(人･㉨･)♡

Screaming at the lifeless images repeating and subsequently scratching bold red marks over it filled your life for the past several hours. Diggings harder and harder with the marker, it was only a guessing game of which the paper or the pen would fail first. The paper –predictably once again.

A large hole ripped the darkened sheet putting a pause to your madness, if only for a moment. Tossing it away to pile upon the ever-growing mountain, a new one soon followed and inevitably, the process would begin anew.

Repeating curses to his stupid broad grin began to sound like an incantation. Muttered beneath your breath, the words melted together into an incoherent string. A new language possibly? It didn’t matter as long as the worst was wished upon him.

“Shit.” You didn’t realize when the paper gave way this time.

Brightly marking the wooden table, it would be cleaned another time. With more pressing matters at hand, the page was quickly discarded and forgotten into the pile of gathering trash just like the others.

Reaching for the next, your hand laid empty. Once a high stack within your reach, you grasped at nothing but the air.

Finally taking a solid deep breath, it was the longest pause taken since your frantic bender began. Over taken by the gnawing voice inside, you simply couldn’t stop until it was all over. Bracing yourself to see the result, you took cautious peeks around.

Torn to shreds, your once tight collection lay carelessly upon the floor. Countless hours spent, it was all for nothing. Meticulously collected to protect him, guilt sank your stomach. How could you do this?

As nausea hit in a painful wave, you laid your head upon the table trying to gather yourself.

“Damnit, you’re a Marine, get it together,” you huffed angrily at yourself. Weakness was not an option, but you feared that it was far too late.

Picking up your head, you were faced with the last untouched sheet. The final wanted poster pinned upon the cork board, in between unfinished ship blueprints, was the only one left untouched.

“Eustass ‘Captain’ Kid,” you ran your fingers over his name as you read it aloud over and over. Gently caressing his face, your hand began to shake. Surging excitement lasted for just a brief moment before anger over took any rosy thoughts.

Superficially clawing at the image, you ultimately couldn’t muster the courage to tear it down. Laying your head down once more, anger shifted onto yourself.

Clearing his throat, he softly knocked upon the open door. Initially hesitating after witnessing a bit of your moment, the blond-haired man did so as he was directed.

“[Name]?”

You quickly bounced up to your feet. The voice, heard often over the past few months, could only belong to one.

“What did you hear?” You demanded to know as you cleared your wild hair to face the man who always was covered.

“Nothing that I could understand,” although a merciless pirate, he was far too honest, always.

Your overactive nerves calmed a bit. The tight subconscious grip upon the desk loosened as you released. “Sorry, can I help you?” You tried to divert, hoping that no question about your behavior would be raised.

Despite a wondering look surely present behind a dark mask, he chose to direct the simple message that he was initially sent for. “Kid wants you to come over.”

“Absolutely not.” You sternly replied without a second to think about it.

A moment of deafening silence wafted over after your response. Usually one to rush over on his call, it was unexpected to say the least.

Mulling over your firm rejecting words, he was unsure of what to tell Kid.

Although both of you knew that a rejection would never stop him. You’d soon have to face him whether you’d like it or not. Barging in after destroying everything and all to be unfortunately in his path, he’d drag you out against his will.

You deeply sighed, knowing that this would be a bad option for all involved.

“What did he mess up now?” Despite mentally agreeing to go, you wanted him to relay the annoyance clearly labeled upon your face. Arms crossed and a sour look, all would be recalled to Kid. Although he wouldn’t care, it was best not to fully give into him.

Despite the man’s covered face, you could easily read the dreaded look of ‘everything.’

You ground your teeth, chewing upon wanted cursing words before sighing. “I’ll be there soon,” you reluctantly gave up. Harshly rubbing your pulsating temples as it was the last thing that you wished to currently do.

He nodded, slightly relieved as Kid would not run a muck unnecessarily. “I’ll let him know.”

Caught up in focusing your jittery figure, he caught first glance at the unusual mess. In the time that he knew you, one thing was clear. Cleanliness was of high priority often getting on the crew’s case at any small spilled mess.

