Chapter 7
Kid had reached out and gently shook Trafalgar's shoulder, after he had interrogated him earlier he realised that he never really appeared grateful that Trafalgar took that bullet for him, of course he didn't like the idea of the quack doctor getting hurt for him but still, he was at least owed a 'thank you' right?
Law groggily tried to wave him away, much to his amusement but he just leaned down and quietly spoke, not wanting to alert that damned bird-guy who seemed to be tempted to knife him.
"I just wanted to say thanks by the way. Even if I didn't want you to take that bullet for me you still did. So thanks." Kid lowered himself down, he couldn't help but tenderly kiss Law's bandaged shoulder.
He was going to speak more but he then registered Law's sleepy look, how he blinked drowsily and wriggled about beneath Kid's arm, trying to turn over to see him better, the blankets were sliding off him along with his own jacket, revealing his chest and Kid couldn't help but become fascinated with those dark tattoos on his tanned skin. He delicately ran his fingertip, tracing the heart shaped tattoo on Law's chest, earning a shiver as he settled himself down beside Law, who in turn looked up at him with a bit more focus. Kid was surprised when Law cupped his cheek with his hand, showing him that genuine smile he always showed his guards.
"You're fascinated by my tattoos again, Kid." The redhead couldn't help but smirk softly, continuing to brush his fingertips over his soft skin, earning a sharp hiss when he dug his fingernail more harshly around his nipple, where the ink was. "I didn't think you would have such an obsession with them."
"They are nice Trafalgar, where did you get them?"
Law lowered his hand from Kid's cheek, instead cupping Kid's wandering hand, clasping them together. "I had them done years ago."
Kid had noticed that they looked older, and glanced over to inspect Law's hand, clasped within his own before reaching over and kissing Law's knuckles, the ink seemed fresher compared to the heart tattoo.
The redhead smiled as Law took the hint. "They were more recent compared to the heart on my chest." Kid paused though when Law released his hand and cupped his cheek again, leaning forward to press their foreheads together. "And I believe you were wanting something more than just an explanation on my tattoos, correct Eustass-ya?"
"How could you tell?" The redhead smirked back, enjoying that eager gleam in Law's eyes.
"You've been looking at me like that since I got shot, I know the drugs have been keeping me docile, but did I really look that exhausted?"
"You looked helpless, it was cute." Kid bit back a snigger when Law scowled at him, giving a sharp bite to his shoulder for that comment, making him wince. "C'mon, you were cute! You still look like a helpless kitten."
"I have to wonder if you always relate me to a 'kitten', Eustass-ya." Law murmured against his shoulder, trailing soft kisses against some old scars there, sending shivers up the redhead's spine.
Kid grumbled, knowing Law wouldn't be pleased by the answer. "You are like a cat y'know?"
And then there was another sharp bite, this time at his jaw making him groan as his other hand moved to Law's back, smoothing his hand along his soft skin, appreciating the muscles flexing beneath his fingers. Kid frowned when he felt Law's injured shoulder move just beneath his arm, so he leaned forward and nipped lightly at Law's ear, earning a whine.
"You should be careful with that arm Law, you want to be fine for the tournament right?"
"It's not like I'm participating, only watching." He felt Law smile against his shoulder, making him smirk.
He leaned back, cupping Law's cheek as he used the hand against Law's back to bring him into his lap, ignoring his squirm as he tried to shift into a more comfortably position, though he did groan himself when Law's knee nudge between his legs lightly, before getting a better purchase.
"Something wrong Eustass-ya?" Kid growled when Law's tone turning teasing, making him tug Law closer, sliding the hand on Law's back further down.
"Yeah, I need you in good shape to cheer for me when I win this damned tournament." Kid retorted, sealing their lips together as his free hand tangled into Law's hair, bringing him closer.
Kid smirked as he thrusted his tongue past Law's lips, earning a muffled whine, strangely he heard his name being called but ignored it as he felt Law cling weakly to his arms as he slipped his hand into the back of Law's trousers, fondling his round ass and massaging his hand against the soft skin. He continued to grope his ass, smiling into the kiss as Law rolled his hips lightly, though his smile turned into a frown when the voice calling his name grew louder. He was forced to pull apart from their kiss though as they began to run out of air, Law's cheeks were flushed, a nice pink tint to them, though they were starting to turn into a rosy red colour as Law grew more aroused.
"What's wrong Trafalgar?" Kid panted softly, nibbling his ear lightly as he rubbed his hand against Law's thigh, starting to bring it around to the front of his trousers. "You're already hardening."
