It's here, lovelies! The crossover has arrived! I only got through the scenes with Law, though. If you guys enjoy it I'll make more. I have plans for one about IL!Sabo interacting with Luffy and another with Ace if you guys end up not totally hating it :D But I'm actually just really excited to get started on the next chapter *_* Things happen. Lots of things. Also this was supposed to be up on the fic's 1 year anniversary but I couldn't find much time to write so I posted the prologue/1st chapter of The Mirror Lied instead. Check it out, yeah? :D
NOTICE: Remember that tumblr blog I started? Well it's grown. I've uploaded a page for the fanart I've received (I LOVE YOU ALL OMG) if you want to look at it AND I got a page up strictly for One Piece fic recommendations. I'll be adding more to it and, as I said I post snippets/teasers for some stuff that's yet to be posted (I had like 2 snippets up for this chapter alone) in full on here so check it out! And you can stalk me - isn't that fun? :D /shot/ And TALK to me! I get lonely *sob* So you can find it here or get the direct link on my profile:
anjellesblog. tumblr. com (get rid of spaces)
Please remember that this is a bonus crossover chapter and is not, in no way, part of the main story line. I've noticed that on my other fics' bonus chapters people don't tend to read this and get really confused. The author's notes are here for a reason normally, yeah? XD If you don't read Imagined Life don't worry; you'll still be able to follow it pretty well without previous knowledge of the other fic.
Question: Would you like me to make more random crossover chapters every once in a while?
"You know," Sabo began in a low, smooth tone, "I never thanked you."
Not that crap again—had he somehow gotten a hold of alcohol? Was he drunk, not unlike the time he had the audacity to apologise not so long ago? Really, that weak side of his was putrid. Yet wasn't that what he wanted—wasn't shredding away his bravado to reveal the vulnerable, helpless noble what he always dreamed? To surpass him? And yet every time he saw it, it made him sick.
"For?" Despite his reserves, he wanted to hear him out. It was the least he could do, considering he stole that man's freedom.
"Protecting Ace from me," he elaborated, his voice soft, almost fond as a faint smile crossed his lips. He looked… satisfied? "I'll admit, I've grown fond of the moron. It'd have been a pity to kill him."
"Is that so?"
"It is." There was a slight pause as he gathered his words, fingering his blood-coated gloves. It was strange to see him with his mask on yet no coat; he'd left it with the soldier back at his cell. That was another oddity in his recent behaviour. What was going on inside that twisted brain of his? "Luffy's happy when he's around. With him there, I won't have to worry."
"Worry of what, exactly?" The best way to keep Blue in line was to keep him talking. Luffy was the perfect topic; that man never tired when it came to his beloved younger brother.
Again that grin returned as his fingers danced about the cuffs, removing a stained glove from one of his hands. "He'll be safe. Ace won't betray me. He's not like you."
The surgeon did his best to remain straight-faced. Even still, he felt his eyebrow twitch. He wanted—
…He wanted what, exactly?
"How can you be sure?" he found himself asking, shocking even himself. "Your trust is misplaced, Blue. You trusted me. Now look where you are. Oh how the mighty have fallen." With what he'd done, it wouldn't be surprising if Sabo lost all his cards—every piece, every pawn. He'd captured the king. He'd destroyed the trust of every white knight the noble held in his arsenal, all with just one little card of monochrome ink. Portgas wouldn't stop until he had the blond's poor, oblivious head. He had nothing so why—how could he smile like that?
Sabo was unaffected by his words, choosing to slowly slip his finger beneath his other glove. "You know, my dear psychopath," he began—was he still calling him that?—as the thick, white fabric left his palm, "it really is a pity. I thought of you as my queen. You were so, so useful."
Cryptic as always, yet for a moment Law forgot to breathe. The queen was able to move across the board, yet Trafalgar thought of it as something else, just for an instance. But he couldn't have that. No, no, that wasn't right. "And Luffy the king?"
"But of course," the blond acknowledged, placing the second glove atop the first. His hands moved upwards towards his face, trailing the rim of his once pure-white mask. "My cute, gullible little brother. He means the world to me, really, but I don't think he sees that."
Law waited, silent as he watched the blond's hands snake around his head, unclasping the back of the mask. His eyes widened. No, no, this was wrong—Blue wouldn't do that. He wouldn't risk it all by taking off his mask. This wasn't right.
Sabo looked like he was about to speak as the stained mask hit the table, grin ever-present and dark eyes boring into his own, like they could see everything he was, everything he ever thought. He hated those eyes.
"There are no two-way mirrors, Trafalgar. No hidden wires, no—" He stopped abruptly, the grin falling from his face as his eyes went wide.
Law furrowed his brows, not chancing a word as he watched the prisoner's peculiar behaviour. What was he doing?
"I—" Again he just seemed to stop, slow, shaky hands rising to his forehead. His eyes fell to rest on the table yet they seemed to see nothing. "I…" That time his voice faded. It wasn't abrupt, wasn't sudden, yet it seemed more desperate than the last.
