It was several days after the whole Walmart fiasco, and both Lexi and Law were fully recovered from their illness. Thankfully, there wasn't any majorly strange or bothersome occurrences in the time between, what with the engineers having to take care of three sick or mentally unstable people. With Lexi's direction and instructions, they helped clean and even cook for those occupying the house. Shachi and Penguin were pretty well-behaved, a grateful Lexi found, and it really made things easier for the rest of them.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIUkbxP2fz
Unfortunately, missing three days of classes couldn't be helped by the good behavior of the pirates. Her assignments began to pile up, and she had to haul ass the last day to even begin to catch up.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4wHo5AAgK
Lexi became a recluse after that, spending the majority of her time at the university or in her room studying. The only times she'd come out were to grab something to eat or make something for the rest of them.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsAG6j80Lo
Law began noticing the signs of exhaustion after the third full day of doing nothing but study. Though he had to admire her determination. Law and Bepo lounged around the living room, watching some strange program on the tv. Shachi and Penguin were in the backyard helping Nana with some gardening. Lexi emerged for only the second time that day, sluggishly descending the steps with half-lidded eyes.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsoTMDtN9X
"Um…Lexi?" Bepo pried, seeing her disheveled appearance.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvvnlWfIqL
"Hmm?" She replied, too much in a daze to meet his gaze. She was only reacting to the sound of his voice.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoeAE9DRbw
"Are you alright?"copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡen1ahnpnrJ
"Mhmm." She reached the bottom of the stairs and went into the kitchen. She disappeared from sight, and Law watched the polar bear give him a concerned glance. They could hear her open the doors of the fridge, then a second later there was a loud crash of glass being broken followed by a feminine shout of surprise.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxEASAjSXu
The two pirates jumped with a start, Law swinging his head around to gather the source of the noise. Rolling his eyes, he stood and went into the kitchen after her. There he saw a dazed and startled Lexi staring at the ground, where a glass baking dish with leftovers from the day before had shattered against the floor. The pieces had scattered everywhere, and the enchiladas, as she had called them, lay in a half-frozen pile in the middle.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9Kv0inKpB
Law looked to Lexi for explanation but she only rubbed her eyes furiously to get the sleep out of them. "It slipped out of my hand…" She said.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmum7dk5ra
Sighing, he knelt down to start cleaning up the mess, but a quiet sob made him stop. Looking up, he saw her shoulders start to shake.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uswk7oW5b
"Why are you crying?" He asked in confusion. Had she hurt herself? There were no visible wounds on her body anywhere…copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡz11ux6eu0H
"I'm just so tired…I can't fail my classes, but I'm so tired…" She sobbed, sniffing and wiping at her eyes with the sleeves of her shirt.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNU8ShSVBp
He stared at her a moment, unsure of what to do, but it seemed the universe would decide that for him. Lexi tried to take a step towards the stairs, most likely to go back up to her room, but she faltered. Law recognized something in her gait, something in the way she moved and instinctively stepped up to catch her before she passed out and fell to the ground in the broken glass.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m9FKF5drF
Lexi's head lolled foward, and her full weight fell against the pirate. If he hadn't have been there, she would have face planted straight into a pile of jagged glass. He wrapped her arm around his shoulder, picking her up by her knees and back. With a sigh, he stood and walked towards the stairs.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9gEMyO248
"Bepo, will you clean up the mess in the kitchen?" He asked, and the bear stood.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVHE9P5lIc
"Yes, Captain."copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXFxS52z1J
Satisfied that the job would be done, he ascended the steps to the top of the stairs, pushing against her door that was slightly ajar.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa2hmtWvLs
Stepping carefully so as not to have her head hit the doorframe, Law moved towards her bed, gently lifting her from his hold and placing her on the comforter. She didn't wake up, probably feeling the full effects of her exhaustion. He was thankful of that, as if she'd been aware of his kind gesture, she'd probably mock him for it. He was not a hero, nor was he kind. It would do no good for her to be thinking that way.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS6Mh8UWdA
"Troublesome woman." He muttered, stopping only to toss a blanket over her still form before shutting the door behind him on the way out.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfjguwwPxp
*Somewhere In Town*copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EavgV0RsH
7:00 pmcopyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡwejuJ3SEXN
He watched from his car as the attractive brunette woman exited the clothing store, shopping bag in hand. She chattered mindlessly into her cellphone, not aware that a steely pair of eyes followed her every move. She walked down the sidewalk towards where her car was parked.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsfqmoO37v
