Chapter Text
Robin wakes up to the gentle purring of her cat sleeping on her chest.
Ryunosuke has been around since her childhood. Olvia, due to her work as an investigative journalist, often spends long hours at work. As a result, her work requires her to stay either in the office or the fields up to late hours on an occasional normal day, and even until weeks on busy ones. Sometimes, she’d even have to be away for business trips to the other side of the country.
At work, she met Saul, a detective who will eventually become her lifelong friend. When he started visiting, Robin didn’t care about the man with the weird laugh. Eventually, she warmed up to his jokes and caring persona. The two somehow raised Robin together (she considers it the act of ‘raising’ even if they were rarely there), and for that she’s immensely grateful.
Her father was out of the picture. Meanwhile, Olvia and Saul were barely home. Hence, on her 7th birthday, they gifted her a small ball of fluff. The Siamese cat, Ryunosuke, was her steady companion throughout the years.
Now, at the age of seventeen, such a setup hasn’t changed much. The only difference is that she understands her living condition more now – and has long accepted her loneliness (at least, that’s what she tells herself). She convinces herself it’s enough that she’s living a comfortable life.
(—However, in the corner of her heart, she still yearns for more time with her mother, lamenting a childhood she mostly spent alone. Even then, she has never blamed her. Like Olvia used to tell her, she’s doing her work to make the world safer for her future. Robin couldn’t be prouder.)
Sometimes she just wishes she’s home earlier and more often. At the very least, meeting the Straw Hats has changed her.
That day in class was uneventful. One, no fight broke out. Historically, Luffy was always at the center of any conflict (except yesterday, where the stars were different), and she had included cheering for her captain as part of her daily routine. Today, Kid was pissed off, not anything out of the ordinary, but didn’t start anything. Luffy also opted to sleep through the whole class instead. Undisturbed, as the teachers had long given up trying to make him focus on anything. The day proceeded business as usual.
Two, the transfer student was not present. She asked Mr. Brook about his absence, but the homeroom teacher only told her that his guardian informed him Law wouldn’t be able to make it to class today. No actual reason was given, except for there are personal matters that need to be sorted first. Robin felt a pang of disappointment; she was looking forward to deciphering the new student. After all, it’s in her curious nature to observe anything new piece by piece. Although from how the man glared at her yesterday, he definitely wouldn’t appreciate it.
After class, as part of their routine, the Straw Hats were out to go somewhere else to end the day. For today, they chose to go to a riverbank near their school. As usual, Zoro declined, citing another reason she’s sure he just repeated from last week. She averted her gaze before Nami could catch her eyes.
Now, on their way, she receives an ominous text.
From: Mother
- Robin, come home quick when you can. There’s something Saul and I have to discuss with you.
- Take care on your way home! I love you.
✓ read
Robin’s heartbeat quickens. While the text doesn’t look like she’s in trouble, or they’re in trouble, the fact that Olvia and Saul are home for two days consecutively is enough to ring warning bells in her head. She wonders what kind of discussion they need to have, that it can’t wait any longer.
“What’s wrong?” Noticing the frown on her face, Nami asks.
“Mother texted me. I have to go home now. I’ll catch up tomorrow.”
Upon hearing this, Luffy tilts his head. “Do you need our help? Okay guys! Change of plans. To Robin’s house!” He calls everyone.
With that, the entire group is in agreement.
Robin’s eyes soften. Ever since joining the Straw Hats, the loneliness she always wear like second nature can be momentarily forgotten. “You don’t have to.”
“We want to!” Yamato agrees eagerly.
“It’s not anything worrisome,” She assures them, although even she has no clue what it’s about. “For now, I’ll have to go home alone.”
Luffy stares straight through her, the very stare that seems like he’s looking through her soul. After a while, he nods. “Well then, if you say so.”
“Call us if you need anything.” With concern dripping on his voice, Sanji reminds her.
Robin does not waste any time running her way back. A 15-minute bus ride later, she arrives at their house. Their car is on the sidewalk again – a rare occurrence, indicating her mother and uncle are already inside just as she expects.
“I hope she understands.”
“We have no choice, it’s been going on long enough.”
Hushed voices make their way to her ears, which she distinguishes to be from both Olvia and Saul. She has no doubt they’re talking about her. But as for what the context is, she has not a single clue.
She walks to where they are and makes her steps known.
“Robin, there you are.” Olvia’s welcoming arms greet her immediately. Returning the gesture, she does the same to Saul. Robin waits for them to speak.
There’s a few awkward seconds which follow. Olvia and Saul both look at one another, as if urging the other to say something first. Robin sees them nudging each other’s arm subtly (not so subtle, in her opinion). It’s straight off a comedy scene that Robin is relieved the worst case scenario she imagined on the ride home is far from the truth. After all, the worst case scenario involves dismembered bodies here and there.
Finally, for what felt like hours, Saul relents. With one final look at her mother, he turns to Robin. He scratches his head, feeling a bit awkward. Robin is about to ask him what’s wrong, when a question – phrased in such a way she’s sure he didn’t think about it twice – comes out of his mouth.
“What do you feel about having a roommate?”
“...”
