A/N: Many, many thanks to Syrisna for being my beta!
Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece.
Loving Luffy had never been easy, and Law knew it never would. That way was rife with danger, ranging from flaming fists, haki-coated pipes, and literal loose cannons to name a few. He wasn't naive either and knew that those were just the threats that he could kind of anticipate. No one could hope to predict a certain revolutionary leader's actions and frankly, Law was not interested in trying. As things were then, he had had more than enough problems to deal with, so really, he'd never had the time nor the inclination to become more acquainted with Luffy than was necessary.
But then, by coincidence or fate, their paths crossed multiple times. One thing led to another, andby the time he realized, Law was already head over heels in love with the strawhat-wearing captain. And it was all his own fault.
Before they met, Law had been content with watching Luffy's antics. Another bearer of D was shaking the world to its core and on Sabaody, he'd been lucky enough to gain a front row seat to the resulting chaos. He'd found her shenanigans idiotic as they were amusing and he had to admit that he was highly entertained by them. Unfortunately, those good feelings had quickly vanished and Law's plan to keep his head down hadn't lasted long. He would later come to the conclusion that making plans with Luffy in the equation was a fruitless effort for the most part.
Unable to resist, Law had fought the marines alongside her, and after that had even rushed to Marineford just to save her life. Although he hadn't owed her anything, he'd still gone out of his way to ensure that she had been in good hands before leaving. When Law saw her in Punk Hazard, he wasted no time asking her to enter into an alliance with him. Luffy was strong, charismatic, and had the most insane luck; he would've been a fool if he'd let that opportunity slip by.And Law was by no means a fool, so he'd chosen to entrust his faith in the other captain. Looking back now, he realized he'd already been prepared to die for, or with her when he proposed the alliance.Aside from practical reasons, Law just couldn't help but want to protect her even if he hadn't really needed to. Luffy's pull to him had been a mystery that Law couldn't explain. Until it wasn't, which ultimately led to his current dilemma.
Law glared in defiance at the furious redheaded man currently holding a sword to his neck. "This won't achieve anything, you know," he said. Though he had a sword to his neck, Law was anything but worried. If there was one thing he could be absolutely sure of, it was that Luffy did whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. Usually Law found her inability to listen annoying, but somehow it gave him a sense of comfort this time. "Lu-"
"Never dare to speak her name, you punk!". The man growled, and Law felt the sword press down slightly harder, though not enough to draw blood. Yet.
"He's right!" overprotective brother one roared, his fiery fists at the ready.
"What's with that 'Lu' nonsense?" questioned overprotective brother two, his blue eyes pinned Law on the spot. "Are you so cocky that you thought we'd do nothing?"
"Hurry up with the torture would ya," Garp the Fist said while cracking his knuckles. "I need to test his strength if he survives."
For the umpteenth time, Law cursed his father's teaching of, "Formally presenting himself to the girl's family and humbly asking for their approval." Law cursed his rotten luck and then some. Why couldn't he have fallen in love with a girl who had reasonable relatives? Luffy didn't care about tradition but damn it, he did.
Law had prepared for this meeting as well as he could. He knew how much Luffy loved her family and that was why he wanted to at least give them a heads-up about their blooming relationship. He had been traveling with Luffy and had quickly realized that worrying for her was never good for anyone's health so he'd thought to spare her relatives the heart attacks of learning that their 'baby' was in a relationship through the Grand Line grapevine.
Law remembered his conversation with Nami and scowled. She'd warned Law that an attempt at civil conversation was not an option unless he wanted to die a long and agonizing death but he hadn't listened, thinking he knew better. He should've listened to her, though that didn't mean he'd admit that she was right, Law still had his pride after all. Besides, he was not as reckless as Luffy, he just preferred to not have misunderstandings about his and Luffy's relationship. It was better to confront them now rather than later, he had thought. At least, Law would have the advantage of surprise this way. Law had planned a meeting with Luffy's brothers and decided to contact her grandfather at the last minute. Law had heard that Luffy and her grandfather didn't get along and he was certain that her stunt in Marineford hadn't helped fix things between them, but Law still invited him because he bet that they truly cared for one another. Law chose an isolated island in the New World because more than likely, this gathering would not end peacefully.
