The small, dimly lit room was completely silent but for Penguin's quiet breathing and Doflamingo's heavy footfall as he approached the bed that the Heart Pirate lay on. The older pirate soon loomed at the edge of the bed, and frowned in thought as he studied Penguin. He watched as the other man began prop himself up on one elbow, but it was obvious from the way he was shaking that it took a lot out of him to do such a little task. And Doflamingo didn't know why Penguin was even bothering. With the shape the Heart Pirate was in, there was not much that he could do, whether he was lying down, sitting or standing. Doflamingo didn't particularly care if Penguin was doing well or not, though from the way the Heart Pirate glared at him, the roughing up from before did little to diminish the other's spirit. Pity that. Doflamingo knew it would have been easier if Penguin had ended up barely alive but able to talk. It would have been far more convenient and easy to coerce information out of him that way than the state Penguin was in now. From the way the Heart Pirate had forced himself into a slouched yet seated position, Doflamingo could see the tired yet alert expression and the stubborn will despite being unable to speak for the time being. It was a dilemma, and an irritating one at that. Though there was something satisfying on taking the confident ones down to their knees and showing them how powerless they were, and how foolish they were to bother resisting. However...
Doflamingo furrowed his brow as he stared, and found that he became more irritated the longer he looked at Penguin. No matter how satisfying it would be, it would take some time to get through to Penguin. His past, or what he knew of it, made humiliating him rather difficult. Not to mention making him see that he was in over his head for challenging him. And it was all because Doflamingo wanted to find Law before the brat got too far away. After all, it was Law that was supposed to be here, not this sorry excuse that had interfered. Another time, perhaps, should Law not be lured back to get his crewmate back. Doflamingo knew that if he delayed any more than he already had that it would only give Law time to get farther away. Wherever it was he had gotten to. Doflamingo gaze flicked down to eye Penguin's throat, and saw the bruises that had formed. He hadn't realized just how much damage he had caused when he had merely seized the smaller man by the throat.
The blond haired pirate snorted to himself. It was the Heart Pirate's fault for daring to try and stand up to him in the first place. If it weren't for the fact that Penguin had information that he wanted, Doflamingo would have killed him back in Cliff Rock. That Penguin even dared to think that he had stood a chance against him was almost insulting, and the fact that the Heart Pirate had pointedly worked to keep him from getting to Law angered Doflamingo. He hated when lowly fools acted out of place, and if he could, he would kill Penguin when he got the chance. Doflamingo wasn't going to allow the man to think that he would get away with making a fool out of him. Doflamingo despised that he had been tricked to begin with.
Doflamingo didn't notice that he had begun to grin maniacally, and since his eyes weren't visible, Penguin obviously took it as a bad sign, because the injured Heart Pirate struggled to sit up the rest of the way from his slouch. Doflamingo's grin turned less sinister as he watched Penguin's progress. He let the other pirate think that he could do as he would, for now. It wasn't like Penguin was in any shape to run or put up a fight. Doflamingo's grin widened. If Penguin had had the energy to fight, Doflamingo would have been quick to put him in his place. He had no time to play around with someone that did not matter to him in the least. "I've thought of a way for you to tell me what I want." The older man chuckled at the sight of Penguin lifting his head to give him a hate laden glare, "Fufufufu. Don't be like that. It isn't in your best interest right now." Doflamingo lifted a hand toward Penguin, "Besides, it was your choice to go in over your head. You have no one to blame but yourself right now."
With a single flex of his fingers, Doflamingo had Penguin's wounded arm pulled tightly behind his back. At the sound of a pained gasp, Doflamingo stepped to one side and rummaged around in the tiny desk in the room with his free hand. He drew out a quill and paper, and set it on the surface of the desk. Doflamingo turned his attention back to Penguin, "I'll release your arm…" He tugged at the invisible string, drawing forth a grimace from Penguin, "If you write down where it is that Law went off to." When Penguin didn't move, Doflamingo's fingers twitched, and with a faint sound of protest from Penguin, forced the Heart Pirate to rise and walk shakily over to the desk as his breath came out in harsh gasps.
