Chapter Text
Law sprinted as fast as he could through the dark dirty alleyways. He barely knew where he was heading, and just ran where his numb feet took him. The brick walls standing on both sides were towering over him caging him in and he felt their judging eyes racking his bruised and beaten body.
It was raining cats and dogs, the heavy droplets hitting against his skin like gunshots, and he felt as if they pierced through his already battered skin. The wind was howling in his ears, as if it were the one in agony, its strong currents swaying his weak body from side to side until he couldn’t even stand straight, let alone run. Law had chosen this day for a reason, rain was one of the best natural made implement for concealing one’s scent. Law knew it would make a big difference when he was an omega whose hormones were constantly railed up. The hunting dogs wouldn’t be able to trail him by his scent in this weather, let alone an alpha.
The rushing rain water would cover all his tracks too in case he left footprints. But perhaps Law had forgotten that rain also meant slippery surfaces and blurred paths, not to mention the troll it puts on his already weakened body. Law could make out the blurry view of the large black metal gates ahead, the ones he had always failed to pass through. He could feel his heart thumping in his chest. He was nearer to his goal, he just had to endure a little bit more. Break a few more nails and climb some more walls then he’ll have his future all to himself.
The car ride to the police station was quiet except for the radio broadcasting the weather forecast in the background. The walkie-talkie attached to the car was silent. Law looked out of the window watching the dull scenery as snow began collecting on the windshield. He was sitting in the front seat next to the driver while Smoker was in the back with the mugger, who claimed his name was Tom.
Law wouldn’t say he was trying to hide the fact that he was an omega from Smoker, no he was just concealing the information. The police car came to stop at a red light, and Law glanced at his watch.
22:10.
He usually spent this period of time sleeping in the doctor’s break rooms, where bunks were provided for staff who were appointed late night shifts. Law lent against the freezing passenger seat window and watched as white snow fragments slid down the glass.
He’d always hated snow. It screamed nostalgic, conjuring painful memories and abject sadness he never wished to be reminded about. He used to like the winters in his hometown. Now, it was just a season when his tan skin got bitten by the cold ice. Winter meant costly electricity bills to power the heater and short dark miserable days.
Things got worse when the snow fell, because then Law wouldn’t be able to wipe the picture of a certain smiling man lying in a pool of his own blood from his mind. The deep angry red had always been a stark contrast to the purely snow white. He knew all too well. Law didn’t know how long his mind had wandered off, but he was pulled back to the present when the vehicle began moving again. His phone buzzed. When he fished it out, he saw a message left by Bepo 20 minutes earlier.
Bepo:
Did something go wrong, cap?
Was he a creep?
He didn’t kidnap you, did he?
Sorry.
Are you coming to the break room captain? I saved a bunk for you.
Captain, are you all right?
Bepo: missed call
Hey, sorry I didn’t pick up.
I’m alright. Don’t go reporting me as a missing person just yet.
I was mugged, heading to the police station.
That’s a relief captain. 😭
Wait, you were mugged!
Are you alright captain!
I am.
No injuries.
I think I might be back at the hospital at around 23:00.
See you then.
I’ll still save the bed for you, captain, in case you arrived earlier.
Thanks.
A smile graced his lips. He really didn’t deserve his friends. He browsed his phone for a while without a clear goal in mind.
Glancing back at the digital clock again, he saw that it was half past twenty two.
Fuck.
He was sure he wasn’t going to arrive at the hospital early enough to have his break before the shift. Perhaps he really wasn’t getting any sleep tonight.
And, yes, Law ended up neglecting sleep and worked from midnight to seven. His shift was supposed to end at five, but somehow to his dismay, the doctor who was supposed to come in after him had somehow called in an emergency leave, something about his wife.
Law swayed over to the coffee machine in the corner of his shared office. He picked up the warm metal container and poured some of the dark liquid inside into his mug.
“Captain, how many cups have you drunk today?”
He heard Penguin ask from across the room, voice filled with a tinge of worry. That idiot had the audacity to comment on his injudicious caffeine consumption when he was the one who gave Law an extra shift that morning.
No, it was yesterday morning. Fuck. He was losing it already.
“You can’t actually say “today”, when he’s been here since “yesterday” morning.” He heard Shachi comment quietly.
Law drank his coffee in large gulps, and turned to face his friends.
“How do you even manage to drink it, cap? It tastes like the most hideous thing on earth.”
Law preferred his coffee black, while most of his friends always added milk and sugar. Why add those additives when all he wanted was to chunk down unhealthy amounts of caffeine?
“It’s just coffee. It’s a drug, not something to drink for fun, in my opinion.” He replied.
Calling it a drug would definitely mark him as a drug addicted surgeon but when had Law ever cared about what other people thought about him.
“I could never do it like you do. You even gulped it down like water.”
A chuckle escaped Law’s lips. He drank it like water…He drank it more often than water.
Bepo walked in a few moments later looking fresh, having gone back to his apartment for his much needed sleep earlier last night.
