Chapter Text
Provocation
01
Law's gaze lingered on the sliver of Zoro's lean waist exposed as he raised his arm, the hem of his shirt riding up. In the sunlight, the honey-toned skin appeared paler than usual, like the underside of a pearl. Memories of the well-defined muscles beneath his fingertips surfaced, along with the image of Zoro's flushed ears and scowling face when Law had forcefully pulled him into an embrace. A faint smile tugged at Law's lips, but it was quickly replaced by a dull ache spreading from his chest throughout his body.
Law was born with an alpha defect, a condition so rare it was said to occur in one in a million. Unlike the suffocating heat ordinary alphas experienced during their rut, those with the defect were plagued by uncontrollable pain and sadistic urges alongside their desires. If left unchecked, symptoms like fever would follow. The condition remained a mystery to experts, leaving Law with only two choices: indulgence or restraint. In the past, he had left countless one-night partners bruised and bloodied, their mixed fluids staining the sheets, and yet, like a demon, he had felt a twisted satisfaction. Now, his golden eyes, reminiscent of that demon, traced the contours of Zoro's body.
He wanted to bite him, to tear him apart. These maddening thoughts slowly consumed Law's mind. It wasn't just Zoro's proximity—even a glance tinged with curiosity and concern from the man was enough to send tremors of excitement through his body. Law knew all too well that, under the influence of his rut, if the two of them remained in the same room, Zoro would soon face a bloodthirsty beast, a hunt spiraling out of control.
This hunt had been meticulously planned, though Law hadn't anticipated Zoro's complete lack of guard around him, nor his occasional, clumsily endearing behavior. The skilled hunter had never felt such a mix of fortune and frustration. Conflicting emotions clashed within him, splitting him into the burning layers of dawn clouds and the trembling earth beneath.
—A romantic and magnificent agony. There was no escape.
02
This was the first time Zoro had witnessed Law in the throes of his heat. Although Law hadn't asked Zoro to do anything, Zoro could sense Law's desire for him, so intense it felt as though it could pierce through walls.
Law joked with him as usual, suggesting they should do it, just like before—except in the past, he would casually brush against Zoro's back while saying it, only to be pushed away. Now, he lay sprawled on the couch, two meters away, muttering his complaints in a sullen tone. But when Law noticed that Zoro wasn't reacting with anger or embarrassment, but instead seemed to be hesitating in silence, he abruptly recoiled.
This shouldn't be happening now.
Law repeated to himself over and over that he and Zoro were far from the kind of relationship where they could do such things—they hadn't even kissed yet. If he let his rationality slip, he would never forgive himself.
Yet, the person at the center of this storm remained oblivious to the danger, continuously walking right into the line of fire. One moment, Zoro would wander near the couch under the pretense of looking for something, stealing glances at him; the next, he would kick Law's leg and snap at him, telling him to go find an omega if he was feeling so uncomfortable and stop being a nuisance.
Finally, Zoro turned his back to Law and crouched in front of the cabinet diagonally across from the couch, bending over as if searching for any leftover alcohol. Having just come out of the shower, Zoro wasn't wearing a shirt, his smooth back broader and more defined than most men his age, the curve of it like the surface of dew. Law couldn't help but feel that Zoro was deliberately tempting him. Zoro didn't need pheromones; he was inherently, fatally attractive.
A familiar pain erupted deep within Law's gut, soon spreading until even his bones felt as though they were being scorched. Clenching his teeth, Law calmly announced that he was going to bed and quickly stood up, retreating into the bedroom.
03
Zoro could tell that Law hadn’t slept at all that night, and this was only the second day of his heat.
When Penguin and the others entered the apartment Zoro and Law shared, they were stunned by Law’s disheveled state.
“Didn’t Law go find an omega?”
“Good grief, how did it get this bad?”
Zoro was momentarily dazed, an inexplicable sourness welling up in his chest.
“I told him to go to a hotel and find someone,” Zoro muttered, though it wasn’t clear who he was complaining to. He frowned as he watched from a distance while Penguin and the others crowded around Law.
Shachi leaned in close to Law. “Did you get tired of that woman from last time? Do you need to switch…” He abruptly stopped mid-sentence—from an angle Zoro couldn’t see, Law had shot him a look that was almost pleading.
Law’s complexion was terrible, and he was even staggering a little as he walked. Zoro reached out to steady him, but Law jerked away as if electrocuted, leaving a bright red mark on the back of Zoro’s hand.