And he screamed.
Trafalgar flinched at the noise, watching as Blue clawed at his skull before, without warning, he stopped, head hanging low. What just happened? He couldn't even guess. With that sound—that horrid sound—echoing again and again in his head he could only come to one conclusion: pain.
What was he to do? He was a doctor. And with the way his blond prisoner was hunched over, something was clearly wrong. But, as code dictates, he wasn't supposed to help a felon. But he was just there, still, like something was wrong.
Sabo shivered, a tremble coursing through his limbs.
Law stood abruptly and walked around the table, crouching beside the prisoner's chair, examining the dead look in his eyes. Just what was going on?
The lights flickered before blacking out completely and he found himself grasping Sabo's shoulder, instinctively anticipating him to take action. That wasn't right; weren't the electric lights just installed a few weeks prior to that date? He expected Sabo to make a move—to try to get away during that brief instance of darkness—but he didn't move, just remaining frozen in his chair.
When vision returned to reveal everything was in proper order, Trafalgar Law was… unsettled. He was sure the Blue Gentleman would have made his move. Maybe something really was wrong. Maybe his instincts were correct.
A tired groan brought him back to reality and he refocused on the blond, watching as he cupped his forehead and closed his eyes.
"My head…" he complained weakly, taking slow, deep breaths.
"Does it hurt?" Law found himself asking, his training overriding his duty to the government. Even if he had come to be known as the Surgeon of Death, he was still a doctor. Even if it was Sabo, the one he wished to erase, that truth held firm.
The blond seemed dazed and disoriented, his eyes searching his lap fruitlessly for the source of the voice before finally cocking his head to the side, meeting Trafalgar's gray gaze. A long silence stretched. "…Lawrence?"
…What did he just call him?
Another groan passed his lips as he began rubbing circles into his temple, yawning as though waking from a long sleep. "What happened? I was with Ace and Mark when…" He paused suddenly, furrowing his brows. "When…"
What was he rambling about? No matter; his ramblings could be a side-effect of whatever just happened. He needed to act—try to figure out what was wrong with him. That thought flooding his mind, he stood. Sabo didn't seem to notice so he grabbed him beneath his chin, pulling it up so they locked gazes.
The blond's eyes widened, his mouth gaping. "Law…"
The doctor narrowed his eyes but ignored the strange way the prisoner looked at him, opting to begin a basic examination—because he could do no more without his equipment. He couldn't even check pupil dilation, no light on hand. "Do you feel dizzy?"
"No, I…" He didn't finish the thought, eyes scrolling down the doctor's body, coming to rest on his legs. Breath hitched in his throat. "How…?"
"What?"
"Your legs…" he elaborated slightly, reaching out to lightly grip the fabric of his pants. Law jerked away from the touch but the action only seemed to make Sabo's shock grow, the clanking of the chain connecting his cuffs resounding and bouncing off the stone walls. He pulled his arm back, staring at both his shackled wrists. "…What?"
Something seemed to click in the blond's mind and he frantically looked around, taking in the interrogation room. His eyes shifted left to right, to the door with the barred window then the floor.
This was bad. Sabo never panicked like that.
"Do you know where you are?"
The blond stopped moving, slowly turning back to the doctor, eyes roving over him again and again in disbelief before he shook his head. Pulling his mouth taut, he swallowed. "…Where are we?"
So something was wrong, after all. Well, that much was expected. He was confused, probably a little disoriented—but why? "Impel Down," the surgeon answered simply, walking back to his chair across the table before plopping down on it.
"Impel…" His voice faded, eyes showing the calculating thought Law knew so well. "…That's not right. No, no, it can't—unless…"
Law furrowed his brows. Was he remembering the betrayal? "Unless?" he pressed.
After a moment the blond sighed, tension leaving his shoulders. "This is a dream. It has to be."
The surgeon's eyes narrowed. "Don't be daft, Blue; you're awake."
"I can't be," he retorted, a hint of distress seeping into his tone.
"Impel Down isn't—" Just as he did earlier, he abruptly stopped. Again he looked at Law, that utterly befuddled look prominent on his face. "…What did you call me?"
He didn't remember that nickname? But why? How? Only minutes ago he was fine, wearing that same cocky grin he always did, baffling Law with his seemingly nonsensical actions and words before—
He swallowed. "Do you know who you are?"
The blond gave him an incredulous look, as though he had three heads. Suddenly his confidence seemed to return and he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms in a manner like yet unlike his usual self. "Of course I do," he finally answered, insulted at the insinuation that he'd gone mad.
"Well?" Trafalgar didn't believe it. He wasn't just going to accept the blond's words—not when he was behaving so… so wrongly.
Blue, in his own respects, was retaining his suspicion. "Sabo," he answered with a furrowed brow, "Sabo Blue. But you never use formalities with me."
He was afraid of that. "That's not your last name."
"Excuse me?"
