Work Text:
Hey, I was doing just fine before I met you
I drink too much
And that's an issue, but I'm okay
There was a loud rumor when they stepped out of the elevator, but Law chose to ignore the noises that came from the lobby. Instead he followed his friend and colleague Shachi who rambled something about a problem in his room. Law hadn’t really listened and just rolled his eyes. It was always the same with his friends. At least one of them always complained about some random shit at the reception. Every single time when they are in a hotel. Although, Law followed him to the reception, where his red haired friend complained about a dripping water-tap and not enough water pressure in the shower. He shook his head but kept quiet.
“Yes, I told him yesterday.“ There was a concierge on the reception desk next to him, kind of exhausted. “But as you can see, he came back.“
“Ok.“ The guy behind the reception squared his shoulders. “Show me the guy and I’ll learn him some manners.“
“He should…“ The porter got interrupted by a loud and happy scream.
“Hey! Bon-chan!“ Law froze instantly. He would recognize this voice everywhere, even after years of silence. Some things never change. “Thank you again! We’ll probably meet again tomorrow.“
“Stop it. Right there.“ The concierge walked in the direction where the voice came from, but Law didn’t dare to look around. Not sure if he wanted to meet the other one. “You. Are coming with me!“
“Am I going to meet the friend you told me about? What was his name again? Iva-chan?“ The young boy was talking a lot and loud as always and Law wanted to roll his eyes at him, when he felt himself smiling a little bit.
Huh? Some things really never change.
Hey, you tell your friends
It was nice to meet them
But I hope I never see them again
It was the same all those years ago. The younger man was loud and always rambling about something, while Law was the complete opposite, quite and not very talkative. Some would even say grumpy. He remembered clearly how Luffy wanted to drag him in every part of his life. First he should meet his brothers, but Law refused. More than once. Than he wanted to bring him onto a sailing trip with his friends. Again, Law declined. As well as he refused to let the other one meet his own friends or let alone his family.
Although Luffy could be really stubborn and finally Law agreed to meet the group of friends, of whom he had heard a lot of stories. To be honest, the doctor knew from the beginning what kind of character the younger one was and what he should expect from the friends meeting. But he was kind of shocked nevertheless.
Law met them after they came from the cinema (which he refused to come along) and that was when the disaster began. They were a bunch of people, at least ten or twelve but no one seemed to care about a reservation beforehand. So they went to a couple of restaurants without getting a table. After more than an hour they ended up in a shitty diner, where one of the group complained about the bad food (it really tasted like shit in Laws opinion), another one seemed overly sad about the variety on desserts and one of the woman verbalized her disagreement about the prices against a waiter, while the rest just ordered everything there was on the menu. Law tried to stay in the background, just wanting to go home, because everything was too much for him; the people, the noises, the food.
Only Robin, a calm black haired woman, tried to talk to him like a normal person. If it weren’t for her, he would’ve been gone a long time ago. At some point Luffy decided he haven’t had enough attention from the med student and placed himself in his lap. Law was working hard on his patience this day, before he shoved the younger one from his body and decided to go home. But Law had made his plans without Luffy, who just bid his friends goodbye and followed him.
Law remembered that they had a fight on the way back (and of course he had forgotten about what) before it ended as always.
Hot and tempting.
In the bedroom.
I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broke-down car
And four years, no calls
Now you're lookin' pretty in a hotel bar
And I-I-I can't stop
No, I-I-I can't stop
And then Law left. Because what they had, has never been serious. He wasn’t even sure, if they were friends. It was just a little bit of fun between the sheets. At least that’s what he told himself.
But he had never lied to him, maybe Law had ignored the other one, when all of this got too overwhelming. And then when he applied to his new job. Because he had a career in mind, he wanted to become a doctor. Luffy had known this since they met. And he knew, that Law was going to leave the city for his job at some point. But he never really told him. Not when he applied for the job. Not when he landed the job. And not when he was looking for an apartment. Law just stayed silent about nearly every part of his life while the young boy seemed to share everything that came to his mind. Luffy was a bunch of sunshine and made him smile more often than Law would ever admit. But it was nothing serious. So why should he tell him, that he was leaving the city.
