Chapter Text
Seaside Orchard
Ch 8 Family at Heart
Luffy was ecstatic, he just couldn’t contain himself as he walked home in the cool night air, recalling how Law had kissed him just before he left. His warm hand gently tilted his chin up, and leaned down to meet him, his warm lips making gentle contact with his own. The smell of fresh rain and earth immersed his senses making him want to melt, and the musky undertones of his scent was mind numbing, god it made him warm just thinking about it. They just slotted together so easily, it made his heart beat wildly, sighing out happily to himself as he passed the market.
He just wanted to stay with the male, he didn’t want to leave his side. Even though he had always been fearful of someone trying to forcibly claim him, and after what had happened with the admiral he didn’t want anyone to claim him in general, but with Law it was different. Luffy still felt a bit scared, but he wanted everything that he could give him, it just felt right to him.
Finally arriving at the archway to the orchard, noticing that the lights were still on in the living room of his and Sabo’s home, even though it was quite late. He had figured that his brother would have gone to bed, but it seemed like he was up and had been waiting for him.
Luffy was surprised by his sudden support of him; which he couldn’t be more thankful for, recalling how he put a basket of fruits in his hands after they had dinner. Which confused him at first, but then he had sent him on his way over to Law’s, telling him not to be afraid and just go for it. Which he did and he was glad that Law had reciprocated back to him, his heart had been beating so hard during it all; that he thought that there might be something wrong with it.
Finally arriving at the door of his home, hesitating a moment before opening it. What was he supposed to tell Sabo? Surely it would be a bit difficult for him to learn that he and Law now considered each other mates, and that he was now Lami’s dam. After all, Sabo hadn’t reacted very well to learning that he had interest in Law. But they had patched things up and he had been supportive, and if Luffy expected things to improve he needed to believe that Sabo would be okay with how things were changing.
Taking a breath and gripping the handle he opened the door, the sounds of the tv on in the living room filling the space as he walked in; closing the door behind himself, kicking his sandals off and making his way into their home. Seeing that his brother was asleep sitting up on the sofa, completely knocked out, laughing to himself for how worried he was a moment ago. Making his way over to his brother and turning the tv off, pinching at the blond’s cheeks to get him to wake up, his eyes sleepily opening and a fond smile finding place on his face as he woke.
“How’d it go Lu?” He asked as he stretched.
The blond now looked at him more closely, then his eyes went wide, his hand reaching out and moving his sweater to the side. Confused as to what he was suddenly doing, was there something that he had missed, did he look strange? But then Sabo huffs out a laugh, finally drawing his hand back.
“What?” Luffy asked while pouting toward Sabo, he didn’t like feeling like his brother knew something he didn’t.
“I take it that things went well?” Surprised that he could tell.
“How did you know?” Luffy asked him curiously.
“Guess you didn’t notice that bright red mark on your neck, did you?”
Slapping a hand to his neck where it felt oddly warm, finally cluing in that Law must have left a mark on his skin when he had kissed his neck, and now it was on full display. Luffy’s face now flushing hotly, only for Sabo to laugh happily at his embarrassment, wanting nothing more than to shy away in that moment.
“You should see your face Lu! God I wish Ace could see this now, to think little Luffy is finally growing up a bit. You really went for it didn’t you?”
“Well you told me to…” Luffy felt how all of the embarrassment settled heavily in his stomach, his sight down on the floor as he tried to ignore his brother’s laughter, relieved once Sabo finally quieted down.
“Alright Lu I have one important boundary.” Looking up to his brother’s oddly serious face. “Don’t make me an uncle too suddenly alright?”
Luffy’s jaw dropped at what Sabo had just said, his hands flying up to his face, the gentle laughter from his brother embarrassing him even more.
But then Luffy realized. Law already had Lami, which meant that Sabo was already one since Luffy was already with the doctor. Letting his hands fall from his warm face, looking up toward his brother, Sabo didn’t miss the look on his face.
“What? Something up?”
“Technically you’re already an uncle Sabo.” The blond just blinked at him owlishly, and then he clues in.
“Well technically yes, but you know what I mean.” His brother huffed out exasperatedly, but smiling nonetheless. “I’m happy for you Luffy, and I’m sure that Ace would be as well.”