He frowned again when he heard his name but quickly drew Law back into a kiss, silencing his answer, which would probably be an excuse, because of course Kid couldn't arousal him so easily, no Trafalgar would probably blame the drug or something-
"Wake up Eustass-ya!"
Groggily he opened his eyes, surprised to find Law above him, his cheeks now tinted that rosy colour. Kid gingerly sat up, confused why Law was above him when he had just been in his arms a second ago but reached out, intent on drawing him back into the kiss they had gotten back into earlier-
Then he gapped when he was slapped in the face.
Law frowned down at Eustass-ya, the idiot was as noisy as ever, groaning and moaning as he twisted and turned, pleasantly smiling in his sleep. Law kneeled down beside the slumbering man, who was sweating and panting, and Law felt his own cheeks burns when Eustass-ya's hips began to buckle making him shake his head to clear his suddenly cloudy thoughts.
"Eustass-ya wake up!" Law called out, ignoring the moan from the idiot. "We have to go, we don't have that much more time to get to the castle."
Then Kid turned over, facing away from him and stretching out, Law could see his back's muscles stretching out, tensing up as they flexed out making Law twitch as he heard another moan. "Eustass-ya would you wake up already?!"
But the redhead seemingly didn't hear him again, only giving another pleasant groan and turn again, hugging his own pillow.
Law scowled, and decided to call one last time before he decided he would need a bucket of water or something. "Eustass-ya I'm going to go get a bucket of cold water if you don't wake up right now and throw it over you. Then I might even throw the bucket at you depending how quickly you awaken."
When he didn't awaken still Law decided to stand up but before he could a muscular arm wrapped around his waist and suddenly Kid was snuggling up into his waist, one hand was trailing against Law's leg, rubbing his trousers in small circles while he felt a similar sensation that had been against his shoulder a few nights ago now against his waist, he could see the redhead kissing him.
And Law tensed, feeling his cheeks burn as he realised what was happening. "Wake up Eustass-ya!"
He thankfully shoved the idiot away, who grunted as he fell back on to his bed finally starting to wake up. The redhead looked confused, blinking up sleepily at him before carefully sitting up, Law blinked when Eustass-ya cupped his cheek, but then understood when the idiot began to lean forward-
Law didn't realise his hand had reacted, but he could only yelp in astonishment as he slapped the assassin across the face, the redhead's own expression turning into a mix of stunned and horror. The idiot must have finally realised that he wasn't the one in his wet dream!
He didn't understand why that sent a strange bitterness crawling through him.
So instead Law smirked, managing to think of something to say. "I didn't realise your feelings were that strong Eustass-ya, maybe instead of going straight to a kiss though you could take me out on a date?"
The redhead grumbled moodily making him chuckle. This was familiar to Law, not that tender side from a few nights ago after he was shot or whatever that was that just happened there, no, it was much better like this. That way both of them had no confusion about their relationship, Eustass-ya was a prisoner he was escorting.
But why was that bitterness in his stomach growing worse then?
Law fought the violent urge to scream and instead stood up, smirking down calmly at the assassin. "Anyway, get ready to go, I was serious when I said we're running out of time to get to the castle."
The redhead only managed another grumble, he was probably embarrassed so Law decided to leave him to it so he could get himself ready.
Kid hated his life right now. He really shouldn't, currently he was out of the mines, eating a nice, cooked meal and sitting down on some soft grass but he had just had a dream about fucking Captain. Law. Trafalgar.
Oh and it had been a good dream, that was the worse part! Kid had enjoyed it and wanted to see Law like that again, his cheeks burning and his voice deep and lust filled again, his body weak but squirming in his lap while he panted helplessly against him-
Shit, Kid could even feel his trousers growing tighter, making him tense.
Okay, so Kid could admit that Law was good looking, but that shouldn't have been enough to have a dream like that about him, this man was also the one taking him to the tournament where he might possibly die. That should also be a set back.
But he couldn't help but think back to that dream, Law just looked good and even felt good. Part of him just wants to drag him behind a tree and tease him into submission, just to see that helpless, heated gaze again, his body giving in to every touch Kid laid upon him-
And Kid realised he really needed to stop thinking about it. It had already been embarrassing this morning, finding himself about to kiss a blushing Trafalgar- Wait, one thing Kid didn't understand, why was Trafalgar bright red in the first place? Though now that he thought about it clearly, it could have been a lingering effect, Law was probably still recovering from his drugged wound, maybe he was actually coming down with a fever?
