A/N: So um, making progress here! Haha, I feel like I'm updating too fast. Compared to my other stories which I haven't updated at all yet, this is amazing. And look, a longer chapter to make up for last time! Thanks for all of you have read this story so far, and thanks for those who have commented! Just a warning that this is an M rated story, and the next chapter will have something ^^
It had been a days since he's been keeping up the decision to pretend that nothing happened. It's also been days since he hadn't seen Kid. Even though they study in the same campus and usually eat lunch together now and then, there wasn't a single hint of him.
Law sat on a park bench oddly conscious of eating alone. It wasn't his favorite idea of munching in the park, but it was just so he could sit somewhere. He would rather be eating at a decent restaurant instead, but the place he wanted to go to was where he and Kid frequented during the weekends. If he went, he knew he'd just be staring at the empty seat across the table and be annoyed at how claustrophobic the people at other tables made the restaurant feel. Without Kid, making the effort of going didn't seem worth it. So here he was, store bought sandwiches and a bottle of water next to him. Law watched the sky airily as he listened to the voice speaking from his phone.
"Hm?" He barely noticed that he missed part of what was said.
The boy at the other line let out a flat mumbling noise knowing that he wasn't listening.
"Hey, Trafal-guy. Are things going okay?"
"Yeah, Luffy. Why do you ask?"
"You just seem sad lately."
He fronted a smile. As if the boy could even see it. "No, things are fine. I was just thinking about something."
"Mn…" the teen didn't sound convinced. "Alright."
Law didn't give more effort to placate the boy's worry. He sensed Luffy wanted to pry more, but the boy brought it upon himself to change the subject with another question.
"What are you doing right now?"
"Waiting for a friend," Law answered. As he said so, the rev of a motorbike sounded in the streets. He turned around seeing the vehicle he had been waiting for coming towards him and park at the sidewalk. "Actually, they just came," he said nicely pleased with the perfect timing. "I'll talk to you later when I get home."
"Oh," Luffy seemed disappointed. "Okay. Talk to you later."
"Don't worry, I'll call."
"I know."
Law lingered a little before ending the call and looked back up. The motorcyclists was just hopping off his bike and scanned the park until he spotted him. He waved his hand over to make the man come.
He got what he wanted, didn't he?
He finally held Law in his arms, and took him completely. Though somehow, the sweetness only lasted that brief moment, and all he'd been left with was something bitter. After he had walked out of Law's apartment the other day, he hadn't talked to the man in days. He'd seen Law around campus. He had so many chances to go up and apologize for hurting him, but every time, Law would be on his damn phone. Probably talking to him. So every time, he'd turn the other direction and leave.
Kid took another hit from his cigarette. The smoke came swirling inside his chest, and he let it out in one long breath. No one seemed to mind that the smoke went everywhere and clouded where they were standing.
"When is she coming?" Wire asked voicing everyone's impatience.
The four of them: Kid, Heat, Wire, and Killer, were at the sidewalk by Killer's car waiting for Bonney to arrive so they could all go out for lunch. Out of all of them, the dark haired man was the one holding down his hunger the most, but the woman was really taking her time.
Killer turned to them with a face telling them to wait. "She's coming. She's just getting her sweater."
"We're outside her house!" Wire shoved his hands in his pockets. "How long does it take?" The sound of his stomach grumbling agreed that she was taking too long, but it was also his fault for skipping out on breakfast. The blonde didn't budge and remained leaning at the hood of his car. Unable to do anything, Wire just clicked his tongue shoving his hands in his pockets. He'd just have to tough it out.
After a few more moments of loitering, Bonney finally came out and the hooded man sighed in relief. She gave them a smug smile knowing that they were waiting for her, and walked down the steps of her house to meet them. In her white, sleeveless top that showed her belly and black booty shorts, they wondered where the hell her sweater was. All she had in addition was a huge handbag dangling on her right shoulder.
"Ready to go, boys?" she asked.
Kid didn't hear Wire complain one more time as he dozed out. He was holding his cigarette between two fingers when his eyes landed on Bonney's huge chest. The sight of them pulled memories from the back of his head.
"Hey, Trafalgar," Kid remembered seeing the man at the bartender's table. He had spotted him as soon as Law came back from receiving a call outside. He squeezed himself out of his friends' table so he could go and bother him.