“Oh, captain you’re still here? I thought your shift ended hours ago.”
“Yeah, my shift didn’t end to my dismay.”
He saw Bepo frown at that.
“I’ll be heading out in a few minutes though,” he quickly continued, knowing that Beppo would start nagging him if he didn’t leave.
“Oh, captain!” Penguin suddenly spoke up. “What happened last night? We saw you come in a bit… roughed up.” He uttered the last part more quietly.
In his peripheral vision, Law saw Bepo about to open his mouth, so he spoke first before his large friend could disclose anything. Getting mugged was one thing, but having dinner with his neighbor wasn’t something Law wanted his large friend to talk about.
“I got mugged,” he answered nonchalantly. Shachi and Penguin gasped. Bepo turned to look at him, and Law gave him a look that probably said something like “Let me take care of it.”
“You’re not injured, are you cap?” And then they were on him, as if he wasn’t capable of checking for injuries.
“Get off, you idiots.” “Did you forget that I’m a surgeon,too?”
“Well, you are the best surgeon,” his friend paused.
“But doctors make the worst patients. And I’m sure it applies to you a bit too well for everyone’s liking, cap.” Law couldn’t deny that, so he gave Shachi an assuring pad saying that he was really alright then dismissed them.
There was a buzz in his pocket and he fished his phone out.
Toaster police:
Luffy’s arrested for exceeding the speed limit.
He told me to inform (tell) you.
Bail him out whenever you like.
“I’ll have to go. There’s some problems with Luffy.”
“See you tomorrow.” He waved, slinging his bag onto his sore shoulders.
“Bye,cap!” “Make sure you get some sleep.” He heard his friends shout after him.
When Law hurried out, he was surprised that Bepo didn’t outright follow him. He knew Bepo was itching to ask about anyone who came into his life, after all. But perhaps he was saving it for later?
Law knew he was cursed, who the hell goes to the police station as often as three times in nine days. Well, Luffy did go there much more often than he did, but that idiot wasn’t normal, so it probably didn’t count.
“Toraooooo,” Luffy’s overly cheerful voice greeted him. Law signed the same documents handed by an unimpressed Smoker.
“Smokey!” Luffy waved to Smoker after he’d gotten out of the cell.
“Come to Ace’s birthday.”
“That’s like a month’s time, Luffy,” Law said.
“Just wanted to tell him first, so he can’t say he’s busy.” The idiot explained.
“Why would a police officer want to come to your party, Luffy?”
“We’re friends, Torao.” “And, he’s your friend, too.”
Smoker just looked at them shaking his head, and Law could empathize with him.
“Let’s go Luffy,” Law said tugging his cousin towards the entrance.
“Bye Smokey, don’t forget!” Smoker just waved the boy off.
Law didn’t feel the exhaustion at first, but whatever happened, he could feel it simmering under his skin right now, ready to burst out at any time. Bepo was right, he should rest. After the apartment doors closed behind him, Law sagged down heavily, the craving for a soft bed was suddenly really unimaginably strong.
Despite his legs threatening to give out beneath him, he wearily headed to his bedroom, and didn’t even bother changing his clothes, just dropped himself uncaringly into the comfort and warmth of his bed. And for once in a long while, he willingly let sleep swallow him whole.
Law’s eyes shot open suddenly and he shot up into a sitting position. He was in his bed, still in his old clothes from yesterday.
Why had he woken up?
He wasn’t shaking, nor sweating. To be honest, he felt pretty well rested, which wasn’t something he had expected to feel for a long time. He glanced at the digital alarm clock which displayed “18:30” in red bold letters. He had slept for 10 hours straight, which was a great accomplishment.
Law sighed, sinking back down in the tangled mess of blankets again. Running his tattooed hands through his unruly hair, he lay there for a moment, staring up into the ceiling and suddenly taking interest in the lighting arrangements above. His clothes smelled of disinfectant from the hospital and sweat , which wasn’t so surprising, considering he spent more than 24 hours in that building.
Out of the comforting silence, his phone buzzed, and he realized that he still had it in his jacket pocket. He sighed in relief after carefully checking the screen and found that it wasn’t damaged. It must be purely out of luck, considering that Law’s bed was a mess when he woke up.
He found that it was Sengoku, much to his dismay, but he wasn’t surprised. Sengoku was his guardian, but he hadn’t seen the old, religious, goat-loving man since last summer.
Goat man:
Hey, kid.
I thought I told you to stay out of trouble.
You know trouble finds me.
Your name appeared in the police database twice in 8 days
What are you cooking up there?
Nothing except microwaved dinner, old man.
You know that’s not what I meant.
Bailed Luffy out and got mugged
That unruly kid again?
Are you still hanging out? I didn’t know it was your job to bail him out.
He’s definitely a bad influence.
Not really.
I mean, not really we’re not hanging out.
His brothers are out of town so..yeah..I was called
And actually…
You were the one who brought me to meet him.
Not my fault I’m around bad influences all the time.
I brought you to meet Garp, not his family of barbaric “misfits”.
