Your heart clenches. It smells just like home. A deep, savory aroma that tugs at something buried under layers of time and fear.

You take a hesitant step forward “What… what is it?”

Sanji glances at you, the usual playful glint in his eyes softening into something more thoughtful “Just a little something I thought you’d like,” he says smoothly, but there’s something knowing in his tone “Why don’t you sit? It’s almost ready.”

You lower yourself onto a stool, watching as he moves with effortless grace. A flick of his wrist, a careful sprinkle of spices, and then he ladles the dish into a bowl, steam curling up in delicate wisps. He places it in front of you with an almost reverent touch.

The moment you see it, your breath catches.

It is home. The same dish your family used to make when you were young, before everything. Before the World Government, before the running, before you were forced to leave everything behind.

Your fingers tremble as you pick up the spoon. You take a bite.

The taste explodes across your tongue, rich, warm, so deeply familiar that your chest tightens. The flavors blend perfectly, just like you remember. It’s impossible. You never told Sanji about this dish. You never told anyone.

A choked sound escapes your throat, and before you can stop it, hot tears spill down your cheeks.

Sanji’s eyes widen “Oi, oi! What’s wrong, love?” He’s in front of you in a second, crouching slightly to meet your gaze. His hands hover near your shoulders, unsure if he should touch you “Too hot? Did I mess up the seasoning?”

You shake your head rapidly, pressing a hand over your mouth as you try to compose yourself “No—it’s perfect. Too perfect.” Your voice wobbles “It tastes just like… like home.”

Sanji’s expression softens, the teasing edge in his smile replaced with something unbearably gentle. He reaches for a napkin and dabs at your tears with light, careful touches “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Your breath hitches “You knew?”

He shrugs, but there’s no smugness in it just quiet understanding “You get this look sometimes when the crew talks about their homes,” he murmurs “Like you’re trying not to miss something too much. So I thought… maybe I could give you a little piece of it back.”

Your throat is too tight to speak. Instead, you throw your arms around him, pressing your face into his shoulder. He stiffens for a second before exhaling, his arms wrapping around you just as tightly.

For a long moment, neither of you move. The kitchen is warm, the scent of the meal still lingering in the air. Sanji rubs slow circles against your back, murmuring soft reassurances.

When you finally pull away, he cups your cheek, thumb brushing away the last traces of tears “No more crying, alright? Food’s meant to make you happy.”

You let out a watery laugh “You’re too good to me, Sanji.”

His lips quirk up in a smirk, but there’s a rare sincerity in his gaze “Nah, never say that again. Only the best for my favorite, sweetheart.”

Sanji doesn’t let you go right away. His hands linger at your waist, his touch warm and grounding, like he’s making sure you won’t disappear on him. You don’t mind. In fact, you let yourself lean into him for just a moment longer, savoring the rare tenderness he reserves just for you.

Then he pulls back slightly, scanning your face with those sharp, perceptive eyes of his “Feeling better?” he asks softly.

You sniffle and nod, offering a small, embarrassed laugh “Yeah. Sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

Sanji clicks his tongue, cutting you off “Don’t even start with that, sweetheart. You never have to apologize for feeling things...” His tone is firm, but there’s nothing but warmth in his gaze, because who would even know better than him himself how feelings work.

You let out a shaky breath, staring down at the meal he made for you. It’s still steaming, still perfect “How did you even know how to make this?” you ask, poking at the dish with your spoon.

Sanji smirks, reaching for his cigarette but stopping himself before lighting it, probably because he doesn’t want to ruin the moment. Instead, he tucks it behind his ear and leans against the counter, crossing his arms “Let’s just say a good chef knows how to read people,” he says smoothly “I paid attention. Also you talk in your sleep, you know?”

Your eyes widen in horror “I what?”

His grin stretches wider, teasing but fond “Mmm. Little murmurs here and there. Nothing too embarrassing—though I did catch you saying something about extra dumplings one night.” ...he's obviously hiding more though.

You groan, hiding your face in your hands “I hate you.”

He chuckles, nudging your shoulder with his knuckles “No, you don’t.”

You peek at him through your fingers, and damn it, he’s right. You don’t. Not even a little.

Sanji watches you for a moment longer before pushing the bowl back toward you “Eat up, love. It’s not gonna be as good if it gets cold.”

You don’t argue. You take another bite, and even though you’re no longer on the verge of tears, the warmth still spreads through you, filling a hollow space you didn’t realize was so empty.

Sanji doesn’t move away. He stays right there, leaning on the counter, watching you with a softness most people never get to see from him.

It’s almost overwhelming.

“You always do this” you murmur after a few bites.

“Do what?”

“Take care of me.”

Sanji tilts his head, then sighs dramatically, placing a hand over his heart “Ah, what a tragic fate—being completely unable to not spoil you.”

You roll your eyes, but the heat rising in your cheeks betrays you “I mean it, Sanji. You always go out of your way for me.”

His expression shifts, turning serious in an instant. He reaches out, brushing his fingers over your wrist “Because you deserve it,” he says simply “You’ve been through enough. You shouldn’t have to do everything on your own.”

You swallow hard, staring at him. No teasing, no dramatic declarations... just honesty.

And somehow, that’s even more dangerous.

“Sanji…”

Before you can figure out what to say, he straightens up and claps his hands together “Alright, then! Since you like that dish so much, I suppose I’ll have to make it for you whenever you want!”

Your lips part in surprise “Whenever?”

“Of course!” he winks “Your personal chef is at your service, my dear.”

Your chest feels light, something rare, something precious.

You shake your head, smiling despite yourself “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you love it” he shoots back.

You hate how right he is, but you don’t mind that much.

Sanji keeps his word.

Whenever you look even slightly homesick, he’s already in the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves, recreating that dish for you with effortless skill. He never asks why it means so much to you, he just knows. And every single time, he watches you eat like it’s the most important thing in the world, like making you happy is his favorite meal.

But tonight feels… different.

Dinner is over, the rest of the crew scattered around the Sunny, Luffy’s snoring on the deck, Zoro’s probably passed out somewhere, and Nami and Robin are deep in conversation. The ship is quiet, the waves lapping gently against the hull, and the kitchen is bathed in the soft glow of the lanterns.

Sanji leans against the counter, arms crossed, watching you sip the tea he made for you.

“You’re spoiling me, y’know” you tease, setting the cup down.

He smirks, but there’s something in his gaze tonight, something intentional. He steps closer, the warm spice of his cologne wrapping around you “And what if I like spoiling you?”

Your pulse jumps. You open your mouth, probably to say something witty, to brush it off, but the words vanish when Sanji reaches out, fingers brushing against your cheek, feather-light.

His touch lingers “You still look like you’re holding something back,” he murmurs “Even after all this time.”

Your breath catches. He’s too close, too warm, too much “Sanji—”

“You don’t have to tell me.” His thumb traces just beneath your cheekbone, and his voice drops, gentle but sure “I just want you to know… to understand... you’re not alone anymore, sweetheart.”

You blink up at him, the lump in your throat growing unbearable. How does he do this? How does he see through you like this?

“Sanji…” You don’t know what you’re trying to say, but it doesn’t matter, because Sanji’s tilting your chin up, his eyes flicking to your lips for the briefest second.

“Can I kiss you?” His voice is barely above a whisper.

You don’t even hesitate “Yes.”

He doesn’t waste a second. His lips press against yours, warm and soft and perfect. He kisses you slowly, like he’s savoring every second, like he’s been waiting for this. One hand cradles your face, the other slipping around your waist, pulling you flush against him.

You melt into him, your fingers tangling in his shirt. He deepens the kiss, tilting his head just enough to steal your breath away, and for the first time in a long time, you don’t feel lost.

You feel found.

Sanji pulls back just slightly, resting his forehead against yours, his breath a little unsteady.

“Tell me what you need,” he murmurs “Whatever it is, I’ll give it to you.”

You smile, heart swelling in your chest “Just you, Sanji.”

His answering smile is the softest thing you’ve ever seen. He presses another slow, lingering kiss to your lips before murmuring against them...

You stood near the Sunny, your gaze fixed on the horizon. The others are laughing, bickering, and preparing their ships, but your thoughts are elsewhere. Your heart feels heavy, torn between the adventure that await you with the Straw Hats and the unspoken pull you feel toward Trafalgar Law.

“Y/N,” Kidd’s gruff voice cut through your thoughts. You turn to see the fiery redhead striding toward you, his usual smirk replaced with something softer. “You know, you’d make a hell of a lot more sense on my crew. We’d make a killer team.”

You chuckle, appreciating his attempt to sound casual. “Thanks, Kidd, but you know I’d drive you crazy.”

He snorts “You already do.”

His expression grew serious for a moment. “But if you change your mind, the offer stands. No strings, no pressure.”

You smile, giving him a playful shove. “Thanks, but I think the Sunny’s where I belong.”

As Kidd walks away, Law approaches from the Heart Pirates’ side. His usual stoic expression tinged with something unreadable, his golden eyes locking onto yours.

“Strawhat-ya,” he says, his voice quieter than usual. “You’re really staying with Luffy, huh?”

You nod, heart pounding in your chest “Yeah. I can’t imagine leaving them. They’re my family.”

Law nods, his gaze dropping briefly before meeting yours again. “Good choice” he says, though the tightness in his voice betrayed him.

The night before the departure, you found Law standing alone by a small koi pond in the garden. The moonlight reflected off the water, casting a silver glow over him.

You approach quietly, nerves fraying with every step.

“Law” you called softly.

He turns, his expression softening when he sees you. “Couldn’t sleep either?”

You shook your head, coming to stand beside him. For a moment, neither of you spoke, the silence stretching between you like a fragile thread. Finally, you took a deep breath.

“There’s something I need to say before we leave” you began, your voice trembling slightly.

Law’s brow furrows, concern flickering across his face “What is it?”

You clench your fists, summoning the courage you need, “I’ve been holding this back for too long. I care about you, Law. More than I probably should, considering we’re on different crews. But I wanted you to know… I actually have feelings for you.”

The confession hung in the air, raw and unpolished. Law’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he was completely silent.

Then, to your surprise, he stepped closer, his hand brushing against yours.

“Y/N,” he says softly, “I’ve spent so long keeping people at arm’s length. But you—you’ve made it impossible to do that. I like - I love you too.”

Your breath hitched, and before you could respond, he leans down, capturing your lips in a kiss that was both tender and full of restrained passion. The weight of both your unspoken feelings melted away as you stood there, wrapped in each other’s embrace.

The next morning, the crews gather at the docks. Luffy is as loud as ever, already shouting about the next destination. Kidd’s crew is preparing to set sail, and Law’s crew is doing the same.

You stood with the Strawhats, you heart torn but resolute. You exchange one last glance with Law, a silent understanding passing between you.

As the Sunny pulls away from the harbor, you stood at the railing, watching the Polar Tang grow smaller in the distance. Law stood at his own ship’s deck, his hand brushing against the pocket where a small piece of your vivre card rested.

You are on different paths now, but your bond is unbreakable.

Weeks later, you found yourself staring at the horizon again, your fingers brushing against the matching piece of Law’s vivre card you kept tucked away.

“Thinking about him again?” Nami teases, coming to stand beside you.

You smile sheepishly. “Yeah.”

“Good,” Nami says with a grin. “It’s about time someone tied you down, even if he’s not here.”

Luffy bounded over, laughing. “Don’t worry, Y/N! We’ll see him again! And when we do, you can make him blush all over again!”

He’s there, just like he’s been since the day you ate the Shinrei Shinrei no Mi, the Devil Fruit that lets you see the spirits tethered to people. At first, you thought it was a curse. Seeing the dead wasn’t a burden you wanted to carry, but over time, you learned to live with it—especially when Corazon revealed who he was.

“You’re just going to stare at me all day?” Corazon teases, tilting his head with a lopsided grin.

“No” you mumble under your breath, though no one else can hear him.

“What was that?” Law snaps, turning to glare at you as he blocks an enemy’s attack with a flick of his blade.

“Nothing” you say quickly, brushing past him to take down another enemy.

Corazon chuckles beside you “You’re bad at lying.”

You groan inwardly but don’t respond. Law’s already suspicious, and the last thing you need is for him to start questioning you in the middle of a fight.

As the skirmish drags on, you find yourself cornered by a group of Doflamingo’s men. Law is too far to help, and for a moment, panic sets in.

“I’ve got you” Corazon says softly.

Before you can react, his power activates—a sphere of silence spreading out around you. The enemies freeze, disoriented by the sudden lack of sound. You take advantage of their confusion, cutting them down one by one.

But the moment Law notices the shift, his Room disappears, and his piercing gaze locks onto you.

“That wasn’t you” he says, his tone sharp as he strides toward you.

You freeze, your stomach twisting into knots. “What are you talking about?”

“That was his power,” Law snaps, his voice laced with anger. “How the hell do you know about Corazon?”

You glance to the side, where Corazon stands silently, his usual humor replaced with a rare seriousness. “I can explain” you say, your voice shaking.

“Then do it” Law says, his expression cold and unforgiving.

You take a deep breath. “I… I ate a Devil Fruit. It lets me see ghosts—the spirits tied to people. Corazon’s been with you this whole time.”

For a moment, Law just stares at you, his disbelief written across his face. Then his fists clench at his sides.

“That’s not funny” he says, his voice low and dangerous.

“I’m not joking” you insist. “I’ve been able to see him for years. He’s the one who just protected me.”

Law takes a step closer, his golden eyes blazing with anger and something else—grief. “If you’re lying…”

“I’m not!” you snap, your frustration boiling over. “Do you think I wanted this? Do you think I wanted to see the dead every day? To carry their pain?”

His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t respond.

Corazon steps forward then, his expression soft as he looks at Law. “Tell him I’m here” he says quietly.

You hesitate, then swallow hard. “He says… he’s here. He’s standing right beside you.”

Law’s breath catches, his eyes flickering with something you can’t quite place. He doesn’t speak, but the tension in his shoulders seems to ease just slightly.

After the battle, you and Law sit in silence, the weight of everything that happened hanging heavy between you. Corazon, however, is anything but quiet.

“He’s always so serious” Corazon says, crouching beside you with a playful grin. “You should tell him to lighten up.”

You glare at him “I’m not saying that.”

“What are you talking about?” Law asks, his brow furrowing as he looks at you.

“Nothing” you say quickly, but Corazon isn’t done.

“Tell him I said he should stop being so dramatic,” Corazon adds, his grin widening. “And that he should stop pretending he doesn’t like you.”

Your face turns bright red. “I’m not saying that!”

Law’s frown deepens. “Saying what?”

You bury your face in your hands. “Nothing, nothing at all.”

Corazon leans closer to you, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know, he really does like you. He’s just terrible at showing it.”

“Stop it” you hiss, your voice muffled by your hands.

Law looks at you like you’ve lost your mind. “Who the hell are you talking to?”

“No one!” you say quickly, but the heat in your cheeks betrays you.

Corazon laughs, his voice filled with warmth. “You’re adorable when you’re flustered. No wonder he likes you.”

You groan, wishing more than anything that you could disappear. But as embarrassing as it is, you can’t help but feel a small spark of warmth at Corazon’s words.

When you finally glance at Law, he’s staring at you, his expression unreadable. “You’re weird” he says flatly, but there’s a faint hint of pink on his cheeks.

“Yeah, well, so are you” you mutter, looking away.

And somewhere in the ether, Corazon’s laughter echoes, his ghostly form beaming with approval.

The air between you and Law has been unbearably awkward since your last conversation. He keeps his distance, his sharp gaze following you every so often, but he doesn’t approach. You’ve done the same—avoiding him at every opportunity. It’s easier to let things settle than to risk making things worse.

But Corazon doesn’t agree.

“Enough sulking!” Corazon’s voice rings out, making you jump. He’s been pestering you for days, appearing beside you at the most inconvenient moments. Like now, as you’re trying to enjoy a quiet moment at the edge of the Straw Hats’ camp. “You need to talk to him.”

You groan, dragging a hand down your face. “We already talked. And it didn’t exactly go great.”

“That wasn’t talking” Corazon argues, crouching in front of you. “That was tiptoeing around what really matters. He needs to hear the truth.”

“The truth about what?” you snap. “That I’ve been chatting with his dead father figure? Or that I’ve been carrying this stupid crush on him while he barely tolerates me?”

Corazon shakes his head, his expression softening “ugh I told you he likes you. But even though I was actually talking about the truth…why I did what I did.”

That gives you pause. You glance at him, frowning “Why do you want him to hear that?”

“Because he doesn’t understand” Corazon says quietly, his tone losing its usual humour “he’s still carrying that day with him like a weight he’ll never shake. He doesn’t know why I smiled before I died. He doesn’t know I made peace with it because I believed in him.”

Your chest tightens, guilt twisting in your stomach. “He didn’t even believe me when I told him about my power, so why me? Why do I have to be the one to tell him?”

“Because you’re the only one here who can see and hear me?? Also because I know he’ll actually listen to you” Corazon says, his smile faint but sincere. “Whether he realises it or not, he trusts you. More than anyone else.”

You glance toward the campfire, where Law is sitting apart from the others, his head bowed as he reviews a medical book. He looks as calm and composed as ever, but you know better.

“Fine” you mutter, standing up. “But if this goes horribly wrong, I’m blaming you.”

Approaching Law feels like walking into enemy territory. His eyes flick up to meet yours as you step closer, his expression guarded but curious.

“Do you need something?” he asks, his tone neutral.

You swallow hard, glancing over your shoulder to find Corazon standing a few feet away, giving you an encouraging nod.

“I… need to talk to you” you say, forcing the words out.

Law closes his book, leaning back against the log he’s sitting on “About what?”

You hesitate, your heart hammering in your chest “About Corazon.”

Law’s jaw tightens, his gaze darkening. “I thought we were done with this.”

“We’re not” you say firmly, surprising even yourself “There’s something you need to know…something he wanted me to tell you.”

Law doesn’t respond, but he doesn’t tell you to leave either. Taking that as permission, you sit down a few feet away from him, your fingers fidgeting nervously.

“He told me why he did it” you begin, your voice trembling “why he smiled before he died. He said it was because he believed in you.”

Law stiffens, his hands curling into fists.

“He knew what would happen if he stayed” you continue, your throat tightening “but he stayed anyway because he wanted to protect you. Because he believed you could change the world.”

Law’s gaze drops to the ground, his shoulders tense. “He shouldn’t have had to die for me.”

“It wasn’t just for you” you say softly “it was for everything you stand for. He saw the man you could become, and he knew it was worth it.”

The silence stretches between you, heavy and suffocating. When Law finally speaks, his voice is quiet, almost broken. “He was like a father to me. And I couldn’t save him.”

You reach out hesitantly, your hand hovering near his arm before you pull it back. “You did save him, Law. You gave him something to fight for. And he’s still here. Watching over you.”

Law’s head snaps up, his eyes narrowing. “What do you mean, ‘he’s still here’?”

You freeze, realising you’ve said too much. Corazon, of course, looks delighted.

“Go on” Corazon says, grinning “Tell him I’m standing right behind him.”

“I, uh…” You fumble for words, glancing nervously at Corazon. “I can see him. I know you didn’t believe me earlier when I said this but it’s true, that’s part of my Devil Fruit power. I can see ghosts.”

Law stares at you, his expression unreadable. “And you’ve been talking to him this whole time?”

You nod, your hands twisting in your lap “He’s… been helping me. And he wanted me to tell you all of this because he thought you needed to hear it.”

Law doesn’t say anything, his gaze distant as he processes your words.

Corazon, never one to let a serious moment linger too long, claps his hands together “Well, now that that’s out of the way, let’s move on to more important matters!”

You shoot him a warning glare “Don’t you dare.”

“Dare what?” Law asks, frowning at your sudden shift in tone.

“She’s in love with you” Corazon announces, his grin widening.

Your heart stops, sometimes forgetting you’re the only one who can hear the ghosts, especially when they’re as consistent as him, “What? No, I’m not!”

Corazon raises an eyebrow. “Oh, really? Then why do you get all flustered whenever he’s around?”

“I do not get flustered!” you hiss, your face burning.

“Who are you talking to now?” Law asks, his patience clearly wearing thin.

“Tell him you think he’s insufferably handsome” Corazon teases, ignoring you completely “Go on, it’ll be good for you.”

You clench your fists, your voice rising in frustration “Can you shut up?”

“Excuse me?” Law says, his tone sharp.

“I wasn’t talking to you!” you snap, then immediately wince. “I mean—ugh, this is all Corazon’s fault!”

Law blinks, his confusion deepening “What are you talking about?”

Corazon leans closer, his grin positively devilish. “Just say it, y/n. Say, ‘Law, I think you’re brilliant and frustrating and…’”

“Fine!” you shout, throwing your hands up “I like you, okay? Is that what you wanted to hear?”

The silence that follows is deafening. You slowly lower your hands, your face burning as you realise what you’ve just said.

Corazon cackles, doubling over with laughter “I didn’t think you’d actually say it! Oh, this is priceless!”

“You… did you just confess to Corazon?” Law asks confused by all that just happened.

You glare at him, mortified and confused as well “what?! NO!!… NO!! I… I was talking to you!” you add pointing at him and then pointing at Corazon “I hate you!!”

Law clears his throat, drawing your attention back to him. He looks… stunned, his eyes wide as he stares at you.

“You… like me?” he asks, his voice hesitant.

“I…” You bury your face in your hands, groaning “Just forget I said anything, okay?”

But Law doesn’t let it go. Instead, he reaches out, his hand brushing against yours. “Hey.”

You peek at him through your fingers, your heart racing.

“I don’t want to forget,” he says quietly “because… I think I like you too.”

Your breath catches, your eyes widening “You do?”

Corazon claps his hands together, grinning like a proud parent “See? I told you it would work out! I know him too well, I knew he liked you back!”

Law glances at the space where Corazon presumably is, his expression exasperated “Leave.”

You laugh, the tension finally breaking. “He’s happy for us.”

“Well, I’m not” Law mutters, though the faint blush on his cheeks says otherwise.

Corazon, ever the instigator, winks at you before disappearing “you’re welcome, lovebirds.”

Gone is the familiar curve of your body, now you’re standing there, with the body of a man. You glance down at your broadening chest, the flatness that replaced your curves, and the new set of muscles beneath your clothes. Your voice comes out lower than usual when you speak, still in shock. “What the hell just happened?”

Suddenly, you hear a familiar voice calling your name.

“y/n, are you okay?”

You spin around to see Law, but…

What the hell?

Instead of Law’s usual sharp, masculine form, there stands a woman, still with his signature demeanor, that same authoritative presence, but now in a woman’s body. His—her—eyes lock onto yours, scanning you in equal confusion.

“What’s going on?” Law says, voice strained as she glances around, clearly just as disoriented as you are.

“Well,” you chuckle, blinking a few times to make sure you’re not seeing things, “this is… new.”

You step closer, trying to take it all in. And, damn, Law looks good as a woman. Her legs are long and toned, the frame lean yet feminine. The sight of her—him, but as a woman now—has your heart racing. You can’t deny it; she still has that Law confidence, just wrapped in a more delicate package.

You curl up on the ground, trying to hide the redness of your face.

“Is something funny, y/n?” she snaps, her eyes narrowing, clearly uncomfortable in this form.

You can’t help yourself. You grin. “I’m just trying to figure out how you can look so good like this. Honestly, I don’t think I’m complaining.”

Law’s cheeks flare red in an instant, and she crosses her arms, clearly trying to remain composed. “This is not the time for this, y/n”

You take another shy step toward her, eyes flicking down to her long legs. “Come on, Law, you have to admit you’re kind of… hot and beautiful right now.”

