Rating: K+
Timeframe: Immediately after Enies Lobby
Summary: Robin did not come away from Enies Lobby unscathed, in more ways than one

AN: Let's pretend for a moment that One Piece characters have somewhat realistic reactions to things like, say, being thrown into a wall by an elephant

The journey back to Water 7 was a quiet one. After the chaotic events of the past twenty-four hours, those who had raided Enies Lobby were too injured or too shocked to say much of anything, and who could blame them? No one in their right mind would ever have guessed how the day's events would unfold, not the burning of the Government's flag, nor the launch of the Buster Call, nor the final words of the Going Merry.

Robin sat on the deck of the Galley-La's ship and leaned against the railing. Removed from the few who whispering amongst themselves she could attempt to comprehend what the Straw Hat Pirates had done for her in relative peace.

But what they had done was incomprehensible. All she could do was accept it and move forward.

"Robin?"

Drawn from her thoughts, Robin looked down at the small figure of the doctor. Chopper's fur was still streaked with tears and his eyes red-rimmed from crying. In his hooves was the bag that held his medical supplies. Robin tried to offer him a small smile, wincing when the action split open her lip.

"Yes, Doctor?"

"It's your turn for an exam. There's a room Mr. Iceburg is letting me use."

It took a moment for Robin to understand what he was saying. With a tired nod she stood, slowly and carefully, and tried not to limp as she followed Chopper to his makeshift infirmary. Her whole body hurt, but a pounding headache occupied most of her attention. Compared to some of the others Robin had gotten off lightly, and the worst she had to worry about was the aftereffects of a few bruised—or cracked or broken, she wasn't quite sure—ribs.

Others nearly died saving her from a much worse fate. After twenty years of being hunted, there was a part of her that still didn't believe it.

As they walked she realized Chopper was still talking, and Robin struggled to pay attention. "…just glad the Rumble Ball wore off. Some of their injuries were pretty severe, and Galley-La doesn't have a doctor on staff. You can sit here."

Robin did as she was told. With detached interest she noted there was a small bloodstain on the floor that Chopper missed during his cleanup between patients. She wondered who it belonged to.

"I'm going to get some vital signs on you. Could you roll up your sleeve for me?" Chopper said as he rummaged through his bag.

Swallowing hard, Robin nodded. In actuality she wasn't sure she could. The leather of her dress wouldn't roll up that far, and taking her arm out of the sleeve would aggravate her extremely sore ribs. That wasn't including the finger she dislocated fighting off marines while waiting for Luffy at the Bridge of Hesitation…

When Chopper turned his back to her, Robin sprouted a few phantom limbs and used them to pull her arm out of the offending garment as quickly as she could. She managed not to make any noise as white-hot pain flared through her right side, and by the time Chopper looked back at her Robin had released her power without him any the wiser.

There should not have been any shame in admitting how such a simple action hurt. Chopper was her doctor and had treated worse than this professionally and proficiently. He had seen Robin frozen alive and struck by lightning. He hated it when his friends were in pain…

I'll beat you, I'll use you, I'll cast you into the sea! Your existence is that sinful

…But there was shame, deeply rooted and unmovable. Robin would not admit what he had done to her.

"Robin!"

She startled. Chopper was looking up at her, his large eyes wide with worry and blood pressure cuff hanging limply from his hooves. Blinking several times to regain focus, Robin tried to ascertain what was bothering him so.

"Yes, Doctor?" Robin asked when he didn't say anything more.

Chopper made an unhappy noise and held up a hoof. "How many fingers do you see?"

He forgot to transform into his human form, and Robin did not correct the mistake. "Only two."

"Who is the current Fleet Admiral?"

"Sengoku," Robin answered, mildly bemused.

"Did you lose consciousness at any time today? Even if it was only for a little bit?" Chopper asked.

She could only watch in horror as the Devil-Fruit infused sword transformed into an elephant. She had no way to defend herself as the beast rammed into her back and into the tower wall. Her head cracked against stone. There was a flash of light, a burst of pain, and then…

Robin was saved from answering as the blond Galley-La foreman burst into the infirmary uninvited. "There you are!" he exclaimed, chomping anxiously at the stub of a cigar. "You've gotta come quick. Lulu's bleeding through his bandages and we can't get it to sto—Gah! For God's sake, woman, put on some clothes!"

