On the Surface

by Doctor CYANce

Law knew everything about who Eustass Kid was the moment they met, but some first impressions aren't quite what they seem. Kid/Law, modern AU, my submission for One Piece Big Bang 2015. Warnings for mentions of past child abuse/dysfunctional families, organized crime, swearing, violence, drug and alcohol use, and sexual content.

2. Chapter 2

Law's office was a tiny thing he shared with two others. Fortunately, none of them spent much time in its confines. One paneled wall of windows faced the newly-erected steel infrastructure that would ultimately become GLCC's new clinic building - they were still debating over what to call it. Two of the most monied donors were in a bit of a political dogfight over whose name would show up on the front doors. Law was hoping for the Edward Newgate Clinic of Medicine, because anything with his brother's moniker attached would make working there an exercise in masochism.

Fortunately, his fellowship would be finished around the same time the clinic opened. Maybe Law would move on. It seemed silly to dictate his future on the basis of a building's stupid name, but there was something to be said about maintaining appropriate boundaries, of which his brother had none.

He doubted Doflamingo would've ever become involved had Law's employment by the hospital not factored in. They'd hardly spoken over the years he'd been away, though his brother had made multiple overtures. Law simply wasn't interested. He'd had enough of that family and their business to last a lifetime.

He hadn't planned to return to the city but GLCC was one of the best hospitals in the country. Some things were worth swallowing one's pride for, and a prestige residency position happened to be among them.

Like any construction project, the clinic's was mostly a nuisance, redirecting traffic and creating a shifting zone of chaos that Law did his best to avoid. It wasn't like there was any reason for him to be near it anyway, unless he took an actual lunch break over by the food trucks. His schedule wasn't very permitting and he spent more noon hours parked in front of his computer munching through leftovers than anything else. It was merely coincidence that he'd had the opportunity today - and another such coincidence in running into that same man, Eustass Kid, twice by chance.

Once was acceptable; twice was a pattern, and nothing coincidental at all. Law wasn't surprised, honestly. He knew what was really going on. Apparently, cutting Doflamingo out of his life had not delivered the intended message, and his brother now saw fit to intrude upon it in the most insidious of ways.

There was quite the difference between what Doflamingo was up to and the typical barrage of arranged dates one had to contend with from well-meaning friends and relatives. Those were usually just the product of misplaced but fundamentally good intentions. Penguin was guilty of that sort of thing, but he'd learned not to bother. It was a sweet gesture, which Law resented. He didn't need to be in a relationship to be happy. It was tacitly insulting that everyone else thought differently. Doflamingo was the worst offender in this regard; ever since Law had moved back to the city, the man had sent a succession of suitors after him that left Law shocked by his own popularity. It was only after he caught on to who was behind it all that the shine started to wear off.

Despite knowing who was responsible for the uptick in interest, Law was begrudgingly intrigued by this new candidate, Eustass Kid. He was very unlike all the rest Doflamingo had sent. They tended to come in a certain type, presumably what Doflamingo thought Law would appreciate. In actuality, they were far more like what his brother would approve of more than anything. They were usually of the upper crust, the sort of well-bred peers Doflamingo viewed as appropriate companions. At the very beginning, they'd all been women, which was quite surprising indeed - Law had never made his preferences a secret, and had been certain of his sexuality by the time he was twelve. It had never been a subject of much controversy for him or anyone else in the family; Law knew he was fortunate in such regards. Even if Doflamingo ignored these facts at the outset, over time, he'd gotten the message: the current crop of suitors were all men, and very nice to look at.

Most of them were fairly decent in bed as well. Law had no reservations about taking advantage of these offerings when they showed up on his doorstep. But he also had no illusions: he knew they were bought and paid for; any affection was merely an act. Perhaps they would develop genuine feelings over time, but it was pointless to become invested in a relationship founded on a dishonest basis.

Law had learned that lesson the hard way. Early on in the game, he'd become well and truly enamoured with a man only to discover that he was an underling in Doflamingo's vast underworld organization. His brother managed to spread his tentacles into every facet of Grand Line City life; it was one of the reasons Law had originally left, and the same reason he'd been hesitant to return. His brother had the city in his pocket and everyone had their price. Many of his low-level associates probably jumped at the chance to win their boss' favor - and potentially a place in the inner family itself, through marriage - should they be able to worm their way into Law's heart.

After that first abrupt reality check, Law vowed it would never happen again. He'd been fooled once, and painful lessons had a tendency to last.

More than anything, the entire scenario left Law feeling like a piece of meat to be swapped around until the most politically powerful alliance could be made. He was sure that inevitably would've been his fate if he'd stayed in the family.

As he thought, he found himself staring out the window to the construction site beyond. At least it gave them something to watch now and then. Small figures swarmed across the metal infrastructure like little orange prescription bottles capped by white hardhats. An enormous crane was lifting pendulous stacks of rebar up to one of the upper levels when Law's coworker, Tony, arrived. He was one of the two Law shared the office with, and took the most interest in the proceedings of the new building.

"Ahh, look at that!" He enraptured, dropping a take-out carton on his desk. He balanced a pair of binoculars against his eyes; they were kept specifically so that he could follow the building's progress. "I saw them lifting port-o-potties up with the crane this morning. Almost wanted to see one of them fall, just for what would happen."

"I met one of the workers today at lunch," Law said, thinking aloud.

Tony seemed far more interested than he was. "Really?"

"Yes, over by the food carts. One of the welders - I think that's what he said he did."

"So cool! Was he nice?"

"I suppose so." He was as nice as any of the men Doflamingo sent to woo him.

That being the case, until now, the candidates Law was approached by were quite the opposite of Eustass Kid. They were refined, educated - the sort of people who'd been attracted by Doflamingo's promise of rewards and freedoms they could never hope to achieve on their own through legal means. Just off the top of his head, Law recalled several lawyers and county court employees, the curator of the city's art museum, and two personal assistants, one to the city council president and another to the mayor herself. It was a fair assessment of the overall standards of corruption one could find in the city.

Law wasn't sure if these were simply people had been chosen at random, or if his brother was attempting to show off. Either way, Law was not impressed - status had little meaning to him in the grand scheme of things. He'd all but surrendered his own upon leaving the family.

Tony had the binoculars perched on his nose as he focused in on the twentieth floor. A fiery geyser of sparks was cascading down the building's steel facade. "So cool...you should see if you can find him, the one you met."

"I'm sure there're dozens of welders working on that project." It wouldn't surprise Law if Eustass Kid was one of Doflamingo's boys. Construction contractors were notoriously corrupt. It stood to reason that their employees would be the same. Maybe Doflamingo was trying something different after having so many well-pedigreed individuals rejected.

Still though, several weeks after their second meeting, Law found himself pondering another lunch date. What could he say; the man was attractive and Law was weak against such temptations. At the very least, Eustass Kid could deliver on the promise of some mind-blowing casual sex. The man was as tall, broad, and as well-muscled as a professional athlete. Law wasn't too proud to take advantage of what was offered. If Kid failed to deliver on his advertised promises, well...Law had little problem putting an end to things in that case. He'd become quite accomplished at dumping people lately.

Kid's phone number was on a receipt he'd been using as a bookmark. It'd shuffled back and forth across his desk several times. Law knew he should just throw the damn thing in the trash, but the man was surprisingly charming, and despite knowing better, Law was able to rationalize sending an inquiry. By that time, it was a full month after they'd seen each other last. Maybe Kid had already moved on. But if he hadn't, and as long as Law knew the score and kept it firmly in mind, he could enjoy Kid's company for what it was. Breaking ties would be easy once the time finally came.

Around nine o'clock that morning, he tapped out a message, Lunch today? This is Law. He received a response in less than ten minutes, YES! What time?

Kid's enthusiasm was infectious and Law found himself smiling, his pulse quickening with anticipation. The response all but eliminated the last shreds of his doubt as to the nature of the man's interest. After their encounter on the train, Law had wondered if the man was giving him his number as a pick-up, or simply to save face after an awkward embarrassment. Nothing about Kid explicitly struck him as gay. In fact, Law had originally pegged him as a gym rat - or a gym queen, in light of his actual orientation. His physique made sense given that he was a manual laborer. It wasn't really Law's type; men who took a lot of time on appearances tended to have the depth of a puddle at low tide - but who cared, really? He wasn't planning to date Kid for his brains or personality.

They agreed on one in the afternoon, when the typical mad rush would be wrapping up. By the time Law made it to their rendezvous point, he could easily spot Kid by his brilliantly scarlet hair. It was currently pulled off his face by a pair of industrial welding goggles. There was a dusting of soot across his face and he was wearing a loose-fitting white tank-top which was equally dirty. In some areas, he'd prespired enough to spackled the cloth against his well-defined torso; Law was quite appreciative and wished the day was even hotter. Perhaps if this continued through the summer, he'd get to see that - in fact, this could be an enjoyable little summer fling: low on commitments and rich in physical reward.

Law was reminded of the first time he'd set eyes on Eustass Kid, back on the monorail - he'd been immediately struck by the high planes of his cheekbones, the pale cast of his skin. Some people were simply born beautiful, though Law had never had much room to complain over the looks he'd been given. While Kid's height and muscular build made him seem older, Law knew they must be only a few year's difference in age. Just from simple appearances, Kid was radically different from all the other men Law had come to expect. He certainly wasn't complaining.

"Hey!" Kid greeted with a wave. "So glad you texted me. You must be really busy."

"Sadly, yes. I don't take lunches that often."

"Then I feel extra-special because of it."

Kid's perspiration was giving a nice shine to his shoulders and arm muscles, and he smelled thickly of it. It wasn't unpleasant - in fact, it made Law's mouth water far more than any of the food smells being broadcast from the vendors.

Law tried not to be pathetically obvious with his interest; a man built like Kid was probably got used to people fawning all over him. If the attention had given Kid an ego, it didn't show. "What'cha feel like eating? I picked last time so it's your turn if you want it."

"There's a kebab stand down the way if that sounds good to you."

"I'll eat anything that's served on a stick."

Unexpectedly, Law laughed. "I like how you put that."

He led the way to a stand called Alabasta Caravan, and ordered the lamb and chicken combo, which came with a skewer of each and a plate of rice pilaf. Kid selected a three-skewer meal, and bought them each a piece of honey cake with pistachios. They found a seat on a grassy slope, the skewers dripping with juice and minty yogurt sauce.

"This is great!" Kid mumbled around a mouthful of meat. "I feel like I could eat somewhere different every day and still find new places to try."

"You're probably right. I've seen the trucks rotate through, so there's always a variety. Unfortunately, I don't get many chances to make it out here."

"How's the hospital cafeteria food? I guess you probably eat there most the time."

"It looks better than it tastes." Law shrugged; in all honesty, he packed his meals more than he ate out. After setting out on his own, he'd been financially cut off. Doflamingo undoubtedly hoped it would send Law scurrying back to the family and their vast resources, but Law didn't give up that easily. He'd met plenty of people in medical school like Tony, who managed to make things work on loans and scholarships. While Law had received a trust from his brother Cora, it was only enough to pay tuition. He ended up taking out a series of loans to pay for everything else, leaving him with so much debt that it seemed overwhelming. There was nothing to do for it except press on and complete his residency and fellowship, and only after all that would he begin earning enough to start paying it back. The interest statements alone were enough to give him a case of anxiety.

