Oblivious
Trafalgar Law X Reader
you and Law are crushing hard, entirely oblivious to it, but the Straw Hats and Heart Pirates know better. (this is a long one sorry)
a man who yearns is a man who earns!!!!!!
The Polar Tang had become like your home away from home. The crew your fondest friends and family. Going a day without them would feel like torment, as though a part of you was missing.
But none so much as Law.
Your feelings for him were strong, yet you remained professional for the sake of the crew, never daring to tempt the boundary. You knew that if the man caught wind of your emotions it would disrupt the meticulously calculated roles each of you were intended to play.
You’d rather push your feelings away and hide than ruin a family forged upon the sea.
Besides, the probability of Law reciprocating your feelings was minimal.
Right?
Docking on an island to resupply was the cover Law had given for this outing. You were running low on items, sure, but nothing to the point you’d be unable to manage a while longer.
The Polar Tang was simply unbearable sometimes, and what better way to retreat from the suffocating environment than stretching your legs?
In all honesty, Law was just looking to spend a moment alone with you.
His plan had been to accompany you on one of the tasks he intended for today. He hates shopping, despises it, really. But with you he finds the task to be tolerable, maybe even enjoyable.
Law loves the way your face lights up when you spot something you like while out on errands. He certainly doesn’t secretly return to buy everything you merely touch, presenting them to you as though they mean nothing, feigning ignorance when you mention spotting it in a marketplace a few islands back.
He plays it off every time Shachi or Penguin bring it up, grumbling whenever they start teasing him.
“Captain, don’t you think these boots are nice?” Penguin exaggerated, waving the pair of shoes around. Law was internally panicking, already knowing where this was going, glaring daggers into the man.
“They’re fine.” He said, uninterested.
“If it was y’know who they’d already be in a bag.” Shachi chuckled at Penguin’s side, the two stifling their laughter with the palms of their hands.
“If you two idiots have something to say then say it to my—“
“Law,” You chirped, walking over with the same pair of boots, only these ones were in your size. “Aren’t these boots nice? Feel the inside, they’re so soft!”
Law humored you, sliding his hands inside and pressing against the cushioning within. To his surprise, they really were comfortable. A practical shoe, something that would ensure longevity and stability without compromising your contentment.
“They’re a bit pricey though…” You hummed in disappointment.
Law swiped them from your grip without a second thought. “Don’t worry about the cost, I’ll get them for you. You’ve been needing a new pair, haven’t you? Consider it a necessary expense.”
“Oh, no, you already buy me so much!” You replied, attempting to take the boots back. But Law wasn’t having it for a moment, shaking his head and holding the pair away from you.
“Why don’t you go find me the herbs on this list, yeah? I’ll take care of these.”
You huffed but agreed, taking the paper from his hand, knowing he wouldn’t relent. Thanking Law, you walked off to do exactly what he’d asked of you.
Once you were gone, Law caught the figures of Penguin and Shachi from the corner of his eye. He turned to face them, their mouths agape as though they’d just seen a ghost.
“You’re not even trying to hide it.” Shachi spoke. It wasn’t so much a jest as it was fact.
Law clicked his tongue. Their comments were the last thing he wanted to hear right now. “Shut up.”
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
On your way to find a shop that sold the herbs Law was searching for, you ran into Chopper and Robin, the pair window shopping outside a bookstore ahead of you.
Chopper was the first to notice you traveling towards them, the blue-nose reindeer flashing you a bright smile. He called out your name, skipping over to you and wrapping you up in a tight hug around your waist.
“Hey, Chopper!” You cheered. “It’s been a minute hasn’t it?”
Robin greeted you soon after, her soothing voice like a salve upon your soul. You’ve always admired the woman, an effortless paragon of beauty and intellect.
“Are you guys docked nearby?” You asked. Chopper nodded enthusiastically.
“We docked to do a bit of shopping, supplies are running low...” Chopper explained.
Robin felt his story required a bit more clarification. “What he means is our Captain raided the fridge in the middle of the night again.”
“Again?” You marveled. “I thought Sanji put a lock on it?”
“He did.” Robin replied. “Multiple.”
“Never underestimate the power of food on Luffy.” Chopper huffed.
