Several days had passed, and Law had distantly incorporated himself into the crew. Many avoided him, which the man didn't mind per say. Whenever the other crew members crammed themselves into the chipping walls just so that they wouldn't encounter Law in the halls, it brought forth feelings of hate and anger. It was a constant reminder that he didn't belong here, and spurred unpleasant feelings of nostalgia. It's like Law had been in this situation before, when he was an outsider against the world. That caused further annoyance in the man since his memories were very much still lost to him.

Even looking into a mirror made Law feel incomplete; his mind couldn't relate to his body. These tribal tattoos, his tanned skin with vague white splotches, his dark eye bags that hung from his golden eyes, a few bits of facial hair- everything felt foreign to Law. Whenever he tried to connect his mental and physical body, not all the buttons clicked together. He assumed it was the lack of memories unconsciously prohibiting him from being comfortable in his own skin. Whatever it was, it was quite annoying to the man.

It was times like this when he over analyzed himself, that he just wanted a good distraction from those thoughts. Normally, he grab one of the few books found in the infirmary, Law's temporary room, and read until he fell asleep. Often the words would just meld together, becoming a mass of distorted letters, as Law's mind began wearing down. He would doze off around a third of the way through the story, not really caring if he finished the novel or not. The man couldn't remember much, but he could recognize when something was a good, complex story. And those books were far from that.

A sudden urge to see what Killer was up to flooded Law's senses. Out of everyone on the ship, Killer was by far the man's favorite, always treating the tanned man with respect like he was an equal rather than an unwelcomed, contagious disease. Wire and Heat were also other crew members than Law was fond of; he enjoyed watching their silent tag team in the kitchen while he cleaned dishes haphazardly. There were a few others that Law found tolerable, well, compared to their captain, everyone else seemed like the nicest person in the Law's small world.

A grimace spread across his features as he recalled when Eustass broke his finger on the first day. He held his hand up to the ceiling, observing it. Now his ring bounded pinkie finger was crooked and couldn't properly be straighten, something that Law wouldn't have minded if it wasn't that unbearable redhead who had caused it to be like that. Despite the zero interactions Eustass has had with Law since that day, he still hated the man. Everything about "his captain" pissed Law off to no extent.

A knock and a metal thud sounded against the door, which Law could instantly tell it was Killer by the masked man's metal gauntlets on his wrists.

"Come in."

The infirmary door creaked open, giving Law a smug smile since he guessed correctly. "Need something, Killer-ya?" Law asked, shifting himself to sit on the side of the bed.

Killer stopped in his tracks, thought about questioning the added "-ya" to his name, but in the end, didn't care enough to bring it up. "Dinner is ready."

That was something that completely fascinated the tanned man. It seemed like an unspoken rule, at least before Law suddenly joined, that everyone ate their meals together. Under any condition (arguing, drinking, cheering, laughing, fighting) they all had to be together, enjoying their food. Law wondered at what time and who initiated this tradition since none of the men seemed to be the type that would sit down and have a 'family meal.' And yet, that's basically what is was.

Since Law was weak and barely able to stand for awhile, he had skipped out on their shared meals in the beginning, eating in solace in the infirmary. But once he recovered more, it was very surprising to see how the crew interacted with each other. They felt like a family. The brotherly brawls, the sibling like rivalry for Killer and Eustass' attention, the playful mocking; Law was very much taken aback at how concrete and solid this crew was. On the surface, it looked dysfunctional and incoherent, but it became quite clear that they all held deep respect and admiration for each other.

And then there was Law. An outsider.

"Do you need help standing or something?" Killer said with an impatient tone and a tap with his boot.

Law could hear the sarcasm in the masked man's voice, but replied with a smirk, "Since you're offering, sure."

Turning on heels, he sighed, "You're fine, now come on, it's time to eat."

Law chuckled underneath his breath, stood, and followed Killer as they headed towards the dining hall. The hallways were dim and empty, leaving Law with an odd sensation. The ship resembled almost a ghost ship when the crew weren't randomly strewn about. Everything appeared worn out, as if the ship could collapse in any second. The floors creaked underneath every footstep and light fixtures hanging from the ceiling rocked to the ship's rhythm. It wasn't helping that the sounds from the distant destination echoed throughout the hull, creating vague, ghastly voices. Law glanced back behind him a few times to make sure that there really was no spiritual being stalking them. Staying here surely feels like hell, but there is no way that demons or ghosts could take residence in the ship, Law persuaded himself.