Kid scowled, he wasn't sure if he should check on the quack doctor or not, if he really was ill it would endanger his health again but he had just tried to kiss him. The assassin couldn't help but weigh his options before cursing softly to himself, he got up and walked off, hoping to catch up to Law, he needed to be healthy to move on right?
It wasn't like Kid was concerned or anything.
Law didn't understand it, he felt a mixture of feelings when he had dealt with the redhead a few moments ago, he didn't understand the helpless bitterness lingering inside him and the embarrassment, it left him flustered and angry.
He paused in his walk when he remembered feeling a similar sensation once, long arms wrapped around him, a hand clasping the back of his head and a pair of lips- Law shook his head, shaking away that memory as another wave of frustration washed over him but then he blinked, confused as he heard a familiar ringing in his ears, he slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small snail, frowning at the transponder snail he sighed and picked it up with a gruff greeting.
"What do you want?"
"Fufufufu, you sound cheery Law." Law tensed, his eyes widening as he registered the voice.
"What do you want Doflamingo?" He repeated angrily, feeling irritated as be clenched his fists, but regretted letting that happen when his shoulder throbbed in warning.
"I thought I would check up on you, I've been hearing quite a bit about your progress. How is your package doing? Is he going to recover in time for the tournament?"
"You can see 'how he is doing' when you see him at the tournament."
He bit back another sneer when Doflamingo laughed again. "So secretive, I always love your surprises Law."
The Captain snorted bitterly, frowning down at the transponder snail. "I certainly didn't like the one you sent me just recently."
"Fufufufu, I was told you got in the way like a naughty brat. You should have been a good boy and let them kill that assassin, he did try to kill you after all."
"I do wonder how you heard about that." Law tried to lure the answer out of Doflamingo but he was ignored.
"Have you recovered from the poison? I know you don't like being drugged like that but it was really for your own good, fufufufu, you're such a restless thing at times."
"...Why have you called me Doflamingo?"
He disliked the way that Doflamingo spoke next, it was dark and filled with a painful intent. "I'll give you one last chance to abandoned the assassin Law, if you return with him we're going to have a long chat you and I. Got it?"
Law couldn't help but snort, he leaned against the tree bark behind him, feeling amused by Doflamingo's threat. "And since when have I deliberately failed a mission?"
"If you know what's good for you Law you will fail this mission of your's. I won't allow you to senselessly endanger yourself for a game's outcome-"
"Stay out of my way you son of a-"
"Calm down Law. Do I really have to send someone to knock you on the back of the head and drag you home? That would be really embarrassing in front of your precious friends. You're stressing yourself out too much."
Law quietened down at that because he knew that was exactly what Doflamingo would do, and worse he would probably send Vergo along to subdue him, or even worse he would come himself and probably would kill Kid himself while picking him up.
"Now that you have calmed down we can continue our chat right? Fufufufu, now your shoulder, how is it? Baby-5 told me she shot you there."
"...It still hurts..." Law admitted reluctantly. "But I've continued to have it treated regularly."
"And have you been getting enough sleep?"
Law frowned, remembering what Penguin said to him just recently. "You gave orders for Penguin to drug me if I wasn't looking after myself."
"I'm surprised you found out, did he have to drug you?"
"No but he explained he would use them if I continued to mistreat my body's care."
"Ah, so you haven't been eating and sleeping properly. Law this is your last warning. You will take care of yourself otherwise I am coming to pick you up, then once you're home I'll set Baby-5 on you until your healthy again."
Law was frustrated at the embarrassment he felt, scowling as he spoke into the dial again. "I'm not a child, stop treating me as such."
"I'm not." The snail was still grinning though. "I'm just concerned about you. I've been taking care of you for over ten years after all."
"I wish you would stop, your constant fretting is irritating."
"And I wish you could look after yourself better. We really need to come to a compromise Law, no matter how amusing it is we just keep going back and forth." Doflamingo still seemed amused though, much to Law's annoyance.
"Doflamingo I will hang up." Law warned.
"Alright, alright, fufufufu. Well there was a problem a few days ago here at home Law." Law felt the dread begin to sink into him as Doflamingo carried on. "You can't blame me for this Law, she was a bad girl. She tried to runaway again and unfortunately it was Vergo that caught her. She has been disciplined and is recovering in time out-"
"If you've put her in a jail cell I'll kill you." Law seethed, he could see his hand trembling as he clenched his fist around the snail, his shoulder was aching but he could hardly think on that right now.