“Yeah he’d be making fun of me just like you are.” Luffy pouted.
“What? Can you fault me, I remember all the times you’d embarrass Ace when you spotted a mark. Mind you I don’t think you knew what they were at the time.” His brother barked out laughter.
“God, everything I’d done in the past is coming back to bite me.”
Sabo immediately lit up with more laughter, which Luffy couldn’t help joining in on, it was reassuring to have his brother supporting him so fully.
. . .
Law woke up early the next morning feeling refreshed, stretching and reaching for the alarm at his bedside table, running a hand through his bed head riddled hair. Sitting himself up, there was a small bit of sunlight peeking through his blinds, finally leaving the comfort of his bed. Walking toward his bathroom to start the day, he just felt so light, now that his relationship with Luffy was moving forward.
Turning on the water to freshen up, brushing his teeth and looking up into his mirror, seeing that his bed head was particularly wild. Finishing with cleaning his teeth, he starts to ease his locks, finally satisfied with the state of his hair; he turns the water off. Making his way to his kitchen to make some coffee to start his day, wondering to himself if he should attempt to make some breakfast for both him and Lami, or if it would be easier to go out for breakfast.
But there was one thing that was prominently on his mind, how should he explain his relationship with Luffy to his daughter, considering that Luffy was now his mate, it meant that he was also her dam.
Thinking it over as he filled the kettle with water and set it to the stove, starting the burner to bring the water to a boil. Still not sure of how to best explain it to his daughter, she was still quite young and might not understand it the best, but at least it was clear that Luffy and her had a close bond. Perhaps it was something that he should ask his friends about, or Luffy when he sees him next.
Starting to scoop coffee into his coffee press before setting it aside, hearing the sounds of the door to his daughter’s room open, seeing his sleepy pup walk out and head straight to him. Hugging to his leg, seeing that her eyes were still filled with sleep and hair a mess like his had been, moving to pull her to his arms. Fixing her hair, and running his fingers through her strands, making them lay as they should.
“Morning sweetheart.”
His daughter hugged him like a koala but not responding to him, surprised by her sudden neediness, figuring she must have been lonely over the last few days.
Luffy and him had been surprisingly busy so he hadn’t had much time to do anything fun with her, contemplating if he should take an early day so he could spend more time with her.
Moving to turn off the burner as the kettle starts whistling, his pup nuzzles more firmly into his neck, continuing with making his coffee with her in his arms. Carefully pouring the hot liquid over the loose coffee grounds, sighing out at the fresh smell of coffee enveloping his home, setting aside the kettle and putting the lid over his press and starting the timer.
Heading to the sofa with his pup still in his arms, the girl still holding him tightly and not letting go, sitting down while he waits for his drink. Content with the contact with his pup but it still had him feeling like there was a reason for it, testing it and trying to pull Lami from where she was, the girl whining as he tried to.
“No…” She grumbled.
Wondering just what had gotten into her, they would often cuddle but this seemed like it was for different reasons, quickly standing and making his way to his phone in his bedroom. Picking it up from the nightstand, opening it and sending off a quick text to Bepo, figuring he would be able to shed some light since he was familiar with paediatrics. His friend immediately responded that he would be on his way over, slipping his phone into his pants pocket.
The timer for his coffee goes off; grabbing his attention, making his way over to his kitchen with Lami still in his hold, and slowly he begins pressing the coffee. Moving to grab a couple of cups, his friend may want a cup once he arrives, placing them on the counter and pouring the liquid in them.
A knock sounded at his door, figuring that it must be Bepo, making his way over and letting the male in. The minks' eyes go wide as he sees them, paying it no mind and letting the male in, returning to his coffee as the polar bear closes the door.
“Well that’s definitely unusual.” Bepo said as he joined them in the kitchen.
“You’ve got that right, she woke up and attached herself to me right away and now she won’t let go.”
“Well you do smell strongly of orange blossom, that’s Luffy’s scent right?”
Law should have figured it out but he just didn’t clue in, Luffy had been possessively scenting him last night after all, so he must have smelled strongly with his scent why Lami was so attached to him right then.
“I didn’t even notice that Luffy ya’s scent was that strong on me.” Law said and lifted his arm curiously to smell at himself.