His tattooed digits glided across the splintering wood wall as Law inquired, "What did Heat make today?"

"He made Sea-bear steak, but your stomach is still too weak for that kind of heavy food. So, he provided you with a piece of salmon instead."

Golden eyes glanced at the masked man, as Law hummed at Killer's answer. "Are you the doctor of the ship?"

Killer paused in his tracks for a few seconds, then remembered that dinner was ready. Returning back to his brisk pace, he chuckled, "You're asking a man named Killer if he's a doctor?"

Law narrowed his eyes, grumbling, "A name is a name, not your position in life."

Another condescending laugh came from the masked man with a shake of his head. "I'm far from a doctor; I have just managed to see a lot of things in my life." Law could sense a smirk on the other man's hidden lips as Killer added, "I'm normally the one causing harm to others, rather than healing them."

"I think your captain wins against you in the causing-injuries-to-others game."

"I can't really argue against that, in all honesty."

The sounds of the crew intensified as the two men arrived at their destination. A flood of chants, laughter, and swears contrasted so heavily against eeriness of the vacant halls. They walked into the dining hall, and were greeted with an empty bottle of beer being tossed at the door. It broke, raining it's shards all over the two men. Despite the shower of glass, it felt almost welcoming to Law. A fireplace was roaring, and it's cracking sound added to the various noises that bounced around the room. Heat and Wire were arm wrestling, a group of five were singing incomprehensible songs, a few were warming themselves by the fire, and Eustass with few other members were playing some card game. Law thought about questioning as to why some were almost entirely naked, but blamed it on the alcohol.

The smell of food was intoxicating, and caused Law's mouth to water slightly. The scent of freshly-made salmon filet cut through the charred seabear steak aroma. Law shuffled away from Killer, blindlessly following the fragrance. He settled himself down at the table where his food was placed, and began eating the piece of fish. It's flaky meat was coated in a garlic butter sauce, causing Law to hum in approval. It amazed him how Heat could be such a good chef even though he worked in such chaotic conditions.

Law chewed at the piece of fish, eyeing the room around him. His golden eyes stopped themselves at the card game which Killer had joined in just now. He watched as the crew all scooted their chairs over to allow Killer to squeeze into the crowded table.

"What are we playing today?" the masked man asked, dragging a chair up and seating himself in group. A crew member with deep blue hair pulled back into a small ponytail handed Killer several cards.

"We're playing Bullshit," Eustass answered after taking a gulp of his drink and giving Killer a quick lopsided grin.

Killer let a laugh, seeing what his cards consisted of. He then turned to the others, saying, "Alright, guys, who's placing bets on who's winning this?"

"You know it's going to be me," the red headed captain proudly announced, leaning back into his chair. He's in quite a good mood, Law thought as he took his final bite of salmon. He must be drinking something good.

"No way, Kid, today is the day that you're going to lose," Killer said, slapping down a few coins on table. "One day your luck has to run out with this game."

"That horrible poker face of yours is going to be your downfall this time," a rather brave crew member laughed, following Killer's actions and tossing a few coins on the center of the table. The rest of the group all then flicked their own tattered gold onto the table, giving verbal approvals to what was just said.

Law stiffen, immediately taking interest with what was just said. A devilish smile spread across Law's tanned features as an idea sparked in his mind. Eustass losing? The dreadful captain falling off his high horse? What if Law was able to win against Eustass? How would the crew fair when the unwelcome newcomer defeats their unbeatable captain? A chuckle left Law as he imagined him winning that card game; a sign of dominance to everyone in the crew, especially that crude redhead. Law's broken finger and the captain losing wasn't exactly an eye for an eye. Also he had no idea how to play Bullshit, but Law couldn't let this chance slip past him. The vulgar, pasty white man was in a seemingly good mood which made Law want to knock him down a peg even more.

He slide up out of his chair, set his fork down, and strutted towards to growing crowd around the table. Law wormed his way past the mass of people, the feeling of anticipation clawing at his veins. Swears were being tossed at Law as he broke through the horde. He wanted to just jump into the unknown game, but reasoned against that. If he didn't have a clear grasp at what was going on, then there would be no hope of him winning against the others.

