Thanks Vergina-spva and MyLadyDay for beta'ing
Dating Eustass hadn't gone exactly like Law had expected – though, to be fair, nothing about his relationship with Eustass had gone like he had thought beforehand, with the exception of the wild sex.
After being kicked out of the movie – okay, that was one thing that Law did expect to happen at some point – Eustass had dropped Law off, where they made out a little before Eustass went home. He hadn't even come inside for another round of sex. Despite that and being kicked out of the theatre, Law though the evening was rather successful, and it proved that there was something more between them than physical attraction.
It was strange, because Law couldn't remember ever being attracted to someone beyond the physical aspect, but he supposed that Eustass was different than most people he had met in his life. Eustass challenged him in every way, both mentally and physically, and Law had to admit he liked it.
The only thing he hoped would change was that Eustass would come clean to Killer, so Law could do the same with his friends. Eustass kissing him amongst strangers was a great step in the right direction, and Law had been pleasantly surprised that Bonney had seemed to be up to date with the situation, as it meant that Eustass had brought it up at some point.
He wasn't going to force Eustass' hand, though. While he felt slightly guilty about lying to his friends and making Shachi do the same since he knew, Eustass had to come out when he was ready.
As he was musing, it was then that Law realised he was happy. Since cutting ties with his family years ago, Law had been on his own, until Ace and Luffy came into his life like a whirlwind. Soon after, he had met Shachi, Bepo, and Penguin, who became his closest friends in a relatively short period. And now he was dating Eustass. True, they didn't have what many people would call a conventional relationship, as they couldn't stand each other, but it worked for them, at least for now.
Law leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling and wondering when he had become so sappy. The weird thing was, though, that he didn't mind at all, and he couldn't stop the smile from growing on his face.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to visit Bepo and Penguin at campus?" Shachi asked Law nervously. "What if we run into him?"
Ever since walking in on Law and Eustass, Shachi had been a little awkward around Law. When he had come home that weekend, Law had sat him down to explain what was going on and that Eustass and he were indeed dating now. The moment he mentioned Eustass' name, though, Shachi had put his fingers in his ears and started chanting that he couldn't hear Law. He probably feared hearing details. Even after Law had forced him to listen, he didn't seem thrilled about the idea of them being together, but with a sigh, he had promised that he wouldn't tell the others.
Today, they had agreed to meet on campus with Bepo and Penguin, though, and Shachi came only reluctantly. He didn't like hiding things from his friends and probably wished he had someone to complain to about Law and Eustass.
"If we run into Mr Eustass, you do not have to do anything. Just not reveal we are dating now," Law replied. "I am sorry to have put you in this situation, but it cannot be helped at the moment. Even if you only tell Mr Bepo, he cannot keep secrets and will tell Mr Penguin, who will tell Mr Killer."
Shachi made a displeased sound and turned to the window of the bus.
Law sighed. The situation was far from ideal, but it was what it was. Until Eustass decided that he was ready to come out to Killer, Law's hands were tied.
They got off the bus at the campus and walked to Penguin's and Bepo's dorm room in silence. Law hoped they didn't look too suspicious and that Shachi would forget all about Eustass once they were at Bepo's and Penguin's room.
"Hey, guys," Penguin said cheerfully as he opened the door, yet Law immediately noticed something was off about him. He acted normal, but there was a slight quiver in his voice and his smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Are you all right?" Law asked.
"Sure," Penguin replied, still smiling, "why wouldn't I be?"
"He had a fight with Killer," Bepo, who was sitting on his bed, blurted out. "I'm sorry," he added when Penguin cast a sharp look over his shoulder. Law and Shachi exchanged a look.
Penguin turned back to them and stepped aside to let them pass. "I'm fine."
"Why wouldn't you want to tell us?" Shachi said, slightly indignantly. He was probably done with people keeping secrets, a sentiment Law could very well understand.
Penguin sighed. "'Cause, it was a stupid fight and Killer was being unreasonable."
"Of course you would say that," Shachi replied, elbowing Penguin in the ribs playfully.
"I'm serious! He got mad at nothing. Though, to be honest, I think he's just taking out his frustration on me."
"Why do you think that?" Law asked.
"He has told me Kid's keeping something from him. Like, he's constantly sneaking off without telling Killer where he's going."
