Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Law detest parties.

No, "detest" barely scratched the surface of her feelings towards those social events. Detest was an insufficient word to express her feelings. Law loathed them, despised them, and hated them in equal measure. Every moment at one turned into an exercise in emotional torture.

It wasn't limited to just parties; it was any social event she was obligated to attend. Any situation that required her presence in society left her feeling notably overwhelmed. The mere idea of having to interact with other human beings filled her with stress and plunged her into an irritable mood.

It was almost a miracle she had chosen a career in the field of medicine. Although the sense of duty and adrenaline she experienced during a difficult operation partly mitigated her social suffering, she couldn't deny that she would prefer to avoid any interaction with her patients' relatives or even the gatherings of Germa 66 actors' fans, which she attended out of sheer willpower—and fandom—just to get collectible items.

So it wasn't surprising to find Law secluded in a corner of the party, far from the crowd, simply because that's what she had decided.

With a sigh, Law took her glass and headed to the bar. She needed alcohol; perhaps, only then, could she endure the party a little longer if that substance took effect on her system.

Without much ado, Law engaged in a brief conversation with the bartender. She didn't bother mentioning drink names or waiting for unnecessary visual preferences for something that only served the purpose of acting as a drug. A simple "I want vodka" was enough for the man to start filling her glass with the drink, which also wasn't exactly among her favorites in terms of taste.

Sitting at the bar, Law looked at the drink in front of her and remembered what her mistake of the day had been to find herself in that place alone, amidst a noisy atmosphere, which only caused her stress; as she took a sip of vodka.

That morning, Penguin had an idea.

"Why don't we go for a drink after work?" —the man had proposed with a radiant smile. One didn't need to be a genius to understand that Sachi had immediately accepted. The two of them enjoyed being in social settings much unlike Law.

"Oh no... I..." —Law was about to decline the invitation, arguing that she had an extra shift the next day, but Doctor Kureha, responsible for the administration of the hospital where Law and her friends worked, and an old friend of the family when her parents were still alive, interrupted her.

"Law, go with them." —Kureha said. She didn't like seeing the daughter of her former colleague overworking herself unnecessarily as she did. —"I already have someone else who can take care of the extra shift you were worried about. Go and have fun, brat. Or do you want to know the secret to my eternal youth?"

At that moment, when she found herself devoid of valid excuses, Law understood that there was no way to avoid her friends dragging her along or rejecting them as she used to do. Ending up yielding to the invitation.

Now, Law envied Bepo, who had personal matters to attend to and couldn't join them. Although now, she reflected that perhaps if Bepo had attended, he could have found an excuse to leave early.

Bepo was always there to support her when she felt uncomfortable.

Anyway, Law wished she were anywhere else. She just wanted to go home after a tiring day of work and social interaction. She wanted to be welcomed by her little dog Onigiri, who surely would be waiting for her at old Wolf's house.

"Hey, beautiful!"

However, the annoying voice that tried to be masculine and seductive, but to Law's ears sounded unbearably hoarse and stupid, pulled her out of her thoughts.

Law sighed again.

This was the last thing she needed: a jerk trying to hit on her.

"Get lost and go to hell."

"But what an aggressive little kitty," the man said laughing with that same annoying tone, making Law roll her eyes. "Aww, come on! I don't bite... or at least not right now. Why is a pretty girl like you so alone here? Come keep me company for a while."

Then Law's annoyance and discomfort grew once more. What part of her body language had even suggested that this man could put his arm around her waist? She thought she had been clear with her brusque attitude, but even when she showed him the middle finger, the man seemed not to understand the signal.

That was the last straw.

Even if before she was convinced (for her friends) to stay with the argument of "If a pretty girl like you, is with two guys like us. Makes us seem more trustworthy," even when the bar and nightclub they had gone to turned into a kind of college party the moment a large number of students entered. Law definitely wouldn't accompany Penguin and Sachi to any party ever again in her life, knowing that in the end they would leave her alone after getting a hookup who would ditch him by the end of the party.
Because her two friends naturally scared off women and the only women who put up with both of them were her and Ikkaku.

And both of them were anything but straight.

"Kitty, don't ignore me!"

Oh, Law definitely remembered why she hated parties.

Wasn't it obvious that if she wasn't accompanied by a guy it was possibly because she was a lesbian?

Law felt her stress increase. Everything was putting her in a bad mood: the LED lights, the loud music, the shouts, the smell of cigarette smoke, the people... but above all, this man. So she was about to shout at him, unable to bear any longer in that place. The guy was unpleasant and was beginning to try to take her with him when he grabbed her arm. But just as Law was about to hit the man, preparing to kick him in his groin so he wouldn't leave any offspring.

A much shorter girl than her, perhaps a head and a half, and with brown skin; intervened in her defense.

"Hey, my friend isn't alone here."

Law looked up, surprised by the intervention of the girl with short black hair and a scar under her left eye, who approached her with enviable confidence. She put her hands on Law's shoulders and offered her a radiant smile as she sat next to her, looking at the guy with a calm expression.

"Can you leave? We want to be alone."

The man was about to protest and ask the newcomer to leave, that he wasn't interested in her, only in Law. But before he could say anything, a muscular guy with green hair stood behind him. Certainly his face didn't say he was the friendliest person.

"Luffy, the witch said to stay close."

"Oh, Zoro! I just saw Torako alone and came to keep her company."

When the man saw this guy named Zoro, a shiver ran down his spine and he quickly left. Zoro emanated an intimidating aura that contrasted with Luffy's friendly appearance at first glance. When his gaze met Zoro's, he knew it was wiser to leave the two women alone.

So Law, who had mixed feelings, watched how Luffy and Zoro interacted. Although she appreciated the gesture of someone coming to help her without asking for anything in return, it wasn't that Law didn't feel she could handle the situation herself. But what really put her in conflict was the presence of these two strangers.

The woman, called Luffy, was incredibly cheerful, making jokes and behaving spontaneously and jovially, as only someone very young would do. It was obvious that she was a college student, possibly in her first or second year, because apparently she hadn't yet experienced that stage of regretting going to college.

Despite her unkempt appearance, with a straw hat that definitely didn't match her clothes, Law couldn't help but think that this girl was like the sun. Her mere presence seemed to shine even more than the bright LED lights of the party, making it impossible not to notice her even for someone like Law, who didn't pay much attention to people.

However, that was something that Law didn't like about her; she knew that this girl would bring her trouble if she became more involved with her.

Law moved Luffy aside, wishing to distance herself from the crowd once again. She realized that throughout the time Luffy was talking with Zoro, she had allowed the woman to lean on her shoulders, and even when she eventually separated from her, she did so gently, without abruptness.

However, it was then that Luffy spoke again.

"Are you leaving already, Torako?"

"Torako?" Law repeated with a confused gesture. "Um, that's not my name."

Where did that woman, Luffy, get the idea that Law's name was Torako? Law had thought that earlier Luffy had invented the name, implying that they knew each other just to drive away the guy, but could it be that the woman with the straw hat was actually confusing her with someone else?

But before Law could say anything to clarify the possible embarrassing situation, Luffy's boisterous laughter rang out, approaching Law and patting the surgeon's back.

"Torako is silly!" exclaimed Luffy with a mischievous smile, hugging Law again by the shoulders. Making it clear that she didn't know the concept of personal space. Making the taller girl a little tense, who looked uncomfortably at Luffy who added:

"There!" she pointed out. "That's your name, silly!"

Law then followed Luffy's finger to her badge, which was right over her chest, which she just realized she hadn't taken off after work, and the expression of confusion remained on the doctor's face.

"It says 'Trafalgar' there," Law explained, feeling a little uncomfortable. Was her last name difficult to pronounce? But Luffy insisted again:

"I said the same, Torako."

"Trafalgar."

"Torako."

"Trafalgar."

"Torako."

Law looked at her incredulously. Had Luffy just given her a nickname based on some strange wordplay? Or was it that this woman was so confident even with someone she didn't know? These were the questions that crossed Law's mind as she looked up at Luffy's friend, and he just gave her a compassionate look.

"It's very unlikely that you'll change Luffy's mind, Torako".

Zoro commented, and Law emitted a groan of exasperation.

Chapter Text

Luffy emanated an undeniable love for parties.

She was the epicenter of any social gathering, embodying the vibrant soul of each event. Surrounded by a crowd that was seduced by her charisma, the young woman was the epitome of dynamism and joy.

The difference was palpable. Law felt overshadowed by the exuberance of her contagious energy and youthful spirit that attracted crowds to her, enveloped in that luminous aura.

In contrast, Law recognized in herself a marked difference. She saw herself reflected in the calm of the night, in the stillness of her inner being. While Luffy stood tall in all her energetic essence, Law perceived herself as a more reserved, more contained figure.

As she watched Luffy, it was hard not to recall the analogy of the sun. Comparing Luffy to the sun was not an exaggerated analogy; her radiance shone in multiple directions, flooding the space with her incandescent brightness. The petite woman dazzled in every gesture, every word, making being near her contagious.

It was almost hilarious.

"Torako!"

Luffy called out enthusiastically, settling into Law's lap with a radiant smile that stretched from ear to ear, catching her by surprise.

Throughout the time she was dragged along by Luffy, the clearest lesson of that night was the concept of personal space:

something that Luffy seemed completely unaware of.

Law understood that the concept of personal space was not part of Luffy's vocabulary. Despite her attempts to set boundaries, the straw-hat-wearing girl seemed to disregard her wishes with a mixture of innocence and determination. Because despite her protests, she only received sympathetic looks from Nami and Sanji, leading her to give in to Luffy's insistence.

"What do you want, Mugiwara-Ya?"

Law finally addressed Luffy, setting her drink aside as she helped the young woman settle back into her lap once more.

Law had opted to call her "Straw Hat Miss" to create some distance, but Luffy took it as "we're strengthening our friendship."

"Do you know what tastes good with cola?"

"I suppose I don't know."

"Pisco with cola!" —she exclaimed.— "Quick, try it!"

Luffy, with her usual enthusiasm, suggested a new cocktail to try, but Law, aware of her preference for less sweet drinks, politely declined.

Law accepted the glass with a resigned sigh, placing it back on the table. Resisting Luffy's propositions seemed like a lost battle from the start, but it was a struggle Law was willing to continue.

"No, thanks. I prefer my drink."

Law said, raising her palm in a gesture of refusal. However, her refusal was met with the same determination as always by Luffy.