So, he viewed the card game, his eyes flickering between the crew members and his ears tuning into what was being said. After a few minutes, Law deemed it fairly simply where you were just calling out a liar. He took notice of the few nervous characteristics that everyone possessed: Killer fiddling with a strand of his blonde hair, shifting eyes from some of the crew, an obvious frown on Eustass' face. Bouncing his foot, he patiently waited until the end of the game with Eustass winning. Then that impish smirk shone on Law's face as he stood up tall and asked, "Care if I join this game?"

Everyone blinked at Law's inquiry, taken aback that he said that, let alone even opened his mouth. All were aware of the man's dislike for his situation, so the fact that he asked to participate in the card game shocked them. Even Eustass sat in his chair, a confused expression on his face as he was unsure on why Law would behave like this. If Killer wasn't wearing his mask, he probably would have the most surprised face out of everyone since he knows full well of Law's feelings of absolute hate towards his forced join.

"I guess not," Killer muttered, still not positive what to make of this. He signaled for someone to bring another chair, and scraped his seat across the wooden floors a little.

"Hold up," Eustass interrupted, the look confusion swept away from his face and a glare replacing it, "He doesn't even know how to play, so he'll just ruin it."

Despite the captain's obvious disapproval, Law still sat in the chair, his smirk nearly widening into a full smile. The tanned man could tell already that winning would be so sweet. "I've already learned from watching your previous game, and besides, if your crew can manage themselves, then I should fare just fine," Law protested, entwining his fingers together at the nape of his neck and leaning his head back into his hands.

Law thought that the redhead wouldn't have picked up on his hidden insult, but by the way he stiffened and scowled, it was clear that Law wasn't subtle enough. "What did you say, you bastard?!" Eustass barked, shooting forward in his chair.

Once more, golden and red mixed, burning into each other. The red eyes were sharp, narrow, menacing, while the golden ones were relaxed, cold, undisturbed by the scarlet irises. It was a silent battle between the two men; Eustass demanding for Law to back down and Law standing firm against him.

Killer could feel the tension in the air between the two like lions trying to assert themselves in the pride. Before a fight started out, Killer intervened by saying, "Law shut up and respect your captain, and, Kid, if you win, you'll just get more money, so let it slide this once."

Eustass couldn't counter that point, but was still unsatisfied. Taking another sip from his glass of liquor and continuing his glower towards the tanned man, he growled, "Yeah, yeah, yeah."

The masked man let out a little sigh of relief that his captain's attitude was in a good mood or else there would have been no possible way that Law could have joined after that remark. Shoot, Killer might have needed to fix another broken finger. He motioned for all the cards, and then skillfully began shuffling them. The cards blended with one another as Killer called out, "Everyone toss in your money now."

A sea of gold flooded the table and bets were being called out all over the place. Many were for their captain, but some change was sprinkled in for the other members. None were for Law which didn't surprise the man, not that he needed someone else's faith in him. He could win without anyone's help or belief. Once the storm of coinage stopped, it signalled that all bets were in.

"Alright," Killer said, scattering the cards out to the players with a flick of the wrist, "Let's get started then."

Law's golden eyes observed everyone's facial expressions as the cards were being placed one after another. He let out a quick chuckle, realizing that no one seemed to mind Killer's mask. If Law cared more, he would had spoken up about it when it involves a game of lying, but the spin of his yellow hair through his fingers was already enough to know when he was bluffing. Thankfully, Law's normally straight face served to be an equally good mask as Killer's as no one was able to tell when he lied or not. Law was able to call everyone's bluff except for Eustass as it seemed that he never had to lie. The redhead's luck was quite fascinating and it made sense as to why he never needed to perfect a poker face. Eustass always seemed to contain the needed card whatever it maybe. Incorrectly accusing Eustass only served to hurt the crew by having them pick up the dropped cards, and to increase the captain's ego. Law once, to test the waters, called out Eustass, and that was the only time he had to increase the volume of his cards. Though, that only made Law's motivation stay lit with such passion as it truly seemed as if Eustass was his only obstacle to winning in this game, which Law found rather fitting.

The cards between the two men dwindled down significantly to where there was only a single card in each of their hands. The crowd paid little attention to the other members, focusing solely on Eustass and Law. The atmosphere oozed and dripped with intensity between the men as they both sought to win. Even though it was just a simple card game, the tension that hung in the air showed how much deeper it went and the whole crew could feel it.