“Thank you for your hospitality! I really can’t thank you enough!”
Like yesterday, Rosinante sits across both Olvia and Saul. He’s wearing a pale pink long-sleeved shirt with heart patterns – glaring in contrast to the brooding and menacing teenager beside him. Said teenager who looks like he hasn’t had a good day in the past month sits across Robin on the other hand.
Wearing a yellow hoodie, a large backpack, and with his arms crossed over his chest, he’s glaring intensely at Rosinante that everyone in the room can feel the awkwardness. On the side, Saul and Olvia keep looking between the uncle and nephew; while hoping Robin, upon meeting this new roommate, won’t back out of the arrangement.
Everyone feels a different level of discomfort, except Robin, who’s curiously observing the newcomer.
They’re not roommates, per se. Appropriately, they’re housemates. The boy is set to use the guest room beside Robin’s own.
Saul and Olvia didn’t explain much, except that Rosinante is a friend from years ago that they recently reconnected with. According to the two, the man is currently troubled, as he needs to leave for a business trip soon, but hasn’t found anyone to temporarily care for his nephew yet. Said nephew is conveniently studying in a school three hours away from Rosinante’s city, which is also a 15-minute bus ride from their own.
He has no other relatives to speak of. The nephew also recently came from a tragic accident, hence quite critical to ensure he falls into good hands while Rosinante’s away. The two mentioned Robin is around the same age – which was good news to their friend, emphasizing his nephew really needs to connect with his peers.
Olvia says her piece with a straight face. But Saul delivering his part of the script while sweating is what gave it away.
Robin doesn’t believe them entirely, but she thinks if that’s the story they decided with, then she’ll just have to accept and tell them she doesn’t mind. Whatever the real reason behind why they have to house a stranger is, she trusts that the adults have thought it through and deemed it necessary.
When her blue eyes met Law’s steel ones at the door, to say he was surprised was an understatement. His eyes uncharacteristically widened, to the point that if he just opened them a bit more, she might have likened them to Luffy. Whatever Law was expecting that day, meeting Robin at his supposed temporary house probably didn’t cross his mind at all.
“You do have other expressions aside from scowling.” She remarks.
And so typical, he caught himself and scowled at her. Rosinante, from his side, waved at her. She lets the two in.
Now, sitting across from each other, Robin can really appreciate the sharpness of his face. His handsome countenance screams cold and calculating; his figure guarded and unwelcoming, yet the way his leg bounces subtly betrays his anxiety.
“Welcome to our humble home, Law.”
To ease the tension, Olvia decides to speak.
To his credit, Law doesn’t glare at her mother nor Saul. The intensity in his eyes dull once they directed to the two other adults. Robin thinks it might be the most polite she’s seen him (although it really doesn’t say much, when she’s only known him for a day). His eyes are cold, yet there seems to be something else in there. Robin tries to decipher the look, but being practically a stranger, she cannot seem to understand what the clouds in his eyes mean. Perhaps she should talk with him more to dissect what sort of person he is.
Law nods and says nothing else.
“Robin here is the same age as you. I’m sure it’s going to be awkward at first, especially being teenagers such as you two. I know you teens now are not much partial to socializing.” Her mother rubs her shoulders. “But I hope you two get along. This is just a temporary setup, right, Rosinante? At least, until you come back.”
“We’re classmates.” Robin says as a matter of fact.
“Even better! You two can study together.” Saul proposes and does that weird laugh of his. Even Law is taken aback by the sound.
"That’s nice, dear. I’m glad to know you two are not strangers at least.” Olvia agrees.
“You two are classmates? Why didn’t you say so? This makes things easier.” Rosinante comments, but grimaces internally after remembering how Law practically tried to beat someone on his first day. He just hopes Robin is not intimidated at most, and extremely terrified that she’d start begging her mother to reconsider at worst.
Robin, probably reading what he’s thinking, assures him, “Mr. Brook told me he’s a very promising student, I can feel it too. I look forward to getting to know him better.”
Law looks at her, annoyed. Looking forward? He bets she’d rather not have anything to do with him at all.
“Law, our Robin here is very studious. She’s the smartest kid in the class.” Saul suddenly chimes in to boast his somehow-daughter.
“Won’t be anymore.” Law mumbles, which Robin still catches. Taking it as a challenge, she grins at him playfully. Law avoids her look.
“I’m sure Law here could learn a thing or two from your dear Robin.” Thinking there will be no response from Law, Rosinante answers on his behalf.
“He will.” Not being able to stop herself from teasing him, she adds.
Law’s eyebrow raises at her comment. “And what would that be?”
With a lilt on her voice, she responds, “Maybe how to smile without looking like a threat.”
A round of laughter echoes from the group sans Law. Law had the civility to hold himself back earlier, but this time, he can’t help but give the nastiest glare he can master at his classmate.
Corazon giggles at her cheekiness, deciding he likes the girl even more now. Perhaps she is exactly the influence that Law needs (How ironic, given the real reason behind this setup). Saul is doing that weird dereshishi of his again, while Olvia joins him in a more reserved chuckle.
