Really so sorry for the very long wait _
Here is chapter 3.
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Things came clear in Kidd's mind about Law and his love for the only person in his life, after he bugged him nonstop just to tell him about it when everyone went home.
Since the day Law met Ace in his first year of high school, he couldn't move his eyes away from the guy, he couldn't resist that bright smile drawn on his lips, black hair, freckled face and the joyful personality he has.
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"So you failed capturing the heart of the older brother, now you're trying to steal the younger one?" Kidd questioned walking to school with Law.
"Are you insane? Am not, what the hell is wrong with your brain?" Law denied walking as fast as he can, Kidd kept bothering him about the whole Ace story since last night, and he even spent the night in Law's bedroom.
"Oh, your feelings are still the same I see; you're so loyal even though he is with someone else now" Kidd teased.
"You're such an annoying bastard, how did you know about Ace-ya? I don't ever recall telling you about him" Law questioned, annoyed how Kidd managed to figure things so easily, it annoyed him more that he is always right.
"I saw him once at your house" he smiled, "Umm … to be exact in the library room, you guys were working on some assignment for biology class" he answered fishing a gum from his pocket.
Flashback:
The fourteen years old Kidd was standing out of the library room, sneaking peeks inside where Ace and Law were doing their final biology assignment, it was the first time Law brought someone to the house.
"Law, you really are a book worm, just look at all these books you have here … do you even read them?" Ace questioned while looking at some books organized on the shelves, some other were piled on a table and others were just lying there on the floor.
"Yeah I do … in my free time" Law replied taking out some reference books from the shelves.
"Hmmm! No wonder you have such a smart brain, you keep reading these books all day and night"
"Heh, you could say that … here, I got the books we need" Law placed the books on the table that was in the middle of the room. "Ace-ya, can I ask you something?" Law nervously blurted. "You don't need my permission to ask me something, Law" Ace smiled, he already took one of the books in his hands and started flipping the pages.
"Do I … have a special place in your heart?" Law questioned looking at Ace, waiting for the answer. "What are you talking about all of a sudden? I mean yeah, you're my best friend" Ace informed facing Law.
"Not … that way" Law moved closer to Ace and took the book in one hand leaning forward, his other hand on the couch for support, he pressed his lips to Ace's and pulled away quick, "I … love you" Law confessed.
Ace was shocked, it took him a minute to collect what has been said and done, he then turned his face away "I'm sorry but I can't return your feelings … I already have someone else" his answer came out. In a quick move Law got off from Ace standing on his feet "Sorry about that" he turned facing the other side "let's just forget this and … get back to work".
End of Flash-back.
"You stopped going to school after that, you were so depressed you even accepted Doffy's offer to travel with him, I thought you would finish your studies there since you stayed for a long while, but you didn't" Kidd mumbled all the facts at once.
"You're annoying; you really do have a bad habit, sticking your nose into other people business, digging in their pasts" Law commented.
"Just tell me one thing" he mumbled looking at Law, "would you accept a confession from him, that chibi I mean?" Kidd inquired before inflating his gum, gaining his cousin's attention.
"Why would he do that? I don't see that coming, and what the hell is wrong with your thoughts?" Law grumbled at his cousin.
"Hmm … absolutely nothing" Kidd smiled playfully looking away from Law "it's just that you're so simple, the problem is that you don't see what I see … just keep in mind that no one knows you better than I do." Kidd slyly smiled, "Yeah yeah whatever, the knowledge you gain is only from digging people's pasts anyway" Law spoke with annoyance, Kidd ignored his cousin looking in front of him, there was Luffy with his usual favorite bottle of strawberry milk and on his side was Zoro who was stealing quick glances at the figure that's walking beside him.
