Twilight in the garden is lovely. Twinkling lights in the canopy and decorative torches lining the perimeter. Globes of crystal housing newly roused fireflies that cast soft dancing light through the shadows. All the white flowers that made up your bouquet begin to faintly glow under the approaching moon. Red blooms shade violet and violet blooms beckon midnight.

It’s these small beautiful details you force yourself to focus on as you sit by your husband’s right hand at the head of the garden. Close enough that you feel the heat of his body, but not so close as to touch. Sanji sits with the poise of a Prince and the posture of his reputation. So impassive and still, every move he makes causes you to flinch- subtly enough that you hope he doesn’t notice.

Though, it’s quite a small gathering compared to what this sort of ceremony would typically see, there is still a procession of the court come to give their obliged congratulations on your union. None addressed to you personally, however. Vinsmoke Judge sits center of the table- Sanji at his right hand and your father at his left- the two kings taking most of the commendations as if they’d been the ones wedded at the alter.

Politically speaking, you suppose that’s true. Your union is really nothing but a proxy for their own. Chancing a glance up at your husband, you find it difficult to tell if he feels as much a pawn as you do. When the nervous guests pay him their respects, he gives brief, curt, responses that don’t invite conversation.

Hands wringing nervously under the table, you bring them up and grab a fork just keep from rubbing raw. There’s a gorgeous spread of food before you and an untouched plate artfully arranged with a meal that- under any other circumstances- you’d have found appropriately appetizing. Fork in hand, you try to summon any desire to eat, but the sinking feeling of your inner body roils at the very idea of consumption.

Feeling heat at the back of your neck, you glance up- to see Sanji’s eyes quickly dart away from you. Movements deliberately slow he picks up his fork and takes the first bite of his own meal. Though you’re not quite fond of it- his action seems to signal permission for your own body to follow suit and some of the tension eases as you have a taste of your dinner. It’s quite good and instead of settling heavy, it smothers some of the anxiety lingering in your empty stomach. Slowly, you have one small bite after another. Though you can’t handle much before you put down the fork, your hands fold more still in your lap and you do feel slightly- marginally- better.

Until a shrill voice sounds from above and your whole body locks up. “Sister,” it lilts, “congratulations on your nuptials- what a beautiful wedding! Oh, I just teared right up.”

Throat tight, you respond without looking, “thank you, Marcella.”

“You know, I never thought I’d see the day. But, what a blushing bride you make. Such a fine match. There really is no one more deserving, sister.” She looks down on you with a sweet, practiced, smile painted on her lips. To anyone else, it’s the doting chatter of an elder sister. But, you recognize the words for what they are. You’re all too familiar with the cruel twinge of her smile and the wicked crease that hides in the corners of her eyes. “Vinsmoke is just so appropriate for you.”

“Princess Vinsmoke.” Chills crawl down your spine at your husband’s cold voice and Marcella’s expression wavers beneath his hard eyes. “When you speak to my wife, you will address her properly.”

She clings to her courteous facade, “of course, I understand, Prince Vinsmoke. I spoke with too much familiarity,” she tips her head politely, “please forgive me.”

“I will not.” Marcella pales and you forget to breathe.

Sanji stares her down and she begins to unravel before him, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.”

“Yet, you insult my bride.” Conversation dies. Though, you can’t tell if that’s because everyone has ceased talking or your pounding heart is drowning out the sound.

“I…” she stutters with rising panic, “I only meant to congratulate my sister.”

Sanji’s voice drops deathly low, “and now you insult me.” The weight of every eye lands upon you and the air stills with the death of music and thickens with the reminder of who is sitting at this table.

Never in your life have you seen Marcella afraid. And though there is nothing resembling love between you, in this moment- you’re afraid for her. “I’m very sorry, Prince Vinsmoke,” she bows deeply, eyes downcast and voice trembling.

Heat rises off your husband, “apologize,” he commands, “to my wife.”

“Princess Vinsmoke,” she addresses quickly, bowing to you, “I apologize for insulting you," Her voice trembles, "I am so deeply sorry, Princess Vinsmoke.”

Silence stretches through every agonizing second and you look up at Sanji- to find him looking back at you. Waiting.

With a shuddering breath, your turn towards your trembling, bowing sister, “I forgive you, Marcella.”

“Thank you, Princess Vinsmoke,” her voice is laced with genuine relief, but the lingering terror keeps her folded in place.

“Leave our sight. You’re not welcome here,” Sanji dismisses her and returns to his dinner like he can’t be bothered to entertain the ordeal any longer. Taking his cue, the music slowly begins again- but the guests are still finding their breath.

Marcella rises with wide eyes and looks to your father to defend her as he always has. “Leave, Marcella.” But, not tonight. Not to these men. “You shame yourself. Take your husband home and attend him.” With silent tears and silent lips, she quickly excuses herself from the banquet.

“Children require a firm hand,” you hear Judge tell your father. “I have taught mine the value of discipline. You’d do well to teach yours the same.”

“Of course, you’re right,” he concedes. “Marcella has always been troubled, despite my guidance,” he excuses, despite the fact that Marcella has never done any wrong in his eyes- even when you’d come to him little and weeping from her torment. “That one, though,” your face heats as he gestures towards you, “is my most obedient child of all- always has been.” While you’ve always craved any scrap of praise from your father- you do not feel good about it now. “There will be no trouble with her, I assure you.”

Judge shrugs, “if there is, my son will sort it out,” he says simply. “It’s a husband’s duty to succeed where the father fails.” Without response, Sanji continues to eat his dinner as if he can’t even hear his father speak of him. Noting the vacant look in his eye, you wonder if perhaps he doesn’t.

As the moon creeps higher, so does your anxiety. Any moment now, the banquet will end and you’ll be taken away from the only home you’ve ever known, bound to the whims of a man you don’t. Sipping the water and wishing for wine, you try to subdue your nerves about what’s to come.

“Before we depart,” you jump when Sanji suddenly speaks to you, despite his quiet tone, “is there anything you wish to do?”

Taken by surprise, you find it difficult to hold his gaze as you consider the question. While it seems considerate, you won’t risk inconveniencing him, “no, my Prince.”

But, he doesn’t take his eyes off you- searching your face, “speak truthfully.” The command is soft- but unmistakable.

“I have already said my goodbyes,” you tell him. There’s only one other thing you’d care to do, but you don’t know how to ask for it here. Especially with your father so near.

“State your desire,” Sanji insists firmly, seeing the yearning for what you haven’t spoken.

Quietly, you stare down at your hands, “my father won’t allow it.”

“I will allow it,” he says and your eyes snap up to his.

“There’s… there’s somewhere I’d like to go,” you confess nervously.

Sanji simply stands, “then I will escort you,” pulling out your chair and offering his arm. Hesitantly, you accept it- gathering your dress in the other hand to keep from tripping. No one stops you as you leave- not even your father- or his.

When you’ve stepped out of the crowded garden and onto the quiet path, his voice finds you softly, “guide the way, Princess.”

On the other side of the castle grounds- just beyond the wall- you sit quietly beneath the weeping willow, watching the moon reflect off the still mirror of the lake. Granting you privacy, Sanji waits at the outer gate- so distant you can just make out his form in the torchlight. Utterly still and patient, waiting for your return. It’s a surprising kindness from the Vinsmoke Prince- perhaps a concession as a gift for his new bride. You try not to let it give you any false expectations.

Kneeling in the soft grass, your white dress glows ghostly in the moonlight. “I came to say goodbye,” you whisper to the night- the breeze whispering back. “I’ve been married to a Prince and I’m going to live with him now… I don’t think I’ll be back.” The willow rustles with a weeping hush. “But, I don’t want you to be worried about me. Because I’ll be brave- just like I promised.” The moon ripples over the water and the wind runs gentle fingers through your hair- loosening the coils.

Clouds part above and one by one, little gems are dropped onto the lake- and you hear your mother’s voice over your shoulder.

‘Be brave, Starlight.’

“I thought she might try to come here.”

Sanji waves his hands to signal his soldiers hidden in the shadows to stand down, “were you waiting for her?” He doesn’t take his eyes from your distant figure, even as the woman comes to stand at his side.

“I just wanted to see her- one last time,” she says, hands folded- shoulders back- seemingly unperturbed, even in the presence of a Vinsmoke.

“Do you want to speak to her?” Sanji offers.

“I have said all I needed to.” He feels her gaze slide to him, but he doesn’t return it. “Why did you bring her here?”

“She asked to come.”

She’s quiet for a moment, boldly staring at him. “I love that girl like my own daughter.”

At that, Sanji turns to look at her, “you care for her- you know her?”

“Every day since she was three years old.”

“Will you do something for her?” He asks.

With no hesitation she responds, “I’d do anything for her.”

Sanji nods, snapping his fingers and a soldier appears at the ready. “Take four men,” he orders, “and gather my wife’s things- take them to the villa. Be quick about it, I want everything put away before we get back. The Madam will tell you what to bring.”

“Yes, Master Sanji,” he salutes.

“Whatever you think she’ll want to keep. Anything she’d like to have,” he tells the woman.

She nods, a stern expression taking hold as she prepares herself for the job. “Yes,” she agrees, “I can do that.”

To the soldier, “you will do- and take- whatever the Madam tells you. Don’t kill any castle guards, but do not let them stop you.” Sanji commands. “If you leave anything behind,” he warns, “if my wife cries because something was forgotten, I will hold you personally responsible.”

“I understand, Master Sanji,” he confirms. “We will gather all the Princess’s things. We will leave nothing behind.”

“Let’s go then, I won’t waste time and I won’t tolerate slackers,” before Sanji can say anything else, the woman moves with purpose- dismissing herself and not bothering to bow. The guard raises his hand and signals in the air- four other men quickly falling in step behind him.

The moon has moved considerably by the time you rise. Feeling you’ve had your moment, you don’t want to keep your husband waiting any longer. He’s been patient so far, but you have no desire to test his limits. Only when you step through the curtain of the willow- back towards the castle- does his silhouette move.

Meeting you halfway, Sanji silently offers his arm once more and escorts you back through the gates. The wind follows, chilling with an early breath of winter. Wordlessly, he untangles himself and nimble fingers deftly undo the golden buttons of his jacket. Sanji drapes the velvet comfortably around your shoulders. So broad it practically feels an embrace- your face heating beneath an unfamiliar warmth of intimacy.

Despite the chill in the air and the thin white shirt he wears now, Sanji doesn’t at all seem bothered by the cold. Taking his arm once more, your hand holds your groom’s jacket closed atop your wedding gown- other hand keeping the dress from dragging too much across the ground.

The two of you simply, silently, walk the grounds. Wander through the pathways both inside and out of the gates. Any direction that drew your eye, Sanji steered towards it. Quietly, you indulge the small sights- the crack in the stone at the base of the fountain, vines crawling up the castle, loose cobbles from the weight of wagons rolling through on festive days. The small things- the neglected things- that make a place a home for those who know them. These things, you take care to commit to memory.

Slowly, the sounds of the garden find you once more. Gentle music offers a tender touch before your body tenses with the rise of voices, every step feeling heavier than the last. “Ah, there they are,” Sanji’s father, the loudest of them all. “Off getting to know your bride?” There’s a twist to his smile that mirrors in your stomach as his eyes skim Sanji's jacket still draped over your shoulders. Your husband simply stares at him until the smile tips towards displeasure. “Well, there’s plenty of time for that,” his focus falls upon you and your grip on Sanji’s arm tightens. Sturdy and unyielding, he doesn’t pull away- just lets you anchor yourself against him as your heart threatens to sink. “Take her.” You’re grateful he does, otherwise you may have collapsed right there in the grass.

Spirit sinking- splitting- from your mind, you’re lost in the fog of a dream. The world seems so unreal and you barely feel the movements of your own body as it carries you down the path towards the small dock. There is no music, no sound, no song- only the somber march your husband drags you forward on without faltering a single step. Leading you down to the water, taking his lamb to slaughter. Witnesses flocking steps behind the kings at your back.

Eyes towards the horizon, not even the moon permeates the inky black of the abyssal waters. In the distance, the silhouette of the seafaring kingdom sits colossal and waiting. A leviathan shadow risen from the depths waiting to devour you whole.

Despite your promise, you flinch from the foreboding fate, tearing your arm away and turning on shaking steps. With a voice that calls from every fearful night of adolescence, you reach towards the one person you always prayed would save you from each of them. “Father…”

Swiping your hand away, he answers you with the same voice that responded you back to bed every time. “You are no longer my daughter.”

Nothing but the young woman forced to flower through stone, now nearly to be plucked, asks the one thing the child never could, “was I ever?”

Nothing but a weed in his garden, the King looks upon you with disdain and you have your answer.

“Come, Princess.” Voice soft and hands firm, the Vinsmoke Prince pulls you away and guides you down the dock. You do not fight him as he lifts you into the boat and casts off towards the sea.

More faces appear through the shadows and a song of mourning finds you faintly on the wind as you’re sold and sailed away into the night.

"Captain?" Penguin stops halfway through as he passes the kitchen and sees the two of you, with you practically holding Law upright. "Everything okay?"

"Yes–"

"No–" you both answer at the same time and turn to stare at each other. "No you're not! Penguin, great timing. Can you give me a hand?"

"Sure," he hurries over and slides one of Law's arms over his shoulder while you take the other side. "You got him?"

"Yeah– woah—!" Law's knees give out without warning, and suddenly all of his weight falls onto the two of you, forcing you to tighten your grip before he drags all three of you to the floor.

"What are we supposed to do with him?" Penguin asks.

"Take him to his room," you say, nearly loosing your hold on him as he slumps against you again. Law's head droops forward, offering no help as you start walking and practically dragging his feet along the way.

Penguin glances over at him with growing concern, but Law only manages to lift his head a little before offering him a tired, hazy smile,

"…Hi."

"Is– is he drunk?" Penguin asks in a lower voice.

"He has a fever."

"A fever?" Penguin frowns, trying to understand how a fever could leave the Captain this out of it. He shifts his grip to adjust himself, but grows confused when he suddenly notices his shoulder feels cold and damp, just where Law's body is resting on him. He looks down, and finds the collar of Law's shirt is dark with sweat.

"My God… He's sweating so much! Captain, Captain!" He raises a hand in front of Law's face, "How many fingers am I holding up?"

Law cracks one eye open just enough to glance at him. He looks deeply offended, "…You think I'm stupid? Six."

You stare at him, "…Penguin, just keep walking."

—

Once you reach his room, the two of you guide him into the bathroom so Penguin can help him clean up and change into something dry and more comfortable. Law is being surprisingly cooperative throughout the whole ordeal, though Penguin still has to repeat himself every now and then whenever Law drifts off halfway through whatever he's doing.

Eventually, Law is finally tucked beneath the blankets.

While Penguin makes sure he's comfortable, you sit at the desk and write down his symptoms, temperature, the time you took it, and the schedule for his medication. With how high his fever is, you want to make sure you have everything noted down. You don't trust yourself to remember it all later.

Penguin sets a glass of water on the bedside table before stepping back to the doorway. He rests one hand against the frame and turns to you, "You need anything?"

Your lips part to answer, but Law beats you to it, "...No." He doesn't even bother to open his eyes.

A smile tugs at Penguin's mouth, "Wasn't asking you, Captain." And Law answers with a groan that sounds vaguely annoyed. "Don't go dying on us, alright?"

"...Mhm."

That draws another amused smile from Penguin before turning back to you. He points towards the hallway with one thumb, silently mouthing, Yell if you need help.

You nod and mouth back, I will.

Satisfied, he quietly pulls the door shut behind him, and you go back to your notes.

—

An hour has passed.

You've been keeping yourself busy flipping through one of Law's medical books, comparing his symptoms to the different infections listed on it. You're certainly not a doctor, but you've seen him do this before whenever one of the crew members fell sick.

You read the symptoms. Fever, yes. Cold sweats, plenty. Excessive sweating where the body rests against a surface… yes. Sweaty hands, mhmm not really. Cold feet–

You glance up to find him sleeping soundly. Sigh, you forgot to check his lower body's temperature. He needs to get as much sleep as he can get, and checking now would probably wake him up.

Still, you should write down every symptom… what if it's something serious?

You quietly walk over to the bed and lift the blanket just enough to uncover his feet. Cold… surprisingly cold, compared the heat radiating from the rest of his body.

The blanket suddenly moves and Law turns with a groan.

"Shit, sorry. I was just checking on you."

"…oh," Law blinks slowly, "you're still here…"

You give him a faint smile, "Of course I am." You tuck the blanket back around his feet before returning to your notes and adding the new symptom, "Someone has to take care of my captain."

"Hmm…", his lips curve into a smile.

The room falls back to the silent turning of the pages. Every now and then, you glance up from the book expecting to find him asleep, but each time you look, he's still awake, staring absentmindedly in your direction.

You can't help smiling to yourself. Usually, catching him staring would've made Law look away the moment your eyes met. This time, he simply keeps watching you through his sleepy and tired eyes, smiling ever so tenderly. It's… strangely endearing.

Moments later, the mattress shifts as Law finally turns to one side, settling back to sleep. Or at least that's what you assume. He remains still for a few seconds before rolling to the other side. A few seconds pass, and he lets out a frustrated but quiet sigh, and turns once again.

"Law? What's wrong?"

Law suddenly sits upright in his bed, his gaze lost somewhere else.

"Law?"

"Hm?" his eyes slowly find yours.

"You need something?"

He gives you a long look through heavy eyelids, almost getting lost in yours. "…No."

"Then why are you sitting up..?"

"…"

You sigh, "Come on, lie back down."

Setting the book aside, you walk over to the bed to help him, and Law offers no resistance as you rest your hands on his shoulders and guide him back towards the mattress. Yet, the moment your hand touches the pillow, you stop. The fabric feels damp… no, it's soaked in sweat.

"Oh, damn…" So that's why. No wonder he'd been tossing and turning this whole time, he was probably very uncomfortable. You help him sit back up, "Law, do you have another pillow?"

"Not really."

Damn. You glance once more at the dark stain of sweat on the fabric. He can't keep sleeping like this, he'll only get worse.

"Alright… then you're borrowing mine." Sigh, "Wait for me, okay? I'll be right back."

"Mhmm."

You hurry towards the door, but Law's voice stops you the moment your hand reaches the doorknob, "Dun't forget the jellyfish."

…What?

You glance back, "Say that again?"

"The jellyfish…" he murmurs, "it's all spiky."

"Right… I– I'll keep that in mind."

You slip out of his room before he has the chance to say anything else and hurry to your cabin. Was that a tactile hallucination? He's definitely delirious. Better hurry back.

It only takes you a minute to grab your fluffiest pillow before heading back.

By the time you return, he's still sitting upright, with his head drooping forward and his eyes closed. You really hadn't been gone that long, and still he must have fallen asleep waiting for you. Poor thing, he really looks exhausted.

You quietly make your way over to the bed and set the pillow beside him. He startles awake, lifting his head and looking confused for a moment.

"Sorry," you murmur. "Let's change that pillow."

When he leans forward, you pull the damp pillow out from behind him and replace it with your own, giving it a couple of light pats to fluff it up.

"Mhm, you know what…" your eyes land on the stain of sweat soaking through the back of his shirt. "We're changing that too."

You walk over to his wardrobe and take a look, searching for something he'll find comfortable to sleep in. You pick one of his softer shirts, and leave it beside him. Then head to the bathroom to empty the water from the basin you'd been using to clean his sweat, and refill it with fresh warm water.

Carrying the basin back to the bedside, you set it down, soak one of the towels and wring it out.

"Come here, let's get you comfortable."

Law obediently leans forward as you help him out of the damp shirt. You place the warm towel across the back of his neck and begin to gently wipe away all the sweat from his shoulders and back.

"Is this temperature alright?"

He nods.

"Why didn't you tell me?" you murmur as you continue to run the warm towel across his back. "Were you really planning on sleeping like that?"

"Sorry... I– I didn't want to bother you anymore."

"You getting worse because you didn't want to bother me would definitely be more trouble." You rinse the towel, wring it once more and continue, taking your time until the clammy feeling on his skin is gone. "There."

The fact that he'd been lying there, wet and feverish because he didn't want to bother you makes your chest ache. If anything, it only makes you want to take even better care of him.

You help him into the clean shirt, smoothing the fabric over his shoulders. You reach for the towel one last time, brushing a few damp strands of hair away from his forehead.

"You're gonna be alright," you murmur as you give him a reassuring smile.

Law looks at you through heavy eyelids. He doesn't know whether it's the fever or the exhaustion, but your voice makes everything feel quieter.

"Here," you reach for the glass Penguin left on the bedside table and slice one arm behind his shoulder to help him steady, "you should drink a little."

Law gives a faint nod and reaches for the glass with both hands. His fingers curl weakly around it and they don't seem steady enough to hold it properly.

"Don't worry," you ease him, "I've got it."

He reluctantly lets go and you guide it to his lips. He takes a few small sips, swallowing slowly between each one.

When you tilt the glass towards him again, he pulls back and grimaces, and you can almost read the word 'enough' that's written across his face. You set the glass back on the bedside table.

Cradling the back of his head, you gently ease him down onto the pillow, careful not to make him any dizzier than he already is. You lean over him to pull the blanket back into place, tucking it around his sides and making sure the dry towel you've placed beneath his back doesn't bunch up.

From Law's perspective, the pounding in his head is still there, but it doesn't seem quite as important anymore. He's not entirely sure what you are doing, all he can focus on is your hair falling forward as you lean over him… the careful way your hands move around him, making sure he's comfortable in every way.

Maybe… maybe he should get sick more often.

He continues to watch you quietly, trying to capture the moment like a photograph tucked away in the back of his mind. He's still warm from the fever, but somehow it isn't the only warmth he feels now.

"You're beautiful... You know that?"

Had he been thinking straight, those words would've never left his mouth. Embarrassment feels strangely distant, and it doesn't even occur to him to take them back. You'd only ever appeared this close in his dreams. Now, he's not even sure whether he's dreaming anymore, everything feels hazy around the edges.

When you hand finds his forehead again, it's tender enough to make him wonder if he's imagined the whole thing.

Hesitantly, your hand lingers against his forehead for a moment. You know the fever is clearly clouding his thoughts. Even so, that doesn't stop warmth from rushing into your face.

Yeah… still burning. A faint smile finds its way to your lips, "Just sleep."

Your hand trails from his forehead to his cheek, cupping it for a second too long before you shyly pull it away.

Law lets out a dissatisfied hum, "Mhhmnn dun wanna."

"You don't want to sleep?"

"I feel funny…"

"Funny how?"

"Like... like I can't think," his brow pinches. "Like– I don't know what I'm saying."

Right…

"I'll take your temperature again."

You reach for the mercury thermometer and give it a few flicks before slipping it beneath his arm. Once the five minutes passed, you hold it up against the light, squinting your eyes as you check how far the silver line stretches this time.

"It's coming down…" you murmur. "Still high enough to make your brain a little mushy though. How's your head?"

"Still hurts... A little."

"Where?"

Law lifts a sluggish hand towards the side of his head, not lasting long before falling back to the mattress.

You try to sit closer to him, resting your fingertips where he'd been trying to point, "Here?"

"No, more to the side… More. There."

"Here?"

"Mhm," a relieved sigh escapes him, "feels better when you touch it."

Feels better when touched…

Your fingertips slip into his hair, your nails barely grazing his scalp so lightly that Law's eyes drift shut almost at once. You trace one, two... three soft circles against his scalp, and Law feels his entire body relax with a warm tingle that spreads from the crown of his head to the nape of his neck.

For the first time since you brought him to bed, the tension in his shoulders seems to melt away, along with the tightness of his jaw that begins to ease, making his lips slightly part.

Law lets out another quiet breath and leans into your hand, instinctively tilting his head in search of the warmth of your touch that's making him forget the heavy pounding of his head.

