Devilish

Someone To Go Home To

Later that night Law returned to the ship after a complicated day of work. He had begun to help out at the Kilika hospital when Eloise was busy with her treatments. It was a small town and helping the hospital with records of new treatments would improve the village welfare incredibly. The ship was quiet – Law assumed his crew were out in the town. Thus, he trudged through the ship tiredly, yawning as he opened his door. He practically jumped out of skin as he saw someone on his bed and flicked on the lights quickly. He let out a long sigh when he saw Leila curled up in a ball on his bed, seemingly sleeping soundly. He felt slightly sad that she was by herself on the dark ship, asleep soundly.

'I forgot about our sleeping arrangements....' Law thought, his mind having been occupied with work. He trudged towards her quietly before setting down on the bed to sit in front of her. She was clinging onto a pillow, his pillow, and her eyelashes were moist with tears. Law couldn't help but find it somewhat cute that she came to his quarters by herself. It was something that would have bothered him immensely before – but he couldn't find it in himself to be annoyed.

He had become so accustomed to her presence around the ship; he couldn't imagine her not being around anymore. She often made dinner for the crew, cleaned up after Shachi and Penguin. She would help him gather journals when he was busy with work and would offer good company. She was the type to be happy just sitting and reading a book beside Law, something he appreciated immensely.

"Sorry I left you alone..." He whispered softly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. She continued to sleep softly, her face seemingly at ease.

Law watched the rise and fall of her shoulders and found himself anxious. He wanted her to stay. However, he knew if he made these wishes clear she would only freak out – she would want to leave earlier. Law sighed as he thought about her actions. She would pull away before the two could cross that boundary of being more than just friends, she was careful to cross into the territory of lovers. Law was not dissimilar; he didn't think that he loved her. He wasn't sure he could love anyone for that matter. He just knew he didn't want her to get hurt –and that was least likely when she was by his side.

Law stood up and got dressed ready for sleep. He was careful not to stir Leila awake and he watched her shoulders rise slowly in her slumber.

"I hope you're having good dreams..." He thought aloud, moving the covers up to cover her shoulders from the cold. He wrapped his arm around her waist and she shifted slightly. Law stiffened, lifting his arm up to allow her to turn comfortably and she did so – turning so that her head was resting upon his arm and her face was pressed against his chest. She cuddled into him and her heavy breathing resumed once again.

Law realized that he wouldn't be able to move his arm without waking her and sighed, giving up hope for his arm as he let his other one fall on her waist – pulling her closer towards him.

'Ah...whatever. As long as she's comfortable'.

6 days until Leila's departure

The next day the Heart Pirates were preparing to share lunch together – it was one of the only times in which everyone gathered. In the morning, everyone wakes up at different times and has different routines, at night they mostly drink together but can easily separate. At lunch, mostly everyone is around to converse and go over plans for the next voyage.

Leila was helping Bepo set the food down on the table and Law entered the kitchen, catching her eyes.

"Hey" He called out to Leila. She seemed slightly shy, almost embarrassed. Law couldn't help but find it cute. "Did you sleep okay?"