Chapter 09: Robin's Real Life
Rating: K
Pairing: Robin x Luffy technically (the two spend a sweet night together after Luffy hears Robin's song)
Lately I have had this song stuck in my head, and I felt it would go well in a story. My first time trying something like this, so let me know how it came out. Well, for what it's worth, enjoy.
Exiting the small restroom, Luffy's mouth opened in an involuntary yawn. Bringing his hand up to his lips to contain the sound, he crashed into the nearest wall.
"Ouch. What the heck is this wall doing here?" he asked to himself, rubbing his forehead loosely, suddenly brought out of his semi-sleep state. Sighing in something akin to defeat, the young pirate turned to make his way toward the boys' cabin, unsure of his footing in the small bits of moonlight.
Just as he turned in the right direction, a light, flowery voice came into his hearing. Turning his head in every direction, Luffy finally caught the direction the voice was coming from. Closing his eyes, he listened intently, and he realized that someone was singing. It was a light, beautiful voice, and before he even realized it he was walking towards it. Each step brought the voice into clearer focus, and after a few steps Luffy was able to hear the lyrics being sung.
…o koe wo kikou toshite
Mimi wo sumashita
Aa, zutto mae kara
Koushi takkata
Itsuwari no nai
Jibun de aruite itai
RIO PO-NEGURIFU watashi no
Eien ni tsuzuku shinjitsu sagashitai
MY REAL LIFE
Tsumugarete yuku
Ooinaru toki no katasumi de
The voice singing had thoroughly enchanted the young man, and he could not help but continue to walk in the direction it was coming from. Reaching the doorway that led to the deck, Luffy's eyes shrunk to adapt to the moonlight. Blinking a few times, he finally got accustomed to it. Once he was used to it, Luffy scanned the deck, realizing that the singing had come from there. Then his eyes glanced upwards, towards the highest point on the ship.
His eyes widened as his gaze set upon the crow's nest, and the lonely figure leaning peering idly through the nearest window. Approaching the ship's mast, Luffy leaned against the sturdy wood, eyes closing as he listened intently to her wondrous singing voice. Visions of a lonely girl, searching for one seemingly impossible thing floated through his mind. A girl, all alone, searching for something to hold onto.
Me wo tojite wa
Omoi wo haseru toki no kodama
Kanata no negai setsunaku hibiku
Watashi wa ima
Zawaremeku kokoro toorisugite
Tadori suita
Aa, katachi aru mono
Kiette yuku kedo
Soko ni atta negai wa
Kesenai mono
Each word struck somewhere in his chest, a sense of loneliness and sadness on each note. He wanted nothing more than to climb up there, wrap his arms around her, and let her know that he was there for her. But her song had him bolted in place. All he could was stand, leaning against the ship's mast, with his eyes closed. He tried to take in the thoughts of the older woman, his heart aching with each note.
Opening his eyes, Luffy felt a smile crease his lips as he went back to the boys' cabin. He didn't notice the sad smile that found its way to the face of the older woman. She let out a mirthless chuckle, having hoped that he would come and stay with her. But, she just chalked it up to his being too tired, and set herself back to her song.
RIO PO-NEGURIFU watashi ga
Watashi de aru tame no imi wo chigashiteta
MY REAL LIFE
Hajimari no uta
Ooinaru yume no katasumi
RIO PO-NEGURIFU watashi no
Eien ni tsuzuku shinjitsu sagashitai
MY REAL LIFE
Tsumugarete yuku
Ooinaru toki no katasumi de!
Just as she finished her song, Robin felt a presence next to her. Looking to her right, she saw the wide, bright grin of the pirate captain. He had gone back to the boys' cabin, and brought his large, blue blanket with him. As she had been involved in her singing, Robin had failed to notice, but now the two were under the same piece of surprisingly soft cloth.
"That was a nice song, Robin." he spoke simply, the smile lessening only a small bit.
"Thank you, Luffy."
"But, it's pretty cold out tonight, so I thought you could use an extra blanket."
"Thank you again, Luffy." she spoke, finally realizing how close he was to her now. "But, shouldn't you get to bed too?"
"Well, it's lonely to be by yourself, right?" he asked, his smile warming up again, causing her face to flush ever so slightly. With some effort, the older woman was able to hold back a light sob, a stray tear streaking down her cheek.
"Ah, don't cry Robin." Luffy's face showed his worry, thinking for a second that she wanted to be alone, as he wiped the tear from her face. Before he could get up to leave her to her thoughts, Luffy felt a strange pressure against his body. Looking over at Robin, she had her eyes closed, hand clutching at his red vest.
"Umm. If it is alright with you, would you want to stay with me tonight?" The odd request threw him off guard for a second, before he settled back down next to her.
"Aa. That sounds fun, Robin." he answered, placing his arm around her. Luffy smiled to himself as he felt her head rest gently against his shoulder. Planting a soft kiss on her head, he let her scent fill his senses. She had a scent of vanilla, that he felt suited her very well. Enjoying the warmth of her body, Luffy pulled the blanket a bit tighter over the two of them as sleep finally overtook him.
As he fell asleep, Robin crooked one eye open, a knowing smile on her face as she considered the boy's sleeping form. She felt completely at ease, knowing he was there next to her. The day would come, and maybe things would be different. For now, the simple joy would be enough.
Suddenly life didn't seem so lonely, and her wish had come true. Luffy would always be there, and she smiled, planting a soft kiss on his cheek as the older woman let sleep overtake her as well.
For those of you who might not know, the song used in this story is called "My Real Life" and it is sung by Yuriko Yamaguchi (Robin's Japanese voice actor). It is, by a good margin, my favorite One Piece character song. If you haven't heard it, I would highly recommend it. Great song. Look forward to another update for this story soon (tomorrow if I get another idea tonight, as I have the last few nights). Read and review, as usual.
