College classes seemed to last forever for Luffy on Friday and when they were finally over he had to rush to practice. He went into the locker rooms to change into his practice clothes for the day. He sighed as he shut his locker. He really wanted to head over to Law's apartment right away but was sure he would get chewed out by the coach; For once he wished he didn't have to practice today.
Running had always been his favorite thing to do since he was young. Running was something that he and his brothers did when they were younger. He liked to think of them as adventurous kids who liked to explore. Garp, however, would disagree at every chance calling troublemakers. Remembering the past always brought a smile to his face; despite all the hardships he would not changed it for anything. Even when his brothers dreams split them apart he kept running because every time he ran he remembered the past with his brothers.
It had been Nami in high school who had convinced him to try out for the track team. She had apparently wanted to win a bet which she had made with the class about Luffy being able to beat the track team. She had begged him until she had finally offered to feed him if he won. Sparked by the words food Luffy had thought that he might as well give it a try. He had challenged them after school one day while they were practicing and had won by a landslide. After that he got hounded by the school coach to join the track team until he finally relented. Looking back on it Luffy is glad he joined the track team, he got to do what he loved and got treated for food when he won. The collage scholarship was just a plus in the end.
"Luffy why are you just standing around in here…? Trying to slack off today?" Kuzan's voice came from the entrance. Luffy smiled sheepishly and closed his locker door. He shook his head, lifted both of his hands, and smacked his cheeks trying to motivate himself.
"No way!" Luffy exclaimed as he grabbed his track shoes and headed outside. After switching shoes on the track he started stretching and getting ready to run a few laps around the track as warm up.
"Today is distance Luffy!" Kuzan called after him. He popped his earbuds in his ears and selected a special playlist Zoro had made for him for whenever he ran and waved at him his understanding. Luffy was used to be sent running alone since he practice long distance most of the time. Short distance was what he did best but his long distance was a bit harder for him to do. Nearing the end of cross country he knew he should try to practice a bit more, but Torao's situation kept nagging in the back of his mind.
After a few laps Luffy deemed himself sufficiently warmed up to run a few miles around the university. By the time he was done with his routine the sun was setting and he was sticky with sweat. As he got closer to the track he could see Nami's car parked near it and she was waiting for him by the locker doors.
"Hey Luffy! Are about done?!" Luffy removed his earbuds and nodded vigorously. She nodded and walked back towards her car to wait for him. Luffy quickly peeled off his sweaty clothes from practice and hoped into the shower along with the rest of the guys that had practice short distance in the track. He had to admit that he was rushing a lot more than usually because usually he made conversation with the guys about the weekend plans and what not.
"Leaving already?" A tall blond called after him. His name was something really fancy but Luffy could only remember him as Cabbage.
"Yeah!" Luffy's voice came out muffle while he was trying to put on his shirt and pants at the same time.
"You have plans already? No doubt something stupid to make yourself stand out." Cabbage prattled on and Luffy just opted to ignore him inferior of putting on his clothes.
"See you!" He dashed out quickly cutting off Cabbage.
"Wai-" Luffy ran towards Nami's car and quickly hopped on wanting to get to Law's as quickly as possible. Nami sped off. The ride to Law's apartment felt eternal to Luffy. When they got there Luffy just rushed into the building and ran up the stairs towards Law's floor; the elevator was much too slow for his liking. Luffy got to the floor and quickly went to knock on Law's door hoping that Law would answer it, instead he felt disappointed when Killer answer it.
"You're here. Come in." Killer stepped aside to let Luffy in. "Where is your friend from yesterday?"
"Nami?" Luffy said a bit puzzled and looked behind him to realize that Nami was no there. "On the elevator?" He said. Kid just rolled his eyes at him from the couch.
"So where is Torao?" Luffy asked still feeling a bit hopeful as he walks into the living room with Killer behind him.
"Sorry to burst your bubble but we still have not located him. As you can see he didn't come home last night." Luffy wasn't sure if he heard a bit of worry in his voice. He wanted to see Law.
"A police officer is here to get his description since it's been two whole days that we can't reach him." Killer's voice floats in from the kitchen. The knock from the door cuts off any type of response. Luffy rushes towards it without regard of Kid and Killer. He wretched the door open to reveal a grey haired cop with not just one, but two cigars in his mouth. Luffy instantly thought that was the coolest thing ever.
"You the cop they sent?" Kid's gruff voice pipes up. The grey haired man gave a grunt of affirmation.
