A/N:
Lol. yeah. Why, hello again XD !
Is it just me, or can't I keep my own weekly updates? I want to say; Don't listen to me! But, please.. eh... listen to me xD Like I stated earlier, the updates will be less than a week, which means they can easily be every second day... or... when I feel like updating.. lol.
As usual my thanks goes out to these amazing people:
Pinkincarnation09, deadlyluv, Kikyokyoyahibari, Mizunou, Jester310, TinkotheWolf, ChildLikeProblems, SamuraiTater, Guest.124, Anon, Her, Shikakutenri, Silverwoulf, DeidaraUlquiorra and Mimithenumberon!
Especially those of you that reviewed x3 You know who you are!
And a huge thanks to every single phantom-reader and those who fave and alert!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own twisted imagination. Everything else belongs to Eiichiro Oda. But Todd is mine!
Warinings: There might be misspelling and minor grammatical mistakes. This fic is rated M, for later chapters.
Chapter 4: One Week.
Monday morning came a bit too soon for Laws tastes. His mother had been far too cheery and enthusiastic as she came to wake him that morn, far too soon. It had been late before he went to sleep last night, or early morning to be more precise. But as Law remembered why, he suddenly decided it might not be too bad after all. He took his time to leave his bed, everything was already packed in advance and he would just need a bath, some breakfast and they could leave. It was as he pulled on his skin-tight blue jeans, after his refreshing shower, and grapped his hoodie that he heard several pitter patter from foot-steps on the stairs. Law, whos hair was still damp and clung to his forehead, got little reaction-time before his door went up and two, very obnoxious, boys stormed his room.
"Oi!" Law yelled, but laughed as soon as they were over him, his hoodie discarded on the floor and he hugged them back in earnest, until they withdrew. Sachi and Bepo grinned at him, the latter dressed in a warm home-mad sweater, orange with a huge knitted icebear in the middle and Sachi in his usual attire of a white long-sleeved jersey and some casual black pants. He was quick to notice one was missing, but only quirked a brow. Sachi caught on quick enough.
"Penguin is downstairs with Robin. DAMN we were surprised when she told us she went here yesterday! Had no idea you two knew each other!" Sachi sounded as surprised as he was and Law shook his head, but bent to pick up his shirt.
"Didn't know it would be important to tell anyone about her. When we moved away she was left behind and we never kept the connection anyway," He merely shrugged and sat down beside Bepo on his bed, finally pulling his hoodie on and rested his hands in his lap.
"Still..." Sachi muttered, but Bepo cut in before the orange haired boy could say any more, turning to Law as he did so.
"She is really pretty," Law smiled at the big oaf and reached his hand up to ruffle his white tuff of hair. "That she is," He agreed. Bepo smiled back and Sachi pouted, obviously feeling left out. He pulled a chair over and turned it around to sit on it with the back of the chair facing the two others, before he leaned forward and rested his chin on an arm.
"So. Did you talk to that stranger again?" Law was taken completely aback by that question, but he couldn't really lie and say no, because he had. But to think Sachi of all people would be keen enough to expect Law to do just that, was beyond him. Not that Sachi was really stupid, he was just mostly silly, but that came with his carefree nature. He was a good guy and Law enjoyed his company as much as Bepos and Penguins.
"Eh, yeah," He eventually admitted, averting his eyes though and feeling a little bit like he had done something wrong. Of course he hadn't, but it was the way Sachi looked at him with that calculated, all too calm expression. It was very unusual that Sachi ever looked that way, only when someone, especially his friends, did something stupid that might cause them further problems did he put on his worried attitude.
"I knew it," He mumbled. "You might have acted like it was nothing, but I know you Law," He shook his head and Law just shrugged, feeling Bepos hand on his shoulder and he looked up at him, smiling a bit, but it did not reach his tired eyes.
"It's okay, Captain," Bepo said, and smiled when Laws nose scrunched up. He really did not like that nickname. But the big bear of a man just went on.