On one level, Law liked the relative normalcy that came with owing an arm and a leg to the government and private lenders. It made him feel like many of his peers, who came from modest backgrounds and simply wanted an education and to practice medicine. If he'd remained loyal to the family, everything would've been paid for, and Law would currently be living in a penthouse suite somewhere downtown. As it was, he shared an apartment in a triplex, and it was located a half-hour train ride from the hospital.

The inconvenience was worth it. The crushing debt, less so - but it was a sacrifice he was willing to make if it earned him total freedom from his family. At least this way Law could choose his own future, instead of being inevitably employed in private practice, catering solely to the upper-class and their diseases of over-indulgence. Perhaps it was naive of him to think he could make a difference this way, but it was a naivete given to him by Cora. Law would've hated to lose it.

Such generosity did not extend to Eustass Kid, regardless of how genuine his advances thus far seemed. Law decided to do a little fishing, under the auspices of small talk, "So tell me, Mister Eustass. What got you started in the construction industry?"

"Whoa, so formal," Kid mumbled around a mouthful of meat. "My dad's Mister Eustass, and I don't like him all that much. Just Kid is fine."

Law agreed, eating his own lunch while he waited for Kid to swallow. When he did, he answered, "I was never that much into school, really. Ended up dropping out midway through." He shrugged, unbothered. "I thought I might go back and get a GED but never did. Once I started working, it didn't really matter."

"Did you do an apprenticeship, then?"

"Yeah, I was doing carpentry for awhile but metalworking is what I'm specialized in now. It's more challenging and the pay's pretty good." He gave a clipped laugh before washing down a few bites with soda. "I dunno, is that a deal-breaker for you?"

"What do you mean?"

"People can get real judgey when they hear you never graduated, so I'm real up-front about it. It's not like it's a secret. I mean, you're a doctor, so obviously you must be a pretty smart guy."

"True. Then again, I've spent the better half of the last decade surrounded by highly-educated people, and it hasn't been the most pleasant experience of my life."

To his surprise, Kid laughed outright, nearly choking on a bite of food. He swallowed thickly, "That's funny. For some reason, I never thought I'd hear a doctor talking smack about other doctors."

"Oh, believe me, medical school attracts some of the most hyper-competitive people you'll ever meet. Half of being a doctor is putting up with difficult patients, and the other half is spent dealing with horrible coworkers." Then again, Law probably wasn't the best one to judge - he'd never been the most personable. He had a low tolerance for fools, particularly ones who were inexplicably several rungs above him in the internal hierarchy of things.

Beside him, Kid was giggling like he'd just learned some big secret. Law gave him a playful elbow in the ribs, "I'm sure you have some supervisors you'd rather see pack their bags than ever take another order from."

"I hear that." He cast a sideways grin in Law's direction, the kind that made him feel like a schoolboy being noticed by the coolest person in class. Kid made it seem effortless and for a moment, all Law wanted was to bask in his attention. "Y'know, you're way more down to earth than I thought you'd be."

"Did you expect me to be a snob or something?"

"Nah. I mean, well." Kid paused, his smile turning self-deprecating. "I don't actually ask people like you out that often. I feel like you're a bit out of my league."

"Really, flattery so early," Law replied, giving a short laugh himself. It was more from surprise than anything. A certain amount of flirtation at this stage came with the territory, and he returned the favor. "Honestly, you ought to look in a mirror now and then. Between the two of us, I'd think it should be obvious who's more out of their league."

Kid gave a snicker, "Y'know, I'm kinda glad to hear that. Not just because I like getting my ego stroked, I mean. I've been trying to figure you out ever since we met, and just didn't want to end up barking up the wrong tree, if you catch my drift."

While Law participated in their conversation, he did so passively, answering questions and offering his own views now and then. He volunteered only the barest of facts; it wasn't like Kid didn't know them already. Law wondered if his brother gave these men some sort of starter packet prior detailing his preferences and personal tastes so that the conversation would never veer into controversial territory.

Law found himself enjoying Kid's company almost against his will. It was unpretentious and good-natured, and despite their differences, they had much to talk about. It was a relief to only discuss casual things. Anytime Law joined his peers for happy hour, the conversation didn't make it far past shop talk. Sometimes he simply got tired of hearing the same old complaints, the same frustrations with patients and annoyances caused by their administration's endless bureaucratic policies.

An hour sped by with Law hardly noticing. He finished his meal but made no effort to escape, lounging back on his elbows and enjoying the summer sun for a change. It'd been ages since he'd had an entire day off to spend how he would've liked. He let Kid eat both shares of dessert, having little taste for sweets himself, particularly cake.

Law felt as though he could fall asleep where he lay, like a cat spread out with the sun on its face. He could sense Kid watching him but his eyes remained closed; he didn't mind the attention. If Law pretended hard enough, he could almost believe this was normal.

"Man, am I gonna have to buy you a coffee or something?" Kid asked.

"Mm, maybe." Law yawned before sitting up. A light sweat had begun beneath his shirt collar and he rubbed one filmy eye. "Ugh, definitely. I'm sorry, I'm usually a little more fun than this."

"No worries. Why don't you stay here and I'll be back in a minute. How d'you take your coffee?"

Law requested it black, a double-shot Americano. While Kid was away, he checked his phone; it was closing up on two thirty. He never took such indulgent lunch breaks and would likely have to stay later because of it. It didn't seem to matter. He wondered if Kid would be in trouble for taking so long himself, and made his way over to where he was ordering.

"Oh, hey," Kid greeted. "I meant to ask, you want it hot or cold?"

"Hot." He waited until their order was placed before continuing. "I hadn't realized the time. I'm afraid I'll have to take this and run."

"Nah, that's cool. I have to get back myself."

"We should do this again sometime," Law said, surprising himself as well as his companion.

Kid had a high forehead with no visible eyebrows, but had they been present they would've shot up to his hairline. Law decided to throw caution to the wind; who cared if Kid was working for his brother? It didn't mean he couldn't enjoy what the man had to offer, and thus far, Law had been quite pleased in that regard. And they'd hardly done more than talk; it boded well for the future. "Maybe we can even make something work on a weekend, if you have those off?"

"Definitely!" Kid's face lit up like a thousand-watt light bulb. It was surprisingly sweet, in an honest, genuine way that Law hadn't expected. If Kid was acting, he was very accomplished at it.

Their coffee was finished momentarily; Law took his black and hot, while Kid spent a good minute perfecting his own with heavy measures of cream and sugar. It looked more like a second dessert than anything, but Law found it all strangely charming. He couldn't remember the last person he'd met who was so clearly at home in his own skin the way Kid was. It was a relief over the obnoxious machismo Law had expected to find.

"Well, you have my phone number now," Law said. "Let me know what days you have off - I might not be able to make anything work in the near future, but I'm certain if we try we can make it happen."

"I like it!" Kid replied. "I live pretty close to the hospital, just a couple stops up the C-line monorail. I got regular weekends off, but that's about it. We can always do something after work if that sounds good."

It sounded extremely good, though Law didn't say as much. He returned to his office, yawning all the while and grateful for the coffee. It wasn't like he'd slept poorly the night before, but all of the responsibilities of his fellowship program gave him little room to even breathe, let alone find more than four or five hours of sleep at one go. It was all a long, slow, wearing-down process until his edges felt as smooth and weathered as river rocks.

Despite the number of suitors Doflamingo sent after him, the honest truth was that Law had little time for relationships in the first place. Even so, it was poor personal health to neglect one's physical needs, and Eustass Kid seemed like an exemplary candidate in addressing those. Maybe this summer fling was really what Law needed after all; despite how well he liked Kid so far, he doubted things would have staying power beyond a few weeks.

A few days after their lunch together, Kid sent him an inquiry about Friday night. Law thought about it briefly before agreeing to dinner; it was a low-stakes commitment and he'd be able to escape easily enough if things took a turn for the worst. But even with such a pessimistic outlook, Law still found himself gripped with nerves the entire day preceding. It felt silly...Law had been on plenty of first dates - this one wasn't even their first if he wanted to get technical about it. He wasn't even worried about impressing or disappointing Kid. It was annoying and juvenile, and Law reminded himself that he had better things to worry about in the first place.

Against his will, the excitement persisted until Law could feel it buzzing through his bones as he headed for their agreed-upon meeting point. It was in front of the hospital's main entrance, and Kid was already there waiting for him. He appeared freshly-showered and was wearing a faded navy t-shirt and jeans.

"You really didn't need to clean up so much," Law said, feeling as though it were conspicuously meant to impress. At least he hadn't shown up in a dress shirt and tie. While that was Law's typical uniform, it would've looked ridiculously out of place on Kid.

"I get real scuzzy on the job," Kid replied, shrugging as though it were no big deal. "It's probably for the best. You saw how I was at lunch the other day."

Perhaps he had a point. Law wondered if he ought to tone down the suspicious paranoia. Forcibly, he decided to relax, though even that proved a challenge. "Well, where do you feel like going? I drove this morning, so I can take us anywhere."

"Oh, nice. I had this idea we could go to the horror movie marathon they're playing at the Cineplex, but that's downtown so parking might be a bitch." He shrugged again, tension not leaving his shoulders.

Law realized with surprise that Kid was just as nervous as he was; it was so reassuring that Law couldn't help but smile. "I've never been a huge fan of horror, to be honest."

"Yeah, I bet you see enough gore on the job, huh?"

"It's more that we haven't known each other long enough for you to see me scream like a girl." That, and Law already suspected he'd go scurrying into Kid's arms as soon as the opportunity presented itself. It would be unwise to tempt fate.

"Now I really wanna go! Maybe another time, huh?"

"Maybe. Actually, I'd like to get something to eat first. I haven't had anything since lunch." It was nearing up on seven o'clock and Law's stomach had been nagging him since five. "This might not be what you have in mind, but I've been wanting to go to the beach ever since I got back to the city. It's been almost four years and I still haven't made it, can you believe that?"

"Yes, in fact that is totally believable." Kid said it with an amiable grin. "I've seen how crazy you work. If you've got the car, then let's go!"

The city bordered the ocean, and was in fact shaped like a semicircle with its flat edge abutting the water. A river cut through the mainland, forming a winding diversion as it bisected the metro area from north to south, separating the affluent downtown districts and their ocean view from more modest quarters further inland, such as where Law lived. The hospital was located precisely between the two, on the near side of the river. The public beaches were all further south, beyond the expensive high-rise condos that monopolized the oceanfront at the heart of the city.

It was a twenty minute drive to make it to the beach and boardwalk. In some instances, such a prolonged period stuck in the car would be intimidating, but Kid was easy to talk to. He could effortlessly fill the space between them once he got started on movies or music. Law was content to listen, offering his opinions now and then once he recognized a familiar name. He was far outclassed in terms of pop-culture knowledge, but this did not surprise him. Unlike some people he'd known, Kid did not make him feel bad for being so clueless - on the contrary, he was simply excited for the opportunity to share his favorite bands, including those he played in.