You can't help but smile… This is probably one of those moments that will stay with you for a very long time.

Your eyes drift to your notes on the desk. Pain relieved by gentle pressure… You should write that down.

You let your fingers linger one last time before pulling your hand away, but as you stand, something catches your wrist.

"Noo… where're you going?"

You can't help but laugh. When you look back, you find his fever-swollen eyes fixed on yours, silently waiting for you to change your mind. How are you supposed to say no to that?

"Sorry, I just need to get your medicine ready. I'll be right back, okay?"

Law's clearly annoyed, but after frowning quietly his fingers slowly loosen from your wrist. You catch his hand before it falls back to the bed and give it a small, reassuring squeeze before you let go and head to the desk.

You compare your notes with the medical book one last time, adding the new symptoms and finally settling on the medication that best matches what you've observed.

With your decision made, you head to one of the cabinets to prepare the correct dose.

—

After measuring the ingredients as carefully as you could, you mix them into a single dose and hurry back to Law's bedside. You're surprised to find him curled up around the pillow, both arms wrapped around it while his cheek had practically disappeared into it. It almost looked as if he were trying to bury himself in it. Pfft.

"Comfortable?"

His arms tighten around the pillow at the sound of your voice, lifting his face just enough to look at you with sleepy eyes.

"…It's soft," his cheek sinks right back into it, fingers curling lazily around it "…Smells nice."

Oh, for God's sake.

"Alright." You let out an exasperated sigh, trying very hard to ignore the warmth creeping to your face once again. You take your seat beside him, set the freshly prepared medicine on the table and guide the spoon to his mouth.

"Open," you say firmly, "Ah."

Law obeys reluctantly and swallows it in one go, but his face immediately twists in disgust.

"What is it?"

"…Tastes awful."

Serves you right. But the miserable look on his face immediately wipes the thought away.

Setting the spoon aside, you reach for the glass of water and help him take another sip to wash away the bitter taste.

"Sorry… The ship's doctor called in sick. Feel free to file a complaint once he's recovered."

Law lets out a small huff, almost a laugh.

"Better?"

He takes one final sip, "Yeah."

You set the glass back on the table and help him lie back down.

As you brush a few loose strands of hair away from his forehead, your fingers linger for a moment before finding their way back into his hair, almost on their own. This time, you don't really think about it; your fingers simply comb through the dark strands before coming to rest against his scalp.

Law relaxes beneath your hand, his shoulders sinking into the mattress. You chuckle when he gently nudges your hand with his head, as if asking for more, which you happily oblige and continue your lazy movements through his hair.

A heavy sigh escapes him.

"You really like this, huh?"

"Mhm," the tension on his brow almost disappears. "I… I like everything you do."

You take a deep breath. Your idiot of a captain isn't making this any easier. You try to gather yourself, "That's not exactly what I asked."

"I know."

His answer is so simple that it catches you completely off guard. Your smile falters for a second, and your fingers come to a stop before you even realize it.

After a few quiet seconds of not feeling you move, Law slowly opens his eyes. When he sees you, his lips curve into a sweet, silly smile, and you forget how to breathe.

You feel as if time has stopped, completely trapped by his eyes that begin to wander over your face, your hair, your cheeks, your lips… then slowly, back to your eyes.

"…You're beautiful."

Heat rushes to your face so quickly that you have to bite your lower lip to keep yourself from smiling like an idiot. Unable to hold his gaze any longer, you slip your fingers into his hair again, forcing yourself to think of something else and hoping your movements would distract him from noticing just how flustered he was making you.

"You already told me that."

"I did?"

You nod. He seems to think about it for a moment before humming to himself, quietly pleased. His eyelids flutter shut again as your fingers resume their slow, gentle caress through his hair.

"Hey," Law lets a long sigh, "…tell me something."

"Hm?"

"What…" his brow pinches slightly as he searches through the haze clouding his thoughts. "What do I have to do… to make you mine?"

You freeze.

"…What?"

Law opens his eyes, blinking slowly. But once he sees your startled expression, his own immediately shifts. "…Did I say something weird?"

"Ah– no no, it's just—"

"Shit, sorry," he says as he covers his face with both hands. It's the first time all day that you can see a hint of genuine embarrassment slipping through the fever. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"No, it's okay, I just—"

"It's just–" his frustrated voice cuts you off again, "It's just…. Hahhh…, I've been trying to give you hints for a while, but you never get them."

You still, staring at him for a few seconds as you try to process everything.

"You… you have?"

"…Yeah."

"Am I really that oblivious..?"

"Yeah."

"Wait, so– what you're telling me is… you've been pursuing me this whole time?"

"Yeah?"

The sheer sincerity of his answer makes you laugh, "Are you serious? Is that what you call that?"

Law frowns, grabs your hand, and tugs it away from his head, giving you the most offended look.

"Are you making fun of my tactics?"

That only makes you laugh harder. You'd never seen him pout before, and you could already imagine the unbearable embarrassment he'd go through once the fever breaks and he comes back to his senses.

"You definitely need better tactics, Captain."

Law actually considers that.

"…Alright," he says after a thoughtful pause, rubbing his thumb over the back of your hand. "Then promise me something." You turn your attention back to him, "Promise you won't run away."

"And why's that?" you tilt your head, amused. "Are you planning to abduct me?"

A sleepy smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth.

"Heh, do you want me to?" He lets out a quiet chuckle, his eyes drooping a little lower. "You're right. Maybe that's the only way you'll finally get it."

Smiling to yourself, you release your hand from his grip and return to his head.

"Alright," you say softly, "How about this. If you get some proper sleep, I'll let you steal me for one day."

His eyes beam and open wider, "One whole day?"

"From the moment the sun rises till it sets."

Law looks absurdly pleased with that answer, and you can't help but smile back at him.

"Deal?"

"Deal."

Twilight in the garden is lovely. Twinkling lights in the canopy and decorative torches lining the perimeter. Globes of crystal housing newly roused fireflies that cast soft dancing light through the shadows. All the white flowers that made up your bouquet begin to faintly glow under the approaching moon. Red blooms shade violet and violet blooms beckon midnight.

It’s these small beautiful details you force yourself to focus on as you sit by your husband’s right hand at the head of the garden. Close enough that you feel the heat of his body, but not so close as to touch. Sanji sits with the poise of a Prince and the posture of his reputation. So impassive and still, every move he makes causes you to flinch- subtly enough that you hope he doesn’t notice.

Though, it’s quite a small gathering compared to what this sort of ceremony would typically see, there is still a procession of the court come to give their obliged congratulations on your union. None addressed to you personally, however. Vinsmoke Judge sits center of the table- Sanji at his right hand and your father at his left- the two kings taking most of the commendations as if they’d been the ones wedded at the alter.

Politically speaking, you suppose that’s true. Your union is really nothing but a proxy for their own. Chancing a glance up at your husband, you find it difficult to tell if he feels as much a pawn as you do. When the nervous guests pay him their respects, he gives brief, curt, responses that don’t invite conversation.

Hands wringing nervously under the table, you bring them up and grab a fork just keep from rubbing raw. There’s a gorgeous spread of food before you and an untouched plate artfully arranged with a meal that- under any other circumstances- you’d have found appropriately appetizing. Fork in hand, you try to summon any desire to eat, but the sinking feeling of your inner body roils at the very idea of consumption.

Feeling heat at the back of your neck, you glance up- to see Sanji’s eyes quickly dart away from you. Movements deliberately slow he picks up his fork and takes the first bite of his own meal. Though you’re not quite fond of it- his action seems to signal permission for your own body to follow suit and some of the tension eases as you have a taste of your dinner. It’s quite good and instead of settling heavy, it smothers some of the anxiety lingering in your empty stomach. Slowly, you have one small bite after another. Though you can’t handle much before you put down the fork, your hands fold more still in your lap and you do feel slightly- marginally- better.

Until a shrill voice sounds from above and your whole body locks up. “Sister,” it lilts, “congratulations on your nuptials- what a beautiful wedding! Oh, I just teared right up.”

Throat tight, you respond without looking, “thank you, Marcella.”

“You know, I never thought I’d see the day. But, what a blushing bride you make. Such a fine match. There really is no one more deserving, sister.” She looks down on you with a sweet, practiced, smile painted on her lips. To anyone else, it’s the doting chatter of an elder sister. But, you recognize the words for what they are. You’re all too familiar with the cruel twinge of her smile and the wicked crease that hides in the corners of her eyes. “Vinsmoke is just so appropriate for you.”

“Princess Vinsmoke.” Chills crawl down your spine at your husband’s cold voice and Marcella’s expression wavers beneath his hard eyes. “When you speak to my wife, you will address her properly.”

She clings to her courteous facade, “of course, I understand, Prince Vinsmoke. I spoke with too much familiarity,” she tips her head politely, “please forgive me.”

“I will not.” Marcella pales and you forget to breathe.

Sanji stares her down and she begins to unravel before him, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.”

“Yet, you insult my bride.” Conversation dies. Though, you can’t tell if that’s because everyone has ceased talking or your pounding heart is drowning out the sound.

“I…” she stutters with rising panic, “I only meant to congratulate my sister.”

Sanji’s voice drops deathly low, “and now you insult me.” The weight of every eye lands upon you and the air stills with the death of music and thickens with the reminder of who is sitting at this table.

Never in your life have you seen Marcella afraid. And though there is nothing resembling love between you, in this moment- you’re afraid for her. “I’m very sorry, Prince Vinsmoke,” she bows deeply, eyes downcast and voice trembling.

Heat rises off your husband, “apologize,” he commands, “to my wife.”

“Princess Vinsmoke,” she addresses quickly, bowing to you, “I apologize for insulting you," Her voice trembles, "I am so deeply sorry, Princess Vinsmoke.”

Silence stretches through every agonizing second and you look up at Sanji- to find him looking back at you. Waiting.

With a shuddering breath, your turn towards your trembling, bowing sister, “I forgive you, Marcella.”

“Thank you, Princess Vinsmoke,” her voice is laced with genuine relief, but the lingering terror keeps her folded in place.

“Leave our sight. You’re not welcome here,” Sanji dismisses her and returns to his dinner like he can’t be bothered to entertain the ordeal any longer. Taking his cue, the music slowly begins again- but the guests are still finding their breath.

Marcella rises with wide eyes and looks to your father to defend her as he always has. “Leave, Marcella.” But, not tonight. Not to these men. “You shame yourself. Take your husband home and attend him.” With silent tears and silent lips, she quickly excuses herself from the banquet.

“Children require a firm hand,” you hear Judge tell your father. “I have taught mine the value of discipline. You’d do well to teach yours the same.”

“Of course, you’re right,” he concedes. “Marcella has always been troubled, despite my guidance,” he excuses, despite the fact that Marcella has never done any wrong in his eyes- even when you’d come to him little and weeping from her torment. “That one, though,” your face heats as he gestures towards you, “is my most obedient child of all- always has been.” While you’ve always craved any scrap of praise from your father- you do not feel good about it now. “There will be no trouble with her, I assure you.”

Judge shrugs, “if there is, my son will sort it out,” he says simply. “It’s a husband’s duty to succeed where the father fails.” Without response, Sanji continues to eat his dinner as if he can’t even hear his father speak of him. Noting the vacant look in his eye, you wonder if perhaps he doesn’t.

As the moon creeps higher, so does your anxiety. Any moment now, the banquet will end and you’ll be taken away from the only home you’ve ever known, bound to the whims of a man you don’t. Sipping the water and wishing for wine, you try to subdue your nerves about what’s to come.

“Before we depart,” you jump when Sanji suddenly speaks to you, despite his quiet tone, “is there anything you wish to do?”

Taken by surprise, you find it difficult to hold his gaze as you consider the question. While it seems considerate, you won’t risk inconveniencing him, “no, my Prince.”

But, he doesn’t take his eyes off you- searching your face, “speak truthfully.” The command is soft- but unmistakable.

“I have already said my goodbyes,” you tell him. There’s only one other thing you’d care to do, but you don’t know how to ask for it here. Especially with your father so near.

“State your desire,” Sanji insists firmly, seeing the yearning for what you haven’t spoken.

Quietly, you stare down at your hands, “my father won’t allow it.”

“I will allow it,” he says and your eyes snap up to his.

“There’s… there’s somewhere I’d like to go,” you confess nervously.

Sanji simply stands, “then I will escort you,” pulling out your chair and offering his arm. Hesitantly, you accept it- gathering your dress in the other hand to keep from tripping. No one stops you as you leave- not even your father- or his.

When you’ve stepped out of the crowded garden and onto the quiet path, his voice finds you softly, “guide the way, Princess.”

On the other side of the castle grounds- just beyond the wall- you sit quietly beneath the weeping willow, watching the moon reflect off the still mirror of the lake. Granting you privacy, Sanji waits at the outer gate- so distant you can just make out his form in the torchlight. Utterly still and patient, waiting for your return. It’s a surprising kindness from the Vinsmoke Prince- perhaps a concession as a gift for his new bride. You try not to let it give you any false expectations.

Kneeling in the soft grass, your white dress glows ghostly in the moonlight. “I came to say goodbye,” you whisper to the night- the breeze whispering back. “I’ve been married to a Prince and I’m going to live with him now… I don’t think I’ll be back.” The willow rustles with a weeping hush. “But, I don’t want you to be worried about me. Because I’ll be brave- just like I promised.” The moon ripples over the water and the wind runs gentle fingers through your hair- loosening the coils.

Clouds part above and one by one, little gems are dropped onto the lake- and you hear your mother’s voice over your shoulder.

‘Be brave, Starlight.’

“I thought she might try to come here.”

Sanji waves his hands to signal his soldiers hidden in the shadows to stand down, “were you waiting for her?” He doesn’t take his eyes from your distant figure, even as the woman comes to stand at his side.

“I just wanted to see her- one last time,” she says, hands folded- shoulders back- seemingly unperturbed, even in the presence of a Vinsmoke.

“Do you want to speak to her?” Sanji offers.

“I have said all I needed to.” He feels her gaze slide to him, but he doesn’t return it. “Why did you bring her here?”

“She asked to come.”

She’s quiet for a moment, boldly staring at him. “I love that girl like my own daughter.”

At that, Sanji turns to look at her, “you care for her- you know her?”

“Every day since she was three years old.”

“Will you do something for her?” He asks.

With no hesitation she responds, “I’d do anything for her.”

Sanji nods, snapping his fingers and a soldier appears at the ready. “Take four men,” he orders, “and gather my wife’s things- take them to the villa. Be quick about it, I want everything put away before we get back. The Madam will tell you what to bring.”

“Yes, Master Sanji,” he salutes.

“Whatever you think she’ll want to keep. Anything she’d like to have,” he tells the woman.

She nods, a stern expression taking hold as she prepares herself for the job. “Yes,” she agrees, “I can do that.”

To the soldier, “you will do- and take- whatever the Madam tells you. Don’t kill any castle guards, but do not let them stop you.” Sanji commands. “If you leave anything behind,” he warns, “if my wife cries because something was forgotten, I will hold you personally responsible.”

“I understand, Master Sanji,” he confirms. “We will gather all the Princess’s things. We will leave nothing behind.”

“Let’s go then, I won’t waste time and I won’t tolerate slackers,” before Sanji can say anything else, the woman moves with purpose- dismissing herself and not bothering to bow. The guard raises his hand and signals in the air- four other men quickly falling in step behind him.

The moon has moved considerably by the time you rise. Feeling you’ve had your moment, you don’t want to keep your husband waiting any longer. He’s been patient so far, but you have no desire to test his limits. Only when you step through the curtain of the willow- back towards the castle- does his silhouette move.

Meeting you halfway, Sanji silently offers his arm once more and escorts you back through the gates. The wind follows, chilling with an early breath of winter. Wordlessly, he untangles himself and nimble fingers deftly undo the golden buttons of his jacket. Sanji drapes the velvet comfortably around your shoulders. So broad it practically feels an embrace- your face heating beneath an unfamiliar warmth of intimacy.

Despite the chill in the air and the thin white shirt he wears now, Sanji doesn’t at all seem bothered by the cold. Taking his arm once more, your hand holds your groom’s jacket closed atop your wedding gown- other hand keeping the dress from dragging too much across the ground.

The two of you simply, silently, walk the grounds. Wander through the pathways both inside and out of the gates. Any direction that drew your eye, Sanji steered towards it. Quietly, you indulge the small sights- the crack in the stone at the base of the fountain, vines crawling up the castle, loose cobbles from the weight of wagons rolling through on festive days. The small things- the neglected things- that make a place a home for those who know them. These things, you take care to commit to memory.

Slowly, the sounds of the garden find you once more. Gentle music offers a tender touch before your body tenses with the rise of voices, every step feeling heavier than the last. “Ah, there they are,” Sanji’s father, the loudest of them all. “Off getting to know your bride?” There’s a twist to his smile that mirrors in your stomach as his eyes skim Sanji's jacket still draped over your shoulders. Your husband simply stares at him until the smile tips towards displeasure. “Well, there’s plenty of time for that,” his focus falls upon you and your grip on Sanji’s arm tightens. Sturdy and unyielding, he doesn’t pull away- just lets you anchor yourself against him as your heart threatens to sink. “Take her.” You’re grateful he does, otherwise you may have collapsed right there in the grass.

Spirit sinking- splitting- from your mind, you’re lost in the fog of a dream. The world seems so unreal and you barely feel the movements of your own body as it carries you down the path towards the small dock. There is no music, no sound, no song- only the somber march your husband drags you forward on without faltering a single step. Leading you down to the water, taking his lamb to slaughter. Witnesses flocking steps behind the kings at your back.

Eyes towards the horizon, not even the moon permeates the inky black of the abyssal waters. In the distance, the silhouette of the seafaring kingdom sits colossal and waiting. A leviathan shadow risen from the depths waiting to devour you whole.

Despite your promise, you flinch from the foreboding fate, tearing your arm away and turning on shaking steps. With a voice that calls from every fearful night of adolescence, you reach towards the one person you always prayed would save you from each of them. “Father…”

Swiping your hand away, he answers you with the same voice that responded you back to bed every time. “You are no longer my daughter.”

Nothing but the young woman forced to flower through stone, now nearly to be plucked, asks the one thing the child never could, “was I ever?”

Nothing but a weed in his garden, the King looks upon you with disdain and you have your answer.

“Come, Princess.” Voice soft and hands firm, the Vinsmoke Prince pulls you away and guides you down the dock. You do not fight him as he lifts you into the boat and casts off towards the sea.

More faces appear through the shadows and a song of mourning finds you faintly on the wind as you’re sold and sailed away into the night.

As you went through drink after drink, you noticed him starting to relax, he even started tripping over his words a little. He spent a long time trying to adjust his mask, fumbling as if he were having trouble getting it to sit right.

"You’re... drunk," you stated triumphantly.

"No," he protested.

"You are." You didn't let up.

"I’m not," he huffed.

"You are," you smirked, and Law gave you the look he usually reserved for people who weren't going to see the next sunrise.

You laughed again, and when he took another drink, you followed suit. Except this time, he drank more. And then even more. Finally, as if he’d grown tired of the effort, he propped his elbow on the table, rested his chin in his hand, and his mask slipped slightly.

"Hey," you said automatically, "it's..."

"I know," he mumbled uninterestedly.

"It's crooked," you noted. It was the first time you could see a piece of the face he kept hidden.

"It doesn't matter," he murmured.

"What?" You blinked.

"You said I’m never fun." Law watched you over the rim of his glass. His pupils were slightly dilated.

"I didn't say that," you protested. "I said you’re only fun for people who like death and silence."

"That’s me," he said emotionlessly. "Death and silence."

"And me?" the question slipped out. You were curious now. You were sure that under the influence of alcohol, he might be more honest than ever.

"You are..." he started but didn't finish. Instead, he took another drink. And then, something happened that never happened with Law. He forgot.

He didn't turn away to hide his face. He stayed exactly as he was, pulled the mask down, rested his hand on his leg, and took a sip.

You watched him in shock. It was the first time you’d seen him without the mask. His real face. But beneath the mask wasn't just his usual pale skin and sharp features. He had... horns. How were they visible now? The mask hadn't been covering that area before.

And when his lips left the glass, you saw a flash of fangs. Sharp. When he closed his mouth, his lower canines overlapped his upper lip. You stared at him. Your heart was pounding so loudly you were sure he could hear it too.

Law licked his lower lip. And then... he blinked. His expression shifted so fast you almost missed the "aha" moment the second he realized what he’d done. He froze. Silence flooded the room like spilled water.

"..." He opened his mouth as if to say something, but nothing came out. You realized you didn't know what the "right" reaction was. Scream? Run? Ask? Laugh? Ignore it?

"So..." you breathed nervously, "you... have horns." You finally spoke just to break the silence.

"No," he snapped automatically, then realized how that sounded. "...Yes."

"And... fangs..." you continued.

"They are..." he started, then paused as if searching for an excuse that sounded less absurd than the truth. "...genetics."

"Genetics." You raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," he replied, sounding both reluctant and defeated. He looked at you hesitantly. "Don't look at me like that."

"Like what?" you whispered.

"As if..." he swallowed. "As if I’m a monster."

"I-!" You didn't know how to respond. You could see how much the thought hurt him.

Law pulled back, straightened up, and reached for his mask. His movement was quick, almost panicked, but clumsy. The alcohol had stripped him of his usual precision.

"Wait," you said before he could pull it back up. He stopped. You felt like if you took one wrong step, you’d lose everything.

"I’m not afraid of you," you said softly, surprised by how steady your voice was. Law’s hand remained suspended in the air. His horns caught the dim light from the altar candles.

"You should be," he muttered.

"Why?"

"Because..." he exhaled. "This look isn't for show."

"I figured that much," you replied, trying to keep your voice from trembling. "But I know you."

"You know me," he repeated, a bitter edge to his tone. "You know the version of me I chose to show you. You know my mask," he growled.

"And what’s so terrible about this?" you asked gently. Law looked at you. Really looked at you. Without the barrier of the fabric. Without the mask.

"This," he said, gesturing to his face, "is why people make up their minds quickly. Too quickly."

"I’m not 'people.' Besides, how long have I been with your crew? Do you really think something like this would drive me away?" For a second, the corner of his mouth twitched. Almost a smile. Almost.

"You’re worse," he muttered. "You make up your mind slowly. And then there’s no taking it back."

"That’s..." you laughed nervously. "That’s a strangely romantic insult."

"I don't do romance," he said immediately.

"I noticed," you nipped back, but then your voice softened. "Law... what are you?" He winced at the name. As if it were too intimate. As if someone had touched him right under the ribs.

"Oni," he said after a while. The word hung in the room with the weight of legend. A demon. Not in the Western sense. A nightmare or a protector. It all depended on who you asked.

"You... are an Oni," you repeated slowly.

"Yes," he breathed out, as if waiting for a sentence to be passed.

"So... the mask was..." Instead of recoiling, you leaned back and studied him thoughtfully.

"To look normal," he interrupted. "To not attract attention. And so-"

"So no one would fall for you just because of your cute fangs?" you couldn't help yourself. Law froze. Then he gave you a look that could have burned you on the spot.

"Did you say cute?" he hissed.

"I did," you nodded. "And I stand by it."

"This is exactly the problem," he muttered, pressing his fingers to his forehead. "You aren't taking this seriously."

"I am," you said. "It’s just... when it’s you, it’s hard to stay solemn. You have an expression like you’d be correcting people's posture at your own funeral."

"No one would listen to me at a funeral," he snapped.

"I would listen to you." The words were out before you could think. For a moment, there was silence.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because you're my friend," you answered simply. "And because..." Because you liked him. 

For a long time. Foolishly. Sincerely. With all his moodiness, his sarcasm, and the way he once silently draped a coat over your shoulders when it rained. Because once, when he thought you were asleep, he fixed the bandage on your wrist as carefully as if you were something fragile.

