end of the first road, take a left and then drive to the end of that. You should see a sign that says ‘Vinsmoke’ that points down another path. Go down that path for a few minutes and you’ll see a huge gate at the end of it. I’ll be waiting out there.

Law

Got it, see you in a few

Ichiji stuffs his phone back in his pocket, hands going back to tapping restlessly against the sides of his legs for lack of anything else to do. He glances up at the sky to see the sun has already mostly set. He’s briefly grateful for how early it got dark out at this point in the year. It certainly made inviting Law to dinner easier.

It’s not long before Law’s car pulls up. He almost doesn’t recognize his boyfriend’s car at first, the pain gleaming under the lights above the gate. While the inside of Law’s car had never been dirty (Law would never allow it), he tended to delay taking the car to the wash if he wasn’t reminded. Now though the car’s exterior looked spotless, almost as good as new even though Ichiji knew for a fact that the vehicle was over a decade old.

He raises an eyebrow as the car sidles up next to him and the window rolls down. Despite his nerves, Ichiji’s heart flips as his boyfriend’s face comes into view and, yeah, Law has always cleaned up nice. It was rare to see his boyfriend out of his hospital scrubs or the sweatshirts and jeans he wore when they had nights in at his apartment. To see Law in a nice button up with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, exposing the dark lines of his tattoos that crawled up his forearms, and pressed slacks that made his long legs stand out…

Well, if Ichiji’s family weren’t waiting for them he might have made a strong argument to try and convince his boyfriend to be fashionably late.

As it is though, Ichiji manages to reign himself in enough to simply offer his boyfriend a small smile. “You made it.”

“No thanks to the signage around here,” Law sighs, “I swear I circled the same house three times before I found that sign you mentioned. I thought someone was gonna call the cops on me.”

“They all usually mind their own business,” Ichiji says. He rounds the car to the passenger side, and hears the door unlock. He pulls open the door and drops down into the seat, briefly leaning over the console to peck his boyfriend on the lips. “You look nice. The car looks good too.”

Law snorts. “Thanks. Cora insisted I hand wash it, so it better be spotless after all that.”

“Now I’m sorry I missed it,” Ichiji says, the image of his boyfriend in a wet T-shirt leaning over the car’s hood popping into his head unbidden.

“I’m not sure what ‘girls gone wild’ image you have of me in your head, but I assure you the actual experience was far less sexy,” Law huffs.

“I think everything you do is sexy, babe,” Ichiji says just to watch Law’s ears burn red.

“Shut up,” Law grumbles, but there’s no heat to it.

“Hope you’re up for some more driving before we eat,” Ichiji says as he pulls the gate opener out of his pocket. He clicks the button and the iron gate in front of them begins to smoothly slide open.

Law groans. “There’s more driveway? How much road does one family need?”

“Security measure,” Ichiji says with an apologetic shrug.

Law sighs. “The downside of dating a celebrity… commute time.”

Ichiji laughs and gives his boyfriend another quick kiss on the cheek for his trouble. “I promise dinner will be worth it.”

If there was one thing he was sure he could count on, it was his parents’ incredible cooking, especially since Sanji was home to help them. The three of them had combined decades worth of experience working in kitchens all around the world. No matter what someone’s palette was, the three of them could come up with a menu on the spot. Even when Ichiji had mentioned his boyfriend’s aversion to bread it was hardly a challenge for them to adjust accordingly.

He glances at Law again, admiring how handsome the other looks while driving, only to frown slightly when he sees the slight clench in the other’s jaw. His eyes travel down his boyfriend’s rigid posture to where his fingers are clenched tightly around the steering wheel, his dark tattoos standing out against his skin as it paled under the pressure.

“Is something wrong?” Ichiji asks.

“Hm? Why would you think that?” Law’s eyes dart to the side. Though Ichiji can tell his boyfriend is struggling to remain casual, there’s a strained note in his voice.

“Law,” Ichiji says patiently.

His boyfriend sighs, a small amount of tension leaking from him as he does so. “Yeah, alright, so maybe visiting my famous boyfriend’s famous family is a little stress inducing.”

“Ah.”

Considering Ichiji had grown up watching his siblings eat glue and mud, wipe food on nearly every surface available, fumble multiple relationships, and regularly make fools of themselves, he often forgot that to many people the Vinsmoke family was made up of superstars. Their family was one of actors, models, professional athletes, and culinary geniuses. To Ichiji his family was just the same group of idiots he’d grown up with, even if they had their own careers and lives now.

That said, he understood how meeting his family could be intimidating, even if one didn’t know how much trouble his siblings were. It didn’t help that there were a lot of them, five in total, plus their mother and stepfather. It was a big family of over the top personalities. Honestly, the sheer scale alone had been part of what had given Ichiji pause in the first place.

The other part was…well, his brothers were just assholes. Unapologetically in Niji’s case, but still applicable in his other brothers’. His sister was usually more neutral, but certainly wasn’t above stirring the pot herself occasionally. And his parents… they meant well but they could come on strong. His mother especially was always incredibly eager to meet her children’s partners and Ichiji knew she kept a wedding planning book stashed in a drawer next to her bedside if she so much as caught a hint that any of their relationships might be becoming more serious.

