Chapter Text
After that night, it was surprisingly easier to talk with Smoker. Even though it was mostly one sided, but that’s beside the point. It’s not as if Law was divulging some deep hidden secrets, all they did was talk. It was nice doing so, having someone besides Luffy and Kid to talk to.
Enough time passed to where Law felt as if he could walk out of Smoker’s apartment without feeling like someone was following after him. Having dealt with it for months, it’s weird to get used to. Law had no responsibilities other than working, for which he was glad.
Whenever he finally went back to the library a week after that night he and Smoker shared a cigarette together, Robin hugged him fiercely. If Law’s being fairly honest, he would almost say that they both teared up. She didn’t know what happened to him, all she knows is what Doflamingo told her. He didn’t have the heart to mention his name out loud anymore. Let alone what actually happened.
It’s about two weeks after he started working again when Smoker finds Law on his patio, puffing on one of his cigarettes while he lounges on the balcony, scrolling through apartment listings on his phone. He still hasn’t had time to go back to his old apartment- that's the lie Law is telling himself. He doesn’t want to go back there.
The place didn’t hold any good memories to begin with, it was just somewhere for Law to dump his things out. To come home to after a long day at work, or a place with a bed after leaving the bar with someone in tow. Law didn’t have anything of importance in the dingy rundown apartment except for a picture of his family, which Law will ask Luffy or Kid to pick up for him.
Aside from that, Law’s been staying here much too long, and with the amount of money he was paid from being in Doflamingo’s presence. Well, Law has more than enough to find a decent apartment for once in his life.
“What’re you looking at?” Smoker asks as he takes to the chair next to Law.
“Apartments.”
Smoker hums, “tired of leeching off me?”
Law laughs amusingly, eyeing one that’s close to Sabaody, far away from Mariejois, yet not too far from the library. Perfect.
“I’m afraid so,” Law sighs dramatically, taking a drag of nicotine before stubbing it out, “you aren’t going to miss me, are you darling?”
The words are a tease, lighthearted banter followed by Law blowing a cloud of smoke up to the sky.
“Not at all.” Smoker’s scoff lacks the bite it almost always holds, and Law smiles as he turns to face him.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d assume that was a lie.”
“Isn’t it a good thing then.”
“What is?”
“That you don’t know any better.” Smoker huffs.
Oh, he’s always so easy to rile up. Law’s going to miss staying with him.
Some time passes where Smoker continues to sit on his balcony, the atmosphere silent around them save for the honking of cars and people talking down below. Law continues to look at the apartment that caught his eye, typing in his email for a request to scope the place out.
For once in Law’s life, it feels like things are looking up. Law doesn’t really care for speaking things into the universe, the lingering feeling of a jinx coming on. But he’s been through hell and back since he was a child, and damnit he deserves some type of optimism in his life.
“Are you going to come visit?”
Law’s head whips to the side, eyes widening, because no way in hell was it Smoker that asked that. Law catches himself from glancing around, making sure no one else is in his home, but Smoker’s staring at him. His eyes look softer under the setting sun, warmer, not too cold like they usually are.
“I wasn’t planning on it.”
New beginnings and all, Law wants to say. Something holds him back from saying that though.
“I kind of figured.” Smoker smiles, raising from his chair, “I hope you find what you’re looking for kid.”
Law watches, slightly dumbfounded, as Smoker walks away, never looking back as he retreats to his bedroom.
●
“It’s a one bedroom, a small office space off to this corner. One full bath and another half bathroom, 1200 square feet.”
Law glances around with comically wide eyes. The apartment is nicer in person than what was shown on the website. The living area and dining room are spacious, kitchen with all stainless-steel appliances. The bedroom is bigger than any one he’s ever lived in, or ever thought of living in.
In other words, it’s gorgeous.
Though the walls are too white. Not stained with leaks, no peeling wallpapers, no thin walls. That’ll take some time to get used to.
