Chapter Text
Trafalgar Law shut his eyes tighter, not wanting anyone to notice how he's still awake and listening to the Revolutionary man's story about his connection with Strawhat Luffy. To his defense, he really was about to sleep when Sabo entered Kyros' house but the way Robin's pitch went a note higher when she excitedly called the man's name made him jea- curious. The archeologist spent almost two years with the blonde in Baltigo, that's what he learned from the one of their late night talks. He remembers how radiant she looks as she speaks about him on their way to Dressrosa and now, the guy is sitting with her in the same room. How can he possibly sleep?
Out of the blue, he miss the nights when he can have the woman all to himself. Like him, Nico Robin is also programmed to stay up a little too late. At first, he thought she was just watching him on behalf of her Captain but he soon realized that she genuinely enjoys the still and quiet atmosphere the twilight brings. He does too, because he don't have much choice. After witnessing the horrors brought upon his hometown and the misery caused by losing Corazon, he has developed the inability to sleep peacefully at night. He became too vigilant, constantly worried that his nightmares will catch up to him. He is certain that the historian is the same behind her undisturbed façade. And for that reason, he don't mind spending his sleepless nights with her, as they say, misery loves its company.
Oh how he wish he could also enjoy this moment of victory peacefully with the woman who understands him best. Instead, here they are, cramped in a small house with a crowd of worn out pirates.
"He may be a bit too much for you to handle, but please take care of Luffy" those were the last words he heard from Sabo before he felt his presence disappear. He can't help but agree on his remark, Luffy is too much to handle.
He allow a few minutes before carefully opening one eye to peek at what's happening around. The first to catch his attention was Franky, who is still sobbing from Sabo's story. Zoro is sitting on a chair next to him, holding a drink. Across him is Kyros who is smiling gently. He then spotted Robin standing by the door and reaching for the doorknob. She is looking over to Kyros' direction, nodding to what he's saying. Is she going out? Is she planning to go after Sabo?
As if to answer his question, she softly uttered "I'll be going outside to refresh for a bit"
Zoro just shrugged before downing his drink while Kyros once again, reminded her to be careful.
Her head turns toward the door when she added "I'll just be in front, come see me if you need to talk".
The others answered 'alright' while Law smirked, knowing so well that her last sentence was meant for him. Of course Nico Robin knew he's awake, did he ever manage to hide anything from her?
He waited for her to step out and for Zoro to finish his drink before 'waking up'. He didn't want her to think that he is that eager to be in her company. "Oh, you're awake. I'd ask you to join me for a drink but I just finished it all" the swordsman laugh.
"I'll keep guard outside, you lots can rest if you want" he took his nodachi and pulled down his hat.
"Heh, youre no fun"
He spotted Robin as soon as he went out. There she was, beautifully sitting on the grass about a few meters away from the house. Her back in his direction, her arms wrapped around her legs that was in front of her body, her beautiful blue eyes directed at the sunflower field to her right. He watch as the wind gently blows her soft black hair and notice the fresh wounds on her back, hesitant if he should mention it. She is a resilient woman and the least she needs is his pity.
He sat a few millimeters next to her. She's busy using her ability to get a Sunflower without moving from her spot, unbothered by his presence. Law kept his eyes focused on the woman as a few elegant arms sprouted from the ground and soon enough, she managed to pluck one. He patiently wait for his turn in receiving her attention as she smell the flower in her hands looking gentle, fierce and regal all at once . And he could watch her forever if only it wouldn't look too creepy "Tired of pretending to sleep?"
"Cut the bullsht, Nico-ya" he simper, shifting his gaze to the field "You basically told me to come here"
"Then you do have something to talk about, I'm all ears" he felt her observant eyes on him, the kind that were usually directed towards her books. They were enough to tell him that he will serve as the historian's entertainment for the night.
And yes he have something to talk about. He wishes to thank her for what she did during the fight with the warlord. He vividly remember how she caught him and almost died while shielding him from Doflamingo's attack. He never pegged her to be the impulsive type so what could be her purpose in doing that? He shook his head, refusing to entertain the questions in his head. If he'll ever know the answer to that, it would be from the woman herself.
Robin's gaze did not falter and its starting to dig into his skin, as if she plans on melting him if he won't speak up soon "Your back--" he begun but was immediately cut off by the woman who don't seem to buy his petty excuse in starting the topic.
"I'm pretty sure you're not here to talk about my back. Try harder, Tora-o"
He clicked his tongue in irritation, such a perceptive woman in both good and bad way. He turn his head in her direction, meeting her attentive shining eyes. He tried his best not to shy away from the way she's looking at him. Her gaze were taunting and enticing, like she either want him to bare his unfiltered thoughts or lose control and give in to his manly instinct or both.
He was smitten by Nico Robin since his very first night in Thousand Sunny Go. When he first took his time to listen and entertain her thoughts, discovering how smart and well read she actually is. When he first took a good look at her gorgeous face, thinking that it will not do him any harm. Her majestic demeanor, unexpected kindness, and clever mind were all beyond bewitching. She is an enchantress and their similar interests naturally allowed them to build a special connection. Trafalgar Law didn't really know his ideal type of woman until they met and she fit exactly- almost too quickly into the word.