“What’s this?” He simply couldn’t leave without an answer.

As he tried to reach over, you frantically jumped in between. Showing not an ounce of fear, the possibility of being discovered was more fearsome than the man infamously known as ‘The Massacre Soldier.’

“J-Just woman things, you wouldn’t understand,” you quickly spit out the first excuse to come to mind. A vague excuse good enough for your male dock co-workers, hopefully it would be enough for him as well.

Quickly accepting it without further question, he backed up. Raising his hands innocently up, he didn’t want to be further involved. “I’ll let Kid know,” he reiterated as he stepped out.

“What the hell did you fuck up now Kid?!” you harshly yelled a loud as you boarded his ship. Hours after loosely promising, you forcefully dragged yourself aboard lazily lugging along your tools.

He appeared not a moment after appearing from behind the larger center pillar. Irritation loudly bouncing his brow-less structure to your late brash approach. “You’re lucky that you came, I was getting ready to go get you.” A sadistic grin raised his expression ever so slightly as he pondered on the sight.

Words meant to strike fear, they only made your heart skip a beat. He was going to have you no matter what. Shaking off the bubbling feelings, you tried to hold a strong exterior.

“Yeah yeah, what’s wrong?” you tried to look away from him as you brushed him off not giving him the answer that he wanted.

He scoffed, sharply whispering to catch your diverted attention. “Over there,” he hitched a thumb back behind him to point out the broken railing. Be it the result of a drunken scuffle or done so on purpose, he wasn’t going to stand around and explain.

You sighed as you looked at the mistreated split wood. Chunks of the tinted timber scattered upon deck and surly some long gone sitting at the bottom of the sea. His pattern was all too predictable as he had ruined something else again.

“I’ll be done, soon,” you emphasized as you spoke beneath your breath in a quick pass past him. Keeping your head down, you avertedly made no eye contact with him. The quicker that you’d be done, the quicker that you could leave you repeated.

Undisturbed for several minutes, you were surprisingly allowed to work in peace. A few steps here and there didn’t dare to disturb. The entire ship felt heavy, as if all could feel your uneasy woes. Simply looking to finishing, you’d be home soon.

Unfortunately, the calm didn’t last for long. Catching glimpses of the hovering man, he couldn’t stay away for long. A feathered coat outlined a dark shadow, he couldn’t possibly hide; it wasn’t like he wanted to anyways.

The definition of shame was unbeknownst to him as he tried to reach for your pert bottom. Bent over hard at work and perfect for his picking, he couldn’t resist.

You quickly jolted upwards, pushing his hand down with the leveler before he could get his desired handful. “Don’t you dare, unless you want to lose you other hand,” you scowled at him firmly standing your ground.

The crew abruptly paused in their steps to the sound of the brewing scuffle. Standing around to witness, they nervously awaited for their Captain’s response to being out right rejected.

Boiling a rumbling laughter, he broke the growing silence. Taking hold of your thin wrist, he pulled you up to him cackling in your face. “Those are some big words coming from someone I’ve heard begging for more.”

The crew looked around, whispers and looks exchanged before they all agreed on one. Erupting in laughter, they followed Kid’s bout joining in on the fun at your expense.

Nothing but the crude men’s laughter filled the area. Unable to clearly think, your fists tightly balled to their non-stop track. Your knuckles whitened, shaking with rushing anger before ultimately relaxing as your attitude shifted.

No words to combat but a simple chuckle unexpectedly passed your lips. Slowly growing joining in, no one was left out.

Shifting concerned looks, the crowd slowly stopped. Unsure of what was occurring, all including Kid, silently waited for a reason.

Wiping the collecting tears from your eyes, you shook your head. “Funny, because I’ve heard the same from you,” you didn’t back down. Without skipping a beat, his own mix of humiliation was tossed back at him.

Growing wide-eyed, the crew quickly dispersed needing no second word. Final prayers for your safety, they couldn’t stay and watch the aftermath that was to unfold.

His once tight grip upon your wrist loosened. Finally set free, you dusted yourself off to continue. No care for his silence as you were just relieved that he had finally shut up.

