A happy new year everybody!

I hope you arrived save and sound in this new year and may it bring to you all the more joy and happiness!
Have fun with this new chapter and see you next week ;-)

Sharry

Chapter 10 - Journey

"Oh, I'm so done," Rosinante stretched his legs while slouching down on the wide armchair of the café. Early in the morning, he and Law had set off to the neighboring island Haru by ferry.

The crossing had taken barely an hour and after that they had spent the whole day at the market, bought necessary and less necessary things, watched showpeople, looked at expenses, talked to all kinds of acquaintances and strangers.

By now, they had both run their feet sore and had gone for a breather into a sweet little café without having even seen half of the huge market. Luckily, Law's transponder snail had not rang even once, so they didn't have to interrupt their daytrip.

"I don't think it makes sense to keep pushing through the crowd with all this stuff," Law mumbled, sipping his coffee. "If we still forgot something, we should visit again at the end of the week. This salesman of the kitchen knives told me that by then usually much less people come by and some stalls also offer discounts for what they have left."

"No wonder, these prices are something else," Rosinante remarked, leaning forwards to reach for his tea. "400 Berry for a cup of tea, 100 Berry for the daily newspaper, 800 Berry for..."

"Cora-san," Law interrupted him with a quiet laugh, "you complain like these old men at the booth. These are completely normal prices. You know that inflation-related prices rise over the years."

"But Law, 2,000 Berry..."

"I told you that I make enough money for the both of us. You don't need to have a bad conscience, Cora-san," Law immediately struck his nerve. "Back then you used your money for us and now it's my turn. The islands here are prospering and the people are generous, I earn more than enough to enable us to live a carefree life."

Rosinante remained silent and drank his tea. Law was right. It was quite natural that prices would rise over the course of 17 years, and it was also true that Law earned quite well from his work in the practice. Nevertheless, Rosinante was reluctant to spend this money.

He had to admit that he had never had a reasonable relationship with money. In his life, he had either money in abundance or none at all. He had received a salary as a Marine, but since he had almost never left the bases, he had not been able to spend anything and after his alleged death the rest had probably fallen back into the treasury. When he had returned to his brother, he was disgusted by how Doflamingo had lavishly thrown the blood money around.

Reluctantly, he had taken some with him to be able to take care of Law on the long journey, and had also stolen when it had to be, as he had done when he had been a child.

Today, everything seemed outrageously expensive to him. Although the money he spent was neither stolen nor whipped, he disliked throwing Law's hard-earned wages out the window for overpriced goods.

"If this subject is so difficult for you, look for work."

Surprised, he looked up. He hadn't even noticed that he had fallen into his brooding. Law nodded simply and took a sip.

"I can imagine that you haven't really learned how a normal person should deal with money. Your brother at least had his own rules of the game and I doubt that world aristocrats really understand the concept of money in general." He shrugged. "As I said, I really make enough that you don't need to and for me you wouldn't have to. But if it's that hard for you to spend the money I earn, then consider looking for a job. It doesn't have to be full-time, maybe just one or two days a week, so you get a feeling for it."

"But... but the house..."

"With the things we bought today, we will be able to handle most of the interior work within the next few days and the veranda is one way or another a longtime project, a few days more or less will make no difference. So, what do you think?"

Law looked at him as serious as usual.

Rosinante liked this grownup, calculating way Law had already shown as a young boy. Law had always been someone who quietly grasped situations and problems and then searched for rational, meaningful solutions, sometimes more or less empathetic.

He looked at the half-empty cup in his hand.

"I've never really worked in my life," he muttered, looking up, "I mean honest, proper work, not as a soldier, not as a pirate's henchman. I don't have any training, who would want me to work for them?"

Again, Law shrugged.

"There are countless professions for which you do not need some special years of training – and this would also be a possibility if you are interested in something certain, after all you're still young – in many jobs you get taught by the more experienced colleagues and do not need much prior knowledge. As I said, you don't need to do that for me, but if you think it would be good for you, you should do it."

It was kind of weird to be called young by the very person he once had carried on his shoulders, but Rosinante would get used to it.

