A/N: Hello my wonderful readers! Just a couple of things I would like to give you a heads up about! Number one is that this chapter/story will contain some Kid x Ember but only for the soul purpose of helping Law become self aware of hidden, unconscious feelings for Ember. Also for a plot thickener I have planned in much, MUCH later chapters which i wont spoil :) I promise this is still Law x OC so hopefully no one is too bothered. Secondly, this was supposed to be one chapter but I didn't want to make you guys suffer through 10,000 words so i cut it in half, since I have trouble finding the appropriate place to end a chapter. But at least chapter 5 will come out quick since its half written already lol. So other than that, I wish you a happy reading and would like to thank you all for your reviews as usual. It truly means so much to me
Underneath the neutral exterior of Law, his blood boiled at the sight of Ember wrapped in the greased metal arm of Eustass fucking Kid. His mind could draw no reasonable explanation as to how someone with wits like her could tolerate or even more so, find friendship buried beneath the deep layers of Kid's arrogance and hostility. Perhaps the relationship between the two could have something to do with Kid being quite the animal himself, with his killer instinct and insatiable hunger for dominance and power but those were only minor comparisons, considering they were still so polar-opposite. It didn't explain the hidden factors behind this peculiar friendship.
Law knew better than to be envious of anything or anyone. With superb medical skills, a very diverse Devil Fruit ability and a place among the shichibukai, there was just no need for such feelings. He was more than pleased with how far he has come as a rookie from the North Blue and his only intentions were to keep it going from there. No one in this world possessed anything of great value that could catch his attention; he had everything he could have possibly imagined, besides One Piece of course which is on his to-do list.
But if he truly was so content with his position, why the hell does he find himself wishing to be in Kid's boots right now?
"When I heard talk of a dragon stompin' around somewhere, I immediately went on a hunt lookin' for you. What the hell kind of trouble have you been gettin' yourself into that this sicko took your wings?" Kid laughed.
Ember rolled her eyes. "I should ask you, considering your hideous scars and missing arm."
"An arm's an arm. Besides, I like this one a lot better." He said, flexing the metal fingers. "Your wings ain't replaceable though." His glare turned toward Law, who was examining his fingernails in boredom.
Law glanced up slightly, face displaying a hint of annoyance. "Have you finished exchanging pleasantries? I would like to return to my ship now."
Kid released Ember, stepping in front of her instead. "To bring her wings back I hope, for your sake at least."
"Well, if she accompanies me back without a fuss, perhaps I'll consider reattaching them."
Kid did not like this response. He growled, his rage quickly boiling to where it was sure to spill over the pot. "Listen Law, if it weren't for this little lady always throwing a fit when I shed blood in front of her, I would have killed you now and asked questions later." Kid looked over his shoulder at Ember, making sure she realized what an inconvenience her condition was to him. "So I'm going to grit my teeth and ask that you bring back her wings so I don't have pound your face into the dirt."
Law was absolutely baffled. How much importance could Ember possibly hold to Kid that he is somewhat willing to be civilized and ask for something?
"You should really resume your ways of demanding and taking what you want, Mister Eustass. Asking just doesn't suit you."
"I tried," Kid says before activating his Devil Fruit power, seeking out all the metal objects that were in his abilities reach. Swords, guns, chains, all gathered around Kid's arms, forming two metal whips that twisted about in the air. Law retaliated by casting his blue dome around the three of them, causing Ember's newfound Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to kick in.
"Red, stop it!" she pleaded, pulling at Kid's shoulder who simply just shrugged her off. When Ember saw Law beginning to unsheathe his weapon, that's when she made her voice loud and clear. "STOP!"
Law was rather surprised to see the scraps of collected metal shower down to the ground in a chiming musical as Kid surrendered unwillingly, glaring menacingly over his shoulder at Ember. It was absolutely unbelievable how this fearsome pirate known for his blood thirst and killer instinct would allow not just anybody, but this woman to stop him from spilling blood.
"You better have a damn good reason why I can't just kill him." Kid growled.
"Because you would be stealing the pleasure away from me," she said. Although not too far from the truth, Ember felt guilty lying to Kid. As powerful as he was, metal was simply no match for a doctor who can slice through anything within his operating space but good luck trying to get that through Kid's head. It would just devastate her to see him experience the horror of having his body dismembered the way she has. "My wings, my problem. Not yours."