“I won’t be able to breathe easy until I know you’re all taken care of,” his mother had once said when he’d asked a few years prior.

“You talk like you’re about to turn to dust any day now,” Ichiji had deadpanned at the time. Despite his tone, even the thought of such a thing sent a icy shock of fear through him, though he manages to shake it off. His mother had managed to survive this long despite all circumstances, chances were she wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“Oh, you know what I mean,” his mother had said, waving a hand, “I just want you all to find someone to spend the many, many years you have left with.”

At the time Ichiji hadn’t thought much of it, after all he was so young he didn’t think he’d need to start worrying about settling down anytime soon. And for a while he’d continued on that path, not paying much attention to any prospective partners that crossed his path. He thought he might continue on that way for a while, maybe even a few more decades, but then Law had happened.

And honestly Ichiji couldn’t be happier.

“Geez, you guys really do live in the middle of nowhere,” Law sighs, breaking Ichiji out of his thoughts.

Ichiji glances out the window to see the densely wooded scenery whizzing past them. “Like I said, it’s a security measure.”

Law hums. “Yeah, guess that makes sense. Wouldn’t want people driving by and snapping photos through the windows.”

“Definitely not,” Ichiji mutters.

They’d had a few scares in the past from overzealous fans who hadn’t quite grasped the concept of boundaries. One time Reiju had been stalked to her car after a magazine shoot, another Yonji had had photos taken of him while he’d been working out at the gym, and another still Niji had nearly been physically assaulted by an ‘anti-fan’ who hadn’t been able to differentiate the villainous character Niji had played on a television show from the actual person.

It was that last one especially that had scared their mother bad enough to move them all to a secluded residence behind a secure gate with mounted cameras. At the time none of them had protested since the less people that had a chance of finding out all their secrets the better. Some might call the secluded house isolating, but Ichiji had never felt that way considering he was always surrounded by his family, not to mention that it was easy enough to stay connected through online messaging apps and social media to anyone who he entertained a relationship with (not that there were many).

Before long the manor comes into view. Ichiji can admit that it looks imposing, a Victorian style house (though mansion might be a more accurate term) with a gothic aesthetic. It looked like something out of a horror film, or at least that’s what Ichiji had been told in the past. He’s never found it very strange himself, but he’s sure many would consider him to have eclectic tastes as well.

Law lets out a low whistle as the mansion looms over them. “So this is how the rich and famous live.”

Ichiji rolls his eyes. “You say that as if you don’t make just as much as me.” Law is a surgeon, a well-known and highly accoladed one at that. Even if he isn’t old money like Ichiji is, he’s incredibly well-off by his own merits.

“Yeah, but I don’t have an IMDB page,” Law teases.

He pulls the car up to the driveway, parking off to the side even though the driveway is empty. Ichiji is briefly grateful that neither of his brothers had left their flashy sports cars out. They were gaudy eyesores even on the best of days. They unbuckle their seatbelts and side out of Law’s car quickly.

Law glances behind them at the long driveway before saying, “Did you really walk all the way out to the gates earlier to wait for me?”

“It’s not that long a walk,” Ichiji replies with a shrug, “Plus my family was driving me up a wall. You’d think we were about to entertain royalty with how my mom was acting.”

“I’m flattered,” Law laughs, but Ichiji can see some of the tension returning to his stance. “So, any last things I should know before meeting everyone?”

“Well…”

It should be as good an opportunity as any to warn Law about exactly what he’s walking into, but for some reason Ichiji just can’t seem to get the words out. He’s rehearsed how he’s going to break the news over and over in his head, but now that he’s standing in front of his boyfriend he can’t get his voice to work. Eventually he admits defeat. Well, hopefully his family will be on their best behavior and Law won’t see anything too off-putting.

That’s probably a lost cause.

“Don’t believe anything Niji says,” Ichiji finally goes with. He feels a wave of guilt at his own cowardice.

“Given what you’ve told me about him, I wasn’t planning on it,” Law says. He lets out a breath and wipes his hands on his pants. “Alright, let’s do this.”

“You’ll be fine,” Ichiji says, half to reassure Law and half to reassure himself.

He takes his boyfriend’s hand and leads him up the short couple of stairs to the large wraparound wooden porch. He crosses the porch quickly to the front door and raps on it three times to alert their family that they’ve arrived. He strains his ears and hears a few distant exclamations and shuffling from inside.

Seconds later the door opens, and Reiju beams warmly at the two of them. Ichiji breathes a quiet sigh of relief that his sister was the one to open the door and not one of his brothers.

“Welcome back,” Reiju says brightly, glancing briefly at Ichiji before immediately flicking to his boyfriend. “And you must be Trafalgar Law.”

“Just Law is fine,” Law says, extending a hand.