He narrowed his eyes, waiting for the moment that she realized her vehicle would not start. He loved that most, seeing the interruption of a routine, watching as something completely fell apart and they didn't know what to do next.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfDp83ir6H
Still talking on the phone, she opened the door with one hand, climbing inside and placing her bag on the passenger seat.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87lqmt1mr7
He gripped the steering wheel tighter, agitated, impatient. The loud rock music playing over the radio drowned out the cab, but he paid no attention to the noise. He watched as her confusion presented itself with her pause and a crease on her forehead. She frowned, turning the key several times but having no luck starting the engine.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcNTOLJ3UC
Angry, she got out of the car and seemed to dial a new number on her phone, holding it up to her ear in frustration. There, that was his cue.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ESzC8VC8a
Turning the key, his vehicle roared to life, and he switched gear, pulling back into the flow of traffic. He passed her by, going a street down and turning around to head the opposite direction. Towards her.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYx7il3gvr
She paced back and forth on the sidewalk, shielding her eyes with her hand from the bright sun. He pulled in directly in front of her car, slowing to a stop and exiting the vehicle quickly.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlbgNBLPMr
"…don't need a ride after all. No, there's a tow truck here now. Ok, I'll see you at 8." He heard her say as he approached. She gave a grateful smile, sighing loudly.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWB4Y9Bxu8
"Wow, you showed up at just the right time." The woman said, flashing a smile. He narrowed his eyes, but she didn't notice it from under his hat. He walked up to the car and gestured for her to pop the hood.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡWApHs3UzKn
"Let's see what we've got here." He said, internally measuring her body for what he had planned later. Yes, she would do nicely…copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb0ZYO5lMB
"I don't know why it won't start. It has a brand new battery and everything." She called from her front seat, pulling the tab to pop the hood. It clicked open and he propped it up with the latch. Leaning forward, he peered into the engine bay, pretending to take his time as he 'searched' for the problem. Then, a moment later, he pointed to a hose by the engine.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hWb90Z527
"Someone cut your engine hose." He explained as she walked up, then watched as she ran a hand through her hair in frustration.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6V2OrcD3f
"That's just great…" She muttered, probably thinking about how much it would cost her to repair it. Though, he assumed that would be the last thing on her mind before too long.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzpVIHbgHr
"Lucky for you, I'm not on my way to another call." He flashed her a charismatic grin, watching as she returned it with one of her own. "Let's get you hooked up and out of here."copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡfonugJiYMS
"Thanks, I really appreciate it." She said, and he only laughed a little, careful to to let on that he could care less what she appreciated. Walking back to his vehicle for his tools, he grinned madly to himself, curling his fingers in anticipation for what was to come.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcJNgXNoDG
Lexi cracked one eye open, finally aware that she was, in fact, awake. With a groan, she took a deep breath through her nose, rubbing at her eyes blearily. The first thing she registered was that it was night. One look at the clock told her it was 10:51 pm, but she couldn't ever remember falling asleep in the first place.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF5rsmTTDp
Frowning, she slowly rolled out of bed and padded towards the door. Reaching for the handle, her stomach growled loudly, and she placed a hand on her chest as the rumbling slowly died away.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbYnQ0YQqu
"Starving…" She muttered to herself, turning the handle and stepping out into the hallway.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4lNH0nd0m
The dark house was illuminated only by a lamp from the living room, and Lexi raised a brow when she saw Law still up, reading from one of her medical textbooks.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnj68dsHZP
"You're still awake?" She asked softly, making him look up from his reading.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtvieBBH9o
"Some nights I find it hard to sleep." He answered truthfully, watching her come down the stairs. "Now, why are you awake, Lexi-ya?"copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRA7gKvuCo
She yawned deeply, holding onto the banister as she set foot on the ground floor. "I'm not sure, but probably because I'm hungry." As if to emphasize the fact, her stomach rumbled again, causing the pirate to smirk and Lexi to blush. Before she could unintentionally embarrass herself further, she headed towards the kitchen and opened up the fridge.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mG3sy4UuR
"Thanks for bringing me upstairs…" She faintly called, and Law raised a brow in surprise. He hadn't expected that.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oCk3ODCHE
"Hmm. Perhaps you should be more careful not to faint in the future." He replied, unable to resist teasing her just a little.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrRqtgxnOi
