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Becoming allies with this kingdom was probably either one of Law’s best decisions, or one of law’s worst.
He has no idea at this point.
Law distantly took note of Zoro, one of the appointed Counts of Luffy’s kingdom. He appeared to be talking with one of Law’s own Counts- Bepo. Law supposes he approves of Luffy’s choice of appointing Zoro. Law’s aware his opinion doesn’t matter, but it’s an observation Law makes anyway. Zoro’s strong, loyal, and was with Luffy from day 1. Law would even assume that Luffy was using Zoro for his assets if he hadn’t known Luffy “personally”.
The rest of Luffy’s members of the royal family were scattered about the ballroom, and were similarly enjoying themselves with Law’s own members. Some were serving themselves with drinks and other minor snacks that were placed on bordering tables. Law let out a sigh at the festivities- the reason for such grand celebration was the fall of Doflamingo, the king of Dressrosa. It seems as though Luffy had obtained a new kingdom that’s in their debt from the whole affair, along with a fleet. Somehow, though, Law’s not to too surprised at how easily Luffy swept other kingdoms into his presence. Perhaps it’s a Luffy thing that doesn’t make sense when explained.
Law briefly got a brief flash of the saying “speak of the devil” as he noticed a familiar-yet-odd straw hat come into view. A swift movement from one of Law’s tattooed hands smoothed out his button-up shirt before he prepared himself to have to deal with a captain with far too much energy.
As expected, Luffy began to excitedly ramble on about telling Law to join the others on the main area of the ballroom floor. Law quickly refused the idea.
“I’m content to just watch my crew fumble around, Mugiwara-ya.”
“Eh? Torao, you’re not even gonna dance? Just once?”
Law shut down the idea with a curt no and a nod. “I’ll pass, Mugiwara-ya. I’m still resting from my injuries, anyway. I don’t even know how your crew does it…”
A laugh. “Alright, then,” started Luffy. “You have to get better soon then, if you can’t dance! Hold on.” At that, Luffy ran off to get a handful of a food Law didn’t know the name of. With a simple “here!”, Law was met with a handful of said food.
Law let out yet another sigh. “Do I have to?”
At Luffy’s insistent nod, he begrudgingly took some and ate them carefully. Luffy seemed satisfied at the action, as he went to run back to his original spot in the ballroom before interacting with Shachi. Shortly after, Shachi looked at Law in surprise before smiling and patting Luffy’s back. Law doesn’t even want to know what Luffy said.
Law did notice a couple of Luffy’s kingdom members looking back and forth from Law to Luffy with a bewildered look on their faces, but Law didn’t care to think about that.
A few more moments had passed of Law standing off and not entirely interacting with the other members of the two kingdoms, save for certain outliers that momentarily left the dancing floor such as Nami, Robin, Zoro, and Penguin. He can at least have a normal coversation that’s not too odd with them, so Law supposed he didn’t really mind. Somewhat.
Law took note of the fact that the music’s tempo in the background had slowed and dimmed down its fast-paced energy.
(That moment is where Law’s not sure if he regrets next actions, or if Law was…not outraged. Even if it was the latter, Law wouldn’t admit it to anyone.)
Slowly, Law sauntered closer to the center of the ballroom without any reason. Luffy noticed, unfortunately for Law, and began running over to him once more.
“Torao! The music is slower now, and everyone’s dancing! Even Sanji and Zoro are dancing together.” A few silent seconds passed. “I’m not sure why or how they’re dancing together, but they are, so. You’ll just dance with me once, right?”
Law took in Luffy’s words and pointedly didn’t let himself look Luffy in the eye.
You know what? Law thinks he hates this ruler with a strawhat instead of a crown, even if they’ve both saved eachother in multiple ways. He’s such an idiot.
(Yet, Law finds himself warming up to him. Just a little.)
“Fine. Just this once.”
Luffy cheered eagerly at that, and Law fought to hide indifference.
The two had been taught formal ballroom dancing, of course, and they easily swung together to the music. The sight of Luffy dancing regally would be a shock, coming from how unprofessional he acts, but it really goes to emphasize the fact that Luffy’s a king of his own kingdom, even if it doesn’t seem so.
This isn’t friendly. This is an exchange between two acquainted-but-not-close rulers. Law is just honoring Luffy’s wish after Luffy aided him with the takedown of Doflamingo. Yes.
It took a lengthy moment of spins, dips, and simple movements from Law and Luffy until Luffy swapped partners. Law, as promised, made his way out of the main celebration- however, he did linger just a bit closer than where he had stood before.
Soon, Law found himself inadvertently letting his gaze linger on Luffy, who was grinning ear to ear and now dancing with Nami.
It’s at that time when Law makes a concluding statement- ‘ Screw stupid peoople and their stupidly pure motivation.’
‘Screw me for getting close to them.’