“Don’t worry, boy. Robin here had to learn how to smile too. This little girl was all empty and unfeeling! She scared me. At first, I really thought she was a doll!” Saul adds.
Robin, afraid that Saul will suddenly reveal other humiliating stories about her as a kid, looks away.
Law is amused. So, she knows how to be embarrassed, huh? But then he pauses. Catching the words he almost missed, he replays Saul’s words in his mind.
‘The little girl was all empty and unfeeling!’
How curious, he cannot connect such a description to the woman in front of him.
Law lets himself admit that her smile is magnetic, almost as if she was born smiling. He noticed it during class – her patient smile for the man with the straw hat, an amused smile for the long-nosed man, an indulgent smile for the man with the curly eyebrows, a caring smile for the redhead, a teasing smile he received from her and so on.
It’s hard to imagine a time where those stunning blue eyes held nothing.
What kind of childhood did she have?
Her family is here, what could warrant such emptiness?
Thankfully, before Law can ponder on why he’s even curious about those things, Olvia speaks. “Well then, dear. Why don’t you show Law his room? At least, until the year is over, treat this as your home.”
Robin nods and stands up.
Law follows closely behind her. With this unforeseen development, he can’t help but wonder what kind of future this year has in store for him.
Corazon is leaving. What kind of bullshit?
That man is unemployed and a freeloader in Doflamingo’s mansion. The Family may be doing some work, but not him. From what he heard from Baby 5 and others, he does as he pleases, as spoiled by his older brother.
Corazon didn’t really explain what the hell he’s thinking about. To Law’s surprise, Corazon briefly explained to him that he had to go somewhere for a while. Very vaguely. As if the man doesn’t even know where that ‘somewhere’ is, himself. And even if he truly does need to go far, what does it have to do with him? Did he really have to shove him onto some other random family? The Don Quixote estate is large and with many people, they can even handle an orphanage.
What else does it mean? Of course, that fucker wants to get rid of him.
He was about to talk to Trebol, Doflamingo’s trusted man. Even if he doesn’t think the man could do anything to take him away from this predicament, he at least wanted to try. But Corazon brilliantly timed their departure as soon as possible, just as when the Family is all out somewhere for business.
Well, it’s not as if any of the Family will listen to a child anyway. It’s not also as if he can contact Doflamingo directly, because The Fucker made sure all communications will go through him.
So this is it. Corazon is really abandoning him. For good, because he doesn’t believe the ‘temporary setup’ bullshit he spewed. He doesn’t want to acknowledge the sting it causes, because then, he’d have to admit that at one point in his depression, he craved his acceptance.
He thinks back to his current predicament.
He now has to be housed under the roof of literal strangers. He got shoved to an unsuspecting family just like that, who was kind enough to take him (or maybe Corazon will pay them, because such kindness is rare). Olvia doesn’t seem cruel, nor Saul. To be honest, the man even looked silly. While Corazon told him the man is a detective, it’s difficult to connect such a serious job to an unserious looking person.
And Robin… she might be annoying with her calm and all-knowing look, but she also seems less annoying than the people he had the displeasure of meeting in class yesterday. They might have started on the wrong foot (one-sided on his part, because he’s sure Robin is simply amused with him and looking at him like how she’d look at an alien she’s trying to understand), but to be fair, her presence is definitely better than, say, Kid (100x) or straw hat guy (too much energy for such a small body).
If she wasn’t such a rule-stickler, he might even have no problem at all.
But nevermind that. If he’d have no choice but to tolerate her presence just so he can make sure he won’t get kicked out this time, then fine.
Best to just avoid her.
Although literal opposite to Doflamingo (in a way that this family is definitely a barrier to his revenge with their work and all) Law is not rushing. For now, he just plans to graduate, no matter how unmotivated he feels. And to do that, he cannot be homeless.
(Although, if becoming the top of the class will be challenging, then perhaps he can derive some amusement from that.)
While in his grand planning, he hears a gentle knock on his door.
He wonders if it’s Corazon, because if it is, he’s not opening it. He hopes the man leaves immediately. Besides, what would he even say to him? How wonderful he feels that he’s finally rid of such brat?
Except, the knocking doesn’t stop and from outside, someone calls, “Torao.”
Of fucking course.
But still a better person than the alternative.
He grunts. “Come in, it’s open.”
When Robin enters, he’s momentarily flustered. Earlier, the raven was still on her school uniform. Now, she’s dressed down to a sleeveless top and shorts, with her hair flowing as is. Law thinks being basically a stranger still, there’s no way seeing her in that fit is appropriate. However, with Robin’s hawkish eyes, he forces himself to school his expression back to normal before she notices.
“What do you need?” He manages to speak.
Robin sits down on the chair by the study table. “Just checking up on you. Uncle Cora already left.”
“Good for him.” And then, “I’m not a kid.” He emphasizes.
“I know, you are an undergrown adult.”
“Now you’ve checked up on me, is there anything else?” Law glares.
“I hope the room is to your liking. The bathroom is outside.” Robin ignores his hostility.
“It’s… okay.”
“Do you need anything else?” Robin asks.
He deadpans, “A therapist.”