Placing his elbows on the table, he pressed his entwined fingers to his chin, deep in thought. What else was wrong? What other falsities did he believe of himself? "Continue. Who are you?" he questioned again.
Sabo looked like he had questions but held his tongue, seemingly contemplating how to reply. "I'm an author working in Grandline city."
An author? Blue didn't write! He didn't have time to deal with such trivialities. The insinuation was ridiculous. But he wouldn't question it—not yet. The look in those deep eyes said that Sabo thought of that as truth. For now he would play along. It was best to figure out just how far his delusion went. "Your age?" he asked.
"Twenty-five," came the immediate reply as the blond leaned further back in his chair, not amused with the questions being asked. That wasn't true, either. Sabo was just turning twenty-two in a month.
What was going on in that head of his? Why was even that different?
"And you," the blond continued, not giving him the time to ask something else, "you're not like this. You're not Law."
The doctor's eyes widened, head rising from his palm as he took in those words. Blue was claiming that he wasn't the same? How had it been turned on him? Law wasn't himself? That was preposterous. Just the insinuation that he had changed when the blond was like that—
…When the blond was like that.
When the blond wasn't himself—wasn't Blue.
He swallowed. "You're not him."
"What?"
Ignoring the question, Trafalgar glanced up at the surveillance snail in the corner of the room, noting its closed eyes and resting state. It wasn't recording, but why? It wasn't long before he recalled the brief power outage and he turned to the dim light above the table, then back to the snail. So that's it.
Sabo followed his eyes and cringed when he spotted the sleeping snail, his hand returning to once more rub circles into his temple. "Maybe Ace slipped me something…"
Law ignored him, eyes narrowing as he calculated his thoughts.
"There are no two-way mirrors, Trafalgar. No hidden wires, no—"
What was the rest of it? What had he intended to say? No, wait—he knew. Sabo mentioned that for a reason. No two-way mirrors, no hidden wires, no microphones—there was nothing watching them other than that snail. He could use that, if he wanted. He'd finally torn the Blue Gentleman from his pedestal. More than that, he overcame the gap held between him and that damned noble. But…
Sabo's gaze caught on the jar placed atop the table, finally noticing it after all that time. His eyes roved over the still-beating organ within in as it thumped against the glass. Immediately he jumped to back away, both he and the chair clattering to the floor in a panic. Eyes wide with shock and fear, he continued backing away slowly, looking between Law and the heart. "What… h-how…"
He didn't recognise it. He wasn't retaining that calm expression—the one he always wore when faced with the surgeon's collection or when Law practiced using his ability in front of him. And then he knew it: that wasn't Sabo—could not be the Blue Gentleman. Blue was never scared—not of him. He never would be.
Looking down at the blond trying to comprehend what he was seeing, Law smirked and grabbed the jar, tossing it lightly in his hand. He wouldn't treat him like the noble, at least not until he straightened things out. "Do you like it?" he asked, voice oozing amusement. "It's my prized possession."
Sabo swallowed, trying to calm himself down. "H-how is it still beating?"
His grin widened. "Its owner is alive."
"But that's…"
He didn't have time for that. In the end, this wasn't the man meant to be trialed and imprison by the people of Low Town. This wasn't the man Impel Down wanted dead. He was just some scared fool, just like anyone else.
Just like he used to be.
The doctor's smirk fell and he rose from his seat, staring down at the confused noble. "Come," he commanded simply as he headed to the door. Looking back he saw that Sabo wasn't doing as he said and he furrowed his brows. "Stay here and you'll be killed; it's your choice."
Biting his lip, the blond nodded and rose to his feet.
"Take those," Law ordered, pointing to the gloves and mask on the table, "put them on."
Sabo walked over, jaw going slack as he spotted the scarlet flecks and smears on the previously stark-white objects. He placed a hand over his mouth, trying to fight back the clear nausea showing through his expression—the disgust. "…Blood?"
"They're yours," Law noted, his grip on the jarred organ tightening. He really didn't remember anything. Everything that was Blue had crumbled and faded and it only took a matter of seconds. "Hurry or I'll leave you behind."
Blue had only just left yet he missed him already.
Trafalgar had been… he didn't want to say lucky. No, luck would have entailed his plan running smoothly—having Sabo torn from his pedestal by the Fist, finally losing the power he held once and for all. That didn't happen. Instead he was faced with… whatever he'd become. So, it wasn't luck. He had been… fortunate… in taking his leave of the prison. A large commotion at the front entrance consisting of screams of terror, gunshots and explosions masked their escape. And every surveillance snail had been unresponsive—wasn't that convenient?
The more he thought about it, the more he realised that Blue had prepared an escape of sorts. Had it not been for… whatever it was that happened to him, he might have gotten away.
Trafalgar may not have looked it, but he was seething on the inside.
Dragging the blond by his cuffs part of the way, he brought him to the 'lair' or whatever Blue used to call it. Why? Well, because a mystery was something he couldn't pass up. As soon as he could figure out what happened, the blond would be returned to Impel Down like nothing ever happened.