"You know sir it is customary to introduce ourselves in order to get our assignment started." A young woman beside him piped up. Kid raised an eyebrow. "Good evening I am detective Tashigi and this is detective Smoker. We are here to gather information on the person you reported missing a Mr. Trafalgar?" She took out a notepad and a pen as if preparing to write.
"Come in detectives take a sit. Water?" Killer asked. Detective Smoker and Tashigi walked inside and followed Luffy into the living room. Killer went back into the kitchen and Kid just frowned.
"Could you please describe him to us?" Detective Tashigi answered.
"Here." Kid gave them a picture of Law. Personally Luffy thought that the picture did not do justice to Law. He had a brief flashback to that moment in the parking lot and felt butterflies in his stomach.
"I think I've seen his picture before. Oh! Detective Smoker he's that heart surgeon! I've heard about it him." Detective Tashigi started to take in his surroundings. "So you said that according to you guys he has been missing for more than two days right?"
"When we arrived in the house nothing was out of place even his keys and wallet were here."
Killer said as he place cups of water in front of the detectives.
"Well that is pretty suspicious. Are you sure he-" Detective Smoker couldn't finish his sentence the front door slammed.
"Is he here yet?" Sachi's loud voice was heard before he came into view.
"Why does it smell like a chimney in here?" Penguin's voice was significantly less alarmed but more weary than anything else. Sachi stopped in his track when he noticed the detectives sitting in the living room.
"I take it he didn't come home last night then?" Penguin gently guided Sachi to an empty chair.
"And who might you be?" Detective Tashigi asked.
"We're friends of Dr. Trafalgar and fellow coworkers at the hospital." Sachi answered in a low voice. "Please tell me you will find him."
"Of course they will. It will give a bad reputation to the city police if they don't." Robin's cool voice sounded very clearly from the living room.
"That's right!" Nami chipped in from behind her.
"Well, well this just keep getting better and better." Detective Smoker grumbled. Luffy happily skipped over to them having spotted the bags of food they were carrying. How they sometimes seem to move without sound was always a mystery for Luffy but he knew they were magical that way. He started to opened up the boxes of fast food and discovering the contents inside. The smell of food reminded Luffy how famished he was and he proceded to try and eat from everything. Time seemed to go by fast because next thing he knew the detectives were saying their goodbyes and leaving.
"We will give it our best to look for him and keep you updated." Detective Tashigi said before leaving.
"I have no doubt officers of your caliber can get this done." Robin said in her cryptic voice. Luffy could visible see Detective Tashigi stiffened at that before she gave a small smile.
They walked out of the apartments as fast as they could. Smoker could not believe his horrible luck. This was the last time he was going to do something like this. He was sick and tire of the higher ups playing around with civilian lives.
"Captain Smoker was it really necessary to go undercover for this investigation?" Tashigi asked after they were outside on the street.
"Don't worry about it and let me see your notes and picture that you got." Smoker grunted out. As Tashigi fumbled around in her pockets Smoker looked around and spotted a small coffee shop in the corner.
"Here you go sir." She said as she held out the items to him.
"Tashigi I want some coffee from that store. Here go get some." He handed her some bills as he took the notes and picture from her. She nodded and ran off towards the coffee shop. Smoker saw her go and waited until she was inside to take out his cellphone. He dialed the number he knew from memory and waited.
"Well that took a lot longer than I thought it would." The voice on the other side said.
"Would it matter how long it took?" Smoker asked a bit annoyed.
"Not really." The person replied cooly.
"Anyways you were right. They wanted to file a missing report. This doctor is loved by a lot of people some harmless… some not. Like yourself." Smoker said.
"Oh? Like who?" the voice inquired.
"Nico Robin." Smoker confirmed. There was a paused before the other person gave a laugh.
"I am sorry Smoker for putting you in this position specially with someone as dangerous as her. However, I can assure you this will be over by tomorrow." The person assured him. Despise this Smoker still did not feel right doing something like this.
"So I am to take no action what so ever on this case?" Smoker asked.
"That is correct. Until next time." The call cut off and Smoker was left with a bad taste in his mouth. He looked up and saw Tashigi at the cashier paying for coffee. Smoker quickly ripped the notes and picture and threw them in the nearest trash can.
"Captain! Here, coffee. So what's next on the investigation?" She asked while taking a sip of what Smoker could clearly smell was not coffee.
