My first Kid Law fic. And this is especially dedicated to my beloved friends Carla, Corbin, and Rose because those dorks are as silly and pervy as me and I love them so much I can't even begin to say it.
Enjoy! and I'm still looking for Beta so if you don't mind me and my weird, sometimes pervy ideas, please let me know :)
Kid walked down the stairs to deck, his black boots knocking against the slate in a hurried manner. Cold crisp wind blew in the night, as if asking his flaming red hair for a wild dance under the crescent moon and a million stars above Grand Line Sea. Kid shivered faintly when the wind bit his exposed skin, but he ignored it and keep walking, making distance from the loud noises they called 'party' behind the merry door.
He was about to stop and lean on the first fence he saw, lighting a cigarette and just forget that the world behind him exists. However, on second thought, he decided to turn around and walked to a place far enough, that people from the party couldn't find him on their first try. A place where Killer wouldn't find him so easily just to play mother on him again.
Not knowing where he should go, Kid let his instinct guide him to wherever it wanted to be instead. That ship is so big, the biggest of the century, but Kid seem to feel trapped all the same. It's really funny, how a place so huge could trigger claustrophobic feeling pushing his skin so hard, it could touch his very bones.
He finally stopped when he reached the stern. He could still walk if there were another kilometer in front of him, but it seems like he had to be satisfied with this dead end. It's not so bad, he thought. There are no one who would lecture or disgust him in here. There were only few people around, and none of them trying to make conversation with each other. They're either too busy daydreaming, or nodding themselves to sleep to even notice his presence. Just like usual. Good, Kid thought as he leaned himself into the furthest fence. If he learned anything, he found out that stern was always the quietest place in the ship. At first, he thought it was because stern doesn't give anything to see at night save for a few lifeboats, benches, and classic lamps. But after a few visits, he had learned that stern at night was not giving a very pleasurable view. It shows you pitch black sky with a little shade of dark blue, weak blinking stars, and a ghost-like sound of rushing waves. All combined, it seems like there's a gigantic sea monster hiding somewhere in those vast darkness. Add the ship's speed and not so subtle sway, then you get the perfect combo to create overwhelming feeling on your stomach and your mind.
Luckily, Kid also had learned that a few drag of cigarette can overcome the effect.
He lit a cigarette and drag a smoke so deep, his lungs almost explode. He finally exhaled, creating a ghost-like effect that quickly disappeared into the blowing wind. Something crunched his guts, threatening him to throw up small amount of food he had for dinner. Kid took a few more drag, hoping that he would overcome the feeling sooner. It usually took four to five, but of course, tonight has to be special because he had spent one cig and he still felt nauseous.
He huffed, sulking to himself for a millionth time for ever agreeing into this. His mind flew back to when he was first invited to this 'grand sailing party' of Oro Jackson. The biggest, and by far the fanciest Cruise Ship in the world. Kid was not impressed, at least not as much as Heat, Wire, or even Killer. Definitely not as impressed and as fascinated as Bonney. He was never one for fancy things, and definitely never thought to even set a foot on Oro Jackson, no matter how much he read and heard about its "endless beauty". He only stopped long enough to care about it when his favorite moto-magazine talk about the specification of the machine and how it would perform. It intrigued him more when he read that Tom & Franky is the manufacturer for that gigantic ship's machine and model.
Tom & Franky was notorious as one of the best machine builder and designer in the world. Kid had always respect them despite only seeing their work with his own eyes four times. Hearing that they build the machine for this Cruise Ship, Kid started to develop a strong curiosity of its "monster machine". He often found himself staring at the simple blueprint published by the very moto-magazine longer than he should be, a fact that was also noticed by Bonney and Killer. A fact that they happily use to tease him, riling him up almost to no end.
Then, as if the universe wanted to help him quench his curiosity, an invitation for his band to play on Oro Jackson's first sail arrived at his doorstep―well, more like shoved to his face in a drunken enthusiasm by his foster father and garage manager, Shanks. It was no biggie biggie. Kid's band would be one of the opening band on the small stage at the launching party, and then a series of small café performance throughout the sail. All of the band members were so thrilled, it's hard to say no. Definitely impossible when Bonney heard about it and she practically jumping around the whole evening, and spending the rest of the night asking, begging, forcing Kid to accept it. Watching that childish girl light up like Independence day's sky, Kid finally gave in and agreed to go along. Besides, it was enough honor and acknowledgement for his shitty after hour band.
The trip was really great at first. They were given the second-class room to stay the night, with hot shower, very comfy bed, and breakfast in the second class restaurant every morning. The opening party was good, the booze were good, and it could be even more perfect for his young blood desire if the makeout sessions he had weren't interrupted by his disgusted feeling over his partners.
Because fuck, it's a big turn off when he turned out kissing a shallow minded assholes who couldn't keep their disgusting opinions to themselves.
