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In Heart's Embrace	By : Minnia Category: +M to R > One Piece Views: 657 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Law sighed, his steps deliberate but quiet as he strolled through Green Bit Park. He had planned to spend his Saturday off of work reading a new medical journal and enjoying some peace and quiet for once. The summer had heated up both literally and figuratively.
Law found himself grappling with the rise in trauma cases caused by the increasingly active Joker Gang these past few months. Days and nights blurred into a routine for Law. As a doctor, he understood the importance of rest, a notion conflicting with the lifeline of caffeine he clung to. After three days of relentless trauma surgeries, Bepo practically pushed him out of the hospital. Law likely would have remained there, caught in the endless cycle, if not for the intervention of the blonde man.
Considering himself a workaholic by necessity, Law bore the dual titles of Chief of Surgery and the best surgeon on Dressrosa. These roles made him the one most suited to mend the wounds inflicted by the Joker Gang. Despite no longer being an active member, Law still operated under their thumb in secret, harboring self-blame for the injuries caused by the gang's actions.
Law's life had been a series of unfortunate events. If it wasn’t for the promises he made to his family and Corazon and his self-imposed duty to protect his subordinates at the hospital, he probably would have put himself out of his misery long ago.
The roots of his despair extended back to his days as a child in Flevance. His parents were esteemed physicians who attempted to find a cure for a mysterious illness spreading throughout the land. They would eventually succumb to a violent death right before Law’s very eyes. His sister, Lami suffered a similar fate and suddenly Law was an orphan at ten.
Those bleak days were a time Law tried his hardest to forget about. The vow to avenge his family pushed his young, misguided self into the treacherous arms of the Joker Gang. Law became their keenest blade, indulging in the duality of healing wounds of the gang members by day and callously torturing information out of their enemies at night. His hands were stained with blood from then on.
Three years passed, and the cruel world remained unyielding. Fate, led Law down a dark path where the only constant was his own loneliness. Amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope emerged in the form of Corazon.
Corazon was a strange man, the younger brother of Doflamingo who served as an executive in the Joker Gang. Despite this, he was kind and took Law under his wing, showing the boy that perhaps there was still light in the darkness of his world. As quickly as the blonde man illuminated Law's world, his flame was extinguished by none other than his own brother. Corazon's last words, "I love you," etched themselves into Law's very soul as the elder man stowed him away. That was the last time Law felt another person’s love.
After Corazon's demise, Law stayed with the Doflamingo gang, continuing his role as their scalpel. Due to Corazon’s quick thinking, Law was hidden and no one was aware he witnessed Doflamingo ending the life of his own kin. To them, Law remained as their dutiful underling, following the commands of Doflamingo with a bratty attitude and a lust for violence but no real objections.
Nothing had really changed since he first joined the gang, he had nowhere to go and no one to love him. Only now he was more cunning and his rage burned hotter than ever before. He realized that if he wanted to take down Doflamingo, he would have to do it slowly and quietly.
Donquixote Doflamingo was the much loved mayor of Dressrosa. He took office during Law’s youth and created a new era of wealth and prosperity for the city. What his people did not know was that Doflamingo was also the leader of the Joker gang, the infamous ‘Joker’ himself who dabbled in every imaginable underground crime. Drug dealing, human trafficking, violent crime, the man acted as a puppet master who manipulated the strings of his people’s lives.
After his rise to power, Doflamingo had freed Law from his duties as a torturer and placed him in the hospital as his servant and spy who reported the the goings-on of the prominent location. On the outside, Law was a talented up and coming surgeon who had appeared at the hospital in his early twenties. Doflamingo figured that having an entire hospital under your thumb and a promising young surgeon as a pawn made it easy to conceal questionable incidents that occurred.
Over time, Law began to develop a fondness for the hospital’s staff. They were all kind people and worked tirelessly to serve the residents of the city without question. He really wasn’t lying to Luffy, a few of these coworkers had even gradually turned into what Law would consider friends.
