Luffy's actually a tad bit nervous to talk with Law about Sabo. He wonders if Law will hit him again, though he knows it's unlikely. Law's gentle, always gentle with him, and that one slap was well-earned on Luffy's part. He won't fuck things up this time.
Now Law's here too to make sure things go smooth; he's good at the planning stuff and he will know what to do so Luffy will stay low, however hard it will be. And he will find a way to get in contact with Sabo, and he's so happy because he missed his brother so much, so, so much and yet he's so scared of rejection, that Sabo will hate him for not being able to save Ace. He dreads that he will find resentment directed at him in Sabo's eyes.
Everything's so complicated now, he wishes time would turn back and the three of them would be still living in Goa when life was so simple. He isn't even sure if that's what he really wants, because that would mean losing Law, not even getting to know him. It wouldn't hurt maybe, not knowing him, but he wants Law by his side, or to stay by Law's side, he doesn't care, he just wants to be with him.
There's a knock on the door, and Jean Bart enters the room after he answers. He likes that the man doesn't look uncomfortable, he's like the immoveable rock, always confident and strong, trustworthy to rely on.
''The Duke wants to meet you at midnight, in the back garden'' he says, watching him intently.
''Okay..thanks'' he replies, not particularly paying much attention to him although he should – being so lost in thoughts doesn't do any good to him. He's going to get a fever in the near future if he continues thinking this much.
It's only nine o'clock and he doesn't have the slightest clue how he's going to survive the waiting for three more hours.
The past few hours had really been nerve-racking, he sat on one corner of the bed then laid face-first on the other, sat on the window-sill and when he couldn't bear the cold that streamed in he went to suffer on a sofa, staring at his aimlessly kicking legs that he brought up to the air.
He's back to staring out of the window, when a silhouette wades through the snow. He assumes that it's Law, as no one in their right mind would stride across the garden in winter-time in the middle of the night without a good reason.
He suddenly realizes that Law's already at the place of rendezvous and he has yet to even dress up. Simultaneously, there's a knock on his door and Jean Bart's gruff voice, asking if he's ready.
''A moment'' he yells as he jumps down from the sill, discarding the duvet that has been keeping him warm for a coat, pulling the boots up as quickly as he can. He already knows that he's going to be cold, but there isn't much he can do about that. He's never really not cold when he's outside anyway.
That though, isn't the reason why he doesn't want to go. Surely, seeing Law is something he always looks forward to, that's why he doesn't understand it. The crippling fear that slowly burns him up is foreign to him, and he can't fight it even though he's aware that it's irrational.
What is he so afraid of anyway? He didn't do anything. As far as he knows, Sabo didn't either. His brother didn't act hostile towards him. There's nothing to worry about, right?
If only he could convince that annoying, uptight voice that urges him to flee while he can. It augurs ill.
Though he isn't sure what the weird feeling is that has every single hair on him stand, he is sure of one thing: something is going to happen. Something big. If it's positive or not, he guesses only time will tell.
He paces uneasily, completely aware that from the castle he must exactly look like a lunatic in the middle of performing a black magic ritual, though the amount of fucks he gives is well below the temperature that is pretty low in itself.
Snow sticks to the toes of his boots, he absently notes, not really caring even if they were to soak. He has a tendency to show up a few minutes sooner than he should, but the trails of footprints he left in the fresh snow tells him that those few minutes have already run out and Luffy's still absent. It's a wonder how he still finds it in himself to care - that brat is habitually late.
Standing there, alone in the middle of the night, he's getting nervous. He has a foreboding feeling in his gut, swirling in him along with a hint of fear, creating a disgusting essence of dread. He wishes Luffy would be here soon, or even better, would be here already. His presence would be really appreciated now, though he wouldn't say this aloud in this context for the world.
He turns on his heels to walk in the opposite direction, and stops when he catches a glimpse of something from his peripherals. And it's no good. He can't be sure if he has seen it right - it has been way too fast for him to claim that, but it's been enough for him to raise his guard.
It has been as if there had been someone behind the snow-covered hedge.
