TRIGGER WARNING: It's all fucking fluff.
December 25th soon rolls around. A few days ago a huge storm had hit the city and from what Law could tell through the barred up windows, the entire facility was practically buried. It'd taken several staff members hours to clear a path that'd lead to the front door. Alongside clearing what he could make out to be the parking lot in the back.
Though now, Sachi's yelling out Merry Christmas like he's back in his adolescent age. Where they still get excited over Santa Clause and gifts. And Rudolph the red nose fucking reindeer. While Law, being the absolute kill joy he is, gives him the absolute shut down. By repeatedly yelling at him to shut the hell up. In the most crude way he can.
"Don't be such a grump! At least for today? It's Chr-"
"Christmas. Yeah, I fucking know, I've only heard you shout it out fifty eight times. And that's just in the last hour." Law says. Sachi tells him one last time, just to piss him off. Law's being an obvious ass today. Other days he's just an ass, and whether someone notices or not is down to their ability to read people. And whether it's because he's got his boxers in a twist (so Penguin says) or is just a fucking ass in general (what Sachi deems to be the real reason), no one knows. It'll do nothing to his mood since he's already pissed off at everything and everyone.
It's not that anything in particular has happened. It's just that he's gotten called down for a phone call over fifteen times since nine in the morning. Though it might be a bit of an exaggeration, it's been a few phone calls.
However now, he's being told there are people downstairs waiting to see him. Which really doesn't surprise him at all. He doesn't get why no one seems to understand that he just wants to be left alone. It's not that hard of a concept to understand. He's sure even children in kindergarten could take a hint when thrown their way several times. Even Sachi tells him he should go and it pisses him off even more. He'd already woken up in a bad mood, this was just adding to his misery.
It's really no Sherlock mystery as to who the hell is downstairs waiting for him. His only problem is the ridiculous amount of anxiety building in his gut. Facing the people he's treated like absolute shit is well... not on the top of his list of things to do. And said list is quite short too. Perhaps if Law weren't the biggest dick he could be, it wouldn't be as embarrassing as it is right now to see them.
With every few steps he takes down the never ending staircase, there are people wishing him a Merry fucking Christmas. Have a holly jolly one, one older lady tells him. He nods and says you too, because he'll be damned if those words actually come out of his mouth. Each person he passes just seems to take a turn at churning the feeling inside his gut. Makes him feel near nauseous.
Takes the long way through the cafeteria because he needs more time. He hasn't practiced his apology in his mind enough times, even though it's been the only thing on his mind since.
He thinks it could go something like, "I'm sorry for being an ass." Because don't people love short sweet and to the point? He's sorry for being an ass, what more can he say? "I'm sorry for being an ass and-"
"LAW!" He flinches at how hard his name is shouted. Knocks him right out of his own train of thought. It doesn't sound like a cheerful happy go lucky Luffy, and turns to see it's Penguin instead. A breath of relief leaves his lips before he manages to reply, voice so close to sounding shaky.
"What?"
"Have you always been hard of hearing?"
"What? No. Sorry." He doesn't really know what the hell he's apologizing for, it just kind of comes out. Like it's the only thing he can really get out. He's pretty sure people do that though. Apologize even though they haven't done anything particularly wrong? It just seems like the right thing to say. Thinks this is some sort of pretest to the actual test when he, eventually, gets to the room. Like a quiz. A quest. This is his quest.
"I said, they're serving some mashed potatoes today in spirit of. Are you sticking around for lunch?"
"Oh. Uh, later? I have to see a couple people first." He wants to ask why he's alone here, not with someone like, family or friends? But he doesn't pry.
"Alright. Have you seen Sachi?"
"Yeah he's up on the fourth floor I think, saying Merry Christmas to everyone who looks his way."
"Sounds like him." Penguin looks around. Law curiously looks in the same direction after noticing Penguin's face go a little... on edge. Law notices Ralph speaking to himself with a blank facial expression.