Bepo assumed the role of Law's silent guardian, loyal partner who looked out for his well-being. Bepo always went beyond the call of duty serving as Law’s second-in-command. He arranged breaks for the surgeon, delivered nourishment between demanding surgeries, and just provided a shoulder to lean on when Law needed it. He didn’t really know how or when this very one-sided relationship formed, but he was thankful for the consistent comfort Bepo provided him. The man deserved so much more than Law could ever return.
Shachi and Penguin annoyed Law relentlessly with their constant badgering and teasing but the two listened to Law’s every command in the OR and had his full trust. Law even allowed them to occasionally drag him out to bars where he quietly listened to their cringey dating stories and endless rants about who-knows-what. They always tried to get Law drunk enough to share the details of his own life, but of course that never happened. Although Law would never admit it, the three men were the closest thing he had to a family since Corazon’s death over a decade ago and he would do anything for them.
The nurses and other doctors treated Law with care that he didn’t necessarily deserve with the cold and detached manner in which he carried himself. The older nurses even made sure to slip homemade treats into his office when he wasn’t looking. The staff always listened to his orders and executed them without question. They respected Law and entrusted him to save the lives of their people.
Those people were innocent. They didn’t deserve to be caught up in the Joker Gang’s activities. Of course, Doflamingo had other plans in store. Three years ago the former chief of surgery and his team made the decision to perform a lifesaving operation on a young child who arrived minutes before a prominent member of Doflaimngo’s inner circle. Shortly after these events, unexplainable ‘accidents’ occurred and all of the members were found dead. No surprise. Doflamingo was a merciless man who didn’t stand for disobedience and his lackey’s would kill without question.
The sham Mayor concealed the gruesome reality of that day. Being privy to the truth, Law's conscience could no longer bear the weight. With determination, he attempted to finally sever ties with Doflamingo, putting in his resignation to the hospital and solidifying his plans to take down Doflamingo. He would carry out this plan and disappear from this town once and for all.
Ever the ruthless puppeteer, Doflamingo, saw an opportunity to retain Law's undeniable skills as both a surgeon and a spy. Doflamingo proposed a deal: the Joker Gang would promise no future violence against hospital staff, and, in return, Law would assume the role of Chief of Surgery, forever bound to Doflamingo's command as long as he desired the safety of his co-workers. Law would be forced to prioritize Doflamingo’s associates whenever the leader deemed it necessary and assist in covering up obvious violent crimes, and deter law enforcement. If any insubordination occurred like the events from three years ago, Law and Law alone would be the one to take the punishment.
He accepted the deal without much thought. If he could protect innocent lives by continuing to serve the people of Dressrosa, he would do it. Thus, he became the youngest ever Chief of Surgery at Dressrosa Hospital.
At that time, his rage still burned, the faces of those who were cruelly disposed of by the Joker Gang lingered in his mind. Perhaps he had grown a conscience that he lacked in his younger days when he would be the one to maim and kill on command.
These days, Law was tired. His hatred for Doflamingo never faded but after over a decade of unrelenting rage, the 29 year old had all but given up on his quest for vengeance. Although there was a rise in crime and endless trauma patients, nothing of note had happened since Law became Chief of Surgery. The few incidents that required covering up went smoothly and Law carried out his duties with ease.
Law’s past crimes continued to weigh heavy on his soul but overall, he lived almost on autopilot. He would wake up (or not even sleep most days), perform surgeries, do endless paperwork, and occasionally be freed to his home. It wasn’t a fulfilling existence by any means but it was better than the years Law had spent working as a full-fledged member of the gang. He knew he was still Doflamingo’s pawn but he no longer had to torture and kill for the man. He accepted that he was fated to never be happy and truthfully, he didn’t think he deserved to be. So he lived in solitude and fulfilled his duties.
There was one place that served as a small haven in Law’s hectic life outside of his home—a quaint cafe in Green Bit Park. The strong coffee and serene garden setting provided a brief respite from the chaos of his demanding position. The cafe staff recognized him, appreciating his generosity in tips, allowing him to spend his limited free time there. Plus, the park was close to the hospital and Law could return at a moment’s notice if needed.
