A/N: heres to the second to last chapter of this fic. whew.
59. Goodnight, Love
It's the end of October, finally going onto November. Law looks out the hospital window and wonders where the time has gone. So many things have happened that he almost forgot how late in the year it was getting. Maybe he'd get Luffy a scarf.
Later that morning, Zoro, Sanji, Barty, and Sabo all come to visit Luffy. Law looks on with a soft smile as they practically smother the man in hugs, asking how he's doing, wondering if he's okay. Luffy responds in kind, laughing at their tearful cries, loving the attention given to him. It's Sanji who suggests they all take a walk; it's nice outside, only the afternoon, and Luffy's finally awake. Luffy obviously agrees, ready to be anywhere but in a bed. Law only agrees because Luffy is going.
With the doctor's approval, they're soon out and about in the sunlight, strolling on the winding sidewalks outside the hospital. Law has to admit, the sunlight feels lovely after being inside for so long. He's at the back of the group, letting the others crowd around Luffy in front of him. They laugh and share stories of their fights and experiences, things they went through while the other wasn't there. Law watches on with a soft smile, glad to see Luffy back to his regular happy-go-lucky self. The happiness radiating off his lover again is exactly what he fought for. It makes everything seem so worth it now.
He loved him.
Law pauses in his tracks, the full force of the words dawning on him. He was a brilliant shade of red, and his eyes were wide with shock. He...what?
Luffy glances back at him, smile brighter than the sun high above them. "What're you waiting for, Law?"
A sense of deja-vu hits him; he vaguely remembers saying those three special words while half asleep in Luffy's bed. What did Luffy say in return…
Law's blush deepens. He said he loved him back.
Damn, he meant to confess in a better fashion. He's flustered and frustrated, a combination unbefitting of him, and he sinks his head into his hands.
Suddenly there's a hand on his wrist, tugging him on. "God, do you always stare off into space? Come on!" Luffy pulls him forward, and Law forces himself to walk lest he fall face first into the concrete below.
"Why are you so red, man?" Zoro asks as he approaches, and Law attempts a weak glare in his direction.
"Shut it."
"Wow," Sanji comments off to the side, "you're really embarrassed, aren't you, Law?"
Law turns his glare over to the blonde. "You shut it too."
Luffy laughs between all of them. "What're you guys even talking about?"
Law shakes his head and smiles. It's moments like these that he missed terribly. All the drama going on in their lives has distracted him from the little things like this. All the precious moments of them just being together. It makes Law's heart soar, makes him feel ten times lighter.
Makes him feel at peace.
The monster within him has long since died off, finally put to rest after everything that has gone down. One look from Luffy and it cowards in fear, screaming in pain from the love the man has given him. With his revenge exacted and Luffy finally safe, it no longer served any purpose within him. He was free from its shackles. He could live without guilt.
"Calm down you guys, we're in a hospital," Sabo warns with a sigh. "Don't want to bother the other residents."
"Sabo is right," Law seconds.
Zoro rolls his eyes. "Don't act all doctor on us now, not when you were just blushing like a little girl."
"I was not," the surgeon growls, and Sanji chokes on laughter.
"He's not exactly wrong, you know."
Law runs a hand over his face. "You both are killing me here."
Luffy curls around Law's arm, leaning his head on his bicep, walking happily beside him as the group makes their way down the sidewalk. Everything is peaceful for once, and Law couldn't have it any other way.
It's later that day that Luffy is finally released from the hospital. He recovered miraculously quickly, according to the doctors taking care of him, and he was free to go as long as he took it easy for the next few weeks. Luffy, the excitable ball of energy he was, almost jumped out of his bed, making for the door, forgetting all his stuff. Law carries his minimal belongings without complaint, following Luffy to the exit.
In the lobby of the hospital, Luffy is chatting with Shachi, Bepo, and Penguin animatedly. Law lights up upon seeing them, his smile almost automatic.