They were fine. Again, that’s what Law told himself.
But he was a coward and so he didn’t texted back anymore, wanted to leave in complete silence. Though he couldn’t, because he also was selfish. After a few weeks of unanswered messages he agreed to meet again. One last time Law wanted to feel him, wanted to smile with him, before he was gone.
Law wasn’t weak, he just decided it would be better to not tell Luffy in person, that he’d leave the city. Yeah, this was the better way. He told himself that, while driving a long road to his new home. Ignoring the calls and messages.
They were fine. It has never been serious. He wasn’t hurting. He didn’t miss Luffy.
Law shook his head slightly. All of this was a few years ago. It was long gone and he wasn’t thinking about this time. No, he just remembered it for the first time in years. At least it was the first time he let himself drown in those memories.
Finally the concierge and Luffy stopped at the reception next to him and his colleague, who still challenged the blond woman, although Law wasn’t sure if Shachi was still complaining or if he just started flirting.
“That’s him. He won’t listen to me.“, the porter whined theatric.
“Ok. Look.“ The blonde behind the desk looked dead serious and kind of bored at the same time, when he started scolding the bouncing man in front of him. “You can’t come here every day, run loudly through the lobby, just to set the bathroom under water.“ The black haired man giggled and scratched the back of his head. Law couldn’t resist anymore and decided to watch the scene.
“Yeah, sorry ’bout that.“
“Sure, you are.“, the man behind the desk deadpanned. “You are not even a guest of this hotel. Therefore you are not aloud to use the restrooms here.“
“Oh, but Bon-chan and I are friends?! We met in front of the hotel and he told me, you have a toilet.“
“Yes, we have. But they are only for our paying guests. So I expect you, to not come back unless you are paying for a room…“
“But I don’t need a room.“, Law could hear the confusion and although he only saw the back of Luffys head, he knew exactly how his face would look like. “I just need a restroom once or twice a day.“ The blond man behind the desk took a deep breath, while the concierge just shook his head.
“Whoa, what’s happening here?“ Shachi appeared out of nowhere next to Law and of course he didn’t flinched, when his friend spoke curious next to his ear. Instead he just ignored him.
“Listen to me, unless you want an order to stay away from the house and believe me, I’m willing to call the police right away, then just leave right now and don’t…“
“He’s with me.“ Laws body acted on it’s own when he stepped forward. Or that’s what he told himself. “Dr. Trafalgar Law. Room 305.“ Because he didn’t knew, why he did that and clenched his right fist, when three faces went blanc and one went from a surprised yelp to a happy grin.
“I’m sorry?“ The man behind the desk didn’t even blinked while looking at him.
“Sir, are you sure? I mean he…“ The concierge stared confused at him but went silent, when he shot him a glare and bowed in excuse. Law was probably as surprised as his colleague about his own behavior and didn’t want to explain it any further. Thats why he turned to Shachi before he could say another word.
“You’ll go to the conference. I’ll find you later.“, he ordered.
“Wait. You know how boring it is to be there on your own.“, Shachi complained and looked at the still smiling guy next to Law. “Who is this guy?“
“None of your business. Go there or stay at your room. See you later.“ While he said that, he grabbed Luffys wrist and pulled him behind. He knew it wasn’t his usual attitude and Shachi will have a bunch of questions when they’ll meet again. But right know, he only wants to keep Luffy safe and near him. He went with him into the lobby where he dragged him to a calm corner, eyeing him with the intent to scold him about his manner.
“You look as good as ever.“, Luffy complimented him with shining eyes and left Law speechless, he even forgot that he still had the wrist in his hand. “And you made it? Don’t you? You’re a doctor now! I’m so happy for you!“ Luffys smile was even bigger than he remembered it and Law felt suddenly so stupid.