In those rare hours of leisure, Law immersed himself in medical journals, catching up on the latest surgical techniques and medical breakthroughs. This usual peaceful interlude was shattered on this fateful day when an eccentric youth in a straw hat had abruptly interrupted his peace.
Luffy . That was the boy’s name, or young man he supposed, according to him. He never asked for a name after introducing himself as Dr. Trafalgar but he was given it anyway.
Law, usually guarded and distant, surprised himself by not immediately ejecting the intruder. He couldn't pinpoint why he gave his name and workplace to the boy. Perhaps it was the reflection of emptiness in the stranger's eyes, mirroring Law's own existential void visible every time he studied himself in the mirror.
Pity, or perhaps a perverse joy at finding someone as lost as himself, held Law back. So, he permitted the young man to linger, devouring a greasy pie and sipping an excessively sweet beverage. Predictably, the boy exhibited a lack of manners, an unsurprising trait that tested Law's tolerance.
Their brief conversation was not as unpleasant as Law had expected. The man’s youthful aura and curiosity was so unlike those Law usually spent time with. To Law's own surprise, he found himself realizing that he almost appreciated the intrusion. Maybe his loneliness was finally catching up to him.
However, after a few shared sentiments, his mind snapped back into place and realized that nothing would come out of involving himself with another person no matter how insignificant. So, he bid farewell to the boy who he would probably never encounter again.
Law felt a subtle surprise when the dark-haired stranger called out to him. The nervousness in his meek voice carried an unexpected sincerity. In that moment, Law's guarded heart registered a hint of warmth. The unexpected connection, however brief, left an impression.
Law sighed wearily as the door to his spacious townhouse swung open. Nestled in a serene neighborhood with a view of the ocean through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The Chief of Surgery title came with a hefty salary, and Law figured that if he was going to live in a bird cage, it should at least be a nice one. He could have easily afforded something grander, but he settled for the three bedroom townhouse on the beach. After all, what was the point of such grandeur if he was the only person who was ever going to enjoy it?
Shades of blue and tan matched contemporary furnishings, creating a minimalistic yet soothing ambiance matching the backdrop of the ocean. Small personal touches existed in the space with shelves of medical books and Law’s vast coin and a large katana hung on the wall. The house was meticulously maintained by housekeepers who visited weekly, and reflected Law’s slight obsession with order and perfection.
Law never really had a space to call his own, spending many nights cold and alone. His home was his sanctuary but with how immersed he was in the relentless pace of the hospital life and his obsession with the going-ons there, he rarely spent time here.
With next never-ending work shift hanging over his head, Law discarded his belongings. He took a shower, a last ditch effort to ready himself for the shitshow that he would inevitably face.
Law scrubbed the sweat from his body to the point of reddening and washed his hair with his favorite vanilla shampoo. After years of filth, Law hated being dirty. A good quality shower and a standalone bath were two things on his must-have list when he was looking at real estate. Sadly he didn’t get to use the bath much. Law let the water fall over his body and closed his eyes for a moment. To his surprise the face of the boy from the cafe appeared in his mind.
There was something about him that Law couldn’t figure out. Luffy had seemed friendly and had asked Law about himself and of course his tattoos. After all, everyone asked about the tattoos. Only Law really knew what they meant and he preferred to keep it that way.
He didn’t really anticipate the man continuing the conversation after all, most people left Law alone after they became victims of his short replies and icy glares. But the young man didn’t seem to crack or let Law’s intentional rudeness get to him. Law supposed he found him cute in kind of a clumsy way. Law did secretly feed the stray animals near his home so maybe he had a weakness for cute and helpless things.
But it was Luffy’s eyes that brought his thoughts back to him. Law was perceptive and although he usually chose not to think about other’s emotions, he saw a sorrow hidden behind the beaming smile that didn’t quite reach the other’s eyes, which he wore as he teased Law. It dawned on him that perhaps he wasn’t the only one who had suffered but unlike Luffy, Law didn’t put on such an obviously fake smile for others, especially strangers.
