Chapter Text
12:40 AM.
The night was a malevolent symphony of nature’s fury. Rain and hail pelted the earth with unrelenting intensity, each drop and shard striking with a violence that mirrored the chaos within Trafalgar Law. The distant thunder growled ominously, a forewarning of the darkness that had already descended.
A solitary SUV sat abandoned on the edge of a serpentine forest road that wound precariously up a mountain. The vehicle’s front was a grotesque tableau, blood and gore splattered across the metal guard, now being slowly cleansed by the deluge. Crimson rivulets mingled with the rainwater, trickling into the muck-filled ditch by the roadside.
Inside the oppressive shroud of the forest, a cold, tactical flashlight was wedged tightly between the branches of a moss-covered tree, casting a ghastly glow on the scene. Law, soaked to the bone, his breath coming in ragged, burning gasps, drove his shovel into the sodden earth with ferocious determination. Clumps of mud and dirt flew into a growing pile.
He wore a yellow button-down shirt, now a sodden, grimy second skin, and spotted blue jeans that clung to his legs, caked with mud from knee to hem. The rain had begun to wash away the stains of blood splattered across his shirt, but the memory of violence lingered in the crimson streaks that the downpour could not erase.
His fury was a living thing, snarling and growling in the space between breaths, propelling the shovel into the ground over and over. The hole deepened as rain pissed down relentlessly around him.
After what seemed like an eternity, finally, he climbed out, his breath a harsh, visible rasp in the sodden, chilled air, and turned towards the whimpering form on the ground.
Koby, bound in rope and gagged, lay in a pathetic heap. His high school uniform was a tragic symbol of his innocence, and his leg, grotesquely twisted with a bone jutting through the fabric, spoke of agony and helplessness. His eyes, wide with terror, reflected the dim, eerie light as he sobbed around the gag, a cacophony of muffled pleas and screams as tears streaked down his filthy face.
Law’s hands, slick with rain and mud, gripped Koby under the arms, dragging him towards the yawning pit. The boy’s sobs grew more desperate, his struggles feeble and futile against the iron grip of his tormentor. With a savage snarl, Law heaved Koby into the hole, his body landing with a sickening thud and splash. The boy’s whimpering filled the shallow grave and pierced the night air, though is drowned out by the heavy downpour.
Standing over the pit, Law’s face contorted with a madness that matched the storm. He spat into the hole, kicking dirt down upon the trembling form within.
“You piece of shit! HOW DARE YOU!!?” he screamed, his voice a raw, guttural sound that echoed through the trees. “You think you were gonna get away with it, HUH? Putting a love letter in HIS mailbox?! What did you THINK was going to happen? You think he was going to read it, fall in love with YOU? A whiny little piss stain!? That there would be happily ever after?! FUCK YOU! This is what you deserve! Luffy... IS... MINE!”
Koby’s eyes, wide with horror and pain, pleaded silently for mercy. His muffled cries grew more frantic as Law shoveled dirt into the hole, each clump of earth a cold, indifferent response to his desperate prayers. Law’s movements were aggressive and not guided by any since of logic, the fury in his eyes burning with an unholy light as he buried the boy alive as he screamed his heart out around the gag, pleading for mercy.
No mercy was shown tonight.
The storm raged on, the forest bore silent witness to the horror, the rain and hail its mournful tears for a soul condemned to such darkness.
THREE DAYS LATER…
The gas station that sat at the base of Shurkruk’s Mountain Road was a final outpost of civilization, sitting just outside of Erdhart City before the wilderness took hold. It was an eerie place, its grunginess palpable and pervasive. The overhead lights flickered intermittently, casting a sickly yellow glow that did little to chase away the shadows lurking in the corners.
Inside, the smell of stale air and gasoline hung heavy, mingling with the scent of something musky and indefinable. The floor was a grimy checkerboard of cracked linoleum, each square embedded with the grime of countless footsteps. A large, unattended puddle sprawled around a clunky, broken icebox machine. The machine emitted a low, mournful whir, its innards struggling against obsolescence. A filthy wet floor sign, barely legible through the accumulated muck, lay toppled in the puddle, its warning rendered moot by neglect.
Behind the counter, the gas station attendant lounged in a fold-out chair, a picture of apathetic decay. He smoked indoors, a lit cigarette dangling from his lips, its ash threatening to fall onto his stained tank top. He had a can of cheap beer in one hand, and with the other, he stared at his phone, watching a football game with half-lidded eyes. The faint sounds of cheering crowds and commentators' banter blended with the hum of the broken icebox, creating a dissonant soundtrack to the scene.
The walls of the gas station were plastered with faded posters and advertisements, their edges curling and colors dimming with age. A small TV mounted in the corner played the local news, its volume low but persistent in the otherwise quiet night.
The screen showed the solemn face of a news reporter, her expression grave as she delivered the latest in a series of grim updates. "—Authorities are still searching for missing Goa High School student Koby Mayflower. Koby, aged sixteen, has been missing for three days now. He is described as having pink hair and wearing large, round green glasses."
The screen cut to a picture of Koby, his geeky appearance accentuated by the oversized glasses and awkward smile.
The reporter continued, "Koby is the eighth student to go missing from Goa High School in the past six months. Despite ongoing investigations, the police have yet to find any leads. Parents and students are advised to remain in pairs or groups and remain vigilant as well as report any suspicious activity immediately to authorities."
The attendant glanced at the TV, his expression unchanged. He took a long drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around his head like a noxious halo, and turned his attention back to the football game. Outside, the rain and hail continued their relentless assault.
Law's SUV pulled up to the gas station, its headlights cutting through the rain and casting eerie shadows on the grimy windows. It’s an older model, but nice for its generation, and well cared for. Only a few dings and scratches that gave it some character. The thing is bright yellow with a faded smiling symbol spray painted on the back door. The front of the SUV is equipped with a black front guard.
