W/N: Thanks for the support, everyone!

Crow and imaguest: Thanks for reading and reviewing! Glad you loved the previous chapter! Lots of love! :D


xxx

The next morning feels so much colder than usual and Luffy wakes up with his upper body freezing. The moment he opens his eyes, he can see the lights above him.

They are still on.

He stares at the ceiling for a while, giving his brain enough time to load, putting all the bits back together.

Oh, right. He is back at his parents' for Christmas. Yeah... And... Wait...

Then, a question pops up - why is it so cold? That is when he realizes that the duvet is already further down on his thighs. He then lets out a sigh, gathering up all his energy before he lazily tries to get up, trying to retrieve the duvet.

Who kicked the duvet? He thinks, still so sleepy as he pulls the duvet up, covering himself up and goes back to sleep. Suddenly, he can hear a voice weakly says, "Cold..." and he instinctively wraps his hand around the figure where the voice comes from.

So comfy. And, smells really good.

Luffy then snuggles closer, smile on his face.

Then, another question pops up. Wait. What... What is it that he is hugging?

Luffy then slowly opens his eyes to see Law sleeping peacefully in front of him.

And, he has his hand wrapped around Law.

Luffy quickly pulls his hand away and rolls down from the bed in panic. His heart is pounding hard, really hard. Then, all the bits about Law tugging his shirt, not letting him leave and how he fell asleep next to Law just flash before him.

Shit! Shit! That... That was close! Imagine if the brat wakes up first! Now... Now what? Oh, yeah! Get out, get out! He has to get out of the room!

He then runs really quick out of the room and heads to the stair in panic, ends up tripping on his own foot and tumbles down the stair. The next thing he knows, he is already lying at the end of the stair with his back aching, feet up above his head like he is doing some sort of flexibility stretching.

"Urgh..." Luffy groans. He knows he probably looks really dumb like that but his back aches so much that he has to stay in the position for a while, trying to relieve the pain first until he hears a voice.

"Lu... Luffy?"

And, he looks up to see Rouge looking at him surprised. He smiles awkwardly at her in response.

"Good... Good morning."


xxx

"How old are you? How could you just tumble down the stair like that?!" asks Rouge, her tone a mix of shock, anger, and worry. Luffy can only grin awkwardly at her.

Rouge was in the kitchen when Luffy tumbled downstairs and when she saw Luffy she immediately helped him up and brought him to the kitchen for some first aid. Somehow, Luffy cannot help but think how nostalgic it is having Rouge scolding him and looking at his wounds. Well, back when he was a kid it was sort of a weekly routine for Ace, Sabo, and him. They were such a troublemaker trio back then.

Ah, now that he thinks of it, he has been remembering a lot of things from childhood since he got home.

But, it does not hurt so much anymore. Those good old days.

Look at him. He is nineteen now, turning twenty soon.

And, he smiles to his thoughts.

"Done." Luffy can hear Rouge says, and he slowly looks up to see Rouge staring at him with a kind of relieved expression.

"What's wrong?" Luffy asks, and Rouge shakes her head slowly.

"I don't know... You just... kind of changed after you married Law. You don't look so gloomy anymore."

Huh, really? Well, in a way it actually makes sense. Being around that brat makes no room for gloom. Not only he annoys Luffy a lot but he is also making Luffy so confused... With him being so cute and annoying at the same time...

Shit. Shit!

"I'm making breakfast. Go back to sleep. I'll wake you up when it's done." says Rouge, abruptly putting a stop to Luffy's train of thoughts.

Well, it is surely nice to be able to continue his sleep in this kind of weather but... How about NO? He is not going back now after that painful escape... And, he looks at Rouge to find her smiling softly at him.

Well, now that he thinks of it... He is finally home after two months... So why not...

So, he gathers up his courage and tries to ask. At first, he cannot make anything out. But then, Rouge keeps looking at him with her loving smile, fueling his courage even more. After a few attempts, he finally manages to get the words out. "Can... Can I... Help with breakfast?"

And, the question takes Rouge by surprise, but not in a bad way. With a smile, she answers, "Of course, silly boy."


xxx

Later that morning, Luffy walks slowly from the kitchen, taking with him a glass of warm milk as he heads to the guest room. It is almost ten in the morning and honestly, Luffy is not sure if Law is even up yet.

Roger, Rouge, and him had breakfast together earlier and Luffy is still really excited from the progress he made. Yeah, he did not talk much when he helped Rouge with breakfast or when the three of them had breakfast together but he feels like he is making a big leap.

Honestly, he is surprised that he is even able to do something like that. He is surprised he did not even think of avoiding them that morning.

Maybe it is a good sign, a good start?

Okay then. Now, all he needs to do is not ruin it.

Yes.

Luffy stands in front of the door for a moment, trying to prepare himself mentally for all the possibilities.

He cannot help but feel that things will become chaotic the moment he opens the door.

He then stares at the glass of milk he is holding, hoping it will work for Law. But then, it was just a small piece of rum cake, right? Would he even have a hangover?

He takes in deep breaths, slowly opening the door to see a figure sitting in the middle of the bed wrapped in the duvet, back facing the door.

Looks like Law is up.

Then, the figure slowly turns to look at the door and Luffy can see how terrible Law looks. It just seems like the younger is going to throw up anytime.

"Good... Good morning." Luffy greets awkwardly. As usual, no response from Law and Luffy rolls his eyes in annoyance the moment Law turns his head away from him. Luffy then walks over to the bed and asks how Law is doing.

"My head h-h-hurts..." the younger answers with a weak, shaky voice and Luffy hands him the glass of milk.

"Here. Have this. It will help with the hangover."

"H-hang... W-what?"

"You don't remember anything?" Luffy asks.