But that "because" got stuck in your throat. Law understood anyway. Or he read it on your face. His gaze softened.

"Can I?" you asked quietly, nodding toward his horns. He tensed.

"You shouldn't," he said automatically.

"But...?" you tried hopefully.

"..." He took a breath. His eyes flicked to your fingers. "If I bite you, it’s your own fault," he grumbled.

"I’ll take my chances," you replied, and your heart skipped a beat.

Slowly, you ran the tip of your finger over one of the horns. It was smoother than you expected. And Law... he shivered. Only slightly. But you noticed. You noticed everything.

"You’re sensitive," you teased.

"I’m not," he breathed, but it was a blatant lie.

"You are," you smiled. "I can see it."

"Don't look," he grunted, but this time it didn't sound like an order. It sounded like a plea.

"Then hide," you suggested, "or give me a reason not to look." Law laughed. Short. Sharp. Then he stopped, as if surprised by his own laughter.

"You are... a problem," he murmured.

"I know," you nodded proudly. "But I'm your problem." Something shifted in his eyes. Something soft. Something he usually kept under lock and key.

"I don't want you to be mine," he said quietly.

"That’s good," you replied. "I’m not an object." He raised an eyebrow.

"I want you to be with me," he corrected himself faster than you expected. And then, as if it cost him all his strength: "At least... for tonight."

"Tonight," you repeated, raising your glass. "And tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow I’ll be sober," he muttered.

"So tomorrow you’ll spend five hours explaining it away and deny saying anything at all three times over," you smirked.

"Yes."

"Sounds like fun."

"You have a strange idea of fun," he snapped, but his voice was softer. Almost... tender.

"I do," you admitted. "And one of those ideas is that the mask stays off for the rest of the night." Law looked at the mask as if it were a living creature that might betray him. Then he took a deep breath.

"Just for tonight," he said.

"Just for tonight," you agreed.

It was strange how quickly the fear vanished once you decided not to listen to it. How quickly the horns changed from a "terrifying truth" to just "a part of him."

You sat closer than you should have. At first by accident, then less so. You toyed with your glass, and Law, half-drunk, began to tell you about how he once got his horns stuck in a doorframe as a child and pretended he did it on purpose so no one would see he was in pain.

"You were such a proud child," you laughed.

"I was a realistic child."

"Lying again," you nudged him gently.

"No," he snapped.

"Lying."

"...Maybe," he sighed.

Later, when the bottle was nearly empty and a quiet, warm dusk filled the room, you noticed Law’s gaze drifting to your lips. Just for a moment. Every time you noticed, he’d look away quickly, as if he were offended by the impulse.

"What?" you finally asked.

"Nothing," he mumbled.

"You’re looking." You smiled.

"I’m not." He cast his eyes elsewhere.

"You are," you said softly. "Do you want something?" Law closed his eyes, as if choosing between two bad options.

"I want..." he started, his voice cracking almost imperceptibly. Then he looked at you. Without the mask. Without the wall. And he said it so simply it nearly took your breath away. "I want you to stay."

You smiled, reached out, and placed your palm on his cheek. You felt the warmth of his skin. Felt his breath hitch.

"I stayed a long time ago," you whispered. Law was silent. Then slowly, tentatively, like someone learning a new skill he placed his hand over yours.

His thumb brushed over your fingers. Gently. Almost cautiously. And you realized that this was his greatest magic. Not the demonic horns. Not the fangs. Not the mysterious altar in the corner. But the fact that even though he was something people feared... he could touch you as if you were the safest place in the world.

"If you hate me tomorrow," he muttered, his voice sounding rough, "I’ll pretend this never happened."

"And if I want to do it again?" you asked. Law looked at you, and that familiar, annoying spark returned to his eyes.

"Then you’ll have to..." he leaned in closer, "...survive my sober self."

"Sounds like a challenge." You laughed.

"It’s a warning," he corrected.

"I’m taking it as an invitation."

"You’re impossible," he sighed with a smile.

"And you’re an Oni," you reminded him with a grin. "So we’re even."

And then, in the silence that was no longer uncomfortable, just full of something new and soft, you leaned in just a little more.

"I’m going to deny this tomorrow," he whispered with a raspy, almost amused exhale, resting his forehead against yours.

"Sure," you whispered back.

"And you?"

"Tomorrow," you smiled, "I’m bringing another three-Berry talisman. And ten Berries worth of extra dignity." He just laughed at that. He loved you, but he was still too sober to share that secret with you just yet.

— ✧ — ✧ — ✧ — ✧ — ✧ — ✧ — ✧ — ✧ — ✧ — 

You pause, looking up from the cups you’re writing on, “A what?”

It had been several hectic weeks since starting at the small café in the middle of downtown. You were thankful to have the job, even if it came with some quirks.

There was Sanji who baked all the pastries in the back, and Luffy definitely who ate more than he served. Nami, who was always sweet talking her way into free drinks for her and her blue haired girlfriend. Zoro who always came in after his morning run, never for himself but to order a whipped cream pup cup for his dog, Chopper.

But a Trafalgar was a new one.

“Here a little early today, Shachi.” Sanji takes the cups from you hand, expertly beginning to brew the espresso and froth the milk.

The man dressed in scrubs smiles, “Captain had an emergency amputation, hasn’t even left the hospital.”

“Hope he can get some rest before his next shift.” Sanji places three of the beverages into a holder, before turning to you, “Watch (Y/N), this is an order you’ll want to know like the back of your hand.”

Sanji plucks the largest cup offered out of the stack, pumping in a generous amount of caramel, and then filling almost three quarters of it with pure espresso. Using a stirrer, he gives it a few quick twirls to melt the caramel before topping it off with milk that is steamed way beyond the regulated temperature.

“Raspberry scones okay today?” Sanji asks, covering the drink with a lid before passing over the holder.

“You know they’ll eat anything you make!” Shachi laughs, picking up the drinks and accepting the bag of pastries, “I’ll see you again soon!” He says, before leaving the store.

“That looked like the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen you make.”

“That was a Trafalgar.” Sanji wipes down the counter, “Usually gets two a day.”

“What!?” You nearly scream, “Whoever is drinking that is going to an early grave!”

Sanji shrugs, throwing a rag over his shoulder, “I wouldn’t worry too much, Trafalgar is one of the country’s leading surgeons. Works at the hospital down the street.” He nods out the door, “Runs his operating room like a tight ship.”

“He went to med school and still drinks that much caffeine?”

“Keeps me in business.” Sanji shrugs.

And Sanji wasn’t wrong. You end up making at least one of those disgusting drink every shift, offering it up to whatever scrubbed up nurse stops in.

.

You’re busy arranging the pastries to look more presentable after Luffy swiped a couple for his break when you hear the door chime open, “Be with you in a second!” You call, wiping of your hands before heading back to the register, “Hi there! What can I get for you?”

The man before you just stares with an unimpressed gaze, his eyes peeking out just from under the brim of his hat.

“Did you need a minute to look at the menu?” You offer when he doesn’t say anything.

“No.”

An awkward laugh escapes your lips, “Alright, well just let me know when you’re ready to order.”

“I want my usual.”

“Uhm, okay.” You tap the register screen to the drink menu, “And that is?”

“Why would I know?” He snaps.

You’ve dealt with a lot of shit people as a barista. Pretentious dicks who think they’re artisanal coffee experts but probably couldn’t tell the difference from coffee to the shit that comes out of their ass. Haughty parents that load their kids up on caffeine just to dump them on whatever poor nanny they’ve hired.

But this asshole? This asshole takes the cake. From his lack of greeting to the scowl that hasn’t left his face from the moment he walked in.

“Don’t you fucking drink it?” You shoot back, enjoying the way his eyes widen in surprise. Probably the first time someone’s ever had the courage to lay back into him, “Or has your sour personality dried up all your taste buds that you don’t know what you’re putting in that shit mouth of yours?”

“Tch.” He quickly turns on his heel, almost colliding with the person coming through the door.

“Heya Traffy!” Luffy smiles, trying to loop an arm around the man. But he just shoves Luffy out of the way and storm out of the shop.

Luffy looks over at you with a pout on his face, “What’s his deal?”

You sniff, crossing your arms, “Hell if I know, and I hope I never have to find out.”

“Shi shi shi!” Luffy hops the counter, clearly forgetting the six times Sanji has told him to stop, “That’s funny (Y/N), but Traffy will probably be back tomorrow.”

“And why’s that?” You ask, honestly not that interested as you start to wipe down the counter.

“To get his special drink! I don’t think any other coffee shop will make it for him.”

Your hand stops mid wipe, a feeling of dread forming in your stomach, “Wait.” You turn around, “That wasn’t Trafalgar, was it?”

Luffy swallows a mouthful of muffin (when the hell did he swipe that?) “Sure it was! That’s what I said, Traffy!”

Well shit. You’re totally getting fired now.

.

But then a week passes, and nothing happens. A scathing review was never left on the internet. Sanji hasn’t mentioned losing his best customer. And you still have your job.

You almost think you’re in the clear until one slower afternoon the door jingles open in single of a customer. But your bright smile drops the moment you see who it is.

Trafalgar is standing with his hands dug into the pockets of his white medical coat.

The professional thing to do would be to get started on his drink now that you know it, maybe even offering an apology for your actions last time.

But instead, you say, “What can I get for you?” Expecting a repeat of last time, but then he pulls out a crumpled piece of paper.

Clearing his throat, he reads off, “A triple espresso caramel latte with extra caramel, extra espresso and as hot as you can get it.”

You have to hold back a laugh because you’ve never heard someone order their drink like they were reading out of a dictionary. But he must pick up on it because his cheeks go a little pink and his hand fists the paper, “Well?” He snaps.

“Alright, alright.” You raise your hand in apology, grabbing a cup from the stack to get started.

You can feel his eyes on you while you’re working, but each time you look over his quickly glance away.

“One Trafalgar, extra hot.” You say, placing the drink on the counter.

He almost freezes reaching for the drink, eyes narrowing as he looks at you, “So you did know.”

“Not at first.” You shrug, “Luffy filled me in after you threw a fit and stormed out.”

He has the decency to look a little ashamed, “I, uh, I apologize for that. I usually don’t have to say my order.”

“I can tell.” You tease, nodding to his hand still holding the scribbled, “You get someone to write that down for you?”

Trafalgar’s face sours and this time you do let out a loud laugh, enjoying his embarrassment.

“Well next time just say you want a Trafalgar and I’m sure I can figure it out.”

“It’s Law.”

“Huh?”

He shifts on his feet, “My name, it’s Law.”

“Oh.” You blink, “I’m (Y/N).”

“I know.” And his eyes fall to your nametag when your brows furrow in confusion.

“Oh! Right!” You wave your hand, “Well, I’ll be seeing you around Law!”

You swear it looks like he wants to say something, but instead shoves a couple notes into the tip jar and is out the door.

.

Law becomes a regular fixture in your schedule. Picking up the drinks for his team more often, popping up during the slow times, sometimes even finishing his drink before he leaves.

He’s a little odd, really awkward, but pretty cute. Especially when he came in one day when he must have gotten off shift. Instead of his scrubs and coat he’s downed in a tight black shirt, piercings lining his ears and what feels like miles of inked skin on display.

And you’re just thankful he didn’t say anything when you stuttered over your words that afternoon.

“(Y/N)-ya.”

“Law.” You greet, a smile on your face as he steps through the door, “Coming or going from the hospital?” Even though it’s ten in the morning you can never be too sure with his schedule.

“Coming.” He grunts, “A twelve hour shift.”

You tut, pouring out the espresso of his drink, “Well I’ll be sure to make this one extra special for you.”

“Don’t think that’ll be a problem if you’re making it.”

Your head shoots up at his compliment but then you laugh, “I’m sure you say that to anyone who isn’t Luffy.” Capping the lid, you push the drink towards, “Honestly I don’t know why Sanji keeps him around.”

“Thanks.” Law mutters, which you find a little strange, because he always takes the bait to rib Luffy whenever he can.

“Well, enjoy the coffee!”

Law picks up his drink, almost turning around to leave before he thinks better of it, “Would you like coffee?”

“Huh?”

“Coffee?” He repeats himself, “Would you like some?”

A confused look fills your face, “I mean, if I wanted some, I could just make one.”

And then strangely Law’s face falls, “Right.” He mutters, this time actually exiting out the door.

Weird.

“Vivi.” A voice pipes up from the bar seating, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a worse display of flirting in this entire coffee shop.”

“I think you’re right Nami.” Vivi nods, “And we watch Zoro and Sanji fall all over themselves almost every morning.”

“What the hell are you two talking about?”

“Oh my god.” Nami cries, grabbing the girl beside her, “She doesn’t even know! Vivi, she doesn’t even know!”

“I know.” Vivi rubs at Nami’s shoulder.

You roll your eyes. Nami was always dramatic, it was usually about the cost of her lattes, but this isn’t anything new, “Tell me what I don’t know.”

“He was asking you out!” Nami shouts, “And you just let a rich doctor slip right through your fingers!”

“What?”

Vivi nods sympathetically, “I think he was.”

“What, no. He- I think I would know. He wasn’t- it’s not like that! I mean-”

“I think she’s in denial.” Vivi whispers.

“You two don’t know what you’re talking about!” You shout back, slapping a rag onto the counter before storming into the back.

Nami and Vivi had no clue what they were talking.

Law didn’t like you. You don’t think Law liked anybody. You just made him coffee.

So what if he hung around while he drank it. And it didn’t mean anything when Luffy said he’s only ever seen Law smile around you. And Sanji had to be mixing up the numbers when he said Law’s purchases increased during your working hours.

Besides! It’s not like you would even care if he did.

It’s not like you watch the door waiting for him to show up every day. Or like you spend a little extra care on his drink. Or daydream about what his tattooed fingers can do. You definitely don’t think about that.

And you’re going to prove it.

But you can’t.

Because Law doesn’t come back.

Not the next day, or the day after, or the following week. It’s almost been a month and you haven’t seen him. Instead, it’s back to Shachi picking up the drinks, and at least you know he’s alive because who else would drink his nasty concoction.

You don’t even have his number so it’s not like you can text him. You suppose you could leave a message on one of his cups, part of you would rather spit in it, but you’re standing your ground. You didn’t do anything wrong! So why should you be the one to reach out?

But with each passing day you realize maybe you’re just destined to make his coffee for the rest of his life.

That is until someone slips face first and spills their scalding hot tea all over their arm.

“Oh my god!” You gasp, quickly flying around from the bar to help the man, “Are you alright?” You offer your hand.

And as you’re trying to help him to his feet, he stumbles on the now wet floor, toppling back over and painfully knocking his head on the edge of a table.

“Sir!” You fret, trying to help him up, “Don’t move, you might be concussed!”

You quickly duck into the back, grabbing an ice pack. You’re glad to see the man hasn’t moved, just pressing a hand to where you’re sure a nasty bump is probably forming.

“Here.” You offer, “Are you okay? Is there someone I can call for you?”

He surprises you by all but shoving his phone into your hands, “Will you call my son?”

“Uh, oh okay.” You respond, a little frazzled to see the phone is already dialing.

“Hello?” The voice answers, clearly irritated.

“Uhm, hi, hello!”

“Who is this?” The man sounds confused but just as equally annoyed.

You glance back at the man who’s watching you intently, “I’m calling for your father. He uhm, he slipped and hit his head. I think he might need someone to help him home. We’re at the All Blue café in downtown.”

You’re met with silence, and you briefly wonder if the man heard you.

“Are you able to-”

But you’re cut off with a growl, “I’m on my way.” And then he hangs up.

“Oh.” You pull the phone away, offering it back to the man, “I think he’s on his way. Is there something I can get for you, uhh, sir?”

“It’s Cora.” The man gives you a blinding smile, motioning to the chair, “Would you mind waiting with me until he comes?”

.

Law was not having a good day. Scratch that. He wasn’t having a good month.

He could chock it up to whatever lies he told himself, but it all started with you.

Law thought the two of you were on the same page, had even been reassured by Sanji and Luffy. Not that he really took the latter’s opinion to heart. So when you turned him down, it stung.

It stung like hell.

Law had decided he would just never see you again and that would be that. Shachi went back to picking up the coffee and Law worked on erasing you from his mind.

Easier said than done. Everyone had noticed the change in his behavior. Even Cora pestering him with questions about you, and why hadn’t he heard any new stories lately.

It’s not like he talked about you that much.

But he realized what an idiot he’s been this whole time when he finally heard your voice again after nearly a month. The swooping in his stomach and the stuttering in his chest. But what he wasn’t expecting was it to be from Cora’s phone.

And that’s when he knew Cora was up to something.

Luckily, he was almost done with his shift. Something he’s sure Cora was aware of, Law thinks bitterly.

And if he thought just hearing your voice was rough, he was sorely underprepared for seeing you again.

There you were. Sitting across from his father in the little coffee shop as the setting sun shined in. Laughing at who knows what with a giant smile on your face. It strikes Law just how much he missed that sound.

“Law! You’re here!”

Shit. Law curses to himself, having been too distracted by your beauty he was out in the open for Cora to spot.

Law pointedly doesn’t look at you, doesn’t want to see what ever emotions are crossing your face.

“What happened?” Law says through clenched teeth, noting how Cora looks fine.

“Oh, you know.” Cora waves, “Just clumsy me.” And then a smirk pulls at his lips as he looks back towards you, “But the lovely (Y/N) was able to help me. Do you two know each other?”

If Cora was any more obvious, he’d be wearing a flashing sign.

With clenched hands, Law’s eyes slide over to meet yours and he feels like even more of a mess this close to you. But then he feels like the rug is ripped out from under you when he sees the scowl on your face.

“Hello Trafalgar.”

“(Y/N).” Law grunts, hating that you’ve reverted back to his surname.

“You do know each other!” Cora exclaims, “Well you two catch up, I need to run to the restroom quickly.”

Immediately your concerned hands reach out, “Are you sure you’re okay? You might-”

“Don’t worry about me!” Cora waves, “I’ll just be a moment.”

And then it’s just the two of you.

Law shifts from one foot to the other, pointedly looking anywhere but you.

“Good to see your caffeine habits don’t run in the family.”

Law’s eyes dart to you, because are you really trying to make small talk right now?

“Although he did want his tea as hot as your usual, which I probably wouldn’t have done if I knew he was going to spill it all over himself.” Your twinkling laugh grates on his nerves in the best and worst way possible.

But Law just scoffs, looking back towards the restrooms. What the hell is taking him so long?

“Alright asshole.” You push yourself up from you seat, “I don’t what the hell I did to be getting the silent treatment, but I can take a hint.” You brush past Law, but not without a hard shove from your shoulder.

Law reels back, more so in surprise than anything else, “The fuck are you talking about?”

“Me?” You whirl around, hands on your hips, “You’re the one that up and disappeared for a month and when I finally see you again you can’t say more than two fucking words!”

“Well you made it pretty clear you wanted nothing to do with me when you blew me off.” Law snarls.

“Blew you off?” You nearly scream, “What the fuck is that supposed to mean!”

“Oh I don’t know (Y/N)-ya.” Law rolls his eyes with sarcasm dripping from his voice, “When I asked if you wanted to get coffee and you turned me down!”

“You asked me to get coffee?” All the fight leaves your body for a moment before it kicks back in thinking about his stupidity, “How the hell was I supposed to know you meant together?!”

Law immediately colors with embarrassment and indignation, “What else was it supposed to mean!”

“Well gee.” You drawl, “Maybe that you wanted coffee from this fucking coffee shop?”

Law quickly turns his head, looking at the wall. Well, when you put it like that.

A quiet but exasperated laugh escape you, “I thought I did something to make you mad.”

“No.” Law quickly interjects, looking back at you, “I was trying to respect your answer.” He definitely doesn’t mention that it also twisted his heart to even think about you after that. Couldn’t imagine what it would be like to see your face every time he wanted coffee.

“How about you ask again?” You ask with a teasing smile.

Law’s eyes widen, “Do you want to get coffee, with me?”

“No.”

Law opens his mouth, a rude remark on the tip of his tongue until you press a finger to his lips.

“But.” The grin widens on your face, “I would love to get dinner with you.”

“Now?” Law asks hopefully.

With a surprised laugh at his forwardness you nod, “I was off the clock an hour ago anyway.” And then you glance over your shoulder, “But shouldn’t we wait for your dad?”

Law scoffs, grabbing your hand and pulling you with him, “I’m sure he’s already snuck out the back.”

BONUS

Zoro steels his nerves, even gives Chopper a pat on the head for good luck while pointedly ignoring the witch and her girlfriend starring at him from across the shop.

“Marimo.” Sanji greets, “Just the usual?”

“Do you want to get coffee with me?” Zoro rushes out in one go. If it worked for the doctor, it’s gotta work for him.

“You don’t like coffee.”

“But you do, right?” Zoro adds, doesn’t the shit cook own this place?

Sanji’s face screws up in annoyance, mumbling to himself as he writes something on the small cup of whip cream for Chopper before shoving it into Zoro’s hands.

“Yes, I like coffee you idiot. But I’m not going to go on a coffee date with you.” He sneers before pointing at the cup, “Don’t lose that.” And then he spins on his heel and retreats to the back.

Zoro’s a little confused but then he looks down to see a phone number scrawled onto the cup. A smile breaks out onto his face, well that is until a voice pipes in,

You'd always wanted to become a pirate, ever since you were little

So when Law and his crew showed up at your little island and stopped at your village to replenish their supplies - and apparently take down bandits that were terrorising you - you took the opportunity

At first Law was sceptical, wondering what you brought to his crew, but after your first venture with them he realised you could be useful, not only as a fighter but also another medic, one with more nurturing qualities and a softer touch

He would never admit it, but he was jealous of how the crew immediately went to you for help now

But after a while Law himself warmed up to you as well, and found himself seeking your company more and more often

He knew very well he could fix himself up, but chose to come to you instead just to have an excuse to talk to you and maybe learn more about you

Despite interacting with the crew for medicinal purposes, you were still shy and reserved, only speaking when you needed to

You were surprised when Law walked into your room one day, claiming that he needed your help determining what kind of sickness he was developing (he was not sick)

He caught you in your free time, so you were reading a favourite comic of yours, a secret you had managed to keep from everyone for so long - until now

"What's that?"

"Hmm? Oh, this? Nothing.."

You hid the comic behind your back, hoping Law would drop it and just focus on his non-existent sickness, but luck was not on your side today

His brows furrowed in concentration, before his eyes lit up in a way you'd never seen before

"I know that comic!"

"Wh-what? No you don't..."

"Surely you're not telling me I wouldn't recognise the cover of my favourite comic book, (Name)-ya..."

"O-of course not! I just didn't think..."

You trailed off as Law took a seat directly next to you, plucking the comic from your hands

He begins to flick through the pages with you sitting so stiff and awkwardly beside him

Eventually you relax and attempt to initiate a discussion about it with him

Which turns into a full debate over your favourite characters

You've never had this much fun talking about something before

And your captain seems so much more relaxed and at ease, and he's even SMILING as he talks

The conversation slowly goes from the comic to other shared interests between the two of you, such as his coin collection - he was visibly stunned to find out you had one too - and your desire to become a nurse, something medical-related

Law was surprised to hear that you wanted to be a nurse

Not because you didn't have the skills for it, you definitely did, but because you had chosen to become a pirate instead

When he asked what changed your mind, something weird happened in his chest when your answer was "i didn't have the opportunity or the resources in my small village...but also...you"

He didn't know what that feeling was, but he kind of liked it?