The station worker, lost in his own world of indifference, barely spared a glance outside.
Law stepped out of the vehicle, the raindrops clinging to the fabric of his unzipped slicker jacket and scrubs. His expression was unreadable, hidden behind a facade of stoicism. With purposeful strides, he crossed the threshold of the gas station, the bell above the door jingling in protest at his intrusion.
The attendant, still lounging in his chair, barely acknowledged Law's presence as he approached the counter. Law slapped a twenty-dollar bill down with a sharp crack, the sound echoing through the empty store. "The usual," he muttered, his voice low and gravelly.
The attendant glanced up lazily, his eyes barely registering the customer before him. He grunted and got out of his chair and grabbed a pack of cigarettes and a pint of vodka without a word. The attendant doesn’t offer a bag. Law usually never wanted one anyway.
With a grunt of acknowledgment, Law snatched up the cigarettes and vodka, his fingers curling tightly around the familiar comforts. He tossed a glance towards the TV, the news report of Koby's disappearance flickering on the screen, it gave him just a moment of pause.
As he turned to leave, the attendant's voice broke the silence, a lazy drawl tinged with disinterest. "Stay dry out there," he muttered, the words lost in the hollow emptiness of the gas station as the register opened up and he slid the twenty in and pulled out the change, a five and sixty-three cents, which he pockets before shutting the drawer.
Law's only response was a curt nod before he pushed through the door, another jingle rings out as the old door sways shut.
…
Tain pelted against the windshield of Law’s SUV with ferocity as he drove. The headlights cut through the gloom, illuminating the winding mountain road ahead. Inside the vehicle, the dashboard glowed dimly, casting a ghostly light over the chaos of the interior.
His phone, discarded on the passenger seat, buzzed incessantly, each vibration a persistent reminder of the world he was trying to leave behind. The screen lit up with call after call, names flashing in urgent succession: "Doffy", "Cora." The tally of missed calls climbed higher, already at 103 combined, and the unread text messages from "Doffy" alone numbered 218. The battery icon, a sliver of red at 7%, blinked ominously.
Law ignored the buzzing of his phone, his dead eyed stare fixed on the treacherous road ahead. With a cigarette clamped between his lips, he took a long drag, the cherry glowing fiercely in the darkness. Smoke curled around him, mingling with the damp air that flooded in through the rolled-down window. The rain splashed inside, soaking into his scrubs. He seemed unfazed, maybe even a little lost.
The SUV was packed to the brim, stuffed with moving boxes and paper grocery bags. The backseat and cargo area were crammed with belongings, hastily packed and thrown together in a chaotic jumble. The vehicle groaned under the weight, but Law pressed on, the mountain path rising before him like a grim challenge.
“Winter is just around the corner… need to put the damn chains on the tires before it starts freezing.” Law mutters numbly into the butt of his cigarette before taking a deep drag, the tip flaring briefly as he inhaled.
The taste of tobacco mingled with the scent of rain, creating a rich mix that somewhat soothed his frayed nerves. Each exhale sent smoke swirling around the cabin briefly before being sucked right out the open window.
As he navigated the sharp turns and steep inclines, the phone's incessant buzzing continued unabated. Law glanced at it briefly, the names flashing in the dim light.
I can almost see them both now, probably pacing that big house, fighting with each other.
Doffy probably has pulled all his hair out by now and ground his teeth down to his gums.
Cora has probably chain smoked through close to fifty packs by now.
Wonder if he’s caught anything on fire.
Oh well.
They’ll get over it.
I’m 23 years old, I have a good, stable career, and I don’t need them babying me.
They suffocate me.
The road grew narrower, the trees closing in on either side, their branches whipping against the SUV as it climbed higher. Thunder rumbled in the distance, a deep, menacing growl that echoed through the mountains.
Law flicked the cigarette butt out the window, watching as it was swallowed by the darkness. Reaching for the cup holder, he flicks open the pack and he retrieves another and the lighter in the holder with it. Law slows the speed of the SUV, using his knee to keep the wheel steady on a straight stretch of road so he could light it. He cups a hand over the lighter to shield the flame from the breeze and rain coming in from the open window. The flame briefly illuminated his face, casting shadows that danced in the hollows of his golden eyes.
The SUV surged forward as Law reclaims the wheel and steps on the gas to get back up to speed, each mile bringing him closer to whatever goal awaited him at the end of this road.
*Buzz* *Buzz*
*Buzz* *Buzz*
When are they gonna knock it off?
Law glances at his phone screen with annoyance— then his eyes go wide.
Law's grip tightened on the steering wheel as the SUV skidded slightly, tires slipping on the rain-slicked asphalt. He had almost veered off the road when he caught a glimpse of his phone lighting up with a different face and name from the corner of his eye. The sight of Luffy's beautiful, sunshine smile and the name adorned with hearts made his heart leap into his throat.
He quickly pulled off to the side of the road, the urgency of answering Luffy's call overriding any other concern. The SUV idled on the narrow, muddy shoulder, rain hammering against the roof like a relentless percussion.
Law snatched up the phone. He fumbled with the buttons for a moment, his hands trembling slightly, before finally answering. He struggled to maintain a professional tone, despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. “Hello?”
Luffy’s voice came through the speaker, a mix of confusion and relief. “(Hello? Doctor Torao ? You said I could call you if I need anything.)”
Law swallowed thickly, nodding even though Luffy couldn't see him. He scrambled to respond, his voice a bit unsteady. “Yes, of course, Luffy. Is everything alright? Is it your injury?”
Luffy sighed on the other end, and the sound of his frustration and pain made Law’s heart ache. “(My parents aren't home, neither is grandpa, and all my brothers are out too, so I'm home alone, and I don't know what medicine I'm supposed to take. I'm not feeling good, my chest is starting to hurt again, and I feel all hot, like in a sick way.)”