"Hey," Law answered back when he came, but he didn't seem to pay him too much attention. He had a bottle in hand, and was slumped forward with eyes on the drink.
Kid nudged him on the shoulder and leaned backwards on the counter next to him. "Hey," he started. "The guys back at the table are making bets if they can help Heat get a girl tonight. Since he's so quiet, Wire is saying that they won't even get one person to sit down with them. Look," he pointed back at their little group. A few of the guys were trying to convince two women to sit at their table, but they both snuffed their noses and left.
Law let out small chuckle, and Kid grinned.
"How about you?" he asked. "Up for being a bet?"
Law took a swig of his bottle and shook his head. "We're here to celebrate your birthday, not hook up with strangers."
"What? Don't see anyone your type?" he teased. "Not even that?" He nodded over to the other side of the room where a curvy woman was strutting a very huge rack. She was wearing a tight dress, and her boobs looked like they were about to fall out any second if they kept jiggling the way they did.
When he didn't hear a reply, he thought he embarrassed Law from answering. Kid took a gulp of beer snickering. He was only joking, but then he glanced to the side and caught Law staring at him. There was a dazed look in his eyes, and he wasn't saying no. The grey irises focused solely on him, and it made Kid stare back.
Shit. The hand holding his beer lowered. He had to admit that he liked looking at Law's face. He had heard countless of times women gossiping and commenting how they thought that the man was hot, and he knew more than a handful of people personally who had a crush on him. Even in the bar, people noticed his presence. At this moment, as Kid looked at the tanned man with his cheeks flushed with liquor and parted lips, the redhead couldn't help but think about the more vulgar remarks people made. Hell, he couldn't help but agree with them.
"So, no one at all?" Kid's voice was low.
He leaned forward waiting for Law to make a move. His hopes rose seeing him slowly coming closer as well, but the man came short a few inches and stopped with a smile.
"I have a boyfriend, Eustass-ya." The man pulled away. Kid could just feel his stomach drop with a bomb. "Surprised?"
It took seconds for him to blink and overcome his shattered hopes. Kid would have been fine with a simple rejection, but to find out that the man he liked was taken? It wasn't a "no" to which he could come back to try and ask again. It was a "no" that meant Law had been impossible to have from the start.
"What?" Kid perked when he heard Law softly laughing.
"Sorry, it's just your expression."
Kid quickly darkened his face as he didn't like being made fun of.
"I don't mean to make you uncomfortable," Law said continuing to smile. "I just don't like women."
Ignoring the huge blow to his chest and the fact that he had already guessed that truth, the redhead threw his feelings aside. "Doesn't take a genius. I already knew." He took the seat next to Law finally sitting and ignored the curious look the man gave him. "Besides, I like to taste the whole platter myself." He wiggled his brow suggestively.
An insuppressible grin pulled out from his face as he made Law chuckle again. At least he accomplished in getting the other man into a good mood. It was way better than the mopey attitude Law had returned with to the bar earlier.
"I presume that goes with the saying, 'it takes one to know one.'"
Kid shrugged, then pointed towards his phone. "Is that why you're not sitting with us? Because you were talking to him?" He meant Law's boyfriend.
"Yeah," the dark haired man nodded. "He called me to say that he was able to get in to all of the classes he was waitlisted for."
"And that sucks?"
Law raised a brow as he only realized that Kid was commenting on how he had been sitting here by himself. He didn't even know that by doing so, he had been isolating himself from the group long enough for the redhead to notice.
"No, it's great," he shook his head not wanting Kid to get the wrong idea. "I just miss him sometimes. You should know."
Kid downed his bottle and laughed. There was only a little bit left anyway. "There's no one back home," he said. He didn't even know why Law would assume that. "Besides, Killer came here with me."
"Oh," Law's voice went flat. "You and Killer then?"
Kid was just about to ask the bartender for another beer when he jerked at the ridiculous, and quite disturbing, idea. "What? No!" He saw the bartender look at him oddly for shouting, and he had to tell him to fuck off.
"He's just my best friend!"
Law gave him a smirk. The bastard was definitely feeling better.
"Sorry. You guys just seem really close."
"Doesn't mean I'm doing him!"
Kid grumbled in his seat. Noticing that he couldn't order a drink because he just pissed off the guy serving them, Law signaled the bartender for another beer. "So you really don't have someone back home?" The bottle came soon enough, and he handed it to Kid.