And I did not expect you to act like them.
Garp is also a barbaric misfit.
And I swear I do not act like them.
I can’t live with myself if I did.
Your old brain must have figured out something totally wrong there.
As a doctor I could tell it lost some efficiency . ;)
Perhaps it’s time to go for a check up, old man.
Are you saying I’m stupid, you rascal?
Where did I raise you wrong?
Possibly everywhere?
Are you looking down on my parental skills now, young man?
Well, you couldn’t help me with homework, but you could teach me how to load a gun, and knock someone twice my size down. You taught me how to use a fire extinguisher so often to the point where I wanted to start a fire myself and put it out. You gave me rice crackers as a lunch snack everyday until all of my friends think that I have a dad who runs rice cracker factories.
I’ll take this as good parenting, then.
If the great Sengoku says so.
Are you coming home for Christmas this year?
I’ll have to wait and see my December schedule.
Who the hell works on holidays?
Your workaholic grandson does.
Law didn’t often admit being Sengoku's grandson, and he hardly called the guy grandpa. However, he used it once in a while when he just wanted to annoy the older man.
Goat man:
I’m going to arrest your boss at the hospital if he puts you on a shift. Or perhaps I should arrest you.
You can’t, you’re retired.
But, I’d appreciate that if you arrest my boss.
He’s kind of annoying.
Just text me when you get the schedule.
Aye,aye
So, how’s life there?
What kind of question is this, old man?
Are you a fake Sengoku?
No, brat. Blue goldfish.
Ok. Are you sick or something?
Just answer the question.
You totally ignore the part where I said I was mugged.
And I mean not by your undercover FBI agents who you paid to act as thieves so that now somehow I know parkour and I can probably run around through those alleyways with my eyes closed without getting lost.
What’s even the point of that?
Well, you don’t know when something comes in handy. It was mainly for self awareness practices.
Just so you can respond faster.
But you should be alright. I’ve put so much effort into training you.
More like me training myself. But I’m good.
Why does your FBI awareness practices sound like some lab experiment?
Perhaps I should remind you that the FBI doesn't run labs on humans, not that I know of anyway.
So..
My name in the system..will be cleared out?
I did sign some papers though.
I’ll take care of it. Just focus on your job.
Go feed your strange obsession on bloody bodies or something.
A chuckle escaped Law’s lips.
I still can’t believe you can take care of it when you’re retired.
You should be thankful that your grandfather’s a higher ups in the FBI then, brat.
Yes, yes.
So tell me when you have your schedule , will you?
I think you have enough spies for that.
Yes, I do. But I’d rather it come from you.
Ahh, that’s sweet.
Wait, did you just admit to having someone stalk me.
#Sengoku unsent message #
When did you learn to do that? I thought you hardly knew how to text.
Animals go through evolutions for survival, Law.
I wouldn’t want to die like the dinosaurs.
Fair point.
Gotta go.
Bye.
Don’t cook up any more ridiculous stuff.
Can’t promise that.
Law switched his phone off and dropped it lazily onto the mattress sheet. He pulled his shirt over his head and threw it across the room aiming for the clothes basket with a precision he didn’t remember possessing. It dropped right among his other unwashed items. Then he yanked his trousers off and did the same thing to them.
Walking around naked wasn’t really his kind of thing, but his skin was sticky with sweat and he didn’t want to take a shower just yet, opting for some food first. He wasn’t surprised to find his neglected fridge empty of edibles whatsoever. Perhaps god, who is likely fed up with his nutritional deficiencies, is telling him that it was time he had a healthy meal.
In the end Law decided to go check out the bustling ramen place around the corner, after taking a shower of course.
Law was slowly pulled from unconsciousness to a familiar rhythmic beeping and the sharp tang of disinfectant. His blurry vision swam, refusing to focus on the stark white walls and unfamiliar ceiling, and all he knew was that it was dark. Despite exhaustion weighing heavily on him, his body felt strangely light, as if he was floating like a feather. Law allowed himself to sink into the surprisingly soft bed, surrendering to the pull of sleep and the lingering effects of meditation.
The second time he woke, Law felt something hard covering the majority of his face. He didn’t open his eyes ; a patient without medical knowledge would be able to guess that it was likely an oxygen mask. He hadn’t noticed the said breathing device the time prior, too sluggish to access the situation after all.
The plastic was tight and uncomfortable against his face, it made his skin crawl. The sounds of his heavy inconsistent breathing against the mask echoed in his ears. Though every sensible part of his brain told him that it was for his own good, Law desperately wanted it off. He was in the process of lifting his hand to tear the device, only to find that he couldn’t move them.
There was something cold and metallic tugging against his wrist, chaining him to the bed. A sudden dread filled him, and he could feel panic rising from the pit of his stomach, clawing at his throat. The urge to free his hand off the restraint was growing too rapidly to ignore, as past excruciating memories flashed in front of his eyes. He pulled on them violently, only to feel scorching pain shoot up from his right shoulder, instead.