From then on, Law took every opportunity he could to talk to you about both your coin collections, your medical knowledge and your shared interest in that comic

He wanted to know why he was feeling this way, and hoped talking to you more would help him understand

But now he was just craving your presence, craving your voice and the way you passionately spoke about your interests

It wouldn't be a good day if Law hadn't gotten the chance to see or speak to you

And it was frustrating him that he couldn't figure out why he felt this way about you, and why he treated you differently to his other crewmates

Then Shachi and Penguin teased him about being in love with you

And suddenly it made sense

But for the first time ever, Law was terrified, because he didn't know what to do, this was not his forte

So obviously, he needed help, and since Shachi and Penguin were doing nothing but teasing him, he went to Bepo

You were completely oblivious to what he and Bepo were planning, thinking they were just planning the crew's next island stop

You were also oblivious to Law's feelings - mostly because he hid it well - but were completely aware of your own feelings for him

And you tried to hide it, you really did, but everyone could see the way your eyes softened when he walked into the room or spoke to you directly, the way your cheeks reddened when he complimented you or said something nice, the way you always seemed even more shy and flustered around him

Even Law noticed

But for a long time he debated whether or not to actually go through with his Bepo's plan to ask you out

He took so long that you almost gave up on him entirely

But when he did finally approach you, it was so worth it

He had planned a very romantic dinner in his room - candlelit and everything

He was so nervous the entire time, only slightly comforted by the fact that you looked nervous as well

"You look nice"

"Oh, um, thanks. So do you"

It is SO awkward for a few minutes, as you both just look at each other or the food

You decide to break the silence since it seems like Law never will

"If this is too uncomfortable, I can-"

"No!" He jumps to say, then clears his throat. "I mean, I'd like you to stay. I'm sorry, I'm not very good at this."

So you stay, and you're patient with him as he works up the nerve to tell you how he feels

“The doctor needs you in his office…He says that it’s urgent…” He says, his hand pushing your office door open to allow you to walk out. You gave him a soft smile before stepping outside of your office, giving him a sweetened expression for his kind gesture. “Thank you Bepo, I’ll go see him right away.” You responded, waving to him before walking down the hallway and away from your office. Your hands pulled down the hem of your short nurse uniform, the dress hugging your thighs though rather short as it went inches above your knees.

You began to grow nervous the more you grew closer to the doctor’s door. What could be so urgent to where he needed to see you? No matter what it would be, you were sure that it was probably a report or maybe a future plan for a patient. As you make it to his door, you brushed down your uniform a bit before knocking at the door.

“Doctor? It’s me, ________. You said it was something urgent?” You called out, gulping out of nervousness as you finished your sentence. There was no answer in response and you inhaled deeply before turning the knob and opening the door, cracking it slightly before you peeked your head inside of his office.

Law’s eyes were focused on his files before he heard the door opening, his head lifting up while his golden eyes suddenly focused on yours peeking inside his office. “Ah, ________. Please, come in.” He smiles and pulled his glasses from his face before folding them and setting them down onto his desk, his eyes watching as your figure stepped in and closed the door behind yourself.

“Lock the door as well. This is a very important matter.” He demanded, his chair rolling back and away from his desk just a smidge. You obeyed and did so, your hand locking the doorknob behind yourself before you began walking over to him.

You walked up to his desk with an anxious face, your teeth nipping at your bottom lip as you grew nervous to hear what he needed to say.

“I was told that there was something important you needed to discuss with me doctor…” You say nervously, unable to control or suppress the anxiousness you had for this situation. Law nodded. “Yes, I did.” He responded, his head resting in his hand as his eyes trailed sneakily up and down your delicate figure. Law gives you a mischievous smirk before his hand began softly patting at his lap, his finger urging you to moving in closer after he did.

“Here, come sit my dear.” He demanded, continuing to pat his lap lightly while he stared seductively into your eyes. Your heart skips a beat and your face fell flushed as you stared down at his lap, your eyes quickly glancing between his legs before you quickly averted your eyes. Law tilts his head and quirks a brow, now questioning if he thought and felt wrong about your feelings.

You slowly walked up to him before softly setting your bottom onto his lap, a soft groan leaving Law as he felt your weight applying a bit of pressure against his lap. You squeezed your thighs tightly together, your hand up against your mouth as you sat there frozen in his lap. A chuckle left him and he bit his lip as he slides his fingertips slowly up against the softness of your plush thigh.

You exhaled shakily as his hand held your hip and pulled you in closer, his lips ghosting over your temple while you sat there with your heart pounding out of your chest. You felt his fingers sliding higher up your thigh, his hand going up underneath your short uniform while you moan out quietly yet shakily.

“You’re trembling sweetheart…Am I making you nervous…?” He whispered to you, his eyes looking down at your trembling frame sitting there on his lap all anxious. “Doctor…” You let out a soft mewl and shut your eyes, your anxiousness melting into arousal as you felt his fingers slide higher and higher up your thigh. Law lets out a restrained groan as he felt himself growing hard within his slacks.

God you were so adorable against him, and now that he finally has you alone he could touch and care for you however he wanted…

“You’re so adorable…How come you don’t speak to me ever so often…?” He asked you, his hands grabbing your hips and pulling them back farther up against his hardened length. You squeaked as you felt his hard and clothed cock against your clothed slit, a heavy exhale leaving you as he slides his hand down between your thighs. “I-I…I just get- Ah!- N-Nervous!~” You shakily moan out, your cunt beginning to grow wet as you felt Law’s rough fingertips rubbing and pinching at your clitoris through your thin panties.

Law chuckles at your reaction and moves his face down against your ear, his lips nipping at the shell of it while you gasp out shakily. He peppers a smooch to your cheek while his fingers rubs along your clothed slit, your face twisting in ecstasy as you enjoyed his fingers against your soaking cunt. “You feel tense…Have you been stressed lately my nurse…?” He asked you, his other hand steadily sliding up to one of your breast before he groped it through your uniform.

You winced and moan shakily, your hand tracing up his arm before it met with his own groping against your tender breast. His hand continues to rub at your clothed pussy, and you begin to arch your back and inhale shakily while he chuckles. Your arousal soaked the fabric of your panties so much, your essence easily wetting Law’s fingertips in the process. The movements of his hand slowly cease and he lets out a heavy groan as he struggled to keep his cock restrained much longer inside his briefs.

“Up. And lift your dress for me as well~” He demanded, whispering to you while you swallowed thickly at his words. You lifted your hips up off of his lap and you squeak out as you immediately felt his fingers sliding your panties down your thighs and out of the way. A soft gasp left your lips as you heard him beginning to unbuckle his belt, a relieved groan leaving his lips as he released his thick and sticky cock from his briefs and softly pressed his leaking tip up against your bare and sticky slit.

You moan out as you felt his tip smooching your slit, adoring how hot and sticky it was against your folds and your soaking hole. You could feel the slight bit of pre dirtying your cunt and you moan out as you begin to rub your hips back against him. He scoots the chair up closer to you before softly setting himself down, his cock erect within his palm as he stroked it softly while staring at your dripping pussy.

His hand reaches up to your slit and he slowly spreads it open with his thumbs, a soft moan leaving him as he watched a bit of slick run down your leg. His tongue trails across his lips as he stared up into your eyes, his gaze full of lust as he stared into your pretty eyes.

“We need to treat this right away my dear…You’re fucking dripping out onto my lap…” He hisses out, his cock twitching as he continued to stare at your glistening pussy soaking and leaking out into his thighs and the floor.

“Doctor…P-Please…Please treat me~ Make me feel so much better~” You cooed so seductively, biting your glossed bottom lip as you stared him in his eyes with your needy ones. Law hisses out and relaxed in his chair, his finger urging you to lower your hips down onto his.

“Cmon then baby~ My dick’ll treat you just enough~”

“Lower that cute fuckin’ pussy onto my dick~”

You moan out shakily and lowered your hips down onto his thick cock, a soft moan leaving your throat as you felt his tip stretching your pussy open. You watched as he grabs your hips and helped you lower yourself farther down onto him, his cock stretching your insides open for more than you thought it would. A hiss leaves Law’s lips as his brows furled, enjoying the feeling of your velvety walls enveloping his cock and your weight against him.

You gasp out loudly as you finally bring your hips all the way down, your body shuddering as you felt his cock smooching your cervix so deeply. “God, you’re so tight~ So perfect for me…aren’t you?~” He hums in ecstasy, his cock pulsating deep inside of your pussy while your walls pulsates around shaft. “Just relax yourself and hold on…I’m gonna to fuck ya so good~” He whispers to you, his whispers making you trembled in arousal.

He slowly lifted your hips up before bringing them down, a mewl leaving your lips as you felt him plunge up deep inside of your pussy. Your back began to arch as you felt him moving your hips up and down on his cock, your breasts bouncing softly while you melted in ecstasy.

Your toes hard curled within your white slip-ons and your voice grew louder as he began moving your hips faster on top of his. “Feels nice yeah? This dick kissin’ all the right spots for ya?~” He cooed, his breathing growing a bit heavily while you responded in a slightly slurred tone.

“Yess~ It feels so good!~” You moaned shakily in reply, your eyes shutting tightly as you felt him beginning to smooch your bundle of nerves. Law groans out shakily, his hands holding your hips tight while he felt as if his cock would melt deep inside of your cunt.

He sighs out heavily before suddenly stopping, his movements halting which causes you to turn around with heavy breaths. “Here, lay up against my desk. I’ll fuck ya better like that.” He says, lifting your hips up off of his and guiding you up. You slowly stood up on wobbly legs and grabbed the desk before bending over on it, your tummy and breasts pressing up against the cold wood of the desk while you heard Law standing up from his chair.

He moves in closer to you and grabs your hips before shoving his cock back inside of your dripping cunt, a heavy moan leaving you while you shut your eyes and bite you bottoms lip from the sudden ecstasy. You held on tight to the desk as you released sweet angelic moans from your lips, the sound of Law’s hips slapping against yours making you grow a bit flustered if not more aroused.

“Hahhh~ D-Doctorr!~”

“Fuck, your pussy’s so perfect~ I could fuck it all fuckin’ day if I wanted to~” Law groans out shakily, his chest pressing up against your back as he shoves his cock deeper inside of your pussy, smooching your sweetened spot once again. Your face twists into a expression of pure ecstasy and your legs grew shaky as you struggled to stay balanced and steady. Your cunt tightens around Law’s length and he hissed out while leaning in closer to your ear.

“Ya about to cum, aren’t you pretty girl?~” He whispered, his tongue running along the shell of your ear while you gasp out and shuddered at the sudden contact. “M-Mhm…I-I’m getting closer~” You mewled out so sweetly, your voice making Law’s cock throb even more inside of you. He sighs out heavily as the speed of his pace begins to increase unconsciously, your moans growing louder as he rammed harder and faster inside of your cunt.

Your body wobbled a bit from the recoil of him thrusting into your pussy, his arms wrapping around your body while he pressed his body against yours.

“You’re so fuckin’ warm and soft inside, I need more of your pussy, my sweet nurse~” He huffs, his hand grabbing your chin and turning your face towards his. “P-Please do!~ F-Fuck my pussy m-more, D-Doctor!~” You mewl out his name before he gives you a loving kiss, your breathing heavy against his lips as he dominated your tongue. He pulls away after a little bit, a string of saliva tearing from your lips as he did.

“Fuck you’re so adorable~ Even when I’m fucking you raw on my desk, you’re still so fuckin’ adorable~” He groans out, his hand pulling your hips back into his and sliding his dick deeper inside of your cunt. He slowly stands up straight and slowly pulls out of you once again, his action making you whine in response from the edging.

“I’ll make you cum this time, I promise sweetness~” He helps you stand up and slowly turns you over and down onto your back, making sure your pretty face was in his sight while he’d fuck you. He lifts your legs up and wraps them around his waist, his body pressing down against yours while he stared into your lustful eyes.

He slowly stuffs his cock back inside of your pussy one last time and he begins pounding into your pussy a bit sloppily, his tip repeatedly kissing your sweetened spot while your voice unconsciously released mewls and moans out for him.

You finally begin to see stars as his cock nudges hard against your bundle of nerves, your hand gripping and scratching at his coat as he fucked you so hard against his desk. His desk rocked vigorously from his hard throats, and your body was reaching its high as he chased after both his and yours.

“Oh God~ I-I’m so close!~ I-I feel it coming!~” You gasp out, your mouth beginning to spill a bit of drool while he focused all his attention and energy into your pussy.

“Cum on this cock sweetheart, I wanna see you fuckin’ squirting on the bottom my shirt~” He mewls out, his face contorting as he bit his bottom lip tightly. Your legs wrapped tighter around his waist and your arms wrapped around his neck while you moan and whine out for him. Your pussy fluttered so beautifully around his shaft, adoring the feeling of his cock sliding in and out of your cunt while he continually kissed your bundle of nerves.

Your eyes rolled up in ecstasy as you trembled against him, hardly able to take much more of the pleasure deep inside of you.

“Hah!~ L-Law!~ I-I’m gonna!~” You whined out, your eyes shutting tightly as you struggled to keep your voice down. “Cum sweetheart. Cum on my dick!~” He huffs out, his body holding your frame tightly as he felt himself growing close as well.

You felt his cock twitching within your walls and he felt your walls pulsating around his cock, his tip repeatedly kissing your g-spot while occasionally smooching your cervix due to his sloppy thrusts. Your voice lets out another loud gasp and you threw your hand over your mouth as you fell unable to suppress your moans anymore.

“Oh god!~ O-Oh god!~ I-I’m cumming!~” You gasp out shakily and threw your head back, your cunt gushing around his cock while you moan out loudly and shakily within your hand. Your body shuddered heavily as you got a bit of cum onto his shirt and his slacks, a whine leaving you as you were unable to handle your heavy orgasm.

Law smiles and groans out heavily as he buried his head within your neck, his body shuddering against you as he finally cums deep inside of your cunt. You mewl out shakily as you felt him filling you up, his warm and sticky seed coating your walls and filling up your womb.

The feeling of his hot cum coating your walls caused your legs to tremble as if they were melted butter, if you weren’t lying back against Law’s desk you certainly would’ve lost your balance.

“Oh god~ Doctorrr~” You moan out his name shakily as you felt him slowly pulling out of your pussy, his seed slowly beginning to spill out of your cunt while he hisses out at the sight. Law watches as his cum runs out of your pussy and spill onto his desk and floor, a heavy sigh of exhaustion leaving his lips as he began tucking his cock back into his slacks. He left his belt unbuckled as he sat down into his chair, his breathing still a bit heavy as he sat there and continued to enjoy the view.

His eyes focused on stuffed cunt and he hums out before grabbing your hips and softly pulling your body down back into his lap, spilling a bit of cum out of you and onto his slacks. You rested your head against his shoulder, your legs twitching as you were still struggling to recover from your orgasm. Law chuckles and presses a smooch to your cheek before moving his hand between your thighs, his fingers teasing at your clit while you moaned out to him and pouted.

“P-Please doctor…I have to get back to my shift~” You whined, your hand grabbing at his wrist while he chuckles as your slurred tone.

You are a young nurse working in the darkest, most isolated ward of a psychiatric hospital. This is where society locks away its forgotten lunatics, killers, and monsters. Your patient is Law—a psychopath who once masqueraded as a doctor, slicing his victims apart on operating tables, reveling in the warmth of their blood and the melody of their screams. His file lists dozens of victims: some carved open with a scalpel, others poisoned slowly until they withered away. The previous nurses? All dead. One was found with her throat slit, another hanging in her room. Law "didn’t like them"—simply because they weren’t sweet enough for him. But you... you’re different. Your soft voice, gentle touch, and eyes filled with a mix of fear and compassion have made him obsessed. He calls you his "little angel," but it’s not love—it’s a sick, possessive madness that wants to break you while keeping you close.

It’s the night shift. The clock has ticked past midnight, and the hospital corridors are freezing and silent. Your footsteps echo as you approach Law’s room, a tray of medication trembling in your hands. The door is solid iron, locked, but you know it won’t stop him. Your heart pounds as you turn the key, your stomach twisting into knots. What’s waiting inside? A calm Law, or the monster with those manic eyes? You step in, the dim light revealing the room: stark white walls, a chained bed, and Law—sitting on the mattress, his wrist restraints loose, as if they were never secured. His eyes lock onto you, dark, deep, pulling you in like a vortex. “My angel,” he says, his voice a whisper but laced with command, a hidden threat. “You’re late. I missed you.”

Your hands shake as you approach, setting the tray on the bed’s edge. “You need to take your meds, Law,” you murmur, forcing your voice to stay steady. But he smiles—that chilling, toothy grin. “Meds? They dull me, angel. Not like you. You make me feel alive.” His hand shoots out, grabbing your wrist. His fingers are cold but strong, squeezing your bones until they ache. “Please, let go,” you beg, fear seeping into your voice. But he pulls you closer, forcing you to sit on the bed. His body brushes against yours, his heat spreading across your skin. The chains rattle, but it doesn’t reassure you—you know he always finds a way to loosen them, and you don’t understand how the staff never notices.

Now you’re close, his breath hot on your neck. “You’re scared, aren’t you?” he asks, burying his nose in your hair, inhaling deeply. “Good. Your fear belongs to me. No one else can scare you—only me.” His lips press against your neck, a soft kiss at first, then his teeth sink in—slowly, tearing through your skin. You cry out in pain, your hands pushing against his chest, but he holds you tighter. Blood trickles out, warm and sticky, running down your neck. He licks it, his tongue pressing against the wound, savoring it. “Mmm, you’re sweet, angel. Even your blood is pure,” he murmurs. His psychopathic side shines through: blood is his aphrodisiac, as thrilling to him as his victims’ screams.

His hand slides to your throat. His fingers tighten slowly, cutting off your airway. Your lungs burn, your vision blurs, your head spins. “Breathe, angel,” he taunts, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. He loosens his grip, letting air flood your lungs, but then squeezes again—harder this time. As he chokes you, he grinds his hips against yours. You feel his hardness through his pants, rock-solid, pressing into you. “Feel me? I’m this hard for you,” he says, rubbing himself against you. A mix of fear and unwanted wetness pools between your legs—your body betraying you, but it’s just survival instinct. “No, please, stop, I beg you, stop Law” you whimper, but your voice is hoarse, muffled by his grip on your throat.

He tears at your uniform, buttons flying, scattering across the floor. Your breasts are exposed, the cold air hardening your nipples. His eyes fixate on them, hungry, like a wolf. “These are mine,” he growls, grabbing one breast, squeezing hard enough to bruise. His other hand slides down, yanking your skirt up, forcing your legs apart. “Spread, angel. Show me what’s mine.” He rips your panties off, the fabric tearing with a sickening sound. His fingers plunge inside you—two at once, rough, unprepared, deep. You cry out, your legs trembling, but he moves them rhythmically, violating you. “You’re wet,” he mocks, “Scared, or do you want me? You definitely loved this. Didn't you?” His thumb circles your clit, forcing unwanted pleasure through your body. You moan, but it’s from pain and fear. “You can’t fight me,” he says, pressing harder, his fingers relentless.

He reaches for the small table, grabbing a sharp needle—a leftover from the medication supplies, its tip gleaming. Your eyes widen in terror. “What are you doing?” you whisper. “I’m marking you, angel. You’ll carry my name.” He tightens his grip on your throat, pinning you in place, your breath cut off again. The needle presses into your chest, just above your breast, slicing slowly. First an L, a thin line of blood welling up. The pain is sharp, searing, and tears stream down your face. Then an A, deeper, blood dripping down your skin. “Stop, please, it hurts!” you sob, but he’s reveling in it, his eyes gleaming with sick pleasure. “Pain is beautiful, angel. Your pain is mine.” Finally, a W, each letter a burning mark of his ownership. He drops the needle, dipping his fingers in the blood, smearing it across your lips. “Taste,” he orders, forcing a kiss on you. The metallic tang of your blood fills your mouth, making your stomach churn, but his tongue invades, deepening the violation.

He pulls back, unbuttoning his pants, freeing his cock—veined, thick, the head darkened, terrifyingly large. “I saved this for you,” he says, stroking himself slowly. He presses the tip against your entrance, teasing your clit, sliding back and forth, tormenting you. “Want it? Beg.” “No, please, don’t,” you cry, but he ignores you. In one brutal thrust, he’s inside you—hard, deep, tearing through you. You scream, the pain blinding, but he chokes you again, silencing you. “Quiet, angel. This is our secret.” He sets a punishing rhythm, each thrust slamming your hips into the bed, his chains rattling. The rough sex is relentless—fast, brutal, crushing. One hand stays on your clit, rubbing circles, the other on your throat, controlling your breath: squeezing, releasing, keeping you on the edge of consciousness. “You love dancing with death, don’t you? But I won’t kill you, angel. You’re my favorite. I’ll hurt you, but I’ll keep you alive.”

His psychological torment is palpable: he loves you, but in a twisted, sick way. “No one can take you from me,” he growls, thrusting deeper, claiming you. “You’re mine forever.” He looks at your bloodied chest, tracing the carved letters, your blood smearing onto his cock, the bed stained red. The violation intensifies—he shoves his fingers into your mouth, choking you as he commands, “Suck, angel.” Your body betrays you again, an orgasm building despite your horror. He senses it, speeding up, “Come for me. Show me you’re mine.” He squeezes your throat one last time, cutting off your air, and you shatter—a violent, fear-soaked orgasm, your body convulsing, soaking the sheets. He follows, spilling inside you, hot and deep, claiming you. “Maybe you’ll carry my child. Then you’ll be mine completely.”

You collapse, breathless, bloodied, bruised, tears streaming. Your body shakes, pain radiating everywhere. He pulls you into his arms, stroking your hair gently, as if he’s a normal lover. “That was beautiful, wasn’t it, angel? Come back tomorrow. I’ll be waiting. Run, and you know what happens. You know I'm madly in love with you” You crawl to the door, your torn uniform barely covering you, your skin marked and bleeding. In the corridor, you lock the door and slump against it, heart still racing. You’re terrified, but a dark part of you feels drawn to him—his madness, his possession. Law’s obsession has consumed you, and you know you’ll return. You have no choice, and maybe, deep down, a part of you craves it.

“Easy for you to say. Your patients aren’t all trying to rip out their IV’s or asking for water every two minutes.” Putting hand sanitizer on your hands, you finally sit down. A sigh of relief leaves your lips. You grab your water and quickly chug down the cold liquid.  “Ahhh…this stainless steel water bottle is the best thing I've ever invested in. Can’t imagine how I lived without it.”

“Feel better?”

“Much.” Scooting closer to the computer, you log in. Showing all the patients' charts. “Okay, got to lock in and do this…” Your fingers type away, adding enough detail to get your point across and to quickly access the other patients' charts.

BEEP! BEEP!

The sound of a call light pulls you from your determined trance. Looking up, you see one of your patients' lights on. Hanging your head in defeat, you go to answer it, yet Nami stops you.

“I can do this. I’ve finished my charting, so I’ll do this while you finish yours.”

“Thanks, Nami, you're a lifesaver.” Turning back to your computer, you continue. The quicker you get this done, the faster you’ll be able to go on lunch break.

It didn’t take long for Nami to get back, a smile on her face. “Just some questions on how long the doctor is going to take.”

“Ah, I see. Which doctor does it say on the board again?” 

“Hmm, let's see…oh, it's Law.” You could see Nami smirk out of the corner of your eye as she sat back down in her seat. “Seems like your crush should be here any minute.”

Feeling your face heat up, your eyes snap up to Nami. “Shut up! Be quiet! What if he hears you?!” Whispering, your eyes look every which way to make sure the man in question wasn’t near.

“Oh, come on. Everyone knows you like Law. It’s so obvious a child could see it.” 

“It’s not that obvious! Is it?”

“Oh girl, if you were a fly on the wall to see your reaction when he comes over, you’d know.” Nami’s words have you shrinking in your seat as you feel embarrassment wash over you.

“Oh god, I hope you're lying. Please lord let it be a lie.”

“Maybe this is your sign to ask him out? Have a little office romance?” The teasing words only fuel your embarrassment. If the world could swallow you whole, you hoped it would.