Law’s clenches his fist over his thigh and holds his breath for a moment, trying to force away his irritation, to center himself before responding so he didn’t say anything he shouldn’t.
What kind of fucking irresponsible, shitty—ARGH—Luffy doesn’t need that right now.
I need to help him.
“Okay, Luffy, listen to me carefully. Do you remember where you put the medication I prescribed for you? They should be labeled.”
There was a rustling sound on the other end, and then Luffy’s voice, strained but more focused. “(Yeah, I found it, but umm, it’s mixed in with the box of medication that everyone throws their medicine in, and I don’t know which one is the right one, there’s a bunch with my name on it, but Sabo’s too, and Ace’s, and Nika’s… Grandpa has a WHOLE lot with his name in here!)”
Law pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to maintain his composure. “When was the last time you took your medication, Luffy?”
“(Uuuuummm, I… I don’t remember,)” Luffy admitted, his voice small and unsure.
Law sighed, “When is your family going to be home?”
“(That’s the thing, Doctor Torao, my parents are out of town, and Grandpa is too. Ace and Sabo are supposed to be watching me and Nika, but they went out to a party,)” Luffy replied, the frustration and fear evident in his voice.
“Alright, leave the medicine alone for now. I’ll be over soon,” Law promised, his voice firm but gentle. “Don’t move around too much, and just relax until I get there. I don’t want you to open your wound.”
“(Okay,)” Luffy agreed, though his tone was still laced with anxiety. “(But can you stay on the phone with me? I feel scared.)”
Damn it!
A pang of guilt shot through Law as he glanced at his phone’s battery indicator, a measly 7%. “I’ll try, but my phone is almost dead. If it hangs up, that’s why. Just stay calm, alright?”
“(Okay,)” Luffy said softly. His angelic little voice makes Law’s heart throb.
My poor, sweet thing.
How fucking worthless can his parents BE? He’s only been out of the hospital for a WEEK!
I can’t really blame the brothers, they’re all just kids. They shouldn’t have to deal with this shit.
Law flicked his unfinished cigarette out the window and rolled it up, sealing out the relentless rain. With a determined breath, he flipped the car around and started driving back down the mountain while holding his phone in one hand after putting it on speaker.
The phone buzzed again, Doflamingo’s name flashing on the screen. Law swiped the call away impatiently, his attention split between the winding road and the device in his hand. Another call, this time from Cora, and again he dismissed it. Each incoming call was a frustrating distraction, and it was killing his battery faster.
“(Doctor Torao? Are you still there?)” Luffy’s voice, small and fragile, cut through the noise.
“I’m here, Luffy. Just hang on. I’m on my way,” Law assured him, his voice steady despite the chaos around and inside him.
He pushed the SUV harder, the vehicle responding with a growl as it sped down the mountain. The rain battered against the windshield, and the road twisted and turned, but Law’s grip on the wheel was unwavering. Each mile brought him closer to Luffy, and that singular goal kept him focused amidst the storm of his own making.
The phone buzzed again, another call from Doflamingo. Law’s jaw tightened as he swiped it away, “Luffy, it’ll take me a while to get there, how about you tell me about your day? You aren’t back in school yet, so what have you been doing since you got home from the hospital?”
There was a brief silence on the other end before Luffy spoke, his voice slightly more relaxed. “(Well, I’ve been watching a lot of TV. There’s this new show about pirates that’s really cool! And Ace and Sabo tried to teach me how to play some video games, but they got mad because I kept beating them,)” he said with a small laugh, though it was tinged with exhaustion.
Law managed a smile, though his eyes remained fixed on the road. “Sounds like you’ve been keeping busy. Did you get enough rest today?”
“(Sort of,)” Luffy replied, his voice growing more serious. “(I took a nap, but it wasn’t very long. I keep waking up because my chest hurts. I don’t like being alone when it hurts.)”
A pang of sympathy stabbed at Law’s heart. “I know, Luffy. I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. Just try to stay calm and breathe slowly. I’ll be there soon and I’ll take care of everything..”
The phone buzzed again, and Law’s frustration flared as he saw another incoming call from Cora. He dismissed it with a quick swipe, his focus immediately returning to Luffy. “You know, Luffy, you’re one of the bravest patients I’ve ever had. You’ve been through a lot, and you’re handling it better than most adults would.”
Luffy’s voice was soft but filled with a hint of pride. “(Really? You think so?)”
“I know so,” Law replied firmly. “And remember, you’re not alone. I’m here, and I’m on my way. Just keep talking to me, okay? At least until my phone dies,”
“(Okay, Doctor Torao,)” Luffy said, his voice growing steadier. “(Oh, I forgot to tell you! Nika drew a picture of all of us together. He even included you! I think he really likes you. He said you’re like a superhero for saving me!)”
Law’s heart warmed at the thought. “I’d love to see that picture, Luffy. Nika’s a great artist. I bet it looks amazing.”
“(Yeah, it does! He even gave you a cool hat and everything. I’ll show it to you when you get here,)” Luffy promised, a touch of excitement returning to his voice.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Law said, smiling despite the tension coiling in his chest. “Just hang in there a little longer, okay?”
“(I will,)” Luffy replied, his voice stronger now. “(Thanks, Doctor Torao. You always make me feel better. I don’t feel as scared anymore, talking to you. It’s helping.)”
Law’s eyes flickered to the phone’s battery icon, now down to 5%. He forced himself to stay calm, focusing on the road and the sound of Luffy’s voice. Each word from the teen was a lifeline, grounding him in the present and driving him forward through the storm.
“That’s good, I’m glad,”
“(Yeah,)”
As the SUV barreled down the mountain, the rain relentless and the night closing in, Law knew that no matter the distance or the obstacles, he would reach Luffy. The promise he made was not just to his patient but to himself—to protect and care for the one who had come to mean so much to him.
