Chapter Text
From an early age, Law knew better than to believe in fairy tales. Old wives tales are poorly hidden superstitions. Hauntings and the supernatural explained away by irrefutable, tangible proof and simply the results of imaginative stories passed down through the centuries. Any hint of truth lost to them over time.
So now at the ripe age of 28, how is it he’s nearly convinced himself his adorable, sweet boyfriend is a terrifying monster?
He can’t believe he’s considering his Luffy might be a werewolf of all things. It makes him feel crazy, but he’s not the type to fall victim to a hunch, a speculation. He believes in facts, undeniable truths. So he’s started a journal of sorts. A collection of odd behaviors and unconvincing lies Luffy is guilty of and what he believes they could mean and if they can be explained away in a realistic manner.
A notebook with most of its pages filled and covered in his findings and scribbles he keeps hidden in his office desk, tucked back in the furthest reach of a top drawer. Where he hopes no one will find it. The last thing Law needs is to lose his credibility as a doctor because he appears to have lost his sanity and is convinced he’s dating a supernatural being.
Deep in thought, Law jumps at the sudden buzz of his phone. It vibrates against the solid oak of his desk and demands his attention. Ripped from his jumbled thoughts and conflicting emotions, Law huffs, annoyed, but is also thankful for the distraction. He needed something to yank him back from where he was lost in his head. Maybe it’s Bepo wanting to hang out or Shachi and Penguin pestering him to go out drinking with them. But most likely it is the subject of his retrospection.
Documents and files shift and get reorganized, as Law digs his phone out from its hiding place, buried somewhere beneath his paperwork. On the fourth buzz, he finally unearths it and barely glances at the screen before answering. A quick flash is all he needs to see who’s calling him.
“Yes, love?”
“Torao!!” The excited voice of his boyfriend brings a small smile to Law’s face. Despite his theory, his heart still beats for Luffy. It’s been almost two years since they began dating, and he’s only grown to love him more with time. Law doesn’t believe anything can change that, even if it does turn out Luffy is a werewolf. “Are you almost done with work? You’re getting off at seven today, right?”
Surprised, Law moves his phone from his face to look at the time. He blinks at the screen and wonders just where the last two hours of his shift had gone. Shaking his head, disappointed in his own negligence, he’s glad he finished his paperwork early then, and he answers, attention back to his call, “yes, I’m about to leave. Are you at your apartment?”
“Nah, I already left.” Luffy says and predicts Law’s next question, “I’m heading to the hospital now. I’ll wait for you by the exit.”
Law nods but catches himself, “alright. I’ll be there soon, but I thought you wanted to have an indoor date tonight?” In, out, quiet, crowded, different dates for different days. The difficulty of an introvert and extrovert dating stems from having two very different ideas of “fun.” For Luffy, it’s going out and having a good time, parties, clubs, adventures. But for Law, it’s staying in, watching a movie, or simply just existing together, cuddling in the quiet of home.
So to compromise, Law created a system of sorts. At least two dates a week, and they alternate weeks. It just so happens that this is Luffy’s week, and last Law heard, the other was considering staying in tonight.
“Oh, well,” Luffy starts, and Law hears the hesitation in his voice. Reaching down, he pulls the drawer open to retrieve his notebook, “I uh, can’t really stay tonight. So I was thinking we can go get dinner and walk around the park instead.”
“Can’t stay? Why?” Law asks, feigning interest, as he begins writing down the conversation.
“Well, thing is me and my brothers are leaving on another trip tomorrow, so I need to get home tonight to pack for it,” Luffy says. Another trip with his brothers. Law flips some pages and marks a tally in a column labeled “Brothers Only Trips” then writes the next day’s date in a list beside it.
Shuffling around his desk some more, Law locates his schedule. Mostly used for important work meetings and whatnot, he keeps his werewolf theory separate from it besides marking the days of Luffy’s trips and checking the phase of the moon. And like always, the next day will have a full moon, the same as every trip since they started dating.
“I see,” Law says, partially to himself. An irrational wave of annoyance washes over him. It’s so easy for him to connect the dots, see the signs, and Luffy continues to lie to him.
He feels his mood quickly souring, annoyance turns to anger, anger into hurt. Knowing how easily he can let his thoughts and emotions spiral, Law shuts his eyes for a moment and breathes deep, willing his frustration to dissipate.
When he opens his eyes again, he stares down at his desk. Sometimes he wonders why he stays so focused on this theory. Luffy must have his own reasons for keeping his secret or else surely he’d tell Law. And werewolf or no, it’s still his kindhearted boyfriend, who loves him wholly.
This back and forth has gone on for too long. One moment, Law is fighting back tears of hurt, thinking Luffy doesn’t trust him, and in another, he’s remembering those big brown eyes and how they look at him like nothing else in the world matters.
He needs to end this, one way or the other. He needs to put in the final nail and bury this damn theory for good. For both his and Luffy’s sakes, something has to happen.
“Torao?”
Law hums in acknowledgment and realizes Luffy was speaking the whole time. Probably more nonsense about his trip, excuses a child could see through.
“I’m sorry, love. I was distracted. Did you ask something?”