Her eyes flash “Cut it out. I need to figure out how to reverse this before you get a nosebleed”

You chuckle at her discomfort but can’t stop the rush of attraction that surges through you “Oh, I’m sorry, am I making you uncomfortable, Captain?” You look her up and down again, letting the blush spread across your face “It’s just—” You pause, your voice dipping into something more flirtatious. “You’re looking really good. I mean, what do you expect me to do? You know I’m bisexual, and my beautiful boyfriend just turned into a beautiful version of himself as a woman. You can’t understand how that feels right now.”

The words hang in the air, and for a moment, Law’s eyes flash with something that almost seems like frustration—or maybe… embarrassment?

“You can’t be serious,” she mutters, trying to maintain her usual stern tone but failing as her face betrays her. “You can’t just say things like that.”

You step closer to her again, letting your gaze linger on her, enjoying how she squirms beneath your stare. “Oh, but I can. And honestly? I’m loving it.” You take another deep breath and let the words slip from your mouth, relishing in the playfulness “You don’t know how good I think you look right now, Law.”

You can see the flush deepening in her cheeks, her hands clenching in obvious frustration. But then, out of the corner of your eye, you spot Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin all standing nearby, watching the exchange with wide eyes. The crew’s eyes flicker between you and Law, amused by the situation but clearly awkward.

You turn to the crew, raising an eyebrow, still grinning “Don’t act like you don’t see it, guys,” you say, voice almost playful. “Law’s looking fine right now.”

There’s an uncomfortable silence, and then Bepo scratches his head awkwardly, glancing at the others. “Well, uh… it’s true, she does look pretty cool…”

You let out a laugh, turning back to face Law. “See? Even the crew agrees.” You pause, then add, “I’m just saying, though… You’ve really got my attention right now, Captain.”

Law lets out a growl, clearly fed up. “You need to stop with that. We need to figure this out, and I’m not going to—”

But you cut her off, stepping even closer, your voice low now as you tease. “Okay, fine. But I have to ask…” You pout at her “Do you think I look handsome? Do you think I’m, uh… fuckable like this?”

There’s a sharp intake of breath from Law, her eyes locking onto yours in sheer disbelief, and for a split second, she doesn’t say anything. Her gaze flickers to the crew, who are now looking at you both with wide eyes and nervous chuckles.

“You—what?” Law stammers, her face completely flushed.

You grin wickedly, clearly enjoying the flustered look on her face. “Just curious. You’ve seen how you look now, so I’m wondering if I’m equally as handsome in this form” You add a wink for extra effect and trying to flex the muscles that you actually don't have.

Law stares at you, her expression a mixture of irritation and something else, but before she can reply, you see her posture change, that familiar frustrated sigh escaping her lips.

“You’re impossible,” she mutters, though there’s a hidden smile tugging at the corner of her lips, betraying her usual stern nature.

You raise an eyebrow, a teasing smirk on your face “You can’t deny it. I look good, right?”

“Well, of course you look good, you idiot, you're still y/n after all” she snaps, but the words are softer now, almost affectionate. She takes a step back, obviously still flustered, but you can tell that the playful tension between you both has shifted.

“I guess I do,” you say, voice lowering. “But, for the record, you still look way better than me.”

Law shoots you a sideways glance, her lips curving into a small smile. “I’m not going to say I enjoy hearing that, but… Fine. Whatever, y/n.”

You step closer one last time, your eyes locking onto hers. “You know, I might just keep you in this form a little longer if you keep getting flustered like this.”

Her eyes narrow, but this time there’s no real bite to it. “I swear to God, you’re never going to let me live this down, are you?”

You grin, shaking your head “Not a chance.”

You step closer to Law, your grin widening as you take in the flustered look still lingering on her face.

“So,” you start, your voice teasing, “before you turn back into a man… would you mind giving me a kiss?”

Law’s eyes widen, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red. “W-What?” she stammers, clearly caught off guard. “You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, I’m dead serious.” You cross your arms, smirking. “I mean, if you’re gonna be all hot and bothered in that body, you might as well give me something to remember you by, right? A little kiss, maybe? Just one. Even a fast one it's okay. Before the magic wears off and you turn back to your usual, grumpy self.”

Law looks like she’s about to refuse, but the playful glint in your eyes seems to challenge her. Her lips press into a thin line as she glances around, trying to maintain her usual, no-nonsense demeanor.

You take a step closer, lowering your voice to a soft, almost flirtatious whisper. “C’mon, Law. I’m not asking for much. Just a little kiss. This form makes me brave enough to even flirt.”

Law takes a deep breath, clearly weighing her options. She meets your gaze, and for a moment, the playful tension in the air thickens. Her eyes flick to the crew in the background, and she sighs, rubbing her temples. “This is insane,” she mutters under her breath before lowering her voice. “I’ll give you a kiss. But not here. Not in front of everyone.”

You raise an eyebrow, a mischievous smirk still playing at your lips. “I wouldn’t dream of embarrassing you in front of the crew. Just one little kiss, and then we can get back to this mess.”

Law takes one more look around at the crew, who are doing their best not to make eye contact, awkwardly pretending to be busy. With a huff, she grabs your arm and tugs you toward the corner of the ship, away from the prying eyes of the crew.

Once you’re out of sight, she finally turns to face you, her eyes narrowing in irritation, though you can still see the traces of warmth there.

“Fine,” she says with a sigh. “One kiss, but only because I’m about to lose my mind from your teasing and only if you promise you will stop”

You grin, feeling victorious. Slowly, you lean in, letting the moment hang in the air between you.

Law hesitates for a fraction of a second "I'm not gonna enjoy this at all" and then she leans forward, her lips brushing against yours in a soft, quick kiss.

It’s over almost as soon as it started, and before you can fully react, she pulls back, quickly straightening up, her face now a deep shade of red.

“That was… you’re impossible,” she mutters, crossing her arms tightly across her chest, clearly embarrassed.

You chuckle softly, your eyes glinting. “I’ll take that as a compliment, Captain.”

Before she can say anything else, you both hear a noise from behind. You turn just in time to see Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin awkwardly glancing in your direction, trying not to make it obvious they were eavesdropping.

“W-What happened?” Bepo stammers, his ears twitching nervously.

You laugh, trying to hide the grin that’s spreading across your face. “Oh, nothing. Just a little kiss between the Captain and me. No big deal.”

Shachi and Penguin exchange looks before awkwardly muttering, “Uh, okay…”

Law gives you one last glare before turning to the crew, shaking her head. “You’re all idiots, I wanna die right now” she grumbles, but even she can’t hide the small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

The crew too shocked by what was happening in front of them to even notice their bodies also changed.

In an instant, everything shifted back to normal.

Your body, once again your own, feel right in an instant. The familiar curves and weight of your form returned, and you look over at Law—who now stand in front of you, the sharp edge of his usual confidence returning as his tall, masculine form was restored.

You both share a stunned silence, then slowly, the truth hits you.

You're back to normal, but in your mind, the embarrassment hits you like a ton of bricks.

The heat from the blush that hadn't quite faded from earlier is still present. You can't stop replaying the teasing words you’d said to Law. Some of the things you said were borderline ridiculous—and downright embarrassing. But there is no time to dwell on it. Not when the crew is in the middle of a tense situation.

"Oh God…" you murmur, your face turning a deep shade of red, thinking about everything you had said and done earlier when Law was in his female form.

Law, who clearly feel the same wave of awkwardness, ran a hand through his hair and gave you an unreadable look. "Well," he said, clearing his throat awkwardly, "that was an experience I’d rather not repeat."

You look away, unable to make eye contact with him. The memories of your flirtatious teasing, the way you had openly complimented his (her?) body, and your playful taunts feel a hundred times worse now that you are back in your own body.

“I… I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… it’s not every day I get to see you in a different light, you know? I didn’t mean to—”

Before you can finish stumbling through your apology, you feel a firm hand on your shoulder. You look up to find Law standing right there, his expression softening.

“You don’t have to explain yourself,” he says, his usual calm tone still holding but with an undercurrent of reassurance. He pulls you into a gentle, almost reluctant hug, enveloping you in the warmth of his tall, solid frame.

You let yourself relax into his embrace, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against you, as if everything in that moment just made sense. Law’s presence, the way he always seems to know just what you need, made everything feel okay again.

“It’s okay,” he murmurs, his voice low, his arms strong around you “I know you didn’t mean anything bad. You don’t need to be embarrassed.”

You bury your face in his chest, your hands gripping his jacket as you let out a sigh of relief. “I just… I said a lot of things, Law. And you were—well, you were a woman. I didn’t mean to… make things that weird”

There's a brief pause, and then you hear a soft chuckle come from him, causing you to look up in confusion. “You’ve always been a little bit of an idiot,” he says with a gentle smile, but there's no malice behind it—only fondness.

You blink, the corners of your lips twitching as you feel the last of your embarrassment start to melt away. Law is always the one to make things feel less awkward, even in moments where it is impossible to avoid.

“You look even more beautiful now, if I’m being honest,” you mumble shyly, not able to fully stop the words from escaping. You figure he probably can’t be any more uncomfortable at this point, so you lean into the embrace a little more.

Ever since then, your encounters with him had been a mix of competition and thinly veiled insults. You’d fought alongside and against him during chaotic battles, always at odds but somehow never truly harming each other.

And, annoyingly, the others loved to tease you about it.

“I think Law likes you” Nami said one night on the Sunny, smirking as you glared at her.

“Yeah, right” you scoffed, crossing your arms. “He’s just arrogant and annoying.”

“And yet, every time he shows up, you look very interested” Zoro teased, earning a laugh from the crew.

You rolled your eyes, ignoring their laughter as you stared out at the sea. The truth was, Law was interesting. Infuriating, yes, but undeniably clever and powerful. And every time he faced you in battle, there was a flicker of respect in his eyes that made your heart skip—though you’d die before admitting it.

The next time you crossed paths, it was during an ambush on a Marine base. Both the Strawhats and the Heart Pirates had the same idea: raid the place for supplies and information.

“Of course you’re here” you muttered as Law appeared beside you in the chaos, his Room ability slicing through Marine reinforcements.

“Likewise” he replied, his tone flat.

You rolled your eyes, summoning your energy to blast a group of Marines into the wall.

“Try not to slow me down, Surgeon” you taunted.

Law smirked faintly, his sword flashing as he neutralized another group. “I should say the same to you.”

The two of you moved in sync, your powers complementing his precision as you cleared the room. By the time the dust settled, you were both panting, but victorious.

“You’re not as bad as I thought” you admitted grudgingly, glancing at him.

“Likewise” he said, his tone softer than before.

For a moment, the tension between you shifted into something else—something quieter, almost… tender. But before either of you could speak, a loud crash from outside reminded you that the crews were still fighting.

“Back to work” you said, brushing past him.

After the raid, you didn’t expect to see Law again so soon. But a week later, the Heart Pirates docked near the Sunny, ostensibly to exchange information about the Marines.

“Sure, information” Sanji said annoyed as you watched Law step aboard. “More like an excuse to see Y/N.”

“Shut up” you hissed, your cheeks heating as you crossed your arms.

Law ignored the whispers and teasing from both crews, his gaze sharp as he walked toward you.

“Y/N-ya. Where’s your captain?” he said simply.

“He’s resting” you answer with a cold tone, trying not to question why he asked you out of everyone.

He nods, holding out a piece of parchment.

You raised an eyebrow, taking it. “What’s this?”

“Details about a Marine operation near here,” he replied. “I thought you’d want to know.”

“Why are you helping us?” you asked, narrowing your eyes.

He shrugged. “Your interference benefits me. Simple as that.”

But the faint smile tugging at his lips told a different story, and you couldn’t help but smirk in return.

“You’re lucky I don’t blast you off this ship” you teased, summoning a flicker of energy in your hand.

“And you’re lucky I don’t cut you in half” he replied, though there was no malice in his tone.

The crews watched the exchange with barely concealed glee, their whispers growing louder.

“They’re so into each other” Nami said, smirking at Robin.

“Think they know?” she asked.

“Not a chance” Nami replied, laughing softly.

Over the next few weeks, your encounters with Law became more frequent. You worked together to take down Marine operations, often bickering but always falling into a rhythm that felt almost natural.

And slowly, the tension between you began to shift.

It was during a quiet night on the Sunny, after a mission, that you finally confronted the elephant in the room.

“Why do you keep showing up?” you asked, finding him standing alone at the edge of the deck.

He didn’t look at you, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Maybe I enjoy the challenge.”

“Of working with me or putting up with me?” you asked, crossing your arms.

“Both,” he admitted, a faint smirk on his lips.

You blinked, caught off guard by his honesty. “Wait, are you—”

“Don’t overthink it, Y/N-ya” he said, finally turning to face you. “But for what it’s worth… I don’t hate having you around.”

Your heart skipped a beat, and you fought to keep your expression neutral “Well, that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

“Don’t get used to it” he said, though his tone was more amused than annoyed.

The crews, who had been secretly watching from below deck, erupted into cheers and whistles, ruining the moment.

“JUST KISS ALREADY!” Luffy shouted, earning groans and laughter from everyone else.

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. “They’re never going to let us live this down, are they?”

“No” Law said, his smirk widening.

And as the chaos around you grew, you couldn’t help but laugh, realizing that maybe, just maybe, you didn’t mind being stuck with him.

It happened during one of those rare, quiet nights when the sea was calm, and the crews were resting after yet another skirmish with the Marines. The Heart Pirates and the Strawhats had docked together on a small, remote island to regroup. The two crews were enjoying a bonfire, their laughter echoing through the night, but you found yourself wandering away from the group, your thoughts racing.

As much as you hated to admit it, Law had been on your mind far too often lately. His sharp wit, his calm demeanor, the way his gaze lingered on you during battles—it was maddening.

You sighed, sitting on a rock overlooking the ocean, when you heard footsteps behind you.

“Y/N-ya” Law’s voice called softly.

You didn’t turn around, but the corner of your lips twitched. “Stalking me now, Surgeon?”

“I could say the same about you, wandering off to brood” he replied, stepping beside you.

“Brooding is your thing” you shot back, finally glancing up at him.

He smirked faintly but said nothing, his silver eyes scanning the horizon. For a moment, the two of you sat in silence, the sound of the waves filling the air.

“You’ve been quiet tonight” he said finally, breaking the silence.

“Just thinking,” you admitted, resting your chin on your knees. “About… everything.”

Law raised an eyebrow. “Everything?”

You hesitated, debating whether to speak your mind. But something about the way he was looking at you—calm, patient, as if he already knew what you were going to say—made you want to be honest.

“About you” you said softly, meeting his gaze.

Law’s eyes widened slightly, the smallest crack in his usual composure. “What about me?”

“You’re infuriating,” you began, standing up and pacing in front of him. “You’re always so calm, so smug, like you know everything. And you drive me crazy because you do know everything half the time. And yet… you’re the one person I can’t stop thinking about.”

The words tumbled out before you could stop them, and you froze, suddenly feeling vulnerable.

Law was quiet for a moment, his gaze unreadable. Then he stood, stepping closer to you.

“You drive me crazy too, Y/N-ya,” he said, his voice low. “Your recklessness, your power… the way you always throw yourself into danger without thinking.”

You blinked, caught off guard. “That sounds more like an insult.”

“It’s not,” he said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Because for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about you either.”

Your heart skipped a beat, but before you could reply, a loud crash sounded behind you.

“DAMN IT!”

You whipped around to see the Luffy fall from a nearby tree, covered in leaves, turning to the others who were poorly hidden.

“What the hell?!” you shouted, your face burning.

“We weren’t spying!” Usopp says as the rest of both crews scrambled to hide behind trees and rocks.

“Yeah, totally not spying!” Luffy shouted, laughing loudly.

“Let’s just leave them alone!” Nami groaned, smacking Luffy on the head as the crews retreated, their laughter fading into the distance.

You groaned, covering your face with your hands. “I’m going to kill them.”

Law chuckled softly, his amusement breaking the tension. “They’re persistent, I’ll give them that.”

When you looked up at him, his usual calm had returned, but his silver eyes held a warmth you’d never seen before.

“So… about what you said” you began awkwardly, your cheeks burning.

Law took a step closer, his hand brushing against yours. “If you’re done yelling at the audience…”

You laughed nervously, but the sound faded as he leaned in, his expression serious.

“Can I?” he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

You nodded, your breath hitching as his lips brushed yours. The kiss was soft, slow, and far gentler than you’d expected from someone like him.

When you pulled away, your power energy flickered around you, uncontrollable as your emotions surged.

“Sorry” you muttered, trying to rein it in.

Law smirked, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “It suits you.”

From the distance, you heard muffled cheers and groans, and you couldn’t help but laugh.

“They’re never going to shut up about this” you said, shaking your head.

“Let them talk” Law replied, his voice calm but firm “I don’t care.”

"Sanji, I’m not a damsel in distress!" you yell, hands on your hips.

"You're not running off into danger alone!" Sanji retorts, jabbing a finger at you.

"They need backup!"

"They need you to not get killed!"

Law’s headache triples.

"Both of you—shut up."

You don’t.

Sanji steps closer "You're being reckless—"

"I'm being helpful!"

"Room."

Your stomach drops.

"Shambles."

The world twists. Your vision blurs, your whole body feels wrong.

And then—

"WHAT THE HELL?!"

That’s your voice... but you didn’t say it.

You turn toward the sound, only to see… yourself.

Sanji—inside your body—is clutching his new arms, eyes wide.

Which means...

You whip your head down.

Black suit. Long legs. A cigarette in your mouth.

Oh... Oh no.

Law doesn’t even look up "Problem solved."

Sanji-you hyperventilates "Nononononono—WHAT DO YOU MEAN PROBLEM SOLVED?!"

"You were annoying me."

Sanji-you gasps and looks down at his *new* chest. His—your—eyes go huge.

And then — BOOM!

His nose explodes with blood.

Law stares.

You, inside Sanji’s body, shriek "WHY ARE YOU BLEEDING?!"

Sanji-you collapses on the ground, twitching "I—I—this body—it’s—" His eyes sparkle. He grabs your face with both hands, trembling.

"I’m… I’m beautiful."

Law watches in horror as Sanji—you melts into the pavement, swooning over himself.

"My skin is so soft…" He rubs your hands up and down your own arms, practically whimpering.

"STOP TOUCHING ME." You grab him by the collar—Sanji in your body—and shake him "GET A GRIP, COOK!"

Sanji-you beams "Oh, my dear, delicate hands! What a treasure you are—"

"I SWEAR TO GOD."

Law hates this.

Sanji-you sits up, dazed "My legs… so smooth. My waist—so elegant—" He grasps your sides, twirling like he’s been blessed by the heavens.

Law’s jaw clenches.

Sanji, in your body, is fawning over himself and Law wants to strangle him.

At first, it’s even a bit bearable.

Sanji spends most of his time adjusting your clothes, fixing your hair, checking his reflection. Every time he accidentally touches his own chest, not used to it he screams, nosebleeds, and collapses again.

Meanwhile, you—in Sanji’s body—are having the time of your life.

"Damn, I feel so strong..." you say, rolling out your new shoulders, punching the air and then eyeing a wall to punch.

Sanji-you gasps in horror "DON’T BREAK MY BODY! MY HANDS ARE TOO IMPORTANT! OKAY? USE THE LEGS IF YOU REALLY HAVE TO!!"

You grin, throwing a casual punch at a wall—it cracks.

Sanji-you shrieks "STOP THAT! YOU’LL RUIN ME!"

Law almost smirks. But then.

Then it gets worse.

Sanji—you starts flirting with literally anyone.

At first, it’s harmless prank he's doing at you. He compliments himself in reflective surfaces and swoons at his own voice.

But then—he starts hitting on people as you and Law watches his own personal hell unfold.

The breaking point comes when Sanji—you sidles up to Zoro, he knows your close to him, that he's your closest friend in the crew. Sanji can't miss on this opportunity.

Law watches as your body—possessed by Sanji—leans against Zoro’s shoulder.

Zoro barely glances at him "What do you want?"

Sanji-you twirls a lock of your hair "Oh, nothing~"

Law’s eye twitches.

Zoro frowns, clueless about the body swap "The hell’s wrong with you today?"

Sanji-you giggles. Actually giggles.

"Zoro~" Sanji—you practically purrs, pressing closer while eyeing you with a diabolic smirk "Have I ever told you how… handsome you are?"

Zoro freezes.

Law chokes.

You, in Sanji’s body, start wheezing.

Sanji-you bats his lashes "So rugged. So strong. Those arms…~"

Zoro looks deeply disturbed "Are you having a stroke?"

"Only a stroke of love."

Sanji—you trails a hand down Zoro’s arm, sighing dreamily.

Law feels something deep, primal, and violent ignite inside him.

Zoro yanks his arm away "You’re being too weird todey, stop it."

Sanji—you gasps, hand on his heart "Oh, Zoro, how cruel—!"

Law is going to kill him.

You, inside Sanji’s body, are losing it "PFFFT—Sanji, STOP—"

Zoro turns to you-Sanji with a confused frown "who?"

Sanji-you ignores you, still clutching his chest "Rejection… while I was in her body! My beauty is wasted on you!"

Law snaps.

"Room."

Sanji-you blinks "Wait, hold on—"

"Shambles."

Your stomach lurches and just like that, everything shifts back.

You stumble, in your real body again.

Sanji grabs looks at his hands, sobbing in relief "Oh, my beautiful hands, I missed you—!"

You stretch your arms "THANK GOD."

Zoro glares "I don't know what that was, but if you ever do it again, I’m killing you."

Sanji sniffles, clutching his own shoulders "That was the worst rejection of my life."

Law doesn’t say anything, because now, he has a problem.

A real problem.

The fact that switching you back means he just admitted he couldn’t handle it.

That watching Sanji in your body —flirt as you—made him want to rip someone’s throat out.

That he was jealous.

And now?

You and Sanji know.

The aftermath of the switch doesn’t settle as smoothly as Law might’ve hoped.

It’s awkward, and frustrating, and now, Law’s beginning to realize—he’s in way deeper than he ever thought.

You, back in your body, try to ignore the little fluttering discomfort in your chest. Maybe it’s just because you saw Sanji like that in your body. It was... weird. Unsettling.

Law stands a few feet away, arms crossed, his jaw still tense. He says nothing as the group begins to move on. You can feel his eyes occasionally drifting toward you. And maybe it’s your imagination, but his glare seems to sharpen whenever Sanji gets too close to you.

You glance at him.

The guy is still sulking.

"Quit glaring like that" you say, crossing your arms "You did it. I didn’t ask for this."

"Just focus on the mission." His voice is clipped, clearly irritable "And don't fl—"

Don’t flirt?

You cock an eyebrow at him "Don’t flirt with who? Sanji? Zoro?"

Law’s eyes flicker, but he doesn’t respond. He just keeps walking, gripping his sword hilt tightly.

But you catch the slight tension in his shoulders. You wonder if he’s feeling something.

Sanji, as usual, seems completely oblivious to how much Law is suffering. He’s back to his flirtatious self but now, it’s getting more out of hand.

"Y/N~" Sanji calls your name, almost sweetly, with that infuriating grin plastered on his face. He sidles up beside you, running a hand through your hair "I miss you, you know?"

You can see Law’s eye twitch, though he’s trying to hide it.

Sanji’s flirtation continues unabated. You’re almost certain it’s his way of messing with Law now—perhaps even pushing his buttons on purpose. He gives you a sideways look and adds "I think we should grab a drink tonight. You, me, and my own handsome body~"

You groan, pinching the bridge of your nose "Why do you have to be like this now?!"

Sanji leans in, a few inches from you face "Well, darling, I saw how you kept looking at my body when you where in it, no?"

Your eye catches Law’s from the corner of your vision.

His expression is frozen—but the tightness in his jaw is unmistakable. His eyes flicker, but they never leave you. He watches intently, his gaze turning more stormy the more Sanji leans into you.