Looking at them he wondered how long can Zoro go on like that, one thing for sure to him was that Zoro didn't confess his feelings to Luffy yet, another thing he was so sure of and so confident about was that Luffy has feelings for someone else and he has a pretty good idea who it is, he looked at Law who was on his phone from his eye corner, of course he came up with the assumption after a lot of thinking and keeping a close watch on both parties, but he's never going to meddle in it, he preferred to just watch and let things progress on its own, even though Law keeps denying his feelings now, he will have to admit it … someday. Eeverything will be good and sweet when the right time comes, but for fate to pick that person for Law, Ace's brother of all people is a bit of an unbelievable coincidence.
As they closed their distance, Law's steps came to a halt when he saw Luffy, while Kidd kept walking and then stopped and greeted both Luffy and Zoro.
"I apologize on behalf of my older brother for what he did to you yesterday" Kidd started, taking a quick look at Zoro and then his eyes go back looking at Luffy.
"Oh that, don't worry about it" he smiled making both Zoro and Law frown, Kidd smiled just getting to see the reaction on both males.
Luffy noticed Law standing few steps away from them, he walked to him and greeted him as usual, "Here are your clothes, I washed them properly" Luffy said handing the bag to Law, "Ne Traffy" he mumbled having the attention of Law, Kidd and Zoro at the same time, "I … have something to tell you, can I?" he asked, a slight blush starting to form on his cheeks, looking straight into the older man's eyes without even blinking.
"Yeah sure … what is it?" Law questioned, Luffy curled his hand in a fist "Umm … can we … talk somewhere else?" the teen asked looking hesitant, Kidd kind of figured out the matter and smiled, while a certain green head was wondering what is going on.
"As you wish; How about in the break?" Law agreed, gaining a relieved smile and a nod from the boy. He then dismissed himself, walking inside the school followed by Kidd.
"So, what is it the thing …?" Zoro wanted to ask as he is curious about what Luffy wanted to tell Law but then he recalled what Kidd said "No, leaving that matter aside, what's with that thing Kidd mentioned earlier, his brother doing something to you?" Zoro questioned, with a lot of curiosity and a lot more of anger and jealousy "Ah that, it was only a kiss on my cheek, it happened all of a sudden, I didn't even know what to do" Luffy answered him.
"Huh?" Zoro kind of yelled out of anger, Luffy looked at him confused for a second "It's only a small kiss on my cheek; Ace-nii sometimes does the same too" he spoke looking innocently at his grumpy friend.
At the promised place and time stood Law waiting for Luffy to come, the teen was late ten minutes, Law was about to go to Luffy's class, but as he was about to turn around, a voice stopped him "Stay the way you are, d-don't turn around" Luffy said between huffs, somewhat in a yell, "S-sorry for being late" he mumbled, his heart started to beat hastily, his feet felt wobbly as he slightly closed the distance between them.
"It's okay Luffy-ya, what is it that you wanted to say?" the older man inquired still facing the other way, having absolutely no idea what fate is about to bestow on him. "The thing is …" Luffy paused for a moment shutting his eyes tightly as fear crept on all over his body, scared that Law would deny his feelings, but he mustered the courage to continue there's no turning back now "Tra-Traffy I-um … I … love you" Luffy finally said it.
It was a sudden and unexpected surprise to Law's ears, to hear that the boy actually had feelings for him, he is happy to know how Luffy feels about him but it pained him; this was not the right time, Law is still recovering and at the same time he's falling in love again, he wanted to settle his feelings first then take the next step in his life, he didn't want something of the past to interfere with his new relationship, Law didn't say anything for a moment but then he had to give an answer.
"Sorry, Luffy-ya, but at the moment I can't …" Law blurted out still didn't turn back to face Luffy afraid to see the look on his eyes.
With that sentence only, it was painful just hearing that part of the answer, Luffy already figured it out as tears started forming in the corners of his eyes but he tried his best not to cry now, he completely suppressed his feelings at this moment, instead he put up his perfect yet trembling fake smile hiding the pain deep inside his now shattered to million pieces heart.