…
Law made the forty-minute drive in fifteen, his SUV tearing through the rain-slicked streets like a beast unleashed after getting down the mountain pass. He blew through stop signs, ran red lights, and cut off startled drivers with reckless abandon. The only thing that mattered was getting to Luffy.
The phone, still clutched in his hand, was down to 1% as he pulled into the quiet, orderly suburbs. Neatly trimmed lawns and pristine houses lined the streets, a testament to the rigid enforcement of the HOA. It was a very nice and high end neighborhood, mostly military families, with an air of uniformity and discipline.
Luffy’s house was at the end of a longer driveway, up a small embankment. Law felt a surge of relief seeing no cars parked in the driveway—it meant no one else was home. As he turned off the car, nerves gnawed at him. He spoke into the phone, his voice urgent. “I’m here. Is your front door unlocked?”
“(No, I can get up and unlock it,)” Luffy answered, his voice strained.
He sounds like he’s in pain, shit. My poor baby.
“No, no, don’t get up,” Law quickly interjected. “I’ll just come to your window. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
“(But my window—)” Luffy’s voice cut off abruptly as the phone died, the screen going dark.
Cursing softly, Law dropped the dead phone onto the passenger seat and pocketed his keys. He stepped out into the rain, the downpour soaking him instantly. He knew exactly where to go, his steps sure as he rounded the house to the carport. A ladder was leaned against the side of the building, a familiar sight.
He climbed up the ladder, the rungs slick and cold under his fingers, and pulled himself onto the carport roof. From there, he jumped to the main roof of the house, slipping slightly on the wet shingles before regaining his balance. He moved with caution, the rain making every step treacherous, but his determination was unwavering.
Reaching the back of the house, he found the upstairs bedroom window with the lights on. Just as he hoped, the window was unlocked and cracked open with a fan propped in it. Carefully, he pulled the window open all the way, moving the fan aside, reaching in to set it carefully on the floor, then he climbed in.
Inside, the room was warm and inviting, a room obviously shared by teen boys and was split down the middle with a twin bed on either side, side by side desks, one red, one white, both with a variety of things like laptops, school books, comic books, snacks, empty and half full water bottles. The walls littered with an assortment of posters, both teens that lived in this room shared a similar messy organizational style.
Luffy lay on the bed to the left, covered by a comforter with a variety of bugs printed on it. He was pale, shivering and sweating, a mix of relief and confusion on his face as he saw Law climb through the window.
“Doctor Torao!?” Luffy exclaimed with surprise, not expecting to see Law so soon. Their phone call just ended not one minute ago… he found Luffy’s bedroom incredibly fast.
Law crossed the room in a few quick strides, kneeling beside the bed. “I’m here, Luffy. Just relax. Let me check on you.” He gently pressed his hand to Luffy’s forehead, feeling the fever burning his skin. Luffy’s eyes fluttered closed at the touch, his breathing shallow but steady.
“You’re burning up,” Law murmured, concern etched into his features.
Luffy’s brows furrow as he looks up at Law, “How did you know which one was my room?”
Law didn’t miss a beat. “You mentioned it was upstairs before the phone died,” he lied smoothly, his face a mask of calm reassurance. “Where’s the box of medicine?”
“In the kitchen,” Luffy replied, his voice barely a whisper.
Law nodded. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move.”
He left the bedroom, his steps quick and quiet as he moved down the hallway. The house was eerily silent, the only sound the muffled patter of rain against the windows. He descended the stairs, some creaking under his weight.
The kitchen was dark, save for the dim light illuminating the top of the stove, which turns out to be just enough light for him to navigate the room with. He quickly located the box of medication on the counter, where Luffy must have left it when he rifled through it earlier. Law sorts through it with a keen eye, looking for any with Luffy’s name.
As Law gathered the necessary medications, a sudden thought struck Luffy upstairs. His eyes widened in realization, a chill running down his spine.
I don’t remember ever telling Doctor Torao where I lived…
Not once during their fifteen-minute phone call had Law asked for or had Luffy provided his address, and that had been the very first time Luffy ever called his doctor. He sent him texts, sure, but hadn’t felt the need to call him until now.
How did he know?
Luffy strains his ears to listen for if Law was coming. Faintly he could hear the rattle of pill bottles, like Law was still shuffling through the messy bin.
Luffy swallows nervously as he pulls his phone up and quickly looks through it, his text messages between him and the good doctor. Three times a day Law would make a point to message him to ask him how he’s feeling and if he’s taken his meds and changed his bandages. Sometimes he would ask for pictures to ensure the healing was going over good, and Luffy would send them.
When Luffy reached out to Law in text, it was questions anyone recovering after a major injury would want to ask their doctor, such as his concern about certain pains and sensations, itching, and Luffy’s recent anxiety has caused his heart to randomly flutter and make him panic, wondering if his heart would stop again… it’s already stopped nine times and it kept him up at night, he was afraid to sleep, fearing it would stopped for a final tenth.
A lot the messages are audio files, from Luffy holding the recorder close to his chest for a few minutes to capture the rhythm of his heart to send to his doctor for peace of mind, and Law always assured him his heart sounded, beautiful and healthy.
I never mentioned my address anywhere, not in any of this—how did Doctor Torao know where to go? How did he find my room so fast after hanging up the phone? How did he even get on the roof?
Panic began to set in, his heart pounding. Luffy tried to sit up, pain lancing through his torso, but the fear was stronger than the pain.
I need to figure this out, something doesn’t feel right.
Or am I over thinking?
Maybe it’s all the scary movies and murder documentaries Nika has been making me watch with him.
Yeah—maybe this is all HIS fault that I’m all anxious and weirded out.
Torao saved me, he can’t be bad.
I’m overthinking, it’s just the scary movies.
Luffy’s twin brother rather enjoyed twisted TV shows and movies and made Luffy watch them with him, and Luffy honestly didn’t mind, they didn’t scare or bother him—or so he thought, it’s all hitting him at once, the paranoia.