But what did it matter? He wouldn’t see that man again and so he didn’t need to care if he hid behind his smile or what happened to him. His business with strangers only started when they landed on his operating table and ended when they left.
He dressed himself in simple slacks and a collared shirt that he would inevitably place his white coat over, and entered the bathroom to brush his teeth and touched up his facial hair with a shaver. He inspected himself in the mirror with an approving glance.
Law knew he was a good looking man. Women often asked him for his number before politely being turned down. Before he became Chief of Surgery, his coworkers loved to flirt and tease him. They stopped, likely afraid that it would look like they were appealing to him for promotional purposes. Shachi and Penguin chastised him for not taking advantage of his looks and bagging more women.
Law didn’t really see the point in pursuing romance. He was experienced in sex and had his fair share of emotionless one night stands. He was aware sex was an effective stress reliever, he was a doctor after all. He had utilized it for that purpose in the past but it didn’t happen much recently since he didn’t get out much. Plus, most people tended to get attached and want something more that he couldn’t provide. He just resorted to relieving himself when his body called for it.
Plus, Law believed that he was not destined to love or be loved. He had committed too many atrocities in his past to ever believe that the path of love and family was one he could walk down.
Being around Law had proved to be dangerous and even though things these days were quiet for the most part, peace only lasted so long as far as he was concerned. He didn’t doubt that if Doflamingo woke up and decided it was time for Law to kill again, he would not hesitate to hurt anyone Law cared about. The fact always remained in the back of his head that he could in fact be charged with a variety of crimes at any time due to the cover-ups he regularly executed. No matter what the situation, being close to Law wasn’t safe.
Law swiftly made his way to the kitchen and brewed an espresso. The machine was expensive and worth every penny for the quality coffee it produced. He was picky about his coffee as he was about many things. It wasn't until he went to grab his bag again that he realized something was missing.
His hat. The memento was a gift from his sister. His 10th birthday. The last one he had with his family. His parents had given him a stethoscope that day. After all, they had been training Law to become a doctor from the moment he could speak. They smiled as they looped it around his neck, anticipating the day he would be as accomplished as they were in the field. The stethoscope was long lost, and although Law was a renowned surgeon now, his hands were too stained for his parents to be proud of him.
Lami had gifted him the spotted hat. Her and their mother had stumbled upon it while shopping and Lami begged their mom to buy it for Law. She loved how soft it was and Law secretly wondered why she didn’t get it for herself. Especially when she would regularly pet Law’s head, much to his annoyance. Part of him wished he could go back to those times and let her pet his fluffy hat as much as she wanted. Lami was a sweet child and adored her brother more than anyone in the world.
Law usually just left the hat in his bag since something so white and fluffy seemed juvenile at his age. He wore the hat in his youth and now that although he had outgrown it, he liked having it with him. For what purpose, he wasn’t positive. Maybe as a reminder that there was a time he was happy.
Law scoured his mind and realized that must have fallen from his bag at the cafe. But his shift started in 30 minutes and he didn’t have time to return to the park. He didn’t even know when his next day off would be. He sighed and conceded to the fact that like his sister, the hat would be lost forever.
He left the apartment after swiftly downing the espresso and wondered how many days it would be before he returned.
Little did he know that fate would bring both his treasured belonging and the curious young man with the troubled eyes back into his life.
-
Luffy's shift unfolded in its usual, lively manner at New Kama. The bar, a hub for both eccentric locals and curious tourists, buzzed with excitement and vibrant energy. At the heart of it all was Ivankov, the flamboyant and unpredictable owner whose outrageous ideas came to life within those four walls.
Whether it was a drag show, disco night, or costume night, there was always something happening at the bar. The owner, Ivankov's creativity knew no bounds, and the regulars thrived on the spontaneity that he brought to the establishment. His employees, a diverse group of individuals handpicked by the bold and kindhearted boss, were always prepared to support and execute Ivankov's wildest concepts.
Much like Luffy, many of the bar's staff were lost souls who Ivankov had taken under his wing and given a place to belong in this lively haven.