“Now if you’ll excuse me,” you angrily huffed as you walked away ignoring the silence.

The clinking heels of your boots upon deck stepping away drowned out as a familiar sound rang from behind.

You paused in your steps, a mere moment to think about it the source –knuckles cracking.

“What—”

 The past few hours were a hazy blur. Lost in the fog of non-concrete memories, you were unsure of what was the strange feeling brewing.

The place reeked of old liquor, the blankets were scratchy, and the water droplets of an almost closed faucet grew quickly annoying. You tossed over hoping that it was all just your imagination.

“Turn that off,” you sleepily muttered to no one in particular hoping that every bit would just go away.

Alerted from your voice, the unknown body nearby scuttered around. Jumping up from their seat, the voice heard faint from outside of the room signaling that it wasn’t just in your mind.

‘Captain…’

‘Awake…’

You managed to catch a few words here and there. As much as you wanted to rush up, your body wouldn’t allow. Slowly shaking awake, you sat up in the small space allowed to rub your eyes to the new area.

Yet before you could be left for too long to question, a familiar body cautiously stepped in. Barking at the one tasked to watch over to leave, the door shut behind sealing you both inside.

The once cemented snarky look upon his face replaced by a newfound expression –concern?

“Kid?” You squinted trying to make sure that you were truly witnessing it.

He didn’t allow you to further speak. Cupped tightly into his body, you were left speechless. The reason for his tender touch didn’t matter. Solely the warmth of his arms wrapped around you and his lips upon your forehead, you tried to savor the moment.

A few things he angrily murmured, allowing you to make sure that it was truly him. Unable to go long without berating, at least somethings made some sense.

Despite his ill words causing a light tickle upon your skin, an overwhelming wave of sleepiness weighed you down. Struggling to remain awake for any longer, you fell into him.

He tried to shake you awake. Receiving a few frustrated groans as a sign of life, he returned you back into his waiting arms.

Only when alone and you surly asleep, he floated by a few apologies. Anguish and relief lining his vice to your safety as he squeezed tighter as if his errors would absolve.

Unknown to his own strength, his hold became uncomfortable. Although he meant well, at least you thought, he spurred you from your desired sleep. You tried to move, even just an inch, he wouldn’t allow. “Ki—”

His fiery eyes stared deeply unbeknownst to the word of shame. Locked tightly from across the bar, his gaze held as he met yours. Etched devious thoughts, he continued even as he was signaled over.

A low smirk played upon your ruby painted lips secretly forming as you took a second sip. Men like him were far too predictable.

“What are you having?” He lingered, standing staunchly besides as he set his amber drink down alongside your own.

You hummed softly, amused from his lax approach. “Something sweet…” your soft voice drifted off as your fingers unwrapped from the delicate flute. Walking slowly over, one traced over the square mouth of his glass circling over a few times. Collecting a bead of liquid, licking it off allowed for the bold taste to overpower your taste buds. “But I think I’d like something a bit stronger now.” Your advert gaze shifted onto him just in time to watch the devilish gleam switch on in his eyes.

He held stoic, suppressing the satisfaction wafting throughout his body. “Watch is sweet cheeks, you’re going to get burned,” leaning in closely, he whispered a vague threat into your ear giving the slightest of warnings. Boldly taking hold without a word, he traveled up the side slit of your dress stopping just inches before dipping into dangerous territory.

“Oh? Well maybe that’s exactly what I want.” Without missing a beat, you took the drink from his hand boldly taking it down in one gulp. Liquid fire trailing down, it piled onto the inferno that his mere presence had already created.

“Thanks for the drink.” You leaned in close, speaking just above his crimson stained lips allowing him his drink second hand. Just enough for a brief glimmer, you snatched it back with a teasing giggle left behind as you took your leave.

 He liked it rough. Watching one mercilessly wither beneath him fueled his hunger. Painfully waiting months for a reunion, he did his own will.

“Damnit Kid, I told you no visible marks.” You winced as you accidentally put pressure on the first stinging mark upon your neck. Slowly tracing down, the marks continued to litter your delicate skin loudly announcing his presence.