Chopper let out an outraged squeak and transformed before putting himself between Robin and the foreman. Looking down at her exposed arm, Robin supposed that she might be considered in some state of undress, although her undershirt insured she remained decent. Even so, it was sweet of Chopper to attempt to protect what little honor she had left. He must have taken Sanji's lessons to heart.

"Why didn't you knock?" Chopper exclaimed.

"I, uh, well…That's not important!" the foreman said, blush creeping up his cheeks. "You need to check on Lulu! He's bleeding out!"

"Ah! Someone get the doctor!"

"I'm trying to!" the foreman shouted.

"Right, sorry!" Chopper turned to Robin. "I…I'll be right back. Try not to do anything strenuous."

"I'm fine," Robin said. To save the foreman any further distress she put her arm back in the sleeve of her dress. With all the attention on her, she did not use her Devil Fruit, and this time was unable to suppress a grimace.

Chopper noticed, and his eyebrows drew together in worry. "Robin…"

"Go," she said gently. "I'll be here when you get back."

Chopper inhaled sharply, and after one last hesitant glance gathered his supplies and left.

A series of minor medical emergencies meant that Chopper was unable to resume her checkup before reaching Water 7. From there it took quite some time to make sure the worst wounded made it safely to the one hospital that was still open after Aqua Laguna.

Then Sanji said it was well past time that they ate, and he would have something prepared in less than an hour.

Having not eaten in the better part of two days, Robin was extremely grateful. She helped Zoro and Nami arrange what belongings they managed to salvage from the Merry in their hotel room. Even in the end the little ship had accommodated her crew, giving them enough time to gather what was important before sinking beneath the waves.

"Where's Long-Nose?" Robin asked after a while, noticing their sharpshooter was nowhere to be seen.

The room went uncomfortably quiet. Zoro looked at where Luffy was sleeping in a corner, mouth set in a grim line.

"He's not one of us anymore."

"What?" Robin asked.

"He fought Luffy over the possession of the Going Merry," Nami explained. "It was…really bad. He said he didn't want to be a Straw Hat, and Luffy…Luffy let him go."

"But…he was there. He shot down the flag." Robin said, utterly dumbfounded. There was no way Usopp couldn't not be a Straw Hat. Luffy stormed Enies Lobby after she had him framed for attempted murder. There was no way an argument over a boat could tear them apart.

Was there?

"Whatever Usopp did at Enies Lobby was for you, not out of any loyalty to the crew," Zoro said. "Why do you think he was wearing the stupid mask? He didn't want Luffy to know who he was."

At that moment Sanji came into the room balancing five trays of food. He set one right under Luffy's nose. Despite still being asleep he let out an incoherent grunt and reached for a large piece of meat.

"I'm sorry it's not up to my usual standard, Nami-sweet, Robin-dearest, but between the lack of supplies and the shitty kitchen here it's the best I can manage."

"I'm sure it's fine," Nami assured him. "Chopper made a quick run to the hospital to make sure everyone is still doing well. He should be back soon."

"He could have eaten something first, the idiot. He's going to run himself ragged," Sanji muttered unhappily. "Robin-dearest, are you all right? You look a little pale."

"I'm fine, just a little tired, that's all," Robin lied, eyes glued to the food he had prepared.

Though not up to Sanji's usual standard, the meal looked and smelled delicious. The cook had somehow procured enough mizu-mizu meat for them all, which despite its tenderness would require Robin to chew. It wasn't until she actually saw the food that Robin had the presence of mind to realize what a problem that would cause.

Hahahaha, look at that worthless face, all because of your stupid resistance! Now get up and walk on your own two feet!

"I'm sorry, but I think I need to lie down," Robin said, pushing her food away. "I'll eat later if I'm hungry."

"But, Robin-dearest…" Sanji caught himself as a look of hurt flashed through his face. "Of course. You need your rest after everything that's happened. I'll make sure the shitty moss-head doesn't gorge himself on your share."

Robin nodded, not trusting her voice enough to even thank him for his efforts. She managed to keep her composure as she found a pair of pajamas and went to the bathroom to change for the night. It was only when she was safely shut away that she allowed the tears building in her eyes to fall.

