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Koby doesn’t know what good deed he’d done either recently or perhaps in his past life, but all he has to say about his current predicament is that he’s grateful for being alive.
See, all of a sudden, the guy he’s been obsessed with and pathetically pining over for almost two years now, randomly asked him out a few days ago.
It had happened so out of nowhere, Koby still can’t believe it.
The object of his affection is just an enigma and full of surprises like that, was his conclusion, trying to make sense of the fact that he’s been asked out.
He’s more spontaneous, free, and unapologetically true to himself and what he wants than anyone else to ever exist, which happens to be the main reason behind this embarrassing crush Koby’s harvested for him for so long now.
One second Koby had been watching him from afar. Luffy had been splayed out in one the university cafeteria’s tables, whining to his friend group about something Koby couldn’t listen to from so far away, seemingly sad from his friends’ apologetic answers. And then the next second he’d been standing right in front of Koby’s face with a smile so blinding decorating his lips Koby felt like he was one step away from the sun. It took him a second of being dumbfounded to realise Luffy was asking him if he’d like to come with him to a live show at the local queer bar in town next weekend.
Koby had had to muster every bit of self-restraint in his being in order to stop himself from bursting into happy tears or from doing a celebratory backflip he was sure he couldn’t do, before he stuttered out a meek and pathetic “I’d love to go with you, Luffy-san!”.
And just like that, it’s already been a long week of waiting for The Day.
All he’s done since then has been dreaming and daydreaming about the fact that Luffy had basically asked him out on a date —Koby wasn’t entirely sure if it was a date or not, but as far as he knew it would only be the two of them attending, so that was something— and today was finally it.
And Koby couldn’t be any more elated and excited if he tried, a whole week of stomachache and nausea from the nerves were worth enduring.
👓
Luffy-san… I forgot to ask.. What kind of live show is it? What should I wear!?
He’d sent him a text a few hours ago when he started to get ready —a few hours earlier than probably necessary, but Koby is an anxious little mess like that—. He’d been too busy being consumed by nerves and imagining every possible delusional scenario that could happen during their outing for him to have asked more about their plans earlier in the week.
👒
its aaaaa rock concert kobyヾ(•̀ ヮ <)و !!!
some ppl wear black complicated clothes with chains n rips n stuff but theres no rules ab that !! jus wear whatever u want ᕙ( •̀ ᗜ •́ )ᕗ
He’d replied almost immediately, the simple texts making Koby’s heart flutter embarrassingly. They saw each other around campus frequently but when it comes to texting they didn’t chat much. Koby was extremely endeared by seeing the way Luffy texted, he could almost hear his voice through the message.
He’d only sent a salute emoji back in response to appear casual and nonchalant —completely the opposite of reality, but Luffy didn’t need to know that—, humming curiously in wonder at the newly acquired knowledge that Luffy-san apparently likes rock music.
Truly an enigma.
That said, Koby has no idea how to dress in that way, nor how Luffy himself would show up and how fitting they’d look together, so as time ticks down towards their meeting hour, he tries his best at picking an outfit, panickedly scrolling through pinterest because he doesn’t own anything similar to what Luffy said.
After an hour of uncertainty and struggling, he finally settles on a very simple ensemble: a white and navy striped shirt, black fitted jeans, his navy blue converse and a black jean jacket that one of his senior’s lent him.
He isn’t by any means a fashionista, nor anywhere near alternative or experimental with the clothes he wears so that would have to do.
He just hopes Luffy thinks he looks decent and isn’t embarrassed about being seen with him.
A few minutes after twirling and twisting the same streak of his pink hair for the hundredth and one time, a text startles him out of his nervous fidgeting.
👒
omw to ur room !! im so excited koby ure gonna love these guys theyr awesome ◝ ( >ヮ< )◜
Luffy sends, blissfully unaware of the fact that Koby is currently on the verge of having a heart attack from a text alone because oh my god, this is actually happening.