4 months prior
As Luffy sat on the weathered bench near the beach in Dressrosa, he could feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. It had only been a few days since he left Marineford, the scars of battle still fresh, and the absence of his brother Ace loomed over him like a relentless storm cloud.
With a small duffel bag by his side, Luffy stared into the vastness of the ocean, the rhythmic waves crashing against the shore served as a melancholic backdrop to his thoughts. The meager funds he had managed to scrape together after leaving Marineford provided only temporary refuge in run-down motels. The stained ceilings and moldy corners served as a stark reflection of the darkness that had settled within him.
The grief over Ace's death had become a heavy burden, one that left him listless and unmotivated. Alone in a new town, Luffy grappled with the haunting solitude that hung over him like a dark cloud. The vibrant, adventurous spirit that usually fueled his interactions in new places had dimmed. If Ace was still around, Luffy knew at that moment he would have snapped a picture and shared it with his brother and announced his arrival to a new land. Perhaps he would have been off making new friends and exploring.
Instead, he stared out into the sea, contemplating his next move. A dangerous but fleeting thought crossed his mind—the temptation to walk into the depths and let the waves swallow him whole. However, the promise he made to himself to live a life that would make his brother proud echoed in his mind.
With a heavy sigh, Luffy dismissed the notion of surrendering to the sea. It wasn't an option. The responsibility of honoring Ace’s life and moving on with his own demanded that he find a way forward, even if the path seemed shrouded in uncertainty.
It was then he felt a presence next to him on the bench. He turned to the side and saw a most peculiar person. A large man smiled down at him with wild purple hair and dark makeup. He wore a skimpy dress and fishnets with black heeled boots which contrasted harshly with the more traditional attire the citizens of Dressrosa typically wore.
“Hey there little lamb, you look quite lost.” the man stared down at him with a lipstick-clad smile. Luffy gawked at him in surprise. He met many colorful and interesting people on his journeys but this man was one of a kind.
“Yeah, I guess I am lost.” Luffy murmured after a second of thought. The man looked into Luffy’s eyes for a moment before clapping his hands, “Well come with me and I’ll get you fixed up with something nice.
Luffy debated the offer knowing that taking a peculiar looking stranger up on an offer to take him somewhere alone was probably not a good idea. But he had nothing to lose and nowhere to go. So he nodded at the man who led him with a kind smile.
A minute later the pair arrived in front of a bar with a neon sign reading ‘New Kama’.
“This is my place, it’s not open yet but come on in and I’ll get you something to drink and eat.” the man explained.
Luffy nodded, realizing that his stomach was empty. He didn’t really remember the last time he ate anything.
Ivankov led him to the bar counter and sat him on a stool. Without saying anything, the man prepared some sort of drink concoction. A few minutes later a large glass was placed in front of him. It smelled of coconut and was dressed with a pineapple and a colorful umbrella.
“Pina colada, virgin. Wasn’t sure how old you were, but you look like you have a sweet tooth. What’s your name, kid?” The man cooed, leaning on the counter staring down at the boy with a hand resting on his own cheek.
“My name is Luffy. I’m not a kid, I’m 22,” Luffy softly responded. He took a sip of the drink. The fruity sweetness flowed into his body and the coldness went to his head. “Mmm” he responded and sipped the drink.
“Glad you like it. You wait right here. The cooks aren’t in yet but I can at least whip you up a sandwich.” Ivankov patted Luffy on the head and disappeared through a door to the back.
Luffy looked around the bar while he waited. The place was decorated with lots of colorful neon lights and a dance floor with a disco ball. The walls were painted with various rainbows and glitter littered the floor. Most of the lights were off now but he wondered what kind of place it was at night. He had patronized plenty of bars and they all had their own personality. He suspected this place got pretty wild.
Ivankov returned with a plate containing a simple sandwich, adorned with various deli meats and accompanied by some chips. "Sorry, this was all I could do with what I had, kid," he spoke, setting the plate down on the bar.
Luffy looked at the sandwich and realized how hungry he truly was. Bite after bite, he devoured the meal. It wasn't until he finished that he realized tears were streaming down his face.
