A/N

This is an AU, a (hopefully) very fluffy and sweet one, because Law deserves it.

I'll let you decide on the island's name for me, since I am hopeless when it comes to naming anything tbh.

Disclaimer: OP obviously isn't mine.

"If you see a boy swimming alone at either dusk or dawn, don't interfere. He is not what he seems."

That was what Donquixote "Corazon" Rosinante, his new colleague, had told Smoker on the first day of his job.

"…Law means no harm, really. But he wouldn't pass up a change to mess with fresh meat like you."

Smoker, of course, hadn't heed the man's warning. Hell, who would? A mischievous water fiend was too far-fetched a story to scare a newbie, let alone a seasoned officer. Plus, Corazon didn't look like someone to be taken seriously. The blonde man wore a heart print shirt under his unzipped uniform jacket, for god's sake! He also had a weird taste in makeup and, apparently, tripped over almost everything, including flat surfaces.

As if being transferred to this sleepy island isn't bad enough… I have to work with a loony.

Smoker thought bitterly, shooting Corazon a dark glare. The other man had somehow burnt himself with his own cigarette and was now rolling on the pavement, all the while screeching like a banshee. Smoker had half a mind to help out, really. But he didn't want passersby to associate him with the man currently on fire.

"Look on the bright side… You probably wouldn't have to work overtime anymore. Think of it as a vacation of sorts."

Tashigi's voice echoed in his head. One week and he missed the young woman already. She sure knew how to act professional, unlike somebody. Smoker lit another cigar, an absentminded look on his face. He'd stopped paying attention to Corazon at some point, his eyes now glued on the tranquil ocean. He let out a puff of smoke.

It was late in the evening. The sun hung low on the horizon, painting a brilliant golden stripe on the otherwise blackish water. The clouds, all thin and reddish in color, were floating aimlessly, powered by the same winds that created the unmistakable sound of swaying coconut trees. Smoker tried to listen more intently, and sure enough, there were faint seagulls' cries in the background, completing the perfect coastal town vibe.

Despite the calmness of the atmosphere, Smoker had a feeling that his life wasn't going to get any less busy than before.

And that feeling was right.

His first week went by without a hitch. Besides having to break up a fight or two in some pubs, the only hazard he'd faced was, unsurprisingly, Corazon's clumsiness. The man seriously couldn't walk two steps without falling face-first into the ground, taking innocent citizens down with him. Smoker was pretty sure that his co-worker had completely squashed a straw hat wearing kid that one time, if the bone-cracking sounds was anything to go by. Then there was that accident where the blonde spitted hot tea all over an elderly woman, resulting in both of them getting wacked on the head by her walking cane.

But aside all of that, things had been peaceful for him. Smoker no longer had emergency calls in the middle of the night, nor did he had to deal with gangsters and the likes. Slowly, the man began to enjoy the refreshing change in scenery and Corazon's company (although he would never admit the latter out loud)

Then THAT LITTLE SHIT happened.

.

.

.

On his second week, Smoker had to go patrol alone because Corazon had finally injured himself enough to be kept in the hospital. His shift was in the morning, so he got to drive along empty motorways and appreciate the ocean that was always prominent.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Smoker saw something, no, someone swimming in the freezing water. He stopped the car, rolled down his windshield to get a better look. About ten meters off shore was a young man. From what the policeman could make out, the guy was quite lean, had tan skin and short ebony hair.

Now normally, Smoker didn't care about people going for a swim in the morning. If he remembered correctly, such activity was even considered beneficial to physical and mental health. However, this man was swimming right outside the dock where a huge red sign that spelled "DEEP WATER - NO SWIMMING" was erected. Moreover, Smoker was certain that he'd get his head bitten off if someone drowned on his watch.

That 'someone' might just be this youngster.

Wonderful.

Smoker got out of his car and walked over to where the other was still swimming, the old wooden pier creaked loudly under his feet. Once reached the edge, he called out:

"Hey you there!"

The young man momently froze, then to Smoker's horror, sunk.

Silence.

A minute ticked by and he hadn't resurfaced.

Shit. What if the kid got cramp?

Cursing, Smoker crouched down, eyes frantically searching for a human's silhouette in the dark water. The policeman was about to dive into the sea when a large 'Ahem' startled him.

He spun around. And lo and behold, on the other side of the pier was the object of his worry. The dark haired male had both his arms folded neatly on the wooden boards, but made no move to get out of the water completely. His lower torso was still hidden from view.

"Yes officer-ya?"

He purred, voice a rich baritone that had Smoker swallowing uncomfortably. Up this close, the policeman couldn't help but notice how pleasing on the eyes the delinquent was. He had sharp cheekbones, straight nose, sideburns and a goatee. His body was slim sure, but also wiry and toned. Various tattoos covered his arm and chest. Smoker couldn't recognized any of the designs there. He did, however, recognized the word "D-E-A-T-H" etched on the man's knuckles, and that set off an alarm in his head.

Gang member? Druggie? Or just rebellious teenager?

Snapping out of his stupor, Smoker cleared his throat:

"You do know that you can't swim here right?"

"Oh?"

The younger male cocked his head to a side, clearly feigned innocence. Smoker gritted his teeth.

"Yeah. There is a sign over there: 'DEEP WATER - NO SWIMMING', it says."

"Huh, I didn't notice that…"

Again with the fake tone. Smoker was tempted to smack the cheeky man for his attitude, but refrained from doing so.

"Now I suggest that you get out of the water, before I have to forcefully remove you, that is." He threatened.

"Ah, but I can't." The other male sighed loudly.

"Why is that?"

"Get closer, and I might just tell you."

Had Smoker remembered Corazon's words at that moment, he'd have hightailed out of there. This kid was definitely not normal. Who went swimming at this hour in the morning in the freezing winter water anyway? Shouldn't he be at work, or school, or sleeping at home or something? The guy was seriously in need of a nap. He looked positively dreadful with two dark bags under his eyes.

But of course, the cop had completely forgotten his co-worker's warning. He bemusedly shifted closer to the youngster until their faces were inches apart.

"Lend me your ear."

Again, Smoker did as told. The younger of the two chuckled, leaning up a bit so he could whispered into his "prey's" ear.

"I can't get out of the water because you see… I lack the proper equipment down there."

A peck on the cheek.

Smoker snapped his head back in surprise. Too late, the crackling male had once again disappeared into the dark sea, causing some water to splash on his uniform.

Silence.

One, then two minutes… The mysterious man didn't come back, so a fuming Smoker decided to take his leave. He stomped back into the car, unaware of a pair of amused eyes watching him from beneath the waves.

"So that's Cora-san new colleague…"

It looked like Law had a new face to torture now.