"Sachi is just worried,"
"I know," Law said and turned to look at Sachi who's expression had done a full circle once again, leaving him looking bored out of his mind, his mouth pulled in a straight line. "He shouldn't be though. It really is nothing, I don't like the guy or anything," And Law knew better than anyone what a lie that was. He did like Eustass Kid, and he liked him a lot. Of course non of his friends had to know that, yet, or anytime really. It was his secret and he did not even feel bad for keeping it from them. Maybe he shouldn't lie to them, but Law was not sure he could face the dissapointment, if there would be any. But he was almost sure there would be. Just because they were straight, Law knew they assumed he was as well. It was common thinking, for a straight guy something as homosexuality was an undiscovered new world and any mention of such would be the same as if talking about a non-existing creature, like big foot.
Bepo was an entirely different case, and Law knew if he could confess any of this to anyone, it would be Bepo. And Maybe Robin. But he didn't want to. He just wanted to keep it a secret until the time when it became boring and would be forgotten. He was certain he and Mister Eustass would not continue to get along like they did now, forever. Mister Eustass would find someone more interesting, someone more real. He was sure it would be no problem for him, though why Law suddenly felt a pang of... he knew not what; Or maybe he did not want to aknowlegde it just yet. Was not ready for it, if he ever would be. So he shook his head and covered his face in his hands. He didn't want to think about it, since there was absolutely nothing he could do to prevent it come time. Life was a feeble thing he knew, always could it turn in a blink of an eye and one would not always be satisfied with their lot.
Laws lot was bad as it was. He would not get much older than 25, and that was if he was lucky. It was not what he was left with of life now that mattered, but what he did with it and what he would leave behind. It was those memories he could make now that would matter for his friends and keep them going once he left this world. With that in mind, Law rose from his seat and went over to Sachi. He flickered his finger against his forehead and Sachi fell backwards with a pained yelp.
"Ow! Why did you do that?!" The orange haired boy was on the defensive immediately, but relaxed once Law smiled at him, a genuine smile.
"You look stupid when you're serious. Let's not waste time, I want some breakfast," He went to saunter out of his room and heard the ruffling behind him as Bepo and Sachi fought over whom got to leave the room first, they'd probably get stuck in the door-way due to Bepos oversized stature. Law merely chuckled as he went down the stairs and through the living room. True enough, both Penguin and Robin was in the kitchen with his mother. The two women chattering about whatever and Law went to take a seat next to Penguin. The cap clad youth smiled at him in aknowlegdement and Law nodded his head. It was then the last two remaining came running into the kitchen, Laws mom quickly chastising both for their recklessness as Sachi fell right down on his face after slipping on the tiled kitchen floor. So much for grace.
They all ate, not in silence of course, that just wasn't possible with Sachi at the table, but none did anything to stop him either. He was such a mood-lifter. Law was happy as he chewed on his toasted bread and eggs, sunny side up just as he liked them. He added a bit more salt and listened as his mother interrogated Robin about everything that had happened since they last saw each other. Law would have thought she had already asked all her questions by now, but she seemed to have a tons left. Poor Robin.
He and Penguin volunteered to do the dishes, the rest moving to the living room to chat some more, his mother asking Bepo help her load the car and of course the Albino happily obliged. It was a comfortable silence between them as Law did the rinsing and Penguin the drying. It wasn't until his mother popped her head in and informed them everything was ready now, that Penguin turned to him with a question.
"How do you feel?" Came the simple words, and Law raised a brow as he looked from his work to his friend, a quizzical look on his face.
"What do you mean?" He asked, looking back to the rinning water, small soap bubbles floating around in the sink, leftovers from the sponge.
"Just how you feel. It's been really long since we were able to spend real time together, I am just worried that you might close yourself in," Penguin shrugged as he said so and Law sighed, but he understood what he meant. Law did have tendencies to close himself in from the world and everyone if there was something on his mind or on particular bad days, which seemed to grow more frequent. Or they used to, lately he has been feeling in an exceptionally good mood, and though Law knew why he did not feel like telling.
"Yeah, I know Peg," Law smiled a little, though he still kept his eyes forward on his work of rinsing the last plate. He did not say more and this time Penguin sighed, but did nothing more to inquire more information. He had always been able to tell when Law wanted to talk and when he did not. Right now it seemed like he needed a bit more time, he was not really closing himself in as of yet, but Penguin mentally noted he would have to keep an eye on him at least.
