Eustass Kid woke up in an unfamiliar room. Dark curtains filtered the light, shadows exaggerating the darkness. The bed he lay upon was comfortable, but the blanket atop him was stifling in the heat. His arms were above his head, his legs felt stretched. He moved to shove the blankets from his body, but found his arm would not move. Frowning, he struggled once more, but was only rewarded with a biting pain in his wrists. He tried to kick his legs, but they were secured, a soft metal sound coming from beneath him. "Hey!" He shouted, but it came out as a hoarse whisper. His throat felt dry, cracked. He licked his lips, but his tongue was dry and provided little comfort, like dragging sandpaper over a sunburn. He let his eyes fall back shut, his head pounding. He couldn't recall what he had been doing that would have led him to being tied up in this room. Slowly, fighting against pain that brought nausea, he looked around the dark room. Far enough from the bed that he had no hope of reaching it, even if he could stretch, was a metal cart, but he couldn't define the odd shapes atop it. A desk was against the wall beside the door, and other than the tightly covered windows, he could make out nothing else in the room. "Let me…" But his demand, weak as it was, was too much on his injured throat, and he tried to turn his head, coughing violently.
"I hadn't realized you were awake," The voice came from the other side of the door, equal parts cold and sharp. The door pushed open and a man stood in the frame for a moment, eyeing him. Tall and thin beneath a white lab coat, his dark black hair and small, narrowed eyes gave him an appearance that matched his voice, but his eyes were such a bright color, almost golden, that they seemed to lighten his entire presence. "Would you like some water?"
Chest heaving with pain, Kid could only nod. If his throat wasn't so sore, he would have swallowed pride and begged from the water. "Do I...Is this…" Do I know you? He wanted to ask, because the man felt familiar, but he couldn't place him. Looking at him brought an odd stirring of emotions, nothing stronger than the confusion that threatened to overwhelm him. Is this a hospital? Would have been his second question, because the lab coat and the silver cart seemed to offer something of that scenario. He blinked, and the tall man stood beside him. Had he moved unusually fast and completely silently? Or had that blink been a temporary loss of consciousness? Kid did not have the ability to determine which of the two options was correct, he merely stared up at the potential doctor in near darkness, desperate for the glass of water in his hand.
"Do you…" The man's eyes narrowed, and he paused, concentrating on placing the water near Kid's mouth, gently tilting a few drops past his cracked lips. Not nearly enough, in Kid's opinion, but he found swallowing to be a struggle, and couldn't offer any requests for more water. The man grabbed the chair from the desk, dragging it beside the bed. "Don't try to talk yet, you'll only make your situation worse." He sat beside him, offering another few drops of water. "Shake or nod just once, I know you must be in pain, and I wouldn't want you to further exacerbate the pain." A few drops more of the blissfully cold water, easier to swallow. "Do you know why you are here?"
Kid shook his head once, parted his lips for another drink. He wanted to ask the man why he was here, who he was, to speed along this conversation, as the man had a slow and thoughtful air to him. His head ached from trying to understand the situation, but he remained silent, tried to remind himself of patience.
"Do you know your name?" The man arched a thin brow. Kid nodded once, never taking his eyes away from those of the other man. For some reason, perhaps their light color in all this darkness, they offered him some feeling of comfort. He couldn't tell if it was the low light in the room, but he thought the area under the eyes was shadowed, as though this man hadn't been getting much sleep. He wondered if he was the only patient here, if patient was the right term, or if the man was quite busy administering medical care. "Do you know my name?" Kid shook his head, closing his eyes against the stabbing pain the motion evoked. "Trafalgar Law," He paused, watching Kid closely for any flash of recognition, but the other male didn't so much as open his eyes. "Nothing comes to mind?" Kid shook his head again, a much slighter movement this time.
There was a long moment of silence, and Kid wondered if the man, Law, had left the room. He might have fallen asleep, or maybe he just lay there in a state of unmoving unawareness until a thought flickered across his mind. If he was a patient, why was he tied up? What had he done? Slowly peeling his eyes open, he was mildly surprised to find Law still sitting at his side, his golden eyes watchful. "Ready for more?" He lifted the water into view. Kid nodded once, and was rewarded. He swallowed, grateful the intense pain was alleviated from his throat. "There is a mild pain reliever mixed into the water, so you should be feeling a little better as the time passes. Try another drink," Law allowed him more water this time, but still at a slow, measured pace. "Good," He placed the empty cup on the floor beside his chair and leaned over Kid. "Any severe pain demanding attention?" Kid shook his head once, slightly. The pain had diminished greatly. He had a feeling the pain reliever wasn't actually a mild one, but even if he had a voice, he wouldn't argue that.