He sends a simple “Gotcha! I’ll be waiting!” and speeds through his desk, making a mess out of it as he tosses his keys, wallet, a lip balm and a pack of mints in his pockets, the last two just in case.
Then he showers himself in a heavy mist of his favorite cologne, and checks his hair and outfit one last time in the mirror.
He almost jumps out of his skin when he hears an unmistakably enthusiastic knock on the door.
He’s here !!!
Ignoring his flushed cheeks and sweaty palms, he checks his hair one last time and takes a deep breath before opening.
Calm down, it’s all going to be alright, just be you… Maybe if it all goes well you’ll get to kiss Luffy-san tonight…
He opens the door before his thoughts can keep straying anywhere further in delusion.
“Koby!” Luffy yells as soon as the door opens, hugging him amicably, his smile as bright as the very sun.
“G-good evening, Luffy-san! You look… nice” he chokes out, stuttering nervously as per usual, his face burning and a lump forming on his throat.
Luffy cackles joyfully and gives him his thanks, “I’ve never seen you wearing black before!” is all he says before urging him to come out of the room so they can start heading out.
Koby mumbles some half assed response, immediately distracted to the core to the point where he has trouble processing Luffy’s usual ranting.
It’s just… Saying he looks ‘Nice’ is such an understatement.
He’s never seen Luffy dressed like this before.
Gulp.
‘All dolled up’ as people say.
The thing is, on campus, Luffy is always seen wearing clothes like big hoodies, big shirts and random sports jerseys, combined with long athletic or jean shorts of every color, baggy jeans and sweatpants; his usual style leans more into sporty and very casual rather than what one could classify as ‘fashionable’ or extravagant.
And don’t get him wrong, Koby thinks he makes his usual clothes work just fine because he’s cute, handsome and charming like that. But being aware of how Luffy usually dresses, it’s needless to say that seeing him dressed like this is a crazy experience, Koby feels his insides flutter and twist.
Luffy’s rocking a tight, wine red tank top with an open oversized black button up with some yellow hearts over it, accompanied by dark blue jean shorts that have some sort of abstract design stitched on them in a lighter blue colour, a few concert bracelets on his wrists, a golden chain necklace with what looks like a tribal heart charm and his usual beat up red converses. For once, his signature straw hat seems to have been left in the safety of his room. And he smells so good.
He simply looks incredible, and Koby can’t stop staring. He has no idea how he’s going to survive the night.
This has to be a date, right!? Or does he always dress up all cool and stylishly when hanging out with his friends…?
Before he can think more about it, starts dwelling on his nerves and possibly makes more of a fool of himself, Luffy starts physically dragging him out of the building through a firm hand wrapped around his flimsy wrist.
He continues chattering about anything and everything, letting go of Koby’s wrist the moment they’re out of their dorm building and on the streets walking to town, his hands gesticulating cheerfully to emphasize whatever story he’s telling.
Despite how very distracted and nervous he is, Koby manages to get his brain back in function and listens attentively to whatever Luffy has to say, humming in agreement, replying with his opinions and sharing his own experiences when it's due.
Throughout their walk he ends up buying Luffy some takoyaki, then some yakitori, and finally two mochi sticks; he can’t help himself, weak to the way Luffy starts drooling and his eyes get all shiny when he sees the food. He’s just grateful not many other food stalls are open around the area towards the bar, otherwise his broke-student wallet would’ve ended up even emptier.
The further they walk, the more familiar the other’s company gets, and Koby’s nerves thankfully start dissipating from the comfort of Luffy talking to him like they’re the best of friends.
By the time they arrive at the bar Koby already feels more at ease than any normal day instead of like the personification of an anxious breakdown, Luffy’s mere presence by his side making him feel warm and full of joy.