Law had written three letters. He had expected Ace, Sabo, and Garp, but he absolutely did not expect Red-Hair Shanks to be present and just as mad and overprotective as her brothers. Sure, Luffy had told him the story of how Shanks had lost his arm when she was a child but meddling in her personal life was still too much in his opinion. The man had taken one look at Law and proceeded to nearly cut him in half.
It wasn't like he didn't get where they were coming from. If he were in their shoes Law'd refuse himself too. Luffy was the embodiment of freedom and light in this cruel world, someone like Law would never deserve her. But she had chosen him over everyone and Law would have to be the biggest fool to give up such a precious thing as Luffy's undivided affection.
To Law's surprise and relief, Luffy wasn't as ignorant as he'd expected when it came to relationship matters. According to her, she'd been taught about such things by a barmaid named Makino back in Fuusha Village. She'd managed to contact Makino recently, and the barmaid had been completely supportive of their relationship. That Makino woman was a saint and Law couldn't thank her enough. That supportive attitude, unfortunately, hadn't extended to the important men in Luffy's life. They were strong yet reckless, overprotective, and apparently had a tendency to instantly assume the worst.
But what the hell. Law was smart, one of the greatest surgeons in the whole world, a pirate captain, and a man in love. He was a man on a mission, and if that mission happened to be pissing people off… Well, that was his specialty. He was a bearer of D as well. He'd survived worse so surely he could survive this?
"We all know that Lu never listens to anyone," Law smirked when he saw their narrowed eyes and steaming ears. "What makes you think that you can change her mind?"
Law's heart lifted with hope when he saw their reactions. The brothers exchanged uncertain glances at his comment and they turned to Red-Hair who scowled. The marine hero, meanwhile, just grinned.
Law's eyes widened and his alarm bells rang at the image, he was overly familiar with that look. It was a sadistic version of Luffy's smile. It was cold, full of mischief and crazy ideas.
"You're right, she does what she wants no matter what," he said, casually hitting his fist with his palm as he stared Law down. "However, she also values strength and wouldn't bat an eye if you're a bit bruised up right?"
Well, Law couldn't argue with that. Unfortunately, Garp was right, and he had a feeling that it was the old marine who instilled that mentality into her. This could get troublesome and very, very painful.
"Don't tell me you'll let this," Fire Fist Ace jabbed an angry finger in his direction. "Scum leave here alive?"
"I planned to dispose of him earlier, but I decided to give everyone a chance to meet the guy who is rumored to be Luffy's boyfriend." Sneered the blonde revolutionary. "Don't tell me I made a mistake, shitty gramps?"
Garp shrugged but relaxed his stance. "The kid had the balls to request a meeting with all of us, at least he has guts."
"I honestly couldn't care less," Red-Hair unleashed a threatening burst of haki, causing Law to stumble a bit. At least he'd removed the sword from Law's neck before he did, so fortunately, Law's head was still attached to his neck. "Luffy can't fall in love until she's sixty!"
"Straw Hat Luffy is a pirate captain, not a child," said Law with a cold glare of his own. "She may not be the smartest person around, but she knows what she's doing. Stop coddling her."
Luffy's family exchanged glances at his outburst. Law clenched his fists under his jacket. If they told him they hadn't realized that fact, he might snap. There was a limit to how much idiocy he could take on a daily basis.
"So," Fire Fist crossed his arms. "You're telling me that you've never catered to Lu's whims?"
"As if," the revolutionary Sabo scoffed. "No one can say no to Luffy."
Law looked away. "Tch."
"Yeah," Red-Hair's smile was fond and nostalgic. "I don't even try, y'know. I just let her do what she wants."
Law couldn't blame them, Luffy's magnetism and charisma was legendary. She had a certain aura around her that people felt drawn to. She was selfish, reckless, and an idiot. Luffy was also kind, loving, and the most honest person you'll ever meet. Was there any wonder why almost none of them could deny her anything?
"So, I heard the rumors," Garp leaned on a nearby tree, opened a bag full of rice crackers and munched on them. "I wanna know the truth, are you gonna get married?"
