#lamy writes

[surplus-of-sarcasm]

Romance Your Demons

TW: Blood, bruises, asphyxiation attempt, gun mention, violence

Happy late birthday, 🎂 @thelazywitchphotographer

"Darling," Villain growled, baring their teeth in a predatorial fashion.

"Dear," Hero replied languidly, although their eyes were glued to the criminal's balled-up fists, to their arched body, ready to pounce.

They were far too reminiscent of an old, married couple, something everyone and their mother never ceased to point out, much to both the crime-fighter and the evil-doer's chagrin.

The villain rammed into them, the hero's body slamming into the wall with an audible thud, the force just shy away from breaking something.

"Well, this is intimate," the hero scoffed, swinging their leg and slamming it harshly into their adversary's ribs, letting the criminal fall to the ground, spitting blood and a flurry of filthy curses out of their mouth.

The dagger-sharp smirk on the hero's smug face was arguably a more painful blow than that merciless kick. Villain had always been told that their pride would be the end of them.

Well, now it would be the end of Hero too.

Wiping the blood from their mouth, their fingers clawed around Hero's neck, digging into their skin, leaving scratches and bruises in their wake, ripping out shallow breaths from the hero's lungs as their pale face slowly turned a sickly shade of blue.

"You're not laughing now, are you, sucker?" they seethed, loosening their death grip around their enemy's throat by a mere fraction.

Gasping and taking greedy breaths of air, the hero still had the audacity to flash a dirt-eating grin. "No, I s'ppose not."

It made the villain wish to squash the life right out of the crime-stopper's body, to beat them to a bloody pulp on the sidewalk, to empty a gun (that they unfortunately lacked right now) into the jerk's head.

But it also made them want to pull them up against their chest and kiss the hero's cheekbones and bring that oh so pretty blush to their face and neck, one that they'd only seen because Hero was exerting themselves and not because they were flustered.

The hero had dark circles under their eyes and dry skin. They'd lost weight, and not in any way that was healthy, dropping muscle from what was once a gorgeously lean figure. They were young, but their eyes were a hundred years older.

But they were struggling in the criminal's vice-like grip, still fighting for what most would deem a lost cause, still grinning in that stupidly carefree way they did when they were just starting out, barely in high school and nowhere near as broken. And it was beautiful.

The villain wanted to curse themselves, so they did.

"What? Are we just gonna keep cuddling here together for all eternity?" Hero supplied in a mostly sarcastic tone, but the strange edge it had could almost be read as flirtatious.

Villain released them from the bruising grip on their neck, their nemesis took in great breaths of air, their body shuddering as they almost fell to the ground, only for the evil-doer to catch them with a steadying arm wrapped around their waist.

They couldn't even tell when the hero's face went scarlet.

"So, where's the part where you commit homicide?" they asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'll save that for later, dove. Right now, you're all I can think about," they admitted, almost guiltily.

Surprisingly, they weren't met with another infuriatingly attractive, lopsided smirk. The look on the crime-fighter's face was nothing, if not utterly dazed.

"M-me? But I'm a mess. Like that one article so eloquently put it, I'm a cocktail of problems in a spandex suit with a few witty catchphrases," they replied, laughing humourlessly.

Villain's grip around their waist tightened subtly. "You're just tired. Sure, you could find great use for a physiotherapist, a haircut, a whole, new diatery plan, some basic skin care an-"

"Yeah, a whole makeover. No need to rub it in, though," they attested, only mildly irritated.

The villain rolled their eyes. "My point is, even through all this, you still manage to shine like a diamond in the rough."

"Oh so personality over looks? Got it," they chuckled slyly.

The criminal paused in their walk and pulled their enemy forward by the collar, "Do I have to spell it out for you? You're so goddamn hot even when you're not supposed to be, so awfully dishevelled, and yet here I am," they whispered, their lips almost brushing the hero's ear.

A tense moment of awkward silence passed as the crime-fighter pulled away from them, their eyes wide and their lips parted, trying uselessly for a few false starts. "So, where to now?" they said, straightening their posture gracefully and attempting to regain their composure, like the flustered mess of emotions from just a moment ago had never been.

"My place. We'll fix you up a little, and then we can go get something to eat," the villain replied, failing to keep the smile out of their voice.

"What happened to me being all glowing?" the hero teased.

"You're very lucky you're pretty," Villain snarled through gritted teeth, their hand resting on the back of Hero's neck.

They quickly tensed up, until the villain started to rub their neck, as though apologising for the damage they'd previously caused. The dark scowl was quickly wiped off their face as they watched the tightness dissipate from the hero's form. How had they not taken that adorable, little idiot out before?

"You're still good-looking, Hero. But you owe it to yourself to at least take care of yourself. Live a little." There was no mocking or cruelty, no sharp edges to their smile and nothing but gentleness in the villain's golden, honey brown eyes, making the hero's own hazel ones go as wide as saucers.

No one's ever talked to Hero like that, cared about them this way, or looked at them like they were a treasure. So, they nodded, hooked their hand into the villain's, placed a quick kiss on their forehead and allowed themselves to be lead forward.

The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. Strong emotions often find themselves mixing together, melting into one another. The fine line between love and hatred defines itself by desire, a treacherous walk to make, but all the more worth it. And the heart can so strangely burn a different flame, beat for a whole new cause, adore what it used to despise, and admit what it so vigorously used to deny.

✨️Le Taglist: @larinzz @syberianjade @lateuplight @altu-interactions @enbious-prince @astr0-mj @thelazywitchphotographer @addictedsandwhichaki @justalittlecorrupted @quaggasus @theangstyclown @vernilliom @mothmancommitsarson @starssabove @kurai-hono-blog @talkingsperm @catsarecool00 @muffinrebel44 @sunnynwanda @annablogsposts @cardboardarsonist @itsmyworld23 @onlywhump @shr3ya @crotchgoblin69

Wanna be on the taglist? This'll take you there!

[sstargirln]

for an idea... what about corporate!art getting stuck in the office elevator with the reader? or maybe a business trip that he forces the reader to go on with him? oooo what about art asking the reader to stay after hours and fucking her so hard that the whole office almost shakes? (and to add an extra plot twist, an employee comes into the office and hears the screaming!)

ughhugh u ALWAYS deliver i love you!!!! sorry i made him so subby oops . . . and its hella long sorry again

❞ ᝰ .ᐟ corporate!art x fem!reader

by the time the clock hit six, the office was empty, save for the few over-eager stragglers tailing art like puppy dogs, shoving reports and last-minute questions his way in hopes of catching his eye. he barely spared them a breath as strode across the office after his meeting.

you sat at your desk, flipping through the stack of letters and envelopes piled high in his in-tray, your manicured nail tracing the embossed logos and handwritten scrawls. half of it was junk—offers, networking attempts, some desperate bids for attention from people who’d never make it past you.

art's voice cut through the air like a whip as he passed by. “you’re staying,” he snapped, not slowing down before disappearing into his office.