At first, there is no reaction from Law but a moment later Luffy can see how Law's eyes are gradually widening. Then, the younger turns to Luffy and grabs his collar. "What... What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything! It's the cake! Rouge added rum into it! She said she only added a little... Pfft... Pfft..." Luffy tries to explain but it turns out too funny for him.

And, Luffy can see Law's face turning red. "No... No way...Why did you let me eat it?! WHYYYY?!" Law yells, hands shaking Luffy violently.

"Oi, oi! You'll kill me! I told you don't force yourself! I didn't even know you're that weak-" says Luffy, and he suddenly feels a different kind of chill engulfing the room. "I... I mean, err... Err... Whatever! Tell me something like that beforehand!"

Okay, now that Luffy actually said that he realizes that there are still a lot of things he does not know about Law.

Not like he wants to know... Whatever.

Law finally calms down after a while and Luffy hands him the glass of milk. Almost half of the content is already gone because Law was shaking him really hard. "Go wash up after you finish it. Breakfast is ready. "

But then, Law does not take it. Instead, he looks at Luffy for a moment before he asks, "Did... did your parents say anything?"

"Nothing." Luffy answers but Law does not seem to believe him. "Really. They didn't say anything."

"That... That was so embarrassing. I can't face them! I'm never coming out of this room again!" Law immediately wraps himself up, hiding in the duvet.

He is actually embarrassed? Pfft... Wait until he hears last night's Pusheen story...

"Don't be silly. They didn't say anything. Just come out."

"NO!" Law yells from inside the duvet while Luffy tries to pull the duvet away.

Why, oh why...

Luffy seriously did not expect something like this when he decided to get married.

The pulling goes on for a while and there is no sign of Law giving up soon so Luffy tries to use his brain instead.

"You know, if you don't come out Rouge will be worried. She will come and check on you." Law can hear Luffy says but he does not respond to Luffy. Then, he can hear Luffy adds, "She looks soft but she can be quite scary sometimes."

Luffy goes on and starts telling Law how Rouge used to get so mad at Ace and him when they were younger for behaving badly. He comes up with a lot of stories and they somehow give Law goosebumps.

"Don't compare me with you! I'm not a kid!" Law finally emerges from inside the duvet with a red, embarrassed face and Luffy smirks upon the sight.

It actually worked on the brat.

"I'll wait for you downstairs then."

"W-w-wait!" Luffy feels a tug on his shirt and he turns back to see Law looking at him with a cute sulky face. "Wait for me."

And, Luffy can feel his knees going weak.

C-c-cute... Shit.

"F-f-fine. Go wash up. I'll wait for you here." Luffy says, going back a few steps and sits on the bed.

Law comes out of the bathroom fifteen minutes later looking much better than before but he is still complaining that his head hurts. His hands are even shaky when he tries to dry his hair.

Where did the energy from before go? Luffy thinks, remembering how violent Law was shaking him and pulling the duvet.

Suddenly, Law goes up to him and asks with a weak voice, "Help me dry my hair."

EHHH?

Of course, Luffy finds it hard to refuse him. He cannot win against those puss-in-boots' eyes.

So, begins another episode of torture for Luffy. He had never actually touched Law's hair before but now that he had...

IT IS SERIOUSLY SO SOFT! WHAT DID HE EAT?! Luffy thinks, as he goes through every strands of hair gently with the hairdryer.

Oh man, this is too much... He really feels like his heart will explode soon...

The torture ends five minutes later and both of them walk together to the kitchen. The whole way to the kitchen, Law has been clinging on Luffy with his eyes constantly looking around him.

It is seriously funny but Luffy can only hold his laughter in.

They finally reach the kitchen few minutes later and as expected, Rouge is waiting for them in the kitchen. Roger went out to buy some groceries so it is a good thing that Law does not have to face both of them.

Half the embarrassment. Heh.

"Law! How are you doing?" Rouge gets up from her chair and walks up to Law, cupping the youngest's face just like how a worried mother always does.

"I'm... I'm fine." Law answers awkwardly, trying to smile but it ends up looking like he is on the verge of crying. Then, Rouge unintentionally delivers a huge blow to the tanned teen's ego.

"Honey, just so you know, it's perfectly fine to have low tolerance on alcohol. It's nothing to be ashamed about, okay?"

And, Luffy can hear Law's pride slowly shattering.

If it is possible, Luffy wants to roll on the floor laughing right now but obviously he cannot. Not with the dark aura he sees emitting from Law.

They hear sound of Roger's car shortly after that and Rouge leaves both of them alone in the kitchen. "Come join us in the living room later, okay?"

After Rouge left, Law immediately snatches Luffy's collar. "Oi, oi! What's wrong with you?!" Luffy asks, surprised. Law looked really weak earlier and now all his energy is back?!

"Why did I have to go through that?! You said they didn't say anything!"

"That's what I told you! They really didn't say anything! I didn't expect her to say that!"

Suddenly, they can hear Rouge's voice from the kitchen doorway. "Luffy, don't forget to-" Her sentence hangs and even without looking back Law knows she saw it.

Rouge totally saw him snatching Luffy's collar. There goes the lovey dovey image they try to show Roger and Rouge.

This is bad. He has to do something. He has to fix it.

There is only one thing to do.

He then swallows hard, really hard before he shuts his eyes tightly and pulls Luffy closer to him. The next thing Luffy knows, he can feel something soft pressed against the space above his lips.

Luffy immediately freezes.

If it was a movie scene it would be replayed a lot of times. And, from different angles because... because... it is just... crazy.

Really crazy.

For a moment, Rouge is startled by what she is witnessing but she immediately snaps out of it. "Oh, sorry." she says, but of course both of them are... well, too occupied to respond to her. She then places the groceries she is carrying on the counter. "I... I've heated the soup so don't forget to give it to Law."