The waiter came over and Law paid before they got up, collected their countless bags, baskets, and boxes, and headed for the port. On this island it was much fresher than on Natsu, so the sea wind almost made them freeze, despite the early evening sun still being far from the horizon.

"I think I really want to look for a job," Rosinante said as they boarded the almost deserted ferry, and Law shook his tired hands from carrying all those bags. "I enjoy working around the house; I never knew how gratifying it can be to do something; how satisfying honest work can be."

Law just nodded and then reached for Rosinante's hand as they sat down, before them the vastness of the sea.

"I will ask Mrs. Paipai if she knows anything for you." He leaned his head against Rosinante's upper arm and pressed his hand lightly. "I'm sure you'll find a great job."

"Take a nap, Law. You got up far too early this morning and hardly slept the last few days."

The other did not even disagree, but just closed his eyes, and a few seconds later his steady breath was almost drowned out by the waves that broke on the ferry. Rosinante, on the other hand, leaned back a little against the backrest – always careful not to wake up Law, who was nestled to him – and looked at the sea.

The last few weeks had been almost like a dream. Every morning, he had learned about world events that had long since passed or just happened recently – which Law had often to explain to him – before he had spent half a day pondering about it while carrying out his craft work.

Much had happened in the world, and with each new piece of the puzzle, he became more and more aware that the man who pressed his hand so firmly even in his sleep was not an insignificant part of the story, even though his name rarely occurred in articles, quite different from the names of the various members of the straw hat pirate crew. Like Law, they seemed to have chosen not to help shape the new world order, for which they were not entirely irresponsible, but preferred to travel the whole world.

Nevertheless, there seemed to be several voices who either wanted to see the straw hats punished as war criminals or demanded that they should even determine the new world order. The majority of those currently in charge seemed to have some kind of connection to this strange pirate crew, and it was not uncommon for Rosinante to read the name of once quite insignificant kingdoms, which now took on important tasks and aspired to a fairer world.

Most of the world's states seemed to have placed themselves under the auspices of a new organization, which had probably been founded after the Great War and had replaced the World Government.

Under the title of the "Nation Association", also called "NA", this new organization – consisting of former Marines, world leaders, criminals, and others – tried to change the world and only time would tell if it would succeed.

As a sign of a turnaround, the headquarters of this organization had been placed on a former Marine island near the Red Line, where the battle of Marine Ford had taken place six years ago, which - according to the now prevailing opinion - had laid the foundation for the turmoil, finally leading into the overthrow of the old government.

It seemed fitting to build the international organization that wanted to unite the world in the place where a new era had been declared. The pirates Puma D. Ace and Edward Newgate, also known as Whitebeard, had been written down in history as heroes of this turnaround.

But as much encouragement as the new world order had, so much doubt and resistance stood against it, and Rosinante understood only too well why Law had turned his back on this stage. Now, just two years after the Great War, in which both Law and the straw hat crew had been involved, the world still seemed to be full of turmoil and conflict.

As peaceful as the islands on which they lived, might were, there was still chaos in the great world and the new structures were hardly able to cope with the situation. Perhaps that was why it had been so surprising for Rosinante to learn that the island Natsu, where they had lived an unthinkably happy life for the past few weeks, was actually not far from the island Rosinante still knew under the name "Marine Ford".

There was apparently even a naval train connecting the neighboring islands Haru and Fuyu with both the Red Line and the Sabaody Archipelago as well as the island with the new name "Kaikkien Maiden".

It was probably true that at least the newspapers did not know where Law was at the moment, but Rosinante had expected Law to seek a greater distance from such events, as the straw hats probably did, who had recently crossed the River's Mountain, if one were to believe those articles.

However, he also knew that Law had only by chance stayed on this island, because Ninnin's mother had died as the last doctor in the region and Law had sought a job. Nevertheless, he wondered why the four islands had not been able to find someone capable by themselves, especially if one could reach the Sabaody Archipelago within a day trip.

However, the world really no longer seemed to be the place Rosinante knew, and the people of Natsu might felt safer when one of them cared for them and they did their best that both Law and Rosinante felt like they were one of them.