Throwing in his crippling depression is an instant conversation-killer. People are often driven away by his humorless jokes. Law hopes Robin gets the hint – and he thinks she does, because she goes silent for a few seconds.
Except, she was simply contemplating.
“I can recommend you mine. Although it may take a while before I can lend her to you, she did say we still have a lot of work to do.”
The corner of his mouth lifts against his will. “Does she start writing faster everytime you speak?”
“She also accuses me of overthinking, when I simply think everyone else is underthinking.” Robin’s mouth begins to curve as well.
Law snorts. “She’d hate me then, she’d have to work overtime after all.”
“Perhaps she’d even need a therapist herself after.” Robin gracefully giggles.
To Law’s surprise, he finds himself snickering. Robin, discovering a new sight (an exquisite one), stops to observe it a bit. He immediately catches her gaze, and forcefully stops the bark of laughter from his mouth. He looks away.
Robin, noticing his discomfort, diverts the topic. “Mother and Saul are away often. Moments I can eat dinner with them are rare.”
Without waiting for him to speak, she continues. “This is an opportunity to get to know them. Won’t you join us on the table?”
So it seems they won’t be around much. Good. While Law has nothing against them, he’s relieved that he doesn’t have to interact with more people. That only means Robin is the only presence he’d have to learn to get behind with.
“If it’s as rare as you make it seem to be, then I’m sure you won’t appreciate a stranger being there.”
“No, I insist.” She frowns. “And you’re not going to be just a stranger, this isn’t a boarding house.”
“Are you going to tell me you’ll treat me as your sibling then?” He scoffs.
“Why not? You do seem like you’re in a rebellious phase.” Robin plainly smiles.
“You don’t even know me, what if I'm a cannibal?”
“Then you would have come down with me, for your 3-course dinner.”
“You’re impossible.” He speaks again, amused. “And also, that’s still a no to your invitation. I’m not hungry.”
The raven accepts it then. “Alright, come down when you feel like eating. If you need some snacks though, I have a sandwich.”
“I don’t like bread.”
“Do you ever like anything?”
Law turns to her. “Blood, death and misery.”
“Do you know how to do sacrificial circles then? Should I expect some chanting here in the middle of the night?”
“You wouldn’t know because I’ll make sure you all are asleep.”
“I’m insomniac. Good luck with that.” Robin chuckles.
“So am I.” Law responds.
“Then you have to do it in the morning.”
“Definitely in class hours, with that mutt.”
Robin doesn’t have to ask who the mutt in question is.
“Just don’t call Bloody Mary when you’re in here. Saul might be a big man, but he’s scared of ghosts.”
“Then maybe I should call who you are scared of.”
“The voices in my head?” Robin challenges.
Law bites his lip to stop himself from reacting.
“What a coincidence, they’re in my head too.”
“I told you we have to share a therapist, to save costs.” She winks, and he’s surprised the raven remembers his remarks from yesterday.
“Don’t you have anyone waiting for you?” Law’s sarcastic tone masks how entertained he actually is with their banter. He decides to act like he can’t stand her presence any longer. And so, he points to the door arrogantly.
Robin looks a bit disappointed that their conversation is over, but she’s quick to conceal her feelings. Shockingly, she doesn’t even seem offended with Law’s attitude, when she definitely should be, especially when this is her house. It’s as if there’s no storm that can ever quake her stillness.
This woman is really annoying. This woman is really annoying. This woman is really annoying – Law repeats to himself.
People who are always unshaken and calm unnerves him. His late friends categorize him as such, although he disagrees; he still has his moments of unrest. Being on the opposite side of the gaze, however, is uncomfortable. He doesn’t like the feeling that someone can see through him, the feeling of being observed from the side, ultimately taking him in with a fake smile.
He’s the type who doesn’t let anyone know what he’s truly thinking; careful that no one will see past his intended expression. Yet, under such eyes, he feels trapped. It’s as if he’s naked under a microscope - or behind the zoo barriers, he doesn’t know which is worse.
Later, Olvia knocks on his room to remind him to eat. Politely, he did.
The following morning, Robin and Law went on their separate ways to school. Robin was supposed to ask him if he wanted to go to class together, in case the latter was not yet familiar with the roads, but upon seeing he already went ahead, she paid him no mind any longer.
As usual, the Straw hats are the noisiest bunch in the room. Luffy, Usopp and Yamato are practically bursting in energy. Mr. Brook, ever patient and part of the chaos himself, doesn’t mind it one bit (After all, Luffy dubs him as part of the Straw Hats as well). At the back part of their classroom sits Franky with his cola, while reviewing whatever blueprint he’s made that day.
Robin, satisfied with just watching the chaos unfold, flips through the pages of her book. Sometimes, she remembers to sneak a glance at Law - but then the man is expressionless, simply looking out through the window.
The class settles down a bit when Brook opens the discussion about the upcoming School Cultural Festival.
“Nami! Isn’t that the party with lots of food?” Luffy immediately turns to the redhead.
A vein pops in Nami’s forehead all of a sudden. “Yes, the one with stalls which you have to pay.” She pulls his cheek angrily. “You took it from our funds last time! Pay it now!”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Luffy looks away and whistles.
