When did his love for Ace vanished was a question Luffy never wanted to answer. Did it vanish after his death, or did it vanish after he welcomed Law into his arms?

He didn't know; he really didn't know, but he knew the love he had for the dead husband was gone. Like vanished. What had actually remained were the fond memories he chose to remember and the idea of a love that once was; now there was fear.

Law had come to pick Luffy as he had promised, but this time unlike how they met previously, in front of the station. Luffy had requested to be picked up from the car park. Though they were in the car, the key remained unturned for more than half an hour, and the engine was silent.

Luffy was angry, Law had never seen him angry before, sad yes, irritated yes, hurting many times, but to find him this angry; Law was not prepared.

"Want to go for a dinner date? I got book royalties today!" Law asked after what felt like an eternity of silence. "If you want to, I mean."

"I am hungry." Luffy never refused food. "And I am tired, too."

"Here is the thing, you have a nap, and I will drive us to a nice place. Hmm?"

"I like that." Luffy nodded as he unbuttoned his collar and let out a suffocating breath, "But am I not exploiting you at this point?". Law didn't offer a reply but shook his head with an 'are kidding me' expression! And gently pulled Luffy's glasses down his nose and took it away. Luffy didn't protest, he liked the touch of Law's cold hands on his skin. The doctor's hands cupped Luffy's cheek and gently massaged Luffy's earlobes.

Luffy didn't protest as he felt tension from his shoulders and stomach leave. Though, he wanted to ask how did Law know all these. He chose to relish in the message Law was providing his head, ears, neck and shoulders. It had been a long time since Luffy had let his guard down. He was a policeman; by nature, he was always instinctive and hyper-aware; but with his husband of three months, he was melting Luffy's defences like an iceberg hit by global warming and turning into a ravenous river that was flooding the world.


When Luffy woke up, he tried to focus his eyes and then realized Law had taken his glasses away. But he could make out from the blurry surroundings that they were already inside the car park. And It was dim and empty.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" Luffy was surprised by his own voice. He didn't nap, he had a deep sleep!

Law handed him the glasses first and replied, "You looked comfortable. And it looked like you needed that sleep."

"Are you an angel?" Luffy couldn't help but blurt. "I want to praise and yell at you for being so nice! Why are you so good!" Luffy toyed with his seatbelt in embarrassment.

"No! Luffy!" Law laughed like it was the greatest joke of the century. "I am trying to be a decent husband."

"Carry on, and I will be sucking your angel dick in a few weeks!" Luffy grinned.

Law couldn't help but think of the pretty mouth on his cock, he mentally chided himself! He knew sucking cock was not their issue! "Silly man!" The taller of the two shook his head and helped the policeman unbuckle his seatbelt. Unlike movies, neither of them found anything romantic about unbuckling or buckling a seatbelt, so there was no awkward moment or exchange of shy glances. Despite them having a romping session in the same car that very afternoon.

Just shit-eating grins were offered.

"Before I forget." Luffy was trying hard not to trip as he stepped out of the car. He was both refreshed and dazed and slightly disoriented.

"Yes!"

"Shu-Shu," Law squinted his eyes at the mention of their dog's name. "Won't he be lonely when we are working? I know he has an automatic feeder, and we installed cameras too—"

" —you are worried if he will be alright?"

"Yeah."

"He is used to living alone, but yeah, he did live in a noisy household for years. Can we discuss this tomorrow? You are hungry, ain't you?" Law had honestly not given much thought to his dog. He loved Shu-Shu, but at the end of the day, he had a pragmatic approach towards everything, which often hindered him from thinking from a different perspective. He was expecting Luffy to talk about what happened in the afternoon with his colleague and had no way of thinking about anything or anyone else.

"I am hungry!" Luffy remembered suddenly as his hands automatically hugged his belly! "Fooooood!"

"Let's go, honey?"

"Honey?" Luffy made a face.

"Too soon?" Law grinned. "Bepo suggested we start the nickname sooner, otherwise it will be too late."

"Too cheesy!" Luffy pretended to be revolted. Law offered his husband his hand, and the policeman gladly interlaced his fingers with him.

"Too cheesy hmm. How about sweetheart?"

"Law nooooo!"


"Did you book the entire restaurant?" Luffy asked as they sat on the elegant chairs by the window. "Are you that rich after getting royalties? Ain't you saving for your hospital? Law!"

"No I am not rich, I wanted to take you somewhere else, then I realized we wouldn't have privacy! So only one place can offer us privacy and view. And I asked Doffy to let me have the place for three hours."

"Your brother-in-law?"

"Yup, that rascal."

"You both are close" Luffy hummed.

"We were, now it's complicated." Law didn't elaborate but Luffy understood, at the end of the day the brother and the husband who was the connection between them was gone. Law handed Luffy the menu and pulled a glass of water towards himself, but didn't drink.

"He owns this place?"

"He owns like half of the city! And he owes me a favour or three." Law laughed. "This place is his least profitable venture."

"Then isn't it better to shut it?" Luffy began flipping through the menu. "Sanji's father owns Baratie, they have never opened a second outlet because their uncle says it's a risky venture. He told me emotional attachment ruins business.!"

"Oh, no, no, dear Doffy is no emotional fool. This is a profitable business, alright. He uses this to evade taxes! He is the most cunning of the DonQuioxtes!" Law was laughing. "Least profitable is still more than your and mine salaries combined, dear!"

"As a public servant, that makes me uncomfortable." Luffy shook his head.

"As it should."

"So I should not feel guilty about mooching off his money tonight?"

"Absolutely not!"

"Law."

"Yes?"

"Help me."

"Huh?"

"I can't read anything on this menu, it's all in Skypeian!"

"Nor do I!" Law smirked and took back the menu and gestured at the waiting staff, who immediately arrived to take their orders.

"My husband likes meat and I would love something in broth," Law explained. "So we would like your chef's recommendation."

"And no bread for us," Luffy added. Law looked at Luffy and blushed. He had not realized Luffy figured out his dislike for bread.

Once the waiter left them, Luffy raised an eyebrow, which was followed by, "What?"

"You remembered I dislike bread."

"Well, it's not hard. Any time I have cooked pasta, you seem to toy with the bread for a while before you send it my way, when I made sandwiches you gobbled them in a rush. You also pick out croutons from your salad!" Luffy made a smug face.

"Sorry, I was not this bad, I became a picky eater over the years." Law's voice trailed off as he placed his hand on the table and played with the corners of the napkin, on which shiny cutlery awaited their prey of the night.

"But you like pancakes! Which is bread!" Luffy mused. "Again, they are not bread-bread, but cake-cake!"

"Actually—"

"What, you hate my pancakes?" Luffy scrunched up his nose and pouted. Law shook his head.

"I like your pancakes." Law blushed. "Only." Luffy looked at his husband without offering any reaction. Fearing he offended Luffy, Law continued explaining. "They don't feel breadish, rather they are like pieces of clouds in my mouth."

"Law!" Luffy's heart was so full of embarrassment and joy that he really didn't have words. So he grabbed his husband's stray hand that was twisting with the napkin, the force of this grab was so intense that the cutleries fell off the table and their cries echoed like screeching hyenas.

Luffy pulled the tattooed hands to his lips and kissed each finger. His lips were chapped that night, he couldn't help but wonder if Law had minded.

Law didn't.

The doctor had stood up without letting his hand go and cupped Luffy's face! His eyes were dark, and his lips were hungry for Luffy's. He pulled the shorter's face towards his and kissed him. Not a peck or soft kiss. It was demanding, Law wanted to have all of Luffy to himself. Though as he had promised, his hands didn't wander anywhere until Luffy permitted, his tongue invading Luffy's mouth conveyed all of Law's desires. The kiss meant only one thing: I want you!

They had no desire to pull away, but the universe had a strange sense of humour. Luffy's stomach growled, and the waiter arrived with appetizing dishes. Law smiled against Luffy's lips before he stopped kissing.

"Your dinner sir," the waiter announced unbothered, she was used to public displays of affection. "I will be here for the entire evening. Please press the bell, if you require anything else."

"Thank you!" Luffy was not ashamed of engaging in public displays of affection, either! "Honey say ah!" Luffy picked up a piece of fried shrimp and offered Law, who gobbled it immediately."

