Doflamingo was out of town. It would be at least three days before the Young Master returned, three days of comparable freedom for Law. He had lingered in the house only minutes after the departure of his kepper, just long enough to ensure the car was gone from the driveway, taking the bold man and his chosen few away before Law had slid on his shoes and slipped out of the house, as silent as a predator, though he felt more like the prey. He glanced over his shoulder a dozen times before he'd made it beyond the driveway, but he knew if someone was tailing him, they wouldn't be easy to spot. And he had few doubts that Doflamingo would have assigned someone to watch him in his absence. Freedom was a concept that never fully revealed itself in Law's eyes. Taking a circuitous route for the already lengthy walk, Law tried to appear inconspicuous even as he hurried down one street, then another.
Hours later, he found himself outside of the familiar building, his heart thumping in his chest in a manner unrelated to the physical activity. He was exhausted from the walk, more so than he cared to admit, even to himself. His stomach twisted with hunger, then again at the thought of eating. He pushed open the door, hesitating in the hallway. Why had he come here? Swallowing his doubts, he forced his legs to continue their movements, though they ached in protest. He could not remember a time when one part of his body or another had not felt pain. Surely that time was before Doflamingo, but even his childhood was a blur of pain and agony. Shaking away his dismal thoughts, he lifted a hand, letting his fist fall against the door, more a motion of exhaustion than a knock.
The door swung open almost immediately, but it was not the face he expected that greeted him.
"Trafalgar," Killer stepped aside, motioning him in and locking the door behind him. "Eustass is out right now," Heat and Wire stood in the kitchen, beers in hand, nodding their greeting. Wire opened a new beer and held it out to Law, who accepted it without taking a drink. "He should be back any moment," Killer was saying. "We were about to head out."
"I can come back later," Law mumbled, knowing if he left now, he wouldn't work up the nerve nor the energy to return a second time.
"You can wait for him here," Killer walked to the living room, glancing back once to signal Law to follow. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind returning to find you here," There was something in the tone, but Law didn't have the energy to read into it. "You look as though a nap would do some good. Or perhaps a relaxing bath," He suggested when he saw the protest form on Law's lips.
"I wouldn't want to keep you," Law managed, taking the smallest sip of the beer to have something to do, to hide his disappointment at the turn of events, to avoid making eye contact with Killer. He had heard the rumors of this man, the massacre soldier. Although Killer had been nothing less than congenial company in their few, brief encounters, Law still wasn't sure how to feel around him. He was Kid's friend, and so Law felt no need to fear him, but that did not lift the unease that settled on his shoulders. Perhaps it was due to the mask that made him unreadable. Law wondered if the man ever went without it, if he wore it to dinner and shopping, or if Killer never did any of the trappings of an ordinary life. Maybe Heat and Wire ran all his errands, although the two would turn enough heads as well.
"We are headed out now." Killer shrugged. "Lock the door behind us, won't you,"
And like that, Law found himself alone in Kid's apartment. He thought to sit on the couch, but knew if he did, he wouldn't want to stand again. Instead, he made his way down the hallway, half a mind to crawl onto the bed, but then Killer's suggestion ran across his mind again, and instead, he turned to the bathroom. He ran the water hot enough to turn his skin an angry pink and he sank into it until the water covered his shoulders and bit at his neck. Doflamingo had given him several angry welts across his back, and he had to bite his tongue to stop the hiss when the water stung them, but now his body felt quite numb, in a detached, blissful manner. His eyes drifted shut and sleep nearly found him when he heard the door. Heart hammering in his chest, he thrashed out of the water, suddenly awake and alert. He nearly slipped as he left the tub, jerking a towel from the rack and wrapping it tight around his body. He clutched at it as though it could protect him.
"Killer?" Kid's voice sounded down the hall, sounding confused.
"It's me," Law responded weakly. Of course it was Kid, it was Kid's apartment. Had he expected Doflamingo to appear? "Law," He added, in case Kid did not recognize his voice.
"Oh," He could hear Kid chuckling, and the noise did much to relieve the tension that had tightened his freshly relaxed body. "That explains why they've left. Are you hungry?"
Law tugged his clothes back on, making his way towards Kid's voice. "Killer said they had- What happened?" Kid's face sported a large bruise, his shirt ripped to show a deep cut that had turned the dangling sleeve dark with blood. When he turned to face Law, there was a slight limp to his movement, but he merely ginned.
"Been working, haven't I," He pushed back his hair, shrugging broad shoulders. "Don't worry, I won," His grin grew.
Law shook his head, frowning, and moved to take the injured arm, pushing the torn cloth out of the way to examine the cut. "You need stitches," He frowned at the slight swelling of his cheekbone. "And an ice pack,"
"I'll get the suture kit, but if this is you avoiding the question, don't think I'll allow it," His grin turned into a frown. "I interrupted you." Law gave him a questioning look. "You didn't get the chance to wash your hair, even," His uninjured hand lifted, fingers twisting into dark locks.
Law was suddenly terribly aware of how close they were, but he made no move to step away. Despite his own height, he found his chin tilted up slightly so he could meet those shocking red eyes. He hoped his darker skin was hiding the heat he could feel in his face. "It was rather hot. I can return to it after I stitch you up," He was glad his voice came out smooth and even, although his insides felt the opposite.
Kid's hand dropped from his hair, cupping his cheek. His eyes seemed to dance with intensity as he met Law's gaze. "It is a nice surprise to find you here," He murmured in a deep tone before he stepped back and nodded. "And while you bathe, I'll prepare dinner." He didn't need to clarify that by prepare, he meant order out. Law followed him back to the bathroom, glad for the easy focus of tending to wounds to distract himself from the way Kid's words caused his heart to flip. Several minutes later, the cut was cleaned, stitched, and wrapped, Kid rose. "Still steaming, you must have been boiling in there." He moved to the doorway. "Relax, Law," And Law had every intent to do as ordered.
"Take the mask off," Kaido thundered, his dark eyes glaring heavily at the much smaller man in front of him. Killer had been standing in his presence for over half an hour without Kaido saying a single word, only guzzling, and spilling, from a bottle of alcohol that smelled so strong, it burned at Killer's senses when he breathed too deeply.
"I'd rather not," Killer didn't move, showed no sign that he heard the weight behind the command. This was the third time he'd been called into Kaido's presence without Eustass to stand in the front line, and he felt no more comfortable now than the past two. He needed the mask to hide any flinch of emotion that might escape him, for he felt sure that, despite his overindulgence, Kaido was more keenly aware of his subjects than he let on. Luckily, the previous two interactions had been direct orders that Killer had left immediately to carry out. However, this visit had already lasted longer than the other two put together, and it was only getting started. Killer stifled a sigh. He had things he needed to do today, a certain red haired hot head he needed to find, plans he needed to make. He didn't have time to be Kaido's entertainment.
Kaido grinned suddenly, his expression slipping easily into one of amusement in a manner only the truly drunk could achieve, and he moved on, as though Killer hadn't just avoided a direct order. "The task I gave you last time. How are your comrades doing?"
Killer winced at the mention of his friends. He had seen Heat and Wave just yesterday, and had barely recognized them at first. Greasy hair, dry cracked skin, hollow dark stares. They looked every bit the part of prisoners. He had been ordered to take them food and water, perhaps for the first time since their incarceration. They had gulped the water eagerly, but after a few bites of food, they had thrown up everything they'd just ingested, too weak to move away from their own sick. Killer couldn't get into their cell, wasn't trusted with the keys, could do nothing to truly help his friends. He brought them more water, urged them to drink slower. When they were done, the only words they managed to ask were of Kid. Killer had nothing overly positive to share with them. He knew Kid was alive, knew he would be planning to stage some sort of rescue for his friends. And Killer would be waiting, playing whatever role he was forced to until his true leader returned.
