-crawls in with a riot shield- I live! I apologize for my lateness once again! I had thought to have updated before now, but my poor beta has been suffering through a heat wave where she is, so hasn't been feeling well! Let's all hope things cool off more over there!
Here's this chapter, um, I know it's very short! But it's an important chapter and from here on out things will move forward quite a bit in the story. The next chapter shall also be quite a bit longer than my usual ones, so I hope that makes up for this one's shortness!
Also, a little announcement at the bottom! Please enjoy the little I've written. TnT -drowns self in sorrows at the shortest thing I've ever written-
The redhead was silent as the older man seemed to take in his statement. The doctor glanced down at something then quickly moved a sleeve covered hand up and around Kid to gently rest it at the nape of his neck.
Trafalgar tenderly tugged at some of the short locks of damp hair there before leaning forward and pressing his lips to the younger man's. Kid tried to relax as best as he could, knowing this was tame compared to what would come, and lifted his hand to nervously touch the older man's waist.
But he had just barely laid his fingers on the material of the fancy robe, when the kiss was abruptly ended and he blinked in confusion. He felt the other's bare hand gently rub the back of his head, nails scraping along his scalp in a way that made him shiver, before returning to the businessman's side.
A soft press of lips to his cheek and the doctor had pulled back into his room. "Good night, Eustass-ya, you should get some sleep."
The door shut with a soft click.
'...What the fuck?'
The next day, Kid was picking at the perfectly cooked rice and grilled chicken on his plate, not feeling in the mood for food in the least. He had barely eaten that morning either.
"Is there something wrong with the food, Eustass-ya?" The cause of his foul mood was sitting across from him, reading some book, Kid hadn't bothered asking what it was about.
"No." The reply was firm and abrupt, offering no opening for conversation.
The older man frowned slightly and the redhead almost wanted to say something to lighten the mood but didn't know how.
'I mean, what the hell?' Was his anxious thought. 'What did I do wrong? Should I have been more forward? Acted differently? Fuck, what if he's tired of me already?! What if I've put him through so much trouble he's reconsidering? Is he already bored?! Fuck!' His stomach was tied in knots and it was hard to even look at food right then. These thoughts had been running through his head since last night, he had hardly even slept. 'If he loses interest I am beyond fucked! Everything will have been for shit and I can kiss college goodbye!'
What was he going to do if Trafalgar decided that the redhead really wasn't worth all the trouble like the older man had thought he was? Was he already too late? Should he have moved things faster? Maybe he should have dressed differently.
On top of his confusion, Kid also couldn't help feeling slightly insulted as well. He had put himself out there, thinking it was what the other wanted, only to be turned down flat. Why? Was he suddenly not good enough? The young redhead had seemed plenty good enough for the asshole back in his office with the businessman's tongue halfway down his throat.
There was a soft sigh and the sound of a book being closed. "Eustass-ya."
Kid blinked, torn from his aggravated thoughts, and looked up slowly as he put his fork down. "...Yeah?"
"Do you know why I turned you away last night?" Silence greeted the question. "I thought as much. Please know that it is nothing that you have or haven't done. Whatever you may be thinking, it was simply not the right time. You haven't done anything wrong. Okay?"
Kid nodded slowly, but the tight feeling in his stomach still didn't go away.
By dinner time, Law had had enough of the tension between them. He had thought that he had addressed the matter at lunch, but apparently not as the younger man had still sulked dejectedly through the day.
This had not been his intention when he had turned Eustass away last night, he had only been thinking in what would be the best for his inexperienced lover.
He was appreciative of the redhead's concern that their relationship might fray without 'tending', but really, Law had gone through longer periods without sex, so a few months or even a year, while somewhat frustrating, was no need to worry. He was a grown man and more than capable of taking care of things himself until his lover was ready. Law had his own plans to gradually 'encourage' the younger man to build a more physical relationship between them.
Though Law would admit that this was a new experience for him, completely unused to as he was to caring for another in a relationship of a sexual nature, he liked to believe he was patient and had enough restraint to keep his desires in check.
So when his Eustass made it clear that he would be eating less than half of his food once more, something he was quickly beginning to understand was a sign of an ill mood, he spoke. "We need to talk. It is both because of last night and it is a conversation I believe is long overdue, but essential to our relationship."