Law choked, Sabo paled, Ace passed out and Shanks 'accidentally' sliced some nearby trees in half. Law would have marveled at his precision, if that blow hadn't been meant for him, that is. Only Garp remained neutral, he just stared unblinkingly at Law.
"W-What are you saying, Gramps?" Sabo looked like he was on the edge of a mental breakdown. He grabbed Ace's unconscious form and shook him hard. "Damn it, Ace, wake up, wake up. Now is not the time to fall asleep, our baby sister is in danger!"
"No, no, no! Luffy's too young to think about that, you're crazy, Garp! My little Anchor is not ready for that kind of adventure! Hell, I'm never going to be ready for that!"
"We just started our relationship," Law was glad that his face was blank and his voice was steady when he answered. "You're thinking too far ahead, Garp."
"The sooner the better, if you ask me."
"No one did!" they unexpectedly shouted in perfect harmony.
Garp hummed in response. "Well, you're not her type. Did you seduce her or something?"
"Excuse me?" Law's affronted tone and twitching eyebrows were ignored in favor of that ridiculous idea.
"How dare you trick my little sister, you creepy bastard!" overprotective brother 1 woke up in time to shout at Law. His fists were on fire again, like nothing at all happened.
"Yes, it makes sense," overprotective brother 2's stare was cold and calculating. "Luffy doesn't know about that kind of stuff yet. You must have bribed her with meat or cool things."
"That's it," Shanks' haki was on full display now, his sword dark as night. "You're a dead man."
"If anyone did the seducing here, it was all her!" Law shouted, his face red and a vein throbbing on his forehead. "I asked her to risk her life and she agreed without question. I told her to leave me alone but she didn't listen. We even went our separate ways but a few months later, she fell into my lap, literally!"
"Oh Yeah?" Shanks' voice was low and threatening. "Kindly repeat that last part? I probably misheard it."
"I don't believe a word that comes out of that dirty mouth of yours!" overprotective brothers one and two snapped in unison.
"A mouth that kissed hers, you mean?" Law couldn't help but snark.
He knew that pissing them off was going to be bad for his health but seeing their bulging eyes and dropped jaws was worth it. He hadn't appreciated being accused of ridiculous things. Besides, Luffy initiated some of it, so Law couldn't take all the blame here.
"Hey, you're smiling and I don't like it," Red-Hair's growl was dark. "Care to share what you're thinking, bastard?"
Law tried and failed to wipe his smile away. If Shanks knew what was in his mind, Law doubted that he would get out of there without a severe injury or two. Law was always like this when he thought of Luffy. By the looks Law was getting, they knew that too.
"Look, I only wanted to talk to you because I want to tell you myself that I'm dating Luffy," he released a long-suffering sigh, looking each person directly in the eyes. "I don't care if you approve of me or not, her approval is the only one I need. I'm warning you, if you ever come between us, I'll fight with everything I have to keep her by my side and I'll only let go when I'm dead."
Garp's booming laughter broke the deadly silence in the room. "Damn, Rosi's boy is tough. As a favor to Sengoku, I'll let you live. But if you hurt her, not even immortality will save you from my fist of love."
Normally, he would refute any connections to the Marines and the world government. But not today. Law's gaze drifted upwards and silently thanked Cora for saving his life once again.
"She's not a fragile doll to be coddled and protected," he shook his head but let them see the sincerity in his smile when he continued. "Luffy is reckless, strong, so full of love and happiness. She deserves everything that is good in this world but would never ask for it. I'll be damned before I let her lose anything that makes her Luffy."
Garp's smile became a bit soft. Red-Hair lowered his sword but still didn't lessen his scowl. Luffy's brothers were having an entire conversation with their snapping eyes and violent hand gestures. Law meanwhile, preferred not to care. He had said all he wanted and now, it was finally time to leave.
"I still don't like you," Fire Fist spat, crossing his arms. "I think you're too old, too creepy, and too gloomy for my sister."
"No one will be up to your standards, anyway." Garp mused. "Luffy won't ever get married if-"
"Don't say the M word, old man!" Red-Hair shouted, covering his ears.
"Just because you can't hear it, it doesn't make it less true."
