~Hey guys! As to why this chapter is a month late is 'cuz I wanted to post this on One Piece's 1,000th episode today! I'm super excited to watch the stream later and I hope y'all enjoy it too! (For those who watch the anime that is) I'll keep this short and sweet, enjoy the chapter, and please review! And of course, stay safe and mask up!
Long Term Hearts
Chapter 14: The Trip Back
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Yukimi placed her empty plate on the coffee table before her. It was early afternoon, roughly a half hour after she and Law returned to his sub from her little misadventure. Yukimi frowned from distaste at the memory of Eustass Kid forcing himself on her. "Little bastard," she muttered under her breath as she leaned back on the leather couch. The kitsune draped her tails over her lap so she could pick through her fur. After being shoved against the wall in the house, tiny little rocks and dust settled into her fur, not to mention her hair. At the thought of her hair, Yukimi shook her head slightly from an itch along her scalp.
At that moment the door to the hallway opened where Law stood with a plastic bag in one hand, the other still on the door handle. He closed the door as Yukimi briefly glanced his way before returning her attention back to her slightly gray fur. "Feeling better?"
Yukimi nodded absently as she leaned forward over her tails. Her ears were pulled back in annoyance. Law raised a brow at her as she continued to pick through her tails. It was when the albino tossed a tiny pebble onto her empty plate did he understand what she was doing. Apparently, her injury wasn't a hindrance to her at this moment, raising a new question to its state. After dumping the plastic bag on his desk, Law walked over to the couch and took a seat next to her, careful not to accidentally sit on the other tail that was closer to him. "Would you like some help?"
Yukimi's reply was her second tail draping over the surgeon's lap without hesitation. "Bastard shoved me against the damn wall so much that crap got tangled up in my fur," Yukimi grumbled before shaking her head again, this time making her ears almost flop around from the force. A scowl appeared as she groaned with irritation as her left hand shot up to her hair. Quickly finding the culprit, Yukimi nearly threw the cursed brick shard onto her plate.
"Damn house must've been about to collapse from how easy it was for crap to come loose." Yukimi went back to digging through her tail's fur for more bothersome little shits. Law hummed slightly as he placed his hat next to her plate before he began to gently part the kitsune's fur.
Yukimi stiffened from his contact before quickly tossing another piece of dirt on the plate before he noticed. Yukimi swallowed as she started on another section of her tail near the tip. It felt odd to have someone other than herself grooming her fur. Of course, when she was still a kit, her mother always helped her groom her fur before she started doing it completely on her own. Yukimi was so focused on the irritating task at hand, that when Law offered his help, she didn't think too much about it, only wanting to feel clean again. 'Clean huh... I need a shower to get rid of the damn dust.'
Yukimi's hands stilled when she felt a few strands of her fur being tugged on from her other tail. She glanced out the corner of her eye as Law detangled the strands from a small stubborn dirt clump. It was located near the base of her tail. The kitsune was debating on whether to take her tail back and go back to grooming by herself or to let Law continue when he straightened up slightly as he took the clump from her freed fur to the plate.
"By the way Yukimi-ya, how's your arm?"
Yukimi blinked from the unexpected question, making her look at the man fully. "Huh?"
Law paused from his search so he could look her way. "Your fracture has only started to heal, Yukimi-ya. You shouldn't exactly be able to move it around so easily without any discomfort. I've also noticed all the cuts and bruises you had from a few days ago are mostly gone," Law stated plainly.
"Oh, those," Yukimi simply responded. Her attention was still on the feeling of long fingers gently brushing over her fur.
Law observed how the kitsune looked distracted as he brushed her tail slightly. Her eyes had even strayed from him to her tail from how he continued to stroke her fur. It wasn't his intention to distract her. But it was interesting all the same. "Yukimi-ya?" Yukimi quickly looked back to Law only to find him smirking. "Is something the matter?"
Yukimi frowned as she tried to yank her tail from his grasp. Only for his hand to firmly rest over her furry appendage, and the other to rest behind her over the couch. The kitsune felt uncomfortable from how the pirate was looking at her.
"What did you say?" Yukimi quickly asked.
"Your injuries," he answered. "How come they are healing faster?"
Yukimi looked away from him to her cast. "Minor cuts and bruises naturally heal faster on us kitsunes. It's got to do with being so intuned with our chakra. As for my arm," the kitsune paused as she raised her fractured arm slightly. "Well, while you were gone, I used my medical ninjutsu on it. Though earlier today I just bared with the sore stiff pain for the time being. You could say, I had jump started my body's healing process. Something I wasn't able to do years ago."
Law nodded as he started to comb through her fur again. "That's interesting Yukimi-ya. Your medical ninjutsu has always fascinated me."
"I've also healed my head wound. Don't think I need that bandage anymore, Doc."
Law glanced at the kitsune from her almost smug tone as she looked back at him with her arm lowered again. "You let me decide on that." Law turned to Yukimi fully as she faced him as well, allowing him to take a look at the bandage still wrapped around her head. Tilting her head so he could look at the side opposite of him, Law began to unwrap the bandage. Once the bandage was off Law parted Yukimi's hair so he could look at the healing laceration, only to find it almost completely healed to the point it no longer needed to be wrapped. "Looks like the stitches can be removed by morning then," Law muttered under his breath looking over the healed area. "Can I assume since it was only a laceration that it healed this much this quickly, unlike your fracture?" Law asked as his finger brushed against her ear as he examined her almost nonexistent wound. The furry ear twitched from his soft touch.
"Mhmm."
"I see, very handy." Law removed a couple of pieces of dirt from her hair he spotted before leaning away, dropping the pieces on the plate. "Perhaps you can enlighten me on your improvements?" Law suggested as he went back to work on her tail at his lap, making it twitch briefly.
Yukimi eventually relaxed from Law's ministrations, getting used to him touching her tail. "At another date then," she sighed before refocusing back on her other tail.
The ninja and surgeon remained quiet after that, content with the silence in the room as they continued removing debris from the kitsune's fur. After a while the two finished, dropping the last little brick shard on Yukimi's plate. Yukimi swished her tails about with a smile. "That's much better, thanks Law."
"Don't mention it," he shrugged.
"By the way, what's with the plastic?" Yukimi asked nodding toward his desk where the bag sat.
"It's a cast cover. It'll protect and keep your cast dry whenever you bathe."
Yukimi half smirked at the surgeon next to her. "Did you foresee me wanting to clean up after all this?"
"Who wouldn't after being unconscious for days?" Law asked in turn as he got up and walked over to his desk, picking up the plastic. He grinned back at the frowning kitsune. "Don't worry, you were well taken care of while unconscious." Now getting a dirty scowl aimed right at him, Law's grin grew. "Don't worry Yukimi-ya," he repeated cheekily, "I didn't do anything, nor my men. Bepo kept you cleaned up," he chuckled.
Yukimi crossed her arms. "I don't know whether to slap you or what. You're making this sound dirty. Damn twerp." Yukimi rolled her eyes as she stood up from the couch. "But I think I'd like to take that offer now, Law," the kitsune said as she took the offered cover from him.
Law extended his hand toward his bedroom area. "Then come this way, you'll be using my personal bathroom while you're here."
Following Law through the archway connecting his office to his bedroom, Yukimi took in what she couldn't see earlier that day. To her left was his queen sized bed where a bedside table stood next to it on both sides. A small lamp on one side sat in the corner next to a book, a marker sticking out from the closed pages. Across from Yukimi stood a dark oak dresser. Next to that was an iron coat rack where a few jackets and coats hung. To her right was the bathroom, the door slightly open.
"I can have your clothes cleaned while you shower," Law suggested as the kitsune glanced around his room.
