The morning started calmly enough. You'd woken up a little too early, so you pulled Azul up from the foot of the bed to snuggle. She'd turned out to be very affectionate, especially after being able to remove her e-collar. Wherever you sat or laid down, she was right there. If she could crawl up into your clothes to be closer to you, you believed she would.
As you were drifting back off to get a few more minutes of sleep something shifted and fell outside your window. The loud thud startled Azul and she reared back headbutting you in the mouth. It took a few seconds for you to register what just happened between the pain and Azul's barking. You nearly gagged as blood pooled over your tongue.
Quickly you hopped up and rinsed your mouth out so you could assess the damage. Thankfully your teeth were still intact. Your bottom lip however, was split and swelling by the second. After grabbing a paper towel and an ice pack you sat back down in your bed to calm down. Poor Azul approached carefully with her ears back and licked your forearm.

“I'm ok mama,” you rubbed between her ears, “I know you didn't mean to.”

It was still early as you stood in the break room sipping your cold brew. The last thing you wanted was hot coffee touching your poor split lip.
Law also arrived at the practice before most of the day shift to do some prep before a day full of procedures. He'd hoped to make it to the break room before anyone else to make his coffee in peace. When he rounded the corner, there you were. Coffee already brewed and his favorite mug set out next to Marco's.

You winced, flashing a quick smile at him, “Thanks for the coffee the other day.”
His gaze dropped straight to your lips, “What happened there?”
“You should see the other guy.” You chuckled, covering the wound with your left hand.
“What?” His eyes widened in genuine surprise.
“Ahah-ow.” You winced again, “it hurts to laugh. I was joking. Azul bonked me in the face this morning.”
“May I?” He asked, stepping closer to you.

It was endearing to see the doctors get into their medical zone. You nodded, moving your hand. Your stomach flipped as he carefully tipped your chin up to get a better look. He didn't make any more effort to touch you other than tilting your head slightly left and then right. The contusion was deep purple, almost making the cut impossible to see. You started to feel warm having him so close and focused on your face.

“Think I'll recover doc?”
“Of course.” He blinked and stepped back, “Honestly, it might need a stitch. The cut is pretty deep.”
“Ah,” he watched you shift, “I was going to have Dr. Newgate, uhm… take a look at it.”
Law's brow twitched before relaxing in realization, “So, you know.”
“Mhm,” you hummed, “All of the staff does. We don't talk about it though, don't worry.”
“You two look cozy over there.” Shachi called as he entered the room.
“I was just…” Law trailed off as the redhead swiftly stepped forward cupping your cheeks.
“F/N! What happened?!” He snapped back to the doctor, “you let her just walk around in pain like this?”
Law's eyes widened briefly before narrowing in irritation, “I-”
“Azul headbutted me. Dr. Trafalgar was only taking a look, calm down.” You chuckled, placing your hands on Shachi’s wrists.

Law filled his cup and made his way back to his office while the tech gushed and prattled on. He couldn't believe he'd just done that. If there was one non-medical thing he was skilled at since joining Phoenix Rising - it was avoiding the adorable, charming, doe-eyed receptionist. He didn't have time in his life for love. Especially not with a coworker.

“Well, you never do anything half assed-yoi.” Dr. Newgate adjusted his glasses with his free hand while your chin rested in the other.
“Consistency is something I strive for.” You replied.
“As usual, I won't heal it completely but you won't need any stitches.” He held up his right hand as his index finger ignited into soft blue flames.
“Are you sure your girlfriend is ok with this~?” You teased as he lowered his hand to touch your lip.

Marco furrowed his brow in contrast to the bright blush that spread across his face.

“Hush, or I won't heal anything-yoi.” A devious smirk tugged at his lips, “I hear you and Trafalgar were getting along this morning.”

It was your turn to blush.

“Do me a favor and don't heal Shashi’s fat lips when I'm done with him.”
“I'm almost done, be still.” He chuckled.

The flames of Marco's phoenix devil fruit were warm and comforting. You could feel the sting of your cut lessen as it was healed.

“All finished-yoi.” He declared stepped away from you.
“Thanks doc, you're the best.” You gently touched your lip and gave him a bright smile before reaching for the door.
“I expect a coffee tomorrow as payment!” He called after you.
“You got it.” You waved as the door shut behind you.

The majority of the day passed by uneventfully. Dr. Newgate left early after his last appointment for the day cancelled. After Dr. Trafalgar’s last procedure of the day he appeared in the lobby still dressed in his navy scrubs. He walked over to stand across the desk from you with a few forms in his hands.

You watched his eyes shift from the paper to you, “Sugar -” A bright blush exploded across his face while you looked up at him equally embarrassed.

He opened his mouth again but nothing came out.
You cleared your throat as he looked at the papers again.

“That's the patient I just worked on.. not you.” He murmured, “Can you please scan this and email it to the client?”
“Sure.” You reached up for the paper.

Normally he would have left by now but an awkward silence was building.

“Do you need it back?”

Before he could answer you the front door swung open startling you both.

“Quick please!” A woman shouted as she burst into the lobby carrying a miniature dachshund that was convulsing.

Law didn't hesitate to take the dog from her and rush to the treatment area. You paged for the treatment techs to meet him there and grabbed a premade folder of paperwork you kept on hand for just such occasions. Quickly you took the frantic client into an exam room to get the forms filled out and help her calm down before one of the treatment techs could come in and get history from her.

“I… Google said it would treat his cancer.” She muttered, shakily taking the clipboard.
“What did you give him?” You asked, feeling uneasy.
“I-it said ivermectin* w-would help…” She sobbed.
“Ivermectin?” You asked hoping that wasn't what she’d actually said.
“Yes. The article said it would-”
“How much did you give him?” You interrupted knowing you needed to get this information to the doctor immediately.
“Half the tube.”
“I'll be right back.” You stepped out the backdoor into the treatment area and froze.

The room was buzzing as a translucent blue sphere bloomed around Dr. Trafalgar and the seizing dachshund. His golden eyes snapped to you as he raised his left hand.

He has a devil fruit.

** Ivermectin is a horse dewormer. Do NOT ever take this yourself or give to any pet that isn't a horse!
This is actually something that happened.
Do not give your pet anything that was not authorized by their veterinarian.