"You're just as bad as he is," you snap, shaking off Sanji’s arm "Seriously, cut it out."

Sanji smirks "Oh beliece me, I know what I'm doing, you should just play along and see" his eyes shift toward Law, noticing the tense energy in the air "Oh? What’s wrong, Trafalgar Law? You look like you're about to bite someone's head off."

"Focus." Law’s voice is icy, his words clipped. He doesn't even look at Sanji "We’re almost at the rendezvous point."

But it’s too late.

Sanji suddenly gets a brilliant idea. He winks and steps in front of you "You know, I think Captain Law might have a thing for you. Did you see the way he looked at you earlier? And the way he swapped us back to our bodies right when I...You were flirting with Mosshead?"

You feel your face flush, but you quickly mask it with a sassy smirk "Sanji, are you trying to start something, again?"

Sanji chuckles "Maybe. I think Captain Law's just a little too shy to admit his feelings. What do you think, Y/N?"

You are just about done with the teasing. Law, however, looks like he’s about to murder someone.

"I’m not shy" Law says, cutting into the conversation with a sharp tone. His eyes narrow, and the tension in his expression is enough to send a chill down your spine. You dare glance up at him.

His eyes lock onto yours for a moment, and then—he grinds his teeth. He quickly averts his gaze, clearly embarrassed by the situation but not wanting to admit it.

Sanji, however, is enjoying every second of this.

"See? I told you!" he says, practically singing in triumph "He’s just too cool to say it, but we all know it. Come on, Surgeon, why don’t you just admit it already? You’re jealous."

Jealous?

You can see Law’s irritation growing, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword with such force you think it might snap "Don’t talk about things you don’t understand."

"Oh, I think I understand perfectly" Sanji teases. He steps closer to you again, placing a hand on your shoulder and sending a look over his shoulder at Law "Maybe I can just take her out for a proper dinner then."

And that’s when you feel it—the crushing weight of Law’s jealousy.

He glares at Sanji’s hand on your shoulder like he wants to tear it off, and you notice his eyes seem to follow every single move Sanji makes around you. Every touch, every smile.

It makes you… uncomfortable?

Or maybe it’s just the fact that Law doesn’t hide his feelings well—at least, not this time.

"You’re annoying, Sanji," you mutter.

"I know," he replies smugly "But you like it." He leans in and whispers "Admit it. You like the attention."

You can’t help the laugh that escapes you "You really don’t quit, huh?"

You feel a presence behind you, and before you can turn around, Law steps in, looking like he’s ready to throw Sanji into the nearest wall.

But then, to your surprise, he doesn’t.

He just stares at Sanji with an intensity that makes you swallow nervously "I’m not jealous, Sanji. Just stay away from her."

Sanji smirks, crossing his arms, fully aware of what’s going on "Aww, I see, Surgeon. So you do care. How sweet."

You blink, still trying to wrap your mind around what just happened. Did Law just admit something without saying it out loud?

Law says nothing more, but his gaze locks onto yours again, sharper than ever. He clenches his fists, clearly at his breaking point.

"Focus on the mission" he orders again, and this time, his voice holds a faint edge of something almost like embarrassment mixed with irritation.

And as much as you want to ignore it, you can’t help but feel something shift. Maybe it’s because you did notice the tension between you and Law—something you didn’t want to admit. Or maybe it’s just the constant teasing from Sanji that’s making you realize that Law’s feelings are right there, in plain sight.

But neither of you say anything.

You both just walk on, with the strange weight of unsaid words hanging between you.

Sanji, on the other hand, sings quietly under his breath, clearly having the time of his life.

You can feel his frustration rolling off of him in waves, his movements stiff, his usual scowl even darker than normal. Meanwhile, Sanji is practically glowing with satisfaction, walking beside you with an insufferable grin.

Zoro, who has been watching in mild confusion, finally speaks up.

"The hell is wrong with you three?"

Sanji throws an arm over your shoulder, smirking "Nothing, nothing. Just enjoying the fresh air, right, Y/N-chwan?"

Law glares daggers at the cook’s hand.

You sigh, shrugging Sanji off before Law actually explodes "Let’s just get back already. I feel like I’ve lost a whole year of my life today."

Sanji grins but relents, walking ahead. Zoro eyes the two of you for another second before shrugging and following behind, but Law stays beside you.

You don’t say anything at first. Neither does he. But the tension between you is impossible to ignore.

Finally, you risk a glance at him "You okay?"

Law’s jaw tightens "I’m fine."

You hum, unconvinced "You sure? Because you look like you’re five seconds away from committing a murder."

Law exhales slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose "I should have left you both like that."

You snort "Oh, please. You hated every second of it."

Law stiffens slightly but doesn’t respond.

A teasing thought crosses your mind before you can stop it.

"Wait…" You smirk, nudging him with your elbow "You weren’t jealous of Sanji in my body, were you?"

Law stops walking.

Your smirk falters slightly as he turns his head toward you, golden eyes locking onto yours with an unreadable intensity.

For a second, neither of you speak. The air between you suddenly feels heavier.

Then, finally, Law scoffs "You’re insufferable," he mutters, shaking his head as he continues walking.

But you don’t miss the way his ears turn just a little bit pink.

And for some reason that makes your heart beat just a little faster.

Sanji, who supassed you long enough, is waiting at the camp when you and Law arrive, arms crossed, smirk still in place.

"Oh? Took you two long enough" His grin widens as he scans the both of you "Did I miss anything interesting?"

Law ignores him completely, moving to the other side of the camp like he wants to be as far away from this conversation as possible.

You roll your eyes "Nothing you'd enjoy."

Sanji chuckles "Oh, I doubt that." Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he leans in slightly "But listen, Y/N… If Law keeps dragging his feet, you know I’m always here, right?"

You blink "Huh?"

Sanji winks.

Law, from across the camp, slams something down a little harder than necessary.

Sanji grins wider "Oh yeah. He’s done for."

And honestly? You’re starting to think he’s right.

The camp settles down for the night, but Law is still clearly brooding.

You pretend not to notice at first. It’s actually kind of funny, watching him sulk on the far end of the camp while Sanji keeps throwing you knowing looks.

Zoro, thankfully, stays out of it. He’s already asleep, arms crossed, snoring lightly by a tree.

Sanji, however, is not done.

"So, Y/N," he starts casually, way too loud on purpose "What kind of man do you like?"

Law, who had been sitting with his back turned, freezes.

You glare at Sanji "Really? All this time you were never interested in such things"

Sanji just grins "What? It’s an innocent question!" He leans in "Tall? Strong? A little broody, maybe? Medical expertise a plus?"

You kick him in the shin.

"Ow—!" Sanji staggers back, but he’s laughing.

Law stands up abruptly.

"We leave at sunrise" he announces, voice clipped. Then he turns sharply on his heel and walks off toward his tent.

Sanji whistles lowly "Oof. I think I struck a nerve."

You sigh, running a hand through your hair "I swear, Sanji, you are the worst."

But part of you wonders if Law’s reaction means exactly what Sanji thinks it does.

Later that night, when the fire has burned low and most of the camp is asleep, you hear footsteps behind you.

You glance up—and freeze.

Law is standing there, arms crossed, gaze unreadable.

You sit up slightly "Couldn’t sleep?"

He doesn’t answer right away. Then, after a long pause, he sighs.

"You and Sanji..." he mutters "You enjoy making my life hell, don’t you?"

You smirk "It’s a bonus, yeah."

Law huffs, shaking his head. Then, after another pause, he says—so quietly you almost miss it—

"I didn’t like it."

Your breath catches slightly "...What?"

He looks away "The switch. I didn’t like it."

You blink. That’s… honestly a more direct confession than you expected "Well, yeah, I figured, but you did it yourself so—"

"Not because of the chaos," he cuts in, finally meeting your eyes "Because of him. Because of the way he—" Law exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair "I didn’t like seeing you and him. Like that."

Oh.

Oh.

Your heart skips a beat.

Law seems to realize what he’s admitting, because he quickly looks away again, shifting awkwardly "Forget it," he mutters "It’s late."

He turns to leave—but before he can take a step, you grab his wrist.

"Wait."

Law stiffens. Slowly, hesitantly, he turns back toward you.

You swallow, pulse racing, but you manage a small smile.

"You could’ve just said you were jealous, you know."

His face flames.

"I—I wasn’t—"

You tilt your head "No?"

Law glares at you, but it’s not as sharp as usual. If anything, he almost looks—flustered.

You squeeze his wrist gently before letting go "Next time, just say something," you murmur "Might save you a headache."

Law doesn’t move.

For a long moment, he just stares at you, something unreadable flickering in his golden eyes. Then, finally, he mutters under his breath—

"Idiot."

But the way his fingers linger near yours before he pulls away tells you everything you need to know.

And as he disappears into his tent, you realize—

This is it.

You have planned this for weeks, maybe even months—watching, waiting, learning the guards’ shifts, memorizing every path and every possible escape route. There will not be another chance like this. If you fail now… you don’t know if you’ll ever get another opportunity.

You take a slow, shaky breath. Then, carefully, you climb onto the edge of the window. The night is dark, the ocean stretching endlessly beneath the starry sky. The ground isn’t too far below—if you land quietly, you can make it. Just a short run to the small boat tied to the ship’s side. One push, and you’ll be free.

One deep breath. You brace yourself to jump.

But then—

“Going somewhere, Y/N?”

A voice cuts through the night like a blade. Cold. Sharp. Unforgiving.

Your blood turns to ice.

Before you can react, a strong hand grabs your wrist, yanking you backward with terrifying ease. You barely have time to gasp before you are slammed onto the bed, the impact knocking the air from your lungs.

Your wrists are pinned above your head. A heavy silence settles between you, broken only by your own ragged breathing.

Golden eyes glow in the dim light, staring down at you. Dark. Intense. Filled with something dangerous.

Something possessive.

“You really thought you could leave me?” Law’s voice is quiet, calm... too calm. And that’s what scares you the most.

You twist beneath him, struggling, but his grip only tightens. His strength is effortless, and you realize just how helpless you are against him “Law, please...”

His fingers brush lightly over your throat, making you freeze. It isn’t painful, but it’s a warning.

“Do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve caused me?” His voice remains steady, but his eyes reveal everything he doesn’t say out loud. Anger. Betrayal. Obsession. “After everything I’ve done for you… you still want to leave?”

Your body trembles beneath him “Law… this isn’t right,” you whisper “You can’t keep me here forever.”

A slow smirk curves his lips, dark and unreadable “Can’t I?”

He leans closer, his breath warm against your ear “You’re mine, Y/N. I won’t let you go. Ever.”

Your breath stutters as he presses a soft kiss to your forehead, mocking in its gentleness. Then, before you can say another word—

“ROOM.”

The world shifts.

A second ago, you were trapped beneath him. Now, you are back in your locked room, the door clicking shut as he steps away.

His voice carries through the walls “Try that again… and you won’t even be able to walk.”

And just like that, you know you are never escaping Trafalgar Law.

Your breathing is unsteady as you stare at the locked door. Your heart pounds like a trapped bird, desperate to escape its cage. Law’s words replay in your mind, chilling and final.

“Try that again… and you won’t even be able to walk.”

You press your hands against your face, trying to calm yourself, but the trembling won’t stop. You feel the sting of tears, but you refuse to let them fall. Crying won’t change anything.

This was your last chance. And you lost it.

The room is dimly lit by a small lantern on the bedside table, casting eerie shadows across the walls. The bed is slightly messy from when he threw you onto it, the sheets tangled. You can still feel the ghost of his touch on your wrists, the way his fingers had pressed into your skin—a quiet, undeniable reminder of who is in control.

You clench your fists.

“I have to get out of here…”

Your mind races, searching for another way, any way, to escape. You refuse to accept this as your fate. There has to be another way. Another chance.

But before you can form a plan, you hear footsteps.

Slow. Measured. Coming closer.

Your stomach twists as the doorknob rattles, then turns.

The door creaks open, revealing him.

Trafalgar Law stands in the doorway, golden eyes watching you carefully. His expression is unreadable, but the air around him is suffocating. He steps inside, shutting the door behind him with a quiet click.

You shrink back instinctively, but there is nowhere to run.

“You’re still awake,” he says, voice calm as he approaches the bed. He is no longer wearing his coat, just his usual black hoodie and jeans, but somehow, he still carries the same quiet authority. The same heavy presence that makes your skin prickle.

You clench your fists “What do you expect, Law? You just...” You stop yourself, taking a deep breath. Yelling won’t help. It never does. “You locked me in here” you finish in a whisper.

Law hums softly, as if considering your words, then sits at the edge of the bed beside you. His presence is overwhelming, filling the space around you.

He reaches out and gently tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, a soft, almost affectionate touch. But you know better.

You flinch away “Why?”

His gaze darkens “Because you keep trying to leave me.”

There is no anger in his voice. No frustration. Just pure certainty—like the idea of your freedom never existed in the first place.

Your jaw tightens “Because I don’t belong here, Law. You can’t keep me locked up like... like some kind of possession!”

His lips curl slightly. Not quite a smirk “Can’t I?”

You shudder at the way he says it, as if your resistance is nothing but a small inconvenience.

Then, in one swift motion, he shifts, caging you beneath him once more. His hands press into the mattress on either side of your head, his face dangerously close.

“Let me make something very clear, y/n” His voice is low and smooth, but there’s a dark promise beneath the surface “I don’t care how many times you try to run. I will always catch you. I will always bring you back.”

Your breath hitches as he leans in, his nose brushing against yours, his warmth surrounding you.

“You belong to me,” he murmurs, his lips barely touching your skin “And I won’t let you go.”

Tears burn at the corners of your eyes, frustration bubbling in your chest. But deep down, you know he isn’t lying.

This isn’t just an obsession.

It’s possession.

You wink at him “You know, you’re really cute when you’re angry.”

Law scoffs but the tips of his ears go red, which only makes you smirk wider.

The two of you continue to walk through the crowded streets of Wano, and the people around you don't seem to pay much attention, at least not to Law. But you, on the other hand, draw plenty of stares. It's almost laughable how you're both playing the part of a loving couple so well. You’re sure the act would’ve made some people second-guess themselves, if not for your obvious affection for Law.

“Do you really have to hold my hand like this?” Law mutters, trying to keep his face neutral. His tone is deadpan, but his hand doesn't pull away, even though he clearly wants to.

“Yes, I do. It’s important for the cover, we're married, remember?” You tighten your grip slightly, watching him try his hardest to stay composed, and you can’t help but relish in how embarrassed he looks.

“...I’m going to regret this” he mutters under his breath, his voice barely audible.

“No, you won’t,” you say sweetly, squeezing his hand with a grin “You like it.”

Law doesn’t say anything for a moment. His face remains impassive, but you can see the little vein in his forehead twitching. It’s clear that he’s not nearly as indifferent as he’s trying to make himself seem.

Before he can retort, you pull his arm, dragging him towards a stand with fresh produce "Look! They have strawberries!!"

You start picking up the plump, red fruit, inspecting it with exaggerated curiosity. Law watches you, his arms crossed, a frown on his face.

"You’re acting like a child," he observes dryly, clearly disinterested. But you know he’s watching, and deep down, you know that he’s silently amused.

“You’re just mad because I’m having fun. Don’t worry, I'll buy you some too” you say, but the moment you say it, you know he’ll probably refuse it.

Law doesn't respond, but you catch the tiniest glimmer of amusement in his eyes, just for a moment. His mouth tightens, but it’s not out of frustration anymore. It’s something else, something softer, though he’d never admit it.

You turn to him and offer one of the strawberries "Want one? You might smile for once."

He takes the strawberry reluctantly, muttering under his breath, "You're impossible" but you can see the corners of his mouth twitch, as if the smallest hint of a smile might want to escape.

The night comes, and you’re both sitting around a small campfire outside of town, eating a simple meal. Law’s still in his pirate garb, but you’ve managed to dress him up in something a little more traditional, at least in a way that blends with the locals. He looks even more irritated now that he’s out of his comfort zone, but you can’t help but stare at him.

"You know, you really should smile more," you say casually, picking at the food in front of you "You’d be less grumpy."

Law shoots you a glare, his gaze cold but somehow fond "I don’t need to smile."

“You say that, but you do smile sometimes, even when you don’t mean to,” you tease, leaning your head on your hand "Like when you're all annoyed. It’s cute."

His eyebrow twitches, and you immediately know you’ve hit a nerve.

"I do not get 'annoyed'," he hisses "I’m just... trying to survive being stuck here."

“Oh sure, but I’ve noticed something,” you say, leaning in with a smirk “Every time I annoy you, you get this cute little angry face. It’s the best part of the day.”

Law scowls harder, trying to maintain his composure, but you can see the way his face softens ever so slightly, as if he’s secretly enjoying your teasing.

“I’m not cute” he mutters, but his voice lacks its usual edge.

“Oh, trust me, you’re definitely cute. Especially when you try to hide it” you say, reaching over to poke his cheek, making him flinch.

“Don’t touch me” he warns, his patience thinning, but there's no real heat behind it.

You pull your hand back with a grin, trying to hide your glee “I bet I can get you to smile before this mission is over.”

“You won’t" he says, though there's a hint of challenge in his voice.

You wink at him “Wanna bet?”

Law looks at you for a long moment, his eyes narrowing. But you both know it’s a challenge he’s already lost.

The next morning, the Heart Pirates gather. You and Law make your way back after a quick stop in the town. You’re both still playing the role of a happily married couple, though your grin and the slight blush on Law’s face tell a different story.

"Morning, you two" Bepo greets with a wave as you approach the group. He gives you both a curious glance but doesn’t comment right away. You notice his ears twitch slightly, as if he’s trying to figure something out.

"Morning" you reply sweetly, wrapping your arm around Law's waist. You can’t resist leaning into him just a little, making sure everyone notices.

Shachi and Penguin, standing nearby, exchange a quick look.

Law doesn't want to draw attention to it, but he's well aware of the curious stares from his crew.

"What's going on between you two?" Penguin asks, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow "I thought we were supposed to be working undercover, not pretending to be... a couple." He says "couple" with exaggerated air quotes, making sure the whole group hears it.

You giggle, looking up at Law "Oh, we are, don't worry. Usopp said we should go undercover as a freshly married couple, right, honey?" you say, dragging out the last word with far too much affection, but you actually did it to tease him. In facts, Law’s face tenses, and you can almost see the steam coming out of his ears.

Bepo looks between the two of you, his expression softer than the others "You’re really convincing" he says, a faint blush creeping up on his cheeks. He clearly doesn’t quite understand the situation but seems to be happy for you, or at least trying to be supportive.

“You’re making him uncomfortable, y/n” Shachi teases, nudging you playfully.

“Well, it's a fake marriage after all” you reply with a grin “If he likes it or not we have to make it seem real, especially because we almost got caught”

Law huffs, crossing his arms tightly “We’re not really married. It’s a cover for the mission. And you...” He points at Shachi, who seems way too entertained by the situation “...don’t have to comment on it.”

"Sure, sure, but tell me this," Shachi continues, leaning in as though he's unraveling a great mystery "How come every time I look over, you're so close? So touchy-feely for just a mission. There’s gotta be something going on.”

Penguin snickers in the background, enjoying the show “Shachi might be onto something, Law. You sure you’re not falling for y/n?”

You wink at Law, watching his patience fray a little more “Oh, I think he’s already there” you say, making sure to be extra teasing.

Law narrows his eyes, clearly not thrilled at the idea of his crew picking up on this “I am not! Stop messing around, all of you. We have more important things to focus on.”

But you can tell that beneath the irritation, there’s a hint of something else, embarrassment? Maybe even… a little fondness?

“I’m just saying,” Bepo starts, his voice soft but sincere “you two look so natural together. It’s kind of adorable.”

Your eyes soften, and you offer Bepo a warm smile "I’m glad someone sees it that way," you reply, winking at Law again. He’s practically fuming now, but there's a twinkle in his eyes that he’s not quite able to hide.

“Adorable?” Law scoffs, his face now an unmistakable shade of red “I swear, you’re all insane.” He glares at his crew, but even the glare doesn't hide how his heart's racing just a little.

Later that evening, as you and Law sit around the campfire again, this time with the rest of the Heart Pirates on watch duty, the teasing continues, though now it’s less playful and more knowing. Everyone’s fully aware that something’s up between you two, and it’s clear that you’ve been having a lot of fun with the idea.

“Alright, alright, let’s just get this out of the way," Shachi starts, taking a seat beside you and leaning in conspiratorially "Who fell first?”

Law doesn’t even look at you, but you can feel his discomfort radiating “We’re not doing this” he mutters with an exasperated sigh.

But the teasing continues, the Heart Pirates are all looking at you two with amusement in their eyes. Bepo and Penguin are now watching you closely, seemingly trying to pick up on every little interaction, while Shachi just can’t stop himself from pressing the issue.

“You two are definitely more than just a cover story,” Shachi says, grinning from ear to ear “You’re always so close, so... affectionate.”

“Yeah!” Penguin chimes in, clearly enjoying the drama “It’s like you guys are really a thing.”

Law remains silent for a few beats, his jaw clenched, clearly holding his frustration in check. But you notice the tightening of his fists and the way his eyes flicker with irritation.

You glance over at him, but before you can even tease him again, you notice his patience clearly running out “That’s enough” he snaps, voice low but sharp.

The whole group falls quiet, the sudden intensity of his voice making them look at him with wide eyes.

“I don’t like this attention, alright?” Law’s voice is colder now, his usual calm demeanor replaced by something harder, something… serious. His gaze shifts to you, and you’re caught off guard by how harsh his words are “I don’t like you hanging off me all the time, I don’t like being treated like your husband, and I don’t like you constantly teasing me. We’re not a couple, y/n. We’re not even close enough for you to call me your friend, let alone you husband...”

The words hit like a slap, and for a moment, all you can do is stare at him in disbelief. His face is set in a frown, his usual stoic expression replaced by something colder, more distant. You feel a pang in your chest, your heart sinking at how genuine he seems.

The rest of the crew falls silent, unsure of what to say.

You take a step back, your arm slipping as you pull away. Your eyes flicker down to the ground, trying to hide the hurt that's suddenly swelling inside you.

You’re not sure why, but the way he said it, so blunt, so final, makes you believe him. Maybe you had been too forward. Maybe you pushed him too far, even if you were just jocking around.

You try to force a smile, but it feels weak, forced "Right," you say quietly, your voice barely above a whisper "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel this uncomfortable."

Law doesn’t respond, too focused on his crew and the way they’re looking at him. The awkward silence stretches, and you find yourself drifting further away. You can’t bring yourself to joke anymore, to tease him as you had before. The sting of his words cuts deeper than you want to admit.

The rest of the evening goes by in an uncomfortable silence. You eat your meal, your eyes occasionally flicking toward Law, but you can’t bring yourself to look at him for long. Every time you do, you feel the weight of his words echoing in your mind.

The next few days feel... different. You’ve stopped teasing him, stopped getting close like you used to. Whenever you have to interact, you’re careful to keep your distance, avoiding any unnecessary physical contact. You act as professional as possible, keeping the focus entirely on the mission.

It doesn’t escape the Heart Pirates’ notice, though. They watch as the dynamics between you and Law change. You’re not the playful couple anymore. Instead, you seem more distant, more reserved—especially around Law.

Shachi notices first "Hey, y/n, everything okay?" he asks one morning as you sit near the ship’s edge, watching the horizon. He knows something’s off, and though he doesn’t want to pry, he can’t help but ask.

You force a smile, but it doesn’t reach your eyes “Yeah. Just tired, that’s all.”