Heartbeat quickening, fingers instinctively reaching for Kikoku, he contemplates what should he do. He curses as his hands touch nothing but air - his sword isn't with him. He didn't think he would need it when he left his chambers.
He takes a deep breath, willing himself to stay level-headed. Maybe there's nothing at all and he's just becoming paranoid, although his previous encounters with Death tells him otherwise. If something is fishy, there's something wrong, the experiences say.
He can sense bloodlust from miles. He feels like he' being watched from the rooftops, from behind him, from everywhere. That's just the paranoia talking, but where's the thin border of reasonable and unreasonable, rational and irrational in this chase?
He tries to only focus on his hearing, though he doesn't dare to close his eyes. Isn't foolish enough to do that. He can't hear anything but the howling wind, no crunching of snow, no voices, just the wind taunting him. He scowls, realizing that pulling his shit together is essential now – with or without his sword, he will manage.
Luffy will be there in few minutes anyway, in the worst case he will lend him a hand. He thinks Luffy's stronger than him in hand-to-hand combat, more skilled and practiced. He wants to slap himself for that last thought, for relying on someone so naturally and carelessly, for it ever entering his mind to put his lover in danger selfishly.
With newfound determination, he walks over and gets around the hedge to see if his eyes tricked him.
There's no one.
There's though, the feeling of somebody being behind him, watching him – it has the hair on his neck standing from the feeling, and this time, it's real. He turns around to find a woman standing a few feet away from him, and he wonders just how it is possible that he let her so close. He should have noticed her sooner.
She's tall, lean, with short, light hair that might be somewhere between red and blond, she's smiling and she has a knife in her hand.
Luffy skips every second step or so, rushing down the stairs, though he doesn't have an answer to the question why. He just feels like he needs to, knows he needs to. It isn't even about being late – well, not from the date. Law likely wouldn't be surprised at that. He's afraid that he'll be late from something more important.
His name is being called from behind, but he ignores it in favor of turning on a flight. He should be a flight ahead of Jean Bart, he thinks. He's reached the base of stairs and is now standing in a long corridor where various portrays of the Trafalgar family's dead ancestors stare at him.
He's uncomfortable with being there even at daylight, he always tries to avoid it and when he has no other choice than going this way, he never looks at them, even if they're basically his in-laws. He passes them without sparing a glance as always, ending up at the hallway that connects the main kitchen, the overly fancy ball-room and the great hall where their meals are normally served
(Except for when Law decides to spoil themselves and have some maid bring breakfast to the bed. Luffy sadly accepts that not many human has the supernatural powers to keep up with Luffy's appetite – running up and down the stairs to bring enough food for Luffy proved to be rather exhausting for the poor servants. Law said they might try this once again, but only in the distant future)
He is about to rush past the great hall when there's a rough thug on his coat, a cloth over his mouth and he's pressed against a rather hard chest. His cries of protests are muffled, attempts of breaking free ineffective – he kicks and touches nothing but the thin air, struggles to no avail, tries to bite off the fingers that cover his mouth only to feel the cloth in his mouth.
He's dragged inside the room, further from the opening so that they won't be seen when his company catches up to him. He slides down as he's shoved against the wall, ready to bolt up at any given moment, keeping his eyes on his attacker.
His uniform has the crest of X-Drake.
Before he could spring to his feet, he feels weight on his outstretched legs as the unknown man straddles him. He's so shocked that he actually forgets to put on a fight, and he only realizes it later on that he should have just headbutt the man in the crotch when he was crouching down.
He's even more shocked to see the man reaching for his helmet and sliding it off of his head, revealing a mane of gold hair and amused dark eyes with the left having the skin marred with an old burn scar around it.
''Sabo!'' he exclaims, albeit he knows he should be quiet, but he's too astonished for that. It doesn't help his quick pulse either, though now it's not from fear or adrenaline, it's from joy. He's close to tears because he's so glad to finally talk to Sabo. He's been waiting for this.
''Hey'' his brothers smiles, wide and happy, opening his arms for a hug, wordlessly telling Luffy to go on. He doesn't need to be told twice as he dives into the embrace instantly, basking in the warmth as Sabo wraps his arms around him.