"Don't try my patience. The only reason I haven't killed you yet is because you happen to know where Law is." Doflamingo chuckled at the look Penguin threw him from the corner of his eye. "Don't worry. I was going to kill you either way. Whether you voluntarily tell me what I want to know or I if I have to force it out of you. It makes no difference to me so long as I get what I want." Doflamingo relinquished his string's control over Penguin's uninjured arm, "Tell me." It was not a request. It was a demand. With another sharp tug to Penguin's wounded arm, Doflamingo grinned, satisfied, as he watched the Heart Pirate picked up the quill with an unsteady hand. Pain could be quite a good motivator if the recipient had a low tolerance for pain, or was already in bad shape. Doflamingo's smile slipped as he saw the single word that was written. The single word that mocked Doflamingo as he stared down at it.
Never.
"It's no use delaying things. I know Law. He will do anything to get you back. He's a sentimental fool, despite what he may think." And Doflamingo knew that the dark haired pirate would. It was only a matter of time. "It is a shame that he ended up becoming so attached to his crew, that he couldn't do to leave a crewmember or two behind if he had to." Doflamingo restricted the string around Penguin's wounded arm. "I will not have you playing games with me. Law will come for you whether I go looking for him or not, so tell me where he is."
Penguin hesitated for a moment, before he wrote again.
Even if that is the case, I will still tell you nothing.
Penguin winced as another invisible string wrapped around the wrist he had been writing with. He didn't dare look up as Doflamingo came closer.
"I think that you will, given proper motivation." Doflamingo said simply, even as a terrible smile spilled across his lips.
-x
Law woke slowly as if coming out a daze. He felt well-rested, even if he was a bit sore. The first thing his sleepy mind became aware of was a warm body pressed up against his from behind. The heat source was hot and pleasant, and also appeared to be breathing. Another person, then. Law's sleepy mind decided, as he settled back against whoever it was that was in bed with him. The dark haired pirate knew who it was, but with his current state of mind didn't appear to care to put a name to the other person. Law lie still, and still half asleep, decided to enjoy the warmth that was settled behind him. The carefree mind set was short lived as the haze of sleep began to clear the more Law began to wake. The calm, content feeling vanished soon after as the dark haired man realized what he had been doing, as opposed to what he should have been doing. Law struggled to free himself from Kidd's grasp, but between still being cuffed with sea stone, and worn out from their earlier activities, the attempt ended in failure. It did wake Kidd, because Law felt the back of his neck being tickled by the redhead's breath.
"What is it?" Kidd mumbled drowsily, even as he kept his grip firm around Law's middle.
Law felt Kidd snuggle closer to him, making him aware that neither of them had bothered to put clothes on before falling asleep. "You distracted me." Law hissed, one hand to the arm Kidd had around him,"Penguin is in danger and you had the gall to have sex with me. Again." Law was never going to admit that he had enjoyed it. He wasn't going to give the younger pirate the satisfaction. He had the feeling that encouraging Kidd would make the redhead more persistent.
Kidd clutched Law closer to his chest, despite the chains that were attached the shackles. "Mmm…you weren't complaining before, when we were doin' it."
Law opened his mouth to ream Kidd out for where he was now pressing up against him from behind, when Law's transponder snail went off. The Heart Pirate captain wiggled within Kidd's grasp, "I need to answer that." Law said seriously, and was relieved when Kidd reluctantly let go of him with a grumble. Law sat up, chains clinking together as his eyes sought out the snail. As soon as he spotted it, Law heaved a mental sigh. Of course it would not be within easy reach. With a cross look at Kidd, Law leaned over the other man's chest to answer the call from the snail. The dark haired pirate pointedly ignored Kidd when the other captain rested his right hand over his back in question, fingers trailing along lightly. It was distracting, but Law answered the call and spoke tersely, "Yes?" He knew who it was going to be, and he was suddenly not in the mood to deal with either Doflamingo or with Kidd.
"Fufufufu. Such hostility in the morning. I'm hurt." Doflamingo's voice was anything but. There was a hard edge to his voice, as if he were barely holding back some anger at being duped.
"I highly doubt you have called just to tell me that." Law leaned back and slapped his free hand over Kidd's mouth. He did not want Kidd chiming in for several reasons. As loathe as Law was to the idea, he found that he didn't want Kidd to cross paths with Doflamingo. And if the older warlord knew that he was with Kidd, he had no doubt that there would be a pink speck in the air careening toward them. Law hadn't yet looked outside at the weather, but if it was cloudy and Kidd gave them away, they were all fucked if Doflamingo decided to pay a visit after confirming his whereabouts to come 'collect' him. The destruction alone was something that Law did not wish on anyone, as he knew how nasty Doflamingo could be. "My crewmate acted on his own. Our deal is off if you have harmed Penguin."
