#sela ruby

No, not missing. She had to be on Green Bit. That’s where they agreed to meet if they hadn’t met on the shore. Ruby was smart and skilled, she was very good at what she did and had spent years avoiding marines, pirates, and the World Government. She was just late once again. He was going to lecture the shit out of her when they were alone.

The bridge was exactly as Ruby described, aside from the mysterious small voice that drug the fish away. Ruby had mentioned the ridiculous notion of fairies in the town. She even said that something of hers went missing more than once but Law just assumed that she was being an airhead and misplaced it. 

God, he would love to see that airhead on Green Bit in her heels and short skirt.

But, as fate would have it, she wasn’t on Green Bit either. 

Where was she?

His heart sped up in anxiety. He winced when it squeezed in pain. The damn thing was being a hassle. He had repaired the tear! He had gotten three days of rest. He should be fine!

Fucking Vergo.

Law hadn’t planned on that bastard showing up and his heart ended up the loser in that scuffle. He gritted his teeth, trying to mask the pain as he stood on the shore with Ceasar, waiting for Doflamingo.

Ruby was going to murder him when she found out about his heart. Not that he minded. Them giving back each other’s hearts was the best decision he’s made in a while. He remembered her hurt but understanding face when he told her that they’d have to switch them out again. At least on his list of fuck ups, that wasn’t one of them. 

Of course to make matters even worse, this was a trap. Doflamingo never resigned from the Warlords. So what was he supposed to do now? His plan had failed and Ruby was nowhere to be seen.

Law’s eyes widened and his stomach dropped. Sweat rolled down his cheek and he ignored Nico-ya as she popped up from the ground.

Shit.

Doflamingo had to have done something to Ruby. There was no doubt in his mind now. It was all starting to come together. Ruby wasn’t at either meeting point and hadn’t called him to explain anything. She may be someone who was the opposite of punctual, but she always, always tried to keep him in the loop. She was a woman who loved talking and sometimes it took him taking her face in her hands and squeezing her cheeks to get her to just be quiet for five minutes. 

Only now he wished she was talking his ear off. Makeup, chocolate, raunchy novels, anything . He just wanted to hear her voice again. He needed to see the light in her eyes as she spoke about things that he didn’t care about but was willing to entertain because it was her .

 Dammit. Dammit. Dammit !

He knew he should have never agreed to her stupid fucking plan. He should have overruled her, he should have tied her up and kept her on the Tang as she bitched and moaned, he should have done absolutely anything to keep her away from this island and Doflamingo. How could someone as clever as Ruby be caught? How could Doflamingo find her? She knew how to stick to the shadows in any situation. How was this possible?!

Law let out a breath that was close enough to an almost sob. He clenched Ceasar’s clothes in his fist and jerked him in anger. The idiot complained but Law didn’t care. 

Just to make sure, just to be safe. He stared down at the den den mushi . He needed to rule out Ruby being kidnapped. If she had been kidnapped then she would be used as bait, as a weakness, as a hostage situation. She was a valuable asset and Doflamingo probably understood that. He would use her to get to him and Law needed that not to happen.

He knew Ruby could take care of herself, surely if she was captured she would find a way out. Surely this was just a minor setback. There’s no way she would do anything that would harm this plan. Law took a deep breath and started to call her when Nico-ya interrupted him.

Law snapped back to reality. He needed to focus on himself rather than endless ideas and possibilities of their situation. He saw Doflamingo and realized he was out of time. Nico-ya disappeared and Law took a deep breath. 

Focus on this meeting. Focus on the plan. Focus on making sure that he could correct any mistake that had already happened.

“Ruby,” he sighed. He held his injured arm and gritted his teeth in pain as it screamed at him. “I have to do this.”

“You don’t have to do shit, ” she snapped and Law saw a fury in her eyes that he had fallen for long ago. The anger and rage died in her eyes in moments and was replaced by desperation and fear. “I can’t lose you. I can’t…” Her voice shook and she blinked away tears. “You’ve done enough, mo chuisle. I’m begging you to just rest .”

“ Please let me do this,” he begged her. He reached out with his good arm and cupped her cheek. He leaned in and kissed her forehead slowly. “I love you,” he whispered. “I love you,” he said again, a lump forming in his throat. He wanted to tell her over and over that he loved her. He wanted this to be over. He wanted to hold her. He wanted their injuries and pain to fade away. This never should have happened. 

