A/N: This is the unexpected second chapter of this story. Thank you so much to the wonderful Syrisna for making this story look good.
Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece
Kaidou and Big Mom were defeated, and Wano Country was saved. Momonosuke was in power, and everyone prepared for the best party ever.
Feeling better yet bored, Luffy wandered off until she stumbled onto one of Wano's hidden beaches near where they settled for the evening. It was a slight stretch of beach, a paradise rarely visited by anyone. She gasped in pure delight when she exited the cave and saw how pretty the place was. It was like the pictures in Robin's storybooks, vibrant and full of life.
The sand was as white as snow and a bit cold, yet it softly cushioned her feet as she walked. Luffy took off her sandals; there were no sharp rocks in sight, only tall trees that offered shade during the day. The sound of gentle waves hugging the shore was music to her ears. Luffy came closer and stared at the deep blue water, sparkling under the moonlight and she could even see under it.
"So pretty." She said, admiring what she had found.
Luffy has loved the sea ever since she was a kid, even if she couldn't swim in it anymore. It had called to her with a promise of freedom and adventure. It had beckoned her here, an invitation to explore the world and meet new friends.
With Kaidou defeated and Wano freed, they would be moving on soon, Luffy thought with a smile. She would party first, though. Luffy lifted her face to the night sky and closed her eyes as she spread her arms wide and inhaled the crisp, salty air of the sea. Surely even the mighty ocean could wait for the future Pirate King.
Luffy hadn't been there long when she sensed someone approaching. She recognized him immediately; his haki was still weak, but he was walking now, which was a relief. She turned as he came up to her, the beginnings of a laugh escaping her lips.
"Torao," she called to him. "We did it."
His steps were unsteady, but he managed to reach Luffy. Just in time too, because as soon as he wrapped his arms around her, his legs gave out, and he would have landed face-first on the sand if it weren't for Luffy catching him. She giggled while the both of them knelt and Law laughed as he tucked his chin into her shoulder in a soft embrace.
"Yeah, we did it, Luffy-ya."
"I thought Torao hated hugs?" she teased but tightened her arms around him.
Law laughed; he was doing a lot of that these days. "It's not a hug; I just fell in your arms, that's all."
"Liar."
"I'll get up in a moment, I promise."
"So, I was right." Luffy said, poking Law's side with a giggle.
"Hm?"
"Rubber hugs are the best!"
"I told you," he deadpanned. "I just fell."
"Get off me, you stupid jerk." She retorted but made no move to push him off.
"You're right, Luffy-ya," Law lifted his head with a soft smile but didn't let go. "Rubber hugs are the best."
Luffy laughed, bright and true. She looped her arms around Law multiple times, lightly bumped their foreheads together, and gave him a wide smile. She knew he would come around.
Luffy has always craved affection. Ever since she was a kid, warm pats and gentle touches had comforted her. It meant that someone cared and she was not alone.
Whether they were Makino's nimble fingers carding through her hair, Shanks' big hand closing on her small ones when he played with her, or even the press of Jii-chan's strong back when he carried her after training, they were all signs that they loved her and she treasured those moments of affection so very much.
Things changed when Luffy ate a devil fruit. Suddenly her body could stretch, most things just bounced off her, and Luffy's skin was no longer soft like a little girl's should be. She was different and the kids in the village no longer played with her.
Some grownups stayed the same but she would catch them whispering and casting cold stares when they thought she wasn't looking. The villagers were kind to Luffy but they were distant, as well. They knew who her grandfather is and almost no one dared to hurt her. After she ate her devil fruit, the people grew cold somehow and they always just call the mayor or sent Makino to deal with her. They tried not to show it but Luffy could tell that they avoided being around her.
Luffy tried her best to be happy and she treated everyone the same. Slowly and surely, loneliness crept in. She felt this more when Shanks and his crew left. The lively village went quiet and almost everyone didn't look her in the eyes.
Luffy had cried and cried. She rarely thought, but when she had, it stayed with her. What if Makino and Shanks wouldn't love her anymore? What would Luffy do if Jii-chan no longer spent time with her? She never wanted to be alone again.