“You're the worst…” Grumbling, you sit up as you can practically hear your heart beat in your ears.  “I’m gonna remember this the next time you need a favor.” Nami chuckles, her laughter drowning at the sound of footsteps coming from behind you.

“Which room was it?”

Law’s voice comes from behind you, and you swore you felt your soul leave your body. How long had he’d been standing there? Did he just show up? Had he heard all of it? Oh god, you hoped he didn’t hear anything.

Turning to face him, your heart beats against your ribs viciously. “Oh, it’s room seven. They're here for trouble breathing and back pain.” Law hums and nods before turning to go to the room. Once gone, you see Nami smirking at you.

“That went well. So, when are you gonna write your vows?”

“Nami, I swear to god.”

“Come on (Y/N)! Just go ask! The worst he could do is say no, right?”

“If he says no, I'm stuck with the awkwardness! How would I be able to show my face at work after that?” Putting your head in your hands, you think to yourself. The thought of asking him was terrifying, even more so when imagining all that could go wrong. 

“If he says no, that's okay! There's plenty of fish in the sea. Maybe if you try to hang out with him more or talk to him instead of watching him from afar like a shy schoolgirl.” Nami's words have you thinking. Maybe she’s right. Perhaps if you spent more time with him, he’d be easier to approach and ask on a date. “How about you take your lunch when he does? That might be a start.”

“That's…that’s actually not a bad idea. Do you know when his lunch is?” Standing a little straighter, you began mentally planning.

“I think maybe 2 pm? He waits in his office usually, but he does sometimes eat in the employee breakroom.”

“Note taken. Wish me luck then, haha.” Despite your nervous laughter, a small flicker of hope bloomed in your chest.

~~~

You had spent the entire night baking cookies, hoping to coax Law into grabbing one so you could talk to him. Hopefully, it’d work, as handing out cookies was the first thing you could think of. Besides, everyone loves cookies, right?

Giving yourself a pep talk, you knock on Law’s office door, heart beating in your chest. “Hey, Law? It’s nurse (Y/N). I made some cookies and thought you might like some?” There was a silence before the door opened, showing an exhausted-looking Law.

“Are you okay, Law? You don’t look too good.” Examining his face, you notice the bags and dark circles under his eyes. Even more than usual. “Do you need some water? Coffee?”

“No, I’m fine. Just been here too long.” He murmurs, running a hand through his hair.

“Have you been here since yesterday's shift?” Eyes wide, you watch his cheeks flush as his eyes flicker away before looking back to you.

“Lost track of time. It’s been busy.”

“You still have to take care of yourself first, Law. It’s already enough that you work here as a surgeon and pick up ER doctor shifts. Now you're staying a full twenty-four hours and more?” Frowning, you look over his shoulder, coffee cups from the breakroom scattered along his desk and in the trash. “Have you even drunk water?”

“Listen, I appreciate the worry. But I’m fine (Y/N). Really.” Despite his words, you couldn’t help the hurt and worry still running through your veins.

“Fine, but you're going to drink some water. As a doctor, you should know it’s bad for you.” Law wavers you off before looking down at the box of cookies in your hand.

“What kind of cookies are they?”

“Cookies that aren’t for you. People who drink water and sleep get cookies. You’ll get cookies when you drink some water and take care of yourself.”

“That's ridiculous. I’ve been here forever, give me a cookie.” 

“Who’s fault is that?” There was a silence between the two of you. His eyes look into yours, making your heart jump from your chest. “Fine, but only one!” Holding out the cookie tin, you watch Law take a cookie. His smirk makes your legs feel like jelly as he takes a bite before walking back into his office.

“Hey! Say thanks at least!” You huff, annoyed as Law closes the door with a chuckle. Leaving you standing in the hallway. “Jerk.”

After getting back from Law’s office, you sit in a chair, getting mentally ready to start a new day. Heart still beating constantly as the memory of Law’s eyes staring into yours fresh in your mind. The sight of his smirk and the sound of his laugh giving you butterflies. 

“Good morning (Y/N). How was your night?” Nami’s voice breaks through your thoughts, making you sit up straight. 

“Oh! I’m good. Made some cookies, obviously. Want one?”

Grabbing a cookie, Nami looks at you with a smirk as she unloads he things next to you. “And I saw you talking to Law. Seemed pretty cozy for offering a cookie. You even got him to laugh.”

“I know, right!” You whisper, feeling giddy. “My heart's working overtime! But I'm worried about him. He’s been here a full twenty-four hours.”

“That's just Law. He’s always been a workaholic.”

“I think I’d lose my mind if I stayed here any longer than the scheduled hours. Hell, I'm barely managing to stay sane while working. They should make him go home and sleep.”

“(Y/N)! You’ve got a patient coming!” The charge nurse's voice calls out to you, making you look over your shoulder. 

“Alright! Sounds good!” Getting up, you move toward her and grab the papers, ready to meet the new patient.

Upon entering the room, you see a woman holding her hand, looking in pain. “Hello, (....) right? It says here that you’ve come in for a sprained wrist?” Going to the monitor, you hook her up to the blood pressure cuff and oxygen monitor.

“Yes. I was at work, and a heavy object fell on top of it.”

“Okay, any other pain? What would you rate said pain?”

“I’d say a six. I would rather really talk to a doctor if you don’t mind?” Her words slightly catch you off guard. You’ve only spoken a total of three sentences to her, and she already wants a doctor?

“Oh well, I guess I’ll have the doctor come in soon-.”

“Preferably, Dr. Law? He's been my doctor all the time, and I only feel comfortable with him.”

“I can see what I can do, but I won't make any promises. I’ll be right back.” Leaving the room, you're left feeling confused. It wasn’t uncommon for patients to want to switch nurses and doctors in certain scenarios. But she barely let you get a word in or access her.

‘Alright, whatever, it’s still early.’ Taking a deep breath, you look up at the board. “Okay, whose doctor…” Looking along the chart, you find your patent. Thankfully, Law was already assigned to be her doctor. 

“That makes things easier.” Turning, you try to spot Law, hoping he was out of his office. To your relief, he was. 

“Oh! Dr. Law! My patient would rather talk to you than me, so when you're able, can you go see her?”

Law walks up to you to look at the paperwork in your hands. “Tell me what you know so far.”

“Her name is (....) (.......) and she’s here for a sprained wrist injury from work-are you okay?” As you explain, you see Law’s face darken with exhaustion, even more than usual. “Do you know the patient?”

“It’s fine, I’ll get it done.” Grabbing the paperwork from your hand, he makes his way to the patient's room. His fingers skimmed against yours, and it felt as if your heart was going to jump out of your chest. Quickly composing yourself, you walk back to your station next to Nami.

“So what’s-” Nami shushes you as soon as you get close. 

“Be quiet and listen.” Raising a brow, you go quiet and listen closely to what Nami is talking about. It came from your patient's room. There seemed to be a bit of arguing coming from inside it. You lean closer as a bit of worry fills you. He was in there all alone. What if he needed security?

“You're always at work! Never answering my calls or texts! How else was I supposed to talk to you?!”

“I’m working, that's why you can’t get a hold of me! I wouldn’t have to work so much if you got a job!” While the woman's voice was louder, Law’s was quieter, as if trying to keep the conversation private. 

“You know how bad the job market is!”

“It's bad when you don’t put in any applications!”

“I’m your girlfriend! You should want to take care of me!”

The woman's words have your heart dropping to your stomach as devastation fills you. Law had a girlfriend? Since when? How long? All sorts of questions fill your head as your face falls, and you stop trying to hear their conversation. Putting your head in your hands, you stare at the desk, trying to ignore Nami’s pitying stare. 

“Dang (Y/N), I’m sorry that super sucks. I didn’t know he had a girlfriend either.” Taking a deep breath, you try to hold back the tears that threatened to slip. You knew you shouldn’t cry, that it was just some crush and not like you were in love with him, right? So why did it hurt so bad? 

“It’s okay, really, I’m fine. After all, it's not like I was in love with him. That's silly.” Letting out a forced chuckle, you wipe your eyes. The heavy feeling in your chest still strong. Sniffling, you take a deep breath and try to sit up as best you can. 

When Law finally comes out, he runs a hand through his hair and sighs. He couldn’t believe she would fake an injury to see him at work just so she could yell and potentially blurt out his private life to his co-workers. He’s a very private person, so having his relationship problems out and known sounds like hell. 

“Don’t worry about discharge papers, she’s already gone.” When Law looked at you and Nami to give you the update, he noticed something was wrong. 

He saw your eyes were red and puffy, as if you’d been crying. The way you let out a singular sniffle and how your hands trembled while trying to type. He heard a shaky breath leave your lips. A sense of worry blurs in his veins. It’s weird seeing you as anything other than the overwhelming ball of happiness that he saw you as. 

“(Y/N), are you okay? You don’t look too good.”

“Oh, I’m perfectly fine! Just had a piece of food go down the wrong tube is all!” Brushing off his concern, he saw that you checked out (....) from the system as being seen and discharged. Yet despite your explanation, he felt like there was more to the story. But he wasn’t going to pry; it wasn’t his place to.

“Hmm. Just be careful next time.” Law nods before walking away, making his way towards his office. Dealing with (....) gave him a headache. How was it his fault that he couldn’t respond when he’s the only one who works to pay the bills? And her coming in, accusing him of sleeping with some nurse and refusing to be quiet about it, and trying to air out his problems? It was infuriating and frustrating enough for him to seek out his ibuprofen. 

~~~

The day felt much slower after learning about Law being in a relationship. Each second felt like a year as you tried your best to keep going on as if nothing had happened. To put on a smiling face for patients and co-workers. Especially Law. He’s the person you're trying to hide your emotions from the most.

All the past interactions replay in your head. Each small act you thought meant something was crushed under the weight of knowing you looked too much into it. SO desperate to have him like you back, while he already had a girlfriend. The thought made you feel like a home wrecker. Sure, you didn’t ask him on a date or kiss him or anything, but it still felt wrong even if you hadn’t known.

Before learning he was taken, you would imagine little scenarios with the two of you. Asking him out on dates, a first kiss, and many others. Now it all felt like you were doing something wrong. Going after a taken man. It made your head spin. 

“(Y/N), how are you feeling? We’ve only got two more hours until we can go home and have the rest of the weekend off.” Sitting down next to you, Nami could see the sadness in your eyes. An almost defeated and guilty look. 

“Yeah…It’ll be nice.” Taking a deep breath, the thought of being away from Law sounded great and horrible at the same time. Not being sad, yet remembering the whole moment you learned of his relationship status wasn’t how you wanted to spend your four days off. 

“How about we go out for drinks? Happy hour makes things so much fun and cheaper.” Nami’s smile barely eases your hurting heart.

“I just feel so stupid. How did I not see that he’s taken?” Running a hand over your face, you feel the weight of the day pushing on you. 

“Hey, no one knew. And it’s just us that knows, as far as I know. Plus, we knew he was a private person, so don’t feel so bad.” She rubs your back to soothe you.

“I just can’t understand why it hurts so bad? It was just a crush. It shouldn’t feel like there’s a butcher knife carved in my heart and soul.”

“You're just a sensitive soul, that's all. No biggie. Just take a deep breath and imagine that good, tasty cocktail waiting for you after work.” With Nami’s bright smile looking at you once more, you give her one in return, even if it was simply a twitch of the lips. 

“Thanks, Nami, you always know how to make me feel better.”

“That's my job as your best friend. Making you feel better and to tell you that you're too pretty to be crying when you're such a catch.” Each word that came from Nami’s mouth made your confidence a bit bigger, allowing you to stand up straighter.

“Yeah. Yeah, you're right.” Even though your heart still hurt, you could feel the heat in your cheeks at her compliments. “Let’s get this shift over with and eat away our paychecks.” The two of you high-five, fully ready for the happy hour.

~~~

Opening the door to their shared hours, Law groans. He knew what was coming: a slurry of complaints if he was unlucky and the silent treatment if he was.

“I’m home.” Not even getting both shoes off, he heard the sound of stomping feet coming in his direction.

“Took you long enough! Did you have fun with your little nurses?”

“They're my co-workers (....) Nothing is happening between us.” Pinching the bridge of his nose, Law tries to wind down after the twenty-four-hour workday. “God forbid I work to pay the bills. I’m the only breadwinner here since you don’t work, no matter how much I ask. What the hell do you even do?!”

“I clean and cook! I do all our household stuff!”

“There are dishes in the sink!” He can see the pile of dishes from when he was last home. The cat box wasn’t done, even though it was her turn to do it. Not one thing looked different.

“Admit it! You weren’t doing anything except raising hell at me through my phone for working!”

Law slightly pushes (....) out of the way with his shoulder, making his way to the bedroom. He wanted to get out of those damn scrubs. The need to wash away all the work and grim gathered from the hospital. Even though he walked away, he could still hear (....) yelling.

“Jesus christ.” He runs a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath as he moves and starts the shower. As the water hits his skin, a small bit of tension leaves his shoulders. Warm water flows down his skin while he thoroughly scrubs his hair and head. Bubbles going down the drain as Law imagined himself anywhere but ‘home’.

“Dr. Law, this is the new nurse (Y/N). We were hoping that since you're free, you might be able to show her the ropes?” The process of training a new nurse was usually left to the other nurses. So either the nurses were short-staffed or didn’t have the time. He guessed that it wouldn't hurt.

“Fine, but only this once.” Law motions you to follow him, ready to show you around the ER. There was a moment of awkward silence before he heard you speak up.

“So long have you been working at the hospital?” Not being one for small talk, he tried to answer quickly.

“A few years. Got in after school.”

“Oh, cool! I just finished school, so I’m a little nervous, you know?” A nervous chuckle left your lips as you twirl your badge in anxiety.

“It’s a common feeling among people who get new jobs.” Both of you walk along the staff corridor, Law pointing out where things are and the codes to each room.

“They said that you're also a surgeon, those people who have me shadowing you until a nurse becomes available. Do you work full-time hours for both ER doctor and surgeon?” Your genuine curiosity about his work made his brows shift a little.

“A flip-flop.”

“It must be rewarding. Helping people in both ways. Giving new chances at life and helping those in fear. Am I sure you have a few stories too, right?” Law watches with renewed interest. While it’s true there are nurses who come to actually help people, it now seems so few and far between. With prices going up, everyone's trying to find a job with better pay or to gain that feeling of power one gets when having someone's life in their hands. 

“A few. What made you want to become a nurse?”

“My mother was one. She'd always come home and tell me stories or what she'd done that day. Teach me things that were easy for little me to comprehend. Seeing how much she loved her job inspired me to be one. I want to help people as she did.” Law felt a little stir in his chest before pushing it down quickly.

“Well, I’m sure she’d be proud.”

“You think so?... Thank you. That means a lot.” The sight of your smile made his heart flutter again, then quiet. “But what about you? What made you want to become a doctor, if I can ask?”

Law stiffened a bit before composing himself. “It’s a long story i rather not talk about it.”

“It's okay. I won't pry. Should we continue the tour?”

“Yeah. Sounds good.” Smiling, just a bit, Law nodded. “I'll show you where the med room is.”

His shower went much quicker than he would’ve liked. He wanted to stay there longer, but the warm water slowly turned cold. Law quickly rinsed himself off before stepping out of the shower. The chill air surrounded him as he dried himself off before putting the towel in the hamper. As soon as he put his pajamas on, he left the bathroom, wanting to just lie in bed and slip into deep slumber.

A warmth spread across his body, making Law’s eyes snap open. Confusion fills him as (....) never cuddled him or even shared a blanket, so what was going on? Moving a bit to check, his eyes go wide upon seeing familiar (h/c) locks. 

“(Y/N)?” Whispering, Law tucks a strand of hair behind your ear. When he sees it’s actually really you, with the feeling of your skin on his, it felt as if his body was on fire. His heart was beating so hard that he thought it was going to burst from his chest.

With a slight shake in his hands, he wrapped his arms around you, keeping you close. Taking a deep breath, your perfume hits his nose, making him relax more into the bed. How long has it been since he’s felt so at peace?

He runs his fingers through your hair slowly, making sure to lightly scratch your scalp as he does. The sound of your content hums rumbling against his chest made his eyelids heavy. A sense of calm washes over him. Taking a deep breath, he closes his eyes with a small smile.

~~~

Sitting up in a bolt, Law looks around his room, hands searching for a body that was never there. Instead of the warmth, there was the chill of the AC. No longer were there two people in the bed; instead, there was only him. No sign of (....) and no sign of you. The realization that it was all a dream settles over him as he lies back down. His eyes trained to the ceiling, the blank white color doing nothing to calm his racing thoughts. 

“Damnit.” Letting out a sigh, Law looked at his alarm clock and groaned. Of course, he slept through his alarm. It’s only thirty minutes, but the point still stands. He grumbles before getting out of bed. Another day, another grueling shift. 

Jumping out of bed, Law stretches before getting ready for the workday. Not bothering to say goodbye or say anything to (....).

~~~

“Trauma coming in room nine!” The sound of an EMT coming over the scanner pulls everyone's attention. All the current tasks now absolute as every nurse and tech gets ready for the incoming trauma.

“Okay, so what's the trauma?” Coming up to the charge, you ask while grabbing everything you think you might need.

“Car crash, victim was T-boned, and his car flipped twice after the other car ran a red light. Unconscious upon EMT arrival.” As the nurse gave you some details, you couldn’t help but feel uneasy. It was so early in the day, and there was already a trauma. Something didn’t feel right.

The sound of the ambulance echoes in the garage as they brought in a bloody man on a stretcher. They read his stats while putting him on the trauma bed. Glass embedded into his skin from the shattered window. The air bag had been deployed, and they had to use the jaws to even get him out because he had been hit from the driver's side. When they found him, his car was upside down, and he was hanging in his seat belt.

“We don't know if he has any spinal injuries, but we still put a neck collar on him.” The EMT said as they went to the charge nurse and doctor. Leaving you and the other nurses to clean up the man. There was so much blood that you originally couldn’t see the man's facial features. When you carefully wipe off the blood from his face, you swear your breakfast almost came back up. 

“Law?!” Fear courses through your veins as you gently but effectively clean up the rest of the blood on his exposed skin. The familiar dark hair and finger tattoos confirm your worst fear.

“We’ve got to cut off his shirt and pants. There are shards embedded in his flesh everywhere.” A different nurse hands you scissors, motioning you to cut the cloth from his body. You swore you could almost feel your whole body explode. 

Take off Law’s clothing? Cut off the blood-soaked cloth and see the skin that you’ve only fantasized about in the comfort of your own room? With a dry mouth and shaky hands, you cut it off. The threads being cut echo in your ears, and have your heart pounding at your ribcage. Who knew under all that doctor clothing lay such complex tattoos?

‘wow…No! Stop! He’s seriously hurt and taken! I can’t be gawking at him like this!’ Mentally yelling at yourself, you pull your thoughts together and get to work. Everyone around you focused as hard as they could so they could save their friend and co-worker at the table. 

Each second that passes, your heart rate rises. Each shard of glass taken out of Law’s skin made a pinch of your own pain surge through your body. If you felt this way, how would his girlfriend feel?

“Do you want me to call his emergency contact?”

“Good idea. Go quickly.”

Not wasting another moment, you move towards a phone and a computer. Signing in, you go to Law’s chart to see what his girlfriend's number is. You didn't want to peer too much into his medical history until it was really necessary. It felt like an invasion of privacy, since Law was mostly quiet and introverted. So you quickly find her number and call her.

RING RING RING

RING RING RING

After the second tone, someone finally picked up. “Mmm, who the hell is calling me at 8 am in the morning?” Her angry voice caught you slightly off guard, but you recovered.

“Hello, is this (....)?”

“Yes?  What is it?”

“Well, I'm calling to let you know that Mr. Trafalgar Law has been in a terrible car crash and is currently in the emergency room's trauma bay.” You manage to spit it out. It was your first time delivering such news, and you worried you hadn't done it right by the silence on the other end of the phone.

“Ma’am, are you still there?”

“I’ll be there in an hour.” Hanging up the phone, you hear the dial tone. Relief filled you as now Law had someone to be by his side constantly. To be a support system that you wouldn’t be able to fully give as just his friend and nurse. 

Setting the phone down and closing his chart, you move over to his bedside, watching him get stitched up enough to get X-rays and MRI’s to see any internal damage. Holding onto the rails of his bed, you look at Law.

“If I didn’t know, I’d think you’d be his girlfriend with the way you're looking at him.” The charge nurse's voice pulls you from your thoughts. She smirked before chuckling and shaking her head.

“I-...I don’t know what you're talking about! I’m simply a worried friend!” Stepping back, you put your hands up in mock surrender, your face heating up. “How could I not be worried!”

“Oh, please, the entire department knows about your little crush. It’s hard not to notice when you practically light up anytime he comes into a room.”

“Really? Was Nami right, and was it really that obvious?”

“To everyone but you and Law. Law is a smart man, but a little dense when it comes to noting social things.” Her words don’t do much to calm you down, as you just felt embarrassed. Covering your face, you sit down on a chair next to him.

“Oh my god…I feel so bad. I’ve been crushing on a taken man.”

“Ah, don’t feel too bad, sweetie. You didn’t know. Plus, you’d be so much better for him. I’ve seen her come in before and yell at him, or him getting screamed at through the phone. I’ve known about it for a while. Kept telling him he should dump her, but yet.”

“You can’t say that! I don’t wanna get between them! I’m not a homewrecker!”

“I know.” Chuckling, she finishes her help in stitching Law up. “I’m simply saying. You just have much more in common. More compassion and love to give.” Staying silent, you watch her get ready to transport him to radiology. Bandaging him up, she looks to you. “Wanna bring him to x-ray?”

“Sure." Taking hold of the bed, you carefully move him. You try hard not to look down at the battered man. Gripping the handles, you push him through the double doors.

‘Please be okay, Law. You’ve got to be okay.’ Each step towards the radiology department felt heavy as you feared what they’d find when they finished the scans.

~~~

“Okay, so we got the scan back.” The charge nurse's voice pulls you towards her desk. Looking over her shoulder, you feel your palms sweat as you worry about what you may find. Crossing your fingers, you listen as she reads off her findings. “Looks like two broken ribs and pelvis. A broken wrist from the air bag, no obvious TBI or spinal injuries. Nothing critical. Lacerations weren’t on any arteries and were mostly surface wounds except for the one on the arm.”

A sigh of relief leaves your lips when you hear no TBI or spinal injuries. Yes, there were still broken bones, but nothing life-threatening. When you turn around to look at the trauma room where Law lies sleeping, tubes all hooked up to him. IV’s oxygen tube, a heart and oxygen monitor too. Seeing him connected to so many things had you clenching your fists before turning away to go back to your own work.

When you look at the clock, you see that an hour has already passed by; the stress must have had time fly by. Picking up your desk phone, you ring up the front. His girlfriend said that he’d be here in an hour, and now that an hour has passed, she must be out in the lobby, right? And since Law is back from radiology, she could come back now.

“Hey, I’m calling to see if the girlfriend of room nine has arrived? She can come back now.” There was a silence on the other end before the receptionist spoke. 

“Nope, we haven’t had any visitors.” A frown appears on your face before you pull it back. Surely she’s just a little late. Traffic at this time can always be rough.