"Eustass was by just earlier," Kaido snapped Killer back to reality, then snapped his fingers and pointed for the Sake bottle. "He demanded the release of those traitors. They're not as strong as him, not as strong as you. But they drive him, and I like to see that fire burning in my men." He paused to take a long drink, liquor splashing down his bare chest. "I've sent him on a mission to prove his loyalty, Killer, do you know where he is?" Killer shook his head, silent. "Good. Part of it was to tell no one. The other part was to leave his dear friend with me. You know that surgeon he's always sneaking away to. Thinks we don't know." Kaido chuckled, splashed some more alcohol in the general direction of his mouth. Killer wondered if he'd ever seen the man sober. "I've kept him busy too, making dozens of different little toys for me. He's quite clever, I don't see what he sees in a brute like Kid."
This had to be the alcohol talking, Killer couldn't remember hearing so much from Kaido that wasn't clarification of an order, but then again, he wasn't normally the one standing in front of the drunk giant. Did Kid have to listen to a story every time he met with the man? Killer groaned internally, but stayed silent, impassive. His interactions with Trafalgar were limited, but he knew Eustass trusted the man, and therefore, Killer held no doubts of his intentions. He did wonder what projects Kaido had him working on, had heard of dozens of drugs Law had made when under the rule of Doflamingo. From altering minds to poisoning to changing personalities altogether in a lingering, and most often deadly, manner. He knew Trafalgar had no limitations on what he was capable of, and hoped the clever man was smart enough to play down his abilities for his new employer. But he also knew Law, after everything he went through under Doflamingo, was only here with Kaido for the sake of Eustass, so he could not hold him to blame for any tasks he performed for the safety of his captain.
"You're not very good at conversations, Killer." Kaido frowned, sloshed some more firewater around. "But I have a mind to change that." His grin returned, and Killer wondered if he didn't have some form of a personality disorder on top of his obvious alcoholism. "All you have to do is swallow these two little pills. Based on what I think I understand of the man's calculations, you need a double dose to really feel the effects." Kaido held his hand out, palm up, the two yellowish pills appearing miniscule upon their large platform. When Killer made no move to grab them, Kaido shrugged. He tossed them, not bothering to watch them bounce to land at Killer's boots. "If you don't swallow them in the next two minutes, I have these for your friends downstairs." He held up two vials, clear, save a single thin red stripe going down the side of both.
Killer didn't need any more information. He had seen Law's kit before, open at Eustass's apartment, and he knew the man labeled nothing, except the most deadliest of his concoctions. He had seen Law use one only once, on a man following him for vengeance for the late Young Master. He had died, but it had been a long, excruciating death. No, that was not the fate for his friends. He was not going to let them die before Kid had a chance to enact whatever plan he was surely cooking up. So what if these drugs made him delusional or feel intense pain. Surely the effects would wear off. His quality of life was not more important than the continued survival of his friends. He didn't need the two minutes to consider. He squatted down, pinching the two yellow tablets up.
"Without the mask," Kaido's tone left no doubt that the order was to be followed this time around. The vials were still displayed in his open hand, an unspoken threat of what objection would bring.
Killer slowly removed the mask, keeping his eyes on Kaido's, not willing to display any weakness for the man. He knew what his face looked like. The way his mouth was too large, making his narrowed eyes appear even smaller, his tiny pupils giving him a permanently crazed look. Not that anyone could notice that with all the scars. Childhood wasn't easy for anyone. Running into Eustass, who thought he looked "cool as fuck" had changed his life. Eustass had made him that mask he never removed, unless the two of them were alone together. Not even Heat and Wire had seen what lay underneath.
Kaido gave no reaction, watching silently as Killer stuck out his tongue, placed both pills upon it, and swallowed them down, maintaining eye contact the entire time. "I like your nerve. And I like the way that face is going to make others feel. Leave the mask off." Killer didn't respond, but didn't replace the mask, and Kaido grinned. Some people, you had to beat down completely before they placed their loyalty in your hands, but others, all it took was the right threat. He knew he had a firm grip on Killer, but Eustass was another story. The man followed commands, but Kaido could sense he wasn't as dedicated as he should be. He watched Killer, waiting patiently for the promised effects of the drugs. As Law had described, it took only minutes, and then that wide mouth split into a ridiculous grin and a chuckle spilled out. Kaido nodded to himself. "Now, Killer, how do you feel about my killing your friends down in the cell?"
The words registered in Killer's brain, he understood the question, knew where his friends were, knew their condition, but this didn't call upon the same intense emotions as it had earlier. Killer chuckled again, this time the laughter growing into a loud bout of hysteria. Despite this display of mirth, inside, he felt nothing.
Three days. And this was only the first night. He was wearing one of Kid's oversized sweatshirts and his boxer shorts, a warm blanket draped over his legs. Mostly empty take out containers and beer cans scattered around the low table in front of the couch. The television played something neither male was paying much attention to, as Eustass told tales of welding accidents from his youth and adventures he'd been on when he'd collected the assorted and mostly antique weapons displayed around the room. Law listened with interest, enjoying the excitement and enjoyment that played so easily in Kid's expression as he spoke. Despite his delight, exhaustion was tugging heavily on Law, and he couldn't hide the third yawn within minutes.
"Do I bore you?" Eustass teased easily, tossing his freshly emptied beer towards the crowded, messy table.
"No, I could listen to your tales all night," Law responded honestly. He wished he had some of his own to share, but even the stories of the few he considered dear friends were full of peril, struggle, and pain. Perhaps it was the two beers he had sipped throughout the evening, or his sleep-addled brain, but his lips spilled the next words without his brain's approval. "It is rare that I feel so comfortable. I could rest here." He froze, wondering if Doflamingo's spy knew he was here, knew who lived here, knew he had intent to stay the night. "Keep talking," He needed Kid's soothing tones to chase away the dark thoughts that always lingered, ready to overtake him.
Eustass saw how his body tensed, could only imagine what the other male would wake up to, be woken up by. With a sigh, he pushed the thick locks from his eyes and twisted on the couch, putting his back against the arm. "Come here," It was easy to draw Law's thin frame to him, positioning him between his outstretched legs. There was something about holding the smaller male, giving him comfort, that made Kid feel warm and tingly. He would do anything for his friends, which he counted Law amongst, but there was something different in his feelings towards the other male. Perhaps because his life was so terribly dark, Kid felt a certain desperation in his desire to ease the tension from Law's slender frame. He was delighted Law would rest against him with no protests, but as the male squirmed around, trying to find a comfortable position, Eustass quickly realized the hoody, while adorable in how it swamped Law, was getting in the way. With a small growl, he grabbed the hem, tearing it away quickly. He couldn't miss the sudden tension that flared through Law as he clenched the blanket with white knuckles. He couldn't see his face, but he could easily picture terror in those golden eyes. "Relax," He whispered, resting a hand on Law's shoulder. He was so pale compared to that tanned, inked skin, and he slowly, uncertainly, moved his hand, rubbing Law's back, careful of the angry red welts, then massaging his shoulders, tracing his tattoos. He enjoyed the contrast of their skin tones, knew if Law was more comfortable with himself, they could compare scars, so there was no need to worry about judgement from Kid. He felt the inked man relaxing again, so he drew him back against his chest, pleased at the content sigh that escaped Law. His hand slid from his shoulder to his chest, finding that steady heartbeat and resting protectively over it.
