Psychological Reasons

by Wusnus

Summary:

Law tried his best. He really did. He made every motion imaginable to communicate ‘HELL NO’ silently. Sabo did not care. Before Koala could respond, Sabo had hung up the snail and returned to grinning at Law and talking as if the call never occurred. Law, forgoing any attempts to listen, dedicated his full attention to his oncoming migraine. Far too late, he fully understood that this Sabo guy is going to be a long-term problem.

---

A few months after Marineford Sabo and Law meet on an island in the New World

Chapter 1: Sabo is a Problem

Since the war at Marineford, the revolutionaries have been extra careful with Sabo. He has been more impulsive in the months following his recovery, constantly disappearing to indulge his whims. Once, Koala lost contact with him for several days when he left unannounced to visit Sabaody. Nobody is quite sure how to handle his erratic behavior but Sabo insists on continuing to go on missions. It is on one such mission, on an island early in the New World, that Sabo disappears once more.

 

Koala, Sabo, and a few others have been sent to research the levels of marine and pirate activity following the post-Whitebeard power shift. The rapidly fluctuating borders of pirate territory vastly impacted trade across the world. Island nations throughout the Grand Line have been forced to ally with pirates or marines to protect shipping vessels. The World Government focused its aid on larger nations and key political allies. Smaller nations are trapped with dwindling resources. The people of these kingdoms turned to pirates for protection on the increasingly dangerous seas. Well-established pirates are taking advantage of the situation to expand networks of arms dealings and other illicit products. Nations across the grand line have ceded their ports to become trade hubs for pirates. 

 

Koala is here to investigate reports of a trade network under Joker. This port just supplies raw materials to the weapons manufacturing. It isn’t a high priority case by any means, but the World Government seems strangely involved in the situation. The port has a suspiciously high marine presence guarding ships transporting the weapons materials. Koala believes that the World Government knows Joker’s true identity. If her suspicions are correct, tracing the trade network may reveal a much larger operation is at play.

 

Sabo is here so Koala can babysit him. The revolutionaries have noticed Sabo causes less problems when he gets to go on missions. He doesn’t do well with sitting still or staying in one place for long, so staying at the base is non-ideal. By having Sabo tag along, Koala hopes to calm him somewhat.

—

They have only been on the island for one day and Sabo is already bored. All of his coworkers are off on their respective missions and Sabo has been left to “Keep an eye out.” according to Koala. Sabo is drinking his third cup of coffee in the outside seating of a small cafe a few blocks from the port. An overhang shields his table from the bright sunlight filling the streets and the sails of distant ships. This part of town is less crowded than others so even the open street has a sense of privacy. The people walking by only aid Sabo’s anonymity. He has a wired transmitter in one ear so he can monitor his black snail tapping the navy line. The coffee is actually really good, thanks to the island's trade connections, but it can’t make up for how boring the navy chatter has been. 

 

Sabo can’t take another hour of listening to marines report uneventful shift changes. About to ditch the snail and give them something eventful to report, he hears something interesting: A pirate sighting was reported on the island. Trafalgar Law . Perfect. Once he’s thanked the cafe, Sabo shoves the snail in his pocket and starts his search.

 

Based on the reports, the marines are fairly certain that Trafalgar Law is on the island but they don't know his exact location. Good. This means Sabo has time to find him first. He has been researching the Heart Pirates and keeping up to date with them in the news. While the crew –excluding their captain– are quite private, Sabo has been able to see glimpses of a few of the members in the background of photos. If he can recognize one of them, he will be able to find Trafalgar Law. 

 

—

 

Law is reviewing trade logs with the Heart Pirates in the back of a bar restaurant. Having Bepo next to him is helpful for getting through the documents, but the rest of the crew have had an opposite effect. At first, the occasional drops of spilled drinks and sauce could be excused as accidents. Now, Law is almost certain his crew are making a game of trying to stain the papers. He gets more confident in his theory when he notices Ikkaku is noting scores on a napkin. 

 

Seeing Shachi’s hand inching closer, Law pointedly makes eye contact. Despite being aggressively stared-down, Shachi does not retreat. The opened sauce packet inches closer.

 

A drop of sauce falls.

 

“Room.”

 

Shachi screams. Law grabs Kikoku from the seat beside him. Click . The attempt at organ theft is interrupted by Penguin walking into the restaurant. Shachi takes the opportunity to go help Penguin carry his bags, comfortably out of Law’s stabbing range. 