For leaving four years ago.
For not calling once.
For helping him on the reception.
For staring at him right now.
“Has Torao lost his voice?“ He cocked his head and Law couldn’t stop himself and caressed Luffys cheek, wiping softly over the scar under his eye.
So, baby, pull me closer
In the backseat of your Rover
That I know you can't afford
“What are you doing here?, he finally managed to say.
“I’m living here right now.“ The sunny smile never left Luffys face when he stated this as if it were obvious. Law just blinked dumbfounded. “I mean not in the hotel. But outside.“, the younger one added but the doctors eyes just grew bigger and he blinked again. Was he… really living on the street? This was not… It could not… Why? “Ah wait. I’ll show you.“ And with that Luffy grabbed the hand who was still holding his and dragged him outside the hotel, around a corner in a small street. Law looked around, wondering, where they’ll go, when they stopped in front of an old yellow van. He blinked, not sure, if the car in front of them really was, what Luffy proudly presented to him. The best days of this van are way behind but the younger one grins happily at him.
“Tadaa! This is my home!“
“You live inside this rusty can?!“ Of course he was. Law shook his head. Luffy probably hadn’t changed a bit. And he wasn’t sure, why his heart skipped a beat at that thought.
“Shishishi. Careful, what you say about Sunny!“, he warned with a big grin.
“And of course you gave your car a damn name.“ Nope, he hasn’t changed. He sighed, already regretting that he had stepped in to help the younger one. But in the very same moment he felt himself drawn closer to him, like a magnet. He couldn’t deny the warm feeling inside his gut although he’d never admit it out loud.
“Come on. I’ll show you the inside.“ With that he opened the side door and stepped in, while Law took a step back. He should end their encounter right here.
“No, it’s fine. But I have to go.“ He ignored the small stab in the heart when he saw how Luffys smile fell a little apart at his words. “Although it was nice to meet you.“ It really was, he had to admit. Not wanting to think about the consequences for his heart and all the memories he locked deep inside of his head. Maybe it wasn’t that bad, that he helped the younger one. Law shook his head and wanted to go, but Luffy wouldn’t let him and stepped in front of him.
“Wait. You can’t leave.“, he whined. “We just met again.“ Maybe it was a mistake.
“Yeah, but I’m here for work.“ To he honest, he had lots of time. The most important parts of the conference he attended in the city had been the day before and this day won’t start for another three hours. By now he’d just go for networking (forced by his colleagues), so he might as well just spend some time with an old… acquaintance. He thought about leaning against the old car next to him but again recognized all the dirt and rust so instead he crossed his arms, eyeing Luffy.
“Please! It’ll be fast. And then we can meet again after your work for dinner.“, he stated and again Law was a bit flabbergasted.
“Wait. I don’t even know, when I’ll be back?!“
“It’s fine. I’ll be here for another few days.“ Luffy smiled and, instead of him, leaned against the rusted car. Showing off his assertiveness, not taking ’no’ for an answer. Nothing really changed.
“Ok then. Give me a quick tour.“, Law said and earned a big grin.
Bite that tattoo on your shoulder
Pull the sheets right off the corner
Of the mattress that you stole
From your roommate back in Boulder
We ain't ever getting older
We ain't ever getting older
We ain't ever getting older
There was not much space in Luffys van, but he stepped in, watching the younger one showing him every gadget he could afford or built himself. Law didn’t really listened, just enjoyed hearing the happy voice he kinda missed all those years. Of course, he was not really missing Luffy, he just had a nostalgic moment. While listening he took a step back and sat down on the mattress, which took most of the place in this van and was just thrown over two benches and probably a folded table. Doesn’t really looked comfortable in Laws eyes.
“And that,“, Luffy said with a devilish grin, “is a mattress I’ve gotten from Zoro, before I left the city.“
“He gifted you his mattress?“ Law knew him and his antics. As well as he knew that sparkling in his eyes.