"Too cheesy!" Law commented a few seconds later.

Luffy giggled, "So no honey!"

Law nodded, "No honey!"

Law finally decided to ask about the afternoon incident , when the wait for dessert began. "Are we ready to talk about the afternoon?" Luffy was expecting it. He knew he had to tell him. He just didn't know where to start.

"How do I start?"

"Where ever you think I should know about!" Law didn't want to be his doctor self, but a supportive husband. Right now it was a bit difficult; especially when he recalled how angry Luffy was in the afternoon; he was concerned.

"He is a junior colleague who has been crushing on me for a few years now."

"Crush or love?" Luffy was blind to obvious things, and Law knew him well enough now, to know that Luffy also pretended to not see things around him to make his life tolerable. And this was the latter.

"Don't name it!" Luffy hissed.

"Sorry! You really don't like that guy?"

"I like him. I used to adore him, you know!" Luffy huffed. "I treated him like a little brother!"

"Then he confessed?"

"I wished he had confessed, and I could reject him! This more like a recurring back pain, you can't pinpoint, instead of a one-time stab wound!"

"He was playing the long courting game?" Law took a deep breath. He had seen Robin talk about people who needed to understand boundaries; some among them thought being nice and good was the only requirement for love. Well, love was not easy nor did it have a defined formula! If it did, divorcés wouldn't have happened!

Luffy slapped his forehead, "Arddghhj!" And Law flinched at Luffy's distress.

Law took Luffy's hand from his forehead and placed a fork in it, Luffy needed something in his hands while having a serious talk. "Okay! Okay! You didn't have to force it! I was worried! You looked so angry, I got scared!"

"I hate men who act like they are good guys, but come with ulterior motives; like getting into my pants!"

"That is me, Luffy!" Law offered guilty eyes. "I want to get into your pants, or you get into my pants."

"Not you. You told me you found me attractive on my face! Which I respect. I don't like this!" Luffy waved his hands in his hair with a clean fork, threatening the sky! "This gesture and postures to get into my good books! I was married once, I know promises don't matter if you don't keep the promises — all these sweet things don't matter if you are doing it with ulterior motives!"

Law nodded, "You are hot! They all want you."

The policeman rolled his eyes, "Thank you, husband."

"So how did That green-haired guy bother you so much? And you have too many green-haired guys in your life!" Law remembered Zoro suddenly! Then he recalled Zoro was his best friend.

"I have more pink-haired and blonde friends," Luffy explained. "Anyway, Bartolomeo has been with me since the beginning. So I trained him when he was a rookie, okay!"

"He looked up to you and evolved into a crush, now love?" Law couldn't help himself. "I mean, you are loveable."

"If it was that simple, I wouldn't have been this harsh." Luffy sighed. "He was there."

"Where?"

"When we found—" Luffy didn't want to say the words, but his heart was exhausted. His heart was too exhausted with the knowledge. Law didn't jump to carry on the sentence like he was doing the whole damn evening.

"Your dessert is here." The waiter placed the silver plates, one had a deceptively simple-looking slice of chocolate cake and the other was decorated golden caramel pudding. "Doffy has a message for you." The waiter slid an envelope under one of the dessert plates and left.

Between the desire for dessert and talk of death, awkwardness thickened like cobwebs. Neither of the raven-heads knew what to say next.

After a long pause, Law decided to pull the card. It was a flamingo pink envelope; there was an equally vile pink key-card inside with a neon sticky note! After reading, Law pushed the note to his husband. Luffy dropped his silver fork on the table and read it.

The penthouse is yours for the night.

From

Doffy.

Luffy after reading the note picked up his little dessert silver spoon, Law didn't like sweets much, so he pushed the plates towards the policeman. Luffy stabbed the chocolate cake and the pudding; scooping enough to fill his mouth, he looked at Law. In no time, Luffy's cheeks were full enough to resemble a squirrel stuffing his mouth with winter supplies.

"—he was there when we found Ace's body."

Though Law and Luffy were worried about Shu-Shu all alone , their home cameras, which Luffy had immediately installed with the letterbox after they got Shu-Shu, showed the dog was perfectly fine; asleep on the couch after having his night meal. With this knowledge, they accepted the offer to stay in the penthouse.

The penthouse was luxurious; it proved two things to Luffy, one what he saw on television was a mockery of the idea of a penthouse and second, he was now related to a tax criminal.

Luffy hissed, "The fuck!"

"I know!" Law matched his tone. He knew about this place, but he had never visited the infamous penthouse. Law's hands are coiled around Luffy's hips. And his chin was casually resting on Luffy's crown.

"You have never been here before?"

"No! This is Doffy's private place, reserved for his lovers."

"Ah, yes, he is not married. Waste of a pretty face!" Luffy broke free of the embrace and walked around, examining the decoration.

"Thank god he is not married!" Law huffed and began looking for the washroom. "He should waste that pretty face!"

"We have to drive back in the morning to get clean clothes!" Luffy followed after Law like a duckling in a few seconds.

"I know! I don't mind the drive or the distance to the cottage, but why did you build it so far?" Law had spoken without any intention of getting an answer, he had just shared what he felt. "Want to join me for a bath; we had a day today!?" Law turned around and found Luffy biting his lips and eyes cast down! Immediately, Law pulled Luffy closer and rested his slim hands on the policeman's shoulder!

"Hey! Did I say something wrong?"

"No!" Luffy immediately looked at Law and smiled.

"Are you sure? I mean, you have had a hard day!"

"Oh no, no. It's nothing serious. It's just I didn't build the house, I had no say in its purchase. I paid the mortgage later, though."

"I was not aware."

"Change of topic! Luffy shook his head like a puppy. "I need a bath! But clothes?"

"It's a penthouse, Luffy-ya! I am sure he was a washer and dryer. I will do the laundry, then we don't have to go back to the cottage to change!" Law grinned.

"What about my son? He will be alone for more than twenty-four hours!" Luffy gently bonked Law's head with his knuckles.

"I keep forgetting that he exists!" Law giggled. "Still, I am doing the laundry here! I want to see how good his expensive washer is!"

"But we go back home in the morning!" Luffy reminded sternly.

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Ewwww!"

"So no sweetheart?"

"Never!" Luffy pushed Law inside the washroom.

Law was not giving up, "Do you like flowers?"

"Why are you asking about that?" Luffy grabbed Law's naughty hands.

"Because I want to know. And I thought we can do ten questions! So what flowers do you love most?"

"Sunflowers!" This time, Luffy replied without a counterquestion. "But I don't dislike any flowers in particular! What about you? Go inside, you tall man! What flowers do you like?" Luffy was tempted to pick up Law like a sack and drag him to a bath.

"Lilacs!"

Had they been teenagers , Law and Luffy would have blushed at seeing each other naked. Had they been younger and under the spell of curiosity, they would have rushed to kiss each other under the shower. Instead, they took their time to undress.

"Summer, autumn, winter or spring?"

Luffy sighed, "Summer. What about you?"

"Winter! See, asking ten questions was not hard!" Law and Luffy had got rid of every time of clothing while asking the questions, and now they stood naked, staring at a shower space that could easily fit in a king-size bed! They could do it anyway in this bathroom!

But Law was a doctor and Luffy a policeman, they had met many people who had accidents while trying to have fun in the shower!

"We are not doing anything in the shower"

"No hanky-panky in the shower, okay!"

The three-month-old married couple announced to each other and broke into laughter.

"Yeah, it's so difficult to kiss when water is hitting your face!" Law added! "Even breathing becomes an issue if you are not careful."

"Not only that, it becomes harder to get a grip! And the chances of slipping on the wet floor are higher too! And this place is built of marble! We slip, we die!" Luffy shook his head, thinking of injured people he has helped over the years who slipped on polished bathrooms!

Law agreed, "Shower first, and then we soak in the bathtub as you suggested?" Luffy took off his glasses with a nod, and m offered his hand to Law.

So Luffy without his glasses was carefully placed under the shower while Law arranged for the cleaning items! "Stand still! Don't move!" After they were both thoroughly wet, Law leathered his husband's body with some unopened imported body shop! Doffy was rich, he wouldn't complain, and with this knowledge, he scrubbed Luffy clean.