His voice betrays none of the nervousness that Ichiji had seen less than a minute ago, but Ichiji notices the slight shake in the other’s legs as Reiju turns her ‘top model-slash-actress’ smile on him. He can hardly blame Law considering the much more embarrassing reactions plenty of others had had in his sister’s presence.

“Charmed.” Reiju shakes his hand briefly before letting go. “My, aren’t you a handsome one!”

“Uh…” The back of Law’s neck burns red.

“Reiju,” Ichiji warns.

She waves him off. “Oh please. If this flusters you, you won’t survive the night.”

She steps away from the door and Ichiji moves past her inside. He can already feel the imminent embarrassment coming, reinforced by the mischievous look in his sister’s eyes. “Ah, but where are my manners? Please, come-“ Reiju freezes, mouth agape as Law steps over the threshold before she can finish her sentence.

“Thank you for having me,” Law says obliviously. “You have a beautiful home.”

Law’s apparently so taken in by the decor (their mother did always have an eye for decoration, and she always seemed to be able to find the most remarkable pieces in antique stores) or perhaps the nerves of meeting Ichiji’s family, that he misses the wide-eyed look Reiju shoots at Ichiji.

“He’s-“ Reiju cuts herself off, eyes darting to Law and back to Ichiji. “Excuse me, Law, there’s just something I need to discuss with my brother about tonight’s dinner. It’ll just be a minute.”

“Huh?” Law asks, startled, “I, uh, of course.”

“Wonderful, we won’t be long. Please, make yourself comfortable!” Her light tone and sweet smile don’t match the way Reiju grabs Ichiji’s arm in a vice grip so tight he winces. Her manicured nails dig crescents into his skin as she drags Ichiji into a side room and shuts the thick wooden door behind him.

“I know what you’re going to say,” Ichiji says before Reiju opens her mouth.

“You didn’t tell him?!” Reiju’s words come out in a hushed accusation as she thankfully releases his arm.

Ichiji grimaces. “There wasn’t time to bring it up naturally.”

“Of course there wasn’t!” His sister whisper-yells, “There’s no way to bring it up naturally, you just have to go for it!”

“But-“

“Ichiji, how long were you going to wait to tell him?!” Reiju scowls.

“It wouldn’t be forever…” Ichiji mutters.

“Would you have told him before he starts noticing there’s something wrong?” Reiju challenges.

“I…” Ichiji’s not sure how to answer her. He’d meant it when he’d said he would have told Law eventually - it was unavoidable - but, well, they’d only been dating around five months. Surely that was too early for such a serious conversation.

“I can hear you being stupid,” Reiju huffs, narrowing her eyes.

“You don’t have telepathy,” Ichiji says, though it’s slightly doubtful. Just to be certain he thinks of something uncharacteristically explicit to see if she has a reaction. Thankfully she doesn’t.

“No, I don’t, but I know you,” Reiju says, “You would have let this go for, god who knows how long? Years? Decades?”

“It wouldn’t be decades,” Ichiji mutters petulantly.

Reiju looks as if she doesn’t believe him. “What if one of the others had let something slip?”

Ichiji winces, knowing it’s a distinct possibility. “Then I suppose we have a very uncomfortable dinner.”

“You’re an idiot,” Reiju says bluntly. Ichiji makes a face, but really can’t dispute it in their current predicament. “You-“ She freezes, eyes widening, “Oh god, I need to tell Zeff that Law needs a different meal.”

“Ah,” Ichiji says, realizing what his sister means at the exact same time. He hadn’t even thought of how different their home cooking methods were from most, simply nodding when Zeff and their mother had announced the dinner menu for that evening. “Shit.”

Reiju blows out a breath. “Look, how about you show your boyfriend around the house, and I’ll make sure he doesn’t get salmonella.”

“I owe you,” Ichiji says with feeling.

Reiju snorts. “All you boys owe me at least five. Give me ten minutes-“ She thinks. “Maybe fifteen. Find something to do. Ideally not each other, but whatever works.”

“Reiju!” Ichiji says, mortified.

“Don’t pretend to clutch your pearls now, I’ve seen your search history,” Reiju deadpans, “Now get the hell back out there and stall.”

She all but shoves Ichiji out the door, and when Ichiji glances around he sees Law standing near the ‘trophy area’ their mother had set up in the far side of the living room that featured all the various awards the Vinsmoke children had won over the course of their lives. Reiju’s gone with barely a noise, leaving Ichiji alone in the living room.

He glances around to confirm none of his other family members have appeared in his absence before crossing over to Law. His boyfriend glances up when he hears Ichiji’s deliberately loud footsteps against the hardwood.

“Hey, everything alright?” Law asks.

“Yeah, just some changes to the menu tonight,” Ichiji says, “Might be delayed a bit, sorry.”

“It’s no problem,” Law says, “You know I usually eat late anyway.”

“Far too late,” Ichiji says. It’s been a long standing bit of banter between them. Considering the odd hours Law kept as a surgeon he was often eating much later than Ichiji liked considering the latter had been brought up learning that regular meal times were practically sacred.

