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Chapter Text

Shanks almost feels pity as the frightened crew scrambles around him. As one of them offers him their poneglyphs, to spare their captain. The care is touching in its own way.

Unfortunately it's terribly misplaced. Eustass Kidd's crew should have picked a leader with more care. Make the whole world your enemy and you will lose.

Even the likes of Kaido understood that.

Shanks isn’t surprised that they are ending this way. Most over-ambitious rookies do and this particular set left a trail of blood behind them. Beck had already had to deal with them once, even.

When he had heard over their approach, Shanks had briefly hoped Eustass Kidd would be smart enough to accept his offer of surrender. That he'd learned something while in Wano.

(Only the fact that he was coming right from fighting beside Luffy had Shanks feeling so generous in the first place. Shanks may have the reputation of being the nicest of the Emperors, but putting up with a second challenge from someone Beckman had already spared? No.)

Obviously, he hadn't. He's still the same reckless brat, ready to kill for no good reason. 

Shanks almost feels pity for the crew, for the first mate that went down trying to shield his captain. For Eustass Kidd himself? Shanks feels nothing.

He's just one more pirate that should have made better choices.

Dorry and Brogy should be about ready to put an end to this particular dream. But you never know what tricks someone might have hidden on their ship. 

So close. Shanks came so close to losing so many of his friends to this punk, because they were trying to help him. Shanks can't afford to take chances.

So, just in case he missed anything in the horror of what he saw coming and the mad dash to prevent it, Shanks activates his Observation. As strongly as he can, in a way he rarely does. Just to be sure.

What he finds is… odd. In a shouldn't be possible way.

Eustass Kidd has a secondary haki signature blanketing him. It's not subtle, now that Shanks sees it. Maybe more obvious now that he's unconscious? Or just the fact that Shanks is looking. It doesn't reach out past him any, is wrapped around him tightly. And very much should not be there.

Shanks has never seen or heard of anything like this before. He knows haki, was trained by the best and spent years honing his skills. And five minutes ago, he wouldn't have thought this was possible.

Life never stops surprising him though.

Because that haki signature? Shanks knows exactly who it belongs to. Could never forget. Spent time hovering just outside of Kaido's territory, just to see how things would end.

(His little Anchor fighting two Emporers? Shanks couldn't interfere, but he also couldn't stay away.)

He felt it, when a new sun was born and the world shook. He felt that haki, knew exactly who it had to belong to. Only one thing could explain haki blazing so brightly that he could sense it so far awake. The Awakening of Nika. It was unique and distinctive and exactly what he senses on the punk.

Luffy. What did you do?

This complicates things. It complicates things quite a bit. 

The easy option is still here, of course. Jump over to his own ship, let the giants sink the ship, continue on his way. Simply not worry about why Eustass Kidd has traces of what Shanks knows is Luffy’s haki wrapped around him. Very simple and a fitting end for anyone that would threaten Shanks’ friends.

Only Shanks has only occasionally been good at ignoring things. Not when he’s curious, and certainly not when it's about someone important to him. So leaving it alone now would be difficult and almost certainly lead to regrets later. And Shanks hates having regrets.

Plus this feels like the closest he's been to Luffy since Marineford.

Right, so. Change of plans. Shanks can't let Eustass Kidd die right now, which means he probably also needs to not kill the man's crew. That tends to lead to grudges that last forever and Shanks suddenly doesn't know if that's tolerable.

(Why does he have Luffy’s haki, how does he have Luffy’s haki, what kind of haki even is this? )

Which means Shanks has to…take prisoners? That's not something they really do, but it seems like his only option?

Fishing his baby snail out, Shanks starts making calls. First to tell Dorry and Brogy to wait a few minutes, then to tell Beck to get the seastone handy.

And yes, please have some people clear the booze out of the brig, they are going to finally be using it. He'll explain more when he's on the ship, don't worry.

The entire time, he stares at the Kidd pirates that have formed a crowd around their captain and first mate. A warning look in his eyes, letting them know just how unwise it would be to test him right now.

When one of the things he was sure he most understood, haki, is getting turned on its head.

When originally they were all going to be very lucky to survive and Shanks will go back to that plan if pushed. Technically he only needs the punk to figure out what's going on. Shanks just doesn't like killing if he doesn't have to and having them all should make his life easier.