…That's what he kept telling himself.
He snickered when Sabo stepped into his lab, face completely drained of colour as he stared at the doctor's wall of hearts. It was expected, of course—this Sabo wasn't as strong as the other. A brave front could only do so much and behind it he was looking nauseous.
"I think I'm going to be sick," he stated in a low murmur, hand clasped firmly over his mouth.
The doctor sighed, pointing him towards the washroom where he could empty the contents of his stomach without soiling the precious, sterile environment Bepo had done so well to maintain. Law was left standing there alone, staring at his collection as he waited for his guest to return. Eventually he did, a little more colour to his cheeks. He'd lost the gloves and mask—tossed them aside as soon as he was freed from his confines.
"Pathetic," he sneered, arms crossed as he leaned against the metal wall.
Sabo pulled up a chair, scratching it against the floor before flopping down on it with a sigh. "Please accept my deepest apologies for being unable to stomach gore," he said, lacing his words with sarcasm as he averted his gaze to the nice, reflective floor. "I can't stand that stuff—meat, neither. It's disgusting."
Law snorted, not fully believing what he was hearing. How could Blue even claim to be repulsed by stuff like that? More than once he'd caught him in the middle of some of the most violent acts he'd ever witnessed—acts far outweighing his own in brutality. No matter how screwed up he was, how could he possibly go so far as to deny that?
No, he was a stranger. He had to think of it like that. "You're taking this quite well, then."
The blond scratched the back of his neck, eyes glancing from the floor to the doctor and back again. A meek, forced smile crossed his lips. "I don't have much of a choice, do I? It's your ability—how you were written. I never imagined… this… though."
The surgeon's brows knitted together in confusion and he narrowed his eyes, staring at the older blond. "What are you talking about?" He sounded like a lunatic. Written? Who was written?
Sabo groaned, tilting his head back to stare at the overhead lights. "You wouldn't believe me. Ace didn't either, at first."
"Let me be the judge of that." Why did he keep mentioning Portgas? How did he tie into this mess?
The youth seemed hesitant at first, scared almost, but eventually he looked down, staring at his open palms with a strange sort of resolve in his eyes. He flexed his digits experimentally, rolling up his sleeves just a bit to reveal the hairline scars beneath. Silence prevailed. It stretched over the pair crushingly as the blond thought, not even the sound of beating hearts enough to break it. Finally he glanced at Law with worried blue—blue? But his eyes weren't blue! They were dark—a deep, swelling brown that seemed to engulf everything, from the light to the air. They were eyes so void of colour that you could drown in them—die from them.
Terrifying.
Inescapable.
Those weren't his eyes.
"…Can I trust you?" Those four, simple words broke the shattering realization Law found himself forming and he broke away from thought, taking a closer look at the man in front of him. He was, but wasn't. He was there and yet everything screamed he was something else. But the question held firm. "Can I trust you?"
Law swallowed, breaking eye contact with—with whoever that was. "Perhaps," he answered vaguely, "but I'm not the type of man you should rely on."
Sabo looked away, closing his eyes as a calm smile graced his features, a chuckle passing his lips. "You sounded like him, just then."
"Who?"
"Lawrence," came the soft answer, a soothing sound accompanying it. The look in his eyes turned fond as he stared off into space, fingers running over the small marks on his opposing arm. Law resisted the urge to ask about it, waiting for the inevitable explanation to flow from his lips like water. Sure enough, he took a deep breath.
"You weren't supposed to be like this," he continued solemnly. "Trafalgar Law was a symbol of freedom—a representation of what he could have—should have been. The way you are now… you're hardly fit to hold that title."
"What—"
"Don't," he interrupted, raising his hand. "I'm not finished."
Commanding, for a coward too squeamish to stomach a few jarred organs. Law decided to keep his comments to himself. It was probably better if he just listened, saving his thoughts until the blond had completed his monologue.
Again, Sabo inhaled. "You're not real—at least, you weren't. Or maybe it's more accurate to say you weren't supposed to be." He was nuts. Completely fucking insane. Not that it was any different from normal. "Trafalgar Law is… he's a character. Are you following?"
"I can't tell whether you're daft or mad," Law replied.
A groan met his ears as Sabo dropped his head into his hands. "See, this is why I didn't want to say anything." Hands slid from his face and he stared thoughtfully at the flecks of scarlet dabbing the cuff of his sleeve. "You're a character from my book. Before you dismiss this thought, let me explain."
"…Very well."
"Alright, so: I'm a novelist. I write—make a living off it. Well a couple weeks back I killed of one of my characters, Portgas D. Ace—heard of him?"
Law narrowed his eyes, nodding slowly. He didn't believe it but hearing him out was important. That wasn't Blue, he reminded himself, and he had to find out why it wasn't.
"I finished writing his death scene and, low and behold, he shows up in my living room, alive. At first I thought that, just as he became a part of my world, I became a part of his. But that's not the case."