Bepo, who’s been quietly observing, speaks up hesitantly “You haven’t been... teasing him anymore. Are you two—”

“We’re fine,” you interrupt quickly, too quickly. You don’t want to explain. You don’t even know what to say "Just focusing on the mission, as it should have been from the very start"

The conversation ends there, but you can feel the weight of their concern. They’re noticing the shift, the sudden distance between you and Law. But none of them, especially not Law, know how to fix it.

Days pass in Wano, and you continue to keep your distance from Law, though the tension between the two of you feels thicker than ever. Every time you’re near him, the awkwardness is palpable. But something else is happening in the background.

The Strawhats are back in Wano. After all the time you’ve spent apart.

It’s in the middle of a bustling market square, where you and Law are walking around trying to gather some supplies for the mission, when you spot them. You freeze, your heart racing. Your breath catches in your throat when your eyes land on Sanji.

Without thinking, you let everything fall from your hands and sprint toward him. Sanji’s back is turned, so he doesn’t see you coming until it’s too late. You throw yourself into his arms with tears in your eyes, overwhelmed with relief.

“Sanji!” you exclaim, your voice muffled against his chest as you cling to him.

Sanji’s eyes widen in surprise, but then he smiles softly, his arms wrapping around you “Hey there, y/n” he says, his tone warm “It’s been a while, huh?”

You pull back slightly, wiping at your eyes with the back of your hand “I’ve missed you so much” you admit softly.

Sanji raises an eyebrow, but his smile softens “It’s good to see you too. Looks like you’ve got a lot on your mind, though. You okay?”

You hesitate for a moment, then give a small nod “Yeah... I’m fine now. I just... I’ve been through some stuff. But I’m glad you’re here.”

Law watched everything, staying back. As soon as he saw you hugging the cook, he took everything you dropped and left you alone with them, even because it looks like you forgot about him.

The next day, you find yourself meeting up with Sanji at his little noodle shop. You’ve told him everything, how you and Law have been pretending to be a married couple, how your feelings have gotten tangled up, and how, after Law’s harsh words, you’ve pulled away to keep things professional. You tell him about the emotional distance between you and Law, and the complicated feelings you’re dealing with.

“I don’t know what to do anymore,” you admit, your hands twisting nervously in your lap “I feel like I’m losing him. He doesn’t want me around, and it’s driving me crazy. But I don’t know how to fix it.”

Sanji’s expression softens as he listens to you, his gaze gentle

“I thought it was just supposed to be a cover” you murmur, “but somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like one. And now... now it feels like everything’s falling apart.” You pause, looking down “I think I care about him more than I thought I did.”

Sanji reaches out, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze “You’ve got a good heart, y/n. And I know Law is a complicated guy. But if you care about him, you need to figure out what you want. You’re not just a cover story, okay?”

You meet his gaze, feeling a sense of clarity you hadn’t realized you were missing “You’re right. I just wish I knew how to fix it.”

Sanji leans in, his voice dropping lower “It’s okay to take things slow. And if you want to... maybe you could start by not hiding from him anymore.”

Before you can respond, you both hear some footsteps approaching. You quickly stand up and walk away from the alley, but you notice people beginning to gossip behind you.

“You heard about y/n and her husband, right?” one woman whispers to her friend.

“Yeah, I heard she’s been cheating on him with that blonde guy. Can you believe that? I mean, the nerve!” another woman replies, her voice dripping with gossip.

The words hit you like a punch in the gut. You feel your face flush with embarrassment and frustration. Cheating? How did they come up with that?

You try to ignore it, but it’s hard. The whispers follow you as you walk back to the group, and you can feel the sting of their words deep in your chest.

Later that evening, as you rejoin Law and the rest of the crew, you notice his usual cold demeanor has shifted. He’s standing by the fire, his back to you, as if he’s been waiting for you. When you approach, he doesn’t immediately acknowledge you.

"Are you... okay?" you ask softly, but you can see the frustration in his posture. He doesn’t respond immediately, but his jaw tightens.

“I don’t appreciate people talking about my personal life like that, true or not...” Law says, his voice low and clipped “You’ve been avoiding me for days, and now I hear rumors? What’s going on?”

Your stomach twists in knots “Law...”

“I don't care about you and the blondie but...” he cuts you off, his gaze icy “I can’t focus when people are talking about me like that, especially if we're supposed to be undercover here.”

You feel your throat tighten, the weight of his words sinking in. He’s frustrated, and his anger makes your heart ache “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen, you know Sanji is my friend, people just don't know the truth and make things up” you admit, your voice shaky.

Law sighs, running a hand through his hair, looking as if he’s about to snap “Then stop avoiding me. We’re in this together, but if you keep pushing me away, I’m not sure what we’re doing anymore... we can't bring so much attention on us.”

The atmosphere between you and Law is still tense. You don’t want things to spiral even further, so you suggest an idea, something that might distract from the tension and let everyone cool off for a while.

"Why don’t we go grab some food?" you suggest, your voice a little hesitant but hopeful.

Law turns to you, his expression neutral “You think food is going to help?”

You shrug, trying to lighten the mood "Maybe. Besides, I’ve been hearing about this noodle shop... the chef is called Sanji, I think?... I’ve heard it’s good..."

Law’s brows furrow, but his interest is piqued "Sanji? You think going right to him won't worsen things?"

You nod "Maybe if people see us all together, as three good friends, they're going to stop talk about me cheating..."

He looks at you for a moment, then sighs, clearly not wanting to be left alone with his thoughts any longer "Fine. Let’s go."

The small noodle spot is tucked away in a corner of Wano, busy and filled with the warmth of the cooking. When you and Law arrive, you’re greeted immediately by Sanji’s bright smile, but there’s something in his eyes that softens when he sees you. He’s not as flirtatious as usual, and there’s a sharpness in his gaze as he sees the tension between you and Law.

"Well, well, if it isn’t the infamous 'married couple'" Sanji says, his voice light, though there’s an edge to it now.

You try to smooth things over, grinning at him “Yeah, we’re here to eat...”

It’s time to kill the rumors.

“We’ll sit over here,” you say quickly, guiding Law to a seat “Make it clear to everyone that we’re... still a team.”

Law sits down stiffly, clearly not thrilled, but it’s obvious he’s playing along. He keeps his eyes ahead, refusing to acknowledge Sanji’s deliberate coldness toward him.

Sanji brings over bowls of noodles with flair, but his attitude towards Law remains distant, even a little antagonistic. He makes sure to place the food right in front of you, offering a special smile "Just for you, y/n. A little something extra special, like always."

He looks at you, and his smile softens just a bit. But when his eyes flick to Law, the warmth vanishes, and the tension in the room grows thicker.

Law doesn’t react right away, but you can feel the change in him. His jaw tightens, his body language growing even more tense than it was before. He clenches his fist under the table, clearly irritated.

"Stop playing games," Law mutters, his voice low and tight with barely contained frustration "Just serve the food and stop making this weird."

Sanji, clearly not intimidated, shrugs "If you don’t like how things are going, maybe you should take a look at how you’re treating her. It’s obvious you’ve got no control over the situation"

You flinch at the words, but Sanji’s eyes flicker to you in a way that makes you feel a bit guilty. You didn’t want this to turn into some kind of game, but now, it’s getting harder to keep things under wraps.

You look at Law, hoping to redirect the conversation "Let’s just eat," you say, trying to keep things casual "We need to look like a normal couple to the town. We don’t want any more rumors."

Law gives you a long, searching look before nodding "Fine. But we’re done with the theatrics, understood?"

As the meal progresses, the silence between you, Sanji, and Law grows thicker. The tension is almost unbearable, but it’s working, people around are starting to get the message. Law and you are a team, no matter the rumors, and the gossip about you "cheating" slowly starts to fade as the focus shifts to you two sitting together.

Sanji seems to settle into his role. He occasionally glances at you, making sure you’re taken care of, but the icy distance he’s putting between himself and Law is unmistakable. Law notices it too, and while he’s trying to keep his cool, it’s clear it’s starting to get under his skin.

Finally, Sanji returns to the counter, his back turned, leaving you and Law in silence. It’s the perfect opportunity to clear the air, but neither of you speaks.

You glance at Law, noticing the frustration in his eyes. He doesn’t like this. Doesn’t like the way Sanji is treating you, doesn’t like the way he’s feeling about the whole situation.

You try to lighten the mood, but it’s hard to ignore the tightness in his shoulders "You know, we’re supposed to be a married couple, not a couple of kids at a playground."

Law narrows his eyes at you "I didn’t sign up for this. The mission’s getting complicated."

You try to ignore the tug in your chest, a bit of confusion creeping in "It’s just a cover, Law. Nothing’s changed. We’re just doing what we need to do."

But the words hang there, and even though you say them, you know that things aren’t so simple anymore. You feel it, and you know Law does too.

As you leave the shop together, the streets of Wano no longer seem as welcoming as before. The weight of the situation presses down on you, and Law’s behavior is starting to affect you in ways you didn’t expect. You can’t figure out if it’s the mission weighing on him, or if it’s something more.

After the meal at Sanji’s, the rumors finally start dying down, but the damage between you and Law lingers. The tension is unbearable, Law barely looks at you, and you, still hurt from his earlier words, keep your distance.

Sanji notices. The crew notices. Even the damn town notices.

One evening, as you sit outside the inn you and Law have been staying at for your undercover mission, you overhear some locals whispering.

“They say that woman is still in love with her husband, but he doesn’t care for her.” “Shame. She looks miserable.” “She was always all so cute and clingy to him but she stopped entirely, he must’ve pushed her away.”

You clench your fists. It’s one thing to suffer in silence, but another to hear strangers pitying you.

Law suddenly walks past you, pausing for a second before speaking, “Go inside.” His voice is firm but quiet.

You don’t move “Why do you care?” you murmur, not looking at him “You made it clear I was just a nuisance to you and it's just a mission, which is almost over anyway given Zoro and Luffy are making trubles after trubles...”

Law exhales sharply “I never—” He stops, frustrated, before running a hand down his face “Listen, I was trying to stop myself from—” He cuts himself off again, jaw clenched.

You finally turn to him “From what?”

His silence is enough of an answer.

Your heart clenches, but you shake your head “You don’t have to force yourself to tolerate me anymore, Law. We’ll finish the mission, and after that—”

“Enough,” he snaps, suddenly grabbing your wrist. His grip is firm but not painful, just desperate “You don’t get to decide that.”

Your eyes widen as he pulls you toward him, his voice low but intense “I was a damn coward,” he mutters “You—you were always in my space, always teasing me, and I—” He exhales sharply “I pushed you away because I—”

You hold your breath.

“I fell for you” Law finally admits, looking at you with something raw and vulnerable in his gaze “I fell so hard, and I didn’t know how to deal with it.”

Your heart nearly stops.

“You what?”

He groans, looking away “I can’t stand you ignoring me. I can’t stand watching you with Sanji, even though I know it’s nothing. And I hate that I made you think I didn’t care.”

The words hit you like a storm, leaving you speechless. He looks genuinely frustrated, at himself.

You swallow hard before whispering, “So what do we do now?”

Law looks at you, his grip tightening slightly “You tell me,” he murmurs, voice quieter now “Because if you still want me, then I—” He hesitates, then sighs “I don’t want this to be fake anymore.”

Your breath hitches.

For the first time in weeks, you grin “I mean... I think it's too soon to talk about marriage, isn't it?”

Law groans, rolling his eyes “Unbelievable.”

You laugh, and before you can stop yourself, you tug him down into a kiss.

And just like that, the mission doesn’t feel so complicated anymore.

Back on the Polar Tang, the Heart Pirates immediately notice the change.

Law still wears his usual scowl, still grumbles under his breath whenever you tease him, but there’s no real bite behind his words anymore. The biggest difference? He lets you get away with it.

You lean against his side as he studies a map, chin resting on his shoulder. He doesn’t shove you off like he used to, he just sighs heavily, pretending to ignore you.

“Oi, captain,” Shachi calls out, smirking “Didn’t you say you hated being touched?”

Penguin snickers “Yeah, man, what happened to all that complaining? Because right now, it looks like you like it.”

Law doesn’t even look up, but you can see the way his jaw tightens, the tips of his ears turning pink “Shut up” he mutters, flipping a page of the map aggressively.

“Oh, come on, it’s adorable,” Bepo chimes in, tail wagging “You used to be all grumpy whenever she clung to you, and now you just accept it?”

You grin, tilting your head up to look at him “Aww, so you do like my attention.”

His eye twitches “I didn’t say that.”

“But you didn’t deny it.”

Shachi and Penguin lose it, laughing while Bepo beams like a proud parent.

Law exhales through his nose, rubbing his temples. But despite the grumbling, he doesn’t move you away. And that’s when it clicks.

Shachi leans back, crossing his arms “Y’know, I think we all got it wrong before.”

Penguin nods, smirking “Yeah. We thought y/n was the lost cause, but—”

They both turn to Law, who immediately tenses, as if he knows what’s coming.

“You actually fell harder.”

The room falls silent.

You blink up at him, waiting for his reaction.

Law glares at his crew, looking about two seconds away from using Room just to teleport them out of his sight. But instead, he lets out a sharp exhale, shutting his eyes for a moment. When he opens them again, he just mutters “Unbelievable.”

You beam and press a quick kiss to his cheek, watching as his face turns bright red.

Shachi and Penguin exchange knowing looks, muffling their laughter. Law glares at them before his gaze lands back on you. That’s when he notices something.

His eyes narrow “Is that—” He frowns “Are you wearing my hoodie?”

You freeze, mid-bite into a sweet bun “…No.”

Law crosses his arms, staring you down “That’s literally my hoodie.”

You tug the oversized fabric closer around yourself, chin lifting defiantly “Bepo gave it to me… Well, it’s mine now anyway. It’s comfy.”

Bepo wags his tail “It does look good on you, Y/N.”

You flash him a thumbs-up before turning back to Law “See? Bepo agrees.”

Law pinches the bridge of his nose “You can’t just steal my clothes.”

You hum thoughtfully, running your hands over the soft fabric “Now that I think about it… it did smell like you.”

Silence.

Shachi and Penguin choke on their drinks. Bepo’s ears twitch. You realize what you just said and instantly look away, cheeks warm but you don’t take it back.

Law stares at you, his usual sharp expression softening just a little. His ears are tinged red, and for once, he doesn’t have some sarcastic comeback. Instead, he exhales, running a hand through his hair.

“…Fine,” he mutters “Keep it.”

Your eyes widen “Wait, really?”

He looks anywhere but at you “Just don’t ruin it.”

You beam, warmth spreading in your chest as you tug the hoodie even closer around yourself “Thanks, Torao.”

“…It’s Law.”

But when you call him Torao again, he doesn’t correct you.

And maybe, just maybe, he likes the way you look in his hoodie a little too much.

You sprawl out on the nearest couch in the submarine’s common room, Law’s hoodie still draped over you like a second skin. It’s ridiculously comfortable, and smells just like him, something warm and subtly him.

“You’re getting too comfortable here” Law remarks, standing near the door with his arms crossed.

You crack one eye open, smiling lazily “And?”

His golden gaze flickers to the way you’ve bundled yourself up in his hoodie. Something shifts in his expression, something soft, something he quickly hides behind a sigh.

“At least don’t sleep here. You’ll get in the way.”

“But the couch is so comfy” you whine dramatically, stretching “And I’m already in my nap position.”

Law pinches the bridge of his nose “That’s not a real thing.”

“It is” you insist “Once you get into a nap position, you have to nap”

Shachi, who’s passing by, chimes in with a grin “they got a point, Captain.”

Law shoots him a glare that immediately sends him scurrying away.

You snicker “See? Even your crew agrees with me.”

Law exhales, rubbing his temple “You’re impossible.”

Still, he doesn’t order you to move. Instead, he strides over to the couch, hovering for a moment before sitting down right next to you.

Your heart stutters slightly.

“Uh—” You blink up at him “What are you—”

“If you’re going to take up the whole couch, at least make space.” He nudges you lightly, and you shift instinctively, leaving just enough room for him.

You watch, stunned, as he leans back, arms crossed, and stays.

Trafalgar D. Water Law is sitting next to you. Voluntarily.

And he doesn’t move away.

Your brain short-circuits for a second.

“…So,” you say after a beat, a teasing grin spreading across your lips “Are we… napping together now?”

Law huffs “I’m just resting my eyes.”

You hum knowingly “Mmmhmm.”

A few minutes pass. The sound of the submarine’s gentle hum fills the space, lulling you into relaxation. You peek at Law out of the corner of your eyes, his head tilted slightly to the side, lips parted just a little, breath slow.

He fell asleep.

Your heart swells. He must trust you to do that.

Carefully, so carefully, you shift just a little closer, your shoulder brushing against his arm. He doesn’t move away.

A tiny, secret smile tugs at your lips.

As you get up to leave later on, you catch your reflection in a polished steel surface, something in your chest twists.

You notice how the hoodie clings in places it didn't on him. How it doesn’t hang loose, how it shows more of you than you thought it would.

Your confidence is real, but so is the insecurity that creeps in.

You stare at yourself for a long moment before quietly slipping the hoodie off.

Later, in Law’s Office

Law wakes up and notice you're not there anymore. He doesn't know why he's feeling like this but it seems wrong. so he goes looking for you.

"Bepo, where is y/n?"

"Oh, they had to go back to the Strawhats" Bepo answers noticing his Captain's weird worried look.

Law nods and goes back in his study, and while pouring over medical notes, he notices something on his chair.

His hoodie.

Your hoodie.

Folded neatly. Left behind.

His brow furrows. He knows you by now, knows how confidently you carry yourself, how you never hesitate to claim what you want. You wouldn’t just return it without saying anything.

Something is wrong.

He sighs, closing his notebook. He needs to find you.

When you return to your crew they immediately sense something is off.

You’re quieter than usual. Your usual bright energy feels dimmed, and even though you laugh at Luffy’s antics and Nami’s teasing, your heart isn’t in it.

Sanji offers your favorite snacks.

Usopp tells exaggerated stories to make you laugh.

Robin gives you a knowing look but doesn’t push.

Even Zoro, who isn’t usually the first to notice emotional things, raises an eyebrow when you barely react to an insult battle with him.

“Oi,” he says, watching as you retreat toward your room “You good?”

You pause, forcing a smile “Yeah. Just tired.”

You shut the door before anyone can say more.

The moment you’re alone, you curl up on your bed, staring at the ceiling.

You don’t cry.

You’re strong, after all. You love yourself, and you don’t let dumb thoughts get the best of you.

But tonight, the little voice in the back of your head wins.

It’s late when Law steps onto the Thousand Sunny.

The Strawhats immediately turns to him, Nami folds her arms, and Sanji’s eye twitches.

“What do you want, Trafalgar?” Nami asks suspiciously.

Law exhales “Where’s y/n?”

Everyone stares.

Luffy blinks “You’re lookin’ for y/n?”

“…Yes.”

A beat of silence. Then, to Law’s mild surprise, the tension eases.

Robin gives him an unreadable smile “They’re in their room.”

Sanji exhales a cloud of smoke “I don't know what you did to them but you better not be here to make them feel worse.”

Law scowls “I wouldn’t be here if I was.”

Zoro watches him for a second before jerking his head toward your door “Go.”

Law doesn’t hesitate.

The knock on your door is soft.

You frown “I’m not hungry, Sanji.”

“It’s not Sanji.”

You freeze.

Your heart kicks up “Law?”

“Open the door.”

You hesitate, but something in his tone makes you move. When you unlock it, you barely have time to react before something is draped over your shoulders.

Law’s hoodie.

Your hoodie.

You stare at it, then at him “Law, I—”

“You left it,” he says simply. His golden eyes meet yours, unreadable but intense “Why?”

You shift uncomfortably “It… It wasn’t as oversized as I thought.”

“And?”

You let out a soft, bitter laugh “It just... doesn't fit me, that's all”

Law is silent for a long moment. Then, to your absolute shock, he tugs the hoodie tighter around you.

“You’re wrong.”

Your breath catches “What?”

He looks at you, gaze steady. Warmer than usual “I love how it looks on you.”

Your heart stutters.

He sighs, running a hand through his hair “I wouldn’t have let you keep it if I didn’t.”

You stare at him, something blooming in your chest, something soft, vulnerable, and terrifying all at once.

“…You mean that?”

His lips twitch slightly “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t.”

You clutch the fabric, warmth flooding you, not just from the hoodie, but from him.

From the way he came to find you.

From the way he wanted you to have this.

Slowly, your confidence returns. You smile, a real one this time “Guess it’s mine for good, then.”

He rolls his eyes, but there’s no irritation in it. Just fondness.

“…Yeah.”

Maybe Trafalgar Law likes you exactly as you are, and that’s enough.

The weight of Law’s hoodie is comforting, the warmth of the fabric wrapping around you like a silent reassurance. But it’s not just the hoodie, it’s him.

The way he looks at you, sharp eyes softened just a little. The way he came for you, no hesitation.

The way he wanted you to keep it.

Something inside you, something small and doubtful, quiets.

You exhale, tugging at the sleeves “You’re full of surprises, Torao.”

His brow twitches “It’s Law.”

But there’s no real bite to it.

You take a slow step forward, peering up at him “You really like how it looks on me?”

Law huffs, crossing his arms “I already said so.”

“But why?”

His jaw clenches, like he’s debating whether or not to say what’s on his mind.

Then, after a long pause, he sighs “Because it’s you.”

Your breath catches “Law—”

He continues, gaze locked on yours “You laugh like you mean it. You don’t hesitate to say what’s on your mind, and you don’t back down from anyone, not even me.”

Your heart pounds.

His fingers twitch, like he wants to reach for you but isn’t sure if he should.

“I’ve seen you be confident,” he murmurs “But I’ve also seen the moments when you doubt yourself. I just…” He exhales sharply, frustrated at himself “I don’t want you to think you have to be anything other than what you are.”

The words hit deep.

Law isn’t the type to give empty reassurances. He’s blunt, logical. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything.

So if he says it, he means it.

Something inside you melts.

Slowly, carefully, you step even closer, testing the waters. Law doesn’t move away. If anything, his eyes darken with something warmer, deeper.

“Law...” Your voice is softer now, teasing but gentle “You’re really bad at this.”

He scowls “At what?”

You smile “At saying you like me.”

Law stiffens.

For a second, you wonder if you pushed too far, but then, he exhales through his nose, and his lips twitch.

“You’re impossible” he mutters.

Then, before you can process it, he reaches out.

One hand curls around your wrist, the other gently tugs at the hem of the hoodie, his hoodie, before resting lightly against your waist. His touch is hesitant but deliberate.

Your breath hitches.

His fingers tighten slightly. Not enough to hold you there, but enough to let you know he wants to.

Your heart races “Law—”

“You’re keeping this” he says, tugging at the hoodie slightly, voice low “And you’re not leaving it behind again.”

You grin “That a captain’s order?”

“…Yeah.”

Something shifts between you, something undeniable, something fragile but real.

So you do the only thing that feels right.

You close the distance.

Your arms loop around his waist, pressing against him fully. He tenses at first, clearly not used to this, but then, slowly, carefully, he relaxes.

And then, after a long moment, his arms come around you, pulling you closer.

Law isn’t warm, he’s burning.

But so are you.

Neither of you move. Neither of you want to.

“…Torao?” Your voice is muffled against his chest.

“Hm?”

“You’re actually good at this.”

His hand tightens slightly on your back, like he’s holding on. Like he doesn’t want to let go.

“…Shut up” he mutters.

But he doesn’t pull away.

He shifts, crossing his arms tightly over his chest, as if that will protect him from your casual affection “Touch me like that. It’s… distracting.”

You snort “Distracting? It’s just my hand, Law.”

“Exactly…” he mutters, looking away.