Penguin sees him first and returns his grin. "Look who finally decided to rejoin society."
"Hey to you too," Law chuckles, coming closer and setting down his bags. "What're you three doing here?"
"What're we doing here?" Shachi looks at him like he was an idiot. "We're here to pick you up, that's what."
Law blinks. "Oh really?"
Bepo nods. "Yeah."
"How else did you expect to get back home?" Shachi asks, raising a brow. "Did you forget we're in the middle of Dressrosa?"
Law makes a questioning noise. "But I flew here...can we not fly back?"
"I'm afraid not." Sabo walks towards them from a hallway, accompanied by Sanji, Zoro, and Barty. "Sorry, I overheard some."
Zoro frowns in his direction. "Why not?"
"I've been away from the Revolutionaries longer than I should've been. They're asking for me back." Sabo laughs awkwardly. "I'm sorry, but my hands are pretty much tied."
"No worries," Law says, "we understand."
Sabo smiles, relieved. "Thank y- oh."
Luffy has wrapped his arms around his brother, burying his face in his chest. Sabo relaxes into the hug, rubbing his hands up and down the younger's back. "Luffy."
"You're leaving again?" Luffy mutters into his chest.
"Yes," Sabo replies softly, "but we can always text or call each other."
Luffy's grip around his brother tightens. "I'm gonna miss you."
Law feels his heart clench as Sabo hugs Luffy dearly, chin resting on his head. "Me too, little bro. Me too."
Sabo lets go and ruffles Luffy's hair, bending down slightly to get face to face with him. "I'm leaving now, okay?"
Luffy sniffles and wipes at the tears in his eyes. "Okay."
"Take care of yourself, alright?" Sabo's smile turns sad. "Or else Ace is gonna skin us alive."
Luffy's eyes widen at that before snapping shut, nodding vigorously. "Yeah."
Sabo pats his head once more before turning to Law. "I'm leaving my brother in your care, Law."
"Leave him to me," Law promises seriously.
Sabo nods, turning to everyone else and waving. "It's been a long journey you all, but we've finally made it to the end. I'm glad to have been there with you. Until we meet again."
"See ya, Sabo!" Sanji bids.
"Take care," Zoro grunts with a small bob of the head.
"Later, boss," Barty grins.
Shachi, Penguin, and Bepo all wave at him, murmuring various versions of "goodbye". Law waves as well, watching Sabo retreat from them. Luffy grabs his hands and intertwines their fingers, holding on tight as he gazes at Sabo, longing in his features. It's only until Sabo disappears out the door and into the sunlight does Luffy finally sigh and lets go of him. He looks sad.
"Hey," Law coddles gently, "don't look so down. Sabo will chastise me."
Luffy takes a deep breath. "...Alright."
"Well then!" Shachi announces loudly, clapping his hands together. "Are we ready to leave for home?"
When a disjointed chorus of agreements meet his ears, Shachi grins wide. "Great! We rented a van for the drive here, so it should fit everyone!"
"Will a van fit all of us?" Law wonders skeptically.
Bepo only winks at him, and Law narrows his eyes at the man. This couldn't be good, whatever it is.
"Anyway," Shachi ignores him, "is everyone here?"
"Wait," Luffy says suddenly, "where's Kidd? I thought I saw him here…"
Law lowers his eyes, remembering the conversation he shared with the man yesterday. "He left already."
Luffy's expression is unreadable. He swallows thickly. "I see."
"What, did you want to talk with him or something?" Zoro says low. "I don't see what you two have to speak about."
"No! I just." Luffy sighs. "Kind of...appreciate that he came to help. That's it."
"Appreciate all you want, but he won't be coming around anymore," Law tells him.
"Good," Luffy says firmly. "Seriously, I'm glad."
"Don't forget to tell us all the details about what happened while you were here on the ride back, Law," Shachi interrupts their conversation. "We only got the bare bones of it while you were getting treated."