Rouge walks away from the kitchen immediately and both Law and Luffy can hear Rouge telling Roger, "Young people nowadays are very bold."

Isn't that too loud? They heard that!

When Law is sure that the situation is safe, he immediately pulls away and squats down on the floor, back facing Luffy. And, he has his face buried in his arms. As for Luffy, he is still freezing in his place.

What... What just happened? Luffy thinks, and it takes him quite a while until he regains his control. Luffy then places his hand on his lips.

They are so soft... They did not even touch his lips but those lips feel soft...

And, his face immediately warms up from the thought.

Oh shit. Shit! What is he thinking?! This is going to be so awkward! He thinks, as he looks at Law. What should he do now? What should he say? Should he even say something?

It goes on like that for few minutes and Luffy finally decides to just brave himself up. "Are... Are you okay?" he asks, but there is no reply. So, he waits for a while before he tries again. "Are you okay?"

"It didn't touch..." Law finally replies, but he still has his face buried in his arms.

"O... Okay..." Luffy replies. This time, he is already squatting in front of Law, trying to think of ways to calm and console Law.

Then, it hit him.

Wait.

Why? Why is he doing this? He did not even do anything wrong! Isn't he the victim here?

Ah... But if he does not do anything this brat will blame him! Luffy thinks, ruffling his hair in dilemma.

Suddenly, Law looks up with his face red, eyes teary. "It didn't touch! It didn't!" He says, hands starting to shake Luffy.

"C-c-calm down! Do you want to get caught again?!"

"It didn't touch! It didn't!" Law shakes Luffy even harder.

"Yes, yes! Ok fine! It didn't! Nothing happened!"

Yeah, it did not even touch his lips so why is this brat making a fuss?

"You can't blame me for everything! You should've expected something like this when you came up with your crazy plan!" Luffy whispers loudly and Law only responds with his brows furrowed and puffy cheeks. Then, he stands up, slowly goes to the counter and sits with his face lying on the counter.

Cu- Oi, I am still not done talking!

Luffy walks over to the counter and with a low voice he says, "Don't you owe someone an apology here?" But then, there is no response from Law. Law does not even look up.

Luffy then takes in few deep breaths with his eyes shut tight and fists clenching.

Okay. Calm down, Luffy. Calm down.

Luffy decides to forget about it and proceeds to preparing Law's breakfast. He heats up the breakfast in the microwave and pours some soup into the bowls. Actually, it feels a little weird that he is preparing them for Law because all the while it has always been Law who is preparing breakfast for him.

"Here." Luffy places a plate of rice balls next to Law and he can see how the younger's face glows in excitement. Truth is, the only thing he knows Law likes to eat is the rice balls. Law on the other hand knows food Luffy loves the most and he even makes them occasionally.

Other than that, he does not know anything else... wait, if Luffy recalls correctly Law likes coffee too...

Maybe he should make it for Law.

But then, he does not actually know how Law likes his coffee. Of course he is not going to ask him now...

Ah, this is so pathetic.

So, Luffy ends up making hot chocolate for both of them. He puts them on the table along with the side dishes and the soup. Then, he sits next to Law.

Yeah, breakfast 2.0.

Luffy secretly steals glances of Law while he is eating and he can see how Law is taking small bite each time, chewing really slow. He looks like a little kid. So cute...

And, Luffy's face warms up from the thought.

Damn it.

Suddenly, Luffy can feel his phone vibrating in his pocket. He takes it out to find a text from Sabo. He knows it is still too early where Sabo is now so the text really makes him excited. Just when he is about to reply, he can feel a figure leaning close to him. It is Law without a doubt, trying to peek at his phone. "What are you doing?"

"Just want to see what is it that made you so happy." replies Law. But then, Luffy does not respond to him. He puts his phone back into his pocket thinking that he will reply Sabo later when Law is not around and proceeds to drinking his hot chocolate. That is when Law asks another question. "So, you really have a boyfriend?"

And, Luffy ends up spitting out his drink. "You really know when to ask questions, right?!" he almost yelled but Law is looking at him with a very calm face, still enjoying his rice ball.

So annoying but so c- ARGHHH!

"It's my brother, Sabo." Luffy explains, and Law nods to it. No more questions.

After they are done eating, both of them wash the dishes together and from the window next to the sink they can see how thick the snow is outside. It must have snowed heavily last night.

And, Luffy looks at the thick snow covering the ground excitedly.


xxx

"Will you stop that? Stop throwing snow balls at me! Why are you following me anyway?"

"Why can't I follow my husband around? Didn't your parents say you should show me around?"

Sneaky brat. Just this morning he was so mad about that... kiss. And now, he is following Luffy around.

What? It's not even his fault so why is this brat...

Speaking about that... kiss... God knows how awkward it was when they joined Roger and Rouge in the living room earlier this morning.

He could not even look at his parents' faces.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

He really hopes things will go back to usual after they get back from this short escape.

It has been a while since he really took a stroll in the neighborhood so he decided to go out and maybe play a little with the snow. As expected, his parents told him to bring Law along so he can show him around.

Of course, of course Law did not object.

And, he turns to look at Law to see the younger holding two big snow balls in his hands, dark aura emitting.

"We talked about it, right? Now can you stop getting your revenge?!" Luffy yells.

"It's not revenge. It's playing snow ball. You're no fun."

"If it's just a game then why are you getting mad at me for fighting back?!" replies Luffy, remembering how Law glared at him every time he tried to throw some snow balls back to the younger.

"You're no fun! I'm making a snowman!" Law says, throwing the snow balls he is holding at Luffy before he runs away.

"Oi, hold it right there!"

Oh man... This is seriously driving him crazy. Is this any better than marrying a sadist?

Well, yeah... It kind of is. He is actually getting quite a good deal. Be patient, Luffy. Just ten more months to go.