He glanced down to Law, who was still sleeping peacefully, and wondered how lucky he was to have earned this second chance.

Things were different from what he had imagined back then, but this difference also had it good sides. Rosinante had never seen himself as Law's father, rather a protector – or perhaps a fairy godfather with too many feathers – but perhaps this new form of their relationship as partner on an equal footing was exactly what he needed.

If Rosinante was quite honest, he had often been overwhelmed with Law in the past. He didn't really know how to deal with children and Law clearly hadn't been a normal kid. He did have neither the money nor the knowledge to care for the two of them, no matter his naively good intentions. But now he was no longer alone shouldering this task. Law had the strange habit of forgetting everyday things like sleep or food intake, but he stood firm in life with both legs and for Rosinante, who was more than aware that he was not the right guardian for a child, it was almost lucky that he didn't need to be.

In this quiet silence, never spoken out loud, he was almost grateful that he was sitting here, Law leaning against him. He knew that Law had to go through terrible things, that the world had to go through terrible things just because he hadn't pulled the trigger at that time, but since he couldn't change those things of the past, he had no choice but to be grateful in humbleness for being here and Law squeezing his hand.

He may not had been there when Law had to grow up, but he was here now, and when Law slept so peacefully, it seemed to be almost worth all that had happened.

"I love you, little one," he muttered, allowing himself to put one arm around the other and pull him even closer.

"So, that's it," Rosinante muttered, putting the last box in Law's study.

He had visited the market of the island Haru again today, the last possible day to do the errands that they had not been able to buy during their first visit. Law had wanted to accompany him, but an emergency had prevented him from doing so. That's why Rosinante had left alone, which at least allowed him to pick up a little something he wanted to get for Law without him noticing.

"Cora-san," he heard the other call from the kitchen.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," he replied, taking one last look at the sword that lay so innocently on a board on the shelf, and left the room.

Law had been at home before him and had taken the liberty to cook dinner. Among them, Rosinante seemed to be the one who was a little more capable at the stove – to his own surprise – but Law failed in simple things. There were only two dishes he could safely prepare: rice and fish. But even a simple sauce he often burned and his vegetables always tasted quite bland.

Still, Rosinante's heart made a happy jump when he stepped into the open kitchen with dining room and the smell of fried trout greeted him. Law had really surpassed himself this time; in addition to the set-up table – including tablecloth and wine – he had not only tried making a cold bean paste, but also prepared a salad.

"You've been on the road for a long time," Law remarked as he put rice and fish on plates.

"Yes," Rosinante agreed, rubbing his stiff neck before tasting the bean paste and adding some spices, "I came two minutes late and then had to take the next ferry. I'm sorry I made you wait."

"No problem, this way at least I had enough time to cook. Did you get everything from the list?"

He took the plates the other handed him and carried them to the table.

"Pretty much, except for a new tea set and the stool for the bathroom. I wanted one that wasn't quite as low as the current one, but they cost a fortune."

"Cora-san, you know what I..."

"I think I'll ask Mr. Sansan if he can build us one," Rosinante directly interrupted Law's objection, opening the wine bottle while Law brought the rest of the items to the table. "Probably should give him a kidney or something as a deposit for all the things he and his family have done for us. Half of our furniture is from them and without Halhal there would be no wine in our glasses, but rainwater from the roof."

None of them knew much about wine, but on special occasions they opened a bottle, even if Rosinante didn't know why today was special, but everything tasted better than rainwater from the gutter.

"Don't you dare sell your organs, Cora-san," Law scolded him only half-seriously, "they gave us those things and helped us voluntarily. They were very generous, but if you give something voluntarily, you don't usually expect anything in return."

"Don't always take everything so deadly serious, Law. It was a joke," he laughed, leaning forward to pull Law's mouth angle upwards, making the other roll his eyes.

And then they enjoyed their evening. Law narrated what happened at work – Mrs. Paipai seemed thrilled about the idea that Rosinante was looking for a job, and Ninnin was probably quite nervous about her first solo shift on call – and Rosinante about his experiences on Haru.