"Didn't I just answer that?" Kid gladly took it.
He took a hearty first chug, and wondered if it was that hard to believe he was single. Well, okay, maybe. He was a great catch, but still. Unless there was another dark haired man whom also existed in Australia with a stupid goatee and wears a fluffy, spotted cap, who was as smart and as sexy, who had an annoying smug smile, who could capture his attention immediately with just a look from his eyes, and had a nice ass to strut in jeans that he could make the most mundane clothing the most sensual thing to wear, then yeah. If he had met that guy before he came here, then he would have had someone.
"That's too bad then," he heard Law whisper.
Kid glanced to the man next to him who thought that he didn't hear what was mumbled. The man just took another sip from his bottle, his cheeks still terribly red. Did Law know he was the most terrible temptation?
"Don't tell me you're drunk already," Kidd huffed.
Law paused for a moment looking straight ahead. With the straightest voice he could muster as if he was sober, he answered. "Perhaps, quite a bit."
The redhead broke into a howling laughter. If he could make Law admit to something without pulling it out of a half dead body, then it was a sign. He wrapped an arm around the man's shoulders bringing him close. The extra body heat was warm in addition to the crowded room.
"Ngh…" he heard Law mumble a little, but he didn't protest.
A head nuzzled into his hold as the white cap dug between the space of his shoulder and jaw.
It was a friendly hug. Kid looked away from the meditating face which was resting in his not-embrace. He could be happy like this. He should be satisfied like this. He was still a friend.
"Hey," he let up.
He knew he shouldn't be testing anything on a drunkard, but it didn't stop his curiosity.
"If you didn't have him, would you have dated me?"
The vibrations against his side when Law laughed hurt. "Who? Luffy?" He guessed that was the other guy's name.
Yes, goddamn Luffy. Kid glanced down annoyed, but then he saw that Law was waiting for him to look.
"Yeah. I would have."
There was a smile. Law put his head back down and returned to leaning on his shoulder, but Kid had caught frozen. He stared at the white cap in his way of view as the truth added to what he lost. But what was the worth of could-haves? Law pulled away from his arm and sat back up.
"We should go back to the table," the man slipped off from his seat turning away. "The others are probably be wondering where you are."
Expecting him to follow, Law already started to lead the way to where they were sitting before, but Kid didn't want to go.
"Kid," Killer snapped him out of his thoughts. He quirked a brow wondering why he was staring at his girlfriend's breast even though he knew Kid didn't like her. Bonney gave him a crooked smile, and the redhead cringed reflexively. "Are you going to ride in the car with us?"
Kid threw down his cigarette to the floor and dusted the light out with his boot. "I'll take my bike."
The blonde gave a nod. The others who were looking at Kid curiously as well moved when they saw Killer opening the car. Kid ignored the stares wondering how long he had been spacing out for them to be all gawking at him, and just moved as well.
"Where are we going?" he asked walking over to and throwing a leg over his bike. He was the only one that brought his own ride other than Killer. Since Wire didn't have a car and Heat got his vehicle towed, the blonde had picked them up on the way here.
"I know a place," Bonney answered. "I found a really nice place last week."
"Surprised they're still in business," Kid remarked earning him a glare. "Got kicked out before you ate all their food?"
"Shut up," she sneered. "And just follow us."
Killer rolled his eyes as everyone else got into the car. With that little exchange, he was glad that Kid wasn't riding with them or else they'd have to listen to the two bicker the whole time. Kid waited for the Lexus to move until he started his bike and tailed behind.
They eased in to the main streets, and if Killer did think that he and Bonney wouldn't fight if she and Kid were separated, then he was wrong. It was a few lights already until they had to stop at a red light. Instead of staying behind them, Kid went to the next lane so he was beside the car. Killer, who was next to him, had his windows rolled down and his elbow hanging out. Beside him was Bonney messing with the radio. An evil grin hid underneath the redhead's helmet as he just absolutely enjoyed getting the girl riled up, and he made sure that he went to Killer's side so she wouldn't be able to hit him. He opened his mouth to make an offhanded comment about her missing sweater, but a rev of a bike drowned him out.