Law and Shachi both stiffened and exchanged a look again.
"It must be really frustrating if your best friend is not telling you the truth," Shachi said, his voice sharp, and Law felt a twinge of guilt.
"Yeah." Penguin sighed.
"It is still not an excuse to take his frustration out on you," Law piped up, looking at Shachi.
Penguin looked from one to the other. "Are you two okay?"
"Fine," they replied simultaneously.
A silence fell in the room, and Law sighed. Was it really worth it to keep Eustass' secret if it cost him his friends? Eventually, he said, "Look, we can do two things. You can let us," he gestured to himself, Bepo and Shachi, "'talk' to Mr Killer," he couldn't help the devious smirk that crept up his face, "or we could do something we all enjoy to distract you." He looked at Penguin.
Despite still looking a little sad, Penguin smiled gratefully. "I don't want to bring you all down. Let's go do something!"
Law smiled pleased, when his phone suddenly buzzed. Taking it out, he saw it was a text from Eustass, and he hastily excused himself to go to the bathroom while the others discussed what they were going to do. After he locked the door, he opened the message.
'Killers mad at me hes been pissed for a while cause i disappear every weekend and apparently its not going well with Penguin either. Meet me at campus.'
'I'm already here. Just heard from Penguin. What's the plan?' he texted back.
He didn't receive an answer for a while, so he just flushed the toilet and washed his hands to make it appear he really went. Just as he reached to unlock the door, his phone buzzed again.
'Come to the statue. Bring everyone.'
It took him a second to remember which statue Eustass could be talking about, but it had to be the one of the founder of the college. Law smirked, thinking back what happened last time they were there. However, he did wonder what Eustass was planning to do. Was it time for the big revelation? Eustass had seemed irked that Killer was pissed at him, but it was also sweet that he thought about Penguin, considering how much he had been against their relationship not even that long ago.
Law would have to wait and see what happened.
Opening the bathroom door, he headed straight away for the door of the room. "Come."
"Where are we going?" Penguin asked confusedly as they all rose and put on shoes, except Shachi.
"Trust me, you do not want to miss this." Law sure as hell didn't.
"And you thought of that in the bathroom?" Shachi asked sceptically.
Law sighed. "Just… trust me, okay?"
"Of course we do," Penguin said with so much conviction that Law melted a little inside.
They all ran after him as he headed for the statue outside with confident strides. Once they reached it, though, Eustass was nowhere to be seen.
"What are we doing here?" Penguin asked confusedly as he sat down in a bench.
"Just wait."
It took several minutes in which they tried to pry information out of Law, but finally Law saw Killer and Eustass appearing in the distance. Penguin spotted them almost immediately as well, freezing.
"Ehm, Law, we should go," he said, never taking his eyes off the approaching figures. "Come on, I don't want any trouble."
Law, however, didn't reply and stood his ground, even when Penguin rose and started to pull at his arm.
"Come on! I wanted a fun day with my friends, not end up in the hospital!"
It was too late. Eustass stopped only inches away from Law, smirking challengingly.
"What the hell is this?" Killer asked with a sigh. "If you wanted to beat the crap out of someone, you could have told me."
Eustass didn't reply, but his grin grew somewhat.
"Law, just step away," Penguin pleaded. "Please!"
From the corner of his eyes, Law noted Shachi sighing deeply, rubbing his temples. He probably was not looking forward to what was about to happen, even if he had no idea what that might be, but neither had Law. Eustass' grin was somewhat unsettling – and very hot – but he still hadn't moved. No doubt he enjoyed Penguin's pleas to get the hell away.
"Kid," Killer's voice rumbled, "he's not worth it."
Law narrowed his eyes, though he didn't look away from Eustass. Killer's words were kind of rude, because he was definitely worth Eustass' time. Still, he didn't say a word, waiting for Eustass to make the first move.
"Law, let's please–" Penguin's words turned into a gasp when Eustass' hand closed around Law's throat.
Law still didn't move, though his breath had quickened. Not because he was afraid, rather because it was incredibly arousing. They had tried some bondage, but perhaps Law enjoyed choking a bit more than he was willing to admit.
"Kinky," he managed to bring out, though his voice broke a little and it sounded less taunting than intended.