By the time they rolled up to the beachfront, Kid was already offering to make him mixtapes of all the music Law hadn't had the time to keep up with. Though it was getting late, the evening was still quite warm. The summer sun had attracted a large crowd which was slowly dispersing. The boardwalk vendors remained, hawking food and arcade games, and after discussing their options, they settled on a fish fry stand where Kid ordered the halibut and chips. Law chose clam strips, which came as a peaked mountain piled atop a hill of crinkle fries.

Kid was surprisingly dismayed, "I can't believe you eat those. It's like chewing on a rubber erasure. That tastes like low tide!"

"Well, I'm glad you hate them because I wasn't planning to share," Law replied. He happened to like how unashamedly disgusting they were, particularly once properly slathered in tartar sauce. They reminded him of Cora, who used to bring Law to this very same beach back when he was younger. Though it sometimes seemed like everything else had changed, there was something reassuring about how timeless and static the boardwalk remained. It even continued to host the same arcade games and low-budget thrill rides that he still remembered fondly.

He and Kid found a picnic table, digging into their respective meals while the sun began to droop down against the horizon, staining the sky and clouds a vibrant pink. Kid flicked a thumb at the skyline, "Whoa, dinner and a date at sunset. You really are a romantic at heart, aren't you?"

"Maybe. I wasn't lying about not having been back here in years."

"What d'you wanna do after this? Take a long walk down the beach?"

Law imagined them holding hands and felt a flush run eagerly up his spine. "Why don't I just trounce you at skee ball, hmm?"

"What! Them's fightin' words."

As they ate, it grew darker and the boardwalk's innumerable game stands began flicking on their flashing neon beacons. Another nostalgic sight; Cora had been simply terrible at such things, having appalling hand-eye coordination. Law wondered if it was even fair bringing Kid to a place with so many memories while not sharing them. Law was beginning to feel a little melancholy about this entire affair, what with all his old memories intruding into the present. Doflamingo really did find a way to ruin everything for him in some way or another.

Law found himself regretting even suggesting this in the first place. Why had he picked such a stupid, foolishly sentimental venue? Law typically had better sense than to go picking at old scabs. He decided to put his memories of Cora out of his mind for the remainder of their date...so what if Kid was just an arranged playmate, sent here to sweep him off his feet? Thus far, things were going well; Law was having fun and intended to keep it that way. If things continued in the same vein, he could find himself easily falling into bed with someone like Eustass. It would be pointless ruining such an opportunity by falling into a funk over old things he could not change.

He ate his clams, which were battered in crunchy, deep-fried breading. He offered the fries to Kid, who had a prodigious appetite. He was also possessed of a certain competitive streak that made itself known as soon as they bought tickets for the games, talking smack and jostling Law good-naturedly as they tested their respective skills. In fact, he found and used practically any excuse to barge right into Law's personal space; it was pushy but Law didn't care. There was a certain honesty to Kid, as though he were unable to lie about his interests and intentions. He wore it all on his shirtsleeve.

In the end, they were well-matched at the games they chose: though Law excelled in dexterity, Kid had him beat when it came to strength and brute force. He hammered the hi-striker challenge so hard that it buried the needle, though all he won was a regurgitated fortune.

Even if he was just showing off, Law would willingly admit that it was working. He felt like a drooling idiot, but Kid was built like a brick shithouse - Law had already devoted a good portion of his thoughts to what it would be like to have a man like that bearing down upon him. He might've been intimidated were Kid's attitude or personality any different, but Law couldn't help himself. He felt sucked into the man's gravitational pull like a comet doomed to a fiery and final collision. It would be worth it. The melancholy from earlier was dissipating as Kid took front and center stage; he was the most interesting person Law had met in ages.

Fortunately, despite his bluster, Kid was also a relatively graceful loser - or at least he lost gracefully to Law, who did indeed kick his ass at skee ball. In fact, his score ended up netting him a prize, and Law selected a fuzzy cartoonish polar bear. It was silly, but he felt stupidly proud of himself. Cora, even with all this terribleness at games, was always the one to win him prizes and Law couldn't recall ever getting one of his own.

"I just want you to know that you're a huge dork, okay?" Kid said, as if the teasing would soothe his recent defeat.

"Oh, shut up. I like bears."

"You are dating the wrong guy if you like bears. I'm practically hairless!"

"Not that kind of bear!" Truth be told, he was rather glad Kid was as clean-shaven as he was. Aside from a light dusting of scarlet fur on his arms, Law had seen enough to suspect that Kid was bare everywhere except where it counted. "And you have a nice mane where it matters. That's all I really care about."

"Aw, here you're gonna go and make me blush!" Kid dug through his pockets but came up empty-handed save for his wallet. "I'm all outta tickets. What say we get some ice cream?"

"This really is turning into a nostalgia trip," Law mused, realizing too late what he'd said out loud.

"Oh, yeah? Did you come here as a kid?"

"Yes. I'd come with my brother. He's passed away, I'm afraid. Back when I was fourteen…." Of all the people in Doflamingo's family, Cora was the only one Law had truly cared for. When he'd died, Law found no reason to remain - and it was the precise circumstances of that death that really mattered, the deciding factor which had driven Law to pursue his a life on his own terms. Currently, those terms were rather modest, but there was little he could do until his fellowship was completed. Then he would be licensed, specialized - he would be able to choose any hospital in the country once he began searching for a proper job.

It was all indentured servitude until then. Fortunately, after all the years of schooling combined, Law was used to killing himself for the job. Perhaps one day his workload would alleviate; Law needed something to look forward to.

"That's too bad," Kid commented, returning Law's attention to the present. "I used to come here, too. Sometimes with my old man, but mostly with my best friend. I don't have any real brothers but he was as close as you can get."

"Are you still friends?"

"Yeah, in fact we're living together! I have a bunch of roommates."

It seemed like the boardwalk was a popular destination for kids even now. Anyone who grew up in the city was bound to have childhood memories of this place. "Imagine, we could've crossed paths back then and would never even know it."

"I'm pretty sure I'd remember somebody like you, even if I met you ten years back." Kid gave him a winning, flirtatious smile that lit up Law's veins like a drug.

Kid even paid for the ice cream, buying them each a beer as well. By that time, Law's interest in the arcade was waning. He was ready for a change in scenery, even if all that meant was a return to his own apartment alone. To a certain degree he hoped it wouldn't end that way...but he was cautious to reveal the depths of his interest so early into things. His previous paramours had all followed a much more structured pattern; it had been easy to know when it was time to take things to the next level. With Kid, Law was left flailing and guessing, though he hardly worried about saying the wrong thing at the wrong time - something told him Kid didn't put much stock in the typical pervasive social order surrounding dates and relationships.

In the end, he did not allow his anxiety to rush things. After all, what was the hurry? He and Kid chatted while finishing their beer and ice cream and the conversation was easy. As it turned out, because of his work, Kid needed to be present at the construction project by six in the morning - an ungodly hour when Law was only beginning to shake off sleep. Because of this, Kid ended up sleeping in two shifts every night: the first came directly after work, when he was typically released by three in the afternoon. Then he would return to the house he shared with several others, sleep until seven or eight before heading out to see different bands, or practice or perform with his own. This schedule explained why he'd shown up looking so nice earlier; he'd already been home to nap, shower, and make himself presentable after a long day of physical labor.

It wasn't the ideal arrangement as Kid would quite readily admit, but he somehow made it work. Law blamed it all on youthful stamina, but he had his own rigorous schedule that was nothing to sneeze at in comparison. At least he was typically given longer stretches of sleep in one go - he'd never mastered the art of the power-nap, which Kid seemed to rely upon.

"What do you think?" Law asked, licking the remnants of frozen custard from his spoon. "Can I give you a ride home?"

"That'd be great!"

Kid seemed pleased and self-confident, and as they found their way back to the car, his hand brushed from Law's elbow to his wrist until their fingers were intertwined. A warmth was blossoming in Law's stomach - it'd been there the entire time, simply waiting for Kid to breathe life into it.

Even in the dark without anyone to really see them like this, Law felt strangely special. Something about Kid made him feel beautiful by association, and in the moment, Law didn't care if the man's interest was manufactured. He'd enjoy it for what it was without picking at things too deeply. Strangely, he felt cautious about ruining things, though he'd never experienced such restraint before with suitors. Maybe he'd simply just never had a suitor like Kid before.

It was getting late by the time he drove Kid home. All in all, Law was surprised that things had gone as well as they had - and more than that, he was surprised by how genuinely he truly did like Kid. While he was certain the man was tiptoeing around some of his more significantly flawed details, Law found no need to pry. Like most of his arranged paramours, Kid would remain fun for the meantime; Law would have no problems dropping him entirely once his negative qualities outweighed the good.

Perhaps this was dismissive of him. He considered the romantic notion of seducing Kid away from Doflamingo's service and into his own. It would give him a man on the inside - someone Doflamingo himself would regard as eminently loyal, given their attachment and access to Law. It was far too early to know if Kid could be persuaded. As with most people, arranged dates or not, Kid was sure to have some personality defects that would ultimately become unforgivable. Law knew he was single primarily because of his own picky perfectionism - but by the same token, he saw no compelling reasons to really lower his standards.

Kid lived in a neighborhood cluster adjacent to Grand Line City University and populated mainly by its students and other young people. It wasn't surprising. He'd mentioned ages ago that several of his roommates and many friends were enrolled, though he'd never attended personally. It was an older area of town that had plenty of cheap housing, but due to the large student population, it tended to be rather dilapidated. Most of the homes were converted old Victorians and other large residentials that'd been chopped into smaller apartments - or in some cases, as with Kid's place, the house remained whole and shared between a number of roommates.

Law followed his companion's directions as they looked for a nearby parking spot. Students wandered the area in drunken packs, looking for the next party. Greek Row was directly adjacent to campus and most of the kids seemed to be heading in that direction, though the thud of music and loud chatter of smaller parties filled the immediate vicinity.

"You live in a lively area," Law remarked, trying to keep his annoyance in check. A group of drunken revelers was marching down the middle of the street, sparing little awareness for vehicular traffic.

"Yeah, it's fun. Ooh, here's a spot."

Law breathed a sigh of relief and executed a perfect parallel park. He removed his seatbelt, unsure of what to do next. "Well, here we are."

Kid was giving him a sideways, appraising stare. He'd been looking at Law that same way nearly the entire ride back. "You're really good at parking. Even in a manual."

"Why, thank you." It seemed like an odd thing to say but Law didn't care. "I'm glad someone appreciates the little things."

"It's not just the little things. You're really good at skee ball too."

"Really, skee ball and parking? All these compliments will simply go straight to my head."

"I had a lotta fun tonight. And I really like you." Kid gave a sideways, bashful smile, tilting his head away as though he were hiding a blush. For an odd moment, Law feared that his heart would fail entirely. "Um, my place is just up the street a ways."

"Let me walk you home, then."

"Wow, you really are a gentleman!"

