Ch. 6: What fantastic news!
Sunlight peeked through a gap in the curtains, rousing Robin from her slumber. As she stretched, a wave of pleasant surprise washed over her - no pounding headache! Thanks to the foresight of downing several glasses of water before bed.
The good feeling however didn't last long and was soon replaced by a flicker of concern, as she glanced towards the other bed and clear memories of the previous night surfaced. The gentle rise and fall of Law's chest, the softness of his hair under her touch, the kiss on his forehead, the tender touch. And while a blush crept up her neck, this uncharacteristic impulsiveness of the past night worried her.
Nevertheless, she decided to shake off the lingering anxiety, she had to get on with the starting day. She showered, and dressed quickly, trying to keep the movements quiet so as not to disturb Law's sleep.
Finally, with a quick check on the clock - 8:45 am - she knew she couldn't let him sleep any longer. With a sigh, Robin approached the other bed.
"Hey" she said, nudging his shoulder gently, "it's almost nine. Time to wake up."
A groan escaped Law's lips as he cracked open an eye. Sunlight, his sworn enemy this morning, speared him right between the lids. A dull throbbing pulsed behind his forehead, a unwelcomed reminder of the previous night's revelry.
"Good morning," Robin spoke softly. "Looks like even a doctor succumbs to a hangover sometimes," she added, her voice laced with a hint of amusement despite the tension that coiled in her stomach
Then she walked to the door. "Take your time, I'll wait outside", she said before leaving the cabin.
He winced as the door closed, reaching up to massage his temples. Glancing down, he realised he was still clothed, only his shoes laid abandoned beside the bed. His gaze darted to the bedside table, where his book rested undisturbed. Had he managed to put it away before succumbing to sleep? He groaned again, burying his head in his hands. He was a doctor, for crying out loud! And his devil fruit could handle a measly hangover. Focusing for a moment, a surge of energy coursed through him, pushing back the headache like a receding tide. That's when memories of the previous night flickered at the edge of his mind, causing a blush to creep up his cheeks.
He emerged from the cabin 10 minutes later, his hair still damp from his shower. Robin stood not far away, her back turned to him, gazing out at the ocean.
Law quietly joined her, leaning against the railing next to her. After a short silence, he greeted her. "Morning," he muttered, voice still rough.
"Hey," Robin simply replied, not turning around and the silence between them stretched. Law's gaze flicked to her flowing hair for a fleeting moment before turning to the horizon again. They stood there for a beat longer, the weight of the situation hanging heavy in the air.
"Look… " Law said slowly, not looking at her. "I said things yesterday... that I shouldn't have. I'm sorry,"
Robin looked at him. If he was apologizing for a few compliments, what on earth did she owe him? Should she confess what she did last night, fueled by alcohol? Actions that, in the sober light of day, seemed utterly incomprehensible to her? She opted for a middle ground, at least until she could sort through the mess in her head.
Taking a deep breath, she mirrored his apology. "You weren't the only one out of line, Law. I'm sorry too."
He acknowledged her words with a single nod before they both turned back to the ocean, another silence settling between them. Their faces, reflecting the vast emptiness, revealed nothing of the turmoil within.
"Breakfast?" Robin finally offered. Law acquiesced and they turned to walk to the breakfast room.
"About our little love story, I believe reality might be the best base for it," Robin spoke again after a while, her voice a touch strained. Law's head snapped at the comment, while Robin, unaware of his reaction, continued. "Not exactly a whirlwind romance, but the less... dramatic, the less likely it is to spark unwanted curiosity."
'Ah, the fake romantic story', Law remembered and his body relaxed again.
"You might need to elaborate on that," he said, unsure of what their 'real little love story' might be.
"A mutual friend introduced us," Robin carried out, "He, in his infinite wisdom, decided you were practically family. So, naturally, he dragged his entire friend-group on a week-long... bonding trip. That's how we… well, became acquainted."
A dry chuckle escaped Law's lips. "And how do we translate 'upended a tyrannical regime and barely survived a near-death experience ' into something the common folk can digest?" he asked.
Robin met his gaze, a spark of defiance dancing in her eyes. "Island exploration," she countered, amused. "He participated in a, shall we say, local competition, and emerged victorious, naturally. Lots of laughter, plenty of food."
A genuine laugh escaped Law's lips. "Sounds like him.", he stated.