As if on queue the aforementioned Captain could be heard yelling in the distance before you. You beamed, raising a hand in greeting only to watch him soar past you, dust kicking up beneath his feet. You coughed, waving the debris away as chants of a familiar nickname fill the air.
“Traffy! Traffy! It’s me, Luffy! Traffy! I know you hearrr meeeeee!”
You watched your captain deflate, clearly defeated. He could only feign ignorance for so long. Luffy was all over him in an instant, scurrying to catch up on lost time.
“Why don’t you guys come hang out on our ship tonight? We’ll have Sanji cook a huge feast for us!”
“We really don’t have the—“
“We’d love to!” Shachi and Penguin interjected, pushing in front of Law to answer on his behalf. The man only grumbled, conceding to their whims. You’d remain throughout the night and depart early tomorrow, anyways. He supposed there was no harm in free food and drink.
Law approached you from where you remained at Chopper and Robin’s side. “Any objections?”
You shook your head. “Sounds nice. When was the last time we relaxed?”
“Law always lets you relax…” Penguin mumbled under his breath. You turned to face him, furrowing your eyebrows.
“You’re talking a lot of shit to someone that has access to your medical records, Pen.” A smile crossed your lips but it didn’t dare reach your eyes.
Penguin felt a shiver run down his spine, leaning over and whispering into Shachi’s ear. “They’re perfect for each other.”
The rest of the supply run went by in a flash, the crew rejuvenated by the prospect of spending the evening with the Straw Hats.
You decided to forfeit your typical uniform and dress up for the occasion, the summer climate of the island causing your boiler suit to stick to you like a second skin. You went with a comfortable, breezy outfit that accentuated your natural appearance, applying lotion and a sweet smelling scent to top it all off.
The Thousand Sunny was roaring with chatter, laughter and dance dominating every corner of the ship. You sat happily listening to a story Usopp was telling, clearly exaggerating his contribution to the situation. You sipped a sweet drink Sanji had concocted for everyone, a hint of mint complimenting blueberry lemonade.
“So, when are you gonna confess to your captain?” Nami asked as though it was nothing more than an inquiry of the weather. You choked on your drink, Robin using her power to spawn a hand on the back your chair, the limb tapping your back in hopes of alleviating the choking.
You caught your breath a few moments later. Though you almost wished you’d passed out in an effort to avoid the conversation.
The two women were nothing less than good friends of yours. Despite your rivaling crews and their will to overcome the achievements of the other, it was always nice to spend time with them. You set your drink down, leaning back in your chair to stare up at the stars glittering across the evening sky.
“Please,” You laughed out, amused by their inquiry. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“We’re not blind, y’know. Anyone could see plain as day the two of you are smitten. So cut the crap, tell him how you feel!”
Out of the corner of your eye you watched Law partake in the festivities from a distance, a content expression on his face as he simply observed the crews.
“He… doesn’t see me that way…” You sighed, turning back to fully face the two women staring at you as though you’d grown a second head.
“You’re joking, right?” Nami asked, incredulous. “Like this is a joke to you, isn’t it? It has to be.”
You shook your head, swirling your beverage in your hands. “We’re just friends.”
Robin cut into the conversation, her comforting silence put on pause. “Friends don’t stare the way your Captain is currently.”
You turned back to gaze at Law once more, your eyes meeting. It was like a trance, pulling you in but you couldn’t dare indulge. You smiled shyly, waving at the man. He regarded you with a nod of his head, turning away as Luffy pounced on him.
You laughed, Usopp dropping down from the table he recounted his tales upon and taking your hand. “Let’s dance already!” He cheered.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Law never was one for a party, content with observing from a distance while those he held dear indulged in their own fun.
He babysat a beverage you’d handed to him earlier, something Sanji had tended for his darlings girls—Nami swiping some for you to drink. You shared with him, and though it was a bit sweet for his taste, he endured.
The way you talked and laughed so freely while conversing with Nami and Robin had his chest tightening. He could look at you all day and never grow tired of the sight, not for a moment. There was something about you, something truly magnetic that just had him wanting more. He craved your presence, yearned for moments where the two of you could exist in blissful peace.