“OOOO What are we going to do this year?” Usopp intervenes.
Brook speaks. “Yohoho~ you may all pitch in your ideas. Use your imaginative skulls—I mean skills. SKULL JOKE!”
Let’s do a maid cafe! Nami-swan and Robin-chwan would look absolutely stunning.” Sanji says. His eyes shape into a 3D heart.
“No way you idiot!" Nami protests.
Franky, despite his supposed uninvolvement as neither a student nor a homeroom teacher, speaks. “Why don’t we make a life-sized robot?”
“ROBOT!” Luffy and Usopp both scream. The shine on their eyes send warning bells to everyone else, knowing whatever plan that involves the both of them, spell nothing but trouble.
“Let’s make it breathe fire!” to which Luffy agrees with a loud “Cool!”
“According to the school guidelines, that would be terrorism. But Luffy, it’s your decision.” Robin chimes in.
“Its not that intense!” Usopp shrieks. “And what do you mean it’s his decision? Don’t enable him!”
“Class, we only have three weeks to prepare. But all good ideas!” Before they can get carried away, Brook interrupts to remind them.
“What about a haunted house?” Yamato suggests.
Nami: “We did that last year and we didn’t profit, remember? That man–” Pointing to Usopp, “Planned the setup of the haunted house himself, and ended up shitting himself scared! Then started telling everyone else not to go inside. We didn’t even recover our capital!”
“I told you, I was aiming for mild scary. Robin did something in there!” Usopp defends himself.
In fact, Robin did, and it was worth it for his reaction alone. Vaugely listening to the discussion, Law peeks at Robin’s expression.
“I must say I like Sanji’s idea.” Robin says. “?! Robin-chw—”, “What about a cursed maid cafe where the maids read the customers’ ill fate? We can also serve a similar concept to a fortune cookie, but written is the date of their possible death instead.” She says with a straight face.
At that, the others turn their heads away; afraid that if they say anything in response, it might encourage Robin more. Except Law, who has to bite his lip from contributing to the discussion after Robin’s comment.
“What about a roleplay? I can direct and Robin can write the script. Then you idiots can go follow orders.” Nami, the brave soul, intervenes.
Everyone else beams, whether that’s due to liking Nami’s idea or the relief of discarding Robin’s, no one knows.
“Leave the props to Captain Usopp!”
They discuss a few more things after, planning a schedule so they won’t have to rush on the last week. The story is slowly being built up, to everyone’s delight. Bartolomeo keeps on cheering for Luffy to be the star of the show, but Luffy insists that he doesn’t want to be someone important. Hence, the cast is still a work in progress. Nami, as the head of the project, threatens everyone to cooperate or there will be charges.
Lunchtime comes and Robin nods at Law before going out with her friends.
Lunch is a normal affair. Law sees Kid pass through, but both of them resolve to ignore each other. Now that he thinks about it, if they do end up fighting again, who will be the guardian to come to his rescue? He doesn’t want to risk it, lest he sees either Robin’s mother or uncle on the opposite side of the principal’s desk. On another table, he distantly hears someone sigh in disappointment. “And here I thought I could collect bets today!”
But he spoke that too soon, because before their break ended, another fight broke out.
This time, with two different people.
Cracker and Luffy.
Law doesn’t even know how it started; he wasn’t paying attention to anyone else. All of a sudden, he hears the screech of a chair being pushed back. It appears that the larger man got pissed about something Luffy said (understandable, from the little he knows of him, he definitely said something careless). A crowd appears and Law hears some kind of cheering.
Perhaps, this is what they mean about being normal.
Then why the hell was his brawl with Kid a big deal?
Not one to be too nosy, but interested to see how such a scrawny man can fight, he slips into the crowd. It doesn’t take long until he manages to reach a bit to the front, perhaps the second row, but with his height, his view is good enough. There’s only one problem: He’s crowded against a familiar raven.
There was no space to speak of.
He notes how close they are in height.
“Who do you think will win?”
Robin is absorbed in watching the two, yet he’s sure the question is directed at him.
“From your confidence, you think it’s your friend.” He observes.
At that, she breaks into a genuine smile. Not the teasing kind, not a polite smile. Not her usual mysterious smile. She smiles like her heart softens at the comment.
He far prefers this look.
“Luffy doesn’t lose.”
The crowd continues to push, much to Law’s chagrin. He’s too aware of the softness that is not his own. A particular shove from Robin’s side results in her arms accidentally brushing against Law’s chest, in an effort to stabilize herself. Being closer in height, he can almost count her eyelashes – for a moment there, Law can even hear his own heartbeat. Robin doesn’t seem a bit bothered, moving to adjust herself and regain her balance.
To steer from the awkwardness, he speaks. “You’re not going to report this?”
She questions, “What do you mean?”
“There’s a fight.”
“I dont understand what you’re getting at.”
“Aren’t you some stickler for rules?”
At that, Robin chortles a laugh. “And where did you get that impression?”
Now, Law is confused.
“Being friends with Luffy, you don’t stick to rules.” Robin points out.
“Then why did you send me to the Principal yesterday?” His eyebrows furrow.