Yukimi stilled as her ears folded back slightly before she turned to him with a raised brow. "And how would I know for sure that I'd get my underwear back? I'm not calling you out Law, but what about your crew?" She lifted her hand slightly towards the closed door to the hallway back in the office area. "Some of them seemed pretty interested that I'm around. That there's a girl on board, where there's nothing but guys..." Yukimi rotated her held out hand as she gave the surgeon the; if you know what I mean look.
Law furrowed his brows at what she implied. He leaned on one leg as he placed his hand in his jean pocket. "I can get Bepo to do it, he won't be interested in your clothes. Since you're not a female bear that is," Law smirked.
Yukimi lowered her arm at the prospect of having her clothes safely returned to her. Not to mention having them cleaned. The kitsune then gave Law a pointed look. "Sounds like a plan, but I swear if something goes missing, I won't show mercy," she warned.
"Fair enough, Yukimi-ya," Law shrugged, smirk still in place. If something were to go amiss with her clothes, she wouldn't be the only one who would be merciless. He doesn't tolerate thieves in his own ship after all.
Without further adieu Yukimi walked into the bathroom and closed the door, flicking the light on. The room was simple like the bedroom. Instead of the hardwood, there were white tiles covering the floor, with the occasional gray tile. The vanity and sink were immediately to the right of the door, a large frameless oval mirror attached to the wall above. It was light gray while the top was a glossy white marble. The toilet was next to it while a matching gray cabinet stood at the end of the room, housing extra towels and other essentials in it. Adjacent to the vanity was the shower. The walls and door were frosted glass, opened to show off a black and white speckled tile flooring, and gray marbled walls. Yukimi looked over to the mirror hanging above the vanity. She frowned at herself seeing how messy she looked. That encounter with Eustass didn't help her situation either. Placing the cast cover on the counter, Yukimi quickly removed her clothing, tucking her underwear and bra inside her other clothes along with her socks, leaving her boots on the floor. Yukimi felt chilled and exposed as she was in the unfamiliar bathroom. Her tails immediately wrapped around her body, one covering her waist and the other her chest. She knocked on the door. "Here Law." Yukimi cracked the door open and stuck her arm out, clothes in hand.
"Make sure your cast is covered up well," Law directed as he took her clothes, watching the door close.
"Yeah," the kitsune replied before making her way to the cabinet, taking out a soft white towel. She wrapped it around herself, letting her tails relax before grabbing the plastic cover from the counter. After securing it over her cast, Yukimi slid open the shower door and turned on the water. As the water rained down on the speckled tile flooring, Yukimi placed her towel on a rack next to the shower before stepping in.
Yukimi sighed as the hot water quickly soaked through her hair and tails. It was an understatement how wonderful it felt on her. She glanced at her cast checking to see it was still dry even under the hot water pelting it. Yukimi turned the lever slightly so the water wouldn't keep shooting out very hot water. She loved hot showers, but not enough to be scalded.
As the kitsune starts showering Law decided to go ahead and have his laundry done as well, hiding her clothes amongst his in a hamper. Law brought the hamper to his desk in the other room so he could use his transponder snail to call in his navigator.
Back in the bathroom, Yukimi looked through the few things sitting on a ledge in the wall. She grabbed a shampoo bottle, reading its contents on the back. "Hm, it'll have to do for now. Not exactly for fur," Yukimi thought aloud after making sure no ingredients were harmful for her fur. Popping the lid open, the kitsune squirted the shampoo out before going to work with her hair and ears. Then the little challenge of shampooing her tails in her current state. When that was all done and accomplished, Yukimi glanced at the bar of soap on the ledge. She quickly decided to forego it since she always used a special kind of soap that was best for sensitive skin. Not to mention the thought of using Law's bar of soap made her a little uncomfortable. So Yukimi simply used more of his shampoo for her skin.
After a while Yukimi stood under the heated water, letting it wash away all the suds from her body. It felt good to be clean again, but that pleasant feeling began to be replaced by something else. Yukimi took a deep breath through her mouth as she brushed her hand across the frosted glass, wiping away some of the steam. Her eyes narrowed as the steam quickly came back. She began to feel lightheaded. Yukimi turned off the water and opened the door so she could get her towel. "Ngh... Dammit," Yukimi panted breathlessly as she managed to wrap the towel around herself before leaning against the door heavily. "Just...perfect...!"
Law was leaning against his desk looking out through his porthole to the outside when he began to hear Yukimi call out to him. There was a slight alarm to her voice, making him quickly move back to the bathroom door. "Yukimi-ya what is it?"
"Get...in here!"
Frowning, Law opened the door to find Yukimi, towel wrapped around her haphazardly, halfway out of the shower, clinging to the door. Not a moment later the kitsune started to collapse causing Law's eyes to widen. Law managed to catch Yukimi just before she could hit her head on the tile floor. "Hey what happened?! Yukimi-ya!"
Yukimi was limp in his grasp as he held her in his arms. Her skin was quite flushed as the water dripped off her. Yukimi's brows were furrowed as she panted, trying to get oxygen in her lungs.
Law took in the sight of the room being heavy with steam, too stuffy to breathe easily. Understanding what happened Law took the breathless kitsune out of the bathroom. Laying Yukimi down on his bed Law went to his desk to grab his coffee mug. When he called Bepo down to get the laundry, he had the mink bring him coffee. Dumping the remaining dark liquid in his sink, Law rinsed his mug out a couple of times before returning back to the kitsune as she slowly started to sit up.
Yukimi groaned as she scrunched her face. Getting overheated was never fun. Yukimi sighed in relief when a cool slightly wet surface pressed against her flushed cheek. Yukimi opened her eyes to find a yellow mug with a smiling black virus on it.
"Here, drink."
Yukimi grabbed the ceramic mug and began to quickly down the cool soothing water. After emptying it Yukimi handed the mug back. "I overheated huh?"
"Yup," Law simply replied as he eyed the still flushed albino. "Though now you look like you had gained some color, you don't look like some specter anymore."
"Ha ha." Yukimi leaned forward, elbows on her knees as she rubbed her face. "I know I turned the hot water down but..."
"There was already too much steam built up in the room. Unfortunately, that happens sometimes since I don't have a vent in there," Law started with a shrug. "There's supposed to be one, but it was overlooked during construction. I never bothered fixing it since I don't mind the steam too much."
Yukimi hummed at his explanation.
Law walked back to his desk to deposit his mug. He turned back to Yukimi to find her slowly standing up on her own, readjusting her towel. It had loosened up in the back during the commotion in the bathroom. Law then noticed something that made him pause. There was something on her back. "What's that on your back?" Law asked slowly but calmly as he walked back to his bedroom.
Yukimi stilled when the pirate neared her. The kitsune carefully moved the towel higher up to conceal the marks engraved into her skin. "Oh just a little something and nothing is all," Yukimi tried deflecting.
"Are you keeping something from me, Yukimi-ya?" Law asked as his eyes narrowed at her.
Yukimi frowned at Law but kept a tight hold on her towel. "I got hurt at some point, alright? Now leave it."
Law didn't like the tone she had used on him. So before she could move away from him, Law reached out, grabbed the back of her towel, and yanked it down a few inches, causing Yukimi to yelp out.
"H-hey! What the fuck do you think you're doing!?" Yukimi shouted as she tried to keep the towel from going down any further. She was afraid Law might accidentally pull the towel off entirely from her grasp.
Law scowled at the scarring over Yukimi's otherwise unmarred back. He kept his grip on the edge of the fabric as he took a seat at his bed, tugging the kitsune toward him so he could get a closer look. Ignoring Yukimi's attempts at taking back control of her only source of covering, Law ran his hand over the scars, making her shiver. "Yukimi-ya, tell me how you got these scars." His order left no room for any kind of argument.
