A/N- So, I literally wrote this in the last three hours. I was really intent on getting an update out, since I was feeling like a lazy shit. So yeah, here you go!

Dragondancer81- Ehehehe, I'll try to make it work but I can't make promises XD And stop stealing my chips! *Steals them back*

AmericanNidiot- Hmm...I don't know if that fits in with her personality, but maybe a tattoo somewhere else XD But I'll definitely do the sick-Law one. That would be fun.

Apple Bloom- I don't think Law is the crying type, and I just can't see him crying over anything in particular. Lexi would probably have to die before that happened. :o

starelight- Oh, thank you for all the suggestions! I like What If and The Cure! They may just have to be made into chapters...

sarge1130- I still can't understand why everyone would want her to have a Zoan devil fruit. :o EustASS Kid made me laugh so hard XD I'm a fan of Kid, if only to pick fun at him and put him in these situations! I'm not a KidxLaw shipper though. Blegh. See? I knew you all wanted the animal kink. :P Law cuddles are life.

Onwards!

It didn't bother Lexi, knowing Law had never told her. She wasn't one of those women who demanded to be reminded every single waking hour of every single day. Honestly, it would surprise her more if he ever did say it. Law just didn't seem like that type of man. Not once during the time she'd spent with him did she believe he would be one to admit to something like it so openly.

But Lexi knew how deeply her own feelings ran, and she was becoming more frustrating with herself for not having gathered up the courage to openly tell him she did. Hell, it had been over a year, almost two, since she'd followed Law into this strange world of his. It wasn't the fear of rejection causing her hesitation. And to be frank, Lexi honestly didn't know what was holding her back. There was just this nagging doubt at the back of her head, that this was a big deal, and she shouldn't take it lightly.

Lexi had never confessed to her previous boyfriend, simply because she just didn't feel that way. They'd been together, sure, but nothing had ever ventured into anything more serious than the occasional sex. There wasn't the distinct emotional attachment that Lexi now felt towards Law, in a way that made her feel extremely vulnerable, yet extremely satisfied all at the same time. It was…nice…to know that she'd found that feeling in someone else.

Realizing that the longer she held in the desire to tell him, the worse this apprehension would become, and the worse she would feel simply keeping it to herself. Lexi wanted him to know. She wanted him to understand just how deep her heart longed for him when he was away for even a short time, and how every time they participated in a battle, she prayed that he would return safely, in one piece. Things like that weren't just simple attraction, and it was becoming increasingly obvious to her that the time had come for her to say something.

Lexi wasn't one to switch gender roles around too much, not out of the desire to keep things traditional, but she was simple rather shy when it came to the fluffy, cutesy aspect of a relationship. Hell, it felt weird simply calling it a relationship. The label felt juvenile. Immature, even. It ran deeper than that. It was…if she absolutely had to put a name to it…a partnership. And the strength of trust in that partnership ran larger than any ordinary team.

So it was with the utmost caution and hesitation that Lexi sought to tell Law exactly what she felt for him. But it wouldn't be easy.

Lately, Law had been rather busy with preparations for departing—alone, mind you, for a place called 'Punk Hazard.' Lexi wasn't quite sure what that meant, or the implication of it, but based on the way Law had determinately gone about updating all there was to the crew's medical files, ensuring they were in peak physical condition, and stressing the importance of training to the rest of the crew, it was a major event. There wasn't often a day when he returned to his quarters for more than a shower and change of clothes, before he was back out wandering the sub, finishing preparations and taking inventory.

A majority of the time, he wouldn't come back to sleep until well past the time Lexi already had, and she rarely woke up beside him either. The impression and faint warmth that was left on the comforter beside her every morning made it apparent he was at least sleeping, but she was beginning to miss him. Who knew one could go days without seeing someone on such a small vessel?

Thankfully, as things were beginning to fall into place, and the Captain was running out of lists to check, logs to report, courses to plot and navigate, medical records to update, and just things to do in general, she brunette began to see more of him. Yet another reminder that she'd been missing him as of late.

That night, he'd actually gotten back to their shared quarters within a reasonable hour, interrupting Lexi's reading as he entered the door. She glanced up in surprise, noting the tired expression he wore as he took off his hat and walked to the bathroom adjoining the room.

"Long day?" Lexi asked after him, hearing the water of the sink turn on a moment later.

"Longer than I expected." He admitted, his voice echoing slightly. "However, most of the preparations have been dealt with. I should be leaving by next week at this rate."

Unbeknownst to the Captain, Lexi's face fell at this admission, wishing he wasn't so hell-bent on leaving the crew. According to Holly, this wasn't a normal occurrence either. They'd never seen him this way, and were no doubt equally as confused as she.