Law was just happy to have an excuse to draw things out further. That, and he wanted to see the house Kid lived in; one could usually tell a lot about a person by their chosen surroundings. Just like before when they'd left the boardwalk, Kid sidled up alongside him and seamlessly found his hand. There were calluses on his palm, probably earned on the job - a distinct contrast to Law's thoughtfully groomed fingers. It was unwise for a surgeon to go neglecting hygiene, and for a moment Law was reminded of precisely how oddly matched the two of them were. Not that it mattered to himself, or Kid - or any of the other rowdy, giggling kids they passed on their way. For a change, Law felt himself blend in as though he belonged there.

"Did you ever go to GLCU?" Kid asked.

"Not really. I completed a few AP courses there and transferred to a private school up north where I did all the rest. I only came back here for residency - GLCC is one of the best hospitals in that regard."

"Think you'll stay? After residency, I mean."

"Well, we'll see - it's still a ways off, I'm afraid. I won't be finished with my fellowship for another two and a half years. Who knows how I'll feel about things by that point."

"Nah, I know what you mean. I always thought I'd get out and move somewhere else for a while just to see what it was like. Just haven't been able to make it work yet, but some day!" Kid squeezed his hand with a gentle press. If he'd wanted to, he probably could've broken it.

"This is my place," Kid said, indicating a three-story Victorian. It had a peaked roof and even in the darkness, Law could tell that it was a few years away from falling apart entirely. A shame. It was located up a low hill with a short concrete stairway leading down to the sidewalk.

Beyond that, it was impossible to miss the percussive thudding that emanated from the place. The windows showed dim, flashing lights and a crush of people. "So...how many roommates do you have?"

"Not, uh, that many," Kid replied. He seemed nervous, as though the activity in his own home was entirely unexpected. "They must be having a party or something. It's Friday, after all."

"Ah, of course." As though that explained everything. Law wasn't sure if he was ready to wade into something like that; perhaps they'd simply say goodbye from here. "Well, this has been a nice evening. I'm glad we were able to make something work."

Before he had time to hesitate further, he stepped onto his tip-toes and kissed the corner of Kid's mouth. It wasn't much more than a brush of lips, awkward and half-placed because the stupid bastard had to go and move at the last second, like he'd been surprised. But then one of Kid's large palms found the center of Law's back, holding him steady so he could follow up that clumsy maneuver with one that held twice the grace and confidence. Maybe Law really was out of practice, but such thoughts disappeared quickly beneath the touch of Kid's tongue as it swept over his mouth, which opened as he silently begged for more. He'd been hoping to get a little attention by the end of this and whatever restraint Kid had shown earlier was quickly forgotten; he held Law's face between two coarse palms as his mouth went to work, leaving him breathless.

Law took a stumbling step back, thrown a little off-balance. His back thumped solidly against the concrete buttress of the low stairway. Now that he had the advantage, Kid simply pressed it to its fullest, trapping Law until the only thing he could do was hold on. Part of Law was still reeling over this happening at all - not that he was complaining; far from it. A little shiver of excitement ratcheted up his spine. He couldn't believe he was doing this in public, like a drunk date who'd lost all inhibitions. And all he'd had was a single beer the entire night!

Then Kid's substantial thigh worked its way in between Law's legs, a subtle press that nearly made him lose his mind. He pulled away with a harsh gasp, threading his fingers through Kid's wild mane to hold his face at a few inches' distance. He felt breathless but didn't want to stop, nudging his nose against Kid's oddly sharp, crooked one before snaking back in to take his mouth again. Kid was not an overbearing kisser, for which he was grateful, though even that left Law's heart skipping in his chest. His skin was eager and sensitive beneath inquisitive fingers once they found their way beneath his collar, loosening his tie and the topmost button. Kid traced his collarbones with cool fingers as though he were learning the braille of Law's body.

For his part, Law was given the opportunity to really see how solidly-made Kid was, and he couldn't help but be amazed. The man's arms were as tightly knotted as cordwood and Law could feel the stark definition of his abdomen when he slid one hand beneath his t-shirt.

Kid was devoting some serious attention to his neck, the sort that made Law's knees turn to jelly and all but guaranteed he'd have a hickey. He was grateful for the support at his back, even if it was hard and unforgiving. He felt like he'd simply fall over if Kid weren't holding him up - or worse, onto his knees. Then he really would be reduced to utter shamelessness because there wasn't a thing in this world that would stop him if he were given the opportunity for more.

It was probably for the best when a gaggle of girls passed them by, whistling encouragingly at their display. One of them shouted, "Yeah, girl! You go get that." This was followed by a gasp as one of them realized their mistake, and the whole group burst into tittering, scandalized giggles.

Kid paused, glaring over Law's shoulder, "Ugh, sorority chicks."

"Maybe we shouldn't be doing this right here," Law said, wiping his mouth.

"Wanna come inside?"

Law's insides gave a little flip that left him feeling half-sick with euphoria. If they went inside, he knew exactly what was going to happen - that is, if he had anything to do with it. Law didn't even pause before answering, "Yes, let's."

Kid seemed surprised by his answer but recovered swiftly, snatching Law's hand and pulling him after as he took the stairs two at a time. "Now, it might be pretty crazy inside, but just keep ahold of me and we'll push right through."

There were a few people smoking on his porch, and once the door opened they were met by a blast of heavy dubstep, the type that left Law's ribs rattling. It was indeed very crazy; a full sensory assault as Law's nose was hit with the combined smell of overcrowding, perspiration, and pot smoke. Kid wasted little time, his palms sweaty with adrenaline as they cleared the mob, racing up a second staircase.

It was less crowded on this level, and Kid selected his room amongst a hallway of closed doors. Or at least Law assumed it was his room; it smelled of him. He turned to Kid now that they were alone. "Take your shirt off."

Kid did so obediently and without question. Then again, it wasn't a very demanding request. Law dropped his jacket on the floor and went to him, his hands wrapping around the tight washboard of his abdomen. His heart was racing from their brief sprint, but Law knew it wasn't all because of that. What the fuck was he even thinking with this?

He could hardly find his voice, "You are just so fucking hot."

He was met by another of Kid's lopsided little smiles that somehow managed to melt Law from the inside out. And then Kid was kissing him and Law felt he was really melting, or at least his knees were giving out. He wrapped his arms around Kid's shoulders, stumbling backwards until he ran into the bed. It gave a sagging creak beneath their combined weight, the sound of it giving rise to a fluttering excitable panic: for a moment he felt trapped and pinned, desperate to yield to whatever Kid wanted from him.

With the bass music thumping through the walls hard enough to make his innards vibrate, Law had the strange fear that he would fly apart at the seams all at once. Really, how embarrassing to be swept away so quickly, like a teenager having their first time all over again! Law's personal scoldings came to an abrupt halt as one of Kid's hands sank into his trousers and Law knew with certainty that this was the sleaziest thing he'd ever done.

It was amazing. Those calloused palms earned themselves newfound appreciation for what they were capable of. To Law's only disappointment, it was sadly short-lasting and over before he had time to properly enjoy things. He blamed the thudding beat for messing up his rhythm.

But if Kid noticed or cared, it was quickly forgotten as Law brought him shuddering to a climax as well. At least they were equally over-excitable, though he doubted Kid had as much of an excuse. By the looks of him, he could've gone home with a new face every night of the week had he wanted to.

He regarded his now-damp fingers and considered smearing it on the bedspread; it wasn't like it would make much of a difference. Against his shoulder, Kid gave a mumbling groan. God, he was heavy, and surprisingly careful despite that bulk. Even if Law felt pinned, he hardly wanted to escape. Maybe Kid was used to restraining himself. He had an understanding of his body that was enviable, as graceful as a thickly-muscled jaguar.

Kid shifted, flicking on a light; its shade was orange and cast the room in a warm glow. He looked heated, his pale skin flushed pink, "I fucked that up. It was too fast!"

"Darling, don't apologize. It was perfect."

"Did you just call me darling? Man, I must've made you come hard."

"It's the afterglow. It's when I get to call you whatever I want." He nosed against Kid's cheek, kissing along his chin. Their legs were still tangled up together and Law had no interest in sorting things out. He felt disheveled and reckless and wonderful. "Besides, there's plenty of time for practice."

"Oh, yeah? Like the sound'a that." Kid's hands found their way beneath his shirt. It was surprising none of the buttons had popped. Law never had sex while still wearing so many clothes. Kid seemed to like the challenge of having them in the way, content to map the warm skin beneath without undressing him further. Nothing he did was ever what Law was expecting.

There were several tangles in his hair that Law set about straightening. God, it was so red - even his eyelashes were red. It'd been impossible to tell from any further distance but once you were right up close, it was unmistakable. Law didn't need to have him undressed to know that his hair would be the same all the way down to his toes. Although he wouldn't mind some visual confirmation of that. And other things. From what he'd felt just using his hands, Kid was impressively made in all respects.

But the hair, though - Law knew instantly that it was what he liked the most. There were a lot of rare colors in Grand Line City, some of them natural and others the result of a good dye job. He could tell without a doubt that Kid fell into the former category. Doflamingo had really taken a risk sending this one after him, and Law wondered if his brother didn't somehow know his tastes better than Law himself did.

"What're you smiling about?" Kid asked.

"I've had an orgasm and I'm happy, why shouldn't I be smiling?"

"I just wanted to make sure you were smiling 'cause of me."

Law kicked him, but was laughing as he did it. Kid was crass and charming in a way that disarmed his defenses completely. He wondered if he ought to be worried about that. But then Kid kissed him, all languid strokes like he was trying to lick Law's mind until it was empty. It worked surprisingly well. He was slipping into a bit of a doze, lulled by Kid's warmth and amazingly thorough touch, when someone started pounding on the door as though they hoped to break it down. Law blinked back to reality; between that and the unrelenting dubstep, he was beginning to develop a headache.

Kid groaned, rising up on his knees. His hair was falling everywhere and Law wanted to drag him back down with just his hands threaded through it. "Sorry, I'll see what that's about."

He made for the door. Whoever was banging on it remain undeterred until it was finally opened. "Do you have a fucking problem, or what?"

"Fucking finally!" It was a female voice; Law curled onto one side to watch the action. "You owe Killer thirty bucks, cough it up."

"What! Since when?"

"You always owe him money."

"The fuck I do! I don't owe him shit right now!"

"Look, just gimme the money and we'll count it towards the next time you inevitably borrow from him." The girl was tall, with bubble-gum pink hair. She seemed entirely unruffled by Kid's menacing air.

"Why don't you get a life, huh? I'm not donating to your pizza fund just so you can eat four pies and beach yourself in front of the Playstation."

"It's not just for me this time, okay?" She regarded her baby-blue fingernail polish with a bored expression. "There're a lot of people to feed here. Why can't you just chip in and be a good friend for a change?"

"Why don't you buy your own fucking pizza for a change! And while you're at it, tell Apoo to play some music people can actually fucking dance to."

"This is what he's really into right now, what am I gonna do about it?"

"Oh, I dunno - maybe quit inviting him to play sets at my goddamn house, ever think of that? I'm just throwing out wild, crazy ideas here."

Law had the impression this could go on forever. He rose, retrieving his wallet and handing the girl two twenty dollar bills. "Keep the change."

She fixed him with a hostile glare, "Who the hell're you?"

"Hey, watch your tone, okay?" Before Kid could continue the argument, Law closed the door between them. He slid his back against it and had to clutch his hands together to keep them from wandering. Kid's voice had a wounded edge, "You didn't have to do that."

