Chapter Nine: The Pebble and The Penguin

"I guess" Penguin muttered dryly.

"None too many are a fan of Miss Mint, if you used to belong to her like she said, you are probably pretty pissed about having to go back" she rolled her shoulders back and cracked her neck as she spoke. As though discussing the weather; which was cloudy and mild, with a seeping mist coming from afar, Killer's lip curled up over his teeth at the woman's lack of respect. Penguin was used to it and just smiled.

"You're probably right, so why give us up?" his voice was sad and quiet, with a hint of politeness which surprised the woman.

"Well I'm hardly in charge and to be honest kid, I've done this enough times not to be bothered by what the produce wants-"

"Oi, Penguin, quit chatting to Pebble...hey I like the sound of that, the pebble and the penguin!" Captain HurstSand Mirage burst out laughing and Pebble grinned, rolling her eyes.

"Very amusing, sir"

"Yeah, well we're are coming up now so make sure their cuffs are tight" he waved a nonchalant hand in their general direction. Pebble nodded to guards beside the two men and they roughly knotted the coarse rope into the heart and kid pirate's wrists.

"So Captain Arabella Mint was looking for us?" Killer inquired and Pebble nodded, face showing an impressed expression.

"Yeah, considering that bitch don't really get attached but I guess she got interested when she found out you have more money on your head than just a normal pirate..." the woman smirked. She then turned to Penguin with dull eyes.

"You were searched for so you could find us this guy if you had separated"

"Ah, feels great to be valued" Penguin breathed and Killer's shoulder's actually shook with a light chuckle.

Law sat up violently, hands gripping the coat laid across his body and breathing heavy and sore. Blinking a few times he didn't hear Kid at first.

"Whoa, calm your shit, nightmare?"

The doctor slowly turned to the redhead who sat in the main chair, looking over his shoulder at him with...concern? Law shook his head, reaching to rake tan fingers through the sweat-scuffed tangles.

"Yeah, something like that-what progress has been made?" he switched the topic quickly, not meeting the golden-brown gaze of the kid pirate for much longer. Ashamed by his terrorised nights being witnessed by someone else.

"...It's alright you know, considering you were fucking terrified about your hands before..." Kid looked away, lips pursed as he tried very hard to not let even a slither of compassion into his voice but Law heard it and stopped a small smile spreading on his face. When he didn't reply because of naturally being unable to think of a reply to such a comment, he didn't want to thank the older man for clarifying that he was okay with the older man being scared but it would feel wrong to snap back with sarcasm so he simply waited until Kid sighed and replied with an answer to the original question.

"None really, but we are nearly at the island, I was gonna wake you in fifteen minutes" he explained, gesturing to the blank screen. Law sighed and nodded.

"What is the island?"

Here they were, the island. Or "BucketSnatch" Island as it was apparently named. Killer had raised an eyebrow at the name the author had so poorly picked for a small isle somewhere in the distant ocean but his nerves were wound too tight to be sceptical for much longer. He couldn't see teeth pirate's ship at the moment yet even that didn't let relief seep through him. Shuffling ever so slightly closer to the intensely saddened heart pirate. Penguin didn't look up at him or even the island. Only stared at the wooden decking before him with those stony azure eyes.

It was thrilling in a way, that such a mild, mysterious man was shielded from the gaze of others but the massacre soldier knew what he looked like under the hat. That aspect of knowledge drew him closer to the younger man. Even if he was still somewhat pissed about Penguin ripping his mask off. His cheeks still ached a little from the rough material being forced up his face.

The anchor was thrust from the ship and who was present of the crew started bustling about with docking preparations. Pebble had left Penguin and Killer a while back and she could be seen tying up some of the sails. Captain HurstSand Mirage hobbled over to the prisoners and took their roped cuffs into his one hand. A bold move for such an elderly man but the massacre soldier doubted he would try anything yet, not with his knowing of the man's tormenting ability.