Silence returned again until Law finally broke it.
"What about the romantic aspect?", he asked, a hint of tension underlying his attempt at casualness.
"You're asking about when we fell in love? When we first kissed?" Robin said, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she saw Law's expression.
"We discovered on that trip that we both love reading and discussing books. So after the trip, we kept meeting up to talk about them. That's how we grew closer. And then one day, I just kissed you, because I wanted to know how you'd react. And we've been together ever since."
Law chuckled.
"I'm really sorry, Robin, but your stories don't compare to Longnose-ya's," he teased and she laughed
"What's our mutual friend's name?"
"Lucky?" Robin suggested.
"Sounds good", said Law, as they arrived at their destination.
Entering the breakfast room, Law and Robin scanned the area for their companions, but Ikkaku and Killer were nowhere to be seen.
"I really don't want to think about why Ikkaku and Kilian aren't here," Law stated with a sour expression on his face. "Let's just sit down somewhere."
That's when they heard Monika and Rudolf calling their names from behind. The older couple looked quite tired, nethertheless they were also beaming with happiness.
"We didn't expect to see you so soon!" Rudolf said with a laugh. "Did you two get any sleep at all?"
Robin smiled back at them.
"Would you like to join us?" Monika suggested brightly, gesturing to a free table for eight. "I love sitting at big tables," she said. "It's a great way to meet new people."
Before Robin and Law could even think of protesting, Monika had already grabbed Robin's arm and led her to the table. Rudolf simply patted Law on the shoulder and followed them.
Law could only follow, too, his brow slightly furrowed with concern.
After a quick trip to the buffet and a round of coffee orders, the four of them sat down at the breakfast table.
"I have to go back to something Laurent said yesterday, Robin," Rudolf said. "You teach history, right? That's amazing! I'm a historian myself, and I'd love to talk to you about it sometime."
"Here we go again," Monika laughed. "Robin, if he starts getting on your nerves, just raise your hand and I'll kick him under the table."
They both laughed, and Robin smiled politely.
"What's your area of expertise?" Robin asked, hoping to avoid being asked about her own specialty. She could adjust her answer based on what he said.
"I'm particularly interested by the history of the monarchies on the Grand Line islands," Rudolf beamed. "I heard you used to live in Dressrosa, but Monika told me not to pry too much." He laughed.
"Did you move to Kuruzu because of what happened there?" Monika asked gently.
"We stayed after the battle to help with the reconstruction, but we just didn't feel good there anymore," Robin replied.
"I can understand that. It must have been a terrible experience. How long have you been in Kuruzu?"
"We just moved here," Law said curtly.
"That's right," Robin said. "We're taking this trip to relax after the move. We're here with friends who also moved to Kuruzu."
"That's wonderful!" Monika exclaimed. "That will make getting settled in much easier. Where do you live?"
Robin had been dreading this question. Fortunately, she still had the receipt from the bookstore, which had an address on it. She at least knew a street name she could give.
"Oh, that's the street with the bookstore!" Monika said happily. "You've found a great place. I'd say it's one of the most beautiful streets on the island."
Rudolf agreed. "We'll definitely see each other often then. I'm often at the bookstore. The Victorius family is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable."
"That's good to know!" Robin replied smiling, "Having acquaintances who know the island will be a huge help when while settling in. Thank you both for the information! Speaking of getting settled, is there anything else we should be aware of about Kuruzu? Local customs, hidden gems, or even places to avoid? Any insider tips would be greatly appreciated."
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to learn more about their new home and Law had to take his hat off to her acting performance and then again, when he realised that this question was the key to unlock Monika and Rudolf's floodgates of information. They talked non-stop for the next hour, constantly interrupting each other with their stories and their happy laughs. By the end of breakfast, Law and Robin had learned a wealth of knowledge about the island, including the best restaurants, the residents to be wary of, the best places to get cocktails, and a plethora of anecdotes about the island's history and origins.
With the clatter of lunchtime preparations starting around them, Rudolf finally glanced at his watch. "Oh, it's getting quite late," he said with a touch of regret. "We should probably get going."
Robin smiled. "Thank you so much for the company. And all the inside information.", she replied while they said goodbye to each other, not without promising to sit together again.
When they leaved the room, Law and Robin still hadn't seen Killer or Ikkaku.