After Luffy was blanketed in foam, Law began cleaning himself. Unable to open his eyes and move anymore Luffy opened his mouth and began running his hands on Law without hesitation or sense of direction, "I thought we would kiss the moment we entered the penthouse hahaha!" Luffy's eyes were shut tight, but he was enjoying cleaning rather than playing with whatever body part his hands were gabbing. "But I really needed this bath! Thanks! I still want kisses!"

"We will." Law hummed as he let Luffy run his fingers efficiently on the lean body. "You sure are enjoying groping me like I am a squishy toy!"

"But you are squishy!" Luffy laughed, he gently rubbed what he thought was Law's side arms.

"I have never been called squishy before!"

"Yeah you are lean, but you don't pay attention to yourself, do you? I don't even need to see, to know it."

Law's curiosity peaked, "Know what?"

"You gained weight. Your waist and arms don't feel bony! It makes me so happy! My hard work is paying off!" Luffy pulled Law's equally foam coveted body to his and rubbed himself against Law.

"Were you worried I was too skinny?"

"No, not skinny, you just looked— starving I think! Since I know how doctors are always skipping meals! I have watched all the episodes of Dr. Hiluluk! Hence, I was adamant about feeding you a heavy breakfast and adding protein for dinner!" Luffy had indeed made it clear, Law was never to skip breakfast if he wanted Luffy's heavenly coffee in a flask! Followed by almost every night, the couple— Luffy did the major work while Law tried to cook dinner that had some kind of protein in it.

As Luffy had observed, Law really didn't care what went into his body. But now that they were living together, the simple routine Luffy made him follow was helping him get better nutrition and sleep! Law was happy to have married this man whose love language was doing things!

"And your coffee is now decaffeinated," Luffy whispered. Law was surprised.

"I really couldn't tell the difference!" The doctor confessed. "You are more observant than you let people on!" Law pinched Luffy's nose. "Why are you so caring!" Law now squeezed Luffy hard! "I think I should do more than just make you tea! Should I try learning making pastas? You like kinds of pasta I know!"

"Pasta will be hard for a beginner, maybe we can start with making rice and soups?"

"You really are caring!"

"Because I like you." Luffy rested his ear on Law's chest. "Every night when you are beside me on the bed. Your heartbeat comforts me. I will keep you healthy! And you will live till 100 with me!" Luffy let go of a deep sigh on Law's chest.

"And I love listening to your heartbeat!"

After cleaning the foam off each other's bodies, Law couldn't help but almost cried his lust out, "Your body, how are you so chiselled!" He could feel the curves of Luffy's muscles rise and fall as he ran his hands all over the policeman. If Luffy wanted, he could bend Law over and take him without a struggle.

"Work out!"

"Running, don't give you abs, Husband!"

"No, no, we have a gym at the police station. We all work out in the morning before our shift begins, or before leaving in the evening. We can box, we can engage in combat training or just strength training."

Law had no idea, this was news to his little jealous heart, "When do you work out?"

"Depends on my schedule."

"So you have shared gym and bathing facilities?"

"Yeah."

"I am trying to be a modern man! But the idea of people watching you naked and working out in those running shorts is driving me nuts! It shouldn't but it bothers me! Hmmmph!" Law was half serious as he began massaging Luffy's back and arms before the final wash. He trusted Luffy with everything, but the world, absolutely nope!

"No one likes me like that! Only you!"

"That pink-haired group, I remember them clearly at the party! They were ogling at you!"

"You were drunk! You remember shit!"

"And this green-haired guy! How can we ever forget him!"

Luffy barked! "Ahghjjj! I will bite that guy's head off!"

"So, want to yell about him?" Law continued his ministrations.

"First shower, I want to soak and talk!" Luffy pouted!

Law agreed with a chuckle, "As you wish!"

After getting rid of the day's smell and dirt , both found themselves inside the giant pool-sized bathtub. The water was hot, not warm. And Luffy offered his naked butt to Law's lap. The doctor didn't decline. He placed his husband on his equally naked lap and both decided to enjoy the pain and pleasure of hot water soothing the aches of the day.

"So I think it's established to you, Bartolomeo has known me since before Ace's death." Luffy interlaced his fingers with Law's and let his body totally collapse on Law's.

Law rested his chin on Luffy's head and rubbed small circles of comfort on his wrists," Yeah,"

"He was crushing after me even before his death. And bloody Ace knew. Ace had sort of been an arse about it." Luffy gulped angry air. "Arsehole dead fucker!"

"I do not understand."

"When Barto joined, we were having a tough time, it was not like yelling and screaming you know. But Ace could be petty when he wanted to be. I had to cancel on a few dinner nights because I was on night shifts, and this first time I was assigned a rookie partner." Luffy took a deep breath.

"Ace had run into us when I was training Bartolomeo, he had come to drop my dinner, and he immediately clocked in on the guy having a crush on me." Luffy adjusted himself on Law's thighs, sitting in the tub though comforting could make one feel disoriented. "They met a couple of times here and there, and then during team dinners with family members and stuff. You know, family picnics and other shit."

Law was naturally intuitive, and removed his chin from Luffy's head to ask, "Did he say something?"

"Two months before his death, he had told Bartolomeo to look after me in case of unforeseeable danger! He told him how if he was not in the picture, Barto would've easily won my heart with effort. " Luffy reclined his head on Law's shoulder. "Who does that?" Law had known there were traces of unresolved anger in Luffy, but now his voice revealed the depth of his anger. "Who does that? Who talks about their spouse like that? Bastard." Luffy giggled, "We had been together since I was fourteen! He was my everything— and then to say, someone I only professionally looked after would win my heart just by a mere display of bare minimum behaviour! Did he think I was a dumb teen, who would fall for the same shit twice! Who says these?" Luffy didn't let go of Law's hand. "Who?"

"An insecure person." Law blurted out. "I didn't— sorry!" Law only wanted to listen! But he couldn't stop.

"No, you are right. It was petty and insecure. He sent that guy on a wild goose chase! If it was that easy to win my heart, I would've said yes to every sincere confession I got in school and the police academy! I was with Ace because I wanted to be him! Not because—" Law rubbed Luffy's arm and kissed his nape, which relaxed the shorter man. " Because I was naive. I was naive at fourteen and not twenty-four! For seven years, this guy has been chasing me! I had done everything to nail into him that there was no chance. I drank with him and didn't let him pay when he was sick I helped, but I never stayed by his side to nurse him, I refused to let him pay for dinner, when my colleagues put us in the same hotel room for an office trip, I chose to sleep on the reception sofa! What more can I do to say no, I am not interested! I mean, he should understand now, na? I got—" Luffy stopped himself.

Law decided to complete the sentence, "You remarried, you married me! And he still doesn't understand?"

After a pause, the reply came, "Exactly!"

"So what happened today? You were infuriated."

"My patience ended. So I officially submitted an application for transfer."

"You did what? Why are you leaving? When it's not your fault?"

"He is one of the reasons. Another being I don't want to sit for the detective-inspector examination!"

"You are due for a promotion?"

"I have to give a written examination! I am a street police, I have no interest in being a department chief!" Luffy was shaking. "If I stay in that station, I will be dragged. So I placed the gun on Bartolomeo's shoulder to fire my bullet."

"Are you sure you don't want to!"

"I am not ready."

"Okay."

"Okay?" Luffy looked up at Law with a confused face. "You agree?"

"Did you want to hear something else?" Law asked softly and took a whiff of Luffy's smell from his wet head. "Apricot shampoo makes you smell like a warm jar of jam! Should I buy them, the imported shampoo since I didn't spend money on dinner, we can splurge?"

"No. But everyone has been trying to convince me otherwise. So it was refreshing. I am glad I married you." Luffy chuckled. "And no, ain't you saving money for your future hospital dream?"

"True, I need to save! And I was married to a policeman before, remember? I know the stress of these exams. If you are not ready, you are not. Forcing yourself to do something is not helpful in the long run; I would rather you be safe and help people than suffer and become incompetent."

"Thanks."

"So I am guessing you also are trying to cut clean with your attachments? Because I bet you were going to tolerate the green-haired man a little longer had I not been in the picture?"

"It's not that entirely. I am tired of people worrying about me and thinking I am incapable of looking after myself. I was on my own for seven years, wasn't I?"