He snorted a loud deflecting the blame being tossed at him. “You asked for it by acting that way.”

Your eyes quickly rolled adding to the pain aggravating your pulsing headache. “You’re the worst,” you gave a deep sigh before returning to your brightly evident issue. “This is serious, I don’t think that I can hide this from everyone on base for long…”

He quickly grew irritated from your constant mumblings refusing to listen to him. Caught in an endless cycle of worries, he was easily blocked out. Enough was enough as he pulled you in close returning to the tenderness of your neck.

“W-What are you doing?!” You shrieked, pushing against his face for him to quit.

“Giving those fuckers something to stare at.” He refused to let go, his relentless bruising bites viciously attacking against your plea. Doubling down on the prominent mark, there was no end in sight until he suddenly slowed down changing your cries into peeps of confusion.

He took a deep breath, holding against your stained skin taking in the heat. “What are you going to tell them now when you come back without a picture again?”

You had first heard about him years ago. An imageless wanted poster rushed on high priority out for the man known as brutal killer. Nearing him almost always meant a certain death especially for a Marine, yet you were determined to the first to capture his likeliness.

Since that day, you refused to break the secret communication. He was the whiskey to your wine, overpowering any and all situations in which he wedged himself into.

Keeping a close eye on him from a far was the only thing that you could do until a ‘tip’ came in. Convenient rumors as to his location, you kept meeting him upon various islands in private. Usually finding him in seedy hidden bars, it didn’t matter as long as it was with him.

“Hmm, I’ll think of something.” You softly whispered slowly grazing over his scarred cheek. Not wishing to cease chasing him just yet, the ruse of a search would continue.

“Or just turn in the pictures that I took of you, they’re a hell of a lot more interesting.”

Lovingly continuing to trail against his cheek, your soft brush suddenly slapped down against his bare skin. “Pictures of what?!” Your calm quickly shed into panic needing to find your camera amongst the mess of clothing tossed upon the floor.

As you tried to rush out of bed, he wouldn’t allow just yet. Taking a tight grip around your waist, he swiftly pulled you back pressing you close making sure that you couldn’t leave.

You took a sharp breath, holding as he suddenly tucked his face into your hair. His heated touch growing protective, your breath slowly released as your heart jumped into your throat restricting any questioning.

“When are you leaving?” His voice course, almost lined with disappointment to the thought of being separated once more.

You shook your head, swallowing the lump forming from your answer, “Later today around sunset.”

He didn’t speak. Emotions crudely lingering, his grip upon your waist involuntarily increased pinning his fingertips into your skin.

“H-Hey…!” You hastily cried out as his hold bordered upon painful. Trying to squirm out of his arms, he finally loosened.

Slowly giving you some slack, he finally gave way dropping his intense hold.

“Kid?” You softly whispered a few times as his stubborn base refused to acknowledge the calling. Turning to face him, you gently held his battle marked face with the utmost care.

His eyes darkened the longer that you stared. Undeterred from his brash expressions attempting to shake you away, he roughly grasped your wrist. “Why the hell are you looking at me like that?” He loudly barked.

Eyes only for him, you didn’t care what he said. Neither his glare nor grasp could ever scare you away. “Whatever am I going to do with you? Hmm? Eustass Captain Kid?” You buzzed a teasing question refusing to let down the hold on him.

He could only grunt, his deep-set frown sinking further to your words.

You knew what he wished to say as he had said it a few times before. Less of an agreeing conversation and more of a command, he wanted you far from the Marines and upon his ship. Threats of kidnapping were laughed off until the day that he physically attempted.

As much as every fiber in your being screamed to follow behind, it couldn’t be done. No, not yet.

“I have to go soon.”

You both knew that it had to come to an end eventually. The soft halo of the rising sun peeking through the curtains ending your time. Soon, someone would raise the suspicion to your missing body if you held on for too long.

Your wary hands grasping him tighter before beginning to slip away.

He quickly jerked your hands back possessively holding them by his mouth. Exhaling the mix of whiskey and adoration, his lips lingered not quite giving into full care.