"Sorry" Luffy mumbled cutting Law off "It's okay, I understand" he said giving a nervous smile, feeling more pain crawl to his chest, Law slightly turned his head to look back but he was stopped again "please, just don't look at me right now" Luffy shrieked slowly, the pain in his heart was unbearable, his tears started to drip down he took his steps back and turned running away as fast as he can wiping his tears. Hearing his footsteps getting away, Law turned around but he only got to see Luffy's back disappearing out of the door.
The next day, Luffy came to the school normally as he always does; he still has his smile and his joyful personality with his friends around him, he met Law in his way to his class and greeted him normally as usual with his brightest smile, it was as if nothing has happened at all, even though it pained him Luffy hid it perfectly leaving Law wondering how he actually wasn't affected by what happened, because Law knew the best how it feels to be rejected by the one you love the most.
After school when he gets back home, Luffy would immediately rush to his room upstairs locking the door; he throws his tired body on his bed and cries himself soundless till he sleeps, sometimes he would just sit on the window-sill staring blankly, it was torturing just seeing Law every day at school, pretending that nothing happened is painful. It's suffocating.
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Days later:
"You still haven't told me about what that chibi told you on the rooftop that day and also why is he acting strange these days; he sometimes avoids you completely" Kidd cornered his cousin in one of the classrooms in their break time, this time he won't let him go easily he is determined to earn the answers.
"Why do you need to know about that? You really are a pain"
"It's because I care, you stupid book worm" Kidd informed whacking his cousin with a book that was in his hand "Now tell me" he ordered placing the book aside folding his hands to his chest.
"F-Fine, that boy … I mean Luffy-ya, he … he confessed to me that day" Law spoke avoiding to face Kidd, knowing he'll start lecturing him and cursing his luck to have a cousin like Kidd. At those moments, Luffy stopped outside the classroom, when he heard two familiar voices speaking to each other realizing it was about him.
A Laugh escaped Kidd's lips "So … What was your answer? Though I have a feeling that you messed it up" he questioned.
"I … kind of rejected him" Law simply answered with a low voice.
"What the … did you even think about his feelings? I bet he's hurt badly … no wait a minute, you … don't tell me you fucking still have feelings for his older brother Ace"
Law hid his face placing it on the table he is currently sitting on "Yeah" it was his answer. Luffy heard that clearly though it was spoken in a low voice, it was surprising but it pained him more at the same time, his heart sank deeper and deeper, he walked away.
"Huh?" Kidd yelled.
"But that was part of it, the thing is that … I want more time to settle my feelings before I get in another relationship also … he's Ace's younger brother so… I couldn't just" Law resumed but was cut off "You really are hopeless you know that, argh … it's pointless to just sit here arguing with you, but believe me you will have to admit it someday sooner or later … that you love him"
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"Luffy, what's going on? I explained this hundreds of times before the exam for you and that muscle-head behind you, he passed somehow but how come you failed in this?" Nami yelled looking at Luffy's math exam paper.
"Sorry, Nami" he simply apologized, giving her a sleepy smile.
"Don't 'Sorry' me, really what happened to you? The last few weeks you weren't paying attention in class you were either daydreaming or sleeping, but today you are absolutely absent minded, forgetting things and your clumsiness has increased, did something happen?" she yelled at him again, a type of woman who can't suppress her anger, but still kindhearted and caring.
"Yeah, you're smart in math yet you needed Nami to help you and on top of that you failed this exam, Hancock-sensei must be disappointed; you're her favorite student after all" Usopp mumbled.
"Usopp, it's not just Luffy, Sanji-kun also failed he got a damn ZERO, can you please search the whole school and bring him to me." Nami ordered making poor Usopp run outside the classroom immediately.
"I'm really sorry, I'll try harder next time" Luffy sincerely apologized this time standing up from his seat, took his school bag and walked to the door and out of the classroom, Zoro followed him outside grabbing his hand "If it's really that painful and unbearable, then just say it you'll feel better, we are all here for you, don't just go around putting a tough front when it really hurts inside" Luffy froze at that and turned around looking at Zoro with eyes wide open 'H-how come Zoro knows?'