"It was already off the moment your crewmate acted on his own." Doflamingo's voice became playfully mocking as he addressed someone in the room with him, "Isn't that right? Whatever were you thinking? Some low life fool could never harm me, nor make any difference at all to the way things will always be."
Law stiffened even as he rested his hand heavier over Kidd's mouth. Doflamingo wasn't talking to him. He was speaking to someone in the room with him, and Law had a feeling that it was Penguin. With a glare out of the corner of his eye at Kidd, who was trying to move his hand away, Law spoke into the receiver in his hand,"What did you do to him?" The dark haired pirate knew that he would not have to clarify who. There was only one person that Doflamingo could be tormenting right now, and Law was not happy about how things had turned out. At all. Penguin should have been long gone with the rest of the crew. Not held at the mercy of Doflamingo, who was no doubt not being a very nice captor to someone who had spoiled his plans. "Depending on your answer, I may just hang up right now."
"If you want your foolish crewmate to live awhile longer, I would advise against hanging up." Doflamingo said darkly, "He is ridiculously loyal to you. He won't tell me anything, even after a little encouragement."
"How do I know you haven't just killed him?" Law elbowed Kidd in the chest as he rested over it, drawing a muffled, indignant sound from the redhead who retaliated by swatting his ass. Law's glare turned icy, though its effect was not useful because Kidd was glaring right back at him, not at all happy with the way he was being silenced. The dark haired pirate ignored Kidd's roving hand as he added, "How do I know you didn't tire of playing games and got rid of him because he wouldn't tell you what you wanted?"
"You don't." Doflamingo said simply. "I don't feel the need to tell you, since you failed to hold up the end of our bargain."
"I was going to go through with it. You know I was. I did not know that there were going to be complications." Not that Penguin was a complication, but to Doflamingo, Law was sure that his crewmate was, "I want to speak to Penguin. Now." Law did not want to entertain the notion that his crewmate was dead, but he wouldn't put it past Doflamingo to be so rough that Penguin's body couldn't keep up with the abuse. Doflamingo's Devil Fruit powers were painful to be on the receiving end of.
"Now, now, don't go making demands." The transponder snail was reflecting Doflamingo's wide smile as the man's voice took on a chiding tone. "Or I may have to do something about it, and your crewmember is a convenient scapegoat at the moment."
"I will hang up." Law warned, "If I do not know the state of one of my men."
"I don't think that he can speak right now. I may have been a bit rough while capturing him." Doflamingo sounded displeased that this was the case, and not because it was terrible for Penguin to have to go through.
Anger rose within Law but he struggled to push it away. He couldn't let Doflamingo goad him into making a stupid mistake. It wouldn't help Penguin. Doflamingo was, however, testing Law's patience with the belittling way the older pirate was now speaking to Penguin.
"Do you want to speak to your captain? So you can tell him that you made a mistake and how much of a fool it made you when you realized that it will do no good? That you only delayed the inevitable?'
Law heard movement on Doflamingo's end, before he heard labored, rapid breaths, and the sound of someone trying to speak. Law realized with a stab of dread that Penguin was trying to say his name, but couldn't. As if he found it hard to speak..."Penguin…" The dark haired pirate murmured. It sounded like Doflamingo had done some damage to his crewmate's vocal chords. Law sympathized, and while it was likely to be painful, Penguin was lucky to even be alive after an encounter with the warlord.
"It seems that he is not up for a chat." Doflamingo's voice said smoothly.
"I doubt it. His inability to speak is entirely your fault." Law was going to kill Doflamingo for this. How dare he mock his friend. Penguin had tried to protect him. Law knew that, and he hated to think that it was going to be for nothing, just as Doflamingo had said. The older pirate had to know that he wasn't going to leave Penguin in his clutches for much longer. Doflamingo would be more likely to kill his crewmate if he dragged this out any longer.
"I'll call you when I make landfall. Be sure to answer, or your crewmate may find himself in poorer shape than he already is." On that note, Doflamingo hung up.
Law shakily replaced the set on the snail before he exhaled and dropped onto the bed alongside Kidd, hand slipping from the redhead's mouth as he did.