“I’ll stay at my old apartment for a few days. Don’t come looking for me,” Law said without meeting Zoro’s eyes. He was half-carried out by Shachi and Penguin, one supporting his waist and the other holding his arm.
So it’s just me, huh? I’m the one you can’t even touch…
Zoro felt as though something had clenched around his heart, causing him to reflexively tighten his fist. Only then did he notice the warm, throbbing pain on the reddened skin of his hand.
A long time ago, he had fallen for this damn bastard.
This kind of affection wasn’t like the gentle kiss of a spring breeze after the first rain, but more like a surging tide, carrying the salty sea wind as it greedily stole the last warmth of late summer.
It was driving him mad.
04
Law, a high-quality Alpha, had no shortage of omegas throwing themselves at him. Zoro had long known that Law had spent his previous heats with those people. He didn’t need Penguin or the others to tell him that. So, who had Law gone to this time?
A sudden feeling of helplessness and panic washed over him.
They were roommates, after all, weren’t they? Law wasn’t even replying to his messages. Did this mean he wasn’t planning to come back at all?
Zoro stared blankly at Law’s phone number on his screen. Normally, he would fall asleep almost instantly, but tonight, he found himself wide awake.
Three full days had passed without a word from Law.
He wanted to call.
He wanted to call Law.
But what would he say? Ask if he was still feeling unwell?
What if Law was in the middle of… being with some beautiful woman? He’d definitely hate Zoro for interrupting…
Still, he couldn’t help himself. He dialed the number. No one answered.
After a moment of hesitation, he tried again. And again.
Finally, the call connected, but it was Penguin’s voice on the other end.
Zoro felt a pang of disappointment and suddenly didn’t feel like speaking at all.
He could tell Law was avoiding him. It had started when Zoro had half-heartedly implied he was willing to help, and Law had reacted strangely, shutting himself in his room to sleep. Then, he had pushed Zoro’s hand away, refusing to even look at him. And now, he had Penguin answering his phone instead of doing it himself. But why?
You were the one who started this.
First, you asked for my number under the pretense of discussing swordsmanship. Then, out of nowhere, you became a trainee doctor at my school. Finally, you even moved in as my roommate… So why are you suddenly keeping your distance?
“Are you looking for Law? He might not be able to talk right now,” Penguin said.
Zoro clutched the blanket, wrapping it tightly around himself. “Is Law feeling better?”
Penguin paused, as if seeking someone’s approval, then hesitantly replied, “We’ve got it under control. Don’t worry.” Then, in a hushed tone, he quickly added, “Law’s running a fever.”
“A fever?”
Zoro repeated the word nervously, sitting up straight as if he’d never heard it before. “A fever…” he murmured again, as though the concept was entirely new to him. “When did it start? Has he been to the hospital? Is he still not better?” The questions spilled out in rapid succession, surprising even himself.
Penguin, however, brushed them all off distractedly, then, as if following someone’s instructions, apologized and said he had to hang up.
“Oh… okay. Sorry for bothering you.”
Zoro stared at his phone screen, feeling a deep sense of loss. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Law was avoiding him—or at least, resisting him for some reason he couldn’t fathom. Even though he hadn’t heard Law’s voice at all during the call, Zoro had a strong intuition that Law had been listening the whole time—he just didn’t want to speak to him.
By the time Zoro snapped out of his thoughts, it was already 1 a.m. He tossed his phone onto the table and forced himself to sleep. He had to wake up at 4 a.m. for morning training, and he had a swordsmanship class in the afternoon. And in the evening…
Zoro’s heart clenched.
Law had promised to have dinner with him tomorrow night. Law was always busy, so even though they were roommates, they only managed to share a meal once or twice a week. Zoro wasn’t about to demand that Law, who was sick, keep their plans. He just wanted to hear Law’s voice, or see him, to check if he was feeling better, if he was being taken care of properly.
That was all.
05
After wandering around the street corner for nearly an hour, Zoro finally hailed a cab, his destination set for the apartment Law used to share with Penguin and Shachi.
What exactly was his relationship with Law?
Ambiguous, teasing.
He thought of Law’s suggestive remarks, the way Law looked at him with those piercing eyes, the heavy breaths when Law had drunkenly wrapped his arms around him on those rare occasions. But that was all. There were no signs of anything deeper. Was he just being kept as a potential backup? A placeholder?