Could Doctor Torao be…?
Luffy pulls himself upright in bed with effort, he swallows hard as he stares at the darkened doorway of his bedroom, the bedside lamp illuminating his room made the hallway seem all the darker and more ominous.
Before Luffy could think any further on the matter Law returned, a couple of prescription bottles in hand. His eyes immediately went to Luffy, noticing the boy’s distress and him. “Luffy, what’s wrong? I told you not to move.”
Luffy’s eyes widen a fraction, his voice trembling as he spoke. “I... I never told you where I live, Doctor Torao.” He had to clear this up, he needed Law to tell him how silly he was, that he was overthinking, dispel his paranoia.
Law’s expression remained unreadable for a moment before he forced a reassuring smile. “I’m your doctor, Luffy. Your address is in your charts. Now, let’s focus on getting you better.” Law crosses over and sits on the edge of the bed.
At sixteen, Luffy was small and athletic from all the sports he took part in, but he barely reached five feet three inches in height. He looked tiny, especially compared to Law’s imposing six foot three inches.
His current state only emphasized his small stature, making him seem even more vulnerable. He was wearing cartoonish pajamas with robots on them. He felt suddenly suffocated with Law sitting so near to him with his paranoia running amuck, all those true crime shows running through his head, words like murderer and stalker pop up, fatal attraction... Luffy tries to dismiss them.
Shut up brain! This is Doctor Torao! He’s the only doctor that didn’t give up on me!
Other doctors wanted to call me dead, but he didn’t, now I’m here.
I shouldn’t be thinking things like this, I shouldn’t be FEELING scared of Doctor Torao!
T his is all Nika’s fault for making me watch all those scary movies—which weren’t even really scary!
Luffy is beyond grateful to him, his nervous smile becomes a bit wobbly with warm feelings rushing to the surface as he watches Law read each label on the medicines bottle carefully, brow pinched in thought as he considered which ones to give Luffy now.
How could Doctor Torao ever be dangerous to me?
Look at him... he cares so much about me.
I think he cares even more than my parents do.
He's such a nice man...
I wish he was my dad.
Luffy's chest aches and a lump forms in his throat at the thought of his neglectful and strict parents. Even his grandpa is an ass.
The pill bottles rattle as Law shakes one or two from a couple. He gingerly passes them over to Luffy's clammy palm and then reached for the water bottle on the nightstand. “Here, take these. We are going to wait on the others since you don't know when you last took them. You'll start them again in the morning.” he instructed, his tone gentle but firm.
Luffy obediently took the pills, popping them into his mouth and swallowing them with a gulp of water, the plastic crinkling as he chugs down a few generous swallows to chase the pills down. His eyes remained fixed on Law, a mixture of trust and lingering doubt visible in their depths. “Thanks,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
“You’re welcome, Luffy,” Law replied, his gaze softening as he watched the teen’s every minuscule move as if to treasure each and every bit of him, like every breath, every subtle twitch was a blessing. “These will help you feel better soon.”
Law followed up with a question, eyes lingering on Luffy’s pajama shirt. “When were your bandages last changed?” He reached out to Luffy and started to undo the shirt without asking, slowly but surely revealing medical bandaging wrapped around his chest beneath.
“This morning. Sabo helped me change them,” Luffy answered, his voice faint.
Law nodded, not really asking permission but more telling Luffy what he was doing. “I want to have a look,” he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument. He helped Luffy out of his pajama top, then carefully began working the bandages off until Luffy was bare-chested, revealing the fresh, gnarly X-shaped wound on his chest. It was deep and brutal, but the scar tissue was healing nicely in Law’s eyes.
His mind flashed back to the day Luffy had come into the hospital. The surgery had lasted for thirty-eight grueling hours, and Law had lost Luffy nine times on the operating table. But he refused to let him die, battling death itself to keep the boy alive.
And I didn’t even know him. But something about him arriving in my OR that day felt like fate.
And when Law found out what had happened, the fury that consumed him was unrelenting. Luffy had been hanging out with a group of kids he ought not to have, a bunch of dropouts playing with fireworks. A bunch of them went off and hit Luffy in the chest.
Those kids were now buried in the woods with Koby.
“You’re healing well,” Law murmured, his fingers brushing lightly over the scar tissue. “I don’t think you need the bandages anymore actually. I’d like you to keep them off now, but still no baths, and no soaps or lotions on the wound.”
Luffy looked up at him, his eyes wide and trusting. “Will it hurt forever?”
Law shook his head. “No, it won’t. You’ll get better, it’ll just take time, Luffy. Rest now. You’re exhausted and you have a fever. I’ll be here so you won’t have to worry about a thing, I’ll take care of you, promise.”
Luffy’s gaze softened, and he nodded, seemingly reassured by Law’s words. The tension began to ease out of his small frame, and he lay back against the pillows, exhaustion taking over.
As he closed his eyes, Luffy’s mind battled with conflicting thoughts.
It could be the fever’s fault that I’m so jumpy.
Doctor Torao is so nice to me, and gentle. His voice makes my ears tingle. I could fall asleep listening to him talk about anything.
Law’s gaze is fixated on the teen, full of adoration and devotion. In the dim light of the room, Luffy’s small, athletic frame seemed almost ethereal. His pale skin glistened with a fine sheen of sweat, his dark hair splayed across his forehead and the pillow.
Luffy was the epitome of youth and beauty, strength and resilience. Law’s eyes roved over him, taking in every detail. The way his chest rose and fell with each breath, the delicate curve of his neck, the slight flutter of his eyelids as relaxed. Luffy was utterly divine, a perfect specimen in Law’s eyes.
Gorgeous… my beautiful boy. So precious.
A sense of possession washed over Law.
I saved him. He shouldn’t have lived, and he wouldn’t have without me.