Kid gritted his teeth upon the thought. Ever since he stepped foot on the ship, he just couldn't pass a few hours without hearing one thing or two about Heat and Wire's appearance. A stifled laugh when they passed, a sound of fake vomit, and more things that are not pleasing to the ears. He almost explode when he heard a comment about Killer's bangs and occasionally peeking scar, and finally, he charged in fury when he heard someone make comment about Bonney's sense of fashion and basically calling her whore. He punched them, showing no slightest mercy even after they got beaten up to the point they almost lose consciousness. The train of anger couldn't be stopped by then. Every time he heard a stifled laugh, or even a stare too long to his friends, Kid would straight attack them. Women or men, old or young. It often resulted on him imprisoned in the ship's temporary jail for 12 hours straight each time. If he had a show to play before the 12 hours passed, he would be released before going back there until he fulfill the punishment time.
After a while, those spoiled rich brats with their weird accent and their tendency to look down on people got under his skin. He felt like he's confined, and his only company were nothing than Vultures. That agonizing feeling soon followed by the fact that he misses his job. Being in a band is fun and all, but guitar is not as intriguing as machines, and playing show is not as exciting as tinkering with half dead cars. After a while, even a short trip to inspect the machinery in the gut of the ship was not so fun anymore. In between those agonizing moments, Kid just decided that he just couldn't belong here, in the multi million dollars floating paradise.
And here he thought that sailing in the vast ocean is more or less the definition of "being free".
"Che," he spat as he leaned his weight on his elbow against the fence. "Free my ass."
"I thought so too."
Kid quickly turned his face to see if that voice was replying his sulky murmur. It was definitely too close to be a coincidence.
Behind him, there stood a man in a white tuxedo, which collar was unbuttoned and his yellow tie was loosen. His suits hug his slender body perfectly in place, glowing calmly even under dim light. Lights fell in the right places, creating perfect silhouette that shows only his best features, and adding more charisma to that charming look. Judging from his fancy tux and his olive skin, Kid could instantly guess that this man is just another filthy rich Northerner.
Perfect. Just what he needed.
"What?" he spat. A simple question that could be also translated as "Go Away" with the way it was spoken.
"You said you want to free your ass," the asshole repeated calmly, in an accent that could only belong to Northerners. Asshole's thin lips curved into a smug smile. "I said I agree, because they look like a little bit tortured inside that tight pants."
Kid huffed. "It wasn't literal," he commented. But as soon as he realized a more urgent matter in his words, Kid scowled. "Wait, did you just checked on my ass?"
"Will it be weird if I say yes?"
"Of course, you dipshit. You're a stranger."
The man chuckled. "A stranger who proudly claim to love butts," he said as he sat on the floor and leaned his back on the fence, looking all relaxed and even he let out a lopsided smile. They were separated by one foot of thin air, so Kid couldn't complain about the invasion of his personal space. But still, that man is one foot too close to him, especially after his non-chalant comment about his ass. "Trafalgar Law, by the way."
"What?" Kid asked again, now more confused than angry. Great, now he felt like a dumbass. Between the man's ridiculous northern accent and the wind so eager beating his eardrum, Kid couldn't make of his words.
"Trafalgar Law," he repeated, louder and slower, as if he talked to a retarded pig. "My name. What's yours?"
That weird name just confirmed his suspicion. "Why Northern Boy wanna know?"
Law flinched to the nick name Kid gave him, but if it bothered him, he shows no further indications. "So we wouldn't be strangers anymore, of course," he said calmly. As expected from Northern Elites. "Therefore, you could take my comment about your ass as a compliment."
"I take that as a compliment, if that will make you get the hell out of here and look for another fence to lean your back to," Kid said, none too friendly as he threw his cigarette to the ocean. The rolled up tobacco had long lost its taste in his mouth.
"I don't know if I can," said the man.
"Oh, I know you can. Really, this ship is almost as big as my city. I'm sure there are a lot of fences where you can lean on without interrupting somebody else's attempt to be alone."
Even under a poor lighting from the lamp a few meters away from them, Kid could see that man grins. "I happen to like this particular fence. And for the record, I have been here a few hours earlier than you, so it is you who interrupt my solitude."
"Oh, so you must happen to have the invisible cloak then, because I didn't see you before," Kid almost barked.
"I sat there on the bench."
"Then you're not officially here. Shut up now and go back there to that fucking bench."
"It's just two feet away from here, therefore this is still my territory and my claim is still valid."
Kid started to develop headache in this useless argument. "Smartass," he grunted.
"There," the man turned his head to Kid, his grin turned into coy smile. Kid didn't know how that smile could easily light the pair of his grey eyes, making them look bright and lively even though there were nothing but darkness around them. "Since apparently it's so rude to make remarks about ass to a stranger, you should give me your name."
Kid almost choked on air. Fuck, how could that man trapped him easily? Kid gritted his teeth, still refusing to admit defeat.
"Don't wanna."
