#chiffon

You were escorted inside. Another barrier awaited you: anyone that met with Bege was to be spotless and spectacularly dressed. 

You waved timidly to Law as you headed to the woman’s bathing suite. He looked ready to tear off the head of the gangster next to him. 

~*~

When you and Chiffon arrived at the sitting room, the men were already gathered.

“Try anything funny, Trafalgar, and I’ll stick a bullet in your brain.”

“You return Y/N-ya to me in less than perfect condition, they’ll never find all the pieces left of you.”

“Hey, is that your submarine outside? It’s real nice! Just like a Germa ship-rero!”

“It is NOT like those Germa vermin. Don't insult my ship!”

Bege’s eyes sparkled when Chiffon entered the room. All death threats were forgotten. His coat billowed behind him as he went to his wife. “Chiffon!”

Chiffon chuckled as he placed a kiss on her hand. Your gaze drifted to Law. Your breath stopped. 

You’d never seen Law dressed up before, and it made your brain short-circuit. Law’s hat was missing, revealing his spiked hair. Based on the way the strands glistened in the light, hair gel fought to keep it down, and lost. A black-collared shirt was rolled up to his forearms, teasing some of his tattoos. A tight-fitting, navy blue waistcoat clung to his torso.

The longer you stared, the more your throat started to constrict in new, uncomfortable ways. Would you stutter if you spoke to him? You hoped not. 

You ignored the way your heels wobbled under you and walked up to Law. 

“You look amazing,” you said (your internal monologue cheered you on for not tripping over your words). 

A rare smirk tugged at Law’s lips. His gaze licked over you, making you shift uneasily.

“What is it?” you asked.

Law gestured between you. “We match.” 

You glanced down at your dress. You’d already forgotten its existence. It looked like it was cut from the same fabric of Law’s waistcoat, with gentle waves of blue cascading down your shins. You grinned at the comparison.

It dawned on you that the room was dead silent. When you glanced around, everyone was looking at you and Law.

“Hmph,” a puff of cigar smoke escaped Bege, as if he were trying to hold back a laugh. 

Your brow dipped. Before you could question it, one of the gangsters rolled out a dessert tray. 

Everyone seated themselves as the gangsters set the coffee table. Law sat with you on one of the settees. Chiffon and Bege took the one across from you.

“We have some more healthier options if you’d like,” Chiffon offered as Law eyed the platters of glossy cakes. “Can you please bring out some bread —?”

You made a face. Chiffon paused, looking at you.

“Law doesn't like bread,” you explained.

Law stiffened beside you. Bege’s cigar bobbed up and down as he spoke, “You don't like bread?”

Law turned to you. His voice was low. “I never told you that.”

You shrugged. Law avoided most carbs, except for rice. Maybe it was a health thing, tied to being a surgeon? Nevertheless, you had picked up on his aversion to it.

“You never eat it. Sometimes you make a face at it, like you’re trying to pulverize it with your eyes,” you chuckled. 

A soft snort escaped Law. When he looked away, you could’ve sworn his lip was slightly curved up. 

“How far along are you?” asked Law.

“My due date’s in two weeks,” said Chiffon brightly. 

You glanced around. Aside from the four of you, only Bege’s men were present. You didn't spot any of Chiffon’s relatives. “Is it just us?”

Baby showers were typically thrown by a friend, not the person who was pregnant. If anything, Bege and the gangsters seemed to be playing that role.

“Yes,” Chiffon’s smile was apologetic. “Brulee stopped by earlier. I thought it would be easier for you, since last time…”

“Oh! We got something for you,” you tiptoed past that topic as diplomatically as you could. You refused to let your adventures on Whole Cake Island dampen Chiffon’s evening.

Law held up the gift bag for you. He set it on the coffee table.

“You didn't have to do that,” Chiffon’s cheeks bloomed a delicate, rosy hue as Bege took the present. He removed one of the packages sticking out of it. Similar to Law opening your letters, Bege sliced open the wrapping and handed it to Chiffon.

Chiffon carefully removed the contents. Bege looked over her shoulder with wide eyes. “Oh…”

You tucked a hair behind your ear as it was unveiled. You didn't know much about Bege, except for the fact that he seemed to have a classy aesthetic. Chiffon was also one of the best bakers in Big Mom’s territory. You’d settled on fancy baking utensils with elegantly-twirled metal; the cutting board Chiffon held could’ve been mistaken for a painting without a frame. 

“It’s nice,” Bege’s voice was low with awe. 

Chiffon giggled. “This is perfect, Y/N! Bege loves art. You know us well.” 

“There’s more baby stuff at the bottom, but I thought you’d like it,” you smiled. “If you’re into art, you should check out Law’s tattoos.” 

