'I've... fully recovered...? I've fully recovered...'

The words were doing laps in your head as Law continued to turn the pages of his book, something he was finding far too interesting at this moment in time.

'But... If I'm fully recovered then...' you pieced the clues in your head only for your eyes to land on Law

"WAIT!? DOES I'M ALLOWED TO DO HOUSEWORK AGAIN!?" Your (e/c) eyes twinkled with excitement as you sat upright

Law almost fell off the chair

"LAW!?" you panicked and scrambled about, as he did his best to collect himself "I didn't mean to startle you! Are you alright?"

"It's fine (Y/n)-ya, I just misjudged your priorities" He groaned placing down the book. "Yes you can return to doing housework but don't start doing everything at once, just ease yourself into it"

Law took one look at you and knew full well you were only hearing what you wanted to hear, so he decided to just save his breath and let you find out by yourself. He sighed to himself, but your excitement for domestic life was contagious, and so his frown was soon replaced by a small smirk.

"Just remember to take those vitamin and mineral tablets after we leave, ok?" he reminded

And just like that, you were sucked back into reality. Law had only come because he was worried about your wellbeing, but now that you were completely recovered and his crew were also fully rested, he had no reason left to stay.

'I hate this part' you reminded yourself as you felt your first clench

Your eyes were like an open book and Law was avidly reading your reactions to, well, everything. From your dawning realisation to your undeniable frustration and regret. All of your emotions were thrown into chaos against your will and it was all on display for Law to see.

"Did you miss me that much last time?" He nudged you in an attempt to lighten the mood slightly.

Of course, you being the person you were, you gave him the upfront most honest answer

"With everything you did and all the trouble you caused, how could I not miss you!?" you fumed your eyes already beginning to water.

There are many wonders in this world, the grand red line, the legendary Atlantis filled with menfolk, the famed Amazonian tribe, heck even the island hidden from the clouds was wondrous in its own right. Amongst these magnificent wonders, "Law being left speechless solely due to the unpredictable actions of yours truly" is ranked rather high, as it is such a rare sight to behold (Y/n) earned not 1, not 2, but 3 points in the bag.

Law: 124

(Y/n): 4

A few incoherent grumbles left Law's lips as his hand went to cover the majority of his blush. Unfortunately for Law, he'd forgotten the type of beverage he was currently drinking, its main component consisting of lemons. Bringing his hands to his eyes gave the citrus drink the chance to mingle and essentially, deliver pain.

"Agh! Dang, it!" Law hissed as he let out a few incoherent grumbles which included a couple or more profanities.

All of this was enough to put your concerns on hold and help the young man as best you could.

"OMG Law! Are you ok?!" You rushed again to his aid. "Move your hands and let me see"

Law resisted, but even he knew, once your mind was set there would be no stopping you. With a lot of bickering, he slowly removed his hands to reveal a grumpy, defeated face with a tearful expression (without doubt, all due to the lemons). Still, you were slightly taken aback by such a sight and ended up staring a bit too long at his averted gaze. In truth, the only thing you were thinking was:

'It's not fair!? It's just not fair!? Why would a man like this need to have pretty tears!?' You envied. 'It literally looks like he is crying liquid silver! It's too cruel!'

"O-ow!" You clutched your throbbing forehead which Law had so rudely flicked

"It's rude to stare (Y/n)-ya," he said in a matter of factly tone, resting his chin upon his hand as he watched you writhe in agony.

"WHA-?! IT'S RUDE TO FLICK PEOPLE!?" You shot back before letting out a whine "Why did it hurt so much?"

"You're almost as dramatic as my men" he hummed in slight amusement "maybe even more so"

'Why does my suffering bring so much joy to the world? Someone answer me!' You groaned

———————————————————————————————

Thanks to some handy tissues and a couple of arguments, you were able to ease the stinging sensation from Law's eyes which had stopped. He laid back across the couch with a damp cloth over his eyes as you cleared up the makeshift workspace.

You didn't mean to let the chuckle slip past your lips but as soon as it did Law glared out from under the cloth.

"And what, pray to tell, is so funny to you right now?"

You flinched. Escape was no longer an option.

"I-I was just thinking... The only other time I heard you curse was when Axel came by" you recalled and he audibly growled at the mention of his name "But when I think about it you cursed even more at the lemon... So in my head, it just seemed like you found lemons more intimidating than Axel..."

There was a pause

"I-IT WAS JUST A STUPID-!" You stumbled over your words to correct yourself

"..."

"I guess I do find it more intimidating than that bastard" he chuckled placing the cloth back over his face "But if I run into that rat again instead of his nose, maybe I'll just carve out his lungs instead"

Dark aura swirled around him but you continued to lie to yourself and say he was just joking around.

"Don't say things like that" you sighed as you stretched to put the last thing away. " It makes you sound scary"

'Ugh so high?' You reached up on your tiptoes.

Too preoccupied with trying to put the box away, you failed to hear the shuffling from the sofa, or feel the looming presence behind till it was far too late. His hand easily pushed the box into place before swooping down and trapping you.

"So you find me scary now (Y/n)-ya?" His deep voice sent all your hairs on edge "Don't you think it's far too late for that now?"

"Law behave yourself, how can I find you scary when you've just helped me put these boxes away" you sighed as though it was the most obvious thing known to man. "Now please let go"

Shuffling in his grip you tried your best to push him away. The attempt itself was poor but the intention was evident.

"Is this truly the best you can do (y/n)?" he mused

"You shouldn't underestimate me Law I will have you know I am not only an ideal house-wife but I am also a self-qualified ninja!" you announced

"Oh! And what do you call this move?"