Law always had to fight the urge to reach out and touch you, crossing that boundary between captain and crew mate that had been set in stone the moment he asked you to join the crew.
In the midst of his thoughts you turned to face him. The man was thankful for the distance between you, a whisper of pink dusting his cheeks. You smiled, waving at him with that beautiful expression upon your face. He wished he could condemn the moment to memory and replay it for eternity.
He considered walking over to you, joining you in your conversation when Luffy bounded towards him, limbs stretching as he propelled right next to Law, nearly spilling some of the contents of his drink. He used his hand to cover the lip, glaring daggers at the Straw Hat pirate.
“C’mon, Traffy, have fun!” Luffy groaned.
“I’m content here. Go have your own fun.” Law responded.
“Lighten up! What, you mad Usopp is dancing with your cruuuuush?” Luffy teased.
Law scoffed. “I’m not upset that—! Long Nose is what?”
Luffy sidestepped for Law to get a better view, Usopp twirling you around while you both giggled happily. The night was warm despite it being well into the evening, and suddenly the once comfortable temperature was suffocating. Law downed the rest of his beverage, tossing the cup away and excusing himself to the Polar Tang.
“Hey, Captain!” Penguin called out. “Where ya goin’?”
Law just glared in his direction, the man jumping up and into Shachi’s arms.
“Get off!” Shachi yelled, dropping Penguin on his ass.
He didn’t look back, couldn’t handle the thought of you being whisked away by Long Nose of all people. His jealousy was suffocating, but he wouldn’t dare admit to himself that that was the emotion currently dominating his mind, body and soul. No, Law would rather sulk in the submarine than admit anything of the sort.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Dancing with Usopp had been a whirlwind of fun. You’d twirled between him, Nami, and Robin; Brook taking your hand and dancing with you, too. One by one members of both crews began excusing themselves from the festivities to turn in for the night.
Shachi and Penguin were completely wasted, Bepo bidding everyone a heartfelt farewell as he escorted them back to the submarine. You remained on the Thousand Sunny, head fuzzy as the night took over your mind.
You took notice of Law’s absence a while ago. It wasn’t anything particularly alarming, he was usually the last to arrive and first to go.
But something felt off about this time.
“I should get going.” You sighed. The only remaining member of the Heart Pirates alongside Zoro, Nami and Luffy. Everyone else had turned in, leaving the four of you to stew in each other’s company.
“Whaaaaat!?” Luffy groaned.
Zoro and Nami’s cheeks dusted pink, neither willing to admit they’d begun to feel the effects of alcohol.
“Go get your man!” Nami drunkenly slurred, holding another bottle into the air. You swiped it from her, the woman cursing, sticking her tongue out at you.
“Wait. You’re dating someone?” Luffy gawked. “Lemme guess! It’s a person right.”
Nami hiccuped. “He’s so hopeless…”
“It’s that damn shitty-hat captain.” Zoro mumbled, taking another long sip of his drink. “Anyone with two eyes and a brain could see it.”
“Ohhhh! You mean Traffy?” Luffy said. “That makes so much sense!”
You looked around with frantic eyes. “W-What’s that supposed to mean!?” You choked.
Luffy giggled, swiping leftover bites from what little food remained. He didn’t elaborate, nor did Zoro or Nami, both of them looking nearly passed out atop a barrel.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Much to Law’s chagrin, you concluded your evening on the Straw Hat’s ship, choosing to spend the night there rather than drunkenly stumbling back onto the Polar Tang in the middle of the night.
He’d been up late awaiting your arrival, watching impatiently as the hours ticked on. Law couldn’t remember when he’d fallen asleep. It wasn’t until Penguin mentioned you never returning that Law’s mood soured.
He stood in the kitchen with two mugs in his tattooed hands, filling both up with fresh coffee. He added milk and sugar to taste, then took a seat at the table. One mug in front of him and the other to his right, where you always sat. This was his routine every morning. You’d enter with a plate of something for the both of you to nibble on while sitting in a comfortable morning silence.
You always thanked him for making you the perfect cup of coffee, and everyday he’d hide his smile behind his own beverage.