"He's always doin' that it's kind of creepy but I kind of feel bad for the guy." Penguin mumbles, "He looks like he's about to kick the bucket anytime now." He adds and well, he's not wrong. Then quickly gives Law a "see you later!" while walking in the direction he'd come from, presumably to find Sachi. Law gives one last look to the older man, who he now gets a good look at and has to guess his age. Thinks maybe mid eighties.
And while old man Ralph looks half past dead and Law sort of wishes he could take his place. This hellhole that has great blueberry muffins but poor taste in room décor is in fact driving him to the edge. And it's too bad all of them are barred up. Sometimes he wonders whether the large sum of drugs are even their its job. That they are no doubt attempting to rewire his brain to function like a "normal guy" in society today. He thinks they're near the level of child recommended Advil. The grape kind that Law always hated taking as a child, but would be forced into taking every time Rocinante thought he looked a little pale. He feels little, to no effect on his though not physically, mentally deteriorating body.
While there's some relief of it being just one person, as opposed to "people" the way he'd been told, it's not any easier. Though, if Law could explain the feeling of seeing a cheery Rocinante wearing the ugliest christmas sweater he's ever fucking seen in his entire life, he would. But he can't. This is the one time Rocinante has left him absolutely fucking speechless. Just out of pure shock at how hideous his choice of clothing is. And to also add, him running towards him yelling out his name. He thinks this is it. This is the way he's going to go. He's just going to get so red in the face and feel so hot from embarassment he's going to burst into flames.
Flames that quickly go out when Rocinante hugs him. What kind of person would he be if he'd said he didn't miss it. He lets Rocinante, who's now crying and Law's pretty sure he can feel snot through his own shirt, tighten the hug for a couple seconds. Then pats him on the back and tells him to get the fuck off before the entire room has their eyes on them.
"I'm just so happy to see you kiddo, what the hell! Let me live!" Rocinante babbles, like a kid. Wipes away the snot thats on his upper lip with the arm of his sweater and sits Law down like he's got no fucking choice.
"So?! How have you been?! You know first i was incredibly angry at you. Why did you say no to any guests?! I'm your dad you ass-"
"I know, I'm sorry. I don't like being in here, I don't like anyone see me be in here."
"Law you know I don't give a damn about that, I just want you to be okay. But I swore when I got here, the lady almost kicked me out! I asked her, "How the fuck can you tell me I can't see my own son!" and she gave me the most... bored look I've ever seen. Worse than yours!" Rocinante sounds like he's still babbling and almost looks like he either wanted to cry or punch him in the face. Or cry while repeatedly punching him in the face.
"And then, she told me, that because you're of "legal age" you can decide for yourself. Boy, let me tell you. You can't even decide what you want on your pizza some nights! I was about to let her have it!" Rocinante mumbles the last part, Law gives him a smile. Hate hate hates to admit how much he's actually missed him. And he won't. Verbally, at least.
"But no matter, Merry Christmas kiddo. I was thinkin' to myself in the car on the way here that if you didn't come down today of all days, I'd break past security and teach you somethin!" Rocinante says and he looks a bit more serious but Law's able to tell he's just putting up a front and that those tears building up and being blinked back are there and they want to be spilled.
"I couldn't not. I know how much you love this damn holiday." Law himself, not so much a fan. Throughout the years he'd been forced to wear ugly sweaters to match with Rocinante for the sake of taking terribly angled photos. Half of which, always ended up blurry. Rocinante had said that when they were blurry, you could tell it was because that's when you're having the most fun.
"You're damn right you couldn't not! I'd have gone up to whatever floor you're on and dragged you out of bed if I had to."
"Actually, you wouldn't be the first one to do that."
"Yeah? What's been going on? I wouldn't know since you said NO VISITORS!" He exclaims and Law can tell he's hurt by his decision. Can't really say that his choice was exactly helpful to him. If anything it's been building on his anxiety even more.
"Nothings been... going on. I just want to get out of here."
"Yeah? You got a week left. A little less, six days I think."
"Five."