He comes up behind his boyfriend and wraps his arms around the taller from there, pressing a kiss between Law’s shoulder blades and grinning at the slight shudder he feels travel through the other’s body. It’d taken a while for Law to be comfortable with any level of physical contact, but they’d been working on it and now it was far more amusing to watch the other’s reactions to affection. Ichiji is only slightly annoyed by the height difference making it impossible to lean his chin over Law’s shoulder, but he makes do by moving to the side and wrapping an arm around his waist.

“What are you looking at?”

“What do you think?” Law replies, gesturing to all the awards. “I think there’s more gold here than in the city’s safe deposit boxes.”

“You know most of this isn’t real gold, right?”

Law sighs. “You know what I mean.”

And Ichiji does. It’s an impressive collection of accolades, everything from acting awards, to glossy magazine spreads, to sports and culinary competitions medals, and a dozen other things in between. It was easy to forget the grandeur of the collection when one saw it every day, but now with his boyfriend beside him Ichiji could see how impressive it could be. It was enough to fill an entire curio cabinet that his mother had bought for that exact purpose and blanket the surrounding wall with framed photos and newspaper clippings.

“I don’t even know where to begin,” Law says, eyes darting around wildly. “Is everyone in your family famous?”

“Mama’s tried to stay out of the spotlight,” Ichiji says diplomatically, though he knows she probably has tubs full of awards from cooking competitions she’d competed in decades ago sitting in a bin in the attic. She was still in a few photos on the wall accompanying Zeff in front of their world-renowned restaurant.

“Co-owning a restaurant with multiple national and international awards is staying out of the spotlight?” Law asks, eyes glinting with humor.

“As much as it can be it seems,” Ichiji says, grinning slightly.

Law’s eyes trail across the display. “Do you have a favorite?”

“A favorite award?” Ichiji asks.

When Law nods he considers the collection for a minute. He’d never really thought about them too in depth. Of course, the first award he’d gotten as an actor had a special place in his heart. He hadn’t been too certain of his career choice before, especially since he’d been brought up with the expectation of following in his birth father’s footsteps. Acting was such a dramatic shift from what he’d known up until that point that he hadn’t been certain he’d be able to make it in the industry. When he’d won his first award for a supporting role in a major summer blockbuster after over half a decade of bit parts it had felt like the recognition he’d needed to validate his decision.

“This one,” Ichiji says, pointing at his first award. It’s a smaller statue that looks like an old school film camera set up on a tripod. At the bottom there’s a plaque that reads:

Ichiji Vinsmoke

Best Supporting Male Actor

“It was my first one,” Ichiji explains. “Honestly I was barely in the movie. They only needed me on set for a couple weeks to film my parts, but apparently enough people liked it.”

“Oh, I remember that film,” Law says, “We watched it last week, right?”

“Because you insisted,” Ichiji huffs.

He’d been slightly embarrassed at the time to watch one of his early roles back when he’d been new to the scene. His skills were still notably underdeveloped, but Law had been flatteringly appreciative watching the film. Even as Ichiji could pick out a dozen mistakes he made on screen, Law had nothing but praise for his character. It had… well, it had led to a very good night for them.

“This one also brings back good memories though,” Ichiji says, a smirk crossing his face as he points to a larger glass one in the back.

Law squints to read the font, frowning as he tried to read the engraved words. “Let’s see…”

“Ah, sorry.” Ichiji taps a button on the side of the curio cabinet to turn the interior light on. “Forgot how dark it is in here.”

“At least you know you’re getting your money’s worth,” Law nods toward the thick blackout curtains over the windows. “Another privacy thing?”

“Yeah,” Ichiji says, pushing away the wave of guilt that threatens to resurface.

Law glances back at the award. “Best Performance in a Minor Role?” He tilts his head questioningly.

Ichiji grins. “Niji threw up on one of my co-stars at the ceremony. He had too much scotch.”

Law barks a laugh. “Oh yeah? How’d that end?”

“Messily,” Ichiji says, “And with a threat to press charges. Mama had to get them a fully covered reservation at our restaurant so Niji wouldn’t get his ass sued.”

“Hey, I heard that!” Both Ichiji and Law glance up to see Niji standing in the entryway to the living room, scowling at them both. “Whatever he told you, he’s lying.”

“Funny, he said the same about you,” Law says with a measure of humor.

“He’s just jealous I got signed by Crimin and he didn’t,” Niji mutters. He looks Law over haughtily. “So you’re the boyfriend?”

“Guilty,” Law says, raising an eyebrow.

“Hm, guess you’re alright,” Niji says. “Niji Vinsmoke.” He doesn’t offer his hand because he’s a brat and he knows it.

“Trafalgar Law,” Law replies.

Niji’s face screws up. “You’re a doctor?”

“Surgeon,” Law corrects.

“Yeah, okay,” Niji says carelessly. Law shoots Ichiji a look that Ichiji responds to with a grimace.