"Oh?" His interest was piqued.
Finally the blond turned to him, looking right through him with those unusual, bright eyes. It was unnerving because, despite the fact that he couldn't help but see the differences between that man and the Blue Gentleman, the look he was receiving was one he'd known since long ago.
"This isn't my One Piece."
He didn't know what to say to that—how to react. So he left.
"You know," Sabo began from his place on the couch, sprawled out as he laid back and stared at the ceiling with his hands behind his head, "it would probably be a good idea to stop ignoring me. Pretending a problem doesn't exist doesn't make it disappear, Lawsie."
Trafalgar's eyes narrowed as they lifted from his work station and he fought hard not to glare at the blond using his lab as his own personal lounge. Blue would have more respect than that. Blue wouldn't be so irritating. "Stop calling me that."
Sabo snorted, not bothering to look his way as he yawned. "Lawrence didn't like that either."
"Then—"
"Not that I particularly cared what he thought," he added with a shrug.
That man was infuriating.
It'd been a few hours since they arrived there and, while he had tried to keep his mind off their predicament for just a bit to keep his thoughts from continually going in circles, the task was proving more difficult than he first assumed. Just like Blue, the blond soaked up the attention in the room, demanded all eyes be set on him. Regrettably, Law couldn't deny him that; it was hard to focus on his work when that nostalgic voice was beckoning him to respond.
"Say," he called once more, softer this time.
With a twitch of his brow and an irritated groan, Law glared at the man. "What?"
"What's he like?"
The anger and frustration melted from the doctor's face as wide eyes roved over the blond's blue orbs and pale skin—so wrong yet not out of place. He found himself unable to be upset yet no positive emotions creased his eyes. He couldn't think, a solemn quiet his only response as he pondered that very question himself. What was Blue like?
"This world of yours is so messed up," Sabo commented softly, a broken sort of smile on his lips. "In One Piece we never met; in my world you can't walk or stand. Yet here, in this twisted, perverse reality, we exist together. Untouched. Alive."
That soft, gentle looked turned to him and he stood abruptly from his chair, clenching the metal tabletop with every ounce of strength in his limbs. He could see the bit of shock that mixed into the blond's expression, the confusion that ensnared him as he stormed over, but he didn't care. Never met? How could a world like that exist—where they were strangers? It was wrong. And yet, in the one Sabo claimed to be from, Law was a cripple? No! It wasn't right.
Seconds later he found Sabo sitting up, staring at him with large eyes that were unlike him. He found his hands clasped firmly to the back of the couch on either side of the blond's head, glowering down with such distaste he was sure Sabo could practically feel his revulsion.
The stares he was getting just unnerved him further. "Stop looking at me like that," he chastised, mere inches from the other's face. Pushing his weight onto his left arm, he lifted his right to caress the fabric of the white cravat hung around that pale neck, tugging it to reveal the long gash hidden away, the scarred and discoloured flesh of an all too familiar injury. He remembered it well, eyes softly gazing at it before once more hardening and looking into blue eyes. "This is his. His clothes, his scars, his everything. Don't look at me with his eyes."
Sabo's face faded from shock, some strange form of sympathy replacing whatever confusion he once held. "Sorry," he murmured. It didn't look like he knew what he was apologising for but the gesture was sincere nonetheless.
Suddenly Law felt drained. He slumped onto the couch beside his guest, eyes unfocusedly staring at the familiar heart he'd placed on the metal worktable across the room. Dense quiet filled the air. He could feel Sabo fidget beside him, uncomfortable with how many awkward breaks there had been between them, but didn't acknowledge it. "Blue is… broken."
The blond's head shot up, turning bright eyes to the dark figure to his right. "What?"
Law sighed, removing his hat to run a tired hand through his matted hair. "He's cocky, violent—I'm sure you've realized by now."
The noble glanced down at the dry blood on his sleeve with a hint of apprehension. "…You could say that."
Ignoring the comment, the doctor continued to think back on the one who practically raised him despite being only a few years older than himself. "He has a plan for everything; just when you think he's within reach, he pulls away even further than before. The undefeatable Blue Gentleman."
A snicker broke his moment of reflectance and he sent the blond a sharp glare, his look returned only with amusement.
"That's what he calls himself? Really?"
Law pulled his mouth taut and turned away.
"You care about him a lot, huh? More than a friend…"
His head shot up to refuse but the words stuck in his throat at warm lips met his cheek. His face went blank as he stared at the blond pulling away with a teasing grin on his face.
"You're a cute kid. Be grateful; I won't be able to look Lawrence in the eyes for months after this."
The doctor recomposed quickly, brows furrowing. "Why—"
"Shouldn't you be getting some rest? It's late."
"I—"
"Come on," Sabo interrupted once more as he stood from the couch, gently nudging the younger to lay flat on the cushioned surface just as he had before. "We don't need those bags under your eyes to get any worse, alright?"