“I love you, too,” she whispered. Law leaned down and kissed her lips. The first taste of her in months, and the taste of blood was heavy on her tongue. He frowned deeply and pulled away. “Law,” she said desperately. “I just got you back, I can’t handle losing you.”

Law rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “I won’t die,” he said. “I just have to do this, Ruby. This is almost over, just believe in me for a little bit longer.”

Law watched Ruby fight a battle within herself. He could see her fiery anger and stubborn nature try to duke it out with the reasonable and calm thoughts. She stared at him with tears in her eyes and blood on her cheeks, so clearly hating what he was doing. And she was right. If their roles were reversed he would have never allowed her to do what he was trying to do. 

He always teased her about being a sensitive cry baby, that she went with her emotions too often instead of rational thought, but right now he understood. He understood how fucked this situation was, how tired she was, how badly he wanted to just lay with her once more. 

But as he watched her take a deep breath and straighten her back, he knew what she was about to say.

“Okay,” she sighed out. He pulled her in for another kiss, just a simple, chaste kiss. They laid their foreheads against each other for a moment before pulling away. “I trust that you will come back to me.”

“If I don’t, you can take my skull and put it on your mantelpiece in your seaside cottage. Label it as “a man who wouldn’t listen to his girlfriend.””

She let out a short laugh. “I can do that.”

Law pulled away from her and frowned at the blood on her face. He stared at her; clothes ripped, hair a mess, dirt, blood, and injuries covering her body. He took her in before closing his eyes slowly. She was here. She really was here. If he did anything right today it would be making sure she survived. He took a deep breath and steeled himself. He opened a room and opened his eyes. “I love you,” he told her one last time. 

“I love you, too.”

Her brows twitched and furrowed. Who would be bothering her now? Everyone she knew was either still asleep or already at their jobs. She approached the door. Her body shook with anxiety, her brain sending signals to her to not open the door, to run away. She swallowed, cursing her anxiety and opened the door.

Her eyes widened and a cold sweat rolled down her face. Her body shook and she let out a breath that was close to what could have been her stifling down a cry for help.

Doflamingo stood outside her apartment door, grinning at her. No wonder her brain told her to leave. 

“Sela D. Ruby, I believe-”

She closed the door on Doflamingo casually. There was a moment of silence before her door burst into pieces. Ruby ran to the window and jumped out of it, not caring about the shattered glass. She landed on the ground and ran down the street, ignoring the screams and shouts and shocked gasps, instead focusing on the amused laughter that followed her. She felt his strings pass through her body and she quickly turned a corner...only to fall flat on her face. The bastard tripped her with haki coated string. 

“A logia! Now it makes sense why Law would have you as a spy.” Ruby glared up at the obnoxiously tall man. “I’ve let you live on this island for a month now-” Ruby swallowed –she’s been here for almost two, so she managed to get by on her own long enough. “But now it’s good to see that Law is on his way, too.” Ruby’s glare hardened and she stood up, brushing off her clothes. “Tell me, what’s Law’s plan?” Ruby didn’t answer. “If you tell me, I might just let both of you live.”

“Bullshit,” she snapped. “Law told me what happened; I’m no idiot. However, if you think I’ll believe you’ll let either of us live, you certainly are.” 

He snickered. “You’re unbelievably incomprehensible.” He talked down to her. “I still saved the Heart Seat for him! You wouldn’t even have to leave him and could be part of his army.” What a universe that would be. “We could always use a powerful logia on board.” Patronizing ass. 

Ruby lifted her middle finger up and stuck her tongue out. “I’d rather die than call you my captain, Doflamingo.” She reacted immediately, turning her arm into wood and covering it in armament haki . His strings hit her arm, sending sparks flying.

“You’re fast.” 

“I am Law’s spy; he wouldn’t just send me to look pretty,” she pushed away his strings before throwing her Sceana Duille at him. A small cut appeared on his cheek and he looked mildly annoyed. She ran off and he followed after her, manic laughter filling the alley. There was no way she could meet Law and the Straw Hat’s at the meeting point now. She could only buy him time and pray that he could get to her before…

Ruby knew that her and Law’s relationship wasn’t perfect or amazing or sweet or…well anything particularly normal, but! their relationship was definitely better than Doflamingo’s. Absolutely. Completely.

Yeah.