"What's wrong, Luffy?" Makino had asked, crouching worriedly as she wiped the girl's tears.
Luffy was in the Party's Bar, and Makino had tucked her in for a quick nap. Luffy had just woken up, and the questions finally came when she had settled. Makino heard her crying, and she rushed to know why.
"Makino," Luffy asked, doe eyes watery and her little fists balled at her sides. "Do you still love me?"
Makino's eyes widened as she curled a hand on her mouth. Because of her lively and forgiving nature, people thought Luffy was always happy. The kid was often seen laughing or with a smile, always the life of the party.
Sometimes though, Makino would see her sitting alone on the beach, a thoughtful frown on her young face. Luffy's melancholic habits had lessened when the Captain came, but of course, it would come now. Luffy's body suddenly changed, becoming something people, including her, wouldn't understand.
Makino lovingly dried Luffy's tears, looked her in the eyes, and then spoke. "I'll always love you, Luffy."
Luffy's tears stopped. "Really?"
"Yes," Makino smiled. "And you know what else?"
Luffy shook her head. Makino lifted her up, span around, and wrapped Luffy in a warm embrace. "Rubber hugs are the best!"
Luffy laughed then, a joyous sound after a dreadful storm. Thin arms stretched and hesitantly looped around Makino's whole waist, Luffy's cheek pressed on her shoulder. At that moment, Luffy looked content.
Makino was like any other villager at first, she knew who Garp was and respected him and that was why she took care of Luffy. But the kid was kind, honest and cute. Who wouldn't love her? Luffy was a troublemaker, yes, but her loving nature and warm smile always made up for it.
The girl was like a little sister to Makino and she couldn't bear to see her tears. Luffy had just tried to protect her, after all. If her reassurance was what Luffy needed, Makino was more than happy to give it. To her, nothing important about Luffy had changed and she was still that lovable kid she took care of.
After Shanks had lost his arm saving Luffy, the pirates left but not before Luffy and Shanks made their promise. Jii-chan came to visit and when he found out about the promise, he sent her to live with mountain bandits. Luffy hadn't wanted to though, she had thought that if she went to live with the bandits, she would never get to see Makino again. Besides, bandits were stupid and mean, and they would surely not give her hugs.
She was lonely, and that was why she had chased after Ace even though he'd hated her. Then, Luffy had found out that Ace had a Friend; maybe she and that Sabo kid could be friends too? She was strong, brave, and much more patient now; they would come around sooner or later.
Luffy had been kidnapped and tortured, but she had gotten two brothers in the process. She caught them off guard and gave them the best hug ever, too, so it was a win-win situation for Luffy. Ace would yell and stiffen whenever Luffy tried to hug him, but that was alright; Luffy knew he secretly liked it. Sabo, meanwhile, would welcome Luffy's hugs. He would smile, open his arms wide and wait for Luffy to rocket herself into his arms.
But Sabo had died, and Ace was no longer mean. He would hug Luffy back whenever she hugged him, and even Dadan would give her the occasional head pat after Ace had left. Jii-chan was the same, though; his fists of love still hurt, and Luffy would run from them. She was happy that her grandfather had not forgotten her, though.
The time of Luffy's departure came, and she had found wonderful friends who would help her become the Pirate King. Luffy and her crew went on adventures crazier than the last. They had fearlessly stood beside her and supported her dream while aiming to reach their own.
To Luffy's delight, it hadn't taken her crew long before they started to return her affections. Her rubbery hugs might be a turn off for some people but not the Straw Hats. To them, receiving Luffy's unbridled affection was the best reward they could ask for.
Zoro had dodged her stretchy arms at first but had let her do what she wanted in the end. He would let Luffy fall asleep on his shoulder or give a side hug on rare occasions. Nami might hit Luffy often and was always looking for an excuse to increase her debts, but she also gave warm hugs. Ussop would occasionally bump their shoulders, and Sanji would often dance around before opening his arms wide with a stupid-looking grin. Nami or Zoro would shout at him, though, and Sanji would snap or spout nonsense, depending on who he was answering back, while Luffy just smiled.