"Hmm." She answered noncommittally, returning her gaze back to the book she was reading. It seemed boring now, her earlier content mood having vanished. The interest was gone. Giving up with it entirely, she shrugged with a sigh, placing the bookmark on the page and closing it. Law entered from the bathroom as she was putting it away.

He said nothing, rubbing his eyes tiredly with a yawn as he trekked over to his side of the bed. She opened her mouth, but suddenly couldn't find the words to say. Instead, Lexi watched silently as he lay down, groaning with relief, and faced the other way. Lexi pursed her lips, knowing the opportunity to say what she wanted to say was lost. He was honestly exhausted, that much was clearly evident, and she didn't want to interrupt his sleep now that he was already laying there. The man didn't get enough of it as it was.

With an inaudible sigh, she turned off her bedside lamp and got under the covers as well, turning so their backs were to each other. The mood was nothing more than exhaustion and disappointment, so she didn't expect anything to go further from that for the night. They both promptly fell asleep anyways.

Several days had passed, Law still keeping relatively busy with preparations to leave for this island called Punk Hazard. She'd ventured to ask why he was so insistent on leaving, but he'd only answered—vaguely, she might add, that it was a personal matter. He didn't want to drag the rest of his crew into it, and so he'd be going alone, though she couldn't understand how he thought that was going to accomplish anything. Nevertheless, the way his eyes had set firmly and looked past her at some unspoken memory stopped her from inquiring as to the real meaning, and so she'd stayed silent. For as much as she wanted to know, Law was a very private person. Had he wanted her to know, he would have told her.

His focused mindset still wasn't helping her cause, however. Knowing that she may have more courage to say what she felt for him while they were more in the mood for such things, Lexi tried initiating, but it seemed there was too much on Law's mind to really get him to respond. While she knew that he wasn't outright rejecting her, per se, it still stung a little when he had to gently push her away, stating he had to finish all of the planning before he left.

Another day, then two, came and went. Law was still here, but the time was coming closer and closer to when he would leave them. Lexi was silently dreading the day, not knowing how life without the Captain around would fare for her. It would be the first time since she'd come with him that she wouldn't have his confident presence around to reassure her. It was terrifying, honestly.

The crew didn't seem as concerned with Law's plan, but she was worried. What sort of dangers would he be going into on this mission? What was so important that he risk going alone? Would she…ever see him again? She wasn't stupid. This world was much more dangerous that her own had been, and despite being a strong fighter and capable of handling things when they became tough, the threat of a more powerful enemy was always lurking in the background, no matter how well you prepared.

Lexi tried finding whatever time she could to spend with him, offering to help with any of the planning, but he always reassured her he had it taken care of or was working on it himself. It was discouraging, not being allowed to help in any way.

And then finally, the time came.

They'd landed on the next island in their route, docking that afternoon and gathering supplies to restock directly afterwards. Normally she wouldn't mind the chore, but it just felt…superficial. Once they'd all returned, Law had stated to the crew that he would be departing the next morning for Punk Hazard, procuring a boat from the docks and sailing his way to wherever the hell this island was. He had produced a small, white paper from his pocket, giving it to Bepo to keep.

While she was only vaguely familiar with it, she recognized it to be a vivre card, something that would apparently guide whoever had it to the person it belonged to. It was a small comfort, as the thing would keep them informed as to their Captain's location and status, but would burn to ashes should the person die. She suppressed a shiver down her spine, not wanting to continue with that line of thinking.

They'd all agreed to have a feast that night, one last celebration before their Captain would leave on a who-knew-how-long journey to an island she had no clue where it was. Despite the atmosphere being very bittersweet, she somehow couldn't manage more than a small smile while surrounded with the rest of the Heart Pirates that night, her worries taking up most of her mind during the party.

After several hours of staying with the rest of the company, Lexi retired for the night to their quarters, wondering how empty it would feel once Law left. She'd gotten used to sleeping beside someone who had a habit of cuddling her in his subconscious, seeking out her warmth or her presence, she couldn't tell.

Not feeling up to reading or studying that night, Lexi simply got into bed and laid down beneath the covers. Despite resting physically, her mind refused to settle itself into a semblance of calm.

It was her last chance. Literally. There was the small possibility that she would never see him again. Slim as it may be, there was still a certain amount of risk to his plan. If she wanted to tell him, she only had one last chance to do so.

After another hour or so, Lexi heard the door to their quarters open, and the Captain walked through, shutting it behind him. Seeing Lexi already laying down, he quirked a brow.

"Already sleeping? That's unlike you." He commented. Her eyes flickered over to the clock, realizing that she had indeed gone to bed rather early. It was only 8:30.