Luffy then looks at Law who is now starting to work on his snowman. It has been a while since he last made a snowman. Well...

"Oi, quick! Come help me! Let's make a big one!" Law yells to him, cancelling his trip down the memory lane.

How old are you?! Why should I help you? Luffy protests quietly, but his legs are moving to where Law is. Obviously, he has to give in.

After almost fifteen minutes of hard work, they manage to build a snowman almost Luffy's height. And, both of them look at the snowman proudly. It looks really plain without accessories but what do they have?

"We need some twigs!" Law suddenly says. Then, he turns to Luffy. "You'll be in charge!"

In charge? Don't make it sound so fancy, you... you brat!

"There's no way we're going to find any like this!" Luffy points to the thick snow beneath them.

"You know what they say? When there's a will, there's a way!"

Even if Luffy has that will there is nothing to make a road with here! There is not even an ounce of gravel!

As expected, the stubborn brat keeps pushing him so Luffy has to give in again as usual and he starts looking for some twigs while Law waits for him near the snowman. While Luffy looks for the twigs, Law looks around admiring the snowy view until he notices another presence nearby, of a guy with green hair and nose ring hiding behind a wall.

Who is that guy? Why is he hiding behind a wall? That is so creepy.

He can see how that guy looks like he has his gaze fixed on something with his face full of admiration.

What is he looking at?

And, Law traces the guy's line of sight to find Luffy at the end of it.

His brows slowly furrow.

Meanwhile, just few meters away from Law, Luffy is scanning the nearby area for any twig when his eyes catch a familiar figure with green hair. Luffy's lips slowly curve into a smile the moment he sees Bartolomeo. "Oh, Barto-" Luffy is trying call him over, hand waving when he notices another figure moving towards Bartolomeo with an insane speed.


xxx

That morning, Bartolomeo went to a relative's house to visit and he seriously could not believe it the moment he saw Luffy on his way back home. He saw Luffy walking alone and from the look of it Luffy seemed like he was searching for something.

He was really excited. So excited that he did not even realize someone was running towards him. Not until he saw Luffy shifted his gaze away from him and looked so surprised. But then, it was already too late. The next thing he knew, he could feel an immense pain on the right side of his face, as if someone just kicked him hard on the face. As he fell to the ground, he could see a figure landing perfectly on the ground. Then, he heard a voice calling his name frantically.

"Barto, Barto!" Luffy slaps lightly on Bartolomeo's cheek before he turns to Law. "W-w-what are you doing?!"

How did he even run that fast with the snow on the ground?!

"He looks suspicious. Look at his creepy face!" Law replies.

"Shh... Shh! N-not so loud! That's just how his face is!"

And, Bartolomeo starts crying inside when he hears Luffy. Is his face really that creepy?

Law's brows furrow to Luffy's answer. "You know this parrot?" Law asks, and Luffy puts his index finger on his lips.

You can't just call someone a parrot!

"Barto? Barto?" Luffy then moves his hand in front of Bartolomeo, trying to check on him again and it takes a while until Bartolomeo finally responds with a groan. "Are you okay?" Luffy asks, relieved.

"I... I guess...?" Bartolomeo answers weakly.

"We need to call an ambulance." Luffy tells Law.

"It wasn't that hard! He is too weak!"

"You could've killed him! Just call the ambulance!"

You... You...

Fueled by his anger, Bartolomeo springs up from the ground, shocking Luffy and Law. "How about I kick you on the face?!"

"B-B-Barto! Don't move too much!"

"A-A-Also, I-I- I'm not a parrot damn it! Who are you anyway? Why are you acting like you're so close with Lu... Lu... Lu..."

Damn. He almost blurts it out. The sacred name he should not simply say out loud-

"His name is Luffy."

And, Bartolomeo grits his teeth to Law's helpful answer. "I know his name!"

I just cannot simply say it! And you, do not just simply say his name, you... You...

Bartolomeo tries to come up with an insult in his head but he cannot find any. He cannot find anything wrong with Law. Law is almost... perfect.

Shit.

"It's not 'like'. We really are close."

Luffy turns sharply to look Law's way.

What?! We are?! Since when?!

"He... This is my relative, Law." Luffy tries to explain, before things escalate further. "Law, this is Bartolomeo, a friend from the university."

Friend? Luffy just said Bartolomeo is his friend! And, now that he thinks about it, Luffy has been calling his name! He knows his name!

Wait. He is a relative? That means he is at higher ranking!

And, Bartolomeo ends up staring at Law enviously.

"Luffy, parrot is scary..." Law says, as he playfully goes to hide behind Luffy like a child, both hands holding Luffy's arms.

Luffy instantly gets some sort of electric jolt all over.

He is doing this to provoke Bartolomeo! He totally is!

And, the situation turns even more chaotic.

"Why are you provoking him?!"

"Stop calling me parrot damn it!"

"How about cockatoo?"

"NO!" Both Luffy and Bartolomeo yells and Law chuckles at their reaction.

"Cockatoo is so funny!"

There is no way they can get Law to stop, right? So, Luffy decides to just focus on Bartolomeo's injury.

"Are you really okay? How about we go to the hospital?"

"I'm okay! This is nothing!"

"Get a room." says Law, eyes rolled, face disgusted and Luffy turns to look at him with his jaw dropping.

"You dare say that? This is all your fault! What if he died?! That was a hard one!" yells Luffy, and Law glares at him. Luffy knows it is better to not say anything to Law anymore so he goes back to talking Bartolomeo into going to the doctor. Still, the green head refuses.

It goes on for quite a while until Law eventually gets sick of it. "Oi cockatoo." Law calls out, and the green head turns to look at him annoyed.

"Stop calling me that!"