"Where is this one from?" Law wasn't pointing anywhere, and when Kid shifted, he could see that Law's eyes were closed. With a small smile, he realized Law just wanted story time to continue, so Kid launched into another tale, his favorite, of the twin guns that hung over his bed. Before the adventure had begun in earnest, he realized the other male was already asleep. Struggling not to wake Law, Kid slowly eased himself out from under him, standing and scooping him close to his chest. Law's eyes shot open and Kid froze, continuing the story on instinct. Law smiled sleepily, a precious expression Kid had never witnessed before, wasn't sure Law had ever made before, and rested his head on Kid's shoulder. Kid carried him back to the bedroom, easily depositing Law onto the bed. He looked somehow smaller, amidst the thick blankets and over fluffed pillows. Tucking Law in, he started to back away, when he noticed he was shivering.
"Another blanket?" He asked quietly, frowning. It wasn't particularly cold, but perhaps Law's dismal health was to blame. Another question he was sure he couldn't ask.
"No, just…" The room was too dark, shadows hid Law's face, so Kid couldn't begin to guess at his expression, but he knew what he wanted to do and he wondered if perhaps Law was seeking a similar comfort. So he pulled back the blankets, climbing next to Law, pulling him back to press against his bare chest. Feeling no protest as the shudders subsided, Kid relaxed, rather pleased with his problem solving.
Law shivered once more, his hand finding Kid's and pulling his arm over him until his hand rested as it had on the couch, covering his heart. Kid could feel it hammering, nerves from the action or nerves from the sudden awakening, he couldn't be sure. Uncertain where he had been in his story, he restarted from the beginning, hardly paying attention to his own words as he felt that fragile heartbeat steady out beneath his palm. He thought that maybe Law was seeking more than just comfort from him, maybe the other male was trying to tell him something. But exhaustion and alcohol made for terrible translators, so he let the thought slip away, instead pressing closer to the form beside him, feeling Law relax further against him. Kid fell asleep with a silly smile curling his lips.
"I don't want to be part of your crew," Eustass spat, firing the modified volley pistols and tucking them back into their holsters in a quick, practiced move. He freed another multi-barreled pistol, taking aim.
"You already are, Kid!" Kaido shouted, pushing himself unsteadily from his throne, the staggering of his drunkenness letting him weave out of the bullet shots, too drunk or too fearless to even flinch at the attack. Despite Kid's height and mass, Kaido towered over him. "You are strong and resilient, why would you want to leave my crew?" Although he phrased it as a question, his tone and posture clearly implied Kid would not be leaving his team.
"I never wanted to join you! You know this!" Kid emptied his new gun, ranging his shots so that if Kaido moved, the bullets would still hit the target.
"You're making me angry, Kid," Kaido warned, leaning forward to grab an ever present bottle of alcohol, resulting in the shots all flying over his head, despite not obviously attempting to dodge the attack. "You can stay loyal to me, or you can join your friends in the dungeon,"
"Or I can defeat you and free my buddies!" Kid shouted, rushing forward in a sudden movement, a metal bar in his hands.
Kaido shuffled sideways, spilling the liquor in and around his mouth with one hand while shoving Kid past him with the other, avoiding the swinging metal and crashing the other male into the wall behind him. "You are strong, Kid," He repeated, sounding every bit the disappointed father, before his face darkened and he tossed the now empty bottle away with the twinkling of shattered glass. "But this is a fight you cannot win." He reached beside his chair, hefting a large metal club with one hand. Spikes gleaming menacingly, he lifted the weapon to rest casually on one massive shoulder, eyeing Kid as the man collected himself from the floor. "I'll give you one more chance to stop this nonsense," His hiccup made him no less menacing.
"You took that chance away when you took my friends!" Kid felt the rage boiling up, the corners of his vision going red. He knew he would either do the impossible and defeat Kaido or die here, but he was prepared for whatever the outcome. He couldn't not try. His vision tunneled down to show only his target, and he rushed forward. He saw Kaido swing, heard the impact, and a moment later, felt the searing pain tear through his shoulder. He tried to lift his arm, but to an overwhelming sense of nausea and horror, found he couldn't feel anything, couldn't call upon any response. Slowly, terrified of what he might find, he turned his head to see if his arm was still attached, but never saw the goal. Kaido's heavy club smashed against his head, and Kid was lifted from his feet as he flew backward, crashing against the floor like a limp doll. The relief of numbness covered his body, and part of his mind screamed to fight it, that this was death covering him, but he was too weak, too exhausted, too terrified of the pain he had felt, to do more than succumb. As the darkness edged in on his vision, Kid heard a familiar voice calling his name, and he faded from awareness with a smile curling on his bloodied lips.
Awakening slowly was not something Law was accustomed to. Typically, there was a jolt of pain or some overwhelming discomfort to greet him, to jerk him roughly from the blissfully dark arms of sleep. This morning, however, proved quite different. He drifted gently towards awareness, pleasantly warm and comfortable. He cracked one eye, taking a peek, but the world stayed shadowed, so he let his eyes fall shut again, yawning widely as he wiggled closer to the source of his warmth. He felt the arms around him tighten, a hand tangling in his hair, a leg heavily draped over his thighs, but he didn't feel trapped; he felt safe. He realized during his sleep, he must have rolled over, burying his face against Eustass's muscle chest. Judging from the entrapment, the redhead had no objections, so Law made no effort to pull away now. One hand was trapped under the larger frame, but, moving slowly, he let his free hand trail slowly down the muscular torso before him, feeling the taunt firmness in the dark.
He could feel his heart racing almost painfully and he swallowed dryly. This was not like him. He wasn't interested in physical interactions, especially given his home life. He wasn't interested in men, despite Doflamingo's claims otherwise, not that he could think of a single woman to draw his attention either. His mind's objections did nothing to slow his hesitant hand's progress as it traced scars currently invisible to his eyes, drifting ever lower until he felt the band of his shorts. He followed the trail along his hip, letting his hand splay flat along his skin for a moment. His mind almost imagined that muscular frame shifting beneath his touch, but it was a thought that was quickly forced from his mind as his hand continued its journey around, up his back, exploring the new territory before resting, pressed against his shoulder. Law snuggled closer still. Snuggling! That was what he, Trafalgar Law, torturer, creator of poisons, surgeon of death for the Young Master, was doing. Cuddling. Willingly. With a broad, flame haired male that, honestly, he barely knew. But who had the ability to make him feel so relaxed.
"Mmmmm, morning," Kid's voice was deep with sleep, his tone sending a shiver down Law's spine. Kid's embrace had tightened around the slender male, but when he felt the tremble, he relaxed his hold. Even his sleep addled brain knew not to trap Law, but the dark head didn't move, content to stay where he was, so Eustass resumed his grip, letting his fingers card through the locks tucked under his chin. "Could stay like this," He rumbled, nuzzling his face against the dark hairs, enjoying the way Law smelled of his soaps. Somewhere, he registered that the thought was odd, possessive and, perhaps, romantic. None of which he should be for the strong man trapped against his body, but then he would have to admit their whole position was maybe a bit odd, so he easily hushed his brain. "Did you sleep well?"
"Better than I can remember," Law didn't want to move, didn't want to break whatever spell was cast over the world to let him find this moment of peace. "Can't say I've ever felt so rested," His lips brushed against the warm skin as he spoke, and he tried to force his thoughts away from the intimacy of their positioning.