Kid cautiously eyed Trafalgar. For as long as he had lived, whenever someone said 'we need to talk' it didn't usually lead to a fun conversation.
He mentally sighed and decided to just get it over and done with, like pulling off a bandage. "Alright, I'm listening."
Trafalgar nodded in thanks. "We have touched on the subject before, but I believe a deeper explanation is needed. We both know that if I merely wanted sex, any escort service or even a street corner could provide it and be much more cost efficient. If I even felt the need for those services, as I have not ever found myself with a lack of willing partners. I do not say this out of arrogance, but to make you understand that sex is not what I am truly after."
The teen only nodded, not really having anything to say just yet. But he understood enough to know that the man was trying to make a point.
"That being said, I do desire you, make no mistake. You are one of the most beautiful men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting." At this, Kid shifted awkwardly, his ears burning.
"I-I'm not-" He had looked down to try and focus his attention on his hands, but looked up when he heard the doctor stand and approach him.
A moment later found the slightly taller man standing over him, leaning on the table as he took one of Kid's hands into his own. "If you wished, I could go on for hours about how attractive I find you." A soft kiss was planted in the palm of his hand. "I could tell you everything I ache to do to you, all the pleasures I want to share with you. But that can wait."
Kid's hand was released and for the second time since they had met, the redhead found the powerful man on his knees. "That is not the point. The point is that I want someone in my life, someone I can show parts of myself that few or none have seen before. When I am happy, I want someone next to me that can share in that happiness."
One of those gloved hands was gently tucking a stray lock of scarlet colored hair behind his ear, while the other laid atop one of his own. Trafalgar continued. "I want someone that will not bend to my every whim just because of who I am. I want a lover who acts like a person and not a trained dog, who I could spend days with at a time and know that I will not grow bored of the same conversations day in and day out."
The gloved hand holding his tightened ever so slightly, though enough to put uncomfortable pressure on the redhead's joints. Those slender hands were stronger than they appeared. "I want someone I can trust not to sell my every private detail for change in their pockets, someone who won't try to wear the face of sincerity when at heart they are nothing more than a venomous snake."
Kid wondered, not for the first time, what Trafalgar's life must be like. The redhead could read people, and while this man was one of the hardest to read he'd ever come across, the teen knew betrayal when he saw it, and this wasn't the attitude of someone who had just been betrayed once or twice, this was a man who had been stabbed in the back repeatedly and now expected it.
The hand loosened its grip and a thumb gently rubbed over his knuckles in a seeming apology when Trafalgar must have noticed his slip in control. "I understand that you do not trust me, Eustass-ya. I cannot blame you for it, and I understand how I must seem from your point of view. I have bought and paid for your company, like one would any professional companion, and I understand how that must make you feel when I think about it. I am a man who is used to getting what he wants in the world. I live a life where money and power talk and few argue."
Kid tensed only slightly when the dark haired man leaned in until their foreheads rested together. He could feel the other's warm breath on his face as his voice dropped to almost a whisper. "I must admit that I am unapologetic about the means I have used to reach this moment, regardless of their amorality. Because it has gotten me you. A passionate, independent young man with drive and integrity, one who continues to fascinate me every day. You have no need to let the fear of my losing interest influence you."
They were so close now that Kid could feel Trafalgar's lips brush his own as they moved, eyes gazing straight into the strangely fixated stare. "Eustass-ya, I want someone in my life to intimately share it with, and I desperately want that person to be you."
Short, very short, I know! XnX BUT! The next chapter will be much longer AND I will be posting a MarcoAce oneshot for ShareTheLove month (hosted by Aerle and MyLadyDay) sometime today.~ So be on the look out for it! :D As it is a theme to choose an element for you story, I chose 'water'. ;) Odd? Perhaps not...
Later, in about ten or so days, I will also be posting the beginning of a short (5 to 6chs I think) for a LawKid fic for ShareTheLove! The theme is metal, more specifically, brass, copper, and silver. ;) Let you all chew on that.
ALSO! I HAVE GOTTEN 29 DAMN REVIEWS FOR LAST CHAPTER AND I AM JUST -sobs into my Law and Kid figures, slightly feeling them up as I do- THANK YOU SO DAMN MUCH YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT ALL THIS LOVE MEANS TO ME! Every single alert or review I get gives me more and more confidence to write and that burst of pure happiness. :') Thank you all so so much.