If Law could scream, he definitely would have. However most of the sounds were muffled by the mask and to his embarrassment, what came out sounded like a moan of a wounded animal. The pain in his shoulder was agonizing. His left arm moved involuntarily to clutch his right side as if it would subside the pain. Then suddenly Law could feel hands on him, holding him down, he didn’t even realize he was trying to get up. He kicked and scratched trying to pry the hands off, but to no avail.
Out of the commotion, he thought he could hear someone calling his name but it all sounded muffled.
you- ey- -aw Law
-pen yo-ur eyes.
Open his eyes?
He didn’t want to, not now. He didn’t think he could take in whatever’s in front of him right now. Law didn’t realize that he was still fighting back, drawing blood from one of the hands with his nails, until he felt cold metal pricked his skin. After a few moments, he felt his body go lax, sinking into the cold hospital bed.
Smoker hadn’t heard anything from Trafalgar since their last encounter on Wednesday. Considering the other being a doctor, he doubted the man had adequate personal time, let alone spending time with others outside work. Smoker was busy, too. He had a new case on his hands.
Domestic violence cases among omegas were uncommon, not because they didn’t happen, it was quite the opposite, really. This type of cruelty was so prevalent, but it just wasn’t usually reported to the police, rather kept behind closed doors. Smoker was caught off guard when he got his hands on one, not that it was a good thing.
Well, it was a relief that someone reported, but also unjust that it happened. It had been filed by one of the neighbors who claimed to have heard beaten screams from next door on a daily basis. He wondered what held them back from deciding to report for so long. They had broken into the suspected house earlier in the day after getting a warrant from the judge, taken in some witnesses and arrested the suspect, who was a middle aged man with a rather hideous face in Smoker’s opinion.
Standing among his subordinates in front of the large house, Smoker let out a breath he didn’t know he was keeping. He was half glad that they didn’t break in in the middle of some violent assault, because he might not be able to hold himself back from punching the man.
“Sir, we’ve secured the premises,” he heard Tishigi come up to him.
“Good, let the forensic team collect what they need. Let’s head back to the station.”
“Tell the others to prepare the witnesses for questioning.” Tashigi gave a nod, and then she was off.
Despite the victim not being particularly injured, they had taken her to hospital for a check up and to get a doctor’s statement. Smoker asked for Dr. Kureha, the person who usually took care of the police’s cases at the front desk only to find that said doctor was out of town. He asked for someone else who’s in.
“We’d like a beta doctor if that's possible.”
The case was a very fragile matter after all, and he’d rather not aggravate the victim’s mental conditions even more by putting her in an uncomfortable situation.
“We have an omega available. He’s one of our best. Would that be all right?”
“You ok with that Terra?” He turned around to ask the young girl behind him and she gave an affirmative nod.
“That’s great.” As long as it’s not an alpha, he guessed it wouldn’t be too awkward.
“The second door down the corridor on your left,” she said pointing in the direction with one of the files she was holding.
“Thanks,” he grunted.
Smoker knew he shouldn’t be too surprised as the receptionist did mention an omega doctor. And considering the amount of omegas around, well….a few percent of the population, omega doctors…close to zero. But the point was that he hadn’t actually been paying attention, so he was quite perplexed when the door opened moments later, revealing an unamused Trafalgar Law walking towards them. Terra wasn’t with him, so she must still be inside.
“Dr. Trafalgar Law,” the omega said in a professional voice, holding out his hand more directed towards Tashigi.
Tashigi shook it and introduced herself and Smoker with equal professionalism.
“I reckon you want a medical statement for a case?” The doctor asked, glancing at Smoker.
“Yes.” He replied. “Is she all right?” He asked.
“From vague observations, there aren’t any major issues that will have a long lasting effect on her health,” he paused. “Though I would have to run some more specific tests,” the doctor finished.
“We might have to keep her here for a few hours, though. I talked to her about it already.”
Smoker nodded. “How long do the tests take?”
“About an hour.”
“Ok, thanks doctor.”
Law just gave him a professional smile, one that he probably forced so many times during his whole career.
“The coffee button doesn’t work,”
Smoker nearly jumped at the voice. He turned around to see an amused Trafalgar in dark blue scrubs, his long white coat sat professionally on his shoulders. The guy looked smug, probably because he managed to catch the officer by surprise.
Still half annoyed by that doctor; he didn't really take in what the guy had said.
“If you want coffee, you’ll have to buy it from the cafe outside, or.. well steal some from the doctor’s lounge.” The doctor suggested, still with that amused look in his eyes.
“You wouldn’t be kind enough to get one for me, would you?”
“Nope. Hate to walk, the break room is on the fifth floor.”
Elevators are there for a reason, Smoker thought.
“Yeah, but I still wouldn’t go up there because it would be embezzlement,wouldn’t it, officer?”
Did he say that out loud? Smoker just ignored him as stepped back from the useless vending machine.
“Did the police switch doctors?”