You don’t miss the faint pink dusting his cheeks and ears. It’s cute. Ridiculously cute, considering he’s supposed to be this terrifying pirate captain. But you don’t push… at least, not yet. Instead, you just hum and let the moment pass.

But you don’t stop.

Over the next few days, you keep doing what comes naturally to you. A pat on the shoulder when he does something impressive, a hand on his back when you walk past him, a casual lean against him when you’re all gathered around on the Polar Tang discussing plans. Each time, Law stiffens. Each time, you see that flicker of surprise in his golden eyes, like he can’t understand why you keep touching him.

Until, slowly, he starts breaking.

It happens when you least expect it. You’re sitting on the deck, watching the waves, when Law sits down beside you, and not at a distance, not with space between, but close. His coat brushes against your arm. He doesn’t say anything, doesn’t even look at you.

You grin, deciding to test your luck. You lean into him, resting your head against his shoulder.

For a moment, he’s as still as a statue. You half-expect him to push you away, to grumble something about personal space. But then a long, heavy exhale, like he’s been holding it in for far too long. His shoulders relax under your touch, and when you shift slightly, you feel him lean back into you.

Your heart melts “See? Not so bad, right?”

He grumbles something under his breath, but he doesn’t move away. Instead, after a long pause, he mutters, “Don’t get used to it.”

You grin “Too late.”

And when you lace your fingers through his, he squeezes back.

Later on not much change.

You touch Law casually, so naturally because that’s how you are, and sadly for Law you do it unconsciously even in front of the crew. And every time, without fail, Law’s reaction is hilarious.

Like the time you casually ruffle his hair after a strategy meeting. Bepo gasps audibly. Shachi and Penguin nearly choke on their drinks. Law? He freezes, ears burning red, before grumbling “I’m not a damn pet, Y/N.”

Or the time you loop your arm through his while walking through a town. He stiffens like you just announced you’re engaged, and the crew watches in barely-contained amusement as he tries to play it cool and fails spectacularly.

Then there’s the best one yet… when you hug him from behind while he’s at his desk.

A perfectly innocent gesture, really. You’re just draping your arms over his shoulders, peeking at the map he’s been studying for hours. But the way Law’s breath hitches? The way his whole body tenses like he’s been caught committing a crime? Priceless.

Shachi whistles “Captain’s gonna short-circuit.”

Penguin nudges Bepo “Five berries he tells Y/N to get lost in three seconds.”

But then, Law does what no one expects… he just sighs and keeps writing.

No snapping, no grumbling, no pushing you away. He just lets it happen.

The room goes dead silent.

“…Captain?” Bepo ventures cautiously, eyes wide.

Law barely spares them a glance “What?”

Penguin gestures wildly at the two of you “Uh, are we just—pretending this is normal now?”

You grin, tightening your arms around Law’s shoulders “Guess he got used to me.”

The crew loses their minds.

“Since WHEN?” Shachi demands “You were acting like Y/N was stabbing you every time they even just tapped your shoulder!”

“People adapt” Law says simply, flipping a page in his book.

Your smile turns smug “He doesn’t just tolerate it now… he likes it.”

The moment you say it, you can feel Law roll his eyes. But instead of denying it—instead of pushing you away like he always does—he reaches up, grabs your wrist, and pulls you down into his lap.

Shachi drops his drink.

Penguin screeches.

Bepo’s jaw literally falls open.

You’re too stunned to even process it as Law leans back against his chair, keeping an arm around your waist like it’s the most normal thing in the world. He’s not flustered. He’s not grumpy. If anything, he looks smug.

You blink “Did you just—”

“You started it,” Law says lazily, tapping his pen against the paper “Now deal with the consequences.”

The crew is in shambles.

Shachi shakes Penguin by the shoulders “Bro, I think we lost our captain.”

Penguin is staring at Law like he just grew two heads “Who are you, and what did you do to Trafalgar Law?!”

Meanwhile, Law just goes back to writing, perfectly unbothered, while keeping you firmly in his lap.

The crew is still freaking out, voices overlapping in sheer disbelief.

“Okay, seriously, what the hell is going on?!” Shachi waves his arms around “Is this a prank? Are we in an illusion? Bepo, slap me—”

“Gladly…” Bepo says, raising a paw.

Before he can, a familiar blue glow fills the room.

“Room.”

In an instant, the crew vanishes, teleported right out of the studio.

You barely have time to process what just happened before Law tilts your chin up and kisses you.

It’s not hesitant. Not shy. Just slow and deliberate, like he’s been waiting for this moment for far too long. His hand lingers at the back of your neck, keeping you close, while his lips move against yours.

When he finally pulls back, there’s a rare smirk playing on his lips.

“They were getting annoying” he murmurs.

You’re still a little dazed, staring at him “You… you teleported them just to kiss me?”

He hums “They’re just outside the room, not in the sea.”

Outside, you can hear the distant shouting of Shachi and Penguin pounding on the door.

“LAW, YOU CAN’T JUST ROOM US OUT BECAUSE YOU WANNA MAKE OUT—”

“OPEN THE DAMN DOOR, CAPTAIN—”

Bepo’s voice is more resigned “I’m happy for you both, but this is getting out of hand.”

You giggle, resting your forehead against Law’s “You know, they’re never gonna let you live this down.”

His thumb brushes against your waist “Let them talk.”

You can’t help but smile, watching her so absorbed. You’ve always admired Robin’s passion for uncovering history’s secrets. But then, a feeling begins to gnaw at you. You glance over at Law, who is walking beside you, hands stuffed into his pockets as usual, his expression unreadable.

Without a word, Law suddenly vanishes from your side, reappearing instantly beside Robin with a soft pop, courtesy of his Shambles ability.

Your brow furrows.

You feel your stomach twist uncomfortably, but you try to brush it off. It’s nothing, you tell yourself. They’re just really curious about ancient things. No big deal.

But then, as you look at them, you see how close they are in that narrow corridor, how their faces are so close, and the blue light of the sea filtering through the window. Their eyes are locked on the submerged city, their curiosity shared in that quiet, intimate way that makes something uncomfortable stir inside you.

Yup, this is making you incredibly jealous.

Couldn’t he wait and go there after her? The thought keeps repeating itself in your mind.

You feel a familiar heat creep up your neck. The jealousy isn’t rational, you know that. It’s just a small moment. But the way they stand there, side by side, engrossed in the same discovery, makes your chest tighten. You wish you were the one standing next to him. You wish he had walked over there with you first.

You bite your lip and try to keep your emotions in check. You turn your head, staring at the ancient walls, anything to avoid looking at the two of them.

After a long, painful moment, Robin turns back to the group. “This city is beautiful,” she says with wonder, taking one last look before stepping away from the window.

You exhale, the tension easing slightly, but you remain silent. You don’t look at Law.

Sukiyaki continues his explanation, his voice drifting in the background as you remain lost in your thoughts. You hear Law’s voice faintly asking something to Robin, but you don’t pay attention. You’re too busy trying to ignore the hollow feeling in your chest.

After a few minutes, Law glances over at you. He notices the distance between you and the rest of the group “You cold?” he asks, his tone soft, but there’s a hint of concern.

You don’t respond right away, not trusting yourself to speak. Instead, you take a step away from him and pull your coat tighter around your shoulders “No, I’m fine” you mutter, trying to keep your voice steady.

He watches you for a moment, clearly sensing something is off, but doesn’t press. Instead, he turns back to the group. The rest of the walk feels awkward, and you can’t shake the feeling of being left out. Robin and Law fall into a quiet conversation, their voices too soft for you to hear. You trail behind, keeping your distance.

When you finally emerge from the underground ruins and return to the festivities above, the warmth of the Flower Capital feels suffocating after the cold, stone silence of the caverns. The vibrant energy of the crowd greets you, but you’re not in the mood to join in. You push through the throngs of people, not stopping to talk to anyone.

You spot Zoro leaning against a nearby wall, a sake bottle in hand, clearly in the middle of trying to relax after the earlier chaos. You make your way over to him, your steps quick and deliberate.

He looks at you as you approach, one eyebrow raised “What’s up?” he asks, his voice gruff but casual.

“Can I join you for a drink?” you ask, trying to sound calm, though your heart is still tight with frustration.

Zoro takes a long swig from the bottle before tossing it to you “Sure, but I’m not a bartender.”

You catch it and open the cap, feeling the familiar warmth of the alcohol. You take a deep drink, the taste sharp and bitter, but it helps clear your mind, even if just a little.

Zoro glances at you again, sizing you up “What’s bugging you?”

You shake your head, not meeting his gaze “Nothing.”

He’s not convinced, of course “You’re clearly pissed off. Who pissed you off?”

You don’t answer immediately. Instead, you take another drink. The liquid burns its way down your throat. Finally, you speak “It’s nothing, really” you mutter, “Just… tired, you know?”

Zoro shrugs “Whatever. You’re the one with the problem. But you’re not fooling anyone.”

You roll your eyes “I’m fine, Zoro. Just… give me a little space, okay?”

He doesn’t argue, instead turning back to look at the ongoing festival. You focus on your drink, taking another sip as your mind drifts. Law’s face flashes in your mind, his voice asking if you were cold, but you quickly push the thought away. You don’t need him right now. You just need to get through the night.

Later, you feel the vibrations of footsteps approaching, the soft sound of boots against the wooden floor. You turn slightly to see Law walking through the crowd, his eyes scanning for you.

You lower your gaze, pretending not to notice. You can feel his presence, even from a distance. He stops a few feet away, hesitating.

“Hey,” he calls softly, his voice cutting through the noise of the crowd “Are you… okay?”

You don’t look up at him, just nodding slightly “I’m fine.”

He steps closer, but you take a small step back, avoiding him “You’ve been distant,” he murmurs, his voice carrying a hint of confusion and concern “What’s wrong?”

“I said I’m fine” you repeat, a little more sharply this time, hoping it will make him stop asking.

For a moment, there’s silence. Law doesn’t say anything more. He doesn’t push you.

Finally, he sighs softly, his shoulders slumping just a bit “Alright… if you need me, I’ll be around.”

You don’t answer. You just take another drink, eyes trained on the distant lights of the festival.

The night stretches on, and you can feel the festival around you, but it feels distant. The laughter, the music, the clinking of glasses, they all blur into a background hum. You take another drink from the sake bottle, feeling the warm liquid settle in your stomach, but it doesn’t settle the discomfort inside you.

You can’t shake the image of Law and Robin standing together by that window, the way he teleported next to her so easily, so naturally. That small, casual moment gnaws at you, and the jealousy that stirred deep inside you now feels like a weight in your chest.

It’s not just that they were so close, but that they seemed so in sync in their shared interest. Robin, always the scholar, and Law, always serious about uncovering secrets of the world, their faces lighting up at the same things, discussing the ruins like they were the only two people who could understand the weight of history. You admire both of their passions for history, but right now, it makes you feel small. In that narrow corridor, they were a pair of like-minded souls, and you felt like an outsider.

And it hurts. You’re with Law. He’s yours. But seeing how deeply they connect over this shared interest stirs something in you that you don’t want to acknowledge. You can’t help it... it makes you feel inferior, insecure. It’s like you’re not enough for him when it comes to the things that matter most to him.

You take another drink, trying to drown the thoughts. But it’s no use. The image of Robin and Law, engrossed in conversation, their faces so close, keeps replaying in your mind. You were standing there, watching them as they practically shared the same breath, and it hurt.

Maybe it’s stupid. Maybe you’re being unreasonable. But you can’t deny the sting of seeing them so close, the way they were so absorbed in each other’s thoughts, their passion for the past so easy to share. Couldn’t he have waited for you? Couldn’t he have walked the few steps to the window like you did?

Zoro doesn’t say much after that, keeping to himself, but every now and then, he gives you a sideways glance, probably sensing you’re not fine. He knows better than to press, though. It’s one of the reasons you like drinking with him. No judgment. Just quiet company.

But then, just as you’re about to take another sip of your drink, you hear it – the familiar sound of boots against the ground. You freeze, your heart skipping a beat.

Law is standing there again, just a few steps away. You don’t turn to look at him, though you feel his presence as if it’s pressing against you. He’s silent for a long moment, his eyes lingering on you, and then he speaks in a voice softer than you’ve heard in a while.

“Can we talk?”

You don’t respond immediately. Your fingers grip the bottle tighter, your knuckles whitening as you fight the urge to snap at him. You don’t want to talk. Not yet. Not when your emotions are still raw and tangled up in confusion.

Finally, you take a deep breath and mutter without looking up, “There’s nothing to talk about.”

Law’s voice remains steady, though you can hear the faintest crack of frustration beneath the surface “There is. You’re avoiding me.”

You feel a sharp pang of guilt, but you push it aside “I’m not avoiding you” you say, but even to your own ears, the words sound hollow.

“You are.” He steps a little closer, but this time, you don’t move away. Maybe you’re too tired to put up the wall again “You’ve barely said a word since we left the ruins.”

You don’t know how to explain it. How could you put into words what’s been eating at you all night? That nagging jealousy, that sinking feeling you couldn’t quite shake. You look at him, finally meeting his gaze, but even that feels like a betrayal. You look away almost immediately.

“I just need some space” you mutter, voice low.

Law stands still for a moment, his gaze unwavering. You can feel him searching your face, his expression unreadable. Then, quietly, he responds “Is it because of earlier?” His words cut through the air, simple and direct.

You stiffen at the question, the knot in your stomach tightening. Your lips press into a thin line as you look up at him again “You teleported next to Robin. You didn’t even wait a second. I don’t know, maybe I just—”

Your voice falters, and you stop yourself before you can say too much. You don’t want to sound foolish, even though that’s exactly how you feel. Your heart races, but you swallow hard, pushing through the discomfort “It’s nothing.”

Law’s brows furrow, his expression softening “It’s not nothing.” He steps closer, his voice lower now “I didn’t mean anything by it. I just… wanted to see what Robin was looking at. I didn’t think it’d bother you.”

You feel a strange mix of relief and frustration. Relief because he didn’t mean anything by it, but frustration because your feelings are still messy “It’s not about that. It’s just…” You let out a sigh, feeling stupid for not being able to explain what you feel “I don’t like seeing you so close to her. You two always talk about these things I don’t understand, like it’s something only you two can appreciate.”

His expression softens at your words, but it still doesn’t quite reach your heart “I didn’t think it would upset you, but you’re right. Robin and I… we share an interest in ancient history. But that doesn’t mean I don’t value you.”

Your heart flutters a little, but you’re still caught in the cloud of doubt “It feels like you’re always in your own world when you’re with her, and I’m just left out. You two get each other, and sometimes, I feel like I don’t.”

The words spill out faster than you can stop them. You can see the confusion flicker across his face, but it’s soon replaced by concern.

“I care about you,” he says softly, his tone earnest “You’re not left out. You never are.”

You shake your head, a bitter laugh escaping your lips “Then why didn’t you walk over to the window with me, huh? Why did you have to teleport next to Robin like it was nothing? Why do you both always talk about things I don’t know anything about?”

Law’s eyes widen at the accusation, and you instantly regret it, but the words hang in the air like smoke.

“You think I don’t care about you?” he says quietly, taking another step closer “That’s not it. Robin and I… we share an interest. But I’m not with Robin. I’m with you.”

Your heart stutters in your chest, and the guilt begins to weigh heavier than the jealousy. You look away, unable to meet his eyes “I know. But it doesn’t stop how I feel.”

Law takes a deep breath, stepping closer still until there’s no more distance between you two “Listen to me,” he says, voice low and firm “I’m not going anywhere. And I want to share everything with you. Not Robin. You.”

You swallow hard, and there’s a long, charged silence between you two. Finally, you look up at him, your heart heavy with a mixture of insecurity and hope.

“I just need some time to get over it,” you say softly, the words coming easier now “I don’t want to feel like this, but I do. And I don’t want to mess things up with you.”

He nods slowly, his gaze steady “Take all the time you need. But I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll be here when you’re ready.”

You nod, the tension in your chest loosening just a little. It’s not resolved, not yet. But for the first time in what feels like hours, you don’t feel quite so alone in the feeling.

The cool night air stings against your skin as you step out of the tavern, the laughter from the festivities echoing distantly. The weight of your conversation with Law still lingers, but it’s less suffocating now, more manageable. You’re still uncertain about a lot of things, but there’s a quiet sense of reassurance that wasn’t there before.

Zoro is leaning against the side of the building, the ever-present bottle of sake in his hand. He gives you a lazy glance when you exit, raising an eyebrow at you.

“Everything good?” he asks, his tone casual, though there’s a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

You nod, though you’re not sure if everything is truly good. It feels like you’re still in the middle of something, but at least you’re not hiding from it anymore.

“Yeah,” you say, taking a deep breath “Just…needed to talk things out.”

Zoro doesn’t press. Instead, he takes a swig from his bottle and hands it to you without a word. You accept it and drink, the sharpness of the alcohol grounding you.

As the silence stretches on, your mind drifts back to Law. You can still feel the weight of his words, and the way he said he was there for you. He meant it. You know that much. But there’s still that lingering uncertainty in your chest, the feeling that maybe, just maybe, you’re not enough for him when it comes to these things he shares with Robin.

But you’re trying. You’re really trying to let it go.

“So,” Zoro says, breaking the silence again, his eyes flicking toward the crowd, “what’s your plan?”

“Plan?” you repeat, furrowing your brow.

“Yeah. I’m assuming you’re not gonna stay sulking for too long.”

You let out a soft laugh “I’m not sulking.”

“Sure you’re not,” Zoro says with a grin, clearly not buying it “So, what are you gonna do? You going to talk to Law, or…?”

You take another sip from the bottle, staring off into the night. The conversation with Law had helped, but you still felt a bit too raw to face him again right now. You wanted to clear the air, but your emotions were still a tangled mess, and you weren’t sure how to approach him.

“I don’t know yet,” you say after a moment “I want to… but it’s hard. I don’t want to make him feel like he’s walking on eggshells, but I also don’t want to ignore how I’m feeling.”

Zoro chuckles, a little too knowingly “You should probably stop thinking so much. Just talk to him. You two have been together long enough, yeah? He’s not gonna bite your head off.”

You let out a soft sigh, running a hand through your hair “I know. I just… I’m afraid it’ll happen again, you know? That feeling of being left out. Like I’m not enough when it comes to the things that matter to him.”

Zoro watches you for a moment, his gaze thoughtful “You’re being an idiot.”

You blink at him, surprised by the bluntness “Excuse me?”

“Look,” he says, straightening up and taking another swig from his bottle “you’re enough. Law’s not some guy who’s gonna run off because someone else shares a hobby with him. You should know that by now.”

You open your mouth to respond but stop yourself, realizing he’s right. He’s right, and you do know that. You just didn’t want to feel like a second choice, like you were in the background while Law and Robin got lost in their shared history obsession.

Zoro shrugs “If you want to fix it, stop thinking about what Robin and Law have and focus on what you have with Law. He’s your partner. Don’t forget that.”

You nod, the weight of his words settling in. It makes sense. It’s not about what Law shares with Robin; it’s about what you share with him. And maybe you’re being a little too quick to let jealousy cloud your judgment.

“Thanks, Zoro” you murmur, feeling lighter than before. Maybe it’s time to stop avoiding the problem and face it head-on.

Zoro doesn’t respond, but he gives you a small, approving nod as you walk away. You’re not entirely sure what comes next, but you’re determined to make it right.

Back at the inn, you find Law sitting at one of the tables, a glass of sake in hand. His usual calm demeanor is there, but there’s a subtle tension in his posture, like he’s waiting for you to approach him. You take a deep breath and walk over, stopping a few steps away from him.

“Hey” you say quietly, trying to keep the nervousness from your voice.

Law looks up, his gaze softening when he sees you “Hey,” he replies, voice calm but with a hint of concern “You okay?”

You hesitate for a moment, but then, with a small sigh, you sit across from him “I’ve been thinking about things. About earlier.”

Law places his glass down, his full attention on you now “You wanna talk?”

You nod “Yeah. I think I owe you that much.”

For a few moments, you don’t say anything, just gathering your thoughts. The silence between you isn’t uncomfortable, but it’s full of unspoken emotions, things that both of you are still trying to process.

“I was jealous,” you admit, looking down at your hands “I don’t know why, but I felt… left out. Like I wasn’t enough when it comes to things you and Robin share. You two talk about ancient history, and it’s like you’re speaking a different language. I just feel… like I’m not part of that.”

Law is quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. You look up at him, unsure if you’ve said the right thing.

“You don’t have to be part of everything I share with Robin” he says gently, his voice low and steady “It’s not about you not being enough. It’s just that we have a shared interest in ancient history. But that doesn’t change anything between us.”

You feel a tightness in your chest loosen as he speaks, his words reassuring you “I know. I’ve been thinking about that, and I understand it now. It’s just… hard sometimes, seeing you two get so lost in something you both care about. I feel like I don’t belong in those moments.”

Law reaches across the table, placing his hand over yours “You belong with me, always. I never want you to feel left out. I’m with you.”

You feel your heart beat a little faster as you look at him, his gaze sincere and unwavering “I’m sorry for being so insecure about it. I don’t want to shut you out.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” he says softly, squeezing your hand “You’re with me, and that’s all that matters. No one else matters in the way you do.”

You smile, feeling the last of the tension fade “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”

He smiles back, the weight of the conversation lifting “Anytime.”

For a moment, everything feels right again. The world outside fades into the background as you and Law sit together, knowing that things may not be perfect, but you’re in this together. And that’s enough.

The night is still young, and though the festival has quieted down, there’s a lightness in the air, a sort of magic lingering after your conversation with Law. You’re both standing in the inn’s courtyard, still feeling the warmth from your words, and it seems as if the night has opened up with endless possibilities.

Law glances at you, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes “Want to go somewhere? Somewhere quiet?”

You raise an eyebrow, intrigued “Quiet? What do you mean?”

He doesn’t answer right away. Instead, with a slight smirk, he steps closer to you, and before you can react, he taps his fingers against your wrist. You feel that familiar pull of his Shambles ability, and in an instant, you’re no longer standing in the courtyard but somewhere completely different.

You blink, your heart skipping a beat as you take in the breathtaking view before you.

You’re standing atop a cliff, overlooking a serene valley, the sea stretching out beneath a starry sky. The wind brushes gently against your skin, carrying the scent of salt and earth. Far off in the distance, you hear the faint sounds of fireworks echoing through the air. But more than that, you can see them, the bright bursts of color lighting up the dark sky in a dazzling display.

You turn to Law, surprised “Where are we?”

His smile softens as he watches the fireworks light up the night sky “Just somewhere I thought we could be alone, away from all the noise. I thought it’d be nice to enjoy this… just the two of us.”

Your heart swells at his words, and for a moment, the world feels still, like time has slowed just for the two of you. The sounds of the fireworks fade into the background as you focus on him. The way his eyes glisten with the soft glow of the explosions above, the faint curve of his lips as he looks at you.

“It’s beautiful” you say softly, your voice barely above a whisper.

He doesn’t respond immediately, but his gaze shifts to you, catching your eyes. For a moment, neither of you says anything, words feel unnecessary here, with the connection between you stronger than anything you could say. The sounds of the fireworks continue to boom in the distance, but it feels like you’re in your own world, a quiet, perfect bubble where nothing can touch you.

You step closer to him, your heart beating a little faster now, the quiet intimacy of the moment settling around you. You glance up at him, finding him already watching you, a look in his eyes that makes you feel seen in the most comforting way possible. You can see the care in his gaze, the understanding, and beneath that, something more, a warmth, a tenderness that makes your chest tighten with emotion.

Without thinking, you take a small step forward and rest your hand on his chest, your fingers brushing against the fabric of his coat. His hand instinctively moves to your waist, pulling you just a little closer, the space between you vanishing in a single, quiet moment.