“She must really like Luffy to be this attached, it’s likely why she won’t let go.” His friend smiled happily. “But how are you going to work if she stays like this for the morning?”
Wondering to himself the same thing, it didn’t seem as if she wanted to let go of him anytime soon either, he had some morning appointments but he would be clear once they made it to the afternoon. Wracking his brain for an answer, he didn’t want to break his daughter's heart by forcing her to stay with one of his friends for the morning, especially since it seemed like she really didn’t want to let go of him. Imagining how she might throw a fit if he so much as tried to move her.
“Could you not ask Luffy for some help?”
“What? I couldn’t ask him to suddenly do that, what if I’m interfering with his work at the orchard?”
“How do you know unless you ask?”
His friend had a point, he did have the phone number to call Luffy as well, maybe he could ask him this time.
. . .
Luffy awoke to the sounds of his alarm, turning it off on his night stand before stretching the sleep out of his body, sighing and sitting himself up. Shifting the blankets from himself as he looked toward his window, the sun already shining through his curtains, it would be another beautiful summer day. Standing from the comfort of his bed and making his way to his bathroom, looking into the mirror in the room, eyes wandering over the sight of his messy locks; and eventually land on the deep red mark on his neck. Doing his best to not feel embarrassed by how much to sticks out against his tan skin, it was a reminder of what had happened with him and Law the night before, and oh how he was struggling with himself, his body every time he thought about it would heat up.
God did he want Law’s lips on him again, holding him close and making him feel all sorts of ways, and if it felt this good with just kisses. How would it feel once they were bonded?
Willing away the thoughts that were already muddling his mind, he didn’t want to get too caught up with fantasies, but it was something that was starting to become a recurrence for him. Turning on the water to wash his face to wake himself more fully, starting to brush his teeth once he dried his face, spitting the paste from his mouth and looking back up into the mirror, his face still flushed warmly. He just couldn’t get the warmth to leave his cheeks yet, and he knew all too well that Sabo was definitely going to point it out. Messing with his hair embarrassedly, trying to get his hair to look somewhat presentable.
Finally leaving the bathroom and heading to his dresser, shucking off his nightwear and pulling on a pair of overalls, at least he was thankful that it was the end of the week and that they wouldn’t be as busy as they had been over the last few days. Getting into his cardigan and laying his hat to his back, leaving his room and making his way downstairs, only to find Sabo talking on the phone. Wondering who exactly he was speaking with, it was rare for them to get calls unless it was for an order.
“Oh he just came down, here I’ll pass the phone to him.” Sabo motioned for him. “It’s your boyfriend.” He said with a smile.
Feeling himself flush at his brother calling Law his boyfriend, grabbing for the phone and hearing Law on the other side of the line.
-Morning Luffy ya.- Feeling a smile tug at his lips at the pleasant sound of Law’s voice.
“Morning Torao.” Noticing how his voice came out in an affectionate tone, soft and unlike himself.
Waiting for what Law had to say, not expecting the male to call him so early in the morning, but he was glad that he had caught him before he had to start work for the day. Watching as his brother moves about in the kitchen, getting things ready to start making breakfast.
-I was wondering if it’s alright to ask a favour of you?- Luffy wondering what exactly it was that Law wanted.
“Sure what is it?”
-Well it’s about Lami, I was wondering if you could give me a hand and spend the morning with her while I handle the appointment’s scheduled for this morning?-
Surprised to have Law ask him to keep an eye on the pup, but it made him happy to have him ask for help.
“One moment Torao, I just have to check on something quick.”
Placing the phone down and making his way over to his brother, the blond gave him a questioning look as he was setting items to the counter for their breakfast.
“We don’t have much on the work schedule today right?”
“Nope, how come? Is something up?”
“Torao asked me to help him out with Lami. Is it alright if I take off for today?” Luffy asked, clasping his hands pleadingly towards Sabo.
“Sure, I don’t mind. We’re at the end of the season anyway, I’ll just be loading the truck with one delivery anyhow.”
“You’re absolutely sure?”
“Yes it’s no problem Luffy, I can handle it.”
Luffy jumped at his brother and pulled him into a hug, he was glad that he’d be able to help Law out.
