Darling Typhoon [One Piece Law x Luffy]

17. Looking Up

- TW//: Physical Violence and Assault for latter part of flashback.

A few years ago

Things were looking up for the New Year. Just a little.

As Law gazed up at the stars above his head, glittering, ethereal sparks millions of light years away, he balled his fists in an attempt to fight his urge to smoke.

They were nearly out of the woods.

Corazon was recovering, his knee replacement surgery went well, and he had even been able to pay off most of the bills so far thanks to his insurance from working at the Hospital. But still, he was only a resident, and a good portion—a good 5 figure portion, still remained to be paid out of pocket.

Law thought back to a few moments ago, when his father had finally woken up after the surgery.

He couldn't stand the way Corazon's eyes panicked when he realized Law had paid for the operation. He struggled to get up, hand reaching to grab his things even though his leg was in a sling.

"Everyday I spend here is expensive, Law! I told you to just take me down to St. Josephs—"

"—St. Joseph's won't give you the best care, dad!" Law tried to convince him—he had gone to the public hospital before, and they botched his surgery. Not only did the injury in his knee flare up, it had even nearly clotted. He could have died.

There was no way Law was sending him back there. Not when he was the only one here who could take care of him. Not when Lammy's wishes and hopes rest on him too.

"...How much was it?"

Law's glare was icy. "Don't."

Corazon fell silent as his hands propped him up. He turned to look around the room. Turned to look at the sling that hung from the ceiling, suspending his left foot. The man sighed.

"You're right." A small smile curled his lips. "Look at my Law. You're so capable now."

Law averted his eyes and grit his teeth. "Shut up. Just lie down and get better, fat old man."

Corazon chuckled, lying back down, his blonde curls sinking into the pillow. Law's heart lurched. He was happy that, at the very least, he was able to afford his dad a comfortable hospital room to stay in while he recovered. He was relieved the clot hadn't gotten worse. Beyond happy that he would live to see another day with him. If he really left him, there was no way he could deal with this alone. No way he and Lammy could manage. He was their entire world.

"Maybe if your dad had gone into business, or finance, or used my handsome looks as an actor..." At the last part Law glared at him, and Corazon chuckled softly. "Maybe then, you wouldn't need to be spending this much on me."

He reached out for Law's hand, and after hesitating, Law conceded.

His father squeezed his palm. "Thank you."

Law was busy staring at the veins in Cora-san's hands—they pulsed and hummed with life, and the fingers wrapped around his clasped back reassuringly.

Law didn't reply. He didn't have to.

Even if it meant he would be late with a payment to Doflamingo for that month, it was worth it.

His father's veins were thrumming with life, his chest rose and fell with hearty breaths, his heart thumped a steady rhythm—and if Law could help it, he'd make sure they did that forever.