The raven haired boy guides them inside the bar excitedly and with a familiarity that says he knows the place like the back of his hand. He greets the bouncer, the people at the lobby-like area and some of the customers there like he comes here frequently. Koby can’t help the fond smile that blooms on his lips as he watches every interaction, it’s truly so admirable how Luffy can befriend just about anyone.
They make their way deeper into the building, going down some wide stairs into a pleasantly dim, mildly noisy room which Koby assumes is the actual bar where these types of events are held. They stop walking until they’re in front of the bar counter. The bartender —a very tall person with purple curly hair wearing a red leather jumpsuit— slides a can of cherry soda into Luffy’s hands the second they reach the front.
“Fancy seeing you here, Strawhat-boy!” the bartender greets him loudly, messing Luffy’s hair affectionately like they’ve done it hundreds of times before.
“Looking very handsome tonight. Hmmm… I wonder why! Hee-haw!” they laugh(?) and wink, pulling a cute laugh out of Luffy.
Koby only stands awkwardly by his side watching their familiar exchange.
“Hi Iva-chan! Course’, you know I had to look good today. Nami and Robin helped me pick my outfit yesterday” his eyes crinkle from how big his smile gets and his cheeks grow red when he replies.
Koby mentally ‘Oh’s in understanding, Luffy’s stylish outfit makes sense now.
He doesn’t get why he had to look good today though, but for some reason the thought settles weirdly in his head, it makes him feel like he’s missing a very important piece of information.
“Oh yeah, this is Koby! It’s almost finals week so the crew couldn’t come with me today ‘cus they were busy, but Koby could! Koby, this is Iva-chan, they own the place and they’re also one of dad’s oldest friends, can you believe it!?” He introduces them, prompting a conversation between them three, though Luffy and Iva end up doing most of the talking.
During their conversation Koby learns plenty.
He learns that Iva’s known Luffy basically since birth, and it’s very clear that they’ve been a really big influence in Luffy’s life, Koby has no doubt they’ve probably been one of the most enthusiastic and supportive people about Luffy being himself and living his life however he wants. He learns that Iva also knows the infamous Strawhats, and is very close with Sanji-san especially, “we’re kind of like family” they say. He learns that this bar has been running for more than twenty years now and Iva is very active and well respected in the local queer community because of it. He learns that Luffy and the Strawhats frequent the bar “Even when I'm not here to grace my sweet nephew and my candies with my presence” Iva jokes. And finally, he learns that Luffy is very excited about the upcoming performance, apparently because he knows the band.
Throughout the whole conversation the pink haired boy isn’t directly confronted nor called out about his clear infatuation with Luffy, but he can obviously feel the overprotectiveness and slight judgment coming from Iva’s eyes boring into him.
He gets this weird feeling inside him, maybe it’s Iva telling him telepathically or something, that this is not a date, Luffy isn’t into you like that.
Koby gulps, trying to shake off that weird feeling.
“So… Told him you’d be here tonight?” Iva suddenly asks when they come back from the bar’s kitchen, handing Luffy and Koby a plate of fries and fried chicken bites. They lay their elbow on the counter, resting their chin on their hand, expectant for Luffy’s answer.
Koby perks up at the sudden question. Iva’s eyes meet his briefly, their brow raised questioningly.
Told who?
Luffy replies by giggling mischievously, that cute red tint back on his cheeks, a glint of something tender softening his face.
“Nope!” is all he says, and Koby wants to ask so badly about what they’re referring to, but Iva’s laugh breaks through and Luffy starts stuffing his mouth with the food, and before he has another second to think about how to ask what they’re talking about the cozy dim lights around the bar dim even more until only the stage remains illuminated.
The sudden change almost makes Luffy choke on his food, ‘’It’s starting, it’s starting! Let’s go, Koby! See ya Iva-chan!’’ he blurts out through his still half-full mouth, enthusiastically jumping down from his stool and dragging Koby behind him by grabbing his wrist again.
