Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The group buzzed with excitement as they neared the entrance to Raizo’s hiding place. Anticipation thickened the air, voices rising, feet quickening—but in the middle of it all, Robin and Law moved in quieter rhythm, slightly apart from the others.

Their hands brushed, barely a whisper of contact—but it sent a spark through Law. He glanced at her, and there she was: radiant, unguarded, smiling like the sun had decided to settle behind her eyes. His heart skipped. He looked away too quickly.

Robin noticed. Of course she did.

"You know they can see us, right?" Law said, tone calm, laced with a dry edge—as if the thought had only just occurred to him, though he was clearly calculating the consequences.

Robin arched a brow, her smile playful. "Is that really a problem?"

"My crew will humiliate me. Yours might try to murder me," he replied, deadpan but tinged with something warmer, something real.

She laughed softly, the sound a balm against the tension of their mission. She began to pull her hand away, giving him space—because she knew how careful he was, how guarded, but before she could fully let go, his fingers wrapped around hers again.

"I didn’t say I minded," he murmured.

The words were cool on the surface, but underneath them was something deeper. Her heart fluttered. She looked at their hands—fingers intertwined like they were meant to be.

I’m in love with this man, she realized. It wasn’t dramatic. It was quiet, certain. Just like him.

As they walked toward the cave, the world around them shrank, the buzz of the group fading to a low hum. Right now, nothing else mattered...

Chapter Text

En route to Dressrosa…

The Sunny buzzed with its usual liveliness.

On the grassy deck, Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper shouted in unison, full of chaotic energy.

“FOOD! FOOD! FOOD!”

Sanji, balancing a tray with flair, offered a chilled drink to Nami.

“Nami-chwaaan~! Here’s something refreshing, just for youuu!”

Nami gave him a small smile, still looking out over the sea. “Thanks, Sanji-kun.”

Leaning against the railing, Law silently watched it all unfold.

So this is what it’s like here every day…

His eyes shifted to Sanji, practically glowing as he swooned over Nami.

Impressive how he loses all composure around women.

The trio’s shouting only got louder. Sanji’s patience snapped.

“Would you three shut up already?! I’m trying to cook!”

He turned sharply and disappeared into the kitchen, muttering curses under his breath.

Law exhaled slowly. Somewhere quieter...

Below deck, he passed familiar sounds—Franky’s hammering echoed faintly from deep within the ship. Nearby, Brook hummed idly, while Zoro snored from where he was half-slouched against a central pillar, arms crossed, completely unbothered.

Eventually, Law found the library.

It was quiet here, warmly lit with sunlight spilling in from the windows. The space felt calm, undisturbed.

Robin stood near one of the tall bookshelves, engrossed in a worn hardcover. She looked up when he entered, her gaze meeting his for just a beat before her lips curled into a faint, curious smile.

“Did I interrupt?” Law asked, his voice low.

“Not at all,” she replied, turning her body slightly toward him.

Something about her voice, the way she welcomed him in without effort or expectation, made him stay.

“I’m looking for books on Dressrosa,” he said after a moment.

Robin tilted her head slightly. “Anything specific?”

"I just need information, I don't have much trust with what's ahead of us."

Robin observed him silently. 

There was no performance in her voice—only quiet certainty. He looked at her and found something unexpected there. Not judgment,  not pity, just understanding and confidence. 

They didn’t speak for a while after that.

Time passed in silence. An hour, maybe more.

Robin returned to her book. Law settled on the edge of a ledge, not a bench, but enough to sit. He didn’t read. He watched. He listened to the sound of pages turning, the way sunlight danced across her features.

It was peaceful. Boring, even. But it felt right.

She’s calm… but strong. .

His eyes lingered on her longer than he meant to.

Why does that make my chest feel like this?

Suddenly, Law stood, tense with something he didn’t quite understand.

Robin looked up, sensing it.

“Is something wrong?”

He shook his head faintly, already turning. “I think there’s something wrong with me. I need to go.”

“Law.”

Her voice stopped him. He turned halfway, unsure why he was even still there? 

Robin stepped toward him, close enough to make his pulse stutter.

“I think… there’s something wrong with me too,” she said, voice soft.

His brows drew together. “What do you mean?”

But she didn’t answer with words.

Silence. 

Their eyes locked. A moment passed. Then, wordlessly, as if pulled by gravity, they leaned in.

Their lips met.

It wasn’t a shy kiss. It wasn’t slow or gentle—it was real, fast, and searching, raw with the feelings they hadn’t let themselves admit had been lingering since they first laid eyes on each other back on Punk Hazard.

It was sudden but satisfying—

They want more—

A beat.

“ROBIIN! ROBINNN!” Usopp’s voice echoed from the hallway.

They broke apart, breathing heavily.

Robin blinked, the warmth of his lips still lingering on hers. His gaze said everything—he wanted to continue.

But she had to answer the door.

She turned, composed herself, and went to open it.

Usopp stood there beaming. “Robin!!! Sanji made octopus takoyaki—hurry before Luffy eats it all!”

Robin hesitated, her mind still dazed by Law’s kiss, but she had to pull herself together. “I’ll come—just give me a second.”

She was about to reach a step forward. 

Usopp blinked. “Wait—did you also see Law—?”

When Law’s hand reached out, pulling her gently but firmly back.

Law stepped forward, his grip on Robin secure, and met Usopp’s eyes. 

“Give us one minute,” he said plainly.

Usopp froze, eyes darting between them.

“Y-Yeah… s-sure…”

Before another word left his mouth, Law shut the door on his face.

Robin turned toward him again, just as his hands found her waist. He leaned in. She backed instinctively into the wall behind her.

And with that, their lips met again—this time slower, deeper, more desperate than before.

This wasn’t a first kiss anymore. This was something neither of them could deny—a connection that had lingered too long in silence. Now it was real.

Breathless. Wordless. Needed.

In that moment, everything outside the library faded away.

And after that moment—

They never spoke of it again.

Chapter Text

Polar Tang. Law's room:

Law sat shirtless on a wooden ottoman beside the closed window of the Polar Tang, still wearing his jeans with the familiar brown spotted pattern. The room was dim—bathed only in occasional streaks of moonlight slipping past the glass. All was still. Law, too, was quiet, eyes fixed outward, but his thoughts clearly far away.

“Law.” Robin’s voice was soft, gentle. She had been lying on the bed but now slowly rose and sat on its edge. She wore only a bra and shorts, her long dark hair loose and flowing, catching faint glimmers of moonlight.

Law turned to look at her. “Lost in thought?” she asked, calm yet laced with concern. “Are you worried about what’s going to happen in Wano?”

Law stayed silent for a moment before nodding. Robin’s gaze lingered on him—tender, understanding.

“You were the same in Dressrosa,” she said softly. “But in the end, things still unfolded the way you planned.”

“I know,” Law replied. “But this time… there’s more at stake. Too many lives depend on this. Luck won’t cut it. We need a fallback plan in case the first one fails.” He let out a sigh. “Especially with how unpredictable my allies are… especially Strawhat-ya. He brings nothing but chaos.”

Robin offered a gentle smile. She stood, stepped closer, and knelt before him—reaching for his hands. Her eyes met his, and moonlight kissed her features. “But things still turn out in the end, don’t they?” Her voice was soft, yet full of quiet conviction.

Law stared at her. From his vantage point, he could see everything—her long lashes, the calm green of her eyes, the elegant shape of her nose, and the faint pink of her lips. His cheeks warmed slightly, and he looked away.

“I just feel more at ease when every move is calculated,” he muttered, clinging to his seriousness. “My allies are… a handful.”

“Law,” Robin said gently but firmly, “I’m still a Strawhat.”

Law blinked, clearly caught off guard. “You’re the only one I can tolerate from them.”

Robin chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

She tightened her hold on his hands—steady, warm, full of unspoken trust. “They say we’re like two of a kind—almost like the same person. I think that’s true. Maybe that’s why I feel you so clearly… like we share the same soul. I feel your fear, the weight you carry… even the rhythm of your heart. That’s why I know you already trust that this won’t be easy—but we’ll make it through.”