Wet furry ears lowered in defeat as Yukimi sighed. "Well, you tell me, are twerps supposed to go flying?"
Law's eyes narrowed, not at first understanding what the kitsune was saying. "What do you mean, Yukimi-ya? You need to be more specific. And don't play games with me."
"C'mon Doc Stump, you're smart. You know what I'm saying," she shot back with a glare over her shoulder. But then the kitsune's look softened as Law looked back at her from the scars.
It took a minute before what she hinted at became clear. His gray eyes widened from a memory before narrowing back as his hold on her towel tightened a little. "You shouldn't have done all that. You could have gotten a serious infection from catching me all those times. What if Doflamingo had seen you on day one because of-"
"Oh give me a break, Law," Yukimi groaned in annoyance as she shifted away from him to pull her towel tighter around her back.
But he wasn't having any of that. Law wrapped his arm around Yukimi's waist, preventing her from escaping his hold. He then slid his other hand further under the damp towel, feeling along the many scars made by scrap metal long ago. Yukimi shivered again from the cool surgical skilled hand as it felt along her back.
"How many times Yukimi-ya?"
The kitsune resigned on the fact that she wasn't getting out of the Surgeon of Death's grasp anytime soon. Yukimi sighed at the cool temperature coming from Law's hand, it felt nice against her heated skin. "Enough times," Yukimi recalled back to the countless times she had to catch Law after being thrown out by Cora. And the many times she had gotten hurt by the scrapyard's metal. "My medical ninjutsu isn't a miracle worker technique. Just like any other kind of injury that's bad enough, there will be scarring." Yukimi looked up at the ceiling for a moment before continuing. "Yes, I was able to avoid infection all those times. But only because I cleaned the wounds out quickly enough. If we weren't camping near that river, I would've gotten infected indefinitely."
Law began to recall the couple of times he'd noticed a speck of red peeking through the kitsune's clothing after an encounter with Cora. There also were times she looked to be in pain but whenever he inquired what was wrong, Yukimi wrote it off from sleeping in the trees constantly. He remembered once trying to see if she had injured herself, only to be promptly shooed away before he could confirm his suspicions. After that Law hadn't been able to sneak up on the increasingly observant kitsune due to her nerves being so close to Doflamingo's lair. Now it all made sense. "I still wish you hadn't done all of that. Not only exposing your true self to his crew but also allowing yourself to be injured so much." Law dropped his hands, allowing Yukimi to fix her towel and turn around to face him with gentle eyes and a small caring smile.
Seeing Law slouch in front of her with a look of discomfort of the past made Yukimi frown. She reached out and gently touched his cheek, lifting his head up slightly so he would look back into her eyes. "It doesn't matter. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I would save your scrawny ass anytime if need be," Yukimi added in with her crooked grin to lighten his mood. "After all, twerps need help every now and then to get out of trouble. Am I wrong, Trafalgar D. Water Law?"
Law's expression held a hint of surprise yet a knowing look before relaxing to her familiar cockiness. At the same time, he didn't mind the fact that Yukimi was standing before him in his towel, water droplets resting on her still flushed skin and looking at him with her mischievous red eyes.
"Now, am I going to be standing around in a towel until my clothes are done, or what?"
Law wisely held back what he wanted to say to her question. Instead, he held out his hand toward his dresser. "I'm sure I can find you something to wear for the time being, since you can't change forms at the moment."
Yukimi stepped back so Law could get up and rummage through his clothes. Her ears folded back slightly as she glanced Law over with his back to her. "Rrright... Not sure you'll find anything for me, Doc Tall. Your clothes will be much too big to fit me," Yukimi said doubtfully, shuffling her small bare feet on the floor. Yukimi then remembered her tails were still dripping water over his floor.
Law glanced over to Yukimi as she stepped back into his bathroom to stand on the threshold, looking back at him. "Well, a shirt will be fine. But I am a little stumped on what to do with your tails. Would you be alright with a pair of shorts for now?"
Yukimi eyed the black pair of shorts in Law's hand as he pulled it out from his drawers. She nodded in thought. "Yeah, that can work. I can just have them go through with my legs."
Law nodded as he pulled out a plain yellow t-shirt before tossing the clothes her way. "I suggest leaving a crack in the door to let the steam out while you're in there, Yukimi-ya."
Catching the clothes with a hum of acknowledgment, Yukimi closed the door until a small crack was left. Getting right to it, Yukimi laid the plastic cover still on her cast on the vanity and quickly put on Law's shirt, feeling it drape just above her knees. The kitsune cocked her head to the side in thought before going to grab the shorts. Yukimi paused when she instead grabbed a pair of gray briefs. The kitsune closed her eyes and shook her head in annoyance at herself before putting them on. She needed something after all. Now instead of going along with her original idea, Yukimi stepped back to look at herself in the mirror, holding up the back of the t-shirt to see better. She smiled in comfort to see the shirt was indeed going to hide the bases of her tails well. The briefs were pushed down so that the base of them were above the band. Yukimi pulled on the shorts then towel dried her hair and tails before draping the towel on a rack near her.
"Any trouble?"
"No," Yukimi answered, finger combing her hair and smoothing out her fur. "I'm not passing out again for you, Doc."
Law was leaning against the wall next to the door, chuckling at her somewhat annoyed tone. Then the door opened to reveal Yukimi in his clothes. Her shoulder was exposed due to his collar sliding over the side while his shorts ended up being more like capris on her short stature. Overall, Yukimi was right, his clothes were too big on her. Not that it wasn't appealing to him.
"Got a belt?" Yukimi glared at the clearly amused pirate as her fist held onto her borrowed pants. They were slipping.
"What for?" His grin widened at her glare before taking off the belt he had been wearing that day. "I don't really need this right now anyway. It's more for style," Law said as he handed her the leather belt.
"I almost feel like a kit wearing her dad's clothes for pretend again," Yukimi sighed wistfully after adjusting the belt through the loops.
"Pretend huh? You know what, I don't believe you ever told me about your homeland before, Yukimi-ya," Law said as he walked back into his office to his couch, the kitsune padding after him.
"I guess I was too busy keeping an eye on you during those years to think about my home. Nor...when I lived with your family..." Yukimi frowned as she sat next to Law, readjusting her shirt collar as he made room for her.
Law noticed how her tails weren't through the pant leggings like she had first suggested doing. He didn't think too much on it, simply concluding the fact that he can tell his shorts were below her waist by a good couple of inches. Law leaned back as he draped an arm behind his head, resting his other on the back of the leather couch. He didn't reply to what the kitsune had said, thinking back to the happier days of his childhood.
"Well," Yukimi started as she relaxed against the back of the couch as well. "My dad used to travel a lot when he was younger. He had many adventures and was, and still is, skilled in the ways of the shinobi. I looked up to him as a kit. Not long after my fiftieth birthday, and after learning how to walk and run on two legs, I started sneaking into my dad's old stuff and wearing his clothes. Not to mention getting into his old weapons," Yukimi grinned toothily at Law, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"My my Dew Yukimi sounds like you had gotten in a lot of trouble," Law smirked. "You were a handful, weren't you?"
"As much as a child running around with explosive kunai, you bet." Yukimi chuckled before looking across the room to the porthole, watching the waves lap up against a mangrove root outside. "Mom always blew a gasket when I got in dad's stuff, while he laughed everything off. He always wrote it off saying, 'I have the makings of a great ninja if I was so eager to learn at such an early age.'"