"Oh, come on!" —Luffy laughed, taking the glass from Law's hands and replacing it with her own.— "Rum is too boring. You'll love it! Try it!"

However, the word "no" seemed not to exist in Luffy's vocabulary, who insisted that Law try the mixture she had prepared. Faced with Law's lack of resistance, Luffy offered her the glass again with a triumphant smile.

Law finally resigned herself to trying the cocktail, although she knew she wouldn't enjoy the sweet flavor that Luffy appreciated so much. Nodding resignedly, Law brought the glass to her lips and took a sip, knowing there was no escaping Luffy's persuasion. As she savored the blend of flavors, Law was pleasantly surprised by the harmony between the spiciness of the pisco and the sweetness of the cola, although deep down she preferred more bitter flavors.

Luffy's gesture encouraged Law to accept the cocktail willingly, drinking it in one gulp before returning the glass to its owner.

After an exchange of sips, Luffy rose from her lap, leaving Law alone once more. Law's gaze followed Luffy as she moved through the crowd, interacting with a naturalness that disarmed any barrier.

Watching her interact with other guests, the doctor simply observed Luffy, subtly keeping her gaze fixed on the straw-hat-wearing woman. She saw her engaging in conversation with a diverse crowd, transcending the boundaries of Luffy's close group of friends, which surprisingly encompassed a spectrum of ages, with at least eight people. Luffy seemed to get along with everyone she encountered, making friends with dazzling ease.

Her ability to connect with others was astonishing; she even approached those who might seem intimidating to others. The straw-hat girl radiated such social energy that Law couldn't help but feel a certain envy, admiring the ease with which Luffy navigated any environment.

As Law watched Luffy interact with the people around her, she recognized that Luffy's friends were not unpleasant people. They tried to include her in the conversations, but Law remained silent, limiting herself to giving brief responses. Her desire to socialize was nonexistent, and she didn't believe she would keep in touch with them after that night.

After all, Law was only with them because she had been dragged along by Luffy to her "Crew," which was how Luffy referred to her friends.

"Torako!"

Luffy exclaimed again, catching Law's attention with her characteristic cheerful tone, treating Law as if she were the most interesting person in the world.

"What now, Mugiwara-Ya? Do you want me to try something new?"

Asked Law, noticing that Luffy was not holding a glass in her hand. Instead, the straw-hat-wearing woman took Law's hands and pulled her towards her with a dazzling smile.

"Let's dance!"

Luffy exclaimed, with a radiant expression, before laughing and say:

"Oh, come on! Don't make that ugly face! Come!"

Law was aware that her expression must have been a clear reflection of her dislike of the suggestion to dance. She hated that part of parties: dancing simply wasn't in her repertoire of skills. With two left feet, she knew that any attempt to move to the rhythm of the music would result in something more akin to a satanic ritual than a coordinated dance.

Nevertheless, she let herself be carried away by Luffy to the dance floor, resigning herself to refuse her when the straw-hat-wearing woman had already dragged her there. Because once again, she was swept away by the vibrant energy of the young woman.

Once on the dance floor, Law watched Luffy dance. She was just as Law imagined the girl would be: graceful and fluid, her movements possessed a mesmerizing elegance that left her spellbound. Every turn and every movement accentuated Luffy's curves, highlighting her beauty.

Luffy had an admirable body: a desirable chest, a narrow waist, and an athletic figure. Law could swear that the girl also had some muscle, maybe Luffy went to the gym or played some sport?

For a moment, Law allowed herself to watch Luffy, even if it meant stopping in the middle of the dance floor. Perhaps the alcohol she had consumed during the party had played a trick on her because otherwise, there would be no way to explain why she was attracted to someone six years younger than her. But as she watched Luffy dance, the music didn't seem as irritating as it usually was for Law.

Then, Luffy took Law's hands when she saw her standing still. She smiled in such a way that made Law's heart beat strongly, captivating all her senses with tenderness. Like a moth drawn to the light, Law felt irresistibly drawn to Luffy. Although she knew, like the moth that gets too close to the fiery heat of the fire, that she could get hurt if she allowed Luffy into her life.

She always had that feeling when someone new wanted to get involved with her.

But she felt trapped by Luffy's magnetic presence when the woman said:

"Let's dance together! Torako, do it with me!"

Luffy exclaimed, with an irresistible invitation, and Law found herself wrapped in an improvised dance, putting aside for a moment her usual discomfort in social environments.

For that night, was it okay to let herself go? Law didn't find the strength to reject Luffy, so she soon found herself dancing with her, or at least trying to keep up with the other woman's rhythm.

So, Luffy took Law's hands and began to move with her. For her part, Law continued to watch her, wondering if it was the effect of alcohol or simply the dazzling presence of the university student that made her feel that way... But for the first time, as something completely foreign to her: the loud music, the neon lights, and the bustle of the party; they didn't seem as annoying.

As Law was carried away by the energetic rhythm of the music, she immersed herself in the atmosphere of the dance floor. The flashes of neon lights illuminated the dance floor, creating an energetic atmosphere. The music throbbed in her ears, enveloping her in a whirlwind of sounds that made her feel alive.

Luffy continued to move gracefully with the music; it was so natural for her; her body moved freely with astonishing ease. Her movements were fluid and full of life, as if she were dancing with the wind itself. Law tried to follow her rhythm, although she knew her steps weren't as coordinated as Luffy's.

Still, the two moved to the rhythm of each other.

Slowly, they had adapted to each other's way of dancing, with Law trying to imitate the freedom that Luffy conveyed with each of her movements. However, Law believed that Luffy was the one who had truly adapted to her own rhythm; otherwise, there was no explanation as to why she had somewhat achieved the ability of such an exceptional dancer for the first time.

But there they were, both dancing: Luffy slowly released her hands and began to lower them to take Law by the waist or shoulders, depending on what the song required. Bringing her body close to Law's, moving her hips gently against her and making Law spin when she wanted to experience more.

All this to the rhythm of the music.

As they moved together on the dance floor, Law felt transported to another world. For a moment, she forgot all her worries and immersed herself completely in the experience. The closeness of Luffy, her warmth, and her contagious smile all contributed to making that moment magical.

The gazes of the other attendees were fixed on them, but Law barely noticed them. In that instant, there were only she and Luffy, dancing in perfect harmony amidst the crowd. It was as if time had stopped, leaving her trapped in a universe of only two people where only the music and the presence of the other mattered. Luffy's smile widened as they danced; her eyes shone with a light of their own. It was as if she was enjoying every moment to the fullest.

Even when the rhythm changed to a slower one, Luffy remained close to Law, as her dance partner. Although the hall was noisy, Law found herself enjoying the music and the atmosphere wrapped in Luffy's arms, who looked at her with a mischievous sparkle in her hazel eyes. The music resonated in her ears, but her attention was completely focused on the figure in front of her.

"Torako dances well."

Luffy says, and Law only realizes what she's doing.

Law is surprised because her own movements are fluid, full of life and passion, and she is carried away by the whirlwind of emotions that awaken within her.

Each step Luffy takes seems to be filled with intention and meaning, as if each movement were a whisper of her soul seeking to connect with Law's. And for a moment, amidst the chaos of the party, she feels as if they were alone in the world because Law allows herself to be carried away by the music and by Luffy's magnetic presence, allowing her worries and fears to fade away into the air.

The doctor has no idea how long she has been dancing, and it doesn't seem to matter. She just lets herself be carried away by Luffy, who now takes her back to the bar, and the two exchange drinks again while dancing with each other.

"Ugh... I don't think I should have another drink..."

Then Law says, sitting at the bar.

Although she really didn't know the exact number of drinks she had had, Law knew that she had had enough to get drunk. However, Luffy just smiles and shakes her head, now filling Law's glass once more.

"Don't worry," —Luffy said, with a carefree smile.— "Just take another sip; if you're too drunk to walk, I'll take you to my house."

"It's not necessary, I live nearby."

Law replied without thinking.

Now her words had been dragged out of her lips more than any other that had come out of her mouth that night, and now Law felt that this last drink had been more potent than any of the previous ones she had consumed so far.

Still, Luffy could understand her when she replied:

"Then, I'll take care of taking Torako home."

Luffy said with a carefree smile, her tone friendly and confident.

Luffy's words resonated in Law's mind, who was beginning to feel the intoxicating effect of the drinks she had consumed during the night. She wondered if she had had too much to drink, but before she could answer, she had already accepted the proposal with a simple nod. In that state of drunkenness, the idea of being taken home by a complete stranger didn't seem as absurd as it would in a state of total sobriety.

Chapter Text

The world was a dark whirlwind. Bright colors danced behind her eyelids, formless and incoherent, like a broken kaleidoscope. Voices. So many voices. Too many voices, all speaking at once, the sound distorted and nonsensical, as if they were underwater. Laughter. Too much laughter. Some high-pitched, some deep, all invading her space. The smell. An intoxicating mix of cheap alcohol, smoke, and something sweet, cloying, that churned her stomach. A sensation of weightlessness trapped her, then a sudden crash, a pull, a push. Her body felt alien, both light and heavy, moving without her consent. A flash of a glass hitting a table. A face. Too close, smiling. Whose smile was that? A touch. On her cheek, her arm, her waist. Too many touches. Fear mingled with a strange euphoria, a liberation she couldn't remember feeling. The noise intensified, the light grew more aggressive, the weightlessness turned into a freefall.

"Ugh... Shit... My head hurts."

The groan escaped Law's lips, hoarse and bitter, her temples throbbing as she barely managed to open her eyes. The light... it was so damn annoying. A brilliant dagger of sun pierced through the curtain cracks, stabbing directly into her brain. She pushed herself up in bed, a pulsating pain threatening to burst her skull. Her mouth tasted like a burnt ashtray, and her vision was blurry, as if the world was covered in a thin film of Vaseline. The sunlight, that brazen intruder, streamed mercilessly through her apartment window, forcing her to squint as she struggled to focus. A deep growl, born of pure irritation, vibrated in her throat. The previous day's hangover was definitely relentless, both a physical and mental torture.

Why on earth had she drunk so much? What madness had possessed her?

As her bare feet barely grazed the cold floor, the entire world tilted. Her body swayed violently, like a ship in the middle of a storm. Walking was incredibly complicated, each step a precarious balancing act, as if for every stride forward, she stumbled back three. She could barely drag herself. Still, with a determination born of agony, she reached the window. She extended her trembling arms, and with a superhuman effort that resonated in every aching muscle, she managed to fully close the curtains. Not a single ray of light would get through now, no. Darkness was her only sanctuary.

