It was a day just like any other. Or so Luffy thought. He breathed a sigh as he walked down the cobblestone streets, feeling the sweat pooling under his brow. It was the dead of summer in Dressrosa. Despite his light attire of a sunflower shirt and cut off shorts, it was miserably hot. He wiped his forehead with the back of his palm and tugged his straw hat down over his head, his sandals dragging behind him.
Nestled along the azure coastline, Dressrosa emerges like a canvas painted with the vibrant hues of the sea. Wooden shutters creak in the gentle sea breeze, offering a glimpse of the life within. The town's architecture is quaint, with archways and wrought-iron balconies that overlook the bustling cobblestone streets.
Quaint cafes and seafood restaurants line the waterfront, their outdoor tables inviting patrons to savor the catch of the day while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean. Locals and tourists alike gather at the town square, where a lively market offers an array of fresh fruits, handmade crafts, and the scent of exotic spices.
And although Luffy was surrounded by such beauty and life, he couldn't find any happiness in his heart. Not since that day. His heart tightened as the memory.
Ace. He pictured his brother's face. The blood dripped from his lips, his arms limp as Luffy held him tight. Luffy palmed his back and felt a hole through his chest. Somehow the man still managed a soft smile as the light faded from his eyes. Luffy's screams echoed across the pavement. He knew Ace smiled for him in his last moments as he always did. As far back as Luffy could remember, Ace always put on a brave face in front of Luffy no matter the situation. He protected his little brother no matter what.
When they were children, Ace and Luffy were acting as lookouts in a tree during one of their many pirate pretend games. Luffy stood up on his toes and leaned over, staring through a spyglass. As it would happen, Luffy leaned a little too far and began to fall out of the tree with a yelp. Quickly, arms enveloped him as Ace grabbed him, the two slamming into the ground with Ace taking the brunt of the fall.
Even as the bone protruded from his twisted and broken arm, Ace beamed at Luffy "I'm okay Luffy, it's just a scratch. after all, pirates never cry!" Luffy, of course, was bawling his eyes out. "Crybaby" Ace muttered.
Ace didn't cry. Even as he breathed his last words, not a tear fell down his bloody face. He just softly spoke to his brother "Thank you for loving me, Luffy. Don't cry, okay?" as the final breath left his body and Luffy's screams echoed through the streets of Marineford.
Luffy would never forget the face of the man who stole the light from his life. The smirk on his face as he held the smoking gun, a cigar hanging from his lips. Akainu. A notorious gang member often referred to as The Admiral.
At the time, Luffy had known his brother worked for the Whitebeard Corporation but he had no idea how deep his ties went. After all, he had only seen Ace a few times since he turned 18 and left their hometown of Fuusha Village.
He never expected that his brother would be killed protecting him. Ace and Luffy had met at Marineford by chance. Ace was on a business trp and Luffy was passing through on the way to Sabaody.
Luffy's purpose in Sabaody was to meet his friends for his favorite week of the year. No matter where they were in the world and in life, the group vowed to meet in Sabaody every December. It was always the highlight of Luffy's year and his memories of those trips shone brightly in his mind. Drunk nights at Shakky's bar with the fond smiles of Shakky and Rayleigh and the smiling faces of his friends motivated him to keep going no matter how difficult things were.
After all, the nomad life Luffy had been leading after the years on the Thousand Sunny weren't always easy. He never stayed in one place very long and money was not always easy to come by. He would take on odd jobs here and there, just managing to scrape by enough to afford a roof over his head for the night. But it didn't matter. Luffy's dream had been to travel the world, see the world, and help whoever he could. Even if that meant some days his stomach would be empty, it was worth it. The sights he saw and the people he met along the way provided enough fulfillment to make up for the hard times.
But Luffy didn't feel that satisfaction anymore. In fact he didn't really feel anything these days. Not since that day.