But he liked Law. He really did.
With that thought, the hand he reached out to press the doorbell felt heavier than it ever had after the most grueling strength training. Zoro glanced up at the window of Law’s bedroom, which had once been open to him countless times but was now tightly sealed by thick curtains. He stood there, lost in thought, until the iron gate suddenly swung open.
Shachi, stepping out to take out the trash, was startled by the unexpected figure at the door. From Zoro’s kendo attire, it was clear he had come straight after class, though it was unclear why he had been standing outside for so long.
Zoro tightened his grip on the bag carrying his sword, said nothing, and turned to leave. Shachi, after a half-second delay, rushed after him, though he couldn’t catch up. He could only shout down the hallway, “Hey, brat! You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”
06
Zoro didn’t know why he went back inside, nor why he ended up eating the porridge Penguin had cooked. Law’s door remained tightly shut, and Zoro couldn’t help but mock himself: See, even if you come all the way here, he doesn’t want to see you. Why are you even bothering him like this?
He ate hurriedly, wanting to finish quickly and leave as soon as possible. But Penguin and Shachi seemed unusually insistent, awkwardly urging him to stay for some fruit. “Since you’re already here, why not chat for a bit?” Zoro sensed something deliberate in their invitation, though he couldn’t quite figure out their true intentions.
Without seeing Law, Zoro didn’t feel like talking much. He was uncharacteristically subdued, and his mood seemed to infect Penguin and Shachi as well. After a few polite exchanges, the three of them fell into an awkward silence. Zoro stood up, thanked them stiffly for the meal, and began putting on his shoes to leave. He really didn’t want to stay any longer.
He’s avoiding me… The frustration and hurt made Zoro’s heart pound heavily in his chest. He just wanted to know why. Even if all those embraces and suggestive words had just been Law toying with him, he could have endured it—because it was Law. But this cold, distant feeling was unbearable. He didn’t know what to do, didn’t know what he could do. All he wanted was to escape, as fast as possible.
Suddenly, Shachi blurted out nervously, “You’re leaving already, Zoro?!”
Zoro almost laughed. Was there any reason to stay?
But then, Law’s door opened.
Zoro turned his head instinctively, unable to stop himself. He wanted to see Law, even if he was being inexplicably avoided. The moment he turned, though, he regretted it.
Law looked like he hadn’t rested at all. His hair was a mess, sticking up in all directions, and the dark circles under his eyes were so pronounced it looked like he hadn’t slept for days, as if he’d been performing back-to-back surgeries.
Law didn’t even step out. He just peeked through the crack in the door, glanced at Zoro, and then, as if avoiding something, shut it again. Even in that brief moment, Zoro caught it—the look in Law’s eyes. There was no surprise at Zoro being there. Law must have known he was here all along.
A burning, sour ache flared in Zoro’s chest, and he trembled with anger.
Then, to the stunned gazes of Penguin and Shachi, he stormed toward the door.
07
Law clearly hadn’t expected Zoro to barge in, and for a moment, he was too stunned to react.
Zoro took in the chaotic scene in the dimly lit room—the crumpled bedsheets, clothes scattered at the foot of the bed, pills strewn across the nightstand and floor, and syringes in the trash can. Zoro didn’t recognize the type of syringe, but he was certain they were for suppressants. In their era, injectable suppressants with such severe side effects had long been banned for use during heats.
Why was Law using these? Why had he let himself get into such a state? Even someone as careless as Law wouldn’t normally let things get this bad!
“Penguin and Shachi said they were taking good care of you,” Zoro growled through clenched teeth. He didn’t fully understand why he was so angry, but his blood pressure was skyrocketing, and he felt an almost overwhelming urge to cry.
Law finally regained his ability to speak and immediately put distance between them.
“I don’t recall giving you permission to barge into my room,” Law said coldly.
And what about you?
Why are you avoiding me? Why are you ignoring me? Why do you suddenly hate me so much?
What’s your reason?
Zoro took deep breaths, trying to calm himself. Just keeping his voice from trembling took almost all his strength. Strangely, the idea that Law wasn’t doing well without him hurt more than the thought of Law hating him. It felt like a heavy punch to the gut, leaving him almost unable to stand straight.
Zoro’s body moved on its own. He saw the panic in Law’s expression, saw his own reflection growing clearer in Law’s golden eyes. But behind that reflection was something turbulent, something Zoro couldn’t understand—something Law refused to let him touch.