It was then that Law collapsed to the floor, not gracefully, but with a resigned thud. She clutched her head with her palm, pressing her temples as if to contain the onslaught of pain. She opened her eyes, trying to distinguish her surroundings through the veil of her torment. She was alone in her room. Her room. An abnormally messy room, even by her usual standards. Empty bottles, clothes everywhere, a smell of alcohol and something else... sweet? No, that wasn't hers.

Another growl, this time tinged with annoyance, escaped Law. Instinctively, she reached a hand to her leg, the usual gesture of searching for Onigiri. But there was no contact. Her palm hit empty space. Only then, with a pang of guilt and frustration, did she remember: she hadn't picked up Onigiri from old Wolf's house yesterday. Her little dog, her only source of unconditional comfort, a soft furball that absorbed stress with its mere presence. At that moment, she missed him with an almost unbearable vehemence, a childish need in her aching chest.

"Damn it," she sighed, gently hitting her head against the floor, as if the cold surface could dispel the fog of hangover and loneliness. "Now I owe old Junk-ya a damn favor..."

Even though they had become friends, Wolf still adhered to his unwavering "give and take" philosophy. The old man was stubborn as a mule, more so than she was, and Law knew she'd owe him a favor for not picking up her pet the day before. A favor he would undoubtedly collect at the most inconvenient moment, with an irritating smile.

Another deep, resigned sigh escaped Law. As best as she could, with an effort that tensed her aching muscles, she got up. Her objective: the nightstand. She needed to reach it, open the mini first-aid kit inside the drawer. A painkiller. Anything that would help with the nausea, with the incessant pounding in her head. However, in a misstep, she tripped over her own feet, a clumsiness unusual for her, and fell again, this time onto the bed, feeling the impact even through the mattress.

A final guttural groan. She hit her head against the mattress, muffled but firm, cursing her ancestors, alcohol, college parties, and everything else that came to mind in that moment of pure suffering. She truly hated the effects of alcohol the day after a binge. But at least she felt relieved. Relieved she didn't have to go to work that day. Bless the universe for granting her that small reprieve.

"I'm definitely not going with those two again," she muttered with a look of resentment that, though no one saw it, was as sharp as a scalpel.

Even though it didn't completely bother her that Penguin and Sachi had left her alone, a pang of something akin to disappointment—or maybe it was just the alcohol—ran through her. She knew it wasn't worth going with just them if Bepo didn't come along too. If she wanted to be alone in a crowd of people, she could always voluntarily go to the Germa 66 plays. At least there, solitude was expected, not a consequence.

Ugh... I need something for this headache... Ugh... Why does my butt hurt so much?

The question escaped her lips, more a whimper than a clear vocalization, as she sat up in bed, propping herself up with difficulty on her elbows to crawl towards the nightstand. Remarkably, almost miraculously, her fingers brushed against the glass of water resting on the wood. Law squinted, confused. An ibuprofen lay right next to the glass. There, waiting for her.

"When did I leave this here yesterday?" she murmured to herself, her voice barely a whisper, as she closed her eyes, trying to conjure the memory, to weave the sequence of events. But the memories simply wouldn't come. A black void, dense and ominous.

Law sighed, a breath that sounded like defeat. Bringing the pill to her mouth, she swallowed it with a gulp of cold water, feeling the promised relief slide down her throat. She returned the glass to the nightstand. It was then that her gaze, now a little clearer, landed on something else on the surface: a small note.

She picked up the neatly folded note next to the glass. She looked at it with a confusion that mingled with growing unease. She unfolded the paper. The handwriting, though certainly uneven and a bit clumsy, didn't rival the almost indecipherable penmanship of some of her colleagues at the hospital.

Law began to read without difficulty, though each word seemed to trigger a small echo in her head:

“Hope you're feeling okay, Torako! But if not, here's this. Zoro says ibuprofen is good for hangovers. Hope it helps! I'll call you later!”

As Law read, a look of profound confusion spread across her face. Torako? she wondered, the name resonating strangely in her mind. When had Sachi or Penguin started calling her by such a childish, such a... peculiar name? But as the idea settled, an icy panic seized her, and a furious, almost feverish blush spread across her face.

Slowly, like shadows emerging from the fog, the embarrassing memories began to filter into her head. An avalanche of images and sensations. She felt the imperious need for the earth to swallow her whole, to disappear from the face of the planet. She hit her head with the pillow, again and again, a useless attempt to erase what was coming.

The image of Luffy flooded Law's mind, unchecked, vivid and disturbing. The image was clear: the slightly tanned, athletic woman, on top of her, kissing her, tracing her body with her hands and kisses... and—

Law blushed with an intensity unusual for her, a heat rising from her neck to the tips of her ears. The memories, blurry and fragmented by alcohol, but undeniably present, began to reconstruct the previous night in its entirety. And what she saw... left her breathless.

Now, panic filled her chest. Law didn't want to see her again. The thought of having gotten involved with someone much younger than herself churned her stomach, and it wasn't just the hangover.

Law sat up in bed, brought her fingertips to her temples, and took a deep breath, trying to calm her mind. One, two, three... she counted, focusing on the air entering and leaving, until her mind and body felt a little calmer.

It was a one-night mistake. She just had to... she didn't even have to do anything, when that girl called her that afternoon. She would just act as if she didn't remember her, and that was it. She could go on with her life. With that thought, Law fell back onto the bed, closed her eyes, and pulled the covers up to her chin.

She'd have a good, restorative sleep before facing the world.

For once, could she just stop acting like a responsible adult, right?

Brrrr... Brrr... Brrr...

Her cell phone vibrated, relentlessly, under her pillow. Law groaned, extending a lazy hand under the covers to find it. A sharp whimper escaped her lips when the annoying vibration persisted. Without much thought, she pressed the answer button.

"Who the hell is this?!" Law snapped, the irritation in her tone palpable, a smokescreen for the shame she still dared not face. Being woken up again, in her current state, was the last straw.

But instead of an apology, a clear, lively laugh resonated on the other end.

"Torao!" The voice, unmistakably Luffy's, vibrated with such enthusiasm that Law had to pull the phone away from her ear to avoid going deaf. "It's Luffy! Monkey D. Luffy and—!"

Click.

That was all Law could do. She abruptly hung up the phone and threw it across the room, against the opposite wall, as if that way she could shield herself from the mental weight of her drunken actions from the night before. She didn't want to talk to Luffy. She didn't want to face the consequences. She didn't want to think about it. It wasn't just the age difference; they were both adults, after all. What really embarrassed Law was having gotten involved with someone she barely knew and remembering absolutely nothing of what happened. The black void of memory was an abyss, and she feared what it might hide.

But the world, or at least Law's universe, seemed to hate her with particular malice. As she lay in bed, tracing the patterns on her sheets to calm that growing oppression in her chest, her bedroom door burst open with a crash that echoed in her throbbing head. Law looked up, her heart leaping, and there she saw her.

The same girl who seemed to overshadow the sun itself with her presence. Luffy.

"Torao!" Luffy exclaimed, taking two long strides to the bed. "Idiot! I thought something had happened to you!"

"How did you get into my house?!" Law sat up abruptly, surprise momentarily overriding the pain and shame. A fleeting, tempting idea crossed her mind: if Luffy had forced her way in, perhaps she could get a restraining order. Wipe the slate clean! A fresh start, without embarrassing memories or... Luffy.

Luffy chuckled, a mischievous expression appearing on her face before she replied. "Oh, you left me your keys last night," she said with astonishing naturalness, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. To prove it, she jingled the set in front of Law. The unmistakable Poison Pink keychain tinkled cheerfully. No breaking and entering. Just an uncomfortable truth. "And I came to give them back," she added, before Law could even process the humiliation.

"And I brought you dinner!" Luffy continued, oblivious to Law's internal conflict. "Sanji told me that the best thing to help you if you woke up with a hangover is a good meal!"

Luffy, with her usual enthusiasm, held up a gleaming metal thermos, opening it with a click. The warm steam that escaped carried an unmistakable aroma of home cooking, something Law hadn't smelled in her apartment in years. The surgeon watched her, speechless, eyes narrowed from her headache, seeing this stranger sitting at the foot of her bed, waving a thermos like a trophy. Words crowded in her throat, a tangle of questions and reprimands.

When she finally thought she had the right phrase for the situation, a biting question about the limits of her personal space, Law opened her mouth. But Luffy showed her the inside of the thermos, and an embarrassed giggle escaped her.

"I'm sorry, Torako," she said, her voice a little choked, and Law's blush intensified. "I got hungry on the way here, and I couldn't help it! I ate half of the lunch Sanji helped me prepare. It was delicious!"

Law was about to explode. She was going to tell her to go to hell, to yell at her to leave, that she didn't want her food or her intrusive presence, that everything was a mess. Frustration burned in her throat, fueled by the alcohol, the shame, and the unbearable headache. She opened her mouth again, ready to unleash a torrent of reproaches.

But at that precise moment, an embarrassing growl escaped from her own stomach, betraying her beyond remedy. The sound echoed in the silence of the room, an ill-timed reverberation that made her blush to the roots of her hair. Law grumbled. With an abrupt movement, almost a snatch, she grabbed the thermos from Luffy's hands. Without a word, she began to eat, not even deigning to look at her. The food, damn it, was exquisite.

Luffy, oblivious to Law's internal storm, took that as a sign of permission to speak.

"Isn't Sanji an amazing cook?!" she exclaimed, her eyes bright. "He's the best cook in the world. Do you remember him? He's the blonde guy from the gathering last night, the one who kept offering you drinks... Oh, and Nami! She's the witch who was keeping an eye on you because you seemed a little drunk. And Zoro was there too, the green-haired idiot who scared away the guy who was bothering you! Good thing he showed up!"

Law didn't respond, just listened as she chewed furiously, trying to focus on how delicious this damned food was, silently cursing how much she was enjoying it. She had a stranger, a creature of boundless energy, sitting at the foot of her bed, talking about people she barely remembered, and her stomach, to top it all off, had betrayed her. The torture continued.

Chapter Text

Law sat on the bathroom toilet, rubbing her face in frustration, trying to figure out what the hell was going on. "What did I do wrong?" she wondered, feeling her sanity slipping through her fingers. She peered under the bottom crack of the door and saw sandals pacing back and forth in her room, hearing things drop. She just hoped Luffy was staying far away from her prized Sora collection.