Ever the wanderer, Luffy hadn't spent this much time in one place throughout his year of traveling. He was always planning his next adventure and looking forward to the new sights and people he would meet. But not anymore. Truthfully, since he fled to Dressrosa after Ace's death he hadn't even thought of where his next destination would be.
Adventuring just didn't feel right when he didn't have his brother around to send pictures and silly videos to. Although they only saw each other here and there, Ace and Luffy were always in contact. They would video chat daily and constantly send pictures and updates on each other's lives.
Ace loved seeing Luffy's adventures and gushed over the beautiful sights his brother sent to him. Ace himself had gone on his own journey before settling down on the island of Sphinx where the Whitebeard Corporation was headquartered. He wasn't really sure what his brother did there, but he knew he was surrounded by great friends. He also knew that the Corporation's CEO Whitebeard treated Ace like his son and talks were in order for Ace to inherit the corporation. Ace seemed happy with his life there but Luffy had an inkling his brother missed his adventures and lived vicariously through Luffy.
The brothers were not related by blood but their bond from their time at Dadan's Orphanage was as deep as any blood ties. Their brotherhood was solidified one night when they were 10 when they stole sake from Dadan's stash and toasted to their brotherhood along with their third brother, Sabo.
Sabo. Luffy sighed at the thought of his other older brother. After Sabo's mysterious disappearance ten years ago, everyone had believed the boy was long dead. However, Luffy knew his brother was out there somewhere. Throughout his travels he always kept an eye peeled for a flash of blonde hair and the effortless crooked smile of his brother. Although he never told anyone,, his travels had also been a secret side quest of his search for Sabo. Luffy knew one day he would find him. He needed to tell Sabo about Ace's death and be there to share in his pain. He didn't want Sabo to suffer alone like he had.
Lost in these thoughts, Luffy looked up and realized he had been walking along with no destination in mind. It was Saturday and his shift at New Kama didn't start until 8pm. Luffy liked to meander the streets and beaches of Dressrosa to clear his mind (which usually didn't work).
He looked around and realized he was surrounded by trees. A small park lay before him. The trees provided much needed shade and respite from the blazing sun. A small pond lay to the right with a flock of ducks cooling themselves amid the cattails. The trees rustled gently providing a small and much needed breeze.
Before him, a small park unfurled like a hidden gem, its beauty waiting to be discovered. The landscape was lush, with manicured pathways weaving through the verdant expanse. As he ventured deeper, the trees opened up to reveal a picturesque scene.
To the right, a tranquil pond glistened under sunlight. Its surface mirrored the sky, interrupted only by the leisurely ripples created by a congregation of ducks who, found respite amid the swaying cattails that bordered the water's edge. Their synchronized movements painted a serene portrait, adding a touch of animated grace to the stillness of the scene.
Luffy had never been here before and wasn't sure what part of town he was in. Although he had been in Dressrosa for almost four months, he usually stayed on the north side of town where New Kama and the small loft he had called home these past months were located. This was definitely not the north side.
In one idyllic corner, a couple embraced the laid-back rhythm of the lazy Saturday. They had fashioned a cozy haven under the shade of a sprawling oak, the tree providing an oasis from the beating sun. The young man and woman reclined and with fingers delicately entwined, they lounged side by side, each gaze a testament to the silent language of love. Their expressions spoke volumes, their eyes locking in a dance of unspoken promises and shared dreams.
Luffy hadn't really given romantic relationships any thought in the past. He never felt like he was missing something by not having a partner. He wasn't a virgin but the extent of his sexual experiences were allowing himself to be dragged along by lustful suitors for an evening, mostly out of sheer curiosity.
Romantic entanglements had never occupied much space in Luffy's thoughts. The concept of a committed relationship had always been like a distant island on his vast sea of his priorities. He sailed through life with a heart untethered, never really feeling the void that society often hinted at for those without a designated partner.