Robin tilts her head. “I only told Franky to stop you. You didn’t seem like yourself.”
At that, Law gets a more bewildered look on his face. “And how would you know I don’t look like myself? You barely knew me.”
“Your eyes.” Robin points at her own, “You have that faraway look on your eyes.”
It appears that he underestimated how observant Robin really is. For some reason, the knowledge that someone had paid attention to him - tingles.
“Well, regardless. You told on me to a teacher.”
“I told on you to a friend, who happens to be a teacher.” She says.
Before Law can speak, she adds, “I didn’t know Franky would sent you to Mr. Jinbei, but regardless, Mr. Jinbei also told me to keep an eye on you, so I’m merely doing a favor for another friend.”
Law scoffs. Distantly, he hears the roars and sounds of get him, Luffy or Brother, Big Mom will kill you if lose! from the crowd, but he’s no longer interested. Instead, he’s focused on Robin. He really can’t make sense of her reasoning, but whatever.
“I was let off on a warning.” Law says.
“Mr. Jinbei may look stern, but he has a soft heart. You may think so, but meeting the Principal is not as terrible as you imagine. If you have problems, you can go to him.”
“This school sure is weird.” He remarks.
Robin doesn’t mention that while she never told Franky to bring Law to Jinbei, she also somehow thought he would. It would do Law good to meet him personally, as the man himself is interested on his potential. From what she’s heard, Law was already kicked out from a previous school just a week ago – and Jinbei wouldn’t readily accept anyone he deems unworthy.
The crowd breaks into a joyful laughter. The both of them turn to the center, finding Cracker on the ground with Luffy grinning. When Robin and Law’s eyes meet, there is a knowing glint on Robin’s eyes.
What an annoying woman.
Once the class ends, the crew decides to have skewers at a nearby street shop to celebrate Luffy’s win.
This time, the treat is courtesy of Brook who cannot join them after school. He makes amends by promising a ‘next time’ to which Luffy accepts (Nami is holding the funds, while Usopp makes sure not a single bill is going to her own personal pocket).
As they leave the premise, she notices Law by the school gates. His face was covered by his spotted hat, arms crossed as he leans on its old brick walls. While Robin is confused by why he’s still around, she decides to pay him no mind. Law will definitely find her presence and questions annoying again.
Except, Law looks up and their eyes meet.
“Hey, it’s Torao!” Luffy shouts.
Law ignores him to approach Robin. His ears are red for some reason.
Similar to how they were standing earlier, there’s barely any space between them. While Robin didn’t think any of it, she recalls Law appeared to be a bit flustered. This time, though, Law leans in. His lips were just inches away from her own ears. In a whisper, he says, “I… I don’t know how to go back to your place.”
Law would kill her if she tells him so, but Robin really finds that adorable.
The man thought Robin would at least tease him, and he was prepared to give her his most menacing glare in embarrassment, but Robin only nods and turns to her friends. “Would you mind if Torao joins us?”
Law’s eyes widen at Robin. At worst, he expects her to tease him in front of her friends, and tell him to figure it out himself. At best, he thinks she’ll instruct him of directions. Being invited to the Straw Hats hangout is not part of the picture.
“Better. More food then, shishishi.” Luffy slings his slimy arm around Law, which he angrily removes.
Nami narrows her eyes, “I won’t mind but…” She looks at Robin suspiciously. “What’s going on with you two?”
“Robin, who is he?” The youngest of the group, Chopper, is lost for a moment.
“Robin-chan, how are you two even close now? Wait, why is he joining, are you going with him after?” Sanji butts in confused.
Robin answers with a straight face, “He’s going to be my alibi.”
“For?” Usopp nervously asks.
“I can’t let you know, or I’d have to involve you.”
Usopp shrieks behind Nami, “Robin stop that!”
The crew drops the topic off then, aware of Robin’s usual mechanism when she doesn’t want to answer a question truthfully. Eventually, she’ll tell them when she feels so. Although, it doesn’t stop Nami from her skepticism, and Sanji from his jealousy.
“You’re unbelievable.” Law whispers again.
Robin shrugs, “Would you rather I be honest? While I don’t mind telling them our arrangement, I’m sure you wouldn’t want people to know we’re living together.”
“Don’t say it like that!” He grits his teeth.
Robin chuckles.
Law doesn’t know how he even got mixed up with this bunch of weirdos. Still, he has no other choice. They’re all different kinds of loud and noisy. Surprisingly, he learns to tolerate their sound minute by minute. So far, all of them are idiots. Maybe except Robin and the redhead. Sanji’s fawning over the women especially sets him off. The young aspiring doctor, much like himself, seems naive, but alright enough to speak a few words with. The long-nosed man is especially entertaining to scare.
The group crowds around the bustling skewer stall, eager to choose their own food as teased by the tantalizing smoky scent of grilled meat. Luffy is already halfway through his seventh stick with sauce smeared across his cheek. There are various combinations to choose from, some appearing even quite exotic. Robin spots some meat labeled as ‘cow’s liver’.
“This is quite human-sized. I wonder how it tastes like.” She mutters.
“The… the cow’s liver right?” Chopper stutters.