But today your coffee had grown cold. It wasn’t an issue, he figured your likely hangover kept you in bed a little while longer.
Then Shachi entered, Penguin in tow. The morning silence you both typically shared had come to its end.
“Mornin’” Shachi groaned. Law hummed a greeting, not looking up from the book in his hands. He tapped his finger against the table impatiently. You were taking longer than usual.
“You waiting up for your lover?” Penguin mumbled, tiredly teasing the man. He poured his own mug of coffee, dumping a terrifying amount of sugar into it. “Didn’t come back last night. Must’ve spent the night with Straw Hat and them.”
“What?”
Law shut his book faster than Shachi or Penguin had ever seen.
“I’m going out.” Was the last thing he said before disappearing.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
All things considered, your late night and indulgent drinking, you weren’t hungover by any means. You felt calm, rejuvenated, even. A night of fun was just what you needed.
You’d departed early into the morning, Usopp alongside you while the two of you discussed anything and everything. The sniper had wanted to purchase some materials he’d forgotten for his tinkerings while you simply wanted to enjoy the island a little longer before departing.
You found some bookmarks in the window of one of the shops, beaming at the illustrations of anatomy painted onto them. Law would love them. He was always using random objects to mark pages.
Or, like a maniac, insisting he’d recall where he left off.
The thought sent shivers down your spine.
You ducked into the shop to purchase them without a second thought, inquiring on the most recent installment of a series he’d been reading for quite some time since you were there. To your surprise, they’d received a small shipment this morning, and you swiped that up alongside the bookmarks.
“Soooo…” Usopp drawled. “You guys a thing orrrr…?”
“Oh no,” You grumbled, pressing a hand to your cheek and refusing eye contact. “Not you too.”
“Listen, we’ve all been wondering, alright?” Usopp admitted. His words struck lightning through your heart, short circuiting your brain and making a mess of your thoughts.
He led you towards the stall he was searching for earlier, a small trove of mechanical parts that most would consider garbage. Usopp expertly plucked what he was looking for one thing at a time, slowly amassing a small pile of trinkets in his arms.
“We’re not together.” You finally admitted. The reality had your heart splintering, fragments fluttering onto the floor at your feet. “Honestly, he doesn’t see me that way.”
“Did he tell you that?” Usopp asked.
You shook your head.
The sniper hummed, tossing another part into his pile. “Then how can you be so sure? Have faith in yourself! They don’t call me Captain Usopp because I quit, they call me Captain Usopp because I take what I want when I want it!”
“Nobody calls you—“
“Anyways!” Usopp redirected, turning to purchase the items. “Have you even told the guy how you feel?” He asked.
You shook your head. “No! I could never tell him!”
Usopp shook his head, wrapping his arm around your shoulder and pulling you in close as the two of you departed from the stall. He made deep eye contact with you, his nose pressing against your cheek.
“What do you honestly have to lose?”
You held up your hand, counting on your fingers. “My dignity, my crew, my home, my purpose—“
“Okay, okay!” Usopp interrupted. “That was supposed to be encouraging…”
You laughed, poking Usopp in his side, the sniper yelping and jumping away from you. Moments like these made you grateful for the life you’ve lived up until this point, every decision leading you to this moment.
Though you weren’t ready to convey the depth of your emotions to Law, it helped knowing there was a crew of people who believed in you and your affections.
The call of your name diverted your attention from Usopp, the man now going into depth about what he intended for his tinkering. You whipped around, Law walking towards you, only a few feet behind.
You gasped, hiding the bag you’d purchased for him behind your back. “Captain!” You squeaked.
“You didn’t come back to the submarine last night.” He said without greeting. His expression was cold, a serious gaze as he his eyes flickered to the sniper at your side then back to you.
“I was not in any condition to walk back to the Tang,” You admitted. “Luffy offered to let me spend the night.”
Law hummed. “You could’ve called me.”
“You left so soon I figured you’d turned in for the night. Didn’t wanna bother you with something so stupid.”
“Your safety and comfort aren’t stupid.”
Slowly, whispering a farewell you barely registered, Usopp slipped away, running back to the ship to report what he’d just heard to the crew.
“I’m sorry. I’ll let you know when I’m staying out next time, Captain.”