“Thank you,” you say, your voice barely audible, but the gratitude in it is clear “For bringing me here. For… understanding.”

Law’s expression softens, his thumb lightly brushing the small of your back “I’ll always understand you. No matter what.”

You feel your heart race, your breath catching in your throat. This moment, with him, feels like everything you’ve ever wanted and more. It’s quiet, simple, and filled with meaning. You could stay here forever, just standing with him beneath the stars, watching the fireworks paint the sky.

“You’re not just saying that, are you?” you ask, teasing him lightly, trying to ease the fluttering in your chest.

He smirks, a playful glint returning to his eyes “I wouldn’t lie to you.”

You smile, relieved “Good.”

And just like that, the playful tension between you shifts into something deeper, something far more intimate. You lift your eyes to the fireworks again, but your attention keeps drifting back to Law. You’ve shared so much already, but it feels like this moment, right here, right now, holds something more.

Without another word, Law leans down, his lips meeting yours in a slow, tender kiss. It’s soft at first, just the gentle brush of his lips against yours, as if he’s savoring the closeness, the intimacy. You melt into him, your hands moving up to cup his face, feeling the roughness of his skin, the warmth of his breath against yours.

The fireworks burst above you, their bright colors flickering in the night sky, but all you can focus on is him, the way his hand moves to the small of your back, pulling you even closer, the way his kiss deepens as if to convey everything he’s feeling, everything you’ve just shared.

For a few moments, there’s nothing but him, nothing but the warmth between you two. The world outside disappears, and all that matters is the closeness, the feeling of being completely wrapped up in each other.

When you pull away, both of you are breathless, your hearts pounding in unison. Law looks down at you, his thumb brushing across your cheek in the gentlest of motions.

“You make it hard to think straight” he murmurs, his voice husky, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

You smile back, your own heart still racing “Maybe that’s the point.”

You lean in to kiss him again, but the fireworks are still going, the sky lighting up around you, their bursts of color reflecting in his eyes. This moment feels like it could last forever. The world seems so far away, as if nothing could ever shake the peace you’ve found together.

And in the quiet after the kiss, with the fireworks still painting the sky, you realize something that you hadn’t quite understood until now, no matter the insecurities, no matter the doubts, there’s no one else you’d rather be with than him. You and Law, standing beneath the stars, are more than enough.

The fireworks continue to explode above you, casting colorful hues across the night sky, but it’s the quiet moments between you and Law that stand out the most. His touch lingers on your skin, his presence next to you like an anchor in a world that can often feel chaotic. The lingering warmth of his kiss, the softness in his eyes... it all feels like it’s just the two of you, with nothing else in the world mattering.

You pull away slightly, taking a breath, and then look up at him, your gaze steady and certain.

“You know, I never realized how much I needed this” you say, your voice barely more than a whisper “The peace. With you.”

Law’s eyes soften, a small but sincere smile curving at the corners of his lips. He leans in, brushing his forehead against yours “I’m glad you’re here. I’ve always needed you. You and me, together. Nothing else.”

For a moment, neither of you speaks. There’s no need to. Everything you both wanted to say has already been shared, in the looks, in the touch, in the simple act of being close. It’s all been said, and in this quiet, peaceful moment, you realize that all the doubts and insecurities you once felt don’t matter anymore. You’ve worked through them together.

The fireworks eventually start to fade, their last bursts leaving trails of light in the sky before dying out. But the two of you remain, standing side by side, your hands still entwined, the quiet comfort of the moment settling over you like a warm blanket.

As the sky darkens even more, you find yourself leaning against him, the soft sound of his breathing calming your racing heart. You feel safe here, in his arms, with nothing but the sounds of the night and the remnants of the fireworks in the distance.

“I think I’ve had enough fireworks for tonight” you say softly, your fingers tracing small patterns on his coat.

He chuckles, a low, rich sound that makes your heart flutter “I think I’ve had enough fireworks for a lifetime. As long as you’re here.”

You look up at him, meeting his eyes, your heart full of love “I’m not going anywhere, Law.”

And in that moment, under the stars, with the last traces of the fireworks fading away, you realize that this is what you’d always wanted. No more insecurity. No more fear. Just the two of you, together, facing whatever comes next. Because together, you can handle anything.

“I love you” you say, the words feeling more real than ever before.

His hand cups your cheek, his thumb brushing your skin gently, before he lowers his head to press a soft kiss to your forehead “I love you too.”

And that’s why the three most dangerous men alive are now fighting over you.

“Oi! There you are!”

Luffy’s voice rings across the ruined battlefield, his footsteps loud as he runs up to you. His grin is as bright as ever, completely unaffected by the haunting army of shadows still lurking behind you.

“That was so cool!” he says, eyes practically sparkling “You should totally join my crew!”

You blink “What?”

“You’re strong! And awesome! And you’d love the Sunny!” Luffy laughs “I bet you and Zoro would get along!”

You tilt your head. He’s serious.

Before you can answer...

“Tch. Move it, Straw Hat.”

Boots stomp onto the cracked ground. Kid.

His crimson eyes burn with something like admiration but it’s buried beneath his usual arrogance.

“You’re not actually considering that dumbass, are you?” He folds his arms, metal arm gleaming under the moonlight “You belong with a real crew… mine.”

You smirk “You mean a ship full of lunatics?”

Kid’s grin widens “Exactly, you’re obviously one of us.”

Before you can respond—

“You two never shut up.”

The voice is calm, sharp. Surgical.

Law steps forward, hands in his coat pockets, golden eyes locked onto you. Unlike the others, he doesn’t demand or taunt.

He simply says “You’re not looking for chaos. You’re not looking for a crew of idiots fighting over scraps. You’re looking for something bigger.” His gaze sharpens “Join me, and I’ll give you exactly that.”

The air tightens. The unspoken challenge crackles like thunder.

Luffy’s grin never fades “I’m not losing to either of you.”

Kid scoffs “Like hell you aren’t.”

Law just smirks “We’ll see.”

You exhale. They’re serious.

Three captains. Three paths.

You sigh, crossing your arms as you watch Luffy, Kid, and Law glare at each other, their presence crackling like lightning in the air.

“You guys do realize,” you deadpan, “that I never said I was joining any of you? You all know I’m a lonely pirate and somehow I already have my crew…”

Luffy ignores you “They’re all shadows… Join my crew, Y/N!” he says, grinning ear to ear “We’re all super strong! And we have a cook who makes the best food ever!”

Kid scoffs “You think food is what’s gonna convince them, Straw Hat?” He turns to you, crimson eyes gleaming “You’re wasted with these idiots. With me, you’d have the strongest crew on the seas. No one could touch us. And admit it, your powers fit us.”

Law sighs, rubbing his temple like he’s already exhausted by both of them “You two are insufferable.” He looks at you, his golden eyes sharp and calculating “You don’t need chaos. You don’t need a circus act. You need something real. Join me, and I’ll give you exactly that.”

You blink at them. They’re serious.

You already knew that Luffy was stubborn as hell, Kid was relentless, and Law was dangerous in the quietest ways, but you didn’t think they’d actually fight over you.

Your silence seems to fuel the fire.

“What can you even offer them, Trafalgar?” Kid sneers, cracking his knuckles “A crew full of weaklings?”

“I have a submarine” Law says coolly.

Luffy pauses “…That’s actually kind of cool. But the Sunny is way cooler! And we have the best musician ever! Do you guys even have music on your ships?”

You exhale through your nose “You guys do realize you’re treating me like a damn prize, right?”

Luffy blinks “Huh?”

Law sighs “That’s not what this is.”

Kid smirks “I mean, it kinda is.”

The ground shakes as your shadows shift, the weight of your power pressing down on the air “You’re acting like I’m just gonna follow one of you like a lost puppy.”

Kid grins “Wouldn’t say no to that.”

Before you can reply, a new voice cuts in.

“Oi! What the hell is going on here? We thought you were killing each other.”

You glance over to see Zoro, Killer, and Bepo approaching, the rest of their respective crews trailing behind them. Nami, Sanji, and Usopp are already watching from a distance, curiosity burning in their eyes. Heat and Wire stand near Killer, arms crossed. Shachi and Penguin exchange glances, whispering to each other.

It’s clear that the entire alliance has noticed the brewing tension.

“What is this, some kind of territory dispute?” Zoro grumbles, adjusting his swords.

“Oh, it’s worse,” Sanji says, lighting a cigarette “They’re fighting over y/n.”

Zoro pauses “Wait, seriously?”

“Seems like” Nami confirms.

Bepo looks at Law, confused “Captain, what’s happening?”

“Nothing” Law says flatly.

Killer sighs “Eustass-ya, this is ridiculous.”

Kid waves him off “Shut up, Killer. I’m working.”

“Working?” You narrow your eyes.

Kid shrugs, smirking “I like collecting powerful things.”

Luffy snorts “Well, I like collecting friends!”

Law rubs his temples again, clearly regretting everything.

Sanji exhales a plume of smoke “Well, well. What an interesting little mess.” as he eyes you with a smirk.

Your shadows ripple violently.

“Absolutely not.”

The temperature seems to drop as your aura expands. Even the wind seems to hold its breath.

The crews tense. They’ve seen you fight. They’ve seen the horrors your power can unleash.

Kid whistles, impressed “Damn. I like that.”

Luffy grins, unfazed “Your powers are so cool!”

Law watches you closely. Too closely. His golden eyes see more than you want him to.

You exhale “I don’t take orders from anyone. Not you. Not the World Government. Not anyone.”

Kid smirks “Then what do you want?”

You hesitate.

Because the truth is that you don’t know.

Luffy steps closer, eyes bright with something honest “You wanna see the world with us?”

Kid leans in, voice dropping into something dangerous “Or do you wanna rule it?”

Law, ever the strategist, doesn’t ask. He just looks at you and says “You’re searching for something. I can help you find it.”

The weight of their offers settles over you like a storm.

And for the first time in a long time you feel something real.

Luffy’s grin softens “You’d be awesome on the Sunny!”

Kid scoffs “Or you could actually be on a ship worthy of your strength.”

Law sighs, tilting his head slightly “You’re both exhausting.” But his eyes flick back to you, and for a second you see something intense.

They’re not letting this go.

“Yeesh, are they flirting or fighting?” Nami mutters.

Usopp stares “I… honestly can’t tell.”

Killer just sighs “Both.”

Heat nudges Wire “Should we start taking bets?”

Sanji exhales, watching you closely “Lucky bastards.”

You ignore them all, looking at the three captains in front of you. You’re not stupid, you know this isn’t just about power anymore.

It’s about you.

Kid steps closer, voice dropping just for you “You’re different.” His crimson eyes glint with something hungry “You’re not scared of me. You’re not scared of anything, are you?”

You smirk “Should I be?”

His grin stretches wider “I’d like to see you try.”

Luffy, still smiling, grabs your wrist. His fingers are warm, rough from battle and adventure, but there’s nothing forceful in the way he holds you. It’s just excited, unfiltered emotion.

“You’d have so much fun with us, y/n!” He leans in, voice almost giddy “I wanna show you the whole world!”

Your heart skips. Just a little.

Then a hand grabs Luffy’s wrist, yanking it off of you.

Law.

His touch is cool, precise, almost possessive. He doesn’t say anything, just stares at Luffy, then at you. There’s something undeniably sharp in his gaze now.

Something dangerous.

“Don’t touch them so casually” he says. His voice is low.

Luffy just tilts his head “Huh? Why not?”

Law doesn’t answer.

Kid watches, then laughs “Holy shit. You’re jealous.”

Law ignores him, eyes still locked on you “This isn’t a game.” His voice is quieter now “Not for me.”

And for once, you don’t know what to say.

The air feels heavier now, not from battle, but from something far more dangerous.

This isn’t just about alliances anymore.

This is a chase.

The weight of their gazes presses in. Too much.

You exhale slowly, rolling your shoulders back. The shadows one by one sink into the ground, vanishing like ink in water, back to where they belong.

The battlefield is quiet.

Kid watches with sharp interest “Tch. Even your Devil Fruit is showy.”

Luffy tilts his head, blinking “Huh? Where’d they go?”

Law doesn’t speak, just watches you with that calculating gaze, as if he’s trying to figure out what you’re thinking.

But you don’t give them the chance.

You turn on your heel and walk away.

Not a word.

Not an explanation.

Just silence.

The festival in the Flower Capital is alive with laughter, music, and sake. People are celebrating, embracing their long-awaited freedom.

The people of Wano don’t know you like they know the others. You’re not a Straw Hat, not a Heart Pirate, not part of Kid’s crew. You’re just a shadow passing through their victory.

It should be freeing.

It isn’t.

You settle against a wooden post near a quieter part of the town, eyes drifting up to the lanterns lighting up the sky. The night is warm, the air thick with the scent of grilled food and spilled alcohol. Somewhere in the distance, you can hear Brook playing music, the faint sound of Luffy laughing, the chaotic voices of pirates and samurai alike.

And yet, you’re alone.

Just how you like it.

…Right?

“You’re hard to find.”

The voice is low, familiar.

You don’t have to turn around to know who it is. Trafalgar Law.

He steps beside you, hands tucked in his coat pockets, golden eyes flicking toward yours. His expression is unreadable, but there’s something different in the way he’s looking at you. Something unspoken.

You don’t acknowledge him right away. Just sip from the drink you swiped earlier.

“You followed me?”

Law doesn’t deny it “You left without saying anything.”

“You guys were annoying me.”

He exhales through his nose, amused “I figured.”

Silence stretches between you, comfortable but heavy. The festival noise hums in the background, but this moment feels separate from all of it.

After a beat, Law speaks again.

“You’re not staying, are you?”

“Would that disappoint you?”

Law’s gaze sharpens, but not with irritation, but something deeper.

“I don’t like wasting my time,” he murmurs “And I don’t chase things I can’t keep.”

Your heartbeat stumbles.

A challenge. A warning. A confession. Maybe all three.

For the first time in a long time, you don’t know what to say, and Law notices.

Your grip tightens around your cup, but you force yourself to keep your expression neutral “That so?”

Law doesn’t answer right away. He just watches you, too closely, as if he’s already mapping out every possible move you could make. Then he tilts his head slightly.

“You don’t run from battles.” His voice is smooth, steady “But you walked away from us.”

You scoff “Don’t tell me you took that personally.”

He exhales through his nose “I don’t take things personally. I just like to understand what I’m dealing with.” His golden eyes flick to yours, sharp, unreadable “And you? You’re an enigma.”

A small smirk tugs at your lips “Flattery, Trafalgar?”

“Observation.”

The weight of his gaze lingers. Heavy. And something about it, about him, unsettles you in a way you don’t want to acknowledge. Because he’s right.

You don’t walk away from fights. You don’t back down from challenges. But something about them, about this whole mess, made you leave.

Before you can respond, a loud, familiar voice cuts through the air.

“There you are!”

Footsteps. Heavy boots against wood.

Kid.

He stomps over, crimson eyes flicking between you and Law, his lip curling “The hell is this?”

You raise a brow “A conversation?”

Kid huffs, rolling his shoulders like he’s shaking off some irritation “Didn’t think you were the type to have quiet conversations.”

Law clicks his tongue “And I didn’t think you were the type to go looking for someone who left without a word.”

Kid’s eyes darken “Tch. You think I give a damn if they left? I just don’t like loose ends.”

But the way his gaze lingers on you says otherwise.

You sigh, rubbing your temple. This is exactly what you wanted to avoid “Why are you two even here?”

Kid folds his arms “Maybe I don’t like being ignored.”

Law hums “Needy.”

“Shut the hell up, Trafalgar.”

You sigh “You’re both ridiculous.”

Kid leans against the post next to you, his smirk sharp “Maybe. But you didn’t answer the question.”

You glance at him “What question?”

He tilts his head, watching you like a predator watching its prey “Are you staying?”

The air between you tightens.

You could lie and tell them exactly what they want to hear, but you don’t answer at all. And this silence is what gets them.

Kid’s smirk twitches, like he doesn’t like not knowing. Law’s fingers flex at his sides, like he wants to dissect every inch of your thoughts.

And just when you think you might finally get some peace a familiar laugh echoes.

Luffy.

He lands in front of you, grinning like he hasn’t just dropped into the middle of something tense.

“Oi, y/n!” His grin stretches wide, his eyes shining “I’ve been looking for you!”

Of course he has. Of course they all have.

Luffy's wide eyes flick between you, Law, and Kid and he doesn’t miss a thing.

“Eh? You guys are here too?”

Kid rolls his eyes “No shit.”

Law sighs, rubbing his temple “Straw Hat-ya, this really isn’t—”

But Luffy’s already stepping into your space. Closer than the others. Closer than anyone should be.

His warm fingers brush against your wrist, tugging lightly but not pulling, not forcing.

“You left before the party started,” he says, pouting “I wanted to drink with you.”

His voice isn’t demanding. It’s something worse... soft.

Unfiltered. Real.

Your pulse skips just for a second. And from the way Law tenses and Kid narrows his eyes, you know they notice.

You don’t pull away, but you don’t answer either.

Luffy tilts his head “Are you mad?”

You blink “Why would I be mad?”

He shrugs “Dunno. Maybe ‘cause we wouldn’t stop arguing in front of you.”

Kid scoffs “You mean because you wouldn’t shut up?”

Luffy grins “Well, yeah.”

Law exhales, voice flat “Straw Hat-ya, you’re not helping.”

But Luffy doesn’t care. He never does. He just looks at you, his fingers still wrapped around your wrist.

“You didn’t answer Kid’s question” he says.

You freeze. Of course he noticed.

Kid shifts beside you, arms crossed, eyes burning “Yeah, y/n. You staying or not?”

Law watches you, calculating, unreadable.

The festival noise fades. It’s just them. Just this. And you still don’t answer. Not because you don’t know, but because they all want different things.

Kid wants power. A challenge. Someone who doesn’t bend to him but still stands beside him. And you can give him that.

Law wants strategy. Precision. Someone he can trust, someone who understands things without needing to say them. And, angain, you can give him that.

Luffy just...

Luffy just wants you as you.

Not for your strength. Not for your Devil Fruit.

Just because you’re you.

And that’s the scariest thing of them all to you.

So instead of answering, you finally pull your hand back.

“I’m going to get a drink” you say simply.

Then you walk away, again. And this time none of them stop you.

Your boots move over the worn wooden planks of the street, but your mind lingers on the moment you pulled away. On the way they looked at you. You grip the sake bottle you swiped from a distracted vendor, your fingers pressing just a little too tightly around it. You shouldn’t care and yet... Footsteps. You don’t turn. You don’t have to. “I thought I told you I was getting a drink” you murmur. A low chuckle. Rough, amused. “Didn’t say I wasn’t getting one too.” Kid. Of course. You glance over your shoulder. He’s close.

Crimson eyes gleaming, coat still torn from battle, his usual sneer replaced with something slower, something that lingers. He’s looking at you like you’re his favorite fight.

You sigh, raising the bottle to your lips “What, afraid I’ll disappear?”

Kid’s smirk sharpens “I don’t get afraid.”

You swallow, letting the warmth of the sake burn down your throat “Could’ve fooled me.”

His grin widens “Tch. You wish.”

You should tell him to leave but you don’t. Because despite the way Kid is all sharp edges, all arrogance, all chaos, he’s also the one who followed. The one who didn’t let you slip into the night alone.

“Where the hell do you think you’re running off to, anyway?” he asks.

You tilt your head, watching him “Who says I’m running?”

Kid scoffs “Please. You didn’t just walk away. You walked the hell out.”

You hum, taking another slow sip “And yet, here you are.”

His smirk doesn’t fade “Damn right.”

“You’re different from them” he mutters.

You raise a brow “Them?”

His eyes flick back to where Law and Luffy were.

“They don’t get you like I do.” His voice drops just slightly, lower, rougher “You don’t play nice. You don’t follow. And you sure as hell don’t belong on a crew that treats life like a damn adventure story.”

You exhale, tapping the bottle against your thigh “That why you’re here?”

Kid takes another step closer, his voice a challenge and a promise all at once.

“I’m here ‘cause you don’t belong to anyone, y/n...”

His grin turns sharp.

“...but you could stand beside me. And you know that.”

A challenge. A temptation. And a mistake.

Because before you can answer, another voice cuts in.

“You don’t decide that for them.”

Kid turns, scowling, just as Law steps into the light.

You exhale through your nose “Figures you’d show up next. You all won't give up until I make a choice, will you?”

Law doesn’t deny it “Because you keep walking away” His voice is level “But you didn’t leave.”

Kid scoffs “Oh, for fuck’s sake!”

But Law ignores him. He steps closer, close enough that the air between you shifts. His voice is quieter now, meant only for you.

“If you were really leaving, you would’ve been gone by now.”

You grip the bottle tighter “And what if I just wanted a damn drink in peace?”

“Then you wouldn’t have let him follow.”

Your pulse stumbles. Kid’s jaw clenches, but before he can snap back, a familiar warmth crashes into you.

Luffy.

Arms wrapping around you like it’s the most natural thing in the world, his laugh bright, unbothered by the tension thick enough to cut with a blade.

“There you are!” He pulls back just enough to grin up at you “I knew you weren’t really leaving yet!”

You blink “What makes you so sure?”

Luffy tilts his head, confused by the question itself “Because you didn’t say goodbye.”

The simplicity of it hits harder than it should, because he’s right. You didn’t.

Law’s eyes darken, but he doesn’t look away from you “You’re still deciding.”

Kid’s jaw ticks “Tch. Just say it already.”

Luffy just waits, still smiling. Because he already knows.

And suddenly, you realize that so do you.

You inhale. Exhale. And then you turn.

Not to Kid.

Not to Law.

But to Luffy.

His eyes widen slightly, his fingers twitching against your sleeve “Eh?”

Your lips curl into a smirk “Took you long enough to find me, though”

Then he jumps with joy, hugs you tightly and kiss you on the cheek, which shocks you.

Luffy’s arms still wrapping tight around you like he never wants to let go.

Kid curses loudly, wheeling around to storm off, shoving a stunned passerby out of his way “You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.”

Law sighs heavily, running a hand down his face “Honestly.” But there’s no real bitterness in his voice, just understanding. Because they both saw it before you did.

You were never meant to follow. Never meant to stand beside them.

You were meant to run wild and free, with the only captain who never wanted to tame you in the first place.

Luffy pulls back, beaming, his hands still tight around you “So that means you’re coming with me, right?”

“As if you’d let me go.”

He grins.

The sonar pings rapidly. Penguin squints at the screen “Uh… Captain? There’s a person down there.”

“A person?” Law frowns.

Ikkaku zooms in with the external camera. A metallic figure floats in the water, faintly glowing. The person inside stirs.

“…They’re alive.” Bepo confirms.

Law sighs “Bring them in.”

Inside the Polar Tang, the unconscious figure lies on a stretcher. Their armor is sleek, futuristic, advanced tech. The faceplate slides open with a hiss, revealing you, blinking dazedly.

“…Ugh. That was not a smooth landing.” you mutter. Your eyes dart around “A submarine? Who—?”

You see Law “Oh. You look important. What’s with the hat?”

Law scowls “Who the hell are you?”

You smirk “Call me Iron Phantom.” You flex your fingers, testing your mobility “Mind if I sit up? Not really a fan of lying down in strange places.”

Law crosses his arms “That depends. Are you a threat?”

You chuckle “That depends... Do you consider saving people a threat?”

Law tenses. That kind of line… It’s too familiar.

Bepo, intrigued, leans closer “You’re a hero?”

You grin and give a two-fingered salute “At your service.”

There’s a heavy silence. The crew exchanges glances.

Law exhales sharply “Tch. You sound like someone... nevermind.”

You raise an eyebrow and Law’s eye twitches.