"Well, I hope I get to see you in action soon. I've only had the privilege to see a little of your skills," Law said as a knock sounded at his door. "Yes?"
"Here's your laundry Captain," Bepo said opening the door.
"The perfect way to hide your things from nosey men Yukimi-ya is to hide it in plain sight," Law said getting up to grab the hamper Bepo was holding.
"Hiding it under their noses, nice," Yukimi grinned as she followed after him.
Bepo tilted his head a little when the kitsune walked over. He sniffed the air. "You smell like Captain, Yukimi."
Yukimi was about to steal Law's hamper to search for her clothes when the mink spoke up, making her pause. Yukimi's ears rotated back as she looked back up to Bepo. "Erm well, I suppose I do Bepo." Yukimi scratched the back of her neck, beginning to feel embarrassed. "It's only natural I smell like Law since I used his shampoo earlier," the kitsune quickly stated as a blush dusted her cheeks. Her ears folded back further from feeling Law's gaze on her. "Gimme that!" Yukimi snatched the hamper from Law's grasp and marched back to the bathroom, promptly shutting the door completely, not caring there was a lot of steam still in there.
Bepo bowed his head, "I'm sorry."
Law smirked at his navigator and best friend. "Don't worry about it, Bepo."
A few minutes later Yukimi walked out of the bathroom with her clothes back on, Law's in one hand, hamper in the other. Dropping the hamper next to his dresser Yukimi walked back to the office area to find Law at his desk. She glanced around noticing her plate was gone and Bepo too. "Where do you want your clothes?" Yukimi asked looking back over to Law at his desk.
Law didn't look up from the paper he was reading. "You can toss them in the laundry. I'll sort them out later." While Yukimi stepped back into the bedroom, Law rubbed his eyes in frustration. From what his sources had gathered, Doflamingo's strings were everywhere in the archipelago, not just in the human trade. The Supernova wouldn't be surprised if some of the local officials were under the bastard's thumb. Law leaned back in his chair after shoving the report in a drawer in his desk. He knew he needed to plan further but at the moment, if he was being honest with himself, Law just wanted to stop worrying and spend time catching up with Yukimi. It had been many years since Minion Island after all.
"What's with the frustrated look, Doc?"
Law hadn't realized he closed his eyes until he opened them to see Yukimi was leaning against his desk. "What?" Upon seeing a smirk growing from the kitsune's lips, Law suddenly didn't want to know what was going through that head of hers. It promised nothing but amusement for the owner and nothing good for the target.
"I've seen that look before." Yukimi actually almost purred as she saw an annoyed look take over the pirate's face from finding her smirk aimed directly at him. Yukimi crossed her arms loosely as she half sat on the red oak desk. "I seem to recall a day many years ago. I was outside enjoying the nice weather when a sour looking twerp came home from school, with a younger girl latched on his arm." Yukimi glanced up at the ceiling in mock thought as her finger tapped her bottom lip. "Now how did it go again?" Yukimi grinned back at him with a snap of her fingers. "Oh, that's right! That girl had a school crush on ya! And it was too cute~!"
Law felt the back of his neck and ears get a little too warm. He did not like that girl at all. She was a couple of grades below him and made it seem like they were a thing, even though he had definitely told her time and time again to leave him be. All Law had wanted to do was study and get to know the intriguing ninja while she stayed with his family during her post surgery recovery.
"And when she stood on her toes and snuck a kiss from ya, I died laughing from that glorious red blush you had!" Yukimi grinned mischievously as she eyed a familiar red hue appearing from Law's cheeks.
Law grimaced from the horrid memory. The little bitch had gone and stolen his first kiss in front of Yukimi back then. He was so embarrassed. After recovering just enough presence of mind, Law promptly kicked the girl out of his family's property and told her to never bother him again. Law ran his hand over his face. Damn, he wanted to forget that had ever happened. "Do you have a point to this, Yukimi-ya?" Law grumbled out.
Yukimi shrugged off the glare she was receiving. "To get your mind off of something troublesome when you can't do anything about it at the moment. Or at least, I hope I'm not jumping the gun here."
"There are better ways to go about doing that, than bringing up unpleasant memories," Law shot back unpleasantly.
"Then how about this, Doc Grump. Help me get back to the Sunny," Yukimi said standing up with a serious look.
Law's brow raised at her request. "Why?"
Yukimi simply lifted her hand. "Clothes." One finger went up. "Check on Sunny." Second finger went up. "And hopefully find my friends there." Third finger went up. But then her ears lowered. "I hope they're there. I uh...also don't feel comfortable going there by myself right now," Yukimi admitted quietly lowering her hand.
"I wouldn't allow you out by yourself at all at this time, Yukimi-ya. But, I can accompany you to your ship," Law offered.
Yukimi gave a small smile, "Thanks."
*^.^*
"So what grove is your ship located?" Law asked as the two of them walked through the lawless area. He kept an eye out for any unwanted company. It wouldn't do to have to fight off bounty hunters or any lingering marines in the area. Not to mention steering clear of towns for the time being.
"We left Sunny in Grove 41. But Rayleigh said he was going to move the ship to another grove so he could work on her without anyone finding her. We were all supposed to meet back there after three days so we could set sail. But..." Yukimi quieted down.
Law adjusted Kikoku against his shoulder. "Do you think Straw Hat-ya and the others will be there?"
Yukimi gave a small shrug. "I hope but I don't know." The kitsune looked up at the mangroves around them, spotting the one she was looking for. "We're heading over to Grove 13 where Shakki's bar is. I didn't get a vivre card to get back to the ship, Zoro had it. So we're gonna need to ask Shakki."
Law nodded as they passed over a bridge entering the next grove.
Soon Yukimi led him to a massive root with a long staircase leading to a moss covered bar at the top. "I wonder if Hatchi, Camie, and Pappagu are still here. They were going to guide us to Fishman Island after the Sunny was done being coated." Yukimi gave the front door a quick knock before opening it. "Shakki? You here?"
Shakki looked up from wiping down a table near the back. "Hi, what can I get for you?" Shakki paused at the sight of the familiar kitsune almost meekly waving her cast in greeting. "Yukimi!" Shakki dropped her wet rag, leaving it on the table, and went over to the Straw Hat pirate. "Yukimi you're okay! I'm so glad to see you're doing alright. Come on in." The former pirate paused as Trafalgar Law followed Yukimi inside. "Oh my, and you brought some infamous company with you."
"Yeah. Shakki, this is Law. Law, Shakki," Yukimi introduced as Law nodded his head to the bar owner. "Shakki, did anyone else come here? Has Rayleigh seen them?" Yukimi asked as she and Law took a seat at the bar.
Shakki took her cigarette out from her lips and released a puff of smoke into the air as she shook her head. "I'm sorry Yukimi, but you're the only one that's come back."
Fox ears lowered at her statement, tails sagging down from the bar stool Yukimi sat on. "Damn... What about Rayleigh? Is he alright?"
Shakki smirked as she popped her cigarette back between her lips. "Rayleigh's alright. He's out right now, but I don't think he's started coating your ship yet," Shakki said as she walked behind the bar and pulled out a glass for Yukimi. "Apple tea?"
Yukimi nodded. "Thank you. Shakki," the kitsune started as the woman offered Law booze, which he accepted with a nod, "do you know anything about Bartholomew Kuma's Devil Fruit?"
"Hmm," Shakki tapped her chin briefly in thought. "I hear he can repel attacks by bouncing them off the paw pads on his hands. He can make shockwaves by condensing the air around him. And I believe it's said if he touches you, he can send you flying to somewhere else."
Law placed his glass of booze down at that moment from nursing it. "How long would they be flying then?"