While he could boast of an adventurous spirit, Luffy's romantic explorations had been rather brief and casual. The notion of a committed, long-term relationship was as foreign to him as uncharted waters. It wasn't that he viewed such connections as insignificant; rather, they simply hadn't sparked his interest in the whirlwind of his nomadic lifestyle.
His physical encounters, though not entirely nonexistent, were like fleeting ports of call—moments of indulgence that arose from the insatiable curiosity that fueled his every endeavor. Luffy had allowed himself to be swept away by the currents of passion, guided by the allure of the unknown. These trysts were brief episodes, tales of a night's adventure told under the moonlight.
Having spent so much around Sanji, Luffy couldn't help but ponder the lustful chef's unwavering devotion to women. The cook's romantic confessions seemed to be as much a part of his routine as preparing meals, leaving Luffy to question the allure that had the cook swooning time and again.
In an attempt to discover the appeal, Luffy ventured into the realm of romance himself. However, the experiences left him with a curious indifference. It wasn't a lack of enjoyment, but rather a realization that the euphoria derived from these encounters paled in comparison to the simple pleasures he found in other aspects of life. Luffy's appetite for adventure (and literal appetite), the camaraderie of his crew, and the thrill of exploration seemed to eclipse the transient joy he found in romantic liaisons.
Undeterred by conventional expectations, Luffy expanded his exploration to men. The boundaries of gender held no sway over his pursuit of pleasure and connection. To him, the exchanges were akin to savoring flavors of a delicious meal. Whether he was the giver or the receiver, the experience, while enjoyable, remained underwhelming.
In the grand tapestry of Luffy's life, romantic encounters were but fleeting islands in the vast sea of experiences he sought. Each liaison held a unique charm, but the allure of love and intimacy remained a puzzle he had yet to fully unravel, leaving him content in the pursuit of his own definition of happiness.
Outside of the confines of dating and marriage, Luffy understood of the profound human need for companionship. From the camaraderie he shared with his brothers to the vibrant years spent alongside his friends, Luffy had always found solace and joy in the warm embraces of constant company connections formed in these relationships.
The prospect of having a significant other wasn't merely about conforming to societal expectations but rather a profound yearning for an exclusive bond. The idea of one person, a confidant and ally, who would be there through thick and thin, holding him in their arms and complying with his whims held allure for him. In the sanctuary of such a connection, Luffy envisioned a haven where infinite hugs, touches, and shared moments, a connection that mirrored the unbreakable bonds he cherished with his crew and family.
For Luffy, the prospect of a romantic partner wasn't merely about filling a void but rather an extension of the companionship he had always treasured. In the tapestry of his adventures, the concept of having someone all to himself warmed his heart.
The passage of time in Dressrosa had etched a profound solitude into Luffy's days, creating an emotional distance that mirrored the physical expanse he once had. The loving embrace of another person, felt like a distant memory fading into the recesses of his troubled mind.
Loneliness had settled into the crevices of his heart, a persistent companion in the wake of Ace's absence. Luffy, however, harbored a self-imposed penance. In the echo of solitude, he convinced himself that he deserved this. The notion that Ace would never again experience the tender touch of another, never fall in love, bore heavily on Luffy's conscience.
Most of his friends were now happily in love. Nami and Vivi lived together in Alabasta on Vivi's family estate. The two had experienced love at first sight when they first met in their teen years which evolved into a beautiful romance. Usopp was head over heels for his childhood friend, Kaya and they had a daughter together in Syrup Village. Even Zoro and Sanji finally admitted their love for each other with the Chef confessing after one of their notorious blowout fights (Luffy still was confused how the chaotic bickering of the two men bloomed into romance, but he was thrilled for his two best male friends nonetheless). He loved his friends and felt relief that they had found the happiness they deserved.
Not all of Luffy's friends were in relationships but they still were still following their dreams. Robin taught archeology at Egghead University where she lived with Chopper who was studying to become a doctor. Brook was on another tour under the moniker of Soul King and Franky had returned to his hometown and worked along with his childhood friend Iceberg as shipbuilder for the Galley-La Company.