He belongs to me.
And soon, I’ll make him mine.
We’ll be together forever.
It was meant to be… because that night, the night he was rushed in through those emergency doors, I was about to head out.
I planned to drive off into the quarry outside town.
But when his bloodied body was rushed past me, I felt this… inexplicable pull. Like an angle had tapped me on the shoulder and told me to turn around.
And when I did, when I saw my colleagues urgency dying out, at a loss for what to do for that boy, I knew it had to be me.
I didn’t know it was Luffy until we were in the operating room.
Law reached out, brushing a strand of damp hair from Luffy’s forehead, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
Luffy was perfect, an apex of perfection in every way. The strength it had taken to survive, the resilience in the face of such grave injuries, it all made Luffy even more desirable. Law’s thoughts grew darker, lecherous as he watched Luffy slowly falling asleep. He was a treasure, a gem that Law had discovered far before Luffy was ever injured this severely.
They met six months ago, when Law was working a grueling shift in the urgent care. His bedside manner was lacking, and his superiors were punishing him for it by taking away his surgeries, (giving him an opportunity to connect and show empathy for his patients, but Law didn’t see it that way.) It was during his first week in the urgent care that he met Luffy.
When I saw him smile for the first time.
It was like I’d lived my entire life under grey skies without realizing there was ever anything beyond that pale, lifeless sky, and he was the first glimpse of sunshine I had ever seen… and that warmth, that effortlessly kind and pure heart thawed something in me I didn’t even know existed.
It was love.
Luffy and his brothers were frequent visitors of the urgent care. The boys played rough, and were involved in a lot of sports and activities that ended with one of them injured in some form or another, for breaks, strains and need for stitches. The time Law met Luffy, Luffy was in for stitches and two dislocations, his hip and shoulder. Apparently, him and his brothers were doing what they called extreme dirt bike Olympics.
Luffy was so funny, he made Law laugh, despite the fact Luffy was in a lot of pain, he kept smiling and insisting he had fun and that his injuries were well worth it.
That day, Law fell deeply and irrevocably in love with Luffy. He remembered touching Luffy's soft skin, the warmth and smoothness of it burning into his memory. The way Luffy’s face contorted with discomfort as Law popped his hip back into socket and then his arm next… Law could hardly breathe, watching those expressions, drinking in every whimper and gasp. Fuck, he’d gotten so hard, especially when, once it was all done, Luffy smiled at him with watery eyes and giggled, telling him it didn’t hurt at all.
Such a brave boy.
That smile, those teary eyes—it was the most beautiful, most arousing thing Law had ever seen. From that moment on, Luffy was his. He watched over him, ensuring his safety, taking every opportunity to touch him, to be close to him. The thought of Luffy in pain, relying on him for comfort and healing, was intoxicating.
Luffy startled from his half-asleep state with a sharp gasp, his hand instinctively going to his chest in fear. His heart—was it acting up again? Panic surged through him, and his immediate instinct was to scramble for his phone, to record the irregular beat and send it to his doctor for reassurance. But then he remembered: his doctor was right here, watching over him.
His beautiful dark eyes brimmed with tears, and he reached out with trembling hands, struggling to formulate words around the panicked breaths he was taking. “Tor…ao...” was all he managed to whisper, his voice breaking.
Law’s heart swelled with a dark delight. Luffy’s first instinct had been to reach for him, to seek his comfort and safety. Now, here he was, arms stretched open, a question on his lips that he couldn’t quite ask in his terrified state. Law’s smile widened, an expression of both reassurance and satisfaction.
“Shh, it’s okay, Luffy. I’m right here, I’ll take a listen,” Law murmured, his voice a soft purr. He leaned down, pressing his ear to Luffy’s warm chest, the chill of his skin and the cold sting of his earrings causing Luffy to wince.
Law closed his eyes, focusing intently on the rhythm beneath Luffy’s skin. The frantic thumping of the boy’s heart was music to his ears. Each beat was a testament to the life he had fought so hard to preserve, a life that now belonged to him. The sound filled him with a deep sense of possession and satisfaction.
“Your heart sounds strong, Luffy,” Law whispered, his breath ghosting over the boy’s chest. “It’s beating just like it should.”
Luffy sniffled, a tear escaping down his cheek as he pleaded, “Doctor, p-please… keep listening. Make sure it doesn’t stop when I’m sleeping. I—I’m—I’m scared.”
Law’s heart fluttered with dark delight. This was an unexpected gift, a precious opportunity to be close to Luffy, the light of his life, his obsession. He had never been this close to Luffy before, and the urge to kiss and lick his skin was almost unbearable. But he resisted, not wanting to ruin this perfect moment.
“Of course, Luffy,” Law murmured, his voice soothing. “I’ll stay right here and listen to your heart all night if that’s what you need.”
He kicked off his shoes, making himself more comfortable on the bed. He lay beside Luffy, his ear pressed against the boy’s chest, listening to the steady thrum of his heartbeat. The sensation was intoxicating, each beat a reminder of how Luffy was alive because of him.
A small part of Law’s mind recognized the danger in this situation. The bedroom door was wide open, and while Luffy had said his parents and grandpa were away for the weekend, and his brothers were all out at a party, things could change. Any one of them could come home at any time for any reason and catch him here.
But Law felt a twisted sense of security. He could always use his role as Luffy’s doctor and savior as an excuse for being here. If someone walked in, he could twist the situation, painting himself as a noble and caring man dedicated to his patient’s well-being. He could explain his presence as a necessity, a duty to ensure Luffy’s heart didn’t stop in the middle of the night.
Luffy was feverishly warm, his skin radiating heat that seemed to seep into Law's bones. The rain had left Law feeling uncomfortably damp, and Luffy tugged at his hoodie, frowning.
“Doctor, your coat is wet. It’s cold,” Luffy murmured, his small hands pulling at the fabric insistently. “Take it off, please.”