Shoutouts:
Guest: "wonderful ! :) i didnt want it to end there though it really is a waiting game and i cant wait! love it"
So happy you liked it! Sorry this one took so long and it was short! It really is a Waiting Game with me isn't it? XD
Steampunk Detective: "...YES! I'm so glad you updated. I love this story and this pairing and I can't wait for more The plot is a dead ringer and just..asdfj;alwijfaoji. Good job! Keep up the good work."
Thank you for liking my story! I'm happy you like the plot and I shall try my best to continue my work! :D
MyLadyDay: "Oh my, a cliffhanger. How did I not see that coming? XD this was good, I didn't expect Killer's reaction, but I'm glad it was this. and I can't wait for Kid to see the tattoos. But I'm guessing this won't be smut yet :P
Cliffhangers are my bread and butter. X'D And you're prediction was right of course! Though... Kid may see Law's tats quite soon in an unexpected way. ;)
Dia-uh: "Amazing chapter. I was expecting a cliffhanger, but this was much better than what I expected. Your threat made me think we'd have to wait some more chaps for Kid to finally decide xD. I'm glad to see I was wrong ; 3 And happy birthday! *hugs*"
Hehehe thank you for your review and sorry for pulling the rug out from under you. X'D I'm horrible to my readers! But hopefully the next chapter and (if you like MarcoAce) my oneshot will make up for it. :)
piopio meme: "Oh my dear! a cliffhanger? and such a mean one! u can't be serious! *crying* i cannot, u hear me?, i CANNOT wait. omg i love your story so much :D i hope killer won't iterfere, will he? but yeah, have a great and happy birthday! *singing* i wish you health, luck and .. mhm... many dirty thoughts! muhaha XD *hugging* :*"
Sorry for any disappointment with this chapter. X'D This is a pretty slow build to the good stuff, as for Killer? We shall see. ;) -happily accepts the hugs-
Itavita: "Oh, this is so exciting! I wonder how Killer is going to deal with this situation. He seems to still be in shock over the whole thing. Our little Kid is also thinking of becoming a man? I'm sure Law will be thrilled. ;) Can't wait for the next installment! Happy birthday!"
heehehe hope you liked the chapter! XD And thank you for the bday wishes :)
Allthenamesaretaken2: "A very good chapter (unsurprisingly) I cant wait for the next one, you have a terrible way of leaving us in suspense but the wait is good and a build of sexual tension has never killed anyone... yet."
Thank you! I'm happy you like how the flow is progressing :D I hope you enjoyed this short chapter. XnX
CopraMeow: "YOU HAD ME GIGGLING LIKE A MAD WOMAN! Even my cat left the room xD but please don't keep us waiting so long, kay? I WANT FLUFF FLUFFSSS"
So sorry for another long wait! D: I'm so happy you like my work though! :D
Cucuxumusu: "Oh my god, noooo, I want to continue reading, I hate finish a chapter because now I have to wait again two weeks, and you have to finish it in that way?. You are a bad person. But I love it. I thought that Killer was gonna kill KIdd or arrange a super plan to go against Law, but it has been cruder, in any case I'm still curious about the past, I can't wait to see what have happened. I going to pray, but I really know that you are not going to give us a lemon on the next chapter U_U couldn't you change your mind and give us, poor readers, a little candy? In any case, happy birthday my love! And thanks for the chapter and for the healthy food that you are writting about XD Lots of kisses."
-cackles evily- You were right and I'm evil~ :D Cliffhangers are my forte.~ ;) Thank you for your review, happy you like the food to! XD Food porn is fun! Thank you for the bday wishes! :D -whispers- candy coming soon.~
DemonFoxGirl1000: "Hmmmm, if Law's gonna refuse again, then Kid's just gonna have to seduce him, in an innocent, virginal way (well, as 'innocent' as he could.)."
Hehehe As you can see, Law didn't quite give him the chance. XD
Trafalgar Marijane: "Holy shit, have you stopped cockblocking Law? Is he finally going to get some?"
Nope! :D -is killed-
Ventusio: "Oh the suspence! evil cliffie, EVIL I say! I like how worried an caring Killer is. He is really awesome. :D I wonder where you're going with this... Thanks for the chapter!"