Law said nothing at first. He simply looked at her, knowing every word was true. He squeezed her hands tighter—grounded, sincere. “We’ll talk through everything. I won’t let anyone get hurt. Not anyone… especially not you.”

Robin smiled gently. “Should I be flattered by that, Surgeon of Death?”

Law slowly leaned in, his face drawing closer to Robin, who continued to gaze up at him. The space between them now was barely anything. “You said it yourself… we’re almost the same person,” he murmured. “So tell me now, Nico-ya… am I telling the truth?”

Robin smiled—and in that smile, she knew the answer. Without question.

Chapter Text

From one of the highest ridges in Wano, Law and Robin had chosen to linger for a little while longer, after discovering the ruins of old Wano hidden beneath the sea. The two of them sat side by side beneath the wide, graceful shade of a plum tree.

It was nearly twilight, but the town below was still brimming with life. Music drifted through the air, laughter rang out freely, and vibrant fireworks burst into color across the sky—painting the horizon in brilliant hues. It was a far cry from the Wano they had first stepped into.

Robin watched the sky with a small smile.“It’s lovely,” she said softly. “Everyone seems so happy.”

Law didn’t respond right away, but the slight lift of his lips said enough. Robin turned to glance at him.

“So... what do you plan to do after this?” she asked, casually, though her voice carried a trace of sadness. “Your alliance with the Straw Hats is nearly over.”

He took a long moment before looking at her. Then, slowly, he reached out and took her hand in his, giving it a light squeeze.

“I’m going to keep looking for answers,” he said. “I’ll sail with my crew, get stronger. And if... by some chance, I find the One Piece along the way... then I guess I’ll be the Pirate King.” He smirked at his own teasing tone.

Robin narrowed her eyes at him.

“You’re kidding,” she said flatly. “Luffy will be the Pirate King.”

Law just smiled, wordlessly agreeing.

“But...” Robin paused, unsure if she should go on. Her gaze dropped to their joined hands. “After all this... I hope we’ll meet again. Maybe we could travel together. Explore ancient caves, ruins, museums... dig up artifacts. We could uncover the history of the world together. Even... the meaning of your name.”

Her voice was bright with excitement. Her eyes sparkled.Law looked at her, just a little stunned. Then he smiled again—and held her hand tighter.

“Maybe we could visit all the islands no one else wants to go to,” he added lightly. “Or the ones no one’s ever dared visit. I could collect old coins from each one as souvenirs.”

They shared a warm look. Then, a quiet laugh.

“But... you want to know what I really want?” Law asked, his voice softening.

Robin tilted her head. “What is it?”

He leaned in just slightly.

“That when all of this is over... I can wake up and fall asleep every day with you beside me. Every day. Always.”

The fireworks crackled and burst overhead, but it all seemed so far away now—just background noise to their little world.

Robin blinked, stunned. Then, she laughed softly.

“That sounded a lot like a proposal.”

Law gave her a steady look. “I’ll do it—when everything’s finally settled. I’ll come back for you. No matter what.”

He paused.

“But you said it yourself, didn’t you? That our souls are intertwined. That they’ll keep looking for each other. Will you wait... until mine finds yours again?”

Robin let out another gentle laugh.

“I didn’t know you had such a romantic side, Captain,” she teased, brushing her fingers across his cheek. “But yes... I’ll wait. So come back to me safe. And you’ll find me safe too.”

Law smiled, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. Their eyes locked again. And slowly, he leaned in.

Robin’s eyes fluttered shut.

Their lips met—gentle, honest, and sweet. Robin’s lips parted slightly, and Law responded. His hands rose to cradle her cheeks, as the kiss deepened. It was a perfect kiss. Quiet. Full of unspoken promises. In that moment, the world belonged to them alone.

“Captaaaain!! Captaaaain!! Where are you?!”

“Captain!!”

Law and Robin parted slightly, only just. The voices of Bepo, Penguin, and Sachi were drawing near. But neither of them looked the least bit flustered.

They simply smiled at each other—and resumed their kiss.

“There you are, Captain!” Bepo’s voice came first. “We’ve been looking everywh—oh.” He skidded to a halt, seeing the very intimate position the captain was in. The woman’s back was to him, so he couldn’t tell who it was. “Sorry...” he mumbled, red-faced and flustered.

Sachi and Penguin arrived right after him—and promptly turned beet red.

“Ooooooh! Captain!!”

“Whoa, things are heating up!”

Unlike Bepo, the two couldn’t stop themselves from reacting loudly.

“W-wait a sec...” Penguin began, squinting. “Isn’t that N-Nico—”

He didn’t finish.

Law calmly raised one hand, not breaking the kiss, and made a small, familiar motion with his fingers.The three of them knew exactly what it meant.

In the blink of an eye, Bepo, Sachi, and Penguin vanished—teleported straight into the heart of the party.

Chapter Text

"Give me a 70% discount," Nami bargained mischievously with the shopkeeper, twirling a piece of fabric on her finger.

The shopkeeper scratched his head in frustration. He knew better than to argue—everyone in Water 7 knew Nami was one of the heroes who’d saved the city. How could he refuse?

"That’s way too much of a loss for me," he grumbled, letting out a heavy sigh.

"30% discount," he countered, trying to stay firm.

"80%," Nami shot back instantly, flashing a teasing wink.

"Why is your offer going up?!" the shopkeeper cried, nearly dropping the items he was holding.

In the end, Nami skipped out of the shop, victorious, with four bulging bags of clothes in hand. Her grin was as bright as a kid's on Christmas morning.

As she strolled down the busy street, she bumped into Paulie, who was heading the other way—cigarette dangling from his lips, orange goggles perched on his forehead, denim jacket thrown over his shoulder.

"Oiii, Paulieeee~!" Nami called out, waving with one hand despite the bags tugging at her arms.

Paulie froze mid-step. His gaze immediately zeroed in on what she was wearing: a sleeveless printed top and shorts so short they barely counted as clothes. His face turned crimson in an instant.

"Why the hell are you wearing something that short again?!" he barked, unable to hold back.

Nami huffed, adjusting her shopping bags with a playful bounce.
"I can wear whatever I want!" she snapped, stomping one foot for emphasis.

Paulie scowled, cheeks still burning, but looked away stubbornly.

"What’s your problem with what I wear, huh?" Nami growled.

Paulie didn’t answer. He just stared at the ground, gritting his teeth.

With a sigh, Nami’s tone softened. "Where are you even going?"

"Nowhere," he muttered. "Just walking."

"Good. Then help me carry these," Nami said sweetly—and promptly shoved half the bags into his arms before he could protest.

"Oi! I'm not your damn servant!!" Paulie protested, nearly toppling under the weight. But he didn’t drop a single bag.

They moved through the market together—Nami flitting from stall to stall, dragging Paulie along like a reluctant pack mule. He grumbled nonstop, but he never once put the bags down.

Children spotted them and came running, calling out Nami’s name with bright smiles. She crouched to greet them, laughing as she ruffled their hair and handed out candies from her pocket.

Paulie watched from behind the bags, catching himself smiling without meaning to.
For all her bossiness and greed, Nami was... kind. The kids loved her. She had fought for this city—and for people she barely knew—without asking anything in return.

And despite all the nagging, the shouting, and the scheming, there was a part of her that was pure and bright.
The thought slipped into his mind before he could stop it:

If you think about it... she'd make a pretty good wife.

Paulie quickly shook his head, cursing himself. What the hell was he thinking?

His grip tightened on the bag straps—and with a sudden snap, they gave out.
Clothes spilled everywhere, landing with a dramatic thud in the middle of the street.

Nami whirled around, her sweet smile vanishing. "WHAT THE HELL, PAULIE?!"

Paulie stiffened in pure fear.

****

They spent the next half hour buying new bags, Nami launching into a nonstop tirade the whole way. Paulie bore it in silence, grumbling internally. How the hell did he always get dragged into these things?

As the sun dipped lower, they finally slowed down. The crowds thinned. The market stalls started closing.