After she finished eating the lunch Luffy brought, Law had remained silent, watching the radiant girl talk non-stop. She'd hoped Luffy would take the hint. But seconds stretched into minutes, and minutes into hours. Before she knew it, the sky had darkened, and Law had no idea how to get her to leave what she once considered her personal sanctuary.

Law was terrified, in the worst way. The situation reminded her too much of those Tinder dates that go wrong, where the guest stays for days and you have no idea how to act. But Luffy wasn't her date. No. This was far worse: the girl she'd spent the night with, a night whose memories were quite chaotic. However, her mind couldn't stay focused on those thoughts for long. Just as she was about to consider calling the police, her cell phone vibrated several times. Law reached for it and looked at the screen, quite shattered from her actions the day before. It was a call from Wolf.

Onigiri.

Law remembered she had to pick up her dog. She let out a deep breath before daring to open the door and face the embodiment of all her fears, in the form of a woman as bubbly and vivacious as Luffy.

"Oi! Torako!" Luffy called out, waving one of Law's Sora comic books in her hand. Law had to stifle a groan at the aberrant sight of her precious comic out of its protective sleeve. "This comic is really funny."

Law mentally counted to one hundred. Frustration gnawed at her.

"I have to go out," Law said, her voice firm, hoping Luffy would get the hint, this time blatantly direct.

"Oh, perfect, let's go! The night air is always the best!" Luffy blurted, her enthusiasm unshakeable.

A groan of pure exasperation escaped the doctor's lips. She hated it when her sarcasm got lost in the ether, when her hints were as useless as a dull scalpel. Pride, that wall she worked so hard to maintain, bound her. The mere thought of blurting out something like, "Hey, you know what? I don't remember a damn thing we did last night because I was dead drunk. Can you leave?" churned her stomach. Her image as a responsible woman, both with her drinking and with those she shared her bed with, was too valuable to shatter with such a confession.

And yet, the way she had tried, all night long, to make Luffy understand that her presence made her uncomfortable, had no effect. Frustration, a slow poison, consumed her so much that she barely noticed when she was already in front of Wolf's house.

"Oh, you finally made it, brat," was the old man's peculiar greeting when he opened the door. As soon as the doorway was clear, a small furball leaped directly into Law's arms, settling immediately on her shoulder, the spot her pet had chosen as its particular throne.

"Thanks, Junk-ya. I apologize for the trouble," Law quickly said, her hand gently stroking Onigiri's head. "I promise I'll pay you back."

"You'd better, brat. Be careful on your way home. Don't talk to strangers, and if they follow you, I give you permission to beat them up."

With those words, the peculiar old man, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt unusual for the winter weather, closed the door. Law sighed. After all, even with the years, to Wolf she was still a child.

"Come on, Onigiri, time to go home."

"Woof!"

Law and Onigiri walked along the dark sidewalk, the only sound the soft jingle of the dog's collar. The night breeze, cold and clear, was a balm for her head, a small comfort after the day's torture. Finally, a moment of peace.

Grrrruuh.

The sound, guttural and strangely familiar, made her spin around. There she was. Luffy. Just a few meters behind her, with that radiant smile that, even in the dim streetlights, seemed to overshadow everything else. Her large eyes looked at Law expectantly.

Law opened her mouth to unleash a torrent of reproaches, to demand an explanation, to—for God's sake—ask her to leave her alone. But Luffy was quicker.

"Torako!" she exclaimed, with a childish pout. "When I heard you say you were getting an 'Onigiri,' I thought we were going out to eat! I'm starving, and I didn't realize your dog was also named Onigiri! How funny!"

Law's mouth hung open. She wanted to scream. She wanted to laugh from pure frustration. How could anyone be so... Luffy? The mix of her absolute lack of malice and her bewildering innocence was exasperating. She was about to retort, to repeat that they weren't friends, that there was no "going out to eat" with her.

But just then, Luffy's stomach let out another loud growl, echoing in the quiet street. A growl so loud that Law herself heard it. And then, as if a switch had flipped in her mind, Law remembered. She remembered the food Luffy had brought her that very afternoon, how she had apologized for eating half of Sanji's lunch. She remembered Luffy's genuine concern when she showed up at her door. She remembered old Wolf's comment and his ideology: the "give and take" that, despite his gruff words, always transcended into acts of genuine kindness. Law hadn't been able to refuse Luffy's lunch, and now, the other girl's hunger was undeniable.

With an almost inaudible grunt, a mix of defeat and a strange pang of something akin to... responsibility? Law looked away.

"Fine," she grumbled, her voice barely a thread, almost as inaudible as her sigh of surrender. "Let's go to my apartment. I'll make you something to eat. And after that, you're leaving."

Luffy's face lit up like a midday sun, a smile threatening to split her face stretched from ear to ear.

"Yay! Torako, you're the best!"

Luffy's effusiveness made Law blush intensely, turning her gaze away again, embarrassed by the reaction, by how easily she had given in. The torture, it seemed, had only just begun.

Chapter Text

Damn it.

Law clenched her jaw, eyes fixed on her monitor screen. It was midday, and her face was a landscape of grimness. Not only had she pulled an all-nighter—which was typical, yes—but the culprit was a toxic mix of blurry memories and Luffy's still-too-vivid presence. That girl had embedded herself in Law's mind like a splinter, and the insomnia was just the tip of the iceberg of her annoyance.

Every time her mind tried to bring order to the chaos of the previous night, an intrusive thought of Luffy hit her, overwhelming her. It was as if her body, treacherous as it was, remembered what her mind refused to accept. The imagined brush of hands, the closeness of a laugh; it was enough to send a hot blush creeping up her cheeks and make her breath catch. Feeling like an inexperienced teenager was torture, and she hated herself for it.

Law took a deep breath, an attempt to anchor her mind. She was at work, a place where she had no time to worry about trivialities. She had studied to save lives, not to agonize over whom she had (or hadn't) slept with on a drunken night. With that thought, she pushed open the door to her consultation room.

Her first patient of the day was a middle-aged man. Upon entering, Law picked up his medical chart and gave it a quick review.

"From what I see in your tests, sir," Law said in a neutral, professional voice, her gaze fixed on the results, "your C-reactive protein levels are elevated, which suggests significant inflammation in your arteries. This indicates a risk of cardiovascular disease. We'll need to conduct more specific studies, such as a complete lipid profile and an echocardiogram, to determine the cause and extent, as well as to rule out other pathologies."

Her day unfolded like this: reviewing case after case, offering second opinions to colleagues on complex diagnoses, and, when she had a surgery scheduled, heading to the operating room with her characteristic precision. It wasn't a boring job; Law loved it. But in those moments, the rigor and concentration her profession demanded were the only things keeping her sane, a barrier against the chaos Luffy had introduced into her life.

After another day where she had to explain the risks of not following a prescribed diet to a particularly stubborn patient, Law finally caught a break. The clock struck two in the afternoon, and her stomach was already rumbling, but she ignored the hunger in favor of her true mission. She headed to the hospital cafeteria, and there, amidst the normal hustle and bustle of doctors and nurses, she saw them. Shachi and Penguin, trying to slip out the exit with their food trays, stopped dead in their tracks as they noticed her presence.

"You two," Law said, her voice dangerously low, a tone her friends knew well. Before they could even think of an excuse or an escape, Law was already upon them, a firm hand on each of their shoulders, stopping them cold. "Don't even think about leaving here."

Both of them flinched slightly, their faces pale.

"B-boss..." Shachi stammered, while Penguin nodded, unable to articulate a word. The nickname, though affectionate, was always a sign that Law was about to unleash one of her tirades.

Law spun them around abruptly to face her. A smile spread across her face, but it was a sharp grimace, one that didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, what a coincidence. You two are exactly who I wanted to see."

Penguin, with a lump in her throat, dared to ask, "A-are you mad?"

Law let out a dry, barely audible laugh that held not an ounce of humor. "No. What makes you think that?" Her eyes, cold as steel, bored into theirs. "I'm not at all mad that you abandoned me in the middle of a college binge, or that you only sent me a text message asking if I got home. Such genuine concern, of course!"

Shachi and Penguin exchanged nervous glances, knowing they were doomed.

"But boss, we knew you'd manage! You're Law!" Shachi tried, attempting to ease the tension with a compliment that sounded more like a plea.

Law's smile twisted even further. "Of course I managed! To wake up with the worst hangover of my life and with a crazy person who doesn't take hints. And it's all thanks to you two idiots! You left me alone! You know perfectly well that if Bepo isn't there, I'm not sticking around to put up with any idiot. If it wasn't out of boredom, what did you expect me to do? Chat with the walls? I ended up drinking too much purely out of exasperation, and then that... that brat showed up."

She let out a low growl, remembering the avalanche of enthusiasm and confusion that Luffy represented.

Penguin finally found her voice, though somewhat shaky. "Boss, we... we saw her. Yes. But we thought you were fine, that you'd gotten used to her or that she was good company. She didn't seem dangerous!"

"Good company?" Law raised an eyebrow, disbelief tinging her voice. Her tone was scathing, a venomous whisper meant only for their ears. "Good company is not some brat who sticks to you like gum! And it's all because you two didn't have the decency to stay with me to make sure I didn't do something stupid, or better yet, to drag me out of that damn party once and for all!"

Her final words, heavy with reproach and contained anger, left Shachi and Penguin speechless, their faces reflecting a mix of genuine guilt and terror. Law said nothing more, shrugging their shoulders off before leaving, a tense silence in her wake. Her message had been clear.

Law exited the cafeteria with a frown, her mind still churning over the encounter with her friends. The mix of hangover, frustration, and that strange blend of irritation and embarrassment that Luffy caused her, kept her in a constant state of alert. However, the hospital wouldn't stop for her personal problems.

Minutes later, her pager vibrated:

DR. LAW, NEED SECOND OPINION – DR. MARCO – RM. 302.

A slight exhale escaped Law. Dr. Marco, a renowned pulmonologist at the hospital, was one of the few colleagues she respected unreservedly. Though their specialties weren't identical, they often shared cases that presented systemic complications. She headed to the third floor, where the door to room 302 was already slightly ajar.

Upon entering, Marco, a tall, blonde man with a distinctive pineapple ponytail, was checking the lines of an elderly patient. Seeing Law, he offered a small smile.