Despite that obvious strained feeling that everyone could feel, Eustass and Law weren't aware of it. It started out as a silent war, and to the crew members it stayed that way. Yet somehow along the way, it's turned into odd entertainment for the two men. The challenge between them was invigorating and refreshing; something that Eustass hadn't received in a long time. Law just enjoyed someone that was blunt, expressing their honest feelings rather than the indifference he normally experienced from the others. They mocked, insulted, berated each other, and each time, the other man was able to reply with a remark of equal fierceness.

Law toyed with his final card in his inked fingers, smiling like the devil. "So, Eustass," he said, "Is this card the winning one or will I be bluffing?" He already knew the answer to this question, but wanted to mess with the hothead. It was clear that he was going to win, and Law thanked his neutral facial expression as for most of the game he was bluffing.

Tilting his head to the side slightly, Eustass raised nonexistent eyebrows. Amused, he growled, "I guess we'll see once you hurry your ass and set it down."

The tanned man hummed nonchalantly, experiencing the ring bounding his finger tightened ever so slightly. Ah, that was another thing that Law took notice of throughout the game. Whenever things got a little more heated between them, the ring would twitch, coiling itself tighter and then would slacken. Law didn't know if it was a subconscious or conscious action (his vague knowledge of whatever Eustass' mysterious power could do with metal didn't enlighten him on whichever it could be), but it did allow for him to always keep his distance. He will admit that he had some fun, but that ring was a horrible reminder of their first meeting and how Law just wanted it tossed into the sea.

The ring relaxed and so did Law. He rubbed his pinkie finger, laughing slyly, "I guess you can't wait to see me win." He set down his final card backside down onto the table. "Nine."

The redhead slammed his fist down onto the table, announcing, "Bullshit!"

"You lose," Law said, motioning to pick up the stack of cards with his head which made his ebony hair shake softly.

"No way in hell!"

"Pick up it and see."

Eustass' pale hand shot out and grabbed the card. The horde surrounding the table huddled around, trying to get a better view of the picked up card. Excitement flowed through them like a single wave at the thought of this random newcomer dominating their captain in a game where he never lost.

With the questioning cries from the crowd sounding like a bizarre musical, the captain stared at the card, and allowed it to fall from his painted digits. His red eyes were widened in disbelief. By the way it fell, it displayed its surface to all to see. It, indeed, was a nine, making Law the winner and Eustass the loser. The dining hall was silent except for the snapping sound of the flames. The crew looked at one another, appalled by the outcome of the game. Their captain hasn't lost a single game before, no matter what the conditions were. And yet, here came Law who defeated him in one fell swoop on his first try.

Trafalgar Law smirked hellishly, pleased that he was able to demonstrate his dominance. He closed his eyes, awaiting some sort of response other than bafflement. Now, out of all the different reactions Law was expecting (animosity, annoyance, resentment), he certainly didn't plan on what he got.

A surge of applause broke the silent atmosphere, making the dining hall shake and creak like it was any other cheering crew member. Startled, Law's eyes exploded opened at the loud, sudden noise. He sat there, blinking as to try and intake what was happening. They were laughing, exclaiming that their captain finally lost with not a hint of anger in their voice. Some even gave Law a quick, rough swat on the shoulder like some sort of congratulations on winning. Heat held a smile small on his stitched lips, and Wire's normally mopish face looked content. Even Killer, the most loyal person to Eustass, looked relieved that his captain had lost.

"Did I just receive respect from that?" Law mumbled to himself, quiet enough so that no one else would hear him. He surely thought that him winning would make the others more riled up at Law, and possibly have them desiring to expel him from the Kid Pirates. As Law eyed the drunken joy around him, his eyes settled on Eustass, hoping that at least the redhead's temper was something that he could predict. To his disappointment, the captain was drinking from glass, appearing slightly distant like he still hasn't fully grasped his lost yet. Law tried to feel for some movement from the ring, but it stayed still and static. Well, the tanned man thought, setting his elbows on the table, clasping his hands together, and resting his chin on his tattooed hands. Mission accomplished?

Law pressed his lips together, still unsure about if he was satisfied or not with their reaction. He tousled his hair with his fingers, feeling the need to head back to the infirmary. The Kid Pirates rambunctious attitude was normally draining on Law; he could take only so much of their drinking and shouting. A debilitated sigh came from the tanned man as he tried to hide his presence amongst the crowd. Hazardly, he stood and slinked towards the door.