"About three days and nights from what I understand," Shakki answered. "But I don't think you would be able to find them around here, Yukimi. They could possibly land on the other side of the world."
Yukimi's grip tightened around her tea, turning her already pale knuckles white. She bit her lip before taking another sip of her drink. "What about the Sunny? I take it Rayleigh has moved our ship?"
"Yup, it's safe and sound. It even has some people you might know guarding it," Shakki smirked at the kitsune's surprised look.
"Guarding our ship?"
"That's right. I believe they called themselves the Rosy Life Riders?"
Yukimi sat up straight as a relieved grin began to replace her disheartened frown. "Duval and his gang!"
Shakki chuckled, "They wanted to help safeguard your ship until you guys came back. They'll be pleased to know you're doing alright, Yukimi. If you want to go see your ship, Rayleigh hid it in Grove 18. Not too far from here, yet not too close to associate it with my business." The former pirate then gave a sneaky smirk. "The marines haven't been able to find it. You could say, it's hidden right under their noses."
"You make it sound like Sunny's under their base among the mangroves' roots," Yukimi grinned back getting excited to see her sea bound home again. Yukimi glanced around the empty bar then back to the owner. "By the way, where's Camie, Hatchi, and Pappagu?"
"They're upstairs right now," Shakki said pointing up to the ceiling. "Hatchi's still healing from his injuries but is a lot better. The other two are keeping him company. Would you like to say hello?"
"No, that's okay," Yukimi said shaking her head. "I'm just glad to hear they're doing alright."
"Well then," Law started as he finished his booze, turning in his seat to Yukimi, "now that we have your heading, I suggest we get going before it gets too late." Law turned back to Shakki as she looked between the two with her arms crossed loosely. "And how much do I need to pay for the good booze?" Law asked reaching back for some money. "Do I need to worry about being ripped off, Shakki-ya?"
Shakki gave a small huff of laughter from the deadly surgeon's smirk. "Don't worry it's on the house. I wouldn't charge a close friend of Yukimi's. And I certainly wouldn't rip them off. I only do that to people I don't like."
Yukimi finished off her tea before getting up. "Thank you Shakki for everything. It means a lot to know where the Sunny's at and safe," she said as they started heading out.
"Stay safe now, things should be settling down after all that's happened," Shakki waved from the threshold of her bar.
It didn't take the two long to reach Grove 18. Once they crossed over the bridge connecting to Grove 17, they spotted a group of men in leather jackets, who quickly noticed them approaching.
"Boss! Someone's coming!" one of the riders shouted.
Duval quickly stood up from sitting against a large root. "Who's there?!"
"Hey Duval, good to see you and your gang are alright!" Yukimi called over waving her hand.
Duval grinned at the sight of Yukimi walking to them, lowering the harpoon gun he had at the ready. He lifted his hand to his ear, "What? Did you say I'm handsome?"
Yukimi sweatdropped at Law's inquiry glance. "No I said you're deaf, Duval," Yukimi deadpanned, not pausing in her step.
"Hey look! That's Trafalgar Law!"
"Miss Yukimi look out behind you!"
The Rosy Life Riders all quickly aimed their weapons at the looming pirate behind Yukimi, fearing he was there to attack. Yukimi narrowed her eyes at the men as she kept walking over to them. "If you know what's good for you, lower your weapons."
"But Miss Yukimi, Trafalgar Law is one of the super rookies! He's a dangerous man!" Duval didn't lower his harpoon gun again as the two stopped a few yards from them.
Law smirked as he stepped closer to the blonde. "Do you really think you could take me on?" Law asked slowly as he nonchalantly inched Kikoku out.
Yukimi couldn't help smirking at Law's intimidation toward the former kidnappers. "Hmph. Well, when we first met them, they were known as the Flying Fish Riders and they were an annoying handful. Didn't help they were after Camie and used Hatchi as a hostage."
"B-but we've changed our ways, Miss Yukimi," Duval said slightly panicky.
"Yeah, after Sanji kicked your ass and literally kicked you a new face," Yukimi reminded flatly making Duval wince a little. "Now, back down. Law's an old friend of mine. And if you think about trying anything..." At the kitsune's glare and the Surgeon of Death's creepy smirk, the Rosy Life Riders practically dropped their weapons.
"U-uh Miss Yukimi, are you here for your ship? We were keeping it safe for the Young Master and his friends until they came back. Are they on their way here?" one of the riders asked.
Yukimi didn't miss how the title caused Law's eyes to twitch. She poked him in the side, grabbing his attention. "Not him Doc." Yukimi had a remorseful frown as she looked back to Sanji's admirers. "I'm sorry to disappoint, but no. Sanji and everyone else...I don't know where they are. Right now...I'm staying with Law to recuperate. I wanted to come here to grab some things since I don't know how long it'll be..." Yukimi stared at the soapy grass at her feet. The kitsune felt a lump in her throat and she didn't trust her voice at that moment as she held her cast closer.
Noticing how Yukimi started cradling her arm, Law sheathed Kikoku, drawing Duval and his gang's attention back on him. "Where's the ship? It's getting late and I don't like wasting time with imbeciles."
The men quickly parted making a path between them to the edge of the grove they were on. "Your ship is right beneath us, Miss Yukimi! No one has found it yet!"
Yukimi nodded quietly before making her way past the men until she stood at the edge. Yukimi crouched as she leaned forward a little, looking down below to the deep waters. A small smile crept forward as she spotted the Thousand Sunny peeking out from between the large roots.
"See it?" Law asked getting a nod from her.
"Yeah... It'll be easy for me to get down there because of my chakra. But I'm not sure 'bout you," Yukimi said after swallowing her lump. Yukimi blinked when she felt a hand rest over her shoulder.
"Is it directly below us, Yukimi-ya?" Law asked now completely ignoring the Rosy Life Riders around them as if they didn't exist. Getting another nod from her, Law lifted his hand from her shoulder. "Room." Law focused as he extended his room down as Yukimi glanced up at the blue film. He felt the ship enter into his space, reaching his power until he felt the deck. "Hang on to me." Yukimi didn't know what he was about to do with his power, but she did what he said and grabbed his arm.
Once Yukimi had a hold on him, Law focused on a loose piece of grass from the deck. "Shambles." Law instantly switched their bodies from the grove above with the blade of grass on the ship's decking, surprising Duval and the others with their disappearance.
Yukimi blinked again as she looked around her, surprised she was on the Sunny so suddenly. "Interesting," Yukimi muttered as she stood up.
"That's my line, Yukimi-ya," Law said deactivating Room as he eyed the grassy deck at his feet. He'd never seen a ship with a lawn before, nor with a couple of trees, one with a swing, to boot. Law glanced around the immediate area before noticing Yukimi was also looking around.
Due to the ship being hidden just within the roots of the grove above, there wasn't too much sunlight lighting up the place. But it wasn't too dark, just shaded pretty well. Yukimi turned to Law with a sad smile. "Welcome to the Thousand Sunny, Law. Sorry, you can't see her in the light in full grandeur, but maybe next time." Yukimi turned on her heel and made a beeline to the girls' quarters.
Law followed after the kitsune to the upper deck toward the front where a door stood. Yukimi paused at the door briefly before opening it and walked through, leaving the door open for Law. She flipped the switch on the wall, lighting up the room. Yukimi stood over the beds as she glanced around the empty room. Law stood back next to the doorway as he observed her. She was quiet, taking in the silent environment. Law closed the door behind him, giving her the added layer of privacy from the outside.