Luffy could often carry Chopper in her arms as the reindeer giggled and preened at his captain's attention. The doctor's fur was warm and soft, perfect for coddling. Robin's affection was shown through her many, many hands. She would offer to brush Luffy's tangled hair or mercilessly tickle her captain. Franky would wrap Luffy in a bear hug while showing his super pose. Brook had enthusiastically indulged Luffy's rocketing hugs the most.
When Luffy met Jinbe, they shared the goal of saving Ace. The fish-man would find her sitting on their borrowed ship's figurehead, worriedly staring at Ace's vivre card burning away. Jinbe had sat with her then, and little by little, he had told her stories like Ace did when they were still in prison and had lost all hope. He shared tales about Ace's adventures, Whitebeard's voyages, and Jinbe's stories as a pirate.
Luffy had been enamored, hanging on to Jinbe's every word. Like a kid excited to hear the next chapter of a story. Jinbe had helped and protected Luffy, but she was most grateful to him for keeping her company and not letting her succumb to her loneliness. Luffy had missed him these past years, but she had finally seen him again and would patiently wait until he officially joined her crew. He promised, after all.
Luffy considered Torao as her friend, but he was a bit different. Trafalgar Law was not an ordinary friend but was not a part of her crew either. Luffy had liked him, though. Cynical attitude, creepy eyes, and weird powers included.
When they first met, she was more interested in the bear than in him. They fought the marines together, and Luffy noticed his powers were weird and cool. There was something about him then, but Luffy had ignored it in favor of meeting the Pirate King's right-hand man.
The next time Luffy met Torao, he saved her life. She hadn't thanked him then; he was gone when she returned. Two years passed, and Luffy and Law saw each other in Punk Hazard. He had asked to ally with her, and she had enlisted his help to save the children. Luffy had captured Cesar Clown, and Law had defeated Mingo's assassins. What was left to do but party?
Luffy got tired after dancing and singing with the others. She walked around, dodging forks and knives as she snatched food from people and played with the kids as she passed. she had seen Torao and Smoky talking and decided to surprise her new friend with a hug. With a mischievous smile, Luffy grabbed onto a sturdy post, stretched her arms, and launched herself in Law's direction.
"Torao!"
The next thing Luffy knew, she had been tightly clinging to Law. Her arms and legs wrapped around him, her smiling face only inches from his. Luffy blinked when Law froze; he had been staring into her eyes a moment ago.
"Room."
"Eh?" she exclaimed in surprise, bouncing off the ground and arms hugging thin air. "Where'd he go, Smoky?"
"Who knows."
Luffy pouted and scowled at the rock he left in his place. She had always found Torao's eyes cool and mysterious, but he was gone before she could tell him that. Law's eyes were an intense golden color like the sun shining bright in the sky on a clear day. He should show them off more, in her opinion.
Luffy shrugged. She would have a lot of time to tell him that they would be allies, after all. Besides, Torao hadn't gotten his welcome to the Sunny hug yet, and Luffy would have to do something about it. The hug moments ago didn't count since he ran away, the jerk.
Luffy had been cuddling with Chopper while laying her head on Robin's shoulder. She and Usopp had been fishing earlier but had hooked a sea king. Luffy was thrown overboard after losing the struggle against it. One of her crew immediately dove after Luffy, and now, the young captain was wet, and her clothes clung to her figure. She was pouting and looked really worn out.
She had noticed Torao standing on the side, his sharp eyes focused on her. Luffy would always feel Torao gazing at her, especially when she was with her crew. Her fellow captain was stingy with his words, often argued against Luffy's ideas, and preferred to plan stuff and be left alone to brood. He had always helped, though; Torao was a secret softy, too, Luffy concluded.
The nearer they got to Dressrosa, the lonelier Torao became. Luffy remembered him being more fun when they fought with the marines; at least he had laughed then. Torao looked like he really needed a hug.
"Do you want a hug too, Torao?" she asked with a curious tilt of her head.
"No Straw Hat-ya." He said and promptly turned away.
"Are you sure?" she asked. "Rubber hugs are the best, you know."
Law shaded his face with his hat. "It's just not my thing, alright?"
Torao turned on his heel and walked off while Robin giggled. Luffy thought that was weird, but her grumbling stomach had distracted her. "Sanji, meet!"