'' What are you doing here?'' Luffy asks, voice raspy, but he's still holding his tears back.
'' I came for you, idiot'' Sabo chides, gently hitting him over the head. '' You didn't think I would just leave you there, did you? That louse already took one brother from me and is now threatening the other, but Koala will take care of him. I would have preferred doing it myself, but-''
''Take care of who?'' Luffy inquires warily, pulling away in suspicion. Realization begins to dawn on him and it brings fear with it. He can only hope he's wrong.
''That louse Trafalgar, of course'' he nearly snarls and Luffy swears his heart stopped beating for a moment as the weight of his words sinks in. This can't be true.
''No..no..nonono..You're kidding right?'' he looks at Sabo, pleading for it not to be true, for it to be the worst joke he's ever heard. He doesn't know how to deal with his own family trying to kill his lover. He doesn't think anyone else could.
His brother looks more confused than anything, frowning. ''Luffy?''
''Don't hurt him. Please'' he asks, desperate and scared of losing another important person. By the hands of his own family nonetheless.
''Luffy, do you even-''
''He didn't kill Ace. If you want to blame someone, blame me.''
'Blame you? What are you-''
''I was freeing him and he was shot. I was right there and didn't- couldn't do anything. It's not Law's fault. And it was my decision to come here, so please-''
''Wait, wait, wait. Let me get this straight. You're not a hostage. Then what is this?'' he asks, motioning with his hands around them, not meaning the room they're in but the whole situation.
''It's just an act! He didn't do anything bad! Please, Sabo…''
The blond man frowns deeply, not convinced, looking a little concerned about Luffy. He probably thinks I went mad, Luffy thinks. The raven clenches his fists and looks Sabo dead into the eyes.
''I really don't want to do it, but I'll fight you on this one if I have to'' Luffy says, challenging his own brother, preparing for an actual brawl. He never won against either of his brothers when they sparred years back, but he's become stronger and he isn't going to back down, not when Law's life on the line.
Sabo's face darkens dangerously. ''What's the exact nature of your relationship with him?'' he asks, tone grave. It sends chills up on Luffy's spine – he never thought his brother would use that tone when talking to him. He must be thoroughly pissed now.
It's bad, because he isn't like Ace when he's mad – Ace solves things with his fists when he goes into a fit of rage, but Sabo isn't that thoughtless. He thinks about how to cause the most pain, though Luffy doubts he would ever direct his rage at his family.
''I love him'' he chooses to say, clearly and loudly, holding his stare, daring Sabo to say anything about that. Maybe that isn't one of his best ideas, he realizes as the blond man's face shifts from shocked to even more pissed.
Still, he doesn't back down. It's Sabo who breaks the eye contact in the end. '' You have one hell of an explanation to give, but that can wait. Hurry up and let's hope we are not late just yet''
He learns that Koala is Sabo's betrothed, and that they met in the capitals. He also warns Luffy that she might look harmless, but she's badass and should not, under any circumstances, be underestimated. Such a nice way to meet his future sister-in-law, to have her trying to kill Law, Luffy thinks in a moment of uncharacteristic cynicism.
They arrive to find a pissed off Law, a woman being held down by Jean Bart, and a guard that doesn't know what to do with himself. He would probably be anywhere else than there at the moment rather than listening to the unfolding family drama. He has Luffy's sympathy, even if the man is lucky enough not to have his family and lover at each other's throat.
''You'll hang for this'' Law snarls, '' Be glad if I don't give you to the prisoners first to rip you apart''
Sabo instantly goes into a fit of rage after hearing that. ''You wouldn't dare- Let go of her, dammit!'' he yells, a vein popping out on his neck.
'' And who you might be?'' Law asks, ignoring the woman's relieved cry of Sabo's name, his tone is full of fake nicety. It's like venom, and Luffy thinks it's disgusting. Such a beautiful voice that Law has isn't meant to be tainted like that.
