Law sat in his room that night with his dendenmushi. He'd promised Ben that he'd call, but now he was really nervous. He licked his lips and dialed. It rang for what seemed like forever, but was only about three rings. When it picked up it was Ben who answered. "This is the Red Force. How may I direct your call?"
Law swallowed, "Hello Ben." he said.
There was a small pause, then, "Law." came Ben's voice, it sounded like he was smiling. "I'm glad that you were able to call. How's it like being home again?" he asked. The deep tones of his voice swirled around Law, wrapping him in a blanket of warmth. He suddenly missed Ben more than words could say, he wanted to see him, but he'd never been so close, yet so far away before.
"It's good to be home, but I miss Luffy, and Ace. I know you haven't met Ace, but he'd been making plans to come thank Kaa-san once he's become a pirate." he said. It had amused him that Ace had decided to call both men mother, all because of Roger. It was a weird thing. He both hated, and didn't hate his biological father. He swallowed a lump in his throat, "I miss you Ben." he said softly.
Ben smiled, it must have cost the kid quite a bit to say that. Law wasn't very open about his feelings usually. "I miss you too Law. How'd your grandfather take it?" he asked.
Law sighed, "He chased me through the entire base before he caught me. He only caught me because I was caught by Hawkeyes Mihawk, and I took the time to give him a check up and make a cast for his fractured wrist. Jii-san cornered me in the infirmary. He passed out after I told him. AH. Hawkeyes says congratulations." he said.
Ben laughed, and leaned against the rail of the ship, then took a drag of his cigarette, "I will have to thank him later then." he said. He saw that the crew was watching him in shock, so he glared at them, and they quickly went back to their duties. "What are you doing now then?" Ben asked, his gaze on the crew, making sure that they were working, he was also keeping an eye out for his captain. The man would love to be privy to this conversation, if for nothing more than to tease him about it.
Law leaned against his headboard, and closed his eyes, "I was going to try sleeping. I couldn't sleep last night, or the night before." he said as though it didn't matter.
Ben frowned, "Your insomnia seems to be doing worse than normal." he said, his eyes glancing out over the ocean. New World was peaceful tonight.
Law shrugged even though his love couldn't see him, "I imagine it is because I miss Lu and Ace. I miss you and Shanks. It is just me and Cora-san again with Jii-chan, but it seems so empty now." he said. He pulled his blanket closer around himself. It was so cold here compared to Foosha.
"Hm." Ben said, "I think that they feel the same. I know that Shanks feels lonely without Roci, and I am lonely without you." he said, then turned to face back towards the crew only to find Shanks right next to him, and grinning like a fool. Ben closed his eyes and sighed. "Hello Captain." he said.
Law snickered, poor Ben. Shanks would make fun of him for a long time because of what he'd just said. "Hello Kaa-san. You missed me telling Ben that I met Hawkeyes. He was very interested to find out who my mother was." he said innocently.
Ben laughed loudly as Shanks' face blushed red, "I imagine he was." he choked out. Ben watched as Shanks high-tailed it out of there.
"Do you only call him Kaa-san to tease him?" he asked.
Law laughed, "Partially. The other part is that Cora-san is my Otou-san." he said. Suddenly he grinned, "You know. When we get married, Shanks will be your mother-in-law." he said.
Ben could hear the laughter in the teen's voice, he groaned, "Oh Kami. He will won't he?" he said then started laughing. "So does that make you the daughter that Roci will be all protective of? or am I the wife that is stealing away the precious son?" he asked.
Law doubled over he was laughing so hard, "I don't know! We should ask." he said when he was finally able to breath again.
"Yeah." Ben said, then flicked his cigarette over-board. "I'm going to let you try to get some sleep. I love you Law." he said.
Law blushed, "I love you too." he said, then hung up. He buried himself in his covers and closed his eyes, willing the blush away.
On board the Red Force, Ben hung up the receiver, and smiled, shaking his head. The kid was probably bright red. He lit another cigarette, and tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear, Law would be sixteen soon. Maybe he'd arrange to bring the teen aboard for his birthday. He smiled at the idea, and went to talk to Shanks.