Law swallowed, looking up at the noble with just as much confusion as he started out with, but he could feel his lids slowly slip over his eyes, the pressure of being up well over twenty-four hours finally weighing down on him. It was almost dawn.
"I may not see you the way you see him," the blond started as Trafalgar dozed off, "and I'm not sure what he did to get him into those cuffs, but I'd like to thank you for taking care of him. If he's anything like myself, he'll need someone to keep him in line."
Law simply groaned, trying to see through the blurry haze his vision succumbed to.
"You're not so bad, for a little psychopath."
"My dear psychopath…"
The sun had risen hours ago, but it wouldn't be known in the lair of the infamous Death Doctor, hidden deep beneath the earth. Brown eyes looked down at the dark-skinned youth resting peacefully with his fluffy spotted hat clutched loosely in his hand, lips parted slightly in his sleep. He turned to the table, grabbing the familiar ripped top hat and looking it over for marks and other imperfections. Dusting it, he pushed back his hair and secured the accessory to its rightful place atop his head, a sense of rightfulness swelling his chest.
He turned to the jarred heart across the room and brusquely strode across the reflective metal floor, reaching for it to see that his gloves were absent from his hands. Shrugging it off, he grabbed the glass container and looked inside, watching the organ thump rhythmically within. Moments later he returned to the couch, watching as soft snores escaped the surgeon's mouth. He placed the jar on the nearby table, running the fingers of his free hand through the boy's black strands, smiling. "If you wanted it, all you had to do was ask."
Massaging the man's scalp for a but a moment, he pulled away, taking one last, long glance at the familiar tattoos decorating his arms and peeking out from beneath his hooded sweater. "What was he like, I wonder?" Musing himself with that thought, he turned away, footsteps clanking against the metal as he rubbed his unshackled wrists with a grin. "Thank you, Trafalgar."
A/N: So there you go~ See, I made in not so depression for anyone who's upset about what's happening between Law and Sabo in the actual story XD But this isn't the actual story =.=; Next chapter, as promised, WILL have Luffy. And Ace. Not in a scene together, though. And more Sabo. But I'm soooo freaking excited to get started on writing it and I don't even know why *_* You guys can take that as a bad thing, though. Possible. You may have mxed feelings about-I'm going to shut up now.
To my lovelies~
Felixsk1: Awe so happy you liked it~ It was one of my favourites to write. You're welcome! God you're so sweet ;_;
hitomi65: Glad you like!
Frostheart D. Blaize: You'll find out why he did what he did eventually :P Lol that kiss was actually pretty significant, but... we'll leave it at that for now. Well this is the next update (obviously) but the next actual chapter won't be for a while. There are a few reasons for this. First: it's just been updated so I need to look to getting my other fics updated. Second: I have BIG plans for it. Because of that and because of how eager I am to write it, it's probably going to be a really long chapter. Maybe the longest yet. So naturally, it's going to take longer to write. But if you wait it out I'll promise to try to give you all an awesome chapter with action, development, lot of feels and, most importantly, PLOT XD Hehehe, a lot of people seem to be interested in Marco~ Yeah, Law's betrayal doesn't seem to make any sense, does it? (Especially after this bonus *cough*) But all things in due time. Actually, it may be a while before you learn about both of those mysteries :P
bloodytears87: Awe it made you cry? I'm sorry ;_; There'll be far worse misfortunes to come, though *cough* I didn't say that. Kidd's going to be a fun edition to the story :D
AyumiUK: Yep, he seems to have prepared for everything :P I don't know, DOES the shroud of death mean he'll live or die? You'll have to just keep reading~ Lol that picture is epically amazing XD I'm almost tempted to draw it :P
kickassdani: You're welcome, I'm glad my notes helped~ Sensei?! QAQ I am not worthy!
key46812: Here's more~
Diclonious57: Oh Sabo can do wrong. He's not always going to have something up his sleeve. But remember, this wasn't just him planning everything out; he wouldn't have been able to do it without Killer.
narsiltoanduril: I'M SO HAPPY YOU ENJOYED! You'll find out about how Sabo and Kidd know each other and their connection shortly enough. In a way, it's similar to his connection to Hawkins, which will also be revealed XD (And yes, Hawkins will be returning at some point) Why can't people be happy? Let's just blame it all on the nobles XD Marco's mystery actually isn't so mini *cough* I didn't say that. Actually, you'll be getting a few more tiny snippets of Law's past again next chapter. You're welcome dear :)
Greyheart: If you love thriller and crime than you'll probably enjoy the oneshot I'm working on~ As I've stated previously, next chapter is going to have Luffy. I couldn't fit him in before this because remember, this is all happening in one night. We've been in the same night for like 5 chapters. Once the night is nearing its end and once morning arrives, Luffy can take action again. Sorry, but there was really no place I could fit him in. This whole time he's been sleeping XD Remember, Luffy said he wasn't sure when the meeting was going to be because Sabo hasn't mentioned it to him. It's not going to be for a while - there are more important things he has to take care of right now. God, I'm so worried about writing the climax of the story XD We're nowhere near it, though. We have a loooong way to go. But there'll be so much happening at once that it'll be hard for even me to keep track of XD
Kitsune Foxfire: Awe, they're not so bad. They're just having... issues right now. Like an old married couple. Kidd's going to be fun. It's going to be my first time writing him :D So excited! .