Kidd turned over and, although Law wasn't looking at him, knew that the other man wore a decidedly unhappy expression. "What the fuck was that for?"
Law figured that Kidd meant the hand over his mouth, so as to not alert Doflamingo to his presence. "Penguin…" Law muttered, before he pushed himself up, and rested his hands on Kidd's chest to lean over and look him in the eyes. He ignored the fact that they were still both naked. It was something he had to ignore for now after the call with Doflamingo. "I have to help him, Eustass-ya. Wherever Joker goes, I can't leave Penguin at his mercy. Doflamingo will kill him when he is no longer of any use. And if I turn myself over, he will let Penguin go. I will do what I must for that to happen."
Kidd reached up and gripped Law's wrists above the shackles. "You should just kill Doflamingo when he shows his face."
"It isn't that easy." Law shook his head, inwardly realizing that he shouldn't have touched Kidd in the first place, "It's too dangerous. He would be more likely to kill Penguin beforehand. I am not going to take that chance. Not after what Penguin tried to do for me. I won't let it happen."
"And I told you before that I wasn't done with you yet." Kidd let go of Law with a smirk.
"And having sex a few hours ago doesn't count?" Law heard metal clink and looked down curiously. There was a bit of metal looped around a link in the sea stone that hadn't been there moments before. Law's eyes widened. Shit. "Don't you dare." He was already wasting time as it was, and he couldn't have Kidd delay him more than he already had.
Kidd grinned childishly and flicked a finger at the other captain, "My ship. I'll do what I want."
"That is the most childish thing I have heard!" Law cursed as Kidd pinned him on the bed with his Devil Fruit power. Really, did the redheaded captain really have to have another round so soon? When he needed to make sure that Doflamingo wasn't going to kill Penguin just for the hell of it? Law growled something as he tugged at the metal that pinned the sea stone down, before he aimed a kick at Kidd, "I won't let you stop me, Eustass-ya!"
"And you need to calm the fuck down." Kidd replied as he caught Law's leg and leaned in close enough to kiss the thigh. Kidd leaned out of the way of Law's other foot. "You're gonna get you ass kicked if you don't."
"Hearing this from you is rather ironic. I didn't peg you as a patient individual. Mass destruction, more like, with no plan at all, and getting yourself beaten up for not being more careful."
"I'm not stupid." Before Kidd could say any more, there was a knock on the door and Kidd hastily tossed the sheet over Law's waist, and reached over to pull his pants on. "What?" Kidd demanded, as Law renewed thrashing around as he spat threats and curses.
"Don't just pretend I'm not here now, Eustass-ya!"
Kidd avoided being struck by a kick from Law as his cabin door was opened.
Killer entered the room, and to his credit, said nothing of the pissed off Heart Pirate in Kidd's bed, or the fact that he and Kidd were practically naked, "Heat said that there was a call intercepted. It seems like Big Mom is on the move. Apoo and Hawkins are headed toward the rendezvous."
"Did Hawkins still say we're gonna be late?" Kidd asked, as he fished around on the ground beneath his bed for Law's pants. Maybe the dark haired pirate would be less hostile with clothing on.
"He did say something to that effect, and that it would be a larger delay than he had initially read earlier." Killer's mask seemed to pointedly look at Law, before he turned back to follow Kidd's progress on the ground, "And could you please try to keep it down? I and the rest of the crew don't want to hear the two of you screwing each other. It is quite off putting and the images that come to mind aren't very pleasant."
"Fuck off, Killer." Kidd snapped, though it was obvious from his tone that he was embarrassed.
Law managed a brief smile at Kidd's discomfort, "Someone certainly was loud last night."
"Fuck you." Kidd snarled, glancing up from his task briefly.
Law's response was smug, "I thought you already did that last night." It was rather satisfying to rile Kidd up, even if it did nothing to accomplish helping Penguin.
Killer cleared his throat, clearly not wanting to follow that particular train of thought, "Should I have the navigator set course for the rendezvous?"
Law tugged at his restrained arms as he lifted his head to fix Kidd's crewmate with a harried look, "And take me further from my crewmate?" Law kicked a foot beneath the sheet, where it connected with the top of Kidd's head.
"Shit." Kidd hissed as he backed out of range, "You aren't gonna let up on that, are you?" Noting the fierce glare trained on him, Kidd sighed, "Killer, is there an island nearby? I guess we're gonna have to take care of this right now."
