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“Everyone listen!” Luffy yelled while shoving chips in his mouth. “Law will definitely show up tonight!”
So far everyone had already known that Trafalgar Law was some distant older cousin of Luffy. He was tall, he was nice (debatable) and intelligent, he worked hard as a surgeon from a relatively young age. This year, due to some job transfer, he came back to their hometown. Luffy was thrilled and kept asking Law to come to his infamous home party. However, Law hadn’t shown up once.
“How many times have I told you, swallow before you speak!” Nami didn’t even care anymore.
“Does the guy really exist?” Usopp mumbled.
In fact, Law did exist. Said person was reluctantly on his way to Luffy’s place. Every time he thought of Luffy, he could feel a massive headache crawling, tingling inside his brain. That guy was literally one of the loudest persons known to the world. He hosted events in his own home so frequently, that Law had already run out of reason to not come. He only decided to drop by tonight because at this point it would simply be rude if he rejected again.
Law could already hear the rumbustious crowd as well as the deafening music outside the apartment rented by Luffy and his two older brothers. He sighed, not understanding how Luffy's neighbors tolerated him. It was also possible that Luffy made every neighbor his friend and they were all just hanging out together inside at the moment.
He buzzed the doorbell, and a black haired lady that was almost taller than him opened the door. Before Law could say hi, he was bear hugged by Luffy. “Long time no see, Traffy! You finally don’t need to look after your colleague’s cat anymore!”
Everyone in the room smiled knowingly.
Law grabbed Luffy by his collar from the back to get him out of his face. “Don’t scream at other people’s ears!” He totally forgot he was also screaming at Luffy’s ear.
After some absolutely proper and polite commonplaces, Law quietly moved to a far corner so as to avoid Luffy. Just as he expected, Luffy’s friends were just like him — a rowdy and quirky bunch. He glimpsed at his watch, and decided to stay just a bit longer before heading home early.
“You brought some good sake.” A deep voice spoke next to him.
Law turned around, and unconsciously took the dainty sake glass passed to him by the guy. He roughly remembered his name was Zoro. Green hair, well built. Zoro opened the bottle like he owned it, and filled their glasses to the brim.
“Cheers.” He sat down next to Law, softly toasted with a clink of glasses.
It made a small sound, drowned in the booming music from the stereo. Just as he expected, Luffy’s best friend was just like him — a bit weird, but somewhat different. Roronoa Zoro, a promising kendo athlete, an alcohol enthusiast. He gave off an intimidating vibe at first but was surprisingly nice and easygoing. His face had a sharp silhouette, yet his eyes seemed gentle, his lips seemed tender. He had dimples when he smiled…
Wait a second. Law looked back at the several empty bottles in front of him and suddenly realized he might be drunk. At some point he migrated to the big sofa in the living room, surrounded by Luffy and his friends. Chatting with them had become quite pleasant somehow. Zoro was sitting right next to him. When he leaned back, he put one arm behind Law and got closer. His shoulders shaked from laughing at some jokes, three gold earrings dangled lightly and flickered like stars.
“Did you hear what ero-cook was saying?” Zoro chuckled, but suddenly opened his eyes wide when he saw Law's face. “Why are you so red? Did you drink too much?”
It's because you're too close to me. So close it triggered some alarm somewhere inside his brain. Law didn't know if he should push him away, or kiss him on the lips … Okay that second thought was certainly interesting.
“Zoro!” Nami shouted out of nowhere. “It's getting late now, time for you to go home.”
“What? I haven't drunk enough yet!”
“I already called a taxi for you. It will arrive ten minutes later at the north gate.” Nami didn't even look up, her long nails kept tapping on the screen.
“Hey, that's my phone! When did you grab it?” Zoro's protest was completely ignored by Nami.
“Mr Traffy,” Robin said casually, “Zoro doesn't usually handle taking directions well, why don't you accompany him on his way out?”
Law looked back and forth between those two ladies, and instantly sobered up under their meaningful gaze. He kept his facial expression cool, nodded and started to bid his goodbye to everyone.
Zoro followed behind him begrudgingly. On their way he wandered off quite a few times, even trying to walk up some stairs randomly. (“North means going up, doesn't it?” “That's not the same at all!”) Law was exasperated, and grabbed Zoro's wrist, not leaving any space for him to break free.
The taxi was already waiting outside the apartment complex. Law looked back at Zoro, and found him staring at the ground, cheeks blazing red.
“So you've drunk quite a lot after all,” Law loosened his grip and sighed once again. “Give me your phone.”
“Huh?” Zoro questioned with his eyebrows furrowed, yet still offered his phone obediently. Ah, this guy always protested strongly in the beginning, but at the end he would listen nicely. The way he tilted his head in confusion looked like a big cat and it made Law want to scratch his chin … that again was another inappropriate thought so Law had to stop right there.
Law opened the memo app on Zoro's phone, and typed in his number. “Text me when you get home safely, Zoro-ya.” He waited until Zoro sat down properly and fastened his seat belt before handing back his phone.
“Fine whatever.” Zoro muttered, then looked at Law in his eyes sincerely, “See you next time, Traffy.”
Law hummed, waving his hand at the car until it disappeared by the end of the street. He didn't notice he was still smiling until much later.
*****
Luffy: Traffy said he's not free tomorrow night again!
Robin: You should just let Zoro text him from now on.
Zoro: Traffy, come drink with us tomorrow night!
Law: Sure. I will come pick you up at 6:30. Wait for me downstairs.
Luffy: WHAT???