Nami suddenly stopped walking.
She stood still, staring out over the rooftops, where the orange sky melted into the sea.

Paulie came up beside her, silent.

"I’m gonna miss this," she said quietly, her voice losing its usual sharp edge.

Paulie glanced at her. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears—but she smiled through them. A soft, bittersweet smile.

He swallowed hard.
"...Me too," he said, almost under his breath.

Their eyes met. For a long moment, the noise of the city faded away.

The last rays of the sun slipped under the horizon, and the sky deepened into crimson.

Nami smiled again, small and wistful.
"I'll miss this too," she whispered—maybe to herself, but Paulie heard every word.

Chapter Text

The night sky shimmered faintly above, the Great Eirik casting a soft silver glow over the deck. The ship glided smoothly toward Elbaf, cutting through the endless stretch of ocean. At the center of the massive vessel, the giants slept soundly, their snores rumbling like distant thunder.

Up on the deck, under the cold breath of the sea breeze, Franky and Lilith kept quiet watch. Franky sat cross-legged on the floor, arms draped loosely over his knees.

Lilith leaned against the railing, elbows propped as she stared into the horizon, the wind tossing her short hair in playful disarray. "Ayyyy!! It's my first time traveling this far! I'm sooo excited I could explode!!" she squealed, inhaling deeply—her voice far too loud for the tranquil night.

Franky winced, glancing over his shoulder at the sleeping giants. “Lilith! Keep it down, would ya? You ’ll wake ’em up!” he hissed—half-exasperated, half-amused.

Unbothered, Lilith spun around and bounced over to him, plopping down in front of him with a grin that could light up the ocean. "I can already imagine it... all the resources, the rare materials... I’ll be unstoppable!" Her eyes sparkled, alive with invention and possibility.

Franky chuckled, her excitement infectious. "Yeah! And we’ll see the legendary Adam Tree too! I can hardly wait!"

Lilith’s voice softened unexpectedly. "I'm really happy for you, Franky." The sincerity caught him off guard.

She scooted closer, settling beside him with her knees hugged to her chest, her grin practically buzzing with excitement. "I'm excited to learn all these new things."

Franky snorted, trying to ignore the sudden lightness in his chest. "For a genius, you’re such a little rookie," he teased, nudging her gently with an elbow.

“Rookie??” Lilith burst into laughter—loud, genuine, and clear as crystal. She threw her head back and cackled, completely delighted. "That’s the first time anyone’s called me that! I love it!!"

Franky watched her a beat longer than he intended.

Cute.

He shook his head with a grin. Yeah, she was a handful—but it wasn’t every day you met someone who really got what fired you up inside.

Time slipped by without them noticing. They dove into talks about robots, wild invention ideas, their gripes with the World Government, and traded dumb jokes that had them laughing until their sides hurt. Franky even showed off a few mechanical tricks, which left Lilith wide-eyed and babbling with fresh excitement.

By the time the sky began to blush with the first light of dawn, the giants were still snoring peacefully, their thunderous breathing blending into the morning calm. Franky and Lilith sat side by side, shoulders occasionally brushing, completely lost in their own little world.

A few benches away, tucked in the shadows, Robin, Brook, and Jinbe quietly watched the scene unfold.

Jinbe folded his arms with a chuckle. "Looks like Franky’s having a good night."

Brook sipped his tea with a musical laugh. "Yohoho! They’re delightful to watch."

"In fairness..." Robin said, her voice touched with quiet delight, "They suit each other perfectly."

None of them doubted the pair had even noticed that it's already morning.
 

Chapter Text

After the exhausting battle, Law couldn’t believe that even though Luffy had deviated from their previous plans, in the end, their side still triumphed. He sat cross-legged on a wide, white stone in the snow. His shoulders slumped, Kikoku resting on his shoulder as his head hung low, deeply thinking about his next move.

It was in this state that he noticed a figure in the distance. It was Robin—wearing a bear  hoodie winter coat—surrounded by two giant children, cheerfully taking care of them.

Law stared at her. He had known of Robin from the wanted posters—the so-called “Demon Child.” He was still young back then, but he was curious about what this woman had done to warrant such a large bounty on her head. But over time, he realized it wasn’t necessarily her actions that earned her the bounty, but rather the potential of her ability. O'Hara was erased from the map. Everything was wiped out—whether they were alive or not. Robin survived the violent seas as a pirate, and eventually became an ally to a former Warlord. Two years ago, Law had read in the newspaper about the historic rescue of Robin at Enies Lobby—where Luffy burned the flag of the World Government. He was greatly impressed by the Strawhats' dedication. To rescue… a woman that the world detested.

Coincidentally, Robin glanced in his direction and caught him staring. Their eyes met. Neither said anything, but Law’s chest suddenly rumbled. As a doctor, he instantly knew—this wasn’t normal.He had never felt this nervous under anyone’s gaze before. His lips parted slightly. He felt as though he was frozen in place. If not for his cold expression, he probably would have looked ridiculous. Robin smiled.

And that was when Law was forced to look away.

***

Before climbing up to the Sunny, Robin was about to ascend the stairs when she glanced back, gazing at the icy land of Punk Hazard. Even though it was covered in snow, the destruction caused by the previous battle was still evident.

Law was a bit further from her, walking with his gaze fixed ahead. He didn’t notice her glance because, suddenly, a child cried out—one of the giants they had saved.

“Waaahhhhhhhhhh!”

“Are you okay?” asked another child, rushing to check on the crying one.

Several Marines had arrived to assess the situation.

“My… stomach hurts,” the child sobbed. “Maybe we should call Doctor Chopper—” suggested one soldier.

“No! It’s our responsibility to look after these children, not the pirates,” another soldier interjected firmly.

Robin furrowed her brows. Law sighed quietly beneath his round hat. He was a bit far away, so Robin couldn’t be sure if he’d made a Room, but he subtly raised his sword—seemingly scanning something with it. Lifting his elbow and gesturing with his hand. Robin immediately recognized the move. She could almost hear the whispered words from his lips: “Takt…".

The crying stopped.

“The pain’s gone!” the child exclaimed happily, quickly returning to play.

Robin looked at Law and smiled involuntarily. As Law was about to board the ship, he found himself meeting Robin’s gaze again—she was smiling and still looking at him. His heart skipped a beat. He looked down, as if indifferent, and kept walking, trying to avoid her gaze.

“Looks like you have a good heart after all.” Robin’s voice was soft, but Law didn’t face her.

“I’m still a doctor,” he replied shortly, continuing to walk. Robin was left behind, still smiling, though no one fully understood what was going on in his mind… or even herself.

Chapter Text

In one of the private bathhouses within Wano's castle, a clear, stone-lined spring bubbled quietly. The war was over, but the world hadn’t gone silent.

Trafalgar Law soaked in the warm water, his upper torso visible above the surface. His elbows rested on the edge of the stone pool, relaxed but guarded. Nearby, Nico Robin sat on the edge of the spring, dressed casually in a loose t-shirt and shorts, legs dangling just above the water.

“You’re not joining me?” Law asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Robin crossed her arms loosely. “Just being cautious. We can’t be too complacent. Someone might still be watching.”

Law scoffed, turning his head to look at her. “Seriously? Kaido and Big Mom are gone. The samurai have reclaimed Wano. Who exactly do you think is going to ambush us while we’re bathing?”

He shifted, resting his arms wider along the stone rim, needing to tilt his head up to look at her. “Besides, if anyone did attack, they’d have to get through Mugiwara-ya and the others first.” There was a playful smirk in his tone. Robin raised a brow.

“Isn’t it a little selfish to let everyone else fight out there while we’re...” She trailed off, the rest of the sentence catching in her throat. A faint flush crept onto her cheeks at what she was implying.

Law noticed. Instantly. He adjusted his posture, planting both forearms firmly on either side of her on the stone. His wet body now leaned forward, effectively caging her in with his arms. His golden eyes locked with hers, a glint of mischief and want dancing in them. “While we’re what?” he teased, smirking.