"Five? Even better. You'll be out before New Years." That alone gave Law something to look forward to. Another year he somehow managed to not die. And though it's probably the shittiest way at looking at things, it's what made him proud of himself, in a way.
"Are you making dinner tonight? The big shit you always pulled?" Law asks, referring to the holiday bullshit Rocinante would say he would make every Christmas.
"Shit?" Rocinante almost sounds offended. Almost.
"Yeah. You can't cook."
"I can cook Law. I just can't cook well." He shamelessly admits.
"Yeah, uh huh. Like that time- times sorry, countless times you'd burn my pancakes in the morning?"
"That was to add finesse." Rocinante gives his fingers a little kiss and blows it out into the air. Pretends to twist his snon-existent moustache the way a chef would. Or at least, the way he stereotypes them to do.
"You're a terrible liar."
"Perhaps. But that's besides the point-"
"That's entirely the point." Law cuts him off. He doesn't know who he thinks he's kidding.
"Ah no, the point is whether or not I'm going to be making dinner. And I gave it some thought... it just wouldn't be the same kiddo. So I'm putting it on hold until you get out." Rocinante looks almost proud of himself for doing so. Law never asked him to, but here he is, arms crossed with the most cocky expression of pride plastered on his face.
"You're not going to eat for five days?" Law's voice hardly has a hint of concern.
"Don't be stupid, of course I'm going to eat. I love you and all, but not so much as to skip fifteen meals plus snacks for you." Rocinante tells him like he's got the best point he could have ever made, ever.
"I'm just going to put our big dinner on hold, is all. AH! And I almost forgot. I wanted to bring you your gift see, but it's ah... a little too big for me to walk in here with. So you're going to have to wait for that too, consider it a new years and getting out... to a better year gift! That sounds promising, right?" A little part of him wishes Rocinante would learn to breathe between sentences, because quite frankly, he's looking a little red. And not to mention very out of breath. But Law could listen to him go on for hours if he could. If he had the time. Gives him a smile and doesn't want to take guesses as to what his gift is. He's never cared about things like that anyways.
"I'm just glad it's not the matching sweater to yours." He jokes, Rocinante's jaw drops to accentuate his absolute surprise. And how offended he is.
"Oh no that, I did bring." It's Law's turn to be appalled when Rocinante leans over and reaches into a bag, that he thinks he really should have noticed. It's not too big, but it's a bright red and could have easily been seen out of the corner of his eye. He was all too busy indulging in the conversation. More so listening, but still, he should have noticed.
And now Rocinante's holding up a dark green sweater and smiling. It'd be much to his preference... if it weren't for the huge reindeer in the centre. It goes well with Rocinante's own red one with Santa on it, but he's not 10.
"I'm not wearing that thing it's hideous."
"Come on Law! Don't be like that, I had them custom made look! Your name is on the back too!" Rocinante says. The sweater, which would have been nice if plain, has turned into some odd wool knitted holiday jersey that Law never wants to see again. "TRAFALGAR 06" Is stitched onto the back, as if it couldn't get any more embarrassing. He's just hoping there isn't a matching hat to add to the outfit. Rocinante even pushes out of his seat enough to turn and show Law the back of his own. He can only imagine how embarrassed the lady at the front desk must have felt when he walked in wearing that.
"You're only wearing a thin shirt, you can put it over! Let's see how it looks I really hope it fits too, the man at the store said it should but I wasn't too sure."
"You're kidding, right? You actually believe I'm going to put that on?" And if anyone could see Law's face through the hand he's got pressed up against it, they'd either laugh or cry. It's an odd mixture of embarrassment and horror that looks like it could send any child under the age of seven into early cardiac arrest.
"And for the love of God wipe that look off your face. Put on let's say, a smile? And add a, "thank you so much for this sweater, I love it so much!" maybe?" Rocinante suggests, lightly tosses the sweater over the table between them to Law, who reluctantly catches it. Briefly considers throwing it back. But if all Rocinante wants from him is to put the damn thing on fine, he'll humour him. It'll definitely come back to bite him in the ass once he's out, but for now... humour.