"Nothing. We are going back to the station and letting someone else handle it." Smoker said as he walked back to the car.
"But sir-" Tashigi was cut off by the look Smoker gave her. "Very well, but I want to drive back."
"No."
"Luffy the food is meant for all of us." Nami smacked him.
"Ow! Nami I'm starving."Luffy whined still chewing through food.
"It's alright Nami I have already called for pizza." Robin said.
"That is all fine and all but why are you guys here?" Kid asked a bit exasperated.
"I'm glad you asked. Nami and I have decided to help you with a small search party." Robin explain.
"That will be a lot of help thanks." Killer said in between mouthfuls.
"Alright now that that's out of the way. Let's wait until the rest get here to divide up the search parties." Nami suggested. Although anything that Nami said always sounded more like and order than a suggestion.
"Ooooh! Who else is coming?" Luffy asked a bit excited.
"How about everyone?" Ace said as he walked into the living room and plopped into the couch with Marco behind him.
"How do you people keep getting inside this house? I was sure I locked the door when the detectives left." Kid looked at all of them with accusing eyes.
"What can I say Kiddo I've got magic fingers." Ace wriggled his fingers at him in a taunting manner. Marco and Nami rolled their eyes at him. Another knock on the door had Kid tensing up.
"I'll get it." Killer volunteered. He opened the door and saw Zoro standing there with another blonde man. "Zoro! You're here. I didn't expect to see you here and this is?"
"Well when the witch calls there is no escape." Zoro gruntled unhappily.
"Hello I'm Sanji. Zoro's roommate." Sanji said as he exhaled from his cigarette.
"Killer. Come in." They stepped inside and Killer herd the elevator door ding.
"Are you sure we're on the right floor bro?"
"I am positive Miss Nami always gives flawless directions. Yohohoho!"
"If you say so."
"Can I help you?" Killer asked.
"Guys you made it!" Nami cried out from behind Killer. Her voice made him wince a little and he suddenly got an urge to rub at his ear.
"Ah! Miss Nami! We found you!" The tall man with an afro exclaimed. He had a cane and a guitar case strapped to his back and clothed with what Killer would like to call the most outrageous color combinations ever. What made Killer raise his eyebrows was the man behind the afro man. This guy just blew the other guy away with his outrageousness.
"Brook! Franky! Quickly come in!" She waved at them and ushered them in. Killer just kind of move out of the way for them and closed the door when they had safely passed through.
"Are there any more of your friends in the way?" Kid asked eye everyone that was in the house currently.
"Nope. Chopper and Usopp are at the dorms they've got classes tomorrow morning." Nami reported before taking out a big map of the city and placing it on the table. "So let's get started."
Luffy was never good at planning and even worse at sticking around with the plan. He was more interested in Torao's house. Now that he was actually paying attention he noticed how neat and clean it was. The place was really cool with all kinds of paintings, pictures, and statues, that like fragile to the touch. He was almost afraid to touch them in case he could brake them and incur Torao's anger when got back. Luffy was sure they would find Torao. He got up and looked around the apartment some more while the others discussed the plan of action.
"So this is where the mystery man lives." Luffy turned his head slightly and saw Ace grin. "Quite the loaded guy wouldn't you say?" Luffy frowned. "Woah there. All I'm saying is if you have thought of kidnapping yet."
"Don't say that Ace. That's not funny." Marco's low voice made Ace jump a little.
"Torao is fine. We'll find him." Luffy affirmed them.
"Yeah you guys!" Nami chipped in. "Now take this picture and go to your designed are. If you need anything you got mine and Killer's number." Luffy nodded and started to make his way towards the door before Robin stopped him.
"Luffy I think it is best if you stay here with me and Nami. In case Torao comes back. Wouldn't you like to be here if he does?" Luffy nodded vigorously.
"Well Heat and Wire are already out and looking in they're assign section of the city. Let's go Kid." Killer nodded at Luffy and wave goodbye.
"Laters." Kid called as he waved.
They left and suddenly Luffy realized that he had been duped into staying behind. He gave name his best puppy face look and she gave a heavy sigh.
"No Luffy. There is no way I am letting you loose into the city." Luffy groaned and went over to the dinning table. Food always made everything better.
The hours seemed to tricky on by slowly for Luffy. He didn't want to admit the slight bit of worry he had in the back of his mind. He spent most of the day and part of the night on the couch with his homework, insistence of Robin, and his iPod. At one point he must have dozed off because next thing he knows the smell of food woke him up.