Law shook his head. “There won’t be a next time. You call me, that’s it.”
Heat fluttered to your face. You managed to slip out a soft “okay” before he gestured for the two of you to get going. You looked around, wondering where Usopp had run off to.
“Did you see which way Usopp went? He was right next to me a moment ago.”
Law huffed, you hardly noticed, too busy concentrating on keeping the gift you’d purchased for him out of his view.
“What does it matter?”
“I just hope he isn’t getting himself into any trouble. He’s very… eccentric.”
Law wished you’d drop the topic. This morning was already going painfully long, his schedule thrown off course causing frustration to rise within him. He couldn’t fathom why you cared about that damn sniper so much.
“Have you eaten?” Law asked.
You shook your head. “I don’t think I could stomach anything. Still full from last night.”
“Can’t have you skipping meals.” Was all you heard Law say before he dipped into a nearby pastry shop. As quickly as he entered he emerged, holding up a sweet bread for you to take. You thanked him warmly, fumbling with shifting the bag of goodies you’d purchased for him in order to grab it.
Law’s eyebrow quirked up, taking notice of the paper bag you held tightly against your side. He caught the briefest glimpse of its contents.
“Do a little shopping?” He inquired.
Against your better judgement you decided this moment was as good as any other. A warm morning, a nice treat and the two of you alone on a nice stroll back to the Tang.
You swore you heard Nami scream but decided you were simply hearing things, shrugging it off.
“Got you a little something since I was out.” You sheepishly explained, handing the bag off to him.
Again. That damn scream.
Law surveyed its contents, first looking over the meticulously crafted bookmarks, condemning their every detail to memory before he smiled the smallest gesture.
“These are lovely.” He spoke softly. You watched the way his hands cascaded along the long-since dried ink, the art protected by an encapsulating layer of some kind. “I’ve been needing bookmarks.”
“I know,” You responded, taking another bite of your pastry. “I don’t know how much longer you can go on swiping pens and medical supplies to hold your place.
“I can remember the pages just fine, too.” He spoke. He knew how much you hated being reminded of it, relishing in the way a shiver ran down your spine.
“It’s psychotic.” You whispered, staring off into the distance.
“It’s practical.”
“There’s something else in there too.”
Law slipped the book out from within the bag, the nice attendant at the shop wrapping it neatly in a layer of tissue paper. Law ripped it apart, gawking at the newest installation.
“I had no idea this was even out yet!” He marveled at the cover. You watched the way he eagerly flipped through the pages, fingers dancing across the cover and lingering on the art.
You giggled, watching the way his excitement festered without him meaning to express it. He was always so cold, so concise. You longed for the moments between you where a slip of a smile or a hint of laughter disrupted his usual attitude.
Your walk continued in silence for a short while, taking in the sights and sounds of a foreign land. It was a crude imitation of the time typically spent between you every morning. You welcomed the change, it’s always nice to disrupt your routine every now and again. And despite Law’s previous reservations, this was a nice surprise, he had to admit.
“Will we be heading off soon?” You asked.
Law confirmed your suspicions with a silent nod, still hung up on the book you’d purchased for him. He was currently reading the first page, not a breath passing his lips as he became entirely engrossed.
The crowd began to grow, the early morning having steadily shifted into afternoon. People pressed against you, skin-to-skin, sometimes knocking you away from where you previously walked comfortably at Law’s side.
A hand pulled you closer, Law’s fingers delicately resting against your waist as he kept you at his side. You stiffened, the sudden contact something Law has never been fond of initiating. Small touches were often shared between you—the passing of a map, steady hands bandaging an injury—but nothing so direct as this.
You welcomed it, a small smile resting on your lips. Law’s face, hidden behind the book, held the same expression.
And again, in the distance, a scream that sounded suspiciously like the Straw Hat’s navigator.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Back on the Polar Tang you fell back into the rhythm of things. There was much work to be done before departing, and as much as you wanted to bid farewell to your friends, you knew there was much to be done between your crews.
You zipped your boiler suit back up onto your body, noticing a freshness it hadn’t held previously. It held the scent of linen, freshly washed.
Odd.