“This is one of our more recent apartments that’s been renovated,” the lady says with a soft smile, “a lot of people have been looking into it.”
Law could take his chances and keep looking around, but will he find a place like this in any other sort of area? He doubts it, Law’s close to downtown, a lot of scenery areas unlike his past places. It’s a lot quieter too. Law smiles.
“I’ll take it.”
●
With the apartment already being fully renovated, Law only had to wait two weeks to move in. He barely had anything to pack, but Kid and Luffy were still stupidly adamant on helping him move in. Not like Law could complain, if he wanted anybody stepping foot into that spacious apartment with him first, then it was going to be his best friends.
The lights and water were easy to work out, Law already had more than enough knowledge on bills. He didn’t care much for television, but he still went with wifi, even if it was going to just be him there. Law even considered buying himself a pet, having a little animal to come home to after the library didn’t sound like too bad of an idea.
Plus, there was still furniture to move. That was going to be a bitch, but at least all he had to do was pick it up. Luckily for him, Kid has a decent sized truck for the task.
“How does it feel?” Smoker asks, snapping Law out of his thoughts.
He blinks over the table at him, tilting his head.
“What do you mean?”
“Knowing you’ll have your own place after tonight.”
Law’s been contemplating that question ever since he signed the papers to his lease. He’s had the thought of maybe it’s too soon since he’s not quite healed, nightmares still as fresh as ever. Law has also heavily been thinking that it might be a burden to carry the weight of such a place on his back, even if he’s more than capable of doing so. But Law knows those are just lingering doubts. If he doesn’t get out of here now, then he won’t ever will.
Law pauses- blinking at a blank space in front of him. He said the same thing when he was with- no, don’t think about him.
“It feels good,” because it really does, “I won’t ever be able to repay you for kindness, but I will try to.”
Smoker waves a hand in the air.
“That’s unnecessary,” Smoker replies, “I wouldn’t ask to take your money. You were in need of help.”
“Did you feel like you were responsible?”
The question is out of Law’s mouth before he can stop it. It’s been gnawing away at him ever since he’s started staying with Smoker. Those moments where Smoker doesn’t think Law notices him staring, but it’s so obvious he is. Smoker always grows quiet during the nighttime too, when Law is staring up at his ceiling in the bed, talking about that incident with hopes he’ll get to sleep throughout the night.
“I may not have had a full hand in it, but I do shoulder some of the blame.” Smoker admits.
Law hums. They all share some of the blame. Law, Doflamingo and Smoker.
“If you feel guilty about it, don’t.”
Smoker chuckles, shaking his head.
“I’ve never lost someone I tried so hard to protect,” Smoker murmurs, staring out the window, “I almost lost you.”
The way he says that makes Law pause.
“Smoker-”
“I almost lost you.”
Smoker faces him, and that’s most definitely not worry in his eyes. That’s a look he’s seen many times from the mob boss, and he wonders how the hell he could get it mixed up. Sure, there’s some slight guilt, but aside from that Smoker is staring at Law like he wouldn’t mind staring at him for the rest of his life.
Law’s heart climbs into his throat, flushing for the first time in what feels like years, a sweet familiar feeling curling in the pit of his stomach. When’s the last time Law got aroused? Like, really aroused, not just staring at Smoker in passing and thinking what a hot guy he is.
“That doesn’t sound like something a friend would say.” Law replies lamely, suddenly inept.
It was one thing flirting with other men, it was simple since they’re so easy to read. Even after a while Law was able to start slowly figuring Doflamingo out, but Smoker never, not once, showed he was interested in Law. Well, maybe he did, but Law was way past the point of being sober that night.
“Do you think I’m saying that as a friend?”
Heat rushes through Law, gut churning and everything. Smoker’s being as serious as ever, staring at Law intently as if he doesn’t plan on letting him walk out of those doors until he says exactly how he feels.
