Chapter Text
Day 16
Amidst the chaos of Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper's antics on the deck, Law's moody temperament reached its limit. Though forever grateful for the Straw Hat's alliance and their crucial help in the recent battle with Doflamingo, he couldn't deny that they still had the power to annoy the ever-living hell out of him. The relentless cheerfulness and carefree attitudes of his fellow pirates grated on his nerves, especially when he had more pressing concerns gnawing at him.
His crew had been missing for 16 long days now, and he was stranded on the Thousand Sunny. Despite the Straw Hat crew's camaraderie, Law desperately needed a respite from the exuberance that surrounded him. The worry about his missing crew weighed heavily on his mind, making it difficult to find comfort amidst the chaos.
Silently, he slipped away, concealing the worry and frustration that burdened his stoic demeanor. Seeking solace from the overwhelming chaos, he found himself drawn to Robin's library, a space she frequented so often that it had become synonymous with her chilly yet comforting presence. Despite not officially designating it as her own, the room exuded an air of elegance and wisdom, a sanctuary amidst the turbulent seas of the New World. As he entered the library, the faint scent of old parchment and leather enveloped him, offering a sense of tranquility and familiarity.
As Law entered the library, unsurprising, Robin was already there, sitting with poise on the curved green leather seats. Her legs were tucked under her, and she held a cup of tea in one hand and a book in the other. The chaotic scenes outside seemed to have no effect on her, as she remained completely engrossed in her research.
What caught Law's attention was the fact that she actually held two books simultaneously. In her real hand, she gripped one with a deep blue cover, while her Devil Fruit-created spare arms held the other, a pristine white dictionary. He couldn't help but marvel at her dexterity and elegance in handling the texts.
Despite the turmoil surrounding them, Robin exuded a sense of tranquility and focus that was strangely comforting. In the midst of his own worries, her serene presence provided a momentary respite, a reminder that amidst the chaos, there was still a place of quiet refuge in the library.
Raising her gaze from the book, Robin looked at him, her tea emitting a warm steam that caressed her silky black hair. "Need a break from the boys?" she inquired, her perceptive eyes seeming to sense the bristled energy emanating from Law. He responded with a nonchalant "mmm" and a nod, silently acknowledging the accuracy of her observation.
Robin observed as Law made his way across the room and settled into the plush seating by the tall window on the opposite end. She could sense the relief washing over him as he appreciated the serene atmosphere of the library, finding a momentary escape from the boisterous laughter and relentless optimism of the others.
"I don't know how you stand it," Law finally remarked, referring to the lively and energetic nature of the Straw Hat crew.
She responded with a gentle smile, understanding his sentiment. "You become thankful for the laughter after decades of quiet the opposite," she explained, hinting at her own experiences and the value she now placed on the companionship and spirited camaraderie of Luffy and his crew.
Peeking out from under the brim of his hat, Law regarded Robin with a mix of curiosity and contemplation. Calling her a 'friend' would be a stretch, given his reserved nature, but as the days passed, he couldn't help but recognize the unspoken understanding between them. If he had to be stuck with someone on this ship for an extended period, he reluctantly admitted that Robin would probably be the best fit. Though he entertained the idea of her being a Heart Pirate, he knew deep down that suggesting such a thing might insult her unwavering loyalty to the Straw Hat crew.
He had witnessed firsthand her dedication to them, and he didn't want to jeopardize the quiet peace that had formed between the two of them.Thus, as the days passed and their time together on the Thousand Sunny extended, Law found himself silently appreciating the presence of this enigmatic woman. Though he wouldn't openly admit it, he had come to value the comfortable silence that had come be formed here, finding solace in her quiet companionship amidst the laughter and madness of the Straw Hat crew.
"Would you like a cup of tea? I'll call up to Sanji to make you one," Robin kindly offered.
"No. Don't bother. I'll survive," Law replied with a hint of dry humor, his stoic facade softening ever so slightly at Robin's kind offer. He shifted his hat, ensuring she couldn't catch the faint smile that escaped him.He tilted his hat towards her, concealing the subtle expression as he waved off her offer with a dismissive hand. Instead, his eyes wandered to the title of the book she held in her hands.