"Sounds right, given it's got to be noon," Eustass reluctantly released Law, throwing back the blankets he'd pulled over their heads when he'd awoken to find the sun's eager rays filtering into the room. Cool, crisp air bit at their heated skin, and sleep vanished from possibilities. Eustass stretched, untangling himself from Law, but not pulling away, as though breaking the contact might make the other man vanish.
Law bit back a moan at the feel of that chiseled body sliding against his, then frowned at himself. Was this what Doflamingo had made him into? Some sort of deviant who couldn't go three days without becoming sex crazed? Was being Doflamingo's sex toy now a key part of his character? Would he...Would he break, and beg for the Young Master's touch, just as that cheshire grin predicted of him? He shivered at the thought, suddenly chilled despite the warm sun and the hot body.
"Hey, don't look so serious before coffee," He brushed a finger up Law's forehead between his eyes, wiping away the wrinkles that had formed. "I'll go start something in the kitchen," His vagueness alluded to his skills and time spent in that room. "You can have the bathroom first," He forced himself to quickly roll out of bed, half fearing he would never leave otherwise. "I, uh…" He rubbed the back of his head, feeling a heat crawl to his cheeks. Seriously, you'd think sleeping half naked and fully entangled would give him more nerve. "I got you some stuff. A toothbrush, your own towels… That floss nonsense you were going on about,"
Law couldn't stop the grin that split his face at that. The clean and precise side of him had been appalled when he'd taken inventory of Kid's hygienic stock. He was sorely lacking in what the surgeon considered basic necessities. "How thoughtful," He was only half teasing, sliding out of the bed that seemed too large when it held only him. "Are you busy today?" He followed Kid into the hall, watching his muscles shift as he worked the sleep from his bones.
"I can not be, if you need me for something," Maybe Law imagined the hopeful tone slipping under those words.
"Not something particular." They had paused outside the bathroom door, standing unnecessarily close in the hallway. "Dof- He is out of town," Such hatred colored his words that Law had to bite back the rest of his name, knowing that just the one word could ruin his mood, his entire day. "I thought I would take my own little vacation."
"For how long?" Kid couldn't hide the childish excitement that filled him, his mind already racing through different plans that involved sunshine, thrill rides, and maybe a museum, because that seemed the sort of thing Law would enjoy.
"Just until tomorrow," Law found himself staring at the ground. Tomorrow, when Doflamingo returned, he would want Law at his beck and call. It was always the same, his cyclone of moods. He would be loving and gentle, claiming to miss his dear doll, then rough and brutal, punishing Law for any imagined crime, then he would take his body, ignoring the newly inflicted wounds as he laid claim to what he had truly missed. Law shivered at the thought, and Kid's hand on his shoulder drew him back to the present.
"Whatever you want to do, Law. We can hide here or run away, I'm yours until you have to leave me,"
Law knew he meant the words to be comforting, but between the touch and the tone, it sent a different shiver down his spine, this one more excitement rather than foreboding. I'm yours. As he stepped into the bathroom, adding a cold and calming shower to his list of needs, he found himself hoping tomorrow would take its time arriving.
Law stood before Kaido, carefully keeping any expression from his face. For weeks he had spent in a single room, working on various drugs for the insane man. He had slept on a cot in the room, with a threadbare sheet as a blanket against the chill. He was tired, his body ached, and he wanted nothing more than to be in Eustass's arms, curled up warm and safe. But his actions, all his desperate work, were for that man. It started when Kaido sent Kid away. He gave his word not to have Heat and Wave murdered while he was away if Law stayed to work for him. Now, he knew Kaido had him somewhere. He could only hope he was still alive. He had no way of knowing if his work was in vain. If any of the three of them still survived. He had seen Kid fall; had watched the blood pool around him. He had attempted to go to him, but had been restrained immediately, by Killer, of all people. He struggled against the strong arms that held him back, only slightly aware of the hysterical laughter ringing in his ears, but gave up when Kaido stepped over the prone form, hefting his club once more.
"He is not dead, but he could be. Stop your ridiculous fighting and get back to work, before my mercy for this fool runs out." Men in white coats came, struggling to lift his body onto a gurney, and that was the last he saw of Kid.
"I have reached my decision." Kaido intoned, the ever present liquor splashing in and around his mouth. "For some people, giving their loyalty is easy. For others, it must be won. For others still, you must defeat them, beat them down until they have nothing, and only then will they realize that you offer them everything."
"Tell me, why weren't you friends with Doflamingo?" Law snapped, eyes narrowed. That was the Young Master's philosophy in a nutshell.
"I will ignore your interruption. See, Eustass is a strong warrior. He has a fire I have seen in few others. The only problem is I cannot seem to get him to bend to my will. But I have a solution, and you are a key part to it. You see, Eustass has four people he favors; you, perhaps, most of all. Killer, who has pledged his loyalty to me now. And the two fools I hold in the cell below. So you will be the blade that cuts those two from him. He will hate you for it, which will leave him only Killer, who will lead him straight to me." He paused, taking a long gulp from the bottle before sending it shattering against the far wall. "You will kill them," He told his silent audience.
"And how will you get my loyalty to do such a thing?"
"You are too tricky, Trafalgar, too hard to break. Doflamingo tried since your youth, but he only built up your walls, trained your resiliency. I see no way to make you my soldier, so I am willing to use you as my pawn. You will kill them. You will torture them. I want their deaths to be dramatic and painful. If you do as I say, I will release his body to you. If you are efficient, he might still be alive. He was given the drug you made to slow his heart, to reduce the amount of blood loss. My doctors have stitched the wounds. They are skilled, but they are not you. They do not care as you would and they assumed he would die with or without their ministrations. They have given him a single bag of blood but nothing more. I assure you any moment he is conscious, he is in great pain. There is no one currently tending to his wounds. Complications and infections might occur, I can offer you no details."
"When?" Law growled, no longer bothering to hide the hatred that poured from him.
"When can you be ready? Know that I do not wish for my potential soldier to die, Law. If you wish to perform the executions tonight, I am prepared. You may kill them, and I will give you Eustass to mend. But know this. He will watch you murder his dear friends so that after you save his life, he will come crawling to me. Is it worth it, Trafalgar? To save someone only to lose them? Does the amount of blood on your hands not grow heavy?" Kaido was grinning, as though this were a delightful conversation between friends and not life or death for nearly everyone Law knew.
"Tonight then," Law frowned. "In an hour, if you wish," He had been to see Heat and Wire recently, and had seen their condition. The cells were a place for test subjects for Kaido's less certain chemists. One particular fool, Caesar, had been pumping poison gas into one cell, surprised that it had dispersed around the room. If the idiot didn't know how gas worked, who was he to call himself a scientist? The horror was that most of his experimentation was on children, trying to create an intense steroid to breed them to have a physique closer resembling Kaido's towering form. He'd rather have Caesar in that room than Heat and Wire, but he also knew, due to their neglect and the environment of the cells, the two were never going to survive. Between the gas in their lungs and their current body conditions, they would be dead within the month, with or without medical treatment. Still, Law had no wish to be the cause of their death, even if he told himself it would end their drawn out suffering.
"In an hour," Kaido reached for another bottle. "I want you to remember their screams. What you do will destroy what you love. There is another way, Trafalgar, and you know,"
"I will never bow to you," Law spat, eyes narrowed. "I will be back within the hour," There was no point in putting it off, no amount of planning would find a solution for this situation. He would visit their cell, then get his tools, then, without another option, commit the worst act to lose the best thing in his life.