 

“Captain! I got the supplies!” With a huge grin, Penguin shouts towards the crew’s table. Even with Shachi having taken some, shopping bags nearly fill Penguin’s arms.  

 

“Quite an amount it seems.” Law cannot help but notice the mini penguin on Penguin’s hat is wearing a new scarf.

 

“Only as much as was strictly necessary!” Penguin drops his haul in front of the table and gives a salute.

 

“Sure.” Glancing past Penguin, Law finds his target again, but with Shachi there is an additional face. Someone followed Penguin in. The blonde man meets Law’s eyes and smiles. Creepy.

 

“Trafalgar Law.” He smiles wider and steps forward. Law briefly wonders if his chipped tooth and burn scar were from the same injury or separate events. He less briefly wonders about the pros and cons of killing this guy before he can talk more. The Heart Pirates chatter goes quiet as they take notice of the interloper. The weird guy raises his hands in surrender. “Relax! I’m not here for a fight!”

 

Law just squints at him. It is obvious this man is dangerous. He knows who Law is but he does not seem afraid. If anything he seems excited like a hunter smelling blood. The ‘surrender’ is clearly out of convenience rather than genuine concern about a conflict. This guy seems certain Law cannot kill him. Law is vaguely pissed off by this implication. When the man realizes Law isn’t going to say anything he steps forward again.

 

“It’s nice to meet you. My name’s Sabo and I actually owe you my thanks.” Sabo leans forward and holds out his hand. Sabo’s attempt at a friendly smile continues to be unsettling. Law does not shake his hand.

 

“I don’t do much that deserves thanks.” Law looks back down at his trade logs and realizes Bepo shifted his arm to cover them. Smart. Law should have thought of that. The less this guy knows the better. Without an easy escape, Law returns to eye contact. He cannot seem to get a read on this ‘Sabo’ guy. It is impossible to tell whether he is lying or if this level of weirdness is his baseline.

 

“You saved my little brother’s life! I’d say that deserves thanks!” Sabo pulls a few papers from his pocket. He sets the newspaper article about Marineford on the table and holds up a wanted poster. A wanted poster for Strawhat Luffy . Sabo’s weird smile has been replaced with a much more genuine one as he proudly displays the bounty. Law might have reflected on the fact this smile looks very nice if he was not busy trying to process this new information.

 

Strawhat has another brother? Law still does not fully understand the Fire Fist connection so trying to decipher this too is an impossible task. The most obvious answer is that this man is lying. This answer makes sense. It is reasonable . Yet, something about that proud smile is too genuine. Law feels stupid for it, but he does believe him. He still tries to keep his expression skeptical. Penguin looks like he has something — likely idiotic -– to say so Law answers first.

 

“Your brother, huh? Don’t thank me, I didn’t do it for any real reason. I just acted on a whim. I’m not the sort of person who saves people because it’s the ‘right thing’ or whatever.” Law hears a barely suppressed snicker from Penguin. Suppressing the urge to glare at Penguin, Law narrows his eyes at Sabo. “You can go now.”

 

Instead of leaving, Sabo pulls up a chair and takes a seat at their table. His chair tips as he leans forward. He is still smiling. 

 

“Let me pay for your meal, it’s the least I can do.” Before Law can reject the offer, Penguin and Shachi lunge forward.

 

“Deal!” The pair shake Sabo’s hand. Suddenly, Ikkaku has an arm around Sabo’s shoulder. Even Bepo’s resolve seems to break at the offer of free food. Law can only watch in helpless despair as his entire crew betrays him. If he cannot get rid of this guy, Law can at least minimize the damage Sabo can do. 

 

“Fine. Just stay away from my crew.” Law pushes his way out of the booth and drags Sabo away from the Heart Pirates. Sabo gives the crew a small wave as he gets pulled across the room. From the restaurant's bar, Law can keep watch over his crew while keeping Sabo from getting any information out of them. 

 

Once he has Sabo sat next to him at the bar, Law decides an interrogation is in order.

 

“Who the hell are you really?” Law is not sure if ‘Sabo’ is a real name in the first place. Sabo looks vaguely annoyed, like the answer is obvious, but then changes his mind. His unnatural smirk is gone.

 

“Sabo, Chief of Staff for the Revolutionary Army. I am not here on revolutionary business. I just want to know about my brother.” Law should be more concerned about the revolutionary army connection but something else catches his attention. Law notices something he had missed. There is a familiar exhaustion in Sabo’s eyes. It takes Law a moment to respond.