"Well .. If you're wondering … that day I was heading to the roof to take a nap as usual and I happened to hear your conversation … sorry I didn't mean to" Zoro spoke looking at Luffy who lowered his head in embarrassment.
After a few moments Zoro pulled Luffy's hand in a sudden movement and dragged him outside, Luffy looked at Zoro "W-where are we going?" he asked, "We're leaving" Zoro answered showing Luffy his wrist watch "I'll walk you home" he said.
They walked heading to the school's gates that's when they noticed the crowd of girls surrounding some guy standing at the school's entrance.
Luffy stopped as he recognizes the man, who now is walking closer to him with a smile, he greeted Luffy.
"You know him?" Zoro asked stopping a few steps behind Luffy.
"Mind if I borrow him" Doflamingo smiled looking at Zoro while wrapping an arm around Luffy's shoulder.
"Yeah, Zoro I'll leave first … I'll see you tomorrow" he flashed a small smile to his green haired friend lifting away the big hand around his shoulder.
Both walked out of the school leaving Zoro behind wondering about the strange man.
"What brings you here? Aren't you here for Kidd or Traffy?" Luffy asked gaining a smile from the blond man.
"Nah, I came to see you, can't I?" he flashed a toothy smile at the boy.
"I didn't mean it like that" Luffy mumbled looking straight.
"I heard about it" he started, having the attention of the boy as they walked in the way that leads to Luffy's house, "About you and Law … Kidd told me, that idiot cousin of mine doesn't have eyes to what's in front of him" Doflamingo continued, only to get a smile from Luffy, hiding all the pains behind it.
"Ah th-that, it's okay, it was only one sided from my side" He explained looking down to his feet, Doflamingo's eyes on him, with slight annoyance appearing on his face.
"His reason … He still has feelings for your older brother … is what I heard" Doflamingo grumbled and Luffy suddenly stopped realizing he's been avoiding Ace for a while and didn't talk much with him since the day he knew about this.
Luffy looked down at his feet again, forcing another smile "I know, it's okay, after all Traffy's love for Ace-nii is longer than my love to Traffy, I can't change this nor can I force my feelings on him" these words only irritated the blond more but decided it's none of his business to interfere with other people's affairs "You're actually fine with that?" Doflamingo muttered a smile forming on his lips "You still love him … I know that you still have that feeling somewhere inside your heart" he said, "Anyways, the reason I came today was to invite you to my house, since its summer break soon after few days, I already sent an invitation to your friends, we'll have a lot of fun so make sure you come, I'll be waiting for you and if you don't come, then I'll come and get you myself" the blonde smiled leaving the place not even hearing Luffy's response about this.
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A beautiful morning yet slightly hot, his room is kind of messy, clothes thrown everywhere on the floor, blanket on the floor too, his window is open to let fresh morning air in, Luffy woke up a little bit late this morning, yes it is summer break finally and he has absolutely nothing to do, no homework no assignments no exams to review and study for and of course the most important thing that crossed his mind first is that he won't be seeing Law for the entire summer break which will give him a little distance and a time to forget and maybe start over a new page.
9:30 by this time Luffy had finished his breakfast and since Ace wasn't in the house he took his time playing some video games, he is now heading to take a long relaxing shower. Just as he was heading upstairs he stopped in the middle hearing the doorbell 'could it be Ace? But he has a key.' He went down walking to the door and opened it; Luffy is greeted with a sudden hug.
"W-what …?" Luffy mumbled out trying to understand the situation he's in.
"What? You forgotten already! I told you I would come to get you myself, didn't I?" Doflamingo spoke as he released the startled Luffy.
"We're here too Luffy" Nami showed up with the others, "There was no need to hug him like that you perverted Pink-Feathered idiot" Zoro growled, being restrained by Sanji.
"Now, let's go" Doflamingo ordered as he dragged the boy outside his house.