Trafalgar asked after a momentary silence, his voice tinged with a more serious tone. The voice that Smoker would never admit that it made him feel strange inside..that it turned him on. Those cool but scratchy syllables that left the other man’s mouth was something that always came back in his mind.
“I heard we have someone who usually sees the police stuff. It’s definitely not me, though,” the doctor continued, walking past Smoker to the vending machine in front of them.
“We usually take cases like this to Kereha,” he said half wondering about how much information he should disclose; Trafalgar wasn’t really associated with them after all.
The doctor suddenly looked like he put two and two together, though he didn’t show it in his voice. “Oh, that explains it. Dr.Kureha went to a medical seminar yesterday. I think she said she’ll be back next week.”
Smoker nodded, though he wasn’t sure whether Trafalgar perceived the affirming gesture or not.
“You two are close?”
Trafalgar didn’t turn around, just continued to look through the drinks lined in rows behind the glass.
“Well, on a level, I guess.” “I’d say I respect her and we occasionally have personal discussions,” he paused, “but we talk about research mostly.” His voice not showing interest in the subject as he pressed the stiff buttons on the panel, selecting his drink, a soda, Smoker later realized.
“How’s the kid?”
That got the doctor turning to face him.
“I was gonna say I’ll have to talk to her guardians before I can tell you. But she doesn’t have one does she?” The doctor asked, rising up to almost Smoker’s height, after having bent down to collect his drink.
“No she doesn’t.” He answered solemnly.
“Domestic violence?” He heard Trafalgar asked as he led them to a quiet corner.
“Yeah.”
Trafalgar only gave a hum in acknowledgement, his face still passive.
The silence stretched on though it wasn’t really uncomfortable.
“She has numerous bruises, hand prints, both old and new ones. The old ones date back to at least a week old.” Trafalgar began.
“There are also some scars, these, I’d say could date back even a few years. She might have a concussion, though not a severe one, so I sent her to the to run more tests. There could be minor internal bleeding that could lead to serious injuries in the future.”
“Anything else?” Smoker grunted a reply.
“Apart from this, no.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, why? Are you doubting my medical credentials?” Trafalgar sneered at him.
“No, just… checking, no need to get emotional.”
Trafalgar made a face at the “getting emotional” comment.
“If you want to ask me whether there were signs of sexual harassment involved, just ask.” The doctor said.
“So, there is?” Smoker asked, voice too high for his liking.
“No, you want there to be one?”
“Why would I want that, brat?”
“Because you kept on asking?” “Well, it’s a relief there wasn’t any. Kinda rare though, not that it’s a bad thing.”
“I’m glad.” Smoker muttered under his breath.
“Wha-”
“I’m glad she’s alright, you know.” And Trafalgar turned to look at him.
“You’ve got a soft spot for children, don’t you Smoker-ya?” The doctor taunted him.
“You don’t?” Smoker asked , and Trafalgar went silent at that.
Law thought back to Lami, her bright eyes, wide smiles that threatened to spill off her cheeks, and her joyful laughter as she ran along the corridors dragging him along with her. Everything about her was bright and vibrant, a reminiscence of how colorful his childhood was, a reminder of how much he’s changed, how much he’d disappointed all of them. Children screamed nostalgia to him, though he still didn’t know whether it was a good or a bad thing.
“You don’t?” Smoker asked him.
“I don’t know. Maybe,…. maybe not.” He said, voice devoid of the emotion that was threatening to spill.
“I just treat everyone in here as my patient.”
Smoker gave him a face.
“You're more cold hearted than I thought,” though the statement was rebuking, the officer’s voice didn’t suggest anger or disapproval, just a playful teasing.
“You’re just soft, officer.” Law corrected.
“So, when are you off shift today, Trafalgar?” He heard Smoker ask after a moment of silence.
“I’m already off, actually. Why do you think I'm here chatting?”
“But, you we-”
“Yeah, she’s still my patient, it’s just not my part of the job to deal with machines.” “The technicians run the tests, but it’s still my case to deal with.” Law explained.
“Why do you ask?” He turned to face the officer who was looking side ways.
“Well, we could grab some dinner.” “If you’re not busy, that is.” He stammered.
“I am busy, officer, or did you forget I have to finish a statement for you.” Law answered, feigning annoyance.
“I could wait,” Smoker suggested as if it was the most normal thing to say.
“I’m (not) trying to be rude or anything, but aren’t you busy?” Law knew it sounded rude, not that he cared.
“Nobody’s busy at 21:38, doctor,” Smoker said a grin on his lips as he fished out his phone displaying his Lock Screen, rubbing the doctor’s lost sense of time in his face. And to be honest, he wasn’t wrong, Law didn’t even realize it was this late.
“Don’t you have…” Law paused, “..you know, other dinner mates?”
Smoker shrugged and looked at Law as if he was stupid.
This man….
This man was gonna be the death of him.
Law rubbed his brows with his hands.
“22:30” Law decided.
“What?”
“I’ll be finished at 22:30.” Law elaborated.
Smoker actually looked pleased with himself. “I’ll wait at the entrance?”