Luffy's friends were still unaware of Ace's death. He knew that if he told them that they would have dropped everything and crossed hell and high water to be with him and help him through his suffering. But they were all happy and accomplished and Luffy didn't want them to pick up their lives to console him. So he made up excuses like saying he broke his phone while he was in the hospital and put on a bright sunny mask for their group chats and phone calls.
And so, he suffered alone these past seven months.
Luffy's eyes trained away from the couple enjoying their picnic and he pushed his musings about his friends out of his mind. He desperately needed a drink to relieve the scratchy feeling in his throat.
In the distance, a beacon of solace emerged—a small, white building nestled along the path. The quaint structure, no grander than a shed, bore a welcoming sign that simply read 'Coffee.' While Luffy had never been one to indulge in the bitterness of coffee, the irresistible allure of its aroma had long been a guilty pleasure. His senses perked up as he caught the sweet fragrance wafting through the air, drawing him closer to the promise of warmth and comfort.
Approaching the diminutive haven, Luffy found himself enchanted by the charm of its surroundings. The quaint patio beckoned with a vine-wrapped pergola casting dappled shadows, and scattered umbrella trees offering a delicate dance of shade and sunlight. The ambiance embraced him like an old friend, a respite from the blazing sun and the burdens of his thoughts.
Upon entering, Luffy's eyes traced the offerings on the menu, settling on a comforting choice—a milk tea with an extra dose of sugar. The promise of sweetness was a balm to his unsettled soul. As his stomach rumbled in anticipation, he discovered an added delight—the shop's selection of hand pies. The fragrant aroma of savory fillings wafted from the counter, and Luffy's hunger took command.
He ordered a curry chicken pie and a beef pie, the anticipation evident in his wide-eyed grin. The cashier, attuned to the art of satisfying cravings, handed over the warm pastries, their golden crusts inviting him to savor the flavors within. In that small, unassuming coffee shop, Luffy found not just a haven for his palate but a fleeting sanctuary from the weight of his memories.
Luffy loved to eat and his appetite was usually all consuming when left to his own devices. However, due to his recent state of mind, the man's eating habits had been all over the place in the last months. He tried to slip food so often from the cooks at New Kama that they eventually started setting aside meals for him so he wouldn't deplete their stock.
With pies cradled in one hand and a cup of milk tea in the other, the young man, lost in the simple pleasure of his meal, surveyed the cafe's surroundings. Scattered across the patio were white wrought iron tables, each an invitation to a moment of respite. Luffy, guided by an unspoken instinct, meandered towards the tables, his straw hat slipping playfully over his eyes.
He settled into the first available seat, his hat casting a shadow over his expressive eyes. Sighing, Luffy placed his drink on the table and brought the meat pie to his lips. The initial bite unleashed a burst of flavors—succulent curry melding with the rich, savory filling. His eyes fluttered closed in satisfaction, a contented hum escaping his lips as he reveled in the simple joy of indulging his senses.
As Luffy lifted his gaze from the delectable feast before him, a realization struck him—this table was not his own. Across from him, a tall man occupied the seat with an air of calm absorption. Legs crossed, he reclined in his chair, a book grasped in one hand, his focus dedicated to the written world within its pages.
The man's distinctive appearance captured Luffy's attention—glasses perched low on the bridge of his nose, granting him a scholarly air. Dressed in a navy short-sleeved button-up shirt and light-washed spotted jeans, the man exuded an effortlessly casual charm. Dark, ruffled hair stood in charming disarray, adding to the allure of a well-maintained bedhead with iIntricate black tattoos traveling down his well-formed arms.
A cup of untouched black coffee sat beside a notepad embellished with neat cursive scribbles. It was a snapshot of a mind engaged in its own world, which Luffy had unintentionally interrupted.