She shrugged, turning in the sheets to look at him easier. "I could say the same to you. Done with the party already?"

"As much as I appreciate the sentiment, it was more of a comfort for them than for me." He said, stepping into the bathroom. "And, I don't want to wake up with the worst hangover of my life."

Lexi couldn't help but smile. "That's true I guess. We tend to overdo our parties, yeah?"

"'Tend to?' I've yet to see a party that someone doesn't find themselves being taped to the ceiling, thrown in the ocean, or passed out in the hallway once all is said and done." He called in amusement from the other room, the sound of clothing rustling the only indication he was probably undressing.

"Ok, you've got me there." Lexi giggled, envisioning the last time someone had a birthday on board the sub. She propped herself up on her elbows, realizing that he seemed much more at ease that night than he had for at least a week. For a moment, she didn't know quite what to say, before settling on, "You can't blame them, though. They're going to miss you."

Law stepped out again, wearing nothing but a pair of shorts, eyeing her teasingly. "Only them?"

Grinning besides herself, she crossed her arms and turned her head away with a 'hmph.' "Well, why would I miss you? Maybe I'll finally get some peace and quiet around here, what with all the teasing being gone."

He chuckled, stalking closer to his side. "Oh? I have a hard time believing that, Lexi-ya." She scooted over a few inches so he would have enough room as well, making himself comfy under the covers beside her.

"Believe it, don't believe it…it doesn't matter to me." She tried continuing, but wasn't really too intent on arguing over the fact in the first place. There was something much more important right at the tip of her tongue, but she was waiting for the right moment to say it. When…exactly was the right opportunity? Especially for the first time?

"Hmm…" He hummed under his breath, surprising her by snaking his arms around her waist and pulling her to lay flush against him, their chests facing. She looked up into his face, wondering what he was thinking with such a peaceful expression. Eyes half-lidded, he stared down into her face thoughtfully.

For several minutes, they simply lay there close together, eyes wandering the contours of each other's face, as if memorizing each line and each feature, knowing it would be some time before they saw each other again. The silence stretched, until Lexi couldn't help but ask: "Do you really have to go?"

He resisted the urge to sigh, but nodded slowly. His hand, which had been resting against her hip, trailed upwards to her arm, then shoulder, before grasping a lock of her hair in one hand, feeling it's texture. "It's something I have to do." He explained unhelpfully.

Lexi watched in sadness as he tolled the hair between his fingers gently, as if seeing it for the first time. She let out a long breath, before leaning forward to rest her forehead on his bare chest. "I know…doesn't mean I like the fact that you're going alone."

"I'll be fine."

"You say that, but anything could happen."

It seemed he didn't have an answer to her retort, and simply stayed silent. She knew her argument wouldn't be enough to keep him here anyways, and suddenly wondered why she had asked to begin with. It was a stupid question.

"Just…be careful, alright? Come back to us." She hesitated, before looking back up into his eyes, knowing that now was the time. "Come back to me."

He noticed the shift in her eyes as soon as it happened, and his narrowed imperceptibly. The only reason she noticed was because she was looking. Her hand reached up, running evenly through his hair to smooth out the wild strands, eyes trailing down to his lips briefly before returning back to stare into his gray irises.

"There's…something I want you to know. Before you leave." She trailed off quietly, barely speaking in more than a whisper. Being so close, he obviously heard her, and his eyes flicked between both of hers in…worry? Fear? She frowned minutely, wondering if she'd phrased the sentence in a negative way. Shit, this wasn't starting off well.

He said nothing, simply waited for her to speak again, and she almost lost her nerve to continue. Almost. Drawing a breath, she gave a tiny smile and tried to put all the feeling into her gaze as she could, wanting to show him more than just tell him.

"I lov-mmph." She tried, but was cut off by Law's hand clapping over her mouth. Frowning in both surprise and confusion, she looked back up to him and noticed that his expression had turned…pained. He looked stricken.

She forcibly pulled his hand away. "Law, listen to me." But he didn't appear to want to, as he leaned his forehead down to rest against hers, eyes closed.

"Don't." He stated with strength, holding her tightly to him, as if she'd run away. But Lexi was too confused, hurt, and angry to do so, instead electing to stare up into his closed eyes, wondering why the hell he wasn't letting her finish the sentence. Perhaps…she'd misjudged their relationship?

"But, I don't understand…" She felt the prick of tears behind her eyes. This was beyond embarrassing, especially considering this was looking more and more like a legitimate rejection. Muscling through the urge to cry, she swallowed and continued. "What did I do wrong?"

"Nothing." He said adamantly, finally opening his eyes to look at her, but he still looked unsure, not confident. "You did nothing wrong."