Her furry appendages sagged at the sullen room around her. "It's usually so lively here, on this ship. There's never a dull moment." Yukimi glanced over to the beds. Nami's and Robin's beds were neatly made, but her bed was still a mess from her restless night. Her yellow hoodie was still draped at the foot of her bed after she came back from the bathhouse. Yukimi sat down next to it. The kitsune slouched forward as she glanced around the quiet room. "We've been through so much and now... We're... Everyone's...gone..."
Law didn't know what to say at that moment. All he knew was that she needed to get past this to move on. Whatever that may be.
"I think I'm gonna stay here after all, Law. I want to be here when everyone gets back," Yukimi said catching the surgeon's eye. "Keep the ship tidy and ready," she added when his eyes narrowed at her.
"That's not a good idea, Yukimi-ya. It's too dangerous to stay here," Law said extending his hand out to the side, emphasizing the ship before dropping it. "Even if the ship is hidden and those men are up there guarding it, what are you going to do? Did you already forget what that bar owner said?! Straw Hat-ya and your crewmates are not coming back anytime soon!" Law said firmly.
Yukimi looked away from Law. She didn't want to believe him. But the situation was out of her control. The kitsune let her gaze slowly wander through the bedroom again, avoiding Law's gaze. Tears broke through the invisible dam in her eyes. A small yet sharp intake of air was barely audible when Yukimi finally looked back to Law. "Where did my friends go, Law?" Yukimi's voice sounded too small for someone like her.
Even though it was a rhetorical question, Law knew the kitsune was feeling utterly lost. All her friends were taken from her in such a traumatic way, all at the same time. Not to mention everything that happened, happened on the same day she was kidnapped, chained down to an explosive collar, and sold to a Celestial Dragon. Her worst nightmare. She needed to release all of her bottled up emotions. Law sighed through his nose. He wouldn't call himself excellent in dealing with emotions. The only thing he could think of doing was something the kitsune herself had done for him in the past. He just had to copy. Law left his nodachi leaning next to the door and walked over to Yukimi. He took a knee to the floor, grabbing her attention as he did so. "Do not stay here Yukimi-ya. It's not safe, even if those guys are here to help. Come with me. Stay with me..."
Yukimi focused on the kneeling pirate, gazing through blurry reds into his calming grays. Even though Law was down on one knee before her, he was still a little taller than eye level with her. The kitsune quietly took in his features, noticing how mature he appeared. Yukimi lifted her hands to rest over his cheeks. She gently slid her hands up along his face as he kept still for her, almost closing his eyes to her soft caresses. Eventually, Yukimi reached the brim of his hat where she took it off and placed it on her discarded hoodie. Then Yukimi felt along his skin where it was once white and not the olive tone it was now. "It's really gone, huh?" Yukimi started in a quiet whisper. The skin covering his cheeks and everything above was now a healthy color. "It's all gone..."
Law rested his hands over hers before gently placing them back on her lap. "...Yeah...it took me a while to figure out my Devil Fruit's power. But in the end, I was successfully able to cure myself."
Yukimi's lips twitched from a nearly hidden smile as she looked him over. "And you've really grown, Law. You were just a few inches taller than me when we were separated. Now, look at you! You're like a weed who didn't stop growing!" It was true. If she remembered right, Law was almost five feet at the time, only at thirteen years of age. And it had been many decades since she had stopped growing, stopping at four foot, seven inches. She may be very short to the average human, but Yukimi was in fact at the normal height among kitsune women. Kitsune men were usually a few inches taller than that, but that was it. Her race was just naturally short due to their vulpes heritage.
Law simply shrugged. "What did you expect?"
Yukimi's ears twitched from realizing Law's hands were still covering hers. She pulled her hands out from under them to wipe away her tears. Law let his arms rest over his knee as Yukimi dried her eyes. He was glad she had calmed down. What he didn't expect though, was to suddenly have the kitsune wrap her arms around his neck. Yukimi was almost in his lap due to the awkward angle from the bed to his kneeling posture.
"I don't know where I'd be if you didn't find me when you did."
Law took a moment but slowly encircled the kitsune in his arms, returning the hug. As he did so, she immediately relaxed against him, letting her body slide to the floor to be more comfortable. Law stroked her hair. "I did, and now you're safe," Law said making her ear brush against his cheek. "Look, I know it's hard right now. I've been there and it gets better after hitting your lowest point. You just gotta get through it."
Yukimi nodded but didn't move. She felt immensely better in his embrace. The kitsune knew she was safe with Law. She just didn't want to leave his warm grasp just yet. "Can we stay like this a little longer?" Yukimi asked quietly.
Law let out a silent huff making her ear twitch from his warm breath. "I don't see why not."
Yukimi's closed eyes squeezed from the man's breath on her ear. She was glad he couldn't see the blush blossoming across her cheeks. Now Yukimi had another reason to stay as they were, at least until it went away. And so the two stayed as they were on the floor, embracing one another. After a while though, Yukimi sighed in content before releasing Law, leaning back. "Guess I need to pack up huh?"
"That would be for the best," Law agreed as they stood up. As Yukimi walked over to some lockers on the other side of the room, Law glanced around. He spotted a wanted poster pinned to the wall above Yukimi's bed he hadn't noticed before. It had a kunai pinning it there with a shuriken hanging by the kunai's embedded tip through the throwing star's hole. It proudly displayed her 28,000,000 bounty like an achievement award. Near the lockers were a pair of love seats accompanied by a wooden coffee table between them. Something else was there that caught his wandering eyes. It was his wanted poster, but it was older. It was one of his smaller bounties from many months ago. Law walked over to it and picked it up. "Been watching out for me?" Law smirked as he looked over to Yukimi from the corner of his eye.
Yukimi dropped a duffel bag to the floor from her locker after having to tug at it from being stuck. She looked over her shoulder to see what he was talking about, spotting the old wanted poster in his hand. "Uh, yeah, it was the only way to get info on ya without going through the underground method. What 'bout you? Been keeping tabs on the Straw Hats recently?"
Law's smirk grew. "Enies Lobby was certainly something for the world to read that morning," Law chuckled slightly as he put his poster back on the table. "As I was going through the new bounties that morning, I was drinking my morning coffee when I..." Law paused briefly as an uncomfortable frown formed over his features. "...conveniently forgotten to swallow," Law admitted with a half shrug, not looking toward her.
"You...burnt yourself...after seeing my first bounty?" Seeing the uncomfortable look on his face made Yukimi crack. The kitsune began to laugh so much she ended up sliding down the wall to the floor. New tears sprung forth from how hard Yukimi laughed.
Law shifted on his feet as he watched his old friend finally lighten up after what happened to her and her crew. He never liked admitting anything embarrassing but just this once, he was glad he could get Yukimi to laugh again.
After a few minutes, Yukimi calmed down, an amused grin fixed on her face as she tried regaining her breath. "I can't believe it...!"
Law rolled his eyes at her. "Laugh it up, but remember, we're on a time crunch. We need to be on our way back before dark," Law said walking over to the door. He opened the door and took a look outside beyond the roots. Law couldn't tell from the ship's angle but he surmised that it was about early evening, somewhere between four and five o'clock.
"Yeah, yeah, Doc Clock," Yukimi hummed now in a better mood as he closed the bedroom door. She went back to stuffing clothes and other essentials into her bag, not bothering to fold anything, she'll do that later back on the sub. 'Hm...got everything I need for daily stuff. I better grab more equipment just for the hell of it. Never know what might happen,' the kitsune thought to herself when her ear twitched to her left. Without looking Yukimi quickly lodged a kunai near Law's hand, where it was on Nami's treasure chest. The sudden appearance of her kunai made Law yank his hand back. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Law quirked a brow at Yukimi. He wasn't harming anything. The pirate simply spotted a rather large, locked, treasure chest tucked neatly into the corner of the room. "Oh? Is there something interesting inside?"
