The Marionette

Chapter 30: The Truth Exposed!

You nervously paced back and forth in your room while thinking of different things to say to Law while toying with the ends of your hair. You were too apprehensive to approach him as you were still unsure what you told him and for all you know, it could have been something as silly as you telling him an embarrassing story from when you were a kid.

You shook your head while slipping out of your white jumpsuit as you didn't have any chores to do today and with the next island still a day away, you were left with nothing to do. Well other than pestering Law until he eventually gave up the information you needed to hear. Although you've come to learn that Law is also competitive, so it's not like he's going to fork over whatever it is you let slip.

The whole situation was daunting enough, but if you could just pretend to be your old self, it could be done. "Okay, I can do this," you whispered as you threw on a pair of shorts and a black sweatshirt. You fixed your hair and gave yourself one last encouraging look in the mirror before making your way to Law's office, your hands gripping the ends of your sleeves as you made your way down the quiet corridors. The closer you got to his office, the stronger the familiar sterile air grew along with the growing gut feeling of anxiety.

You held your breath while lifting your fist, pausing as a wave of nervous tension filled your chest. You bit the inside of your cheek as a reminder to get a grip and relax, your knuckles lightly tapping against the surface of the door. You instantly wanted to turn around and run away, you regretted coming here already, but what's done is done.

Your wide eyes watched his silhouette approach the door and unlock the knob, you taking a step back as he casually opened it and revealed his tired eyes. He appeared annoyed at first glance, but you watched as his frown dissolved into a playful smirk, "I was wondering when you'd turn up," his voice was mellow, but you could tell there was a hint of stress hidden within his words.

You let out a quiet hum, "is now a bad time?" You asked while studying his features. He definitely looked exhausted, the shadow cast by the brim of his hat only further darkened the circles under his eyes. His normal tan skin was flushed pale and his black button up shirt disheveled with a few buttons undone.

Law let out a sigh as he closed his eyes while tilting his head so it was resting against the door frame, "you've already interrupted my planning, so you might as well come in." You watched as he slowly reopened his silver eyes and scan your face, observing your reaction as you forced yourself not to squirm under his gaze.

You frowned while looking away as your hands gripped onto each of your arms, "I can come back another time," you shrugged as you suddenly felt guilty for distracting him.

"Don't be an idiot," Law snapped with a click of his tongue, "I don't like repeating myself," he said while opening the door wider and turning around to walk back to his desk. "Don't forget to lock the door," he added as he sat down and crossed one leg over the other while leaning back in his chair.

You clenched your teeth together as you begrudgingly dragged yourself into his office while closing and locking the door behind you. "It's honestly not that important," you tried to back out of the situation, "I don't want to waste your time," you continued while awkwardly standing in front of the locked door. At this point you'd pay him to let you leave.

Law's eyes slowly wandered over to your direction, "I know why you're here," he pointed out while crossing his arms, "if I didn't want you here, I would have told you to leave." He threw his head back and let out another sigh, his two golden piercings shimmering as he did so. You awkwardly shuffled over and pulled up a spare chair, taking a seat beside him as you interlocked your fingers in your lap.

"What are you planning?" You asked while looking down as his desk. There were a few balled up pieces of paper strewn around, pencil shavings and open books were also scattered across his desk. It looked to be a few medical books along with some maps and journals.