Koby almost trips over his feet from the suddenness of the movement, but thankfully he doesn’t and just follows him through the crowd, Luffy sneaking between people unapologetically until they both reach the front.
He’s laughing out of pure mirth and excitement as the lights from the whole establishment start flickering again to build anticipation for the upcoming band, and Koby can only melt.
That smile is so bright and perfect, Koby is so terribly smitten, he finds himself entranced, just staring at Luffy in awe not for the first time tonight.
He almost jumps out of his skin when the testing shrill of an electric guitar rips through the room, snapping him out of his trance. Only then does he manage to look away from the actual sun that is Monkey D. Luffy, interested in what this indie band —that are apparently some of Luffy’s countless friends— looks like.
His brows raise in surprise at the sight that meets him on stage, followed by a nervous chill suddenly running down his spine.
Huh…?
Who appears to be the vocalist, as well as the one that played the sudden note in the electric guitar that almost made Koby’s heart stop, happens to be none other than the rebel-looking prodigy from their college’s medicine faculty.
Trafalgar D. Water Law.
In all honesty, he shouldn’t be surprised that Trafalgar’s apparently in a band per se, being familiar with the man’s looks and reputation on campus, really, what can’t this cool guy do?
What surprises Koby is that they actually know each other, and he thought they were acquaintances and chill about each other —they’d been grouped together for a research project a few semesters ago during one of their elective classes—, but right now he thinks he might’ve been extremely wrong.
Judging by the way Trafalgar’s glaring down at him with such annoyance, you’d think Koby just stole his partner or killed his dog or something like that.
He swallows nervously, all too intimidated by those intense eyes on him to pay attention to the rest of the band testing out their instruments, showing off to the public.
He didn’t know Luffy was friends with him, nor is he aware of what he did to him to make him look so utterly pissed off. The whole situation throws him off.
Maybe he’s glaring at someone else… Koby tries to fool himself, finally looking away from that intense gaze and recognising Trafalgar’s usual companions behind him as the rest of the members of the band.
Luffy on his part remains blissfully unaware of Koby growing slightly faint under the intensity of those poisonous eyes that he knows are definitely on him. He screams louder than most of the people in the crowd as he greets the band and cheers for them to start playing.
After a few seconds that feel like an eternity, Koby is freed from that icy glare and the vocalist’s deep voice fills the room as he introduces the band and greets the crowd. Eventually, loud —yet not unpleasant or aggressive like he’d expected— laid back rock music consumes the establishment.
That weird interaction makes it a bit hard for Koby to get into it, plus this also happens to be his first live show ever so he doesn’t know how he should act.
He keeps switching between being too focused on Luffy’s joy and being frightened by the coldness behind those molten gold colored eyes that land on him from time to time when he looks forward to the band on stage as he tries to enjoy the music.
Luffy remains unaware. He looks like he’s having the time of his life, he knows all the songs, sings the words enthusiastically and bounces to the rhythm along with the rest of the public, he’s clearly used to this scene and knows how the band rolls.
Around twenty minutes in, Koby finally manages to let loose, letting himself be sucked into enjoying the experience by Luffy’s energy alone. He recognises a few songs they cover here and there, and he can’t deny that despite how intimidating Trafalgar’s apparent annoyance towards him is, the guy is as cool and handsome as they come and god can he sing.
The show is over before he knows it, time really turns into a blur when you’re enjoying yourself, he thinks.
He can feel his legs wobble a bit from standing up for so long, his heart beating loudly, a thin layer of sweat covering his skin from the bouncing to the beats and the mildly suffocating crowd around him, adrenaline and dopamine flowing through his being.
This time when Luffy smiles brightly at him after the band has bid their farewell and the music goes back to being some pop playlist playing through the speakers, he returns the expression; he’s sure his smile is not as beautiful or heartwarming as Luffy’s but it’s just as wide and joyous.