Upset as she was, Robin expected it would take a long time to get to sleep. She was wrong, her exhausted body overriding her distressed heart, but she did not sleep well. At midnight Robin woke up from unsettling, disjointed dreams that she could not quite recall. Her head hurt immensely, and she stared at the bottle of pills Chopper left by her bedside after arousing her enough to force one down her throat.

She vaguely remembered him saying to wait six hours between doses. That had at what, ten o'clock? Certainly not long enough ago to justify taking another.

Robin sat up at the edge of her bed and rubbed her forehead. Her gaze flickered to each of her crewmates, ensuring that they were still there. The five remaining members of the Straw Hat Pirates had settled down for the night, and the soft sound of Luffy's snores filled the room.

It should have been enough. Even if Usopp no longer was a member of the crew, these people cared enough to declare war on the World Government itself. Having five people to love and cherish—and who would love and cherish her in return—should have been enough after surviving twenty long years with no one at all.

But Robin couldn't help but wonder what part her actions played in the argument between Usopp and Luffy. If she hadn't been so blind, if she had believed in them from the start, then maybe things would have turned out differently.

As quietly as she could, Robin went outside the hotel room and to the roof. She shivered as the cold air hit her skin, grateful that she decided to wear pajamas with long sleeves. It wasn't the cold that bothered her, but the bruises that were starting to form on her arms would raise more questions than she cared to answer.

"I wondered where you were going."

Robin flinched at the soft voice of the navigator. She hadn't heard her approach. "I thought the fresh air would do me good."

"Uh-huh. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," Robin said, unable to keep all of the irritation out of her voice. "I'm tired, that's all."

"Then why aren't you getting some sleep?" Nami asked. "You can tell us, you know that right?"

Robin tugged on her sleeve, hiding where the sea-stone cuffs had bitten into her wrists. "I know."

"I'm sorry we sprung the Usopp thing on you. Everything's been so crazy." Nami walked up to the railing and gazed out at the city. "It'll be good to slow down for a while. He'll come around, and we'll all set sail together."

Robin was unsure if the he Nami referred to was Luffy or Usopp, but it hardly mattered. She sounded so confident, so sure, and Robin wanted to believe her so much that it made her heart ache.

No one's coming to save you.

"Robin?" Nami asked softly.

"I'm fine," Robin said in a leaden tone.

The navigator let out a heavy sigh. "You know, there were some things I had to learn after joining the crew. Like what it means to trust."

"I trust you," Robin said. "After everything that's happened, how can you say I don't trust you?"

"With some things, sure," Nami said, "but trust is more than believing we won't turn you over to the Government. It's being willing to share your burdens with other people. We're your friends, Robin. Whatever's eating you up inside, you can tell us."

Robin hesitated. How did Nami expect her to say what was wrong when Robin herself didn't know? Part of it was physical; Robin was exhausted and she was injured. But Robin had been hurt before and never felt so…out of sorts.

"I…" Robin's clenched her abdomen as a wave of nausea made her stomach roll.

"Hey, are you okay? Do I need to get Chopper?"

"No!" Robin said sharply. "There's no need to wake him for this. If I don't feel better in the morning I'll—"

Robin doubled over and threw up before she could finish her sentence.

"You have a concussion, just like I thought. I'm glad I asked Nami to keep an eye on you tonight."

Robin narrowed her eyes at Chopper. "You did what?"

"Since you guys always sleep next to one another I asked her to let me know if anything happened. Even if she hadn't, I would have woken you up again in a couple hours, just to check." Chopper looked her up and down with a critical eye. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm—"

"If you say you're fine, I'm going to smack you," Nami said from a corner of the rooftop. She had refused to leave after fetching the doctor, stubbornly staying put until she was satisfied with Robin's care.

Pursing her lips, Robin shot a glare at the navigator. Then she saw the worry in the other girl's eyes. "I have a headache," she admitted. "And my ribs hurt. Other than that it's general aches and pains."

"You look like you've been kicked in the head," Nami said.

"That's because I was," Robin said quietly. "Several times." She looked away as a shocked silence fell over the rooftop. "If that's all, Doctor, then I'm going to change my clothes and go back to bed."

"Robin, wait!" Chopper said. "I can't give you much, but there is some medication I can give to help ease your discomfort and make it easier to sleep. Your brain needs to rest!"

"Very well, but I'm still going to change my clothes." Robin stood, taking a moment to make sure she had her balance. Nami rushed by her side to steady her.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know," she said, clearly distressed.