“Perhaps not.” Law mutters.
“I’m aware it’s very selfish of me,” Smoker starts, and Law actually can’t breathe when he gets out of the chair and walks in front of him.
Law can only lean back, swallowing thickly as Smoker closes the distance between them. He doesn’t touch Law save for the air blowing against his lips, muscular arms caging him in, one hand next to his thigh, the other on his old table.
“It’s so selfish of me since you love him,” lips brush against Law’s and he almost doesn’t catch what he says, “but I haven’t been able to take my eyes off of you. Not since the first time I saw you.”
Smoker does it easily, as if he’s replayed exactly how he wanted this moment to pan out, and it’s almost too natural. The casual press of Smoker’s lips doesn’t feel foreign at all, it’s light and feathery and Law gasps, the startled sound drowning into a moan when their tongues glide together.
There’s not a hint of roughness, nothing at all that Law is used to. No blinding passion or weakening knees, yet Smoker’s still an expert in the task. He coaxes Law into his arms so fucking gently, raising him out of the chair and against his chest, very well kissing Law breathless.
It’s arousing, but not in the type of way that makes Law want to strip both of them down right now, but in a way that makes him want to stay pressed against Smoker forever, have their lips gliding together all the time. Smoker tilts his head, deepening the kiss, and Law really likes that. His hands curl around the nape of Smoker’s neck, playing with long grey hairs, rising to the tips of his toes to kiss him back eagerly.
Law hardly even realizes they’re moving, not until the backs of his knees hit the edge of the couch, falling softly on top of it, and still the fucking kiss isn’t broken. Law’s all tingly everywhere, lips numb but still so hungry for more kisses. He doesn’t deny Smoker when he places a questioning hand on his knee, already moving to wrap both legs around his waist.
And that’s when the kiss gets broken. Feeling another cock, no matter if it’s covered, finally grinding against his own sets Law on fire. His head falls onto the couch, keening high in his throat as Smoker rubs himself against Law. Long and thick, Smoker’s all hot and heavy over him, holding tightly onto both of his thighs.
Law places the back of his hand over his mouth, face burning like it never has before. It feels damn good, Law’s never went without sex for so long, so Smoker being like this with him has Law reeling.
“You’re so pretty,” Smoker murmurs, hand leaving his thigh to grab at his wrist, “the first time I went into that library-”
Smoker’s confession shocks Law, but the only thing he can manage is a weak grunt, eyes fluttering when he’s picked up and sat on his lap. Smoker trails a finger over Law’s bottom lip, tracing around to the top one.
“I only kept coming back for you.”
●
Smoker didn’t touch him that night. For which, surprisingly, Law ended up being rather grateful for. No doubt before the incident- as Law has taken to calling it- he wouldn’t have hesitated to jump into Smoker’s bed, but call it a revelation of some sort. Law has beaten death more times than he could count now, it’s time for him to enjoy his life without involving other men in it.
The whistle Kid lets out when he enters the apartment makes Law stupidly happy. The last time Kid was here was whenever he and Luffy were helping him move furniture into the apartment. It wasn’t anywhere near being put together, but both of them still marveled the size of it. Which made Law happy. Knowing that his best friends have a quaint little house, and now Law with his own fancy apartment, it’s a nice feeling.
“See you’ve cleaned the place up a lot.” Kid muses and Law nods, closing the door behind him.
“Robin was all too happy to give me a few days off to get the place organized. The only thing she asked was to invite her over for a wine night so she could see it.”
“Oh I’m sure that was just so hard for you to agree to.” Kid replies sarcastically, kicking his shoes off.
Law rolls his eyes, walking towards his kitchen. He’ll never get over how spacious it is, the countertops a sleek silver color, huge island set in the middle. Law had a time using the stove, only used to beat down ones, microwaves on their last leg, lighting dim up above. Law doesn’t even need lighting here, the sun does all the work in those beautiful floor to ceiling windows. One day he’ll have to get over his ego and actually call the mob boss up to thank him for being so generous with his money.