"i have plans."

the words barely left your lips before he tossed a dismissive wave over his shoulder, his back already turned to you. “cancel them.” the office was quiet now, deserted, as the few people that were left filed out and into the elevator. "c'mere."

you hesitated for a moment before pushing yourself off your desk and walking towards him. he was still standing by his desk, posture rigid. his eyes flickered over you for a brief second before he stepped aside, collapsed into his chair and patted the desk in front of him. he didn’t ask, didn’t invite. demanded, mostly. expected. your nose scrunched at his entitlement.

you hoisted yourself onto the wood surface anyway.

"today was a fuckin' mess, doll." he let out a whiny mutter, hands reaching out to toy with the hem of your skirt. "idiots everywhere. can't do shit right." his head comes dropping onto your chest, nuzzling against your collarbone.

"not even a hello, huh?"

he grunted in response, hands stilling on your skirt as you brought your fingers up to his neck. “jus' need something to take the edge off." you felt him shift, fingers twitch against the hem.

"yeah?" you coached, dragging a nail across the nape of his neck.

art’s head lolled lazily against your chest. his fingers twisted around the fabric of your skirt. "need this — need this so bad right now," he groans against your skin, breath hot and heavy. "need you to make it better." his hand slid further up your thigh, palming roughly.

“how?” you breathed, scratching at his scalp.

“usual way.” his eyes were half-lidded, mouth hanging open slightly as his chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. he looked up at you, pupils blown wide.

"art—"

a low growl rumbled in his throat. "c'mere," he muttered, dragging you into his lap. you stumbled, legs tangling around his hips as you straddled him. he sucked in a sharp breath, hands gripping your waist tightly.

"fuck." his voice was raspy, slurred. the words hurried from his lips like they were making a desperate escape. "need this so bad, doll. need you." you felt his erection pressing insistently against you, hot and hard even through the layers of fabric separating you. his hands roamed your body greedily, palming at your chest, your hips, your ass. "gon' — gon' fuck you 'til your seeing stars, doll," he mumbled, leaving hot, wet kisses on your collarbone as he hastily unbuttoned your shirt.

you gasped as he captured your lips in a searing kiss, tongue delving into your mouth hungrily. he tasted like whiskey and smoke, the flavors heavy on your tongue. his desk creaked as he shifted beneath you, the sound mingling with the wet slide of his lips and the ragged cadence of his breath.

"that's it," he growled, fingers working at the zipper of your skirt with fumbling haste. "gon' give it to you so good, baby."

the fabric pooled around your ankles before being kicked away carelessly. you were left in nothing but your underwear, skin flushed and sensitive as his heated gaze raked over you.

you were bent over the desk before you could even fully register what was happening, papers scattering across the polished wood. he kicked your legs apart, large hands gripping your hips.

the pace that he started into you with was borderline painful, loud snaps echoing through the office as you let out piercing moans, fingers grasping at the edge of the oak. you were sure that the whole goddamn building was shaking, the

art's sounds came next, guttural and deep as he burrowed himself into you, moans combined with the occassional satisfied sigh.

jean, the new intern, clearly had the hots for art from the moment she stepped into the office. ut was painfully obvious—how she lingered too long in doorways during meetings, how her laughter rang a little louder when he was within earshot, and how she seemed to find endless excuses to hover near his office.

so, of course, jean, the fuckass intern hadn't gone home when everyone else did.

your languid moans had clearly travelled farther than you thought they had, which you realised when you heard a shuffle at the door, her timid mumble — barely audible over the sounds of skin slapping against skin.

"mr. donaldson?"

¡! ❞ © sstargirln 2024

[hinkepink]

"What ails you, my child?"

[whatsinmypen]

The travel crew! In a Franklin Christopher 7-pen roll, from left to right:

TWSBI Diamond 580 AL R (Prussian Blue, M)

TWSBI Diamond 580 AL R (Navy Blue, M)

Lamy Vista (B)

Lamy Safari Petrol (M)

Pelikan M805 Anthracite (F)

Platinum Century #3776 (M)

Sailor PGS Dianthus (M)

Notebook is a Leuchtturm dot grid. Not pictured: Lamy Pico and Kaweco Sport.

[surplus-of-sarcasm]

Here you go! @roblingoblin285

Well. . .something in my brain just will not stop giving me whump ideas. At this point, it's safe to say it's written in my brain chemistry. Whatever. . .

Relentless

TW: Blood, murder, choking, violence, knives, a graphic description of stabbing, fear of vulnerability

Supervillain had Sidekick pinned to the floor in an instant. They pressed their knee harshly into the teenager's windpipe, smirking. Sidekick only continued to struggle further, useless and futile, like a flailing animal in a hunter's snare, only hurting itself further.

The master criminal's grin sharpened, eerily dagger-like as their eyes took in the sight of sidekick's face turning a sickly shade of blue.

"Such a beautiful, little thing. Shame you'll have to go to waste. Oh well, at least I had enough fun with you," the villain cackled, the sound chilling enough to send a shiver up their victim's spine.

It would have been the end of Sidekick, if Team Leader hadn't wrenched Supervillain off them, leaving them wheezing and gasping for air.

They'd thrown them down harshly, murder burning in their eyes. There were no insults, no threats and no fighting to incapacitate. Team Leader was going for the kill, with all the drunken frenzy of a rabid animal fuelling their every strike. With one hand, their fingers kept a vice-like grip around the villain's throat, squeezing their throat mercilessly, pressing down onto their voicebox like the crushing weight of steel. They stabbed their blade straight into the supervillain's chest, tearing through skin, flesh and muscle, pulling the knife out in an instant, blood and the remnants of vessels splattered everywhere. And theu repeated it again and again and again, till they were sure they'd ripped Supervillain's heart to shreds with the action, a gaping hole left in their chest, spurting out a river of crimson down their lifeless body.

But not before the criminal had managed to push their own blade between two of the leader's ribs, drawing a sharp hiss out of their mouth. Supervillain smiled wickedly at them. "Here's my parting gift," they whispered cruelly into their ear. Team Leader spat in their face right before finishing them.

"They're dead. Arrest the others. We're going to base," they ordered, composed as always, expression unreadable on their stone-hard face. No one would notice the slight tension in their sharp jaw or the hitching of their breath as they covered their wound with their jacket.

There was worse they'd walked out of, still living and breathing, and that was more than enough.

"Are you alright?" they said softly to Sidekick, still struggling to catch their breath, purple bruises forming an ugly circle around their neck.

"F-fine," they stammered as Leader helped them up. "Thanks for saving my life."