His reading preferences were a stark contrast to Robin's. Law was accustomed to delving into books solely on surgery and medical science, and while he couldn't boast of having an extensive library like Robin's, he had never found the time nor the interest to read anything beyond his professional pursuits.
"What's got you engrossed this time?" he inquired, making an effort to sound less brooding than usual. Tilting his chin towards the book's cover, he subtly indicated his genuine interest in her latest literary discovery. It seemed that every time he saw her, she had her thin nose something new and intriguing.
Robin took a delicate sip of her tea before responding, her voice calm and composed. “I'm delving into the mysteries of an ancient poneglyph from Alabasta's history," she replied. "There are intriguing words that I can't seem to decipher properly. Thus, the need for the dictionary."
Law's worry and admiration mingled within him, appreciating her relentless pursuit of knowledge even amid the chaos that surrounded them. "I see," he murmured, drawn to the challenge of unraveling secrets, even when weighed down by his own concerns.
"And what is it that you like to read, Tra-guy?” Robin inquired, playfully using Luffy's unique nickname for Law.
He knew what she was doing. She was gently trying to strike up a conversation to distract him from his endless worrying about his missing crew and submarine. It was a peculiar situation for Law, who had spent a lifetime challenging and defying fate, but now he found himself facing a situation he had literally no control over. The vast oceans of the New World swallowed his submarine, and there was nothing he could do to find it or his friends. All he could do was wait. For better or worse.
Feeling the weight of his own helplessness, Law scowled and bit the inside of his cheeks. He despised feeling so useless, but he acknowledged that this was a circumstance beyond his control. He leaned down in the seat, slouching and sinking, crossing his arms over his chest, and appreciating the distraction Robin offered.
"Only medical journals," he replied, his voice subdued.
"Only?" Robin questioned, curious about his singular focus.
He nodded, realizing that his reading preferences were far more specialized compared to Robin's diverse interests.
"You must have the most interesting conversations with Chopper then," she remarked, recognizing the doctor-like bond Law shared with the little reindeer on the ship.
Once more, Law nodded in agreement, finding solace in the knowledge that he could have meaningful conversations with Chopper late into the night. Despite the little reindeer's occasional annoying antics, Chopper had a unique ability to sober up quickly and take things seriously when it mattered.
After their brief conversation, they settled into a comfortable silence. Robin resumed her reading, engrossed in the ancient poneglyph's mysteries, while Law remained still, taking in the peaceful ambiance of the library. The warm air enveloped him, carrying the faint scent of old books that surrounded them.
In this tranquil moment, Law found solace in the hushed atmosphere of the library. The quiet sounds of pages turning and the distant creaking of the ship added to the serene ambiance, creating a haven of tranquility amidst the chaos in his own mind and heart.
He allowed himself to be immersed in the moment, savoring the brief respite from the worries and uncertainties that loomed over him. In the presence of Robin and the silent embrace of knowledge, he found a fleeting sense of calm, knowing that even in the vastness of the ocean, there were still pockets of peace to be found.
Law blinked in surprise as he slowly woke from his unexpected slumber. He couldn't believe he had let his guard down so completely, especially in the presence of someone else. He scanned the room, only to find it empty. Robin had apparently left at some point, and he hadn't even noticed.
Glancing out the window, he saw that the sunny afternoon had given way to a stunning amber-lit dusk. He must have dozed off for quite some time. Stretching his stiff muscles, he bowed back, cracking his spine and as he leaned up, he noticed something lying next to him on the long seat.
Law was taken aback by the sight that greeted him - a fresh cup of tea, still billowing with heat, accompanied by a sugary biscuit on a delicate china plate. However, what intrigued him the most was the book lying next to the treats. Its black cover with striking red letters bore the title "Blood Ties: Devil Fruit & Human Health Vol 1."
His curiosity piqued, he picked up the book and examined it closely.
Feeling an odd sense of gratitude and connection, Law settled back into the plush seating, ready to delve into the pages of the intriguing book. Reading would be a welcomed distraction, allowing him to momentarily escape the worries that plagued his mind. As he opened the book to the first page, his focus shifted from the turmoil of the present to the captivating world of Devil Fruits and their impact on human health.
He opened the crisp, new book to the first page and began to read.
With a quiet sigh, Law resigned himself to the fact that Luffy - the lucky lug nut - found Robin first. She would've indeed made one interesting Heart Pirate.