You tried to laugh but his stinging expression immediately silenced any word on his behavior. “I shouldn’t be saying anything, but I may or may have not heard than an admiral will be around these waters within the day…” you tried to slyly work around a simple piece of advice. The sinking scowl appearing from behind the cover of your hands paused you once more.

“Just keep to the west, don’t be stupid.” You shook your head hoping that he wouldn’t be reckless and depart as soon as possible.

He grunted in annoyance disturbed from your words. Advice and demands were both the same to him. Equally unwelcome, he bit his tongue before he could lash out.

“I’ll see you soon.” A quick peck to his tense white knuckles managed to catch him off guard enough to escape him.

 “Raise the sails!  Prepare to depart!” The ship was a buzz with preparations to depart from the island.

Busy feet rushed back and forth outside of your door as you idly stared out of the window too caught up in your thoughts to move. The cusp of the island slowly being left behind in the distance, you gave an apathetic sigh from being taken far from him once more.

How long in between would be the next encounter? Few and far in between, his offer appeared all the more tempting.

“N-No,” you shook yourself of such thoughts before they could take over.

“[Name]? [Name]?”

“Hmm?” You slowly turned away from the sea to the one at your open door.

“Are you okay? You were mumbling ‘no’ over and over.” A tinge of concern passed over your crewmate to your sudden odd behavior causing a turning of the head.

You quickly bit your lip; such thoughts could never be shared. “Just fine,” you nervously forced out placing on a half-raised smile.

“If you say so,” she hesitantly responded not quite convinced, yet it was bet not to pry. “I just wanted to ask if you wanted your pictures printed? I’m going down there to get mine done.” She offered, raising her own camera by the strap.

“O-Oh sure, it’s right there.” You pointed to the device sitting atop the dresser.

Giving a nod, she picked up the camera. “I’ll let you know when they’re ready.”

“Okay, thanks,” you turned back around allowing for it to so carelessly leave. Returning to wallowing in your sorrows, the sea flipped to rough waves just in time as Kid’s words sprang up. ‘The picture that I took of you.’

Rapidly drained of color, you could swear that your heart had momentarily stopped. The possibilities of what could be recorded, it quickly jolted you from your long-held seat.

“W-Wait!” You loudly called out dashed down the hallway fumbling upon your unbalanced feet. Recovering from multiple near falls, you pulled upon the strap of your camera wanting it badly back. “I-I’ll do it myself later.” You nervously chuckled having troubles grasping the device with your visually trembling hands.

Trying not to raise further suspicion, you quickly shut the door clutching it tightly in your arms.

“T-That was too close,” you deeply exhaled, a hand to your rapidly beating heart trying to calm.

A second to check to the lock on the door made certain of privacy before slipping into bed. Highly tensed hunch, you groaned, dreading as to what would be the first picture. “Wy Kid…why…” you continued in despair shutting your eyes tightly before giving minor peeks.

Built up images in your mind couldn’t have been prepared for the ones truly snapped.

Fast asleep, you laid amongst the mess of sheets recently created. First strewn atop exposed, the images continued to soften.

Raised coverage of the sheets and your once messy hair fixed to the best of his abilities, from behind the camera, his tender care is what showed. Making sure to capture the slight smile forming in your sleep, you couldn’t help but wonder what was going through his mind.

The lens meat to focus on him, showed himself in a different light.

Finishing the film with a painfully permanent smile, you reached beneath your bed. Dialing his secret number, you tried to reach him as soon as possible.

“98.5 degrees, see what did I tell you Law?” You huffed, holding out the thermometer to the man essentially holding you hostage. Laying down strict orders to remain in his bed, you weren’t permitted to enjoy the night with the rest of the crew.

Landing upon an island famous across the Grandline for its yearly festival, all took the opportunity to unwind. Free from work for the night, they rushed out while you were rushed into the cold room.

Lights of the vibrant fireworks that all were enjoying, you were only limited to the bleak gray of his bare walls. The sweet aroma of freshly baked sweets replaced with the pungent medicinal herbs which he ground working on his own cure.

“I’m fine, now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be going.”