Before he knows it, Law joins the conversation. “If you boil it right, it may even have the same texture as the real one.” He said as a matter of fact.
“Don’t say something like that when someone’s eating!” Nami, Sanji and Usopp protest at the same time. Sanji glares at Law.
Robin appreciates his input. “How curious, I wonder if in the future, our medical knowledge will be enough to conduct a liver transplant from an animal to a live man. They have already done so with a pig’s heart, correct?” Chopper, while nervous at Robin’s earlier comment, confirms.
Law replies. “Why wait for the future? If we have ice, we can preserve this liver and attempt it immediately.” He glances at Usopp.
“Don’t look at me!”
Luffy’s eyes shine, “Like a cyborg?!” and turns to the long-nosed man. “That would be so cool. Usopp, do it.”
“Are you crazy?!”
“With the various meat around here, do you think we can assemble a pseudo-human?” Robin speaks again.
“In the right order.” Law agrees.
“That’s it, you two are banned from talking to each other.” Nami screams.
After a few more quips here and there that Law didn’t expect to… not be annoyed at, the group continues eating. Usopp pointedly doesn’t look at him or Robin, which is somehow hilarious if he may admit. He has also lost count of how much Straw Hat has eaten, but he guesses it’s more than what their money is capable of because Nami is currently strangling him.
“Guys! There you are!” Yamato’s voice sounds a distance away.
Glancing back, he sees Mr. Jinbei, Mr. Franky, Yamato and Zoro approaching the crew. Franky pulls a thumbs up upon seeing him. Awkwardly, he nods. This group of students and teachers, principal even, really are friends.
“You guys made it!” Chopper celebrates.
“Yeah, totally. Wouldn’t want Zoro-bro here to get lost.” Franky pats the green-haired man’s shoulder.
For some reason, Law feels as if there’s a shift in energy within crew.
“Ah, kid, you’re here. I’m glad you hit it off with these troublemakers.” Jinbei greets him with a grin. Law doesn’t know how to respond to that, and thankfully, Luffy steals the spotlight to hug Jinbei in a slimy hold.
“Oi, mosshead. Did you hit your head or something? Why are you h—” Before Sanji can finish that sentence, Nami pulls his ear. “About time for you to join, idiot.” She directs to Zoro with a glare, but Law thinks he can see some relief in there.
“Hah? Are you picking a fight curly-brow?”
Finding the entire interaction weird, he turns to look at Robin. Over the time they’ve talked, he noticed the raven is the sort of person to explain when someone visibly cannot comprehend something. He’d seen her do it to Luffy multiple times. Law does not really care much, but if Robin has something to offer, then it doesn’t hurt to listen.
However, when he subtly directs his gaze at her, he finds himself turning to the other direction immediately after one glance.
Whatever, he doesn’t care about the weird tension.
Not at all.
What he does care – for a bit, a tiny tiny bit – is why Robin seems downturn.
On the bus, Law can’t help but notice Robin is quiet.
The bus rattles on its way. Robin is by the window seat, with Law beside her in a two-seater cushion. The two didn’t exchange much words after the earlier conversation, but to be fair, Robin didn’t speak much with others either. Law might not care, but he has keen observation skills. Whatever it is, it has something to do with the raven herself and the green-haired man. His suspicion is somehow confirmed when Nami would always lead the conversation away from the two.
With his earphones plugged in, he’s listening to some pop punk song he forgot the title of, pissed that Robin has been quiet the whole way. Her eyes are downcast, as if she’s not physically there. Further, she hasn’t moved at all since taking her seat.
Law hates it. He’s supposed to be the bringer of negativity, why is Robin stealing his role?
Then, her voice, far too calm and too casual, cut through the hum of the engine.
“If this bus hits a wall, do you think we’ll be shaped similar to pressed flowers or meat pies?”
Surprised, Law takes out his earbuds. “Excuse me?”
“I asked ‘If this bus hits a wall, do you think we’ll be shaped similar to pressed flowers or meat pies?’” Robin returns his gaze.
Distantly, he hears someone shrieking—or praying, he doesn’t know. He simply shrugs and replies, “Depends on where you’re sitting. You’d probably be fine. The old guy up front? Not so lucky.”
Robin hums thoughtfully, as if considering it. “I disagree. It will be fortunate if he doesn’t have to face lawsuits for reckless driving.”
“That’s cold.”Law cannot help but snort.
Slowly, the atmosphere between the two seems to lighten. Oddly enough, an imaginary weight lifts off from Law. But more importantly, the tension in Robin’s shoulders slowly loosen as she chuckles. “Though I’d rather he face the consequences, being splattered across the windows is unsightly.”
The sight of her laughing brings forth a feeling he doesn’t understand.
“An art teacher would call that an abstract painting.” Law points out. “Why are you even curious? You’re unbelievable.”
“And yet, you’re responding.” Robin settles him with a teasing stare.
“Better than waiting for the inevitable crash.” Law shrugs.
Robin’s unrestrained laugh echoes in the bus, but louder in his ears. At that, the unexplainable tug makes itself known again. Face warm, he puts his earphone back and turns his gaze away.