"Hmph." She retorted, just loud enough for him to hear as she rummaged through the various food items in the fridge. Seeing nothing she wanted, she switched over to the freezer. There was still a frozen dinner not yet eaten, so she removed it from the box and walked over to the microwave.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVYogsec9s
There was silence, and Lexi thought that maybe Law went back to his reading. Before, she might have been irritated that he was touching her stuff, but she supposed there wasn't much she could do to stop him, so she let it be. It wasn't like he would rip it up or something. At least she hoped.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYCz0tFRFt
The whirring of the microwave putting her into a sort of trance, she was startled when it beeped several times, indicating it was done. Opening the door, she retrieved her food and turned to open the drawer with the silverware.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaBvPU950y
Macaroni and cheese in hand, she walked into the living room and sat on the couch opposite of Law. With a sigh, she placed the tray on the coffee table and curled up on the arm of the couch.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QEJCNyYgT
"I don't know how much more I can take of this…" She sighed, eating a mouthful of her dinner. Law, his interest piqued, glanced up at her.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xUXN3g9Xi
"Of what exactly?"copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LeYIbxFNi
She gestured to the medical book in his hand. "College. Studying. Life in general." She stabbed a few more macaronis with her fork, chewing them quickly. "Nothing is as I'd hoped it would be…"copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZab8y8Hsq
"You mean since your parents were killed?" He asked in the silence, and she stilled, fork still in her mouth. Eyes wide, she turned to Law quickly.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSox7kXzEZ
"How do you-"copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKBxBAa1pj
"Your grandmother told us." He interrupted, watching her reaction with interest. She glanced away, seeing the anger well up in her eyes, but then it was replaced with a weariness.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNyeLoQsrI
"I see." Was all she said, but he'd hoped from more than that.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxYGJ3YjgE
"She said you blame yourself for what happened." His prying was making her retreat further into herself, if her body language was anything to go by. She tucked her legs up underneath her and tilted away from him.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqBpKlpsB7
"Yeah…" She ate a few more bites before adding softly, "If I hadn't have left the house, they'd still be alive."copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzulx2YeEZ
"That may well be true." He said, and she looked at him sharply. Obviously she didn't appreciate him saying these harsh things, but he only shrugged. "You can't know what would or would not have happened if your actions had been different. You'll just have to live with the outcome." He answered honestly.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vv2C2W5Vf
She was silent, staring at the black screen of the tv, chewing mindlessly on her dinner. There was a long pause in the conversation, Law staring at the brunette in wait, knowing that she would be the next one to speak or she'd get up and go back to bed. He was rather curious which option she'd pick. And he wasn't disappointed.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXyanMCNIy
"When are you guys going back to your world?" She asked after several minutes of silence. He shrugged.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tFZ6dgAGw
"Unless we find out what exactly caused us to be sent here, we can't possibly find a way back."copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKJnYgT4jD
"Well, I hope you find it soon." She retorted in a clipped tone. He smirked in amusement, noting the way she wouldn't look at him but down at her now-empty tray of food. She absentmindedly swirled the fork in the left-over cheese, saying nothing.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkbWihansF
"Are you that eager to get rid of us, Lexi-ya?" He asked, and she spared him a glance.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J2twIt0pB
"You guys have made my life an insane mess since you got here. I'll be happier when you are out of my life." She accused, and he had to admit that perhaps they'd caused quite a lot of commotions since arriving, but he only chuckled deeply.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpTwcqlsFB
"And yet you still haven't called the authorities, though you've had plenty of opportunities to do so."copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT5gAm8VKu
To this she had no answer, but she still didn't feel like getting up quite yet. There was another long pause as she continued to stare into space, and Law went back to the medical book after awhile, convinced that her next move would be to head back to bed.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXJIgombH6
Again, he was pleasantly surprised.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoUMAk3bGl
"Tell me about your world." Her quiet voice said. Law glanced up in surprise, staring at Lexi's face to see if she'd been kidding, but she returned the gaze with her serious green eyes,copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡazj8nhgWdv
Setting the medical book down, he turned back to her. "What exactly would you like to know?"copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhuQtdBrke
"Everything you can think of. I just want to know." She propped up her head with one hand, as Law took a moment to think, before telling her all about the things he'd come to know in his time as a pirate.copyright protection186ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkNMvnKJ1z
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