Porcelain Waters

A Deal

Law's POV

"Probably wouldn't look too good for me to be leading a pirate around through town, especially a pirate captain. So we've gotta go around the back. Saves both of us from getting asked too many questions." Clione explained when Law grumbled about his foot sinking into another especially deep pocket of snow. "Not used to the snow, huh? It's especially cold around here this time of year so we get a whole lotta snow. Lucky you arrived before the next big storm or we'd be digging our way through this path."

Law frowned. Clione was making the attempt at breaking the ice, rather ironically with how much ice the blonde had already nearly slipped and busted his ass on, but Law had no interest in telling them any of his past. Of course he was used to the snow- had to be, what with how he'd lived his entire life in the North Blue. Swallow Island some days seemed nothing but a sheet of white, coated in everfrost and sleet, a cold that permeated thick coats and went right down into the bones. But even bundled up, Law just wasn't up to scratch to tolerate the chill like Shachi and Penguin were; strange kids that would take swims in waters too cold for the toughest of animals and stay submerged for far longer than any human he'd ever known.

Beyond Swallow were all the other islands Law had ever stayed, those too slicked with white at least a few times a year. Spider Miles, rather docile with its winters but it's windchill still enough to leave a biting sting behind. Minion Island, his visit so fleeting and brief, but still managing to leave his memories bitter and painful with its now ruby speckled sea of white.

White. White. So much white. Law hated the color white.

Flevance had always, winter or no, been so very white.

"If the town hates pirates so much, why are you so welcoming?" Questioned Law, a rather smooth way to shift the conversation away from an unkind topic.

"Pirates haven't done anything wrong to me. In fact, the town hasn't even been attacked by pirates. Not even once." Clione shrugged, flicking a subtle smirk over his shoulder. "Plus, I think they're kinda cool. Living a life on the ocean? Getting to see the world and taste all the different dishes? Sounds like a dream."

"It's not a vacation. It's more dangerous than that."

"Well duh. Everywhere in this world is dangerous. It's just how things are."

He had a point and one that Law was finding difficulty arguing with. Rather than attempt further, golden eyes swiveled to the taller of the two. It wasn't all that often he met someone taller than him, but this beanpole of a guy stood at least half a foot above him and was stepping through the snow pockets with ease.

"And you? What's your deal?" Law held his gaze until the young man glanced back at him.

Uni stayed quiet, mouth curled down into a tight lipped frown. He merely shook his head, tight brown curls bouncing with the movement while those dark eyes stayed crystal clear and perceptive. Strange. Either he wouldn't answer or...

"He's mute." Clione said simply, not even bothering to turn around. The tone to his voice had grown a touch grim, lingering between the group with a stale energy. "A few years ago, he was..."

The blonde trailed off, reluctant to continue. He shrugged and Law was coming to understand the action was far less of a response and closer to a tick; something he would do when the situation was becoming too tense or making him anxious. How many times in the past hour alone had Clione shrugged at him now? A few times too many. For once, Law cursed the intimidating eyes his Devil Fruit had gifted him and scolded his cold front given to those around him.

"Sorry." Law muttered, adjusting the brim of his fuzzy northern hat. "You don't have to say."

"Uni speaks using sign language." Clione explained instead as Uni made subtle gestures to his friend using his hands. "Takes a bit, but it's pretty easy to understand once you've got it down. Ever met anyone like that on your travels?"