“Okay, thank you. Well, give me a call when she does.” Ending the call, you look up at your dark computer screen, staring at your reflection. There were already circles under your eyes, and your hair slightly askew from the stress. It’d only been the start of the day, and you already looked like you’d been there twelve hours. Taking a deep breath, you stand up to check on your patients and Law. Just one more time to make sure nothing changed. 

~~~

An hour turns to two, three, then four, and still no sign of Law’s girlfriend. Not a call or anything. It had gotten to your break time, and she was still missing in action. So, not wanting Law to wake up alone, you decided to sit with him on your break.

You sit next to his bed on a chair, eating your lunch while staring at him in his bed. The sound of his heartbeat going through the monitor echoes in the room. Despite your food being hot, you still felt cold from the chill of the room. The heavy atmosphere of the room almost suffocating. 

“Law…” Your hand reaches out, but quickly goes back to your side. Each second, your mind wanders. Should you be here? Is it weird? Would he want you here? All these questions swim in your head as you look at him in the trauma bed. “I’m sorry your girlfriend isn’t here yet. And I know this is probably weird of me to be sitting here and watching you, considering I'm just a co-worker, but…”

“I couldn’t let you wake up alone and confused. Possibly any second.”

Darkness soon turned to light as a groan of pain leaves Law’s lips. His eyes flutter open, squinting from the brightness. Going to move, he lets out a gasp of agony, his once squinted eyes now fully open.  They move around spratically, confused and in pain.

“Law? Law! You're awake! Oh, thank god…” A familiar voice echoes in his ears as he just barely turns his head to see your worried face. Sitting in a chair next to his bed. Hospital bed?

“What…what happened?” His voice was gravelly while his throat seemed dry. He watched as you contemplated something before scooting a little closer, something that had his heart jump momentarily. 

“You were in a car accident on the way to work. Someone ran a red light and T-boned you.” Hearing your words, he goes to sit up only to feel a searing pain in his body. He stood in place as he tried to take a deep breath for the pain.

“You sustained a broken wrist, pelvis, and two ribs. Lacerations across your body, but the only deep one was on your left arm.  You're hooked up to some oxygen and fluids. Brain scans were normal, and no organ damage.” Each word that came from your mouth made his mind spin even faster. Now that he couldn't work, what would happen to the bills? Groceries? Cat food?

“We called your girlfriend and informed her, so she should be here any minute. I’m just… I'm just here to make sure your lines and vitals are good. Which they are considering your talking, haha.” Even as you tried to ease the tension, it did nothing. The silence that followed weighed heavily on Law’s chest.

“We were worried about you, ya know? Got us good, but I’m happy you're okay.” Your voice held a gentle tone that made a sense of calm wash over him. The way you looked at him with eyes that (....) hadn’t shown in forever. Kindness and worry in your expression, both making his heart rate skyrocket in a way he couldn’t describe. When he saw you look up at his monitor, he slightly panicked.

“I’m fine. Just processing everything.”

“Are you sure? Your heart rate's pretty high and-”

“I’m great.”

~~~

It was officially six hours before Law’s girlfriend finally showed up. New hair, new nails, the whole works. You almost didn’t recognize her after seeing her yesterday. She must’ve gotten them all done today in the six-hour time span. Hell. Law had already gotten a room in the ICU by the time she showed up, at least from what you saw when getting ready to leave for the day. Not wanting to dwell or pry, you simply walk to your car. Even though every bone in his body told you to check on Law again, you ignore the instant and get in your car, driving off.

Once you got home, you take a shower before starting a bath. Hoping to wash away the stress and feelings that can’t seem to leave. But even relaxing in the bath did nothing to change how you felt. It only seemed to make it worse. It wasn’t professional or appropriate. You shouldn’t have been in the room. That was his girlfriend's job. But if you weren’t there, he would’ve woken up alone.

Even though you told yourself it was still only a crush, the worry and urge to be by Law’s bedside haunted your every move. Wanting to be the one to soothe his pain and worry. To hold his hand and never let go. Be able to trace the tattoos that were inked his skin. Have the right to endlessly stare into his hypnotic eyes.

Tears of frustration slip down your cheeks as strands of wet hair stick to your clean skin. You felt horrible, crushing on a taken man. Hell they even lived together! Who knows how long for, which only makes your guilt worse. 

You grab your phone from the nearby sink and open it. Tapping the contacts icon, you pull up Nami’s number and press call. Setting the device on the edge of the tub, you wait and hope she answers.

RING RING RING

“Hey (Y/N), what’s up?” When Nami’s voice came over the phone, you felt the tension slightly lift.

“Nami, am I a bad person?”

“What?! No! You're one of the best people I know! Who said that about you?! I’ll beat their ass!”

A small chuckle leaves your lips. “Well, you're gonna have to hit me then. I’ve just been feeling like shit ever since learning about Law’s girlfriend.”

“Oh, girl, are you still hung up on that? You didn’t know until yesterday. There's no reason to feel bad, people have work crushes. It happens. I mean, it’s not like you slept with him or something.”

“I guess. I did eat my lunch in his room on break cause i was worried about him waking up alone. Instead of him waking up to his girlfriend about his side, it was me. I told him everything as well. I didn’t want to go home cause i wanted to check up on him!” Sucking a breath through your teeth, you sink deeper into the bath. “Nami…I think I’m in love with Law.”

There was a silence on the other end of the phone, making your stomach drop. “Are you sure? Maybe it's just the feels still getting to you. After all, he’s our co-worker and friend. Why wouldn’t we worry about him?”

“I want to be next to him, like all the time.”

“It’s just tensions. Everyone's feelings are high with the accident, and it shocked everyone. I promise it’s just a worry.”

“Alright, I believe you.”

“Just enjoy your next few days off, drink some tea, listen to meditations, sleep, read, all the calming things. You’ll be okay, you're a strong woman.”

“Thanks, Nami. That does make me feel better.”

“Of course, what kind of best friend would I be if I just let you suffer? Get some sleep, girl, you earned it.”

“See you later, Nami.” Saying her own goodbyes, Nami hangs up, leaving you in silence and now lukewarm water.

~~~

The night had come fast, leaving Law in the darkness of his hospital room. The beeping of his monitors, once drowned out noise, frayed on his nerves.  He knew it was important, but it’s a constant reminder of what happened other than the pain. Everything hurt, and barely moving felt like an ice pick carving into the bone. It was like his right hand/arm that could move comfortably enough to grab some water, his phone, or the call light. 

Tired, Law looked up at the ceiling, counting each speck. It was much better than noticing the silence of the room and his unending thoughts. Because if it wasn’t the pain and lawsuit, he was thinking about you.

How it was you he woke up to. It was your face he saw, not (....) when he came to. (....) didn’t even show up for another six hours after he was transferred to the ICU, and when she was originally told. Coming in with new nails, new hair, professional makeup, and everything with the money he worked hard for to pay the bills. Money that they’d need more than ever now, with him out of commission until he heals up enough, and hospital bills. Insurance or not, there would still be bills, and having seen (....) walk in with hundreds of dollars worth of cosmetic junk she didn’t need. He remembers how angry he felt only hours ago, as he still barely calmed down.

The sound of the hospital room's door opening made Law’s eyes open. His eyelids were heavy from the stress of the day and situation. When he saw (....) walking in, he felt his blood pressure rise. 

“What the fuck. What the hell are you wearing?” Law barely held back his anger through gritted teeth. His body trembled only for a second as it remembered the pain.

“DO you like it? I figured I let myself go, and since you haven’t taken me anywhere recently, I decided I’d make both of us happy.” Each word coming from her mouth makes his face hot.

“Are you fucking serious? I got in a car accident, and you don’t show up for six hours cause your using my money to get your damn makeup done?”

“You didn’t die, the nurses said nothing lethal. What’s the big deal? Shouldn’t you be happy I look nice?”

Feelings, his fingers and eyes twitch, he grips the blanket on his form. “Get out. Right now.”

Shocked, (....) looks at Law with wide eyes. “What?” 

“I said, get out! Get the fuck out and never come back!”

“You can’t talk to me like that! I’m your girlfriend!”

“Get out before I call security!” Law moves to grab the call light, which scares (....) enough to leave, not without calling Law a few names, of course.

Now that he was alone, in a dark, sterile room, he contemplated what he thought he felt. What he thought he knew. His whole body felt stiff as the fog seemed to clear. The signs he tried to ignore now glowing. Instead of being excited to go home, all he feels is dread. He no longer felt happy to see (...., the voice that once calmed his nerves now only seemed to get on them.

The thought of going back to their shared apartment, of being stuck in a small space with her, was enough to pull his hair out. But what else was he going to do? He wouldn’t be able to live by himself until he was fully better. Until he’d be able to stand on his own without being in unbearable pain.

TING!

A notification sound comes from Law’s phone, slightly lighting up a room. With a pained grunt, he grabs his phone and brings it to his face. When he sees a text from you, he hears his heart monitor track the faster rate.

You: Hey Law, how are you feeling?

Law: about as good as someone who got hit by a car feels like.

You: Well at least you're okay. Does it feel weird being in a hospital bed?

Law: More uncomfortable than people say, and these blankets are trash.

You: Haha, why don’t you ask your girlfriend to bring you a pillow and blanket from home? Maybe even maybe even some snacks that aren’t hospital food>

As Law goes to text, he stops himself; a question pushes through his mind. Should he tell you about his fight with (....) or would that be unprofessional? He supposed you did text him first.

Law: She’s out of town for a few days, so it’s just me.

You: Dang, that sucks. Is there anything good on T.V at least?

Law: Not really. If there is, then it's all grainy or goes out every five minutes.

You: Can never have anything nice in the hospital, huh?

A small chuckle left Law’s lips upon reading your message. It hurt his ribs, but it felt welcomed compared to the emptiness of the room and annoyance of his situation.

The two of you continue to text throughout the night. The time flies by while neither of you notices. Too engrossed in the other side texts. It wasn’t until Law saw a sliver of the morning sun peaking out from under the curtain. He knew he should be sleepy, but he felt wide awake. Even anxious to just see what your next text would be. His thumb hurt from holding his phone and texting since his other wrist was broken, and moving his fingers felt like a nail being jabbed into them.

“Hello? Law? I have your medicine ready and a new bag of fluids and such for you.” A nurse opened the door, giving it a few knocks before fully coming in. It wasn’t anyone he recognized, but she seemed nice enough, he supposed.

“Did you sleep well last night?” Law glances at his phone, where the messaging app is still open.

“Yeah, I slept fine.”

~~~

Holding a bag, you enter the hospital. A comfortable, thick blanket from your own house, along with a few snacks and drinks. You’ve known how cold the ICU can be and how bland the snacks are. 

‘This isn’t weird. This isn’t weird. This isn’t weird.’ That's what you have to tell yourself to make sure that giving a taken man a blanket and some actual snacks is not odd. And text him all night. You were a concerned, well-meaning friend, that's all.

Grabbing a visitor sticker, you put it on your chest before entering the elevator and going up to the ICU. Each ding of the passing floor made you more nervous. Once you were on the right floor, the elevator doors opened. Stepping out, you make your way to Law’s room. Every step makes your heart pound harder. What would he say when he saw you? Would he be creeped out? Would he tell you to leave?

Before you were able to change your mind, you find yourself knocking on the closed door. Law’s voice comes from inside, signaling you to enter. With a deep breath, you push open his door, the bag almost too heavy to carry.

“Um, hey, Law. Good morning.” Smiling, you come fully into view. “I just came to drop off some things I thought would make you more comfortable.” Pulling out the blanket, you show the comfy soft texture to him. 

“I remember you saying you were cold in our texts, so I brought you a blanket from my place. I washed it and everything don’t worry. I also brought you some munchies.” A heat rushes to your face as your smile turns nervous.

“Really?” Law looked shocked at the gestures before he rubbed the back of his neck. His own cheeks a slight pink. “Thanks. Didn’t think you’d do anything like this.” Handing him the blanket, you help put it over his form. It was even warm from being in the sun while driving to the hospital.

“Well, I have the day off, so I thought I might as well come visit you. Hope I’m welcomed.”

“Yeah, of course.” Your heart does a flip as your face only gets hotter. He didn’t mind; if anything, he welcomed you.

“That's good to know. Oh! Uh-” Looking down at the bag, you hand the bag full of snacks to him. “-Just took a guess on what you like based on what you eat at work.”

Sorting through the snacks, he seems to smile more, something that makes you feel like you're on cloud nine.

“Thanks really (Y/N). This does mean a lot.”

“Of course! That’s what…friends are for, right?”

“Yeah. Friends.” There was a small silence between the two of you, neither knowing what to say to the other.

“What’s the plan for the rest of your day?”

“Nothing much really. I’ve got the next three days off, actually.”

“Do you maybe want to stay for a bit? You don’t have to if you don’t want to, obviously-”

“It sounds great.” Taking a seat on the chair next to him, you already plan on things to talk about. 

~~~

One morning turned to two, then three, and before you knew it, it’d been two weeks. During that time, Law had been moved to med surge since they deemed him stable enough not to be in the ICU anymore. Despite that, you still visited every day. At least when you were off work or after work. Every time you were there, time seemed to fly.

You didn’t think of anything other than him. Not about his supposed girlfriend, how things would go after this, all there was was the moment.

Which is where you were now, on your way to see him. Even bringing snacks to him after learning his favorite food. As you approach the door, you hear talking in his room, Law’s voice and a familiar voice you recognize as (....). Stopping outside the door, you eavesdrop.

“So what's the plan Law? It’s been three weeks and a whole month. We’ve got rent to pay and groceries to get. I need your card to pay for it.”

“The last thing I’m giving you is my card. Listen (....), I’ll pay it online, just relax. And I’ll send money to you to buy groceries.”

“What? Do you not trust me? You haven’t seen me in more than a month, and this is how you treat me?!”

“I haven’t seen you because I told you to get out after you used my money, without my permission, might I add, to get a makeover. Just cause i’m a doctor doesn’t mean I make enough for you to do something worth hundreds of dollars. You haven’t even apologized or tried to reach out, regardless. I had to call you to make sure Bepo was okay, and the non-auto pay bills had not come yet. Or if you’d been looking for a job!”

Standing outside the room, you felt unease hearing th ecouple fight. You  knew you’d be nothing but a burden or a point of conflict. Hearing his girlfriends voice makes all your reservations come back, if not worse.

Taking a step back, you move to leave. Plannign to give the snack to him later or probably just eating them to yourself. Whatever the fate of the snacks were, it wasn’t going to be there. Not to mention the thought of getting between the couple made a shiver go up your spine. So without a second thought, you begin to try to walk away. Hoping more then anything to not be anoticed by either Law or (....).

“Ah! Your 223’s girlfriend correct?” THe sound of a nurses words stop you in your tracks. It felt as if the world had gone upside down. Even inside Law’s room had gone quiet. 

Quickly turning around, you raise your hands in mock surrender. “Oh no no no! I’m just his friend! I just came to drop off some snacks, but he’s busy, so I’ll just come back later!” Laughing nervously, you continue to try to retreat. It’s only when you see (....) peaking her head out of the room that you feel your stomach twist.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I just assumed since you’d been here every day, apologies.”

“No, it’s truly fine.” The nurse nodded before walking away, leaving you and a now suspicious (....) in the hallway.

“So, you’ve been visiting my boyfriend every day? To the point they thought you were dating him? Interesting.”

“I’m just his friend, really! I don’t know why they’d think that,t haha! I promise there's nothing going on between Law and me.” (....) looks at you with squinted eyes before a flicker of recognition passes through her eyes.

“I recognize you. You're a nurse down in the ER, aren’t you?” A smirk slips on her face as she crosses her arms. “It’s not very professional to hang out near patients, or have a ‘relationship’ with co-workers, right?” You don’t say anything except take a second to think.

“(....)! What did the nurse say?” Law’s voice comes from his room, breaking the tension for a split second.

“Think about what I said (Y/N). And choose wisely.” Turning her back, she goes back into Law’s room, leaving you standing in the hallway.

~~~

“Damn, she really said that? Wow.” You sit next to Nami as you tell her what happened the day prior. “I guess I just don’t really know what to say.”

“Neither do I. But I should’ve just stayed in my lane. It was wrong and dumb of me.”

“You were simply concerned-”

“It wasn’t just concern, was it though. I actively have a crush on him, if not something more. I meant more to me than just making sure he was feeling okay. I looked forward to seeing him every day, I craved his texts, and stayed up late just to text him till the sun came up. Dreamed of him at night and daydreamed of him in the day.” Sighing, the events of yesterday weigh heavily on you as well as the past month.

“Why don’t you just tell Law what she said? It’s better than just stopping up or stopping texting him.”

“I want to, too, but I worry about (....) finding it and reading it. Just all worst-case scenarios. But she’s right, even if I don’t want to admit it. Besides, they live together! Even have a cat named Bepo! A cat, Nami!”

“That can change.”

“I already felt like a homewrecker, Nami, when I found out he had a girlfriend; now I feel even more like one. And now my job is on the line just cause i couldn’t keep my emotions in check. God, I’m such an idiot.” You feel tears begin to sting in your eyes as you run your fingers through your hair, gripping it as you look at the desk. “I worked so hard to get this job, Nami. I can’t afford to lose my job. Not with student loans, bills, and everything.”

“DO you really think she’d actually do it?”

“Why wouldn’t she? If you were her, would you do the same?”

“I’d probably just talk to my lover, but that’s just me.” Grabbing your hand, Nami runs a thumb over yoru knuckles. “Listen to me (Y/N). DO what you need. Look out for yourself. Fate will push you through the doors it wants you to open. But for now, focus on yourself, not some man.”

“Thanks, Nami. It helps hearing you say that.” With a small smile, your phone dings with a notification. Looking at the screen, you see Law’s name on the lockscreen. “It’s Law…”

“What’d he say?”

“He’s asking if I can do him a favor.” Reading the texts, you open it up, your hand slightly shaking. “He’s asking if I can check his schedule for him so he knows how much work he’s missing and where he needs to use his sick days/PTO.”

“Oh, well, that’s pretty easy. I’m sure such a small thing won’t matter. It’s work related after all. Don’t worry, just print it off and hand it to him. Simple and easy.”

“Simple and easy.”

Squaring yoru shoulders, you login into the schdueling site on the computer. It was easy enough to print, but bringing it to him was another story, especially if (....) was in there again.

Gathering what small bits of courage you can muster, you grab the paper from the printer. “I’ll be right back. Can you watch my patients for me?” Nami nodded with a smile, allowing you to leave.

Each step closer to the room felt like an andded brick on yoru shoulders. Yet you stay strong, it’s just a piece of paper to help a co-worker. Nothign more.

KNOCK KNOCK

“Hey, I’ve got your schedule.” Stepping into the room, you see Law by himself, staring at the ceiling. His stitches gone now, only replaced by scabs that were almost healed. There was a cast still on his wrist, along with bruises littering his skin. “Looking better.” Handing him the paper, you plan to leave before he stops you.

“(....) said something to you. I can see it.” The surprise on your face was evident even if you tried to hide it. He could tell by the way your eyes don’t meet his. The smile on your face more wobbly than normal. How, instead of sitting down and talking, you wanted to leave as fast as possible. Even if you were at work. 

“I don’t know what you're talking about. I’m just working and don’t wanna get in trouble, you know?”

“What did she say (Y/N)?”

“She threatened my job, Law. Hell,l I’m nervous just being here.” Law could hear the resignation in your voice. The worry thickened and evident in the small tremble.

“I see.” There was a tense silence in the room that threatened to swallow the two of you whole.

“I have to go to Law. I’ll see you when you come back.” You didn’t waste another word as you walked out of Law’s room. There wasn’t much left to say. 

The room went quiet when you left, not even the sound of his heart monitor broke through his thoughts. Even the warmth of the room was gone, almost as if you had taken it with you. 

The Sunny’s kitchen was filled with the mouth-watering scent of vegetables sautéed with fragrant herbs. A rare fish caught by Brook earlier that day simmered in a pan next to them on the stove. Sanji was completely engrossed in his work, carefully monitoring every component and regularly taste-testing everything. Watching him cook was always fascinating, but you weren’t in the mood that day. You closed the door rather loudly behind you to catch your boyfriend’s attention.

“Hello, my love!” His serious demeanor changed as soon as he saw you. “Are you hungry? Sorry, I should’ve started cooking earlier. Didn’t realize how long this fish took to prepare. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes, can you please tell the rest of the crew?”

Food was the last thing on your mind. You were needy. It had been almost four days since the last time you and Sanji had sex, and not by choice. Some infamous pirate had pissed Luffy off, and your entire crew inevitably ended up in a heated battle with his minions. The two of you were too exhausted by the end for even a quick fuck. As soon as Chopper finished patching up your injuries, you crawled into bed and passed out. 

“Sanji, I’m horny,” you whined.

His face turned almost as red as the blood that trickled from his nose. “...Five. Five minutes.”

He would’ve dropped everything and immediately sprinted to your bed if he had been doing anything else.

Nothing was stopping you from masturbating, of course – nothing except your boyfriend acting like a kicked puppy if he didn’t get to watch. He loved sitting just out of your reach, jerking himself off and watching you touch yourself. Sometimes he gave you instructions. Sanji wanted every ounce of your pleasure to be inseparable from him.

So he suffered through dinner, impatiently tapping his foot and barely participating in the conversation, glancing at you every five seconds. The moment everyone finished eating, he flew out the door with you stumbling behind. Nami and Robin knew to stay far away from the women’s quarters for the next few hours.

Sanji was a menace in the bedroom – in his own gentlemanly way. He would never lay a hand on you that wasn’t filled with love. Nothing in the world could convince him to degrade, restrain, or discipline you, even if you asked for it. He lived to serve and care for others, and he went above and beyond for you. Not satisfied until pleasure burned through you like a cigarette and you were absolutely blissed out, mumbling his name over and over like a prayer.

As soon as you were alone with the door securely locked behind you, the blonde climbed on top of you and kissed you passionately, groaning when you wrapped your arms around him to pull him closer. Loved the feeling of your fingers tangling in his hair, the taste of his food lingering on your tongue. He only pulled away from devouring your mouth to promise that he'd take such good care of you. He always stayed true to his word. 

Strong hands slipped under your shirt to fondle your tits and tweak your nipples, his tongue still shoved down your throat. Sanji gently removed your top, then mouthed along your throat and sternum until his lips wrapped around your nipple. He echoed your moan and murmured, "Make more pretty sounds like that, my angel. Show me how much you need this."

Filthy wet noises filled the room as he intently sucked your hardened bud and rolled the other between his fingers. Hearing you whimper ‘Sanji’ lit a fire inside him and he palmed the growing bulge in his slacks. You ached to feel his heavy cock on your tongue or stretch out your cunt, but your boyfriend had the patience of a saint. You always came first – literally and figuratively.

He slid your pants and undies down your legs and teasingly kissed from your ankle to your inner thigh, leaving behind a few playful bite marks carefully soothed by his lips. Mumbled something cheesy about needing his dessert after a meal, which made you roll your eyes affectionately. The man couldn’t resist his food metaphors.

“Aww, don’t give me that look, darling,” he purred, resting his cheek on your hipbone with a dreamy expression. “Your pussy really is that delicious, so sweet and wet for me.” Pressed a chaste kiss below your navel then dove between your legs without a second thought. 

The blonde licked along your slit with the flat of his tongue, groaning deep in his chest when he realized how wet you already were. He would never rush through eating an opulent dessert, needing to take it slowly and savor every little taste. So he focused entirely on your clit, swirling his wet muscle around it then sucking intently. Electric shocks tingled down your spine and heat rapidly ignited your core. Four days was objectively a short time to go without sex, but you were already embarrassingly close after only a few minutes of his mouth on your cunt. You didn’t even need to warn your boyfriend of your impending orgasm – he easily recognized the signs. Knew your body even better than you did. 

You came with a cry of his name, your back arching off the bed and thighs clamping around his head. Sanji continued to lick your cunt the entire time, humming happily as he slurped every drop of your juices. After a few moments of riding out your ecstasy, you realized he wasn’t stopping. He didn’t even slow down. 

Overwhelmed by the sensations, you tried to protest, though you didn’t actually want him to stop. Your body could only handle so much, especially since your muscles were still sore from fighting the previous day. He paid you no mind, gently assuring you that he only wanted to help you and make you feel good (which was true, but he was also rock hard from tasting your cunt, grinding his hips against the mattress like a horny teenager). Plus, you could use your safe word at any time – he reminded you of that several times a week.  