"Now it's going to be a quick, clean trade. I don't want any trying to 'run away' or attempts of attack" he told them with that grim grin and Killer stayed rigid and fierce while Penguin nodded submissively. Killer was starting to hate that, how the heart pirate would bow to anyone. He was better than that. The blonde got even more pissed when Captain HurstSand Mirage was pleasantly surprised by the obedience of the hat-clad man and rubbed his head with forced affection. Penguin grimaced and Killer had to control himself not to take a step forward between the two.

The wooden bridge was slapped across to land with a dry thud and the captain, Pebble, Oasis and the captives made their way down.

"Looks like she ain't here, what now captain?" Pebble observed and the older man shrugged.

"We just wait, maybe grab a drink or two to sip while we sit" he winked at Oasis who grinned.

"I'll be back in a second" he ran off eagerly and the captain laughed heartily, coughing roughly afterwards. Killer smirked, glad the old man seemed to be suffering in some way.

Moving up past the sea-front, they found a patch of grass above the sand and sat on it childishly. Killer and Penguin stood, more out of confusion than anything else.

"I wasn't kidding lads, sit down" he tugged at the rope and they both lowered themselves awkwardly onto the dew damp ground. Several minutes went by and turned into longer minutes, quarter of an hour and half an hour. Oasis had returned a while back and the three drank and chuckled over things while Killer and Penguin sat side by side, staring out the sea as the sun rose fast.

Killer's shoulders relaxed when Penguin lazily lay against his side, hands fastened together by the cuffs and the upper half of his face concealed with his tell-tale hat.

"Do you wear that even in summer?"

"It's not too bad, so yeah"

Penguin admitted it to himself mentally, hearing the albeit gruff but warm voice of Killer eased his rapidly pulsing heart. He was glad the blonde was okay being used as physical support because he needed to something to keep his trembling body upright. Things had been...unbalanced between them, if nothing else. With their tendencies to protect one another yet the consistent distance and personal-shields they used to hide from one another.

"Come on, she's here" Oasis called, getting to his feet and rubbing himself down before darting over the sand like a lizard to a painfully familiar ship.

Pebble marched over and dragged them back up by the collar of their tops. Standing awkwardly before straightening up, the two men looked out to the sea where the vessel of Captain Arabella Mint came forward. Killer suddenly wound his arm around Penguin's waist, surprising the heart pirate and he blushed hard. The blonde didn't seem to care, mildly surprised by his actions but more interested in the approaching threat.

"Screw this, we should run" he turned to hiss into Penguin's ear-well his ear flap-this only caused the pirate to blush even brighter and cough lightly.

"I-er...we can't!" the words settled in his mind and he gasped in return. Voice low.

"Quit plotting!" Captain HurstSand Mirage snarled. Penguin's shoulder's sagged and he kept his head down sadly. Killer unwound his arm slowly.

"He really that cute, Killer?" Pebble purred, walking up and draping her arms over the younger man's shoulder. He huffed in surprise and tried to support himself as she put all her weight on him. The blonde blinked and his fists curled.

"How do you know my name?" he asked harshly.

"We found your WANTED poster, dimwit, plus your little friend here confirmed it for us, such a gent" she stuck her tongue out. Penguin's heart thudded with horror when she admitted his slight betrayal.

"I mean, I don't care; it's pretty impressive and all, but Captain Mint will be awfully pleased" Pebble seemed distasteful as she spoke of the green haired woman. Killer wasn't really listening, he was thinking about what the heart pirate had done.

Looking down at Penguin whose saddened expression stung ever so lightly. Snapping his hidden eyes back up to the woman, he spoke in a low grunt.

"Get off him"

Pebble's wide eyes blinked twice, looking at the hat clad man beneath her. Penguin was just surprised that Killer was still helping him after the newly discovered information.

"When he's so comfy, I hardly think so" she chuckled darkly, tracing a fingertip over the top of his hat. Penguin went rigid and Killer controlled himself enough not to take a step forward.

"You know, I always imagine you'd have fluffy brown hair" the woman's fingers gripped the yellow brim of his hat and all it took was for Penguin to gulp.