Ruby literally rolled out of bed. She laid on the shitty carpet, her cheek pressed onto the floor. She let out a very loud groan, one that Law would definitely express his annoyance at. She could practically hear his scoff and beration.

Act like an adult. She could hear him say.

She huffed, getting annoyed at him for being annoyed at her in this fake scenario where he was with her in that moment instead of on Punk Hazard doing god knows what with that Caesar Clown.

She wouldn’t know of course. She hasn’t spoken to him in over a month.

A whole goddamn month.

Not a sentence or word or even a strained breath as she tried not to cry.

Nope. Nothing.

Because they needed to be “safe”. They needed to be “quiet”. They needed to be “discreet”.

Which was, of course, the correct path. Law was right. She hated admitting to him that he was right. The smug bastard and his ego that she unfortunately found quite hot and attractive and she definitely wanted to kiss his stupid lips.

“UUUUGHHHHHH,” she let out an incredibly loud groan and slammed her hands on the cheap carpet that smelled of cigarettes. “I’m so annoyed at him!”

She had moved on from severe depression to absolute fury.

Anger at Doflamingo. Anger at Corazón. Anger at Law. Anger at herself. Why in all of the layers of hell did she decide to do this? To leave her nakama and safety? To come to this damn island that was so happy and joyous and thrilling. Where the people were so kind as long as you didn't cheat on them.

And sure the toys were creepy but…she supposed they weren’t so bad.

And it was nice and sunny most of the time. Wonderful weather, actually. Maria had dragged her to many outdoor parties and to clubs that had a dance floor on roofs. Ruby usually felt so guilty about going to these things when she needed to be laying low that she barely had fun.

When had she become such a drag? She would have lived for this type of island in her early twenties. She would have partied all night, drank all night, probably found some random person and slept with them for a portion of the night!

Oh, she was so angry. So, so angry.

She didn’t want this island destroyed. She wanted Law to drop this whole scheme and leave this island alone. These people didn’t deserve this island destroyed because Doflamingo was an awful, terrible, shitty person.

If he would just see what she saw, if he would just feel what she felt, he would understand. He couldn’t be so wrapped up in his revenge that he would hurt…

Oh, fuck her, of course he would hurt people. He was a pirate and not a good person. His epithet was The Surgeon of Death.

And it’s not that she was an angel either. She’s hurt people. She’s killed people. But…

She’s changed! The Heart Pirates changed her. Her wonderful crew, who were full of somewhat kind people! Right?

Well, no, that’s not true is it?

They were pirates.

They hurt people.

They weren’t just having fun on the sea, were they? Sure they weren’t raping and pillaging, but, damn, they weren’t really great people. Goofy? Funny? Having fun? Sure!

But, no, they were pirates.

Had Ruby grown tired of pirating? Had she began to resent the sea, her home? She loved Law, she loved her crew, but she was tired.

She placed her palms on the ground and lifted herself up. She sat cross legged on the ground, her bare back cracking as she leaned forward. She sat down, in her grey sweat shorts, and sighed.

“Guess I’ll take something for the headache and eat breakfast,” she mumbled like she had a hangover despite not having one.

She stood up and started to get ready for the day. She threw on a camisole and slipped on fuzzy slippers. She threw her long hair up in a bun and then brushed her teeth in her tiny bathroom.

She had finished her yogurt and was sipping her fucking terrible coffee when she heard a loud cheer from outside. She walked to the window and stared out of it.

There was a parade.

Floats, balloons, clowns, dancers, confetti, food. It was so very bright and joyful. And fun, she supposed. Not for her, of course. She was bitter and hated Doflamingo and Lucia. They were terrible, evil people.

She sighed and started to walk away from the window when the largest float caught her eye. Her breath hitched and she hid behind the curtain.

“Shit,” she hissed. “What a fucking dumbass move, Ruby.”

Of course Doflamingo would be on the float celebrating him. She peered through the curtain and saw the obnoxiously pink feather coat. Her heart sped up and her stomach clenched in anxiety. If he saw her…

She looked over the float and blinked when she saw a tall woman in an elegant dress. Ruby did her best to get a clearer view of her without showing herself.

That was Lucia.

She was tan. She had long black hair. She was very tall. Not as tall as Doflamingo but still quite tall.

She looked quiet and serene. Like the celebration meant nothing to her. Ruby wondered if it was because she didn’t want to be around the citizens, not enjoying being around those beneath her station. Royalty tended to be like that.