"Why did you cover for me back then?" he fought the intensity in her gaze. He is not used to people showing him goodwill and affection aside from his crewmates. He most especially did not expect it from the rational female pirate. They may be alliance and fellow night owls but those shouldn't be enough to justify her actions.
He waited for shock or confusion to color her face but neither come. What a letdown, is he really not capable of drawing emotions on her? Instead, she smile sweetly "Who knows, maybe I know Cavendish will come to my rescue" Ah, Nico Robin and her mind games.
He frowned "Stop playing with me, Devil's Child"
She giggle softly, truly fascinated at his reaction. The beautiful sound of her refined laughter echoed in his ears. It went on a few more seconds and he swear if he hasn't fallen in love with her already, that was the moment he will probably fall.
She catch her breath before continuing the talk "Let's see, why would you cover for someone in a near death situation?"
"Because I don't want them to die" he answered as fast as he can. He learned that sometimes, the trick whenever she asks a question is not to think too much. Sure enough, when he turned to look at her, she is giving him most annoying smile that he know of. The one that says 'Good job' as if mocking him.
"I don't want you to die, Tora-o" her eyes were full of sincerity that he was not prepared to take in. His heart beats faster, an unfamiliar feeling taking over his whole body. Now, he understands what people meant when they say they feel butterflies inside their stomach. His throat went dry and his hands were sweaty. He was sure seconds ago that the air blowing was chilly but now he can feel his face heating up at the woman's confession.
He took a deep breath, trying to process what she just said. Whatever it meant, he is just not ready for her. She's too good of a woman and if he will take her, he want to do it with full conviction and commitment. Obviously, now is not the right time when he is still fully dedicated to his goal in defeating the Yonko and becoming the Pirate King.
So instead of saying his thanks, he just grinned- trying to make light of the situation "Getting attached already, Nico-ya?"
"Why not? I figured you'll be sailing with us for quite some time" her tone is filled with delight, amazed at how quickly the Surgeon of Death recovered from obvious confusion "And I like the coffee you make"
"Sure you do" he snorted, remembering the first time he made her coffee. Her face at that time appeared inside his head, how she said it was too sweet but soon finished it all anyway.
"Learn to take compliments, don't you see I'm trying to be friendly?"
"I'll think about it, maybe it will help if you weren't such a know-it-all" he tried but failed miserably in hiding his amusement.
He raise his arms and placed them behind his head before laying down on the grass. His smile did not fade as he close his eyes and relax his back. He stretched his legs, thinking how being outside is a much better than being inside Kyros' house. He took off his hat, letting the cold air blow his hair. He felt unreal, forgetting the last time he actually feel such peace. He's well aware that he still have tons of battle ahead of him but right now, he want to get them out of his mind. Tomorrow, he will need to face the unforgiving sea again but today, today he finally succeeded in carrying out his revenge for Cora-san. He figured maybe he does deserve a small break, and what better way to do it than sleep beside the woman of his dreams?
"You look happy" he opened his eyes and glare at Robin who is looking down at him. Her head resting in her arms that were still wrapped around her knees. She looks so much like a goddess with how the moonlight is illuminating her face.
He didn't answer, is there any sense in denying it when he is literally smiling? "Can I rest on your shoulder, Tora-o?" he wondered why she was even asking. Even if he refuse, he knew she will still do what she want. She's not the type to impose but she is still a Strawhat.
But he don't plan refusing. After everything she did today, she don't deserve a no and he really wanted to say yes. He needed the intimacy "Do what you want" he closed his eyes as Robin move from her seat
Contrary to what she said, he feel her resting her head in his chest, her one arm draping over him. He can feel her softness enveloping the left side of his body. Normally, he would shy away at how her breast is touching his side but he decided to treat himself tonight. He move down his left arm so it can support her upper body, letting her comfortably settle in her position.
"You really look happy" she too close her eyes, trying to tease him again. "Did Doflamingo's defeat satisfy you that much? I haven't got the chance to see him since the marines took custody right away... Say, did he spill his guts or had his bones dislocated?"
He chuckled, such dark thoughts living inside a pretty head "You'd be perfect if you weren't too morbid, you should really stop scaring your crew so often"
"Oh my, are you saying you find me beautiful?" he felt her body vibrate from laughing.
"You are more than beautiful and you know that, stop trying to piss me off" and because it seemed like the ideal thing to do, Law let his hand play with her soft hair, combing them slowly.
Her smell lingers in his nose, she smells like fresh lilacs. When he got tired of playing with her hair, he wrap his arm around her body, allowing himself to be carried away while his chin rests on the top of her head. Their breathing were calm and steady, as if they were always meant to embrace each other like that. He fantasize what will it be like if she joins his crew. He will show her his collection of books that she will surely love and let her hang around his room. It is unlikely to happened considering how loyal she is to her captain but still, a man can dream.
"I've thought about it.. I don't want to be your friend" he said quietly, just loud enough for her to hear. He knew by now that he wants to be more than an alliance or a friend with the woman in his arms. Whatever he do, he couldn't help but simply gravitates toward her in a romantic, definitely not friendly way.
When she did not answer, he assumed she's already asleep. He too doze off, reminding himself to apply antiseptics for her first thing in the morning. And yeah, maybe he will thank her next time when she's not in the mood for her antics.
Before his consciousness completely fade, he feel her snuggling closely and whispered
"Same"