"Hai, My dear captain! Your wish is my command!"
"Idiot cook."
"What did you say?"
"Shishishishi."
Luffy had eaten, recovered, and played, but Law didn't come back on deck that night. Dinner had passed, but there was still no sign of Law.
Luffy had been looking for him when she had heard Zoro training in the crow's nest. Luffy climbed up like a monkey and had laid on the bench dejectedly. She was going to get hungry again if she continued her search.
"Crap," she whined. "I can't find Torao."
"Of course not," Zoro snorted as he lifted his dumbbells. "He's hiding. Don't think he'll show his face on the deck tonight."
"What? But I haven't properly given him his welcome to the Sunny hug yet."
"Might want to let up a bit?" suggested Zoro. "Torao might snap, and he doesn't strike me like a touchy-feely guy."
"Nah, he'll come around," Luffy dismissed his concern with a wave. "Ace was like that too when I met him."
Zoro's movements stuttered for a split second before continuing. "Yeah?"
"Uh-huh. Torao is sad and angry but kind too, just like Ace."
"If you say so, Captain."
"My hugs are warm and comfy; they're the best!" Luffy said, springing up in a sitting position and puffing up her chest. "Why wouldn't anyone love them?"
"Dunnow," Zoro said, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "But leave him be for now. The Witch is in a bad mood, and I don't wanna deal with that."
Luffy's eyes widened as she slumped on the bench like a deflated balloon. "Fine, I'll just stay here. Nami's scary."
The next day, Luffy renewed her efforts. She wanted to prove to Law that her hugs were indeed the best. She had used a lot of tricks to catch him off guard, but they hadn't worked. It involved rocketing herself in his direction, tackling Law from behind, or jumping right in front of him, her arms wide open. Luffy had almost run out of ideas but one. She resorted to run off with Torao's sword to get his attention.
Law sat on the grassy deck and ignored the giggling group as he turned a page in his book. Luffy could be sneaky when she wanted to be. Her steps were soundless when she positioned herself behind the other captain. She grabbed Kikoku from his side with a flash, and Luffy shouted for him to come get her. Law immediately chased after her all over the ship; Luffy's loud laughter echoed while he screamed himself hoarse.
Luffy was having fun running around until Law used his Room to pin her to the floor. She landed on her back and him on top of her, his Kikoku between them. Looking at Law's face a mere inches away from hers made Luffy's cheeks heat and her heart pound loud in her chest. The feeling was weird, but pleasing, she couldn't explain it. Everything became quiet, and it had been like they were the only ones on the ship.
"What the hell," he said, voice low and slightly threatening. "Straw Hat-ya?"
"I told you to have fun." She sang.
"I don't have time for that."
"We're gonna face Mingo anyway," she replied, pouting. "I already said I'd beat him up for you, so what's wrong?"
"I'm a captain, too," he snapped. "I have my own pride."
"I see." She said, her arms slacking on her sides and eyes losing sparkle.
She had almost forgotten that fact. Even though Law would shout threats and complaints, he would always be there to help, making Luffy careless. Torao was a pirate captain and his own man. He should be free.
Torao's eyes refocused on Luffy's face, from her eyes and nose to her lips. Neither of them moved to get out of the position they had found themselves in. Law's fingers twitched, and he looked like he wanted to tell her something but had stopped himself at the last second.
Before she could ask what it was, Law got off her and offered a hand to help her. Luffy took it and looked him in the eyes for a moment but didn't say anything. Law's gaze was unflinching; Luffy had noted his golden eyes were expressive for once, and she saw the conflicting emotions there. Torao was angry, lonely, and desperate. Not at her, though, never at her.
He really reminded her of Ace sometimes. They were both lonely and rarely smiled. Even though they surrounded themselves with people, they preferred to stay apart and just watch on the sidelines. Ace had overcome that, so Luffy was sure Torao could too when he wanted.
Law was not exactly like her big brother. He was less mean, but Law loved to scare his opponents and could be cruel when the situation called for it. Though Luffy had irritated him more than once, he just yelled but hadn't hit her.
Luffy gave Law his sword back, cast him a broad smile, and promptly left, humming to herself, and didn't bother him the rest of the day.