"If moving to a new station makes you feel better, do it." Law paused for a while, "but that guy?"

"Hmm?"

"Will he not try to follow you around?"

"I think I shattered whatever hopes he had left, today."

"You mean the kiss?"

"Just— You!"

"Me?"

Luffy took a big breath and began yelling, "I know, I have repeated this, but we have only started. We have years ahead. And in the future, we will fight and have ups and downs. But you make me calm. I want to know you better! And I can't do these if I fear some idiot, he tried to break your car today because he caught feelings for me! I am worried about you! You are important!"

Hearing Luffy say he was worried about him, made Law bolder, "Please kiss me!" Law's hands tightened on Luffy's shoulder, and the cock that was placid for almost an hour had become hard!

Luffy turned around entirely to face the doctor and brought Law's face to his. The dripping dark bangs and the wet lips inched closer to Law's neck and whispered with the warm breath, "And you always ask and don't assume!"

The words send shivers down Law's legs and hands. The doctor gripped Luffy's toned body harder! Luffy raised his head and looked Law straight in his eyes with hunger, Law wanted to be devoured by him, and then Luffy scrunched up his nose and nuzzled it against Law's nose. "Can we go to bed? My husband."

[LEMONS AKA SEXY TIMES. IF YOU ARE MINOR AND READING, DO IT AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION]

Wet, wrinkled wandering warm hands , tangled dripping hair and thoroughly soaked feet lead them to the master bedroom, leaving behind puddles on the wooden floor. Luffy's mouth was attached to Law's neck while the taller groped the younger's naked buttocks.

Once they fell on the bed, Luffy broke into giggles. "Huh?" Law asked as he hurriedly pulled Luffy into a kiss.

Luffy muffled his reply between lapping of the tongues. "Nothing, kissing makes me feel happy!" Luffy's fingers which had wrinkled because of soaking for so long trailed down Law's naked front and grabbed his cock. Law hissed at the frictional touch. Their skin was still warm and too supple!

The doctor loved it, ever since they started exploring the boundaries of intimacy, Law had let Luffy decide the pace and the actions. Kisses and make-out sessions had been plenty! But until this afternoon, mutual pleasuring had been sidelined. Law was pushed into the pillow while Luffy sat on his thighs and held him by the balls and the cock. Luffy was playing with him, his eyes were glowing with mischief as he began massaging Law's balls, making the doctor release hisses of pleasure moans.

Law knew something had clicked in Luffy's head after his therapy session. He didn't want to ask, but he could guess. He was a doctor, he understood. Luffy's hands knew what he was doing, he massaged him hard and fast to make Law's toes curl in excitement, but stopped before Law could achieve release! Then he toyed with Law's sacks, slowly and deliberately! When Law was leaking with pre-cum and his hard cock was pulsating in Luffy's strong palm, Luffy bent down and licked Law's lips like a cat showing affection. Law's empty hands that were abusing the sheets grabbed Luffy's head and kissed him back with the hunger he experienced in the evening.

"Do you want me?" Luffy was suddenly shy.

"Please! Do me or let me do you or touch me!" Law lamented. "Please!"

The mischief in Luffy's eyes was replaced with curiosity, "You don't have anything particular you want from me?"

It took a while for the doctor to understand what Luffy was questioning, "You mean position? As in top or bottom?" Law asked.

Luffy nodded. "Do you want to top me or should I?"

Law's replied earnestly, "I have no preferences. I enjoy both!" Seeing Luffy's hands twitch on his cock and the pain of feeling loaded was making it hard for Law to be clear-headed. But he asked, "Do you have a preference?"

"I have never topped before," Luffy confessed.

"Do you want to?"

"I can?" Luffy asked in a surprisingly timid voice. "I think I want to."

"Obviously, what are we, dumb teens? Remember, sex can be anything we want. If you want to fuck my mouth, fuck me! If you want me to fuck your armpits, I will. You name it, I am up for it." Luffy had also realized, Law's attitude towards sex was not a libertine display of openness to all, rather, it was the promise of giving his best in everything.

"In future, I want to, then."

"Whenever you want."

"Tonight—" Luffy took a deep breath.

"Tonight?"

"I am still not ready for anal sex!" Luffy was embarrassed. "Seven years is a long time!"

"I told you we don't have to rush!"

"But I am mentally horny, I told Robin! I have been horny for seven years! I want you so badly, yet I feel so—" Luffy's head fell on Law's shoulder and bit him in hopes of injecting his difficult-to-speak words into Law's bloodstream.

"And guilty?" Law asked.

"Yeah."

"I want you, right?"

"Yes."

Hearing the yes, Law coiled his hands on Luffy's waist. "You want me?"

"Yes."

"So would you trust me to lead you tonight?" Law kissed Luffy's ear. "I can fuck you in many ways!"

Luffy nodded and took the leap of courage, "I would like to be spanked again."

"My, my!" Law softly pinched Luffy's naked buttocks. "Pinching?"

"I like it!" Luffy was so embarrassed, he bit Law's neck now. "It's embarrassing and I like it. It makes my teeth tingle." Luffy bit Law on the earlobe now, sucking on his golden rings.

"Luffy-ya!" Law cried.

"Yeah?"

"I like getting bitten, so tell me what you like, I will do it all."

"Oooo. I can bite you more. Let's get started!"

In minutes, Luffy found their positions reversed! Law was on top of him and Luff was on his fours and his face buried in the pillow. Luffy expected the spanks to rain! But no, Law burned his supple thighs and buttocks with ant bite pinches and massages, making Luffy pant like a thirsty wolf in his pillow.

The lines between pain and pleasure were blurry! He was loving the manhandling of his thighs and buttocks. When his cock was harder than a seven-day-old loaf, Luffy felt the first spank! It was hard, and over in an instant! "Ouccch!" But the moment it happened, he could feel the pain travel up his spine and burn his insides, followed by a release! And then the release melted, and it made Luffy excited about the next spank! He had not realized, but the yelp from Luffy's lips that got swallowed by the pillow was what made Law excited!

"You are a naughty policeman!" Law found Luffy's cry adorable! His cock was ready to burst any moment, but he restrained himself! He gently massaged the area where he spanked! And when Luffy's breathing smoothed, he spanked him again! This time the cry was louder and more intense!

"Again!" Luffy begged! "Why is it so good?" Luffy didn't finish! Another spank followed; making his knees feel like jelly!

The demand and supply for spanks continued until Luffy's cock was leaking like a broken foundation! He had not realized how tormented and turned on he would've become! His legs were wobbly, but Law was not done.

"Luffy. Raise your hips!" Law asked and steadied Luffy's thighs! "May I fuck your thighs?"

Hearing these words made every pore on Luffy's skin burn! He had never needed to be fucked in his thighs before! But hearing it made him want to be fucked badly, "Yes!"

"Stick your thighs together, but not too tight, okay!" Law caressed Luffy's buttocks first and then pulled him as close as possible to Law's cock. "Don't lose balance!" Law took Luffy's cock by his right hand and held his hips firm with his left.

Luffy was boiling with anticipation, how would it feel to have a cock between his legs! There was no prostate to hit or entrance to suck the cock dry! But every thought flew out of the penthouse when Law's cock entered between his thighs! Luffy was instantly stimulated!

Law cursed, "The fuck!" Luffy yelled at the same time! It was warm for Law and a foreign feeling Luffy! But it was so exciting that both men couldn't stop but offer running commentary!

"Damn your thighs! I love them! They are gobbling me up!"

"It's more intimate than actual intercourse!" Luffy's cock was burning in Law's palm.

Law began rolling his hips, and Luffy gladly provided him with all the moves! His thighs were clinging to Law's cock and enjoying being swayed by the thrusts! And Law stroked Luffy's cock hard and fast; driving the shorter incapable of letting out words after a few minutes.

Luffy moaned and panted under Law's care like an animal going into its first heat! He was burning, tired, horny and so raw! Law was doing no better! The very image of Luffy's parted mouth letting out moans and whimpers into the pillow with raised buttocks for him was over-frying his brain. He would've come a long time back, but he wanted to fuck Luffy's thighs until the policeman released all his pent-up seeds!