Thank you! I'm trying to make Killer as realistic, like all the characters, as I can given the setting.
Shiningheart of ThunderClan: "My inner fangirl squealed at the ending. But honestly, that's not the part I want to talk about. That part with Killer. And the mystery hints about the mystery past. -shakes you- I WANT TO KNOW THE THING. WHAT IS THIS HORRID THING THAT HAPPENED. I MUST KNOW."
Heheheh The past shall be revealed in good time. ;)
yaoifan49: "Why must you cock block for a cliff hanger?! *frustrated screaming* I love the way you write kid and law! Kid is so fucking responsible for everything! vhgjfgsyrsxgjhb and law is just god damn like god damnnnn! The fucking dorks. Please update soon! I love you for writing this *hugs you*"
THANK YOU! :D -hugs back- I'm happy you're so frustrated? X'D Is that a bad thing? :'D Sorry for this short chapter but I will be posting a lot of stuff this month to make up for it!
Shiina Yuki: "Amazing story and very well written! Thanks for writing! Please update soon xD"
And thank you for reading! I'm always tardy with my updates -bows- gomen...
AriesDanger24: "WOAH! WHAT'S KIDD READY FOR?! *blushes* I love this story, it is a very interesting plot and I like how Kidd manages to be cute yet still keep an air of mature manliness. I have a question though, Is Kidd going to ask Law about what he finds so attractive in him? I really do like this story, it is super fantabulous! XD I await your next update my great author!"
Heheheh Kid wasn't really ready for much but he was going to try. X'D He was afraid that if he put things off like Law was letting him that the older and more experienced man would get bored due to Kid's own hang ups. Thank you, I'm so happy you enjoy it! Law finds a lot of things about kid attractive, he even tells him a few things, but the one thing won't be revealed for awhile. ;) -clings to you then casually carries you away as my new teddy bear- THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTS!
loogoo: "Kid rummaging through his new room reminds me of when i stay at nice hotels and go through all the amenities and stuff and i'm like oooh what's this?"
Hhehehe that sounds like fun. X'D Glad you liked it. :)
Angelmon: "Poor Kidd finally having to explain to Killer how he is going to college! Kidd is finally making a move on Law! I can't wait for the next chapter!"
-feels bad cause it's so short- Sorry, but there will be a lot more in the next one! I hope you enjoy it though!
eowyn278: "Oh that cliffy! I can't wait to read the next chapter *-* i loved Killer in this one, btw"
I love that you love him! :D
Guest: "Have had an absolute blast reading this fic! XD Every chapter has left me with a smile on my face and wanting more, your characterizations are absolutely splendid and it's hella sweet that you've filled in killer's charter as he really doesn't get enough love from the OP fandom. Thank you for being so majestic and gracing the world with your wonderful writings, please update soon! :D"
-hugs my cute little mystery guest- Thank you for all your wonderful comments! They make me so happy! :'D
Pinkcarnation09: "OMG that freakin cliff hanger! I'm dying for the next chapter please don't keep us waiting too long! Also, we all love you and shower you with affection and support! -throws heart shaped confetti-"
I'm sorry the wait is always a while, even when i think it won't be. -sobs at keeping writers waiting- So sorry! I try hard honest! Blame the weather and tumblr and my moments of writers block! I had a hard time cranking this bit out. :o I needed to get Law's dialogue just right!
ObscureAuthor: "Killer is Kidd's social worker? *curious* And he took off his mask?! What does his face look like? This is like the Kakashi face mystery! Very good updated chapter. This totally made my day. But the ending ... ahh, the suspense! What will Law do in the next chapter?"
Yes, Killer is Kid's social worker. Wait until you see how they met. ;) What does his face look like?~ You may find out. ;D Hahaha kaka-senseiiii
SamuraiTater: "This is an awesome story. You're really good at keeping the core of everyone's character even in this AU setting. Your writing style is also great. It's very coherent and just, for a lack of better words, solid. You have great grammar and the plot is very entertaining! I can't wait for the next chapter! Thanks for writing this."
Thank you! And it's always good to see a new reviewer, I seem to be getting so many amazing readers and I'm happy to count you among them! Thank you for your kind words and I hope to see you all again next chapter!