Luffy hesitates to answer, and the silence only serves to make Law nervous. What did I miss? He clenches his jaw and mentally berates himself. The more months that go by, the more this theory of his haunts him, eats away at his brain. It has to stop.
“Are you still working?” Law can hear the frown on Luffy’s face, “I thought you were done.” Hastily tossing his theory notebook into his satchel, Law gathers his things with one hand. He reaches for his agenda and stops. The symbol of the full moon taunting him.
“I am finished. I just got lost in my thoughts. Give me a moment, and I’ll be down.” Tentatively, he flips the page to the next month. Circled in bright red, the 15th demands his attention, and he gives it. His eyes find it immediately, and the urge to cry hits him hard. Dread and anxiety turns his body cold.
A full moon.
Our two year anniversary falls on a full moon.
How could he not have noticed before? Did it never occur to him that such a crisis could arise? Luffy will leave. He’ll spend the entire day away from Law, and they won’t be able to celebrate their anniversary.
Distantly, he hears Luffy respond, but he nods, not caring that the other can’t see this time, and hangs up.
In a daze, Law closes the agenda, and it joins the rest of his things in his bag. Standing from his desk chair, he throws on his black peacoat and wraps the bag strap across his shoulders, dropping his keys and phone in a coat pocket. By the time he’s crossed the room and in front of his office door, a plan has formed.
This could be it. The breaking point, the catalyst, just what he needs to end this madness.
He’ll corner Luffy. It sounds cruel even to him, no, especially. He loves his boyfriend more than anything, so to put him in such a horrible position, it feels disgusting, vile. A part of him is screaming “don’t do it,” but he’s tired of waiting. Luffy’s had plenty of time to fess up. Their relationship is teetering over the edge now, and Law needs to know if it can be pulled back to safety or if this plan of his will push it off into the abyss.
He’ll bring it up, casually.
Grabbing his hat from a hook by the door, he leaves the office and heads to the elevator. Law barely says goodbye to his coworkers on his way out, lost deep in thought.
Casually, conversationally, he’ll ask Luffy what he wants to do to celebrate. It’ll have to be closer to the date, so Luffy will know there’s a full moon that night. Nothing he says will be a good excuse. Nothing he could come up with on the spot would be more important than their anniversary.
Luffy will stutter his way through the conversation, try to convince Law of something, and Law will call him out on it. Maybe if he’s tactful enough, if he can keep his calm and not turn it into an argument, maybe even if Luffy still refuses to admit it, their relationship can be saved. Maybe no matter the direction it goes he can salvage this.
With a ding, the elevator door swooshes open, and Law steps out into the lobby. He waves halfheartedly at the volunteer behind the desk and passes through the automatic doors into the cool fall evening.
Leaning against a concrete wall, dark hair disheveled, hands stuffed into the pockets of his weather inappropriate shorts, Luffy waits, humming a happy song. He looks beautiful there, all relaxed and cozy, soft face half hidden in the collar of his red puffer jacket. His favorite straw hat hangs from his neck, replaced by a warm beanie.
A dusting of red colors his nose. Glowing in the light of the setting sun, it’s painted by the chill of the wind and swiftly darkening sky. When he looks up and sees Law approaching him, his face lights up, eyes sparkling like stars are trapped inside them and make their home in the dark of his irises. His smile more radiant than they and outshining even the real stars in the heavens. It splits his face, brilliant white teeth bared in tumultuous joy.
He has the most wonderful smile, honest and kind, so it’s unfortunate Law’s distracted by the way his canines are too long, too sharp. Maybe most people would chalk it up to a weird genetics thing, but Law has enough proof otherwise. Still, he bites his inside cheek to prevent himself from smiling like a lovesick fool back at Luffy. He loves that smile regardless.
He wants nothing more than to protect it, all he’s wanted since the day they met four years ago. The possibility that he could be the one to destroy it, to wipe it away smudged like ink in pouring rain, fills his heart with such fear and sorrow it physically hurts.
No matter what, he has to keep calm. Even if when the time comes, Luffy continues to lie, to tear his heart to shreds, he cannot let his emotions turn this into a fight. Is it fair to Law if he has to let it go in order to save their relationship? To continue to allow the lies and disappointment? No, probably not. However—
An overly warm hand envelopes his own, as Luffy slides up beside him. Taking the steps slowly, one by one, they descend to the sidewalk below, leading them into the center of downtown. Luffy cozies up to Law, shoulder bumping shoulder, and once they’re on flat ground, he uses his hold on Law’s hand to pull him closer.
Warm lips meet his, a quick sweet kiss that tastes suspiciously of something cinnamony greets Law. His spare hand reaching to wrap around the base of Luffy’s neck, goading him to come closer and kiss him again. Luffy huffs a quiet laugh but complies.
He has to bend slightly to reach Law’s lips. Over the years they’ve known each other, Luffy has grown significantly. It’s not typical for a human to hit such an insane growth spurt in their twenties, so Law has included Luffy’s physical growth as part of his theory. It must be a werewolf thing.
They pepper short, rapid kisses, lips smacking on impact, and Luffy disrupts them by failing to contain his smile. His mouth stretches wide, and Law huffs indignantly when his next attempt at a kiss is thwarted, falling short of its mark and landing on Luffy’s chin. The other laughs, amused at the annoyed sound his boyfriend makes.