Shachi whispers “Captain’s thinking of Sora…”

Penguin nods “Definitely Sora.”

You tilt your head “Who’s Sora?”

Law scoffs “Just some fictional warrior of the sea.”

You smirk “So… a hero?”

Law glares.

Shachi nudges Penguin “He totally thinks they’re cool.”

Law growls “Shut up.”

You chuckle “I am pretty cool.”

Law pinches the bridge of his nose. This is going to be a long day.

The crew is staring at you. You take the opportunity to sit up, rolling your shoulders.

“Okay,” you say “I’ve woken up in worse places.”

Law narrows his eyes “Where did you come from?”

“Technically? The sky. More specifically? Got hit mid-flight, lost control, and, well…” You gesture vaguely “Gravity, I guess?”

Shachi gasps “That’s kinda badass.”

Law shoots him a glare. Shachi clears his throat and looks away.

You tilt your head at the submarine’s interior “This your ship?”

“Submarine” Law corrects.

You grin “A submarine? That’s sick. Not enough heroes operate underwater, you know. It’s all ‘soaring through the sky’ or ‘running at the speed of sound.’ But the ocean?” You nod approvingly “Respect.”

The crew looks between you and Law.

Penguin whispers “Captain is so weak to hero talk.”

Law ignores him “How does your suit work?”

You glance down at your armor “Oh, it’s powered by an advanced energy core. Flight, enhanced strength, force fields, the usual.”

“…Tch.” Law clicks his tongue, crossing his arms “A walking weapon.”

You smirk “A walking hero.”

The twitch in Law’s eye is noticeable.

Bepo, still curious, leans in “Why do you save people?”

You blink “Uh. Because it’s the right thing to—” you stop and gasps as soon as you focus on Bepo "Oh wow, you're so cuteeeee"

Shachi and Penguin grin at Law.

He exhales sharply “The right thing to do... Of course that’s the answer.”

You raise an eyebrow “Something wrong with that?”

Law rubs his temples “Nothing. It’s just...” He gestures vaguely at you “You sound exactly like...”

“Sora?” the crew chimes in.

Law glares “Shut up.”

You laugh “Oh, so I do remind you of someone.”

Law scowls “Not a compliment.”

“I dunno,” you tease “Sounds like a compliment from you.”

Law turns to his crew "Get them off my ship.”

“Aw, come on, Captain,” Penguin says “They’re kinda cool.”

Law’s eye twitches “We are not keeping a superhero.”

You smirk “You say that like I’m a pet.”

Shachi snickers “Captain’s just mad you’re like his childhood idol.”

You lean toward Law, grinning “You a fan of heroes, Captain?”

Law gives you the most unimpressed look possible “No.”

You nod sagely “Denial. The first stage.”

Law sighs. This is going to be an even longer day than he thought.

Law wants you off his submarine.

Your problem is that you got kinda injured from that fall.

Nothing life-threatening, but the moment you try to stand, your body wobbles like a newborn deer. The suit took the worst of the damage, but the impact rattled your brain enough to make the world spin.

“Great,” Law mutters “A half-broken superhero.”

You shoot him a weak grin “I prefer ‘slightly dented.’”

Bepo catches you before you tip over completely “Captain, we should let them rest.”

“No,” Law says “They’ll be fine.”

You blink “You must a doctor here, right?”

Bepo ears start to move “Captain is our doctor”

Law crosses his arms “So?”

“So, you’re supposed to help people when they need a doctor” you point out.

The crew watches, completely fascinated as their Captain is forced to process being out-moraled on his own ship.

Law pinches the bridge of his nose “I don’t treat reckless idiots.”

You smirk “Bet you’d treat that Sora.”

Silence.

Shachi and Penguin choke trying not to laugh.

Law inhales slowly through his nose “Fine.”

Later on, Law works efficiently, scanning for injuries while you sit on the examination table, feet swinging.

“You ever met a superhero before?” you ask.

“No.”

“You excited?”

“No.”

You grin “You sound excited.”

Law glares “I could throw you back into the ocean.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time I got thrown out of somewhere.”

Law ignores you, eyes flicking to your suit’s exposed wiring “Your armor needs repairs.”

You sigh “Yeah, I don't know how to do it myself. I usually have a team for that. But seeing as I’m currently stranded on a submarine…”

Bepo perks up “Ikkaku’s good with machines!”

Ikkaku grins “I’d love to take a look at it.”

You brighten “See? Your crew likes me.”

Law doesn’t even glance up “My crew is full of idiots.”

Shachi grins “Idiots who think superheroes are cool.”

Law clenches his jaw.

You lean back, watching him “You ever wanted to be a hero?”

“No.”

“Not even as a kid?”

“No.”

You smirk “Liar.”

Law swears under his breath. This is officially his worst patient ever.

You’ve been on the Polar Tang for a grand total of three hours now, and you’re already Law’s biggest headache.

Not because you’re demanding. You actually sit still while he patches you up, which is more than he can say for his own crew.

No, the problem is that you’re clearly a walking Sora reference, and the crew will not shut up about it.

Law applies a bandage to your arm, muttering, “You heal fast.”

You grin “Perks of the suit. It boosts recovery.”

“Ridiculous,” he scoffs, but he doesn’t look away from your gear. He’s analyzing every detail, the material, the tech, the way it integrates with your body.

You catch him staring “You’re interested.”

“No.”

“You’re totally interested.”

“I’m analyzing flaws.”

“Oh? Find any?”

Law tugs the bandage a little tighter.

You hiss “Ow! That was petty.”

“No, that was medical precision.”

Shachi leans against the wall, grinning “Captain’s totally geeking out.”

Law glares “I do not ‘geek out.’”

Penguin nudges him “Then why’d you grab a notebook?”

Everyone looks.

Sure enough, Law’s holding his personal notebook, the one he uses for medical observations, or in this case, detailed notes on your suit’s tech.

He immediately closes it “You all need to shut up.”

You laugh “Busted.”

Bepo tilts his head “Captain, if you’re curious, why not just ask them?”

Law crosses his arms “I’m not curious.”

You smirk “If I told you how my flight system works, you wouldn’t be interested?”

“…No.”

“Not even if I explained the physics behind it?”

Silence.

Shachi grins “He wants to know.”

Law drags a hand down his face “I swear to—”

You stretch lazily “Well, I guess I won’t explain, then. Too bad.”

Law’s eye twitches. You can practically hear his inner self screaming for answers.

“…Tch.” He exhales sharply “Fine. How does it work?”

The crew erupts in laughter.

You grin “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

Law already regrets this conversation.

You swing your legs from the medical table, grinning like you just won a bet.

“I knew you were interested” you say.

Law rolls his eyes “It’s scientific curiosity, not admiration.”

You raise an eyebrow “Uh-huh. And if I asked you how your submarine works, that wouldn’t be admiration either?”

Law scoffs “Of course not.”

“You saying there’s a difference between admiration and respect?”

Law tenses.

The crew watches.

Penguin whispers “Oh, they got him.”

Law glares “Shut up.”

You smirk “Sooo, you respect my tech?”

“…It’s functional” Law admits, very grudgingly.

Shachi grins “That’s the closest thing to a praise that Captain has ever given to a stranger in years.”

Law snaps his notebook shut “I hate all of you.”

You chuckle “It’s fine, I get it. You’re a grumpy, cynical doctor who doesn’t believe in heroes—”

“I don’t.”

“—but deep down, you definitely wanted to be one as a kid.”

Law inhales sharply through his nose.

Silence.

You smirk “Called it.”

Shachi and Penguin high-five in the background.

Law grits his teeth “I am a pirate captain and a doctor, not a hero.”

“Sure, sure,” you say “And that Sora is just a propaganda story.”

“…Tch.”

You hop off the medical table, rolling your shoulder “Welp, I feel way better. Thanks, Doc.”

Law mutters “Unfortunately.”

You glance at the crew “So, when’s dinner? I’m starving.”

Ikkaku grins “I’ll make extra.”

Law glares “They are not staying.”

You smile “C’mon, Captain. You wouldn’t kick an injured guest out, would you?”

Law exhales slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose.

This is officially his problem now.

Right as you were all sitting down for dinner, the Polar Tang shakes as explosions erupt outside.

“Captain!” Ikkaku yells from the control room “Enemy ship approaching, they're bounty hunters!”

Law grits his teeth “Of course it’s bounty hunters.”

You glance at him “Want me to handle it?”

“No.”

You ignore him and start walking.

“Oi,” he snaps “Did you hear me? I said no.”

You just shoot him a grin “Yeah, but you’re not my Captain... Captain.”

Law swears under his breath.

Outside the Polar Tang a massive bounty hunter ship looms overhead. The crew scrambles, manning the cannons. You step onto the deck and roll your shoulders.

Law follows, grumbling “I don’t know why I even bother.”

Then he watches you activate your suit.

Thrusters ignite at your back, launching you into the air. The ocean wind whips past as you twist midair, dodging cannon fire.

Law stops moving.

His crew doesn’t notice but he does.

His surgeon’s brain starts analyzing instantly.

Your suit doesn’t just grant flight, it adjusts to air resistance, correcting your trajectory with perfect precision. No wasted movement. Every boost of your thrusters is calculated.

"The reaction time...” Law mutters under his breath.

You spin between cannonballs, dodging like it’s nothing. Then you fire back. A pulse blast rips through the enemy’s mast.

Shachi and Penguin shout in awe. Bepo gasps “That’s incredible!”

Law tilts his head, completely fascinated.

Your targeting system, how does it calculate angles so instantly? Is it predictive tech? Some kind of AI support?

You land on the enemy ship with a metallic clang. The bounty hunters charge.

One swings a sword.

Your gauntlet snaps up, catching the blade.

Law’s eyes widen.

The armor absorbs the impact. No recoil. The distribution system must be flawless.

Then, in one fluid motion, you twist the sword away and deck the guy in the face.

The crew is freaking out.

Shachi grabs Penguin’s arm “Captain’s doing the thing.”

Penguin nods “He’s totally doing the thing.”

Law doesn’t even blink.

His gaze flickers from your footwork to your reaction time to the way your suit enhances your natural movements rather than restricting them.

“…They can still maneuver at that speed?” he mutters, barely realizing he’s speaking aloud “That shouldn’t be possible without—”

You dodge a bullet mid-air.

Law inhales sharply.

The bounty hunters rush again. You move like a blur.

You slam one into the ground so fast that Law’s brain lags. Another charges, you sidestep effortlessly, then launch a repulsor blast point-blank into their chest.

Law leans forward slightly.

His crew watches him instead of you now.

Ikkaku whispers, “He’s in full nerd mode.”

Bepo nods solemnly “He’s already started taking mental notes.”

You flip over another opponent, land gracefully, and turn back toward the Polar Tang “That’s the last of ‘em.”

Shachi and Penguin cheer.

Law is staring at your boots.

“That propulsion system...” he mutters, completely absorbed “The shift in weight distribution should’ve thrown off the landing, but—”

You smirk “You like what you see, Captain?”

Law snaps out of it.

His expression hardens instantly “Tch. You’re reckless.”

You laugh “So you said. But I did just save your ass.”

Law clicks his tongue “You’re a pain in mine.”

You step closer “Admit it. You think it was cool.”

Law crosses his arms “I think it’s impractical.”

Penguin grins “That’s what he says when he’s impressed.”

Law turns on his heel and walks away “We’re leaving. Get back on the ship.”

You watch him go, then glance at the crew “He’s totally geeking out, isn’t he?”

Shachi nods “Oh, 100%.”

You chuckle. This is way more fun than you expected.

Dinner on the Polar Tang is surprisingly cozy.

You sit at the long table, surrounded by a crew that definitely doesn’t see you as a stranger anymore. Ikkaku chats excitedly about possible modifications for your suit, while Shachi and Penguin keep pestering you with questions.

“Do you have a secret identity?”

“Do you have a superhero name?”

“Can you shoot lasers from your eyes?”

You laugh “I feel like answering would ruin the mystery.”

Across the table, Law eats in silence.

Or, well... he tries to.

Bepo keeps throwing glances his way.

Shachi and Penguin keep nudging each other.

Everyone is waiting for him to say something.

Finally, after finishing his food, Law sighs and sets his chopsticks down.

“You can stay” he says.

The crew erupts into cheers.

You blink “Just like that?”

Law glares “Until you figure out how to get back to wherever you came from. That’s it.”

Penguin grins “That’s basically an invitation to join the crew.”

“It is not.”

Bepo tilts his head “But Captain, if they’re stranded—”

“They’re not stranded,” Law insists “They have a high-tech flight system, which means they can leave any time they want.”

You smirk “But you’re letting me stay anyway.”

Law scowls “Only because it would be irresponsible to throw an injured person into the middle of the ocean.”

Ikkaku grins “And because you wanna study their suit more.”

Law’s eye twitches.

“I don’t care about their suit.”

Shachi leans back, arms crossed “Mmm, right. So that whole time you were staring during the fight—”

“I was analyzing a potential ally’s combat effectiveness.”

Penguin snorts “Nah, you were nerding out.”

The whole crew bursts into laughter.

You grin, propping your elbow on the table “It’s okay, Captain. You can admit it. You think I’m cool.”

Law exhales sharply.

Then, in the most neutral, deadpan tone possible, he says “You’re marginally less annoying than the rest of my crew.”

Everyone gasps dramatically.

“That’s basically love” Penguin whispers.

Law stands abruptly “Dinner’s over. We leave at dawn.”

You watch him go, chuckling “He likes me.”

Shachi nods “He totally does.”

Bepo smiles “Welcome aboard.”

You glance around at the crew, at the warmth, the laughter, the feeling of belonging, even if just for now.

You might not be a pirate.

He doesn’t know that you make him an extra rice ball at lunch because he always wants seconds, even if Sanji starts complaining. He doesn’t know you patch up the seams of his bandanas when they start to fray. He doesn’t see the way you look at him like he’s something holy, somehow both untouchable and familiar.

And it’s fine, or at least you tell yourself it’s fine.

“Oi.”

You blink and turn. He’s standing right behind you now, towel over his shoulder, swords glinting under moonlight “You spacing out again?”

“I—no, just thinking.”

Zoro stares at you, then leans against the railing beside you like it’s nothing. Like being close doesn’t twist your insides into knots “Don’t think too hard. You’ll overheat.”

You laugh softly “Thanks for the advice, Mr. ‘All Brawn No Brain’.”

“Tch.” He doesn’t even pretend to be insulted “At least I don’t sit around staring at people.”

Your heart stops. Just for a second.

Did he notice?

Guess no because he’s already turned away, already yawning like the conversation’s over. Like your entire world isn’t spinning.

Weeks later you are all on Sabaody Archipelago when the island becomes hell, full of chaos. You expected tension. You didn’t expect the world to start cracking apart at the edges.

The ground shakes with every step Bartholomew Kuma takes. Everything’s falling apart. Again.

You’re standing with the crew, breathing hard, bruised, blood on your temple, and Zoro’s right beside you. The air tastes like ozone and smoke. Pain screams in every bone, but you hold your stance anyway.

Zoro’s stance is steady, swords drawn, chest rising and falling. He’s ready to fight, even when it’s hopeless. He always is.

“Get back” he mutters, low enough for just you to hear.

You grip your weapon tighter “Not a chance.”

His eyes flick to you, just for a second.

Not long enough.

“Kuma’s not human” Franky shouts from across the field “We can’t beat him!”

“We have to try!” Luffy yells back.

It happens fast… too fast.

One flash of light. One massive hand. And then Poof.

First it’s Sanji.

Then Chopper.

Then Franky.

(I don’t remember the exact order, bare with me if I forget to check before posting lmao)

Gone. Like smoke in the wind.

“No… NO!” you scream, running forward, but Zoro grabs your arm and pulls you back hard.

“Stay behind me” he growls.

You should say it now, before it’s too late.

“I love you” You swallow the words.

Then Kuma steps forward again.

“Room.”

You don’t hear it but you feel like a buzz in the air, a coldness at your back. And then, suddenly, you’re not behind Zoro anymore.

You’re inside a glowing sphere. The world around you slows, like someone turned the volume down on the chaos. You spin, breath caught in your lungs.

“Trafalgar Law, right?”

He stands a few paces away, hat casting a shadow over his gold-ringed eyes, hand lifted.

“What—What are you doing? What did you do?”

“Getting you out.”

Your heart slams in your chest “I can’t leave! I have to go back. Zoro’s still—”

“I saw him.” His voice is low. Calm “You know he’s the next one and you can’t do anything.”

“No,” you whisper. Your fists shake “He—he doesn’t even know—”

Law watches you carefully “But you do.”

You turn, trying to run back toward the others but Kuma’s hand is already over Zoro, light bursting around him like a nova.

And then he’s gone.

Just like that.

“NO!” You scream, stumbling forward, but Law grabs you and pulls you against him.

“Don’t waste it” he murmurs against your hair “You got lucky you weren’t far enough for me to reach you.”

“I didn’t want luck,” you breathe “I want them back.”

Later on you wake up to a low hum. Not waves. Not creaking wood. Something colder. Something deeper.

Your eyes snap open. The room is dim, lit only by a strip of soft light lining the metal walls. You’re not on the Thousand Sunny anymore.

“Where—?”

You try to sit up too fast, pain flaring in your ribs. Your voice is hoarse.

“Careful.”

You turn. Law is standing near the door, coat off, arms crossed over his chest. His tattoos catch the low light like ink on porcelain.

“You passed out,” he says “Shock, maybe. Or blood loss. Or both.”

You sit back slowly, memory returning in fragments.

Sabaody. Kuma. Zoro.

All of your crew… gone.

You close your eyes, chest rising with a shaky breath “You shouldn’t have pulled me out.”

Law says nothing.

“I would’ve rather—” You don’t finish the sentence.

He watches you for a long time. Then “I know.”

That’s it. No lecture. No pity.

He just says it like a fact. Like someone who understands what it means to lose everything in a single heartbeat.

The next few days pass in a blur.

The Polar Tang is too clean. Too quiet. The crew is polite but distant. You eat in silence. Sleep too much. You try not to think them, of Zoro, you try not to remember the way he stood in front of you before Kuma could reach you.

Try not to remember that he never even turned around to see if you’d followed, widening his eyes when he realised you disappeared like that.

Law keeps his distance. He doesn’t ask questions. Doesn’t comfort you. But you catch him watching sometimes.

When you forget to eat, he sends food without a word.

When you sit in the med bay too long staring at nothing, he walks in, grabs supplies, and walks out again, without breaking the silence.

You wish you could hate him for pulling you out. For saving you when no one else made it.

But you don’t. You can’t.

Because in those rare moments when he looks at you, you feel like maybe he’s just as lost.

One night, you’re in the observation room, staring at the ocean through a round porthole. You don’t hear him come in.

“I keep seeing it,” you say softly, not turning around “Zoro… the way he disappeared. I didn’t even say anything.”

“You wouldn’t have had time” Law answers.

You let out a hollow laugh “I had years, actually.”

That shuts him up.

You finally look over your shoulder “You’re not going to tell me I’ll move on?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

He pauses, then shrugs “Because I wouldn’t.”

The words hit harder than you expect. You swallow.

He steps closer, hands in his pockets, voice low “I didn’t save you for you, you know.”

Your breath catches “What does that mean?”

Law meets your eyes for half a second. Then he shakes his head.

“Forget it.”

He turns to leave.

You almost call out to him, ask him to stay, but you don’t.

Because Zoro never said what you needed to hear. And now Law won’t either.

Days pass. Maybe weeks. You don’t count them.

The crew leaves you alone. Law doesn’t.

Not in an obvious way, he never lingers too long, never asks too much. But he’s always there, hovering at the edges of your grief like someone who’s used to ghosts.

And Zoro is a ghost. Not dead. Not gone forever. But still gone.

You wonder if he thought of you before he disappeared. If he was scared.

You dig your nails into your palms and force your mind blank.

Law, standing across the room, doesn’t comment. But you know he notices.

Later, at night, you go sitting on the cold metal floor in the lower deck, knees tucked to your chest.

Law’s voice cuts through the silence.

“You keep sitting in dark corners like that, and someone’s gonna think you died.”

You huff a quiet laugh, not looking up “Maybe I did.”

He doesn’t respond right away. Then he says “That’s not how it works.”

You finally glance at him. He’s leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, unreadable as always.

“How does it work, then?” you ask “Losing people?”

Law exhales, slow “Like an open wound. You live with it.”

Your throat tightens.

“You ever lost someone?” you ask before you can stop yourself.

His jaw shifts slightly.

“Yes.”

The weight of it sits between you.

You don’t ask who.

He doesn’t ask why you’re asking.

The silence stretches, but this time, it doesn’t feel empty.

You don’t realize how long he stays there until you finally stand up, lightheaded, exhausted, and he just… turns and walks away.

Like he was only there to make sure you got back up at all.

Another week passes, maybe?

You start eating more. Sleeping less.

The crew stops treating you like a ghost. Bepo tells you stories. Shachi and Penguin try to drag you into their dumb arguments. And Law still keeps his distance.

But one night, when you wake up from another dream where they disappear right in front of you, you stumble into the hallway, breath shaky, and he’s already there. Like he knew.

He doesn’t touch you. Doesn’t say a word.

Just stands there, hands in his pockets, eyes sharp in the dim light.

And for the first time since Sabaody, you don’t feel completely alone.

It’s chaos. Worse than Sabaody.

The battlefield burns, the sky cracked open by fire and screams. Bodies fall. The ocean churns red.

You stand on the deck of the Polar Tang, numb, gripping the railing so hard your knuckles go white. You don’t blink. Don’t move. Because if you do, you might break apart completely.

“Luffy!”

He’s right there.

Not an echo. Not a dream. He’s alive, stumbling forward with Ace’s lifeless body still clutched against his chest, screaming so raw and broken it rips through you.

Your throat closes. You feel sick.

I should have been there.

You don’t realize you’re crying until a hand closes around your wrist.

“Go inside” Law says, voice quiet but firm.

You shake your head wildly “No! I have to—”

“You’ll only get in the way.”

The words cut deep, but you know he’s right.

This isn’t your fight anymore. It was never yours to begin with.

When it’s over, you sit beside Luffy in the Polar Tang’s infirmary. He’s unconscious, face pale, breath shallow.

Tears slip down your cheeks, silent and endless.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper “I’m so sorry.”

You don’t hear Law approach, but suddenly, his shadow stretches across the dim room. He doesn’t say anything, just watches.

After a moment, he kneels beside you.

“He’ll live” he says simply.

You press a hand over your mouth, nodding shakily.

Law stays kneeling there for a few seconds longer, like he almost wants to reach for you. But then he stands, and the moment is gone.

Two weeks later Luffy stands on the shore, fists clenched.

“I’m going to train” he says “For two years.”

You nod, already knowing.

Then he turns to you “You should train too.”

Your breath catches “With you?”

“No.” Luffy shakes his head pointing slightly and fast at Law “With him.”

Your stomach drops “Luffy—”

“You’re not strong enough yet...” he says, no hesitation, no softness “None of us were.”

You flinch.

Luffy doesn’t mean to hurt you, but he’s right. You weren’t strong enough. Not to stop Kuma. Not to fight in Marineford.

Not even to keep Zoro in your life.

You turn to Law, who watches you in that unreadable way of his.

“You want me to stay?” you ask.

He shrugs “Your captain does.”

“And you?”

Something flickers in his eyes, quick as lightning. But then it’s gone.

“We leave tomorrow.”

That’s all he says and you don’t argue.

Luffy waves from the shore one last time, grinning even though he’s still healing, even though everything’s shattered.

“Train hard!” he yells “Don’t die!”

You wave back. Smile. Fake it.

“See you in two years, Captain!” you say.

He disappears into the jungle with Rayleigh at his side.

And that’s it. Luffy’s gone.