"Sure thing," Law sighs, "though I doubt you'd find it interesting."
"I think you brutally killing half the Family would definitely count as interesting," Barty grumbles.
"Prepare yourselves!" Penguin begins walking out the front door of the hospital, and the men all follow. "We have a nine hour drive!"
"Nine hours?!" Sanji repeats. "What the hell?"
"We need to stop for gas and some food too," Penguin continues without missing a beat. "So hold on tight. It'll be a long drive."
Law's jaw drops when they approach the vehicle Shachi and the others arrived with.
"You fuckers said a van, not a class motorhome!" he cries, to which his friends all snicker.
"We all pitched in to rent it," Bepo reveals, "because we knew we'd need the space."
Law is dumbfounded as they open the door and start piling in. Beside him Luffy laughs freely. "Come on in, Law!"
He snaps out of his trance and steps up the short stairs to the large motorhome. He's greeted by smooth wooden surfaces and flooring, a wide flatscreen tv taking up the entirety of one wall, various tables and chairs, a wide couch, a small kitchenette, and even an upper area for sleeping. Law gawks at the expensive looking interior for what seems like ages until Sanji playfully shoves at him.
"You gonna stand there forever, Law?" he asks, setting his stuff down.
Law blinks and pulls himself together. He's guided to an area of the couch to place his things, and puts Luffy's near his. "Is this...really okay?"
"Hey, is there any booze in this thing?" Zoro ignores Law and opens their mini fridge, glancing around inside. "How the hell could you guys forget the alcohol?"
"We can grab some on the way, dumbass," Sanji says from across the van. "Don't get your panties in a twist."
"What did you say?" Zoro growls, turning on the blonde. Sanji only has a curious eyebrow raised, and Zoro's eyes are narrowed.
"No, I had this place first!" Barty argues at another corner of the vehicle, gesturing to an area of the couch that Bepo was sitting in.
Bepo frowns and crosses his arms. "But I sat here first!"
"Do you not see my stuff all on the floor?"
"But you weren't here."
"I was using the restroom!"
"That sounds like a personal problem."
Behind him, Penguin chuckles. "Of course it's okay, Law. We all deserve a break. Look at all of them, relaxing."
"Looks like they're more so arguing," Law deadpans.
"Either or works," Penguin grins. "So let someone else take care of you for once, okay?"
It's with a start that Law realizes that Luffy isn't the only one with people around him that care for his well being. Law had his friends and acquaintances, too. It makes a small smile light his features.
"Oh dude, cut it out, you look weird smiling," Penguin groans, and Law only shakes his head.
"Fuck off, Peng."
They finalize settling in, and with Penguin driving, they quickly hit the road.
The drive isn't as awful as Law thought it would be. They stopped for gas soon after departing, during which Shachi, Penguin, and Bepo fought over who would pay for the gas (Law somehow ended up paying), before heading back on the road. Sanji put up some horror flick to pass the time (Luffy clung to Law the entire time as it was playing, and Law found it adorable) and it helped distract him from how much longer they had to go until they arrived back home.
An hour into their trip is when they stop for lunch. Law thought Luffy's table manners were bad, which they are, no doubt, but damn does Barty give him a run for his money. It was as though the man was vying for the 'worst eater ever' badge. Law watched on in disgust as both him and Luffy stuffed their faces like they've never seen food before. Oh, and Law ended up paying for their meals, too.
Once they hit the road again, Luffy began to fall asleep. Whether it be from the large meal he ate earlier or the jostling of the van, the man's lids were starting to slip close. He nestles into Law's side, arm thrown over his middle, snoring softly into his shoulder. Law threads his hands through Luffy's hair gently, kissing his forehead, murmuring sweet nothings into his ear. Sanji looks over at Zoro pleadingly, shifting his legs apart to make a Zoro-sized space. The green haired sighs, standing and walking over to Sanji before sinking down next to him on the couch. Sanji makes a happy noise and curls into Zoro's side, throwing a leg over his waist as he cuddles into his arm. Zoro has to hold back a blush.