Kid laughed heartily. "You really think that a little novice like you got what it takes to take down this bastard? If anything, I'm doing you a favor."
"I told you Red, it's my problem so just stay out of it." She said firmly before her voice turned soft, almost sad. "Although it was still nice to see you, despite the circumstances."
Kid wasn't fond of the solemnness in her tone and pulled her into a strong hug before she could reluctantly return to Law's side, which confused Ember a great deal. Kid will usually hold her in a possessive grip but never has he given her a hug. She soon discovered the reason why.
"Lee's Tavern. Tonight. Be there." He said in a whispered growl against her neck to disguise his moving lips. He then turned her around, shoving her rather roughly in Law's direction who glared darkly at Kid for the rude gesture on his lovely pet. "Do what you want with her, I don't give a shit anymore." He shouted angrily before storming off.
Law simply shrugged, resting his nodachi over his shoulder as he began a casual stroll back to his ship with a hand in his pocket. Ember was close behind, ignoring the awkward silence that lingered between them as they journeyed back together. She didn't dare strike casual conversation after she pounced and ran off on him but she did however take a quick peek from beneath her eyelashes to observe his face, which didn't hold much expression. Was that was part of his personality or just a skill he's acquired over the years? Whatever it may be, it was very useful in keeping others in suspense such as herself, who wondered if he was planning some torturous form of punishment for her disobedience, all while casually strolling alongside her as if everything was good and peachy.
Back on the ship, she followed him expecting to be led back to her room, locked away for the rest of the evening but of course one should never try to predetermine the next course of action made by Trafalgar Law because a good majority of the time, its wrong. He made a detour to the kitchen where he wordlessly began gathering the necessary tools to brew some tea. Not too sure as to what to do with herself, Ember lingered by the doorway, watching the languid movements of Law as he went from cabinet to cabinet. He pulled two chairs, her cue that she was supposed to take a seat.
When the kettle whistled to announce that the water was hot, he poured the steaming liquid into two cups, dropping a tea bag in both. He served Ember hers first and she took a grateful sip as he went to clear the items away, not even stopping to consider the motives behind this unusual act of kindness. She was too absorbed in the wonderful tea, the only genuine warmth she has felt so far within the cold metal walls of the submarine.
Law sat himself down across from her, resting his cheek against his palm as he lazily dunked his tea bag repeatedly. Ember felt some relief when he spoke. "Tension Tamer Tea. To hopefully sooth that inner beast of yours and put its idea of escape to rest."
And there it was, the true reasoning behind the kind gesture that wasn't performed out of the goodness of his heart but rather for something he see's as beneficial to him in some way.
"Well now that you have me relaxed and tamed, what is your next course of action?"
The word brought Kid to Law's mind as his thoughts played over today's events. Tamed, a term that he would have never associated with the both of them until he observed their behavior today. The way Kid easily overstepped Ember's physical comfort boundaries without even a hint of a threat from the feisty dragon and then the way she had curbed him from attacking, a feat that is rarely even accomplished by the first mate, Killer. Two different yet similar hotheaded temperaments that seem to soothe each other somewhat when together.
Law took a long sip from his tea to ease the tension developing from the thought of imagining Ember and Kid as a pair. The idea irked him in a way that just didn't sit well in his mind and what bothered him even more was that he couldn't understand why. Is this what jealousy feels like?
Law finished his cup all too quickly, scolding himself for believing the claims on the tea box. It certainly wasn't doing anything of the sort for him.
"My course of action you ask? Well, my main priority at the moment is to get the ship's engine fixed. Until then, I thought I would use the ample time to better understand the newest edition to my crew." He said with a lazy smile to conceal the true turmoil within his thoughts.
Ember was not amused. "I really do hope your not referring to me."
"Well, who else would I be referring to?" It's cute when she plays oblivious.
Ember rolled her eyes. "If that's the case, then I'd rather be a part of the Kid Pirates, which is saying a lot." She took a sip, eyes closing as she enjoys the hot beverage.