Luckily, none of them seem even close to trying anything. The way they huddle around the two Supernovas, Shanks can't tell if they are trying to guard them or looking for safety. Possibly both, though at least one of them instead seems to be trying to tend to wounds. She must be the crew doctor.

It's not long before the Red Force pulls up alongside the ruined ship, Lucky Roux waving at him. “Hey boss! We got everything ready, like you asked! We gonna have a party tonight with all the booze we don't have space for now?”

Shanks chuckles, needing the humor, before he calls back. “Sure! I guess we did just win a fight, even if it didn't take much! Let's celebrate!”

He ignores the low grumbling from the captured crew. He's right and they know it. Plus Shanks could really use some booze.

Finally, he turns back to the Kidd pirates. “Don't plan to hurt you, as long as you behave. You are my prisoners now, though, so I suggest not causing trouble.”

He lets his haki trickle out, to emphasize his meaning. Not enough to knock out seasoned New World pirates, but enough to show that he means business.

Kudos to them for courage though, the tattooed one that spoke earlier takes a step forward and meets Shanks’ eyes. “I think Kidd would rather die than be a prisoner again. I know Killer would. So, well–” 

He's trembling as he says it, clearly not wanting to take his crew into a fight they will lose, so Shanks puts him out of his misery by cutting him off.

“Your captain isn't getting a choice. The rest of your crew can stay and die if they want,” It's what Eustass had planned for his friends, just collateral damage, “But I'll be taking your captain no matter what.”

His voice is steel. Shanks has made up his mind and he'll see it through. 

Still, he's glad when the man nods. Easier, so much easier. Easier as they are led into the Force , as Seastone is placed on Eustass’ wrist, as they are taken down to the cleared brig.

And, finally, Shanks sends the signal. Brogy and Dorry sink the ship. That crew is done. One less menace of these seas, one less would-be king.

Hopefully Luffy won't mind Shanks handling one of his rivals. The punk did start it.