Robin swallowed. “I—I didn’t bring any spare clothes.” It was a weak excuse, and she knew it.

Law chuckled, a deep, handsome sound that made her eyes narrow at him. “You just want an excuse not to get undressed in front of me.”

Robin gave him a deadpan look. “You want to see my body. That’s what this is about.”

Law grinned lazily.“Why are you acting like I haven’t seen all of it before?”

Robin’s eyes narrowed further, but she couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at her lips.

“And don’t pretend you’re not curious about mine,” he added, leaning in just a little more.

“Cocky, Captain,” she murmured, amused.

She pressed her forehead lightly to his, their noses barely brushing. They both smiled—but Robin gasped as Law suddenly grabbed her waist and, with a swift tug, pulled her into the water with him.

“Law!” she scolded, but her irritation dissolved the instant she realized how close their bodies were now—almost too close, the heat between them rising beyond the steam. They stared into each other’s eyes, neither looking away.

“Are you gonna pretend you don’t want this?” Law asked in a low, teasing tone. Robin’s gaze dropped to his lips, then back up to his eyes.

“Why would I pretend,” she whispered, “when you’ve already caught me completely?”

Law raised a hand, gently caressing her cheek, tracing her jaw, then down the line of her neck. He leaned in and kissed her, soft at first, but deepening as both their lips parted in sync. The kiss grew hungry, full of unspoken tension finally released.

But before it could go further— Footsteps. Voices.

“Zoro…” Robin whispered in alarm. The bathhouse gate creaked. Zoro appeared, followed closely by Hiyori. Robin’s eyes widened. She immediately crossed her arms—and vanished. Law was left alone in the water, dripping and frowning, clearly abandoned. He glanced at the two newcomers who hadn’t noticed him yet. Hiyori grabbed Zoro’s arms.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help stealing a kiss,” she said sheepishly.

Zoro frowned. “I’m not mad, but… I wasn’t expecting it. I don’t take advantage of women.” Hiyori giggled.

“I know. But I just couldn’t stop myself.” She bit her finger thoughtfully. “But… does that mean you wouldn’t mind kissing me, if I asked for permission first?”

Zoro didn’t answer, just let out a quiet grunt.

Law rolled his eyes. Am I invisible or something?

Then, without further ado, Hiyori reached up, looped her arms around Zoro’s neck—and kissed him again. This time, Zoro kissed her back.

Law looked like he was about to vomit. He cleared his throat loudly. The pair broke apart instantly, blushing and awkward.

“I was here first. Maybe take your romantic drama somewhere else,” Law said flatly.

“Shut up!” Zoro snapped, cheeks red as Hiyori scrambled out in embarrassment.

Zoro and Law stared at each other.

“You’re not going after her?” Law asked dryly.

“I know what I’m doing, Tarao! Don’t lecture me!” Zoro barked.

He turned to leave but paused.

“Oh yeah—have you seen Robin?” Law scoffed.

“If you hadn’t barged in, maybe I’d still know.”

“Tch.” Zoro clicked his tongue and walked out.

Law leaned back in the spring with a tired sigh. “She betrayed me,” he muttered, glaring at the empty space Robin had occupied. “I’m definitely going to punish her for that…”

He smirked.

Chapter Text

In Dressrosa, the land of love and passion:

The chaos of war had ended, but the dust had yet to settle.

Trafalgar Law sat alone, battered and bruised, amid the debris-strewn streets of Dressrosa. The cheers of the liberated echoed all around him—Luffy’s name being chanted like the song of salvation. But Law heard none of it. His gaze remained low, hidden beneath the rim of his tattered hat. His body ached. But what gnawed at him wasn’t pain. It was the silence that followed after all the noise.

He didn’t look up, not even when someone approached him—until the soft sound of footsteps stopped before him. A faint shadow cut through the sunlight, casting a tall silhouette across the ground.

Law’s eyes rose.

Long legs. A black minidress beneath an elegant overcoat. A grace that couldn't belong to anyone else.

Nico Robin.

Sunlight glinted off her raven hair, framing her face with quiet beauty.

“I’m glad you’re safe,” she said, her voice low, almost a whisper—yet it cut through the weight in his chest like a warm blade.

Law’s breath caught. That voice. That presence.

He looked away again, hiding under his hat. “You too,” he murmured. “I’m… glad you’re safe.”

It sounded more sincere than he meant to allow.

Robin’s lips parted. She stared at him in silence for a moment, then let out a breath of her own. “I told you things would be alright. I know it’s hard for someone like you—someone who lives by logic and plans—to believe in things working out on their own. But Luffy… he’s the freest person I’ve ever met. He doesn’t follow plans. And somehow, he always wins.”

Her gaze wandered briefly to where Luffy lay passed out, head cradled on Rebecca’s lap, surrounded by joyful citizens who cheer his name. She stepped closer, now standing directly at Law’s side.

“The true strength he has… is pulling people to his side. Allies, friends—people who believe in him.”

Law let the words sink in. They were true. Too true.

Still, he asked quietly, “Then why are you here?”

Robin blinked. “What?”

“Why are you standing next to me?” he clarified. “Everyone else is with him.”

Silence fell. Robin turned her head slightly, pretending to watch the crowd, but Law could tell she was flustered. Eventually, she met his gaze.

“I wanted to see how you were. You’ve been through more than anyone knows.”

He tilted his head. “That’s all?”

Robin offered a small smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“…Is there supposed to be another reason?” she asked—though her voice hinted that she was speaking to herself more than to him.

A beat passed.

“I don’t know,” Law said. “I just… I’m happy you’re here. It feels like you’re the only one I need right now.”

Robin stared.

“What do you mean by that?” she asked gently.

He hesitated.

“The library,” he finally said. “That moment—it’s still burned into my memory. I’ve tried to forget, but I can’t. These past days, I’ve felt like I was losing my mind trying to make sure everyone lived. But even in the middle of that chaos… when I saw you, I felt like I could breathe again.”

The world paused for Robin.

Law’s face had gone red. He shifted uncomfortably, voice softer now. “You don’t have to think about it. Just ignore me.”

But Robin didn’t. She smiled—a smile full of something that surprised even her.

She wasn’t used to this: to the quickening of her heart, to the uncertainty of affection, or the thrill of possibly being understood. Her heart wanted to respond. But her mind held her back.

Alliances weren’t permanent. The world was still cruel. Tomorrow wasn’t promised.

Yet still… still...

“T-...  Law,” she said, calling his name gently.

He looked at her, cheeks still flushed.

“Thank you… for saying all that. What happened in the library… I think about it every day too.”

She knelt slightly beside him. Using her powers, she summoned an extra hand from the earth—its fingers gently brushing against his own. His hand flinched, but didn’t pull away.

“I think about you every day,” she continued. “And I know this isn’t the right time, not yet. But if the day comes when we’re no longer chasing war…”

She met his eyes, and her voice dropped to a quiet confession.

“…can I rest in you?”

The wind is still.

Their eyes locked.

And for the first time, the two warriors smiled—not as pirates, nor allies, but as something quietly blooming between them.

Robin let the hand fade, and they both turned their eyes toward Luffy and the people cheering him.

They still had dreams to chase, a mission to finish, a world to mend—but deep in their hearts, they found peace in knowing that someday, they might find their rest in each other.

Chapter Text

Everyone was busy preparing for the voyage to Wano, hauling supplies, loading crates, checking and double-checking every item before it was carried aboard the Polar Tang. Law was supposed to be heading off to talk to Inuarashi about the latest update on their Den Den Mushi communications. But instead, he found himself frozen in place,  because right in front of him were Penguin and Sachi, practically glued at the cheek, eyes wide with wonder, grinning like lovesick idiots.

“She’s so beautiful,” Penguin breathed.

“Like a goddess,” Sachi added, completely starstruck.

Law blinked. “What the hell are you two doing?”

No response. They were too far gone. Law followed their gaze, and immediately, his brows furrowed.

Of course. Robin.