"You shouldn't be thanking me for doing my job. My team's safety comes first," they replied in a monotone. And even if they'd sounded emotionless, they'd felt it with all their being.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Travelling to the base hadn't taken much time, thankfully. But truth be told, it was enough for the adrenaline's pain-killing effects to wear off, and the pain to make itself known again, intruding harshly without the courtesy of a warning, Team Leader involuntarily biting into the already cracked and dry skin of their lips, lining the burning cuts with red streaks of blood.

Team Leader had thought they'd done good work of concealing their injury, pressing their hand into their ribs and praying it wouldn't stain their fingers a furious scarlet before they could tend to their injury in solitude.

"Are you alright, boss?" Hero asked tentatively, taking notice of their unsteady gait.

"Fine."

"Does 'fine' mean bleeding out like that to you?" Sidekick interjected, raising an eyebrow.

The leader's eyes flitted over to their treacherous hand stained a bold red.

"What the hell?" Hero attested, eyes widening in horror.

All hell broke loose as Team Leader was drowned in looks of concern and sharp gasps, their team smothering them in a sea of 'Are you alright's.

"I SAID I'M FINE!" they hollered, slamming the door to their quarters shut, showing more emotion than they had in almost years.

They collapsed against the door, shutting their eyes and wincing, now that no one was around to hear them.

They hated yelling at their team like that, but they just. . .didn't want all the pity, all the concern. The idea felt frankly poisonous to think about.

Some part of them, one they'd buried deep into their heart, locked away with chains, the key somewhere Leader knew they couldn't find. Just for once, to let someone care for their wounds, to tell them they could rest, to murmur something useless and sweet into their hair as their fingers scratched across their scalp. . .

Leader swore softly. They weren't willing to settle into the vulnerability that came with this. They could survive without it just fine.

A knock pulled them out of their thoughts. "Leader? Can we just talk about this?"

The gentle voice belonged to Vigilante. Formerly Villain, but they were far from that now, switching sides when Team Leader had rescued them and hadn't tortured them like they'd expected. Their relationship had evolved once Vigilante had hummed out a careless 'I love you', and Leader had realised they'd felt the same.

The same person who'd managed to win Leader's affections could surely get them to open a goddamn door. Thus, after a few moments of stubborn silence, they furiously wrenched the door open.

"Leader," they breathed out softly before they could protest. "I know, you don't like showing this side of you, but I promise, it doesn't make you any less strong. You saved us all, you killed Supervillain. This is hardly your first time making the impossible happen. We won't forget all that because being stabbed hurts you. You're human, Leader."

"I can do it myself," they said through gritted teeth.

"With a sprained wrist?" They raised an eyebrow and glared at them.

They tried for a few false starts, but all that came out was a muffled whine.

"Please, let me take care of you," their lover pleaded, eyes sparkling with tears threatening to spill. At that, Team Leader finally caved in.

They pulled them up on the bed, struggling to shoulder their well-muscled figure. Before they could do anything, they were interrupted by a sharp, "Don't use anaesthetic, we've got a limited supply. Someone else might need it more."

Vigilante relented, letting out an exasperated sigh. They pressed a towel soaked in alcohol to the wound, drawing out a sharp hiss from Leader that pained Vigilante's to hear. It felt like acid. "Shhh, love. You're so brave, this won't take long."

Their deft fingers worked as they stitched the torn flesh back together. And eventually, they were done. They pulled the leader up so that they were sitting with their back against the headboard carefully, bringing a glass of water to their lips as they helped them swallow a few pills.

"Before you say anything, we have plenty of those, so shut your pretty mouth and take them."

Leader snorted, complying, but making a show of rolling their eyes.

Vigilante pulled them closer, so that their head rested on their chest, carding their fingers through their hair. "You're okay, you're fine, it's over now."

Involuntarily, Team Leader could feel their breathing slow to match Vigilante's, feeling calmer than they ever had in years, that serenity washing away any inkling of self-imposed guilt they'd had for giving in.

"I gotta go clean up."

"I admit, I prefer it when you smell like cologne as opposed to blood and sweat, but you need to rest, sweetheart."

Leader didn't have the time to accept or refuse as they slipped into the welcoming embrace of an exhaustion-induced sleep.

It was okay to be vulnerable for a moment, if it was around someone you trusted with your life. To be cared for is a feeling worth going to hell and back for.

Notes: Not edited. Yes yes, you can sue me, but I gotta study and Ig I don't have enough braincells to edit? I'm sorryyyy

✨️Le Taglist: @larinzz @syberianjade @lateuplight @altu-interactions @enbious-prince @astr0-mj @thelazywitchphotographer @addictedsandwhichaki @justalittlecorrupted @quaggasus @theangstyclown @vernilliom @mothmancommitsarson @starssabove @kurai-hono-blog @talkingsperm @catsarecool00 @muffinrebel44 @sunnynwanda @annablogsposts @cardboardarsonist @itsmyworld23

Wanna be on the taglist? This'll take you there!

if anyone has any Team Leader Revealing They’re Injured And Team Proceeds To Be Worried writing please tag me i have a craving

[paro-h]

Something from the art journal today

[olameni]

Swatching some inks for a pen pal

Top to bottom:

Robert Oster Violet Dreams

Troublemaker ink Petrichor

Diamine Ancient Copper

J. Herbin Rouille d’Ancre

Lamy Rhodonite

Noodler’s Apache Sunset

[dia-oro]

Just admiring how pretty did look in the simplicity of it.

[fairygoremutt]

Il porcellino in Mercato Nuovo, Florence

[surplus-of-sarcasm]

Short Prompt # 11

TW: Blood, restraints, murder mention, injury, captivity

Not edited

If Hero had hit rock-bottom before, this was infinitely worse. They vividly remembered the cold metal connecting with their skull, making spots dance in their vision till their world faded to a pitch black abyss of utter silence, the pounding headache they were suffering a testament to that.

Their arms were bound tightly behind their back, the thick rope unwilling to relent to any efforts of escape, only chafing against the crime-fighter's skin, reopening poorly healed cuts. The gag shoved into their mouth rendered their throat dry enough to rival a desert. Their legs felt like they were made of lead, and their muscles were on fire. They'd gotten themselves thrown into hell, it seemed.

The door creaked open, letting a sterile, white light blind the hero as it snuck into the awfully dim room. They cursed through the gag because every time that door opened, their torture was renewed, their wounds slowly reopened again.

Except instead of one of their many tormentors, their sworn enemy, Villain, stood face to face with them.

Unlike the hero's pathetically miserable state, the villain looked immaculate, untouchable. Their dark hair hung in loose curls, and their clothes were pristine and very soft-looking. They looked like they'd just stepped straight out of the salon, and Hero hated it with a burning passion.

"If I take out the gag, you'll behave?"

The look in Hero's eyes had already delivered the desired message more effectively than a thousand filthy swear words would.

The villain had the decency to finally cave in and slice through their restraints and pull the gag out of their mouth.

"Come on, let's get out of here."