Miih-chan: You're welcome~ Don't worry, it'll be revealed, just not now :P
94Insane: I DON'T EVEN KNOW! XD When I first started the story I basically was like "Hmm this could be interesting," and "Oh what if I did this?" and "I bet they'll be shocked if I do this close to the end!" and then the fic sort of came out of that ._. Not joking. It wasn't some master plan I had from the beginning, it's just something that keeps growing as time goes on. I've had a lot of it planned since chapter 12 or so, though. But I somehow ended up with 4 main characters and a whole 30 year backstory I need to explain. I'm not sure how either. Nah, Agatha was a master, I'm just someone writing fanfiction XD Lol I'm not good enough for publication. Besides, where's the fun in publishing a book if I can't hear from my readers? I like reading all of your reviews and being able to interact with all of you :) Awe, don't hate Law. In his mind it's the right thing to do. I looked through the author's notes but I didn't see where I wrote Sabo instead of Law, sorry u_u Couldn't find it. Actually, with the way it's going we MIGHT might it passed 100 chapters. Doubtful though. VERY doubtful. But shh don't tell anyone, they'll kill me if they realize how long it might end up XD We should at least make it to 60 or so, though. If I don't add even MORE to the backstory.
NotMoyashi: Glad you like~
Mon Esprit Libre: I wasn't upset, I was just kind of taken aback because I'm not used to people 'freaking out' like that. I couldn't tell if you were trying to joke around or if you were pissed off or what o_o It only really helps if it's part of the actual chapter. Author's notes don't matter much to me. Lol it's actually not as confusing as the others, but I figured with the past chapters some people might be completely lost. Good, because Kidd'll be a big player later on ;) Lol I read 20K stories in 1 sitting most of the time. I LOVE them. Then again, there's never enough writing to sate my need :P
Leite Destiny: Did I ever tell you how much I love your long reviews? Seriously, I'm here grinning through the whole thing XD Thank you. I'm glad you like long author's notes, sometimes I worry that mine are too annoyingly long. I'm still contemplating replying in PMs instead of ANs, but I'm not sure since some people like reading through them for the hints. You're so sweet QAQ All of you keep making me blush! I don't deserve all these compliments! Well, this certainly won't be the last plot twist... nor the biggest... I'm kinda looking forward to how you guys react to some of the future ones XD Law and Sabo's argument about Paradise is actually a pretty interesting one, especially with their backgrounds. Yep, Sabo was his first patient. What Sabo and Law know both about each other and themselves is actually pretty intriguing, in my opinion. But we won't be getting to that for a while yet. Sabo's King is Luffy. He holds Luffy's safety above all else and his main goal, more important to him than anything, is for him to be happy and healthy. But as the queen Law held a very esteemed, irreplaceable positions of power, protection, love and authority. However now that role's been trampled on. I probably shouldn't have told you that... Oh well, nobody reads these anyways XD No, by all means, ramble on! I love reading you ramble! I'm bad at staying on topic, too, actually ^^; Interesting interpretation of the French quote! I actually don't think I'm ever going to outright explain its meaning to you guys. Maybe. But just keep speculating and have it in the back of your mind :) Well he said he's going for a walk and he was wondering where his nodachi was sooooo XD It's okay, take your time :) I look forward to seeing whatever you make~~ The snow sucks, I hate it XD But it's mostly gone now, fortunately.
Black Knight: So happy you like the messed up way my mind operates XD Awe, you're enjoying it that much? I'm so happy ;_; Fortunate for you, while this story's partially soft yaoi there's also a lot of other things going on so the romance is minimal. It'll pick up later, of course, but hopefully it won't bother you XD Awe don't hate them - they're good peoples! Deep, DEEP down e_e;; Oh Law's certainly attracted to him, this bonus shows just how much, and yet he betrayed him. Sabo values family above all else, but what's Law's "King?" Once you find that out, you'll know why he did what he did. He has reasons, good or bad. Mmmm I wouldn't say there are parallels between Doffy and Sabo myself, though maybe other people see them. While I hate Doflamingo with a passion for what he's done, I just sympathize with the Blue Gentleman. Actually, no, sometimes Sabo pisses me off too... but in different ways. I don't speak any Spanish unfortunately ^^; (Though I understood that) I basically just know a TINY bit of French and a TINY bit of German and a fair amount of English XD (I can barely speak my native language, OTL) I don't think your Spanish is too bad but then again I don't know Spanish (Again, how did I understand it?!) so I wouldn't know :P As for writing more, I will, just give it time~
Yvonne Park: Here's more~~ Sort of XD
Guest: Killer isn't really his partner... you'll have to wait and see XD All will be explained, my friend. Ace killing Sabo... there's a thought XD
Imihel: I'm sure the canon one will be great~~ (So happy you kept that vague - don't want to spoil anyone! :D) Really? I just guessed, I didn't really think I was getting it all correctly XD But Sabo's French is actually really bad, he doesn't know much about the language (there's a reason for that) so expect future sentences to be more flawed. This one, for its importance, I kept less messy than the others.