Sanji suddenly lifted your legs and folded your body in half until your ankles were next to your ears, wet pussy on full display. Your boyfriend was absolutely drunk off of your cunt, but he needed to watch your reaction. Seeing your eyes roll back into your skull for him, your cheeks red and lips parted, was absolutely stunning. His nose insistently rubbed against your clit as his tongue shoved its way inside you, lapping at your wet walls. You gripped the sheets with white knuckles and squirmed at the feeling of his beard rubbing at your sensitive skin. Stars flashed across your vision as you came again, legs trembling mid-air.

The blonde hummed happily and swiped a finger through your slick, making your oversensitive body jolt, then brought it to your lips. “Taste.” A gentle command with no real backing, but a command nonetheless. You happily sucked it into your mouth, obsessed with how his visible eye darkened with lust when your cheeks hollowed around the digit. “That’s a good girl. My perfect girl.”

That finger, now wet with your spit, traveled back between your legs to circle your hole. He had a look of fiery determination as he settled his body over you, leaning on one elbow. “I would never let my princess only cum once.” 

There was no stopping him until he decided you were satisfied. In a quiet voice, you reminded him that you actually came twice, but it made no difference to either of you. 

He expertly scissored your insides apart and massaged your wet walls. You begged him to let you take care of his noticeable bulge, precum beginning to stain the outer layer of his pants – somehow, he was still fully clothed. He shook his head and insisted that he was alright, that you mattered more. You came to him for help, after all. 

Sanji only gave you a few minutes of reprieve after your third orgasm, choosing to make out with you languidly and try (but fail) to stop himself from grinding against your thigh, desperate for any sort of friction. Your boyfriend obviously didn’t have the sexual stamina of a god, especially when it came to who he declared to be the most beautiful woman in all of existence. He just liked edging himself. 

Tears pricked at your eyes when he shoved his head between your thighs again, scissoring you open to keep licking at your sweet hole. 

The first time Sanji made you cry from too many orgasms felt like a knife to his chest. He had immediately pulled his cock out of you and cupped your face cautiously like you were made of glass. Apologizing endlessly, already spiraling into self-hatred and mourning the loss of the best relationship he would ever have. You shook your head and told him they were happy tears. He seemed very confused and no less mortified, so you explained that he was making you feel so fucking good that you lost control of your body. That shut him up immediately.

Sanji paused his movements for a moment to ask, “Happy tears?” You nodded eagerly and he cooed at you, wiping away the droplets and telling you how incredible and beautiful you are, promising that you just needed to hang on a little longer. He would never enjoy seeing you cry, but he trusted that you knew your limits. 

You nearly blacked out when a fourth orgasm washed over you, but were pulled back to consciousness by Sanji’s soft lips against yours. He really did let you relax this time, caressing the top of your head and kissing every inch of your face, focusing on the drying tears staining your cheeks. Asked if you wanted a glass of water, a gentle massage – anything. You refused, so he rested his head on your chest to feel your rapid heartbeat slow down and your lungs relax. 

“Are you satisfied, my dear?” 

“Definitely. But you aren’t.” You frowned, shifting against his clothed cock to feel it twitch helplessly against your leg.

Sanji bit back a moan and forced a gentle smile. “Just let me know when you’re ready for more. I can wait minutes, or hours, or even days – it’s completely up to you.”

You shook your head, smirking as you tugged on the waistband of his pants. “Four days was long enough.” Zipping down his fly at a slow, teasing pace, then lightly rubbing the head of his cock through his boxers. “Stop being so humble and let me suck your dick.”

Hearts filled his eyes. “I would never deny my angel what she wants.”

Thick strawberry jam coated your lips like gloss and tinted them carmine. Swirls of whipped cream decorated your bare skin in a pattern of curves and dots, starting on your collarbones and trailing down to your hips and upper thighs. This design was interwoven with sliced strawberries and intricate designs made of pastel pink buttercream frosting. Two perfectly ripe berries and a generous coating of cold whipped cream topped your peaked nipples.

When your boyfriend told you he was going to try out a new strawberry shortcake recipe, you eagerly joined him. Watching him bake was mesmerizing, and he always let you lick the bowl. You did not expect to end up naked and sprawled across the kitchen table.

“Sanji…” You whined and shifted your body slightly. The first dollops of whipped cream he applied were beginning to melt, leaving uncomfortable sticky patches on your skin. 

The blonde gently shushed you from across the room, occupied with putting the actual cake in the oven and hardly sparing you a glance. “Don’t move around too much, darling, you’ll ruin the design.” You wished he had secured you to the table with his silk necktie – your willpower wasn’t strong enough to stay still on your own. 

Sanji set a timer for twenty minutes then slowly sauntered over to the table, setting down a cream-filled piping bag and a bowl of extra strawberries next to you. The cook appeared ravenous, his visible eye turned dark with lust as it raked over your sugar-covered body. He murmured about how delicious you looked as he leaned down to lick the jam clean off your lips. You moaned quietly when he slipped his tongue into you, noticing that his normal taste of cigarettes had been diluted by the fruity substance. 

“Didn’t know my sweet girl could get even sweeter,” your boyfriend chuckled in satisfaction. He collected some leftover jam clinging to the sides of the bowl and brought his fingers to your mouth. “Taste?”

You gladly accepted, lapping at his digits and moaning in delight. The jam was a perfect balance of sweet and tart, expertly blended to the proper texture. His cooking never failed to amaze you. “Oh, Sanji, that’s incredible.” 

A giant grin spread across his face and his chest swelled with pride. Coating his tongue with more jam, he pulled you into a passionate, strawberry-flavored kiss, letting you savor the saccharine substance.

Sticky lips slowly made their way down your jaw and neck until they reached where the sugary decorations began. Sanji paused and pulled away, sighing in mock disappointment. “This might be my best design yet. I would hate to ruin it.” 

“I can’t stay like this forever,” you pouted cutely, causing him to coo and kiss your pretty lips. “What happened to never wasting food?”

“Don’t worry, I always stay true to my word.” 

So he got to work devouring you, taking his sweet time to lick up the drops of sugar coating your body. You shuddered when the tip of his tongue swirled across your collarbones, carefully following a trail of buttercream. Gentle lips trailed down your sternum as they kissed and nibbled at every inch of skin he lapped clean. Sanji intentionally left your breasts alone so he could admire your cream-covered nipples in perverted pleasure. 

This wasn’t your first instance of food play – Sanji was a big fan of dripping melted chocolate on both of you – but this felt the most complete. He had taken the time to elegantly decorate you, telling you how amazing his ‘dessert’ looked while he worked, and now he was putting in even more effort to consume you. Your pussy was completely untouched yet it was already dripping. You wiggled your hips to try to get some friction from the blonde positioned between your legs. Sanji tutted and nipped at your waist, reminding you to stay still. 

Once your lower torso was licked clean of berries and cream, Sanji made his way to your chest. He was obsessed with your tits – he could play with them for hours if you let him (and you often did). Eating sweets off of them was a dream come true. He plucked off a strawberry with his teeth and hummed happily as he chewed it, then opened his mouth wide to engulf the big heap of whipped cream and your nipple all in one go. A cry spilled from your lips, and you tried your best to stay still but his warm mouth suctioned around your peaked nipple and sucking hard was driving you insane. 

Sanji was in ecstasy, making lewd slurping noises and kneading the base of your breast before giving your other nipple the same tantalizing treatment. You braced yourself, expecting him to move between your legs next. Instead, he grabbed the piping bag to coat your tits with a second layer of cream, gladly swallowing all of it. Repeating the process until the bag was half-empty and you were shaking with delight, whining out his name and making his heavy cock strain against his pants. 

His stubble tickled your breast as he whispered soft praise and smugly complimented his own whipped cream recipe for making your nipples even more addicting to suck. Then his hands moved further down, creeping closer and closer to your pussy until he nudged the tip of your clit –

The timer went off. 

“Oops, gotta get that,” Sanji clicked his tongue and your eyes widened. 

“You’re not really gonna leave me like this, are you?” Your cunt was drenched and one of your tits was still half-covered in whipped cream. He calmly strolled across the room like nothing was happening. “Sanjiiiii, I’m so wet for you.”

“Be patient, my love. I’m enjoying my dessert right now, but I want you to have the perfect slice of shortcake when we’re done. I can’t let it overbake for even a minute.” His voice had a teasing lilt – he knew exactly what he was doing to you. Loved seeing you desperate for him the way he was desperate for you. 

While he carefully took out each layer of vanilla cake from the oven, you decided to take matters into your own hands. “Just a few more seconds,” he snickered, stopping you moments before you could touch your cunt. Damn Observation Haki.

When the cakes were finally resting on cooling racks, the blonde stalked back to you like a predator about to consume its willing prey. Rather than continuing where he left off, Sanji coated your inner thighs with swirls of cream and slurped them up. Pushing your patience to the limit as he slowly inched closer to where you needed him the most.

“You’re so cute when you’re needy for me.” Your boyfriend paused to grab a plump strawberry, pressing the larger end between your lips. His dick twitched at the sight of you so pretty and pliant. “Be a good girl and keep it in your mouth.” Great, another test of your willpower.

Sanji’s soft strands of hair tickled your inner thighs as he spread your folds wide, licking his lips and admiring you without making a move. You wanted to complain about him being a tease, but you settled for rolling your eyes in order to keep the strawberry intact. The blonde smirked at your brattiness yet indulged you, licking a languid stripe from the bottom of your dripping folds to your clit.

“Fuck, you’re soaked.” He thumbed at the bundle of nerves which made your legs twitch around his head. “And so fucking delicious.” Swearing at a lady went against his gentlemanly code, but that self-imposed rule fell away the moment you took your clothes off. You were too fucking gorgeous for him to hold back.

Not wasting any more time, he lapped at your cunt like a starved man, coating his lips and chin in your delicious juices. The lingering taste of cream and sugar on his tongue only added to the experience. Tangling your fingers in his blonde locks and locking your calves around his back, you pulled him impossibly closer to your pussy. Sanji only moaned in encouragement, his nose firmly rubbing against your clit as his wet muscle wormed its way inside your walls and licked everywhere it could reach. He unzipped his slacks to palm his rock-hard cock through his precum-stained boxers.

You were embarrassingly close to cumming after just a few minutes, but nearly a half hour of licking sweets off your body did a lot. Sanji was also a god at eating pussy – though he was sexually inexperienced when you began dating, his enthusiasm and desperation overrode his lack of skill. When his tongue prodded against the sensitive bundle of nerves inside you, your grip on his scalp tightened and you threw your head back against the table, unable to stop yourself from biting down on your makeshift gag. Sweet strawberry juice flowed into your mouth as your own juices gushed over your boyfriend’s face. He gladly let them soak his skin and stain the collar of his shirt.

“Holy shit,” you gasped, chest heaving from the mind-blowing orgasm. “Fuck, that was amazing.” Sanji giggled at the praise as he stood and caressed your cheek, once again telling you how beautiful and perfect you were. But your heart sank when he took a step away from you. “Don’t tell me you have to frost the cake now. That’s too mean.”

Your boyfriend laughed, his bright smile never failing to fill your stomach with butterflies. “I’m just putting it in the fridge. Trust me, I’m not done with you.” The obvious tent in his boxers was proof of that. “We still have a ton of cream and berries left, and I plan on using all of it.”

Law's heart skips a beat the moment he meets you. That’s very unfortunate for him. 

His social skills are adequate at best, since his awkwardness unintentionally comes off as rudeness, but they get infinitely worse around people he’s attracted to.

Plus, you're a Straw Hat, so you're already seeing him out of his element. Luffy's (unintentional) insistence on ruining all of his carefully planned schemes leaves him perpetually frustrated, uncomfortable, and grumpy.

You frown when his voice comes out harsher than he meant it to. Roll your eyes when he gets upset at your crewmates again for doing what they always do. Mumble something snarky under your breath when the man frantically tries to get his plan back on track, somehow still not realizing that everything works out for Luffy. 

Oh, you must hate him. Law knows it. He tries to give you space to avoid making the situation worse, but that only upsets you more.

But Bepo? You’re obsessed. 

Constantly clinging onto him, rubbing your cheeks against his fur, giggling about how soft and round he is until the poor bear's snowy white face is tinted bright red.

His first mate nervously cries out "Captain!!", clearly flustered but secretly enjoying your praise. You pout, wondering why the cutest Mink you'd ever met is sticking around with an asshole like Law.

It’s not just Bepo – you love everything cute. Chopper always ends up in your lap, happily wrapped in your embrace. You feed stray cats, stop to pet every dog you see, and gush over the Tontattas in Dressrosa (especially Princess Mansherry!). Somehow, you cry more than Franky does at heartwarming stories. 

Law doesn’t understand how someone as adorable and kind-hearted as you could become a pirate. He admires your emotional vulnerability and childlike whimsy as much as he’s terrified of it. 

The poor guy can't win. He can barely talk to you like a normal person, much less have a full conversation with you. It leaves him lying awake in bed at night trying to think of something to say that doesn't make him sound like a dick. 

(Maybe he should read that book Chopper gave him – 'healthy ways to process trauma’ or something stupid like that.)

His crewmates know about his predicament, so Shachi suggests expressing his feelings in a way that doesn’t involve words. 

Law fights off embarrassment and walks into a toy store, looking incredibly out of place. He ends up picking out a black-and-white puppy plushie. (it’s Snoopy hehe)

Anxiety nearly overwhelms him while he waits for the perfect moment to give it to you. When it finally feels appropriate to pull you away from your crewmates, he leads you into an empty room on the Sunny. 

Law can barely look you in the eyes as he hands you the stuffed animal and mumbles, “I got this for you.”

Your jaw nearly hits the floor. “Oh, Law…” The long stretch of silence causes him to panic internally, suddenly regretting everything and thinking of ways to explain himself.

Before he can come up with a flimsy excuse, you gladly accept his gift and hug it tightly. “It’s adorable, thank you! It even matches your hat!”

A blush spreads across his cheeks like wildfire. He wasn’t thinking about that, he swears! It’s the same color as Bepo! Yes, he loves black and white, and maybe he subconsciously wanted it to remind you of him, but he didn’t do it on purpose!

At breakfast the next morning, Shachi asks if you like your gift. Deciding not to question why he knows about it, you nod enthusiastically and say it’s so cute that you spent the entire night cuddling it. Law sputters and spills hot coffee on himself.

But now you feel bad. Everything about Law’s behavior made you think he disliked you, but he clearly cares enough to notice your interests. You don't know anything about him.

The next time your combined crews split up, you make it a point to join him and spend alone time together. He’s obviously overjoyed, and he’s already thinking about more gifts to buy you.

Once you get past his awkward exterior, you realize he's actually pretty cute. He has his own nerdy interests, and he genuinely cares about Bepo and the rest of his crew.

He’ll show you his if you show him yours… Obviously that means his limited edition Germa 66 comics box set and your collection of cute trinkets, with the puppy plushie he bought you sitting proudly on your pillow.

When he sees a cute animal or something he knows you’d like, if you’re within Room range, he Shambles you over to him so you won’t miss it.

“Law, what the hell? Why am I three blocks away from where I just was?” With a straight face, he points and says, “Cat.”

Bepo’s also a great wingman. He helps you see his captain’s soft side by telling stories about their adventures together – even embarrassing ones Law wishes he left unsaid. You eagerly listen to everything the Mink has to say and become even more comfortable around Law.

Law realizes you can be soft and strong at the same time. No one doubts Sanji’s strength even though he caves whenever he sees a woman – why shouldn’t that apply to you and your interests?

At one of your crew's famous banquets, you get super drunk and won’t stop clinging to him. Law is completely sober and tries to push you off of him, attempting to prevent you from doing anything you'd regret the next morning. 

But then you tell him you think he's adorable and giggle cutely.

He's stunned into silence for a few moments. "...You think so?" (He'd rather be seen as manly, but he's more than happy with any perception as long as you like him.)

You nod and move to kiss him, and as much as he’s dying to reciprocate, he holds you back. Instead, he half-carries you over to where a group of both of your crews are mingling. You're asleep in Bepo's lap in less than a minute.

Hungover and sleepy the next morning, you timidly apologize for your behavior. Law shakes his head and assures you that it's fine. 

"I still wanna kiss you, though," you murmur quietly. 

So his lips press against yours in a slow and gentle kiss, eventually escalating until your fingers are tangled in his hair and you’re straddling his lap, one tattooed hand gripping your hip and the other holding you tight against him.

Bepo and Shachi’s eyes widen when they see their captain’s flushed state a while later, hair messy and hickies on his neck. In typical Law fashion, he just thanks them with no further explanation.

When you returned to your apartment after work, the lights were on and a familiar black trench coat hung in the entrance, but the coat’s owner was nowhere in sight. You called his name as you slipped off your shoes and received no response. 

A muffled noise coming from your shared bedroom caught your attention.

Curious, you crept through the living room and creaked open the door just enough to slip inside. Law sat at his desk in the dark with his back turned away from you. Completely focused on his dimmed laptop screen with headphones plugged in and unaware of your presence. A smile spread across your face when you noticed what he was watching.

A busty brunette woman in an incredibly cliché nurse outfit batted her fake eyelashes at the camera as she deep-throated her patient’s dick. Your boyfriend’s inked hand rose up and down his own cock, eyes half-lidded and biting his lip to attempt to stifle his throaty groans. When you were literally right behind him, you leaned over his shoulder to read the video title out loud. “‘The Best Prescription In Town Is A Dose Of This Naughty Nurse’s Pussy’?”

Law’s entire body went cold.

“I-It’s not what it looks like!” He panicked, whipping his head towards you and accidentally ripping his headphones cord out of the jack. Exaggerated and unrealistic slurping sounds, accompanied by the male actor’s moans, started playing at full volume. Law forgot how his typically agile fingers worked as he rushed to pause the video. He was ready to diagnose himself with a heart attack.

Your eyes flickered to the bottle of lube and box of tissues beside his laptop. “I think it’s exactly what it looks like.”

“No, I…” Embarrassment flooded his veins and he scrambled for a logical explanation. You were clearly amused instead of upset, but that didn’t deter him. Steeling his nerves, your boyfriend cleared his throat and prayed his voice didn’t shake. “I wanted to see how accurate this was, but it’s a disgusting mockery of nurses. This is completely inappropriate in a real hospital.”

“Well, duh,” you chuckled and rolled your eyes. You leaned closer to study the other tabs open in his incognito mode browser. One search for ‘hot nurse’ and another for ‘nurse fucks patient’. A second video titled ‘Nursing Student Gives Penis Exam’. A spark ignited in you. “Law, is this what you’re into?”

He stayed silent and let his head fall down in shame – which only directed your gaze to his quickly softening dick – as he mumbled a timid apology.

“Oh, baby, you have nothing to apologize for.” You wrapped your arms around his shoulders and nuzzled against his neck. “Please don’t be embarrassed, I genuinely wanna know what turns you on. I won’t judge, I promise.”

“You’re prettier than everyone in these videos,” was his only response. He was such a sweetheart without even trying. 

Even though you’d been together for quite a while, Law still had a hard time discussing his kinks. The man had a neurotic need to protect his innermost thoughts and thick iron walls guarding every part of his mind. It took a lot of time and patience, but you’d managed to break down most of his barriers. You wanted him to trust you and feel comfortable around you; having fun in the bedroom was just a bonus. 

Pressing your lips to his ear, you teasingly whispered, “I can buy a nurse costume, you know.”

“Huh? Are you serious?!” Wide gray eyes met yours, a flurry of emotions overtaking his stressed-out expression.

“Of course! I’ll look for a cute one right now.” You pulled out your phone, pausing before opening your browser to bat your eyelashes and say, “Only if you want me to.”

“I – I…” Law fumbled for words, unable to keep up with the thoughts racing through his brain. After a moment of hesitation, he licked his dry lips and hastily leaned over to look at your screen. “Let me see the options.”

The costume was set to arrive in 3-4 business days, which gave you and Law plenty of time to talk and plan. Both of you discussed what you wanted out of the scenario and what you each felt comfortable doing. You promised Law you’d do actual research by watching nurse pornos in order to imitate them, and he swore to never correct you mid-scene with his accurate medical knowledge. 

His steely eyes lit up when he spoke and made your heart flutter with love. As an accomplished surgeon, he took care of countless patients every day – of course he wanted someone to do the same for him. Nothing was sexier than seeing Law turn to putty in your hands, happily melting into your protection.

The fateful night arrived with a flimsy package at your front door.

Law sat on the couch in the ‘waiting room’ (also known as the living room), anxiously rubbing the letters tattooed on his knuckles and bouncing his legs. His throat was parched, his heart was racing, and his dick was already getting hard.

His jaw dropped when you opened the bedroom door – no, your office. The tight white dress hugged your body perfectly, accentuating all of your best features. Firetruck red stripes lined the sleeves and collar, and a prominent zipper ran all the way down the front. Your boobs were spilling out of the low-cut top and the skirt barely covered your upper thighs. A dainty white hat sat atop your head, sporting a white cross in a red circle that matched the one on your breast pocket. The look was complete with thigh-high white stockings, lacy crimson lingerie, Law’s real stethoscope around your neck, and a notebook and pen in your hand.

“Trafalgar Law?” You called out coquettishly.

His excited cock tried to answer for him, but he took a deep breath and nodded. “T-That’s me.”

With an overly sweet grin, you beckoned him into the room. “It’s time for your appointment. Follow me.” 

Previously arranged pillows on the bed mimicked the half-upright position of a medical chair. Law couldn’t look away from you as he shuffled towards his ‘exam table’, sitting down so his legs hung off the edge. You placed a gentle hand under his scruffy chin, his gaze flickering between your face and your tits. 

“Now, what seems to be the problem?”

Law didn’t have the confidence (nor the acting ability) to answer ‘my dick’ the way a pornstar would. So he settled for, “I’m not sure, miss. Maybe… give me a physical?”

“Ooh, a full body inspection,” you giggled, putting on a pair of hospital-grade latex gloves. “Please remove your shirt and lie on your back.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Only my shirt?”

Biting back a laugh, you responded, “Let’s take it one step at a time, okay?” 

Your boyfriend nodded obediently, neatly folding his canary yellow t-shirt beside him on the bed. It didn’t matter how often you saw his heavily tattooed chest – you were in awe of it every time. You opened your notebook, humming in mock contemplation and scribbling nonsense on a blank page in an imitation of Law’s terrible doctor handwriting. He tried to peek at what you were doing, but you quickly shut the cover. 

“Just relax, I’ll take care of you,” you cooed with a gentle smile and ruffled his hair.

He apologized curtly and settled back into a comfortable reclined position. Running your fingers along his jawline, you trailed your touch down the column of his throat and across his collarbones. Gently massaging his shoulders and feeling the tense muscles loosen as he let out a content sigh. You were unable to resist tracing the massive inked heart on his torso as you’d done so many times, lightly trailing your pointer finger across its flames and swirls and sending pleasant tingles throughout his body.

Repeating the action on his matching bicep tattoos, you cheekily stated, “Such strong muscles. Your girlfriend is a lucky woman.”

He chuckled, finally beginning to relax into his role. “You have no idea.”

“Let me check your heartbeat.” Not even bothering to put the stethoscope in your ears, you ran the cold chestpiece against Law’s nipples, forcing a pretty hiss from his lips. Rubbing circles atop them until both were stiff peaks, then teasingly rolling them between your fingertips until he was flushed and panting. 

Satisfied with his worked-up state, you pulled away to write more nonsense in the notebook. Your boyfriend furrowed his eyebrows. “Seriously, what the hell are you writing?”

“Please let me do my job, Mr. Trafalgar.” You firmly smacked the end of your pen against one of his nipples. The sudden display of authority made his cock twitch. 