"Thanks for coming, Law." Marco gestured towards the monitor. "We have this patient, atypical pneumonia with severe dyspnea and a newly developed heart murmur. I'm concerned about possible endocarditis as a complication. Given your cardiology specialty, I wanted your opinion on potential valvular involvement."

Law nodded, her professional mind taking over. She approached the patient, consulted their electronic chart on the hospital tablet, and performed a brief auscultation with her stethoscope. Her gaze swept over the vital signs on the monitor and the old man's breathing pattern.

"The dyspnea is concerning, Phoenix," Law said, using the nickname Marco had earned for his reputation of "immortality" in the operating room. "The murmur is quite clear. I suggest an immediate transesophageal echocardiogram. We need to see those valves in detail and confirm or rule out any complications. If it's endocarditis, time is critical for antibiotic treatment or even surgical intervention if there's severe involvement. Also, have blood cultures been started to identify the agent?"

Marco nodded, writing down the suggestions. "Samples have been sent. I agree. I'll go speak with the imaging team to expedite it. Thanks, Law. Your insight is always precise."

"Just doing my job," Law replied, her tone softer than usual, a rare display of respect for Marco.

They left the room, walking down the hallway. The conversation, which had previously revolved around diagnosis, now flowed into daily routine, a welcome respite from stress. Law checked her watch.

"My shift ends in twenty minutes. I need to clock out."

"Classes, yoi?" Marco asked, aware of Law's dedication to her continuing education.

"Yes. An advanced Cardiovascular Surgery diploma. I can't afford to fail."

"You never do, Law. Your commitment is admirable." Marco smiled at her.

As they approached the elevator, a tall, muscular figure with a cowboy hat walked towards them, a wide, freckled grin on her face.

"Marco! I was looking for you." Ace, one of the city's most well-known firefighters and a close friend of Marco, greeted him with a pat on the back. Her gaze briefly landed on Law, and Ace gave her a cordial nod.

"Ace, what are you doing here, yoi?" Marco asked.

"Just came to see you for a bit before my shift. But it looks like you're busy." Ace noticed Law starting to say goodbye.

"I have to go. See you, Marco. Ace," Law said, with a brief nod to both of them, before heading towards the exit area.

As she walked away, the rhythm of her steps was deliberate. She needed that diploma; it was her future, her path to perfecting herself and escaping the chaos the world seemed intent on throwing at her. She had no time for distractions, or hangovers, or... that brat.

Her mind, however, stopped dead when her eyes caught a familiar figure near the main entrance. Leaning against the wall, her straw hat tilted, and a radiant smile that Law recognized instantly, was Luffy. She seemed to be waiting for her.

The growl Law stifled this time threatened to tear her throat. Seriously, again?

Chapter Text

Damn it.

Law sat across from Luffy, a vague and disturbing sense of how she'd ended up there. It was incomprehensible to her that she had agreed to eat with her in a nearby cafe. Her last clear memory was Ace, Marco's friend, greeting them. After that, everything blurred until the appearance of that same Luffy, the straw hat brat, proclaiming something about being her "friend." God, the universe seemed to delight in her suffering, or perhaps it had allied itself with chaos personified in a smiling young woman.

The leap from "finishing my shift" to "sitting at a table with these three" was as confused a blur as the aftermath of the party. It was probably a combination of Luffy's unshakeable persistence, the fact that Ace was with them—adding a layer of "normality" to the situation—and the treacherous rumble of her own stomach. That rumble, in a moment of weakness, had betrayed her stoicism. And she couldn't deny that the idea of a free meal, courtesy of Marco or Ace, was too tempting for her inherent pragmatism. Who in their right mind would refuse such an opportunity, regardless of the company's price? Certainly not her.

Marco had led them to a casual cafe, one of those that proliferate near hospitals and universities, serving huge sandwiches, steaming coffees, and the constant buzz of other people's conversations. The air smelled of freshly ground coffee, melted cheese, and the faint promise of the afternoon. Law simply ordered a black coffee, as bitter as her mood, and something light, deliberately avoiding anything with bread. Her aversion to soft textures and the heavy feeling of bread in her stomach was well known by her closest friends, but not by the waiter, who offered her endless options with doughs. She just wanted to go unnoticed, to be a shadow in the crowd, a forgotten thought.

Luffy, on the other hand, seemed to have ordered half the menu. In front of Law, there was a mountain of French fries, a gravity-defying sandwich, and a chocolate milkshake that already threatened to overflow. Ace and Marco chatted with the natural ease of old friends, their voices deep and calm, a stark contrast to the squeak of chairs and the murmur of the cafe. Luffy devoured her food with contagious enthusiasm that turned the act of eating into a spectacle.

"This sandwich is amazing, Ace! You should try it!" Luffy exclaimed, her mouth full of bread and what looked like an absurd amount of lettuce. She tried to offer him a piece of the largest bite she had taken.

Ace laughed, a deep, warm sound that filled the space. "Thanks, Lu, but mine's good too. Besides, you know I like mine spicy."

Luffy nodded, still chewing, and then her bright eyes landed on Law's plate. Her mouth, for a second, was surprisingly clean. "Aren't you going to eat that, Torako?" she asked, pointing to Law's barely touched sandwich, which had opted for a chicken salad instead of anything bread-based.

Law took a sip of her coffee, her brow furrowed more by the mere thought of the invasion than by hunger. "Do you want it?" Her tone was monotonous, hoping Luffy would take the hint and leave her alone.

But Luffy was not one for hints. "Of course!" she exclaimed, and didn't wait for a response. In a movement as swift as it was unpredictable, she snatched half the sandwich from Law's tray. Law, still trying to process the audacity, watched as Luffy took an enormous bite, her mouth stretching to unexpected limits. "It's delicious! But it's a little bland!"

Law just stared at her, a nervous tic in her right eye. Her mind was torn between indignation and disbelief. She wanted to say something, protest vehemently, perhaps even retrieve her food, but her brain, still under the yoke of accumulated exasperation, was working at half speed. She just nodded, her face a mask of resignation. To top it off, it was bread, something she didn't even want to begin with, but Luffy's sheer audacity was what left her speechless. It was as if the straw hat girl fed on her discomfort.

"So, Law, how's your training going, yoi?" Marco asked, his voice calm and his gaze understanding, as if saving her from the impending crisis over the stolen sandwich. He knew his colleague wasn't one to be offended by such "trivialities," but Law's face was a sight to behold.

"Fine," Law replied, dragging out the words as if each one weighed a ton. "I have classes today. A diploma course."

Ace, who had been listening intently, nodded with a curious smile. "Oh, really? And where's that, Law?"

Law felt a slight prick of irritation. Why were they asking for details about her personal life? She wanted to finish her meal, go to her damn class, and disappear off the radar. "At the Center for Advanced Studies; it's not far from the hospital. It starts soon, I need to hurry," Law said, barely processing the question, more concerned with the minutes she had left before she could escape and Luffy's intrusion into her plate, and her life.

Luffy, who had been loudly chewing her stolen sandwich, looked up, her eyes shining with a sudden idea. "Oh, what a coincidence! I'm going there too. I have to go to the university bookstore nearby to buy some books Chopper asked me for one of his medicinal plant research projects, and he needs me to bring them today."

Law nodded again, almost reflexively, not truly paying attention to Luffy's words or how the straw hat girl averted her gaze with a gesture of her mouth. Her mind, still clouded by accumulated exasperation, the previous night's insomnia, and the general chaos surrounding Luffy, only registered a few keywords: "I'm not alone," "they're going there," and "diploma." She was too tired to argue, too overwhelmed to plot an escape strategy. She let herself be carried by the inertia of the moment, like a leaf swept away by the current. She didn't see the knowing glance Ace and Marco shared over Luffy's head.

The conversation continued to flow between Ace, Marco, and Luffy. Ace talked about her anecdotes at the fire station, dramatic rescues, and her colleagues' jokes. Marco, with his quiet wisdom, commented on advancements in his specialty, and Luffy... Luffy talked about everything and nothing, about how delicious the food was, about her friends, about a new adventure she wanted to embark on, and how great the world was. Law, for her part, limited herself to monosyllables, vague answers, or simply impenetrable silence. She wanted Luffy to get the hint, to get tired of her lack of interaction and become discouraged, to leave her alone. But Luffy was immune to her attempts at coldness. It was like trying to repel a wave with a sigh.

Frustration grew in Law with every step. She thought of the bed she hadn't properly touched the night before, the confused memories of the party, Luffy's uncomfortable closeness. Her body felt tense, every muscle knotted with exasperation. She felt trapped, not by Luffy's hands at that moment, but by the inexplicable web of circumstances and the girl's own audacity. It was a feeling she hated: lack of control.

When the facade of "The Grand Navigator" University Bookstore appeared, with its large windows full of titles and a stylized pirate ship logo, Law saw it as her salvation. A door to freedom, the perfect moment to get rid of Luffy and regain some sanity. The sight of the entrance was like a lighthouse in a storm.

"Alright, we're here. This is your stop," Law said, stopping abruptly in front of the entrance. Her voice, though maintaining a neutral tone, implied an urgency, a "please, leave." She turned to Luffy hoping the message would be clear, that the farewell would be concise and definitive.

Luffy stopped too, her curious eyes fixed on Law, ignoring the subtle signal to depart. An immense smile appeared on her face. Instead of letting go, or taking a step back, Luffy took her hand, her fingers warm and firm, enveloping Law's.

"Aren't you going to come with me, Torako?" she asked, and to Law's horror, her body moved closer to hers with astonishing ease. It wasn't an aggressive or abrupt movement, just a natural closeness, almost unconscious, as if personal space were a mere suggestion to Luffy. The sudden proximity, the warmth of Luffy's hand on hers, the smell of sun and something sweet emanating from her, made Law feel a traitorous blush creep up her neck and spread across her cheeks. The color intensified, a visible manifestation of her embarrassment and a reaction she hated.

"No," Law blurted out, her voice rough, struggling to maintain composure. She looked away at an undefined spot over Luffy's shoulder, unable to maintain eye contact. She needed this to end. For Luffy to understand. "I have to go to my classes. And... you don't need me to come with you. You already got what you wanted."

Luffy giggled, a crystalline laugh that made Law feel the heat on her cheeks intensify, not from the blush itself, but from the humiliation of being caught.