"I told you," Law snapped. "We're not there yet."
"Don't be a wuss, Red-Hair," Garp ignored Law in favor of glaring at Shanks. "Now that I think about it, this is all your fault. If you hadn't turned my granddaughter into a pirate, she wouldn't have met 'im!"
"Blaming everything on me, are you?" Red-Hair's eyes narrowed. "It's your fault for leaving a cute kid like that alone in the first place!"
"Say what?"
Law discreetly stepped away from the glaring duo and swiftly eyed the shore. If those monsters were going to throw down, Law didn't want to be in the middle of it. He doubted they would be careful just for his sake. Those monsters might kill him and they would only be happy to ride it off as an accident, Law was sure of it.
"Damn," the Revolutionary said, looking calm and collected despite the gathering chaos behind him. "You truly understand Luffy and I appreciate that."
Law blinked in surprise. "Thanks, I guess."
His smile suddenly became cold and a little manic. "Doesn't mean I changed my mind about disposing of you though."
The temperature on the whole island suddenly dropped and the wild animals that inhabited it were long gone, probably feeling what would happen next. Law raised a hand to form a Room, Sabo's Dragon Claw already on display and Ace's whole body was on fire. Shanks was unsheathing his sword in the background and Garp was laughing as he cracked his knuckles ominously. All of them were at a deadly stalemate and the first one that moved would have the advantage.
A minute passed before hell broke loose. Law was able to use his Room and avoid a haki-coated pipe aimed at his face. He felt Ace's flames behind him while Garp and Shank's fight escalated. Shit, shit, shit, how had Law not thought of this? For someone who loved to plan for every little detail, it was very stupid of him not to predict such an occurrence. He expected the brothers' wrath but not the two monsters fighting behind them.
"Stay out of this Ace," Sabo shouted as he swung at Law who changed places with a rock to dodge. "I call dibs."
"Says who?" Ace asked, igniting his fists for another attack. "I've been with Lu the longest, I should be the one to kill him."
"Oh really, you're pulling that dirty trick on me now?"
"Why, are you feeling guilty?"
"I had amnesia, what did you want me to do?"
"Dementia, amnesia, who cares?"
"They are different, you moron!"
"Whatever!"
Law cursed as he dodged the brothers' simultaneous attacks. If only they would forget about him while fighting, he could escape. However, they still pursued him while shouting at each other. They were crazy strong too, Law thought in dismay. Red-Hair and Garp's battle shook the ground around them and Law was careful not to end up near them. Luffy's brothers he could handle but he wasn't sure about the other two.
"Traffyyy!"
The skirmish stopped at Luffy's arrival. Ace and Sabo halted their attacks, faces lighting up for their beloved sister. Shanks quickly sheathed his sword, his conquering haki disappearing as he smiled at Luffy. Garp's reaction was less noticeable but his stans softened, and his blackened fists were hidden as he loosely crossed his muscular arms.
Law's head meanwhile snapped up and he automatically held his arms out. Luffy came flying after, rubbery limbs flailing as she giggled toward him. Law caught her just right and didn't resist the warm embrace she gave him as a way of greeting.
"What. The. Hell?" Ace managed as he gnashed his teeth in anger.
"Is this a hallucination, or a nightmare?" Sabo shook his head violently. "Whatever it is, I know I need to kill someone to stop this."
"Luffy, no!" Shanks cried, pounding his fists on the ground dramatically.
"I see. Wahahahaha!"
"What did I tell you about rocketing yourself, Luffy?" Law lightly admonished her but didn't let go.
She lifted her head to grin at him. "Not to, shishishishi."
Law sighed but the corners of his lips tilted up in a soft smile. Telling her no was just a reflex now and everyone knew that he no longer meant it. Old habits die hard, Law supposed.
"Ace, Sabo," Luffy gasped in delight, untangling herself with Law as she noticed the other people on the island. "Gramps and Shanks too. What are you guys doing here?"
Law witnessed the Luffy Effect, as he called it. Despite seeing it many times, Law was still amazed at the speed the brothers' aura changed from murderous to extremely adoring in a heartbeat. Wide smiles and welcoming arms replaced their previous hard dispositions. Law was surprised that Garp was the most normal in the bunch, immediately aiming for a fist of love while Red-Hair was still lamenting on the ground.
