Devilish

A tale from Brook

A month later – Law and Strawhats gather in celebration

Law and his crew sat around a large table on the Strawhat's boat enjoying a celebration filled with booze and meat and lots of music. Usopp and Chopper were laughing and joking alongside Bepo, Shachi and Penguin as Jean Bart enjoyed an intellectual conversation with Robin. Sanji buzzed around the ship, serving drinks and trying to romance Nami into his bed unsuccessfully whereas Luffy stretched his arm and flung himself onto the table, holding up a large hunk of meat and smiled greatly, "To the Straw Hat-Heart alliance!" Mostly everyone erupted into cheers and whoops as Brooke played a happy song on his violin.

Zoro did not. Zoro sat at the end of the table, drinking heavily and stayed fairly quiet. This was uncommon for Zoro who usually is drinking and although quiet, evidently enjoys himself. After more loud cheers Zoro stood up from the table and walked off to the side of the ship, staring out into the dark sea, catching Law's attention. Nami noticed Law studying and elbowed him playfully in the ribs to get his attention. He grunted with slight annoyance but leaned down so she could whisper in his ear.

"He's heard some silly rumors about Leila, he's annoyed that we didn't go to check up on her and that we came here instead." Nami spoke into Law's ear over the loud chatter of the crews.

"What rumors?" Law questioned, not really bothering to stay quiet.

"Stupid, generic ones. It's less about her and more about Moria and his crew, they say he's still alive and well and that Xander is as mad as ever"

"Moria? Why would that relate to Leila-ya..." Law thought aloud, causing Zoro to grow rigid. He threw his glass overboard and turned to face Nami.

"Why are you telling this shit to him?" Zoro angrily asked her, causing her to cross her arms across her chest defensively. "He wouldn't know the first thing about her"

"Oh please, why shouldn't I? They're nonsense rumors anyway!"

"You don't know that!" Zoro angrily spat, causing some of the people on ship to take notice and quieten their celebration.

"Zoro – we don't even know where she is! She's going to be fine, she can fight for herself..." Nami slowly replied to him, insinuating her thoughts – 'You being with her isn't going to guarantee her safety. She doesn't need you to fight'.

Zoro didn't reply but glared at Nami with anger. He practically knew everything about Leila, she told him the basics when they were travelling together but in his time with Perona, it was hard not to know everything as she told him about her close friend. The fact they knew someone and held them at mutual importance allowed them to bond quickly.

"I saw her about a month ago – she seemed relatively okay. Just a bit worn out" Law mentioned casually, taking a bite out of the food on the table. Zoro grew rigid at this remark but his mind seemed more reassured.

"A lot can happen in a month...." He replied, turning to walk inside the ship. Brook had stopped playing his violin and mostly everyone had taken notice of the small outburst.

"Now! Who wants more meat?" Robin recovered the situation, clapping her hands and smiling.

"Meee! Meat, meat!" Luffy grinned, causing everyone to ease back into their normal states. Brook came to sit beside Law, drinking some of the rum that was on the table.

"Zoro's overprotective of her." Brook mentioned, creating casual conversation with Law.

"Clearly..." Law said. "As expected of her partner though I suppose"