He thinks the time is as good as any to introduce Sabo to Law. Too bad it's not that simple – it isn't possible to get over this whole farce with just a few words. ''He's Sabo, my brother''
Law's expression shifts, from angry to calculating. Luffy can't say that he particularly likes when the Duke gets cunning, but there's nothing he could do about that – it's a part of Law. Comes with him as an unrequested extra, one that he would rather not have but had been blessed with unfortunately.
''Who is the woman?'' Law asks and Luffy makes his way towards him, only touching his elbow to be subtle about their relationship. He just needs to see that Law's okay and he didn't suffer any injury.
''She's his betrothed, Koala'' Luffy replies, not missing the way the back of their hands brushed together. He doesn't have any doubt that Law did it deliberately.
The older man looks like he's about to asks something, opening his lips for a question, decides not to vocalize it in the end. ''I would rather take this conversation somewhere else, where we preferably don't wake the whole castle'' he says finally.
They gather in the tower that was given to Luffy as his temporary room, given that it's the furthest from the chambers the invaders are quartered in. Law isn't keen on people who come uninvited and announce their staying without leaving any room to refuse them.
It's a long procedure, to tell Sabo everything, from how Luffy ended up in Flevance, how he found out about Ace at a venture, that he couldn't just leave his brother there and needed to do something, how Ace just died of all sudden, that his brother was right next to him and then he was gone, and that it's just a blur what happened after that.
Law doesn't comment on the fact that Luffy forgot to mention their relationship, only because he doesn't think it was on purpose. They have important things in mind, and who Luffy's courting at the moment is a completely different caliber from those. If it was deliberate, however, in that case it was for naught – surely, both the blond man and the woman next to him noticed their intertwined fingers.
He's surprised at the lack of tears shed – it would be, maybe, less heart-breaking if they didn't talk about the death of Portgas with stoic faces. He guesses the brothers' mourning runs deeper than that. He feels bad that all he can do is squeeze Luffy's hand whenever his voice wavers, offering what little comfort he can provide him. Luffy cuddles to him, never letting go of his tattooed hand, and he can't find it in himself to reject his open affection at the moment.
Still, he feels a bit awkward, not used to have an audience for his love-life.
Being outed brings them to a new topic, how did they come to be together. How indeed. '' It just…happened'' Law explains, lamely, loss at words. How did it really happen? No sparks of love ignited, there was just an instinctive desire to be close, he just found himself wanting to get to know that little idiot more, and he accidentally summoned upon himself more trouble than he bargained for.
Luffy's still a bit disoriented as the story-telling brought up memories he'd rather forget, so Law takes it on him to tell Sabo their little fairy-tale. That physical closeness always just felt natural, that in spite of their differences there's some short of connection, a higher understanding between them. Says that he doesn't feel butterflies or any kind of shit like that, only warmth and contentment. He doesn't say big words like 'love', feeling like it would make his little confession cliché, but the word lingers in the air, unsaid.
He feels Sabo's gaze on him all the while, or perhaps glare would describe that look better. Initially, at least, but the more he talks and Luffy chimes in the more heat his glare loses, until all that remains is a brooding look. The blond man is probably pondering about what to do with this relationship now, after all, he does not want to separate them as it would mean hurting his beloved little brother. He shouldn't have to worry, Law's handling the situation rather well.
Love leads to yet another topic, namely to Sabo's and Koala's relationship. Law inwardly praises himself for the clever diversion – he would rather keep his personal matters private. It's not anyone's business, only his and Luffy's anyway.
It's a lighter subject, easier to talk about. Apparently, two years ago when the brothers parted, Ace went to gather allies for the upcoming rebellion and Sabo went to the capitals to spy and grope information. Koala happened to be some short of benefactress of the poor at that time, having been a former slave freed by Fisher Tiger who had been the holder of that title before his unexpected death.
Law's heard about him too, he was purposely nettling the nobility, such as robbing them. Other than freeing slaves he didn't actually help people per see, but he was seen as a hero among the commoners for his bravery.
Koala took his place after he passed, becoming the leader of the 'merry men'. After one robbery, Sabo managed to follow them, of course just to congratulate them, and he nearly got killed because of his uniform. Once he was safe he invited Koala to join their case and bring down the nobility that had made her childhood a living hell, and she didn't need much convincing to join so. And things just escalated into the right direction from there.