And Rocinante's snapped one too many pictures of a grumpy looking Law, in a hideous looking sweater, for a heinous reason. Though he pauses, because it looks like a lightbulb just flickered over his head with the expression he's wearing.
"Oh! The receptionist also told me you had a visitor that you didn't turn away! Was it Luffy? Because it certainly wasn't me, I wouldn't forget that."
"No, it wasn't him."
"Really? I thought you'd have spoken to him by now."
"Yeah well." Law shrugs. He's just a sucker. And very much a big pain in the ass, even to himself.
"Then?"
"Kid."
"Kid, huh?" Rocinante looks a little short of appalled he'd speak to Kid and not him. "That's surprising. Considering."
"Considering what?"
"Oh Law. Did you think I didn't know? What with you being a bloody pulp and then suddenly your best pal stops coming over for the rest of the year- well in general. He'd come over even when you'd tell him to ah what was it, kindly fuck off?"
"Yeah." It occurs to Law now that Rocinante's known for the longest time but never said a thing to him about it. Which surprises him. But also the fact Rocinante, who once chased someone who had been lurking in their old backyard around for 37 minutes, didn't hire some sort of PI to find out what had happened to him. Evidently he didn't need to, seeing as he played the part of "Investigator Roci" all on his own.
"I have to say I'm surprised Law. That you didn't teach the brat a lesson-"
"How was I supposed to do that one handed?"
"After your arm healed. Given him a sucker punch to the jaw at least, even with a cast on. Extra damage."
"You'd have gotten pissed at me for getting into a fight."
"I would have if you picked it for a stupid reason. That fucking- sorry. That friend of yours was no friend, I wouldn't have been too angry if you did. But you not telling me.. I suppose I understand." Rocinante breaks, sighs and then continues. "Ah no, that's a lie. I was upset, mad, and furious really. For one, you didn't tell me. Two, because I couldn't go hit him, he's a fucking brat."
"You'd have tripped and fallen before you even landed a punch-"
"Again, besides the point. Are you two friends now? You forgave him for what happened? I'm proud of you! I tend to hold terrible grudges, you... you turned out okay! I mean you lie a lot you spoiled little shit, but you're okay!"
Law's never been the forgive and forget kind of guy Rocinante seems to be convinced he is. Sure, he spoke with Kid. And the two of them didn't go at each other like a pair of rabid wolves. But to Law, that's only because he doesn't want to end up lengthening his "sentence" as it is to him. Over what, one or two punches he would have been able to get in before he'd be stopped by security guards.
To Law, for Kid, that means he's at least matured in some way in the past four years. That, or somehow his conscience caught up to him and he now feels incredibly guilty for what he did. Not likely, but still a possibility. And back to Rocinante, who's "so so proud" of him, as he put it. Law's able to forgive, he can do that much.
The one thing he can't is forget. It's not holding a grudge, it's just that it'll always be in the back of Law's mind when he speaks to Kid. Not that he thinks he'll do it again either, because he surprisingly looked genuinely worried. But even Kid's capable of pulling off some bullshit smile that hides a face of worry behind it. It isn't that difficult, as Law recalls.
"We're not suddenly the cute little best friends you think we are after one twenty minute conversation." What was it Kid had said... acquaintances.
"Oh believe me I know, you're a stubborn boy."
"I'm stubborn?" Law raises an eyebrow as if to mock Rocinante, who has to be one of the most, if not the most stubborn person he knows.
"Do you not remember the countless times you'd get sick as a child? I'd have to drag you by the collar to go to the doctors!"
He's got Law there.
"That's different."
"In what way? Being stubborn is being stubborn kiddo." Rocinante says, and in the same way he could rebuttal, it's Rocinante being stubborn versus Law being stubborn.
"Whatever."
"You see? That's exactly what I mean."
"Well what did you want me to say? You're right?"