“He’s always like that,” Ichiji says. “Honestly, Niji’s probably on his better behavior considering hasn’t sworn yet.”

“Fuck you.”

“Never mind.”

“Reiju told me dinner was delayed, but didn’t say why,” Niji says, “Did she tell you?”

“Yes, we’re aware,” Ichiji says.

“Good. My job here is done then,” Niji says, turning to leave, “If you need a bag to tide you over or anything we have some in the fridge.”

Ichiji can’t help the way his jaw drops, but he manages to stop himself before he blurts anything incriminating out.

“A bag of what?” Law asks, clueless.

Niji frowns. “You know, a bl-“

“We can wait until dinner,” Ichiji cuts his brother off. Niji looks mildly offended for all of a second until he sees the seriousness in Ichiji’s expression.

Niji blinks. “Wait a minute.”

Ichiji’s heart sinks as Niji’s gaze whips from Law to Ichiji and back again. He can practically see the gears in the other’s head turning until he sees the exact moment that Niji realizes what is going on.

“Holy shit,” Niji says.

“Shut your mouth,” Ichiji says preemptively.

“Holy shit!” An unholy grins stretches across Niji’s face.

“I swear to god, Niji-“

Niji laughs, loud and obnoxious, for a good few seconds. Ichiji imagines crossing the room and throwing his brother through one of the windows. Law continues to look completely bewildered, and Ichiji is torn between strangling his brother and comforting his boyfriend.

He ultimately decides on the latter.

“Don’t pay attention to him,” Ichiji says, turning to Law, “He was repeatedly dropped on his head as a child.”

“I’m not sure I like being the joke here,” Law says, though he sounds more bemused than offended.

“It’s not- you aren’t the joke,” Ichiji rushes to says, “Honestly he’s probably laughing at me more than you.”

“Yeah, because you’re a dumbass!” Niji wheezes, “God, wait until Yonji finds out!” His younger brother leaves before Ichiji can say anything else, and Ichiji can only dread what the other might bring up at the dinner table.

When Law continues to stare at Ichiji, waiting for an explanation, Ichiji sighs. “Alright, so there’s something special about our family that I probably should have told you sooner.”

“You mean, aside from all of you being super wealthy and famous?” Law deadpans.

“Yeah, aside from that,” Ichiji says with a grimace, “So, how much do you know about-?”

“Ichiji, is that you?”

Both Ichiji and Law’s heads snap up at the sound of his mother’s voice calling from the dining room.

“Oh damn,” Ichiji mutters under his breath.

“Hey, look, you can tell me later,” Law says. “I’m not really in a place to criticize someone for having secrets. As long as I get to know in the end, alright?” He offers Ichiji a crooked smile that’s probably supposed to be reassuring but only makes Ichiji feel guiltier.

Unfortunately there’s no time to explain any further, and all Ichiji can do is take his boyfriend’s hand and head into the dining room. It’s already impeccably done up with their nicer dish ware and mouth watering array of side dishes steaming on trivets in the middle of the table. The silverware has been polished to a shine and, hell, there are even candles set up to help illuminate the dim room.

His mother really has gone all out.

“Ichiji, sweetheart!” His mother comes into the kitchen, still wearing her apron and her hair tied back in a loose ponytail. She wraps Ichiji in a hug that he returns.

“Mama,” he says, smiling slightly. She turns then to the room’s other occupant.

“And this must be the man I’ve heard so much about!” She grins warmly at Law, and Ichiji can almost pinpoint the exact moment that Law is taken in by his mother’s charm. His mother has a way of making anyone and everyone feel welcome. “Sora Vinsmoke. It’s a real pleasure to finally meet you, dear. I thought Ichiji here was going to keep you all to himself.” She laughs.

“Trafalgar Law,” Law says, slightly flushed, “It’s nice to meet you too, ma’am.”

“Oh, none of that,” Sora says, “Just Sora is fine!”

“Er…”

“And thank you for looking after my son for so long,” Sora continues, “I’m glad to know he someone so reliable in his corner. We’ve heard nothing but good things about you!”

“I, uh, I’m glad,” Law says.

“Apologies for my appearance, we didn’t know when you’d arrive. Just let me go change real fast and we can all sit down. Ichiji, would you mind helping your brother and Zeff get the entrees out of the kitchen?”

“Sure, Mama.”

His mother’s gone with a whirlwind sweep of her golden hair and the faint scent of a floral perfume. Law is staring after her, vaguely stunned, and Ichiji can’t help but snicker at his boyfriend’s dumbstruck expression.

“That’s your mom?” Law blurts, only to immediately backpedal, “I mean, not that there’s anything wrong with her, I just-“

“She says that having five kids has kept her young,” Ichiji says, knowing what Law is getting at.

Law just shakes his head. “I almost can’t believe that Niji’s related to her.”

Ichiji does outright laugh this time. “Yeah, he definitely doesn’t get his manners from her. I still think he might have been switched out with a monkey at some point, but I don’t have enough proof.”