She was lifting boxes with practiced ease, her grace never faltering even as she moved heavy crates. The way the sunlight hit her hair, the calm expression on her face, the quiet command she held—it was no wonder the idiots looked like they’d just been hit by Cupid’s cannon.

Law exhaled sharply through his nose, his jaw tightening. A low tsk escaped the side of his mouth.

They were eyeing her. His Robin.

“Right, Captain…” Sachi suddenly turned, eyes sparkling like he’d just solved a grand mystery. “Are you and Nico Robin close?”

Law’s grip on Kikoku tightened ever so slightly, reminding himself they were his friends. His crew.

“What kind of guy do you think she likes?” Penguin added, dreamy-eyed.

“You could try helping instead of wasting oxygen,” Law muttered.

“But Captai—”

“If you two don’t shut up, I will gouge out your eyes and give them back when we’re in Wano.”

Their faces turned pale in an instant, and they bolted toward the ship without another word—though not before grabbing the crate Robin had been carrying. She smiled at them, completely unaware of the chaos she left in her wake, then turned her gaze toward Law and started walking toward him.

“I really love those two’s energy,” she said with a soft, amused smile.

Law didn’t respond. Robin tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing with quiet curiosity. Anyone else wouldn’t notice the shift in Law’s expression. But Robin? She knew.

“Law? Is something wrong?”

He didn’t even hesitate. “I feel like gouging out the eyes…” he muttered, “…of every man who looks at you.”

Robin blinked. Then laughed. “What would you do with them? Feed them to the Sea Kings?”

No response. Like he really thinks about it. 

“Wait… are you jealous, Law?”

Silence.

“You are jealous?” she asked, blinking in disbelief. “Seriously?”

“Can you blame me?” he muttered, voice low and sulky. “Everyone looks at you. What can I do? You’re… you’re too beautiful.”

Robin had to bite back another laugh. Law Trafalgar, stoic, dead-serious Law, was jealous… because of her? She stepped closer, close enough to feel the tension radiating off him. With both hands, she cupped his face, gently bringing his gaze to hers.

“Law,” she said softly, “you’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. You have nothing to be jealous of.”

His eyes softened, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.“You’re beautiful inside and out,” she continued. “You have integrity.Loyalty.And your heart—” her arms slid gently behind his neck “—is full of care for those you love. You’re so amazing it’s scary. I bet a lot of women secretly fantasize about you.”

A grin tugged at the corner of Law’s lips. “I don’t care about any of them. I just want you.”

Their foreheads touched, and in that quiet moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them. No noise—just the quiet hum of admiration and love filling the space between them.

“Hey!” Usopp’s voice cracked through the moment like a poorly aimed cannonball. “You two are being way too obvious!”

Law and Robin didn’t even flinch.

“Good thing the others already went inside,” Usopp added, slightly panicked.

Law arched a brow.“Why do you sound so worried?”

“Law,” Robin said sweetly, “Usopp’s seen the secret. Maybe you should gouge out his eyes too. And cut out his tongue—just to be safe.”

“I was thinking of just taking his whole head,” Law replied casually, “and burying it somewhere deep. Then he definitely won’t be able to tell anyone.”

Usopp turned ghost-white. “You two are crazy! I don’t care if you’re together! You’re so good for each other anyway! I’m just saying—maybe you don’t want everyone to see it just yet!”

Robin considered that. She glanced at Law. “He has a point. I don’t want my crewmates teasing me.”

“I’d rather not see my crew’s reactions either,” Law agreed with a quiet sigh.

Robin smiled, leaning in to press a soft kiss on his lips. It was brief, barely a second—but it lingered, grounding him. When she pulled away, Law’s eyes remained closed. He opened them slowly and met her smile with his own.

“Excuse me,” Usopp groaned, “but seriously, you both need to head inside.”

Robin sighed, reluctant. “Shall we go inside then?”

"No, I still need to do something."

"We'll go ahead then," she said softly, turning away—but not before casting one last look back.

Law was still watching her. And smiling.

Then he blinked, brows suddenly knitting in confusion.

“…Wait. What was I supposed to be doing again?” 

Chapter Text

"...We need a hidden docking point for the Polar Tang... Hakugan—" Law stopped mid-sentence.

Out of the four crewmates gathered, only Bepo was looking at him and listening intently. The other three—Sachi, Penguin, and Hakugan—had their heads turned toward another part of the deck, eyes glued to a certain dark-haired archaeologist deep in conversation with Ikaku and Jean Bart.

Law followed their gaze and immediately pressed his lips into a thin line, inhaling sharply through his nose. "Are you even listening to me?" he asked, voice calm but tinged with irritation.

"Captain, you’re the best," Sachi said dreamily. "Thanks to you, legends like Boa Hancock and Nico Robin are actually stepping foot on our ship!"

"Man, I still can’t believe we’re this close to Nico Robin," Penguin added, practically sparkling with awe.

Law's eye twitched. Not only did he hate this behavior—but even worse, it was directed at her. "Enough." His tone dropped several degrees colder. "You do realize we’re facing an Emperor in Wano, right? If you want to survive this, start acting like you actually want to."

The three snapped to attention. Law let out a slow breath, glancing again toward Robin, who remained blissfully unaware, still speaking with Ikaku. He turned back to his crew, expression grave. "I’d appreciate it if you didn’t act like clueless perverts while she’s around. She’s stronger than any of you—and trust me, you don’t want to challenge her."

The trio looked back at him, sheepish. Only Bepo maintained his usual innocent gaze.

"We just want to be friends with her," Penguin muttered.

"You're lucky you got to spend all that time on the Sunny with her," Sachi added with a pout. "If you brought us with you, we could’ve been friends with her too. You owe us for that, Captain."

Law twitched. "I’ll slice you into a thousand pieces if you don’t shut up."

“Is there a problem here?” Ikaku asked sternly, hands on her hips, Robin now standing calmly behind her.

Law and Robin's eyes met—and Robin, reading his expression like a book, instantly knew what had probably caused his irritation.

“We’ll regroup for the strategy meeting later,” Law muttered, brushing past them.

Everyone turned to watch him go. “What did you guys do this time?” Ikaku hissed.

The three men looked thoroughly embarrassed. “They just wanted to be friends with Nico Robin,” Bepo explained.

“But they weren’t paying attention to Captain.”

“Oh,” Robin said, a slight smile on her lips. “So I’m the reason?”

She stepped forward gently. “I don’t mind making friends—especially with people the Captain trusts. But... maybe don’t make his job harder because of me.”

The trio scratched their heads, mumbling apologies.

Robin eventually found Law alone in the ship’s small library, fast asleep with a book still open in his lap. Quietly, she sat beside him, watching the gentle rise and fall of his breathing. Even in sleep, he looked stunning.

As if sensing her presence, Law opened his eyes—just barely.

“You should go to your room and rest,” he said, voice low and raspy.

“I could say the same to you,” Robin replied softly.

“I just wanted to read a bit.”

“Law...” She reached out and gently took his hand. He looked at her, and for a second, his usual mask slipped. “Don’t stress yourself too much over me,” she said.

He gave a quiet snort. “Just... give me time. I’ve never felt like this before, and I don’t know how to handle some of these reactions.”

Robin smiled tenderly, squeezing his hand.“Law…” He looked up at her, caught off guard. “I love you,” she said with quiet certainty. His eyes widened slightly. A rare blush touched his face. “I really do,” she repeated.

He didn’t respond, but he smiled—and then Robin knew that Law felt the assurance he needed. 

Chapter Text

Twilight draped the grassland in soft hues of lavender and gold as Zoro made his way across the open field. He hadn’t been looking for her—not really. And yet, there she was: Hiyori, standing beneath a lone tree, her gaze turned skyward, lost in something only she could see.

As he drew closer, something else caught his eye. The field around them was aglow with dozens—no, hundreds—of fireflies, flickering like stars that had forgotten to stay in the sky. It was quietly stunning.

Hiyori turned at the sound of his footsteps. For a second, she looked surprised to see him... but then she smiled—soft and relieved—like she’d been hoping for it all along.