Now, that they left the past behind, they can get to the present. Law has to go into a deep explanation of their little hostage-act, and has to deal with yet another stubborn brother. Talking with the blond man leaves the Duke questioning if Sabo and Luffy are really not related – they're too similar for their own good. But stubbornness be damned, he already managed to deal with one of them – and he's pretty sure Luffy's the less reasonable of the two- so he's confident in his own capability to get Sabo on their side.
Once that's done he's sure that the two men will be enough to get Dragon to follow Law's plan.
''Are you..sure about this? Staying in Flevance? With him?'' Sabo asks, though Luffy thinks that it's more out of habit than anything. His brother is aware that he has already made his mind up and after that, there's no use trying to change it. He always gets what he wants, in one way or another.
''Absolutely'' he grins, the thought of living the rest of his life with Law making him euphoric. He moves to hug Sabo, making sure to give him a hard squeeze, just for the brotherly love to last him a bit longer. A few broken ribs from the brotherly love would make a nice memento, he thinks.
''You know you can count on us if anything happens, right?'' the blond mumbles into his ear, tightening his grip on Luffy. He appreciates it, really, all the concern, but he worries too much about their relationship.
''Yeah, yeah'' he replies, dismissing it completely. After everything he and Law has been through in the past few months, he's convinced that they will manage in the future. Come what may, because what they have is stronger than ever before and no obstacle can break it.
''It's hard to believe that of all places you could have chosen, you found happiness there, in the land of snow and sorrow'' Sabo says, not actually seriously and without any edge, but more like wondering. He's about to protest, that Flevance isn't all that bad – although the weather is even worse than one could imagine- when his brother cuts him off. '' But honestly? With you, I don't even know why I am surprised.''
He giggles and sports another grin, knowing that it was Sabo's way to express his approval. He wouldn't have left Law for anything, so that approval shouldn't really matter, but it does. It fills him with satisfaction, and everything feels just better with it. He's been in mildly good mood anyway, and his brother just lifted it a few feet higher.
'' It's really not that bad'' he palliates, and in a moment of uncharacteristic creativeness the poet hidden deep, deep inside of him comes to the surface. A better title comes to his mind and he contemplates if he should say it out aloud, but the words fall from his lips before the thought process is finished. ''It's more like…a garden of winter''
He tries how that rolls on his tongue, and he likes it. Much better than that previous, depressing epithet.
His brother's eyebrows shot up high, with some exaggeration they nearly get lost in his blond locks. '' Now I am concerned'' he says, the corners of his mouth slightly curled up and his eyes gleaming with glee.
Luffy pouts, claiming that it is a good title, and Sabo retorts that this is the exact reason for his concern, earning a not too affectionate name-call from Luffy. Before the brothers could start a sparring session for everyone to see, Law and X-Drake step out of the castle, and if the expression on Law's face anything to go by, the Duke really wants the fellow noble out of there.
He has to stifle a round of laughter at that. Their farewell has to be cut short with X-Drake's interruption, but it doesn't matter– they've already said all the important stuff, at least everything Luffy can think of.
Well, there's one thing that was forgotten, but Sabo sure as hell doesn't forget to remind him that if he doesn't hear from Luffy for a few months, he will assume that there's trouble in the paradise and might make an uninvited appearance that nobody would be keen on.
He also adds that he wants to hear from Luffy through letters and not from scandals he might cause in the future, and the younger man almost feels insulted, until he notices that Sabo's just teasing like the jerk he is.
Koala looks a bit crestfallen that she couldn't properly bid her farewell, that she didn't even get to hug Luffy even though she already did in the morning, when she realized that they won't be seeing each other for god knows how long. She waves back with the same enthusiasm as he does, completely over her momentary sulking by the time they're about to set off.
It's only when the carriage pulls out of the gates when he feels Law's presence next to him, and he reflexly takes one tattooed hand into his and laces their fingers together, swinging their joined appendages happily while they make their way back to the castle.