“Want something to drink?” Law asks, looking over his shoulder just in time to see Kid’s eyes narrow at something.
“Nah, I’m good.”
Law shrugs, half expecting that, but he still grabs a beer for himself.
“Am I missing something here?” Kid says suddenly.
Law tilts his head in question, opening his beer.
“What do you mean?”
Law follows Kid’s gaze, and ah, so that’s what it is. Law forgot he didn’t tell Kid nor Luffy about this.
“Oh, you mean the toys?” Law asks nonchalantly, sipping at his beer, “those are new.”
Kid rolls his eyes, leveling Law with a stare and he can’t help but grin.
“No shit they’re new, since when did you get a pet?”
“It’s only been a few days,” Law tells him, setting his beer on the counter, “come on.”
Kid follows after Law, both of them walking to the space that was supposed to be for an office, but it wasn’t needed. Law doesn’t do much work here anyways, though he does plan on getting a bookcase. That’ll go in the living room though. Law coos when he steps into the room and that pretty little head flies up, emerald eyes slanting open, already purring loudly.
“You got a cat.” Kid deadpans.
The kitten walks right on up to Law and he sweeps her up, rubbing under her chin.
“Isn’t she just the cutest?” Law boops her nose and Kid looks at him like he’s stupid.
“I guess so,” Kid replies, yet he steps forward, curling a big finger under her ear, “what’s the name?”
“Her name is Luna.”
Kid hums, “it’s fitting I guess.”
That it is. Law happened to get her on a whim. Robin mentioned offhandedly that her girlfriend’s cat had kittens and Law, without even thinking, asked if he could buy one. Robin scoffed, claiming he didn’t have to buy her, just so long as she was well kept. Law didn’t have to say she had nothing to worry about, Robin most likely already knew, but he still said it.
She was the runt of the bunch, a tiny ball of black fur that cowered away from Law, and that’s why he chose her. Law knew what it was like to be thrown into the world and not know what to do, a bit too philosophical for him just getting a cat, but still. Somehow this runt that wanted nothing to do with Law was the one that won him over.
“It’s taken her a while, but I think she’s warming up to me.” Law holds her closer, damn near cradling her to his chest.
She doesn’t run away like she used to, if anything she starts purring. Plus, she’s started meowing at night because she can barely get into his bed. It’s adorable really.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen that smile,” Kid comments offhandedly, “Luffy will be happy to hear that.”
Law’s grin widens when he looks to Kid. Leave it to him to mention that Luffy will be happy to hear that, yet the way he says it shows he’s glad also.
“I’m sure he will,” Law lilts, putting Luna on the ground.
She walks between his legs, rubbing her cheek on his pants before going back to the small cushion Law got her.
“Speaking of, where is Luffy?”
“Oh, Sabo is back in town, so he promised to take Luffy out for lunch.”
Law nods, it has been a while since Sabo last visited.
“I’m surprised you didn’t go with him,” Law replies, walking out of the rom and back to his beer.
“You know how Luffy eats, and besides, he really looked like he wanted to spend time with him.”
Something in Kid’s voice makes Law pause. He’s not looking to him, just standing near the window and looking down. If Law was the judge, he’d be the one to say Kid sounds worried. Sure more than enough time has passed, but Kid and Luffy weren’t really around Law when he was in the process of healing. Well, he technically still is. Law doesn’t mention that, but Kid deciding to come here instead of waiting at home for Luffy speaks volumes.
What Law did to deserve friends like them even though he was still so closed off, he’ll never know, but he’s glad they never left his side.
“Okay,” Law says instead, “want that beer now?”
Kid looks over his shoulder with a grin, “you bet your ass I do.”