When the hero didn't follow suit, they turned back to them, arms folded across their chest, and they raised an eyebrow at them. Always one for theatricality.

"I can't walk," Hero whined pathetically, fixing the villain with wide, adorable, manipulative eyes.

"Your legs aren't broken," they snapped.

"You try walking normally when you've been restrained for weeks!"

Villain scooped them up against their chest effortlessly. "Keep this up, and I'll bloody well murder you," they growled

"You'd miss me too much," the hero purred, tracing the curve of their jaw in a featherlight caress. Even when they were covered in dirt and blood, they still managed to send shivers up the criminal's spine.

"Wait." The crime-fighter's tone suddenly sobered up, making the villain stop in their tracks. "How do you expect to just waltz out of here with me in tow?"

The hero was usually the brains of the operation, but the villain wasn't too dull either. "I killed them all," they said softly, face flushed with embarrassment.

"Tu as tué pour moi? Tu es vraiment mon autre moitié," they whispered in awe.

Villain never really understood anything Hero said in French, but it sounded so alluring, they loved listening to it anyway.

"I just didn't know what you'd think of me," they answered sheepishly.

"What would you think if I told you I've always had fantasies of someone killing for me?"

"I-I'd kill a thousand more if I had to. They can't hurt you and expect to walk away from it unscathed," they snarled.

Hero pressed a kiss into their nemesis's temple, their mint-scented hair conditioner hitting them like a kick to the ribs.

"I'm going to spoil you so bad, you'll forget all this even happened," the villain promised.

"I'd want nothing more, mon amour."

"Finally, I understand what you're saying!"

The hero laughed, soft and musical, and it set the villain's heart on fire.

Hero had always been the one fixing up Villain's messes, stitching them up in the middle of the night and trying to save them from their path of self-destruction. This time, they could finally let someone else take care of them, let the weight fall from their shoulders, close their eyes, and finally feel safe for once.

To find someone that holds you in the highest regard, that knows your value and isn't afraid to show that to the world is a blessing without a price. To see your soul reflected in someone else's eyes is the most beautiful way to spell out the word 'love'. Et quand je pense de l'amour, c'est ton nom qui est toujours dans mon coeur.

Notes: Can you guess what the stuff in French means? If you don't want to, check the replies for the translation!

✨️Le Taglist: @larinzz @syberianjade @lateuplight @altu-interactions @enbious-prince @astr0-mj @thelazywitchphotographer @addictedsandwhichaki @justalittlecorrupted @quaggasus @theangstyclown @vernilliom @mothmancommitsarson @starssabove @kurai-hono-blog @talkingsperm @catsarecool00 @muffinrebel44 @sunnynwanda @annablogsposts @cardboardarsonist @itsmyworld23 @onlywhump @shr3ya @crotchgoblin69

Wanna be on the taglist? This'll take you there!

[bmpmp3]

Guy who just got a new fountain pen nib voice: I just got a new fountain pen nib

[hiemaldesirae]

she shines as bright as the sun ☀️

[cursed-tm]

[caius-hhhhhh]

love writing out a whole scene and then realising “wait, fuck, this serves exactly the same purpose as an earlier scene that was in fact twelve times better”.

rip the sentence with the verb “alkalize”. try again next time ig

[itsyaboy-mars]

i really, really wanna bring lammy into tsbmbty...

[glitterandmoondustofficial]

Lost And Found

Chapter 2: Part 2

Notes:

SURPRISE! PART 2! ENJOY <3

~~~~~

Lammy was certain her life couldn’t get any weirder.

She came from a rich town, got really sick, was almost a victim of genocide, almost died anyway because she was still really sick, and then became a doctor! Weird! Okay, it was “traumatic,” but that never stopped her!

She had finally settled down, content to disappear on some random island where no one knew her real name. One couldn’t be too careful, of course. 

That all changed when her famous pirate brother almost physically ran into her one day.

Lammy couldn’t believe her eyes! She knew that there was a large chance that the Trafalgar Law who was raising hell on the sea was also Trafalgar D Water Law, her beloved older brother, but she didn’t think they’d actually ever get to meet! She figured that she would just hope that he would continue to survive in this crazy, messed up world and not meet an untimely end. 

And then he asked her to join his crew! Lammy was so stunned she didn’t know how to respond. After sleeping on it she realized that she never wanted to let her brother go again, not after everything. So she became a criminal! A very cute and nervous criminal! 

Lammy was woken up by a loud snore. She opened her eyes and stared at a large, furry lump. The Heart Pirate’s resident Mink snored loudly throughout the night and it was so different from what Lammy was used to. She was used to sleeping in her own room in her own apartment and definitely not a community bedroom.  

She sighed and stared up at the ceiling. She listened to the sound of the crew breathing and snoring. This was going to take time to get used to. She wondered if she’d sleep at all tonight. Maybe she just needed to convince herself that it was just like having a fan. It was all just background noise, right?

Well, it was sort of, kind of, maybe true. Lammy did fall asleep, it was just hours later, way into the very early morning. She heard the crew start to wake around her but she drifted in and out of consciousness while they did so. They wouldn’t mind if she caught up on some sleep, would they?

That question was actually answered pretty quickly because while the crew had no problems with her sleeping in, their captain did. 

Law woke her up with an amused raised brow. She half-glared up at him, somewhat delirious from her lack of sleep. She couldn’t stay annoyed at him, however. They were just reunited after all. 

So, she tiredly got out of bed and slipped into her jumpsuit. The jumpsuit that everyone was required to wear, of course. She trudged to the bathroom to brush her teeth and do her hair. After braiding her long hair she walked towards the cafeteria to eat breakfast. 

As she approached the room she started to become anxious. This was her first breakfast on the

Polar Tang. She wasn’t quite sure what to do. Sure she had dinner the night before but this was different. Everyone crowded around her the previous night, unable to believe that, yes, she was Captain Trafalgar Law’s long lost sister. They had asked her so many questions about herself that she wasn’t sure if there were any questions left. 

But honestly, what made her nervous was that she had no idea where to sit!

She stopped at the entrance of the cafeteria and saw everyone being loud and rowdy. Lammy stared at them all as they happily ate their meals. They were an excitable bunch it seemed. She really had no idea what to do. 

She heard a giggle and saw Ikkaku smiling at her. She patted at the spot next to her. Lammy let out a relieved breath and sat next to her. She cleared her throat and Ikkaku giggled again. 

“This must be very different from what you’re used to,” Ikkaku said with a bright smile. 

Lammy nodded. “Yeah.” She looked around the room. “None of this is what I ever planned on seeing or happening.”

Ikkaku laughed. “Well, I can definitely relate to that. I never planned on leaving my island but then Captain and everyone showed up and, well, here I am!” Lammy smiled tiredly at her. Ikkaku blinked. “Are you okay?”

“Huh? Oh. Yes. Just a little tired. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

Ikkaku brought her fingers to her chin. “I suspect it’s because you aren’t used to sleeping around people, right?” Lammy nodded. “I’m sure if you ask Captain he would give you a separate room so that you can sleep alone.” Ikkaku smiled at her kindly. 

Lammy looked at her hands before making fists. “No. I’m a Heart Pirate now. I want to be with all of you. I definitely don’t need special treatment anyway.”

Ikkaku giggled. “Well, you’ll be spoiled by Captain either way, I think.” 

Lammy chuckled. “You think?” 

“Definitely!”

Lammy and Ikkaku talked for the entirety of breakfast. Lammy felt a warmth in her chest, happy that she had made her first friend on the Polar Tang. Halfway through breakfast, Law sat at the table they were at. He was quiet, he never spoke other than a comment or two. She wasn’t sure if it was because he didn’t know what to say or if he was just enjoying being at the same table as her and therefore didn’t feel like talking. Lammy didn’t mind, she was happy he was there, too.

Everyone started to finish their meals, placing their dishes in the sink and filing out of the cafeteria to do their duties. Hakugan and Uni went to the sink and started washing the dishes, it was apparently their turn to do so. Lammy shifted, not sure where to go from there. Law said her job was “doctor” but she really didn’t see any doctoring needing to be done. So what was she supposed to do now?

Penguin sat next to Law and they both stared at her. She cocked her head.

“Yes?”

“We need to get your physical done,” Law said dryly. “It's a requirement.”

“Yeah, you said that.”

“Penguin will be doing your physical,” he said and took a sip of his black coffee.

“Penguin?” Lammy questioned. “Are you a doctor, too?”

“Nope!” Penguin grinned. Lammy stared at him, growing nervous.

Law sighed. “He’s my “head nurse.” I’ve taught him everything he needs to know. He’s perfectly capable of doing your physical today.”

Lammy hesitated. “Not that I don’t believe you,” she started. “But why aren’t you doing it?”

Law looked uncomfortable. “I don’t think you want me doing…everything that’s required.”

“Everything?” She questioned.

“Everything,” Penguin said. “Captain is quite thorough in his exams. For you and Ikkaku, that means a breast and pelvic exam.”

“Oh!” Lammy nodded. “Yep, that makes sense,” she chuckled nervously. 

Penguin stood up. “Shall we go?” He grinned at her.

Lammy nodded. She followed after Penguin and Law followed her. It didn’t surprise her that Law required multiple tests and exams. She was sure he wanted to make sure that everyone was in their best shape that they could be and she was even more sure that he didn’t want anyone on the Polar Tang catching something that was preventable.

They stopped outside of the infirmary and Penguin turned to them. 

“You can go in, Lammy. There’s a gown on the bed and a cup for a urine sample. Go ahead and get ready while I wait out here.” Penguin raised his brow at Law. “Are you going to wait out here like a puppy dog?”

Law scoffed and rolled his eyes. He sipped his coffee and let out a breath. “I trust that you are capable,” he said stiffly before walking away.

Penguin snorted and turned to Lammy. “He’s like that. Go ahead and head in.”

Lammy nodded and walked into the room. She walked across the sterile floor and towards the bed. She looked around the metal room. It was hardly warm and inviting. Cold metal, testing equipment, sterile surgical tools – this was very different from the clinic she used to work at.

She started to take off her clothes and sighed. She didn’t give a proper goodbye to the staff. She just left in a hurry, hoping to catch her brother before he left. She didn’t regret it, of course, but she wondered if there was a better way to do it. Maybe she could’ve asked Law for another day. Then again she was hardly thinking when she rushed up her pirate ship, she just wanted to be with Law.

As Lammy was sitting on the bed, Penguin knocked on the door. She looked over when he opened the door. 

“Ready?” He asked.

Lammy nodded.

Penguin walked over to the counter and put on some disposable gloves. He walked to the bed and collected her urine sample and set it aside. He picked up a clipboard and a pen. He grabbed a rolling stool and rolled it over to the bed and then sat on it.

“You’re a doctor, so you already know what all I’m going to ask you and what all I’ll do. Don’t be nervous. Captain was right, I know what I’m doing.”

Lammy nodded. “So, Law makes everyone do this?”

“Yep. He’s a neurotic and anal person about a lot of things but the two main things,” Penguin held two fingers up, “are his crew’s health and cleanliness.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed how everything on the sub is quite…clean.”