“Shishishi. No, but I needed something to sleep on. And I have a key for his flat.“ Luffy laughed. “I don’t think he needs the mattress very often. He stays more often at Sanjis, so I think that’s ok.“ Law shook his head but kept quiet. Nothing really changed.
When Luffy grinned at him, told him something ridiculous from his daily life, Law couldn’t stop himself from smiling. There was a warm bubbling inside of him. He hadn’t felt that light for a long time and locked eyes with the very person, that caused this feeling. He knew all this four years ago. But he was a coward. And selfish.
“Torao.“ He blinked at this damn nickname and Luffy took a small step in his direction. There wasn’t much space left between them and he wondered what that soft tone in Luffys voice was about. “How have you been? Haven’t heard of you for a long time.“ Oh. Thats what it was about. He should’ve known.
“I… was really busy. With my degree and the hospital.“ He didn’t dare to look in Luffys eyes. Because he knew that it was just half the truth. Not able to count the evenings were he had stared at Luffys name at his ringing phone.
“But you did it. Don’t ya?“ He could hear the honest smile but couldn’t look at it. Law knew, why he left and couldn’t find himself to fully regret it. But that doesn’t made the guilt easier to carry. At least he could’ve been honest with Luffy. Then and today. “Hey.“ Again there was this soft tone and this time it was paired with two fingers under his chin, lifting his head easily. Law couldn’t stop himself from looking into those dark brown eyes, shining from glee. “I’m really happy for you.“ It was just a whisper coming from Luffy, as if he wanted to lift the guilt from his shoulders.
Again Law couldn’t stop his body from reacting on its own and caressed the cheek of the young boy in front of him. It was a mistake to help him. He could feel how all the memories unlocked and flooded his system. They shared so many intimate moments, how could he ever say, there were no emotions involved?
Were as in the past. Not anymore, of course. He shook his head slowly, never stopping to look into Luffys eyes, who smiled softly at him.
You look as good as the day I met you
I forget just why I left you, I was insane
Stay and play that blink-182 song
That we beat to death in Tucson, okay
I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broke-down car
And four years, no call
Now I'm lookin' pretty in a hotel bar
And I-I-I can't stop
No, I-I-I can't stop
Before he could stop his body, Law felt himself kissing the younger one. At first tentative as if they’d kissed for the first time. Before they slowly captured each others lips. He felt himself taking Luffys face in his hands, caressing his cheeks and then his neck, when things got more heated. In his memory Luffys lips were soft and his movements were unexperienced and sloppy. Now they were a little rougher and he definitely knew, how to kiss. But one thing hasn’t changed, Luffys hands were roaming about his body, from his neck to his hips as if he couldn’t decide where to touch first. But then Law remembered something and tried to end their kissing scene but failed because of Luffy being stubborn. He refused to let go, kept kissing him. And damn, he really knew how to kiss by now.
“Luffy…“, he tried but again his mouth got captured fervently. “Wait.“ To be honest it sounded more like a satisfied sigh than a real attempt to stop the younger one. “Luffy.“ Law tried to regain composure and pushed him away, why he leaned back himself. Distance. He needed distance. “Luffy, the door is still open.“ Without a word or motion Luffy looks at him, bevor he shrugged.
“If that’s all…“ With that he closed the sidedoor of the van and came back without hesitation to sit down on Laws lap and started kissing him passionately. Again his hands roamed over Laws upper body before grabbing a handful of his hair and dragging them. At this Law felt a slight pain wander from his head down his spine, which caused an even bigger shiver. Mmmh, how much had he missed this kind of passion. He really wanted to enjoy this moment. But his brain thought other wise. It reminded him of the day he was leaving, the day he was sitting in his car for hours, thinking about his decision. And making a promise to himself.
“Stop.“, Law breathed out. “Enough.“ He stopped every motion although Luffy was still kissing his jaw open mouthed. But he let himself fall back, putting one arm over his eyes, trying to calm his breath and racing mind.