Law suddenly lets out a relieved sigh, likely at the moment his brain actually registered that the invaders –as Law fondly called them few days ago, much to Luffy's mirth- left, and younger man couldn't keep the amusement off his face even if he wanted to. '' You hate them that much?''
''I wouldn't say I hate them, but I'd rather keep them at one or two countries distance.'' he replies, frowning a bit.
''Well then, it's just us now. Are you happy?'' he asks
''You could say that'' the Duke says, taking the inquiry more seriously than Luffy meant it. He flushes a bit, feeling warm and content as it sinks in. It may not be a completely off-guard answer, but it's as good as he'll ever get Law to say, so he will settle with it. The small kiss they share might have a part in that, if not, then the rare, honest smile Law gifts him to add weight to his words with surely do, and he blames his heavily beating heart trapped in his chest on that too.
Negotiations do begin with Sabo helping to convince Dragon, but frankly, that's all Luffy knows. He leaves the politics to people who know what they're doing – namely to Law, his father and the government dogs. (Law only concedes to leaving Luffy out after the younger man tried to get him to write his best regards to Dragon in a formal letter.)
Come to think of it, Law's like a midwife in the whole contract – he probably shouldn't say this to the Duke's face, he muses as a smile creeps on his face-, setting the conditions much to the Celestials' anger. The North got cocky, they said once, and only after Law pledged loyalty to the Empire –Luffy didn't let himself to be touched by Law in any way that night after that, even if he knew that it was really childish on his part and that the man did it purely out of necessity – was the contract born.
It's an accomplishment, that's what he tells himself as he reads the scroll with disgust. He glares at the ink like that would do any good for a few moments before his face relaxes, a sigh slipping from his lips. It reads that if the rebels put the weapons down voluntarily there shall be no victimization, the participants all receive amnesty, and nobles can even keep their lands.
It's not bad per see, with how bloody sanctions the Celestial's normally take, but they have barely gotten anywhere. The changes in taxes done in the last one and half year were revoked, to the point that East isn't suffocating, just feels grip of hands around the neck. That's all. They aren't free and hardly any progress was made, and it's only matter of time until everything goes back as things were before the whole war.
Law tells him to wait. He's been told that for his whole life, to wait, but wait for what? Who would change the world for them, if they don't take control in their own hands? Why do people keep repeating these coward words? Why isn't anyone acting?
His spirit dies down as he remembers that his father tried it. Tried the impossible and failed, the failure costing the deaths of thousands. What they gained is scarcely more than nothing, but it's viewed as a miracle that they didn't lose what little they have had in the first place.
Law, of course, notices his distress, he would have to be blind not to with how obvious Luffy's being. The shorter man doesn't notice when his lover has gotten up from his seat, only becomes aware of his presence when he feels his strong arm around his waist from behind, with the Duke's scruffy chin pressing against the crook of Luffy's neck.
He can't help but squirm a bit; he won't ever get used to that damned, ticklish facial hair, even though he likes it on Law.
''Torao, your goatee tickles'' he mumbles, feeling a smile tugging at his lips as Law lets out a tiny, but resigned sigh. If the older man's chest weren't pressed against him from behind, he wouldn't even felt it. He can picture the eye-roll that Law surely gave him, he always does that when people get his name wrong. If he didn't know any better, he would think that his lover actually minds it with all the fuss he does over it.
'' What's on your mind?'' Law asks.
Luffy waves the scroll a bit, scowling at it one last time before he tosses it on the table, without any respect towards the formal papers. ''I thought we talked about that'' Law chides and it's Luffy's turn to roll his eyes.
''I hate them. I hate this all'' he says bitterly.
Law soothes him. ''I know, I know. But you have to understand that-''
Luffy finishes it for him, with an additional distorted tone just to mock Law. '' This was the only way, I know, I've heard it like fifty times''
''Oi.'' Law warns, and Luffy's surprised that he hasn't bonked him on the head. ''Don't make fun of me''
'' Alright, alright'' he says with a dismissive wave of his hands. They stay quiet after that, somewhere along the way Luffy's hand slid down on the top of Law's and his fingers between Law's fingers. Luffy has calmed down, for the most part, and upon noticing that, Law decides to break the comfortable silence.