"You're red, Torako!" Luffy pointed out, without a hint of malice in her voice, just pure amusement and astonishment, as if she had just discovered a fascinating fact. It was an innocent observation, but for Law, it was a direct taunt to her uncontrollable reaction.

That was the last straw. Law's control shattered into a thousand pieces. The day's stress, the constant invasion of her space, that strange and uncomfortable attraction she refused to acknowledge, and now, that innocent taunt that only served to remind her how disarmed and exposed she felt. Her brain, which had withstood so many blows throughout the day, finally succumbed to the pressure of irritation.

"I'm not red, you weirdo!" Law snapped, pulling her hand from Luffy's with an abrupt force. Her voice, though trying to sound controlled, was filled with cold venom and frustration on the verge of overflowing. Every word was a desperate attempt to build a wall between them. "And, for your information, you make me uncomfortable. I don't know what the hell is wrong with you, why you're following me, or why you're talking to me with such familiarity. I don't even remember absolutely anything about how we met! So stop calling me Torako at once!"

Silence fell heavily between them, an abrupt counterpoint to the campus bustle. The sparkle in Luffy's eyes didn't dim, but a slight surprise, a small crack in her usual cheerfulness, crossed her face. Her smile, for an instant, wavered. Law expected anger, offense, a frown, rejection. She expected Luffy to finally leave her alone, embarrassed and hurt by the raw truth. It was her final move, the verbal slap she hoped would end everything.

Instead, Luffy smiled. It wasn't her usual carefree, wide smile, nor the teasing giggle from a moment ago. It was a softer, almost tender, even melancholic smile. Her eyes, which always reflected the sun, now seemed to hold an unexpected depth. Slowly, as if performing a sacred act, she took Law's hands in hers again, this time with unusual delicacy, her thumb gently caressing the back of Law's hand. A slight blush, much more subtle than Law's, tinged her own cheeks.

"Don't worry, Torako," Luffy said, her voice a whisper that managed to pierce Law's barrier of irritation and embarrassment. It was a voice that, for the first time, sounded serious, with a conviction Law hadn't heard before. "It doesn't matter if you don't remember. I remember everything. And it was nothing to be ashamed of."

The impact of those words hit Law with the force of a wave. "I remember everything." Everything? What did that mean? Luffy's confession, far from clarifying anything, only threw more confusion into Law's already chaotic mind. The initial shame transformed into a cold shiver of uncertainty. Luffy's gaze, full of a strange tenderness and a veiled promise, didn't help. Law found herself paralyzed, her hands trapped in Luffy's warm grip, not knowing what to say, what to do, or what to think. The silence hung, dense and loaded with a meaning Law desperately tried to decipher, but which her mind refused to process. Reality seemed to be twisting around her, and Luffy, with her quiet smile and sincere eyes, was the epicenter of that inexplicable whirlwind.

Chapter Text

Darkness, often Law's only sanctuary, had turned traitor. She tossed between the black silk sheets of her bed, the night's heat unusual—a warmth that spread from deep within her. Her mind, usually a bastion of logic and control, was at the mercy of a tide of sensations. It wasn't a lucid dream, nor a conventional nightmare; it was something far more disturbing.

Images flashed incoherently, fragments of a memory that refused to fully consolidate. LED lights pulsing to the beat of a bass, Luffy's crystalline laugh echoing in a confined space. She could feel the warmth of another's body, light and energetic, against hers. A dance. Her own movements, clumsy at first, then strangely fluid, as if two disparate pieces had found an impossible synchronicity. The scent of sweet fruit and an intoxicating mix of liquor clung to her, even in sleep.

There were hands. Firm hands that guided her, resting on her waist, on her lower back—a light caress transforming into a confident grip. She could feel the curve of another's hip pressing against hers, a soft brush becoming more intense, more insistent with each turn. The other's breath, warm and sweet, grazing her neck, the whisper of a voice calling her "Torako," over and over, with an intimacy that made her skin tingle.

The sensation intensified. The brush became friction, the warmth turned into a bonfire threatening to consume her. Her own body reacted, an involuntary moan escaping her throat. The pressure, the movement, a growing need settling deep in her belly. It was as if her skin remembered what her mind erased, every nerve igniting in a sensual dance that left her gasping. There was a connection, an ignition point, a pleasure that rose, diffused and potent, just at the edge of consciousness.

She woke abruptly, eyes wide open in the darkness of her room. Her breathing was erratic, her heart hammering in her chest like a war drum. The heat still persisted in her body, a flush covering her from head to toe. The sheets were tangled around her, and an uncomfortable dampness clung to her skin.

She sat up, propped on her elbows. She ran a trembling hand over her face, feeling the cold sweat on her forehead. Her gaze lost itself in the gloom of her room—the modern, minimalist furniture, the impeccable order, all violently contrasting with the chaos she had just experienced in her mind. It was the first time in years she had woken up like this. And worst of all, the echoes of the sensation, the vague but persistent image of Luffy, refused to leave her.

"Damn brat," she thought, clenching her teeth. Shame washed over her, a stinging wave. How could her own body betray her like this? How could that... that idiot, whom she barely knew and who had invaded her life in the worst possible way, meddle even in her most intimate dreams?

Law got out of bed, heading to the bathroom with firm steps but a knot in her stomach. She needed a cold shower, something to wash away not just the sweat, but also that uncomfortable feeling of betrayal from her own subconscious. The memory of Luffy's words at the bookstore returned to her: "It doesn't matter if you don't remember. I remember everything." A shiver that had nothing to do with cold ran through her. What did Luffy remember? What "everything" was she talking about? The ambiguity was torture.

The icy spray of the shower hit Law's skin, making her gasp. No matter how cold the water was, the heat of shame and the persistent echo of the dream refused to dissipate. She scrubbed her skin with an exfoliating gel, as if she could erase the sensation of an alien touch, of unwanted intimacy. But it was useless. Every fiber of her being felt alien, contaminated by what her mind believed it had experienced, or by what her subconscious had manufactured with the few details it possessed.

When she emerged from the bathroom, the cool air of the room greeted her. She dressed in her usual impeccable uniform: aan crisp shirt, straight trousers, and her white lab coat. It was an almost military ritual, armor against the chaos of the world and, lately, against the chaos she felt within herself. Every button fastened, every crease smoothed, was an attempt to reassert the control she felt slipping away. Precision and routine were her anchor, her refuge.

She went to the small kitchen counter to make her black coffee, strong and bitter enough to banish any lingering sweetness. As the aroma filled the air, her eyes fell on her cell phone, resting on the countertop. A lock screen notification flashed: an unread message. It wasn't from Luffy, of course; Law had muted any notifications from that brat after the party, and had even deleted the few messages she had sent without opening them. This was a message from her assistant at the hospital, a reminder of her shift.

But the sight of the device, the mere existence of a means of communication, unleashed a whirlwind of thoughts. Where did that impulse come from? Why, in the stupor of the morning, had her first instinct been to contact someone? The idea made her stomach churn. Had she wanted to call Luffy? The mere possibility filled her with self-disgust. It was incomprehensible.

Law poured her coffee, the steam briefly fogging her glasses, an ephemeral veil over reality. She sat at the table, sipping the drink as her mind began its torturous internal monologue.

Why did my body react like that in the dream? It wasn't just discomfort, it was... the sensation of pleasure. The idea made her clench her teeth. Law wasn't someone who sought free pleasure, or who found it in spontaneity. Her life was measured, her emotions contained. And even less so, pleasure linked to a complete stranger.

Why does that brat affect me so much? From the moment she first saw her at the party, Luffy had been an anomaly, a jarring noise in her ordered life. Her smile, her energy, her total lack of inhibitions. And now this. She had invaded Law's physical space, her peace of mind, and now, her dreams. It was like a virus, a parasite that clung and refused to let go. It was exasperating. It was... uncomfortable.

Her reputation, her control, everything seemed to waver before Luffy's persistent image. She was Dr. Trafalgar Law, cardiovascular surgeon, a serious and respected professional. She wasn't someone who let herself be swept away by impulses, or who lost her memory of party nights. The idea of not remembering what happened was a personal failing, a crack in her impeccable armor that gnawed at her from within. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and she hated that feeling more than anything.

I want to erase everything. The phrase became her mantra, her shield. It was the truth, the only truth she was willing to accept. She had "blanked out." End of story. There was nothing more to discuss. It was the perfect excuse, the insurmountable wall between the confusion of that night and the present. If she didn't remember it, it didn't exist. And if Luffy believed it did, that was Luffy's problem, not hers.

But then, a visual fragment of her dream, or perhaps a repressed memory, slipped into her mind. Luffy's face, illuminated by the neon lights of the party. That genuine smile, the way her eyes sparkled with an almost childlike joy, her tousled hair. And yes, damn it, she was pretty. A carefree, vibrant beauty, completely oblivious to solemnity and drama. And not a day goes by that I don't stop thinking about her beauty. The phrase slid into her head, a fleeting and annoying thought that Law immediately dismissed with a shake of her head. It was just the effect of alcohol, the darkness of the night, the party atmosphere. An illusion. It meant nothing.

"Nonsense," Law mumbled to herself, finishing her coffee. She needed to go to the hospital, immerse herself in the discipline of her profession, in the complexity of diagnoses and the precision of surgery. Only there, in the operating room or in front of a monitor, could her mind find peace. Only there could she forget the damn dream, the echoes of a blurry night, and the too-vivid figure of a brat who had shaken her world and, in doing so, had completely upended it.

With her coffee gulped down and the last button of her coat fastened, Law headed for the door. Her hand rested on the cold knob, and with a sigh of anticipated relief for the start of her routine, she turned it. She opened the door decisively, ready to face the professional world that awaited her.

But the professional world wasn't the only thing waiting for her.

Just beyond the threshold, with a smile that rivaled the morning sun, stood Luffy. Leaning casually against the doorframe, her straw hat tilted over her forehead, the young woman watched her with those bright eyes Law was already starting to recognize with a mix of dread and uncomfortable fascination.

"Torako! Good morning!" Luffy exclaimed, her voice vibrant and full of contagious joy. The smile on her face widened even further, revealing a perfect row of teeth. It was the most beautiful smile Law had ever seen, a display of pure happiness that for a microsecond, made Law's heart skip a beat.

That microsecond was enough for Law's brain. Luffy's radiant image immediately superimposed itself with the one she had experienced in her dream: the flushed face, the expression of pleasure, the whisper of her name. A sharp pang of acute shame shot through her, so intense that Law reacted purely on instinct.