Law pulled the blanket back, and the rush of cool air on his sweaty skin was another level of relief. Pressing gently along his ribs and chest, Law watched Kid's face. "I expect some pain, anything that feels severe?" One more small shake of the head, but Kid was more interested in the soothing, cool press of the possible doctor's cold fingers against his hot, sore muscles. Something about his reaction drew a smirk from the other male, who sat back down, fingers laced between his spread knees as he leaned closer to Kid. "You seem alright for now, Eustass-ya. I'm going to prepare a light snack. Take a half hour, try to sleep a bit. If you're as complacent when I return, I'll untie you and we will have some tea together. Would you like that?" Kid nodded, the idea of warm tea for his throat an absolute pleasure that he almost forgot about the untying part, but Law was standing and across the room before the question could even form on his lips.
Law leaned back against the counter, his arms crossed on his narrow chest. The kettle was close to steaming and the ramen boiled even though he had turned the stove off beneath it. Doesn't remember anything… It didn't seem likely. Partial amnesia was rare, and if it did occur, most often only temporarily. He knew Eustass Kid had sustained a massive amount of damage: three cracked ribs, the open wound from his hairline to his clavicle, which had required stitches and would still leave a nasty scar, not to mention severe dehydration from the poison that had only just worked out of his system these past few days. Sighing to himself, a noise lost under the whistling of the teapot, Trafalgar Law settled a tray on the counter and began to set it for two. It had been several weeks since he had brought Kid here, and he hadn't left the apartment for more than an hour since. Kid has woken a few times during the past few weeks, groggy and unresponsive for the most part. This had been the first time he had been able to communicate, and he had been surprisingly willing and compliant. Lifting the tray, Law frowned. He would see if the mood had lasted.
Pushing the door open with his hip, he found Eustass Kid laying across his bed, hands and legs tied, honey eyes watching him. He had forgotten to throw the blanket back over him, and the sterile chill of the room caused a slight shiver from the other male. Cursing his distraction, Law placed the tray on his desk and hurried across the room. "Chilly, I suppose?" He pulled the blanket back over Kid, his eyes on the ragged wound down the side of Kid's face. There was nothing he could do for the scarring as the scabs clearly portrayed, but he was happy that the wound had healed cleanly, no infection or further complications.
"Not...unpleasant." Kid frowned at how weak his words sounded, barely audible to his own ears.
"Hey, save it," Law smirked down at his captive. For such a large, muscular man, to be brought so weak had to be frustrating, but the pout on the big red head was precious. "I'm going to untie you, but you need to remain calm. The change in your blood flow is going to make your limbs ache. If you move too quickly, you could get nauseous or open a wound. Just remain relaxed, I'll help ease you up, alright?" This brightened the larger man's expression as Law leaned over him for the ropes. He had to move quickly; the ropes were rigged so that moving his arms pulled at his legs and vice versa, which alternately meant that releasing his arms released his legs. Law knew that his muscles would be sore from lack of use and the chances of Kid jumping up or posing any threat was slim to none, but he didn't want to risk that Kid was lying about his memory loss and strength was certainly not something he lacked, even in his current condition. He quickly untied Kid's hands and adjusted the ropes so that his legs had slack, but would catch if he tried to stand.
Slowly, gently, Kid lowered his arms, stretching and bending his fingers while he rotated his shoulders and wrists. "How long…" He swallowed hard, light flashing in front of his eyes.
"Easy, Kid-ya," Law took one overly large hand in both of his, massaging the fingers and palm before working his way up the arm, tender yet firm. "When you feel like talking, tell me what you last remember," Law was up to the shoulder by now, which he worked gently. He wasn't interested in causing more pain to Eustass at this time, and the freshly healed ribs and wound had to ache just from the adjustment in position. He moved the pillows behind Kid, so he leaned up more comfortably, the larger man clinging to him as he shifted to sitting up. "Apologies," He mumbled at the sharp intake of breath from Kid. Even with his muscle mass, any higher dosage of pain reducer would have Kid snoring at this time, and as it was the first time he had been responsive, Law did not want to miss this opportunity. Releasing Kid, adjusting the blankets with clinical professionalism, Law sat back in the chair. "Alright?"