"Sanji fooooooood!"
"How does know that? I was pretty sure he was dead to the world before he started cooking!" Penguin wondered. Zoro shrugged and continued drinking from what Luffy could probably guess was booze.
"We don't even wonder anymore." Sanji said as he came out with different dishes in his hands. Luffy rushed to the table and sat down. Everyone was already in some sort of chair waiting for food. Luffy glanced at the clock by the entrance and noticed it was four in the morning. He must have been knocked out around four to five hours. He looked around and noticed that everyone looked tired and down. The search must not have gone well at all. The food that Sanji always made was delicious and he was always eager to eat it. Luffy started to shovel food into his mouth as soon as it was put down on the table. He even started stealing from everyone who wasn't on guard with their plate.
The mood lifted after he got caught by Kid and they started roughhousing around the table. Despite Sanji's clear hate for that around the table. Forks went flying and liquids were spilt before Sanji kicked them all. After that meal they all went to the living room to sit down and discuss their findings on their search and plan the next days search parties.
He hated that those types of cars. Limousines to be exact. They made him feel claustrophobic and gave him a sense of faux riches. If it was up to him he would never voluntarily ride them but no the world didn't work that way. At least Bepo seemed to be enjoying the ride in it. He gave a small smile towards him.
"You've changed a bit in these years."
"Humans tend to evolve the older they get." Law replied quickly wiping the smile off his face.
"You've been so cold towards me this whole trip. Did you really not enjoy our vacation?"
"It was kidnapping not a vacation." Law argued. He was tired and quite honestly his patience was wearing thin. Spending long periods of time with this man was not very pleasant for Law. It had been years since he last had seen him.
"We're here."
"About time." Once the limousine stopped infant of his apartment complex he quickly got out. "Let's go Bepo." The chauffeur got out and place some suitcases next to him before getting back behind the wheel.
"This is not the final time we will see each other Law. Until next time." With those parting words the limousine sped off. Law glared at the retreating form of the car until it turned a corner out of eye sight. He grabbed the suit cases and headed into the apartment building.
"Mr. Trafalgar is that you?" the security guy asked with a bit of an astonished sound to his voice.
"Can I help you?" He asked a bit puzzled.
"N-no it's just that you were reported missing yesterday. Is all." He stated. Law raised an eyebrow. He was reported missing? It had to be Sachi. He waved away the security guard's worries and made his way towards the elevator.
He was only gone for one week surely that was not a cause for concern. He was pretty sure he had left before for a longer period of time. The elevator dinged and the doors were opened on his floor. He slowly made his way towards his apartment weary from his unexpected travels. He went to open his door but remembered that he had left his keys inside the apartment that day. If Sachi or Penguin had been here then they must have locked the door. He gave it a go anyways and was slightly surprised to see that the door was unlocked. Bepo rushed inside first and Law followed slowly after him. What waited for him inside was shocking.
There on his living room there were several people sleeping. He recognize Kid, Killer, Penguin, and Sachi but the rest were a bit of a blur in his mind. He was not prepared to see this many people here in his apartment. He suppressed the urge to groan. Then he noticed a dark head of hair and realized it was Mr. Portgas, Luffy's brother. He scanned the rest of the faces to make sure if Luffy was in there but to no vail. He was a bit shocked at how disappointed he actually felt at that. It wasn't long before Bepo made people stir when he started sniffing them. A few groans were heard before people realized that there was something different.
"Boss! You're here!" Sachi was the first one to get up and rush over towards him. "Where were you? We were so worried!"
"I'm fine." Law tried to say but Sachi was making it difficult for him to breath.
"Where did ya go?" Kid asked with eyes narrowed. Law tried to get him his best tell you later look while being squeezed by Penguin.
"What's going on?" Luffy's sleepy voice was heard and Law instantly zero in on him. What greeted his eyes was, in his opinion, an incredible sight. Luffy was barefooted with messy black hair from sleeping in one of his shirts that was clearly too big on him and boxers. If Law was not being hugged to death right now he would mostly liquefy be lightheaded anyways from the sight. Yes, in his opinion Luffy was more dangerous than anyone.
I am so happy and thankful for all those reviews! They made me so euphoric. I am terrible sorry for being trash and not uploading for a long time but this chapter was very tricky for me. No Law was hard. Anyways I hope you enjoyed it and hopefully now that Law is back the chapter's will be easier to write. Thanks for reading!