"Were you having a party?" she asked, pouting in disappointment as she nimbly dodged her grandfather. "You invited Traffy but not me?"
"No, no, Lu," Sabo denied, shaking his head while his hands were raised in a placating gesture. "It's not like that."
"Yeah, we ran into him," Ace sent him a quick glare before facing Luffy with a smile. "So we decided to have a friendly chat."
Friendly chat his ass. The brothers were obviously lying through their teeth, the deserted island filled with rubble said it all. The Straw Hats either snorted or scoffed at that but of course, only Luffy believed them.
Law muttered, "Idiot." Under his breath.
"Hey Luffy," all attention went to Garp as he asked. "Are you and Trafalgar really a thing?"
All heads swiveled in her direction, their eyes questioning. Law stilled and his breath caught. Even though they both established that they had feelings for each other and their crew knew what was going on between them, neither made it official. It was just not their thing and Law hadn't thought it would be important till now.
Luffy's answer though had Law's shoulders sagging in relief and his cheeks heating like a furnace. He should have known that he worried for nothing. No one could make her do anything she didn't want to, after all.
"Yeah, we are Gramps," she replied with a smile warmer than the sun and wider than the sea. "I love Traffy."
That answer was short and simple but it struck Law's heart all the same. Hearing those words from her washed away his doubts and lit up his whole being. It changed him and made Law believe in happiness again.
"If that's what you want then, I have no objections," Garp said, sighing and uncrossing his arms. "I wanted you to be with a marine but do what makes you happy, Brat."
"Have you gone senile, Old man?" Sabo exploded. "How could you say such a thing!"
"I can't believe you'd betray us, Gramps!" Ace spat fire in Garp's direction. "That Bastard should be charred to death and have the ashes dumped into the deepest part of the sea."
"What was that?" Garp looked pissed and he was clenching and unclenching his blackened fists. "Do you ingrates have a problem with me?"
"Didn't you hear me," Ace shouted. "Why'd you have to say stupid things to Lu?"
"We never listened to you when we were kids, what makes you think we would listen to you now?" Sabo challenged; one eyebrow raised.
"Just because you're older, it doesn't mean my fists of love wouldn't hurt," Garp gritted his teeth in response. "And now, I don't have to hold back. Come here, you damn brats, I'll teach you a lesson about respect!"
The brothers were still for a moment but quickly came to their senses and ran for their lives. Garp was hot on their heels, laughing maniacally as he chased his grandsons. Shouts of pain and angry curses were heard along with explosions while the scuffle lasted.
"But Anchor," Shanks whined from his place on the ground. "You can't fall in love until you're sixty."
"What?" Luffy made an offended sound, big brown eyes wide with outrage. "But Shanks fell in love with Makino right away. She also said that you're just being a baby if you say that to my face."
"She did?" Shanks scrubbed a hand on his face at that. "I'm not drunk enough for this."
Luffy tilted her head in confusion. "But you're always drunk, Shanks."
"Shut up, Anchor. This is all your fault."
"Huh," she scratched her hair and sat with Shanks on the dirt. "You're being mean, I just got here."
"Whatever," he looked dejected as he stood. "Do you have some booze?"
"Zoro does."
Shanks walked off, presumably to find the swordsman and drink himself to oblivion. Law didn't care either way. He decided enough was enough and promptly joined Luffy on the ground. He plopped his head on her lap and covered his face with his hat to get some much-needed sleep. His nerves were shot to hell and he needed to relax. Red-Hair's killing intent be damned.
"Hey," overprotective brother number 1 snapped as he hurdled past them, face bruised. "Get off Lu this instant!"
Law just scoffed and gave the fiery idiot his back. People Like that didn't deserve an answer. They could rave all they wanted, Law would just relax. Even though it was his idea, coming to this meeting had stressed him out, Law deserved at least this much.
Sabo arrived next, gently halting in front of them. He gave Luffy a brotherly pat on the head and a soft smile. Then, Sabo's eyes narrowed into slits before he unceremoniously grabbed Law on the scruff of his neck and dragged him off of Luffy with a placid yet cold expression on his handsome face.