The door slammed shut with a dull thud, leaving Luffy on the other side and Law trapped in her own entryway. Law brought both hands to her head, tugging at her hair in frustration. Her eyes were tightly closed, trying to erase the image, the connection, the shame.

No. This can't be. Not now.

She took a deep breath, one, two, three times, forcing herself to regain calm. The door. The damn door had put her in an untenable position. She had to be professional. If she acted like the cold, distant surgeon she was, perhaps she could scare her away. Perhaps that way she could drive this anomaly out of her life once and for all.

With forced composure, Law opened the door again, her face a mask of neutrality. Luffy was still there, smiling, as if the slamming door had been part of a joke.

"Straw Hat girl," Law said, her voice measured and distant, a tone she used for her most difficult patients or her most clueless interns. "What brings you here so early?"

Luffy let out a laugh, not the slightest bit fazed by the formality, by the coldness in Law's voice. With astonishing ease, she stepped aside and, without waiting for an invitation, strode into Law's apartment. She walked with the familiarity of someone who knew the place, heading directly towards the small coat rack near the entrance.

Law stood petrified in the doorway, her mouth slightly agape at the audacity.

"Hey! That's trespassing!" Law exclaimed, her professionalism wavering at Luffy's blatant lack of boundaries.

Luffy turned, already holding a man's black coat in her hands, one Law didn't recognize as her own, although she couldn't remember having worn it. The young woman shrugged with a carefree gesture, as if Law's accusation was the most natural thing in the world.

"But I've been here before, Torako," Luffy said, her voice calm and filled with a terrifying familiarity. "I even once entrusted you with my keys so I could visit you the next day and bring you food. Even if you didn't remember, I did. But I'm not here for that today. I'm here to pick up this coat. I lent it to you the night I brought you home from the bar so you wouldn't be cold. It got left behind the day I brought you the keys."

Luffy's words fell on Law like an avalanche. Her mind reeled. Luffy had lent her a coat? The night of the party became even murkier, more shameful. Panic began to settle in Law's chest. The situation was much, much worse than she had imagined.

Law cleared her throat, a harsh sound that tried to dispel the tangle of disbelief and shame that was suffocating her. She composed herself, straightening her shoulders, forcing an expression of her usual coolness. She had to put a stop to this, right now.

"Alright, Straw Hat girl," Law said, in a tone that allowed no argument, pointing at the coat in Luffy's hands. "Now that you have it back, you can leave. And, for your information, you didn't need to make the whole trip here. You could have waited until we met at the hospital, or at the cafe. Or, I don't know, sent me a message."

Luffy laughed. It wasn't a scandalous cackle, but a soft, sweet laugh, sounding amused and slightly teasing. She shook her head, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief, as if the obviousness of the situation was insulting to her intelligence.

"Oh, Torako," Luffy said, and took a step towards Law, closing the distance between them with her usual ease. "It's clear you don't remember anything from that night. I told you that very night, when I brought you home. I live in the same complex, a few floors below. It's no trip at all. We're neighbors."

The impact of that last word was a direct hit for Law. "Neighbors." Her eye began to twitch, an uncontrollable tic. The implication was brutal. It wasn't a sporadic visit, an unfortunate coincidence that would soon end. It was a constant threat, an unavoidable presence. A chaotic, smiling, boundless brat, living just a few floors below her.

A terrifying thought settled in her mind, crushing any vestige of tranquility. Great, I'll have to find a new place. One that accepts dogs. One that accepts the life I had before this... this Luffy turned it upside down. The idea of moving, of breaking with the stability she valued so much, because of this woman, filled Law's heart with icy fury, a mixture of helplessness and rage. The reality was much worse than she had imagined.

Chapter Text

Law collapses onto the cold surface of her desk, her sigh echoing in the impeccable quiet of her study. A whole week. An agonizing week has passed since she learned the terrifying truth: the sun itself lives just a few floors below her. It’s not a mere coincidence; it’s a living nightmare.

Her life, once flowing with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, has transformed into a constant surveillance operation. Every exit from her apartment becomes a secret mission. She scans the hallways as if searching for a sniper, her eyes restless, her ears alert for any hint of that scandalous laugh or those light footsteps. She opts for the stairs, climbing—damn it—seventeen floors just to avoid the elevator, the only sure way to inevitably run into her. Seventeen floors of forced cardio, a sacrifice her body resents, but her mind considers a fair price for peace.

Unfortunately, the universe, or perhaps some mischievous deity, seems to revel in her suffering. The world, in its infinite cruelty, conspires against Law. When she decides to take a different route in the apartment complex, seeking alternative ways to get to the street, she bumps into Luffy, who’s just dropped a friend off and is now returning with her usual burst of energy. If, desperate, she chooses the stairs, Luffy has also decided to use them, claiming her grandpa grounded her for devouring the entire fridge and banned her from the elevator. If she goes to the nearest convenience store, Luffy is on her way back, laden with bags of snacks and a beaming smile. There’s no time or place where their paths don’t cross, and always, invariably, Law gets dragged along. Luffy is like a force of nature, unstoppable and utterly irritating.

"Damn it. Damn world. I’m so over it… Screw this!"

The whine escapes her lips, a low, deep growl. She rubs her hair with both hands, her fingertips digging into her scalp, frustration bubbling in her chest like acid. Her luck is as nonexistent as her patience with people.

She glances back at her tablet screen, where her email remains open. In the inbox, a recent message glows, highlighted: a rejected request for an apartment transfer. She’s tried everything. She’s contacted building management, searched online, even considered calling a real estate agency, despite how ridiculous it seems. But there’s no way out. Law signed an ironclad lease agreement, one that doesn’t allow her to leave until it finally expires, unless she’s willing to pay an exorbitant penalty, a sum that, even for her well-paid surgeon’s salary, seems an absurd waste. Besides, the thought of embarking on a stressful move because of that brat turns her stomach.

She feels trapped. With each forced encounter, the vague ambiguity of the party night becomes clearer in her mind, superimposing itself over fragmented dream memories. The way Luffy looks at her, the confidence with which she treats her, that smile that promises who-knows-what. It’s as if Luffy has secret knowledge, a complete story of that night that Law refuses to acknowledge, a story that torments her with the possibility of having done something irreversibly stupid.

"No way," Law whispers, the denial as strong as the desire to forget. "I can’t keep doing this. This situation is unsustainable." Her life has turned into a comedy of errors, and she’s the unwilling protagonist, constantly embarrassed and on the defensive. The idea that her peace depends on avoiding one person fills her with deep humiliation. How did she end up like this?

A long, deep sigh escapes Law’s lips, laden with all the week’s frustration. She gets up from her desk, stretching the tense muscles in her neck. Maybe what she needs is a change of scenery, a break from the walls of her apartment and the intrusive thoughts.

She takes a deep breath, deciding that a walk with Onigiri is just what she needs to clear her mind and dispel the cloud of irritation following her. She reaches for the leather leash, feeling its familiar weight in her hand.

"Onigiri!" she calls with a small whistle, her voice softer than usual. In an instant, her dog, a small, plump creature with floppy ears and black and white fur that gives him an unmistakably adorable air, trots in from the living room, wagging his tail enthusiastically. Law quickly clips on the leash, enjoying the small moment of control and normalcy the simple act offers her.

They exit the building, Law on high alert, her eyes scanning the surroundings like radar. Luckily, the lobby is empty. She breathes in the evening air, which carries the scent of damp earth and the sweetness of flowers. The small park, an island of grass and leafy trees just outside the apartment complex, is their destination.

But Law’s peace is destined to be fleeting. As soon as she crosses the park entrance, before Onigiri can even sniff the first bush, her eyes land on an unmistakable figure. There, in the center of a sunny clearing, is Luffy. The young woman is on her knees, laughing heartily, playing fetch with a huge, muscular dog, a shiny-coated Doberman that jumps and barks with energy. It’s as if the universe has choreographed their encounters, each one more exasperating than the last.

Law curses under her breath, a four-letter word that gets caught in her throat. Too late. Their eyes connect. Luffy’s eyes, seeing her, light up like two stars, and her smile stretches to impossible limits.

"Torako!" Luffy exclaims, with an overflowing excitement that makes the Doberman beside her bark at Law curiously. The woman jumps up and runs towards Law with open arms, ignoring Onigiri, who stays by Law’s side, barking warily at the Doberman.

Luffy doesn’t slow down. The impact is inevitable. Law barely has time to tense her muscles before Luffy envelops her in a bear hug that sends them both tumbling onto the grass. The air rushes out of Law’s lungs in a huff, and the taste of damp earth fills her mouth.

"Damn it… Straw Hat-ya…!" Law groans, feeling Luffy’s weight on her, the straw hat slightly askew on her face. She rubs her head, trying to push her away, as she feels dirt clinging to her clothes and hair. She looks up to see Luffy straddling her waist, laughing non-stop, a look of pure amusement on her face. The nerve of her.

Luffy, still laughing, brings her calloused hands to Law’s face, gently wiping away the dirt and grass stuck to her skin. The gesture, despite the absurd situation, is unexpectedly soft.

"Oops, my bad, Torako," Luffy says, still with the sparkle of laughter in her eyes. "It’s just been ages since I saw ya!"

Law rolls her eyes, exasperation battling with the strange sensation of Luffy’s hands on her face.

"We saw each other yesterday," Law retorts, her voice laden with sarcasm that seems to fly right over Luffy’s head. "Exactly when I was coming back from my shift. Don’t you remember?"

Luffy blinks, then shrugs carelessly. "Oh, right. Yeah. But that was quick. Doesn’t count."

Law sighs, a sound of pure resignation. She props herself up a bit, trying to nudge Luffy away. "So, is your brother okay? I heard he had an accident. Ace is… pretty loud, even for a hospital."

Luffy nods, her smile returning in full. "Nah! Ace is tougher than a brick. Just a couple of scratches and a bandage on his head, and he’s good to go. Tomorrow he’ll be nagging me like always 'bout whatever I do."

And then Luffy laughs, a clear, loud laugh that echoes through the park. A laugh that, despite all the chaos it brings, Law can’t help but find… strangely contagious. In some forgotten corner of her mind, a small part of Law relaxes, barely perceptible, as she hears it.