Luffy hated waiting, but for Torao, she would. She needed to beat up Mingo first. Then, Luffy would chase after him again. Besides, Luffy remembered that Robin had said that Torao was shy. Luffy would give him time, for now.
"How are you already making trouble when you just got here," Law snapped, golden eyes glaring at her from head to toe. "What part of laying low didn't you understand?"
Luffy scratched the back of her head, looking as unconcerned as ever. "Tama is my friend, and she needed help. Besides, it was those jerks' fault for taking her first."
"There you go helping people again!" Law grabbed Luffy by the shoulders and shook her hard as he yelled. "I know you didn't escape Big Mom unscathed. Would it have killed you to keep quiet for once in your life?"
"Tama gave me food even though she had nothing to eat," she said quietly and promptly lowered the brim of her hat, effectively hiding her eyes. "Besides, as Ace's sister, I couldn't let her down again."
Law promptly let go of her while Luffy could feel Zoro's haki flared, his burning glare directed at Law. Luffy had been weak and helpless as she watched Ace take a fatal hit for her. She refused to feel like that again. Luffy was strong now, and she would protect everything and everyone that she could. Law should get used to that.
"You helped her now, so it's all good," Zoro said, smirking and patting her shoulder. "Kin'emon will understand."
Luffy's shoulders relaxed on Zoro's gentle show of support. She appreciated him cheering her up. She turned her head and grinned at Zoro, who smirked. Their thank you and you're welcome weren't said but understood.
Law sighed. "Just conserve your strength for now, okay? You're not fully healed yet; we still have a big battle ahead."
"Don't worry about me, Torao," she said, rubbery fingers reaching out and curling around his tattooed ones. "You're here to save me again, so it'll all be fine."
Law squeezed her fingers before letting go as if he'd been burned. "I just don't want you to make things harder for us, idiot. You have your own doctor; bother him with your injuries."
"What?" she gasped, outraged. "Don't be stingy."
"I have no time for hard-headed patients who ignore their doctor's orders."
"Whatever," she crossed her arms with a pout. "I don't care."
"Yeah right." Law snorted.
"I know you'll take care of me."
The doctor scoffed and turned to leave. Luffy frowned and crossed her arms. Law always avoided her whenever she got close like this, and she hadn't understood why.
Luffy had always followed her gut and acted first before thinking. She wouldn't waste her time with hesitations if she was going to go through with her ideas anyway. It had all worked out in the end, so why bother?
Luffy did and said whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. She couldn't lie and hated trying, but she understood that that was not how the world worked, so she had learned to accept deceptions over time. That hadn't meant liars weren't irritating, of course.
The world could be so much happy and more unrestrained if only people learned to speak their minds and show what they truly felt. Luffy had stopped herself from sticking her tongue out; people had often thought she was stupid, but they were wrong. Luffy just never cared for what anyone would say about her. Like right now.
"You were always there when I didn't even know I needed you," she said, uncharacteristically serious. "You've never let me down before; that's why I believe in you, Trafalgar Law."
Law had been walking away from her, but his steps had faltered, and he nearly tripped on his feet but never turned back. Luffy had watched him go, shoulders drooping and lower lip forming a pout. There he went, running away again.
"Stupid Torao," she grumbled. "I won't wait forever, y'know."
Luckily for Luffy, she didn't have to. Law had found her on his own. He looked tired but happy; his face became lighter with a smile curving his lips.
"Oi," Torao complained, his face and ears turning red. "You're too close."
"Who cares," she laughed. "I'm happy!"
"I'm not!"
"Don't be stingy."
"Let. Me. Go."
"Never."
The two captains argued back and forth on the beach, their arms and legs entwined. Luffy would have let go if Law had honestly struggled, but he didn't. Teasing and bantering with each other was expected, but hugging was not. Luffy and Law had their own duties as pirate captains. Now though, they had each other and secretly wished under the bright full moon to make the moment last just a bit longer.
"Oh shit," Kid exclaimed, turning his face away with a disgusted grimace. He had to scrub that scene out of his brain immediately. Damn those StrawHarts. Can't he get any peace around here? "I did not see anything."