Law was one of his best friends, along with Bepo and Sachi. He made it his objective to make sure that those he loved at least lived life with little regrets. If it was in his power, he'd grant them any wishes, but he was also just a mere human. And Law was a special case, he barely had much life left to live without regrets. Penguin though, wanted to make sure Law at least found life worth living and that they would all be left with the memory of a happy young man who had already done so much to enrich their lives without even knowing. Law would never be forgotten, despite what he thought himself, wether he even wanted them to remember him or not. They simply would.
"Say, Penguin," Law was hesitant when he first spoke, but Penguin was patient as he awaited for him to continue, merely making him know with a small "Hm?" that he had heard him.
"I still call that stranger, you know," Law decided that if Bepo and Sachi could know, so could Penguin. Maybe he also hoped that someone would give him some sort of approval, though he knew he shouldn't need it. He was more than capable to make his own decisions and so he should not feel bad about it. But he would always need his friends he guessed and getting second opinion never hurt, did it?
"I know," Penguin said and Law looked at him, though not all too surprised. Penguin always seemed to know in advance, so Law only smiled as he handed him the last plate and turned around to lean up against the counter.
"He told me his name. And about what he does for a living and so. I... I think I like him," His eyes were closed and his heart beat rose a bit, Law feeling the tension build in his muscles despite his relaxed positur. Regardless of how Penguin decided to read his words, Law found he didn't care, it was more what he would think that mattered. If he would tell him what he assumed, that it was a bad idea to involve himself with a stranger, despite that Law thought it couldn't hurt, since they were just that; strangers. And would probably remain so. Penguin surprised him with his answer though.
"I'm glad then. Can't imagine it would be fun to talk with someone you don't like." Penguin was smiling now as he put the last plate down with the others and turned his body fully towards Law. It was how genuine he sounded that had Law speechless for a moment.
"Thanks," He finally said and Penguin just shrugged.
"Do whatever you want Law, as long as you don't allow him to get you into trouble," Law raised a brow. Despite how Penguins words should have sounded serious, they instead were laced with a playful tinge.
"Or else we'll loose our status, eh?" Law couldn't help but laugh at that and merely shook his head.
"Of course not," He smiled and Penguin rested his hand on his arm.
"Let's go join the others, can't be long until we're ready to leave. Just have to make sure Sachi has not forgotten anything," He added with a sigh and Law chuckled.
Sachi had, indeed, forgotten his toothbrush, but Penguin decided he needed a new one anyway. They would just buy it on the way. They drove in two cars. Robin and Sachi in Laws mothers car, and Law with Penguin and Bepo, mostly because Bepo didn't want to leave his side. He was happy his mother had allowed him to not drive with her, but they were in the car just behind, Penguin leading the way as he knew it better than anybody, so it was not like they were so far apart anyway. Law enjoyed it though, seated in the back with Bepo, looking out through the window at the blurs of trees and bushes. They were already a good while from the city, having already droven half an hour and would need at least another half before they reached the beach house area. It had been a long time since Law had been anywhere outsite of the city, outsite of the hospital really other than his house, so he really, really looked forward to a week of nature-filled relaxation. The beach was one of his favorite places after all.
It was afternoon when they arrived. The two cars parked simultaneously and Law could see the expansive wooden house just up ahead. Tall fir trees stood as guardians around the property, the thick growing spruce dark green and Law loved how they never lost their coats, not even in winter. Everyone exited the cars and Penguin went to unlock the front door, rustling with his bundle of keys as he stepped onto the porch. The house was large enough to accomodate ten people, three master bedrooms, six smaller bedrooms and even the living-room compartment had a couch with enough room to sleep in comfortably. There was also a fire-place, a shed in the back filled to the brim with wood and the means to chop more if necessary. So though it was a beach house by name, namely because of the beach that was located just down the path through the firs, it was use-able all year around to be exact. It was more beautiful in summer, well depending on the on-looker of course.