Nevertheless you went straight to work, helping Bepo chart a course in nav then assisting Shachi and Penguin with a few chores that had to be done prior to departure.
“Sooooo…” Shachi trailed off, leaning on the mop between his hands. “Have fun spending the night with your little partner?”
You titled your head. “What?”
“You and the sniper!” Penguin clarified. “You two were dancing all night! Is there something we should know?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
“Gosh, no!” You laughed, spraying some disinfectant onto the counter’s surface and wiping it away. “Usopp is like the weird brother you go to for advice.”
“Great news,” Shachi sighed in relief. “I was beginning to think Captain’s mood would be all over the place.”
Again, confusion crossed your features. “Why would Law be upset?”
“I mean, isn’t it obvious…?” Penguin spoke, staring into your soul.
You slowly shook your head, stilling your movements. “Am I missing something?”
Shachi and Penguin shared a look. “They’re hopeless.” The two spoke in a strange tandem.
Shachi was the one to bite. He took a deep breath, propping his mop up against the wall. “Listen, anyone can see you two are smitten. Just get it over with already and tell each other how you feel!”
“Oh, not this again…” You groaned, pinching the bridge of your nose. “Guys, I already heard this from Luffy’s crew all night! Don’t make me hear it from you too.”
“Oh… and that didn’t… raise a few signals…?” Penguin interjected.
You shot the man a glare.
“There’s nothing going on between Law and I. We’re crew mates, that’s it… that’s all we’ll ever be.”
“Could you be anymore oblivious of each other?” Shachi was practically gnawing at nothing, fighting back words he promised Bepo he’d keep to himself.
“You guys are delusional.” You laughed.
That was the straw the break Shachi’s back.
“He buys you presents, like all the time!” He groaned, fed up. If it was up to him he’d lock you in a broom closet and force you to kiss.
“Expensive ones.” Penguin chirped.
“Expensive ones!” Shachi reaffirmed.
“I ask him not to. I’m capable of buying them for myself.” You spoke confidently, as if those words helped the situation in the slightest.
Shachi raked his fingers down his face, unable to take another moment of this.
“He knows how you take your coffee, can somehow sense when you’d prefer tea, waits for you every. single. morning. like a lovesick fool and was soooo pissed this morning when you weren’t there!”
This was news to you. You opened your mouth to say something, but Shachi continued to cut you off.
“And you! You’re no better! With your cute little snacks while he’s working, checking up on him, listening to him ramble about his medical findings!”
“I think they’re interesting.” You weakly defended.
“Of course you do!” He yelled, taking hold of your shoulders and shaking you like a doll. “He could shit in his hands and clap and you’d find it interesting!”
Penguin stilled Shachi, urging him to calm down before Bepo came in and heard a conversation he made the two of them promise was forbidden.
Or worse. The captain himself.
As if on cue, Bepo entered to let you guys know you’d be leaving momentarily. He stilled, viewing the way Shachi held you in place while Penguin urged him to be silent.
“Please don’t tell me…” He gasped. You were sure he went pale underneath that already stark white fur of his.
“He choked.” Penguin blamed, pointing a finger at Shachi.
“Me!? You’re just as guilty.”
The pair began bickering between themselves, Bepo silently swooping in and delivering you from your misery. “Let’s get you to your room, yeah?” You nodded without a word, hanging onto Shachi’s frustrations like a prayer.
He wasn’t right, was he?
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Shachi’s words left you avoiding Law, throwing off a rhythm once carefully cultivated. You wondered if you were coming on too strong, doing too much when Law would simply prefer if you’d give him a moment away from it all.
He was a silent, reclusive man, after all.
It started the next morning. You’d walked into the kitchen yearning for a warm cup of tea.
Law, as always, was seated in his usual spot. In front of him he had his own steaming cup of coffee, while to his right there was a warm mug of tea.
“I added lemon today,” He spoke softly, voice still lingering with the effects of the morning. “I hope you don’t mind.”
You shook your head, thanking him softly. Rather than taking a seat you picked your mug up off the table and leaned against the sink, sipping away as you stared into nothingness. Law noticed this, furrowing his brows but not looking up from the book you’d purchased him the day previous.