“Oh honey, you must have had quite an awful time,” Ivankov cooed. He came around the bar, sat on the stool next to Luffy, and comforted him with gentle pats on the head and a hand on his shoulder.
Luffy wasn't entirely sure why he was crying. Perhaps it was the relief of finally having a homemade meal, the kindness shown by a stranger, or the loneliness he felt after days of isolation. He allowed the strange but kind man to comfort him, finishing every bite of the food before responding.
“Yeah, it was hard,” he whispered.
“Do you have anywhere to go?” Ivankov asked, eyeing the duffel bag at Luffy’s side.
“Not really. I got here a few days ago and kind of just ran out of money…” Luffy replied honestly, feeling a bit embarrassed to admit his lack of preparation.
“Come work for me. I have a loft upstairs I just had cleared out. It’s not much, but it’s a roof over your head. You can start paying me for it once you get on your feet. Sound good?”
Luffy stared at the man in disbelief. It was incredible that this stranger had essentially picked him up off the street, offering him not only a place to live but also a job. He briefly wondered if there was a catch but, considering his limited options, he agreed.
“Okay. Thank you.”
“I can’t wait for the regulars to meet you! They will think you are cute enough to eat and give you the best tips!” Ivankov cooed, and Luffy couldn't help but smile as they continued their chat. Maybe, just maybe, things were looking up.
-
Ivankov was right. The regulars did love Luffy, often giving him a little extra tip along with the occasional pat on the rear. While he wasn't thrilled with the touchiness of some clients, he soon realized most of them were harmless and gave up trying to avoid it.
New Kama was always filled with love and laughter. Over time, Luffy found comfort in the chaos and loudness of the place. It reminded him of his friends, and he knew they would love to spend a long night drinking and partying in this lively spot.
Brook would be center stage, performing one of his famous Soul King songs, Nami serving as his backup danger with Chopper and Usopp wildly slinging a drink around, Sanji cheering them on and fending off unwanted attention and demanding the men stop spoiling the view, Zoro and Franky laughing as they indulging in as much alcohol as Ivankov allowed, Robin smiling in the corner with a loving expression – Luffy could almost picture it.
The group had first come together right after Luffy turned 18 and left home. He had landed a job on a cruise ship called the Thousand Sunny for a 2-year tour.
Those two years had been the best of his life, sailing the high seas and bonding with his fellow crewmates. Luffy worked as a deckhand (who not so secretly thought he would be a better captain), Sanji as the cook, Nami assisted with topside navigation, Brook was part of the traveling performers, Usopp waited tables in the restaurant, Chopper acted as a medical assistant, Robin was the librarian (she used the stops at various ports of call to conduct her archeology research), Zoro was a security guard (who spent most of his time sleeping), and Franky headed the maintenance division.
They spent those two years hopping from island to island, exploring whenever the ship docked, accumulating countless experiences and stories. When they weren’t working, the crew enjoyed their time on the ship, laughing and cherishing each other’s company. They pretended that they were pirates of their own crew, each with their roles, similar to the jobs they performed on the Sunny.
As the 'Strawhat Pirates' Zoro was his first mate and swordsman, Nami was the navigator, Usopp was the sniper (he also demanded that he was captain and Luffy was his servant), Sanji was the Cook, Chopper was the Doctor, Frankie was the Mechanic, and Brook was the Musician.
After the two years concluded, the crew went their separate ways, returning to their homes to pursue their individual dreams. They made a pact to reunite in Sabaody every December, vowing to remain friends for life.
Luffy sighed. He missed his friends and knew he needed to catch up with them. However, his heart felt heavy, and he couldn't bring himself to pretend to be happy right now.
After closing up with his favorite coworker Bon Clay, Luffy made his way to the loft. Dragging himself to bed, he stripped off his work clothes, crawled under the comforter, and turned off the table lamp. As he did, his eyes were drawn to a certain fluffy spotted hat. Without thinking, he brought the hat to his face and snuggled into it.
That night, Luffy fell into a dreamless sleep, the scent of vanilla filling his nostrils.
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In Heart's Embrace