As they walked down the hallway towards their cabin, Law couldn't help but glance towards Killer and Ikkaku's door. It remained stubbornly shut. He cast a questioning look at Robin, but her expression remained unfazed.
"They'll surface eventually.", she just said.
Despite the previous night's revelry, Robin and Law found themselves falling back into their comfortable routine. The day unfolded much like the last - immersed in the quiet world of their books, punctuated only by the lively discussions about the stories in the afternoon. The fading warmth eventually forced them out of their literary haven again and towards the dining hall for dinner.
As they entered the large room, a familiar sight greeted them. Ikkaku and Killer were seated at a table with the children, Bal, Anni, and their mother Marina, just like the night before.
Law stopped in his tracks as he saw Ikkaku and Killer laughing and joking with the children. It suddenly occurred to him that they might not know that he and Robin knew about their...relationship.
"Robin," he whispered, "do you think they know we know?"
Robin's eyes sparkled with amusement. "We'll find out soon enough," she said, taking his arm and pulling him into the dining room.
Ikkaku's face lit up when she saw them. "Robin! Law!" she called out, waving them over.
"They don't know," Robin said, beaming.
Law groaned.
Ikkaku, oblivious to the exchange, pulled out a chair for Robin and gestured for Law to sit down next to her.
"So," Robin said with a warm smile, once they were all seated, "did you have a nice day?"
Ikkaku beamed. "Fantastic! We spent the afternoon splashing around in the pool with the kids, and afterward, they even treated us to some delicious cake!"
"That does sound lovely," Robin replied while her smile widened a touch too much. "Glad you're both feeling well-rested after... such an eventful and... fulfilling night, I presume."
Ikkaku's grin faltered for a second. "Uh, what ?" she stammered, a blush creeping up her neck.
"I am just glad you slept well after all the excitement." Robin said innocently while Law groaned again beneath her. "Really, Robin?", he muttered under his breath.
"Aren't you?" Robin replied with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I find it especially exciting when such a big development step is taken. Don't you think, Ikkaku? Such a momentous change deserves a celebration!"
Robin couldn't help but be amused by the reactions of those around her. Law, clearly embarrassed, hid his face behind his hand. Ikkaku, on the other hand, opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water, not knowing what to say. Killer, for his part, stood up abruptly, giggling as he excused himself and disappeared in the direction of the restroom.
Bal, Anni, and Marina looked at their three remaining table companions with confusion. They had no idea what was going on.
"So," Robin said, turning to the children with a smile, "what's your favorite food?"
The children's faces lit up instantly as they eagerly began to speak about broccoli, spinach, fish fingers, both agreeing that pasta with tomato sauce was the best food ever.
Robin listened to the children's chatter with a smile on her face.
Meanwhile, Ikkaku and Law were engaged in a heated conversation without saying a word.
Law raised an eyebrow at his crewmate, a silent question hanging in the air. Ikkaku lowered her head briefly, but then looked up at him defiantly. She stood by her decision, no matter what he thought.
Law's eyes widened in disbelief. Why him? Why now? Did it really have to be?
Ikkaku rolled her eyes at the sight and shrugged. Law put his hand to the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. This was maddening!
Just as his frustration threatened to boil over, a gentle touch landed on his shoulder. He opened his eyes to meet Robins reassuring gaze and it seemed to help, as he sank back into his seat. However, when the waiter came by to take orders, he immediately ordered a double whisky.
Just as the whisky was brought, Killer returned. He didn't sit down, but instead looked at Law with his most serious expression.
"Laurent, I need you to come with me for a moment," he said.
Law frowned and took a large sip of his whisky before following Killer out.
As Law and Killer disappeared through the doorway, a hush fell over the table. Robin's brow furrowed in curiosity, her gaze lingering on the exit. Ikkaku, on the other hand, fidgeted in her chair, a worried crease appearing between her brows. Marina, clearly confused by the sudden turn of events, glanced between them both, her lips pursed in thought.
The children picked up on the shift in mood, their chatter momentarily silenced. But childhood resilience kicked in quickly, and they soon turned back to each other, their conversation shifting to the highlights of their day at the pool.
"Is everything okay?" Marina asked, her eyes darting between Robin and Ikkaku.
Ikkaku remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line. She pivoted in her chair to face Robin, her expression etched with worry.