You finished your beverage, dipping out of the kitchen without so much as a farewell, leaving Law there to ponder what had just happened.
Law’s day had been painfully devoid of you after that. While he was working he could typically count on you to make a few appearances, checking up on him and offering him a glass of water, or splitting a snack you’d made for yourself (though you had every intention of sharing it with him).
The man was growing frustrated. One day turned into two, then three. Before he knew it an entire week of this behavior had passed. It soured his mood, dampening what patience he typically held, and it surely showed.
“Cap, need you to look over these charts.” Shachi asked politely.
Law huffed. “I’m sure they’re fine.”
“Bepo asked me to check with you to be sure.”
The man groaned, looking over the charts quickly, absorbing the information but hardly caring about the contents for once in his life.
“See? They’re fine. Now leave me alone.”
“R-Right.” Shachi affirmed, offering a messy salute due to his arms being full of charts.
He ran like hell out of there and back to Nav. Bepo and Penguin were discussing the next island on course when Shachi burst in, a frantic expression on his face.
“He’s pissed.” He squeaked.
“What did you do now?” Penguin asked, clearly irritated.
“Why does it have to be me?”
“It’s always you!”
“Nuh uh!”
Bepo snapped the two out of it. “No, he’s right, it’s definitely your fault.”
“What the hell!”
“No, seriously. Think about it. Have you seen the two of them together ever since your little talk?” Bepo asked.
Penguin and Shachi exchanged a frantic look.
“We messed up.”
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
You hated the silence.
Well, usually you wouldn’t mind it, often sharing it with Law. But today, devoid of his presence, you couldn’t stand it for a moment.
You found yourself pondering thoughts of him, what he was doing right now, though that was painfully obvious—always working, never taking a moment to relax if he could help it.
Bepo knocked on the frame of your open room, lingering in the threshold.
“Cap is doing surprise checkups right now. You’re up.”
You thanked Bepo for letting you know, a sigh escaping your lips as you hopped off your bed and started down the hall. There was no point in delaying the inevitable. If there was one thing Law took seriously, it was the collective health of the Heart Pirates.
“You’re here.” Law greeted, setting his tools neatly onto the table at the examination beds side. He gestured for you to have a seat. You took it without a word.
The air was tense. That much was for certain.
The examination continued as usual. Questions pertaining to your diet and daily activity, whether there had been any particular changes or observations of note for him to be aware of.
“Everything is the same as always.” You spoke honestly. “No changes that I can think of.”
“I can think of a few…” Law huffed under his breath.
Your eyes flickered to his in an instant. “What?”
Law cursed under his breath. “Nothing… forget I said anything.”
“No,” You urged. “You have something on your mind. What is it?”
Law attempted to avoid the topic as best he could, taking his final notes of your examination without a word. But you pressed forward, pushing until he reached a breaking point.
Finally, after much pestering, Law relented.
“You’re avoiding me.” He spoke.
Your eyes widened, breath caught in your throat. You knew it’d likely been obvious, but you never thought it would’ve bothered him enough to bring it up. You couldn’t bear looking into his eyes, seeing the emotions pooling within them. Was this the result of unspoken emotion?
Or was it merely an observation?
“I wouldn’t say avoiding… more like… staying clear.”
“That’s the same thing just worded differently.”
You agreed, staring into your lap, hands cupped delicately.
“Can you tell me why?”
You shook your head, embarrassed you’d brought it to this point.
“Room.”
Law’s sudden use of his devil fruit caught your attention immediately. You looked up, watching as the chart in his hand was quickly replaced with a small bag. You tilted your head, confused as he held it out to you.
“I’ve been meaning to give you this. Just haven’t found the right time.” Law admitted.
“What is it?” You asked, a bit embarrassed by the sudden presentation.
“Open it.”
So you did. Slowly, as if opening it any faster would shatter what was inside. Within the bag was a box. You were careful with the lid, gasping when its content was on display for you to witness.
“It’s so cute!” You gasped, picking up the transponder snail in two hands, beaming at the creature’s cheery expression.
“I’ve already saved my number onto it, so you don’t have to worry about doing that yourself.” Law spoke, watching the way you cooed at the little creature.