The man stopped in his tracks, slightly panicked when he heard someone calling out his name. "Trafalgar, where are you going?" Asked a gleeful crew member, locking his muscular arm around Law's neck.

The action made the tanned man feel immensely uncomfortable; his body being touched like he was an old friend was something that bothered him. His poker face broke, and Law's disgusted mouth and cinched eyebrows exposed how he was truly feeling. He turned his head upwards to see who was nearly choking him. It was a man with a jaw that was a bit too large, and a discolored eyebrows (one pale blonde and the other mud brown). He could feel sweat form on his forehead as he awkwardly demanded, "Uh, let go of me, eyebrows…?"

The man laughed heartily, not caring about Law's request to leave. He snickered a "nope", and then dragged Law back into the heart of the celebration, where the man was treated like someone of importance. He tried to escape, but all of the attention was on the man. Law even tried looking for Killer, Heat, Wire, someone that he recognized in the flood of unknown faces. When hands began shoving harsh liquor into Law's hand and mouth, out of desperation, his golden eyes tried to find Eustass' flame like hair. He would prefer any sort of treatment other than this, but the captain was missing as well. The drinks wouldn't stop, and to prevent choking, Law began downing them. It burned his throat, slurred his protests, and made his entire body feel weak. Yet, after several swigs of liquor, Law felt himself relax a little bit. He managed to chuckle and crack a faint smile at their jokes, hesitantly allowing them to continue their friendly actions towards him. Through the cheers of congratulations, they gave him a small, tiny spark of belonging while Law was in his intoxicated state.

A sparse flock of seagulls were silhouetted against the light of the moon, the beat of their overly large wings could be faintly heard amongst the various noises that the sea made. Vaguely, the mating songs of Singing Eels could be heard from the south, their deep cries echoing across the waves. The salty ocean breeze combined with the chilly night air felt refreshing for the four men standing on the second floor deck. Three men out of the four were only there to make sure that their captain didn't do anything idiotic in his drunken stupor, such as fall into the crippling sea.

Heat was practicing smoke rings, careful not to allow some licks of fire to escape his stitched lips. Though Wire's face appeared sad, his eyes light up whenever Heat managed to make a perfect ring and would softly clap encouragingly at his friend's success. Killer kept his gaze on Eustass, his posture ready to pull back the redhead if he leaned forward too much. The captain was looking out onto the dark waters, his head nodding like a fishing bobber.

"Kid, if you're going to fall asleep, don't do it here," Killer said, shifting his weight back and forth between feet.

Eustass murmured a reply, his eyes looking heavy.

The masked man was quiet, his mind musing over his captain's behavior. Actually, musing over if it was a mistake to force Law to join in his state. No one on the crew had a mound of immense medical expertise, especially on conditions of the brain. Would he regain his memories or stay as he currently is, building onto his fragmented self? If he never gets his memories back, then he'll just stay in our crew, but what if we run across his crew? Will he just deny them or believe them?

Frustrated by the arising questions, Killer lifted his mask so that it rested on his head. The cold air was refreshing on his scarred face, as he rubbed at his eyes. He didn't necessarily feel regret of having the Heart captain join, but he worried about the future. After Law's display tonight, it seemed to Killer that Law was willing to mix with the crew, which only made him worry about every aspect that could go wrong.

"When did I become a person of worry?" Killer mumbled to himself, glancing over at his surrounding crew members. As he watched Eustass nearly fall asleep while standing, Heat blowing smoke into Wire's face, Wire coughing and patting his chest, Killer chuckled faintly.

Before Killer placed his mask back, through his golden bangs, he gave Heat and Wire a stern grimace. The two noticed the look, and halted in their actions. They quickly returned back to their previous actions, acting as if they were well behaved children.

"That got them to stop, but," Killer turned to his captain, who was drifting further and further into the realm of sleep. "Just go to sleep already, Kid; I don't want to have to carry you to bed like you're five."

Once more, another murmured reply as Eustass' head fell forward with snores exiting the man. His body slouched forward, and his body weight forced him to tip over the railing. With speedy reflexes, Killer's hands shot out, clutched Eustass' fur coat in his grasp, and with all his strength, he tried dragging his captain back onto the deck. But gravity plus Eustass acting like dead weight proved to be too overpowering as the two men fell off the sides into the water, a chain of swears pouring from Killer's mouth. Heat and Wire followed after their captain and second mate shortly.