 

“Why are you on this island? Did you follow me here? How did you track us down?” He has to focus on the possible threat first. It does not matter how Sabo’s eyes look if he could put the Heart Pirates in danger.

 

“I have a separate job here. When I saw one of your crew, I took the opportunity to meet you. I just- I have to ask. Is Luffy safe?” It is obvious Sabo is leaving out important details. Law knows he should not trust the revolutionary. Sabo’s mismatched eyes look desperate. He clearly knows the answer but needs this confirmation. His damaged, warped pupil must not have full vision, if any, but Law feels its gaze cutting into him.

 

“Strawhat is safe. He has people watching over him too.” Even before he finishes speaking Law is mentally scolding himself for answering. Sabo’s shoulders slightly.

 

“Good… That’s good.” For a moment, Sabo’s mind seems to wander. His eyes are looking at something invisible, impossibly far away. Law leans closer and Sabo snaps back to reality. He is smiling again. “So! What are you doing here Captain Law?”

 

“Vacation.” Sabo laughs but does not question further. The interrogation is over. They both set aside their suspicions for the time being. 

 

“It’s a good spot, here. Outside is too bright.” Sabo orders a water. He is glancing over the bottles behind the bar now. From this angle, Law can not see his scar. “I like you. You’re funny.”

 

“I don't get that a lot.” Law struggles to discern the point Sabo is making. Law knows he  is not funny or likable. Sabo chuckles.

 

“I want to get to know you better. Tell me about yourself.” Law sighs, but as Sabo asks him questions he answers and asks Sabo in return. His favorite color is yellow, Sabo’s is blue – obviously. Law is 24, Sabo turned 21 last month. They both read often. The pair continue talking about inconsequential things, nothing too personal. They both seem to understand that the subjects of pasts and families are off-limits.

 

Talking about random likes and dislikes is nice. There is an appeal to ignoring everything important. It is the sort of conversation you imagine between civilians unaffected by pirates or marines. For the first time in a long time, Law feels normal . 

 

They talk until they lose track of time, finally interrupted by a ringing from Sabo’s pocket. Sabo tries to ignore it. Once the mini transponder snail had been ringing for nearly 2 straight minutes, Sabo finally acknowledged it. With a brief apology to law for the interruption Sabo yanked the snail to his face, picked up the call, and screamed “WHAT?!?” directly into the transmitter. Law is jarringly reminded that Sabo is insane.

To the immense credit of the caller she remained unfazed and began speaking as if that hadn't just happened. “Hey Sabo, where are ya???? We were s’posed to set sail an hour ago. Hack is getting-”

Sabo, a perfect gentleman, cut her off midsentence. “I’m busy.”

 

He glanced over at Law who was trying his hardest to disappear by willpower alone. Law liked their conversation and all, but did not want any further involvement with the revolutionary weirdo. Sabo’s grin held a deep evil within it. “Don’t worry Koala! You guys head off without me. I can hitch a ride and meet you at the next island.”

 

Law tried his best. He really did. He made every motion imaginable to communicate ‘HELL NO’ silently. Sabo did not care. Before Koala could respond, Sabo had hung up the snail and returned to grinning at Law and talking as if the call never occurred. Law, forgoing any attempts to listen, dedicated his full attention to his oncoming migraine. Far too late, he fully understood that this Sabo guy is going to be a long-term problem.

Notes:

This is my first time writing fanfiction I hope it isn't too glaringly obvious that my writing background is mostly academic papers. The title isnt super relevant its just based on the song "I Love your for psychological reasons" cause it reminds me of them

This is sort of my "canon" of sabolaw in my mind so it will mostly match one piece timeline with a few changes

I have 4 chapters scripted so far but there will probably be more!!!!

Chapter 2: 6 Days at Sea (part 1)

Sabo is very pleased with his success. Not only has he escaped a boring mission and found Trafalgar Law, but also he managed to get a ride on a ship full of interesting people. He finds Law to be the most interesting by far, but he still looks forward to meeting the others. The Heart Pirates already like Sabo, thanks to his food bribe. It may have been paid for with Dragon’s money, but for now, that is Sabo’s secret. 

 

Law leads the walk back to the Polar Tang, pouting ever since the crew made him agree to give Sabo a ride. With the crew’s support, and Sabo’s helpful information that the Marines know about their presence, Law was forced to give in. Bepo said it will take their ship about two weeks to reach Sabo’s stop, so there should be time for Law to find it in his heart to forgive him. 