Killer flew at the woman, knocking her down with impossible speed and grabbed Penguin, flinging him onto his back where the younger man gasped with the wind being crushed from his lungs but held onto the older man with all his life as Killer started running. Over the bank and into the small town. Killer's deep brown shoes hitting the ground with a fierce speed. Pausing for something of a split second behind a house, he hoisted Penguin further up his back. A difficult feat for someone in cuffs.

"I can run with you!" he squirmed in protest and Killer dropped him.

"Keep up" he commanded with a deadpan voice. Penguin froze for a moment until nodding. Glancing around quickly he stopped when he saw a cluster of trees further up the island past the houses and a small field.

"There" he told the blonde who looked at their intended location.

"It'll be risky running across that open space" he added with logic and Killer grinned beneath his mask.

"Better get armed then"

They turned round the corner, they could hear Pebble, the captain and even Oasis yelling but the two were soon far from the sea front, finding their way into the inner town. It was quiet in such early hours of the morning and Killer pinpointed a small guards office. Darting in after snapping the lock; another impressive occurrence, they found a small heavy metal pillar and Killer caught Penguin's wrist - placing it over the cold surface. Telling the heart pirate to remain still. The hat-clad man didn't have time to protest as a small, yet razor sharp hammer pounded into the thick chain.

SNAP. Penguin let the restraints fall loose and he tossed them into a scrap bin before completing the same task for the blonde. The air was tense but they were pumped with too much determination and adrenaline to turn back now. Once Killer was free he returned to the jittery Penguin with swords and guns.

"Take a sword as well, even if it's not your style, you need something sturdy"

"I-I prefer to fight hand to hand-"

Penguin hardly managed to make his point as the blonde swerved round the corner and started running again. Straight for the field with no hesitation.

The heart pirate was nearly impressed with the ruthless courage of the kid pirate but his heart was thudding too painfully with the thrill of the chase. He was god-damn terrified. Starting to follow after, legs feeling like lead and like he couldn't possibly run but the grass was moving around him and the trees were getting closer, so he was picking up speed.

"BucketSnatch Island...small time, make small metal appliances and so forth...definitely my division" Kid sneered. Sinfully grinning and leaning back in the chair. Law sat up on the edge of the seat nearby, Kid's coat draped over his shoulders. He listened in with interest.

"...I think we should miss it, there's no way they would dock so soon after attacking a supply ship, it would be too risky"

"Unless they're big time, then they wouldn't be bothered"

Law had a sneaking suspicion that was often a component of the redhead's logic after he went around trashing every inanimate and animate thing in a ten mile radius.

"I don't want to waste time though so we need to look around fast, they could be anywhere by now" Law stood up, the large attire falling off his shoulders and he left with long strides, grabbing a nearby speaker.

"All Crew-Member's to the main deck as soon as we have surfaced" his voice was clear, loud and firm and he let go of the small metal device before telling his navigators to head for the surface. Kid followed through, leaning against the door and hiding the fact he was using all his bodily strength to keep himself upright as the same upward surging motion thrust the submarine to daylight.

Kid went down to retrieve two from his own crew as they went to the top. Stepping over the damp surface of the main deck. Many of Law's overall clad pirate members took a step or two back with a start when they saw the unfamiliar, infamous Eustass 'Captain' Kid step next to their captain accompanied by two fearsome looking crew mates. Swinging his blade out and over his shoulder, Law's usually laid-back expression was contorted into one of worrisome strain and frustration.

"Right! When we come up to this next island, this group-" he divided so many into a cluster. "Will stay on the ship and get it ready for a swift set off when we come back from the island, with or without Penguin" he commented at the end with a saddened tone but continued nonetheless, even after Kid had interrupted with a gruff.

"And Killer" to which many turned to one another with confused or anxious mutters.

"Whilst this group will accompany me and Captain Kid onto the island where we will commence a thorough search for either Penguin or Killer, or any indication to their whereabouts. Do not waste time" he finished before dismissing everyone with a wave as everyone saluted or nodded.