"Ah, it seems that some things will never change," overprotective brother number two mused, letting go of Law with a grimace and wiping his hand on his coat, as if he touched something foul. "Animals are still drawn to you, Luffy."
"Crazy violent bastard," groused Law.
"Ace," Sabo Luffy dusted herself off and casted her largest puppy dog eyes from one brother to another as she stood beside Law. "Don't be mean to Traffy."
Law's smirk was especially arrogant as he watched Ace and Sabo's faces contorted from angry to happy at Luffy's request. Fire Fist huffed and looked away while the Revolutionary tipped his hat coldly, a pretense of a gentleman. Law thoroughly enjoyed the brothers' discomfort as he leaned over Luffy and kissed her cheek, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"Hey Lu," Law's lips grazed Luffy's ear as he nudged her. "Have you told your brothers how we got together?"
Luffy's eyes were warm as she looked up at him. "Hmm, not yet."
"Do you want me too?"
"No!" Ace snapped.
"That is unnecessary." Sabo's voice was cold but he was smiling and his eyes were flat. "We know enough, thank you."
"Owww," Luffy's shoulders dropped. "But it's a great story, I promise!"
Law's chuckle was low and dark while the brothers hurriedly changed their minds at Luffy's dismayed reactions. He sat on the ground again but this time, tugged Luffy to sit on his lap. Law encircled her in his arms while she contentedly leaned on his chest. It was gratifying to hear Ace's muttered curses and the sound of Sabo's jerky movements as they sat to listen.
"It was in Wano, right?"
"Yep."
"Should I start?" Law's golden eyes gave off a wicked glint as he grinned wide and bared his teeth at the scowling brothers.
"Sure!"
Law had almost lost his mind when he heard she was causing trouble after just landing in Wano but again, he was too late to stop the inevitable. Luffy had this irritating habit of saving people, including him, and the ability to make people go along with her stupid schemes, again including him.
"How can you make trouble as soon as you arrive?" Law asked, glaring. "We don't have the time to save people, Straw Hat. Kaidou is dangerous, get that through that thick skull of yours!"
"Yeah, yeah," she replied, carelessly waving her hand, not in the least bit apologetic. "I got it."
Law heaved a heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. The two of them got separated from their crew when Straw Hat had seen something interesting, and Law followed her. It turned out, one of the villages was celebrating a lantern festival and she wanted to join in.
"This looks super fun Traffy and everything looks great too," Luffy said, bouncing on the balls of her feet excitedly with stars in her eyes. "I wonder what we should try first?"
"We shouldn't try anything," Law frowned. "We have a mission here."
"We're already lost anyway," she reasoned. "We should at least have fun."
"Your logic amazes me sometimes."
"Really," she beamed at him. "Thanks!"
"It wasn't- Hey!" Law grabbed her by the arm before she could run off. "Before anything else, you need to have a proper disguise."
Law ignored the younger captain's pout and looked around for the things they could use. The street was filled with shops of all kinds, selling the village's native wares. Colorful hats, wooden sandals, painted fans, traditional clothes, and small trinkets.
"Come with me." He said and promptly dragged her to the yukata shop.
"I don't like this." She complained and tugged on her clothes.
"I don't care," Law hissed in annoyance. "If you want to go to the festival, deal with it."
"You're a meany, Law."
"Whatever, Luffy."
Calling each other by their given names was uncomfortable as hell but it was better than shouting their epithets. He glanced at Luffy and couldn't help but smirk at her predicament. Law still had a petty streak, it seems.
He picked Luffy's yukata, and made it a point to find the most girlish thing he could. Seeing that she dressed up and acted like a boy all the time, he figured she would be annoyed by Law buying the flowy, frilly and the most flowery yukata he had ever seen. Trouble followed her wherever she went and Law knew that he could only delay the inevitable. But if he would suffer in dealing with the aftermath, she should too.
Luffy was wearing a light pink yukata with blooming red camellias on the waist, sleeves, and hem. Her obi was a bright yellow cloth that was artfully knotted like a big bow on her back. She had to exchange her beloved hat with a bright red ribbon on her hair, matching the bow on her new clothes.