“Thanks Sabo, you're the best.”
“I know, I know. But shouldn’t you get back to your call, he might think you hung up on him.”
Realizing that he was still on a call with Law, he lets go of his brother and rushes back over to the phone, bringing the receiver to his ear.
“Torao?” Listening to the sounds on the other line of what sounded like Law speaking with someone else.
-I’m here.-
“I can head on over now if you want?”
-Would you? I’d really appreciate it.- Able to hear the relief in his voice, but he was still wondering what was up with Lami.
“I’ll be right over, see you soon.”
-See you soon.-
Placing the phone down onto the receiver, wondering to himself if he should get changed into something else, looking down at his clothes. He was in his usual overalls for work. Was he dressed nicely enough? All of these questions ran in his mind as he walked toward the kitchen where his brother was standing, leaning against the counter top.
“So no breakfast?”
“No, I'm going to head on over now.”
“Alright be good, I’ll see you later.” Luffy apprehensively watched as his brother turned back to the items on the kitchen counter.
“Sabo?” His brother glanced back at him, quietly waiting for him to speak. “Is the way I’m dressed strange?”
“Why would you ask that?” Sabo now turned to face him, looking curiously at him.
“I just feel like I’m never dressed nicely enough when I see Torao, he’s always in these nice dress tops, he looks really put together. But I look like I’m ready to work at the orchard.” He hadn’t realized that he felt this way about the way he was dressed, but his usual clothes were comfortable, unable to help the frown that finds its place on his face.
“Look Lu, you don’t need to be all dressed up to be around him, and you’re dressed like this because you do work here silly.”
Luffy nodded to his brother, but he still felt a little uncomfortable.
“Lu, I know that look.”
Surprised that Sabo caught on that quickly to his discomfort, his brother moved toward him, grabbing hold of the fabric of his airy red cardigan and adjusted it slightly.
“Just wear what feels comfortable for you, I know that this outfit is a favourite of yours, and when you do need new clothes for an occasion I’ll help you pick some out alright?” Listening intently as Sabo pauses for a brief moment. “I’m certain that Law likes you just the way you are, and if he doesn’t, you make sure to tell me and I’ll give him what for.” Snorting out a laugh as Sabo smiled brightly, he felt safe now with how well supported he was by brother.
“Thanks Sabo.” Giving his brother a bright smile, only for his hair to be ruffled, trying to get him to stop messing with his hair. “Sabo stop” he giggled, finally feeling his brother let up and draw his hand away, looking up to see the bright smile on his brother's face.
“You better get going, doesn’t his clinic open soon?”
Nodding with a smile as he left his brother's side, he didn’t want to keep Law waiting long, slipping on his sandals before he left out the door; yelling that he would see Sabo later. Running out into the warmth of the early morning sun, smelling the salt on the breeze.
. . .
Law was currently sitting with his friends that had curiously happened by; after Bepo had come over, the three of them shared the apartment next to his above the clinic after all; so it wasn’t a surprise to see them. Trying his best to ignore the prodding from Penguin over how strongly he smelt of Luffy’s scent, luckily it was still early enough before the clinic opened for the day, since his daughter was still tightly attached to him as he drank his coffee.
“Come on Cap’n, I know that something happened. Don’t leave me hanging, I’m curious.”
“Again, as I said, I’m not going to explain that right now.” Law said in a huff.
“Come on Peng give it up, Lami’s in his arms right now, it’s not like he can easily talk about what happened.” Thankfully, Shachi seemed to have a little more tact when he needed it.
The sounds of knocks at his door had relief washing over him, he would finally be able to get started with his day once Luffy was here, that would surely get his daughter to let go.
“I’ll get it.” Penguin chimed in and left the front room quickly.
“Thanks.”
Watching him head toward the door of his apartment, waiting patiently for Luffy to join them, only to hear a clamour of talking; wondering what was happening. Next thing he saw was his friend rushing back into sight, his face with a wide smirk, and right then Law recalled the mark that he had made on Luffy last night.
“So that’s why you didn’t want to explain.”
Watching as Luffy walked into his home after his friend, his expression was flushed and Law’s mark was clearly visible, he really should have put a little more thought into where he made the mark. The rest of his friends turned toward the omega now in his home, thankful that his other two friends knew better than to poke fun at them.