Penguin laughed. “Yeah. He can’t stand messiness. He’s a bit more relaxed with the crew quarters, of course. That’s where we sleep and relax so he’s more willing to let it be untidy, but the rest of the Tang? Must be spotless.”

Lammy nodded.

Penguin started the exam, never once making her feel uncomfortable. He was gentle and kind. He asked the appropriate questions and did the exams properly. Lammy was quite impressed, but she supposed Law had to be a good teacher if Penguin had no previous medical skills and learned everything from him.

After Lammy had put her clothes back on she walked up to Penguin with a smile. “You did a great job,” she told him. 

Penguin blinked before grinning. “Well, thanks! Captain did teach me almost everything but I did have to add my own little flair of bedside manner.”

Lammy giggled. “I suspect my brother isn’t the best at being a warm and loving doctor?”

“Nope! He’s good at the medical part of being a doctor, not so much at the warm personality part. That’s alright, though. We love him anyway.” Lammy grinned widely at that. “You’re free to go, Lammy. All of your test results will be ready tomorrow but I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.” He took off his gloves and tossed them in the trash. “Captain wanted to see you after the examination, so you’ll want to find him. He’s probably in the control room.”

“He wants to see me? Do you know why?”

“I suspect I know why, but I don’t want to give you the wrong info so you’ll have to let him tell you.”

Lammy hummed. “Alright. Well, I guess I’ll see you later.”

“Sure will!”

Lammy left the infirmary and walked towards where she thought she remembered where the control room was. She walked down the empty hallway, the hum of the Polar Tang following her around. She stopped at the entrance to the control room, where she saw Hakugan and Law talking.

Lammy took a step into the room and both men looked over to her. Law smiled at her awkwardly. She couldn’t tell what Hakugan was doing on account of the mask. She took in a breath.

“Penguin said you wanted to talk to me?”

“Yes.” Law patted Hakugan’s shoulder before walking towards Lammy. He walked out of the room and motioned for her to follow him. “I wanted to ask you how you defend yourself, or if you even know how?”

“Uh, pepper spray?”

Law sighed. “That’s what I figured.” He stopped and turned to her. “You’ll need weapons training.” He started to walk again.

Lammy stood with her mouth agape before clearing her throat and catching up to him. “Weapons training? You want me to fight?”

“No.” He looked at her. “But you’re a pirate now. There’s going to be fights and I can’t always protect you. You’ll need to defend yourself in case I can’t.”

“I guess that’s true,” she mumbled. She followed after him as he led her to the hatch door. “What weapon are you going to teach me?”

“The weapon is up to you and what you’re comfortable with. You can use anything we have to offer.” He opened the door for her. Lammy walked out and saw Shachi standing on deck with a sword. “As far as the training goes, the crew has decided that I will not be training you.”

“What? Why?”

“Because he’ll be too busy worrying about hurting you to properly train you,” Shachi answered for Law with a laugh.

“I will still monitor your progress and get you the weapon you want, but I have been apparently overruled,” Law grumbled with his arms crossed. 

Lammy swallowed nervously. She looked at Shachi and then to the side where there were weapons set aside. There were a couple different types of guns, a spear, a short sword, brass knuckles, and a quarterstaff. She felt like she was in some fantasy novel where her mentor was telling her to pick her path or something like that.

“Don’t look so nervous!” Shachi laughed. “I’ll work you hard but I’m not an ass!” Lammy nodded, not feeling any less nervous. “The first thing we’ll need to do is get you fit and flexible. No point in holding a weapon if you don’t have the oomph behind it!”

“Uhh, right…” Lammy nodded. That made sense. She was…out of shape. She just didn’t get much exercise is all. She kept telling herself that she needed to start working out but never did, opting to read a book in bed rather than go on early morning walks. “Where do we start?” She asked innocently.

Shachi grinned at her in response. 

It really could have been worse. Probably. Maybe. 

First, she stretched and loosened up. Easy enough. Then Shachi had her run laps around the deck so many times she lost count. Then there were jumping jacks. Then there were squats. Then there were pushups. And then there were, ugh, lunges. And this was only day one!

Lammy laid on her back on deck, staring up at the cloudy sky, sweaty and tired. She didn’t even have the chance to look at the weapons let alone pick one up and choose one. Shachi had gone inside, bringing the weapons in and letting Lammy rest before taking a shower. Lammy felt a breeze roll across her sweaty skin. Her once neat braid was a complete mess and stray hairs blew in the wind.

She heard the door open and then a giggle. She looked over to see Ikkaku walking towards her with a bottle of water. Ikkaku sat down next to her and offered her the water. Lammy gratefully took it and sat up. She sipped and then sighed out.

“I’m not sure I’m cut out for this,” she said.

Ikkaku laughed. “You know, I said the same thing. Shachi works you hard, but you’ll get there. You just gotta get through this first very sore bit.”

Lammy sighed. “I guess I will be sore, won’t I?” She mostly said that to herself. “What weapon do you have?”

“I have a sword,” Ikkaku proudly said with a big grin. “You know what’s a good way to rest off a workout?” Lammy shook her head. “A nice hot shower and some warm chocolate chip cookies. I had Clione make you some when I found out Captain was having Shachi train you.”

Lammy almost burst into tears not only because Ikkaku was being so sweet and kind, but because the idea of warm chocolate cookies sounded amazing. Ikkaku giggled and stood up. She offered her hand to Lammy. Lammy smiled and accepted the help, already feeling the aches and pain of what was to come.

They walked into the sub and into the crew quarters where Lammy grabbed some clean clothes. She walked to the community showers and took a very nice, hot shower. She washed and scrubbed her body and shampooed her hair. She redressed and wrapped her hair in a towel. She blinked a few times, realizing she was truly exhausted. 

Ikkaku grinned at her when she emerged from the showers. They walked to the cafeteria together. Clione saw them walk in and greeted them.

“Well, hello ladies!” He said from the stove. “The cookies are good and ready to go! I made ‘em special for you two but don’t go tellin’ no one. Don’t want ‘em thinkin’ I treat you girls special.”

Ikkaku took Lammy’s hand and pulled her to the cookies. “Don’t worry, Clione, your secret is safe with us…and Captain.” Clione laughed. “What’s for dinner tonight?” Ikkaku asked before bringing a cookie to her mouth. Lammy followed suit and grabbed a warm cookie.

“Glad you asked my curly haired friend! Captain and Bepo managed to fight a giant octopus earlier this mornin’ so I’m making karaage and takoyaki with some rice and veggies of course. We need to be eatin’ our grains and vegetables!”

Lammy’s mouth watered at the idea of takoyaki .

“That sounds great, Clione!” Ikkaku responded happily. She turned to Lammy. “How’s the cookie?”

Lammy swallowed. “It’s really good.”

“Of course it is!” Clione said. “It’s got my special ingredient in it!”

“What’s the special ingredient?”

“Love.”

Ikkaku snorted and lightly punched Clione in the arm. “Don’t tease her.” Clione laughed in response. 

Lammy watched her two crewmates laugh together. They seemed so happy with their lives and so happy to be around each other. Lammy felt herself smile, she hoped that she could be this happy with her crew one day soon. 

Ikkaku and Lammy took a couple cookies each and left Clione to focus on dinner. They walked to the crew quarters after finishing their cookies. Ikkaku walked to Lammy’s bunk and stared at it. 

“Next time we stop at an island, we’ll need to get you some things to personalize your space,” she said with a nod. 

Lammy looked from her to around the room, noting that every bunk did have its own personality and style. She looked back to her bunk and almost laughed at how bland it was. 

“Did Law choose the gray bedding?” She asked with a smile.

“Sure did!”

Lammy giggled. She supposed she could have brought more of her things from her flat. In fact she probably should have, but she was so determined to get to Law before he left she hadn’t thought about it. She really did just leave her entire life behind.