Luffy pulls back, eyes shining with mirth and smile unfaltering. He tugs on Law’s hand and starts walking them in a direction down the sidewalk. “How was work?” He asks, swinging their joined hands between them as they go.
Law wills his arm to relax, to move freely with his partner’s silly antics. He’s long learned that even if he can’t keep up with Luffy’s seemingly endless energy, he can at least humor him on little things, like swinging his arm like a child.
“Boring. All my surgeries were scheduled early in the day, and they were nothing interesting, just the usual easy shit.”
“Good!” Luffy exclaims, and Law supposes it is. It’s always a good day when no one dies, “then you shouldn’t be tired, right? I was afraid you’d say you’d rather go home and rest because I really, really wanna take you out to eat.”
Ah, of course. More concerned about not getting dinner than the implications of a bad day at Law’s work, he should have known.
“I was thinking,” Luffy says, his eyes following the line of buildings, windows decked out in lovely fall decor, “we could go to your favorite place.”
I don’t have a favorite place. Law quirks an eyebrow, believing Luffy should know him better than that.
“Alright, I know what you’re thinking,” Luffy chuckles and shifts his dark gaze back to his love, “you don’t have a favorite place.” Oh, you beautiful fucker. “I mean that fancy schmancy place,” he waves his free hand idly in the air, uncaring for fancy restaurants, “with the salmon you like so much.”
“The one whose steak you like so much?” Law counters.
Luffy smiles sheepishly, caught, but admits, “well, yeah. They have the best steak in town, and I could eat like,” counting the fingers on his hand, Luffy purses his lips, brows scrunched in thought. He shakes his head and shrugs, “a lot of them right now. I’m starving.”
Another tick in the werewolf box. Luffy always eats an inhuman amount of meat right before his monthly trips, and while he eats more than the average person on the daily, Law wouldn’t exaggerate if he said his boyfriend eats nearly three cows worth in a day before a full moon.
“That place isn’t exactly cheap, and those steaks are small. You’ll end up spending a fortune.” Law should talk him out of it. The salmon sounds good and all, but he can’t let Luffy pay possibly hundreds of dollars, when something else will do. “I’m fine going somewhere more affordable, especially since you want to eat a lot.”
Luffy huffs a sigh so deep Law watches his chest move with it. “But I want steak…”
“There are other steak places, love.” Law points out. “There’s a reason we only go to that one for special occasions, and that’s our bank accounts.”
His little joke gets a chuckle out of Luffy, and just like that he’s no longer pouting. Law will take that victory and be proud of it for the rest of the day. His lips quirk in a tiny smile, head tilting to hide his face with the brim of his hat— an old habit that never quite fully died even after becoming comfortable smiling around Luffy.
He hears his boyfriend make a noise in his throat, something he does every now and then that Law still doesn’t quite understand. It’s almost like a whine but deeper and airy like a huffy sigh. What he does know, though, is that Luffy usually makes that sound when he wants Law’s attention.
Tilting his head back, Law looks up at his boyfriend. Luffy smiles at him, brilliant and so happy. He looks at Law like he’s his favorite thing in the world, and maybe he is. Law couldn’t be sure. But whenever Luffy looks at him like that, even after two years— if not longer— he still blushes, and fluttering butterflies fill his stomach. He feels like he’s still harboring a crush, puppy love or whatever else it’s called. It’s sweet and innocent, at ends with the actual state of their relationship.
The butterflies disperse, as Luffy begins listing off all the different restaurants that “have really good meat,” and to Law’s amusement, he’s really just naming anything that comes to mind, perhaps even every restaurant in town with the exception of that one vegetarian place.
Law has to help him narrow down his list, first by if he still wants steak or if something else will do, then by price range. And finally by proximity, as they are walking. Perhaps proximity should have been more important, Law realizes too late. His feet are starting to hurt after being on them all day.
After a ridiculous back and forth, what feels like an eternity of bickering and indecision, they finally agree on a place nearby. A little family run diner with inexpensive cheeseburgers. It’s a regular haunt of theirs, so the employees would hardly be surprised if the pair were to walk in and Luffy immediately starts ordering six meals worth of food.
So the two turn a corner and continue past the quaint businesses of downtown, until they see the sign glow dimly in the sinking sun.
The place is fairly empty with the late hour, so they’re sat quickly and are able to chat with the waitress, catching up on how her schoolwork is going, with no worries for time. She simply giggles when Luffy asks for all the meat in the kitchen, calls him “so funny,” and takes Law’s order for just a salad and water. He pointedly ignores the look of disgust Luffy gives him. He won’t apologize for having a normal human stomach and bodily needs.
As soon as the first few plates hit the table, Luffy starts shoving a whole cheeseburger into his mouth, while Law thanks the waitress and proceeds to carefully pour dressing over his salad.
And the meal passes, with Luffy devouring an inhuman amount of burgers and Law waiting, tracing lines in the condensation gathered on the table by his drink, his salad long gone. Every now and then, Luffy will ask Law something in between bites, but for the most part, they sit in a comfortable silence, besides the somewhat obnoxious chewing sounds, but Law regrettably would admit he’s become accustomed to Luffy’s gross habits.