Killer glanced at his captain rubbing his head, "Yes, there is. It appears to be deserted. It's about a fifteen minutes away. We have to pass by it anyway."
"Head here fist. Someone needs to let out some pent up aggression." Kidd returned Law's glare with one of his own.
"Do you mean yourself?" Law snapped irritably, "Your crew probably has to take you to some defenseless island twice a month where you can let out your frustration without anyone seeing how childish it makes you appear."
"Now, Killer." Kidd growled, as he located the dark haired pirate's pants and set them down on the end of the bed, followd by Law's shirt. He kept well out of reach of Law's thrashing.
As soon as Killer had taken his leave with a shake of his head, Kidd turned to Law with a grin, "Comfortable?" The teeth baring was new to Kidd, and it was fascinating to see how quickly Law could lose his composure. Was Penguin really that important that Law would lose his cool? Or was it because it was Doflamingo that had the Heart Pirate Captain's crewmate?
Law considered Kidd silently for a moment before he spoke, devoid of any humor, "If you do not unchain me right now, I will cut your body into pieces and leave your body parts for your crew to find." Law narrowed his eyes as Kidd approached the bed. He did not have time for this. He knew that Doflamingo would find the nearest island and set a time limit. With the expectation that he would not make it in time, and would find Penguin dead and Doflamingo gloating over his body. Law tensed as Kidd settled on the bed next to him.
Kidd grinned, "Admit it, you want to let loose on an island, don't you?" The resulting curses made Kidd reconsider whether it was a good idea to allow Law free reign on an island. He was plenty aggressive enough as it was in chains.
-x
Kidd wasn't sure if rowing to the island in complete silence was a good thing or not. If nothing else, it appeared as though Law understood that it was useless to waste his energy on threats that he couldn't follow through on at present. Which was why Kidd had left the dark haired pirate's weapon back on the ship. Kidd glanced at Law staring at the bottom of the boat and figured that the other pirate captain was likely conserving energy. Kidd did have the key to Law's shackles, because the redhead had been serious about letting Law release pent up energy. Hence the reason why Kidd had left Law's weapon behind. Kidd wasn't going to make things easy on the other captain, and he took the threat of Law cutting his body to pieces seriously. He had seen what Law had done on Sabaody, and had no desire to have his limbs detached from his body in any fashion.
Kidd beached the boat and lifted Law out of the boat with barely an effort, and set him down on his feet. When Law refused to budge, Kidd nearly rolled his eyes, but cheerfully hoisted the other captain onto his shoulder, along with a loud curse from Law.
"What the hell are you doing?"
Kidd didn't answer as he began to head toward the center of the island, out of sight of his ship. The redheaded captain had brought a small transponder snail with him, but he highly doubted the he would need any backup. With each step he took, the more irritable Law appeared to become, to the point that he began to wriggle impatiently from where he was slung over Kidd's shoulder.
"Eustass-ya!"
A half hour later...
Kidd came into a clearing, and decided that this was probably the best place to have a fight as any, and he let Law back down onto the ground. Kidd took out the key from a pocket and undid the shackles, watching as they clanked to the ground. To Kidd's amusement, Law appeared to be surprised. Kidd almost laughed. What, had Law thought he was going to make him fight while handcuffed? That wouldn't be any fun.
"Room."
Kidd swiftly leaned to one side to avoid Law's hand from striking his chest. Well, that hadn't taken very long for Law to jump into attacking him. Good. Kidd grinned and about-faced to keep Law in his sight. It would have been boring if the dark haired man didn't take the fight seriously. Kidd clenched his right hand, narrowing his eyes as he began to draw in the metal that was on the island. He avoiding drawing it in from his ship, lest he accidently bring Law's sword closer to its owner. Grinning, Kidd extended his hand in Law's direction, "Repel."
Law kicked up some rocks and sent them flying toward Kidd, and lifted a hand as sharp bits of metal shot through the air at him, "Shambles." The rocks became flying bits of metal as the rocks dropped harmlessly before the Heart Pirate.
Kidd sent the metal flying straight back with an irritable flick of his finger, and laughed when Law tossed rocks over his head. "Ain't gonna work. I'll just stop it before it hits me!"
Law merely smirked as he spoke one word, "Shambles."