"Yeah, money," the ninja answered flatly. "You touch it, you'll face your worst nightmare."
"And what would that be, Yukimi-ya?"
"One pissed off cat burglar who put the Monster Trio to shame."
"'Monster Trio'? And who would they be?" Law asked as he yanked the kunai out from the chest's wooden lid, inspecting it.
"That'll be Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji." Yukimi closed her locker before opening the next one. Inside was filled to the brim with stacks of paper. A little slim brown box was squeezed between the stacks, almost lost among the papers. Yukimi grabbed the box, chucked it into her duffel bag, then grabbed a few stacks and stashed them in a side pocket. "If Nami finds a single beri missing, well," Yukimi shrugged in an 'oh well' gesture, "someone's gonna pretty much die. She can be pretty damn scary when it comes to her tangerines and treasure. Shoulda seen her reaction when she found out all the money was blown away by Luffy spending it all on party food after Enies Lobby. Granted there were a lot of people involved with us charging in, but hey, he was beaten to a bloody pulp when she found her safe empty. Our poor navigator only wanted to buy some nice furniture for the new ship. Lucky for us, Franky had already furnished the Thousand Sunny." Yukimi zipped everything up. "Alright Law, I'm ready."
Law nodded as the kitsune closed the second locker. "Sounds like you have some interesting tales to share, Yukimi-ya." Law stood up and walked over to her. "Perhaps you could entitle me to hear some of your adventures?"
Yukimi blinked as he stepped to her side, putting away her kunai back in her weapons bag on her hip. The kitsune found herself chuckling as the surgeon clipped the bag closed, securing her equipment. "You, wanting to hear my adventures? That sounds a little familiar, now doesn't it? Ya little twerp," Yukimi grinned up at Law before he walked over to her bed. He placed his hat back on as Yukimi came over and put on her yellow hoodie. Then the two left the girls' quarters.
As Law walked back to the center of the main deck, nodachi back in hand, Yukimi paused. A smirk found its way to her lips. "Just a sec' Law."
Law turned back toward Yukimi to find her going through another door to a different room on the main deck. He soon heard the repeated sound of more locker doors opening and closing before there was a pause. A minute later the sound of a locker door closing again was heard before Yukimi came back out readjusting her bag, closing the door with her foot as she did so.
"'Kay, now I'm ready."
Law briefly wondered what the kitsune could've wanted or needed in the other room. He shook his head as Yukimi touched his forearm where Kikoku sat. Law opened Room and switched their bodies back up to the grove above, exchanging with a small rock. The pair's sudden appearance surprised Duval's gang making them cry out in shock.
"Dude don't do that! That's way too freaky!" a fish rider exclaimed.
"Miss Yukimi, is everything alright?" Duval asked. "You were down there for quite a while."
Yukimi placed her hands in her hoodie pocket when she faced the former kidnapper. "Yeah. I just needed some time, after all, that's happened. Now you guys take care and keep Sunny safe, ya hear? Or I'll sic Sanji after ya!" Yukimi grinned at them a little menacingly.
"Of course Miss Yukimi!"
"Did you say...I'm handsome?"
"Don't push your luck, Duval."
"Yes ma'am..." Duval replied depressed.
With that said and done, Yukimi and Law left the gang to guard the Straw Hat's ship. The sky above was dotted by the archipelago's bubbles reflecting the setting sun's warm colors. They glistened with various reds to oranges to yellows. While others glowed bright pinks to violets in the sunlight. Yukimi smiled up at the bubbles floating just above them. It reminded her of the bubbles she played her ocarina to days before. Wanting to hear the instrument again Yukimi reached up to her shirt collar to pull it out to play. The kitsune paused in her step. 'That's right... Law still has it...' Yukimi started walking again. Law didn't miss the way Yukimi's expression dropped after reaching for the chain that wasn't encircling her neck. Law pulled out the ceramic ocarina from his pocket and held it out to her, making Yukimi stop in her tracks. "Here."
Yukimi looked up at Law then back to her ocarina. After Eustass Kid had used it to lure her away from Law, she agreed to let him keep it for the time being. Yukimi took back her instrument, clipping it around her neck, back in its rightful place. As the two began walking again, Yukimi glanced at Law with a slight smirk before she brought the white ocarina close to her lips. "Ya know Doc," she started bringing his attention back on her, "I think that goatee you're sporting, is rather cute on you."
Law almost tripped over an unseen rock from the unexpected compliment. He stared wide eyed after her as she continued to walk. "What...?"
Yukimi started playing her familiar lake guardian's song Law hadn't heard in years. She didn't stop in her step, instead, doing a slight spin on her heel, and winked back at him in glee. Law was taken aback by the kitsune's actions. A smile crept to his lips as he caught up to her, enjoying the music piece he hadn't realized he sorely missed over the long years. His eyes followed after Yukimi as she continued to play and almost dance to her own music just ahead of him.
The duffel bag over Yukimi's back bounced and swayed to the kitsune's movement but didn't slow her down in the slightest. Yukimi smiled behind her instrument at Law. Even though she was essentially calling out their location like she unwittingly did before, Yukimi knew with Law at her side, everything would be okay. The kitsune spun on her heel again, making her tails spread out like a fan when she finished her turn. Yukimi gave a slight trill from her ocarina before continuing. A couple of small bubbles floated up from the soapy ground near the kitsune, catching her attention. Yukimi practically skipped over to them where she turned her back to Law. Law's brows rose as he watched how the tips of her tails touched than guided the bubbles up. The bubbles stayed for a few seconds as another floated by, taking the spot between the bubbles. It hovered there where the kitsune's third tail will be before it floated away followed by the other two. Yukimi spun around again as she finished before looking back at Law. Law stood there for a moment just looking at Yukimi as she lowered her instrument, panting a bit. Finally, he placed his unoccupied hand in his pocket. "Not that I'm not pleased by your display, but why?" Law grinned a lazy grin as he walked over to Yukimi, stopping a foot away from her.
Yukimi shrugged as her gaze returned to the ocarina in her grasp. "I don't know. I just had the urge to play it, is all."
"And the dance?"
The instrument slipped from her fingers when Law's voice suddenly sounded closer and deeper than before. Yukimi's cheeks were already dusted from her playing when she slowly looked back up to find Law had leaned closer to her. His face was only a few inches from hers. Yukimi didn't know why but she couldn't find a word to use at that moment. Yukimi swallowed before taking a step back from the surgeon. The kitsune didn't know why but she felt like he could see right through her.
Law's grin returned to a steady smirk as he walked past her. "Come Yukimi-ya, we're almost back to my ship."
Yukimi eyed the man for a moment before following after. She wasn't sure what that was about but seemed whatever that was, was now in the past.
Soon the pair made it back to the yellow submarine where Penguin was spotted leaning against the rail. "Hey Captain, Yukimi! Good to see you back," the first mate said with a wave. "I was starting to get a little worried." Penguin moved out of the way so his captain and Yukimi could board.
Yukimi looked at the sky between the enormous mangroves to find that it was indeed late. The sky that was once bright with orange and yellow hues, was now a mix of purple and dark blue. A few stars dotted the sky from what she could make out between the striped giants. Yukimi ignored the two men talking as something occurred to her, making a small frown appear over her features.
"Yeah, the ship ended up being a bit far. Not to mention we had to make a quick pit stop at a bar," Law was saying to Penguin as Yukimi gazed at the sky.
"A bar Captain?"
"The bar owner was someone she and Straw Hat-ya's crew knew. Their ship was going to be coated by the Dark King and had it moved from where they made land. Yukimi-ya didn't know where it had been moved so we had to go there first," Law explained.