“I almost can’t believe how different your brother is from how he looks in the photos,” Law says, shaking his head. “You know, I used to follow him on social media.”

“He’s handsome as long as he keeps his mouth shut,” Ichiji says. “If you talk to him for too long it shatters the illusion.” Law snorts. Ichiji glances at the door his mother had come out of. “Kitchen’s this way, but you can wait out here if you like.”

“No, it’s fine,” Law says, “I’d feel weird just standing here.”

He follows Ichiji through the door and Ichiji watches as the other sucks in a breath as he looks around the kitchen. He can’t blame him. Their kitchen is state of the art, filled with high end machines and the latest culinary technology. It’s a bit at odds with rest of the house’s more historical aesthetic, but it wouldn’t be their house without a fully stocked kitchen.

“Ichiji?” Sanji frowns at them from where he stands at the stove, a steak frying on the pan in front of him. “And you’re Law then?”

“Got it in one,” Law replies.

Sanji nods. “I’m Sanji. You want this medium?” He gestures to the steak in the pan.

“Medium rare is fine,” Law says.

“Good answer,” Zeff’s gruff voice booms from behind him. Ichiji spins to see his stepfather already laden down with plates of more steaks, all rare enough to still be dripping juice and blood. “Strawberry, hold the door for me.”

Ichiji does as instructed and holds the door open for Zeff to walk through. “You need any more hands, old man?”

“Make yourself useful and grab the potatoes,” Zeff calls over his shoulder.

“Over here,” Law says, moving to the counter where two large containers of mashed potatoes sit. They’re still hot and laden with cheese, butter and bacon bits.

“I’ll be done in a second,” Sanji says, waving a hand. “Grab the salt and pepper while you’re at it.”

“Was there a ‘please’ in there?” Ichiji asks, though he does as told, grabbing the salt and pepper and one of the bowls as Law grabs the other.

“Hm, no I don’t think so,” Sanji snarks right back, “‘Please’s’ are for people who give me more than a ten minutes heads up that we need to have something cooked!”

Alright, fair enough. Ichiji acknowledges the complaint with a nod.

“I’ll get the door,” Law says, using his free hand to push the door open.

“Thanks, babe,” Ichiji says, ignoring the gagging noise from Sanji.

They head back out to the dining room to see that Reiju, Niji and Yonji are all hovering around the table and helping Zeff dole out the plates. Ichiji sets his bowl of mashed potatoes on one of the empty trivets on the table and Law copies his actions on the other side. He sets the salt and pepper shakers in the middle of the table before heading over to Law.

“Doing alright?”

“Yeah,” Law glances at the spread, “Smells great.”

“One of the perks of having so many family members in the culinary business,” Ichiji says. He glances over his shoulder to see Reiju hissing something under her breath to Niji, probably a threat given the way the other is leaning away from her. She sends Ichiji a brief nods, and Ichiji feels a wave of relief knowing his sister will be keeping his brothers in line.

“I’m back!” Sora re-enters the room and beams at the table. “Oh, that looks amazing, honey!” She crosses the room to Zeff and plants a kiss on his cheek. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

“Hm, I suppose,” Zeff grumbles, but he returns the kiss without hesitation.

Her eyes turn to Ichiji and Law then. “Sorry for my abrupt departure before, boys. My head’s been all over the place.”

“Oh, it’s fine ma- Sora,” Law says, awkwardly using her name.

“You’re too polite. I could only wish some of mine took cues from you,” Sora sighs.

“Hey,” Niji grouses.

“She didn’t even say your name,” Reiju laughs.

“Shut up!”

Their mother laughs as she pulls out her chair and sits down. Everyone in the room takes that as their cue to find their seats as well, and Ichiji wastes no time in pulling out Law’s chair for him.

“Such a gentleman,” Law says, though Ichiji can see he’s genuinely a little flattered.

“Only for you,” Ichiji replies. He steadfastly ignores the mocking repetitions of his brothers before sitting down next to his boyfriend.

“Niji, Yonji, none of that,” Sora reprimands lightly, “But Law tell me, you’re a surgeon, right?”

“That’s right,” Law says.

“My, I can’t imagine the mental fortitude a role like that would require,” Sora hums, “You must be quite disciplined!” Ichiji freezes, eyes wide, but he can’t get a word out before his boyfriend replies.

“Plenty of people get squeamish at first, but it’s never been an issue for me. Both of my parents were doctors, so I’m used to seeing things like that,” Law says, “But I won’t deny that I have to be in the right mindset at work to do my job properly.”

Now it’s Sora’s turn to look surprised, and Ichiji mentally berates himself for not at least giving her a heads up beforehand. Her eyes meet Ichiji’s and his mother, bless her soul, seems to realize what the situation is and adjusts quickly.

“I can only imagine!” Sora says, “I couldn’t handle the sight of blood much when I was younger. It took me many years to be able to stomach it myself without any adverse reactions, but I guess that’s what having five children will do!” She laughs.

“Yes, I know plenty of people in labor and delivery,” Law says, unaware of the shift, “They’ve had to work through some of the toughest situations I’ve heard of.”