Everyone’s stares sank heavily upon you. The comment had just slipped out. You didn't know where it came from — or that it was even there, swirling around in your head. Your internal monologue screamed obscenities at you in the awkward silence that followed. 

“Do tell.” Bege eyed Law with interest. 

Law sighed. He sat up as he unfastened the buttons to his shirt. 

You swallowed louder than necessary. It hadn't been an invitation for Law to undress, but you certainly weren't going to tell him that.

Bege leaned forward as Law pulled the flaps of his shirt away, revealing the flaming heart underneath. Your gaze lingered longer than necessary on the chiseled lines of muscle. Was Law more…well-endowed than before? The memory of his bare chest in the woods was seared into your memory. He seemed in impeccable shape then: it was nearly ridiculous to think he could look any better. 

“Captain of the Heart Pirates is very fitting,” Chiffon looked between you and Law’s chest, as if clearly stating, you haven't done anything about that yet? What are you waiting for?

“Who’s it meant for?” said Bege.

Law’s expression darkened. He didn't bother buttoning the rest of his shirt; he settled for knotting one and letting his tattoos peek out.

“Sorry, contemplating art is a hobby of his,” Chiffon gently squeezed Bege’s arm. “If it's too intrusive —”

“It’s for Cora-san,” said Law. 

Law’s arms crossed over the heart tattoo. You could feel his resistance to discuss the subject further. The same emotion that tightened his eyes on Punk Hazard returned.

“He was…” Law’s lashes fluttered. He glared at the ground as he searched for the right word.

“Someone very dear to you?” Chiffon added softly. 

Law dipped his head. Chiffon’s smile touched your heart. “They look beautiful. I’m sure Cora-san would be very proud. You’re right, Y/N: he’s practically a walking work of art!” 

Heat inflamed your face. “I — I didn't say that!”

“Sure,” Chiffon winked at you. Bege laughed as you groaned. 

“You’re lucky to have a woman who puts up with you, Trafalgar,” Bege removed his cigar briefly. Smoke curled around his words. 

It was easier to spot the red tips of Law’s ears without his hat. He continued to glare at the ground.

One of Bege’s men leaned over the couch towards you. “You should’ve seen him when you weren't in the room-rorero! He was a real grouch, and then the minute you walk in, he's all smiles — just like Father with Madame!”

Law scoffed. “You compared my ship to Germa. They’re the worst!”

“What’s Germa?” you asked him. 

You settled back into the cushions, enjoying the tales you just unlocked as Law dove into Sora: Warrior of the Sea (which was apparently very popular in the North Blue). You’d never seen Law so animated in the time you’d known him. His arm was draped along the settee behind you, tattooed hands flourishing in the air between you as he described everything. 

The conversation morphed, returning to Chiffon and Bege’s baby.

“I can give you a physical if you want,” offered Law. 

Chiffon’s eyes sparkled. “Really?”

“Don't try anything funny, Trafalgar,” Bege warned as he scooted aside to make room. “How’s it look?”

As Law kneeled before Chiffon, he waved you over. “Come on, come look at this, Y/N-ya.” 

You sat next to Law on the carpeted floor. Gangsters looked over your shoulder in awe as Law’s fingers delicately probed beneath Chiffon’s ears. 

Chiffon gave you a knowing smile, but you were too busy watching Law in the zone. He guided your hand to Chiffon’s stomach as he explained what to look for. 

Not long after, Bege’s gangsters gathered the used dessert plates and fawned over Chiffon with compliments on the food as they passed. Everyone stood as the end of the evening neared. 

“Thank you so much for having us, Chiffon! Let’s do this again, I can't wait until the baby comes,” you said.

“Of course,” Chiffon took your hands and lightly squeezed them. “Thank you for coming. I’m so glad I got to see you again. Let us know if we can ever repay you for your kindness.” 

Bege had lingered silently at Chiffon’s side for most of the evening like a second shadow. He nodded along as his gray eyes pierced you. “Thank you. For protecting my Chiffon when I wasn't there.” 

You were speechless. You barely knew Bege, but it was evident that thanks of any kind were rare from him. You bowed your head and smiled. 

“You mentioned that before,” said Law. “What happened last time?”

Chiffon gasped. “You didn't tell him? About the proposal?”

Your back went rigid. Law noticed. “What proposal?” 

You had worried about Law learning about the marriage proposal before, but to find out about it now…unseen horrors thrashed against your insides. 

Chiffon quickly caught on to your panicked gaze. She tried to deter Bege, but it was too late. 

“Y/N helped Chiffon after one of Big Mom’s outbursts. For her act of chivalry, one of Chiffon’s brothers asked Y/N to marry him,” said Bege.

You cringed. Law’s steel gaze flashed to you. 

“Bege,” Chiffon muttered out of the corner of her mouth. “Not common knowledge.” 

Bege’s eyes widened. “Oh…”