"It wasn't my fault she ran away. You know she needs to learn and without you here I can't very well be persuaded that she is actually a good girl with silly thoughts."
"And you had Vergo discipline her?!" Law snapped, he had to bite down on his lip to keep himself from spewing a list of insults and rage at the bastard whose snail was now frowning at him, knowing that would only make things worse.
"Vergo disciplined her before I knew he had even caught her, though maybe finally she will learn she's not going to get away after his treatment. If that's the case you should be happy."
"And why would that make me happy?" Law strained to keep his voice calm.
"Because if she has learned to finally stop running away you shouldn't have to worry about your precious little sister getting punished anymore."
When Kid finally found Law he was relieved, as well as irritated how long it took. He spotted Law curled up against a tree, his head buried inbetween his knees making Kid frown, shit maybe he did have a fever and now it's exhausted him? With that thought it mind Kid briskly marched over, kneeling in front of Law once he reached him.
"Oi Trafalgar, c'mon you need to rest, you're still ill right?" Kid reached out, resting his hand on Law's uninjured shoulder and gently pushed Law back from his curled up state.
What he saw next made a painful twinge pulse through him.
Law's eyes were red, filled with agony making Kid quickly search over him, he spotted what he thought was the problem, the bandages around his shoulder were wet and red making Kid curse.
"Law you're bleeding again! Is it hurting badly? I'll take you back to camp-"
Law shook his head, Kid thought he heard a sniff but then Law spoke up. "...I hate that bastard..."
"Bastard?" The redhead frowned, he didn't understand why he disliked seeing Law like this, he looked like he was crying and in pain. "What happened Law?"
"...A bird called me and told me some crappy news..." He heard Law murmur out. "...I need to stop him... He needs to be stopped..."
Kid frowned, glancing at Law's wound and frowning as more blood oozed out, dying more of the bandages, with a sigh he reached out, wrapping one arm around Law's back and the other slipping under his knees. Carefully he stood up, using his hand to put some pressure on the bandages earning a pained hiss, Kid nearly brightened up when he felt Law bury his head into his chest but then realised that Law was probably just too tired out now.
"Let's get you back to camp huh? You can tell me what happened later when you've stopped crying."
"I'm not crying, idiotass."
Kid snorted. "Oh, so those water marks on your cheeks are just my imagination then huh? And I guess those puffy, red eyes aren't real either. My mistake then."
"Asshole." He heard Law growl.
"Yeah, yeah, love you too." Kid immediately regretted saying that, feeling a tinge of embarrassment swarm within him but luckily Law didn't say anything, only curled up more in his arms.
"Captain you need to be more careful." Kid felt frustrated when it seemed like Law barely acknowledged the bird-guy, he just stared, looking dazed and tired.
Bird-guy stood up with a sigh, glancing at Kid. "Mind keeping some pressure on his wound? I'll bring the bucket over."
Kid nodded and knelt down beside Law, gently he settled his hands over the wound, pressing down on it but frowned when the blood continued to try and escape, he was startled when a soft hand covered his own, pushing down on them more heavily.
"You need to press more heavily Eustass-ya, otherwise my wound won't stop bleeding." Law murmured, Kid disliked how he looked at the moment.
"What was that call about? I haven't seen you like this before so it must have been bad."
Law snorted lightly. "We've only known each other for about three weeks now. What makes you think that you know me so well?"
Kid frowned further at that. "You're an asshole who hates losing and definitely hates being ordered around by others, the fact that you listen to this 'Doflamingo' bastard amazes me. You're too cocky and proud to act like someone's bitch."
He clamped both hands on Law's shoulders, earning a hiss of protests but Kid felt that he needed to get his point through, that damned expression on Law's face wasn't him, it made him look like he had given up. Law was too much of an asshole to just 'give up'.
"Whatever this bastard has over you, whatever leash he's got. Break it. Or get someone's help to, you have a good team behind you right now right? Let them help you." Then Kid pulled back, irritated that Trafalgar didn't seem to remember the promise he made to him a few nights ago. "Besides, I already told you I won't let that 'damned bird' get another advantage over you didn't I? So stop fucking worry over something that's gonna be dealt with."
Penguin couldn't help but stare at the assassin. Law had actually appeared to be genuinely listening to him, looking wide-eyed and shocked, Penguin didn't even mind that there was a lingering pain in his eyes, knowing it was now from his wound being squeezed so harshly, just because the assassin seemed to manage to force Law out of whatever depression he had been in a moment ago.