Noticing the presence of another, the arm holding the book fell to the table and he looked up at Luffy with an irritated expression. Luffy tensed up immediately realizing his mistake and his eyes met the golden gaze of the man. He opened his mouth to apologize but before he could speak he was met with a deep voice.
"Excuse me, this table is taken," the man grumbled. Luffy, sitting there mouth agape, ready for another bite, appeared momentarily stunned before realizing his mistake.
"I - I'm sorry!" He stammered. He looked around quickly for another table but realized they were all occupied. After a few seconds with the young man awkwardly not moving, the tall man sighed.
"It's fine. You can stay just don't be annoying." He huffed and returned to his book, bringing the coffee cup to his lips.
Luffy stared in confusion at the man who was no longer paying him any mind. He noticed the book in hand was some sort of complicated medical text and realized the man was probably some important doctor.
Given the permission to stay, Luffy devoured the remainder of the first meat pie in two bites and did the same with the second one, crumbs falling down onto his lap.
He slurped his milk tea until he hit the bottom, the straw making a loud noise in the process. The man across from him looked up through the edges of his rectangular frames in annoyance,
"Sorry…" he murmured.
After finishing his drink Luffy's eyes were again drawn to the man before him. He admired his sharp jawline and how his eyes quickly scanned the pages. In fact, the man himself was insanely attractive. His gaze moved down to the man's hands that clutched the text, noting the dark ink that spelled " H" on his fingers. Luffy raised an eyebrow and his eyes were immediately met by golden ones.
"See something interesting?" The man deadpanned. Shit. Luffy realized he was caught staring and knew he had to recover.
"Uhh… What are you reading?" He blurted out the first thing he could think of. The man sighed and placed the book down on the table.
"A medical digest." The man responded. Luffy was perplexed. Who would read such a boring book for fun?
"Are you a doctor or something? He questioned.
"Yes. I'm a surgeon at Donquixote Hospital." he stated, entwining his tattooed hands in front of his mouth. Luffy's eyes were drawn to his hands once again
"What's up with the death tattoos? I thought surgeons were supposed to save people, not kill them." Luffy didn't mean to be so blatant but he genuinely wanted to know. Might as well indulge his curiosity before he got kicked out of the table for his rudeness.
"I'm not really sure how that's any of your business, kid." He grumbled.
"I'm not a kid, I'm 22!" Luffy snapped back.
Luffy always got irritated when he was called a kid. He knew his stature made him look younger than he actually was and his clear skin and large round eyes didn't help. But being treated like a child always got under his skin. He was an adult and had been taking care of himself for a long time.
"Well perhaps you should start acting like one and learn some manners" the man glared at him and was met with a similar look from Luffy.
"Well maybe you shouldn't be so cranky all the time. You must not have many friends, huh?" Luffy snapped back with a cheeky grin. The man sighed
"I have friends."
As the conversation briefly tapered off, an unexpected revelation dawned upon Luffy—he was, against all odds, finding enjoyment in the company of the enigmatic surgeon. The doctor's initial crankiness, rather than a deterrent, served as a source of bemusement for Luffy.
In the quiet lull, Luffy's thoughts meandered to figures from his past. The surgeon's demeanor brought forth echoes of Dadan, a stern figure from his childhood who reveled in chastising him with a perpetual air of crankiness. Dadan, despite her gruff exterior, concealed a soft side, a hidden well of care and protection that she reserved for those she held dear including Luffy and his brothers
Curiosity sparked in Luffy's eyes as he contemplated the possibility of the same softness in the mysterious surgeon. Did this seemingly stoic individual harbor a secret side of compassion or vulnerability, much like Dadan?
He also couldn't help but think that the serious man had a very nice voice.
Luffy debated ending the conversation but realized that it had been a long time since he really talked to someone other than his customers at the bar. Well, if you could really count the conversations he had with the mostly drunk patrons 'talking'. They mostly flirted and gushed cute Luffy was, even trying to take him to their beds. They of course had all failed.