"It is quite simply a push-pull technique I learned" you smiled "focus though I'm only focusing on the pushing"

Law had a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Law... Whatever you're thinking right now... stop thinking it!" You warned warily.

"But (Y/n)-ya, by your logic if you're pushing, then I guess that means I should be the one to pull" He grinned as he slipped both his arms under your thighs and hoisted you up.

Sandwiched between the cabinets and himself, your legs dangled as you straddled him, he's buried into his shoulder. Your arms instinctively tangled around his neck to keep you steady.

"LAAAAWWWW!!! OMG LAW PUT ME DOWN!!!" you hissed. "THIS IS TOO MUCH!!! WHAT IF-!?"

"Enjoying the view from up here?" He chuckled, failing miserably to hide the pure delight in his voice.

'...I can't think straight...' your brain sizzled.

"(Y/n)-ya?"

You hummed to show you were listening, even though you weren't facing him.

"I missed you too... way more than I want to admit to myself, then I saw your card and..." he hesitated "and now your in my arms every bone in my body is telling me I should just take you away" his grip tightened on you possessively and you could feel his breath fan against the shell of your ear "But being here again, seeing you again, it's obvious that you still have no desire to leave"

As he spoke, you mustered up the confidence to peak at him. His attention was elsewhere, searching aimlessly for the right words, something he was normally good at.

"Ugh... I feel like I'm rambling" He growled "look! If you're going to stay that's fine, but promise me you won't disappear before I find a way to get your years back!"

"You're going to try and find a cure? For me?"

"I will find a cure for you! You just need to make sure you don't do anything stupid before then! You need to promise"

'Law...' you searched his cool silver eyes for any sign of doubt only to find the determination

A sigh of defeat left your lips and with a small smile you removed one of your hands to hold up your pinky finger

"I promise I will do everything in my power to stay out of trouble until you return" you recited

Law looked at you for a moment.

"You're capable of doing cute things like pinky promises, in a position like this? " he chuckled

Your face exploded... Again...

"Law! I was trying to be serious " you huffed "just put me down already!"

"Don't be fooled (y/n)-ya, I'm doing this for my own selfish reasons" he clarified "If I'm the one to recover your years then that means you're years belong to me. Enjoy your last 10 years of freedom" he smirked victoriously "because, after that, you're mine!"

'.....What the hell kind of logic is-???'

"I belong to no one but myself" you declared firmly "not even you can take that from me"

If there was ever a day where you'd get used to Law's surprise attacks then it was still very very far in the future. With his lips pressed gently against your own, you were left speechless. His heart pounded rhythmically against your flatline one, as his hands inched their way up to your thighs only stopping when he pulled away.

"Then I guess I have to teach you some more lessons, though this should suffice as a seal for our promise"He licked his lips, savouring the taste of you. "I'm also feeling generous so I'll consider this payment for removing the frogs from before" he whispered into your ear.

"I! I-I! YOU WERE THE ONE WHO PUT THEM THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!" You screeched.

'I CAN NEVER LET MY GUARD DOWN AROUND THIS GUY!' you screamed internally

Law: ###

(Y/n): 4

—————————————————————————————————

"Don't forget to get at least 7 hours of sleep (Y/n)"

"And don't skip any of your meals"

"And-!"

"Ok, Sachi! Penguin! I get it" you laughed "I'm going to miss you guys too"

In the short time, you'd spent with Sachi and Penguin, you found that they were both very easy-going people, but when it came to looking after others they suddenly became very reliable individuals.

"(Y-Y/n)" they muttered before Sachi caved and hugged you.

"Just look after yourself (Y/n)!" They cried dramatically.

And a bunch of drama queens

"I will" you reassured

Penguin, who'd settled with giving you small a head pat, pried Sachi off of you.

"Captain doesn't just smile as he does with you, with just anybody"

'What? What is he talking about?'

"Anyway be safe" he reiterated before dragging Sachi back to the sub.

"Are you sure you can't come with us (y/n), I wouldn't mind sharing my room with you" Bepo pleaded

'Why must you be so cute Bepo?' your conscience wept

"That's very kind of you Bepo but I can't accept" you cuddled up to him. "I have to hold the fort down here so make sure you look after everyone in my absence ok?"

"O-Okay! I will!" he clumsily saluted.

"Good" You nodded, breaking the hug and giving him a gentle nudge "Now hurry! Don't make them wait for you!"

"Ah! I-I'm sorry!" He cried as he ran to the sub

'You don't have to apologise for that Bepo' You sweat-dropped

"What are those idiots doing?" Law groaned

"Oh the usual" you smiled

"Hmm, Don't forget our promise"

"I won't"

"Should we seal it again just to be sure" he smirked

"Absolutely not!" you protested as your face heated up.

"Too bad" He chuckled kissing your forehead.

"Don't ask if you're not even going to listen to my answer!" Your hands flew to cover your forehead.

Law smiled. It wasn't mischievous or hiding bad intentions, but rather, it was sincere. Wholesome to the fullest meaning of the word.

'Is this what Penguin was talking about?'

You embraced him. And that surprised Law because when it came to actions of intimacy, you rarely ever initiated it.

"Thank you for everything Law, I really do appreciate it" you muttered into his chest. "...And you"

No verbal response was given but his feelings were abundantly clear as he conceded into the hug.

Then ... they were gone, and much like before

The skies were clear as the stars lit their path

—————————————————————————————————

😈

❤️