It takes over an hour of eating before Luffy declares himself stuffed. Law knows the people of the diner appreciate them, especially since Law tips very well for putting up with his boyfriend, but he sees the visible relief on their faces at the declaration, prompting him to tip extra generously tonight.
The two duck out of the diner with fond waves and promises to return soon, back out into the now cold streets.
“Damn, it got cold,” Law complains, huddling in on himself. He knew with it being late in the fall it would be cooler at night, but he wasn’t quite expecting to see his breath in the air. Luffy gives him a funny look and holds his arm out. Law immediately takes the offer. He nestles under Luffy’s arm and curls around him, leeching off his warmth. His boyfriend always runs hot, summer, winter, doesn't matter.
In summer, he whines constantly about the heat and about pants being considered necessary, which is stupid, according to him. And in winter, he thrives. He could walk out into the snow in shorts and a t-shirt and be perfectly comfortable.
Sometimes Law likes to fuck with him by asking if he’s not cold, just to watch his boyfriend remember that he’s not acting normal and then fail miserably at pretending he’s freezing.
It’s karma, Law supposes, that he loses sleep in the summer because he’s too damn hot with that living, breathing furnace cuddled up to him.
Luffy giggles softly, wrapping his arm securely around Law. He catches Law’s hat with his spare hand, as it’s almost knocked off. It’s come loose from its owner aggressively nuzzling his face into the crook of Luffy’s neck. He stays unconcerned with that, however, because the relief is instant. Law’s chilly nose and reddened cheeks rub against burning skin. Luffy giggles louder and complains about his facial hair tickling. Law sighs, satisfied, content and removes his face only enough to ask, “where to now?”
There’s a slight pause, and Luffy says, “well, I was gonna take you to the park to walk around. But it’s getting kinda late, and you’re cold.” He mushes his face against the side of Law’s hat, returning the affectionate nuzzling best he can. “Maybe we should just call it a night?”
Law considers for a moment. On the one hand, he wants to spend more time with Luffy. There’s always a terrifying, nagging feeling that something bad will happen while he’s away. That Luffy will come back injured or dead or not at all. It makes Law want to cling to him and not let him go.
But on the other hand, his feet hurt. Despite being an easy day, he still worked, running down the halls, checking on patients from room to room, standing in the operating room for hours. They need a rest. He thinks maybe he and Luffy could sit on a bench by the pond and watch the water, but even with his boyfriend’s warmth, he’d be uncomfortable on a cold, hard bench.
Not to mention the hour. He does have work tomorrow.
Sighing deeply, Law relents, unhappily, “yeah, just walk me home, please.”
He feels Luffy nod rather than sees it, and the soft fabric of his hat squishes inwards, pressing his hair down, a firm kiss placed there, adoring, apologetic. Luffy allows his lips to linger by Law’s hat before ultimately deciding to lean down and angle his head so he can kiss along a strong jawline, nose brushing down a dark sideburn, trailing hot kisses. Law tilts his head back, giving Luffy more room.
His boyfriend leaves searing open mouthed kisses down his neck, tongue lapping up his jaw and chin. Law bites his tongue to prevent any moans from slipping out. They’re very much in public, even directly in front of the diner still. Yet, his hands grapple onto Luffy’s back and pull him closer.
Sharp teeth drag up Law’s jugular, light enough to barely graze the skin, and a hot tongue follows, licking its way up the vein.
Golden eyes flutter, body warming up despite the weather, Law fights to remember what they were supposed to be doing because this is clearly more enjoyable.
Luffy’s lips wrap around the skin just below Law’s chin, forcing him to move his head back. Suckling wet kisses, Luffy works his mouth feverishly, finding places to lavish with hard sucks and licks. He attaches himself to one particular spot, and Law just knows there will be marks tomorrow.
But as it is, he doesn’t mind. The mouth on his neck is hot and amazing, and he’s losing the battle against his noises, a whispered groan escapes his lips. And Luffy huffs at the sound, breath ghosting over Law’s skin.
He pulls back, teeth gently clamping down on the abused flesh to stretch it out before letting go, delighting in the angry red coloring the spot. Luffy grins, flashing his mischievous look to Law, and places a chaste peck on his boyfriend’s lips. Law blinks his eyes shut for the split second kiss and opens them, looking expectantly at his love.
But Luffy’s grin softens, and he adjusts his hold on Law so that he keeps him close, close enough to keep warm but can comfortably walk with him. He fixes Law’s hat on his head and tugs him forward by his waist. Law takes the hint, and they begin walking down the sidewalk. Luffy’s smile doesn’t dim, doesn’t fade. He gives Law a suggestive wink and promises, “I know it sucks to cut the night short, but I’ll make it up to you when I get back, sweetheart.”
I’ll make it up to you.
If I had a quarter for every time I heard that…Law knows he means well, but these damn trips cause Luffy to utter those words so many times they’ve lost most meaning.
Still, he nods and says, “you better.” Always letting it slide, always letting the questions stay behind his teeth, he continues to pretend to be ignorant.