“What are you doing here?” Zoro asked, his voice low.

Hiyori gave a sad little smile.

“I was just watching the fireflies. I haven’t seen them in a long time. And now… being here like this, it feels like everything’s gone back to how it used to be. Not simple, maybe—but happy… and so beautiful.”

Her eyes stayed on the fireflies, as if the memory were still unfolding in front of her.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone at night,” Zoro said, not unkindly. “You’re still a woman. You should learn to take care of yourself, and be more careful from now on. You know very well that we’ll be setting sail tomorrow.”

“I know,” she whispered, more to herself than to him. “I still can’t believe you’re leaving already.”

Zoro shrugged. “We were never meant to stay.”

She turned toward him fully now, standing only a breath away. Then she raised her hand between them—a closed fist, delicate and deliberate.

He looked down at it. Slowly, she opened her fingers, and nestled in her palm was a single firefly. Its glow was soft, greenish-yellow—almost magical. After a moment, it lifted from her hand and joined the others, drifting upward like a wish released.

They both watched it in silence. The breeze rustled the tall grass around them. Overhead, the stars were beginning to claim the sky. Zoro’s expression remained unreadable—stoic as ever—but something flickered in his eyes. Hiyori, ever graceful and composed, now smiled with the gentle weight of someone holding back tears.

“Zoro…” she said quietly, “I’ll miss you. I really will.” Her voice was low, thick with emotion. “Thank you. For saving me—not just my life, but my hope, my faith… the will to keep going.”

Zoro let out a slow breath. He wouldn’t admit it—not out loud—but her words struck him. Hiyori wasn’t just another person he had helped. She was... special to him. She wasn’t part of the Straw Hats, but somehow, she had become someone he trusted. Someone who saw him, even when he wasn’t saying much.

It wasn’t that he didn’t care. He did. That was the problem—because he shouldn’t care this much. Not now.

Their eyes met—hers warm and open, his steady but softer now.

She leaned in, hesitant only for a heartbeat, and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. It was light, lingering, and tender. When she pulled away, she saw that Zoro’s eyes were still open, watching her. She began to step back—but his hand found her waist, holding her in place. This time, he kissed her—without hesitation. She responded instantly.

Whatever tomorrow held—chaos, distance, the sea—it didn’t matter in that moment. Not under a sky littered with stars and fireflies. Not in the stillness of the night, with the breeze whispering through the grass.

This night was...theirs.

Chapter Text

Everyone was still exhausted from the chaos of the battle. Their bodies were bruised, sore, and worn down fighting those selfish dragon exploiters. The Straw Hats had made it back to the cabin after watching the last of the millennium dragons disappear into the clouds.

“It’s such a shame,” Nami muttered, her chin resting in her palm as she stared at nothing in particular. “No actual treasure on the lost island…”

She wore that unmistakable pout—the kind that screamed both disappointment and calculation. The kind that said her mind was already doing mental math on what they should have gained.

“Oi, Nami! Come on, we fulfilled Uncle Ryu’s wish, didn’t we?” Usopp replied, his tone an awkward mix of comfort and logic.

“I know, I know.” She sighed, waving it off. But the sparkle in her eyes had dulled. She looked around the room, suddenly noticing they were alone. “Where are the others?”

“Not sure. Luffy and Sanji are whipping something up before we leave the island. As for Zoro… maybe he got himself lost again.”

Nami snorted. “That damn swordsman,” she muttered, her brows furrowed. “He knows we can’t afford to stay here long. If the Marines catch wind of us, we’re toast.”

As if on cue, the door swung open with dramatic flair—and in stepped Sanji, a cigarette dangling lazily from his lips, his eyes lighting up the second he saw her.

“Nami-chwaaaaan~ Your food is ready,” he said in a sing-song voice that might as well have had hearts floating around it.

Then he caught sight of Usopp and instantly forced his expression into a half-hearted poker face. “Oh. You’re here too.”

Usopp rolled his eyes. “I’ve been here the whole time,” he replied dryly. Simp, he thought.

“Let’s go,” Nami said, standing up. Usopp followed behind, and Sanji held the door open with all the exaggerated grace of a knight at a royal banquet—his gaze never once leaving Nami.

To Sanji, Nami wasn’t just beautiful. She was radiant. Fierce. Clever. Independent. And while his heart might flutter around any woman, there was something different about her. Maybe it was the fire behind her eyes, or the way she walked with purpose. Whatever it was, he couldn’t help but fall just a little harder every time she smiled his way.

They finished eating in the warmth of the cabin. Even Zoro eventually stumbled back, grumbling about how everything looked the same. Once their bellies were full and the ship was prepped, they knew they’d have to leave the island soon.

Outside, under the fading light of afternoon, Nami sat quietly on a broken bench beneath a half-collapsed gazebo, tracing her finger across the worn parchment of a map.

Sanji stepped out and spotted her from the doorway. She was bathed in sunlight—her orange hair catching the golden rays like wildfire. He lit a cigarette but forgot to take a drag. He was too busy watching her.

What a beauty, he thought. Not just in appearance—but in spirit. She’s like the storm and the calm after it.

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out across the clearing.

"STRAWHATS!!!!!!!!!! THERE’S A RAINBOW!!! Over THERE in the sunflower field! It was so HUuuuuGE and beautiful!!!” Apis came bounding into view, eyes wide with joy.

Sanji and Nami turned their heads in unison.

“A rainbow?” Luffy shouted as he and Usopp appeared in the doorway.

“Let’s go see it!!” Usopp yelled, practically vibrating with excitement.

“Follow me!” Apis called, breaking into a sprint.

Luffy and Usopp chased after her like overgrown kids.

Sanji blinked. “Seriously? Over a rainbow? What are you? kids?” he muttered.

“Come on!” Nami shouted back, already sprinting after them.

“HAHHH~! Of course, Nami-chwaan!” Sanji yelled, dashing after her without a second thought.

They ran through a sprawling sunflower field, the golden petals brushing against their legs, reaching for the sky like joyful hands. And then—there it was.

A massive arc of color stretched across the heavens, shimmering with hues so vivid they looked painted by the gods themselves. The air shimmered slightly, and for a moment, Sanji wondered if the wings of the millennium dragons had parted the clouds just to leave them this gift.

The crew scattered across the field like children, laughing and yelling, reaching for the rainbow as if they could actually touch it.

Sanji stayed close to Nami, deliberately matching her pace. He watched her laugh—the kind of laugh that crinkled her nose and lit up her entire face. The wind caught her hair, sending it flying behind her like a comet’s tail. The sunlight kissed her skin, and she looked so free, so alive.

His cigarette slipped from his lips, forgotten, as he stared.

She glanced over her shoulder, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips—and that smile hit him harder than any Marine or monster ever could.

I want to hold her hand, he thought. Through the fields. To the sea. To the end of the world.Not just as her cook. Not just as a Straw Hat. But as something more…

But now wasn’t the time.

One day, maybe—when the world was done being cruel, when his dream was fulfilled, when the seas were calm—maybe then, he’d take that hand.

And if she allowed it, they could run together.

This wasn’t just chivalry anymore—it was the shape of a new dream, quietly forming in his heart.

He smiled softly and broke into a run again, chasing the others—and the rainbow.

Chapter Text

The room buzzed with tension as the final plans were laid out. Missions were assigned, nods exchanged, and the Straw Hats prepared to go their separate ways—each heading into danger with only trust and hope binding them together.

Just as they were about to adjourn. She made her way to Law, eyes locked on him like he was the only soul in the room.

Without hesitation, she placed her hands gently on his shoulders, ignoring the fact that they were far from alone. Her touch was tender, and her eyes shimmered—not with fear, but with deep-aching worry.

"Law," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, yet strong enough to cut through the tension in the air. "Come back to me, no matter what."

He stared back at her, equally torn, equally burdened. The chaos of war ahead weighed heavy on them both, but in her eyes, he found a moment of peace and comfort. He took a step closer, closing the sliver of space between them.

"You too," he said, voice low and firm. "Don’t you dare die without me."