Kid turned to his more minor set of crew-embers.

"Heat, you can come with me onto the island whilst you stay on the ship and keep things in check and who knows, Killer or the Penguin guy might spot it and come rushing over" he claimed, smiling grimly and both nodded.

Looking out over the ocean where the sea spray spattered over his lips, he licked the salty taste from his skin and narrowed his eyes. The island was in definite view and only a few other ships; mere shadows, sailed in the distance. Boat were naturally docked up at the island but from where they were at this time, he couldn't make out any significant features.

"I swear to the gods if we don't find at least one of them or a clue I am going to destroy half of the fucking island"

"A clue? You make this sound like a full out mystery" Law came up beside him, squinting his eyes at their upcoming destination.

"Isn't it?" Kid inquired bluntly and Law chuckled. Eustass 'Captain' Kid was starting to get pretty pissed off with how charming the creepy doctor's laugh was.

Diving into the undergrowth, Penguin braced his body for the impact and huffed loudly as he felt thick mud and foliage hit his back. Slightly straining his wound making him grit his teeth but the adrenaline meant he quickly shook off any pain or distress and looked around for Killer. The blonde was getting to his feet a few yards away and they met each other's gaze in synchronisation and Penguin instinctively gestured for them to move forward.

"They'll expect us to hide in the trees, we have to find some kind of underground hiding place" he told the masked man as they began running alongside one another.

By running, I mean they were stumbling and leaping over branches and leaves as they got deeper and deeper into what seemed more like a small jungle than a forest. Killer pondered for a second at most.

"Fair enough" he complied and it only took a few more meters of heading through the trees before Penguin noticed a hole beneath a fallen log filled with damp leaves and dirt.

"K-Killer!" he called softly and the kid pirate was next to him in a split second.

"Quick, go, I can hear them" he told the heart pirate as he swiftly slid into the depths. The heart pirate followed warily and managed to awkwardly conceal his body with the nearby shrubs.

"Can you move up a little?" he muttered absently peering out, then turned to the blonde. Oh wow they were close. Oh god.

Well to be graphic about it, Penguin kneeling in the dirt yet his torso was against Killer's chest and his hands either side of his waist.

"I honestly can't" the blue and white masked man replied and Penguin scowled at the smirk he could hear.

"Shame" he responded with a sigh, trying to make himself a little more comfortable when they heard footsteps and talking above them.

"They gotta be in one of these trees" Oasis called to Pebble with a growl. Killer snapped his head down to Penguin with a specific tilt that Penguin smiled back to. Killer was impressed with the heart pirate's logic and initiative. He was also secretively appreciative of the near impossibly soft frame of the younger man as he kept himself rigid with fear as their enemies continued to discuss and search a few yards away if that.

But by holding his breath and leaning up ever so slightly, Killer was soon satisfied they had left and relaxed his body. Penguin did the same.

A/N: My sister is making a right racket upstairs and I don't know why! WHERE'S THE BROOM.

I can't believe I struggled with the plotline mid-way and thought 'oh god, better cut this chapter short' and then I got an idea and wrote too much! So I will continue this deliciously close awkwardness in the next chapter.

Come on, at some point there would be a small space situation with both of them. Hehe.

-LAW09

Slightly Twisted: In retrospect, it does seem more appropriate that it be considered a deterent, but I guess Sandhurst is used to big names and unless he has personally been in conflict with them he does not consider them worth being afraid of, it's a foolish trait on his behalf but I'm glad you looked into the true logic of it, haha, Kid is indeed very violent and who knows, Sandhurst may discover that sooner rather than later...thanks for the review!

xxXxx: Aww, I nearly missed you! Thanks for the review, I'm glad you are still enjoying it :)

ShivaVixen: Having replied to you in the following chapter, at the moment I can say thanks for the review and any Small Space Situation is excellent so maybe I shall involve such a scene, thanks for the review!

Thanks to all my favouriters and followers!