"Look, he is really worried. Why don't you just go see a doctor?" Law says, and the green head looks back at Luffy.

The annoying brat is right. Luffy looks really worried. He should have realized it earlier. What a fool he is.

In the end, Bartolomeo decides to give in.


xxx

So, around fifteen minutes later, the three of them are standing in front of a private clinic in town. And, Bartolomeo refuses to enter for obvious reason.

"Oi. This place is expensive. Let's go somewhere cheaper."

"Doesn't matter! Just go in! This is the nearest one and faster."

"Oi, oi! Don't push me you brat!"

Good one Barto! Luffy has always wanted to say that to Law's face!

"What did you say?!"

"Okay, okay. Enough, enough." Luffy jumps in between them. "Just go in, it's okay."

When Luffy says that, he is not expecting Law to pay for Bartolomeo. Instead, he is already considering to pay for it using the money Law gave him.

Well, either way it is still Law's money.

Whatever. As long as he can confirm that Bartolomeo is fine.

"This guy needs to get his head checked." says Law to the receptionist, pointing to Bartolomeo. Then, he makes a twirling gesture with his finger near his head. "You know..."

"I'm not crazy!"

And, Luffy only watches as the receptionist laughs to what Law just said.

Is it that funny? Wait, are they flirting? Is that brat...? Come on, she's not that cute!

So, Bartolomeo goes through the registration process and it really does not take long before the doctor calls him in. While Law and Luffy wait, they sit at the waiting area, reading the magazines. Somehow, Luffy notices that the receptionist from before is looking at them. Actually, more like she is looking at Law who has his full concentration on one of the health magazines.

He knew it.

For some reason, it annoys Luffy so much.

He then gets up from the couch and pretends to browse through the magazines on the magazine rack, trying his best to obstruct the receptionist's view. Every time the receptionist moves her head to get clearer view, Luffy follows and he can see how the receptionist is getting annoyed. The receptionist signals at him so he moves somewhere else but Luffy pretends he does not see her.

Heh heh heh...

Bartolomeo comes out of the examination room about twenty minutes later and Luffy immediately goes up to him.

"Doctor said I'm fine. No risk of concussion. Nothing heavy. It will probably just bruise for a few days." Bartolomeo says, and he can see Law makes a disappointed face. "You really wanted me to die, do you?!"

Bartolomeo then proceeds to the counter to get his prescription and the moment he sees the bill his eyes widen.

Shit. As expected, the amount is too crazy. Why did he even agree to get himself checked there? It is not like he cannot pay it but there goes his allowance for two months...

Luffy is trying to tell Bartolomeo to leave the bill to him when suddenly, the bill is snatched away from his hand. And, he turns to see Law looking at the bill with a stoic face. Bartolomeo tries to take it back but then Law swiftly avoids his hand and goes to the counter. Then, he can see Law taking out a card, handing it over to the clerk. The clerk then hands him a document to sign on before she returns Law's card along with a receipt. Law hands the receipt to Bartolomeo with a smirk. "Settled."

"Are you trying to make me indebted to you?! I'm not paying you back, you know?!"

"Nobody is asking you to pay back. Go pick up your meds quick." Law says, making his way out and both the older males only look at him.

After they are done, Luffy suggests that they stop by a cafe. He thinks Bartolomeo could use some food and rests a little. And, for the whole ten minutes since they entered the cafe, Bartolomeo has been looking at Law with a pissed off face while Law as usual shows his cheeky grin.

"Guys, it's just a misunderstanding. How about we just... make peace with each other?"

Bartolomeo then turns to look at Luffy and smiles. Then, he turns to look back at Law with his angry face.

This is bad. Luffy thinks, face palming himself.

He then tries to use his brain. There must be something else... The must be something that he can do...

He thinks harder, harder, harder...

Suddenly, Luffy feels the need to use the toilet.

Shit. Why now?

It is obvious that he cannot leave both Law and Bartolomeo alone. He has to get one of them to leave the table. But then, Law surely will not go with him and it will be weird to ask Bartolomeo to go with him. Maybe he should get all of them out of there and go to the toilet after they send Bartolomeo off. Unfortunately, Law refuses to leave.

"We just got here. I haven't even finished my drink yet."

Fine. So, Luffy decides to just hold it in.

It will not take long, it will not take long... He tries to tell himself but it does not work.

He desperately needs to go to the toilet.

"Barto, do you want to go to the toilet?" Luffy finally asks, head making gestures so Bartolomeo goes with him.

He has no choice.

"I'm good." Bartolomeo replies, to his disappointment.

Take the hint. Damn it.

"Aren't you going to ask me?" Luffy then hears Law asks, and he immediately turns to look at Law, full of hopes.

"So, you want to go?" Luffy asks, and Law shakes his head in response.

Then why did you even ask? You... You brat.

Somehow, Law starts to notice how Luffy is looking so uneasy and he gets it figured out in no time. He ends up grinning cheekily at Luffy.

"Do you know that caffeine is diuretic? It makes you pee a lotsssssssssssss. Lotsssssss."

You.. You asshole...

But then, Luffy decides to not give in. He has to fight!

"Stop it. We all know that."

"Oh, isn't it niceeeeee." Law replies, purposely emphasizing the 'c'.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Luffy can feel it. It is almost out. Shit.

He springs up from his seat, surprising Bartolomeo. "I-I'll be back soon!" he says, before he frantically runs in awkward style to the toilet.

Leaving a time bomb behind him.

He needs to finish it fast!

While Luffy is doing his business, Bartolomeo tries his best not to fight with Law. That is what Luffy wanted so that is what he will do. But then, Law is too tough an obstacle for him. Law is just... too evil.

That cynical face, sarcastic smile, cheeky eyes... He is cu- Huh, wait.

Damn it.