Everyone in the car, along with Kid, turned around and drew their attention to the bike that pulled up on Bonney's side. Since she was riding shotgun, she was able to roll down her window and give the man a hard stare. The biker ignored her and looked straight at Kid.
Kid looked back sizing up the man with his black jacket, fur lined hood, and light blue jeans. His black helmet reflected Kid's own. With a flick of his wrist, he sounded his bike again. The engine purred like a well-oiled beast. He kept on doing it until a vein grew at Kid's temple. Knowing he had the redhead's attention, he gave the universal sign for a challenge.
"Kid," Killer warned knowing what was about to happen.
The man ignored him and revved his own bike. If this random guy was thinking that he could come up and just challenge him in a race, then he was wrong. Kid inspected the stranger's ride and thought not bad. It got some pretty nice parts, he'll give him that. Though a nice ride didn't mean it had a good rider. The two motorcyclists remained staring each other down reaching a mutual agreement. They were going to ride. A smug smile was probably there behind the man's helmet, and Kid couldn't help but want to smack it out of him.
"Don't," Killer said again. "He's just taunting you."
The blonde looked at the road which wasn't meant for any type of races. It had wide streets, but this was social area. Shops and restaurants filled the sidewalk; this wasn't a highway. He turned back to his friend seeing that the light was about to switch from red, but Kid ignored him.
Without tearing his gaze away from the other man, Kid spoke. "Tell me the name of the place."
"Kid!" Killer couldn't believe that he was seriously going to race in the streets.
"What's the place?" he demanded hurriedly. The light was about to turn green.
"Damn it!" Bonney leaned over Killer as she shouted across his window. Knowing that Kid was going to race whether or not they told him, she caved. "The place is called 'La Terraza!'"
Kid nodded and faced forward again revving his bike.
"Don't get arrested, you idiot!" she screamed.
The light blinked green, and in an instance, he went off. Killer murmured something too, but the only thing he heard was his engine. Kid wafted through traffic dodging cars. He didn't know who the other motorcyclist was, but the man was an idiot for challenging him and thinking that he was going to win.
The two of them kept going with cars honking in curses, but they weren't going to stop until they had a clear winner. They curved the streets making a sharp turn, and Kid grinded his teeth as the stranger had a slight lead. He gave a quick sideways glance, and he furrowed his brows confused when the man started to slow down. The biker signaled something with his hand for him to look forward, and Kid focused back on the road.
What was he talking ab-
"Shit!" Kid twisted to the side as a huge truck came his way.
He barely grazed an escape as his elbow knocked someone's rearview mirror. The sting on his arm meant a slight bruise, but no cuts. Kid cursed again as he continued on trying to find the right street as they had entered though a wrong direction. When he finally got back and settled into the right flow of traffic, and no cops were chasing after his tail, he slowed to a stop near the sidewalk.
"Fucker," he cursed at the other biker.
Son of a bitch almost got him killed! Even though he did agree to the race and the man did try to warn him, he still blamed the bastard. Kid took off his helmet and inspected his elbow. Just as he predicted, his jacket had been thick enough to protect him. He grumbled vowing that if he ever encountered the other biker again, he was going to kick his ass. With an irritated sigh, Kid took out his phone texting Killer that he might be late.
He looked around for street signs to give him a clue for where he was, and he was gifted with a lucky surprise when he saw a restaurant right across the street. On huge letters, it said "La Terraza." A smirk played his lips, and he put his phone away. That was an extremely lucky coincidence.
He kicked the stand to hold his bike and got off. Taking his helmet and keys with him, Kid walked to the other side of the streets legally taking the crosswalk. Looking at the building, he complimented Bonney, surprised she actually had good taste. It was a pretty nice and clean looking restaurant. Although a bit plain on the outside, it had a very elegant set up inside. Most of the tables were outside in a terrace, and Kid saw that many people preferred to dine there once he entered. Like the name, most of the restaurant's aesthetic came from its terrace view. Kid looked around for seats and found one at the middle of the inside room. There restaurant wasn't full, but it was the only table that could fit five at the moment.
"Ah, sir!" a waitress called his name.
Kid turned around recognizing a young girl who had greeted him every time he had come to this restaurant. She had long, dark curly hair tied into a bun and was fairly tall. The bright welcoming grin said she had spotted his face right off the bat in one glance.
