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It wasn’t new to the Heart Pirates and those who’d associated themselves with their captain that his disgruntled attitude was mere façades. Yet, what also came with that territory was awkwardness, and lack of much compassion for those who aren’t aligned with him. Furthermore, Law sucked at communicating to comfort those who desired it.
He doesn’t do well with emotions, and hates to deal with them. Especially when they’re not on his own plate or terms. The bristling uncertainty with unwarranted changes confine Law, so, naturally he had grown accustomed to dealing with things bluntly. Seemingly tremoring with his mind clouding with doubt and unpleasant feelings.
Of course, it also hinders his ability to really sympathize with anyone, truly. Very few individuals have been blessed with his sympathies, but at this point, it’d be mockery or outright disrespect from Trafalgar Law. Sometimes, his words would mean more than his tone desired to convey. His empathy for others strays very solemnly.
His way of expressing his emotions outside and for others sakes is usually done through kind gestures with little to nonverbal communication. Most understands; and won’t pry on his way of thanking or repaying one’s kindness. It's all a part of learning how to express himself. He won’t even admit it - but at times, he wonders if he even knows himself.
Which hinders grotesquely how he formulates a communicative approach on emotional territory. It’s awkward, and at most, he ends up giving up. Nor does it seem to help if people pity it. He’ll scowl and end up priding his name through the grime of his shame.
That makes it challenging for his crewmen, though. A lot of them are pretty familiar with their sympathies and understanding other people’s struggles. Law does, too, as it is with any other person; but his lack of care does make it difficult for those who strive for connection.
His stone-cold painting on his face colossally shackles his heart in an undesirable condition. The sharp-witted straw hats’ eyes scorn him, searing through the well-formulated painting of his soul. They scrap and dig through his façades and nest themselves through his heart. Capsulating their kindness, overcoming his fear. Letting him warm and enjoy himself for once.
The few people who passionately care, how it mocks Law. Their unrelenting compassion, their willingness to forgive his scowling judgment, their ability to see through the faults, their uncertainties of anything. It makes no sense. They’re nonsensical. Completely deprived of logic’s gleam. (‘Spect Robin - but you can tell that just by her demeanor and attitude)
Law can’t help to be a little envious. Most of their senseless antics stir from the emotions. The ones who can’t stand by and watch injustice and corruption go unpunished. A part of him can find and find himself agreeing - but he doesn’t care as nearly and dearly as they aspire.
Through his traversing on the waters with them, their lives inevitably intertwined. For good and bad, his actions and theirs became more so… similar and more combined than anticipated. They were really rubbing off of him, weren’t they? His fellow crewmen were the first to realize his softer side was more prominent.
Maybe he missed them more and this was he awkward way to express it. A part of them was too intimidated to honestly go up and indulge their curiosity. They didn’t really mind, they knew their captain would tell about their nonsense and turn into an uptight-harden-scolding man again. They’ll admit, they sort of miss his commands; but they don’t complain about the break.
Does he notice it? Yes, but no. The Straw Hats’ sure did rub off of him, more than he likes to acknowledge. His emotions are more up and coming out of his surface-level demeanor he is used to having. The sizzling of warmth and uncertainty nuzzles into his heart, isn’t he supposed to be unwavering? Unable to let emotions control his actions? Not letting his feelings interfere with his thoughts and decisions?
He never realized. He really had been breaking out of his shell. Those damn Straw Hats’. Missing with his mind, and up his plans; how could one not get flustered? He humors himself on their departure and the finale of their alliance. What nuisances, unrealistic and unnecessary antics sure to follow them. How it squabbles and follows everyone else who touches his idiot-smile.
His unique style and grandiose manner. How he can say the perfect combination of words of conviction to uplift anybody in his sight. Law is envious, he’ll admit, but he won’t muse about it. He knows he can’t do the same. It’d be exhausting to slant his ways to assist the needy, and proverbial. Emotions. What a complicated aspect of humanity.