Kidd gaped as Law was suddenly gone, and only noticed the other man's presence because he was dropping down through the air at him.
"Scalpel."
Kidd veered to the side, startled when the attack went through the fabric of the coat over his shoulders. Shit, and Law didn't even have a weapon on him. Kidd watched Law land after briefly glancing at the damage, before matching the Heart Pirate's grin. Interesting. So Law could warp within the room he had created. "Got any more tricks?" Kidd asked, as he drew in some more metal, and swung it at the man before him.
"Some, but I wont waste them on you. It'd be a shame if you ended up in pieces, I suppose, considering you wouldn't be able to repeat last night's endeavor." Law's smirk remained in place as he swapped places with another rock, avoiding the metal that now gouged the ground. "Do you have anything else other than swinging around uselessly large attacks?"
"Maybe. But it seems to be working, so why change things up?" Kidd could tell that, from last night and right now, Law was more weary than he initially let on. Kidd doubted he could last for very long, as he swung his hand and the large jagged metal the Heart Pirate captain's way again.
Law stumbled backwards, breathing heavily. It was obvious that he was at a disadvantage without his sword, and appeared to be tiring the longer he kept the room up. Law turned, both hands out, "Counter shock." Just as he was about to touch Kidd, the redhead ducked out of the way, and it was too late to prevent what the other captain was about to do. Kidd had him by his nearest arm, and with a swift sweep of one leg, knocked Law's out from under him, and took him to the ground.
Law felt a weight settle over his chest, and knew that it was Kidd that was trying to keep him from rising again. Damn. Kidd had managed to tire him out far more quickly than he thought he should have been able to. Law retained his room a moment longer, but, gasping for breath, knew he could no longer hold it up. Disappointing, but he knew it wasn't Kidd he should waste his anger on. It was Doflamingo. With a sigh, Law let the room dissipate, and went limp. It was too much effort to keep it going any longer, and he had lost the desire to cause the redheaded captain any permanent damage. Lucky bastard. Despite the weariness he felt, Law still tried to free himself, even though he knew it was useless, as did Kidd. "I…have to help Penguin…" Law insisted, as he closed his eyes and tried to get his breathing under control.
"And again, you need to calm the hell down." When Law refused to do so, Kidd did the only thing he could short of punching the dark haired captain. He kissed him, and the result was immediate. Kidd felt Law's arms reach up around his neck to keep the kiss going, but froze when one hand dropped down to rest against his chest. The kiss broke, and Kidd heard Law speak in a dangerously soft tone, his hand resting firmly against his chest.
"Let go of me, or I will take your heart."
Kidd blinked, but when he saw Law's serious expression, he merely decided that he would just have to wear Law out some more. He doubted Law would actually follow through on his threat. At least not right now. Besides, Kidd wanted to try and get Law to see that going to Doflamingo without a plan would be suicidal. Even if it was to fight, but Kidd didn't think that Law was going to from what the Heart Pirate had said earlier. Handing himself over without a fight was stupid, no matter how Kidd looked at it. If Law were thinking clearly, he would see that too. Kidd quickly grabbed Law before he could squirm away and lifted him up, stooping to grab the shackles. They negated his powers, but Kidd grimly bore it as he walked into a nearby cave.
"Eustass-ya."
Kidd ignored Law as he entered the cave and dropped the handcuffs, before unceremoniously dropping Law onto the ground and pinning him on his back and smothering him with another kiss to get him to shut up. Kidd hoped he wouldn't regret this later, but after a few light touches, Law seemed eager for his touch, so he supposed he would go with it and hope Law didn't pop his heart out during sex, if they got to that and not just a heated make out.
Missing parts of his body would be a definite mood killer.
-x
Law stared at the ground of the cave, a slumbering Kidd nearby. He hated himself, and he hated Kidd for distracting him. Again. With very good sex, but distracting him all the same. Law let out a sigh, before he started at the sound of his transponder snail going off. Law picked it out of his shirt's pocket nearby, and, clad only in pants, went to the other side of the cave to answer it. "It's me." Law said, as he picked up the receiver of the snail. He hoped that Kidd would remain asleep throughout the call.
"Lucky for your crewmate that you did. I am on an island four hours south of Cliff Rock." Doflamingo's voice was calm as he spoke, as if he knew that Law would not argue with the place he had chosen.