"It wouldn't hurt." Rocinante says, puts a hand to his ear like he's ready to hear it, hear the so called truth.
"Oh it would, trust me. I might as well resign myself to the devil if I'm going to tell you that."
"That's uncalled for, at least ask first. You are a hassle to deal with." He jokes and Law flips him the bird and rolls his eyes.
Through the wide glass wall, Law's eyes catch a short (compared to him), guy who's yelling and pointing in his direction. All while maintaining eye contact with the receptionist.
"Is that Luffy?" He asks aloud, not exactly but intentional and he clamps his mouth shut the second his name leaves his lips.
"Kinda looks like him, doesn't it?" Rocinante says, squints and tries to stretch his neck out, like it'd help him see any better.
"Fuck." Law mutters under his breath a little loud to be considered as such. Rocinante hears him and acts like it's a cue for him to stand up from his seat.
"I'll see you in a couple of days okay, kiddo? Don't leave your spot, or I'll immediately come back and tie you down."
"What are you-" Rocinante gives Law a ruffle of his hair and then walks out towards the direction the Luffy look alike. Who's now confirmed to be Luffy the second he turns around. He only watches as the two converse and Luffy looks anxiously ecstatic. Then Rocinante points at Law. An even bigger 'fuck' manages to escape his throat. Watches Luffy wave Rocinante goodbye before he sees Rocinante mouth 'TALK TO HIM' with his face nearly pressing the glass. Gives him a big thumbs up and then Luffy's right in front of him. Then it hits him, that he's still wearing the sweater. The ugly as fuck green sweater with the god damn reindeer.
"Hey. You look cold" Good one Law. Good start. Good fucking God. If he could sound anymore anxious than he does, he'd be asks, because Luffy hasn't stopped sniffling. Nose as red as the damn reindeer on his sweater. Like he'd been outside for a while before actually making the decision to come inside.
"Hi. Yeah, it's freezing out there. Nice sweater by the way." Luffy says, sits down with a thump and crosses his legs on what little space there is left on the small chair. Shit. Law can't lie to himself and say Luffy doesn't look near adorable in his own bright red turtle neck. Luffy pulls on his sleeves, awkwardly stuffs his hands in them. Doesn't say a word to Law for a couple of seconds after, really just takes in the room and then stares at Law.
"You get out soon right?" Luffy asks. Law's not exactly sure about how good of a conversation starter the question is but he'll go along, because at least Luffy's talking to him.
"Yeah. Five days, give or take." Law affirms but Luffy looks a little displeased with the reply.
"You don't know?" Looks a little worried, from what Law could tell.
"Time is an odd concept when you're in here. I don't even know what day it is today." Law tells him. Maybe a Monday?
"It's a Wednesday. You know what day day it is right?" Luffy asks and he looks like he'll be genuinely disappointed if Law says he doesn't.
"Yeah, my roommate wouldn't stop yelling about it in the morning. Rocinante too, they're like children."
"Hey! Don't tell me you're one of those grumps who just acts all pissy for the entire day, I mean lighten up!" Luffy doesn't snap, it's a more subtle way of telling Law to shut the hell up and stop complaining. Which to be fair, he could take note of.
"Alright, alright. Do you have any plans for the day? I'm honestly surprised to see you here."
"Why? Did you think I wouldn't come?" Luffy's got a shit eating grin on. One Law doesn't know if he misses or if he wants to slap to get rid of.
"I thought you'd have better things to do."
"Like what?" Luffy pushes. Law doesn't exactly have an answer that doesn't consist of asking why the hell he'd think coming to a mental institution was on the top of his things to do on Christmas morning.
"I don't know, whatever it is you do. Aren't you on break? Go fuck around, go to a party, live your life."
"What if I wanted to come? Well, I have come. A few times. You're the one who says no for whatever reason." The slap was dealt by words, as Luffy's little grin goes to a frown.
"What- You know I'm sorry. I know you came by, I just wasn't up for talking." It's just been one of those days. He wants to say. One of those months.