So, with all that handled, Shanks goes to find Beckman. He'll need help to figure out the next step.

~~~

Everything hurts. That's the first thing Kidd notices as he fights his way to awareness. His head is throbbing and his body feels like he went a few rounds with Kaido. Again.  

The second thing he notices is that he can’t feel his arm. Not on his shoulder, not with his powers. Which, he can't feel those either. Ugh, sea sickness. Those he misses as much as his arm, maybe more.

Finally, as he forces his eyes open, Kidd notices the most important thing that is missing. Killer.  

The lack of his partner kicks Kidd into gear, the memory of what happened coming back in a rush. Red Hair. Kidd’s own attack getting destroyed and backfiring. The explosion and the pain and being too hurt to move.

Knowing that something was still happening, hearing his crew and knowing there was something wrong. Giving everything he had to call just one bit of metal, to fight back. To be able to hit the bastard just one fucking tine.

Failing.

Now he's in here alone. Doesn't know where his crew is or where he is. Where Killer is.

Kidd lost to an Emperor again and doesn't know what the cost will be this time. Why Red Hair didn't just kill him.

If it's even Red Hair that has him, rumors don't paint him as the type to take prisoners. Too kind or too efficient, depending on whose talking.

The kind part, in Kidd’s opinion, is a fucking joke. Red Hair’s a pirate just like the rest of them. The monkey doesn't count, he's insane.

Well, it doesn't matter who has him. Kidd needs to focus on his situation.

He's on a ship, that much is obvious with the motion of it. No windows in this room, so no clue if he's still near the same island. Bedroll dropped in the corner, generic. 

No information of any sort. Only light coming from a small window in the door. One that Kidd can't reach, not with the damn Seastone cuff on his wrist being chained to the wall.

Or that would be what someone would assume. Someone like whoever stuck him in here. Kidd knows better.

He scowls at nothing. Man, this is gonna fucking suck.

But with no better options, it's the only thing that Kidd can do. So he'll grit his teeth and bare it. Who knows, maybe he won't even feel the extra pain over everything else.

Nah, his luck has never been that good.

Kidd pushes himself to his feet, ignoring every ache from his body as he makes his way towards the door. He reaches the end of the chain quick, lets his arm stretch out behind him. 

Reaches the end of that too, still a step away. Can tell, now that he's looked more, that this is a makeshift cell. Or at least not one that's used often, but whoever has him isn't prepared to hold him. Fucking amateurs.

Good for Kidd though. Kidd escaped from fucking Udon while in Seastone, he can escape from here too.

So he forces himself to take another step forward, ignoring how his body protests. How his arm starts screaming as Kidd pushes again, not letting himself wince at the pop it makes as it pulls out of place.

It hurts, but not as much as losing an arm does. Nothing Kidd can't handle.

Not that it turns out to be worth it, when Kidd looks out the window. An empty hallway with a few kegs of booze.

Fuck, Kidd now doesn’t have a single good arm and he didn't learn a damn thing.

And now he’s got to get his shoulder back in place.

Damn this is gonna suck. But it's something Kidd has had to deal with before, when he first got his Fruit and was learning how to use it. Finding out the hard way that his powers are stronger than his body. Never had to try and do it while chained up and with no free limb before, but he knows how this works. Can't be too hard, just painful.

Quickly, promising himself to never tell Quincy about this, he goes back to the wall. Braces his throbbing shoulder and shoves as hard as he can as pain lances through him. Hears something pop and lets out his breath.

That musta been it. Still doesn't feel quite right, but it will soon enough.

So Kidd’s still stuck at square one. Seas fucking damn it. 

No, not square one. He knows he's being held by amateurs and he can use that. Nothing and no one can hold Eustass Kidd, can stop him. Kidd’s not about to let that change now.

He just needs a plan. Step one, figuring out if anything in this room can be used as a weapon. Or a lockpick, though that's not gonna do much good til he finds some of his crew. Still be good to have, though.

Also need to take a better look at this chain. Can't do anything about the cuff, that's Seastone. But if the chain isn't, that could be a weak point. Or, hell, maybe even the wall mounting. Nothing about this room, not even the bedroll dropped on the floor, says anything about this being a regularly used cell. In fact, everything says it isn't. Maintenance could be sloppy and if he can pull the chain out of the wall Kidd has both more freedom and a weapon.

Kidd gives himself one more second leaning against the wall, before pushing away and looking up at the fixture.

It's not a rush job, that he can tell at a glance. Confirms this is actually a cell. And while wood isn't exactly Kidd’s specialty, he knows enough to tell the room has been kept in good condition. This is good stuff, too. So the wood isn't likely to give way.

(Door will, if he can get free. A door always has a weak point.)

That leaves the metal itself. Any rust, any sign that something has come loose, Kidd can use. Give him an inch and he'll turn it into a fucking mile. That little bit is all he needs.

The door squeaks as it opens, Kidd quickly turn to put his back to the wall and watch whoever coming in. He doesn't have a weapon, so unless he's real lucky this won't be the time to escape.

He does note the squeaky door. Possible complication, though getting through it wasn't likely to be subtle anyway.

Then the person steps through the doorway and finally becomes visible. 

Red Hair.

All of Kidd’s self control goes to not immediately lunging forward and re-dislocating his arm.

“Eustass ‘Captain’ Kidd.” Kidd hadn't actually heard the bastard's voice before now. He immediately decides he hates it, hates the mockery he hears in the man's voice as he says his name. No one gets to mock Kidd. No one.

(Well, aside from Killer. His partner is always the exception. Trafalgar and him have got things just about balanced.)

“You have some questions to answer.” The bastard isn't quite touching his sword, just letting his hand hover near it. Fuck, if he knew if the mooring of this chain was weak, Kidd might just rush him. 

It's still tempting, but Kidd can show restraint.

He does so now, merely growling words at the bastard. “Get fucked. I ain't telling you nothing.”

Not that Kidd has any clue what kinds of questions Red Hair could have for him. It doesn’t matter though. Kidd won't answer, will never submit to an enemy.

“Really? I don't remember making it an option, Kidd. You lost, in case you forgot. Your ship is destroyed, your entire crew captured. The only reason you aren't at the bottom of the ocean right now is because of my questions. So you wanna try that again?” Red Hair smiles like he's already won, like he thinks Kidd will just roll over.