“You didn’t have to get this for me, Law. I’ve been fine using the one we all share on the Tang.”
Law nodded. “I know. I wanted you to have a way to contact me—us!—whenever you need it. That way you won’t be stranded all night like you were the other day.”
You set the snail down gently at your side.
“I’m sorry I’ve been so distant lately. I didn’t mean for it to influence you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re alright.”
You smiled. Glad the air had settled between you. The last thing you wanted was for the calm that surrounded the pair of you to be disrupted.
“But, if you don’t mind me asking, what brought this up?”
Honestly, if you ever intended to move past this, you’d have to speak about it. Only through silence were you condemning yourselves to failure.
“Shachi said something totally crazy! I mean, you’re gonna laugh when you hear it, I’m sure.”
Law remained silent. Your sign to continue.
“He went on and on about how you have feelings for me. Saying how obvious it was that we’re smitten.”
You rambled about the conversation that’d occurred, the way you thought it would be best to keep your distance so Law didn’t get the wrong idea. You even told him about what the Straw Hats and Usopp had said only a short time before that.
Law broke his silence in the midst of your ramble. “Do you?”
“W-What?”
He got closer, the distance between you steadily faltering into nothingness. “Do you have feelings… for me…?”
You didn’t know how to answer. What would be the correct response? Should you jeopardize your dynamic and potentially ruin everything? Or lie and condemn your feelings to ruin?
“I heard everything that day. I listened to every word Shachi’s big mouth blubbered and heard everything you said in response.” He admitted.
Law took your hands in his, looking into your eyes.
“Tell me you don’t have feelings for me,” Law almost begged. “It would make this so much easier.”
“Easier?” You whispered.
“If I know this feeling is mine alone I’ll force myself to forget, make it so that I never let my emotions hinder me again. But…” You watched the way he paused, considering his words carefully. His grip on you tightened ever so slightly. “I can’t stand another moment like this. My chest hurts so much and there’s practically no logic about it, apart from it being a side effect of affection.”
“Do you like me?” You asked carefully.
“I asked you first.” He dryly attempted to make you laugh, his nerves betraying him.
Words are a difficult thing. It’s the very reason so little are shared between you. You were comfortable with your long stretches of silence, favors passed between you without having to ask. Morning coffee and snacks, daily check-ins and little gifts that should mean nothing. But to you, to both of you, they’re everything. It wasn’t a matter of whether or not affection was present, it was whether you were willing to admit it, willing to surpass that threshold and conquer what had been holding you back.
Because no matter what you told yourselves, every action since you can remember has been an act of undying affection.
So, wordlessly, Law pressed his lips against your cheek, pulling away just as quickly as he’d been there. He still lingered, your body tingling where his lips had met your skin.
“Was that… um… was it okay?” He was suddenly so timid, worried he’d read your reaction wrong and you would momentarily condemn him for being so dense.
But you looked down where your hands remained conjoined, tracing the shape of his tattoos with your thumb. Then you leaned forward, pressing your own kiss against his lips.
It was shy, almost awkward. Law didn’t kiss back, not right away. By the time he’d gathered the courage you were already pulling away.
And so the two of you remained there, once more enveloped in that comforting silence you enjoyed so much, the silence that told you he was there, the silence that told you he always would be.
puta-puta-puta puta-puta-puta
You turned to your side to find your snail ringing.
“Should it be doing that?” You asked, confused.
Law shook his head, hesitant to allow you to take the call. His gaze was criminal as he watched you pick up the receiver, holding it up to your ear.
Nami called out your name from the other line.
“How did you get my number?” You asked, your confusion only growing. The only one with access to your line should be Law and Law alone.
“Don’t worry about that right now!” She deflected. “I sensed cash in the wind and I knew I had to call you!”
“Nami, what the hell are you talking about?” You laughed out, a bit nervous.
“Did you and Law just confess your very obvious feelings?”
“W-What!?” You choked.
Law gently coaxed the snail from your hands, pressing the receiver against his ear.
“That’s right, Navigator. What’s it matter to you?”
“Hah!” She cackled. “Zoro, pay up!”
Cuh-lick.
“What… just happened…?”
“I really don’t wanna know…”