But she was quite beautiful. At least from what Ruby could see.

Then again Ruby’s boyfriend was also tall, tan, and had black hair. Ruby wondered what Lucia’s eye color was but wouldn’t dare leave her flat to find out.

She huffed and closed the curtain. She was no longer interested in seeing a celebratory parade and had definitely cut it too close by watching what little she had.

She placed her mug in the sink and filled it with water. She let out a long sigh before placing her hands on her hips. Once the parade was over she would…what would she do?

Perhaps she would go to a restaurant. She knew there was no way she could grocery shop. It was her fault for being an idiot and not buying groceries before she ran out of food.

There would be plenty of events to keep her busy, a ton of food, but she probably shouldn’t leave the flat. If the Family was out today, then she could be caught. She was sure that they would recognize her. If she had been just some random pirate then they wouldn’t have cared, but she was a pirate on Law’s crew.

She was a pirate on Law’s crew, who had a bounty, and who also destroyed a slave trade that Doflamingo had owned. She also killed Knotely but she doubted Doflamingo cared about him.

At best, Ruby was an annoyance. At worst, and this one was probably closest to the truth, she was a weakness for Law and would be used against him.

She sighed and walked to the bed and collapsed on it. She would stay in and read the new romance books she bought the other day. She would make a cheap meal with the rest of the rice and some seasoning that she had. She would stay safe, she would stay hidden, and she would stay quiet.

Ruby sat on the bed as she reached the end of her second novel. The sun was setting in the distance, turning the sky all sorts of pretty colors. The celebration was still going strong. Cheers and music and happy people.

She sighed and closed the book. She laid back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

“This sucks,” she said. “Really fucking sucks.” She laid on her side and looked out of the window. “Maybe I’ll just fall asleep. I have some sedatives left.” She reached over to the nightstand and grabbed the bag of pills when there was a knock on the door.

Her skin pricked in fright as she stared at the bag of pills. Who was at her door? Was it Doflamingo? Was it Maria? Did Law somehow make it Dressrosa and completely ignored the plan they had set up for their meeting!

Ruby got out of bed, her heart racing. She walked to the door, her hands shaking as she looked out the peephole. She immediately relaxed.

She opened the door and smiled at her neighbor.

“Julia,” she greeted. “How can I help you?”

“Ah!” The very small older woman grinned. “I came by to give you this!” She shoved a paper plate covered in foil into Ruby’s hands. “I know how hard it is to enjoy celebrations when you’re grieving. I thought that since you may not want to enjoy the parties today that I might bring you something to have a…private celebration.”

“Oh,” Ruby said, her throat squeezing as she tried not to cry. “Thank you. This is…this is very kind of you,” she said.

“You’re welcome,” she said and turned. “Have a great rest of your evening.”

Ruby closed the door and breathed. She smelled the garlic in the dish and her mouth watered. Rice really wasn’t enough to sustain her. She stood at the counter eating her chicken with such energy that she was certain that Julia had put some sort of magic in it.

After she finished the food she took a shower. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, brushed her hair. She laid on the bed in her grey shorts, stretching her arms and breathing.

She laid back onto the pillows and closed her eyes. The food that she was giving had settled into her stomach and she felt good enough that she would fall asleep.

And she almost had.

She had begun to drift off when her den den mushi rang. She blinked open her eyes and stared at it.

“Why is he calling?” She muttered.

She reached for the snail on her nightstand and took in a breath.

“Hello?” She answered.

“Ruby,” Law’s hushed voice said. “Are you alone?”

Ruby swallowed. “Yeah,” she breathed. “Are you?”

“…somewhat.”

Her brows scrunched together and she stared at the snail. “What does that mean?”

“I left Punk Hazard,” he said and took in a shaky breath. Ruby knew that breath.

“Why are you hurt?” She asked.

“That’s not important,” he said. “I’m on my way to Dressrosa,” he said. “With…allies.”

“Allies?” She questioned. “Who?”

Law was silent for a moment. “The Straw Hats.”

“The who?!” Ruby shot out of bed.

“Pipe down,” he hissed. “It’s a long story,” he sighed. “One that I’m too tired to go into right now,” he huffed and then a small hiss came from his mouth in pain.

“Law,” she said softly. “You’re in pain.”

“I’ll be fine,” he croaked. “I can handle this.” He sighed. “I’ll be there in about three days, according to Nami-ya,” he said. “I’ll meet you at the port we discussed.”

