#ic.law

Ever stunned by the sheer lack of planning this captain appears to have at first glance, Law's head sharply turns to Luffy, mouth half-agape as he sees him ready to take off. Tattooed fingers hook around the rubbery pirate's arm in an attempt to keep him right where he was ( yet knowing his power, that might just be in vain here ). Stern, golden hues look directly at the Straw Hat. Doesn't anyone on this ship have any sense to them ?

" You're just going ? Do you even think about what might be there before you're leaping in ? "

" If you do this incorrectly, you're going to make my job to fix it even harder, " Law warns, watching her take his arm between her hands. Though he could have managed it himself, it may take more than just a few tries to get it right. The surgeon suppresses the strong urge to wince at the pain, with a narrowed look towards the princess. It was more of an inconvenience than anything, but one he can't just have hanging around. While they had the time to do so, might as well get it over with.

" Start to lift my arm and guide it back to where it belongs. Do it slow. This isn't something you can rush. "

Every fiber of his being lingers in agony after a losing battle against one of the Emperors of the sea. The pain of his body pales in comparison to his mind's. The pain of defeat, of loss, taking a deep cut into his pride & sense of self. Only surviving by devoted senior officer pulling him in tow towards a nearby island, now unconscious since the moment their bodies hit the shore. The next thing he could recall was something approaching... before it all went black.

Swimming back into consciousness, there's an attempt to sit up before he could take a proper look around. His vision is shaky, blurred as he tries to swing his legs to underneath him. He only pauses as he hears a voice, immediately catching his attention. Though his muscles scream, teeth gritted tightly, he glowers like a cornered animal.

" Don't get close. " He can patch himself. Patch up his companion. He didn't need anyone more than the people he wanted on his side. " Whatever supplies you have, hand them over. I can do this myself. "

The booming voice breaking over the low chatter of the people in the area catches his attention. One glance back towards the sound was a mistake the moment his eyes shifted away from where he was going. Eyes immediately lock in with the marine. That split second selling himself out. The young pirate clicks his tongue in annoyance, as he quickly ducks his head in the busy crowds around them.

There was no time to set up room, nor would it be wise to give himself away further. He would have to avoid the watchful eyes, until their rendezvous with the others came. ...Which wouldn't be for a while. If he could locate them first, maybe they could get off the island faster. For now, he would need to lose them. He quickly weaves through the people around him, sharply turning into alleyways in hopes of losing them. Though if it came down to it... who knows what he's capable of doing.

@solaurous sent: ace is quiet - momentarily at least as he studies the 'surgeon of death' with an unreadable expression. the new year was mere moments away ; law's crew cheering nearby --- but the former pirates attention was entirely on the golden eyed captain, gaze unwavering as he ignored the dread for the day they approach & yet live in the moment to its fullest. savor the warmth that it sparked inside of his chest despite it all. fingers curl around law's jaw carefully, thumb tracing over the man's goatee softly as a vulnerable smile begins to blossom on his lips. "happy new years, law." a mere murmur between their mouths, before they slot together perfectly as if they were made for just that : kissing one another. a playful bite to the man's bottom lip has ace smirking waiting for the reaction while deepening the kiss a little --- ignoring the hollers he could hear from nearby. this was their moment afterall, cherishing the memory already.

The countdown began for the rest of the group in the evening, well into the night as sparklers & lantern lights illuminate their spot, muffled by a lack of attention to it when all eyes lay upon the Fire Fist Pirate. He feels his skin, roughened from the years at sea yet so soft as they brush against his complexion. A rare comfort he feels in the presence of such an unruly flame like he. Soon his watchful eye falls shut as lips begin to press against one another to celebrate yet another year. Now met with something new.

A challenge Ace teases as he feels the tug of his lip pull him closer in. And for once, ( a very rare moment in his life that he plays into someone's hand like this ), he follows his lead. Disregarding whatever attention they brought upon themselves in their moment alone, Law pushes back in the kiss, hand curling around the nape of the other's neck until utterly breathless. How many more would they have ? Until things came to an end ? Why be tentative & guarded when it's a moment meant to spark new life, new motivations in oneself. As lips part, he finds himself studying his features once more ( always something new; a new freckle or glint in his eye ), catching his breath.

" Happy new year, Ace. "

@cathiief sent: ❛ i'm not having a nervous breakdown. ❜ law || k-pop demon hunters sentence starters

There's a long pause following her response. One filled with a proper amount of skepticism, though willing to accept it as a truth. She was sensible enough to respond so clearly… The narrowed look relaxes & glances off elsewhere. No need to keep studying her as if it was an active case study.