●
A week passes by, uneventful. The days full of Law working and then going home, showering Luna in attention. Law finds himself purchasing a vinyl the next week, buying records of composers, some blues but mainly jazz. And then that’s how he and Luna spend their evenings. Law plays his records and sits on his balcony, sipping cheap whiskey until he falls asleep.
The only times Law does something is when Kid or Luffy ask him to come over, he does so if only to get out the house for something other than work. Law tells them about work, how that night with Robin visiting went, how big Luna is getting. In turn they talk about the garage, Law learning they hired someone new up there.
All in all, it’s peaceful. The nightmares still come and go often, but as Law said, it’s peaceful.
The following week, after about a month of living in his new apartment, Law’s at the library. It’s a terribly slow day, much like the other days since rarely anybody goes to the library these days, but Law’s putting away returns. It’s a meditative task, looking at what people have read, flipping through some of the interesting ones.
It goes on like that for a few minutes until Law’s finished and he’s walking to put the cart away, only to stop when he sees who’s at the counter. There are books in hand, and Law wonders how he didn’t notice him coming in, let alone looking around. That means he already knew what he was looking for, Law smiles as he walks behind the counter.
“It’s been a while Law.” Smoker’s voice is still gritty, the slight curve of his lips is new, gifting Law with a small smile.
“That it has,” Law replies, taking the books from him, “did you only come here for these?”
Law gets a good look, reading the titles with a raised eyebrow.
“I never took you for someone who was into poetics.” Law teases, laughing at Smoker rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
“Just hurry up.” Smoker grunts.
Law hums, finishing the task of checking Smoker out with practiced ease, handing the books back over to him. He’s come here enough to where Law doesn’t have to remind him when to return the books, so he doesn’t bother repeating himself.
Smoker takes what’s handed to him, not looking Law in the eye- which is an amazing feat. Law’s much shorter than Smoker so in order to not look at him he looks at the wall, the windows. It’s amusing, Law has no idea why he’s being shy, but it’s entertaining to witness.
“Can I- I mean, are you busy Friday?”
Law’s eyebrows fly to his hairline, mouth parting as he stares up at Smoker in shock. Is he, is he asking Law on a date?
“Huh?” Law asks quizzically, because surely Smoker isn’t asking Law on a date.
“There’s this restaurant Tashigi keeps talking about,” Smoker rambles on, still not looking to Law, “and I don’t know… I was thinking maybe we could go try it.”
Law blinks at Smoker, still not believing this is happening. It’s had to be at least a month since Law’s last seen Smoker, the last time was when he kissed him breathless and then looked longingly at him while he moved away. Law said he wasn’t going to visit, and if he’s being honest, he didn’t expect Smoker to. Everything that was said that night rushes back to Law and he blushes, fidgeting when it looks as if Smoker does too.
“I- I’m not,” Law mutters after some time, heart hammering in his chest.
It’s just dinner, Law tells himself, just dinner with the only man that’s ever kissed you like you actually meant something to him.
Law doesn’t know why, but after a month of attempting to not think about the past, everything suddenly floods inside of him. Not the bad things, since that’s never left, but those moments in between. Law thinks about how Smoker would come visit the library casually, never really making small talk, just in and out like it was business.
And then Law, for some insane reason, thinks about the one and only person he didn’t ever want to think of again. Doflamingo’s face flashes in his mind for the barest of seconds and it’s enough to snap Law out of his thoughts.
“I would love to go, actually.” Law tells Smoker, and Smoker finally looks to him again.
The smile he gives Law isn’t like the last ones, it’s not small or secretive, this one stretches his lips wide and holy fucking hell. Law’s jaw could drop at how fucking gorgeous looks when he smiles. Law stares at him in wonder, breath catching in his throat.
“Great, that’s good.” Smoker says, looking as if he has no idea what to say next, like he didn’t expect it would go this far.
The knowledge that Smoker could have come here on a whim just to ask Law on a date makes a foreign feeling rush through his veins.