Moans from both melted into silent gasps and heavy dog panting, Law continued fucking Luffy's thighs and playing with his cock! The sound of slapping and the squelching of wet cocks between skin was both a turn-on and an embarrassment!

"I am close!" Luffy let out a small cry from his drooling lips.

"Spill for me, husband." Law's voice was heavier with lust and commanding. Luffy didn't need to hear twice. His cock deflated on Law's finger like a water balloon that got poked by a toothpick.

The doctor, sensing his climax nearing, paused for a breath and asked, "Luffy, may I wrap it here?" His semen-drenched fingers danced on the valley of Luffy's entrance. "I will just release myself on your anus." It was a request, not a command.

"Do it."

With Luffy's permission, Law pulled his cock out from the warm cave and placed it between the valley of Luffy's butt cheeks and rubbed himself. Luffy was far too gone to think, but he liked the touch of a wet, hard cock. He was still not ready to let it in. But he was not against it. After tonight, he was open to the idea of Law entering him in the future.

Not long after, Luffy felt Law's cock release on him. Suddenly everything was light, sticky and warm around the couple! Law engulfed Luffy into a back hug and flopped forward.

"Thank you!" Law whispered as he kissed Luffy's cheeks and hugged him tighter!

"Law, you will have to clean the sheets too!" Luffy remembered as he turned around to hug Law better!

"Shit!"


Shu-Shu greeted the guilty couple by jumping onto them as soon as the door was opened. More than Law, it was Luffy who was plagued by guilt! After they recovered from the post-sex daze, Luffy made Law do the laundry, clean the sheets and while he wiped the floor and aired the room! After making the place as spotless as possible, Luffy dragged Law back to their home at 4 am!

Law didn't complain, he loved driving, driving down the coast to reach the cottage at sunrise was pretty darn romantic too! So, despite Luffy crying and begging him to hurry, the doctor took his sweet time to let the breeze and sunshine bathe them.

"Let's go for a walk! We have time." Luffy had changed into comfortable shorts and a singlet! The doctor couldn't help but nod and immediately found Luffy had hooked his arm in Law's and held Shu-Shu's belt in another!

The dog and the young husband of Law's were born with infinite energy, but he was not! He let the two drag him everywhere. He was just happy to be in their company!

They had never explored the beach to this extent. Luffy always took a morning run immediately after he woke up and ever since Shu-Shu joined their family, the dog ran after him happily! Generally, Luffy woke after Law, but in the last three months; Law's sleeping time had surprisingly stretched, and he woke up just a few minutes before Luffy! So he was actually very happy to have Luffy around him.

Law was not into running, but he worked out, in the bathroom in peace and silence! Luffy was both impressed and worried. He had slowly but steadily become insistent that Law should go jogging in the morning, just for the fresh air! Since he was a doctor, Law couldn't even come up with an excuse for calling this a bull!

Today he finally had his way. Law loved watching Luffy's legs, but when it came to himself; he was dressed in loose track pants and an equally loose t-shirt!

"Tch! Why are you wearing tracks!" Luffy mumbled once they had jogged far enough from the cottage. And Shu-Shu, now unbound, carefree of worry knowing he was all perfect, ran ahead of them.

"It's embarrassing! My legs and arms are too skinny!"

"They are sexy! And you have tattoos!" Luffy gasped! "And no one comes this early to the beach! My eyes could feast!"

Law laughed, "Only idiots find me attractive!"

"You mean your Cora-san was an idiot like me?" Luffy asked so casually as if he had known Law's dead husband personally. Both knew it was not true. But still, he had to ask.

"Did you ever meet him?"

Luffy didn't reply immediately, but he was thinking, after a pause, he spoke, "The world of policemen and policewomen is pretty close-knit. So We ran into each other here and there. I think I know where he was posted, but I was not anywhere near his circle—"

"And also there is the age difference between you both, so he must've been your senior!" Law added.

"Yeah, I think he knew my boss better, he dropped by our station when I was a rookie."

"Yeah, I think I met a few people who knew him in that office party we went to, the one where I got drunk." Running on the beach was hard, Law was falling behind, so Luffy stopped. "Can we take a break?"

Luffy offered an apologetic grin, "Sure! Water?"

"Thanks!"

"Running on the beach is hard, no? It's good practice to have a good balance. Once you are used to it, it's great!"

"You have been running on it for a decade!" Law gulped his water and looked around, "where did the dog go?"

"There," Luffy pointed at the little blur chasing birds.

"You make him happy. I know I shouldn't say this, but you and Cora-san— you are made of the same cloth." Law handed Luffy the water bottle.

"You mean idiots?" Luffy laughed. "I think because we both are policemen. We tend to be a bit pushy, eh?"

"I guess. But I meant, you put people at ease. I hadn't realized, until a few weeks back, how much at ease I feel with you!"

"I am glad!" Luffy offered his hand to Law. "I am glad that we are not awkward anymore."

"Me too!"

Luffy squeezed Law's palm and asked, "May I ask something?"

"Is it about him?" Luffy nodded. "Sure, it's not that I am avoiding questions about him. I just never know how to talk about a man who has been gone for such a long time!"

"How did he die? I know if I check the records, I can find out. But I know it's your story to tell."

"In the line of duty." Law laughed. "He died a hero and left me a martyr's widower!" Law squeezed Luffy's hand back.

"Was it the hostage situation at Orahara Bank?"

"Yes, it was that."

"I am sorry." Luffy knew exactly what happened that afternoon. He was there. "We were late!" Law didn't understand at first. But it dawned on him.

"You were there?" Law asked. "Of course, you were there!"

"I was. I am sorry, I didn't see him, I was on the other wing. But—" Before Luffy could say anything. Law pulled the shorter into a hug.

"Shhh! I know what happened. I was afraid you might've been there when I was first informed I was marrying you. Hence, I had not mentioned him. The entire city's police force was there that evening." Law patted Luffy's head. "The whole country saw it unfolding!"

"You truly are the adult one between us!" Luffy chuckled.

"But what made you think of that today?" Law asked, he was still hugging Luffy. "I thought we were going to deal with one backstory at a time? Can we handle two sob stories?"

"In the penthouse, I saw a picture of your first wedding."

"When?"

"When you were doing laundry. I was not planning to snoop in. I just saw a small frame of you and Cora-san on the wall! Likewise, I had to ask. You looked so happy! I can only imagine your pain. But I want to try to make you that happy!"

"Luffy-ya!"

"Yeah?"

Law took a sharp breath, "Promise me, you will not rush into dangerous situations alone!" Luffy stiffened in his embrace. "I know, promising this is hard given your job! I meant, don't be blind to your surroundings! Ask for help, okay?"

"I promise not to be an idiot who jumps into danger!"

"That's all I ask!"


"I cannot accept your transfer request!" Smoker slammed the papers on Luffy's desk. "Does it look like a come-as-you-please place, Monkey D." Everyone was silent. Boa and Tashigi, and Luffy's other colleagues, too stopped in the middle of their task to look at the ruckus.

"If you won't accept, I have other means." Luffy was not even trying to argue. He softly placed his weathered tea mug on the desk and stood up. He had expected this outburst. Last afternoon, he dragged Bartolomeo inside the station and made him sit opposite him while he wrote his letter of transfer appeal! Then he made the green-haired man drop the letter on Smoker's desk.

After that Luffy had left for his patrol duty, Smoker was not able to get hold of him the entire day and in the evening Luffy skipped changing in the common room and slipped out front of the car park area.

"Oh like what? Quit your job?"

"That, and sending my application to the higher office. There are handbooks, you know? I can read when I need to!"

"What's got into you?"

"Nothing, I want a change!"

"You were fine being here for the last twelve years!"

"People change!"

"Answer me goddammit!" Smoker banged the table, spilling Luffy's almost empty tea mug. Luffy didn't react, but then he saw the cup rolling slowly towards the edge of the table, Smoker tried to catch it, but the mug had decided to slip out of his hand and end its almost two-decade-long life.

And then it fell.

"That was the last mug from my dead husband." Luffy sighed as he dropped to his knees and picked up the broken pieces of bone-china on which the words: Best Boyfriend In The World were painted. Ace had made it for their first Valentine's gift in pottery class.