Law's expression hardened, his brow tightly knitted together as he glared at her for making such an offensive statement. How dare she even suggest that joining those misfits would be much more appealing than Law's crew which has so much more to offer? He brushed off the insult to the best of his ability, since it's not everyday that he allows someone the leniency to get away with such a thing. Law decided to do some probing not just to get his mind off of her rude remark, but to satisfy some pressing questions of his now that the topic was put on the table.
"Speaking of the Kid Pirates," he began, idly playing with the tea bag by dunking it repeatedly in his empty cup as if there was still liquid left. "What is your association to my dear friend, Mister Eustass?"
Ember expressed a brief look of confusion before crossing her legs, her eyes darkening with mischievous intent as if she had just discovered something that she could use to her advantage. She leaned forward on the table as if this conversation had just started to get interesting, supporting her chin in her hand while her pinky finger rested rather seductively on her bottom lip. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Law watched her carefully, not particularly enjoying her newfound confidence, as unbelievably attractive as it was. "As a matter of fact I would."
She smiled evilly. "Let's just say Red and I were once…very close."
And there she saw it. Overlooking the forever-neutral expression of Law, she saw the spark within his hardened grey eyes that indicated she had stuck a cord somewhere.
"Is that so?" Law asked casually. He was finding it rather difficult to remain unaffected by her statement.
"Indeed it is," She responded with a flashy smile of pearly white teeth. "Red has overwhelmed me with countless offers, his masculine way of begging me to join his crew but I chose to be captain of my own ship. Joining him would have simply been…a conflict of interest."
Ember was speaking in suggestive riddles and Law did not like being left in uncertainty. He would draw no conclusions until he was absolutely sure about what she may be referring to and if his assumptions were correct, he may have to take out his rival sooner than he had expected to.
"I think it's time you retire for the night." He said flatly as he stood to his feet. Law wanted to dig more but knew he wasn't in the best state of mind to withstand the possibility of uncovering something that he may not be prepared to hear.
"What's wrong? I thought you were eager to learn about my history with Red." Ember pouted with playfulness.
"I get bored rather quickly, Miss Ember and quite frankly I'm not too sure myself why I even bothered to ask such a question, considering the fact that I simply don't care. Now come with me since I don't particularly trust you alone on my ship without an escort."
Ember stood from her seat, a knowing smile still playing on her lips as she followed Law wordlessly throughout the corridors of his submarine until they arrived at her door. Law looked down at her with a deep frown.
"Inside. Now." He ordered.
With a huff, Ember did what she was told, hearing the soft click behind her as Law locked her in from the outside.
Tight knots of anticipation coiled within Ember's stomach as she watched the clock anxiously. It was almost midnight and she was still in her room, unsure as to how long she should wait until she can plot her second escape attempt. She wasn't nervous about her plan failing, no not at all. She had learned from her first failed attempt that proper planning could make all the difference. She was nervous about how long Kid was probably waiting for her. That poor barkeeper, probably receiving drunken threats from Kid by now as he grows more impatient with Ember's absence. He was never really fond of waiting and Ember felt if she procrastinated any longer, Kid was surely bound to come turn this ship into scrap metal with her still on it.
Pulling a trusty bobby pin she keeps stored in her lengthy black tresses for situations like these, she got to work on picking the lock. It was hard to believe a smart man like Law would believe a puny little lock would be enough to contain her. Once she heard the click, she quickly slipped off her boots, leaving her in her stockings as she exited her room. Her wings briefly entered her mind but now wasn't the time to look for them. They will remain wherever they may be waiting for her but Kid on the other hand, didn't have much patience.
Without her boots, she was able to pad briskly yet silently along the metal flooring as she rushed to get off the ship as quickly as possibly. Timing also paired well with this strategy, as the Heart Pirates were asleep at such a late hour, which is why she prolonged her getaway.
Relief washed over her as she reached outside, feeling the cool grass beneath her feet as she made it past the docks seamlessly. She glanced over her shoulder, making sure there where no sneaky followers before sliding into her long boots.
The town was still surprisingly lively at such an hour, lanterns burning bright outside late night food shacks and rowdy bars. She could hear the murmurs of conversations as townspeople and pirates alike, swapped stories in front of these establishments. She wandered down the main street, until she found the weathered cursive sign that read Lee's Tavern and underneath the glow of it's hanging lantern by the door stood Kid, who wore a scowl as he took a swig from large glass bottle of an unidentifiable brand.