Luffy only laughs before launching into a story about something Zoro did at work earlier that day. Something about insulting Sanji by saying he’s all leg strength and no upper body strength, which ended in him proving Zoro wrong by lifting himself up with his arms on the fire pole and holding it for some time.
And how that, in whatever way, evolved into everyone trying their hand at pole dancing.
Law’s chuckling quietly at the image of Zoro falling on his ass, when he blessedly asks if there’s video. Because there is on Luffy’s phone but not of Zoro. Usopp’s voice is loudest, so he must be the one holding the phone, as it records Luffy spinning on the pole like a professional. He’s laughing like he’s having the time of his life. The video is as cute as it is hot.
Law doesn’t even have to ask. As soon as he hands Luffy back his phone, he feels his own vibrate in his pocket, and he knows there’s a copy waiting for him in his texts.
The conversation flows easily from there, about work, friends, anything that comes to mind. The fifteen minute walk to Law’s apartment flies by even when they keep their steps purposefully slow. The building comes into view, and Law’s heart sinks.
Luffy has to relinquish his hold on Law in order to safely climb the old metal stairs. The ominous creaking sounds comfort Law in a strange way, a way that tells him he’s almost home. It quells some of the painful feelings building up inside him. However, his door comes into sight, and he takes the last remaining steps towards it sluggishly, unwillingly, forcing himself to finish the trip. Luffy follows him, hand in hand with Law, and stands close behind him as he finds his keys and unlocks the door one handed.
They step into the apartment, warm from the heat running and smelling of something clean and pleasant. Strong odors are a no-go with Luffy’s sensitive nose.
Law walks him into the entryway, not letting go until the door is closed. It’s a feeble attempt at keeping Luffy longer, and the other knows he’s doing it. Luffy looks amused at Law’s stubborn behavior and snorts a laugh at his pout when he’s forced to let go of Luffy’s hand in order to remove his hat.
Hanging it on a hook by the door, the hat is soon joined by his work bag and coat. All on their own hooks, neat and practical. Luffy leans on the door, as he watches Law put his things away. A happy grin on his face that only grows once Law’s dressed only in his shirt, pants, and socks. Law starts to undo the buttons on his dress shirt, but Luffy stops him with a hand.
“Sweetheart, if I see anymore of you, it’s just gonna make it harder to leave.” He moves to stand in front of Law, body close, eyes raking up Law’s chest and to his face.
Law waits for him to look him in the eye again before saying, “then, don’t leave.”
He reaches out and rests his arms on Luffy’s shoulders, hands crossing behind his neck. He can feel the scratch of straw from the hat on his boyfriend’s back, so he runs his fingers across it idly. Strong hands grab his waist, and a thrill runs through Law at the way they fit around his middle and yank him close.
He’s giving Luffy his best bedroom eyes and come hither stare. And the other’s eyes darken and hands twitch, but his face drops. A downcast frown replaces his beautiful smile, and with a blink, his eyes become sad. The disappointment hits Law before his boyfriend even speaks. He knows that look.
“I have to. I’m sorry, Torao,” Luffy murmurs. Hands stroke up Law’s sides then down again, an attempt at comfort. “I wish I could stay, but…” he trails off, but Law doesn’t need to hear the rest.
“I know,” he affirms and sighs. His face mirrors Luffy’s, although the frown suits him better, and he slides his arms off Luffy’s shoulders, palms pressed into his boyfriend’s chest, “you have that trip tomorrow.”
Luffy nods, and for a split second anger sparks in his eyes. Law wonders who or what it’s meant for but refrains from asking.
“I’ll be back in a couple days. Will you be home?” Luffy asks. His hands wander up Law’s back, fingernails gently scraping as they go, and Law melts into the touch. He mumbles an “uhhuh” and blushes at his own behavior. He clears his throat and tries again, “y—yeah, I’ll be off that day, so I’ll be here.”
Luffy laughs at him, earning a tiny thwack from one of the palms on his chest, which only makes him laugh harder.
“Alright, asshole,” Law snaps with no real heat and pushes himself off of his boyfriend, “stop making fun of me and go then, jerk.”
“Nooo, Torao, wait,” Luffy whines between giggles, hold tightening to keep Law from getting away. His smile is back, bright and lovely, and Law sighs with relief. That’s better. Even if it came at the cost of my dignity. “Can’t I get a goodbye kiss?” Luffy pouts, and damn those eyes.
Luffy’s puppy dog eyes are lethal, a deadly weapon that obliterates Law’s will. They shoot down any and all forms of reason and responsibility and always, always give Luffy’s wants the victory.
Not that he’d say no to a kiss anyways.
“Fine,” he says it like it’s a chore, but there’s a hint of humor in the edges of his lips, “I guess you can have one kiss.”
“Only one?” Luffy asks, returning Law’s teasing. He leans in, bringing his face close to Law’s, and his boyfriend laughs softly and says, “maybe you’ll get more if I feel like it after the first one. It’ll have to be a damn good kiss, though.”
What a joke. All of Luffy’s kisses are incredible. He’s gotten plenty of practice in the last two years.
Still, his boyfriend responds with “you’re on” and presses his lips into Law’s. The kiss is warm and short, a quick meeting of lips that leaves Law wanting more. He sighs into Luffy’s mouth and whispers, “again.”