Sora deftly switches the topic then to his and Ichiji’s relationship - how they met, how long they’ve known each other, and the types of dates they’ve been on. Though she knows most of the details already from Ichiji, she appears equally delighted to hear Law’s perspective on each. Ichiji breathes a sigh of relief as Law seems to open up more under his mother’s attention and the atmosphere becomes less awkward.

“Dinner is served.”

Sanji kicks open the kitchen door after a few minutes of small talk, a steaming steak on a plate in his hands. He sets it down in front of Law before heading toward the empty seat at the table.

“Thanks,” Law says, glancing down at the steak. It looks and smells delicious, even to Ichiji who doesn’t have the best sense of taste.

“No problem,” Sanji says, “Just let me know ahead of time what your preferences are since apparently my brother can’t be trusted to tell me important details like that.” Sanji narrows his eyes in Ichiji’s direction, making the older grimace.

“Slipped my mind,” Ichiji mutters.

“Seems like a lot of things slipped your mind,” Sanji snarks back.

“Alright, no more bickering!” Sora says, “We’re all just here to enjoy a nice dinner tonight.”

“Speaking of, eat up before it gets cold,” Zeff grunts.

There’s not much time for talking as they all dig into their meals. Bowls of side dishes are passed back and forth around the table without anyone having to ask for them, and soon the only sounds in the room are the sounds of a good meal.

“This is really good,” Law mutters, low enough that only Ichiji can hear him. A glance at his boyfriend reveals the other’s eyes are shining in a way that they rarely do. It makes his chest squeeze to see the other so obviously pleased.

“Glad to hear it,” Ichiji replies. He raises his voice slightly, “I imagine the old man really wanted to impress you.”

“What was that, strawberry?” Zeff grunts, though Ichiji knows damn well the other had heard him.

“I said you were trying to impress my date,” Ichiji challenges, smirking at the other.

Zeff snorts. “Don’t flatter yourself. I wouldn’t be caught dead serving something below standards. That’s all.”

“He’s lying,” Ichiji stage whispers to Law, “I think he spent three days tweaking the menu until Mama told him it was fine.”

“You didn’t have to go to all this trouble for me,” Law says, looking slightly embarrassed.

“They go all out for any guest,” Yonji says, because he’s a little shit. “We don’t get many visitors.”

“Yonji,” their mother scolds, making him wince.

“Sorry, Mama.”

“Law,” Sora says, “Do you have a favorite dish? We can try and make that for you next time.” Her words leave no room for argument over whether there will be a next time, just when it will occur.

“Uh, well, it’s nothing fancy,” Law says slowly, “Especially not compared to what all of you are probably used to eating.”

“We ain’t snobs,” Zeff says waving a hand. “There’s value in every dish.”

Law glances at Ichiji for confirmation, and Ichiji nods. “I eat a lot of onigiri on my breaks,” Law finally says, “My dad used to make it for me all the time when I was younger, and I guess I just developed a taste for it.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Sora says, eyes shining, “Sanji makes fantastic grilled onigiri!”

“Only because that moss head’s a bottomless pit,” Sanji grumbles. Ichiji knows he’s referring to someone in his odd group of friends he’d accumulated by… well, honestly Ichiji’s not totally sure how Sanji’s friend group all met. They’d just kind of showed up one day at their restaurant from how his younger brother tells it.

“Is there any filling in particular you like?” Sora asks.

“I’m a fan of all types,” Law says, “Salmon, tuna may, garlic miso-“

Yonji chokes as he takes a sip of his water. He coughs hard a few times before Niji pounds him uselessly on the back.

“Don’t die there,” Niji laughs.

“Fuck,” Yonji finally manages when he can speak again. His eyes go back up to Law. “Garlic?!”

“Yes…?” Law looks confused by the reaction.

“For real?” Yonji presses.

“Is that strange?” Law sends Ichiji another bewildered look.

Ichiji flounders. “Ah, well-“

“Yonji’s not a fan,” Reiju says, “Accidentally shoved a whole clove in his mouth when he was younger and couldn’t get the taste out of it for a week.”

“I see,” Law says with a nod, “Yeah, that’d put me off the taste too.”

“Wh- Ow!” Yonji leans back from Reiju after she presumably kicks him in the shin. Since he’s never been the brightest bulb he continues addressing Ichiji, “Have you not- ow! Damn it, Reiju!”

“Yonji,” Reiju’s tone is warning enough that his mouth clicks shut.

“I’m missing something again,” Law says, golden eyes darting between the pair.

A tense silence descends upon the dining room. Ichiji’s whole family trades uncertain glances, but it’s clear that Ichiji has to be the one to make the decision. Despite everything, Ichiji finds himself grateful that his family evidently trusts him enough to make the right call.

“I’m out,” Niji blurts, standing and beelining for the kitchen. He was never one to be able to handle uncomfortable atmospheres well. Yonji follows hot on his heels along with Reiju.

Ichiji lets out a long breath. “I think we should probably have this discussion in another room.”