Crimson eyes narrowed as she approached the front entrance, taking one last gulp from his drink before roughly casting it aside where a soft shatter was heard. "What the hell took so long?"
"Would you rather have me rush and get captured?" Ember asked patiently.
"Don't remind me of the fact that you're being cooped up on another man's ship."
"Why not? Does that make you jealous?"
Kid growled. "Just shut up and get inside. I'm gettin' bit up by these damn bugs out here."
Ember shrugged, accustomed to Kid's manners or lack there of and proceeded to lead the way into the bar where wolf whistles and hollers were heard as she entered. Grungy looking men eyed her hungrily, making Kid even more irritated.
Kid had always enjoyed the way Ember made heads turn with her exotic beauty, especially back when they used to frequent many bars together. He enjoyed the fact of possessing something so desirable among other men and what he enjoyed even more were the looks of discouragement when he would display his ownership of his rare pet by placing a protective arm around her. It was so entertaining to watch jaws fall to the floor as the fact that this lovely lady belonged to Eustass Kid registered into their puny brains.
But Kid was in no mood for anyone to ogle at her like that. Ember was currently in the possession of someone else, no other than his rival Trafalgar Law and Kid would be damned if he were to allow another man the same privilege. So as a result, Kid just couldn't help but feel a tad overprotective than he normally would be.
"Quit gawking at her like you've never seen a damn woman before!" Kid roared.
The bar was quite for a quick moment and the men nervously turned their attention back to their drinks, continuing whatever conversations they were previously engaged in.
Kid grabbed her arm, black nails digging into her tough skin as he practically dragged her to where Killer saved them two stools at the bar by sitting on one and having his feet propped on the other. He sipped at his beer with a bendy straw that went through his mask and Ember couldn't help but grimace at the thought of how bad that must taste.
"All yours." He spoke before hopping off the stool to join Heat and Wire at a table.
Ember sat herself down with back facing the bar along with Kid, who slammed a fist on the surface to catch the barkeeper's attention.
"A gin and tonic for the lady and two shots of your hardest whiskey."
As the barkeeper got to work on their drinks, Ember couldn't help but smile at Kid, who had his elbows propped up on the bar behind him while observing the patrons through the thin film of cigarette smog that clouded the air
"I'm surprised you remembered my drink of choice."
"Tch. After all the time we used to waste in shitholes like this, how could I not?"
The barkeeper slid the beverages along the polished wooden surface where Ember caught them effortlessly. She handed the small glass to Kid. "Lose the negative attitude and have a drink."
A small smirk tugged at the corner of his dark lips and clanked glasses with hers before chugging their alcohol straight. It took Ember some time to finish hers since it was a full sized glass but completed the feat just several seconds after Kid. She then lightly tapped the table, signaling a second round to the barkeeper.
"No amount of booze is going to make me forget that you're on Law's ship, Em."
Ember rolled her eyes. "Is that the reason why you're being such a sourpuss?"
"Stop acting like this is some kind of fucking joke! I told you a bunch of times that you just ain't ready to man your own ship and crew. Look at what good it's done you."
"I didn't come here for you to lecture me again. The 'You're Not Ready' speech always leads to the whole 'If You're Going Start Somewhere, Why Not My Crew?'"
"If not my crew, then why his." Kid said with much venom.
"Dammit Red, are you that thick in the head that you're assuming I willingly joined the Heart Pirates?"
"Well you certainly ain't doing anything to prove otherwise"
Ember sighed calmly in an attempt to regain her composure. "Look Red, I'm not going to get into a debate about this. I came here because it's been a while since I last seen you and if you continue to be like this then I'll simply return back to Law's ship."
Kid growled angrily before washing away his rage with his second shot glass. It really annoyed him when Ember gets testy like that but the idea of her back in the clutches of that twisted surgeon had his blood pumping even more and decided that perhaps he could tolerate the latter…for tonight at least.
Drunken laughter echoed throughout the smog filled tavern, spreading like a contagion that caught every patron except Kid and Ember, who seemed to be immune to the cheery vibe. They sat on their stools in silence, irritated with each other as they leaned their backs against the bar, watching Heat entertain several men with some fire tricks.