Despite having spent weeks sleeping, Kid looked exhausted from the transition to sitting up, but he managed to nod at Law's question. He rubbed at his wrists, lost in thought, while Law fetched the tray, placing it beside Kid's legs on the bed and pouring tea. "I remember…" Kid rubbed at his disheveled hair, wincing at the pain from his sore arm or his aching head, hard to be sure which bothered him more. "A tall, blonde man...I think he was threatening me," He accepted the tea gratefully, taking a large gulp and hissing at the heat. His next sip was more cautious, but the heat had opened his throat, burning him in an almost pleasant manner. "It's more flashes and feelings...I don't know why I'm here," His words were slow coming, but he was proud to say more than he managed earlier.
"I'm sure the tall blonde was threatening you, he's detestable, but he's also no longer a problem. You're here because you were injured, in a manner that would have raised too many questions in a hospital, and, luckily for you, I have more training than most doctors. You're in good hands, if I say so myself." Law took Kid's mug, replacing it with a bowl of ramen. "Eat slowly. This is your first solid meal in nearly six weeks," He nearly spilled his tea with his rapid movements when Kid started to choke.
"Six weeks?" Kid swallowed the noodles in his mouth. Suddenly his burning throat felt dry again. "W-What happened?"
Law leaned over his knees, his fingers linked between his knees. "I don't think I should answer that just yet," He could see the questions crowding Kid's face. "Relax, please, and eat," Law scratched his goatee and returned to his relaxed position. "Forcing memories back can cause a plethora of complications. That aside, I don't know your side of the story, so my limited information could cause false memories. I can assure you that you are safe here for as long as you are compliant. There is no need to worry at this time," Law frowned, staring at his hands for a moment. "As your memories return, should you like to discuss them, I am available at any time."
Kid finished his food while he considered this response, or lack thereof. "Why am I tied up?" He asked after the silence had stretched about as long as he could bear.
"You moved quite a bit in your rest, and I worried you would open your wounds and cause more damage to yourself. Earlier, I left you restrained because the lack of memories, or the confusion as they return partially or out of order, could make you act in unnecessary manners." Law watched Kid's face as he carefully explained this, ignoring the slight twinge of his conscience as he partially lied. The truth was simply too complicated, and how could he get Eustass Kid to understand this lengthy, tangled tale if he didn't even remember his own side of the story?
"So you can untie me now?" Kid asked, gesturing weakly to his legs. "If you've saved my life, I have no reason to attempt hurting you."
Law hesitated, frowning as he considered this. On the one hand, releasing Kid would be better for his health, allowing him to move and get a mild amount of exercise. It would certainly allow Law a bit more freedom; he spent a great deal of time checking in on the bedroom guest, he could complete a task without rushing to the bed to check on the slightest noise. Plus, putting the memoryless guest at ease would result in better company, and Law was about stir crazy. On the other hand, this could all be an act, even though Kid had never displayed much depth in deception. He could attempt an escape, simply because he didn't understand where he was or why he was there.
"Please," Kid added when the moment of silence had gone on uncomfortably long.
Law couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him. "I wasn't hesitating based on your manners or lack thereof." He refilled Kid's tea, handing it back to him before standing to place the tray on the desk. "Before I allow this, I need you to agree to some terms. You have to follow my rules, because, medically speaking, I am doing what is best for you." Kid was nodding along, ready to agree to anything if it got him off the bed for a few minutes. "You cannot leave the apartment. I've barely been out in the time you've been here, and I can't guarantee your safety out there." Kid had expected this rule, and didn't pause in his nodding. "And as your memory comes back, I want you to discuss all the details with me. As I said, memory can be misleading and your overreaction can be damaging to the progress made," Kid wasn't entirely sure what Law meant by that last bit, but he nodded again. Law expected as much, and could only trust that the man would uphold his agreements as he was already untying his ankles.
"Aren't you going to massage the feeling back into my feet as well?" Kid grinned, hiding the grimace of pain as the blood flowed with a stinging sensation.
"I think I liked it better when you weren't talking," Law grumbled, but he settled onto the bed beside Kid, pulling his feet onto his lap. Long, cold fingers massaged the feet, carefully working the toes before moving up to the ankles, smirking at Kid's groans of pleasure. He worked the calves, then gently bent and stretched each leg. He started to touch just above Kid's knees, but stopped, a heat flushing his cheeks at the thought of touching him in so intimate a manner, despite his medical reasoning. Why he did something and how it made him feel were two separate factors. "Maybe you'd rather try walking a bit?" He couldn't bring himself to meet Kid's eyes. "It might prove challenging, but you shouldn't be discouraged. It has been weeks since you last stood, and it could prove more exhausting than you're expecting."