She sighed with a smile. Oh well, no point in dwelling on it. She’d much rather be with her brother than anything else.

Lammy sat on the bed, her muscles aching and her bones creaking. Her whole body and mind slowed down almost to a stop and she realized she was very, very tired. Shachi really did work her hard. 

Ikkaku giggled. “Best not fall asleep quite yet. You still need to eat. Captain is already strict when it comes to everyone getting their appropriate meals, I can’t imagine how he would be if you skipped a meal.”

Lammy yawned and nodded. “You’re right. I don’t want to miss out on takoyaki anyway.”

Clione called everyone to dinner. Lammy shuffled into the kitchen with Ikkaku. Everyone was in high spirits again, happily eating their fried octopus dishes. Law was sitting down with a book and a beer, eating his food between turning the pages of the book.

The takoyaki was amazing. It was crispy and had just the right amount of everything. Lammy was going to bed with a full, happy stomach. The crew started to drink and sing songs around her. She smiled and rested her chin in her hand. She didn’t know any of the songs but it was hard to fight such a warm feeling in her chest. 

The Heart Pirates seemed like such a happy bunch. It was a nice change of pace to her life.

Lammy excused herself, causing the crew to whine and complain that they wanted her to stay. Shachi laughed and boasted that he did a good job training her if she was this tired. She said goodnight to the crew and walked to the crew quarters alone. She somehow made it to her bunk and collapsed on the bed face first. She took one, two, three deep breaths and then she was out like a light.

Lammy woke up sore the next day. So incredibly sore. She sat up slowly and breathed out a whine. She heard chuckles around her and looked around.

“Shachi always works everyone so hard!” Uni said. “Don’t worry, Lammy, you’ll get there!” Resounding agreement followed. 

Lammy felt it hard to not smile at the crew. She let out a breath and stood up on her shaky legs. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt this sore. It had to have been…Lammy swallowed and shook her head, ridding herself of the memories of Flevance. No need to fill her thoughts of worse times, her life had improved so much! She was happy now!

Ikkaku stood next to her with a smile. “Want to go get ready together?”

Lammy and Ikkaku walked to the community bathroom together. Ikkaku asked about Lammy’s life. How did she become a doctor? How did she like her coffee? Did she leave a boyfriend behind?

Lammy blushed at that last question causing Ikkaku to burst into laughter. 

“That’s probably for the best. Captain gets really scary when he wants.”

“I can only imagine.” 

Ikkaku smiled at Lammy in the mirror as she finished brushing her hair for her. After Lammy pulled her hair into a bun they walked to the kitchen together. Clione had already prepared breakfast and most of the crew was filling their plates with bacon and cute “toad in a hole” egg toasts. 

Lammy sat next to Law, ready to dig into her meal. She raised her brow at her brother’s food. Unlike the most of the crew he had a bowl of rice with a runny sunny side up egg. How curious. Did her brother not like toast? She asked him quietly, not sure if this was some odd quirk he had developed over the years.

“No,” he said simply. “I don’t like bread.”

Lammy cocked her head, remembering a time where they happily ate fresh raspberry jam on toast in the morning with their parents. She watched him eat his rice silently, either not noticing her blatant stare or choosing not to care. She chose not to pry, her brother’s tastes were not her business. Besides, people lose interest in food all of the time. Nothing to truly dwell on.

Ikkaku sat in front of the two siblings with plenty of bacon. Law raised his brow at her and she stuck out her tongue. Lammy blinked between the two of them. More food habits? Interesting.

Lammy looked around the room and saw everyone had a different way of plating their food and the amount they had. Some had more bacon while others had more eggs. Some had chosen rice and eggs while others only chose toast and bacon. There were different drinks, coffee, milk, orange juice, and even tea. Lammy wasn’t sure why the different breakfast habits astounded her. 

She supposed she still wasn’t used to being around so many people. 20 something people all at once wasn’t what she was used to, especially when it came to living with people. But she would get used to the chatter and noise. She’d get used to the different ways they took their eggs and coffee. While it was different, she was sure that she would grow to love this crew and be comforted by their presence. 

“What kind of food do you like, Lammy?” Ikkaku asked as she brought a piece of bacon to her lips.

“Uh, all kinds of food. I’m not really picky.”

“Well, you have to have a favorite, right?”

“Hmm, well I’d have to say curry. Yellow curry with shrimp.”

“Noted!” She heard Clione call.

Ikkaku giggled and Lammy smiled. Lammy and Ikkaku spent the rest of breakfast chatting while Law silently ate his meal while reading the newspaper. As everyone finished breakfast they piled their dishes in the sink and the dish washers got right to work, just like the day before. Ikkaku waved goodbye as she walked to the boiler room. Everyone started to walk to their posts happily. Lammy watched everyone leave the kitchen when she felt a smack on the back.

She turned and saw Shachi grinning at her. She felt true fear in that moment, knowing what was coming next. 

Over the next week it was like clockwork. She’d wake up, be greeted by the crew, Ikkaku would join her in the showers where they talked about whatever came to their heads. She would eat breakfast with Law and whoever else decided to sit with them. Shachi would train her, working her until she was sure her legs would fall off. After training she would help any crewmember she could with chores or their jobs, happy to get to know her companions.

Sometimes there would be a minor injury and she would join Law in taking care of them. It was a good way to get to know the infirmary, Law’s healing skills, and her crew all at once.

There were a couple times where the Polar Tang would be attacked by some giant sea monster but Lammy was always inside when that happened. She never got a chance to see anyone fight. Law made sure she wouldn’t see a fight until she was ready.

One day Lammy and Shachi discovered that her weapon of choice was a spear. She liked the weight of the weapon and the way it felt in her hands. Once Shachi accepted that, he told her that Penguin would be training her from that point on as he also used a spear in fights. Lammy was a little relieved, maybe Penguin would go easier on her than Shachi. He was always so kind to her.

She had started to really get along with the Heart Pirates. They had taught her sea shanties, started to get her used to the ale they drank, and she became a quick expert in fishing in the deep sea. She had started to feel like this was her true home, like she was born for this.

The one thing that was off about this whole pirating thing was that it was still very awkward between her and Law. He seemed like a busy person. He always had a nose in a book or newspaper, he regularly had ink from a pen on his fingers, the dark bags under his eyes told her that he didn’t sleep much, and he always looked…a little sad.

She wanted to talk to him. To sit down with him one day with a cup of cocoa and just talk about their lives and the time they were apart. She wanted to know everything about him. Why he always seemed to focus on something serious, why he always seemed like he was forlorn. She just didn’t know how to approach him. Unlike his joyous and outgoing crew, he was reserved and serious. From what she remembered of their childhood, he was like that back then, but he was happy. They both were.

“What’s on your mind, Lammy? You’re distracted,” Penguin asked as he crouched down to rest. He wiped his brown with his gloved hand and let out a breath.

Lammy sighed. “Well,” she started. She gripped the spear in her hand before releasing it. “I want to talk to Law.”

Penguin cocked his head at her like he didn’t hear her. “What do you mean?”

“I mean…we just haven’t really talked much since I joined his crew. I want to talk to him, to learn about his life. He’s my brother and I want to know who he is and how he grew up.”

Penguin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I see,” he said. “I’ve known him a long time, so I think I know what it is. He’s probably anxious around you.”

“Me? Really?”