Law realized with a jolt that it was the exact same island he and Kidd were currently on, and counted himself and Penguin lucky for that, "I will be there shortly. You had better bring Penguin with you."
"As it will be the only thing to get you to come, yes, I will." Doflamingo sounded displeased that something so petty would be worth it to Law.
"I will not leave if Penguin is unable to walk under his own power." Law stated coolly. And he wouldn't. He would stay until Penguin could, and it would be Doflamingo's problem for harming his crewmate in the first place.
"…I'll be waiting at the center of the island shortly. Come alone and unarmed. I don't want you to be getting any ideas."
Law already didn't have his weapon, but he was reluctant to go weaponless nonetheless, "Fine."
The snail smiled, "I will see you soon, then."
Law stared at the snail as Doflamingo hung up, before he stood and padded back over to where Kidd was still lying, fast asleep and snoring. Law calmly dressed the rest of the way and pocketed the snail before he turned to study Kidd. He knew that he had to prevent the redheaded captain and Doflamingo from meeting one another, and there was only one way he could see to do that. And that was to do something similar as what he had done to Penguin before going to Doflamingo the first time. But an extra precaution wouldn't hurt in addition to that. Law's expression tightened as he picked up the sea stone prism shackles and cuffed Kidd's right wrist, before he carefully tugged Kidd's pants back on and belted it shut. Law dug around in his jacket before pulling out a pill, which he got a semi slumbering Kidd to take with a bit of water from a flask.
Kidd's brow furrowed before he coughed and woke up, "What the fuck did you just make me swallow?" Kidd fell silent when he saw Law's face. It was an almost tormented look, as if Law were struggling to keep composed and failing. Kidd held still as Law wrapped his arms around the back of his neck and sighed against his skin. "What the hell?"
"Doflamingo is bringing Penguin to this island." Law felt Kidd tense.
"Shit. When? I need to warn the others…" Kidd gasped as Law pulled back and kissed him in a desperate way, before the redhead felt himself pushed down on to the ground on his back.
"I've made up my mind. Even if Penguin was trying to protect me, Doflamingo will not give up or take no for an answer. He is to leave Penguin here, as long as I leave with him and leave my crewmate behind." Law rested against Kidd's chest, and knew that the other man should start to feel sleepy soon, "I'm going to tell him to come here to find you." Law heard Kidd make a drowsy sort of protest, and Law hastily added in a pleading tone that he would normally never allow himself, "Please, get Penguin back to the rest of my crew. He should have never gotten involved in this mess. Should never have confronted Doflamingo." Law reluctantly rose and settled Kidd so that he would be comfortable, and turned to leave. Law didn't look back as he felt Kidd try to stop him by grabbing his leg. He moved out of reach, but Law couldn't block out Kidd slurred words. It only made Law walk faster, to try and put the words out of his mind.
"Don't go."
Law knew he shouldn't. That he shouldn't ruin what Penguin had tried to give him. But Law couldn't. Just as his crew would do anything to protect him, Law would do the same for them in return.
-x
Law exited the cave and doubled around through the quiet forest that surrounded the clearing. He did not have to wait for long, as he soon spotted Doflamingo flying through the air, where he came to a land on the ground. Law felt a surge of rage course through him at the pitiful sight of Penguin hanging limply under one of the older pirates arms, before Doflamingo set him none too gently on the ground. Law's jaw set at the sight.
Penguin shakily gotten to his hands and knees, before he couldn't move any further after that.
Law couldn't stand the sight of Doflamingo using his powers to hold the wounded Penguin in place. Law waited a few moments, before he stepped into the clearing. His appearance received two different reactions. A wide smile from Doflamingo, and an anguished one from Penguin, as his crewmate's hat was gone, and his expression was perfectly clear.
"I didn't think that you would get here so quickly," Doflamingo commented with a smile.
Law offered a smile in return, "I can use my powers as a method of transportation."
Doflamingo laughed, "It is good that you got here sooner rather than later." The older pirate indicated Penguin where he lay on the ground with a jerk of his head, not even bothering to look down, "I suppose you want to check his injures, to make sure that he can walk under his own power?" Doflamingo asked snidely.
Law stepped forward, "Yes."
Doflamingo shrugged, before he let Penguin free with a careless flick of his hand as he stepped backward.