“Yeah. Hope you find a place that’s still open.”
“You shouldn’t look down on my browsing skills, doctor, not when you can’t even tell the time.” The officer said with a chuckle, and Law chose not to bite back.
Law came out at exactly 22:30 with a large envelope in his hands. He handed it to Smoker, who looked grimmer than usual?
“The statement?”
Law nodded an affirmation and Smoker pocketed it in his large coat.
“So did you find a place?”
“Yeah, are you ok with ramen?”
“You’re not talking about the one near our complex are you?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Nothing, I went there a few days ago. I’d say the food’s mediocre but they serve alcohol, too, so it’s convenient..” “Only if you don’t drink that is…” Law’s voice dragged on at the end.
“I do,” “So, it’s decided?” Smoker asked.
“Was it even a decision? I’m sure there are just a few places open.”
“Yeah, you’re not wrong.” “I’ve got my car, what about yours?”
Law grimaced.
“I took the train this morning,” he answered, voice clipped more than he intended.
“You want me to give you a ride, or..” Smoker trailed off.
There’s no way people could trail off in a conversation that much, but unbelievable that’s all that had happened to both of them in almost every conversation together.
“I’ll ride in your car.”
He’d spent dozens of times in a confined space with the guy, and a car is as large as an elevator, anyway.
Law ordered a medium sized ramen while Smoker ordered a large one.
“You drink often?” Smoker asked, gesturing to the unopened bottle on the table between them.
“Occasionally, it’s not so appealing when you wake up with a pounding headache and no memory of what embarrassing sins you committed the night before.” “My friends are strangely committed to taking pictures of their drunk friends and using it as blackmail resources.” “So, I’d rather avoid getting drunk in front of them as much as possible.”
Law looked up and saw an amused smile splayed on the other’s lips.
“Friends, you mean the straw hats?” The officer asked.
“No, med school friends,” he explained before slurping some of the noodles. It was more spicy than he remembered.
“What about you?”
“Me?” “Maybe a bit more often than you do.” “I hold my liquor well.” He said with a half grin.
“Are you boasting about this?” Law looked up from his bowl. “I’m not bad either.” “I think I can hold it better than you do, old man.”
“I’m not that old.” “You want to bet.” Smoker taunted him.
“Who’s gonna drive your sorry ass car back, if we were both drunk?”
“What about ramen, wanna bet on that?” Smoker suggested not dropping the subject.
“We aren’t children.” Law grumbled. “And that’s not really fair because you have a larger physique.” “Your body metabolizes faster than mine does.”
“Met-what?”
“Metabolism, the process of burning down energy.” “It’s high school biology.” Law answered, pride swelling in him when he caught Smoker stammering.
“Look who’s bragging, now.”
“Well considering that I didn’t go to high school, you should give me some credit.”
“Homeschooled?” Smoker asked with a raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah” Law answered.
Smoker nodded, the grimace returning to his face again, though Law didn’t know why.
“Was it your dream to be a doctor?” Smoker asked, pouring him a glass and Law gladly took it.
“I’m actually a surgeon, and …yeah I guess it was my dream,” he answered. The alcohol burned his tongue.
“I heard the studying is pretty rough,” the officer continued.
“Not really, depends on how much you like it,” “For me, I was quite crazy about opening animals up since I was a kid, so it was just about doing the things I love without sleeping,” he gulped down another glass.
“You wanted to be a police officer?” He asked Smoker.
“I’m a detective.” The other countered.
“That’s the same thing.” “Just answer the question.” Law poured both of them a glass.
“Don’t boss me around.” Smoker grunted but took his glass, anyway.“I didn’t want to at first, but then I met someone. I looked up to him, and I guess I kind of wanted to be like him.”
“He was an officer, too?”
“Kind of like that.”
Law gave an acknowledging hum.
There was a comforting silence as they exchanged a number of glasses.
“How do you deal with it?”
Law had probably half expected that question.
“You’ve gotta be more specific.”
Law knew what Smoker was talking about, but maybe he wanted the guy to say it.
“Cases like this,” the alpha answered.
“I just try to do the best I can. We can’t save everybody.” Law paused. “We’re only human after all.”
He had no idea why Smoker would think he was the best person for this.
“It’s just not fair.”
“Nothings fair, Smoker-ya.” Law bit back maybe a bit too harsh.
Law knew the officer probably already knew this, didn’t mean it was easier to accept.
“I know… you..probably know about that best, after all.” Smoker continued looking uncomfortable.
Best? Probably not. He experienced it to some extent, but he knew he was lucky. Lucky enough to be able to follow his dreams, have his own money, his house, his car, his friends.
“To some extent, I guess.” Law answered. “There are lots more people out there, who don’t even have a choice.”
How did the topic switch to something so grim? If Smoker was some other law enforcement officer he would probably say something like. “They didn’t have choices because you deliberately took them away with your bullshit laws and beliefs,” and he’d probably chase the guy off for feigning pity and sadness.