The last thread connecting you to the Straw Hats...

You don’t make it far. Maybe ten steps onto the Polar Tang before your knees buckle.

You sink to the floor in the hallway, fists clenched, trying to breathe.

They’re all gone. And Luffy, your captain, your anchor, isn’t the one you have to follow now.

Your whole chest aches with the weight of them, and Zoro... who never even looked back at you in the same way you looked at him.

Your hands shake. You press them to your mouth, try to swallow the sob, but it bursts out anyway.

You don’t hear footsteps. But suddenly Law is there, crouched beside you like he’s been waiting.

“Let it out” he says, voice low, steady.

You cry harder.

Ugly, gasping sobs that have been locked in since Sabaody. You curl into yourself, and he doesn’t touch you, he just stays.

You don’t know how long it lasts. Minutes. Maybe more.

When your breathing finally evens out, you whisper “I didn’t want to go with you.”

“I know.”

“I wanted to stay with them.”

“I know” he says again. But it’s softer this time. Almost careful.

You look up at him, eyes swollen and wet “Why did you even save me?”

He doesn’t answer. Just stands and offers a hand.

“Come on. I’m training you. Start now.”

Day one, training begins and you’re sore within an hour.

Law doesn’t go easy on you, not out of cruelty, but because he doesn’t believe in easy.

He corrects your stance with a flick of his sword, shoves your balance when it’s off, tells you when your swings are weak. But he never mocks. Never smirks.

And when you collapse into the dirt, gasping for breath, he tosses you a canteen and says:

“You did better than yesterday.”

“…It’s the first day.”

He shrugs “I’m setting the bar low.”

It almost makes you laugh.

That night, you stare at the ceiling of your bunk, arms aching, mind fogged with exhaustion.

And you realize Law could’ve left you behind. Could’ve dropped you off somewhere from the beginning. But he didn’t.

He’s not kind. But he’s constant. Present.

You fall asleep thinking of Zoro.

But just before your dreams take you, you actually see Law’s eyes, calm and steady, and feel just a little less alone.

Month one, and Law doesn’t hold back.

He pushes you until your muscles scream, until you’re too exhausted to think. Maybe that’s the point, maybe he knows you’d drown in your own thoughts if he let you rest too long.

At night, you collapse into your bunk, body bruised, mind blank.

And sometimes, when the nightmares come, he’s already awake. He never says anything. Never asks. But if you step outside to breathe, he’s always leaning somewhere out there, pretending it’s a coincidence.

Month three, and training drill goes wrong. Your foot slips, and you hit the ground har, too hard. You try to get up, but your vision sways.

Law is there in an instant as he kneels beside you, eyes sharp with something you almost don’t recognize. Worry.

“You hit your head,” he mutters, scanning you “Idiot.”

You blink up at him, dazed “You care.”

His hands still for half a second.

Then he scoffs, expression smoothing into something unreadable “Don’t flatter yourself.”

But when he helps you stand, his grip is steady. Careful.

Month eight, Law’s sword crashes against yours, and your blood thrums with the fight, and when you smirk at him, he smirks back.

Not mocking.

Not cold.

Just something warm.

The moment is gone too fast. But that night, lying in bed, you realize you stopped thinking about him that much.

Year one, and you have your first real battle of your time with the Heart Pirates. A raid gone wrong.

You’re cornered, outnumbered, bleeding, one knee on the ground.

And then shink. A blade flashes.

When you look up, Law is standing over you, sword drawn, eyes dark with something dangerous.

You breathe hard, staring up at him “You...”

“Idiot.” His voice is sharp, but his hands, when he helps you up, are steady “You were reckless.”

“You saved me again.”

“Tch. I told you before.” he mutters, gripping your arm “Don’t flatter yourself.”

But that night, when you pass out from exhaustion, you swear you feel someone pull a blanket over you.

It’s weird. You don’t remember when it started, when the metal walls of the submarine stopped feeling cold.

You laugh easier these days. Mostly because of the crew.

Bepo makes dumb jokes that hit way too hard when you’re tired. Penguin and Shachi bicker like toddlers. You’ve been caught in the middle more than once.

“You’re taking my side, right?” Shachi demands.

“She likes me more” Penguin argues.

You just smirk “Bepo’s the only one with a brain. I’m staying on his side.”

They groan in betrayal. Bepo beams.

You catch Law watching from the upper deck, arms crossed, leaning against the railing like he’s not paying attention, but you know he is. He watches a lot now. He listens when you’re laughing, eyes sharp, expression unreadable. Not because he’s annoyed, but because he knows the clock’s ticking.

Soon, you’ll leave.

He doesn’t say it. He never would.

But you see it in the way he looks at you like he’s memorizing it all.

And what makes it worse is that with time you’ve gotten even bolder. You tease him now, just to see if you can crack that calm exterior.

“Law,” you lean across the table with your chin in your palm, “have I finally impressed you yet?”

He doesn’t even glance up from the reports “No.”

You grin “Liar.”

He looks at you then. Just briefly. But there’s something dangerous in his eyes. Warm and annoyed.

“You’re becoming a nuisance” he says.

“And yet,” you whisper with mock drama, “you’ve never kicked me off your ship.”

His jaw ticks. You love it.

You turn away smiling, leaving him there, stoic and silent, pretending you didn’t just get under his skin again.

He watches you walk off, fingers tapping once against the table, tension in his shoulders that has nothing to do with the reports.

Year two, you still think about Zoro, but your heart is quieter now.

You don’t think of him every night like before.

And that realization actually terrifies you. Because you’ve spent years thinking of Zoro.

And somehow, without meaning to, without wanting to, you started looking at someone else.

Two years vanish in the wind.

Your boots hit Sabaody’s soil.

Same place. Same light in the sky. But nothing feels the same, not the way you stand taller, breathe steadier, walk with quiet strength instead of wide-eyed hope.

The crew is here.

Your crew.

Luffy’s laugh is the same. Usopp’s dramatic wailing makes you snort. Nami nearly tackles you in a hug.

Sanji cries actual blood when he sees you. Chopper does his little spin.

You smile so much your face hurts. But your heart stays still.

Because he’s not here.

Not yet.

You hear the footsteps behind you first. Steady. Heavy. Familiar.

You turn and there he is.

Zoro.

He’s taller. Broader. Scars you don’t recognize. A presence so solid it makes the air shift.

His gaze snaps to yours, and it holds. No blink. No hesitation.

Your breath catches.

“Hey” you whisper.

It’s barely a word. Barely a sound.

He’s staring like he hasn’t seen anyone else since the day you disappeared.

“…You’re alive” he says. Voice low.

You nod “So are you.”

A beat.

He steps forward, and for a second you think he’s going to touch you. Say something. Anything. But he just stops a foot away.

“…You look stronger.” he says.

You blink, a laugh slipping out that’s part broken, part breathless “Took me long enough.”

He doesn’t smile. Doesn’t look away. Just says “I looked for you.”

Your heart slams.

“What?”

“When we got back.” He says it like it’s nothing “I looked. Didn’t stop for months. Thought you were dead.”

You try to swallow, but your throat’s tight “I—I was with Law.”

His jaw tenses “Yeah. I heard.”

Silence stretches between you.

He looks the same, but not really. He feels different. Like the sharp edges are still there, but dulled by time. Regret.

And you’re not sure what you feel, because for these two years, Zoro haunted you. And now he’s here, real and solid and late.

He shifts closer again, eyes flicking over your face “You okay?”

You nod, barely “You?”

“Better now.” he says, almost too low to hear.

You don’t answer. You can’t.

Because behind you, someone calls your name.

You turn, just enough to see Law, standing off to the side, watching. Zoro’s gaze follows yours.

And the moment breaks.

Law finds you leaning over a crate on the dock, hands smudged with oil from helping Franky. The sun’s setting, orange light stretching long across the sea.

“You leaving already?” you ask, tossing him a crooked grin.

He nods “I did my job and you're here now. My crew’s waiting.”

You straighten up. Suddenly, it doesn’t feel like just a goodbye.

“Oh.”

He doesn’t meet your eyes “You’re back where you belong.”

You hate how your throat tightens “Law...”

“I don’t regret it” he cuts in, voice low “Any of it. Saving you. Training you. Keeping you.”

You stare at him, heart thudding.

“I don’t say things I don’t mean” he says, eyes flicking up to meet yours.

"You usually don't talk much at all."

“Then take this as a rare moment of honesty.”

You laugh a little, shaky “Okay…”

He steps closer, close enough that your shoulders nearly touch “You were never just someone I saved.”

The world tilts. You don’t breathe.

“You're back with them now…” he hesitates, swallows, “With him... as you always wanted.”

That’s when it hits you.

The shift in your chest. The ache you’ve been ignoring. The weight behind every time you teased him. Every time he didn’t laugh, but stayed.

You look up at him and it’s all over your face.

Law sees it.

You don’t say anything. You can’t. Because it’s too late.

So you just nod, eyes shining.

“Goodbye, Law.”

He looks at you one last time, as if memorizing it. Then he turns and leaves.

Zoro watches from the shadows. He doesn’t mean to. But he sees it all.

The way you stand still long after Law disappears from sight.

The way your shoulders tremble, just once.

And, worst of all, the look you gave him. That soft, broken, aching look.

Zoro’s chest goes tight, because he knows that look. You used to give it to him, back when he was too blind to see it.

Now, he sees it clear as day, but it’s not for him anymore.

Later that night, he tries anyway.

He finds you on the deck, alone, arms wrapped around yourself.

“Can I talk to you?” he asks.

You turn slowly. Smile tiredly “Sure.”

He steps closer. Hesitates. Then “I meant what I said. I missed you. I still do.”

You blink, surprised “Zoro...”

“I didn’t know how to say it back then. But I do now.”

You look at him, really look, and something in your face flickers.

Soft but sad.

“I waited a long time” you whisper.

“I know.”

“And now…” you trail off “Now, I don’t know what I feel.”

He nods, jaw tight “But I do.”

You close your eyes “I’m sorry.”

And that’s it. He’s too late.

Zoro isn’t good with words, but he can do actions. So he sticks close.

He stands by you during battles. Helps you sharpen your blade even when you insist you can do it yourself. He throws his jacket at you during a cold night on deck without saying a word.

You stop flinching when he shows up.

You stop looking away so quickly.

That’s progress, right?

One night, he brings you food. He sets it beside you with a quiet, “Eat. You skipped dinner.”

You glance up “Didn’t think you noticed.”

“I notice a lot more now.”

Your eyes meet his. There’s warmth there, brief, flickering. And Zoro clings to it.

He doesn’t say the words again. Not yet. He knows now that words have weight. That the next time he confesses, it can’t be casual. It can’t be a maybe.

So he waits.

Watches.

Hopes.

You’re softer with him. You laugh sometimes. You don’t run anymore. But you also don’t reach for him. Not the way you used to.

Weeks pass. Battles come and go. And with every scar, every shared glance, every late-night conversation, Zoro starts to think.

Maybe this time he’ll be enough.

Maybe you’re still finding your way back.

Then Punk Hazard happens. The fog. The cold. The chaos.

And amid all that... “Room.”

Zoro turns fast. His hand tightens around his sword.

Law.

He’s standing like he never left. Calm. Collected. Surgeon’s eyes scanning the area.

And then he sees you.

You freeze. You don’t say anything, but you smile.

Not the polite kind. Not the cautious one you give strangers.

It’s soft. Familiar. Full.

Zoro watches your whole face change, lit from within in a way he hasn’t seen in years.

And that’s when it hits him.

You really do look at Law the way you used to look at him.

He turns away before you can see the hurt break through his face.

For the first time since he started trying, Zoro feels something crack.

He’s not done yet. But for the first time, he wonders if trying is enough.

The alliance happens fast. Faster than anyone expects. But not without meaning.

Luffy grins wide as ever, standing on the snowy remains of the Punk Hazard wreckage, hand outstretched “Let’s do it!”

Law hesitates for half a second, like he always does. Like he’s weighing every possible outcome.

But then his eyes flick past Luffy, just for a moment. To you.

Standing there, watching, quiet.

He takes the hand.

The crew erupts behind you, half celebrating, half groaning.

“An alliance with him? Really?!” Usopp yells.

“Great,” Nami mutters “Another brooding one.”

Sanji lights a cigarette, eyes narrowing at Law “As long as he keeps his hands off certain people, I guess it’s fine.”

You roll your eyes “Sanji!”

Law blinks, then tilts his head “Was that directed at me?”

Sanji blows out smoke “You did spend two years alone with her, didn’t you?”

You choke. Zoro tenses.

And Law... oh God, he blushes.

It’s the faintest thing. Barely there. Just a brush of pink at his cheekbones.

But everyone sees it.

Robin smiles knowingly. Franky lets out a long “oooooohhh!” Chopper gasps like he’s watching a soap opera.

You cover your face with both hands “Oh my god.”

Law clears his throat and looks away “This is an alliance. Nothing more.”

Sanji grins like a wolf “Didn’t say it wasn’t anything else.”

Luffy just shrugs “Trafalgar’s cool. He helped when I couldn’t.”

That makes everyone pause, because that matters.

Luffy doesn’t say things like that often.

He looks at you next, eyes clear and serious for once “He kept you alive. And that means something to me.”

Your chest tightens.

Law doesn’t respond, but his shoulders shift, barely. The way they do when he’s holding something in.

Zoro doesn’t say anything either. But he hears everything. He sees everything. And it burns.

You’re all in the same ship now, as Law temporarily sail with you all.

It’s chaos. Tension thick in the air. But it’s not the alliance that’s unstable.

It’s Zoro and Law.

It starts small.

During a strategy meeting, you lean over Law’s shoulder to point at the map.

“Right here. If we flank from the east—”

Zoro cuts in from behind you “That’s a crap angle. It exposes our backs.”

Law doesn’t even look up “Not if we use your crew as decoys.”

Zoro’s eye twitches “You offering to lead that charge, or just hoping we’ll take the hit for you?”

“Don’t project your martyr complex on me, Roronoa.”

You sigh, stepping between them before things can escalate “Can we not have a dick-measuring contest over a map?”

Law raises a brow “Who said anything about that?”

Zoro smirks “Pretty sure I’m winning anyway.”

“Zoro!”

He glances at you. Shrugs “Just saying.”

Law’s lips twitch, somewhere between annoyance and something else “Very mature.”

Later that day, you’re sparring on deck, Zoro by your side, running drills. He’s focused, strict, pushing you hard, harder than usual.

“You’re dropping your left,” he grunts “Again.”

“I’m tired...”

“You’ll be dead if you fight like that.”

You glare at him, wiping sweat from your brow “God, you’re such an ass sometimes.”

“Only when you’re being lazy.”

“You wanna fight?”

He smirks “Thought we were.”

Before you can respond...

“Maybe she needs a better teacher.”

You both turn.

Law stands a few feet away, arms crossed, tone dry.

Zoro straightens, blade resting on his shoulder “You volunteering?”

Law shrugs “At least I know how to critique without barking like a feral animal.”

Zoro steps forward, slow, deliberate “She’s strong because I push her. I’ve been training with her since before you knew her name.”

Law’s gaze doesn’t waver “And yet, she still survived two years without you.”

You can feel the tension crackle in the air, and you’re right in the middle.

“Enough!” you snap, stepping between them “I’m not a prize. You don’t get to fight over me like I’m some damn bounty.”

Neither of them speaks. But they don’t look away from each other either.

Zoro’s jaw is tight.

Law’s hands curl just slightly at his sides.

“Get your shit together. Both of you.”

And then you walk off. Neither of them follows, but both of them want to.

You avoid them both for a while.

Let them stay in their own awkward silences and heavy stares.

Zoro finds you first.

“You’re pissed.”

You don’t look at him “You think?”

He doesn’t back off. He never does.

“I wasn’t trying to make you feel like you’re caught in the middle.”

“You weren’t?” you laugh bitterly “Because it really feels like it, Zoro.”

His voice lowers “I’m trying to tell you I still—”

“Now you want to say something?” you cut in “After years of pretending I didn’t exist? After I stopped looking at you like you were my whole world?”

Zoro flinches. Just a little.

You don’t stop “You only noticed me after someone else did. That’s not love, Zoro. That’s jealousy.”

“It’s not,” he says, sharp now “You think I didn’t feel it back then? I did. I just… didn’t know what to do with it. I thought we had time.”

You stare at him “We didn’t.”

Silence.

And then “Do you love him?”

The question lands like a weight.

You blink. Breathe. Whisper “I don’t know.”

Zoro doesn’t move. But everything in him tenses.

You keep going, quieter now “I loved you for so long, Zoro. I would’ve followed you anywhere.”

He’s looking at the ground now “I know.”

“And you didn’t even have to do anything. You just had to see me.”

“I see you now.”

You shake your head “Maybe too late.”

That night, Law comes to you. Quiet as ever.

You’re sitting at the railing, staring at the sea like it has answers. He stops beside you and sits.

“I shouldn’t have fought with him.”

You glance at him “Didn’t exactly help.”

He nods, once “I know.”

There’s silence for a beat. Then “I didn’t want to come back. I thought maybe it would be easier for you if I stayed gone.”

“That’s not what I wanted.”

He turns his head to look at you “I know. But I also know how you looked at him.”

You laugh softly, bitter “I used to. Not sure I even remember how it felt anymore.”

Law watches you “Do you remember it when you look at me now?”

You swallow “I don’t know.”

It’s the truth. And it hurts.

“I think I wanted to.”

His eyes soften “That’s not the same thing.”

You nod “I know.”

Two men.

One you loved for years.

One who helped you find yourself again.

And now, you have to choose.

Zoro doesn’t approach you after that conversation.

For days, he stays distant. His eyes heavy with everything unsaid, his silence louder than any words could be.

It’s not easy for him. But somehow, it’s easier for you.

You’re not holding on anymore. Not to him. Not to the past.

The nights spent on deck, watching the stars with Law, become moments of clarity for you. He’s the calm in your storm. The one who doesn’t try to change you, doesn’t try to fix you.

He simply… is.

You go sit beside him, your shoulder grazing his. Your heart is full of things you can’t put into words, things you don’t need to say because he knows.

And for once, you’re not scared of the future.

“I’m sorry” you murmur, breaking the silence.

He looks at you. His expression unreadable, but there’s understanding in his eyes “For what?”

“For everything,” you say, a little shakier than you expected “For making this so… messy. For making it hurt.”

His lips twitch, just a little. A subtle hint of a smile “It wasn’t just you.”

You look down at your hands, fingers fidgeting “I don’t know when it happened. When I stopped thinking about him like that. But I guess… I was always looking for something different from that. Someone who would…”

“See you?” Law finishes softly.

You nod “Yeah.”

“I see you.” His voice is steady, as it always is.

The words wrap around you like a blanket, and you feel something inside you uncoil, like it’s been waiting for this moment. For someone to just see you. All of you. No conditions. No hesitations.

“I’m sorry” you repeat, but this time, it’s softer. Not a confession, but a release. A letting go.

He doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he leans closer. You’re not sure if you should pull away. You don’t. You can’t.

When his lips meet yours, it’s gentle. You kiss him, and it feels like coming home.

The next morning, Zoro is gone. Not physically, he’s still there. But he’s… gone.

He doesn’t look at you the way he used to. He doesn’t demand your attention. He doesn’t hold your gaze for too long, hoping you’ll see something in him that you used to.

And you don’t feel the ache in your chest anymore.

It’s the quietest goodbye you could’ve hoped for.

You stand beside Law as the waves crash against the ship, the wind tugging at your hair. It feels like a beginning. A new beginning.

“I’ve got your back” Law says quietly, his voice the same steady promise.

You smile, looking out toward the horizon “I know.”

You pause for a moment, then turn to him with a teasing grin “But, you know…”

He raises an eyebrow “What?”

“If we’re going to be all teamwork and allies like this…” You give him a playful glance, “You have to stop looking so serious all the time. It’s like you’re trying to compete with Zoro again but for the ‘most brooding’ title this time.”

He actually blinks at you. And then… he smirks “Is that so? I didn’t realize I had competition.”

“Mmhm.” You tilt your head, as if seriously contemplating the challenge “But I’ll let you have it. For now.”

He chuckles softly “I’ll try not to disappoint, then.”

You nudge him with your shoulder, laughter bubbling up between you “You’re lucky you’re cute when you do it.”

His smirk widens "You have a type."

You gasp at his honesty, and you push him away just for him to push you back in his arms. You laugh and he smiles, you'd pay to stay in this moment forever, because joking, laughing with him, loving him... it feels even better than you could ever imagine.

Alternative Ending

The days after your conversation with Zoro are tense. He stays distant at first, too, as if unsure how to act after everything. But the quiet between you both doesn’t last long.

One evening, you find yourself standing at the edge of the ship, staring at the vast sea, the weight of your heart pulling you down.

It’s late. The only sound is the gentle rush of the waves.

You can feel him before you hear him.

“Y/N.”

You turn and see Zoro stands a few feet away, his silhouette dark against the moonlit sky. His expression is unreadable, but his voice cracks slightly.

“I’ve been an idiot.”

You blink, surprised at the words.

He steps forward, hesitating, then adds, “I should’ve told you. A long time ago. I...” He stops himself, runs a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated “I wasn’t ready. And I thought… I thought you’d wait for me. But I was wrong.”

You stare at him, heart beating faster with every word.

“I don’t know how to say this, but...” He takes a breath, looking you directly in the eyes now “I’ve been in love with you since the beginning. Since the first time I saw you, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. But I didn’t know how to show it. And when you started looking at someone else…” He clenches his fist “It killed me. I know I didn’t deserve you, but I couldn’t just... let you go.”

You swallow hard. He sounds so vulnerable now, in a way you’ve never heard before. It’s the side of him that never showed, always hidden behind his gruff exterior.

“Zoro…” you say softly, taking a step toward him.

“I know you might think it’s too late.” He looks down, the weight of his regret pressing him down “But I’ll keep fighting for you. If you’ll give me the chance.”

Your heart flutters, a mixture of relief and a longing you haven’t felt in so long. You step forward until you’re right in front of him, your breath mingling in the quiet air.

“I...” you hesitate for a second “I thought I was over you. That I had to let go.”

His hand twitches at his side, wanting to reach out but unsure “I know. And I don’t deserve you anymore.”

“But you’re here now.”

His eyes flicker with hope “I’m here now.”

Without a word, you step closer, closing the small gap between you. And you kiss him.

It’s slow at first. Tentative, unsure, like the beginning of something new. And for a moment, the entire world disappears. There’s no tension, no confusion, just you and him.

When you pull away, he’s staring at you, eyes wide, disbelief and joy mixing in his expression.

“Zoro, I…” You can barely catch your breath “I choose you. I choose us.”

He blinks, then grins, a rare, honest smile you’ve only seen glimpses of. He pulls you closer, this time with certainty.

“I’m not letting go this time, Y/N. I promise.”

The next morning, you wake up to the sound of Zoro sharpening his swords on the deck. You sit up slowly, stretching your arms, a small smile tugging at your lips.

He notices you and pauses, wiping his sweat from his forehead.

“You’re up early” he grunts, clearly still adjusting to this softer side of him.

You nod “Couldn’t sleep. Had too much on my mind.”

“Like what?” He smirks, teasing now.

You chuckle and roll your eyes “Like how stubborn you are sometimes.”

He raises an eyebrow “Me? Stubborn? You must be confusing me with someone else.”

You walk over to him, standing beside him for a moment before you take a deep breath and add, “I’ve always been in love with you, Zoro. But I needed you to see me.”

He grins, his usual cocky demeanor returning “I see you now.”

“You better!” you reply with a playful smirk, your heart finally light.

And for the first time in a long while, it feels like the beginning of something that could last.

- THE END, for real now -