Robin closed her eyes, suddenly feeling very tired and very old. "I just want to go to sleep."

"Of course. I'll help you back downstairs."

Once she made it to the bathroom Robin looked at herself in the mirror, wincing at the image that was reflected back. Over the last several hours the bruising on both sides of her face had matured, slightly worse on the right from being drug down the Bridge of Hesitation. Tentatively she touched one of the cuts on her forehead and wondered what in the world what she was going to do when morning came.

Chopper woke Robin again at three and six o'clock to make sure her condition had not worsened. Light streamed through the window, and deciding there was no real point in trying to go back to sleep Robin got up and began searching through her belongings.

She was making her way to the bathroom when Zoro came through the door, face dropping in perspiration from his early morning workout. He took one look at the makeup case in Robin's hand and grunted.

"You're not going to be able to hide it."

"I can make it look better than this."

He shrugged. "Don't see why you'd want to. We don't care."

"The same reason you made sure Chopper didn't see you leave this morning. There's no point worrying everyone over some bruises," Robin said.

"Is it just bruises?" Zoro asked. "You've been acting funny ever since we got back."

"Apparently I also have a concussion."

"That's not what I mean, and you know it."

Robin would have grit her teeth had it not hurt to do so. "I don't know. So much has changed since Aokiji's attack. I'm not sure what to think anymore."

"Fair enough," Zoro said. He glanced at where Luffy slept. "But no matter what happens there are some things that stay the same."

The captain of the Straw Hat Pirates mumbled something about meat, and Robin couldn't help but smile.

"Robin-dearest, where are you going?"

"For a walk. I won't be out long," Robin said.

"Are you sure you wouldn't want someone to go with you?" Sanji asked. "I would be more than happy to…"

"I'll be fine," Robin said, wishing he would stop staring at her face. As Zoro said, it would have been impossible to cover the full extent of the damage without caking her face in cosmetics, but she had managed to cover the worst of it. Apparently that wasn't enough for the sensitive cook. "Besides, you need to make breakfast."

"Yes, but..." He saw something in Robin's expression that made him pause. "Take this at least."

Sanji handed Robin an apple.

"Thank you?" Robin said quizzically.

"You didn't eat anything last night," Sanji said. "That should hold you over until you get back."

Robin was both touched by his thoughtfulness and certain that she could not eat the fruit. "Actually, I was thinking…"

"Yes?" Sanji asked eagerly.

"Porridge sounds nice for breakfast. I know it's beneath you skill, but…" Robin hesitated, looking from the apple to Sanji. "It would easier."

"Easier? Robin-dearest, my burning love gives me the strength to create whatever you desire, there is no need to worry about me in such a way." He blew a smoke-ring in the shape of a heart. "Although it sooths the tempest of my heart that you do."

"Let me rephrase, easier for me. I injured my mouth yesterday, and for the next few days eating will be difficult."

"Your mouth?" Sanji repeated in horror. "What did those bastards do?! I'll make those shitty assholes pay!"

Robin closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Noticing her distress, Sanji forced himself to relax.

"I'll make you the best damn porridge you've had in your entire life. And if there's anything else I can do for you, please, just let me know."

Robin handed him the apple, knowing how much he hated wasted food. "Thank you."

The town of Water 7 was starting to recover from the Aqua Laguna. People payed no attention to Robin as they surveyed the damage of the storm, leaving her free to walk down to the docks unmolested. She thought there was a good chance that she would find Usopp there. The last time Robin had seen him was right after they disembarked the Galley-La ship, and with his injuries it wasn't likely he went far.

With a few whispered words Robin sprouted duplicates throughout the area. A sharp pain shot through her temples, and she released her power, but not before a splash of bright red caught her attention.

Taking a moment to collect herself, Robin went to the warehouse under the bridge. The area had flooded and still had standing water in some places. Usopp wasn't there, but tucked away in a corner was a porcelain mask nestled in a red bolt of cloth.

Robin walked over and picked up the mask. It was chipped and cracked, held together with only a few strips of tape. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry as she sat down on an overturned crate.

"Fools," she murmured to herself. "They're complete and utter fools."

And she wouldn't have it any other way.

Robin sat for a long time before she heard someone approach. She looked up and saw Usopp standing stock still in the doorway, equal parts angry and surprised at her presence.