“What is it now?“, Luffy smirked, he could hear it. He heard the spreading happiness, the tempting eagerness, the big grin on his face and ran his fingers through his hair, before opening his eyes.
“We should stop.“ At this moment Luffy was sneaking hands under his shirt but stopped at his words, eyeing him curious.
“But why?“, he pouted. Why the hell was he so cute while doing that childish expression? Law cursed under his breath.
“First of all, I’ve got work to do…“, the doctor started.
“If you’d be in a rush, you weren’t here anymore.“ Damn, Luffy knew him still very well. “And I know you like hot quickies before work.“ He fought against the blush that creeped up his cheeks.
“Second; I don’t want to give a show for free.“, Law continued, as if the younger one hasn’t said a word.
“I already closed the door and there are curtains on all windows. As you can see. So what’s the problem with that?“
“Yeah, have you ever seen a bouncing car with steamy windows?“ Now Luffy was blushing, he obviously hasn’t thought about that. “See. I don’t need this. Thank you. By the way the mattress in my room is much more comfy than your stolen one. And third, I don’t want to rush into things.“ This time he could finish his statement without interruption and Luffy looked at him, thinking for a moment.
“There is no rushing into things. I’ve been waiting to see you again for four years.“ At this statement Law came back to reality. Those words felt like a bucket of ice water and sobered his aroused mind right away. Unknowingly he tensed, feeling the guilt all over again and closed his eyes with a deep sigh. Luffy seemed to recognize the change of mood, took his hands from under the shirt to his sides before laying down on top of him. “I killed the mood, didn’t I?“, he asked with a murmur near Laws ear.
He wanted to say something. Just something, but he couldn’t find the right words. The decision he made wasn’t entirely wrong although Luffy got a point. And there still was the heavy guilt next to his heart. So Law remained silent just hugged the younger one on top of him a little tighter. Without any words they enjoyed the comfortable hug, trying to burn this moment into their memories. After a few minutes of silence Law finally found his voice again.
“I’ll be in town until tomorrow evening.“ It was nothing concrete and just a quite murmur but he knew that Luffy heard him, when his head excitedly shot up.
So, baby, pull me closer
In the backseat of your Rover
That I know you can't afford
Bite that tattoo on your shoulder
Pull the sheets right off the corner
Of the mattress that you stole
From your roommate back in Boulder
We ain't ever getting older
After a rather exhausting day full of communicating with other experts in the medicine field and a lot of questions from Shachi, he didn’t wanna answer, Law was happy to be back in his room. He had declined the invitation to a restaurant and just grabbed something for takeaway. While he stared at his food in silence, which he slowly unpacked, his mind wandered back to the morning at the lobby and inside of the rusty van. He shook his head. What a coincidence to meet Luffy here, out of all people.
The guilt in his heart was still there but also a warm feeling in his gut which reminded him of butterflies. Before he could grab his chopsticks, he heard a knock at his door.
“Damn, Shachi. What is it now?“ He rolled his eyes while opening the door, looking annoyed at the man behind. For the second time of the day he felt like someone had thrown ice water over him. Flabbergasted he looked in a face with sparkling dark brown eyes and the biggest grin he had ever seen.
“How do you know my room number?“, was the first thing on his mind and Luffy giggled.
“You said so at the reception, when you told them I was with you.“ Without any further questions he stepped inside and Law felt stupid all over again, still staring at the empty floor in front of him. He only came back to life, when he felt Luffys breathing near his ear, while his following words caused an expectant shiver.
“I want you to show me the mattress that is more comfortable than mine.“
We ain't ever getting older
We ain't ever getting older
So, baby, pull me closer
In the backseat of your Rover
That I know you can't afford
Bite that tattoo on your shoulder
Pull the sheets right off the corner
Of the mattress that you stole
From your roommate back in Boulder
We ain't ever getting older
We ain't ever getting older
(No, we ain't ever getting older)