“Okay,” she said, her heart leaping out of her chest. “I-I…I missed your voice,” she admitted. “I missed you.”

He sighed. He didn’t respond for some silent moments. “I missed you, too,” he whispered. “I won’t speak to you again until I’m there. So continue to lay low until I do.”

“I will,” she said with a nod. “Get some sleep, Law, you sound like you need it.”

“I do,” he said with a half chuckle. “Ruby,” he breathed. “I love you. I hope you understand that. I love you more than…” he trailed off. “Well, it doesn’t matter. I’ll be there soon. Good night.”

He hung up.

Ruby stared at the snail and heard the dial tone through the speaker. She swallowed and let out a breath.

He knew he hadn’t always been good to her. He knew that he could be a complete asshole to her and she had given him far more chances than he truly deserved. He also knew that she was very much out of his league, especially when she always made herself up so beautifully and he looked like he hadn’t slept in days and only had coffee and indeterminate drugs to keep him chugging along.

There were probably tons of men and women in Dressrosa vying for her attention. She probably had already been proposed to. He wouldn’t blame her if she ran off on him, releasing the den den mushi into the wild and leaving him and their plan behind. Maybe she would finally find someone worthy of her, of her smile and her laughter. Someone who didn’t make her cry in despair or anger. Someone who didn’t drag her down into the deep, cold depths of unmistakable fury and sorrow.

She deserved so much better than him.

But he loved her. He loved her so completely, so fully. So deep within his soul that he would never be the same without her, he would never be able to move on. His heart would always be hers, even if she didn’t want it anymore.

He turned on his side and stared at where Ruby should be sleeping. It was her spot. Her pillow was still where it belonged. 

“Law,” Ruby mumbled into her pillow one morning. He hummed and pulled her in closer, burying his face in her thick air. He palmed her stomach, pushing his hand under her tank top. “Why are you still here?” She yawned. “I figured you’d be half a pot of coffee in by now.”

He breathed her in. “I want to spend some time with you,” he admitted.

She grabbed his wrist and pulled his arm around her. He curled into her, kissing the back of her neck through her hair. “I feel so spoiled.”

“You should,” he said with a smile. “I don’t like missing out on the first pot of coffee.”

“Yes, I know. There’s nothing you love more than the first sip of black coffee unspoiled by milk or sugar.”

Law opened his eyes and stared into Ruby’s chocolate brown hair. She didn’t say anything more, she only relaxed against him. She laced their fingers together and let out a tired sigh. “There is something I love more than that.”

“Oh, right, Corazon, of course.”

Law opened his mouth and closed it. He frowned. How many walls and layers did she perceive herself to be behind? Did she just accept that she would never be in at least his top five most loved things? Did she think she even made the list? She was the love of his life, the woman who he slept next to every night, the woman he bore his heart and soul to. 

“You,” he tried. “I love you more.”

She was silent and she didn’t move. Did she not believe him? Was she unsure of his devotion to her? 

Of course she fucking was. How could she not be?

He had dedicated his life to revenge; to avenging his savior, to killing Doflamingo. It was his priority, it was his whole life. Ruby had just barely come into it. She had only just become one of his top priorities and after hearing about his past and his goals there was no doubt she had put herself low on the list of things that he loved.

“I see,” she said after some silence. 

He needed to be better to her.

He pulled on her, turning her so that she laid on her back. She stared up at him, blinking a couple of times. A curious look formed in her eyes and her brows knit together like she was asking him why he wanted to look at her face.

“I love you,” he said and kissed her, pressing his lips into hers. “You deserve to hear that as often as you breathe.”

Her lips formed a line and a flat look spread across her face. “And yet I’m with you,” she said. Law frowned. She sighed and a soft smile spread across her lips. “Look, I know who you are and I love you as you are. Don’t worry about changing for me. I know that I’m somewhere on your list of important things.”

“You’re high on that list.”

“Mmhmm,” she hummed and started to sit up.

He laid her down and kissed her. He kissed her with everything he was, with all of his strength and affection. He tasted her like he’d never do it again. “I love you,” he breathed onto her lips.

She chuckled. “I love you, too.”

Law was out of sorts all morning. He stared into his black coffee begging it to do something to his energy levels. Maybe even serotonin levels. Although that had even less chance of happening. When he looked into the mirror earlier that morning it was like the first time he saw himself in years. 