“It’s more complicated than I’m making it sound. He’s complicated. I think he doesn’t want to disappoint you by who he became over the years.” Lammy pulled her knees in front of her and rested her chin on them. She sighed. Penguin smiled at her. “I think if you tell him you want to spend time and talk to him he’d do it. He’d just be awkward about it. It takes a little time for him to open up, but I think for his precious little sister he would.”

Lammy smiled back at him. She opened her mouth to respond but was cut off by noise coming from inside the Polar Tang. Lammy’s ears perked up at the sound of muffled distress. Her eyebrows scrunched together as she looked at Penguin with a confused expression. He sighed and scratched the back of his head. 

“I think someone was acting up again.”

Lammy’s face contorted into even more confusion. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve never seen Captain’s powers, right?”

Lammy shook her head. “No.”

“Well you’re about to get a crash course.”

“What do you-”

Lammy was interrupted by the hatch door being swung open. Lammy jumped at the sudden noise but Penguin didn’t flinch. She looked over and gasped when she saw Law with an annoyed look on his face holding the distressed head of Shachi. 

“I said I was sorry!” Shachi exclaimed. 

Lammy stared at the scene in stunned silence. How was the head talking? How was this possible? What did Law do?

Law’s upper lip curled into a snarl. “Not good enough,” he said. Law looked over to Lammy. She bit her lip as he walked over to her. 

Law had grown so tall. He towered over her. He was much taller than she remembered their parents being. 

She looked from Law’s face to Shachi’s head. “Um…” she managed to get out.

“Apologize,” Law said and held up Shachi’s head to Lammy’s face. “Now.”

“Alright!” Shachi cried. “I’m sorry, Lammy.”

Lammy blinked twice. “For what?”

Shachi looked uncomfortable. “For saying you have nice tits.”

Lammy sat there, too stunned to speak. Penguin let out what she could only describe as a “guffaw” and Law made a disgusted noise. Shachi gave her a nervous toothy grin. She swallowed.

“Ah,” she cleared her throat. “Thanks, I guess?”

“For saying you have nice tits or for apologizing? Ahh! Don’t squeeze my head so hard!” Shachi exclaimed with comical tears in his eyes. 

Penguin laughed at his two friends as Lammy looked between the three of them.

“Um, for apologizing,” she said quietly. She looked up at her very annoyed brother. “Law, you didn’t…have to…”

“What? Defend you? Of course I did. I don’t need anyone saying shit like that about my sister.” He brought Shachi up to his eye level. “Are you going to be good?”

“Yes.”

“Then I will return you to your body,” he said conclusively. Law reached out and petted Lammy’s head before turning around and walking into the submarine while Shachi whined to him about being cruel. 

Lammy stared after them in silence. She turned to Penguin as his laughter faded away. He wiped a tear from his eye and had a broad smile. Lammy swallowed.

“He can take off people’s heads without them dying?” She asked, already forgetting about why he had done so.

“Not just heads, any body part. He can take out organs, take apart bodies, he can make electricity form in his hands like a defibrillator, and a lot of other things. It’s a very unique power.”

“Oh, uh, wow. He said that he had eaten his fruit when he was 13 but I never asked what powers he had.”

Penguin grinned. “That! It’s called the ope ope no mi. The reason he’s so good at using it is because he’s a doctor. It’s said that the user can cure any disease.”

Lammy blinked before opening her mouth in shock. “That’s how he was cured of Amber Lead. He performed the surgery on himself.” Lammy grimaced at the mere idea of the amount of pain he had to have been in. 

Penguin nodded. “Yes.” He smiled at her. “He’s come a long way, hasn’t he?” Lammy nodded thoughtfully. “Well, what do you say? Want to get back at it or are you wanting to head in?”

Lammy looked at the spear that Penguin was offering her. She reached out and took it. “I still have energy don’t I?”

Penguin laughed. “That you do!” 

A few more days of training went by. Lammy’s hands were bruised and blistered but her arms had begun to have definition and she was starting to become more confident in herself. The crew…the crew was good. It was hard to believe they were pirates and not just jolly sailors. Perhaps it was the encouragement of Ikkaku and Penguin or perhaps it was her new found confidence, but she finally, finally was able to knock on Law’s door and ask to spend time alone with him.

He stared at her from his strangely messy desk. He looked so tired that Lammy started to wonder if he was getting enough rest. He also seemed skinny, was he eating enough? She started to really take in her brother. She had been so busy acclimating to her new life and friends that she realized that she hadn’t really spent much time with her brother. She never really looked at him.

He cleared his throat and agreed to take a break with her.

Lammy was holding a mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows in her hands while Law nursed a black coffee. They silently sat on deck, staring at the sea. Both of their nerves were glaringly obvious. What to say to your long-lost brother who had trauma and a fear of abandonment?

Law sighed. He sipped from his mug. “I don’t mean to avoid you,” he started. “This is all very weird. It was harder than I thought seeing you everyday. You look like Mother.”

Lammy swallowed and looked into her mug. He was right. She did resemble their mother. Just like he looked like their father. It was eerie. There were enough differences, of course, but Lammy definitely felt an ache for her father when she saw her brother.

“Yeah,” she said. “I get it.”

“It’s also…” he trailed off. “I have this guilt in me for leaving you in that closet. When I see your burn scars I see how I failed you,” he admitted. Lammy opened her mouth to tell him how ridiculous that was when he continued. “But I’m also glad you didn’t share the same fate as I did. Joining the DonQuixote Pirates probably wasn’t my best decision. I would’ve hated for you to go through what I did.” Lammy sat silently rubbing her mug with her thumb. “I did have Cora-san to thank for my life. He was…” he trailed off uncomfortably.

“He seemed like a special person,” Lammy said.

“He was,” Law said with a deep, sorrowful frown on his face.

Lammy reached over and placed her hand on his arm. He looked at her hand to her face. He sighed. “Well, I’m not much. I still have things to get over and things to learn about being a pirate, but I want us to get along and be family again.”

Law stared at her sadly. ““Not much?”” He questioned. “You’re everything I could’ve hoped for.” 

Lammy blinked. Her bottom lip wobbled at his admission. Her eyes became blurry with tears. “I want us to get to know each other more!” She managed to get out. “I don’t want to just be siblings. I want us to be friends, too.” She sniffed.

“Me too,” he said before clearing his throat. 

Lammy laid her head on his shoulder and ignored the tear falling down her cheek. She gave in to the anxiety in her stomach and asked what kind of pirate he was. He hesitated but then told her what it was like being a pirate. The fights, the battles, the unruly sea, and the threat of death always looming ahead. He told her of his plans for Doflamingo.

Then he told her about Cora-san and how much he cared for him. He told her about how he picked up every Heart Pirate and took them in. How they all became a family of misfits who no longer fit into normal society. 

It was dangerous and it was violent, but it was also romantic. She saw it. She saw what pirating was about. It wasn’t just about treasure or fighting or good seafood. It was about the freedom that only the sea could provide. It was about nakama and finding your place in the messy world.

As Law spoke to her, Lammy started to understand why the crew was so dedicated to him. Even after everything he had been through, he still held some childlike wonder for the sea. He held a passion for his work, not just as a captain but as a doctor. Lammy could see it. She could feel it.

She now knew she had made the right decision to follow Law. She knew she wouldn’t regret coming along on his journey. She didn’t feel out of place on the Polar Tang. She had made friends – family. She didn’t feel out of place or like she didn’t belong. Her crewmates had welcomed her with open arms, ready to accept her. 

When Law and Lammy had finally stopped being sentimental and crying together, they wiped their tears and walked towards the kitchen. They were greeted by their crew, complaining they were late for dinner. A large smile grew on Lammy’s lips as she grabbed Law’s hand and walked forward into the kitchen, ready to eat with her family.