Penguin switched out with Shachi behind the wheel at the three hour point, much to Law's chagrin. They were all going to die if he was the one driving them. But Shachi assures him he has it, and with that, they begin the second third of their trip. At one point, they stop at a supermarket (Law had to hold Luffy back from devouring all the snacks he saw) for some food for Sanji to cook and some alcohol for Zoro. Once back in the van, the blonde made them all some sandwiches to feast on while the second movie played in the background. Although Barty, Shachi, Penguin, and Bepo all marveled at his cooking skills, the rest took it gratefully, thanking him. All except Zoro of course. He ate and drank in silence (but still enjoyed it).
Law soon falls asleep while the second movie plays and wakes up to Bepo at the wheel, meaning they had three hours or less of the ride left. Sanji and Zoro had fallen asleep all over each other, snoring loudly, drool dripping past their lips. Barty was still awake, watching the movie with wide eyes, and Shachi and Penguin were playing games on their phone. Next to him, Luffy grumbles something in his sleep, shifts, then holds Law closer. Law smiles softly and relaxes back into the couch, hands wrapped around Luffy protectively. He soon drifts off to the rocking of the vehicle on the road.
When Law wakes up again, it's late, and Barty is gone.
He warily blinks himself awake. "What-"
"Law! You're awake!" Luffy brightens from beside him. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah I did," he responds, looking around confusedly, "but where's Barty?"
"Dropped him off at the dorms already," Bepo responds from up front. "We've been back in town for about half an hour now."
"We're headed to Zoro's place next!" Luffy says.
Law hums his understanding and sits up a little straighter, yawning. "God, those nine hours felt like an eternity."
"They went by fast to me."
"That's because you were sleeping most of the time, Luffy."
"Was I?"
Law sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Yes. I don't blame you, either, after eating enough servings in one meal to last someone else three days."
Luffy giggles to himself and smiles big. "Oopsies."
"You idiot."
"We're here, Zoro," Bepo announces from the front of the van.
Law watches as Zoro untangles himself from Sanji, whispering something low in his ear. Sanji stirs lazily, stretching out long legs, and runs a hand through his hair. Law averts his eyes, thinking the scene was a touch too intimate to be watching.
Zoro soon collects his things, shouldering all his belongings, and walks to the front. Sanji follows after, dragging his things behind him. Law's brows rise at the two of them getting off at the same spot, but he doesn't say a word. It's Luffy and his big mouth that breaks the silence.
"Are you guys living together?" he wonders, tone honest.
Sanji whirls on him with a red face. "Uh-"
"Yes," Zoro answers, grabbing Sanji's hand and tugging him along. "Now come on, let's go."
Law hums to himself as they depart, wondering when the two have gotten so close. Or maybe they've always been close, and Law just hasn't been tuning in to their relationship. Not that it was any of his business either way. He's happy for them, though.
Once they're gone, Luffy whistles. "I knew they were bound to get together soon but I didn't know they already lived together."
Shachi laughs. "How did I know this and you didn't?"
"You knew?" Law asks, baffled.
The redhead fixes him with a deadpan look. "The power of texting. Maybe you'd know if you responded to mine more than once a month."
Law lazily flips him off, and Shachi returns it with a big smile.
"Now it's you lovebirds turn," Bepo says, trudging the van forward. "Your apartment isn't that far from here."
The surgeon turns to his lover. "You're staying with me, Luffy?"
"Yup!" Luffy leans on his shoulder. "Figured it wouldn't be a problem..."
"No, not at all," Law waves off his worry, "just kinda wondered why you didn't get off with Barty."
"I wanted to be with you instead." Luffy nuzzles into his shoulder more.
Law can't resist lining kisses atop his head, sighing into the soft locks. "Me too."