"What's your problem?" Bartolomeo finally asks, and Law just shakes his head really slow. Anyone would know Law is being sneaky but Bartolomeo decides not to take it further. He just wants Law to stop looking at him. "Then stop looking." Bartolomeo then looks around the cafe as he sips in his coffee, trying to distract himself from Law.

"Do you like Luffy?" Law suddenly asks, and Bartolomeo spits his coffee out in surprise.

What a time to ask something like that?!

"W-w- what are you talking about? I- I don't like him!"

And, Law only nods to Bartolomeo answer with a cynical smile.

So annoying. Bartolomeo thinks, gritting his teeth in annoyance.

Suddenly...

"Oh. I've always wondered why you wouldn't talk to me... So that's why... I'm really sorry." Bartolomeo hears a voice behind him and he turns to see Luffy looking at him with a sad face.

"No, no! I don't mean it like that!" Bartolomeo springs up from his chair, trying to explain to Luffy. Then, he yells at Law, "This is all your fault!"

And, their table ends up chaotic for quite a while...


xxx

They exit the cafe about ten minutes later and the moment they are out, Luffy can see people queuing in front of what seems to be a food truck. Then, he can see some people walking away with some tacos.

"Oh, food truck! Let's go get some tacos!" Luffy excitedly says. He had some food in the cafe earlier but the tacos look so tempting.

"Sure, sure! I'll buy for you as much as you want!" Bartolomeo responds.

"Really?!"

Then, Luffy and Bartolomeo can hear Law clicks his tongue.

Not again...

Luffy can see how annoyed Bartolomeo is so he quickly tries to fix the situation. "Please, don't mind him. He is always like that. He is not a bad person. He is just grumpy."

And, Law glares at him in response.

Oops, Luffy went too far. Now he has to fix this one too.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault, okay? Can you just overlook this, please?" Luffy apologizes, but Law does not say anything. He only looks at Luffy with a sulky face.

C-c-cu... ARGHHH

"How about we go get some tacos? Have you eaten tacos? It's really good. You'll like it." Luffy then says softly to him and it takes quite a while before Law replies,

"It's baked."

Luffy immediately turns pale.

Oh, oh. Shit. Shit. Luffy totally forgot.

"But it's okay." Law then adds, dragging Luffy to the queue with him.

Eh?

There are quite a lot of people queuing that morning and Luffy is just glad that Law is not making a fuss about it. He calmly queues with them and he is not even picking fights with Bartolomeo anymore. Luffy is starting to think everything will go smoothly until a tall, muscular, and tanned guy with blonde hair suddenly cuts the queue.

Just in front of them.

Luffy can see that Bartolomeo is about to call out to the guy but he manages to stop him. "It's just one person. It's okay."

Honestly, Luffy is a little mad about it but he thinks it is not worth it to cause a fight so he would rather just let the guy be.

"Queue up, you shitty muscles." a familiar voice suddenly utters, and Luffy immediately gets goosebumps.

Oh shit. How could he forget about Law?

But then, the guy did not respond to them so Luffy thinks it is his lucky day. He tries to tell Law to let it go but before he can do so Law goes closer behind the guy and says louder, "Oi."

And, the guy slowly turns to look at him. "Oh, you talking to me? You're too small. I barely heard anything."

"Did your brain change into muscles too? What an idiot."

Luffy can see how the guy's expression changes.

"I'm sorry. Please forgive him." Luffy immediately apologizes in his attempt to fix the situation. Then, he turns to Law. "Let it go."

"Yeah, listen to your shrimpy boyfriend."

"You're pathetic." Law replies the guy.

"You wanna take this somewhere else? My fists are ready." The guys says, flexing his muscles proudly.

Shit. The guy is so annoying, Luffy thinks. But then, Luffy tells Law to just ignore him. "Let it go. It's not worth it." And, Law does not respond to him but from the look of it Luffy can see that Law is willing to back off.

But then, the guy just will not stop. He keeps provoking them. "Why are you two so skinny anyway? Did your mother even give you enough nutrient?"

Luffy's jaw drops a little hearing him.

What kind of insult is that? Is he a kid?

Suddenly, Law's face turns serious. The situation somehow starts to look bad. Luffy did not actually expect Law to be affected by some childish insult like that. Law stares at the guy for almost a minute until the guy finally says, "Wh-why are you looking at me like that?" But then, Law does not answer him and keeps staring. Eventually, the guy loses his cool. "Can't say anything back? Go back to your mommy."

"Law, what's wrong?" Luffy whispers to Law but Law does not respond to him. His gaze is totally fixed on the guy. Luffy can see how Law is shaking and he is clenching his fists really tight.

Luffy has to get him out of there before he goes out of control.

"Law, let's go somewhere else."

"Yeah, just go!" The guy tries to push Law but his hand is immediately blocked by Luffy.

"Whoa, whoa. Easy!" Luffy tells him, before he turns to Law, trying to talk Law out of it again but this time Law looks like he is holding his tears in.

It breaks Luffy's heart to see Law like that and something just suddenly burns in him.

"Oi shrimp. Not going back to your mommy yet?" The guy says, fueling the fire even more and Luffy turns to look at the guy and glares at him, uttering with low, threatening voice,

"Will you shut up?"

The guy looks at him surprised. It is like Luffy suddenly had a total change of personality. But then, he immediately comes out of it. "You shitty... You dare talk to me like that?!" He throws a punch out, only to be stopped by Luffy.

"I told you to shut up, shitty gorilla!" Luffy lets out a strong punch to his opponent's stomach, knocking the guy unconscious.

And, Luffy watches as the guy falls to the ground.

It has actually been a while since he last punched someone like that.

Yeah, it definitely has been a while.

The moment the guy's body touches the ground, Luffy realizes what he just did.

Oh no... shit.