He looked ragged, he looked exhausted. He looked like he was some long-forgotten pathetic shell of a man who had a broken heart and was grasping at straws to beg his lover to come back just once. 

Ugh, he needs to lay off Ruby’s trashy novels. 

It had been a month and a half, or he thinks it had been. Maybe longer? Time was such a blur as of late. All he knew was that he had figured everything out. 

He did it! 

The plan was in motion! Soon he would be on Punk Hazard! He would carefully move things along so that Doflamingo would never figure everything out. Doflamingo would be dead soon!

And Ruby…

And Ruby could come home . She would go to Zou and be with the people who loved her again. She would be surrounded by love and warmth and happiness. 

And more than likely not him, but that didn’t matter. He didn’t matter like she did. Someone like her could easily find happiness again. Her quick wit and her personality was wonderful and he knew anyone and everyone would be fighting just to hold her hand. 

Law huffed into his beer. So absolutely annoyed on Ruby’s behalf. Did no one have the decency to ask if she was actually interested in them?

“Law,” Ruby called with a smile. “Don’t look so annoyed for just me.”

“How do you not find it annoying? Isn’t it insulting they only see you as something to have sex with?”

She rested her chin in her hand with a curious smile. “Does it insult you?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“Why? What kind of question is that? Because you’re smart, funny, and enjoyable to be around. You’re more than a damn vagina. You deserve better than these assholes.”

Ruby’s smile softened. “Thanks, that means a lot coming from the guy I’m sleeping with.”

Law breathed into his beer glass, the glass fogging up. “You’re more than that to me.”

Her smile grew. “Hm? What’s that? I don’t think I heard you.”

He shot her an annoyed look. “Don’t push it.”

She giggled. “You’re right, I’m sorry. You’re just fun to tease and I didn’t expect you to be a jealous person.”

“I’m not jealous ,” he scoffed, offended. “I am merely annoyed that you are being seen as an object.”

“Uh-huh, not even slightly jealous that people are hitting on your girlfriend and you can’t do anything about it?” He stared at her. “Alright, fine, you’re not jealous. You’re annoyed on my behalf that I’m being objectified even though I don’t give a shit.”

He huffed and chugged his beer in annoyance. Ruby hummed and sipped from her own glass, waving off another drink being brought to her. “Why don’t you give a shit?” He asked. 

“You have seen the way I dress, right? I know you stare at my ass. People treat women who dress like I do like they’re just an appendage. I’ve learned to live with it. I can’t start throwing punches because someone doesn’t respect me. I’d have knocked out half the population by now if I did.”

Law glowered. She didn’t deserve that. She deserved better. She deserved to be treated with honor and love and respect. “Maybe I should start throwing punches.”

She snorted. “My knight in shining armor,” she teased. “How about this? We head back to the Tang.” She cocked her head with a smile. “We can just put on our pajamas and go to bed! Nothing more and nothing less.”

“Rube,” he sighed. “Are you saying that we should go home and cuddle ?”

“Well, if you’re wanting to be specific, sure.”

He stared at her for a moment. “Let’s go.”

Law shoved his dinner in his face, chewing on the spicy, crispy tofu thoughtfully. He knew Penguin was staring at him. He knew that Penguin was staring hard at him. But what was he supposed to do? Just start a conversation? That would require him to be a pleasant person.

“How was she?” Penguin asked. 

“She had been drinking.”

“Was she drunk?”

“No.”

“Tipsy?”

“She had been but had sobered up.”

Penguin hummed. “And her mental health?” Law didn’t answer. “Did you ask how she was doing?”

“Didn’t need to. She was annoyed and asking stupid questions.”

“Like?”

Law glared at him and Penguin’s lips stretched into a thin line. “She asked if I loved her.”

“So she wasn’t annoyed, she was feeling insecure. And you obviously responded with “yes, of course. I love you more than anything else and can’t wait to see you again,” right?”

Law groaned and rubbed his eyes. “Does that sound like something I would say?”

“No, but a man can dream.” Penguin sighed. “Did you at least say that you loved her?”

“ Yes .”

“Well, at least you did that. I can’t imagine how she’s feeling right now. She’s at her worst when she’s alone.”

Law sighed. Knowing her she was probably only thinking of the bad things between them. The arguments, the times where she wanted to throw him into the ocean, the times he made her cry. “I know,” he said and stood up with his empty bowl. “She’s strong. She’ll get through it.”