"God, if I watch any more I'm gonna puke," Shachi gags, and Penguin slaps him on the arm playfully.
"Then don't watch, idiot."
"Wait a minute." Law looks over at his friends. "How are you guys gonna get home? Lug this big thing around the city?"
"We'll drop it off at this center thing." Penguin dangles a ring of keys. "My car is there."
Law nods. "I see."
"We're here, you two." Bepo turns around from the front. "Finally at your complex."
Law looks outside the window to the familiar building and feels his heart lift a little. He was finally home. They were finally home.
"Get your stuff, Luffy," Law mutters, easing the man off of him. "We're home."
"Mkay." Luffy grabs the few items he has and jumps up, ready to leave the van. "Finally I can walk around."
Law waves his goodbyes to his friends, wishing them a safe trip back. They all shoo him off the van with matching smiles. "Make sure you respond to my texts!" Shachi left him with, and Law couldn't help but laugh.
"Sure thing."
After the van departs, leaving Law and Luffy in the chill of the night, Law sighs. "We're here."
"Yup," Luffy whispers into the wind. "After how many weeks?"
"Days," Law reminds him, "it's only been days."
"Feels longer," Luffy murmurs, and Law has to admit, the guy was right.
Law turns to Luffy and tilts his chin up to meet his eyes. "I'm glad you're back with me, safe and sound."
Luffy holds the hand over his cheek, tilting his head into it. "Me too."
It's Law who leans forward first, pressing his lips gently against Luffy's. Luffy stands on his tippy toes to reach Law's height, kissing him with more fervor. Law lets his things slide to the ground and brings his other hand to Luffy's face, holding him as though he were the most fragile thing in the world. He bites down softly on Luffy's bottom lip, and the man groans before him, opening up his mouth to allow Law in deeper.
Law breaks off the kiss to press his head to Luffy's, breathing harshly. "I love you so much."
Luffy is flushed to his ears, looking up at Law like he held the sun up in his sky. "I love you too."
Law smirks and kisses down his neck, licking languidly. He feels Luffy shiver in his hold. "Law."
"I've missed you," Law murmurs, kissing back up his neck. "So much."
"God," Luffy whimpers, clawing at his back, "anything for you."
Law smiles and grabs his hand, squeezing gently. "Let's get back to my apartment."
Luffy's brow twitches, lips curling into a teasing smile. "Alright."
"By the way, Law."
"Hm?"
The two lay naked together in Law's bed in the wee hours of the next morning. Sunlight streams into the window, bathing Law's bedroom in a soft light. Luffy's on his back, staring at the ceiling, blanket pulled up to his chest. Law's situated on his side, holding up his head with a bent arm, watching Luffy closely.
"Can I..." Luffy purses his lips, looks away.
"Come on, you know you can tell me anything." Law reaches out and caresses his arm. "Talk to me."
Luffy finally turns to him with a bated breath. "Can I move in with you?"
Law blinks, taken aback. Out of all the things he expected Luffy to say, that was certainly not one of them. "Not that I'm against it, but what about school?"
"I'll take the bus." Luffy looks at him pleadingly, and Law can't help but feel his heart leap into his throat. "I'm only staying the rest of the semester, anyway."
He doesn't have to think more than a few seconds.
"Of course you can," Law gives in easily. "I'd love that...a lot actually."
Luffy pounces on him, showering him with kisses, squealing in joy. "Thank you thank you thank you!"
"Of course." Law can't help but laugh as Luffy's kisses catch his face, his neck, his shoulders, lower. Law's laughter turns into groans as Luffy trails pecks down his chest and towards his groin, brushing over his rising hardness.
"You're insatiable," Law pants as Luffy starts feeling him up insistently, grinning at him.
"You're no better," Luffy murmurs, squeezing, and Law bucks into his hand without warning. "Do you have work today?"
"Yeah-"
Luffy grins mischievously. "Tell them you're gonna be late."
Law's lips part on a breathy moan. "Luffy..."