"You were hiding." Luffy accuses but it's hardly considered as such, is it? He's got Law spot on like Law had been Waldo and Luffy only needed to open the cover to spot him. Caught him dead right in the centre.
"I wasn't. Not intentionally."
"You don't accidentally hide!" Caught caught caught.
"Luffy-"
"It's okay! I'm not mad at you. I mean, I was. But... shit can't be easy right? I have no idea how it feels to go through what you're going through so. I can't really say... what's the thing people always say? Like, oh man I feel you!"
"What? I know how you feel-"
"Yeah that! I'm not going to say that cuz you know, I don't. I have zero clue. Nadda. Zip."
"I get it-"
"But but buuuut, you don't get that I'm not gonna turn you away or anything. You can get mad and I might get mad at you getting mad at me but I'm not gonna ditch you or anything."
"You never gave off that impression, it's my own issues."
"I know, I know, you sound like a damn record player. My own issues, my own issues, my own issues. I get it too, asshole. But you know I'm here to help you through it right! I'll do research too-" Law recalls Luffy hardly being able to handle a 1500 word paper. How he's going to do his version of research is beyond him.
"You really don't have to do that. You just persisting to come by is enough."
"Apparently not!" Luffy's words are one thing, but his damned emotions are another. And maybe, just maybe, Law's looking too far into this. But he swears Luffy gives off ten times more of a reassured feeling with his facial expression on top of his words. That's at least got to count for something.
"It is, believe me. I have my moments where I just don't want to speak or be around anyone."
"But don't you get lonely like that?" Luffy asks and the seriousness of the question is deluded by him sniffling like a child who refuses to blow their nose. He only wishes he had a damn tissue to offer the now six year old who's sitting in front of him.
"Sure, anyone would. To me, I think it's... better."
"Better how?"
"In the sense that, I won't piss anyone off with my uh, for lack of better words, mood swings."
"You're not moody. You're just a grump who needs to get out more."
"You could put it that way."
"But I still like you. You're a pain in my butt and you make me wanna punch you a lot, but I'm not gonna leave." Luffy tells him, and viola, the shit eating grin is plastered across his face once again.
"Oh! Roci also asked me to come by. For your belated Christmas dinner! I couldn't say no, sorry he said he was going to make a lot of food-"
"It's alright. I know he likes having you around." Law says, gives as much of a smile as he can offer, and the conversation dies down a little with Luffy's hum in agreement. Now, to Law, would and is the perfect little moment where he could slip in an apology, maybe a, "thank you for coming" but he chokes. Very literally chokes and has to force a cough out of him to hold it back.
"Was it snowing on your way here?" Great one, Law. Keep it going. Ask about the weather some more like every other boring person out there. Go on. Don't apologize though, because that would be silly, uninteresting and just a general waste of limited time. No, don't do that.
If he could shut his mind down for perhaps a maximum of thirty seconds he swears he would.
"Nah, I mean, hardly. Just a couple flakes. It smells frigid out." Luffy says, sniffles once more before rubbing his nose with his hands that are still hiding in his sleeves. Law has to raise an eyebrow.
"What?" Luffy questions his facial expression. Looks more insulted than curious.
"Nothing, just surprised you know what that means."
"Yes Law, ahem, asshole. I'm not illiterate."
"I'm just impressed is all." And if looks could kill, Law's own smirk would.
"Of course you are, I'm an impressive guy." Luffy grins, absolutely shit eating.
"I might have to tell Roci to make extra food, since it seems like you're bringing your ego along as a plus one."
"Oh, so you can be funny! It's a Christmas miracle everyone! Law's not 100% a grump! He's got 2% of a funny bone!" Luffy shouts, and while one old woman gives him her applause, another tells Luffy to shut up.
Not exactly the most cheerful crowd.
"You're going to get kicked out of here if you keep yelling." Law tells him as Luffy sits back down while mumbling that the lady was just being the opposite of festive.