Pausing, Law turned back in his seat questioning if he had heard correctly. A brief glance from a far, he knew of your illness; there was no chance that he was wrong.

“[Name]-ya, do it right,” he demanded, frustration evident in his voice to your obvious fibbing. Rubbing his temple, he was quite unsure as to why he trusted you to test yourself in the first place.

“Okay fine,” be it the fever or the sharp glare in his eyes, your will to fight quickly diminished. Watching the small screen on the device turn an alarming red, there was no use in even trying to continue the escape.

Pulling it from your mouth at the sound of the completed beep, he recorded the true number. “101.6,” he muttered with a concerning sigh as he shook his head from the increase in just an hours’ time.

“[Name]-ya…” he turned back stopping at your fallen asleep figure. After fighting it for too long, some rest would be for the best for now.

 The excitement for which you held for the long-awaited island, he quickly dashed. Your health was priority above a night of enjoyment he adamantly repeated despite your increased scowls and pouts.

Despite your adamant push for him to go as well, he couldn’t possibly leave you alone. Silently working, he could only patiently wait for your recovey checking on your condition every so often.

Minor noises here and there didn’t alarm until joining into a distressing groan. Suddenly breaking the silence with a pained cry, it only increased as you turned over in bed searching for relief. Shallow breathing increasing, Law quickly rushed over sliding himself into the small space allowed in his bed.

As you fumbled with the zipper of your raised boiler suit, he grumbled as he attempted to help. “Don’t move,” he tried holding your frantic body still as he worked on undoing the three tight buttons without injury.

“I told you to take this thing off,” he continued to mutter as you didn’t do as you were told before.

“Sorry captain, I was cold before but now its just so hot.” You feverishly replied, allowing him while attempting to fan yourself off with your hand.

Unzipping your suit, your heaving chest exposed running beads of sweat.

“You’re soaked,” Law’s brows furrowed to your vibrant chest exuding heat. “Come on, you need to get into the shower.”

Muttering an incoherent sound, you shook your head initially refusing to go. “N-No,” you softly managed continuing to disagree with his requests.

“You’re heating up, now [Name]-ya.”

You slowly looked up to him, forcefully opening heavy eyelids to his concern. Unable to keep the defiance up for any longer, your eyes shut leading into an agreeing nod.

The sudden influx of heat fogged your mind. Following close behind, you gave little care for stripping so suddenly in public wishing to be quickly free of the suffocating articles.

To the sound of clothing dropping, he didn’t dare to steal an unsolicited look. Clearing his throat, he fumbled for the light switch keeping an advert gaze.

“Don’t get your hair wet, [Name]-ya.”

“Y-Yeah…” you weakly responded not clearly listening as you shut the door being left alone for he first time.

Wincing to the stinging florescent light, you stumbled over to the shower leaning on the wall as an aid. Fumbling with the knobs, the water ran on full blast.

Shockingly cold, it was vastly different from your usual boiling showers. Baring through mumbling uncomfortable sounds, you rubbed your face with your trembling hands attempting to clear your sight.

Letting out a sigh, the drop-in temperature was a welcomed relief in the end. Allowing a moment for the water to cleanse your overly stressed body, you were finally able to breathe clearly for once.

“Don’t get your hair wet.”

“Huh?” Slowly coming out of the clouding feverish haze, you swept your hair aside to the voice.

Backing away from beneath the stream, you looked around for the source taking in the new environment. Beige curtains and spotless tiles, it was different from the shard bathrooms etched with Bepo’s claw marks.

Despite the freezing water, your heart quickly raced reigniting your body from the surfacing images. Law escorting you inside while your hands worked by themselves rushing off your suffocating clothing tossing wherever they may fall.

Shrieking back against the wall, you covered your flushed face before frantically covering your exposed body in sheer embarrassment. How much had he seen? Was he still present behind the cover?

Deeply gulping, you held your breath as you slid the curtain aside to cautiously peek out. “L-Law?” Meeting with an empty room, you sighed a breath of relief.

 “E-Excuse me, c-captain?” You softly repeated from the doorway until capturing his diverted attention.