"I don't think that's wise," Law was stretched out on the couch, his feet resting on Kid's lap, his fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee.
Kid had his feet on the coffee table, one hand on Law's ankle, the other on the remote, although he'd yet to turn the television on. "Actually, museums are for the wise, I believe," He retorted with a wide grin.
"Or for children, depending," Law sipped his coffee, frowning slightly. "I can't be sure, but I think I made it here unnoticed. If we were to go strolling about the boardwalk, surely one of Doflamingo's many minions would witness us. It would put a target on your back, Kaido or no. Everyone knows his claim on me." His expression grew darker than his coffee, and he nearly jumped when Kid shifted suddenly, twisting so he faced Law, one leg folded under him, the other off the couch. He kept his hand on Law's legs, letting him know there was no need to move.
"That's fine, if you're not comfortable. I just thought it was the sort of thing you might enjoy, being a nerd and all." He waved it away, leaning back against the arm of the couch. "I'd much prefer a lazy day in, order some take out, watch a movie with some beer,"
Law snorted. "Isn't that basically every day for you?"
"You're right, it is a pretty good life," Kid's grin was back. "I'm willing to amend the list if there's something you want added."
"Mmmm," Law slumped further against the couch, more relaxed than he could recall ever being. "Another bath sounds divine," He wasn't normally one for long soaks, but bathing, regardless of a long bath or a quick shower, was often interrupted by the Young Master's games. On the rare occasion he was able to complete his washing on his own, it was still with a tension that no amount of heat could ease. Here, he could relax, no fear of interruption, and this new experience was one he was quite fond of.
"Only if you're paying the water bill this month. Anything else?"
Law considered for a moment. A day of freedom, albeit confined. What could he ask for? The answer being food related surprised him. "The take out could be that seafood stir fry we had before," As the words left his mouth, he recalled how Eustass had kissed him that night, and he hid his heating face behind his mug. Was that why his subconscious called up that idea?
"That does sound better than pizza," Kid stretched his legs alongside Law's, taking one foot in his hands. "This is your vacation; anything you desire," He began to massage, pressing with firm circular motions, surprised at the feel of the delicate bones under the tan skin on the top of his foot. This wasn't something he had attempted before, but judging by Law's expression, he was performing successfully enough.
Biting back a moan at the luxurious treatment, Law took a small sip of his coffee and placed it on the table before his muscles turned to jelly and he spilled it. "Mmmm, now this is the good life."
The world was dark, narrow, foggy. It tasted of acid and metal. A static sound filled his ears and made his head vibrate with an incessant pain. There was so much pressure in his face, he was sure his teeth were coming loose to let it escape. He was sure his ears were bleeding. Everything felt wet. Wet and hot. And the pain. He groaned, tried to move his head, couldn't. Slowly, he became aware that he was upright. Sitting. Strapped down. Trapped. Panic and anger swirled through him, forcing the pain to a secondary position, as he pulled against the straps that held his arms in place, strained against the band around his forehead, kicked against the chains on his ankles. To no avail. Despite putting every bit of effort and energy he had into the motions, it was like trying to tread water but finding yourself neck deep in mud.
"You've decided to join us." That voice. Kaido. So he had failed. Again. He would kill the monster, if it was the last thing he did. Judging from his predicament, that attempt was the last thing he would do. Now, it was time to face his end. "You're friends are down in that room. There was an accident, but Trafalgar is going to help them now. You were wrong to attack me, Eustass, but I will show you, as I did with sparing your life, that I am merciful and fair." He might have continued talking, but Kid could barely focus on a single word, much less put them together to understand the meaning behind his sentences. Instead, Kaido was merely a rumble that joined the static sound that only grew louder the more he tried to focus.
Trafalgar. That stood out. His eyes darted away from Kaido, to the small window in front of him. No, a screen. The reason for the static. There was a window behind the screen, a far away version of what was on the television. He couldn't focus on that distance, so he studied what was up close. Heat. Wire. Law. They were all alive. Wait, why was-
The static was replaced with screaming. He struggled to understand what he was watching as Law moved from one friend to the next, but the screaming only grew louder.
"St...Stop…" He croaked, horrified. He couldn't move, couldn't save them, couldn't understand why they would do this to each other. He shut his eyes tight, tried to focus on the static, but the screaming echoed in his head, cut through every part of him. He was sure his chest would explode from the pain building in his heart. My friends. Take me instead. Did his freedom matter so much that they would die in his place?
He wasn't sure how long he sat there, in the darkness of his own mind, with nothing but the screaming of his dearest allies, his friends, his chosen family as his only company. He wasn't sure if they were still screaming, or if his ear drums had shattered and now all he would ever hear was their death cries. Slowly, he forced his eyes open. They were on the screen, blood around them, a mess he didn't want to see, couldn't look away from. And there was Trafalgar Law, staring directly at him through the camera, eyes dark and emotionless. The eyes he used to look at Doflamingo, at Kaido, now peered at Kid. Cold, dark, evil. And as Kid stared at that man he had thought he loved, those eyes were mirrored in his heart.
The steam from the water fogged the bathroom, further enhancing Law's sense of privacy as he slid deeper into the water. He knew Eustass was ordering dinner, or lunch. Law hadn't bothered to look at a clock; didn't want the reality of hours slipping past to invade the perfect day they were having. Despite a full night's sleep, he had drifted off on the couch, awoken by a knock on the door. Eustass had given him an apologetic look, stepping into the hall for a hushed conversation. Upon his return, Law had reluctantly offered to leave and Kid had immediately rejected the idea. He'd grabbed some beers and they'd sat on the couch, discussing inconsequential matters while Eustass finished a half dozen and Law made it halfway through a second, accompanied by Kid's teasing. Their conversation was interrupted by his stomach, and Kid directed Law to the bath while he ordered their meals.
Law could hear the door and knew the food had arrived. He hadn't even started washing up, and looked at the variety of new soaps Kid had purchased for, Law assumed, his use. It was thoughtful, but also implied Kid thought he would be over, washing up, in the future. Law wondered how their friendship had even formed, given the disgusting start they'd had, but he forced any negative thoughts from his mind. He selected a new shampoo, but replaced it, instead grabbing Kid's soap. It was odd, the man thought one soap was appropriate for his head to his toes. Still, there was something about being enveloped in the smell of Kid that Law enjoyed. Suitably scrubbed, body pink and tingling from the heat, Law wrapped a towel around his frame and frowned. He hadn't brought anything with him, least of all clean clothes, and while Kid might have provided him with some necessities, he couldn't expect the man to have a whole wardrobe ready for him. Pulling back on his shorts, he padded down the hall to the bedroom, pulling open the drawer he'd seen Eustass retrieve shirts from in the past. Cheetah, zebra, neon… Seriously, did this man own anything not animal print?
"Is this a robbery?" Eustass leaned against the doorframe, watching Law ruffle through his clothing.
"It had the potential to be, until I got a look at the contents," Law frowned. "Be a good host and offer me a shirt, please,"
"What's wrong with that one?"
"Where to start," Law smirked, accepting the plain black shirt Kid offered. "Were you blind for a period of time?"
"This judgement. I'm not showing you my coat collection until your attitude changes,"
Law laughed, imagining what Kid thought would go with neon pink zebra stripes as he followed him back down the hall to the food. Glancing at the overloaded counter, Law arched a brow. "I didn't realize they delivered beer," Law watched as Eustass overfilled a plate and passed it to him, his stomach growling in anticipation. An odd feeling for him.