 

When they reach the Polar Tang, rising from its spot hidden in the deep waters off the coast, Penguin and Shachi are happy to introduce Sabo to the remainder of the crew. Initially he is met with narrowed eyes and sideways glances, but whispered discussions with those from the restaurant seem to alleviate suspicions. Sabo does not hear what is said but assumes it is related to the food he paid for.

 

Penguin and Shachi give Sabo the grand tour. The interior is vast and winding. The many rooms nestled one atop the other are connected by twisting paths making optimal use of the space. Only a few main rooms have high ceilings and open areas. While the control room, operating room, and hallways are sterile and industrial, other areas of the Polar Tang are surprisingly comfortable. The bunk rooms are cozy and well decorated, many crew members have personalized their work stations, and the common room has a variety of seating options.

 

Sabo is actually impressed by the amount of privacy on the ship. The revolutionary children's dorms had been more cramped than this. Sleeping areas are separated by curtains, and some crew members have their own rooms, so everyone has a bit of personal space. Penguin and Shachi brag about the empty bunk they converted into a storage space for various items collected on their travels. There is even an electric guitar, though neither of them know how to play it.  Sabo is allowed to pick one of the few empty bunks – that have not been repurposed – to be his. There is even enough storage space for his metal pipe.

 

—

 

His first morning on the Polar Tang Sabo enjoys eating breakfast with the crew, despite their captain’s absence. Apparently, Law is typically not seen until midday at the earliest. Bepo sets aside some grilled fish and vegetables for him.

 

Even without any orders the crew stays busy. They move about, Ikkaku taking inventory, Bepo and Hakugan confirming the course, and Jean Bart watering the indoor farm’s plants. Sabo makes himself useful by helping Shachi with cleaning duty. According to Shachi, it is a job given to whoever annoyed Law most recently.

 

“So what did you do? To piss him off, I mean?” Sabo is wiping dust from the higher cabinets Shachi can not reach.

 

“Remember when you walked in the restaurant yesterday? Right before you got there, the captain almost cut me open for messing with his work. Me, Uni, and Ikkaku were trying to see who could get the most stains on his logs without getting killed. You showing up when you did actually saved my ass!” Shachi swings his broom in an imitation of Law’s swordsmanship. Sabo chuckles.

 

“I guess you owe me one then!” Sabo is mostly joking but if he needs it he will cash in that favor. Shachi shrinks slightly.

 

“You are a lot like captain, you know.” He points at Sabo’s face. “You got that evil scheming look in your eye!”

 

“Evil?” Sabo feigns offense. “I’ll have you know all of my schemes are pure of heart.”

 

Shachi gives him a look then shrugs and turns back to his work. “Whatever, as long as you’re helping me out I won’t complain.”

 

The two keep chatting as they work and are done quickly. Sabo spends the remaining time before lunch helping Ikkaku and Uni organize the storage room. Ikkaku is excited and asks Sabo about himself while she works. She also appreciates that Sabo can crush and compact scrap metal and trash with his hands. Sabo’s first impression of Ikkaku was that she seemed friendly, but based on Uni’s reaction it seems she is not usually so welcoming. By the time they sit down to eat, Sabo considers several of the crew members to be his friends.

 

Law finally emerges from his room while the crew is eating. He looks to still be half asleep when he trudges into the mess hall. Sabo waves at him and Law flinches slightly. Sabo surmises the captain is startled to see him. Law quickly sits in the far corner’s bean bag – a Penguin addition to the room – and starts reviewing a log book. Ikkaku pats Sabo’s back and laughs.

 

“Don’t worry, man! He gets prickly with new people.” She looks somewhat worried for Sabo. He did not think his expression wavered, but he must have looked disappointed. Ikkaku elbows him. Ah. He did not fix his expression quick enough. “It just means he likes you!”

 

Sabo suspects she intentionally spoke loud enough for Law to hear. If that was her intent, she succeeds, and Law sinks deeper into his chair. Sabo has to quickly move past his embarrassment from being comforted by Ikkaku. He just met these people, he can not have them pitying him already. With a chuckle he leans back, consciously relaxing his muscles.

 

“Awwwwww! Law, you like me? I'm honored, truly.” The path of least resistance is the path of evil. Ikkaku’s attention needs to be redirected and Law’s reaction earlier put a target on his back. Ikkaku perks up and leans forward. Success. 

 

“Why don’t you come sit with us, Captain? You haven’t properly greeted our guest.” Law looks up from his log book to glare at them. He tries to ignore the invitation but it is too late, and the rest of the crew catches on.