They were close now, so close that they were almost touching. Zoro could feel the unusual heat radiating from Law’s body and realized that Law had been suppressing his breathing, his chest rising and falling faintly.
A thin layer of sweat covered Law’s face, and his gaze was locked onto Zoro’s. Suddenly, Zoro wanted to hold Law. But in the end, he only pressed the back of his hand to Law’s forehead. It was burning.
Law was still running a fever, and a high one at that. Since they had started living together, Zoro had never seen Law show even the slightest sign of illness, despite his inhuman work schedule and lifestyle. But now, Law was burning up, and it was likely he had been like this for a while.
Zoro wanted to touch Law, so badly. He would probably be hated for it—or maybe he already was. But Zoro stopped caring about any of that. Whether Law was cold to him or avoiding him, none of it mattered anymore. All he wanted was for Law to rest, for his fever to break, for him to return to the way he used to be—the man who always seemed invincible, never tired. Not like this, where even standing seemed to cause him pain.
“Torao,” Zoro called softly. From the moment Zoro had entered the room, Law had been staring at him with a dazed expression. “You look so stupid like this,” Zoro muttered, pulling Law toward the bed. When Law didn’t move, Zoro gave him a gentle push on the lower back. “Get on the bed already.”
Law seemed to snap out of his trance and finally obeyed, sitting on the edge of the bed, his eyes never leaving Zoro.
Zoro stepped closer and, without hesitation, pulled Law into his arms.
08
Law shuddered violently, his body instinctively making a motion to push Zoro away, but his hands didn’t exert any real force, as if he couldn’t bring himself to do it. His face pressed against Zoro’s chest, burning hot—so hot that Zoro could feel it even through the thick fabric of his kendo uniform. Law’s entire body radiated heat, so intense that Zoro wondered if his internal organs were being scorched. Zoro’s voice trembled as much as his hands.
“How did you get this bad? Why didn’t you go to the hospital…?”
Law didn’t answer. Instead, he slowly tightened his arms around Zoro. After a moment, a scorching hand, calloused and rough, began to slide up Zoro’s side, fingers brushing over the back of his ear and the side of his neck. Zoro lowered his head slightly, and then he felt it—the wet, searing heat of Law’s lips against his.
Law’s mouth was as hot as freshly melted butter. His tongue was soft but insistent, slipping past Zoro’s lips, prying them open, and claiming his mouth with a hunger that left no room for hesitation. At the same time, Law pulled Zoro closer, his arms tightening as if he wanted to crush Zoro into his very being. Zoro responded clumsily, his inexperience showing, but he didn’t resist. This kiss wasn’t anything like he’d imagined—it was rough, the timing and setting were all wrong, but none of that mattered because it was Law. That single fact made everything else irrelevant. Zoro let Law take what he wanted, surrendering completely.
Law kissed him like an animal, biting and sucking at his lips until the metallic tang of blood filled their mouths. The hand that had been gentle moments ago turned fierce, gripping Zoro’s waist and hips with a roughness that was both erotic and savage. Wherever Law touched, Zoro’s skin burned and ached, and he had no doubt that deep red marks were already forming beneath his clothes.
So this is what Law is like in bed, Zoro thought, a little dazed. He really is a domineering bastard. But there was no disgust in the thought—quite the opposite. A sense of fullness and lightness spread through his body, overwhelming and exhilarating.
It’s Law. Law is kissing me, he realized.
The person I like is kissing me.
They tangled together fiercely, but Zoro, completely inexperienced, was quickly overwhelmed. The mix of pain and pleasure ignited something unfamiliar and wild within him, burning through his senses like wildfire. The lack of air made him lightheaded, and he gasped against Law’s mouth, his hands gripping Law’s shoulders for support. His vision blurred with a haze of moisture, and through it, everything seemed softened, bathed in a gentle, moonlit glow.
Finally, Law pulled back, burying his face in Zoro’s chest. Zoro couldn’t help but reach up and gently run his fingers through Law’s hair. It was coarse and prickly, a stark contrast to the man himself. Law is soft, Zoro had always thought. Gentle, even if he doesn’t show it.
But as if to contradict that thought, Law suddenly grabbed him, lifting him effortlessly and throwing him onto the bed. Zoro barely had time to register what was happening before Law was on him again, his movements feral, his teeth and hands claiming Zoro with a ferocity that left no room for doubt.