He could tell Law had gotten a call from Doflamingo, that's usually the only time he seemed so defeated and exhausted, after talking with that man. Penguin hated Doflamingo, even during the happier times when Law and Doflamingo were good friends Penguin always saw that manipulative streak, ready to tangle Law up into submission, and he even succeeded by using his little sister to collar him, his proud and haughty Captain.
But Penguin was thankful, it would usually take a good amount of harsh words from him to snap Law out of it, to bring him out of that defeat he knew his Captain wanted to give into so many times. Penguin knew though that if he ever let Law sink down too far he wouldn't be able to get him back and would lose him to Doflamingo, he nearly did once and that had been terrifying.
The day Doflamingo killed him.
Penguin sighed instead and shaking his head he sat down beside the redhead who flinched when he spotted him. Penguin was glad that the redhead seemed weary of him, someone needed to make Eustass tense but instead of saying anything he passed the cloth to Eustass after gently rinsing it in the warm water.
"Clean up his wound for me so I can restitch it close. I would like to be done quickly before Shachi and Bepo come back and learn that Captain's bleeding again."
"Where did they go?" Penguin heard Law ask, looking more relaxed now as he leaned back against the bark of the tree they had sat him against earlier.
"If you had stayed nearby earlier Captain you would have known I sent them off to look into the nearest town. Everyone is getting tired and we need to rest, even you Captain." Penguin replied, beginning to sow up the wound once he could see it more clearly, he ignored Law's hiss as he began to restitch, sealing up the wound while Eustass cleaned off the rest of the blood.
"When they coming back?" He heard Eustass ask so Penguin answered, keeping his concentration on the wound.
"At anytime now." Penguin then finished off the stitch, reaching back for the bandages. "I'm going to wrap your shoulder back up alright Captain?"
"Sure." He saw Law nod and so began to bandage up the wound, telling Eustass to get rid of the bucket as he heard Shachi's voice calling out to the patrol nearby.
While the redhead did that he finished tying Law's bandage off, helping Law slip on a new coat who gave a light hiss at the stinging but Penguin decided to ask a serious question instead. "What did Doflamingo do this time Captain?"
"What makes you think it was him?" Penguin ignored Law's frown and replied.
"Because he is the only one who ever sends you back in such a state, though Eustass seems to have snapped you out of it."
He nearly smiled when Law snorted. "That idiot's breath stunk, who wouldn't snap out of it when he's breathing all over your face?"
"Still, what he said was true Law. We are here for you, not under any orders. Let us help you once in a while okay?" Penguin frowned.
"You know I won't- No I don't want you to, he'll use you if any of you get involved-"
Before Penguin could reply though he was surprised when a certain redhead spoke up. "You still wallowing in pity Trafalgar? Jeez you really need to relax."
"Hey Penguin is Captain back yet? We found a bar for us to rest in in town! It's a big town too!" Penguin glanced over to see Shachi approaching, grinning when he spotted Law. "Oh, hey Captain!"
Penguin ignored his Captain greet Shachi and Bepo, who came to sit beside Law and questioned the brunette instead. "Where is it?"
"Mock Town, the bar is called 'Pub'."
"How creative." Law snorted, settling against Bepo's side who smiled.
Penguin felt himself glower at his Captain. "We're going there to rest, not for it's creativity."
"Oi mutt, it's a bar yeah?"
"That's what I said asshole." Shachi growled at Eustass, nearly making Penguin sigh.
"Then let's take this guy-" Penguin saw Eustass jerk his thumb at Law. "And get him shit-faced, he needs to relax for once."
"I'm not getting drunk with you Eustass-ya!"
"We tried to get the Captain drunk once." Shachi grinned sheepishly, looking nervous. "But he only got tipsy by the time the rest of us got drunk, we were told Penguin walked in later on to see me and Bepo both passed out on the ground with Law bringing out his surgical tools..."
"...I was just going to give you a few cuts..."
"YOU WERE PLANNING TO TAKE OUR ORGANS!"
"...Just a few..."
"DON'T JUST ADMIT IT!"
Penguin remembered walking into that, he had regretted it, seeing Law with that evil gleam in his eyes as he brought out his tool kit. He even remembered having to drag Law out, telling him off for trying to operate drunk.
"Don't worry, I told him off for trying to operate on you with alcohol in his system."
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!"
.:End of Chapter:.