"It was nothing. Besides, now you owe me forty dollars. The good news is you can pay me back with your body."

"Oh, is that right?"

"Mhmm. You were doing so well earlier. A shame to end the night where we did." Despite his attempts to keep them contained, Law's hands slid out, against the waistband of Kid's jeans. He couldn't help himself. It wasn't like he got a lot of chances to manhandle such well-defined muscles. Kid had a lean stomach meant for touching.

Below them, the music abruptly changed from a warbling thud to a manic techno beat. Kid cringed, as though the sound were physically painful, "Oh my god, I am so sorry. I swear it's not always like this."

"Oh no?"

"Well, it is a Friday," he conceded. He shook his head, "Now that I know Bonney's here, that explains a lot. You probably don't care, but I can't fucking stand that asshole DJ, and he's friends with her, so I'm sure she invited him over hoping to piss me off."

"Is she one of your roommates?" It was impossible for Law to tell how many people lived in the house.

"No, but we're in a band together. It's really just me and three other guys who're here all the time, but it's a pretty big space so a lot of bands use the basement for practice. Or shows. We get couchsurfers a lot." He shrugged, as though it was normal to live in a twenty four-seven party dome. Law again wondered how old Kid really was. At least he was mature enough to hold down a reasonably skilled trade.

Then again, it didn't matter. This relationship, such as it was, was unlikely to produce long-term dividends. Though while it lasted, Law was happy to enjoy what Kid brought to the table. He slid his thumb into the depression of Kid's navel and felt his mouth begin to water. "Then let's go back to my place."

"What, really?" The man's eyes lit up like a puppy promised a treat. Law found it just as adorable, though that seemed to be the wrong word. "Is that cool?"

"Of course. We'll have to keep it somewhat quiet, I have two roommates but one of them works the nightshift so he won't be around. I don't know what Penguin's up to."

"His name's Penguin? Poor guy. If he's a dude, I mean." Kid pulled his boots back on and then a shirt. Law found his jacket, but they'd hardly taken anything off to begin with so there was little to collect. He waited by the door until Kid was ready.

It was a challenge making it through the crowd a second time, especially when Kid stopped midway through their escape to shout at the DJ, "Play some disco, you fraud!", to which he received a vicious flip of the middle finger. It wasn't like anyone could really hear him over the roar of the music in the first place.

On the stoop, a pair of men were smoking a cigarette and a joint respectively. One had extensive white dreadlocks and nearly as many tattoos as Law himself. He exhaled a gust of blue-grey fumes and nodded at Kid, "Takin' off?"

"Going back to this guy's place."

Law nodded in greeting, though Kid pulled him after without wasting another moment. One of the men called after, "Nice!" and Law felt certain he'd just been put on display.

His car was where they'd left it. Kid hopped in, fingers drumming compulsively with barely-restrained anticipation. Law slid into the driver's seat. "I live up the river, near Cloverleaf Station. It's not far."

"Cool, cool."

It wasn't more than a fifteen minute drive in the minimal, after-hours traffic. Kid kept shooting him sidelong looks ever couple of minutes, between all his other nervous fidgeting. Law didn't blame him; he could hardly contain his own excitement. Strangely enough, he didn't feel the need for conversation, but made the effort anyway. "Are you alright?"

"I'm really awesome, actually."

"That good?" A subtle tension had settled into Law's belly and his imagination was running wild. He was grateful to have the road to concentrate on. He didn't like being quite so obvious about his own desires.

Kid, in contrast, had no such reservations. "I really, really like you," he said, between chewing on a fingernail. "I kinda can't believe this is happening."

And Law couldn't help for laughing, an excitable little chuckle. He hadn't expected such honesty. Even if Kid had merely been hired by his brother for this task, it was impossible to fake such enthusiasm. Or at least Law hoped; he'd be crushed if everything really was all an act. But he was just as stupidly enamored - and none of that was fake. He hoped Kid was the sort to fuck on a first date. He hadn't been planning on going that far when this evening started, but he liked what he'd seen so far. God, he could already tell the man had a beautiful cock, just as big and thick as the rest of him and Law wanted to feel it with his mouth. In retrospect, it was for the best that their earlier coupling was so quick. It got the edge off things.

He parked near his building, an old triple-decker. The street was quiet and sleepy, a stark contrast to Kid's area, which was the prime habitat of GLCU students. There was a strip of bars, nightclubs, and music venues clustered near the river where the university had its campus; Law really wasn't that surprised by all the partying going on in that area on a Friday night. Then again, it was one of the reasons he'd arranged to live a good distance away. Law's priorities had always been much more serious than those of his peers. It never really bothered him until he found himself in their company, suddenly feeling old and with little in common.

Nothing fazed Kid, who bounded out of the car as soon as Law parked, "Nice! I like your place."

"But you've hardly seen it yet." Law led him up three flights of stairs. The door of his apartment was painted burgundy, and Penguin and Shachi had done the rest of the walls in an avocado-green. It reminded Law of the basement levels of the old clinic building. He didn't mention the similarities; anything was better than white.

The apartment was dark, though he could tell Penguin was home from a sliver of light shining beneath his doorframe. Law headed directly for own room, "When was the last time you were tested for STIs?"

"You really don't mess around, do you? Guess that's a doctor thing."

"I'm only curious. We'll use condoms for now either way."

"Yeah, I always do that." He sounded mildly affronted, as though Law were questioning his honor. "But I had the clap about a year ago."

Law laughed, surprised by his honesty. "As long as you took your medication, you should be fine. Unless you're still experiencing symptoms?"

"Well, not to get too gross about it, but it was in my mouth and I thought I had strep throat. So no, I haven't had any symptoms for a while."

"Oh, so you're the little boy they warned us about in sex ed. You know the chances of contracting like that are vanishingly small," Law replied. It wasn't anything he hadn't heard before, but Kid's honesty surprised him. He really didn't need to say anything at all.

"Yeah, I thought that was a load of shit myself, but let's just say I was convinced otherwise." He shrugged, a gesture of surrender. "What can I say? I hate the taste of latex."

"Hmm." Law swallowed back a chuckle of amusement. Sometimes he had no idea what would come out of Kid's mouth next. "We should both get tested; I haven't had mine done in about six months."

"I guess if you want me to get tested, you must wanna see me again after this."

"Really, is that so surprising?" Law shut the door and tossed his jacket onto a chair, leaving Kid to take in his surroundings. It was a little cramped; Law had the smallest room in the apartment but he didn't mind. He wasn't home all that much, anyway.

A full sized bed occupied the majority of the room, with a comfy chair tucked into the corner. Though his room was small, it had a walk-in closet which Law was grateful for. Due to his young age and the number of tattoos he had, it was difficult to gain respect from the higher-ups in his department. They were the only ones to care about such things. To make up for any perceived immaturity on his behalf, Law dressed twice as nicely as his peers. It was an obnoxious bit of social politics. The Chief of Thoracic Surgery was an old man whose expectations dictated a resident's attire more than anyone's personal tastes did.

Kid was quiet as he got his bearings, unlacing his boots and plopping them beside the entrance. For a moment, Law wondered if he'd ruined the mood, but any man put off by a few practical questions wasn't really someone he wanted to be sleeping with anyway. He was still a little surprised that Kid would even admit to having gonorrhea so readily and with so little embarrassment; it was encouraging. And unexpected - it wasn't like he needed to be honest. He was already seeing Law on a dishonest basis.

Law loosened his tie and removed that as well, toeing off his shoes in the process. "Come here." He beckoned Kid closer, kissing him once he was within reach.

"Still not bothered by my groady mouth? You're brave."

"Yes, it sounds like you don't use condoms every time after all."

He didn't mean for the question to provoke, and started when Kid pressed in towards him, suddenly crowding into Law's personal space until he had to stumble back. But it was not an aggressive gesture, more done out of sheer irrepressible excitement: as Kid's hands slid around his hips, they were trembling.

His face nudged in alongside Law's own, lips skimming his jawline. The lazy arousal from earlier bloomed anew with full force, as though Kid had dumped kerosene on the coals. When the man spoke, it was a low purr that made something dark and hungry curl in Law's center. "Hey, that was a learning experience in a lotta ways. I can tell you all the details, but d'you really wanna hear about other guys just now?"

His hips ground purposefully against Law, the bulge of his erection prominent and so hard that Law felt his knees become watery. He groaned a response, all he could really muster under the circumstances. He'd only been being a smartass; it was a habit he fell into in situations like these. It didn't always work out that well for him, but of course Kid would take him up on all that attitude, having plenty of his own to spare.

Kid walked Law backwards, toward his bed. "Wanna pick up where we left off?"

"It's why I invited you back here." Law's breath gave a nervous little hitch as it caught in his throat. God, he could already tell that Kid would fuck like an absolute animal.

Kid favored him with an enormous grin, his excitement a living, infectious thing between them. He pushed Law back until his knees hit the edge of his bed, forcing him to cling onto Kid or fall over. Either way, they ended up in an inelegant sprawl in no time, the pace slower than before. Kid picked the buttons of Law's shirt open, shoving it out of the way so he could mouth his way from navel to sternum. He moved with an assertiveness Law hadn't appreciated the first time around; his mind had been focused on other priorities.

"Whoa, you really do have a lotta ink," Kid said, voice appreciative. He traced black lines across his chest and up to his collarbones, the image of a stylized flaming heart. As with all of his tattoos, Law had them done after Cora's death. Not all of the markings were in remembrance, but a good portion were - they also served as a form of petty revenge against Doflamingo, who hated them. Since he was responsible for Cora's murder, Law was happy to mark himself permanently - a reminder to them both of where his loyalties would always lie.

Even if Kid didn't yet know the meaning behind those marks, he seemed to like them. Law wondered if that would change once he was made aware of whom they represented. Anyone working for Doflamingo would inevitably learn of the brothers' disagreements. Loyalty was of the utmost importance to Doflamingo, to the point that he was willing to destroy his own blood once it crossed him.

Law was never blood-relation to either Doflamingo nor Cora, but that made him no less of a brother in their eyes. He sometimes wondered if Doflamingo hoped to preserve some of Corazon's memory in Law himself; it explained how doggedly persistent the man was in his efforts to win Law back to his side. Once Cora was out of the way, Doflamingo had expected for Law to fall in line with the rest of his siblings, but Law had never been the cooperating type. Instead, he ended up leaving the family entirely - that'd been years ago, when he first left for school. It was the same reason he'd stayed away from the city until now.

Perhaps it wasn't quite the time for such deep reflections, as Kid forewent his tattoos in favor of worrying Law's nipples to tight, peaked nubs. Such dedicated attention left him squirming, arching and gasping once Kid used his teeth. Law's wrists were caught in one hand and loosely pinned above his head, and all he could do was squirm with helpless anticipation. God, he couldn't remember the last time he'd wanted to get fucked so badly, and he'd already come once.