"I—"

"It's okay, it doesn't hurt anymore. See, I have changed, had it been a few years ago, I would be sobbing in the washroom over these broken pieces." Luffy stood up, holding the broken pieces in his hands.

Then he walked over to Bartolomeo's unoccupied cubicle and spotted his wastebasket and dumped the pieces there.

"Lu!" Another green-haired policeman came. It was Zoro. Luffy's best friend, who had been transferred to another station after his promotion, for more than a year now.

"Hey!" Luffy grinned. "Everyone, go back to your seat. Nothing to see here." Luffy waved his hands and fixed his uniform and guided Zoro to his desk.

"Why are you standing like this, sir?" Zoro asked Smoker as he sidestepped him to take his seat.

"He doesn't want me to transfer." Luffy ignored his boss.

"Is it true you applied at the Dressrosa branch?"

"And Luscaina also! And Water7, and Frevlance Street too!" Luffy informed. Smoker gritted his teeth, hearing Luffy share his options.

"Withdraw from Dressrosa branch." Zoro sighed. "Apply to my department, we have a position open."

"Why? Dressrosa needs more people with patrol experience and people skills. I'm a perfect fit!"

Smoker wanted to bang his hands on the table again, but he refrained, "Your current husband's dead husband belonged there."

"Noooo!" Luffy slapped his forehead.

"Withdraw!"

"I will talk to Law first!"

"You think he would like to see you go there?" Zoro asked in a deadpan voice. "Would you like to visit Marineford every other day!"

"Don't compare the situation! Just because the only common point is we have dead husbands!" Luffy bonked Zoro's head. "Law's Cora-san died in the line of duty! Not by choice, unlike that idiot!" Zoro was surprised to see his best friend curse his dead husband so openly. He remembered how Luffy had stopped even voicing his anger and sadness, he only referred to Ace when he needed to out of no choice.

"Oh, your fire is back, how many years has it been?" Zoro laughed. Luffy rolled his eyes.

"I want him to sit for exams! He is wasted as a sergeant!" Smoker added.

"I don't want to!"

"Lu, let's have dinner. And talk about this, okay? Sanji sent me to get you." Zoro stood up.

"Why did you come here then?" Luffy asked with a pout. "We could've met there directly, Law has classes till late evening, so I was thinking about what to do with dinner!"

"I called him." Tashigi came in and patted Zoro. "I was worried about yesterday. I think he can help with the Bartolomeo situation."

"Are you serious, you want to leave because of that guy?" Smoker barked. "It's a harmless crush! And you are married."

"I think Luffy deserves to be at peace. This situation has gone out of hand because we have been sliding it as a harmless crush." Tashigi smiled. It was the polite, lifeless smile of an annoyed woman. "Nine years is too long!"

"He has not harmed Luffy!"

"He followed him to the hospital, where Luffy visited his therapist." Tashigi was actually trained to be a prosecutor, but circumstances and self-realization made her decide to be a policewoman. Right now, she was going to use all her training to help Luffy.

Luffy had always helped her when her now husband, but previously a nuisance Sachi bothered her.

"He did what?" Smoker looked at the empty cubicle that belonged to the man of the topic. "Where is he?"

"Investigating a burglary with Rebecca."

"When he returns, send him to my office."

"Let us handle this first. Apparently, similar cases of burglary have happened in Zoro's precinct too! I offered to drive him there since his sense of direction is so off! And his partner is on maternity leave!" Tashigi was not letting this go. "And we will deal with the parrot on our way."

"Tashigi we are being too harsh."

"No Smoker, you are being wilfully ignorant." Boa Hancock yelled from the far corner of the station and threw her car keys to Tashigi. "Take mine, it's bigger. Zoro, don't get lost!"

"Thanks, girl!" Zoro waved back as Tashigi pushed him out.

"Boa!" Smoker yelled. "You are not the chief yet!"

"What… are you going to break my wedding photograph now for looking after my colleague?" Boa asked; she was neither married nor had any intentions to marry. "Let's take it inside, shall we." Boa was going to replace him as the chief soon, she was not the chief, but right now it seemed she had already taken over. "Luffy come in too." Everyone was observing. The three went into Smoker's room.

Smoker found himself in a situation he had never wanted to be in. His division was known for being strict but fair. He never discriminated between female and male and transgender officers! He sanctioned leaves on time, he made sure his teammates were paid on time and overtime. So it was bothering him how he could have not noticed that Luffy was this troubled.

Years back, when Bartolomeo joined the station and was following Luffy like a lost puppy, he had assumed it was a rookie admiring a senior. It was a familiar story, everyone had idols! When Zoro, Tashigi and Luffy had joined, they too followed Smoker like a litter of newborn kittens.

Smoker had failed to notice when this admiration for a senior had turned into unrequited, one-sided love for Bartolomeo. He was the last one to realize this, and by then he had done the damage! Luffy's Ace was dead and buried for a few years. And Bartolomeo had been assigned as Luffy's partner during the entire period.

It was during one of those epic department parties, the green-haired man had drunkenly confessed and thanked Smoker for being the best boss for supporting his quest for winning over Luffy! Smoker who was buzzing after his 20th beer a bit— immediately lost his tipsy and sobered up.

He had no idea!

The chief of the division tried to explain to the drunkard that it was not his intention, but Bartolomeo had refused to understand and called him the " bestest wingman ever ". Fearing worse, Smoker had decided he would reshuffle the partnerships, next, but Luffy beat him to that.

Two weeks later, Luffy had submitted a plea to be taken off any detective work, and wanted to go solo! And only one position would allow him to do so! Luffy wanted to be put on patrol and emergency response duty. Smoker didn't think through why Luffy wanted it so badly; the primary reason was of course the dead husband, but there was more and as boss, he should've questioned him more, but he didn't— the other reason was this green-haired man!

Luffy's letter explained that he no longer wanted to climb up the ladder, as he felt he was not able to give his best. He had tried for three years, and he couldn't do it anymore! He had chosen two paths for himself— early retirement or a change of job profile!

Smoker let him be the friendly neighbourhood cop— Luffy was a great image for the public image of the police! Helping the elderly, catching pickpockets, helping school children cross the roadside, providing tourists with safety kits and tracking missing parcels and demented elderly. That's how Luffy had caught DonQuixote Homing's eyes when he helped his wife when she failed to recall her address after fainting in the heat.

Luffy had started being the patrol police three years back, just after Luffy had turned 30.

Luffy was 33 now, and had no intentions of becoming a detective, despite Smoker forcing the designation of sergeant on him almost two years back. And Smoker thought his new marriage would've ended this self-appointed exile and made Luffy take up new cases. But for two years, Luffy only did paperwork required for cases and actively avoided detective work. He gladly took his colleagues' designated patrol duties and sent juniors to investigate in his place. And when he was close to solving something, he would tip off Zoro and Tashigi to solve it.

He was getting paid a sergeant's salary, but he was still doing the hard labour of patrol officer's labour— which was more tiring than following one case!

Now, learning that Bartolomeo had bothered Luffy so much that he was willing to take a transfer to a department known for only taking everyday petty crimes—left a bitter aftertaste in Smoker's mouth.

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Smoker asked. This time he was not angry but hurt. "I would've warned him."

"But I did."

"He did." Boa nodded. "We all did."

"When?"

"I told you Barto is being too clingy!" Boa hissed. "I showed you, how he tried to partner up with Luffy even after you dissolved their partnership."

"I thought he was looking out for Luffy."

"We all look out for each other, do I follow your wife and you to your car if you take half day off for a medical check-up?" Boa asked. Smoker looked at Luffy, who was surprisingly not interested in the conversation and texting someone on his phone.

Boa took a deep breath, "Would you have let this slide if Barto had exhibited similar behaviour with let us say Tashigi or Rebecca?"

"No." Smoker confessed. He really didn't think the crush would be that big deal. He thought it was harmless and would die after Bartolomeo learned of Luffy's wedding. Hence, he declared it to the whole station and made Luffy attend the party with his husband— to make a statement that his prodigal son was no longer single. Bartolomeo was not the only one who wanted Luffy. Men, Women, old, young and in-between, everyone wanted this man.

"Luffy had submitted written requests for a new partner thrice! Each new internal reshuffle."

"You counted?" Luffy looked up with a grin at Boa.