In short, she looked cute… Cute enough that no one would recognize her, that is.
"Let's eat!"
Law's face turned pink when Luffy slid her hand in his and they joined the crowd. She turned her head left and right, big brown eyes wide and marveling at what she could see. Law watched her in wonder.
Luffy retained her childlike personality even after she had seen all the horrors that the world had to offer. She was not a stranger to loss and suffering but still, here she was, happy, trusting, and full of love. She lives her life in the moment, taking everything fate threw at her and giving it all that she got.
Law suddenly wished he could show her Flevance, his hometown. A beautiful city filled with a picturesque view, backdropped by fresh snow. Colorful festivals, delicious food, and generous people.
Law could never be as carefree as her. Though he craved freedom, there were still the sins of his past and he could never wash them away. Maybe, he didn't really want to. It was what made him, after all.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her doe-like eyes soft under the lantern lights.
Looking at her now, grounded him back to reality. Luffy's bubbly voice and warm hand kept him from coming back to his thoughts.
"I'm fine," Law replied.
Law slightly turned towards Luffy when she squeezed his hand. Their eyes met and held. As if they had a mind of their own, his fingers briefly brushed her cheek and his mind wandered to where the small scar under her eye came from. Knowing her, it could have been another crazy story. Law didn't ask, It hadn't felt right to. Besides, he could use that as an excuse to see her if they survived this.
"Do you know that they're having a fireworks display later?" he blurted, finally looking away. "Let's watch it after we eat."
"Yeah." Luffy's beam had rivaled even the sun.
This time, Law led the way. Luffy got as much food as she could get her hands on. Luffy joined a few games and Law laughed more than once, she was so clumsy, she didn't get anything. Her pout attracted a few admirers, but Law pulled her close and glared the locals down until they scurried away.
Against all odds, they enjoyed that festival, especially the fireworks. After all that had happened, Law took Luffy to the highest roof in the village where they watched the show. Vivid colors of every kind lit the night sky but to Law, Luffy's smile was brighter. Their hands were still intertwined and and as if sensing it, whenever Law's thoughts threatened to consume him, Luffy would give his hand a quick squeeze to pull him back. Law never let go of her since then.
Luffy had fallen asleep halfway through the story, in typical Luffy fashion. It didn't sour Law's mood though. In fact, it did just the opposite, since she'd decided that his lap made an excellent pillow. Watching the brothers alternate between cooing over Luffy's cuteness and shooting daggers with their eyes at Law made his day. They could threaten him all they liked but ultimately, since Luffy had asked them to play nice, their hands were tied.
Law, for his part, used Ace and Sabo's weakness for Luffy to his advantage. He told them exactly how he and Luffy got together and did not skip a single thing. Law described everything that had happened in complete detail and savored Ace and Sabo's agony while they had no choice but to listen. Payback was a dish best served cold.
Was it shameless to use his girlfriend in this way? He supposed it was but Law didn't feel a single twinge of guilt playing dirty. The overprotective bastards deserved it for all the stress they had put him through. Besides, he was a pirate. Playing dirty was pretty much a pirate's middle name.
"Hey," Law was pulled out of his comfortable state only to see Nami's smug face. She was wiggling her fingers in front of him, berry signs in her eyes. "Cough it up, Traffy."
Law glared. "I'm still alive, aren't I?"
"That's just cause you got lucky Luffy came," Nami's hands were on her hips now, one eye twitching dangerously. "I believe I warned you that there's no hope trying to reason with those dumbasses. So, am I right, or am I right?"
Law's scowl was dark as he angrily rummaged in his pockets for all the berries that he had. Nami was right, Luffy had saved him again. That fact didn't stop him from grumbling as he handed her the money though.
Nami gave him a beatific smile and a wink as she sauntered away. "It was nice doing business with you, Mister Trafalgar. Do take care of our captain, or berries will be the least of your worries."
"Devious scamming Witch." Law muttered under his breath.
Luffy chose that exact moment to wake up. Looking up at him, her doe eyes twinkled with mirth. "That's why you never ever make a bet with Nami, Traffy. She's scary."