He knew that the bar owner, Ivankov would faint of happiness and ask for all the 'tea' if he found out Luffy had slept with a customer, but Luffy didn't really care about those sorts of things.
"What's your name, friendless guy?" Luffy chuckled. Even though the man said he had friends, Luffy kind of doubted it. Although he was super attractive, he expected most people would be shooed away by the man's sharp personality. Plus, he thought it might be interesting to push the irritated man's buttons a little more.
The man provided the expected response and glared at him and Luffy thought for a moment he wouldn't tell him.
"Dr. Trafalgar." He muttered, a sigh escaping his lips as he took a long sip of his coffee, likely long forgotten as he lost himself in his book.
"Dr. Tr-a-o-um Torao, nice to meet you, I'm Luffy." He tripped over the man's complicated name and just settled with the first nickname he could come up with. This gained a raised eyebrow from the man.
"Torao…" he contemplated the new found nickname. After a moment, the man continued, "Well Luffy, as much as I would like to sit here and be antagonized further by you, I have to get to my shift. Have a pleasant day."
The doctor began to gather his things into a leather bag and stood up.
Luffy gawked as the attractive man towered over him, not realizing how tall he really was. His eyes scanned the tattooed man who turned to depart.
"Wait-" he blurted out.
"What is it now?" Torao grumbled, his impatience cutting through the air. Luffy, caught in a moment of uncertainty, felt a pang of confusion. The desire to express the unexpected enjoyment he found in their brief exchange lingered, but words eluded intricacies of human interaction proved challenging with a short-tempered doctor who might scold him delaying his journey to his shift.
Luffy's mind raced, searching for a way to convey his unspoken sentiment. The seconds ticked away, and he felt the weight of the impending departure. With a shrug and a grin, he settled on a simple yet genuine response,
"Uh... it was nice to meet you. Hopefully, we'll see each other again." The words, though seemingly ordinary, carried the weight of an unspoken request to see the other again, a testament to the curious connection that had blossomed in the brief moments at the coffee shop.
The man stared at the younger pensively for a brief moment before giving him a quick "Uh-huh". Luffy watched as the man's tall and slim figure departed and let out a huff.
What an odd person, he thought. It wasn't until he looked back to the vacant spot that he realized that the man - Dr. Torao - had left a white spotted hat on the chair.
Luffy cradled the hat in his hands, running his fingers over the well-worn fabric. It felt soft beneath his touch, and he couldn't help but draw a connection to his own cherished straw hat that accompanied him on countless adventures. The thought occurred to him—perhaps, like his own hat, this simple accessory held significance for the tall, serious man across from him.
The mental image of the stoic doctor donning a fluffy, childlike hat brought a genuine smile to Luffy's face. It was a whimsical notion, a glimpse into the untold facets of a person hidden beneath their outward demeanor. As Luffy envisioned this unexpected touch of playfulness, the contrast with the doctor's serious facade added a layer of delightful intrigue to the encounter.
Driven by a spontaneous impulse, Luffy brought the hat to his nose, inhaling deeply. The scent of vanilla wafted through the air, a surprising scent. The contrast between the stern exterior and the sweet fragrance heightened the enigma of the man. Luffy found himself further drawn into the intrigue of the mysterious surgeon, wondering if his stoic persona held layers that veiled the unexpected sweetness beneath.
Realizing he must look like a fool standing in the middle of the tables smelling a hat, Luffy came back to his senses. He checked his phone and realized it was almost 6pm. He had about two hours to find his way back home before his shift and knew Ivankov would scold him if he showed up late and sweaty.
After all, Luffy didn't really even know where in Dressrosa he was or how long it would take him to get back to the loft. Sighing he swiped open his phone and pulled up a map app. 'Green Bit Park' flashed on the screen as his current location and he typed his address in. Begrudgingly he once again dragged his sandaled feet along the cobblestone and began his trek home with the strange and handsome surgeon's hat in hand.