He’s genuinely so happy, despite his main focus of this outing being that he was going to be “all alone with Luffy-san, and this was possibly a date” the performance itself was super fun, trying new things is something he shouldn’t be scared of after all.
“Shishishi, aren’t they great Koby?’’ Luffy’s gaze is still focused on him as he asks, his bright smile in place, his cheeks tinted red and his hair slightly sweaty from the movement.
He looks so beautiful in the dim warm lighting, like an angel.
He’s about to stutter out an affirmation and thank him for inviting him, but Luffy beats him to it as he continues, “Man, Torao really outdid himself today, he sounded so good! Isn’t my boyfriend awesome?’’ his smile widens giddily just as Koby’s drops.
Koby’s “Yes, they were great Luffy-san, thank you for asking me to come with you. We should do this again” dies on his tongue.
With the way Luffy stands on his tip toes and tilts his head forward, as if he’s looking for someone further away in the stage, he doesn’t notice the pink haired man currently short circuiting beside him.
Did he just say… boyfriend?
He goes pale and cold at the sound of that phrase, his mouth suddenly tastes sour, he can feel his poor heart shattering into a billion tiny pieces as that simple word repeats in his mind.
His… boyfriend!?
Not that Luffy is paying him much attention, but how can Koby even answer or talk to him now that he’d just casually dropped that bomb on him.
Luffy-san has a boyfriend…
Everything seems to happen so fast yet also so slowly after that statement, before he can unfreeze and think about a cop-out reply or make up an excuse so he can run away from there and probably cry his heart out from the embarrassment he feels from having stupidly believed he’d been invited out on a date, a big frame appears behind Luffy, towering over them both by almost a whole head.
It’s Trafalgar, Koby registers, his eyes widening and his heart stopping inside his chest yet again from the dread.
Of course it’s him.
No wonder he’d been looking at him like that.
As he looks down at Koby, those golden eyes remain as icy as they’d been when he was on the stage.
Trafalgar is so brutally sharp and smart, he definitely knows what Koby had erroneously thought this was, when in reality it had been only a friendly hangout.
Of course Luffy isn’t interested in him at all.
Koby gulps nervously from the tenseness of the moment, his gaze dropping to the floor immediately out of shame and embarrassment from the way those brown, muscular, tattooed arms slot around Luffy’s lean waist with familiarity, settling like puzzle pieces, almost like they belong there.
“Hey’’ is all Trafalgar says, planting a possessive, long kiss on the side of Luffy’s neck as a greeting.
Koby feels utterly horrible as he glances up just in time to notice the way Luffy’s face warms up and the shiver that visibly runs down his body.
He has to look away again the moment Luffy’s face breaks down into that gorgeous smile of his —the most dopey and tender smile Koby’s ever seen him give anyone ever—, and then turns around in his boyfriend’s arms.
“Torao!’’ Luffy greets him wildly.
Like he’s used to it and ready for any of Luffy’s extreme and unthinkable tendencies, Law’s big frame remains straight and steady as the smaller man’s long arms wrap around his neck and then basically climbs him like a tree.
“You didn’t say you’d be here today Lu-ya, I almost jumped off the stage just to kiss you when I saw you” that deep voice teases, and it sounds so uncharacteristically soft and playful, a cadence Koby never thought it could be based on how crude and unamused he always sounded during their whole semester as project partners.
Oh so they really are like properly, in love, Koby thinks, sweating cold as alarms ring inside his head, telling him he’s going to fucking die from being so damn stupid.
“Shishishi! I wanted to surprise you, Torao! You always perform extra sexy whenever you don’t know I’m there ‘cus you wanna impress me” Luffy purrs, cupping his boyfriend’s face in his hands, fingers toying with the golden hoops in his ears.
He says it really loud and casually despite being something that probably should’ve been reserved for somewhere more private and intimate, Koby thinks.
That’s Luffy-san for you, as bold and shameless as one can be.
He tries to ignore the way his throat goes dry from witnessing Luffy sounding and behaving so… sultry and flirty.