The weight of Kid's body was solid and inescapable. With his wrists already restrained, Law was keenly aware that if the man wanted to, he could take whatever he wanted and there wouldn't be a damn thing to be done for it. Not that Law had a huge problem with that in the first place. Still, it was a bit unnerving. He'd never slept with anyone so physically capable of dominating him and wasn't quite sure if he liked how strongly it was turning him on. Yet it was not an arousal from fear; Law did not feel threatened. Kid's attentions were rough but controlled, the sort of touch that spoke of great deliberate restraint. A man built like he was probably got used to holding back, though part of Law wished Kid would lose control, the prospect terrifying and exhilarating all at once - as though Kid were just another boardwalk thrillride he was hoping to try out.

Maybe that was unfair of him, but he hardly felt like he owed Kid anything, least of which being the benefit of the doubt. A rough hand worked beneath him, grazing up Law's spine. His clothing felt confining and he straightened, pulling off both his shirt and undershirt. It encouraged Kid to do the same, until he was yanking the belt open around Law's waist, stripping him of his trousers and socks until only a pair of black shorts remained.

"Um," Kid began, licking his lower lip. He seemed suddenly nervous, a high pink flush coloring his cheeks. Maybe it'd been too dark at his place to notice that the first time around. Or maybe it'd happened too quickly, before - he looked surprised to have Law like this, as though he'd never expected to get so far. As though he didn't really know what to do next.

It was oddly charming. Truly, Law would've never expected such uncertainty from a man like him. He traced the diameter of Kid's bicep with one finger; it was solid and so thick that it would've taken both of his hands put together if he hoped to surround it entirely. God, he was gorgeous, sitting between Law's legs in nothing but his jeans. Law wanted to tear them off, but couldn't get enough of the rough texture against the backs of his thighs. He would make no arguments if Kid wanted to fuck him like that, though the man remained strangely still.

Law looped both legs up, hooking them around Kid's hips and drawing him closer. If the man was about to get a case of cold feet, Law had a few tricks to melt them, and arched up until his lower back was off the mattress. It brought their bodies together in a rough grind, the promise of more given by the heavy bulge in Kid's jeans. Law had been longing to see what he was hiding ever since that first stumbling, groping encounter they'd had back in Kid's room, and his actions earned him a curse. Kid's hips bucked forward, moving of their own accord in a series of loose, stuttering jerks.

Kid gathered up Law's hands, pinning them against the pillow like before. He buried his face against Law's neck and growled, the sound reverberating along his nerves in a way designed to leave them fluttering and weak. Law could feel the man's teeth against the thin skin of his throat as Kid rutted up against him, using increased control and Law knew that when he wanted to, Kid was going to utterly take him apart. The realization left him helplessly aroused, as though he were trapped in the path of some unstoppable force that could not be escaped.

When Law found his voice, it was croaking from the back of his throat, "Condoms. Condoms, the bedside drawer."

"Slick?"

"In there too."

"Oh, thank God." Kid rummaged around until he found what he needed, shirking out of his jeans and tossing them over one shoulder. He wore maroon-red boxer-briefs and for a long, agonizing second Law worried that he would come right then from how stupidly beautiful Kid looked. He really didn't think himself one to be bowled over by attractive people, but maybe he hadn't properly appreciated them in the past.

Kid climbed right back between his legs, sparing a moment of odd, almost reverential calm as one hand drifted to the hem of Law's shorts. "Man, you're really something, y'know that?"

Look in the fucking mirror, Law wanted to reply, but his tongue had been effectively neutralized. His brain was short to follow if Kid kept things up like this. And sure enough, he did nearly lose his mind once Kid stripped him entirely. Law didn't know if he'd ever felt more naked beneath another person's gaze.

Kid scooped him up by the hips, looping Law's long legs around him before leaning in to nuzzle along his cheek and jaw, "Just like this fine?"

"Yes." Law was proud of himself for using an actual word, instead of some grunting, bestial demand.

Even if he had, Kid would've known exactly what he meant; he made quick work with the condom and was slicking himself up before Law could rub his last two remaining brain cells together. And then Kid was pressing in, up against the tight stretch of Law's body, which took him easily and all too quickly. Law felt his insides clench, the sensation too much all at once. Above him, Kid froze as well, his breath hitching in his lungs as his hips stuttered with helpless excitement.

They stilled and remained frozen for a long moment. Law realized he was putting some decent gouges into Kid's shoulders with his fingernails. It was what the bastard deserved, shoving that in all at once - the man should know better, he was huge! Not that Law was exactly complaining, his protestations quieting with every moment that passed. His body acclimated rapidly; he could feel a slow easing in his stomach that traveled down his pelvis to where their bodies joined.

He gave a low whine, tilting his hips to make the angle less acute. Kid adjusted on his end, one broad palm spreading open against Law's lower back, bracing them together. God, his hands were big; he could practically manhandle Law however he saw fit, but that power was treated with remarkable thoughtfulness. It was a restraint Law was beyond actually appreciating, and he nosed impatiently up against Kid's face until his mouth was pressed to one ear.

Law's breath felt raspy and insufficient in his lungs but all he wanted was more. "C'mon, move. I can take it!"

"Hell yeah, you can! Holy shit," Kid said, laughing. Unexpectedly, he turned to kiss Law on the mouth, and eager sweep of his tongue dipping in to meet Law's own. "This is going a lot better than I expected!"

And he really sounded surprised, too, the same surprise Law felt. His comment was so unexpectedly honest that Law couldn't stop himself from giggling, a high, frantic sound. He ground upwards, the last inches of Kid sliding home. Law's entire body gave a near-painful throb, his ass resting solidly against Kid's hips. He made a hungry keening sound, digging one heel into the small of Kid's back, "C'mon, c'mon, Eustass. Please - "

That seemed to do the trick, and Kid rocked back, sliding from Law's body - so much of him that Law wondered if he meant to withdraw entirely. But then he was pressing back inside with the sort of force that left Law breathless. A man like Kid could easily leave him screaming - and might yet, only time would tell - but Law would need to have air in his lungs for that to work.

Kid started up a steady rhythm, one Law could feel with his entire body, even down to his curled toes. Even if they'd rushed things back at Kid's place, and now at the very start, that urgency seemed to fade. It was replaced by a delicious sensitivity through all of Law's nerves - Kid had a knack for finding precisely what he needed before even Law himself had realized it. Someone who could figure that out was worth their weight in gold, and Kid weighed quite a bit as it was. Even if Doflamingo had sent him to do this, Law couldn't believe his luck.

He hadn't expected Kid to spend the night, but didn't complain when he did. By the time they'd finished, Law was in no state to demand the man leave. Besides, Kid was hardly a nuisance - Law was more accustomed to being kicked awake by a restless partner, or never finding sleep at all due to loud snoring. The only thing he could complain about was the man's size, which was far too large for the bed. As Law lay awake in the long moments after, he pondered an upgrade with his remaining brainpower before those thoughts and all the rest were swept away on a chemical rush, the kind that came only from a very good orgasm.

He hadn't had sex for months by that point. It wasn't from lack of desire. He'd simply become jaded - it was pointless getting involved with a colleague, because neither of them had the time. It was unethical to become involved with a patient. That left external candidates only, and he'd dated too many of those who'd ultimately turned out to be working for his brother in some facet or another to really trust strange men who showed an interest in him.

Chance meetings were never really chance anymore; it was why he'd ignored Kid and his generous attempts to pay for laundering his trousers. The act would've been more convincing had Kid managed to spill more than just a drop. He didn't seem to be very good at this sort of thing.

But he was young, and this could likely be his very first assignment as he auditioned for a place in Doflamingo's family. A shame. By this time, Law was used to such disappointments. He honestly wasn't sure if Doflamingo was meddling out of simple parental impulse, or if he'd become possessively fixated upon seeing Law matched with a suitable partner - suitable by his standards, of course. The man had done the same for Baby, after she began bringing home a series of embarrassingly poor choices. Within the family, Doflamingo had arranged a few matches that'd led to marriage and later children. He was quite proud of this, and saw it as justification to continue, even if twice as many of his matches ultimately failed disastrously.

It was just more evidence of the man's shocking lack of boundaries, one of the main reasons Law originally left. The rest of those reasons, well...they went without saying. It was with this, his first and longest-standing grudge, that Law discovered he was a very vengeful person.

He'd rather be alone forever than partnered with someone of Doflamingo's choosing. Though Kid was a strange candidate in that regard - he was so unlike any other partner Law had ever taken that the novelty hadn't yet worn off. It was impossible to say when he'd get tired of their little missmatched romance. But until then, and if Kid continued to sleep without snoring, he was more than welcome provided that he managed to keep up the pace he'd started with last night.

Maybe come the morning, Law would send a thank-you card to his brother for being so thoughtful in arranging things. Nothing managed to aggravate Doflamingo more than being caught in the act of subtle manipulation, and if he thought he could orchestrate Law's love life unawares...he was in for a surprise.

Kid wouldn't be the first one he'd send back, head hanging, once his company had become tiresome. Though by the time Law woke, his commitment to the idea faltered. What was the harm in carrying on a little longer? Provided he could get some more mind-bending sex out of the deal.

Whatever games Doflamingo was playing were inconsequential; Law had far more pressing concerns: there was a departmental retreat on Monday and Law was giving a lecture, and he'd hardly started on the necessary presentation to accompany it. He wasted little time after waking before making his way to the kitchen, careful not to disturb his bedmate. Kid didn't rise until several hours later, and by that point, Law was already fully-caffeinated and a good third of the way into things.

He'd set up shop at the kitchen table, his home office of sorts. Shachi and Penguin had already ceded eighty percent of the table to his needs. They mainly ate on the couch anyway. On family dinner nights, however, Law made an effort to share his space. He was making the effort now as well, as Shachi fried up potatoes and sausage for all three of them.

Shachi was cracking eggs into a bowl when Kid wandered in, wearing nothing but his shorts. He gave Law a jerking nod of greeting, "Hey, can I borrow a towel? I'm gonna take a shower if that's cool."

"Sure," Law managed, though he was pretty sure his tongue was running on autopilot.

Kid remained in place. "So...where're the towels?"

"Check the top shelf in that little built-in dresser right before the bathroom," Penguin supplied, for which Law was grateful.

"Thanks. I'm gonna borrow some toothpaste while I'm at it."

Law hoped he wasn't also going to borrow a toothbrush; that was being a little overly familiar this early on.

Water began running and only then did Penguin give him a hard swat, "What the fuck was that!"

Shachi chimed in with a low whistle, "Somebody's busted."

"So I'm seeing someone now, what of it?" Law snapped crossly. He swallowed coffee and felt his face heat, as much from embarrassment as being caught with his own sordid thoughts. Of course they'd all treat this like some illicit secret. Both Penguin and Shachi knew how quickly Law took and discarded lovers, but they were also familiar with the reasons behind these short-lived flings.

"And how long has this been going on?"

"This is our second date, actually." Law wondered if he ought to be self-conscious about that fact.

"Well, good for you. And for him! But mainly you, because I can't recall you ever bringing home such a specimen like that." Penguin pillowed both arms behind his head. The ghost of a smile haunted his mouth but he knew better than to tease Law outright. "I'm honestly surprised you'd wait for the second date before bagging that thing. Nice catch!"

He made Kid sound like a big game trophy Law had unexpectedly shot and stuffed. Well, at least he'd been mounted; maybe Penguin wasn't so far off the mark after all.