"They don't, I had Killer drop it off." Kid grinned before shoveling a forkful of rice in his mouth. His kitchen table was weighed down with a halfway reconstructed gun that rather resembled a small cannon, bits of metal and smears of grease covering the surface, so he led the way back to the couch. "I also got some rum." He continued after swallowing another large bite. "I'm not forcing a lightweight like yourself to drink, but it is a vacation."
Law pursed his lips, considered rising to the insult, but shrugged it off. How upset could he get when it was true? Instead, he cracked open a beer, taking a much larger drink than he normally would have. "I don't believe I've ever been wasted before." Law considered the can before taking another large swallow, frowning at the flavor. "We'll see how this goes, but don't judge me if I'm not the best drunk."
"Turnabout is fair play, my friend, and after the judgement of my highly selective wardrobe, I'd say a bit of ribbing might even us out." Despite Kid affecting a hurt tone, they both grinned before returning to their food. "A movie?" He clicked the television on and handed the remote to Law, but after the man selected something educational about medical advancements, Kid took the remote back and found something with guns and explosions that was half over. "You're not in charge of selecting films while we eat," He informed the surgeon, tossing the remote onto the table.
"So my blood was more realistic than yours. This isn't any less gorey," Law protested, but he really had no interest in whatever was on the television, already torn between his meal and watching Kid devour his overburdened plate like he hadn't eaten in weeks.
"I'd hate to hear what you call fun," Eustass grumbled around his rice, eyeing the amount of food still on Law's plate. The man was eating more each visit, that was for sure, and it made Kid feel warm inside that he was helping the malnourished overcome this obstacle.
"Stop judging me," Law snapped, waving a fork threateningly at Kid, who simply leaned over and bit off the shrimp at the end.
Unsure if Law meant his comment with the conversation or with Kid eyeing his plate, he took a moment responding. "A few more bites, and you can have a shot of rum."
"Alcohol for dessert? But my fun is called into question?" Law arched his brow, but made a show of shoving a large bite of rice into his mouth.
"What do you expect from me?" Kid meant the question as a joke, but they both traded a glance, wondering what the answer could possibly be. Kid pushed himself off the couch, away from the uneasy silence that had suddenly blanketed them. "I'm going to get the bottle," He spent a moment alone in the kitchen, one black coated fingernail scratching at the seal of the bottle, frowning. What did Law expect from him? The way they awoke this morning had been rather pleasant. In fact, Eustass had awoken twice before Law stirred, could have untangled them and put some space between their bodies, but he liked holding the other male. What did he expect from Law? No way was the man interested in a relationship, either with Kid or because of his personal situation, pick a reason. He fished two shot glasses out of the cabinet, frowning at his own thoughts. Was he looking for a relationship? Kid had had his fair share of one night stands, mostly to blow off steam or for lack of something better to do after a night out drinking, but he'd never been the type for commitment. His friendships were all the satisfaction he required from any relationship. But he could think of nothing unappealing in the idea of Law in his arms every night and morning. Despite them both being men. Despite how very complicated both of their lives were. Despite the fact that it would never be a reality. And perhaps that was why his mind was lingering on the idea, because there was a safety in fantasies that never became realities. And with his clouded mind resolved, Kid collected the bottle and glasses and returned to the living room.
Law had set his plate aside, his long legs stretched out onto the coffee table, looking every bit relaxed and satisfied. Kid carefully stepped over him, dropping unceremoniously on the couch beside him. Pouring the glasses, he tucked the bottle beside the couch and lifted his shot carefully. "To vacations,"
"Cheers," Their glasses clinked and Law tilted his head back, swallowing the shot before he could taste the contents and coughing as it burned a trail down his throat. "Couldn't have gotten something smooth?" He choked out, swallowing beer for a cool relief, although the flavor wasn't anything better.
Kid attempted to hold back his laughter, but couldn't restrain the amusement that clearly showed on his face. "This is smooth. It's quality." For the price, it had better be. "Next time I'll get you something soft and fruity," He teased, filling their glasses again.
"How does something so awful relax anyone?" Law knew the chemistry behind alcohol, but couldn't imagine the vile fluid filing itself under his ideas for fun times. Still, with the second shot, he could feel the warmth in his stomach and an odd tingle in his fingers. As he sipped his beer chaser, he realized the flavor wasn't nearly so awful anymore. Two beers, four, if you count the two before his bath, and two shots, and he was certainly on his way to getting drunk, which made him chuckle.
Kid grinned, enjoying the site before him. He was sure Law was unaware of the way his lips curled up, his eyes half lidded as he leaned back against the couch. "If you could do absolutely anything," He waited for Law's eyes to slowly meet his, to show he was listening. Watched the way his throat moved as he swallowed from his beer can. "Go anywhere, be anyone. What would you do?
Law considered it for only a moment, as though he already had the answer, just had to decide if he wanted to share. "I would get a submarine with only my trusted friends. We would be untraceable, we could go anywhere in the waters, explore any lands we wanted. I would know a sort of freedom."
"Would I be one of these friends on the submarine?" Forgetting his manners, Kid took a long swallow straight from the bottle.
Law pretended to think for a moment, tapping a finger against his chin. "Only if there's a uniform," He grinned.
"Ouch," Kid slapped a hand to his chest, feigning a shot to the heart. "This is what kindness gets a man."
"What would you do?" Law asked as his laughter subsided.
Kid was quiet for a moment, took another long pull at the bottle, then met Law's eyes with a strangely intense gaze. "I think, just this moment is enough right now," Without giving Law the time to consider his words, he added, "Or I'd finally kill Kaido. Another shot?"
"Maybe on ice?" Law suggested, knowing he should slow his intake greatly if he didn't want to pass out in the next few minutes. He was quick witted, but already his brain seemed to move too slow to keep up with Eustass.
"From swallowing before you taste it to savoring, I think you'll come around to my side of seeing things soon enough," Kid stood, appearing rather unaffected by the alcohol except for a slight coloring to his cheeks.
Law stood to follow him, taking a moment longer to orient himself as the sudden movement seemed to throw the entire world into motion. So this was drunk. Concentrating a bit too much on each step, he nearly crashed into Kid, who had turned back towards him, cutting off the words he had been about to speak when he found Law at his heels. They were so close, Law thought if he barely tilted his face up, if he moved just a fraction, their lips could touch. And suddenly, heart hammering and face heating, he wanted nothing more than to touch Kid's lips. He wasn't sure who was more surprised when his hand appeared on Kid's cheek, his thumb brushing against that wide mouth, so red against his pale skin. Law's other hand was on Kid's chest, bracing himself, and he could feel the heart pounding beneath his palm, so hard he imagined it sending vibrations into his own body, jolting his heart in rhythm.
"Law," Kid growled, his voice deep. He caught the hand on his face, pulling it down and away.
Law took a step back, an apology forming on his lips, although he wasn't sorry. He wanted more. Some part of him knew, in the morning, when the alcohol had left his mind less foggy, he would be sorry for ruining their strange friendship. But for now, he felt only a small disappointment that the moment was over, and a nibble of curiosity for when he could try again.
Reaching out, Kid took a handful of Law's hair, drawing his attention so their eyes met. His tone still rough, he said, "I'm going to kiss you. Now," It was a warning, although not much of one, because immediately following his words, Eustass pulled Law to him, crushing the smaller frame against his body. Law's mouth had been open in a small gasp at the words, allowing him perfect access to search the wet cavern with his tongue. Because this wasn't some innocent brushing of lips they could overlook the next morning. There was a heat, a desperation.