Law had detested law enforcement since who knows when. After he lost his family? Sengoku did help change his mind, but the hatred was still there, though Law chose to ignore it most of the time. He felt that Smoker was nice enough for him to go lenient.
“I know,” Smoker’s voice pulled him back. “It’s just that she’s a kid and..”
“It’s harder?” Law asked sipping some of the remaining alcohol. He wasn’t cut to be someone’s psychiatrist. He really wasn’t. He couldn’t even deal with his own shit.
“I don’t know, they..” “They look…innocent.”
Innocent, that’s probably what he was like 13 years ago.
“Yeah..they are.” Law agreed.
“I had a similar case about three years ago…still can’t get over it. And now this case..just reminds me of it.” Smoker took another swing from his glass.
Law looked at his face carefully, trying to search for something in his expressions, though he didn’t know what.
“I think it’s normal to feel that way.” He began and looked down at his glass for a moment before staring ahead again.
“There’s no way to get over it.”
Smoker was looking at him now, and Law kept his gaze on those intense red orbs. “If you really care about them… you will never get over them.” “All you can do is make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
“Make sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes..”
“Make sure you.. do your job right.” And perhaps Law sounded a bit too harsh, but he could see Smoker node.
“I’m glad they rewrote the law,” Smoker said after a while.
Law gave him a questioning look.
“So you could go to med-school.”
“What’s with this sudden subject?” Law asked. The tension dissipated a bit.
“You’re a lot better than most people I know.”
That was not what Law expected, and though he wanted to ask what Smoker meant by “better” he let the man continue.
“A lot more trustworthy than those alphas who claimed that they should be respected, because of their dominance and all.” “I think you deserve it more than those high class alphas do.” “At least, you earned it, but they didn’t.”
Law just kept his mouth shut, he didn’t know what to say.
“Society wasn’t lenient on you, but you’re here, a successful doctor, in what?, your mid twenties.”
“Surgeon.”
“Yeah, a successful surgeon.”
“I’m just trying to live my life, peacefully as possible.” He explained, trying to dismiss Smoker’s heartfelt confession. “You’re being emotional all of the sudden?” “You’re not drunk, are you?”
“I thought I told you, I could hold my liquor,” The mood was a bit cheerful now.
“Well from the looks of it you’re starting to sputter nonsense, officer,” Law countered.
“I’m jus-”
Smoker’s phone that he had left on the table buzzed signaling an incoming call. Law saw him pick it up and grimaced.
“Sorry, I’ll have to take this.”
“Take your time.” Law said with a wave.
Smoker got up, exiting the front doors and into the darkness outside. Law saw him walking up and down the pavement, and after a while he lit another cigar.
Must be a trouble call, he thought, not that he cared. Law drowned down another glass. Sengoku will definitely be pissed. He wondered what kind of face he would make when he found out that Law not only did bail someone out, or get himself involved in some petty crime, he actually wrote a medical statement as evidence for a case. Perhaps he should tell the man in advance. He didn’t want the older one to get a heart attack after all.
To Goat Man:
I’m sorry.
Just expressing my deepest apologies in advance.
It had nothing to do with me.
You’ll know about it in a few days.
I hope you take it well.
Smoker came in a few moments later, looking pissed, although he tried to hide it.
“You have work? We could leave.” Law suggested.
“Nah, it’s nothing urgent.” The man replied.
Personal matters, then, Law thought.
“Do you want to go back? It’s 23:10.” Smoker asked.
“Yeah, I’m a bit tired.”
“Never thought you’ll admit that, Mr clinical workaholic surgeon” he said.
Law just gave him an unamused look, but didn’t argue.
“We should do this more often.” They were in the car heading back to the complex when Smoker spoke up.
Law raised an eyebrow. “Dinner, you mean?”
“Talking casually, I mean.” Smoker corrected. “It’s nice talking to you.” He added.
Law turned to look at him in the driver’s seat, but Smoker didn’t turn to face him, still focused on the road ahead.
“Perhaps we should test your alcohol level.” “You’re sputtering nonsense again.” But Law’s voice didn’t sound annoyed at the statement. “I’m not talkative like Luffy, you know.”
“I know. Didn’t expect you to be, Trafalgar.” “I don’t think I can take it if you are as loquacious as Luffy. That idiot doesn’t even think before he says anything.”
Law chuckled.
“We might not even be able to meet often.” He wasn’t really trying to demur.
“We could text.” Smoker suggested.
“I don’t send memes twenty four seven.”
“We could always talk about other things.”
Law doubted either of them could make consistent conversations. He was a reticent person in face to face conversations and even less eloquent in texting. But perhaps Smoker was more talkative than he thought?
“I guess we could try.”
“Hey,” Law said after a while.
“Yeah?”
“Just call me Law” He heard Smoker cough.
“Trafalgar’s just too long.” He clarified.
“Whatever you say, doctor.”
“It’s surgeon.”
It’s been a week, they did talk, though not consistently.
Toaster Police:
Toaster police attached a picture.
He’s Cigar.
Is that a fucking wolf? Are you trying to threaten me, Mr officer?