It's more infuriating than Kaido or Big Mom. 

Calm. Kidd can't move now. Get out of his chains, then he can take him on. Wipe out the last of the old guard, prove that he's Straw Hat's equal.

As long as Kidd’s alive, as long as Killer's alive, he hasn't been beaten yet.

So instead of doing anything that he wants to do, Kidd pull out his smarmiest grin. “Nah. Pretty happy with my first answer, thanks.”

Red Hair shakes his head, tutting. “Now Kidd, you haven't even heard my questions yet.”

“Don't care. Go away.” There's nothing Red Hair could ask that Kidd will answer.

Red Hair just keeps right on talking, as if he hadn't heard Kidd telling him to fuck off. “All I want to know is why you have another person's haki clinging to you.”

He pauses, as if for dramatic effect. Kidd hates him. “Well, and a few other things. But that's the place I want to start, considering I didn't know it was even possible.”

“Don't know, don't care. Buzz off.” 

“That’s awful short-sighted of you, kiddo. Cause right now, you're a walking impossibility. I'm asking nicely, but you are going to want a better answer than that.” Condescension drips from every word that leaves Red Hair’s mouth.

Kidd resolutely keeps his mouth shut. He doesn't know what Red Hair is talking about, his haki is fine. Or he guesses it is, just about everything Kidd knows about haki he pieced together himself.

Fucking Kaido is how he found out he has Conqueror's. Not exactly what Kidd would call a good education. 

(Not that he's ever had one of those, either. What Kidd knows, he taught himself.)

Still, his Observation is pretty good. Kidd would know if there was something wrong. Everything's working fine, though, which means Red Hair is full of it.

Kidd doesn't need to pay him any attention until it's time to knock his skull in.

Can't work on escape in front of him though, cause that would be just dumb. Instead, Kidd slowly starts moving each limb. Taking inventory of what aches, what he might need to know for later. 

Left leg aches when fully extended, did something to the knee. Might buckle if he isn't careful. And then Quincy will probably be after his head, because she's a doctor. He used to think it was just a her thing, but apparently all docs are fussy about shit.

Arm hurts too, but–

The pressure in the room suddenly seems to intensify, Kidd has to brace himself to stop from falling to his knees. Haki. More than he thinks he's ever felt before, all around him and trying to force Kidd down.

To force him to kneel, to submit.

Never.

Kidd pushes through the sea sickness that clouds his mind, makes his own haki so much harder to reach. Pulls on his own haki, turns it into a cloak around him.

The air is still heavy, but Kidd forces out a laugh. “You're not the only one here with the soul of a conqueror. And you don't scare me.”

“Impressive.” Kidd can't tell if he's sincere or mocking him. Either way, he pulls his haki in closer under the weight of the other, forming a shield. Bracing for the next blow.

Only then Red Hair lets up, smiling like he won something. “Now that I have your attention again, time to move on to other matters. We can talk about haki more later.”

Fat chance. No way is Kidd gonna go along with that. “No way in hell, bastard.”

Red Hair doesn't acknowledge Kidd’s words, instead leaning against the wall. Looking relaxed. Too relaxed, in Kidd’s opinion. It's insulting.

“So, Kidd, I wanna hear about your time in Wano. Specifically, I wanna know about your interactions with Monkey D. Luffy.

Chapter Text

Shanks doesn't take his eyes off of Eustass Kidd. He needs to monitor everything, from his body language to his expressions. His Observation is as focused as he can make it, seeing everything about the younger pirate. The subtleties of the punk's haki. 

Which is bizarre, now that Shanks can look closely. Luffy’s haki seems to have almost wrapped around Kidd’s. Almost invisible. Aside from when the punk tried to combat Shanks Conqueror's with his own. It was inexperienced, unpracticed. 

He should not have been able to shape it like he did. Shanks would have had to work at shaping his haki like that. It's not how Conqueror's is supposed to work.

But it moved with Luffy’s. Somehow, together, Kidd was able to move them.

It makes no sense.

But Shanks believes him when he says he has no idea about his haki. Eustass Kidd, frankly, doesn't seem like the type to study haki theory enough to know anything about this. Shanks doesn't understand what's happening.

“Straw Hat?” Kidd snorts, nostrils flaring wide. His heartbeat slightly increases, Shanks can just barely tell through his Observation. “That idiot? Haven't seen him in months.”

That's true, Shanks already knows that. The newspapers covered it, how the three captains who took down two Emperors between them all went separate ways after Wano. Morgans even threw in some reason, though Shanks forgets what it was.

That part, Shanks didn't need to be told. They're rivals, of course the alliance would end.

Pirate alliances don't last.

“Not what I asked, Kidd. I asked about what you saw of him. What you think of him.” Is Kidd an enemy Luffy clashed with and somehow marked? Unlikely, the haki seems too friendly for that. But how else could he have been exposed so much it's clinging to him?

“Monkey's an idiot.”

“Oh?” Shanks keeps his displeasure contained. Luffy is reckless and foolish, but Eustass Kidd has no right to be throwing stones. Not after all the stunts he has pulled. “And what else is he, I wonder?”

“Nothin’.” 

Shanks waits, but he says nothing else. Time to push him along. He needs to know more, even if every moment makes the thought of throwing Eustass Kidd into the ocean more tempting. “What else? Surely an Emperor of the Sea can't just be a fool.”

Well, maybe. Buggy did just get the same title, but Shanks is giving Mihawk most of the credit there.

Kidd scowls, maybe at the reminder that his performance in Wano hadn't gotten him as grand a title. “Already told you, I ain't answering your questions. And Straw Hat may be annoying, but I ain't a snitch.”

Huh. That's maybe the second good quality Shanks has seen from the punk. The first being that he's apparently a good enough captain to have won his crew's loyalty completely. It's not a lot, but Shanks can appreciate that he's not just trying to sell Luffy weaknesses out.

Though part of that may be pride. Eustass Kidd sure has an abundance of that, the arrogant, destructive brat.

Still. “You sure? Nothing else you want to tell me about your relationship with Luffy?”

Eustass Kidd says nothing, though he doesn't look away from Shanks. Everything about him reads as both tense and defiant.

He thinks Shanks is going to hurt him. He also isn't going to back down.

Fine. They aren't making progress now anyway. 

“Alright then, Kidd. I'll give you a night to think things through. Maybe tomorrow you'll be ready to tell me why you have Luffy’s haki on you.”