The unexpected relaxation is fleeting, almost imperceptible, and Law fights it immediately. She can’t let her guard down. With an internal growl, she decides the only way to regain control of the conversation, and by extension, the situation, is to change the subject. She needs something neutral, something that doesn’t touch the murky waters of the party night. Her eyes drift to Onigiri, who, despite the leash, is still barking with a mix of curiosity and defiance at Luffy’s imposing Doberman. Onigiri’s tail, wagging frantically, reveals that more than a threat, it’s an invitation to play, but Law isn’t taking any chances. As the responsible owner she is, she keeps her dog under control.

"Onigiri, settle," Law says, her voice firmer, bending down to pet her dog’s head. Onigiri stops barking, but his small eyes follow the Doberman with excessive interest. Law straightens up again, turning her attention back to Luffy, who has already gotten up and is watching the canine interaction with her usual fascination. "Since when do you have a dog, Straw Hat-ya? I’ve never seen you with one."

Luffy smiles, her face lit by the sun, and the Doberman approaches her, resting his head on her hip.

"Oh, this is Lucifer!" Luffy exclaims, giving the dog an affectionate pat on the back, who responds with a deep bark and a tail wag that seems to break the wind. "He’s super friendly, don’t worry."

Law blinks. Lucifer. The name resonates in her head, invoking images of darkness, rebellion, and a certain dangerous mystique. Such a heavy, such… dark name, for a woman who is literally the walking sun, who emanates such carefree and joyful light and energy. The incongruity is shocking.

"Wow," Law blurts out, unfiltered, her surprise showing in her tone. "Lucifer? You don’t seem like the type of girl who’d like… things so, uh, dark or… with such… peculiar names. I mean, you’re more into… sparkles and…" Law stops short, her words dying in her throat as she realizes what she just said. She’s verbalized her observation about Luffy’s personality, about the image she has of her, of another woman, in such a spontaneous and revealing way that it makes her blush intensely. Her mouth goes dry, and she wishes the earth would swallow her right then and there. Did she just analyze Luffy out loud? Shame burns her.

Luffy lets out a loud laugh, tilting her head back, and brings a hand to her mouth to contain it. The sound is so genuine, so full of overflowing joy, that Law doesn’t know whether to laugh or hit her.

"Hahaha! Torako, you’re seriously funny!" Luffy says, her eyes dancing with joy, her smile so wide that Law can’t help but feel a pang of something indefinable in her chest. Is she making fun of her? Or does she actually like her? The uncertainty irritates her deeply. Law frowns, the blush on her cheeks intensifying, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance at not knowing how to interpret Luffy’s reaction. Being found "funny" isn’t exactly the effect she’s aiming for; she wants distance, professionalism, not laughs at her expense.

"Lucifer’s Robin and Franky’s," Luffy continues, oblivious to Law’s internal confusion, or at least pretending to be. "They’re out of town for a few days, and they asked me to watch him. I took him for a walk 'cause I wanted to go chase frisbees."

Law frowns, her brain once again trying to decipher Luffy’s logical chaos, though she’s starting to get used to the pattern.

"You don’t mean the dog wanted to go chase frisbees," she corrects, her tone flat and didactic.

Luffy shakes her head, her eyes shining with an almost alarming honesty. "No, no! I wanted to go. We both compete to see who catches it first. It’s fun."

Law looks at her, a twitch in her eye, her eyebrow arched in a mix of astonishment and exasperation. Competing with a Doberman for a frisbee? Only Luffy. The absurdity of the situation is so profound that Law almost gives in to laughter, but she barely holds back. This girl is a case. A case that, to her misfortune, now lives floors below.

Chapter Text

Law can’t fathom how she ended up here. It’s been a whirlwind. One second she’s grappling with the absurdity of Lucifer and Luffy’s spontaneity at the park, and the next, she’s being unceremoniously dragged into a café. A pet-friendly café, no less. Onigiri, tethered at her feet under the table, snores peacefully, oblivious to his owner’s mental cataclysm. Law watches the small dog, feeling a pang of envy for his ability to find peace in any circumstance.

When did she become so easy to drag around? Or has she always been this way? Law even doubts her own name at this point. The only thing she knows for certain is that across the small wooden table from her, Luffy is happily chatting with the waitress, gesticulating animatedly as she points at the menu with almost childlike enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Law is… just there. Watching. Captivated.

The waitress, a woman with pink hair and a friendly smile, laughs at something Luffy says, and Law sighs. People always laugh with Luffy. Not her. She only gets irritated. Or so she keeps telling herself.

"Torako, you gotta try the strawberry smoothie here!" Luffy says, turning her attention to Law, her eyes bright and full of conviction. "Nami told me it’s super good."

Law frowns; the mere thought of sugar sends a shiver down her spine. "I don’t like overly sweet things," she states, her voice as flat and direct as ever. She doesn’t like sweets, excesses, things that flood the palate with artificial sweetness. She doesn’t like overflowing emotions, unnecessary effusiveness. In essence, she doesn’t like what Luffy represents.

Luffy tilts her head, a smile that Law can only describe as audacious spreads across her face. Her eyes narrow in a gesture that’s both mischievous and strangely perceptive.

"No wonder you like me," Luffy says, with that same smile, and the comment is so unexpected, so direct, that Law chokes on her own saliva. A coughing fit racks her, and a blush rapidly spreads from her neck to the tips of her ears.

Law struggles to regain her composure, her face burning. She brings a hand to her mouth, trying to hide the coughing fit. "Excuse me?!" she snaps, her voice a little hoarse, hoping the blush isn’t as obvious as it feels.

Luffy blinks, her mischievous expression shifting to genuine confusion, as if she doesn’t understand Law’s reaction. She shrugs, her straw hat tilted.

"You know, I’m like, the least cloying person ever," Luffy explains with total seriousness, as if it’s a universal, obvious truth. Then, her smile returns, this time wide and radiant. "That’s why we’re such great friends!"

Law has to stifle a laugh. The irony is so monumental, so completely lost on Luffy’s perception, that a genuine chuckle almost escapes her. The least cloying? Friends? It’s absurd. A complete distortion of reality.

"I wouldn’t describe you that way, Straw Hat-ya," Law says, sighing. The younger girl, as if her words are no impediment, is now practically hugging her, her arm linked with Law’s, her weight light but constant. It’s a closeness Law doesn’t ask for, but strangely, also can’t quite reject. "In fact, you’re the definition of cloying."

Luffy pulls back slightly, turning her head to look at Law, an adorable pout forming on her lips. Her eyes, big and round, observe her with sincere disbelief.

"Really?" Luffy asks, her voice tinged with genuine confusion. She seems truly perplexed by the accusation.

Law clears her throat, trying to maintain her composure in the face of Luffy’s obvious lack of self-awareness.

"Well…" Law begins, searching for the exact words, trying to sound as objective as possible. "You really stick to me like gum. You’re always on top of me, invading my space, and someone who isn’t cloying wouldn’t do that, don’t you think?"

Luffy listens intently, and then, the pout deepens.

"But you don’t complain either," Luffy retorts, with a note of unexpected cunning in her voice, and a small smile beginning to appear at the corner of her lips.

Law stares at her incredulously. How can she say that? She has complained! She’s swatted her hands away, her body language has screamed desperation, she’s sighed, she’s frowned, she’s rolled her eyes… My god, she’s even used words! She’s told her to go away, that she’s an invader, that she irritates her. How is it possible that Luffy doesn’t understand? It’s like talking to a rubber wall that absorbs all her attempts to set boundaries.

Just as Law is about to retort, to unleash a litany of evidence of her complaints, her eyes fall back on Luffy’s pout. It’s such a disarming gesture, so ridiculously innocent and vulnerable, that all her words get caught in her throat. A heavy sigh escapes her. She feels defeated.

"Because it’s not that annoying coming from you," she concedes, her voice barely a whisper. She averts her gaze, trying to hide the blush that’s once again climbing her face with renewed intensity. The heat is undeniable. Good heavens, did that really come out of her? Law wonders, feeling the weight of the "cheesiness" of her own words. There’s no excuse. It really was cheesy. And to top it off, Luffy is still smiling, a smile that now seems satisfied.

Luffy lets out a squeal of delight so sharp it makes Onigiri jump from his slumber. She lunges at Law with renewed energy, her arms wrapping around her in a fleeting hug before releasing her to take her hand with surprising firmness.

"I knew it, Torako! I knew you weren’t as grumpy as you pretend!" Luffy exclaims, her eyes shining with such pure satisfaction that it sends a shiver of dread down Law’s spine. It’s not romantic affection, no. It’s the unrestrained joy of a child who just got a new toy… or a new unconditional friend. This, Law thinks with growing horror, is much, much worse.

Law tries to pull free from her grip, panic blossoming in her chest. Her mind, usually so sharp and controlled, feels like a chaotic battlefield. What did I just say? Why did that slip out? I’m an idiot! Absolutely idiotic!

"Straw Hat-ya, don’t get the wrong idea! I didn’t mean—" Law begins, trying to sound as cold and distant as possible, desperately trying to retract, to deny every syllable. But Luffy isn’t listening anymore. Or, more likely, doesn’t want to listen.

"Awesome! I know what we gotta do right now!" Luffy declares, jumping to her feet, dragging Law with her. Luffy’s hand is surprisingly strong, and Law finds herself being pulled from the chair despite her silent resistance. "Let’s go to my place! I’ve got the best pirate video game ever! We can play all afternoon! And then, we can order tons of meat!"

Law feels an even more pronounced twitch in her eye. Her place? A video game? Meat? It’s a spiral. Her orderly life is crumbling brick by brick, and the architect of her chaos is a straw-hatted woman with a too-big smile and totally alien logic. The image of her own immaculate, sterile apartment clashes with the one her mind is already constructing of Luffy’s nest: disorder, noise, probably crumbs everywhere.

"I can’t believe this is happening," Law thinks, resignation mixing with growing desperation. Luffy’s strawberry smoothie and her own black tea are already on the table, steaming. Luffy’s impulsiveness is unstoppable. With a sigh of resignation, Law pulls out her wallet with a quick movement and slides a few bills onto the table, more than enough to cover the bill, while the pink-haired waitress, who’s watching them with an amused smile, approaches to clear the table next to theirs. Luffy, whistling an incomprehensibly cheerful tune, is already dragging her out of the café. Onigiri trots obediently by their side, his leash now in Law’s free hand. Lucifer, the Doberman, follows closely, wagging his tail. They are heading straight for the building, and Law can already feel the chaos of Luffy’s apartment even before reaching the door. The mere thought turns her stomach.