Law loved the cold and as he stood there, filling his lungs with the refreshing, cool air, he smiled at the promises this week held out before him. Bepo and Sachi stood right beside him, Robin helping his mother with the easy luggage and it wasn't before Penguin re-exited the house and yelled for them to help that the two boys ran over. Law was as always excused. His mother hated him doing any hard work as she called it, though he was more than capable to handle his own luggage. Right now he did not feel like objecting though. He would just help with the minor chores around the house, like cooking, dishes, cleaning, whatever really. But right now, right now he just stood there, eyes closed as he listened to the sounds around him.
He had a thin jacket on and a scarf woven over his shoulders, but he still felt the chill of the autumn wind. A chill he welcomed as he smiled at nothing in particular. Eventually he was not allowed to stand around, though, when his mother yelled for him to come inside already; he could go explore after lunch. Pocketing his hands, Law turned with a last look into the forest and left his spot to join the others inside.
After lunch it was decided that they would go in two groups. Robin and Laws mother wanted to drive the little ways outsite of the forest to do some shopping, since apparantly some of the ingredients for supper was missing. Sachi had volunteered to come along, which left Bepo, Penguin and Law to go the little ways to the beach. It would have been nice if Sachi had joined, then it would just have been the four of them. But they had an entire week to enjoy each others company, this was just day one.
Bepo and Penguin was walking ahead as they took in the familiar surroundings. Law couldn't remember exactly how many years had passed since he had been here last, but he felt content and almost refreshed being around nature once again. There was no rush like in the city, no bypassers who accidently knocked each other over or any angry yelling people who couldn't stop to just enjoy what they had. By all means, the forest was not quiet either, but it was a different kind of noise, birds, critters and the sound of rustling leaves. It was relaxing and he felt calm, almost wanting to take off his shoes just to feel the gravel underneath his feet. He would, too, as soon as they reached the beach, where the softer sand would be more pleasant to tread upon.
Penguin fell back to his side when the firs cleared up and they could see the beach just ahead. Law smiled and pulled his scarf tighter around himself. There was no wind in the shelter of the trees, but once they left them the wind would blow strong from the sea. It wasn't as bad as he had thought though, and he smiled as the white woolen fabric was blown around his head and pulled his jacket tighter around his shoulders. They walked along the shore for a bit, the sand was wet and icy to the touch and the skin of his bare feet prickled with pins and needles after a little while. They found a nice seating with benches up ahead by a footbrigde, there was no shelter still, but Law found it pleasant enough and sat, massaging his feet. The silence was enjoyable and the air was fresh, the distinctive bittersweet taste of salt lingered on his tounge with every breath.
"Hey Law. Can I ask you something?" Penguins voice efficiently cut the silence and it was with a bit of surprise that Law turned to him.
"...Of course, always Peg," Was his answer and Law was once again surprised as Penguin closed his eyes, resting his chin on his folded hands, looking so thoughtful. Bepo was sitting next to him drawing figures in the sand with a long stick, but Law knew he was listening.
"When you said you like that guy, you mean more than a friend, don't you?" Law was quiet, not sure how to respond at first. Penguin never drew to conclusions, but when he assumed something he was almost always right in said conjecture. This time was no excuse. Despite Bepos presence, Law could not worm out of it this time. Could be as well, he was sure Bepo had his own assumptions.
"Maybe," Was what he said though. If he was completely honest there was some level of attraction, ones stomach does not simply knot up over nothing and he had relieved himself after all, after that first time, because of Mister Eustass and his erotic laughter. Lust was a strong emotion and said lust, he had to admit, might have evolved into something deeper. He sighed as he closed his eyes as well, leaning down over the wooden surface, rough from its exposure to wind and weather.
"Does it really matter?" He said eventually. He knew they were both looking at him now, despite not seeing, he could simply feel it. Penguins sigh joined his own and Law felt Bepos soft touch on his head.
"I guess not," Penguin muttered, though by the tone of it Law easily detected and underlay of unfinished business. Law decided it would be much easier just to get it over with now than have it brew between them. Clearly there was more Penguin wanted to know, but was just too polite to inquire.