“Well I’ll just-“
“We could meet-“
Both of them say at the same time, Law’s clamps his mouth shut and Smoker’s cheeks grow redder.
“Sorry, uh, what were you going to say?” Smoker asks, scratching at his cheek. Law wonders if that’s a nervous gesture.
“I was just going to say we could meet there?” Law suggests, trying to not stare at Smoker’s lips when he licks them.
Smoker nods before shaking his head, “that’s okay, I can pick you up?”
“Yeah,” Law shifts on his feet, heart fluttering at those honey eyes staring at him intently, “yeah that’s fine. What’s your number?”
Smoker fumbles for his phone and Law hides his smile. A stoic Smoker was delightful, but seeing this awkward side is fucking adorable. It’s clear he’s a man of control, but Smoker’s none of that now. When he hands it over Law takes it with deft fingers, putting his number in, and Law can’t remember the last time he gave it out. This is a new experience, giving his phone number for something other than sex.
“Here you go,” Law says, “I sent a text to myself, so I have your number also.”
Smoker nods, and Law nods, smiling when he doesn’t make a move to leave. Has anyone ever stared at him with that kind of expression? Law remembers him with the same expression a month ago, staring at him like Law was some sort of priceless painting. Law finds himself loving it.
“You can just call me when you’re outside.” Law hums, leaning on the counter to smile up at Smoker.
Damn it feels good flirting again, especially with someone who is so put together in everyday life.
“Yeah, I’ll do that,” Smoker says, all the while nodding, “well I’ll just go now.”
“I’m looking forward to our date.”
Law didn’t think it was possible, but Smoker’s blush deepens, turning away to walk out the door. Law hopes Smoker will be this easy to tease on Friday, but he knows he won’t. Smoker was just off his guard today, if there’s one thing Law can say after living with Smoker for a few weeks, it’s that he rarely lets his guard down.
Law watches Smoker as he leaves, refraining from whistling at the sight, if only so Smoker won’t overheat.
“Was that the chief of police?” Penguin asks from behind Law.
“That he was,” Robin muses.
Law didn’t notice when either one of them appeared, but a glance over his shoulder shows Robin casually lounging in the chair. Maybe that’s why Smoker was so nervous, Robin looks as comfortable as ever in the cubicle, tea in hand, book in the other.
“Law has quite the lineup,” Robin adds knowingly, “best to not get on his bad side.”
Unlike Smoker, it looks as if the blood drains from Penguin’s face and he scurries away. Law laughs under his breath, plucking up the other mug of tea that’s set off to the side.
“Don’t scare the volunteers, they won’t ever come back.”
Robin giggles behind her hand.
“I couldn’t help myself after seeing the chief like that.” Robin peers at Law, and he hums nonchalantly.
“A pretty thing.”
Robin sighs an mhm.
“That he is,” Robin replies, “it took him long enough to ask.”
“I was kinda shocked he was nervous.”
“I meant in general,” Robin adds with a small smile, “he’s been at it for two weeks. It’s amazing a man of his caliber can talk himself out of asking for a simple date.”
Law blinks a series of blinks. Robin wouldn’t just say that on a whim, if she’s not in her office then she’s here at the counter. Between the both of them, and too little volunteers, they switch places often.
“Two weeks?” Law asks incredulously.
“Two weeks,” Robin hums, nodding her head, “somehow, in all those moments, he’s never seen you. At first I thought you were in some sort of trouble when he mentioned your name. Naturally, I told him you weren’t here. He came in on a Saturday and asked for you again, and that’s when I realized it was more personal.”
Law’s brain short circuits at the information. So Smoker was coming here for two weeks and yet he was only able to ask him on a date now. That’s just wonderful, if Law had known that then he really would have teased the man some more, but Law’s happy he’s finding out now.
“How amusing,” Law murmurs, sipping his tea.
“Amusing it is.” Robin repeats, sipping at her own tea.