 

“Yeah, Captain! Come welcome Sabo!” Penguin jeers.

 

“You aren’t being a very gracious host to our honored guest!” Shachi’s taunt is only slightly diminished because he is actively hiding behind Jean Bart.

 

Even the crew members who Sabo has not properly met join in for Ikkaku if not him. Only Hakugan and Bepo have not yet joined the harassment. Law seems to be trying to kill his crew with a scowl alone. Bepo leaves his seat to crouch next to Law. With a paw on his shoulder Law turns to look at his navigator.

 

“Captain, you- uh- you probably should at least say something since he’ll be here a while.” Bepo is deeply apologetic while the rest of the crew cheers, knowing they have won. Law groans and pushes himself from his seat. He shoves the log book in his pocket as he walks over to Sabo’s seat, where the revolutionary has turned fully to face him. Once he is standing over him, Law extends a hand.

 

“Welcome to the Polar Tang, Revolutionary.” He is still glaring. Sabo smirks and leans back. He glances towards Law’s outstretched hand and crosses his arms. Sabo wants some minor revenge for yesterday. He makes no move to take Law’s hand.

 

“Thanks, Captain~” Law catches on and in a swift motion yanks Sabo’s hand to him, squeezing it tightly. Ikkaku looks at their hands and laughs. His grip is not actually very strong, not for a lack of trying. Sabo is just stronger. He wants to squeeze back but the risk of accidentally breaking bones is too high. Sabo decides to let Law have this one. He tries to look uncomfortable and Law, seemingly satisfied, releases him.

 

Ikkaku rises from her seat and pushes Law into it.

 

“Get something to eat, Cap.” She pats his back and grabs her now empty plate, taking it to the sink. Uni joins her and Bepo puts an onigiri on Law’s plate. Law slowly chews on it and looks at Sabo.

 

“You wear your gloves while eating?”  Law pokes Sabo’s gloved hand. Sabo uses his other hand to pull the glove further over his wrist.

 

“I get cold.” Sabo pokes Law’s hand back. “What do your tattoos mean?”

 

“Death. Obviously. What, is literacy not a requirement in the Revolutionary Army?” Law and Sabo, much like in their previous conversation, have come to a silent agreement on which topics are not to be discussed. With the standard set, they continue as they had in the bar, discussing various topics: which crew members Sabo has met, the ship’s supply schedule, and what to expect on the next island.

 

In 6 days the Polar Tang will reach a small winter island, Örnen. Law says his plan is to spend 2 days there restocking supplies and making any necessary ship repairs. From there it will be a 4 day journey to the island where Sabo will depart. Apparently, the inhabitants of Örnen primarily hail from the North Blue, so many Heart Pirates are looking forward to the foods and comforts of their homeland. 

 

Sabo recognizes the way Law speaks about the North Blue. It is identical to how Sabo discusses the East Blue. There is a careful sort of detachment in using your home sea to distract from any questions about your home island. Sabo is careful to keep his questions away from pinpointing any location more specific. Law seems to appreciate his delicacy.

 

As lunch time concludes and Bepo calls Law to review their course, Sabo joins Shachi and Penguin, and the three spend the next few hours attending to various tasks around the Polar Tang. The branching paths of the halls seclude many areas. Even with the constant sounds of machinery, whenever conversation lulls a sense of uncomfortable silence fills the air. Whenever Sabo’s companions turn a corner before him, he feels the strange isolation of the submarine. He now understands why the crew work in groups even for simple tasks.

 

Occasionally, while passing the more crowded common areas Sabo sees Law — always surrounded by his crew. Like the other Heart Pirates, the captain is quick to put himself to work. Each time Sabo sees him, Law is occupied, easily making up for the time he spent away during the first half of the day.

 

Even at dinner that night, he brings his work to the table. The crew — mostly Ikkaku — chastise their captain until he sets the stack of papers and charts aside to eat. Reminded of many similar discussions between Koala and himself, Sabo sits out the opportunity to mess with Law. 

 

As the evening goes on, the crew gradually finish any remaining work and retire to their quarters. When Sabo decides to turn in for the night, Law is still working.

 

“G’night, Captain.” Sabo waves from the doorway.

 

“Goodnight, Revolutionary.”

Notes:

Chapter 2 kept getting longer and longer to the point I had to split it into multiple chapters. It was also taking me so long i decided to go ahead and post this first part of it. As it stands the second part to this chapter will be about twice as long as this one but should be done in the next week or so. Sorry if this update is kinda boring I promise way more happens in part 2

o7