"Of course, I love you. I will protect you. Did I not suggest you the patrol position?" Boa pulled her long hair into a bun and stabbed with a pen she picked from Smoker's desk. "You thought Luffy was a man, so he won't be bothered by this, didn't you? Right Smoker? I even asked Hina to explain it to you. Gender doesn't matter! Him being a man doesn't mean you could've treated him differently than a woman officer!"

"When?" Smoker was too embarrassed. "When did you?"

"Last year! I think you told her Luffy wasn't a fragile flower."

"I didn't say that!" Smoker yelled. "You did, Hina told me."

"I understand falling in love— I don't want to bear the burden of someone's feelings on me." Luffy was again typing on his phone but continued talking. "Barto meant no harm. But I have tried every possible means to hammer in the message that I am not interested."

"You could've rejected him firmly." Smoker knew this was an injured dog's excuse. Luffy still didn't look up but shifted his phone to his right and waved his left hand: the new wedding ring was pretty prominent enough not to be ignored.

"Yeah, he is still processing the news of your wedding. That's why I told you— drop an invitation on everyone's desk!"

Boa wanted to burn Smoker. "Are you nuts, just because his family is rich doesn't mean he has to invite everyone! And he invited us— you, me, Tashigi, Zoro! People he likes!"

"Which part of this do you not understand? Bartolomeo almost broke my husband's car with a brick-sized stone."

"What!" Boa and Smoker yelled.

"Lu! Why didn't you tell me? Smoker, this is ridiculous! You can't defend him!"

"He was trespassing in an area meant for hospital staff, and he kept knocking on the car, and we were processing what was happening. He was holding a boulder, he would've broken the window. Law could've been hurt! He is a doctor; do you realize if Law got hurt, so many people would die because people would miss out on life-saving surgery!" Now Luffy was angry. "My husband was in danger because a man couldn't control his feelings for me."

"Are you serious about transferring?" Smoker took a deep breath."

"Will you transfer him to keep me? I am a patrol officer, yes I preside over him by hierarchy— but he is a practising detective you need. Letting me go would be the best thing for all of us."

"But the exam!" Smoker yelled again. "You are a good detective! You are letting it all go!"

"I don't wish to be one anymore!" Luffy stood up.

"I don't accept this! I thought you were grieving, hence I was being lenient. Seven years is a long time! You have thwarted your career for too long, Luffy!"

"Huh? You think all this is about Ace? Wow!"

"When has it not been about Ace?"

"Smoker stop!" Boa tried to cut in. "Don't say something you will regret."

"You think I wanted to be a detective because of him? What do you think I am? A brainless twat?"

"Your every decision has always been made because of him. I told you years back you are too dependent on him. Now look at you, you are still fumbling around without him. You gave on the special task force training because you wanted to get married immediately after graduation! You didn't attend the criminology workshop because you had a honeymoon. Then you refused to attend the mentor program, saying three months was too long! At every turn, you refused the opportunities given to you because you were too busy to look after your man-child husband, who decided to end his life because he couldn't handle you being away from him for a week! Now you are using the new husband and replacing Ace with him."

Smoker didn't know what overcame him, but—regret would not repair the hurt he just inflicted to Luffy. The raven head didn't speak for a while, he took a few deep breaths and looked at both his bosses. Boa didn't know what to do anymore. Words, once released, couldn't be recalled back— just like arrows! Luffy was shot just where it ached him; Ace!

"Please approve it, or I will send a letter to higher-ups and you will lose two officers! And I know Boa and Tashigi will sign my plea. Or my resignation is what you will get!"


When Law saw the number of missed calls on his phone after four hours of practical class, he panicked. Luffy had called him 7 times. He immediately called back, and the number had become unreachable.

"Are you okay?" One of Law's colleagues, who was sitting far away with a group of other surgeons and discussing a surgical procedure, asked Law as they saw him almost freak out.

Law refused to give in to panic and nodded, "My knees gave out after four hours of practice teaching; I need more stamina, you guys carry on." Law took a few deep breaths and checked for messages. Sure enough, Luffy had messaged him, asking Law to eat dinner ahead of him as he was going for dinner with his best friend Zoro.

That message had arrived three hours back; sure enough, it was past their usual dinner time. Law was about to close the screen, when he realized, before the message about dinner— there was an influx of messages from Luffy!

Pulling a chair, Law sat down to read them. These were angry messages, not aimed at him but shared with him. The messages were full of typos and syntax had left the chat room.

These incoherent messages were what made the panic kick in Law. Being a doctor was a stressful job, but being a policeman was equally stressful. Law remembered the young mother who had lost her child and had tried to kill herself months back and how shaken Luffy was.

Law's mind went into circles of what-ifs. What if something had triggered Luffy into such anger?

"What are you frowning at? You had late classes too, eh? Want to grab some dinner with me and Bepo?" Law looked up, it was Sachi.

"Can you call your wife and ask if my husband is still at the station? I am unable to reach him. Luffy had called me multiple times, I was in the class."

"Oh, trouble in paradise already?" Sachi questioned with a smug face. But he agreed to call. Tashigi picked up the call after a couple of rings. "Honey is Law's husband—" Law glared at Sachi. "I mean, is Luffy with you? Law has not been able to reach him." Law was looking at Sachi's phone with such intensity that the redhead feared it was his demise soon! "Oh, okay."

"And?"

"My angel wife dropped a guy named Zoro, and your husband is at a place called Baratie, apparently to meet up with their other friend. She says they should be done by now."

"He is safe." Law sighed.

"Why is Law looking so haggard?" A concerned voice yelled from a distance. It was Bepo, who too finished his classes. "Are you okay?"

"He was worried about Luffy because he saw some missed calls! And now he is not picking up. They have been married for three months, but he is behaving like an old wife worried about her old husband, who left for the fish market in the morning and hasn't returned till late evening." Sachi laughed. "Enjoy the honeymoon period before monotony sets in." Sachi pat Law.

"Sachi stop it. That's rude." Bepo chided as he sat beside Law. "You want a hug?" Bepo opened his arms.

"What are you doing? His husband went out to drink with friends! There is nothing to panic about! Enjoy your married life!"

"This is my second marriage, in case you forgot. And I think you forgot what happened when last time there were eighteen missed calls on my phone!" Law snapped and Sachi's face crumpled in realization. "Luffy is in a vulnerable state, this marriage is new, but we are battered. The least I expect from you is basic decency." Law stood up, but Sachi held him from leaving. And everyone else in the room looked in their direction. Law was known for keeping calm, to find him snap this hard was shocking.

"Law— I didn't mean it this way," Sachi spoke apologetically.

"No, you didn't. Cora-san's death still haunts me. It haunts me in my peaceful moments. It haunts me in happy moments! Now that I have a new person in my life— I am worried! I am freaking out!"

"Law, did you tell Luffy?" Bepo asked.

"Tell me what?" Luffy stood at the entrance of the staff room. He was carrying bags of food. With the amount he was holding, Sachi could deduce that Luffy had bought food for the entire population of the cardiology branch.

"Luffy-ya!" Law's voice betrayed him. "I was worried about you, my love!" Law almost ran to Luffy. But the policeman was faster. He engulfed Law in a bear hug, with all the takeaway bags making squeaky noises.

"I saw your number was switched off. I thought by the time you came out of classes, the restaurants around this area would close! So I decided to bring in dinner for you and—" Luffy looked around at the two friends of Law and his colleagues. "I didn't know how many people would be here. So I got what we usually get this much for the station." Luffy laughed. He was holding bags of food worth thirty people and the room barely had nine people, Luffy excluded.

"We have overworked nurses, so the food won't go to waste. Why don't you and Law have dinner in the garden? We have a lovely view and the breeze is great too!" Bepo took the bags from Luffy's hand and took out the boxes. Only one was marked with "no bread." Which meant it was for Law. "Law here is your box, car keys, phone and coat. See you tomorrow. I will clean your desk." Bepo pushed the couple to the exit and paused. "Guys, Law's husband, Luffy, got us dinner!" Bepo announced to the people inside, and the few tired nurses outside roaming like zombies came rushing at the food announcement!

"Thank you!" The reply came in unison.