Fire is just an element, a non-living entity that seemed to possess better company compared to what Kid was providing, so Ember all to eagerly left her stool to join the Kid pirates at their table.
Kid watched from his seat as Ember shared laughs with his crewmembers, taking several shots in unison as if they were the best of friends, which in reality, they were. His crew missed, and deep down Kid knew he missed as well, the days when Ember was just a nomad; A pleasant surprise that would swoop down on their ship every now and then during her intermissions of aimless soaring and soul searching, sharing her spoils of stolen booze. These were back in the good old days years ago, before she was a captain, before she left Kid's side in favor for independence and structure in her life.
"Ay Captain, quit being a mope and come have a damn drink!" Killer shouted over the laughter and loud conversations around them.
With an irritated huff of breath, Kid joined his crew with intentions to drink himself into a stupor to put his brain on pause. He hated thinking and he especially hated thinking about her.
Killer leaned his head toward his captain's ear so he could be heard over the loud banter. "Ember and Heat are about to do their fire trick."
Kid rolled his eyes. Ember and Heat were usually inseparable, probably due to their shared ability of breathing fire. Her company was very valued among his men and although they were his loyal crewmates, Kid was never too fond of sharing.
"On the count of three, Heat…one…two…three!"
They blew on their shot glasses as if blowing out a candle, releasing a small breath of flame to ignite the surface of the whiskey. The fire wasn't given much time to dance within the glass as it was quickly swallowed by Ember and Heat in unison. Everyone around the table applauded except for Kid who looked unimpressed.
"That trick is getting old Em. I could probably do it myself now after seeing it so many times."
Ember raised an amused eyebrow. "Oh?"
She got up and strut over to Kid with two whiskey shots in her hands, sitting herself down on his lap where his metal hand unconsciously reached for her lower back to support her. She blew into both shot glasses creating flames to flicker on the surface of the flammable liquid. The room quieted down to a soft murmur and Kid could feel the intense stares. He absolutely despised when people would even glance at him, let alone gawk at him like some freak show.
"Count of three, Red?" she said in a very sly tone, handing the drink to his human arm.
"I don't need to wait three seconds like some weakling." And with that Kid quickly downed the shot, only to curse and drop the glass where it shattered loudly on the wooden floor.
Ember was the only one who laughed. Everyone else knew better than to mock Eustass Kid so to lighten the situation of his failure, they simple resumed back to normal bar talk as if nothing had happened.
"Maybe you need to watch it a couple more times." She said before finishing her flaming shot glass. "Perhaps that cute guy over there with the gold hoop earrings would be more appreciative of my talents." She said, raising an unsteady hand to point a finger in the direction of the man who sat alone in a corner, the back of his raven hair facing them.
Kid briefly glanced over toward the direction she was pointing, but his impaired vision was not allowing him to see much, so he returned his annoyed gaze back to Ember, who was in much closer focus. "Making me jealous is a game you do not want to play, Em."
"You're no fun." She pouted.
Kid growled at her before raising his fingers to touch his rather sore lips. "This shit still burns."
"I don't know what you want me to do about it."
"You could kiss me."
The metal arm behind her back pushed her forcefully toward him, pressing his lips to hers.
Fingers tapped along the table in a rhythmic motion as Trafalgar Law watched the two of them from the corner of his eye from an inconspicuous angle over his shoulder. A deep frown has made itself comfortable on his lips the entirety of his time spent observing them the moment he followed them into the bar, and he was even more upset as he watched Ember kiss back.
This was supposed to be an experiment; a little study he has decided to take upon himself in an attempt to analyze Ember's questionable decision making skills in regards to proper planning, such as another escape attempt. Not only did he conclude that she has her priorities mixed resulting in her poor choices, but he now has a rather firm grasp on the relationship between Ember and his Kid.
They had a history, obviously a romantic one and this bothered Law to an incredible degree. Ember has been tamed by a previous owner, who was no other than his rival, Eustass fucking Kid.
Luckily, Law was a cunning man who always thought out his actions before engaging in them, unlike his dear pet, Ember. As much as it pained him to sit there and watch Kid's calloused and most likely contaminated hands roam all over his prize, Law very patiently waited for the appropriate time to strike.