"Yes, yes I do," Law admitted then, not bothering to raise his head and look at either of them. Bepos hand in his hair didn't move however and Law allowed himself to enjoy the feeble touch. "I think I like him quite a lot. It's only been a few days and a couple of conversations, but he has made quite the impression," Bepo and Penguin were both quiet for a while, giving Law time to process the information he had just given them and decide wether he wanted to admit more or not. Mister Eustass had indeed left quite the impression. He had proven to be both unpredictable and immensely interesting. A man who did whatever he wanted, a man of action, Law could tell from just talking with him. Eustass Kid was the sort of man who got things done instead of dreaming about them, one who lived life simply as he wanted to and didn't look back. It was a trait he envied, but found inspiring non the least.
"I don't know how much longer it will be interesting, though," Law finally cut the silence and lifted his head to rest properly on his arms. "After all I nearly cut the contact after he did something stupid just yesterday. Having Todd call me like that, really," Law, shaking his raven hair, didn't realise he was saying way too much before he felt Penguins hand on his own, and he raised his head only to look dead-center into Penguins.
"Todd? Warren Todd, Law?" His voice was serious, though Law could detect both suprise and confusion. Crap. He had forgotten he had never told anyone about whom exactly took his virginity. No one but Mister Eustass so far. It was no surprise Bepo and Penguin looked at him the way they did. He did not have to ask, Law could see his question clear on his expression.
"Eh," Law sighed in exasperation and furrowed his brow. He wasn't going to get away from this one so easy, could as well just be honest.
"Yes. Warren Todd. Apparantly he works for Kid at his auto shop, and before you ask it was practically Warren who got me fired from my job at the diners back when we were seventeen," Law would not explain further on that part, he would leave it to each respective boy to just figure it out on their own. They were smart enough, he knew. Penguin rose a brow, Law barely saw because the top of his face was nearly obscurred by his cap.
"Kid?" He asked and Law shrugged. "Is his name." A new silence took the place of the last and Law suddenly just wanted to go back, close himself in in one of the rooms and burry himself under soft covers.
"Law," Penguin begun, Bepo was unusually quiet, though maybe that wasn't so unusual. Penguins voice was so full of authority Law almost flinched, but he would have non of that.
"No, stop." He said, holding his hand up, his eyes averted back to the table and his lips twisted in a straight line. He was about to ask Penguin to just let it rest here, he really did not want one of his friends to start reprimand him as well. His mother did a fine enough job out of it. He was, however, startled from every such thought by a loud ring and his eyes widened an ounce. Law let it ring a few more times before he stuck his hand into his pocket, frowning as he took a look at the caller ID.
Nice timing, Mister Eustass.
Law could have groaned right there, he did not get to do much, though, before the cell was snatched from his grasp and he watched, horrified, as Penguin pressed the button and took the call.
"Hello, Kid," He said, so simply one would think the two of them were aqquinted, but Law knew they couldn't be. He could not hear Kids answer, only imagine his surprise over it not being Law to receive the call. He was positively dead-panned and shocked, he just sat there, staring at Penguin as he had Kid in a second-class interrogation.
"I am a friend of Law. He is right here in front of me. No, I don't think he wants me to talk to you, I simply took the phone from him. Mm. Of course. Yeah, that is my point," Law was gaping like a fish, jaw slack and his eyes wide. Penguin was so impeccable calm it was enough to drive him mad. And why was Mister Eustass even calling him at such a time? Usually they only talked in the evenings, him having his work and everything. All Law could comprehend though, was how absolutely absurd his timing was.
"No, that's not it," Law was startled from his stupor once he noticed Penguin was looking straight at him, but then his breath caught in his throat at his friends next words and Law almost wanted to tackle him.
"I am just making sure you are reliable. After all, Law really likes you quite a lot," Desperation filled him and he grit his teeth, giving Penguin quite the nasty look. If he didn't hand the phone over-that be RIGHT NOW-Law would do something really stupid.
"Mm. No. Not as a friend, though. He might not want to admit it himself, since he usually does not allow people to impress him overly much. You might have done just that,"
"Penguin," Law hissed, holding his hand out with a determined and nearly furious look. The tip of his fingers were twitching to curl and slam something, preferably his esteemed friends face, but Law had quite a bit of self-control. Beside him, Bepo was looking worried, he seemed just as appalled over Penguins actions as Law did, though in all honesty it was Law who had it worst.