"I—" Luffy didn't let Law talk. He put the rice ball in his mouth. The policeman was not blind, he spent a dozen years interacting with ordinary people. He knew when someone wanted to talk, and when someone thought they wanted to talk. Luffy knew it well because there were days he wanted to yell about everything and anything to some old person he helped get on the jetty. Sometimes he spent minutes staring at Robin, unable to talk about his feelings, despite his wanting to.

Emotions are what made one human, but they were a burden too. And to open up to people about their unhappy feelings meant they were willing to share the load. Law didn't know how to react, he looked at Luffy, who was looking at him with such fierceness that it made Law automatically chew on his rice ball.

"You are not ready." Luffy smiled. "I must have done something unintentionally to make you freak out, didn't I?" Luffy took the next rice ball and sipped in the sauce and fed Law again, who obediently chewed. "I wanted to bring something fancier. But then I thought we ate outside last night. So maybe something lighter would be better." Law nodded. He was glad Luffy had brought something he could digest without the desire to throw up.

"I shouldn't have texted you in anger. My boss said something, I said something, and it became a mess." Luffy dropped his head. "I can't even sit and enjoy this beautiful garden and the moon with you! Because people are making my life miserable, and I made your life miserable! I am so sorry! So sorry!" Luffy grabbed Law's empty hand and pulled them into a kiss. "You are precious, and I really want to do everything right. I am sorry for frantically calling and not explaining! After I reached Baratie, I recalled your classes would end late! And I thought I should pick something for you and I can come to the hospital, and we can go back home, but then I thought you might have colleagues who might be working late! So I wanted to ask if there was anyone who was vegetarian or perhaps allergic. Then—" Now Law stuffed Luffy's mouth with his salted tongue. Luffy tasted him until all the salt was melted away by the heat of crafty tongues twisting and turning.

"You and I are going to be happy, wrinkled and old!" Law smiled. Luffy knew it was not a declaration of love—yet. These words of comfort calm their own hearts that had loved and lost too young.

"By the way—" Luffy opened and shut his mouth multiple times.

"Say it." Law helped himself with the rice ball.

"I know basic cooking. And you—"

"I can dip the tea bag in hot water," Law added without an ounce of shame.

"Would you like to go to a couple's cooking classes?" Luffy looked so guilty as if he had asked Law to pluck the moon from the sky.

"Which days?" Law asked without care or hesitation. "If it's weekdays, we can do mornings and if it's weekends, I would prefer the evenings. And what do we need?"

"You will go?"

Law observed the glee on Luffy's cheeks, "Obviously. You want me to come, right?"

"Thank you!" Luffy hugged Law again like a bear! The Law reciprocated with equal enthusiasm.


A week passed after the argument between Smoker and Luffy. Now the situation had escalated into a Cold War. Everyone in the police station continued to tread lightly around Smoker, who was snapping at anything and everything. Even someone playing with their clicker pens was making him mad.

Eventually, it all became too tense, when he reprimanded Tashigi for doing a subpar task of reporting and asked her to redo it, she snapped back and said she was not going to tolerate abuse of power and threatened to bring his wife to the station. And took the day off!

Boa decided she had no time for a man's deflated ego or care for another's delusional heart. She took her team and dove deep into a murder case and ceased communication with Smoker.

Bartolomeo on the other hand was nowhere to be seen. His partner Rebecca came to the station early and left in the blink of an eye— apparently, former station mate, sergeant Zoro was making them work like mules on the case!

Luffy had attained Zen, he finished his daily paperwork and answered calls of distress.

Overall, it was not a good time at the station. And everyone was accusing Smoker with their eyes for letting a simple matter of transfer approval become a headache for everyone.

And in such a manner, the last day of the week arrived! A dreadful Friday when generally the team went for drinks! Luffy when invited to such gatherings had always accompanied them, but over the years he cut down alcohol from his life so no one actually remembered when was the last time he held a beer bottle in his hand.

"Any weekend plans, Luffy?"

Someone among the group heading for drinks asked as they saw Luffy submit his week's paperwork and financial plans to the designated tables.

"Yeah." Luffy didn't elaborate, just nodded.

"Something naughty with my husband, hmmm?" Another teased, and Luffy just shook him with a dismissive smile. The teasing was meant to lighten the mood.

A new recruit with a mop of unruly pink hair asked, "I heard your husband is a doctor! Is he not busy?"

"He is."

"How do you manage to spend time together?"

"Tch! Coby! They are newly married, of course, they make time!" Someone else hushed the new recruit.

"Is Luffy-ya here?" Hearing the heavy and husky voice at the door asking for Luffy, everyone looked up. Luffy was the last to look up. But when his eyes fell on Law, his throat dried up.

It was already established that Luffy Law was tallll! But him in skinny jeans and a light blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves revealing his tattoos and strong hands was enough for anyone to go jelly! Law's hair was not neatly arranged either, it was all let loose into front bangs. And the highlight of the look, he was holding sunflowers!

"Who is that?" The new recruit asked softly to the person beside him, but his voice was strong enough to enter Luffy's ears.

"My doctor husband!" Luffy grinned. "Gorgeous right?" Luffy finally observed the new recruit, another pink hair, Luffy sighed, he was tired of pinkheads having puppy crushes on him.

"Luffy-ya!" Law blushed at such an open compliment!

"What!" Luffy shrugged his shoulders. "Guys, I am heading out! We are taking cooking classes." Luffy announced, "Law catch." Luffy threw Law his jacket and the doctor caught it.

"Nice catch!" Luffy brushed off invisible dust off Law's shoulders!

"I got sunflowers!" Law handed Luffy his yellow glory and hooked his arm around the policeman's shoulder. Luffy nodded and inhaled the light grassy smell of the flowers.

Luffy didn't look back, but announced, "Please tell the chief, I left" And continued chatting with his husband. "Why are you wearing baby blue, what if I spill curry on you?" Luffy hooked his Law's waist and squeezed him.

"You don't like it?"

"No! No! You look great, I thought you would be in the black shirt you wore in the morning." Luffy totally ignored the staff as he walked out. And everyone was dumbfounded by the Luffy they saw! In the last seven years, none had seen Luffy so openly expressing himself. This was not a Luffy anyone remembered.

"Was that Luffy's Law?" Boa Hancock asked when she caught the last traces of the couple leaving after she stepped out of the meeting hall that she had occupied as soon-to-be chief!

"Yeah." The reply came in unison from the drinking group.

"They were very lovey-dovey." Coby blushed.

"When Luffy loves, he loves hard," Boa explained without a trace of emotion like it was given. "And you shortie! Don't follow Luffy and make his life hell!" Boa could sniff out anyone that had found Luffy attractive. "He is off limits."

"Yes ma'am!"


TBC


HI!

Yes, it's a late update, but guys, this story really challenges me! Because I am constantly trying to not make Luffy and Law too OOC! And the balance is really hard to get! T_T But hey, I uploaded before one year mark! Praise me!

So this chapter will have more sex, yes this story is very much about exploring and accepting each other with intimacy. I guess it has become by now, the story more or less will follow the first year of this couple's marriage and how they navigate the emptiness. Hence, it is slow-burn about the traumas and the past! I know so many of you want to know how Cora-san died here! Well, you will be given some answers. And so many of you have been asking if Law is actually okay or not?

Hehehehe keep reading!

And one of you messaged on Tumblr asking, why is Law so into Luffy immediately after marriage, when he was reluctant to this marriage? Well, have you guys seen canon Law? Dude is obsessed with Luffy!

Law here was against remarriage, he didn't stop having sex, after his husband died. Yes, he was on sex hiatus for a couple of years because he was busy with work, and he couldn't understand youngsters, but he stopped looking for partners by choice, unlike Luffy in the story who has only had one person. Luffy's relation with sex is more complicated here, while Law's nature to put himself last is his issue! So yeah, for Law, one kiss was all it took for him to become obsessed with Luffy.

And chapter 8 will be delicious, because it will revolve around food!

You know what to do for me to write this story fast? KUDOS! COMMENTS! MORE COMMENTS! Fanarts, which none of you ever make me, but tell me are making, but I never get to see them. :( Hype me up on Tumblr and Twitter and tell me I am the best LawLu writer in the world! Yes, feed my vanity!

And see on 28th May! LawLuWeek 2023 is here!