Law hesitated for a moment before obliging, temporarily dislodging himself from Luffy to remove the soaked slicker. He was left in his scrubs and socks. To his surprise, Luffy had pulled back the blankets and scooted over, creating a space in his bed just for Law.
“Come on, it’s warmer under the blankets,” Luffy urged, his voice soft and pleading.
Law’s own heart raced as he considered the dangerous and precarious situation he was in. He knew himself too well. If he took that spot beside Luffy…
I won’t be able to keep my hands to myself.
The thought of touching Luffy, of exploring his body, consumed him. He wondered how sweet Luffy would look and sound with Law’s fingers inside of him, opening him up. He wondered if Luffy had ever touched himself like that, if he had ever been kissed before. Law greedily and insanely wanted all of Luffy’s firsts. He wanted them even before Luffy could explore his own body.
Fuck, I can’t stay here.
But this opportunity might never come again. Luffy’s parents and grandparents are gone, his brothers out at a party—especially that twin brother of his. That little annoyance Nika is almost never not at Luffy’s side.
Before he could stop himself, Law licked his dry lips and spoke. “Hey, Luffy, you said your parents are going to be gone for a while, right? How about I take you over to my house for the weekend until they come back? I’m worried about you, and I have the weekend off. I can take care of you, since your brothers seem to not have a single sense of responsibility between the three of them.”
Luffy looked up at Law with wide, trusting eyes. “Really? You’d do that for me?”
Law nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. “Of course, Luffy. I’ll make sure you’re safe and comfortable.”
A small smile tugged at Luffy’s lips, and he nodded. “Okay, Doctor Torao. I trust you.”
Law felt a surge of possessive triumph. He carefully helped Luffy out of bed, making sure the boy’s steps were steady. As they prepared to leave, Law couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation.
Luffy grabbed a bag and began packing some things for their impromptu sleepover. Meanwhile, Law discreetly snatched Luffy’s phone off the bed. While Luffy’s back was turned, throwing clothes into his school bag he had just emptied, Law took this opportunity to turn the phone off and discreetly drop it on the floor, nudging it under the nightstand. He didn’t want Luffy telling anyone who he was with or where he was going. Law hoped to use Luffy’s fever to his advantage, distracting him until it was too late and they were out of the house.
Once the phone was out of sight, Law put his shoes and damp slicker back on. Luffy asked, “How much stuff do I need, Doctor?”
Law walked over and took over the packing. “Just the essentials, Luffy. Mostly pajamas since you’ll be resting, and toiletries. It’s a short stay, so if we forget something, it’s not a big deal. I have plenty at home to make do with. Plus, I have all kinds of video games and streaming services to keep us entertained.”
As he spoke, Law began packing Luffy’s bag with pajamas and other random clothes in a careless manner. He moved with purpose, filling the bag while embellishing details about Luffy’s condition. “You know, your heart is still very fragile. If it stops again, it might not start back up. You need to be under constant observation. The cold weather and rain can exacerbate your fever, and any stress can be dangerous.”
Luffy’s eyes widened, his fear growing as Law’s words took root.
Woah, I really do need Doctor Torao taking care of me.
How could my parents leave me like this with my condition so serious? If it wasn’t for the Doctor… I dunno, something could happen to me.
Law dipped out into the bathroom, grabbed Luffy’s toothbrush, and was back before Luffy could miss him. He zipped the bag and plopped it on the bed, guiding Luffy to sit in his desk chair. “This rain is really coming down hard. The cold weather doesn’t bode well for your fever. When we get home, I’ll make you some cocoa and set you up in a cozy spot by the fireplace while I make you some stew. Bet you haven’t eaten anything decent to day, have you?”
“Not really,”
He didn’t give Luffy a moment to think or speak. Law dressed him, putting slippers on his feet, redressing him in his discarded pajama top, and adding a jacket from the closet. The medicine was starting to kick in, making Luffy drowsy. If he wasn’t so feverish and tired, he might have questioned how Law maneuvered around his room with such ease, knowing where everything was, even which toothbrush he used. But he was exhausted, and Law made him feel safe.
He was his savior, after all.
Law then shouldered the backpack and picked Luffy up in a bridal carry after wrapping him in one of the smaller blankets from his bed to keep him warm. Luffy’s head rested against Law’s chest, his breaths shallow and even, lulled by the rhythm of Law’s heart. Law smiled, feeling a dark satisfaction. He had Luffy exactly where he wanted him, and now, nothing would tear them apart. Once he got Luffy into the car, their life together could finally begin. Law felt blessed by how soon this day had come.
Far sooner than I ever imagined. I’m so fucking lucky.
He thought he would have to kill Luffy’s family members one by one until the boy had no one left. The prospect had been a daunting one, promising complications and the risk of unwanted attention, not to mention the inevitable lectures from Law’s parents. But now, thanks to Luffy’s neglectful family, he didn’t need to resort to such measures.
Carefully, Law carried Luffy down the stairs, moving silently through the darkened house. The rain outside continued to patter against the windows, a soft background to their quiet escape. Law reached the front door and paused, adjusting Luffy in his arms to reach for the handle. The cold air hit them as he opened the door, making Luffy shiver slightly in his sleep, he wasn’t quite fully asleep yet, but he was getting there, he certainly wasn’t fighting it, he must have felt safe in Law’s arms.
Law stepped out into the night, the rain soaking his head and shoulders as he made his way to the car. The droplets that land on Luffy make the teen shiver and whimper in dismay and annoyance, Law shushes him and presses a kiss to the top of his hood covered head, “It’s okay, Luffy,” Law whispered, more to himself than the half-asleep boy. “We’ll be warm soon.”
Law has to shove his phone and pint of vodka to the floor to make room for Luffy. He gently places him in the passenger seat, securing the blanket around him and buckling before closing the door. He quickly moved to the driver’s side and tosses Luffy’s backpack over his seat carelessly to join the rest of the boxes and bags before he climbs in and shuts the door.