"Hello, Long-Nose," Robin said.

"What are you doing here?" Usopp asked.

"I just wanted to make sure you were doing well." She looked critically at his soiled bandages and the wilted vegetables poking out of the sack in his arms. "I didn't realize yesterday that things had…changed."

"Yeah, well, I'm fine. I don't know if the others sent you here, but it was really none of their business."

Robin's eyebrows disappeared beneath her bangs. "I came of my own volition, Long-Nose."

"Sorry," Usopp said, dropping his gaze. "But you should know by now that I'm not a part of the crew. You shouldn't be here."

"I see." Robin looked at the mask she held in her hands. "I've been wearing one of these for twenty years. It's not a pleasant way to live."

"What are you getting at?" Usopp asked.

"I don't know what it means to be a good friend or crewmate. I don't know how to be open with people." Robin paused to gather her thoughts. Shaking her head ruefully, she set the mask back where she found it. "But I'm willing to try. I'm willing to do my best."

"I'm glad," Usopp said quietly.

"Good. Then you won't mind if I help you change your bandages."

"What?!"

"Please, let me help you." Robin blinked rapidly as her vision blurred. "I don't know what else I'm supposed to do."

Usopp stared at Robin as if she grew a second head. He made a few incomprehensible noises as he tried to figure out how to properly work his jaw again. Then his shoulders drooped in defeat.

"Yeah, okay. Just don't tell anybody."

Robin nodded as she stood. She found the bandages and salves Chopper had given Usopp after his fight with Luffy. Without saying another word Usopp sat on the crate Robin vacated and let her unwrap the bandages that covered most of his torso. The wounds were much more severe than Robin's own, and almost as visible. She didn't want to think what he had faced to be hurt so badly.

Usopp took the treatment stoically, his usual boisterous enthusiasm nowhere to be seen. Robin worked as quickly as she could, cleaning and dressing the wounds as best she knew how. The end result wasn't as neat as what Chopper would have managed, but it was serviceable.

She taped down the last bandage, trying to think of what to say. "Thank you," she said. The words seemed so inadequate, so paltry. "For everything. If you hadn't…if not…"

Today we're going towards my glorious future!

"Hey, what are friends for?" Usopp said weakly.

"That's what I'm still trying to figure out."

For the second time in as many nights Robin did not sleep well. Over the course of the day her headache subsided considerably, but she was still trying to figure out where she fit in this new-look Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy continued to sleep, and his absence created a void that no one else could fill.

The good news was after breakfast Chopper finally had the time to give Robin a proper exam and pain medication that actually eased the pain. He even managed to come up with a medicated mouthwash that made it easier to eat.

Robin leaned out over the railing of the hotel roof and looked out at the city of Water 7. She wondered if the world would ever feel normal again. Probably not, if Straw Hat Luffy was involved.

This time she heard Nami climb up the stairs. The navigator was silent as she stood by Robin's side, one arm slung around the other woman's shoulder. The warmth was welcome on a cool night, and though Robin felt her ribs twinge in protest she made no effort to move.

Sanji came up next for a last cigarette of the night. He was followed shortly thereafter by the doctor, who was practically dragging Zoro behind him. The swordsman settled in a corner and grumbled as Chopper leaned in beside him.

Last to come up was Luffy, rubbing his eyes as he let out a jaw-popping yawn. "W'at's goin' on? Why're you all up here?"

"Just enjoying the evening, Captain," Robin said. "How are you feeling?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Hungry, though, but that can wait. It's good just to be with you guys"

Five sets of eyes stared at Luffy, and he laughed. It was a pure, simple sound, and Robin realized that when Luffy said he was fine, he genuinely meant it. The captain of the Straw Hats saw no reason to hide who he was or what he was feeling.

Robin smiled. Some things never changed.

AN: Guess who's back from the other side of the world! I originally brainstormed this as a more traditional "Robin gets sick and the Straw Hats take care of her" type deal, but this I think works so much better with her character development.

I was kind of disappointed to see that Oda only skips two days after Enies Lobby and Robin looks perfectly fine. The beating Spandam gave her should warrant at least a bandage, I would think. One of the charms of manga, I guess.

My next major focus will be getting a chapter of Outcast up (insert shameless self-promotion here) but I have another chapter for this half written so that might actually get posted first. Just kind of depends.