Luffy hums, gaze flickering up to him. "Yes?"
Law's eyes are dark with arousal, licking his lips. "Put that mouth of yours to better use."
Luffy chuckles and brings down the top of Law's boxers. "Yes sir."
When Barty got the call that Luffy was going to be moving in with Law midday, he wasn't surprised in the slightest. In fact, he was more surprised that he hadn't moved in with him earlier. He barely lived in the dorm as it was.
"Sorry for the sudden intrusion," Luffy mutters as he enters his old dorm room.
"Oh no worries," Barty says offhandedly.
Law enters behind Luffy. "Will it just be you here now?"
"For now, yeah," Barty affirms, "but after the semester is done, I'm going to the revolutionaries full time."
"Are you really?" Luffy marvels, "that's awesome!"
Barty rubs the back of his neck. "Yeah, I'm excited."
"That's kind of what I want to do, too." Luffy lowers his eyes, contemplative. "Stopping school to open up my own dance studio. I have no idea what I want to be anyway, so why not do something I'm good at?"
Law turns to him. "Oh, are you not going to strip anymore?"
"Maybe on the side, I haven't really decided yet." Luffy's expression is thoughtful. "But I wanted to follow in Shank's footsteps. Remember, he was my teacher?"
"Right," Law nods, recalling. "And Amazon Lily?"
Luffy makes a face. "Fuck, I forgot about Amazon Lily."
"I'm sure you'll figure out something," Law chuckles, ruffling his hair.
"Well, good luck to the both of us," Barty says with a supportive thumbs up.
Luffy beams at him. "Thank you, Barty."
Law looks at Luffy's side of the bed. "Now let's get all your shit in my car."
Luffy agrees with a fist in the air.
The rest of their time there is spent with Law, Luffy, and Barty helping move Luffy's things from his dorm to Law's car. It takes them longer than Law thought, mainly because Luffy kept fumbling with all of his things and dropping them, and Barty was just slower than them. Law couldn't help but roll his eyes at the two men, both incompetent in their own ways. But alas, hours later, Luffy's side of the room is spotless, and Law's car is piled high with shit.
Luffy and Law leave Barty with a drawn out goodbye, and then they drive back to the apartment, items bouncing and colliding together with each rushed stop or sharp turn. He's almost thankful when he finally arrives back home, just to not hear all the noise.
Without Barty to help, the trips going up to and from Law's room are long. They take even longer than packing the items in to get the items out, and the sun soon sinks in the sky, leaving them with little sunlight to work with while moving Luffy's things. It's not until the sun is but a sliver of red on the horizon does Luffy move the final piece from Law's car up into his apartment, and when it's settled on the floor, Luffy collapses onto the couch, exhausted.
"Finally, we're done," he groans, running a hand down his face.
Law raises his brows at the endless amounts of boxes that litter the ground, turning his head to survey the craziness. "Uh, I'd hate to break it to you, but the unpacking is just beginning."
Luffy makes a face. "Why is it so much work?"
"You're the one who decided to move in with me," Law chuckles, walking over and sitting down on the couch next to Luffy. "Of course it wouldn't be easy. Have you contacted the school?"
"Yeah, I'm free to leave." Luffy looks up to the ceiling. "I'm surprised they let me go so quickly."
"It's not like they could've forced you to stay in the dorms," Law points out.
Luffy laughs lightly. "True."
There's a sudden ring of a doorbell that echoes throughout the apartment, and Law's head snaps to the front door, furrowing his brows in confusion. "Who could that possibly be?" he murmurs.
He gets up from the couch and makes his way to the front door. With a quick flick of the wrist, the door comes unlocked, and he pulls it back, peering through to his visitors questioningly.
"Oh." He widens the door. "It's just you guys."
"We have names you know," Zoro scoffs at the same time that Sanji says, "Hey!"
Luffy sits up a little straighter in his seat. "Zoro! Sanji! What're you doing here?"