09
Zoro didn’t pull away, though his body instinctively made him close his eyes. The feral, heated presence hovering just centimeters above his face suddenly vanished. Zoro slowly opened his eyes to see Law’s arms braced on either side of his head, his breathing ragged and heavy.
“I told you not to come…” Law’s voice was laced with a faint hint of grievance and complaint, damp and strained.
When had he started sweating so much? Zoro stared in shock at the beads of sweat rolling down Law’s face, dripping from his jaw and landing on Zoro’s chest. Law was panting like a broken bellows, his arms trembling as they struggled to hold him up. Eventually, they gave out, and Law’s upper body slumped forward. His head hung low, his soaked bangs brushing against Zoro’s chest, as if he were desperately holding something back. Then, bit by bit, he seemed to lose all strength, collapsing onto Zoro.
Zoro quickly wrapped his arms around Law, but the moment he did, Law’s entire body shuddered. It took several seconds before Law managed to push himself up, rolling to the side and gasping like a fish out of water.
Zoro’s heart ached, and he couldn’t help but shout, “Why are you pushing yourself this far? Why not just find an omega to help you? You’ve done it before, haven’t you—”
“I won’t,” Law interrupted, his voice strained and barely audible. After a pause, he added softly, “And I won’t ever do that again.”
Zoro was at a loss for words. His heart felt like it was being tossed by waves.
Carefully, he reached out to touch Law’s feverish face. Even this slight closeness and contact seemed to affect Law, who tilted his head slightly and let out a muffled groan, his body trembling faintly. “Does it hurt…?” Zoro whispered, pulling his hand back. Law’s eyes flickered, and he caught Zoro’s hand before it could retreat.
“No. It doesn’t hurt,” Law murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Stay with me…”
10
It took a long time for Law to adjust to their closeness, finally closing his eyes, exhausted.
Zoro stayed silently by his side, his hand still held tightly in Law’s. Their palms were damp with sweat. Law’s fingers were long, his hand slightly larger than Zoro’s, marked with the letters and eerie patterns symbolizing death. It didn’t seem like the kind of hand that would cling to someone so tightly.
Zoro had seen many sides of Law.
The Law who had earnestly asked for his number under the pretense of discussing swordsmanship; the Law who had carefully bandaged his wounds in the infirmary and handed him rice balls like he was a child; the Law who had nervously cooked dinner on their first day living together and asked if it tasted good…
The Law who flirted shamelessly with him, whose face turned red after just a few sips of alcohol, who held him tightly with a heartbeat so fast Zoro could feel it through his chest…
All these versions of Law overlapped with the one before him now—the one curled up in pain but still refusing to let himself touch Zoro. In that moment, Zoro’s eyes, his heart, were filled with nothing but Law.
Is this what it feels like to love someone? Light and heavy at the same time. One moment, you want to tear them apart; the next, you cradle them gently in your hands.
Law suddenly spoke, his voice quiet. “I have Alpha Defect Syndrome.”
“What’s that?”
“A terrible condition. There’s no cure. During my heat, if you get too close, I might lose control and hurt you… The defective genes cause a primal instinct to take over. I could lose my rationality, and the sight of blood or wounds might trigger something violent. If I can’t control it, I might even… kill you.” Law’s voice grew softer. “So stop provoking me…”
Law let go of Zoro’s hand. “I’m fine now. You should go.”
Zoro didn’t move. Instead, a faint, challenging smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Kill me? In your current state, that seems a little difficult, don’t you think?”
“That’s because I’m holding back, you brat,” Law glared at him.
Zoro had the strange feeling that even when Law glared at him, there was something warm in his eyes. Moonlight slipped through the gap in the curtains, sneaking into Law’s gaze. Zoro stared, mesmerized, his heart softer than it had ever been.
He leaned in, just as Law had done to him before, and pressed a light kiss to Law’s shoulder.
“Torao, I like you.”
“I’ve liked you for a long, long time.”
Do you think I’d just give my number to someone I’d only met once? Do you think I’d go to the infirmary for every little scratch from basketball? Do you think I’d agree to live with someone I barely knew instead of staying in the dorms? Do you think it’s a coincidence that I’m always free on the nights you suggest dinner?
You’re not just a jerk—you’re a complete idiot.
But somehow, it’s you I fell for.
From the very first day you started this.
End.