Water off a duck's back. Just keep calm. His words can't hurt you anymore. It'll all be like water off a duck's back.

Yeah, right.

Back when you were in second grade, there was this girl who lived right across the street. She went to a different school and, truth be told, you didn't exactly have all that much in common, but during the summer break, while all of your friends were on vacation, she would sometimes come over and the two of you would spend days playing badminton right outside your doorstep.

She wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but she was kind and sweet, and over the years, you came to like her more than you had ever expected to. She had this.. calm, soothing aura around her, one you were severely lacking. No matter how many doubts plagued your mind, each time you confided in her she always managed to make you feel better.

Once the two of you had entered your teenage years, something changed. Both of you had entered high school, gotten to know new people, prepared yourselves for college and university. While the years had seemed to pass much quicker than they had before, for both of you, time seemed to have stopped. You couldn't remember which summer had been the first you'd spent without her, but soon, the two of you had simply lost track of each other, as you do when you're too young and stupid to appreciate an honest friendship.

You hadn't thought about her in many years, but she'd come to your mind quite often over the last few days.

You wondered where she was, and whether she was happy.

You wondered whether she'd gotten her heart broken, and how she'd dealt with it. She had always handled problems and stress so much better than you.

You wondered what she would tell you if you told her about yourself, and how you'd managed to almost let someone ruin you. She would probably laugh at you, and rightfully so.

But that's how things had always gone: You had been the one to overcomplicate matters, to wreck your head trying to find a solution which to her seemed so obvious. Each time you'd told her what had been plaguing your mind for days on end, she'd always laughed at you, but not in a mean way.

Then, once your tears had dried, she'd taken your hand, smiled, and said: "Trust me (Y/N), it'll all be water off a duck's back."

Somehow, all you felt you needed was just someone to take your hand and say those words. But you weren't in second grade anymore, and your former neighbor was living her own life, with nobody to hold her hand.

So you would manage. You'd sworn to yourself that you wouldn't ever let your happiness depend on another person, let alone on a guy.

Yeah okay, you'd broken that promise quite a few times already, but that wasn't the point-

So you'd pick yourself up and you'd see this through.

Even if this meant spending an entire day with the infuriating asshole man who broke your heart.

At least you'd be able to ditch anatomy in favor of a different course next term, so you wouldn't ever have to see him again after this was over.

Clutching your shirt while taking a deep breath, you clung to your textbooks like a lifeline while you opened the door to the library.

At least the library was a public place. It's not like Law would ever attempt something there, right? Well, except that one time...

Oh well. Nevermind.

Water off a duck's back. Keep calm and it'll all be water off a duck's back.

"You're late, (Y/N)-ya."

Fuck. You wanted to punch him. No, throttle him. Don't look at him don'tlookathimdon't-

His eyes studied you expectantly, his expression as unreadable as ever.

Shit. You did look. Great job, idiot!

Setting your course material down on the table while taking a seat, you tried not to spare him another glance while saying: "Let's just get this over with. I have places to be."

You prayed your voice sounded as closed off as it had in your head.

Hopefully, he would get the hint. It had been weeks since you'd told him to leave you alone that day in the cafeteria, and he hadn't tried to approach you since then. No more piercing glances and infuriating smirks, no more words which left you flustered yet excited at the same time.

Most of the time, he just acted like you didn't exist, and you were fine with that. Just a few months ago, getting Law's attention had felt like a drug you couldn't get enough of. Then you'd overdosed and it had left you feeling empty and foolish.

You knew your friends talked about you behind your back, saw all the pitying glances they sent your way each time you entered a room. Hell, you could practically feel Nami's disappointment each time she told you about some guy she'd met and how he'd totally be your type while you couldn't even muster up enough interest to listen to her.

You knew why you still felt so nervous around Law, you weren't that stupid, and denying your feelings hadn't helped you before, so why bother now?

Even though you'd never admit it out loud, you knew if he wanted, he would still be able to hurt you. And you didn't ever want to feel as vulnerable again as you did that night after the party.

"Alright. So, what would you suggest as an entry point?"

You let out a breath you didn't know you'd been holding.

"I'd thought we'd start with a revision of cranial anatomy, then move on with an exercise on CCT. How's that sound?"

"Fine. What type of exercise were you thinking of?"

About 2 hours later...

You couldn't believe it. The two of you had been working on the schedule for the recitation class for about two hours now, and for the entire time, Law had kept it completely professional.

No teasing remarks, no electrifying glances, no accidental touches.

It was more than you could've ever hoped for.

And yet it didn't feel half as satisfying as it should have felt.

Frustrated with yourself, you let out an exasperated sigh, momentarily forgetting you were still very much not alone.

Law glanced up from his textbook, his brows slightly furrowed. "Are you alright, (Y/N)-ya? Should we take a break?"