“Do you want us there, sweetheart?” Sora asks, looking worried.

Ichiji shakes his head. “No, I think I can handle it.” He scoots his chair back from the table and stands. “Shall we?”

Law does the same, looking concerned. It seems like he’s still willing to listen to Ichiji at least. “I suppose.”

Ichiji leads Law to a side room away from the dining area and shuts the door behind him. It’s much more quiet without his family there, which is good, and he hopes they’ll all respect his privacy enough to not listen in on their conversation. His hands clench and unclench at his sides as an uncomfortable squirming feeling fills his stomach.

“You know I meant it when I said I could wait to hear this later,” Law says, ever considerate.

Ichiji shakes his head. “No, I’ve owed you this explanation for a while now.”

That painful block in his chest is back, trying to choke the words from his mouth. It’s a result of years and years of hiding himself and his family from any too prying eyes for their own safety. He’s been looking out for his family and they for him for centuries at this point, and they’ve very rarely let anyone else in on the secret. Ichiji has never spilled the beans himself, though he knows his siblings have taken various lovers in the past.

With Law though…

Ichiji sucks in a breath he doesn’t need and opens his mouth again. “Law, what would you say if I told you that my family and I aren’t exactly normal?”

“You mean aside from the famous superstars thing?” Law asks wryly. When he takes in Ichiji’s expression he sobers slightly. “In what way?”

“What do you…” Ichiji forces the words out, “What do you know about vam-“

“Hey, Mama wanted me to ask you if you two wanted dessert,” Niji bursts into the room with no hesitation, a blood bag with ‘AB+’ clearly printed on the side in one hand. Niji has stuck a straw into it like a juice pouch and takes a very obvious, very visible sip.

Ichiji stares at his brother for a long second. “I’m going to stake you.”

“Is that a no for the dessert?”

“Niji!”

“Geez, just asking. I’ll tell her you’re still being a coward,” Niji shrugs and leaves as Ichiji seethes inside.

Dread fills his stomach as he turns to Law to gauge his reaction. His boyfriend gives him a shell-shocked look back, and he feels his heart sink. “Law…”

“I’m-“ Law’s mouth opens and closes a few times before he shakes his head. Ichiji gives him a few seconds to process, since not even he knows what he can say to make the situation better. “Okay. I’m okay,” Law says slowly.

Ichiji grimaces. “Do you need to sit down?” He leads the other to a nearby couch and helps him sit. “I’d planned on telling you earlier… and a little more gracefully. I’m sorry.”

He’s going to drop his brother off the goddamn roof.

“No, it’s just-“ Law cuts himself off, “Just re-writing my perception of the world a bit. Why don’t- why don’t you start from the beginning?”

“If you don’t want to stay, it’s alright,” Ichiji says, though he can feel something squeezing painfully in his chest.

“If I don’t want to stay?” Law parrots.

“After all that-“

“Are you breaking up with me?” Law asks seriously.

Ichiji jolts. “What?! No!”

“Then don’t try and push me out now,” Law says.

“But-“

“Ichiji,” Law says seriously. “I want to stay and hear it all. From beginning to end. I’m- well, honestly I’m still not totally sure what’s going on, but I’m not leaving. I want to hear you tell me in your own words what’s going on before I make a decision.”

There’s a swell of warmth deep inside his gut and Ichiji finally manages a smile. “Alright. It’s a long story though.”

“How old are you?” Law asks, squinting.

“Old,” Ichiji admits. “I’m going to have to start back a few centuries.”

“Oh god, you’re a cradle robber,” Law teases.

“I stopped aging in my twenties!”

Law laughs and leans forward to press a kiss against Ichiji’s lips. “I don’t mind. I told you I’m staying after all.” He wraps his arms around Ichiji’s waist, and Ichiji allows himself to sink into the embrace.

Ichiji lets out a breath. “You promise?” He hates how vulnerable it sounds.

“Yeah,” Law says, squeezing him slightly. “So tell me who you are and everything you’ve seen, and then we’ll go out and eat some dessert, alright?”

“Alright,” Ichiji agrees. “You’re taking this really well actually. Did you know?”

“That you’re a vampire?” Law laughs and Ichiji can feel the sound rumble through his body. “No. I thought you were all just in a weird cult or something. This is actually much better.”

Ichiji snorts. “I guess that’s something.”

Law finally releases him and leans back, though he keeps a hold on Ichiji’s hand. As he stares into his boyfriend’s eyes, patient and nonjudgmental, Ichiji finally finds the courage to start speaking.

“My siblings and I were born four centuries ago,” he begins, absently playing with Law’s fingers.

He knows he’s not going to be able to tell the whole story in the course of one evening, one month, or even an entire year, but he gets the feeling that Law will listen to whatever he’s willing to give up. It’s nice, he realizes, to have someone else know the parts of him he’s kept under lock and key for so long.

And hopefully… maybe if everything goes well… Law will be around long enough to hear every story Ichiji has and make a few more of their own.