Penguin stared up at him. “How many times are you going to say that?”

“Until it no longer needs to be said.”

“Rube,” Law called to her softly. 

Ruby jumped and started wiping her face quickly. “Oh, I thought you had gone to sleep.” She sniffed. 

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice you leaving the bed?”

“I…no?”

Law stared at her for a moment before sighing. He walked over to her and sat down on the ground beside her. He spread a blanket over her body. She was only wearing a nightgown meaning she got dressed in a hurry. He sighed and heard a wave hit the Tang. 

Law stared at the crescent moon and listened to Ruby’s sniffles. It was a clear sky and fucking cold. He knew Ruby must be freezing. 

“Why did you come out here?” She asked quietly. 

A confused expression grew on his face. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“I…I don’t know,” she said in a watery voice. “I’m not thinking. Of course you would. You’ve caught me crying on my own more than once and sat with me all those times.”

“And why are you crying now?”

She sighed. “Everything is a bit too real.” He stared at her. “I had a moment recently, a moment where I realized that I’m happy.”

Law narrowed his eyes at her. “And that makes you sad.”

She groaned. She leaned on him and he wrapped his arm around her. “I don’t know what to do with happy,” she said. “I’ve been miserable for as long as I can remember. I had accepted that I was always going to be alone and miserable. And then you guys showed up and you made me part of your crew and I’m suddenly forced to not hide away because I have friends who care about me for some unknown reason. Months later you tell me that you want to be with me, that you enjoy being around me, that you find me attractive. And that makes me happy .”

“O…kay?”

“I don’t know how to be happy,” she said and started to cry. “It feels wrong. Do I really deserve to be happy? After everything I’ve done and everyone I’ve hurt. Do I deserve to let people love me?” She wiped the tears that wouldn’t stop falling from her cheeks. 

“Yes.” Ruby looked at him and stared. “You don’t know how to be happy? That’s fine. I will be here while you figure it out. You don’t know how to be in a relationship? Okay. We’ll take it slow and go at whatever pace you want.” He sighed. “But you deserve happiness. You deserve to relax.” He sighed. “The crew loves you, I love you, so just breathe for a moment and let yourself be loved.”

Ruby wiped her cheeks. “That was actually really kind of you to say, Law.”

“Yeah. I hated every minute of it.” She laughed. She sniffed and wiped her cheeks. She let out a loud sigh with a smile. He watched her for a moment before letting out a breath. “Do you want to go back to bed?”

“Yeah, I think I do.”

He stood up and turned to her. He held out his hand for her. She stared at it for a brief moment before placing her hand in his. He pulled her up and into him, kissing her forehead as he did. 

Law was staring at himself in the mirror again. He looked sick and dehydrated. He looked pathetic. What would Ruby say to him? She’d probably take him by the ear and nag at him until he drank some water and rested. He could see her annoyed but very concerned expression. 

“I love you. I want you to be healthy.”

Law huffed. Right. Like that would ever happen. He’d always be too skinny. He’d always look exhausted. He’d always look slightly sick. And his always was coming to an end soon. There’s no way he’d survive this ordeal, no matter how genuine his promise to Ruby was. All he could do was make sure Ruby made it back to the Tang. 

There would be no one there to save him. No friend, no partner, and certainly not anyone who cared enough about him. Ruby would be the only one and he planned on tying her up and shipping her off the island before she got a chance to even think about arguing. 

Law rubbed his face and walked out of the bathroom. He stood in his bedroom, feeling lonely. She should be painting her toenails at the table, she should have a bowl of grapes to snack on, she should look so pretty in her grey shorts and white tank top. 

But she wasn’t here. She was in Dressrosa. She had left in order to save his life, and Law was starting to realize she set off on an impossible mission.

He sat on the bed and rubbed his face in exhaustion. His eyes thrummed in a sore pain, his head hurt as the beginnings of a migraine settled into his skull, his joints ached like he had just run a marathon. 

He truly had become a pathetic excuse for a human. 

He blinked when the den den mushi rang. Why was she calling so soon? 

He walked over to the snail and picked up the receiver. He breathed out. “Ruby?”

“Yeah,” she breathed. “I have information on Green Bit.”

Law’s eyes widened and he grabbed pen and paper. He took a deep breath and readied himself.