He then looks at the people around him. Some looking at them like they are filming, some are whispering to each other. Then, Luffy can hear someone says, "Should we call the police?"

Oh shit.

"Let's... Run?" Luffy says to Law, who looks really surprised and instinctively grabs the younger's hand, pulling him away with him. "Let's go!" Luffy says to Bartolomeo who is also surprised and he immediately runs after them. As they run, Law turns back to look at the guy Luffy just knocked out.

"Wait." says Law suddenly, and Luffy stops. Law then runs back to the guy and kicks his lower back once before he runs back to Luffy. "Okay. Let's go." says the younger, hand automatically grabbing back Luffy's.

They run as far as they can until they reach a small park, where they finally stop to catch their breaths.

That was crazy, Luffy thinks, taking deep breaths in. He sure hopes no one took a video or remembers their faces. Seriously, it is Christmas. Why is he doing something like this?

"That was shocking." Luffy can hear Law says, and he turns to look at the younger teen's face, he sure is really surprised. Even Luffy is surprised.

"This is all your fault!" Luffy angrily responds.

"How is it my fault?!"

"You dare to ask?!"

Both of them then start to argue and somehow, in the middle of the argument both of them start to notice how Bartolomeo is staring at them. A very weird kind of stare. Then, they realize that Bartolomeo is staring at their hands, still very tightly holding each other's.

They immediately pull their hands away.

"Y-y-eah, like he said, we really are close." explains Luffy, before he laughs awkwardly while Law says nothing, both hands in his pockets and he is looking somewhere else. After a moment, Bartolomeo just nods.

"Oh, okay."

And, Luffy sighs in relief.


xxx

"Are you sure you want to go home alone? That kick was quite hard." says Luffy, as he walks with Law and Bartolomeo to the ticket gate. Then, he slowly turns to Law, hoping the younger gets his hint to find the younger teen averting his eyes to another direction.

"I'm okay. I feel good! All good! Doctor said I'm fine, right?"

"Hey, apologize to him!" Luffy whispers to Law but Law does not respond.

This... This brat...

Luffy elbows Law, trying to get the younger's attention and Law shows Luffy his 'cute angry face' in response.

Yeah, cute. Cute as usual but Luffy cannot let him get away with it this time so Luffy tries to show a stern face, a face that he hopes is serious enough to get Law to apologize. He does not mind Law not apologizing to him but that should not happen to his friends. Since he is older he should teach the brat a lesson once in a while. Although he might get killed for it.

Whatever.

And, Law finally gives in to the pressure. With his puffy cheeks, he turns to Bartolomeo and stares for a while before he utters, "Oi, chicken."

"Isn't it cockatoo?!"

Then, Luffy can see how Law's lips are starting to tremble. "S-s-s... So..." Law pauses for a while, slowly turning to look at Luffy to see the older gesturing to him to continue. Then, he unwillingly adds, "Ry... Sor-ry."

"Hmm... Kay." Bartolomeo responds and Luffy can see how Law's expression is turning angry.

"I just apologized!" Law says angrily and Luffy immediately jumps between them.

"Easy, easy!"

Luckily, it does not take long until both of them finally calm down and Luffy sighs in relief right after they see Bartolomeo off.

Finally. Finally.

He should never ever let those two meet again. Never.

The whole way home, neither of them are talking. Luffy steals glances of Law once in a while, just to make sure if he is doing fine. Just to make sure if he is feeling better. He looked really hurt a while before. Law catches him looking a while later and asks his usual question, "What do you want?"

"Are you okay?" Luffy asks, not hesitant as usual this time.

"Of course I am." Law answers, and Luffy turns away from him. That is when Law utters, almost whispering, "Thanks." just under his scarf.

Of course it is not clear enough for Luffy to hear it.

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"Nothing."


xxx

"One meter. It should be this wide." Law says to Luffy, both hands open as he shows Luffy the approximation. " So, you sleep here." he says, patting the space where Luffy is supposed to sleep.

Since they are going back the next day, both Law and Luffy spent the rest of the day just getting more quality time with Roger and Rouge. They were having some really good times just playing some board games, watching TV, eating, and chatting until very late.

And now, both of them are in the guest bedroom, ready to sleep.

"Is that even reliable?" Luffy questions, but Law ignores him.

Of course, of course.

How dare this brat...

"Time to sleep!" Law jumps up the bed and Luffy only looks as the younger makes himself comfortable.

Look at this brat, all cozy. Luffy thinks, followed by a yawn.

Well, he should sleep too... It had been an eventful day. So, Luffy dims the bedside lamp and joins Law.

An hour passed, and Luffy is still wide awake. He tried really hard but he could not sleep at all. What is wrong with him? He should be asleep by now. He then turns to the side where Law sleeps to find the younger looking like he is sound asleep, his back facing Luffy.

Isn't it lucky to be you? Luffy thinks, as he turns to look at the ceiling. Now, how should he sleep?

One sheep, two sheep, three sheep... He starts to count, and somehow, his eyes begin to feel heavy after the two hundredth sheep.

Two hundred... Two o one... Two o two... Two o three... He is starting to fall asleep when he suddenly hears a sniffing sound. Then, he can see Law slowly getting up. From where he is lying, Luffy can see Law wiping his face.

Is... Is he crying?

Then, he can see Law turning to look at him so he immediately pretends to be asleep.

Luffy is not sure how long he should pretend but a moment later he can feel Law getting off the bed. He opens his eyes a little and sees Law heading to the bathroom. Law stays inside the bathroom for quite some time and Luffy can still hear him sniffing when he got back.

Okay, he knows he probably should not talk to Law but it is somehow killing him.

In the end, he decides to just ask.