"Huh, but I …" without even letting him to complete his sentence he's been dragged to the car's door.
"If its Ace you're concerned about, then don't worry I'll leave him a note" Usopp assured as he walked inside the brothers' house, he took a paper and wrote the whereabouts of Luffy.
On the way Luffy didn't stop struggling and arguing, he kept accusing his friends and Doflamingo of kidnaping him, and give them many excuses just to get back home but he then sat quietly after all of his attempts ended in failure.
Luffy didn't say a word along the way he just sat there silently watching the road through the car's window, thanking god that Law isn't with them.
'Looks like these feeling I have for him won't fade from my heart. No matter how hard I try not to think about Traffy it's useless' He sighed.
They finally arrived to the desired destination after a three hour ride; it was a far area but a beautiful place. Moments later a large house came to their view, it stood alone on this spot, there were several houses at the area but they were at a further distance, Doflamingo parked the car in place, and walked to the door opening it, "Welcome to the Donquixote family residence" he spoke with a smile and upon opening the door wider, Bepo came running from inside the house right into Luffy's arms, "Bepo is here?" Luffy exclaimed hugging it tightly.
"That means Kidd and Trafalgar are here too, aren't they?" Robin questioned as she walked to pat Bepo's head and Luffy froze for a moment in his place.
"Yeah they are already here, actually since yesterday" he replied grinning, "Now shall we go inside?" he walked inside followed by the others.
It was a grand space inside, had couches around a large table in the middle with a pink carpet underneath, a large theatre like TV stuck on the wall, old antiques here and there along with some old oil paintings hanging on the walls, Doflamingo mostly used this space when he had guests over.
"Umm, anyone knows where Luffy disappeared to?" Nami questioned as she looked around.
"He was right behind me a moment ago" Sanji responded and then walked outside the house to find no sign of him around.
"That Doggie disappeared too" Zoro spoke looking left and right scanning the area around them.
At a not so far place from the house walked Luffy and Bepo by his side, he couldn't stand the idea of meeting Law right now, it'd be awkward, to add to his misery in spite of all of his attempts to try not to think of him he failed. After a few miles of walking he sat on a nearby bench with Bepo not knowing what to do anymore he just keeps on thinking again and again.
Time flies fast while he's sitting there staring blankly, his hand rested on Bepo's head patting him. "What are you doing here?" a voice startled the boy driving him out from his thoughts; he turned around to find Kidd carrying some shopping bags in his hand "You're supposed to be with Doffy and the others, aren't ya?" he questioned. Luffy sighed in relieve and thanked god that it was only Kidd, before he gets to say anything Kidd took his hand and started walking the way back to the house.
"You can't run away forever you know" he mumbled looking at Luffy from his eyes corner, "I know, it's hard to pretend that you don't love him when you really do … I mean you're still having those strong feelings for that idiot … I know this doesn't concern me still I want to say this to you, I'm guessing that you think of trying not to approach him again, but really life gives a lot of chances to claim what you desire" he said now looking back at the boy thinking he understood all of that.
"Just like I said before I can't force my feelings on him even if I really love him" Luffy muttered looking to the other side. "You didn't understand, do you?" Kidd sighed 'I can't simply tell him how Law really feels he has to hear it directly from his mouth or else it'll be meaningless ugh… this stupid situation, one is blinded by his past not seeing things in front of him now and the other is simply an airhead who can't figure obvious things out, those idiots, what am I to do with them?' Kidd sighed again mentally slapping himself.
"Anyways let's get back; Doffy's probably searching for you with the others" he walked ahead but then realized that Luffy didn't move from that spot an inch, "Sorry but I won't go back with you, you guys have a nice … " Luffy mumbled out but then Kidd walked hitting the boy's head dragging him back to the house. "Why did you have to hit me for?" Luffy asked shouting at the angry Kidd "Because you deserve it" Kidd shouted back at him.
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Thnx for reading and hope you liked it ..
correct me if there are any mistakes
comments and constructive criticism are appreciated...