“Hello Luffy, I’ve seen you before but it’s nice to finally meet you properly. I’m Bepo, one of Law’s assistants.” Bepo greeted him kindly.
“Yes it’s nice to finally put a face to the name, the name’s Shachi. Also don’t pay any mind to Penguin, he’s harmless albeit very annoying.”
“It’s nice to meet both of you.” He spoke almost shyly, it was clear that he was trying to combat his embarrassment.
“What, I’m not that annoying am I?” Penguin asked while looking like he was a bit hurt, only for Shachi to give him an unimpressed look.
Feeling his daughter suddenly rouse from him, her sight drawing toward Luffy, her expression brightening at the sight of him. His pup was now scrambling to get down and made her way over to Luffy.
“Luffy!”
His mate kneeling down to the pup and pulling her to his arms, his daughter nuzzling into him happily. “Good morning to you too sweetheart.” The boy said with a happy giggle, god this was what he wanted his everyday to be like, not even realizing the look he must have had on his face; just continuing to watch affectionately as Luffy stood with his pup still in his arms.
“Cap’n you’re such a sap.”
Not even bothering to pay any mind to Penguin who was trying to get a reaction out of him, just standing and walking past the pouting male and leaning down to nuzzle into the side of his mates neck that was free, drawing away to see Luffy’s flushed and awestruck expression.
“Thanks for coming by Luffy ya.” Watching as a soft smile pulled to his lips.
“It’s no problem Torao.”
Oh how Law wanted to pull him in for a kiss, it was like his brain was broken and all he could think about was Luffy, Luffy, Luffy. Doing his best to mind himself so he doesn’t do anything that he shouldn’t.
“I’ll be finished by lunchtime, and no need to stay here, you can bring her to your home if that’s more comfortable.” The boy nodded to him.
Law briefly turned his attention to his friends that were watching them, all of them trying to make it look like they were minding their business.
“Alright, it’s time for you all to go.”
“Ahhh fine… well let you have your time before work.” Frowning at Penguin who teasingly smiled at him, watching as he ushered the other two out of his home, both Bepo and Shachi telling them that they would see them later.
Sighing as he hears the door to his home finally click close, turning his sight back to Luffy who was moving toward the kitchen, and to his surprise the pup allowed him to sit her down on the seat. The boy pulls out her book and crayons, and sets them in front of her, watching as his daughter starts intently colouring.
“Here I couldn’t get her to let go, but here she’ll listen to you Luffy ya.”
The boy smiled easily at him, and all Law wanted to do was pull him to his arms, but he knew that he needed to talk with Luffy about explaining things to Lami.
“Could I talk to you in my room for a moment Luffy ya?”
“Sure.” His mate quickly turned to Lami for a moment. “I’ll be right back sweetheart.” The girl nodded to him before bringing her attention back to her sketchbook.
Law led the boy to his room, opening the door and closing it as Luffy walked in, immediately pulling the boy into his arms and nuzzling into his neck. Taking in a deep breath of his airy scent as Luffy giggled out breathlessly, he was just so drawn toward the boy, he wanted to just keep him in his hold. Loving how Luffy’s scent started to sweeten, he was simply gravitational.
“Is this what you wanted to talk about Torao? Because this doesn’t seem to be much of a conversation.” Laughter laced in his voice as he spoke.
“This isn’t, but god do you make me want to eat you up.” Drawing away to the sight of Luffy’s flushed face, his eyes soft with affection.
“Maybe you can when we have a free moment, but as I recall you have a busy morning ahead of you, doctor.” Law’s heart leaping in his chest, god the things that Luffy did to him.
“Hmmm tempting me are you?” Law purred and picked Luffy up, drawing a squeak out of him, his arms wrapping around his neck to keep himself steady.
Bringing the boy to his bed and laying him on the sheets, following how his cardigan fell off his shoulders, exposing his skin to the early morning light filtering into his room. Caging him to the bed as he looked into his wide mocha coloured eyes, his mate suddenly covered over his red face with his hands.
“Oh that’s a new expression, every time I think you couldn’t possibly get more cute, you surprise me Luffy ya.”