"Just swinging by." Sanji looks around the apartment, nose upturned. "What the heck are all of these boxes?"
"They're all my stuff, I'm moving in," Luffy explains.
"Cute," Zoro comments honestly, "that's really cute. I'm happy for you."
Luffy blushes lightly. "Thank you."
"So," Law begins, making his way back towards the couch. "Do you guys want something to drink?"
"Oh no, we won't be staying long." Sanji puts up his hands. "To be honest, we were just in the area, and decided to stop by."
"I see."
"Luffy," Zoro calls out.
The man tilts his head. "Yeah?"
"Are you...gonna strip again?" he asks cautiously. "I know you said no the last time I asked you about Kuraigana, but things have changed."
Luffy thinks deeply. "I actually...wanted to talk to you guys about that."
Sanji makes himself comfortable on one of the stools near Law's island. "What's up?"
"I want to open a dance studio." Luffy smiles down at his lap. "And I wanted you two to help me."
Sanji and Zoro go quiet for a while, and Law worries that they're going to say no. After all, they did have the other strip club to look forward to.
The blonde hums, thinking. "I can help, but I won't be a full time teacher or anything."
"Same here," Zoro agrees, "I'm always willing to help you Luffy, but I just love stripping too much."
Luffy's eyes positively sparkle. "Do you mean it?"
"Of course," Sanji says seriously.
Luffy's smile is bright with happiness. "I want to name it the Thousand Sunny, since the Going Merry burned down."
"I have a feeling that name is very fitting," Law comments, hugging Luffy's side.
"I'm sure you'll do great with that, Luffy," Zoro says, flashing him a grin. "You know we'll have your back no matter what."
Sanji nods. "And if you want to strip on the side, I'm sure Mihawk would love to have you."
"You guys are so nice to me," Luffy places his hands over his heart. "Thank you. Seriously."
Zoro chuckles. "No problem!"
Sanji already turns towards the door. "Now that we know what your plans are, we can let Mihawk know."
"Alright!" Luffy says.
"Are you guys leaving already?" Law wonders.
"Told you we wouldn't stay long," Sanji says with a light laugh.
The duo bid their farewells to Law and Luffy, then slip back out of the apartment without further notice. Luffy stares at the door for a while after they leave, absently stroking Law's hand. Law can practically see the gears turning in his head as he thinks deeply.
"Worried about the future?" Law pops the question after a few minutes of comfortable silence.
"A little," Luffy admits, turning over Law's hand to run his thumbs over his palm.
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be fine." Law flexes his hand so Luffy can thread his fingers through his. "Sanji, Zoro, and I all have your back."
Luffy's grin turns soft. "That makes me more confident. Thank you."
"I'll be right there with you," Law murmurs, planting a kiss on Luffy's cheek. "But for now, let's focus on the present. We have a shit ton of work to do if we're gonna finalize your moving in."
"We have all the time in the world," Luffy whispers up to him, "don't we?"
"Well," Law says softly against his skin, "I do have to return to work soon."
Luffy gives him this pointed look, more of a pout than anything, really, and Law sighs, shaking his head. "Okay, maybe not too soon."
"Yes!" Luffy cheers, pumping his fist in the air. "Nap time!"
Law looks at him incredulously. "Nap-?"
He soon finds himself pushed back on the couch, Luffy sprawled on his front, head laid on his chest. Law sighs as the sound of soft snorting greets his ears. "At least tell me if you're tired, idiot," he murmurs, rubbing up and down Luffy's back.
He's about to move Luffy to his- their bedroom- when the man shifts, pinning Law under him. The air is knocked out of Law and he promptly gives up, opting to sleep on the couch for the night.
"Goodnight, love," he whispers, cuddling up to Luffy tight.
⎡ END OF PHASE THREE ⎦
A/N: thanks for enduring this long journey with me everyone! next chapter is an epilogue and then we're doneeeee!