Law is vibrating with excitement and anxiety, he can’t stop looking around them, checking the driveway for any incoming cars or indicators that someone might see him or try and stop him. He almost laughs at how fucking easy this had been. How amazing of a turn his shitty week had taken.
Four days ago, when he got off from his graveyard shift at the hospital, he went about his regular routine… watching Luffy. He gets off work around the same time Luffy would be onto the second period of the day at Goa High School—but Luffy got out of the hospital a couple days before then and Law hadn’t cleared him to return to school yet… so he went off course of his usual routine and found himself watching Luffy’s house instead of his school like he’s accustomed.
Law is uneasy watching Luffy at his home, this neighborhood is filled with security cameras and nosy Susans, so he has to park his car in an obscure, off-road location a mile back and walk through the woods and suburbs to Luffy’s backyard, where he can sit just beyond the tall wooden fence and watch Luffy through his bedroom window. He was concerned, naturally, given Luffy’s injuries, so he wanted to keep an eye on him.
Sometimes Law gets closer when he watches, but usually he doesn’t risk it unless its in the cover of night and he’s sure he’ll get away with it.
He’s been in Luffy’s room before. Many times.
Law waited until nightfall that day. The teen was sleeping, it was around 2 in the morning and Law had been sitting in Luffy’s desk chair after crawling in through his window and watching him sleep for the past three hours. Nika was there too, asleep in his own bed. His risk of getting caught was great, consequences severe. But there he’d been, sitting, watching.
Luffy’s parents were home so his medication had been miraculously given to him on time and as Law dictated it be given to him, so Luffy was heavily knocked out. Law could touch him, if he wanted, a little touch wouldn’t wake him, Law knew that.
In an act of what Law could only reason as insanity, he had pulled the chair right up to the edge of Luffy’s bed so he could have the best view. Law’s real threat that night was Nika waking, or Luffy’s parents coming to check in.
Watching wasn’t enough. He wanted more, and Luffy was stripped down to just his bandages hugging his delectably small frame and a pair of tight briefs with.
Law leaned forward, his lips barely brushing against Luffy’s hand. It was a gesture of reverence, a worshipper paying tribute to a deity. He felt unworthy, inadequate in the presence of someone so pure. In Law’s eyes, Luffy was holy, a beacon of light in a world shrouded in darkness.
As he pressed his lips against Luffy’s skin, he felt a surge of emotion wash over him. It was a mix of adoration and desire, a longing to possess and protect this precious creature at all costs. Luffy’s hand was warm beneath his lips, the soft skin a stark contrast to the rough calluses and scars on Law’s own fingers, not to mention the tattoos reminding Law of his own short comings.
For a moment, Law allowed himself to forget the world outside, to lose himself in the simple act of kissing the soft back of Luffy’s hand. It was a fleeting moment of peace in a life filled with chaos and uncertainty. But even as he savored the sensation, a nagging voice in the back of his mind reminded him of the danger he was in being in Luffy and Nika’s bedroom like this.
He pulled back, his gaze fixed on Luffy’s sleeping form. The boy looked so peaceful, so vulnerable in the dim light of the room. It stirred something primal within Law.
He wanted more.
With a heavy heart, Law rose from the chair and slipped silently out of the window. He disappeared into the night, leaving Luffy and his twin to their dreams.
On his way out is when he saw it. Koby was Luffy’s neighbor, and the boy was putting an envelop in the mailbox in the cover of night. Law waited until Koby was far enough away before stepping up to the mailbox and snagging the letter, tearing it open with a flare of annoyance after seeing Luffy’s name so prettily written on the front. Law’s blood boiled when he read the sickeningly sweet love confession.
Law ended up ripping the letter up with his hands and teeth, chewing it and spitting it onto the ground, stomping it into watery paper paste. The audacity that kid had, confessing to HIS Luffy.
Law festered on that letter, it consumed him, he couldn’t behave like a normal person until he did something about it.
That’s how it always happens.
And now here he was. The car started with a low hum, and Law pulled away from the curb, his mind racing with the possibilities that lay ahead. He glanced at Luffy, who was now asleep, his expression peaceful despite the fever. The medication must be helping.
Law's thoughts were a twisted mix of gratitude and greed. He couldn’t believe his luck. Luffy’s family had handed him this opportunity on a silver platter, leaving the boy vulnerable and alone.
The drive home felt longer than the trip there, every minute dragging out into eternity as Law carefully navigated the dark, rain-soaked roads. He was being extra cautious, obeying every traffic rule to the letter. The last thing he needed was to get pulled over now that he had precious cargo. Luffy leaned against the door of the passenger side, his breathing soft and steady, lost in dreams as Law drove on.
The storm showed no signs of letting up, the rain battering against the windshield with the wiper squeaking softly as it worked back and forth rapidly to wick it all away.
An hour later, he found himself back on the mountain path he had been traveling earlier when Luffy called him. The road stretched out before him, winding its way through the darkened landscape.
Thirty more minutes passed before Law finally turned off onto an old dirt road on the other side of the mountain. The road was sparsely populated, lined with a few other properties, other lake homes nestled among the trees. Law’s house was annoyingly far in, up an incline that made the drive feel like an eternity.
Finally, they arrived at Law’s home, a modern cabin nestled among the trees. It was a fresh build, the land still regrowing grass and the foundation still settling. But despite its newness, it was a beautiful home, nothing big or fancy, but enough to provide shelter and comfort. It was a place where Law hoped to put down roots, to build a life with Luffy by his side.
The cabin stood silent and welcoming in the rain, the porch light and lamp post by the carport offering beacon of warmth and safety in the darkness. Law cut the engine and turned to glance at Luffy, who was still asleep, his features relaxed in peaceful slumber.