And he obliges. And again. And again. Until the kisses have become continuous, lips barely parting from where they work against each other. Breaths intertwine, sharing air and swallowing the other’s noises. Hands grabbing and pulling at each other, at their clothes, the rustling of fabric a hum in the din of smacking sounds, gasps and whispered sweet words spilling from their little sanctuary of the entryway, overflowing into the rest of the apartment.
Eventually, Luffy breaks away. His lips leave Law’s reluctantly, not yet satisfied, not convinced he’s tasted them enough. Law hates the needy noise he makes when he realizes Luffy is leaving now.
“Torao, I have to—”
“I know.”
Hands buried in Luffy’s dark hair— his beanie tossed onto the floor— flex their fingers and pat his hair down into something that doesn’t resemble sex hair. Law tries not to be upset, but he knows Luffy can tell.
“Stay safe out there,” He tells him, “and come back to me, okay?” Voice soft, genuine worry lacing each word.
“It’s just a one night camping trip, Torao.” Luffy says, but it brings Law no comfort.
“I mean it. I worry when you’re on those trips.” He admits. His feelings honest and words true, sometimes Law forgets just how far he’s come, how much he’s learned to trust Luffy with his soft places. “There are things in those woods, you know.”
Luffy’s smile looks forced, as if he wants to appear fine for Law, but something, everything, makes it difficult. Softly caressing fingertips glide up Law’s arms, and Luffy must enjoy the sound they make scratching Law’s shirt sleeves. He repeats the motion, up and down, self soothing if Law had to guess, and only answers, “I know.”
“Like mountain lions.”
“That’s true,” Luffy nods.
And wolves. Law wants to add, but Luffy already looks upset enough. So he lets the chance pass by, knowing he’ll have another in the next month.
Fuck, I already forgot about that.
He swallows the anxiety bubbling up inside him at the reminder and focuses on the here and now.
Hands roaming down, reaching Luffy’s chest, Law carefully shoves away from him, breaking out of his hold. He bends over to retrieve the fallen beanie, fixing its cuff before stretching it over Luffy’s head. With a little maneuvering, he settles it comfortably over his hair. Luffy’s smile twitches up into something real at Law’s mother henning. He watches quietly, as Law brushes unruly bangs away from his boyfriend’s eyes, pushing them aside or under the beanie.
Law doesn't back away until he’s satisfied. His eyes critically checking each and every strand of hair, he nods.
“Okay, you’re ready.”
Luffy snickers, eyes shining with amusement, “you sure? Don’t wanna check that my coat’s on right? Gonna lecture me for not wearing long pants, mommy?”
“Don’t ever call me that again,” Law grouses, embarrassed, “I just don’t want you going around looking like a slob.”
His boyfriend snorts, and yeah, fair, Luffy isn’t exactly known for being sophisticated. Still, Law cares about appearances, but also, he’s considering adjusting Luffy’s coat if it’ll stall for more time.
“Sure thing, Torao,” Law knows he caught on to the ulterior motive, “but I really should go now.” He speaks the words, but his heart isn’t in it. There’s a sigh in his tone, a melancholy darkening his voice. He hesitates for a moment too long before turning towards the door.
Law crosses his arms and nods. His heart pounds painfully in his chest, but he knows there’s no keeping Luffy with him. Not the day before a full moon.
But he wishes he’d stay a little longer.
Luffy reaches the door, hand on its knob, and he turns back. Law hasn’t moved from his spot, curling in on himself, and his eyes are hazy, unfocused and bordering on teary. He blinks rapidly when he realizes Luffy is frowning at him. Fighting back his spiraling thoughts and impending tears, he steps forward, joining Luffy at the door.
“Do you have everything you need?” Law asks, carefully schooling his expression to hide his hurt. He fakes being okay, another old habit he can’t shake, in order to prevent Luffy from worrying.
The door clicks open, and Luffy exits into the outside corridor, cold air seeping past him and into the apartment. Law shivers but keeps his eyes on Luffy.
“Torao,” Luffy says his name exasperated but fond. He faces Law again, hand resting on the door frame. The smile on his face glimmers, laughter lighting up his eyes, “yes, I’ve got everything. You don’t have to worry about that. Ace and Sabo handle most of the supplies anyways.”
“Now, lemme go before you get sick from the cold.” He tells his boyfriend, gently pressing a hand into his chest to keep him from following Luffy outside.
Law makes a disgruntled face but relents. “I just want to make sure you’ll be okay.”
“I will be,” Luffy assures him firmly.
Golden eyes search his face but find no trace of uncertainty, so Law puts on a brave face and gives him a little smile. His words from before slip through his chattering teeth, “then come back to me.”
“Always,” Luffy promises. A hand reaches up to trace down the line of Law’s cheek and jaw tenderly, “I’ll always come home to you.”
He flashes Law an adoring smile and reminds him, “I love you, Torao.”
No matter how many times he hears those words, Law’s heart still leaps. The rush of happiness, unadulterated, pure and exhilarating, rekindles that spark of young love, the sickly sweet honeymoon stage. He feels like he can fly, just as the first time he heard them. Law hopes he never stops feeling this way.