Kid nodded, this time more seriously, the determination etched in his expression. While he was content to allow Law to continue his physical rehabilitation techniques on his body, the idea of moving around after spending all day, or actually, several weeks, in bed was equally pleasing. Law bent his legs up once more, standing before he stretched them back out. "Do you mind?" Kid asked as he slowly shifted position so his feet touched the floor. He was surprised at the amount of pain that shot through his chest at the movement, but tried to hide any expression from Law, should he deny him his newfound freedom.
"Mind hmm?" Law asked distractedly, frowning. Kid was considerably larger than Law, about the same height, but with much more weight and muscles. Should he lose his balance and fall suddenly, catching and supporting him could prove quite difficult. He slid his arm around Kid, his shoulder under one arm, then hesitated again. Supporting his weight in such a position could cause additional pain to his chest and ribs. Why had he suggested standing so suddenly? Why not give him a few more days to heal before rushing into such extreme physical demands?
"Have I been a burden?" Kid swung his legs, put a slight amount of pressure on his feet, but didn't attempt to stand yet. "I suppose it's too dependent on my memories to tell me why you are helping me now?" He leaned against Law, using the man as a crutch as he slowly put more weight on his feet, pushing himself off the bed with his free hand. At first, he thought he would tumble down, his legs shaking under the requirements. But, with each wobbling step, he felt more secure in his abilities. Part of him delighted in these baby deer steps, another part of him raged. He couldn't remember his past, but he could see the muscles upon his body. He knew weakness was not something he tolerated from himself.
"Don't be frustrated," Law whispered from beside him, as though he could read his thoughts. "You're doing great," They had almost completed a circuit of the room. "You saved me once," They were back at the bed, and he helped Kid to settle back, sitting beside him once again, on the bed instead of the chair. "I hope that's the memory you get back first, but," He shrugged. He knew he shouldn't tell Kid of his past, that speaking of it could remind him of other memories, could plant false memories, but he wanted to give the man something he could hold on to. Any answers seemed better than the lack thereof that he had provided thus far. "That tall blonde man you remember...He was threatening you because you came to save me…" He eyed Kid, a small smirk playing on his lips as he thought back to that moment, one that he held quite dear. Despite how dark that time of his life was, it was infinitely less complicated than this moment, than the past few months. With that thought, the smirk was gone, the corners of his mouth tugged down tightly. "A lot has happened since then, but I still owed you for that moment…" Law searched Kid's honey eyes, but he saw no sudden recognition flare up. "Tch, you'll know when you know." He grunted, forcing himself up from the bed. "Do you need anything else for the night?" Kid shook his head, struggling to recall any detail or scene from what little Law had told him. "I'm going to clean up-"
"Don't...Can you just...sit with me…" Kid turned away from Law, staring at the empty side of the bed, red heat creeping up his neck and onto his cheeks. He hated asking, sounding weak, being weak, not knowing anything. His hands curled into fists at the frustration of the entire situation, and if there was something he could beat to a pulp to solve any of these details, he certainly would at this moment. But there was no quick solution, and there was nothing to change the way he felt. And at the moment, he didn't want to feel alone. Law gave him a lot of confusing feelings, and he knew there was more to their past than he had hinted at with his few details, but at least none of the feelings were loneliness.
Law adjusted the pillows, laying Kid back down gently. Smoothing the blankets over his broad form, he smirked at Kid's relaxed expression, his eyes shut, already on the verge of sleep. He removed the white lab coat, placing it over the back of the chair, and walked around the bed. Part of him was sure Kid wouldn't even know if he left the room now, he was so exhausted from such a big first day back in the land of the conscious. However, Law himself was likewise weary from the long day, long weeks, and it had been some time since he had slept in his own bed. He removed his shirt, and considered removing his pants. But Kid's mental comfort over his own physical comfort won out, and he kept them on. Sliding beneath the blanket, he sighed with relief as his head hit the cool pillows. How he had missed the simple luxury of a bed he could stretch out on, rather than the stiff couch he'd relegated himself to.
Kid carefully rolled to his side, blinking sleepily at the form next to him. He knew there were a lot of moments he didn't know, but he did know that Law was a source of comfort for him in this moment. He reached out, one hand resting warmly on a cool shoulder. He felt like they had lay like this before, that the space between them, mere inches, felt like too vast a distance and similarly not enough space. He wondered if that feeling was a memory piece that he had promised to discuss with Law, but a yawn gripped him, erasing any thought of further discussion. He felt a cool hand cover his own, and a small smile traced his lips as he allowed sleep to take him.