"Then why?"

"Just don't say it."

"But…Law, I lo-" She tried again, but was stopped instead by his lips pressing against hers insistently, swallowing the words that were to follow. Arms drawing her closer, he lead them in a slow, deliberate kiss, as if silently apologizing, or reassuring her of something. Which one, she couldn't tell. Though as much as she wanted to push him away and demand some answer, she felt like this may be the best way he could do so. Showing her instead of telling.

Eyes closed, she reached up and cradled his face in one hand. This wasn't like the normal kisses they shared, which were fueled more by their own sexual needs than anything. This was slow, thoughtful, and something altogether deeper than what she was used to. It was comforting and safe, just as warm as the embrace he held her in. He slowly shifted them so she lay on her back, and he hovered above her, pressing Lexi further into the mattress as his hands drifted down her arms, her sides, all the way to her hips. His thumbs rubbed smooth circles into the skin, helping to calm her down and give her hope both at the same time.

They had to separate for air, but Law didn't let her have any time to speak, recapturing her lips again a moment after, this time licking her bottom lip to ask permission. She complied, allowing him to slip his tongue into her mouth and taste her, lazily exploring rather than dominating as he usually did.

Remembering that she'd been trying to get some answers from him, she separated and held his head away from her with both hands, forcing him to look at her rather than kiss her again as distraction. Resisting the urge to kiss him again and give up this endeavor entirely was harder to do than she was willing to admit.

"Why?" She asked simply in a breathless hush, begging for an answer with pleading eyes. He took a moment to catch his breath, before closing his eyes again and lowering his forehead to hers. It was difficult for him to look at her.

"It doesn't need to be said," He replied quietly, his breath ghosting over her lips invitingly. "especially right before I depart. It will change things."

"Change how?"

"I don't know. Which is why you shouldn't."

"But, it's what you do when you feel that way about someone. You tell them, so they know." She reasoned, the smallest of tears pooling in the corners of her eyes. Why couldn't he understand her need to put it out there? Why couldn't he see? Was he just not interested in her feelings?

No, that couldn't be true. If that had been the case, he would have simply brushed the whole conversation aside, maybe even gone to bed. Or, perhaps, told her flat out that he didn't feel the same way. This was something deeper. Maybe…it was really her who didn't understand. But, what exactly was causing the problem then?

After several moments of silence, he opened his eyes to stare into hers again. Lexi could not read his expression at all, though underlying the unknown emotion, she could still read the uncertainty.

"Things left unsaid aren't any less true." He told her, willing her to understand what he was trying to get across.

And she finally did, to an extent. It took some thinking, and an admittance that no one was really in the right or wrong here, it was just a different interpretation of the situation they were in. While Lexi wanted to put a label on the emotions that were between them, Law felt no such desire or need. He was content with what they were, right where they were. As far as he was concerned, there was no need to put a name to it, no need to define and inspect, and categorize what it was they had.

Lexi, while she may not understand exactly why he refused to let her say it, began to see that even by telling him her feelings, she was setting up the expectation for him to reciprocate the sentiment, which might be something he wasn't ready or willing to do quite yet. If at all. It was putting an unspoken strain on the feelings they shared, this halfway point he wasn't confident he could meet her at.

It began to make sense, and as Lexi stewed in her thoughts, thinking over what he'd said and how she felt, she was able to come to a worthy conclusion. Law simply watched her, waiting to see what she would say next.

"…" Her eyes returned to him, finally wondering if maybe he did not feel quite the same as she did for him. Was that why he wouldn't say it? Why he wouldn't allow her to say it? The fear must have shown through in her eyes. But when the tears that had threatened to spill finally leaked over her cheeks, Law gently wiped them away, placing a single, gently kiss on her lips in response.

"Things left unsaid," he started again in almost a whisper, pointedly staring at her as if reading her thoughts exactly, "aren't any less true."

Ah. This she understood. Her worry and doubt receded, getting the implied message, and she smiled up at him. Nodding slowly to indicate she understood what he was saying, she closed her eyes as he kissed her again, pouring all of the unspoken feeling into that kiss, so that even while she couldn't say how she felt, she could certainly show him.

In fact, she spent the rest of that evening showing him just how much she felt for him, and when she woke the next morning, it was to an empty bed, and the faint feeling of his lips still on hers.

A/N- So, some of you may not agree with the decision, but I truly don't believe Law would be that willing or able to tell someone he loved them. After all of the people he loved being killed or dying, you'd be reluctant to go that far in a relationship again. Not to mention, there are a lot of expectations with something that has a name to it. Just being together is much easier to approach that being in a strictly-defined definition of love. It may be confusing, but it makes sense to me.

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