Law clung to Kid like he had been tossed overboard and his body was the only thing keeping him above the waves. His hands raced over his back and shoulders, finding every scar and muscle, but without the gentle hesitation of the morning. Kid's fingers tightened in his hair, tugging slightly, and Law readily bared his throat, not bothering to hide the moans that escaped as Kid worked from his lips to his jaw to his neck, as much kissing as biting and sucking. He slipped his hands into those silky red tresses, pulling Kid back to his mouth for more hungry kisses, nails leaving red trails down his chest as he explored new skin.
Kid groaned against his lips, one hand wandering down his back, following the curve of his backside to grab his thigh, lifting Law's leg to wrap around him so he could grind their hips, letting Law feel the effect their heated moment was having on him. Law jerked away, hands against Eustass's chest to shove their bodies apart. Gasping, he instantly regretted his actions, but couldn't find the words to explain himself.
Kid would be a liar if he denied that, for half a second, hot anger poured through him, because, damnnit, he was not ready for that to end. But one glance at Law, seeing the fear and self loathing so obvious on his face, Kid understood the action. He was an idiot, pressing so fast, and rather roughly, with someone who went through what he had, unwillingly, witnessed firsthand. He could only imagine what Law's daily life was like with the Young Master. He busied himself in the cabinet, finding two small glasses. Filling them, he turned back to Law, who was busy counting the tiles on the floor or considering running away, it was difficult to tell with a man who shared so little. "Hell of a kiss, huh?"
Law glanced up, surprised to find Kid so easily brushing off being shoved off. He took the offered glass, their fingers brushing was enough contact to send heat racing through his body once again, but he knew he wouldn't refire that engagement. As much as his body wanted it, mentally, he wasn't ready. Finding the words to explain that would be as difficult as it was embarrassing. "I-"
"Hey," Kid could read the struggle on Law's face easily. "I should know better than to try to take advantage of someone who can't hold their liquor." He grinned teasingly.
Law knew Kid was offering him an easy out of the awkward situation, and he felt grateful. Kid had seen him bloody and sick, their first meeting had been… Well, Kid had an idea of what Law went through, and the man was willing to consider that and not push Law further. But more importantly, he wanted to maintain their friendship as it was, and that Law appreciated more than he had words for.
Seeing Law's expression clear, Kid grabbed the bottle. Motioning Law towards the living room, he tried to remember where they had been before he had so rudely, and deliciously, attacked his guest's body. "Now, I believe you were going to tell me the story of a prank you played in chemistry class once upon a time,"
"How did you get him this far?" Marco grunted, his hand slipping on blood as he struggled to hold the body up.
"He was on a gurney, but the stairs…" Law had blood on his clothes, streaked on his face. He looked as though he might have been crying, he was an absolute mess, so different from his usual appearance, but neither male had questioned him when they'd answered his call. "Drive quickly, but carefully." Law ordered once Eustass was deposited in the back of the truck and he was positioned beside him. He tore strips from the shirt Ace had readily ripped from his own body at his request, doing his best to slow the bleeding where his stitches had been ripped open. The wounds were dirty, an infection surely forming, but there was nothing Law could do until they reached his apartment. He felt a lump in his throat, a burning in his eyes, but forced the emotion away, focused only on his clinical side. Eustass was pale, more so than usual, from the bloodloss. He was unresponsive, which might have been a blessing, but could be due to internal damage.
The two men in the front cab of the truck had arrived within minutes of Law's call, Ace eager to murder anyone in sight. Luckily, Marco was more focused, assisting Law while Ace stormed the emptied building, yelling at the shadows to come face him like a man would. Somehow, all it took was a simple shout from Marco, and the firefist had returned to their sides, helping move the body. They hadn't asked what had happened, hadn't asked about the state of Law, hadn't asked where to go, they had simply done as directed for their friend. But he knew Ace had to have seen the bodies, could only imagine what they were talking about on the short drive. Although his attention was too focused on the matters at hand to be concerned with them.
As the truck stopped, the three men silently worked together to lift the large form and carry him into Law's apartment, depositing him as gently as possible onto the bed.
"Do you need help with-"
"No. You've done enough," Law didn't look up from the body on his bed, his mind already whirling to all the necessary measures he would need to take immediately just to have a chance at saving his life.
"I...We can guess at what happened there. What will you do?" Marco asked, a hand on Ace's shoulder. The freckled man was seething, looked ready to run back into the night and murder Kaido himself, but Marco's grasp stilled any action from him.
"There is nothing I can do," Law replied grimly without looking up from cleaning the wounds. "He can never be told. He will attempt to kill Kaido, and it will be his death this time."
"And if he kills you instead?"
"It will be nothing less than I deserve."
"Drink this," Law must have fallen asleep on the couch, because he awoke to find Eustass pressing a cold, clear glass into his hand.
"Drunk enough, I'd say," He knew his words were slurred, partially from what little self awareness he had left, but mostly from the teasing grin that danced on Kid's face.
"It's water. You'll appreciate it in the morning," Kid watched him gulp it down, then took the glass away and offered him his hand. "Ready for bed?"
"Mmmm, just make sure there's more in the morning."
"If you haven't used it all on your luxurious baths," But Kid had already placed ice water and pain relievers on the bedside table. He tucked Law in, then made his way to the other side of the bed. The moment he lay back, Law rolled over, his head on Kid's shoulder, a leg thrown over his.
"Thank you," He mumbled, tilting his face up enough to place a kiss against the pale throat as he wiggled closer to the warm man.
"For?" Kid had one arm around his back, the other buried in those dark locks, pressing Law to him, as though holding him tight enough could equate to holding him forever.
"This vacation," Law's eyes were closed to prevent the world from spinning, but his fingers were trailing the pale cut marble of Kid's muscles, committing them to memory. "I'd say it's the best one I've had,"
"I'd wager it's the only one you've had," Kid felt a tremble creep up his spine at the soft touch.
"You'd be half wrong, but that's a story for another time." They were silent for a moment, Law's ministrations growing bolder, his fingers dipping just below the boundary line of Kid's shorts before trailing back up the tight muscles of his stomach. Somewhere in his mind, he knew he was teasing the other male, that it wasn't fair or kind, but the thought was easy to ignore as he shivered with excitement at his own daring actions. "Do you think you'll try kissing me again?"
"Maybe, when you're ready. If you want me to," Kid concentrated on his words, feeling breathless from the attention. If Law moved his leg only slightly, he would find Kid was rock hard and desperate for him. But Kid made no move to display his eagerness, instead letting Law continue his small motions, wondering if the other male even knew the effect he was having.
"In the morning, then. After I've showered. When I feel less silly and more like me. Before you make fun of me, I should think." His hand dipped lower, low enough to feel the start of those hidden coarse hairs and his heart pounded at the thought of dipping lower, burying his fingers in that secret forest, lower still, to wrap around-
"You give me no ammunition," It was a struggle to keep his breathing even, to not pant like a youth in heat for the first time. If he shifted his hips just barely, Law would be touching his most intimate parts. He swallowed back a moan at the thought.
Law twisted slightly, his hand sliding up to Kid's chest, pushing himself up so he could stare down at the other male. "Would it be alright if-"
"Yes," Eustass exhaled, interrupting whatever Law's words would have been. He could think of nothing beyond where their hips met, Law's swollen erection pressing against his. He wondered if the man realized he was rocking his hips ever so slightly, or if the motion was Kid's own doing.