"Yeah," Shachi added. "That guy is built. Who knew you went for those Muscle Mary types?"

"Are you trying to say he's out of my league?" Law asked, daring either of them to say as much. "And it's just his job, he works construction."

"Huh." Shachi looked considering. "I was gonna guess fire fighter."

Penguin nodded in vigorous agreement, "A little bit different from all these cultured, refined types, isn't he?"

"Oh, will you both grow up?" Law focused on his presentation, ignoring them as Shachi and Penguin continued to openly speculate. Who even cared that much? They just wanted something to gossip about, and Law's work kept him too occupied to otherwise be worthy of interest.

Then again, maybe he was just feeling defensive. As time ticked by, he was becoming more comfortable with a very dangerous fact: he liked Kid. He'd liked Kid ever since they first met. It was a shame because Law would be damned before he felt anything genuine for a planted suitor. So he bit his tongue and ignored them both, until the shower's noise ceased and Kid could be heard thumping around as he rediscovered his clothing.

Shachi was beating a large bowl of eggs for scrambles. "Should I throw a few more in? Y'know, for bootycall, if he's staying for breakfast. If you told me we had company I would've made more sausage."

"Oh, I think he's had plenty of that already." Penguin shook his head, giving Law the critical stare of someone striving to tell whether their friend had been replaced by an imposter. "Y'know, all last night, I just thought you were watching porn. You sneaky fuck."

"Oh, come on - we weren't that loud." He scowled in Shachi's direction, seeking confirmation.

"Don't look at me, I only got back here two hours ago." He shrugged, laying a platter of sausages and potatoes on the table. Toast soon followed, with only the eggs remaining.

Law scowled at the food, his appetite souring under this inquisition. He shoveled some potatoes onto his plate but did nothing more than stare balefully at them.

All three of them jumped like startled, guilty rabbits once Kid emerged, his hair a damp, scattered mess that Law felt drawn to. He hastily cleared an extra spot; the table was made to seat six but his work ephemera took up a good third of it, even now at its most condensed.

He forcefully reminded himself that this presentation needed to be finished today; he was going to deliver it on Monday and there would be adjustments to make before then. It was his own fault for putting it off so long. But all of his best intentions slid off the back of his mind as he watched Kid grab a mug of coffee before settling in the seat beside him. "You're working already? Why is this not surprising."

"It's my fault," Law said, voicing his thoughts. "I should've done this last week but couldn't get motivated."

With Kid sitting so close, Law could smell his own bodywash and conditioner. It made him seem instantly familiar in a way that had not been earned. Law didn't care; he felt nauseatingly, deliriously enamored and hoped that it would never stop. He wanted to throw his laptop out the window and call in sick to the retreat; he wanted to take Kid back to bed until they both couldn't move.

But even as he thought such things, Law dearly hoped none of it showed on his face. He wondered if he wasn't leaping into this a little too quickly. And now Kid was joining him for breakfast, with Law's roommates, no less. It was so natural that Law felt like an audience member observing a theatrical play.

There were brief introductions before each of them eagerly dug into the breakfast Shachi had made - he was currently working as a short-order cook in a diner near the University, one of those twenty-four hour a day places that prided itself in being as divey as possible. One would think that after endlessly making breakfast for drunk people he might be tired of of it, but on the contrary, Shachi enjoyed cooking. Especially after preparing food for eight hours without being able to partake himself.

It was an arrangement that worked out for all of them, and Kid's addition to the group was as seamless as everything else thus far. Law wondered if he ought to start worrying. Penguin kept flicking him pointed glances, as though he still could not quite believe this was happening in the first place...Law wasn't sure if he appreciated such an unwelcome but necessary reality check.

Someone had to keep him grounded. He appreciated Penguin's skepticism, particularly when his own felt sorely compromised. They'd lived together for the past four years, and while Law had shared his family's drama, he didn't really think his roommates understood. It was a difficult topic at the best of times. They found Doflamingo's match-making attempts hilarious, albeit creepy and overbearing. For the most part, they were right.

Sometimes it all did seem far more silly than sinister. But it'd really hurt the first time, when Law found his brother's fingerprints all over his relationship. It had been his first real boyfriend, someone who'd lasted beyond the awkwardness of the early dates and who was remarkably patient about Law's hectic schedule. It was his first serious heartbreak when he'd found out it was all a lie - or at least affection purchased purposefully by another. The relationship didn't last much beyond that. Their trust was irrevocably damaged.

Penguin had been with him when they'd made the discovery. Accordingly, he tended to be overly-suspicious of all Law's partners. Perhaps it was justified; Law had sunken into quite the depressive funk after that break up. It'd lasted a good three months and his work performance suffered. He'd been deeply hurt. While the man in question hadn't been perfect by any means, Law cared about him and had been happy for the first time in a long while. It was challenging to find people willing to put up with the demands of residency, particularly people his own age. In the end, despite his boyfriend's protestations to the contrary, Law could tell he was more horrified about being caught than he was about hurting Law's feelings.

Others followed; Law and Penguin became quite adept at sniffing out planted agents. As satisfying as it was to send these dregs back to Doflamingo, the situation had grown thoroughly depressing. Law's education and work dominated all other interests - he'd simply never had the time nor inclination to attempt a relationship.

The thing was - and it made him feel like he was rather missing the point in the first place to admit it - relationships were just so much work. And Law had plenty enough work to keep him very busy already. Volunteering for more made him wonder if he were a glutton for punishment.

The snap of fingers jerked him from his thoughts. Kid was waving in his direction, "Hey, yo. Pass me that ketchup, hot stuff."

Law blinked. That'd been a compliment, but somehow it left him feeling as though he'd been slapped. He forked over the condiments before he had time to overthink it. "Pass you the ketchup, please."

"Law has nice manners," Shachi observed, as though they were witnessing an exotic specimen in its natural habitat.

"I know, where did he come from?" Kid pondered. "What a freak." And then he squirted a jet of ketchup over his eggs.

Penguin pulled a face, "Dude. Sick."

"Don't knock it till you've tried it!"

"Well I don't have to stick my finger in a toaster to know I'll probably not like it that much."

"Kid is a self-admitted uncultured swine," Law said. "Now I hope you can appreciate why I haven't introduced him to you yet."

"Yeah, it's really bringing a question of taste into the equation."

Kid gave him a light kick, "Dude, your friends are mean! What the fuck?"

"Oh, quiet down. I'm sure you can tolerate a little abuse. You're getting free breakfast out of it at any rate."

Kid mumbled something in return through a mouthful of eggs, sounding like, "No breakfast worth this."

But in the end, what was he expecting? A light morning hazing was practically expected for dates who spent the night. A decent sense of humor went a long ways and Law was relieved that Kid bore the teasing well. He took every opportunity to sling an insult Shachi or Penguin's direction, but before long, the topic of video games came up. Law was fairly lost and retreated back to his work.

It was slightly appalling how well they were all getting along. Genuinely, Law had not expected it...he didn't know what he'd even been expecting. The awkwardness that so frequently characterized new relationships seemed totally absent where Kid was concerned. He fit inside Law's life as though he'd been there from the beginning.

Kid even took his dishes and left them in the sink. Law wasn't sure why he was so surprised. Maybe if Kid behaved more like Law's worst expectations it would've been easier. Their relationship was doubtful to last, but at least it could be fun, provided Law did not become attached. Worrying that Kid might do the same was pointless; he was being financially compensated and all he had to do was play a role.

In the end, Law's internal dilemmas were rendered moot as Kid grabbed his things, stuffing shoes onto his feet. "Hey, I can see you're busy so I'm not gonna drag things out."

"Oh, okay." Law was strangely disappointed, but what did he expect? Kid had his own life. He was quite right about Law being busy. "I'll walk you out."

It was promising to be a nice day, which only twisted the knife further. Law knew he'd be stuck in front of his computer for the vast majority of it. Even so, he paused in the doorway against his own better judgement. "Look, I don't want to rush things too quickly - "

"Quicker than last night?"

"I'm impatient. But only because I really like you." Law sighed and drove the heels of his hands into his eyes. He really shouldn't be admitting all this so soon. He really shouldn't already be asking for more. "This might sound crazy, but are you busy later today?"

"What about your presentation?"

Law shrugged; he felt distinctly disinclined to worry about that stupid presentation. "Just give me five or six hours and I can bang something together."

"Yeah? And then?" Kid took a step towards him, catching the baggy sleeve of Law's sweater. "Why don't I go do my laundry and you can gimme a ring if your stuff works out."

"That's a lot of laundry for it to take you all day."

"Well, I've got some other shit to keep me busy." He ruffled a hand through his still-damp hair. "I have this feeling my house is gonna be full of hungover assholes by the time I get there. So I'm gonna concentrate on the laundry for now, because it's the only problem I can reasonably fix without accidentally killing someone."

"You're starting to make my presentation sound appealing."

"Then my work here is done!" Kid darted in quickly to leave a kiss on the side of Law's mouth. "Catch you later? Just lemme know when you're ready for company."

And then he left. Law was surprised one more time by how easily it all went; he was surprised even further when he received a text around seven that evening inquiring about pizza toppings. He'd been finished with the presentation for a while, but couldn't stop meticulously picking things over. He'd likely be at it for a while if not for Kid's interruption.

He texted back, All finished here, just working on the details. Stop by whenever. He hit send and felt a rush of giddy excitement. It was only after a moment that he remembered Kid's original question and wrote back, I like everything except pineapple or olives.

It took a few minutes before he got a response, Opinions on white sauce?

White sauce is good. Thin crust if they have it.

He got a smiley face in return, and tried not to overinterpret it.

Kid showed up thirty minutes later, bearing a pizza box that smelled intensely of garlic. It was perfect, and Law didn't question himself when he greeted Kid with a kiss full on the mouth.

Maybe he should have; it was met with a wide grin. "I missed you too," Kid said. He was wearing a different pair of jeans, of a blue so dark they were almost black, and a teeshirt for some band Law had never heard of. A faded paisley bandana held his hair back from his forehead.

He looked perfect and Law repressed a smile that furled open in his chest, "I'm not sure which I'm more happy to see, you or the food."

"Wow, you really know how to bring a guy back to earth." Kid kicked off his shoes, making himself at home.

Law fetched them both a beer and napkins as they got comfortable on the apartment's weathered leather sofa. It was a relic of Shachi's; most of their furniture was a cobbled-together arrangement of things found, donated, or purchased used.

After their exchange of texts, Law had found an old sci-fi series that was playing as a marathon. All he wanted was something in the background, but Kid seemed pleased. "Hey, I used to love this show! Did you see the new movie they made?"

Law shook his head, teasing out the first slice from the pie. "I keep meaning to. Was it any good?"

"Yeah, it was fun. Good effects and everything. I've got it on my computer, let's watch it sometime."

"I'd like that." Usually such vague proposals for future times together never really came to pass, but Law really hoped that wasn't the case in this instance. He wondered if he ought to worry about that. Kid inspired a reckless effect in him.

"Did you get all your presentation stuff done?"

"Oh, yes. I'm glad you texted me earlier, I probably could work on it until midnight."

"Still got a lot to go?"