Penguin covered his mouth with his hands and Bepo looked like he was about to faint, while Shachi just seemed to wish he was somewhere else entirely.
"Kid," Killer said sharply as he placed a hand on Eustass' shoulder. "Let him go."
Eustass' grin hadn't wavered, and suddenly, he tore himself loose from Killer's grip and pushed Law back, until his back hit the statue. Eustass' fingers dug in the soft flesh of Law's throat, applying just enough pressure to be threatening, but not enough to actually hurt him. Law suppressed a moan. He was fairly certain that Eustass knew exactly what was going on inside his head.
What Eustass was thinking, however, Law wasn't sure, but he was curious as to see how this played out. Was he waiting until the others intervened? At this moment, everyone, including Law, stood frozen, waiting as to what would happen.
Just like his earlier moves had caught Law off guard, so did Eustass surprise him again when his head suddenly shot forward and his lips smashed against Law's. This time, however, Law wasn't going to wait passively. Intertwining his fingers with the obnoxiously red strands, he pulled Eustass closer.
Behind them, he could practically hear the jaws dropping.
Eustass pulled back and stepped away from Law. It came as a bit of a relief, as a pointy part of the statue had been poking in Law's back, and a pointy part of Eustass had been poking his front. Besides, he was dying to see the other's faces.
They did not disappoint. Killer's mouth was hanging open, Penguin looked like he just saw a ghost, and Bepo still seemed like he could faint any minute. Only Shachi looked relieved and not too surprised.
Minutes ticked away in which no one said a word. Finally, Killer stammered, "What the actual f-fuck, man?!"
Eustass just grinned like the asshole he was. "What?"
Penguin blinked a little like he just woke up from a dream. "You made up!" he then exclaimed, running towards them and pulling them both in a hug. "I'm so happy you like each other now!"
"Like is a strong word," Law said with a snort, but he was touched by Penguin's happiness and acceptance.
Penguin let go of them and pouted slightly, but then said, "I still count it as a win."
Killer still stood rooted to the spot. "What the fuck?!" He turned to Penguin. "What the fuck?"
"Isn't it great?" Penguin beamed. "Now we can double date! Ah, I mean…" He seemed to remember his argument with Killer and his shoulders slumped.
Killer coughed embarrassedly, before turning to Law and Eustass. "What the fuck, man? Don't tell me you never wanted to tell what you were doing in the weekends because… because you were doing him!" He pointed at Law with a slightly shaky finger.
"Yeah? Have you seen his ass?" To emphasise his point, Eustass smacked Law on his behind.
"If you want to keep that hand, you never do that again," Law said dryly. Though spanking could be fun, it was something for the bedroom.
"What. The. Fuck." Killer turned around to leave, but just when Eustass seemed to want to call after him, he turned around again. "You're a xenophobe. And a homophobe. So why…?" He gestured towards Law. "And why the fuck didn't you tell me?!"
Eustass shrugged. "I wasn't sure what was going on, until recently."
"So," Killer asked hesitantly, "you're gay?"
Eustass shrugged again, his hands in his pockets. "So it would seem."
"The most important thing is that they're happy, right?" Penguin said, touching Killer's arm carefully.
"I suppose." Killer combed with his hand through his hair, revealing his eyes for the first time to Law – good to know he wasn't secretly a Cyclops – but they were hidden again before Law had the chance to take a good look.
"I'm sorry about what I said," Killer said to Penguin. "I shouldn't have snapped at you."
Penguin beamed up at him and stood on his toes to kiss Killer.
"Yeah, yeah," Eustass said. "Nothing of this changes the fact that watching you kiss is disgusting."
"Not to mention rude," Law piped up.
Killer shot them both a deadpanned look, holding Penguin's hand. "Whatever. The least you could do is buy us dinner after giving us a heart attack like that.
Eustass snorted. "Like you would have believed me if I told you."
"Fair enough. Him not filleting you is more convincing." Killer nodded at Law, who smirked. "So how about that dinner?"
Obviously, he wasn't going to take no for an answer, something that Eustass seemed to realise as well. "Fine," he gave in with a sigh, "as long as you don't invite Bonney. My parents will disinherit me soon enough and I don't make that much money with my classes."