A disgustingly sappy smile tries to take over his face. He covers his mouth with a hand, but the blush coloring his cheeks can’t be hidden. Ducking his head, he forgets he’s not wearing his hat.
“Yeah,” Law mumbles from behind his hand, “love you, too.”
He hears his boyfriend snicker at him and flips him off for taking pleasure in embarrassing him. Luffy laughs louder, and Law threatens to close the door on his hand with a swing.
Luffy jolts back, quickly removing his hand from the door frame, but Law stops the door anyways with a wisp of room to spare. The grin on Luffy’s face tells him his boyfriend knew he wouldn’t really squish his hand.
But now, Luffy is completely out the door, and Law peeks through the crack remaining. He waits, still hesitating to let Luffy leave. But the other softens his smirk and says, “well, I’ll see you when I get back.”
Law nods. His forehead rests on the edge of the door, “yeah, see you.”
His smile has dimmed to something lighter. The curve of his lips a subtle glow compared to the radiating beam from before. Yet the spark of humor from their playing lingers, and his eyes are brighter than the moon herself.
Luffy inhales hard, and with the way he stares intently at him, Law wonders if he’s memorizing this moment. It certainly feels like it.
Then, he sighs longingly, before turning and heading towards the stairs with a wave. A call of “bye, Torao!” the last thing he says. Law waves weakly from behind the door and waits until he hears the clanging noises of Luffy descending the stairs before he closes the door, shutting and locking out the cold of the night and his love.
Law stands in the silent entryway of his home. The rumbling of the heating system keeps him from feeling trapped in a lonely vacuum, keeps him sane. He latches onto the vibrations it creates through the flooring and lets it anchor him to reality.
His body feels as though it’s thawing. Bones and skin, his reddened nose and shivering shoulders, the life brought back to them by his anchor. And as he finds his wits and gathers his remaining strength, Law shakes the cold from his body and mind, willing the ice to melt from his heart.
He knows on some level he’s being ridiculous. It really is only a couple days, and whether Luffy admits it or not, Law knows his boyfriend and his brothers are the most dangerous things in those woods.
It’s just always so hard for him to watch Luffy leave.
With a sigh, he glances at the wall, where his belongings hang, and wonders when he became so dependent on Luffy. Or perhaps that’s not the core issue.
Slender fingers meet the warm fabric of his coat, as he slips them into a pocket to pull his phone free. He doesn’t bother to check the screen, only drops it into his pants pocket and moves on to opening his bag. After some rummaging, he finds his notebook.
Front cover worn with ripped edges and bent corners, the black notebook stares back at him. The weight of it might as well be fifty pounds with the way it crushes his hands. It sits heavily on his heart as well, yet Law bears the weight and slowly trudges into his living room. He keeps the notebook close to him, as he reaches to click on the light. The room brightens up and seems welcoming enough, but without any noise or life, Law dislikes staying here long.
He plops heavily onto the dark couch, leaning forward to place the notebook on his coffee table. Careful fingers flip through the pages, eyes skimming over past interactions, tally marks, speculation, all the work he’s done over nearly two years. Reaching the next blank page, Law stares at it, fingers lightly brushing over the empty lines.
No, perhaps it isn’t that he’s come to rely on Luffy’s presence, that he can’t be happy without him, but instead, it’s something about this theory. He does love Luffy tremendously, so of course, he misses him when he’s gone. But perhaps it’s hard to let him leave because on some subconscious level Law hates these trips.
Maybe if Luffy were going on normal camping trips with his brothers, Law wouldn’t mind. But these aren’t normal trips. They’re proof that Luffy lies, lies and hides his secret from Law.
So Law clings to Luffy, asks him to stay, in hopes that once, just once, he’ll choose Law and stay. If he would decide to ditch his brothers just one time on a full moon, then Law could laugh at himself and destroy the notebook. But Luffy never stays. He always goes, so the notebook is the one that stays. And the theory only gains new evidence.
Yes, Law’s sure of it now. He hates when Luffy goes on those trips.
He closes his eyes and buries the insecurities and hurt once more, and in their place, he recalls his mental notes, the little quirks and phrases Luffy used throughout the evening. Gradually, he opens his eyes, golden gaze revealed as seconds pass, and with graceful fingers, he plucks a pen from where it had previously rolled into the side of a dirty coffee cup.
Setting the nib to the empty page, Law begins writing. He writes about their conversations, the amount of meat Luffy consumed at dinner, the heat of Luffy’s skin, anything that could point to him not being human. He jots down everything.
By the time he’s finished, it’s nearing eleven, and he’s exhausted. He decides he’s covered the whole night and wraps up the entry with the reminder that the next full moon falls on their anniversary. He writes of his fear of a falling out, of how their relationship is at stake, of how it’s up to him to not ruin it.
He’s scared of what that night’s entry will detail.
The anxiety buzzes in his veins, and Law shuts the notebook violently, slamming its cover closed, as if it’s to blame for his troubles. He grits his teeth and thinks in a way, it is. If he could just let it go, get rid of the damn thing and not care so much, he’d be exponentially happier. Ignorance is bliss, and Law misses being ignorant.
Tired, dull, he’s had enough for one night. His heart hurts, brain overworked, body sluggish. He needs sleep.
