Law looked on in apathy as his house was consumed by the fire. He didn't even flinch when it collapsed under its own weight as firefighters tried (unsuccessfully) to douse the flames.

He had tuned out the shouts of his neighbors and the firefighters, and the crackling of the flames, which is why he didn't hear his name being called until he felt a tap on his shoulder. Law turned to find his dad (whose clothes were half burnt off; a clear sign of guilt) looking at him sheepishly, before going on a long-winded apology.

Apparently, Cora-san had wanted to make Law a surprise homemade dinner to celebrate the end of his finals, but ended up setting himself on fire–of course he was smoking while cooking–and in his haste to put out said fire, he ended up lighting up everything else around him.

Then the stove exploded.

This brought Law out of his stupor, as he instantly began fervently checking Cora-san for any injuries, only to be reassured that said idiot had instantly ducked behind the stone counter, avoiding most of the damage before promptly exiting the house.

"Guess being a retired cop does come in handy!" His smile wasn't that reassuring when coupled with his melted make-up and ashen face.

"Cora-san, I thought we'd agreed that I'd do the cooking, or that we'd just order take-out. Takoyaki 8 is just a couple streets over, you know."

At least he had the gall to look embarrassed. "But I just thought, well. . .it wouldn't be right if you had to do all the cooking since you already worked very hard all month long, studying day and night for your exam, which–Congratulations! You're such a smart kid, I know you did great–You needed some rest after all of that. I just wanted to make you happy."

It was a nice sentiment, and it made Law feel warm inside (but that could've just been the fire). But still-"If you wanted to show me how much you care, you'd stop burning down our houses. Seriously, this is the fifth one this year!" Law bit his lip as he stared at the ground, all warmness from earlier gone. "Cora-san. . .I don't want to come home one day and find you dead."

Law closed his eyes, mentally cursing when he felt a tear fall down his cheek. He couldn't help it. Ever since his family died of disease, he wouldn't–couldn't–allow himself to get close to anyone, lest they perish too. But then he met Cora-san, who changed his life. Cora-san, who helped him open up. Cora-san, who loves him and who he loves with all his heart.

So no one could really blame him if he worried about his dad being taken away, especially with his clumsiness. He gets a mini heart attack every time Cora-san sets himself on fire or trips near a sharp object.

Law was taken out of his thoughts when he felt two hands cup his face. He looked up at his father.

Cora-san gave him a gentle smile. "Law, I'm sorry I make you worry so much. I should be the one worrying about you, not the other way around. Some kind of parent I am, huh?"

Law was about to interrupt him, because of how wrong he was, but Cora-son put a finger to his lips, shushing him.

"I'm a klutz, and that isn't your fault. I also want you to remember that I can handle myself and any injuries that come my way. Don't forget that I have a freakish healing rate!" At that, he gave Law a grin. "Besides, I've got you to patch me up if anything goes wrong. Which it won't, because I promise to not even look at the kitchen ever again! And I'll quit smoking!" He grimaced, then quickly amended his statement. "Ok, maybe not smoking. . .but I'll definitely do the kitchen thing!"

Law rolled his now dry eyes, a hint of a smile on his face. "You know, if kitchen fires don't kill you, then smoking definitely will."

"Nah. Like I said, I've got you to patch me up!"

". . .I'm going to ignore the fact that you think a fifteen-year-old is capable of curing cancer, and instead focus on a much more pressing issue: Where are we gonna live now?"

After a moment of awkward silence, Cora-san shrugged. "I'll just ask Sengoku to find us another house. I'm sure it won't be that difficult!"

At that, Law sighed. His adoptive grandfather was going to freak out when he heard about his son's latest incident. But it's ok. They'll figure things out. They always do.

But before they do. . .

"Cora-san, make sure that our next house is made of stone."

Thanks for reading! Kudos and reviews are appreciated! So is concrit =)

Oh and Takoyaki 8 is the name of Hatchi's takoyaki stand. I was gonna do Baratie, but then I realized that Baratie is a fancy restaurant, why would it have take-out? So Hatchi it is!

PS They're not on this platform, but this is a gift to ClioSelene, who wrote a bunch of awesome Cora & Law fics! Check 'em out on Ao3.