“Torao, I-i don’t think I can handle how much my heart is beating.” Chuckling endearingly toward the boy. “Plus m’ too heavy to be picked up by you so suddenly.”
“What? You’re not that heavy Luffy ya, do you not think I’m strong enough to hold you?”
“I didn’t mean it like that.” He spoke as he continued to cover his face, the red colour all the way to his ears.
“I’ll carry you as many times as you need, that way I can convince you that you’re not, I happen to think that you fit perfectly in my hold after all.”
Luffy now hesitantly moving his hands away, watching as he purses his lips, it was clear that he was embarrassed but Law couldn’t help adoring each of his reactions. Leaning down and capturing his lips, the two of them sighing out at the exchange; and melting into the action, Law was almost tempted to make one of his assistants take the day for him. Biting at Luffy’s lips and drawing a stifled groan from him, wanting to get all of the noises he could out of the boy, but he knew that he couldn’t draw the exchange out for long.
Parting gently from the boy and watching as Luffy’s sight gently fluttered open to him, his eyes searching for what Law might do next, heaving a sigh as he leaned back. “Do you know how badly I want to just keep kissing you? Because I really don’t want to stop.” Smiling as Luffy giggled in response, knowing that he definitely needed to get back on track.
“So what did you want to talk about Torao?”
Law moved himself to sit next to Luffy, the boy continuing to lay on his bed.
“I’ve been thinking, at some point we’re going to have to explain our relationship to Lami, but I don’t even know where to begin.”
The boy hummed out thoughtfully to him, Law didn’t know where to start, and it was something that he had never thought much of. This was the beginning of his first intimate relationship, but he wanted to do it right, and that meant that Lami deserved to know that things were changing.
There was only a couple times in her short life that she’s asked about her dam, to which he explained that she was a bit different from other pups, that she didn’t have a dam currently but maybe in the future she would have one.
“You can just tell her that we’re going to be a family Torao.”
Family huh? The one word that always weighed heavily on his mind, it was something that he strived for, and Luffy fit perfectly. And with every interaction he continued to have with him it only strengthened how he felt even more, looking toward the boy still laid to his bed, a bright smile on his face. Law felt so blessed to have met Luffy when he had, so blessed with how clearly Lami loved him, it had him falling even more as he looked over him. His hair was splayed to his sheets, an ever so light dusting of blush over his freckled cheeks, and lips already kiss bitten from moments earlier. God he was such a lost cause, leaning gently over him, watching how Luffy’s eyes fluttered shut.
Suddenly the sounds of the door opening interrupt the moment they were just about to have, Luffy sitting up and making sharp contact, the two of them hissing out in momentary pain. Seeing that Luffy was holding his forehead with his eyes grimaced shut, suddenly Lami moves up to Luffy, her golden eyes filled with concern. The girl placed her book down and hugged at his legs, Luffy sitting up and looking toward her, surprise gracing his expression as she gently reached to check where he had been holding.
“Luffy you okay?”
“This? I’ll be fine. It’s nothing to worry about sweetheart.” He said with a soft smile.
Still rubbing at the spot where Luffy and him had made contact, it was honestly comical, finding himself chuckling and Luffy joined along with him. The boy pulled Lami into his hold, and nuzzled into her gently, his eyes so soft with affection as she giggled.
“It’s a good thing you’re here sweetheart, me and your daddy need to talk with you about something.”
Lami nodded curiously to him as she sat in his lap, Luffy’s sight now directed toward him, making him feel the slightest bit nervous. He wasn’t sure of how she might react to the sudden telling of how they were going to become family, was it too soon to tell her? But it was clear that she truly cared for Luffy.
Law gently grasped for her hands, her gold eyes looking at him with curiosity. “You know how Luffy ya makes me happy right?” His little girl nodded to him, understanding what he was saying. “Well because he makes me so happy, Luffy ya is going to become a part of our family.”
Her eyes widening with excitement, it was clear that she understood what it meant.
“Really?!”
“That's right sweetheart.”
The girl hugged Luffy tightly in response, but then she moved to grab for her book, holding it open to what she had been working on. It was a drawing of the three of them, and all Law could do was wear a hopelessly love struck expression, this was his family and he would do anything to keep them happy and safe.