Leaving the notebook to blend with the mess of his coffee table, Law pries himself off the couch, groaning at the way his body complains from being hunched over for too long. He stretches his limbs and back, sighing at the pains of getting old, and makes his way out of the living room.
Darkness blankets the room with the click of the light switch, and Law disappears deeper into the apartment, ready for the bliss sleep brings. At least, he’s allowed that kindness.
Or he had hoped. Unfortunately for Law, the bliss of sleep is hard won, a struggle he’s become well familiar with over the years. Even with as worn as he is, he spends most of his night laying in bed, staring at his ceiling, and wondering if his boyfriend is asleep.
He swears he tried to sleep, but the next day his friends, coworkers, find him zoning out in the galley, sixth cup of coffee since this morning rapidly cooling in his hands. He’s snapped out of his intense disassociation when he hears Shachi whistle.
“Damn, captain, are you gonna drink it or just keep undressing it with your eyes?”
“What?” Law blinks, clearing the stupor from his eyes. He frowns at the redhead. An already half eaten sandwich droops from Shachi’s teeth, as he lazily flops into a chair, elbow coming up to rest on the table in front of him.
Penguin is bent at the waist, digging in the fridge for god knows what, but Bepo, sweet thoughtful Bepo, is already a step ahead, preparing a fresh pot of coffee beside Law.
Law doesn’t even remember seeing them enter the room, and if it were any other people in this hospital to have caught him in such a sorry state, Law would be mortified.
Penguin tsks from the depths of the fridge and re-emerges with a pudding cup. He bumps the fridge door closed with his hip and rips the lid off the cup. The utensils are in individual plastic packs in a basket, and Penguin has to pass Law to reach them. He knocks Law’s shoulder, causing him to grunt, as he goes, “please, undressing? Looked more like he wished it was something stronger. Something to drown his sorrows in, maybe?”
“Luffy must be on a trip,” Bepo joins in. Law cuts his eyes at the large man, prompting Bepo to apologize, “sorry, it’s just captain always gets more…”
“Mopey?” Penguin suggests, then licks the pudding off the inside of the lid before tossing it.
“Depressed?” Shachi throws out there and nibbles on a piece of crust, as if to further spite Law.
“I was gonna say gloomy,” Bepo mutters, “he gets more gloomy when Luffy’s away.” He holds a hand out, and Law passes his coffee cup to his best friend. He would thank Bepo normally, but— “I do not.” He huffs and ignores the look Bepo gives him while refreshing Law’s coffee.
“No, you definitely do,” Shachi backs Bepo up but adds, “and grouchy.”
“Do not.” Law bristles.
Penguin nods sagely, “yep, see, just like that.”
“This is how I always act,” Law insists, taking back his coffee cup. The fresh brew warms his hands pleasantly and reminds him of Luffy’s warmth. Fingers splay across the cup’s width, chasing the feeling. “So stop making a big deal out of it,” he grumbles and takes a timid sip of his burning beverage.
“I think it’s nice,” Bepo says, pouring himself a cup of coffee now. Penguin pauses in his struggle to tear open a utensils packet and looks up, while Shachi stops the quiet snickering he started at Penguin’s plight.
Law hums into his coffee cup, lips still wrapped around the brim. Turning to face him, Bepo clarifies, “sorry, I just think it’s nice that you have someone who makes you so happy that when they’re gone, it’s noticeable. Like they take a part of you with them, and you only feel whole when you see them again.”
Law’s lips twitch against the ceramic of his cup, and he dampens a short laugh. He won’t say it out loud, but Bepo described exactly what it feels like to him with Luffy going on his trips. At the moment, there’s a piece of Law missing, and he’s positive it’s his heart.
“Whoa, Bepo, didn’t realize you were so poetic,” Shachi jabs, sandwich successfully devoured, “you should write romance novels.”
Penguin speaks around a spoon hanging out of his mouth, “I’d read them.”
“Really?” Bepo asks, curious if not confused.
“Oh, yeah, totally,” Penguin grins around the spoon, “the sappier the better, let your inner trashy romance novelist run free, man.” He snorts back a laugh and shovels more pudding into his mouth. Shachi, on the other hand, doesn’t have the decency and barks out a hard “ha!”
“You guys are jerks,” Bepo pouts and turns away from them, keeping his back to his friends. Law wonders for a moment if he’s genuinely upset, but from his angle, he sees Bepo’s lips twitch into a smirk. One that only grows larger, as the two dimwits begin backpedaling and apologizing and swearing if he really wants to write romance novels, they’ll totally support him.
Law rolls his eyes and fights back his own grin. Watching his friends being ridiculous helps. He feels lighter thanks to their shenanigans.
Finishing off his coffee, Law decides he needs to get back to work. He leaves the galley with a wave and tells his friends to clean up their messes. They pause their bickering about the validity of romance books that sell at grocery stores to shout, “aye, captain!” And he lets himself smile a little in the empty hospital corridor.
The rest of his work day feels like a breeze, like he sneezes, and it’s over. He’s glad for it because when the shift ends, he has only to walk home, head tilting back, staring at the sight of the full moon, and prepare for bed. Come morning his love will return.