Law leaned down slowly, hesitantly, closing the distance between their mouths. His lips brushed over Kid's once, ever so gently, before he drew back. Then he repeated the action, kissing him a moment longer. Kid raised a trembling hand, burying it in Law's hair, not pulling or holding him there, but simply feeling him. "Eustass," Law whispered against his mouth before drawing back. He slid off the other man, dropped down beside him, suddenly aware of how exhausted he was. "Will you just hold me?"
"Yes, as long as you'll let me," Kid murmured against Law's ear as he pulled the man back against his chest, sliding his hand to that familiar position over his heart. And he meant what he said, he realized with a dull ache. If Law asked to stay, gave any indication that he wanted Kid to ask him to, then Eustass would readily open his home to the man, would kill anyone who tried to take him away. The sudden ferocity of his feelings surprised him, and he realized he was crushing Law against him. He started to relax his hold, but Law gripped his forearm.
"Please, tighter," And Eustass complied, pressing his lips against the dark hairs, holding him as close as he could, as though intensity and proximity could cause time to freeze for them.
Law awoke to the sound of shattering glass. Despite the brutal jerk into awareness, he was accustomed enough to negative awakenings to keep his wits about himself, keeping his eyes shut and his breathing shallow as he did a blind assessment of his situation. He was restrained, his arms strained straight over his head, his legs spread and bound, the ropes biting painfully into his ankles. He was naked and he ached, desperately, painfully, between the legs. He couldn't remember the dreams he had been having, but they must have been of a sexual nature, and the thought brought a flush to his cheeks. This heat made him aware of how hot his body was, how wet the bare bed was beneath him. He was laying in a pool of his own sweat. So perhaps not dirty dreams, more likely, he was drugged. With a groan, he forced his eyes open, flinching back against the bed at the red and white reflective shades over him.
"I thought you were awake, my sweet toy," Doflamingo cooed, a muscular hand cupping Law's cheek, the pad of his thumb brushing over his lips. Law snapped at the digit, earning a splitting pain through his head and a chuckle from above. "Looks like you're eager for me to play with you," His other hand brushed Law's lower stomach, his grin widening at the twitched response.
"Fuck you," Law grunted, trying to twist away from the searching appendage. "Fuck off," He added, not concerned with the lack of originality given his current predicament. A different sort of heat twisted in his stomach and he found himself swallowing back stinging bile. Sick. How had he gotten so sick? How had he gotten here? He could remember being at Eustass's, they had seafood. That wasn't important, but his mind seemed to focus on the thought as his stomach gave a loud gurgle. He was hungry, so it must have been quite some time since he'd left. Doflamingo was grinding his hips, the coarse fabric doing nothing to hide the bulge within. Law forced himself back into his thoughts, desperate to escape the situation at hand. He had been standing at the door, Kid's hand rested on his shoulder. He wanted to turn around, but something kept him facing away from the redhead. As though turning back would send him crumbling to the ground, when it was so important to escape. Why had he been desperate to leave?
"You can stay," Eustass whispered, the offer voiced not for the first time.
"He will come looking," Law's knuckles were white where he gripped the doorknob, holding himself in place, holding himself away from the other male.
"Let him look," Kid growled, and Law could feel him moving closer, the air warmer suddenly. "I'm not scared of him,"
"Then you're a fool," Law spat, eyes narrowed as he glared a hole through the door. Eustass was overconfident, not a new trait, but that wasn't what sparked the rage within Law. He didn't want to be saved, he wanted to set himself free, on his own terms, without owing anything more to the man he had let rescue him time and again. The anger came from the small part of him he was struggling to keep buried deep, the part that wanted to turn around and let those substantial arms wrap around him and protect him from the world that threatened just beyond the door. He was not weak. He had stood on his own for so long. But how much of that time had he spent standing, and how much on his knees?
A sharp slap across his face brought him back to reality. "Are you with him in your mind?" The question held no anger, which should have alerted Law to something worse than he could imagine, but that was nothing new. While his mind held facts and statistics with a firm grasp, his imagination didn't begin to compare to the Young Master's. He could conjure new torture ideas in his sleep. In fact, it wouldn't surprise Law in the slightest if his sweetest dreams were of just that. "Has he had you beneath him?" He was fisting Law's erection, his grip too tight to offer any pleasure. "Did you moan for him, my little slut?" His tongue danced across Law's jaw, dipping into his ear. He tried to flinch away, which only pleased Doflamingo more. "Did you beg him to touch you like I do?" His nails dug into the sensitive skin, his grin stretching impossibly wider as Law hissed in pain. "You should know better, my precious treat. You don't need to go to anyone else, you only need to tell me what you want," He lapped the sweat beading on Law's chest, exhaling with satisfaction, his breath drawing a shiver from Law as it ghosted cool on his hot skin.
"I want you to fuck off," Law groaned, his hips pressed against the mattress in a vain attempt to escape.
Doflamingo chuckled his sick laugh, leaning close to whisper in Law's ear, breathing his words against the hot, sensitive skin. "Be careful what you ask for, my precious toy," His tongue danced over his neck before teeth sank deep into the tender flesh where his neck and shoulder met, jaws clenching until he tasted blood in his mouth. Satisfied with the mark he left, Doflamingo drew back, lapping at the wound a few times before sitting up on Law's hips. "While this is amusing, you are truly disgusting," He drew back, leaving the mattress, and Law felt the cool air rushing to caress his freed body. "A shower, I think, before the game begins," He was removing the restraints, lifting Law's limp body against his chest.
Law attempted to shove himself away, and Doflamingo allowed this, unceremoniously dropping the other male onto the ground. "Why do you always insist on making things a struggle?" He sighed with mock sorrow. "I'm only trying to help you clean up, Law. Or do you enjoy being as filthy inside as you are out?"
Law lay on the floor, too exhausted to lift his heavy body. The cool wood was a welcome relief against the fire that flared across his skin. The ache in his bones was incomparable, and Doflamingo had put him in some painful situations before. The pressure between his legs had yet to fade, despite the abuse that had been inflicted upon it, despite his distaste and disinterest. He tried to swallow, but felt as though his throat was cracking. Struggling to push himself up on his hands and knees, he managed to croak out. "Fuck your help,"
"Ch, ch, ch," Doflamingo clucked at him, squatting down to the miserable sight before him. "You've got quite the mouth today. I'm very disappointed in my sweet doll," He buried a hand in the sweaty dark locks, rising as he tugged so that Law was up on his knees. "I was only trying to help you," He released his hold on Law's hair, his hand dropping to lovingly cup his cheek. "You know you're mine, Law. Your loyalty, your body, your will." He pinched his jaw, tilting Law's head so he could admire the mark left upon him. "I don't like to share my toys, especially with hotheaded, overconfident egomaniacs." He turned Law's face back, studying him lazily behind his shades.
"He's not out of my reach," The Cheshire cat grin curled his lips wickedly as Doflamingo tilted down the rim of his oversized glasses, forcing Law to meet his eyes directly. "If you want to run to him, I'll see just how much of him you can handle," Doflamingo was still cackling when his fist connected with the bruised stomach of the surgeon, and Law doubled over, barely catching himself to prevent landing in the vomit he suddenly spewed. His mind whirled to understand what the Young Master could be implying, but the sadistic man was tired of playing, and with one seemingly careless sweep, he knocked Law's hands out from under him. Luckily, darkness enveloped him before he connected with the floor.