A few months ago, you surely would've blushed at the way he said your name just then, sounding like he was actually concerned. But you weren't that person anymore. You wouldn't just let him wrap you around his fingers again. Not that easily.

You sighed, resting your head on your hand. "Yeah, maybe a break would be for the best, I feel like all I'm coming up with is garbage."

"Don't say that. Your contributions to class are always brilliant."

Your eyes widened.

"Law, I-"

"You're the smartest person I know."

You gulped, trying to come up with an answer while your face was surely turning an interesting shade of red.

This fucker!

When it was clear you weren't going to answer, Law coughed slightly, and if you wouldn't have known better, you would've said he seemed embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, I made you uncomfortable", he said.

Now it was your time to awkwardly clear your throat before replying: "No it's- Uhm, it's alright, I just don't know what to say to that is the problem."

He kept looking at you, but for the first time, it didn't make you feel nervous or uncomfortable.

"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to."

There were no more words needed for you to understand what he meant. He was giving you the choice to either talk about what had happened between the two of you or leaving it be. You were in control, and not because you'd forced it, but because he had let you. It felt like more of a commitment than anything he'd said or done up until this point.

That small evil voice in your head told you to just leave him hanging like that, not wanting him to know about your feelings. He's only going to use them against you, and you'll end up looking like an idiot again. Who's going to pick up the pieces now, huh?

And then you realized.

You weren't the same person anymore. It wasn't just a phrase you told yourself each morning to make it through the day. It had slowly but surely become a reality. Yes, you weren't over what had happened with him. Weren't over him. But you were stronger now, more confident, more powerful.

You didn't need anyone else to pick up the pieces. And you wouldn't blame yourself for expressing your feelings. Not anymore.

"You really hurt me, Law."

"I know."

"You knew back then, and yet you didn't care." You were expecting him to interrupt you, but he didn't. He was just letting you speak. So you continued. "You used me. You didn't ask for my consent. And do you know what was the worst part? You made me think I was the one to blame. That I was at fault because I'd been stupid enough to think you were actually interested in me."

Taking a deep breath, you mentally patted yourself on the back for making it through that monologue without crying. Not to say you didn't come close though.

Law waited for a few seconds, seemingly unsure whether you were finished talking. Then he said: "I'm not going to give you any pathetic excuses because I know you'd see through them anyway. I know I'm not a good person, (Y/N)-ya. The way I acted that is unforgivable, and I'm aware of that. I..." He sighed, seemingly uncomfortable yet still holding your gaze. "I acted out of my insecurities and jealousy and took it out on you. I'm sorry."

Neither of you said anything for a couple of minutes, just taking in the words he'd said.

You were conflicted, a familiar emotion when it came to Law. It would be a lie to say what he'd said hadn't changed anything, yet there was still that ever-lurking fear constantly reminding you he could mess up your emotions all over again if you gave him another chance to do so.

"I accept your apology. But I'm not sure I want to stay... friends anymore. I mean, what even are we, Law?"

He chuckled. It didn't sound like him. It sounded sad. "Rivals?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That's probably the most accurate description, yeah", you replied, still unsure what to say or think.

You finished the rest of your work in silence, only talking when the subject required it. After another 2 hours of work, the two of you were finished and gathered up your stuff to leave.

"So... this is it then, huh?" you mumbled awkwardly as the two you walked through the aisles of the library to the front.

"The actual repetition class takes place in two weeks." He noted stoically, his expression unreadable.

You had no idea why the words were coming out of your mouth, and yet you couldn't help it.

"Law, I'll be exchanging anatomy for a different course next term, so-"

"Oh. I see."

„Yeah."

Both of you looked down, neither of you sure how to say your goodbyes. Even though your head felt empty and you had no idea what to do, you got the feeling there were still so many things left unsaid between the two of you.

Then he looked at you, and, cliché be damned, at that moment his eyes betrayed the vulnerability he often tried to hide. It made your heart flutter despite yourself.

"(Y/N)-ya, I-"

Law didn't get to finish his sentence because suddenly, screams were coming from the entrance of the library.

"SIR, YOU ARE BURNING, YOU ARE ON FIRE, SIR! HELP, SOMEBODY!"

„Oh miss it's quite alright, you see, this is somewhat of a regular occurrence-"

Truth be told, you had no idea what was going on and were too stunned to say anything. Meanwhile, Law let out what could only be described as an exasperated groan.

"What is it?" you asked him.

Something strange was happening. First, some kind of maniac had set himself on fire in the library, and now Law - aloof, unapproachable Law seemed nervous.

Like he couldn't wait to get out of this place.

"N-nothing, just, it was good to see you, (Y/N)-ya. I'll be leav-„

„LAW! Law, ah, there you are!"