They didn’t need more words.

Robin simply nodded, eyes searching his as if memorizing every detail. Law leaned forward and pressed a firm kiss to her forehead, full of emotion and promises. It lingered, a silent vow between their souls. 

Pulling back just enough to meet her gaze again, he whispered, “I’ll be back.”

Around them, silence had fallen. The rest of the Straw Hats watched, most smirking quietly to themselves. Zoro gave a subtle grin, Sanji looked annoyed but huffed under his breath with a soft "tch," instead and secretly smiled, and Nami elbowed Usopp to stop staring. Brook hummed a romantic tune under his breath. Luffy just scratched his head, tilting it with a confused look before shrugging.

Chapter Text

Robin hadn’t expected to see anyone on this quiet path—let alone him.The moment she saw the silhouette stepping out from between the trees, her breath hitched. Her heartbeat paused, then surged forward like a crashing wave. There was no mistaking that figure. That presence. Even without the familiar hat.

Trafalgar D. Water Law.

Tears welled up in her eyes, uninvited but unstoppable. She wanted to run, but before she could even take a step, she felt the shift in the air.

Shambles.

In an instant, she was in his arms. His Warmth, his weight. His scent she hadn’t realized she memorized.

Robin’s arms flew up around his neck, clinging to him like he was the only solid thing in the world. Her heart was drenched in so many emotions it couldn’t decide which to feel first.

Law held her like a man afraid to let go. His face pressed into her shoulder, and she felt the tremble in his breath. He didn’t speak at first. He didn’t need to…She knew, he was hurting.

And she was crying.

She pulled back just enough to take his face in her hands. His eyes, those stormy, exhausted eyes, held so much.

“I lost my crew,” he whispered.

That shattered her.

"Oh, Law…” she whispered, pulling him into another embrace, tighter this time. If she could take the pain from him and bear it herself, she would. Without question. She swear, she would.

“I’m so sorry,” she said, voice breaking. “And maybe it’s selfish, but… I’m happy you’re safe. I’ve been so scared too.”

He said nothing. When she looked at him again, he offered the faintest curve of a smile.

“You cut your hair,” he said, his voice softer now.

“Yeah,” she said, her eyes were still watering.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured.

It wasn’t flirtation. It wasn’t empty comfort. It was his despite the pain, yet still seeing her. And somehow, that made it hurt more.

Robin’s heart twisted. How could he still carry that warmth while grieving so deeply? Their foreheads touched, breaths mingling between unspoken words.

"I missed you so much”

“I missed you so much too,” he said, voice raw."I heard Saul is alive, and I truly am happy for you. But my heart is too full of worry; I can’t bear to feel joy right now. I’m sorry I can’t show you—at least not fully—how much I’m celebrating for you."

“Don’t fret, my love,” Robin murmured. “Everything’s going to be okay. I’m sure it will.”

He wished he could believe it with the same certainty. But in her arms, in the weight of their shared silence, something told her she was right. They held each other again, longer this time. Not just with their arms, but with every scarred part of their souls.

Chapter Text

Chaos thrashed through the forest. Branches whipped past as Robin, Usopp, and Sanji tore between the trees, the furious shouts of bandits snapping at their heels.

Usopp had been recognized—of all things—by the very people he once scammed, and now their escape had spiraled into a desperate chase.

They could have fought back. Sanji, even Robin knew it. But Law’s order was absolute: no civilians harmed. And so they've no choice but to run. For Sanji, only one thought burned in his mind—Robin’s safety over anything else.

The trees began to thin, revealing a jagged cliff ahead. Sanji’s jaw tightened as he glanced back at their pursuers. Oh, how badly he wanted to send them all flying with one glorious kick… but he held back. None of them were afraid, just careful not to ruin the plan.

“Why are they even chasing us?!” Usopp wailed, voice cracking as he stumbled over roots.

“Robin-chwaaaan!” Sanji called, urgent yet tender. “Can you jump? I’ll catch you!”

Robin nodded—though she didn’t really need him to. She could handle herself. Still, she let him say it.

“You don’t care about me at all!!” Usopp shouted, wounded pride painted all over his face.

“Forgive me, Usopp,” Sanji muttered, eyes locked only on Robin.

Usopp puffed out his chest, trying to look braver than his trembling legs allowed. “Fine! Leave this to me!” But his bravado cracked the instant more bandits poured out of the woods, hemming them in.

Sanji smirked. “It might be easier if we can just deny knowing Usopp.”

Robin actually giggled, even in the middle of danger.

As planned, Robin leapt from the cliff. Tilting her head midair, she caught a glimpse of Sanji finally losing patience. With a sharp, restrained kick, he sent a cluster of bandits tumbling like rag dolls.

He crouched, ready to dive after her.

“Robin-chwaan! I’m coming—!”

But before he could move, a flash of blue light cut through the air.

In an instant, Law appeared below her, arms steady, and caught her mid-fall without so much as a stumble. The world seemed to hang suspended for a heartbeat—Robin cradled against him, the wind rushing past, chaos still shrieking above.

“Law…” Robin breathed, her voice barely audible over the air.

“Go on,” he said, clipped and cool—but to her, it was approval.

Her lips curved into a smile. She wrapped her arms around his neck, not in weakness but in command. From the forest floor behind them, countless hands bloomed like dark flowers, sprouting from trees, rocks, even the bodies of their enemies. Necks snapped in perfect unison. Bodies dropped wordlessly, as though the forest itself had swallowed them whole.

“Tarao! HOW DARE YOU?! I was supposed to catch her!” Sanji’s voice exploded from the cliff top.

Law ignored him entirely. With a single shambles, space twisted—and he and Robin vanished. He warped the two of them to safety. Gently—almost carefully—he set Robin down.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He only gave a short nod.

“Won’t that affect the plan?” she asked.

“We’ll think about it later.”

“And how about Sanji and Usopp—”

“Robin...”

His hands gripped her shoulders suddenly, firm and grounding. She stiffened and startled. His gaze bore into hers, so unshakable.

“Were you hurt?”

Robin let out a soft laugh, trying to ease the tension. “Were you… worried about me?” She asked expecting him to scoff, and to look away.

But instead he answered —

“Yes. Very much.”

Her breath caught. His hand tightened ever so slightly, as though afraid she might slip away. For once, the mask on his face cracked just enough to show what lay beneath.

Robin smiled faintly and slid her hands into his. “I wasn't really hurt, don't worry. You do trust me, right?” she teased, voice a whisper.

Silence lingered. Then, low and quiet:

"I trust you. But if there’s ever a chance...I want to take care of you too."

She nodded. Their eyes locked, and for a fleeting instant, the chaos of the world fell away. There was only trust between them. 

Law’s fingers threaded with hers, pulling her gently forward. Robin felt the brush of his arm against hers, their hands securely clasped together.

“Shouldn’t we go back for them?” she asked softly.

“Nahh, they’ll be fine,” he replied, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.

“What about the plan?”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ve got other plans for now..."

Robin chuckled under her breath.

They walked hand in hand and it felt like the calmest thing in the world.

Chapter Text

The ballroom reeked of expensive perfume and pretty little lies.

Koala tugged at the silk dress Dragon had forced her into and adjusted the ridiculous mask hiding half her face. Of course, it had to be lace and satin and frills—gosh! She hated disguises, especially the ones that made her feel like a doll on display. But orders were orders, and with arms dealers, nobles, and Cipher Pol agents packed wall to wall, she had no choice but to blend in.

Her voice was a sharp hiss into the tiny snail transceiver snug in her ear. “I told you not to act on your own! Do you even realize how hard this is already?”

On the other end, Sabo’s voice was maddeningly casual. “I know, I know…”

Her eyebrow twitched. Oh— he was definitely doing something reckless. “Sabo, I swear...”

Toot. Toot. Line dead.

Koala froze. Her face burned, her fists curled in her skirts.“SABO!!!” she whisper-screamed, ready to strangle him the next time she saw him.

But she had to keep moving.

Breathe in. Smile. Blend in.