‘Even my friends don’t find me that funny. Why does she keep laughing?’ He thinks to himself.
Again, what an annoying woman.
Present.
The old house hasn’t changed much. Sure, the paint has dulled, the plants she spent so much time growing back then have all withered, the entire place screams unlived and abandoned. And yet, undoubtedly, it was the same house of memories she has held close to her heart – her anchor throughout the days of loneliness. Standing in front of the 2-storey home which has witnessed her from childhood to of-age, the weight of looking through a piece from the youth that you can never go back to settles ever deeply on her bones.
Letting herself in with a key she left untouched for years, the door creaks as a sign of its unuse. Robin’s skin itches at the dust in the air. Two steps in and she starts coughing. Mentally, she reminds herself to call in a cleaner immediately before the promised property visit.
Conis is a sweet girl whom she met a month ago. The blonde got her number through Suumo, eager to inquire about the house for sale she posted on the website. Conis told her she’s been looking through properties for her and her father. Luckily, she stumbled upon a somehow affordable listing just near the center of the city.
They soon reached an agreement. In two weeks, Conis and her father will visit this same house to finalize the sale, should no other concerns come up.
Hence, catching a flight as soon as she’s permitted to leave by Professor Clover, she returns to the City to handle the legal matters and oversee the sale herself. Clover had asked her multiple times if she’s firm on her decision to sell a childhood home (quite surprising for someone whose job is literally to be involved with the past), to which she could only smile and nod as response.
Because there’s only one truth:
Robin’s life is no longer here.
She could almost see the furniture and its mark on the walls, the clutter of books, the weird laughs that filled the living room. Her gaze caught on the windowsill by the stairwell, a small doodle carved on the wood – her masterpiece when she was five. It was a cute dinosaur, but she also recalled a certain someone asking if it was a dog. From that day, she had thought it to be a dog as well.
Reminiscing as if possessed, she soon finds her steps lead to that old guest room. With the bravery she can master, she pushes the door open (as if she hasn’t done so naturally, multiple times eight years ago).
“...”
She sees the room plain as the day before that person moved in, devoid of any personal belonging or signs that it was even used. The only thing that she can distinguish from the things already there, is the familiar medium-sized carton box which the owner obviously left on purpose.
Of course, she knows what’s inside the box.
Law had kept it close to him like a treasure box.
Inside, the first thing she sees is a thin wire forcefully circled – and suddenly, her lips quiver.
Law and Robin were studying in her room at that time. As always, they mostly kept to themselves, except for when there were concepts they had to consult from each other. Robin was revising her notes, when she noticed Law fumbling with the metal wire of his spiral notebook.
“What are you doing?” She asked, curious.
Law smirked, but didn’t answer. Instead, he took her hand gently. His gaze fixed on her ring finger, as his thumb rubbed the skin with such tenderness. She raised her eyebrow. About to ask more questions, Robin’s words failed once Law slowly put a makeshift ring on her finger. And then, his own.
Softly. Carefully.
His eyes zeroed on hers, conveying all the feelings he wanted her to know through that gesture. Exams forgotten, they shared many kisses after.
Robin takes a deep breath to bring herself back to the present. She places the makeshift ring back inside.
Aside from the ring, more familiar items are neatly stacked inside. Items that Law stubbornly hoarded when they were together – all of which had inevitably become ghosts. There lie each and every grocery store receipt Law insisted to keep after every purchase with her; doodles on her revision notes; the just-because gifts she had given him; ticket stubs and even a torn packaging with her handwriting on it.
Once, he told her: “These aren’t scraps.” He scowled at Robin when she asked, a bit flushed. “Everything about you is important to me.”
She’s 26 now, and yet it’s as if she’s 17 all over again. Like a tall child. Like the coward she actually was. Her knees buckle. The weight of the years crashes into her all at once – the memories fold in on itself. She can almost see the cramped desk, their awkward hands, the notes he guarded carefully as if her memory can be taken away from him, and Law’s altar of mundane things.
The room blurs. She presses her knuckles to her mouth, steadying herself. Twenty-six, and still running from the girl at seventeen.
And like an old movie, a particular memory she doesn’t wish to remember resurfaces.
“And what?” His eyes are fiery, as if he can cry blood any minute. “In the future, when you talk about me to the others, I’ll simply be an acquaintance you were forced to be with in your house, right?”
She feels suffocated, as if the room is closing in on her. She grabs onto the dusty bedpost, eager to have a semblance of hold onto anything. Her mind instantly goes through a barrage of memories that she forcefully kept locked in some corner. Calming herself, she tries to regularize her breathing.
And then, she runs.
Her fingers curl against the wall, nails digging into the chipped paint. She breathes shallow, sharp, the kind of breath that doesn’t carry air so much as ache.
“Nico Robin, I’ll beg if I have to. I–”
Feeling overwhelmed, she grabs her phone. She needs some other distraction. Shaking, she types some words she’s been meaning to send ever since her arrival. Finally, she presses on the blue button.
She sends a quick message to Nami and Jinbei, hoping they can respond fast – anything to take her mind off unwelcomed memories.
But who was she kidding? When those haunting steel eyes bore into her very soul.