Robin, uncharacteristically hesitant, chewed on her lip for a moment, before a brief, almost mischievous, giggle escaped her. She steeled herself and turned back to Marina.
"Well," Robin finally began, turning to Marina, "Laurent and I overheard something rather... interesting yesterday."
Ikkaku choked on a surprised gasp, her eyes widening at Robin's statement.
Robin's smile finally broke free. "Perhaps Ikkaku would like to be the one to elaborate," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "Maybe even share some details about a recent... proposal?"
Marina's eyes widened in surprise. A gasp, louder than Ikkaku's, escaped her lips. "Proposal? Oh my goodness! Congratulations, Ikkaku!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
Ikkaku, flustered and caught off guard, stammered out a response, "Th-thank you?"
Marina's enthusiasm was infectious. "This is wonderful news! How did it happen? Tell us everything! Did he get down on one knee? Did you cry?"
" she pressed, eager to hear the details.
Ikkaku, stammered a hesitant, "Uh..." and the sight of Robin's barely suppressed grin across the table wasn't helping. Taking a deep breath, Ikkaku decided to roll with the punches.
"Well, it was absolutely magical," she began, her voice adopting a slightly dreamy tone, "We were just heading back to the cabin after dinner, and the sky was a tapestry of stars. Suddenly, Kilian took my arm and steered me off course. He led me to a secluded corner of the deck, completely transformed! Candles, roses, even a little gazebo! In the center, there was a single chair, and on it... a golden box."
Ikkaku paused for dramatic effect, her heart pounding slightly. "As soon as I saw it, I knew what was coming."
Marina gasped, completely captivated by the story. "Oh my goodness," she whispered.
"Kilian got down on one knee," Ikkaku continued, embellishing further. "He looked at me with the sincerest expression," she went on, laying it on even thicker. "Then he poured his heart out, calling me his sunshine, his compass, the most beautiful words, each one melting my heart like butter on a hot day. It was absolutely perfect,"
Marina sighed dreamily. "Oh, Ikkaku, that sounds incredible! I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed.
Robin winked at Ikkaku. "And you said yes, of course?"
"Of course!" Ikkaku said, forcing back a laugh. "How could I not?"
Robin couldn't help but be impressed. Ikkaku had spun a story so elaborate and heartfelt, practically out of thin air. In record time, she'd gone from flustered to full-blown fiancée!
'What a shame our crews are splitting up soon,' Robin thought with a chuckle. 'If Ikkaku and Usopp ever joined forces, they'd be the King and Queen of Tall Tales!
Marina's smile faltered, replaced by a concerned frown. "Hold on a minute," she said, her voice laced with worry. "What's going on with Laurent and Kilian? They just walked out looking like they swallowed a lemon – shouldn't this be a happy occasion?"
This time Robin offered an explanation. "Ikkaku and Laurent have a long history together, like siblings really. It's possible Laurent was a little upset that Kilian didn't tell him about the proposal beforehand."
"Really?! Honestly, that tradition feels very outdated," Marina said firmly. "The most important thing is that you're happy, Ikkaku. Are you happy?" She turned to Ikkaku, her gaze filled with warmth. "Besides, what difference would it have made if Kilian told Laurent beforehand? Kilian didn't need Laurent's permission, did he? It wouldn't have changed anything. Laurent certainly wouldn't have stopped the proposal, and he wouldn't have the right to forbid you from marrying the man you love. That's simply ridiculous! No, Laurent absolutely needs to get on board and be happy for you! I, for one, am thrilled! This is wonderful news, Ikkaku! Now you need to tell me how you and Kilian met!"
The story of Ikkaku and Killer's past completely captured Marina and Ikkaku's attention. After a while, Robin felt it wise to check on the male duo. A liner cut in two wasn't exactly part of the plan.
She paused outside the dining hall and with a quick activation of her Devil Fruit powers, Robin sprouted eyes all over the ship
Law and Killer were easy to spot, perched at the bow like brooding figureheads.
Law leaned against the railing, his head turned towards Killer who was gazing out to sea. As Robin approached, she heard Killer speaking in a low voice. Law seemed calm, which was a good sign
Law turned his head to acknowledge Robin's arrival and Killer felt silent
"I thought you should know what we decided to do about yesterday's events," Robin said. "Kilian, congratulations on your fictional engagement."