She stepped into the ballroom, chandeliers glittering overhead, violins singing, every guest dressed like sin wrapped in silk.

“Miss… are you alone?”

Koala stiffened. A noble with a slimy smile, and a Cipher Pol agent at his side, blocked her path. If she said yes, she’d be stepping into a trap. If she said no, she’d risk suspicion.

“I’d like a dance,” the noble pressed, hand outstretched.

Koala’s throat went dry. She opened her mouth—

—And then, warm fingers slid around her waist. “She’s with me.”

Her heart stopped. That voice. Even with a mask, she knew.

It's Sabo.

The noble scowled, muttered something under his breath, and retreated with his agent.

Koala turned her death glare on the blond idiot attached to her side.

“Relax, Koala,” Sabo murmured smoothly, leaning close, like this was some kind of game. “If you glare any harder, everyone will know we’re faking it.”

Her voice was pure venom. “If you screw this up, I’ll kill you.”

“Crystal clear,” he said, grin widening like she hadn’t just threatened his life.

“I’m serious. I’m not here to babysit you.”

“And I don’t need babysitting.” He tilted his head, grin softening. “If anything, I’m here to keep you safe.”

Koala snorted. “Yeah, right.”

His smile faltered, just for a second, but it was back before she could comment. And the tiniest, most traitorous part of her wanted to smile too. Idiot.

Hours later—too many fake laughs, too many stolen documents—it all went to hell. Cipher Pol agents ambushed them in the moonlit gardens, blades glinting silver.

“You okay?” Sabo asked as he appeared and he slid in front of her with fire sparking around his fists.

Koala rolled her eyes, shifting into stance at his back. “Don’t ask! Just don't die!! ”

"Who's dying?"

*********

The fight was quick, brutal, and seamless. His flames roared, her kicks cracked bone, and together they moved like they were one person in two bodies. When the last agent hit the dirt, they stood back-to-back, panting, silence wrapping around them.

Koala tilted her head toward the stars, her chest aching. “You’re reckless!! Always throwing yourself in front of me like you don’t care what happens to you.”

Sabo turned, no cocky grin this time—just something raw, stripped down.

“It’s not that I don’t care what happens to me, Koala.” His hand lifted, brushing her cheek like she was glass. “It’s that I care too much about what happens to you.”

Her breath hitched. She should’ve shoved him away. Should’ve yelled. But instead, she stepped forward and buried herself in his chest, clinging tight, tears slipping free.

“Damn you!!” she whispered, voice cracking. “Why do you never listen to me?”

For a moment, Sabo was frozen. Then his arms came around her, warm and steady, holding her like he’d never let go. And despite everything, a quiet, shaky smile tugged at his lips.

When she finally pulled back, her face burned hotter than his fire. And of course—of course—his grin had returned. Smaller, softer, but still smug.

“Don’t look so proud of yourself,” she muttered, turning away.

“Too late,” he teased. “You already made my heart flutter.”

Koala groaned, covering her face. The worst part? He wasn’t wrong. And the small smile tugging at her lips gave her away.

“Let’s just finish the mission.”

“Sure,” Sabo said easily, brushing her shoulder as he walked beside her. “But next time, Koala…we’re finishing this conversation.”

And under the starlit sky, she didn’t argue. Because they both knew—whatever this was, it was no ordinary mission anymore.

Chapter Text

The moment Trafalgar Law stepped aboard the ship again, the air shifted. Robin had already expected the sharp focus, the immediate turn toward tactics and alliances cause, it was who he was. He wasted no time assessing their position, sketching out fallback plans, and identifying opportunities with surgical detachment. That part made sense...

What didn’t make sense was the way he seemed to be avoiding her.

At first, it was subtle—

averted eyes...

an unreadable expression...

the way his posture turned ever so slightly away whenever she entered a room.

Law was not a man of excess words or warmth — not in front of most people, at least, that, she knows— but this time, it felt different. He didn’t sit beside her, didn’t glance at her. He spoke to her only when forced to, and even then, his words seemed to wither between them.

He was building a wall. Deliberately.

Robin was no stranger to emotional armor. She wore her own carefully, forged through a life built on survival. But this—this self-imposed exile he was burying himself in,  felt colder than she had ever seen him.

With the looming threat of the Marines and rival pirates creeping ever closer, they had opted to split into patrol groups. Robin had assumed (perhaps naively), that Law would pair them together. Afterall she wasn’t just capable; but she was also one of the few people who understood him without needing everything spelled out.

But...

he didn’t choose her.

Deliberately, again. She knew.

She didn’t let it show. Her composure held, as always. But the bruise settled quietly beneath her ribs...so tender, and sharp. She saw the choice for what it was: a retreat. And something inside her clenched.

....Two days passed in that emotional stalemate.

She found him alone. It wasn’t his shift to stand guard, so he had taken to the quiet of a small cabin, lying atop a narrow bed, Kikoku resting against his arm like a loyal sentinel. The door creaked open beneath her hand, and she stepped inside softly, a shadow cast across the floorboards.

She hadn’t meant to disturb him, so she was ready to slip back out when his eyes opened.

And for the first time in days—he looked at her directly.

Probably, he’d come up with an excuse again, now that there were only two of them.

But the connection held—just a moment— before he looked away, pushing himself upright. The tension in the air tightened like thread pulled taut.

Robin stepped forward, measured and silent, and stopped beside the bed.

“Law,” she said quietly, “is there something you want to say to me?”

He didn’t lift his eyes. “No.”

“Then you don’t want to tell me why you’ve been avoiding me?”

“I’m not avoiding you,” he replied too quickly.

Her voice remained steady. “You think I wouldn’t notice?”

“I’m not,” he repeated, softer now. “It’s just…”

The sentence trailed off like a frayed rope, and the stillness in the room became a weight.

“It’s just what?” she asked.

He didn’t speak.

She watched him carefully. “Is this where your trust in me ends?”

His jaw clenched. “I…” The word trembled from his mouth. “I’m weak.”

She blinked. The silence pressed in again.

He was still staring at the floor when he said, in a hollow voice:

“I’ve lost too much. People I cared about... people I swore to protect. And I couldn’t... I couldn’t save any of them. And now…” He swallowed. “I’m afraid,” he admitted. “If you get too close… I won’t be able to protect you either. I don’t think I could bear that.”

Finally, he looked at her. The confession bled from his eyes long before the words caught up.

“...At least with Straw Hat… he might be reckless and an idiot, but he’s strong. He can keep you safe.”

He lowered his head again. 

Robin knelt slightly, reaching up to cradle his face between her palms, making him look at her. Her touch was gentle, but grounding—and firm.

“You’re not weak,” she said simply.

He opened his mouth to protest, but she continued:

“You’ve carried more than anyone should. You’ve fought battles most wouldn’t survive. You’ve endured pain that would break lesser men. And you’ve done it almost alone.” Her thumbs brushed across the sharp lines of his cheeks. “That’s not weakness. Not as far as I know.”

She leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You think I care whether you can protect me? I don’t want you to be a shield, Law. I want you to be with me. And if you still think you're weak… then let me be strong for us. Let me fight beside you.”

His eyes darkened with emotion, but he said nothing.

“I love you,” she said. “I trust you with my life. But you have to trust me with yours.”

His hand came up, trembling slightly, to hold hers where it cradled his face. He leaned into her touch, closed his eyes—and pressed a kiss to her palm with a reverence that shattered something inside her.

“I love you,” he whispered. “More than I’ll ever know.”

He opened his eyes again, and this time, he didn’t look away.

“Don’t push me away again,” she said, barely holding back the break in her voice. “It hurts ...watching you fight alone while I stand here, ready to be by your side, and you won’t let me.”

Silent, he reached for her.

His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close until his head rested against her stomach. It wasn’t a gesture of passion, but of surrender...to grief, to love, to guilt too long buried.

Robin held him, threading her fingers through his hair, the other hand rubbing gentle circles across his back. She didn’t speak. There was no need.

He was still fighting the war inside him—but now, he wouldn’t have to fight it alone.