TheBlackSpirit: Awe thanks, but Sabo's actually SUPPOSED to be bad at French XD It's a major plot point... *cough*
Starry Roses: Lol I just call it SaboLaw XD Luffy never got ditched, his parents died :) I probably shouldn't have written that with a smilie... e_e;;
CrazySarahify: Thanks for all the reviews! Shanks has his reasons for not telling Ace about Luffy. Remember, in their line of work secrecy is important. Nope, lots of people like brutal Sabo :D For some sick reason or another :P When you consider canon, yep, Shanks is the only one who's got it right XD Oh yes, definitely - they're the most crazy, messed-up family imaginable XD Awe you don't like brutal Sabo anymore? He's not THAT bad. Compared to stories like KtR I'm a saint! Yes, it was MOSTLY the drugs XD Here's an update~
RawR: Lol I like KiddLaw and AceSabo too but... SaboLaw grew on me while writing this story XD Nah, I need my writing skills for my fics :P But there are plenty of better authors on this site!
Crowery: Hehe, a lot of people say that~ Don't apologise for late reviews! Most people don't review at all ^^ Yep, life comes first, but I'll always remember to come back here for you guys.
Son Goshen: Yeah, in a way I don't know who to feel worse for - Sabo or Law. They're both getting played in one way or another. Well, there's a very real possibility that Law WILL break that trust, considering how close he was last chapter. But, onto a happier note, look! You get to see them getting along in the crossover! :D Sorta-kinda. Next chapter might be a long wait, but it'll be worth it! Hopefully.
Devilgirl83: Nothing to apologise for! I'm happy you reviewed at all :) You're so sweet ;_; Don't worry, answers to all those questions will come! Eventually. I actually like when readers list there questions. It helps me see if there's something I'm forgetting about. Based on your questions, nope, I've got everything covered ;) Oh no no, we've got a loooong way to go until we reach the end. You have plenty of reading left ahead of you :)
siqwithaQ: Hey, it's alright, I know how stressful and busy life can get! Actually I didn't realize you read this story and I thought I'd scared you away from the others :'D But it's nice to see you back! Stop flattering me so much, I'm starting to feel the burden of your expectations of me ;_; Gah, I don't know if I can live up to your praise. Oh god yeah, the responses I made to reviews early on... they're embarrassingly inaccurate XD But I didn't plan to make much out of the fic back then, it was just something I was having fun doing. And it was my first time writing Sabo or Law so I was just fiddling around - they weren't even supposed to be main characters XD Well, Sabo was, but he wasn't supposed to be as important as Ace and Luffy. And now he's stolen the spotlight hehe... Them not being together was hilarious. Someone specifically suggested SaboLaw and I was like "Pssh no that makes no sense why would they be a couple?" and... well, you know how that ends. Writing the crossover was fun XD I posted a few snippets on my tumblr since it looked like I couldn't get it done on time T_T I feel so crappy for that... I feel really bad for missing by baby's anniversary ;_; But school got in the way of writing. I can't wait to see what you come up with! Again, the praise... I'm just... so... so not used to this... Actually most of the story wasn't pre-planned at all XD But around chapter 7 I started being like "Hey, this could be a thing..." and then like "What if I added this? Would that be surprising? Better start hinting at it!" and "I could-couldn't I really?! They would hate me for that! But... Actually..." and that's basically how this story develops in my notes XD (Yes, I've seen it XD I find it hilarious. I'm not a LawLu shipper but I still love it.)
samiya88: Really happy you're liking it ^^ Yeah, Sabo's a lot more broken up about it than he appears. I feel bad for Coby XD To be threatened by the Blue Gentleman... *shivers* Well actually the substitute is a split between Killer and Eustass. You'll see why later. Hehe well your questions will be answered in due time, my friend. I promise.
Mah-BlackberrehSoS: So happy to know you're liking it! If you draw fanart than remember to send it to me! :D I still can't believe you guys like my writing enough to make fanart for it QAQ Don't worry about the details, just draw how you imagine it~ XD Thank you! I'll be sure to do my best with my future updates!
(My god, you guys just laid on the flattery thick this time, didn't ya? Be still, my beating heart QAQ So much praise... I'm not used to this. Gah, I'm... You've all really brightened my evening. I love you all and thanks so much for your kind words and for taking the time out of your schedule to read my ramblings of messed up stories. You're all so amazing! Now that this is done, I'm going to spend the rest of the night catching up on my reading and maybe working on that oneshot of mine that's turning out to be way longer than it should be XD And tomorrow, SKIP! After homework, of course. Adieu~)