"Are you okay?" asks Luffy, and it takes a good few seconds before he can hear Law hums in response. "Something bothering you? Do you want to talk about it?" Luffy asks more questions, only to regret how easily he lets them slip off his mouth.

Seriously, why is he being so caring?

As expected, Law tells him no. Honestly, Luffy finds it unfair that Law knows his story but Luffy knows very little when it comes to Law. But then, they are only using each other. In the end, both of them will just end up back to being strangers so there is really no point in Luffy knowing anything about Law, right?

Then, both of them are silent.

Suddenly, Luffy can feel Law moving closer to him.

"Too cold." says Law, and Luffy is immediately reminded to how he was hugging Law earlier in the morning.

And, his heart starts to pound, nervous.

Shit. This is too much.

"S-s-o only you can do something like this? What happens to the one-meter rule?"

"Don't do anything to me." Law adds, this time he has both his hands wrapped around Luffy's arm.

This... This brat!

"Like hell I will! More like you don't do anything to me!" Luffy replies frantically, followed by Law's chuckles.

It gets silent again a while later and Luffy ends up just staring at the ceiling above him.

Honestly, he finds it even harder to sleep with Law clinging to him like that. Well, not because it is not comfortable. More like because it feels too warm, and too comfortable. Also, has Luffy mentioned that Law smells really good?!

What if Luffy ends up hug- ARGHHHH!

Okay, calm down Luffy. Calm down.

Let's try the classic way to sleep again.

Minutes passed, hundreds of sheep jumped over the fence and escaped but Luffy is still not asleep. He is not even sleepy.

Seriously, seriously?!

Luffy then slowly turns to look Law's direction to see the younger's eyes closed.

So, he is asleep?

Luffy then turns back to look at the ceiling in disappointment. For some reason, he just suddenly feels like talking to Law so bad. So, so bad.

"What do you want?" Luffy can hear Law asks, surprising the older teen.

Is he seriously a ninja?! Isn't he asleep?!

Although surprised, Luffy quickly makes use of the chance and talk.

"This New Year's eve... I'm going to a friend's place for a party. I'll probably sleep over." Luffy says, and he can hear Law hums in response. "So, it's okay?"

"Why not? I said you can do anything you want."

Yeah, Law did say that but he thought Law was not serious about it. Or changed his mind. So, he really does not mind, huh?

"So, what are you doing for New Year's eve?" Luffy asks, curious.

"Stay home. Play games, read, sleep."

And, Law's answer takes Luffy by surprise. He automatically blurts out, "Aren't you going back to Marie Jois? Spend it with your uncle?"

"He's doing good with his new girlfriend. I don't want to get in his way."

"How about your friends?"

Does he even have friends? Wait, will Luffy be killed for asking that?

Then, he can hear Law chuckling. "Someone is interested in my personal life."

"I'm just asking..."

Maybe just a little concerned...

"Are you worried about me?"

"Huh? O-o-o- of course not!"

"I'll be fine. Don't mind me. I told you, right? Just do anything you want."

Yeah, Luffy heard it but it does not make him feel better. Instead, he feels some kind of pain in his chest. Of course, he has no reasons to meddle with anything but somehow, he finds himself starting to just...

Care. Starting to care for Law.

And, he turns to look at Law to find the younger already asleep, smile on his face.


xxx

Few hours before Christmas dinner...

"Mother, is this okay?" Law asked Rouge who was preparing the ingredients for the steamed fish - one of Law's favorite dishes. Rouge then moved a little closer to Law who had an excited smile on, one hand holding out the spoon for Rouge. The moment she tasted the gravy, her face glowed up.

"Yeah, it tastes even better than mine! I'm sure Luffy will love it."

"Really? Thanks." Law responded excitedly and went back to finish the dish he was making.

"Thanks for caring so much about Luffy." Rouge says, and the tanned teen chuckles awkwardly.

"This is nothing."

And, Rouge did not even mean the dish alone.

Honestly, she started out with nothing but suspicion and some hatred towards Law. Why would a heir to a big empire choose a commoner like Luffy? Also, the condition was just... so wrong.

It just seemed like Luffy was treated like some sort of object.

She regretted letting Luffy to agree to the condition so easily. She should have fought harder. But then, the day Law came to visit she started to be convinced somehow that Law is not a bad person. He did not seem like the kind of person Rouge thought he would be. He treated them with so much respect and he just seemed to be genuinely concerned about Luffy.

For the past two months, Law had been giving her updates on Luffy. Every day without fail. And, Luffy seemed to be doing well based on what Law told her. Law even sent her photos of Luffy sometimes. Of course, the condition still bothered her somehow but still, she was just... really happy to see both of them doing so well. Also, how Luffy seemed to look more energetic and happier.

And, she was certain it was not just her imagining it.

"Are you okay?" Law asked, noticing how Rouge had been staring at him and Rouge chuckled awkwardly, immediately got back to doing her work.

"I've always wanted to ask one thing, if you don't mind." Rouge finally said, after some consideration.

"Sure."

"Why did you choose Luffy?"

And, her question seemed to made Law speechless somehow.

Rouge knew very well that the marriage was not out of love. At least not initially. But still, she wanted to know why.

Why did it have to be Luffy?

She was certain Law could have picked someone richer, someone more beneficial. So why?

"I'm sorry. Does that bother you?"

"No. Not at all. I... I just don't know how to put it." Law said, hand still busy stirring the gravy in the pot but Rouge knew he was trying to come up with a proper answer. "I just thought he seems like a very kind person..." said Law, a while later and Rouge can see how Law's face was gradually reddening.

Honestly, the answer sounded too simple to Rouge. Strangely, she was willing to accept it. It did not look like he was making it up either.

Then, Law chuckled awkwardly, "I'm sorry. That was a bad answer, wasn't it?"

And, Rouge gave him a soft smile.

"No. Not at all."