Over the past week, they had completed almost all the renovations inside the house and by now it really felt like the home they both had wanted to make out of it. Every now and then one or another neighbor and islander had come by, to help or just to chat and slowly Rosinante felt really comfortable here.

Law, too, seemed to enjoy his life more and more. He laughed much more than at the beginning, almost as much as some days when they had travelled together, mostly not loud and expressively like Rosinante, but with each day he seemed happier and more relaxed and that made Rosinante just as happy.

He liked how Law snorted into his wine glass instead of throwing himself back in the chair laughing, and he liked how Law watched him with that soft smile when Rosinante recounted his day. He liked it, when Law said something serious or scolded him with his raised finger, while his eyes sparkled full of mischief. He liked how Law grabbed his hand across the table and held it after they had finished their meal.

"Let's go to the beach for a while," Law said with a smile, "the dishes can wait."

Rosinante couldn't disagree when Law pulled him from the chair and onto the porch. There they left behind shoes and socks, rolled up their trouser and walked down the few stairs.

Hand in hand, they walked along the beach only enlightened by the starlight, laughing and talking, and enjoying this simple, precious closeness. The sand under their feet was cold, but the water was warm, even though Law avoided coming into contact with it more than necessary, and yet he seemed pleased to go for a walk with Rosinante.

They had often planned to go hiking on a day off, but until now they had simply not been able to, even though the forest with the popular hiking routes was right next to their home.

"Ninnin is a fast learner and very ambitious, I think she will soon be able to work more independently, then I will have more free time," Law remarked as they decided to walk back, "then we will finally have more time than just these short evenings."

"I'm looking forward to it," Rosinante confessed, looking out to sea, "I'm looking forward to every moment I can spend with you, Law."

They stopped and Law pulled him down to kiss him. With each passing day, Law had become more confident, and Rosinante did not resist, enjoying the tenderness and love of the other.

"I do have something for you, Law," he whispered as Law caressed his cheek.

He straightened up and pulled a simple white sheet of paper out of his pocket. When he tore it apart and offered Law one half, Rosinante could tell from his widening eyes that he knew, of course, what this paper was.

"I know you're always worried when I'm not in sight. I want to take some of your concern away."

Law took the paper and looked at it in silence.

"And no matter what should happen, with this Vivre Card we will find each other again, no matter what."

Suddenly Law looked up to him.

"Are you planning on leaving?"

Appeasingly, he quickly raised both hands as the other apparently totally misunderstood his gift.

"No, no! But you know, at some point I'll have to go to Sengoku and my brother and who knows where your work might take you and a lot can happen on the Grand Line." He grabbed Law's hand. "But I don't plan on ever leaving you, Law. I'm very happy here with you."

"I'm happy, too." Law pressed Rosinante's hand and snuggled up to him as they continued their way back. "I wish time would stop and we could be this happy forever."

It was rare for Law to neglect his rationality and to prefer daydreaming. It was rare for him to ignore reality. That he did it made Rosinante slightly worried; was he imagining things or was his concern justified?

"We can't change what the future holds for us, but we can chose how we will confront it," Rosinante said as their home waited for them in the distance, "and as long as we are together, we will be able to overcome any crisis."

"Yes, you're right." But Law sounded almost sad, and afterwards they remained silent.

In the light of the stars, Rosinante found it hard to tell if it was just the night or if Law was threatened to be taken back by his shadows. He suspected that their conversation about worry, unpredictability, and insecurity had reminded Law of the past and the people he had lost.

Law rarely talked about such things and Rosinante did not push him, and so he remained silent this time, offered Law the steadiness he needed without demanding anything, because that was what he could do for the other.

Back in the house, Law went to the bathroom for a shower while Rosinante quickly did the dishes before he also got ready for bed in the second bath. He was still thinking about waiting for Law to leave the bathroom, but he suspected that Law would rather have his rest, so he went to his room, turned on the little night light, and changed into his comfortable pajamas.

He had just opened the window to the sea when the door behind him opened.