"Oh no."

A very, very tall man was walking towards the two of you, wearing a smile so bright and genuine you probably would've smiled right back, had you not been as utterly confused as you were.

The man was wearing a shirt covered in little hearts, and a strange hat-

You didn't get to take in his full appearance because not a second later, the man had managed to trip over... well, nothing, taking both himself and one of the huge bookshelves down in the process.

The librarian was going to throw another fit, that was for sure.

"OH MY GOD! WHAT HAPPENED?! WHAT DID YOU DO?! DO YOU KNOW HOW EXPENSIVE THESE SHELVES ARE? THAT IS MAHOGANY!!!" her wails echoed through the library as you couldn't help but laugh. You knew it wasn't exactly polite to laugh at other people, but the look on the man's face was simply too funny not to.

He looked like an innocent 5-year-old, keeping his head down as the librarian kept scolding him before eventually leaving him be after he'd promised to pay for the damage he'd caused.

"Glad you're enjoying yourself, (Y/N)-ya. I have to deal with this on a daily basis."

At the sound of your name, the man's face suddenly lightened up, as if he had an epiphany.

"So YOU are the famous (Y/N)!" He pulled himself up and immediately grabbed your hand.

„Famous?" you asked, still unsure what exactly was HAPPENING HERE.

"Cora-san, didn't I tell you to wait in the car? What's so hard to understand about that, Baka!"

Good God. Law sounded like he wanted to kill the man.

"Law, that's no way to speak to your father!"

Oh. Slowly, things were starting to make sense. But wait, hadn't Law told you his parents had-

"Foster father, and can we leave already? I'm sure you've left the stove on as always."

It sounded like a joke, but considering the events you'd just witnessed, you weren't so sure.

"Excuse me, I've made sure it's turned off this time! And besides", Cora-san said, turning around to focus on you once more, "how could we leave now when I'm finally meeting the girl you've been talking about for the past few months?"

Just when you'd thought things were making sense again, you were left speechless once more. From the corner of your eye, you could see Law pulling his hat over his face, and- was he blushing?!

"Oi, Cora-san, if you don't shut up, I will-"

"(Y/N)", Cora-san, as Law had called him, cheerfully said, completely ignoring his foster son, "you must have dinner with us."

Somehow, you could hear the windows error noise repeatedly going off somewhere in your mind.

"Uhm, what?" you asked, unsure if you'd heard correctly.

"Cora-san, didn't I just tell you-"

"I insist! Law told me you live alone, and we always cook way too much anyways."

"Well, this is a little sudden, so-" you started, when you felt a tattooed hand lightly touch your shoulder.

"You don't have to say yes. Just let me know and I'll get him to back off." Law said softly.

You took a moment to think while the two men kept bickering with each other.

There were still so many what-ifs when it came to Trafalgar Law, and even though you'd accepted his apology, you weren't sure whether it was the right decision to let him in again. Yet there was only one thing you could think of, and somehow, it made you feel invincible.

Water off a duck's back.

"Okay", you said.

The two men stopped arguing. Law was a very composed individual, but if there was ever a time when he looked positively shocked, it was then and there.

Meanwhile, his foster father looked like the cat that swallowed the canary.

"(Y/N)-ya, are you sure you-"

"Perfect, I'll get the car, and then we'll get something to eat!" As Cora-san went ahead, somehow managing not to knock over any shelves this time, Law was still looking at you.

"What's that, Law?" you grinned. "Cat got your tongue? You know, the two of you are kind of cute together."

Once again, he pulled his hat over his face before mumbling: "I'm not cute."

You couldn't help but laugh. And while the two of you made your way outside, you could see the hint of a smile playing around the corners of Law's mouth.

A/N:

Look who's back from the dead!
First of all, I owe all of you an apology. I'm sorry for disappearing for such a long time, but life has been crazy.
Between moving into my very first own apartment and my beloved dog passing away (I still miss him so much it's crazy) I just couldn't find the time nor the motivation to write.

That being said, I will NOT be abandoning this story! The draft for the last chapter is already finished and I'm confident I'll be able to finish it within the next few weeks (there MIGHT be an extra bonus chapter containing some spice, but for now, the next will be the final one.)

I'm also working on a few other One Piece One Shots, as well as fics for other fandoms (Boku No Hero Academia and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), so there are many things to come and I hope you'll stick around!
Also, "water off a duck's back" is - of course - an homage to the fabulous Jinkx Monsoon.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has supported this story. I promise I'll be more active from now on and I honestly appreciate every single one of you.

Also, even though it probably won't make a difference, I just want to say this:
Black Lives Matter. Black Trans Lives Matter. You are valid, you are wonderful, I love and support you. Always.

Much love <3,
R