"Table for two?" She immediately assumed into routine and swayed to find a person behind him. A little confusion fizzled her smile when she found no one, but she went back to standing straight and waited for his answer. The earnest eyes smothered him with familiarity.
Kid didn't feel so lucky anymore. He looked back to the field of tables where customers where eating. There was an old couple by the window who were dining together and sharing a plate of sandwiches between them. The girl saw where he was staring and brightened.
"Oh, we have that special again today! The side dish for this week is the cucumber sandwich, and if it's for you two, I think I can get the owner to give it you for free. You're always coming here, and the owner still remembers your friend who complimented the chef so well! Plus, he likes his accent," she winked. "English, was it?"
Kid stepped back. He didn't feel like being here.
"Sir?" she asked worriedly. "Are you going to sit?"
"No," he said feeling backed into a corner. "I changed my mind."
Turning on his heels, Kid stormed out of the restaurant. The only reason he had thought Bonney did a good job in picking a place to eat was because he had been there many times before. Almost every weekend, he had gone there with Law for lunch that it was a given that they'll be meeting there by eleven.
He stopped by the crosswalk to push the button and turn the light. When it didn't turn the second he pushed it, Kid banged at the broken thing and crossed anyway. A car yelled at him as he walked, and he shouted back that they should look where they were going. When he made it to the other side, he plopped on the seat of his bike and put his helmet back on.
Damn it! He cursed his shitty luck. Why did that girl have to go and recognize him? Why did she have to go up to him, and greet him like that? As if there was a person with him. Exactly one. Didn't they have any other waiters at that place?! And screw those cucumber sandwiches that Law liked so much! Only old people and Trafalgar liked them! Kid took out his phone and texted Killer that he wasn't coming to lunch. He didn't include why and pressed send.
Let the man think he had gotten arrested for speeding. It was much better than letting him know he couldn't handle seeing a sliced fruit between two slices of bread because it made him think too much. He turned his engine on then headed off to the nearest convenience store he could find. For now, a barbeque sandwich and coke would be just fine.
"I could have just picked you up from your apartment," Corazon said as he sat next to him on the park bench.
In between them were the blonde's helmet and the food Law had bought. Any bystander would have thought the older man was menacing with his looks; with his lanky legs, black jacket, and sunglasses that hid half his face, it was understandable, but Law thought the contrary. He couldn't even take the man seriously right now. He looked at the blonde as the man held a cold bottle of water against his forehead to nurse a bump he had gotten from falling over a rock when he walked over. It was getting bright pink, and even more noticeable against his pale skin.
"You called me when I already sat down and bought my lunch. It was easier to just have you come here," Law nibbled on his food. "You can have the other one, if you'd like."
He offered the other sandwich as he had bought two. Seeing as they weren't going to leave the park until the dark haired man finished eating, Corazon thanked him and reached for the sandwich. It was an odd looking thing. The blonde hesitated before biting into it. There was something green for the filling with something else he assumed was cream. He gave a glance towards Law, and seeing that he was eating the same thing, deemed the sandwich safe to eat. Corazon took a courageous bite.
"Cucumbers?" he asked roving his tongue to feel the texture.
Law gave him a small nod. The blonde kept on chewing as it actually wasn't half bad. The two of them continued until they finished their sandwiches and threw their trash in a nearby bin. They then went over to where Corazon had parked. Under the motorcycle's seat compartment, the older man took out an extra helmet and tossed it over to Law.
"Where are we going?" Law asked putting it on.
"To Doffy's," Corazon answered. "He wants your help planning something."
"For what?"
"That's all he told me."
Law felt a little cautious with so little information. The blonde got on his bike, and despite his uneasiness, Law followed suit. He looked down to make sure that his fingers were placed rightly on the back of the seat for safety, and he noticed a scratch on the side of the bike.
"You have a scratch here," he informed Corazon, his fingers tracing the damage. As clumsy as the man was, he knew that the man took extra care of his motorcycle. It was a gift from his older brother so it was always kept in top condition. Any slight damage would be peculiar.
The blonde started his engine apparently already aware. "A little graze from a truck. I'll have to fix it later."
"A truck? Why were you so close to a truck?"
"It's a boring story."
Corazon waved it off as of no importance, but the answer only led to more questions. The older man left Law with a cliffhanger as they went off in to the streets. The roar of the engine brought all talking into a silence.