To the raise of his questioning brow, you tugged on the hem of your new coverage. Having tossed your clothing long before, you took his shirt laid out for his later shower.

“S-Sorry, I didn’t have any clothes, I’ll give it back to you soon,” you looked down from his tight gaze. Pulling, the embroidered hearts logo stretched as you nervously fumbled with the fabric reaching to just above your knees. “I’ll be going to my room now…” attempting to slowly walk away, your backwards footing slipped upon the wet floor suddenly fumbling.

Rushing from his seat across the room, he scooped up your faint figure before you could meet a painful fall.

“S-Sorry I guess I’m still a bit dizzy,” you weakly spoke struggling to make any expression but a frown as you held your swirling head.

Letting out a disparaging sigh to your condition, he returned you to the safety of his bed. Turning back to his desk momentarily, he returned with the dosage of medicine created. “Take this before you go.”

Your face immediately soured to the sight. Seeing the ill green liquid swirl inside of the small cup, it raised important questions. How could it be the cure for your illness and not lead to your certain death? Despite blindly trusting him before, this one seemed to be the first one to be questioned.

“[Name]-ya, stop making that face.”

“What are you—”

You paused, looking up from the ill medication, to his low smirk unexpectedly present. After dealing with you all day, he should have had enough of your constant refusals. Yet there was a menial tug upon his lips holding back his laughter towards the situation.

“Once you stop making that face.” Rolling your eyes, you returned the jab before forcing down the foul medication in one large gulp.

Watching your face contort to the unpleasant taste, he ultimately got the last laugh.

Huffing to his evident sadistic joy, you tossed into his bed wrapping yourself amongst his blankets turning your back to him. “I’m going back to sleep,” you mumbled stubbornly cementing yourself.

“Go ahead.”

With your arms defensively crossed in a stubborn pout, you tried your best to force yourself to fall back asleep. Failing, silence loomed as you focused upon his soft shuffling around the room.

“O-Oh, where are you going?” You turned slightly over your shoulder watching him prepare for his departure.

He deeply yawned; stretching his arms above his head until the satisfying pop, built-up from his tedious work, rang. “Going to sleep for a bit, wake me up if you need something.”

Your face furrowed to his decision to leave seeking rest elsewhere. “Don’t, just sleep here…” you quickly tried stopping him, reaching out before he could walk away. Grabbing onto the first bit of fabric, you paused, your hand accidentally slipping into his back pocket. Momentarily making eye contact, your hand violently jerked back to cover your flushed face with the blanket inching closer to the wall sinking as far away as possible.

“I-I…sorry.”

“Move over.”

You continued to grumble beneath your breath taking an innocent mistake deeply to heart as you made room for him.

Laying in bed, he needed to take the opportunity to relax. Completing various tasks by himself, he strained with very few hours of sleep. One remedy after the other, he’d work until he found the perfect one to cure. Yet his eyes refused to shut as quickly as yours subjected once more to keep focus upon you.

“Law…” after minutes of having fallen asleep, you mumbled his name softly.

Watching you turn over to him, your rosy cheeks on full display. Soft tint, he couldn’t help but to continue his work.

Placing an inked hand upon your forehead, it continued to press upon your cheeks then neck. Cautiously checking for any sign of ailment, he kept a close hold as you slept.

Furrowing brows, you attempted to shake him off to no avail. “Law,” your once soft voice shifted into a mumbled annoyance from his persistent touch bothering you even as you slept.

Easily ignoring your protests, your wet hair wrapped around his finger causing his frown to sink deeply. “I told you not to get your hair wet. Get up, you’ll get sick again.” He tucked the strand behind your ear moving it from your face showing distaste for his most recent demand.

“Five more minutes…” you softly countered not wishing to leave his comfortable bed just yet.

“[Name]-ya, come on.” He urged you looking out for your well-being.

“Please?” You took his stern hand laying it back against the shared pillow until it relaxed. Sliding down his forearm, your hand stopped upon his darkened tattoo squeezing as you whispered a second plea.

As he watched your lips raise into a slight smile, his argument stuck in his throat.