You caressed his defined abdomen muscles, moving lower down his gorgeous body and brushed over his dark happy trail. 

“Your chest seems fine, which means…” You trailed off and tugged at the waistband of his sweatpants. Law’s adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed in anticipation, lifting his hips to help you slide down his sweats and boxers underneath. 

His rock-hard dick sprung free gratefully, angry red and twitching in excitement. You’d never seen him get this worked up so quickly – it made your cunt ache.

“Well, this is clearly the issue! Poor thing, you must feel so lightheaded from all the blood flowing down here.” You cooed, wiping his dark bangs away from his eyes in mock comfort. “I have to relieve this pressure or else the swelling won’t go down.”

“H-How will you–“ Law’s cheeky question was cut off by a groan when you curled your fingers around the thick base of his cock. Just one stroke pushed out several beads of pearly precum from his pretty tip. The synthetic softness of latex gloves felt strange against such a sensitive part of him, but it made the scenario extra immersive. 

“I need to milk you dry. Is that okay with you, Mr. Trafalgar?” 

Law nodded eagerly, too overstimulated to consent with words. He’d heard that phrase so many times in his videos. Your chest swelled with pride as you admired his submissive state. It wasn’t easy for your boyfriend to relinquish control to you during sex – no matter how much he wanted to – but he looked like he would die for you at that moment. 

You swung your leg over his body to straddle his upper thighs, cunt inches away from where he needed it. The movement caused your skirt to ride up and reveal a peek of your lacy panties. Law gulped when he noticed your soft thighs bulging around the elastic band of your stockings. 

Using both hands, you began to jerk him off with slow and deliberate movements. Dragging your palms from the base to the head with the perfect amount of pressure, making sure to trace the sensitive vein on the underside. A steady stream of translucent fluid dribbled out, the length pulsing and begging for more in your grasp. You paused to spit on his tip for added lubrication and rubbed it into his heated skin. 

Law was glad you were fixated on his cock rather than his face. He knew he looked pathetic. Barely three minutes had passed and he was embarrassingly close to cumming (though he was proud of himself for not bursting in his pants the moment you emerged in your costume). His abdomen muscles were wound tight and his chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. Steely gray eyes never left your body, your hands, almost too afraid to blink. 

When you fondled his heavy balls, his orgasm hit him like a truck. Law threw his head against the pillow and cried out, painting white streaks across your baby blue gloves. You grinned watching your boyfriend heaving for air, finally meeting his gaze when you swiped your tongue across a thick glob of cum on your thumb. He watched dazedly as you wiped the rest of his spend off on your skirt, then tossed your dirty gloves on the floor. 

“Perfect! The swelling went down,” you grinned slyly and added, “but it might come back.”

“Oh, it’s definitely coming back.” 

Law grabbed your waist and quickly flipped your positions, pinning you underneath him by sitting on your hips. Holding your wrists above your head in one hand and using the other to cup your jaw, he pressed his lips against yours in a wet and messy kiss. You whined as he shoved his tongue down your throat, eagerly devouring your mouth. 

“M-Mr. Trafalgar, this is very unprofessional…” Weakly faking a struggle against his grasp, whining when it only got tighter.

“I gotta self-medicate now, miss, or I’ll never get better.” Your boyfriend kissed his way down your sternum, tugging down the zipper of your costume just enough to reveal your chest. He groaned at the sight of your vivid red bra. “Fuck, what a uniform.”

While mouthing at the swell of your breasts, your boyfriend stroked himself to full hardness – which didn’t take long. Desire was overtaking his mind and turning his vision hazy. He might actually have a medical issue if he didn’t fuck you immediately. 

Law slipped his hand between your legs and snickered at the wetness soaked through your panties. Pushing the fabric to the side, he unceremoniously thrust his E and A fingers in your cunt. Those skilled digits pushed and prodded inside you, a grin spreading across his face when he heard the sinful squelch of your drenched walls. 

“Naughty nurse,” he chuckled teasingly, gray eyes burning holes into your own when he sucked his sticky fingers into his mouth, moaning at your taste.

“I’m not naughty,” you pouted. “My job is to make patients feel better, and this is helping, right?”

“Shit, yeah, you just might cure me.” 

Law tapped your inner thighs and you spread them willingly, unsurprised when he chose to shove your panties to the side and keep the costume intact. He pressed his swollen mushroom tip against your leaking entrance. With freed wrists, you gripped the bedsheets, heart racing and pussy throbbing. 

Rather than fulfilling both of your desires, your boyfriend paused in thought. “Hold on, what did you diagnose me with?”

You shrugged and defaulted to something you heard in a porno. “Big dick disorder?”

Law fought against every well-educated neuron in his brain begging to correct you. He took a deep breath and let out an exaggerated exhale, but smirked proudly. “I’ll accept it.”

His cock slammed into you and knocked all the air from your lungs. Bottoming out with a groan, he paused to lean back and admire your outfit, feeling his cock get impossibly harder inside your cunt. Fucking a fantasy nurse was a deep-rooted desire of his, and he was amazed and incredibly grateful that he was able to act it out with you. 

“Is this the right way to treat my illness?” Smugly punctuating his words with a sharp thrust, the head of his cock kissing the tip of your womb. You’d never seen him so talkative in bed.

“M-move faster… it’ll be more effective.”

“Okay. I trust you, miss nurse.” Law whispered seductively in your ear. His beard tickled your skin when he nipped at a soft spot of your neck. 

Setting a brutal pace, he pistoned his cock in and out, balls slapping against your skin with every thrust. Messy wet sounds filled the room – your cunt gushing and your tongues desperately sliding against each other. Law typically limited his vocal expressions of pleasure to grunts and soft groans, but something in him had clearly snapped. He had no issue throwing his head back and moaning unashamedly, interweaving spat curse words and praises of your body. 

He sucked on your tongue while switching his hip movements to a slow grind, his dick fully sheathed and rubbing against every delicate inch of your cunt. 

“T-Traf… oh, fuck, Law.” Your eyes rolled back into your head as you tangled your fingers in his messy black hair and held onto it for dear life. He swallowed the string of saliva connecting your lips with a playful grin.

Shifting your position into a mating press, you locked your stocking-clad knees around his shoulders. His rough pace resumed, cock reaching impossibly deeper inside you, bullying your cervix with every thrust. Your body rocked back and forth on the shaking mattress. Every movement caused your hat to press against the pillow and reminded you of your costume – no, your role.

“Good girl,” Law panted, pupils blown wide with pleasure. “Taking care of me so well with your pretty pussy.”

You whined needily, feeling your core tighten. “I’m s-so close, baby,” 

A sharp slap came down on your tit. Law’s eyes narrowed. “Be professional.” 

Despite his strict command, he rewarded you by pressing and flicking his thumb against your neglected clit. You bucked your hips into his touch desperately, grinding the sensitive nub on his calloused finger.

You threw your head backwards, arched off the bed and came with a cry of, “Mr. Trafalgar!” Arms wrapped around his back, legs pulling him in even tighter as your pleasure hit you like a tidal wave, flooding over you in a bright white light. 

“Naughty fucking nurse.” Your boyfriend growled with a pleased smirk. Hot cum coated your walls as Law let out a deep moan, your cunt eagerly milking every last drop. Your boyfriend kissed you deeply until the aftershocks of both of your orgasms had subsided.

He collapsed on top of you, both of your chests heaving against each other as you struggled to catch your breath. Releasing your tight grip on his shoulders, you lovingly rubbed the giant skull tattoo on his upper back. 

“Thank you, miss. I’m cured.” Law mumbled happily, kissing your cheek. 

You frowned. “You are? After one round?”

“Oh.” That certainly wouldn’t be a satisfying ending to his appointment. “Um… No, I’m still very, very sick.” He followed it up with a fake cough. Not exactly a symptom of having a big dick, but whatever. 

Deciding to give your overwhelmed boyfriend a break, you took control of the situation again.

“I’m not sure how much medical knowledge you have, Mr. Trafalgar, but I have an ache in my chest.” You reached between your bodies to innocently spread your unzipped dress even more, pushing out your tits. “Mind checking it out for me?”

Law pushed up the cups of your bra without a second thought, groping your soft flesh with large palms. “I’ll see what I can do.”

He received no acknowledgement - only cold silence.

It was at that moment that Zoro decided to enter, pausing at the threshold when he noticed the scene before him. "What's going on?"

"Stay out of this, moss-head." The cook shot back, refusing to take his eyes off of the woman in the kitchen.

Nami and Usopp sniffed out the drama hours ago, sat at the back of the room watching it unfold as if it were peak entertainment. They beckoned the swordsman over, eager to gossip about the situation Sanji had gotten himself into. “He’s being punished.” Usopp explained, sipping on a lemonade as he watched.

“Why?”

Nami gave a cool smile, crossing a leg over her knee. “Because he’s an idiot.” Her smile only grew when the cook shot a glare over his shoulder. “He flirted with a waitress in town.”

“I was not flirting!” Sanji insisted. “I swear, I wasn’t!”

“Oh, excuse me,” Nami rolled her eyes, “he accidentally flirted with a waitress in the town.”

“I told him that ‘charm’ would bite him in the ass one day.” Usopp chuckled, paying no mind to the gesture Sanji sent his way.

“My love, please, there’s no need to take such drastic measures—”

“—Drastic?!” (Y/N) seethed, grabbing a knife.

Zoro tensed, wondering what the hell she was going to do with it. “Um… so what exactly is the punishment?”

“I’m calling it ‘culinary torture’.” Usopp answered, drink forgotten as the drama finally started up. “He’s locked out of the kitchen.”

“Darling, please, what are you— THAT IS A BREAD KNIFE! YOU CAN’T USE IT TO CUT MEAT!”

“Oh, I didn’t realise you were in charge of my free will.” (Y/N) sassed, using the knife with more force as she sliced through a chicken breast with added fervour.

“Did someone say meat?” Luffy appeared, smile stretched wide. “What’s for dinner?”

“Chicken.” (Y/N) replied.

“No, my love, please don’t— you’re supposed to cut against the grain. The texture—!”

“—Be quiet, Sanji.” She spat, dropping the meat into the nearest pan.

“That’s a SAUCEPAN! It’s for sauces — you can’t cook chicken in that!” The cook exclaimed, a face of horror overtaking him as he gripped his hair in both hands.

Luffy sat down with the others, beyond confused. “What’s going on?”

“Sanji’s being punished.” Zoro mused.

“Oh, okay.”

“What are you doing now?” Sanji asked, his voice shaking with dread.

“Pasta.” Replied (Y/N), seconds before they heard snapping and a cry from the chef.

“NO! DID YOU REALLY JUST SNAP SPAGHETTI?!”

“Did you really call that girl ‘beautiful’ in front of me?” (Y/N) scoffed as she filled another pan with boiling water.

“I was truly only being nice—”

“And I truly don’t care.”

“You are the only woman I have eyes for! IS THAT MAYONNAISE?!”

“And what about the woman at the market? You certainly had eyes for her.” (Y/N) turned up the heat, determined to overcook the spaghetti just the right amount.

“It was an accidental wink.”

“A wink, nonetheless.” (Y/N) strained the pasta and added it to the now cooked chicken, then reached for the spice rack.

A weak gasp escaped the man, a hand brought to his chest to clutch his heart. “Mon amor, I am begging you, don’t.”

It was all the motive she needed.

A large sprinkle of oregano would finish the dish off nicely.

“PLEASE, this has gone too far!” Sanji cried, face pale as a pained sound escaped him as she continued to sprinkle the herb in. He was doing his very best not to let his tears fall.

"You know what? I think I'm going to add some prawns."

"With chicken??"

"And how about a nice cheese sauce?" She pondered aloud, grabbing a frying pan and adding her ingredients.

"You can't make sauce in a frying pan!"

"And you can't accept your fate." (Y/N) shrugged him off, grabbing the bread knife and some garlic.

Finally, Sanji began to cry. "No! Stop! You don't chop garlic-- stop using the bread knife! Please!"

She blocked out his pleads and gasps of horror, continuing with her preparations as the rest of the crew watched in amusement. Before they knew it, dinner was served and Sanji was forced to watch as their friends ate without complaint.

The cook was served last. His plate was gracelessly dropped in front of him and (Y/N) sat herself down at the opposite end of the table, daring him to complain. The crew watched the interaction in silence, bets made and breaths held. With wet eyes, Sanji looked up to her pleadingly, but was disappointed to find the heartbreak on his face had no effect.

Finally, the man accepted his fate. He grabbed his cutlery, only to pause.

The knife and fork were at the wrong side.

The minx knew exactly how to get under his skin. And perhaps there was something thrilling about that; though, he could never admit it.

Sanji was at least wise enough to say nothing about the intentional mix-up. He swapped the cutlery to the correct hands, took a breath, and prepared himself to eat the monstruosity before him.

The spaghetti was lathered in a creamy cheese sauce at the centre of the plate -- half the size that it ought to be and not cooked al dente, as it should be. A mix of chicken and shrimp (a blasphemous combination) sat on top, in a buttery sauce of chopped garlic and oregano. No one else seemed to notice, but the chicken was too tough, a result of being cut with the grain.

To anyone else, it was a decent meal. But to Sanji -- a chef with a passion for culinary rules and refined senses for taste and texture -- it was all wrong. She broke every rule. And she knew it.

Obediently, Sanji brought a forkful to his lips, doing his best to keep a straight face as he chewed. Nami discreetly passed some cash to Usopp under the table.

Dinner was mostly silent as their friends watched the interaction, whispering between each other. This could very well be the highlight of their week; a drama they'd be bringing up for years.

He'd barely gotten halfway through the dish when he simply couldn't stand it any longer. He dropped the cutlery and pressed his face into his hands. "(Y/N), mon amor, I am sorry. I swear to you, the flirting was completely unintentional. I was only being nice--"

Nami audibly sucked in a breath, Usopp squeezed his eyes together, and even Zoro shook his head. Yep, he was fucked.

"Sanji, you really ought to learn the difference between being nice and being a flirt." (Y/N) glared at him, slowly cutting into her pasta with her knife and fork, ignoring the pained tensing of his jaw.

"I know that." He admitted defeat. "And I swear to you, I will not make that mistake again. And I will spend however long it takes making it up to you."

It was then that the others finally felt like they were intruding on this lovers' quarrel and not watching a scripted drama.

(Y/N) put down her cutlery and faced him fully, lips pursed and eyes steady, giving him a scathing look. She would forgive him, of course, but he would certainly feel her wrath for days to come. "You're cleaning up."

"Of course." Sanji conceded.

"I'm making breakfast tomorrow."

He ducked his head and sucked in a breath, but nodded anyway. "Alright."

"And from now on, the only person you will flirt with is me."

"Absolutely."

There was a silence again as everyone deciphered if it was safe.

Luffy, with his clean plate pushed aside, was the first to speak. "So... what's for desert?"

"Chocolate sauerkraut cake."

"Darling, PLEASE--"

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

Sanji, the whole time:

Poor thing needs at least 5 cigarettes at the end of dinner.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

Please tell me what you think - I’m an approval driven hoe I swear :(

Black Leg Sanji - His Hands

Sanji was an artist in his own right. His medium was flavors, his tools were the ingredients, his canvas the plate. He was constantly serving others, keeping the crew’s stomachs full and their hearts content.

It was no wonder you found in him your greatest muse.

You would spend hours sitting at the bar alongside the galley watching him cook, laughing at his comments, and asking him questions about his latest recipes. All the while, your own hands were sketching his. His wonderful, beautiful, strong, but gentle hands.

They were your absolute favorite thing to draw, with pages and pages of your sketchbooks dedicated to depicting them at various angles in different scenarios: chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and holding a cigarette, perhaps even a few of him leaning his chin on to them as he wore the most loving gaze. You could draw his hands forever and still never feel fully satisfied. They seemed too holy a relic for your mere talents to ever suffice in giving them the divine elements they deserved. Nothing you could ever draw would come close to fully representing the qualities you loved to much about them, about him.

Sitting at the bar, you watched his hands as he carefully kneaded the pastry dough. You watched as he brushed them against his apron to rid them of the flour that coated his fingers. Your own hands moved in sync, working into the sketch as much love and adoration as you could.

If you could not bring yourself to tell him your feelings with words then your art would have to speak on your behalf.

“Love, what are you working on today?” Sanji spoke, noticing you had gone quiet with focus.

“Umm, just a sketch of your pastry,” you lied with a quiet blush rising to your cheeks. "They're very pretty!"

“Almost as pretty as you," he looked up from his task and replied with a smirk. "Don’t you ever get tired of sketching in here? Not that I’m complaining! How could I complain with such gorgeous company?” he sent you a wink. “But wouldn’t you find more inspiration up on deck?”

You offered him a soft smile and eyes full of unpronounced love. “I have all the inspiration I could ever need right here.”

To this, Sanji blushed, returned to his pastry making, and risked only a small glance through the fringe of his hair as you turned your own eyes back to the sketchbook in front of you. The butterflies in your stomach making it near impossible to look at him any further.

A few minutes later, as you added the final later a small plate slide its way across the counter, landing in front of you. On it sat a small cake decorate with fresh fruit: strawberries oriented to look like hearts.

You looked up, surprised but delighted by the treat.

"For my muse," Sanji spoke softly as a smile settled across his face.

Trafalgar Law - His Eyes

Law had eyes that could pierce steel. He had eyes that could send a man to an early grave. Law also had eyes that reflected his exhaustion, his fears, his love. Looking at Law’s eyes was the quickest way to understand him.

You loved his eyes.

You found yourself sketching his focused gaze as he outlined strategies in crew missions. He would scold you afterward for not paying attention.

You would draw the curious look that washed over his eyes when he read a new book that taught him new ways to help people. He would look up from his studies to send you a questioning look, wondering what about his office could possibly give you such deep inspiration to sketch for the hours you sat beside him in silence.  

In moments when his eyes were far away, you pull on your memories. The soft look that came across his face when he let his walls fall, when it was just the two of you holding one another in the late hours of the night. The look that conveyed every ounce of his love without a single word needing to be spoken. The humored expression that sent a crinkle to his eyes when Shachi or Penguin did something stupid, and he couldn’t hide his small laugh fast enough. The anger that flooded his system, nearly turning his eyes red, when someone threatened the people he cared about. The shocked expression that possessed him each time the other captains of your alliance did... well, did anything!

You could lose yourself in his eyes, but you know he would just come right in after you to pull you back to safety.

“What’s that?” Penguin asked as he took a seat next to you, where you were sketching quietly in the cafeteria, waiting for dinner time to arrive.

“Ugh, just the captain’s eyes again,” Shachi groaned, but the smirk on his face betrayed his annoyance.

“What’s wrong with their sketches of the captain’s eyes?” Bepo asked, concerned.

“Oh, nothing technically,” Shachi said, waving his hand as if to dismiss his earlier comment, but still he continued. “Just the weight of the love they put into each pencil stroke might end up sinking the sub one day.”

“We’re lucky we’re even still floating from the amount of sketch books his eyes have filled alone,” Penguin added in while sending a soft elbow into your side.

“We could offload the weight by leaving your stuff at the next island if you’d prefer,” Law spoke, startling the men who had surrounded you.

“I think Y/N’s drawings are really good!” Bepo spoke, ignoring the tension Law brought into the cafeteria with him.

“Thank you, Bepo,” you replied, smiling widely. Still, you closed your sketchbook as the room began to fill with your cremates as dinner began.

Sitting next to you, a spot not even Bepo could take from him, Law picked up a fork of food before pausing and leaning over to you. Quietly, just to you, he whispered, “Your sketches are better than good.” His tone was soft, loving, but with a hint of seriousness, “They are spectacular.” He leaned back, adjusting his stance to sit taller in his own seat as he raised his fork to eat.

You replied in kind, leaning over so that only he could hear. “Not nearly as spectacular as my muse.”

As you leaned away, to return to the larger conversation at the table, you could not help but notice the blush that rose to Law’s cheeks and the way he hid his eyes. You were definitely going to draw that look later.

Monkey D. Luffy - His Smile/Laugh

Luffy was quite literally a walking ball of sunshine. How could anyone, let alone an artist like yourself, not find inspiration in the wide grin he sported as he freed the world? After joining the Straw Hat crew, you quickly found your sketchbooks filled to the brim with scenes of your captain smiling, laughing, and, though not intentionally, sending butterflies to your stomach.

The sun today was offering its soft rays as elegant lighting as you lounged against the railing of the main deck, doodling the scene before you: Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper playing a game Luffy called ‘Runny-Jumpy-Splat.’ You weren’t quite clear on the rules, but then again, your focus lay in detailing the smile the game brought to your captain’s face.

As you sketched, your mind absorbed in the feeling Luffy’s happiness brought to your own heart, you missed Nami strolling up beside you and sitting down.

“Watcha doin'?” She asked, leaning over your shoulder.

Her sudden presence caused you to jump and close your sketchbook, but not before she caught a glimpse of your latest work.

“Ahhh, that again. Why don’t you just confess already?”

“Confess to what?” You forced a nervous laugh, “drawing a member of the crew. That is my jo-“

“To being in love with that idiot,” Nami said. The clamping of your jaw and the burning of your ears brought a smirk to her face.

“I— What are you— Why would— I don’t—“ You stuttered out.

“Nami is right,” Robin spoke from your other side, causing you to once again jump at the sudden appearance of a nosy crewmate.

“Robiiinnn not you too,” you whined, burying your face in your hands.

Not seeing them make their way over, you found yourself too late to stop events unfolding as you brought your hands away from your face in panic.

“Whatcha working on? I wanna see!” Luffy spoke, already grabbing and opening your sketchbook.

“Luffy, no—“

“Woaaahhhh,” you wanted to jump into the ocean with embarrassment. “Y/N, these are so good!”

“Thanks, Luffy,” you spoke quietly, trying and failing to hide the blush rising to your face.

“Why are they all of Luffy?” Chopper asked innocently. You froze.

“Yeaaahhh, why are they all of Luffy, Y/N?” Nami asked with a knowing smirk.

“Luffy has a great smile. That’s all.” You answered without lifting your gaze from the spot on the deck by your feet, hoping it might break in two and sweep you away.

“A great smile, huh?” Usopp now joined in with the teasing. “Wouldn’t have anything to do with the way his smile makes your stomach fill with butterflies, would it?”

“Usopp!” You yelled.

“Shishishi. Usopp, what are you talking about? Everyone does that when someone smiles.”

Everyone froze at Luffy’s words.

“What do you mean, Luffy?” Robin asked slowly, but with her ever-knowing smirk remaining on her face.

“Well, when Y/N smiles, my stomach gets all tingly, too! Doesn’t everyone's do that sometimes?”

“Only when they’re in love,” Nami spoke, crossing her arms and sending you a sly grin.

You were going to explode from embarrassment. You were sure of it now. “I need to— I think Sanji needed help. I umm— bye!” You stumbled over your words and your feet as you hurried away from the scene of the crime.

“Shishishi, they’re funny,” Luffy laughed.

“You’re both idiots,” Nami said, shaking her head as she too walked away.

“Hopeless,” Usopp spoke as he followed.

“What’d I do?” Luffy asked, confused.

Chopper, who had been silent throughout the scene, finally caught up. Meeting Robin’s eyes, he yelled, “Y/N’S IN LOVE WITH LUFFY?!?!?”

“Hehe, yes Chopper. And he’s in love with her,” Robin spoke as she scooped Chopper up and left Luffy on the deck, scratching the back of his neck.

“Why’s everyone so shocked? I thought everyone knew that?” He watched as each person went below deck. “So are we done with our game?”

“GO FIND Y/N,” sticking his head back out the door, Usopp yelled before once again turning inside.

“Okay!” Luffy began his search for you. You, who had found yourself face down in your pillows, groaning and hoping a sea king would come to save you from your misery, all the while holding your sketchbook tightly in your hands. Fools in love.