"Of course. As long as you promise-" There was a ghost of a smile on Penguins lips when he was cut off mid-sentence, and Laws frown deepened. "Exactly. Yes, you can have him now. Been nice talking to you, Kid," He finally removed the phone from his ear and held it out for Law who didn't hesitate a single beat before he took it back. A sneer was twisting his face and he gave Penguin one last nasty look before he shot to his feet, not bothering to look back, and sauntered away from the two. Distance. He needed distance right now, and were they smart they would not follow.
When he was a satisfyingly good fifty feet away, Law took a deep breath and raised the phone to his ear.
"Mister Eustass," He said, letting the man know it was really him this time, if he was still there of course. And he certainly was.
"You like me!" Law wasn't too surprised over his exclamation, but it made him want to stomp right back and kick Penguin in his gutter, hard.
"Mister Eustass," Law warned, there was a certain hiss to his words and his grip on his phone was unmistakingly tight. "Stop this right now, or I'll trow this phone into the ocean," It was not an empty threat, but Kid would only realise when it was too late.
"What. Can you blame me?" The man laughed and Law hissed through his teeth. Damn Peguin! Eustass Kid was the sort of man who did not need further encouragement, and certainly the information Penguin had so carelessly trown into Kids lap was more than Law would intentionally allow, but he could not remove the truth from it.
"And so what if I like you, Mister Eustass. It is nothing but the excitement that comes from talking with someone attractive I don't know. For all I know, it is only in my head and it should-" He was cut off immediately by Kids smooth drawl.
"Oh yeah? You find me attractive, hm, Trafalgar?" Kid sounded positively smug, and Law could just imagine him preen his feathers.
"That is not the point," Law snarled, feeling his chest puff as he drew one shaking breath after the other, desperately trying to calm himself. It was becoming more and more difficult by the second, he felt so furious.
"But you do," Kid cooed and Law wanted to smack himself one over the head. That man really was something and it was not positive thoughts Law had about him for the moment.
"You know. It's a good thing. Means it's not one-sided and that I have a chance," Law almost choked.
"Chance?" He repeated, sounding incredulous.
"Yeah, a chance," There was so much gloated humor in Eustass voice that Law wished he could throttle it out of him.
"I already told you I like you, Law. It should come as no surprise. I never start something and then leave it unfinished," Law snorted. He had figured that much.
"And it's certainly not friendship I want from you," Laws brow furrowed and he sported a quite peculiar expression before it morphed into a frown.
"Then what do you want, Mister Eustass? A relationship?" His last words were expressed with spite coating every syllaby, but in all seriousity, Eustass Kid was being ridiculous. What could he possibly want from Law that he would be able to give him? He had been sure up until now that they were both aware of the unspoken rules, after all this had all started as a coincidence and nothing serious was supposed to evolve from it. But somehow Mister Eustass had made up his mind about something, and Law wasn't all too sure he even wanted to know.
"A week," He then said and Laws frown deepened. "I want you to give me a week,"
"A week... And for what purpose if I may ask?" He was still clutching the phone rather tight in his hand, scepticism gnawing at his bones.
"Just humor me," Kid drawled and it was with a very exasperated sigh, bordering on frustration, that Law relented and finally gave in, to whatever this man wanted.
"Fine, Mister Eustass. I'll give you a week,"
"Good," Law could hear the glee in his purr, but decided not to comment on it further. This was exhausting and the idea of closing himself in in one of the rooms became more and more appealing.
"I'll call you tomorrow then. Got something else on my schedule for tonight," Which was probably why he had called now in the first place. Law didn't want to discuss it any further and simply muttered a low "Fine." in reply.
"You will see, Kitty. One week is all I need,"
"Whatever, Mister Eustass," The man merely laughed, but it was his next words that had Laws heart skip a beat, before furiously galloping away in his chest.
"One week and you'll be mine,"
End of Chapter 4.
A/N: Just so you know, there will be another chapter up tonight (who is your favorite cookie monster? xD) Hope you enjoyed this, fufufufu.
And as always PLEASE leave a review! :D Whatever you trow my way, I want it! I'm always up fo a chit-chat and will answer any questions :3