"I see that makes sense," Penguin nodded in agreement. "Well, you guys missed dinner half an hour ago. I assume you'll want it brought up in a minute?"
"Make it so, Penguin," Law said over his shoulder as he walked to the entrance.
Noticing Law heading inside, Yukimi gave a passing smile over to Penguin before following Law. "Hey Law?"
"Yes?"
"Erm...where am I staying? Surely not the infirmary. Is there a spare room? Besides the brig?" Yukimi grinned jokingly.
"Hmm, the brig huh?" Law glanced over to the kitsune to find her grin not failing. She wasn't going to buy that, nor except that kind of arrangement for that matter. "I already have a room in mind for you."
"And that is?" Yukimi asked after he paused for added effect, no doubt for his own amusement.
"My room," Law answered. There was a pause in Yukimi's step. He turned back to her to gauge her reaction. Law was not disappointed. The kitsune's look was borderline suspicious. He wouldn't be surprised if it was because of what he did earlier that was the cause of it. "What? It's not like we hadn't slept together before. It'd be like old times."
Yukimi thanked whatever gods above looking down that they were alone in the hallway. If any of the Hearts were around, she would've been embarrassed, having to explain the true meaning behind his double wording. Yukimi shook her head as she ignored him, making a point to push the man aside to make way. "I already live with a double tongued archeologist, I don't need another in the form of the Surgeon of Death, damn twerp." Law's chuckle behind her made Yukimi's ears pull back in annoyance.
Yukimi sighed to herself when Law's door came into view. Not bothering to wait for Law to catch up, Yukimi went ahead and opened the door. The kitsune took her duffel bag off as Law walked in, depositing his nodachi at his desk. "Alright Law, where am I keeping my stuff? I'm not gonna rummage through your things like you did with my weapons," Yukimi said pointedly.
"Heh are you gonna gripe at me all night, Yukimi-ya?" Law half asked as he made his way to his bedroom area. He went over to his dresser and begin emptying a couple of draws for Yukimi when she walked in.
"It all depends on your behavior Law," Yukimi pointed out as she dumped her bag on the corner of the bed. Yukimi turned back to the door when she heard a knock. She walked over and opened it to find Penguin and Shachi standing there, each with a plate of hot food in hand. "Oh, thanks, guys! This looks great," Yukimi grinned at the sight of dinner.
"Anything for Captain!" Shachi remarked with a grin.
"Hey Yukimi, how long do you think you'll be staying with us?" Penguin asked as Yukimi took the plates from them.
"I uhm... I'm not sure, to be honest." Yukimi's ears lowered from the thought of her friends being who knows where. If they were safe or not. She was especially worried for Luffy. That look of despair would not leave her consciousness.
"I'm sure everything will turn out alright Yukimi!" Shachi said trying to cheer the kitsune up.
Yukimi nodded putting up a fake smile, "Yeah your right. Thanks again, guys."
"Here I got it," Penguin said grabbing the door for Yukimi when she tried to close it, hands full.
Yukimi nodded her thanks as the door closed, allowing her to walk over to Law's coffee table. She placed their dinner down when she heard Law walk in. "Dinner's here Law."
"Great." Law took a seat, grabbed a plate, and dug in. "By the way, the drawers are ready for your stuff."
Yukimi didn't really hear what he had said when all she could think was, 'He's not wearing a shirt...' Law was only wearing a pair of dark sweatpants. He looked like he was ready for bed. 'When did he change?'
Law looked up from his food when Yukimi hadn't replied or moved from where she stood. He smirked at her dumbfounded expression. "Something the matter Yukimi-ya? Like what you see?"
Fox ears perked up from hearing him as a light blush appeared across the kitsune's face. "Oh uh..." Yukimi looked down focusing on her food still sitting on the table. She took her seat next to him, leaving some space between them. "Just didn't realize you had more tattoos than what I've seen earlier," Yukimi deflected.
"What do you think of them?"
She looked back up to him then gazed over the tribal style heart tattoos on his shoulders. A small smile appeared on her lips as her eyes softened. "It's befitting for the captain of the Heart Pirates." Yukimi closed her eyes and grinned with a chuckle. "Wonder what Cora would've thought of cute little Law having his body covered in tattoos!"
Law chuckled at the thought. "It's all thanks to him that I'm here and alive. Why not have something to remember him by?"
"Even to have his smile become a menace to the Marines?" Yukimi smirked back at him as she started eating.
"...His smile isn't the only thing I have to remember that day by."
"Hm?" Confused, Yukimi's smirk dropped when Law didn't glance her way.
Law put his half finished plate on the coffee table and walked back to his room. He soon came back with a small box. Yukimi looked on in confusion as Law sat back down and handed it to her. She put away her plate in exchange for the box. It was a slim gray wooden box with a little latch on the front, keeping it shut tight. It was as if this box was keeping something hidden away from the world to see. Yukimi undid the latch and opened it. Inside surrounded by black cushioning was an old folded piece of paper tied to the pommel ring of a kunai knife. Red eyes widened. Yukimi carefully picked up the kunai that hadn't been held by her in years. She untied the paper from it and read what was inside. After reading the hastily written message, Yukimi folded the paper back up. She then picked up the kunai. The ninja tested the weight of it and flipped it in the air a few times before catching it by the loop with her index finger with ease. She let it dangle there for a moment before making it spin around her finger. "I can't believe you still have these. That you held on to them this long," Yukimi said in astonishment. The kitsune caught the kunai's wrapped handle with her finger still within the ring. Yukimi looked back to Law. "Why?"
Law glanced away for a moment not sure how to answer her. In the end, he shrugged before looking back at her. "To keep me going during harsh times. That if fate would have it, we would find each other again."
Yukimi smiled at his awkward tone. Even though she knew Law probably wouldn't like the sound of it, she thought it was pretty sweet of him to have said that. "And here we are, Doc." She carefully put the kunai and letter back in the box and placed it on the table away from the food. Yukimi found herself letting out a huff of air when she closed her eyes. "Seems like we do things in a similar manner, eh?" The kitsune leaned her head to the side as she reached back and pushed her hoodie and shirt collars back so her own tattoo was exposed.
Law reached over to push her clothing further to the side so he could see better. The black outlined white and brown spotted heart was actually almost similar to his own tattoos. In the back of his head, Law knew he saw something on her bare neck and fur back in the human shop, not to mention after her shower earlier. But he had been too busy both times to ask about it. "When did you get this? It's nice."
"Got it soon after I joined up with Luffy. We were at an island that had a doctor who also tattooed people. I was looking for someone to tattoo me anyway, so I got it done there," Yukimi answered. She felt Law lean closer to her to get a better look at her heart. Yukimi finally grabbed her plate, intending to eat her dinner before it got cold. "The heart is to resemble Cora, and the spots and swirls?" Yukimi half shrugged as Law looked away from her shoulder to her as she looked back at him from the corner of her eye. "You. The boy who survived hell with a new power to go beyond it all and furthermore. No more white chains to pull you down."
Law's brow rose at her statement. "Is that so?" Getting a nod from her, Law leaned back against the couch, letting her finish eating.
Minutes pass by before Yukimi sighed as she stacked their plates together. Yukimi was about to take the dishes back to the galley when she paused, making Law glance over her way. She turned toward him before leaning in close. Law's eyes widened when Yukimi kissed him on the lips. But before he could do anything, Yukimi leaned up with a soft smile. "Thanks again Law, for all that you've done." She stood up with the dishes and walked out, leaving Law stunned in place.
*^.^*
~Bet y'all didn't see that coming huh?