I can try but I think he’ll like you, and it’s not a wolf.
Didn’t know you liked to adopt strays from forests.
I said it’s not a wolf. It’s 100% dog.
How do you know? Did you use a DNA checker?
What the hell are those?
So you didn’t?
Well, it hasn’t tried to kill me in my sleep, so I think it’s docile enough.
It hasn’t….
..yet.
I’d say that’s a wolf. I was right, you were raised by wolves after all.
I’m not surprised.
It takes one to know one.
I’m raised by sophisticated parents which I’d say it's probably worse than being raised by wolves.
You have a pet?
Yeah. A cat, you saw her.
The white one?
What’s she called?
Her name’s Polar Tang.
What kind of name is that?
Says the person whose name is Smoker and has a dog named Cigar.
Says the person whose name is Law.
Toaster police:
Do you watch Netflix?
Why? You wanna hack my account?
Why do you accuse me of something every time we start chatting?
Answer the question.
Don’t order me around.
I do, occasionally.
Haven’t gone in there for some time, though.
Why?
You really want me account?
No.
A friend recommended it, just wondering whether it’s worth it or not.
It is.. if you have the time, I mean.
Thanks
Is that all you're here to say?
What, brat? Didn’t know you wanted to talk to me.
Who says I wanted to, you arrogant bastard.
Law went to work the same as usual, though he would reluctantly admit that he might be waiting for a text from a certain police officer. Penguin and Shachi were their annoying selves as usual, and Bepo looked as if he wanted to ask something though reluctant, but Law dismissed him. His routine was the same, until he was suddenly pulled out from one of his surgeries.
“Cap, they request you at room 301,” a nervous Penguin stammered.
“Tell them I already took a patient,” Law answered, focused on the unconscious body in front of him that the nurses were running a scan check on.
“I told them that, but they insisted-”
The door swung open, revealing Law’s supervisor, a man whose perpetually paranoid expressions seemed to worsen by year.
“What are you still doing here, Trafalgar?” “They need you at 301,now!”
Law’s jaw clenched. “I have a patient on my hands, sir.”
“The woman in 301 is one of New World’s top ten business women,” the supervisor sneered. “It should be an honor to be able to perform surgery on someone that prominent”
Law’s eyes narrowed. “Everyone’s life is worth the same, sir, business women or not.” A beat of silence followed, then the supervisor’s nostrils flared.
“I’m sure there are other doctors available,” Law said, already reaching for his scalpel.
“Yes there are, but they wanted the best surgeon.”
“Find someone else,” he said curtly, “prepare the AED” he barked to the nurse stationed in the operating room.
The air grew thick with tension. Law could smell the acid tang of the supervisor’s pheromones, a cocktail of dopamine and threat. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple , but his gaze remained on the patient.
In a flash, the supervisor lunged, rough hands wrapping around Law’s collar, yanking him back, his face mere centimeters from Law’s.
“If you’re not there in three minutes,” he growled, his face contorted in fury, “I will fire you, Trafalgar Law.”
Law could see Penguin fidgeting with the edges of his sleeve in his peripheral vision.
“And with the likes of you creatures, I’m sure you’ll have a hard time finding a new job.” Law didn’t let the threat get to him but he knew he had to oblige.
“Fine,” he said, swallowing.
“Cap, you okay?” Law heard Penguin ask as he adjusted his clothes in his locker room mirror.
“I’ve had worse days, Peng,” Penguin nodded, though he looked as if he didn’t even believe Law for a second. “Let’s have lunch?”
“You go first, I’ll join you later.”
“Ok, cap.” Penguin waved and headed towards the canteen.
Law folded his scrubs into his locker. He checked his phone before pocketing it in his coat. There was a message from Smoker.
Toaster Police:
You busy this Saturday.
I need to talk to you about something.
Not sure.
I’ll have to see.
I pissed my boss.
“Mr. Trafalgar. There’s a post for you.”
Law was walking past the reception when the receptionist called him. She handed him a medium sized envelope, and he noticed that there was nothing written on the envelope except his name, not even his address. “There wasn’t an address so it got mixed up in the mail to other buildings.”
“Thanks,” he said.
Law sat down on his sofa, Polar Tang curled at his feet. He examined the brown post. Who the hell sends him something like this? A prank from his friends, maybe? He sliced the seal with a letter knife and poured the contents out uncaringly. But perhaps, he should care because the piece of paper inside sent him sprawling into sudden panic.
It was a playing card, a Joker to be exact.
Its sharp eyes stared back into Law’s. Panic clawed his throat, and his hands came up involuntarily to clutch his chest. He raised up from the sofa, only to find his room spinning and he gripped the coffee table to steady himself. Law could hear Polar Tang meowing in confusion, but she still rubbed her face against Law’s legs as if to provide some comfort.
Was this a joke?
But none of his friends knew anything about this.
Did Sengoku know about this?
The reception said it was lost among over posts, did that mean Joker already found him at least a week ago.
Fuck, he was too careless