Trafalgar hums in agreement, no longer caught up in glaring at Koby, pleasing the Luffy on his arms now his priority.
“You got me there” is all he says before diving into that cute, red mouth.
Koby remains frozen in place, in shock, one could say.
It’s almost like the couple forgets for a moment that he and multiple dozens of other people are still around them in the dance floor area; they don’t show a single speck of shame or restraint when their lips meet again and again, hungrily.
Koby gulps again as he just stares.
No one in the whole room, the dance floor around them, or even Luffy’s acquaintances that he’d greeted on the way into the club bat an eye at the couple’s heated exchange. Like making out filthily in the middle of a sea of bodies is something they usually do.
Koby’s not really familiar with clubs or bars and adjacent “adult” facilities, more of a karaoke-hangout type of person, so he doesn’t know if it’s just normal for people to be so open about their affection in places like this. Whether that’s the case or not, a part of him is telling him that it’s not only that.
He thinks Trafalgar is also doing it on purpose.
He knows he is.
Just to put Koby in his place.
He quickly confirms it with the brief possessive glance that Trafalgar sends him from behind Luffy’s shoulder the second he pulls away from the other’s lips. He’s out of breath and smirking mockingly as he adjusts Luffy’s face a bit sideways to continue kissing him even deeper.
He’s telling Koby to fuck off, he’s mine through the slow, deep, and dexterous movements of his lips crashing into Luffy’s. Through the way he brings him impossibly closer to his body, one of his hands groping that cute round ass, the other one caressing down Luffy’s lower back and causing his toned legs and arms to tighten around him. Through the way he whispers god-knows-what into Luffy’s pliant mouth and ears, making him whimper. Through the way he starts walking away from him without telling Koby a single word, Luffy still holding onto him like a koala, eager and happy as they make their way to the backstage area most definitely to escalate things.
And Koby gets the memo, loud and clear, successfully put in his place by the intimidating, possessive man. He’s almost shaking from embarrassment and silent humiliation —and maybe arousal because that’d been hot, but he refuses to acknowledge that bit— still frozen in place.
Just before he’s out of sight, Luffy pulls away from the heated kiss, and Koby’s gut twists as he notices how he looks drunk to the core, not having had a single drop of alcohol that night, but from Trafalgar kissing him stupid and groping him alone.
“Ah! Sorry Koby, I gotta go! Torao always gets a bit pent up after performing so I wanna help… Thank you for coming with me, I’ll introduce you guys some other day ‘kay! Text me when you’re back home!’’ he yells through the room, and it’s barely intelligible amongst the music and chattering of the bar, but it’s loud enough for him to grasp the words.
Koby can only bring himself to nod and wave goodbye weakly, his heart nothing but a deflated, broken thing inside his chest now.
The sweet sounds of Luffy’s breathy giggles when his boyfriend goes back to kissing his neck before disappearing into some hallway leading backstage resound in Koby’s head almost like mockery.
He leaves immediately after that, vaguely waving Iva goodbye because he’s polite, and basically runs back to the dorms, his heart on his throat.
As he dissolves into his bed, all alone and hurt, he thinks about how at the start of the day he’d thought he was being repaid for a good deed he’d done in a past life or something.
He sighs.
Maybe this was actually his divine punishment that came early. Or some sort of test from a god Koby isn’t sure he believes in. Something along those lines.
Koby goes to bed crying but just a little, a few stray tears escaping his eyes against his will. It hurts but he can’t say he’s entirely surprised about it having turned out this way.
And if he also happens to go to bed with his dick slightly —extremely— hard as his mind keeps repeating the scene he’d witnessed earlier, and later in the night ends up dreaming about two lean and muscular, tanned, naked bodies that are definitely not his, entangled together, sweaty, touching one another sensually, making love, well that’s only for him and his embarrassingly wet underwear and bed covers to know.
What an eventful night.