"No, that's the problem. I have a hard time putting things down, even once they're finished." Law laughed, chewing pizza. "And you, did you clear out all your intruders?"

He shrugged, "Eh, they were mostly gone by the time I got back. Our house is fun 'cause there's always something happening, but you never get much time to yourself. Usually I don't mind so much."

"Just not when it's people you dislike."

"Yeah, that's just annoying. It's too bad, one of my roommates has a big thing for Bonney so she's over practically every day." He took another slice; Law capped it at two but suspected Kid would finish things off. He didn't mind. "I got my laundry done, though. Oh yeah, and I got my STD testing started."

"Really?" Law was surprised; usually it took a few pestering attempts before people went through with the hassle of it. Law knew for certain that his own tests would be negative, but it was the principle of the matter. During his clinic rounds, he encountered far too many appallingly-neglected cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea that he insisted on testing as a matter of principle. It wasn't something one ought to be embarrassed about in the first place. "Where did you go, if I might ask?"

"University Conception Services."

"The sperm bank? Are you a donor?"

"Hell yeah, there's good money in it! And they test you for free anyway. I just haven't been back there for a while so my records are about a year old."

"Well, if I start seeing lots of little red-haired brats running around, I'll know who to blame." It was encouraging; the fertility clinics were fairly rigorous about who they accepted donations from.

"I don't donate that often, but with my work, sometimes it's really inconsistent. The clinic building's good 'cause it'll probably be a year or more, which is real steady. Sometimes they just want us welders for specific stuff. We're pretty expensive once you get your license and everything."

"I didn't realize you were a tradesman."

"Yeah, I got certified a couple years ago and the pay's a lot better. But the work isn't so frequent, so it's a trade-off. I can do other things too, it all just depends on who the contractor is and where they're trying to save money." He shrugged, giving Law a sideways glance, as though he questioned whether any of this were really that interesting. "Sorry, I dunno how much you want to know. It's just work stuff."

"No, I like learning about it. It's a change from my own boring requirements." He rose, fetching another pair of bottles. When he returned to his seat, he drew his legs up and let them drape across Kid's lap. He felt an odd sort of possessiveness towards him, as though he couldn't keep his hands to himself.

Kid didn't seem to mind, leaving Law's legs where they lay. It was nice. It was uncomplicated, which was the very antithesis of what Law's relationships were normally like. He didn't want to think of how complicated it very much was beneath the surface. For once, Law wanted to be selfish and stupid, to accept things at face value and enjoy them only for what they presented themselves to be.

Kid gave a gusty sigh; a good three quarters of the pie was demolished. "Yay, pizza-coma. Ever since Bonney pestered me for money last night, I've had a craving."

"I'm glad you brought it. Do you have any food allergies? I'm just curious."

"Nope, you?"

"None. But I'm afraid pizza is about the only Italian food I like. I'm not a big fan of pasta, bread, all those heavy carb-based things. It gives me indigestion."

"It's why you're so skinny!" Kid teased, pinching one of Law's toes. "I betcha like foot-rubs though, huh?"

Law was in fact quite partial to them, especially when they were done by someone with incredibly strong hands like the ones Kid had. A low-grade arousal was settling in nicely in the pit of his stomach, but he felt no need to rush things. The excitement from the night before was being replaced by a sense of comfortable familiarity, a rare feeling which Law intended to enjoy. Kid told him a bit about the different bands he played in - there were three, and he played guitar. Law imagined he had quite the stage presence. It turned out that they were only three years separate in age, and Law wondered what his life would've been like had he attended school along with his peers.

While he was proud of his accomplishments, he wasn't the superior sort, which was more what one could expect from his brother. In all honesty, Law doubted he would've gone to school so early had he any other choices. But after learning the truth behind Cora's death - his murder - he'd needed to get away from the family as quickly as possible, lest he kill Doflamingo himself.

He glared at the brown tip of his foot as it poked out of the chokehold Kid currently had it in. The man's skin was so pale - a rarity even in Grand Line City, where you could find practically any man or fishman of any color of the rainbow. He wondered how Kid didn't manage to burn spending all those long days welding in the sun without cover. He'd seen him naked and there hadn't been even the hint of a tan line, which was astonishing. Either Kid didn't darken at all or he used an industrial-strength sunblock and applied it with a garden hose.

"Oh shit! This is a really good episode," Kid said excitedly. Law hadn't even noticed the preceding one was over. Apparently his distraction was obvious. "Dude, you're not falling asleep already, are you?"

"Oh, no. I was just thinking."

"Presentation stuff?"

"Nah…." Law flexed his foot, curling the toes until a few of them popped audibly. "Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

The question was met by a grin, "I left my schedule wide open."

"Good." Law could envision a future for them both which involved never leaving his room nor the confines of its bed for quite some time. It was a much more favorable future than the one which would inevitably come to pass. An orchestrated sham of a relationship such as theirs could never last indefinitely, but Law would enjoy it while he could. "Let's finish this episode and go to bed."

"Oooh, I like the sound of that. Your roommates home?"

"Not tonight." Shachi was, of course, working; Law wasn't sure where Penguin had gotten off to. On Saturday nights, he never saw much of them one way or the other, unless they had plans together. Fortunately for himself and Kid, that left the apartment in their hands. At least Law wouldn't need to worry about muffling his enthusiasm this time around.

In the end, they didn't even last half the episode. Kid's clever hands wandered away from Law's feet and up his ankles and calves until he was practically squirming from the attention. There was kissing involved as well, and lots of it, to the point that they were forced to retreat to Law's bedroom after the couch proved quite uncomfortable. There were a number of broken springs that went unnoticed until they were stabbing one in the kidney.

Kid had the stamina of a young man. Law wondered why he even put it in those terms, being only slightly older, but sometimes it felt like a world of difference. Or maybe Kid was simply in superior shape, with an eagerness that defied the exhaustion that typically accompanied a brain-obliterating climax. He made a study of cat-napping, which Law found a most agreeable break between rounds.

They slept in brief fragments, their faces close enough to be nearly touching. The dreams Law found were brief and unfulfilling compared to the warmth that they shared, and even when Kid slept without him, he was content to trace the lines of his sharp cheekbones, the crooked bridge of his nose. There were a number of small scars across Kid's shoulders and back, along with a speckling of rosey freckles - the only sign he spent any time in the sun at all. Law wondered if the scars were earned from his job; they looked like burns. It was likely an occupational hazard.

Against his will, Law felt as content as a full-bellied cat basking in the new warmth of the sun. He couldn't remember the last time he spent a two night's company with the same person. It never happened this early into things. Whatever charms Kid had were subtle and managed to dodge beneath his oldest rules like they weren't even there. It left Law feeling loose and untethered, as if a protective shell had cracked around him, leaving him bare and strangely vulnerable. Of course, the only strange thing about that was how little he minded in the first place; it should've unnerved him, but his suspicions were lazy and slow to rouse.

The only significant sleep Law found came early in the morning when the chirping racket of birds woke him. He grunted; he'd fallen asleep sprawled across Kid, who lay on his back, solid frame heavy with lassitude. Law felt distinctly disinclined to rise or even move at all, but his stomach was grumbling loudly. He felt a bone-deep filthiness, the satisfying kind that only came from being thoroughly marked in another's touch, sweat, and come. There were protesting muscles in his abdomen that he'd never even known about, a sore looseness that he hadn't felt before.

Aside from food, he was dying for a shower but remained where he was, dozing again until it was past ten in the morning. Kid was awake by then, greeting him with another lazy round of kisses and hands. The skin on Law's tenderest parts was beginning to chafe by that point, and his orgasm came reluctantly. Kid coaxed it from him with the sort of determination that left Law shaking in its aftermath, some deeply-buried part of himself laid bare for the first time in years. It should've left him feeling exposed and helpless, but Law gave it and everything else up because when he did, Kid swiftly followed.

"'M hungry," Kid mumbled, afterward. His stomach gurgled sourly in affirmation.

"Shower or food first?"

"Oh man. No tough choices so early. What do you think I am, some kind of wizard?"

In the end, they scrounged something from the fridge before sharing a bath. It was climbing past the noon hour by that point, and Law knew they'd need to part ways before long. He had to put the finishing touches on his presentation. On weekdays, Kid rose at some ungodly hour for his job and both of them were too aware that little sleep would come should he stay over a third night. Besides, twice in a row was already reckless enough as it was. Law had already broken numerous personal rules for this sort of thing, and after they'd dried off and dressed, he walked Kid to the monorail station near his apartment.

Despite their earlier snack, both were quite hungry and ate at a ramen joint adjacent to the station. Law felt wonderfully, stupidly enamoured and hardly touched his bowl while Kid slurped down its offering with fervor.

Why did he like this guy so much? It seemed foolish, especially considering his recent rash of arranged playmates. He didn't doubt that Kid was anything different, but it was easy to forget such practical concerns when in his company. Even the things that normally struck Law as obnoxiously forward managed to instead fill him with a delightful warmth, as when Kid snatched the fish cake straight from his bowl.

Law spanked the man's fingers with his chopsticks but it was all for show. "Keep your hands in your own trough, you savage."

"Better eat quicker then," Kid countered, grinning like an imp as he surveyed Law's ramen for additional targets.

When they parted ways, Law leveled a kiss against Kid's mouth at the station entrance. Such public affection was abnormal for him; Kid, of course, took it in stride.

"This was a lotta fun," he said, unwilling to release Law's hand.

"I'm glad you were able to stay over." Law glanced around them for observers, but the sleepy Sunday crowds had their own agenda. "My week is going to be busy. Maybe we can meet on the weekend, if nothing else works out?"

"Sounds good. I'm usually free for lunch if you can make it. Doesn't have to be anything fancy."

"I'll text you if I have the time."

The automated announcer called the arrival of a southbound train; Kid gave him a swift peck on the cheek before heading on his way. Law stood, watching his brilliantly red hair recede into the crowd. He felt hopelessly lovesick, as though such a feeling could cause genuine illness. Maybe it'd be enough to stay home from his conference Monday, but Law knew that was a pipe dream.

He spent the rest of the afternoon perfecting his talk before turning in early. He was exhausted, having gotten little restful sleep the prior evening, for reasons that were obvious and fully enjoyed at the time. He couldn't remember being quite so fond of another person for a very long while.

The week passed, and true to his own predictions, Law was frustratingly busy. It was normal, but with his mind elsewhere, each small obstacle annoyed him. The retreat took up most of Monday and Tuesday, his presentation going off without a hitch though his mind wandered during the rest of the lectures. The remainder of the week was more of the same, though he managed to see Kid on the weekend. It was spent much like the previous one: at his place, in bed for the most part, and only coming up for air when the need for food and other necessities became unbearable.

Before Law knew it, they'd been seeing each other regularly for three weeks straight and he hardly felt it was enough time. The new relationship's shine refused to fade. Whenever Law felt compelled to ask after Kid's motivations in all this, he deferred - to ask such questions would be the same as ending the relationship. Though he deeply suspected Doflamingo's hand in the works, Law refrained from confirming it. He liked Kid too much to end things.

The end would come in due time, and until then, Law would simply enjoy things for what they were: fun, slightly silly, entirely foolish, and stupidly, deliriously wonderful.