Law managed to reach Penguin in time to prevent him from collapsing onto the ground. Law set his crewmate on his side and checked him over, taking note of each wound. To Law's relief, most of the injuries appeared to be superficial. Penguin's throat, however, was a mass of black and purple. Law tentatively touched the bruises, which drew a shudder. Law leaned over as if to check closer as he slipped a key into Penguin's pocket, and whispered, "Eustass-ya is in the cave near here. This is the key to his shackles. When you're back on our ship, take the medicine in the right hand cupboard in the infirmary. It should help your throat." Law drew back, only to have Penguin's nearest hand grip his wrist weakly. "No, Penguin."
Penguin couldn't speak, but his expression made it clear that just like Kidd, he didn't want Law to go.
Law shook his head, "I'm sorry." Law felt his crewmate try to hold on tighter, and just knew that Penguin had wanted him to stay away. That he had not expected to survive when he had gone to confront Doflamingo.
"Law?" Doflamingo asked curiously.
"You will leave him be?" Law asked as he rested his other hand over Penguin's.
Doflamingo sighed, as if he found Law very trying, "As long as you leave him here."
"…you will not try to kill him or the others should you come across them later?"
Doflamingo gave the impression of rolling his eyes, "No, so long as you come along already."
"Fine." Law said flatly. He gripped Penguin's wrist tightly, expression apologetic before he freed his wrist from Penguin's hand, drawing a choked sound of protest. Law followed after Doflamingo, a heavy weight in his chest. This was wrong, but there really wasn't much he could do. Doflamingo would have killed his crewmate if he hadn't agreed to show. A sick feeling passed over Law when he realized that the sounds now coming from Penguin were hoarse sobs. That Penguin had given his captain a chance to escape, and he had wasted it to save him instead was obviously too much for his crewmate to handle.
Law caught up with Doflamingo, and felt even worse with what he had done when he heard the older man chuckle softly. Law tried not to think, but he couldn't help but feel he had betrayed Penguin by leaving him behind with nothing but the hope that Kidd would take the hint and get his crewmate out of there before Doflamingo decided to go back and murder him anyway.
"This way." Doflamingo stated, as he walked into the forest. He didn't bother looking back, as if he knew that Law would continue to follow after him.
Law did follow, but he was unable to tune out the sound of protest that came from his wounded crewmate. That Penguin had managed to weakly shout his name when all indications pointed to damaged vocals made Law feel worse, the sick feeling twisting his stomach in knots with every step that he took.
-x
Penguin lay on the ground where Law and Doflamingo had left him. He had quieted after a brief bout of utter misery, upset that Law had wasted his chance to escape, and had given in without a fight. Penguin was torn by the fact that Law had wasted that chance to escape Doflmingo's clutches. In return, Penguin had only ended up wounded and humiliated at the hands of Doflamingo before Law had bartered for his return, solving nothing and only causing both of them more pain.
Penguin had thought that he had been helping, but it hadn't worked. While he and the rest of the crew were loyal to Law, their captain was equally loyal to them all. That he would put their safety above his own. Penguin had no idea how long he lie there, but it must have been longer than he thought, because he suddenly heard a lot of cursing, and then heavy footsteps approaching him. Penguin reluctantly opened his eyes, and looked up to see a disheveled Kidd looming over him, a chain dangling from where a cuff was attached around his wrist. Sea stone, no doubt.
Kidd eyed Penguin before he spoke, "Are you the one with that Law said Doflamingo captured? Penguin?"
Penguin nodded wearily.
"I don't suppose that Trafalgar bothered to tell you where the key to this is?" Kidd rattled the chain for emphasis.
Penguin shifted as he shakily dipped a hand into his pocket, and took out the key. Penguin set it down before resting his head on the ground with a sigh. He felt like shit, and wondered why the hell Law believed Kidd would actually help him. He was more likely to leave him here than do anything else.
"Hey."
Penguin didn't catch that Kidd said, because he was overcome with a sudden wave of exhaustion which sent him into unconsciousness, along with all of his regrets that had been made the past two days.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
A/N: So much angst. And I gotta say that it kind of gets worse/depressing for what happens later. Because obviously Law's crew isn't going to just leave him with Doflamingo, and that kind of results in more angst for Law. I am a terrible person but I am enjoying writing depressing stuff as well as more light, humorous Kidd/Law interactions. And Law and Kidd are going to cross paths again, it might just take a few chapters to get to it. This is, I think, a quicker (?) paced fanfic.