'' A penny for your thoughts on holy matrimony?'' he asks all of sudden, nibbling on Luffy's earlobe. A shudder runs down on his spine, but he doesn't let that to deter him.
'' I would marry Torao. I want to marry Torao'' he replies easily, twisting his head into an almost unhealthy angle just to see Law's reaction. His lover smiles, but Luffy swears that there's a tint of pink on his face, though he's aware that should he ever mention it, Law would blame the slight color on the rays of the setting sun. It would be in vain, because it's orange and not pink, but the younger man isn't about to get into an argument about sunsets.
''Unfortunately, that's not possible'' Law says, then lowers his voice into a whisper. '' But there's something very similar to it…''
'' What is it?'' Luffy asks eagerly, his leg jostling in excitement as he turns around in Law's hold, searching for his lover's face. He scrutinizes him, looking for signs that he's just joking. Law looks earnest and that has Luffy's heart beating fast against his ribcage.
'' It's called affrèrement'' he explains, and seeing Luffy's scrunched up expression as he tries to parrot it, he just chuckles and translates. '' I believe it would be translated something like 'brotherment'. Un pain, un vin, et une bourse – one bread, one vine, and one purse. Are you grasping it yet?"
One look at Luffy's blank face is what it takes him to get his answer. '' It's a contract between two of the same sex that legally allows to live together and share property – basically, just like a marriage, though no lust or any form of physicality is necessary.''
''So we're going to marry?'' Luffy asks, too excited to actually listen to Law.
''No, formally, we're going to be spiritual brothers'' his lover corrects and Luffy pouts.
''You're not my brother''
Law rolls his eyes, seemingly trying to remain calm. ''Obviously. That's just a formality. Technically, we are going to live like a married couple and nobody will suspect anything''
''Then we're marrying'' Luffy concludes with a nod, and he might have said something he shouldn't have because Law doesn't look happy.
''Yes, we are marrying, but don't boast with it. Now will you let me finish it?''
'' Yup.''
'' This contract is beneficial for tactical reasons as well. My lands will be yours too and your share of Dragon's lands will be mine. I presume you're the only heir?''
Luffy sucks on his lips, deep in thought. He honestly never cared enough to ask, but there's been something… Sabo isn't related to them in any way, and so he can't be included in Dragon's will. The only way his father was able to think up is gifting him lands, but it still means that with Ace's death, Luffy's the only heir.
'' That means that the lands are yours, and therefore mine too. As long as I keep what's written in the contract, the empire's army has no right to set a foot on my lands''
His heartbeat quickens, warmth pools in his stomach as hope fills him. ''Does that mean that…?''
''We might be able to rout them out, yes'' Law reassures, '' but only from your properties. They'd still remain on the rest of the area. You'd have to take lands from the other lords for this to works – and trust me, they would not be delighted to help.''
'' Zoro would help – he's a Count and my friend! Also, Usopp could easily convince Kaya – a Marquess – to help too!''
'' That sounds wonderful, but don't get too carried away just yet – it hasn't been documented if people of our ranks have ever gone through this ritual. Theoretically, it would work but technically, it is unheard of.''
'' Are you going to back down now?'' Luffy asks, puffing his cheeks up to show his distaste.
His lover hurries to reassure him. ''No, no, not by any chance'' he says, pressing a kiss to the corner of Luffy's mouth. ''I just don't want you to be disappointed, but I wanted to ask your opinion on the matter before I start planning anything – lands are a sensitive subject, for most nobles. There are also other factors to take into account, such as-''
''I don't care.'' Luffy scowls, cupping Law's face. '' Will you do it?''
''I told you that-'' Law objects but Luffy's having none of that.
'' Will you?''
His lover casts him a nasty look, but his expression morphs into one of amusement mixed resignation. ''I will.''
Luffy grins, tiptoeing himself to meet Law's lips with his own. Maybe things will turn out fine in the end.
Soo this was it. Thank you for reading if you got this far, I hope you found it enjoyable :)