"Then, I would report you for sexual harassment."
At this point, Kid didn't know if he should just leave or kick this man to the ocean below. Surely a man with such smart mouth wouldn't be missed by anyone. But the first option is impossible, because Kid currently hates the other part of the cruise ship more than he hates this smart ass. The second option is even more impossible because judging from the gold earrings on both of Trafalgar-who's ears and his rather polite manner, he must be one of the big fish in the north. Someone whose words would be instantly be believed by authorities. Kid huffed, but his pride still couldn't allow him to admit defeat.
"Satan."
"What?"
"You asked my name. It's Satan."
The man sighed. "I would have believed that with hair like yours. But no parent could be so cruel, giving such name to their child. Try again."
"You wouldn't believe what kind of parents you'll find in the south part of the country," Kid snickered. But again, he missed the more important point in his words. "Wait, did you just mock my hair, you asshole?"
This time, that man grinned. And Kid almost wanted to hit his forehead to the nearest pole as he realized his mistake. "That's two remarks mentioning ass, and you still don't give your name. You really wish to stay the night at ship's prison so badly?"
Kid scowled again, not entirely amused by the way that man just came his way and threaten him all because of just one stupid word that was said with no sexual intention. Hell if Kid would flirt to this asshole―um, bastard. But he has no doubt that this dumbass―um, prick, would follow up his threat if he wants to. That's just in those northerners nature; they have enough acting skill to convince the right people in order to get what they want or to save their unlimited pride. In another day, Kid would just go challenging that bastard. He's not scared of that cold, dark place they called temporary prison. He had been to worse places in his life. But tonight, he felt really exhausted and spent. Even though he hadn't kicked anyone's ass―um, body, who dare to stare at Wire more than five seconds inside the club where they just play not many hours ago.
But wait, why the fuck he was censoring himself in his mind again?
Kid sighed. He pulled out one cigarette and lit another one, trying to calm down before Killer appeared out of nowhere and smack his head for his short temper. Okay, he thought to himself. To be fair, this piece of ASS is just asking for small chat. Kid was the one who made fuss about it. All because he felt uncomfortable that this ASShole is checking his ASS without his permission, not to mention that he even pointed it out to his face. Well, it could really be a compliment if he mentioned it somewhere more appropriate. Like the club, for instance, or even on tinder should Kid put a full display on his ASS as profile picture. But not here, and definitely not when he's fucking pissed with everything above this fucking ship.
He let out a smug smile, feeling absolutely content that he has eliminated all the self-censorship in his mind. Suddenly, he felt like he could gain control of his temper again.
Trafalgar-who grinned. "Well?"
"Eustass Kid," he finally answered, venom laced every single syllable that was his name.
Trafalgar-who blinked for a few second, before his lips made an amused smile. "Come on, now. As much as it is more creative than 'satan', it's not good enough to make it believable," he said, with a low chuckle that almost sounded fine, if only that doesn't addressed to Kid. "Kid, seriously? You really are as not-friendly as your look, are you?"
Kid blinked to hear that, not sure what to make of his word before he decided to kiss all the "self-control" goodbye and explode all of his suppressed fury. "That's my real name, you asshole!" he shouted angrily. He stepped forward to grab that bastard's expensive tux and throw him to the ocean, before the thought of Killer crossed his mind again. Kid stepped back, staggering and angry with the whole ordeal. His hands shivered, and his cigarette dropped to the floor, rolling to the edge of the ship by the wind. "You know what, fuck it. If you filthy northerners really have nothing better than looking down on people, then sucks to be you. I'm done being played around," he shouted, too loud to attract some curious eyes their way.
"You better don't show your face in front of me again, you shithead! Because I promise, you will not be able to laugh with your pretty teeth again. You stare at me one more time, and I promise there will be no eyes left on your face for you to look down on people. Ya hear me, asshole? You and all those fucked up, spoiled northerners!" he continued in a louder voice. Kid was so tempted to kick the living shit out of that bastard here and now, but the thought of Killer's speech and his bandmates well being keep what's left of his sanity, forcing him to storm out of the stern in anger. Legs stomping hard, as if he intend to destroy every piece of the wood. Well, Kid sure as hell could if he put extra effort. But he's just so exhausted, so angry, so desperate to get out. He thought of just throwing himself to the water and swim his ass back to the city, or in the saner thought because he knows that he's not exactly a gold medal swimmer, he would just steal one of the small boat and row himself out of this shitty ship. But Kid knew better that he's sucks at direction, even on dry land. He would get better chance to get back home safely if he takes Killer with him. However, if he ever heard of that plan, there's a bigger chance Killer would slice him up to pieces instead of agreeing to it without asking irritating questions about his sanity. The fact that Kid was his best friend since they were very young wouldn't help him much in that case.
With so little he could do in such desperate time, Kid could only think of one thing to escape his despair; that is getting back to his room and sleep those anger away. Even if it would still remain the following day.