"Whatever, she's just jealous." Luffy pouts, and that's a little wave of nostalgia that hits Law.
"Of?" Law questions, because he has no idea now what Luffy's talking about. None.
"I don't know. Me, probably. I'm great." Luffy smiles and Law gives him a roll of his eyes.
"Yeah, you're just charming aren't you, cocky little ass."
"Hey! I have a great ass-" Luffy exclaims, before Law's hand is over his mouth, preventing him from finishing the sentence. Can't tell if Luffy's lips are wet or if the little shit is actually licking his palm.
"Hey, you're going to have to remove your hand." A security guard, who's got the eyesight of a fucking hawk, tells him. Doesn't yell but his voice is damn deep enough for Law to hear it from where they're sitting. So he does.
"Asshole!" Luffy shouts, sits back in his chair while Law wipes his hand off on his slacks. Definitely a tongue.
"Who comes in here to brag about their ass? Loudly, to add." He sighs.
"You started it!"
"You took it in that direction, I merely stated you were an ass. Not that you've got a great one."
"But you do think it's great." Luffy insists.
"Luffy-" He warns but Luffy only laughs.
"You do though!" He chuckles and Law can't exactly counter, he's got a point. "Hey, when you get outta here-"
"Why do you make it sound like I've been in prison for twenty years?"
"Well what do I know! Anyways, and don't interrupt me asshole!"
"Sorry. Go on." Law half asses the apology with sarcasm and grins. Luffy however, doesn't.
"I can't. I lost what I was going to say. It's on the tip of my tongue though!" Luffy sighs and lays his head on the table between them, chin squished up against the plastic.
"No, that's just the taste of my hand." Law tells him, holds it up and Luffy swats it away.
"Then it's disgusting and I don't want to tell you anyways." He pouts, kind of upset he can't remember what he was going to say, but it happens to the best of people.
"You're childish."
"And your hand tastes like metal."
"The door," Law says, pointing towards the one Luffy entered through, "has a metal handle." Luffy's eyes look over and then avert back at Law, giving him a look that calls him out on his smug voice.
For the next thirty seconds Luffy bitched about the taste.
Thirty minutes following, he spoke to Law about the alleged "wicked" gift he'd got Law just spontaneously. Said he saw it in a store window and had to get it, though Law insisted he return it for several reasons. He was never a fan of people buying him things. Luffy told him it was too damn bad. And for another thirty minutes after that, Luffy expressed just how excited he was to have Law go back to school. His school, no less. It made it all better. Luffy said it was so he could see him more than their old brunch meetings and surprise coffee dates, which Law refused to say they were such. They were just... two talking over a freshly brewed cup. Luffy could keep talking for hours, and Law wouldn't mind listening too much, but time limits a time limit.
"I'll see you in five days, you'll survive."
"I know, I just hope you will." Luffy says, definitely not meant to be as serious as it sounded. His version was, "i'm too great for anyone to survive without me", however Law took it as a big fat "don't die" and well, okay. He wouldn't- he won't.
"I will." Law says, and in a split second while they're walking towards the door following the nurse who'd cut their time short (though Law's nearly certain the limit is 30 minutes and thinks Robin must have pulled some strings) Luffy quickly turns to him and has to stand on the very tips of his toes through his bulky boots. Gives Law the quickest, but possibly the most meaningful kiss they've ever shared. Granted which weren't many besides drunken sloppy ones and a few for "making a good brunch".
Luffy smiles, gives him a wink and turns around, back to Law. He swears if he could strangle the kid he would. At this rate Luffy would end up being the reason Law got an extended period of time here than the reason he gets out.
The kiss was quick but gentle, insane it made him. Swears he saw the closest thing he'd get next to heaven.
A/N: Christmas in September, sue me. Anyways this is all fluff. Most of it is. So much fucking fluff. I feel like for once, Law should have a good day, right? He deserves one good day. And it didn't take me too long to update... right? Right. Right... But really. Thank you guys for reading, I look forward to hearing from you! Lots of love.
~S