~~~

What, by all six fucking Seas, is Red Hair even talking about? Straw Hat's haki? Kidd hasn't even seen him in months. And he'd know, Straw Hat is as subtle as Kidd himself and his haki is distinctive.

Plus Kidd'll never forget the after battle party. Kidd might be pretty sure Monkey was a virgin at the start of the night, but he learned quick. Including with haki, cause yeah, feeling like a Conqueror was pretty fucking appropriate.

(Did Kidd steal some ideas for how to use his own from that? Yeah, he's not ashamed of it. Gotta learn somehow.)

But yeah, Kidd knows damn well what Straw Hat's haki feels like.

Red Hair is either insane or digging for information on a rival. Either way probably means things are fucked if Kidd doesn't get out of here are soon.

(Fucking Straw Hat. Not even here and still all anybody wants to talk about. Still causing Kidd problems. How did Trafalgar put up with him for like, a month?)

Straw Hat is gonna hear about this the next time they meet. Probably fighting over Raftel, but fuck if Kidd can't complain then too. Not like either of them is gonna die. Straw Hat won't go for the kill and Kidd isn't sure that Straw Hat is actually able to die. Too big an idiot, probably.

Kidd doesn't know what Straw Hat did to piss off Red Hair. Must be something, but Emperors get mad at any little challenge. Kidd’s certainly perfected pissing them off, too.

Still. Straw Hat's fights shouldn't be his problem, damn it! 

Kidd gives himself a few more moments to fume. Over the fact that he just fought Red Hair but all Red Hair cares about is Straw Hat. And some imagined haki issue.

Or he's lying. 

None of that changes Kidd's priorities though. Get out, get Killer and the crew, come back later and take Red Hair’s head. Simple. Kidd can manage those steps.

Step one, working on the chain. Now that Red Hair isn't here to watch his every move, Kidd turns back to the wall. Hooks his arm, still aching but Kidd can't pay attention to that now, around the chain. Uses it to pull himself up, so that he can look at the mooring.

First glance shows it to be disappointingly solid. Not something that is gonna break easy. 

Kidd isn't gonna give up though. So he braces himself against the pain, strains harder to get a closer look. His shoulder screams in protest, but Kidd grits his teeth through it.

Losing his arm hurt more. Kidd won't let this stop him. 

He forces his mind clear, sets the pain aside, and looks. For anything, any weak point at all. In a set-up as shabby as this, there has to be something.

And there is. A screw that, when Kidd looks closely, he can tell is flawed. He almost laughs. So simple, but exactly what he needs.

(This is why you always double check your materials.)

It still won't be easy. It's high up, getting that high with only one arm is gonna be a bitch. And it's only one screw.

But it's a start.

~~~

Shanks know without even entering the room that Kidd hasn't slept all night. With him chained up, Shanks had better things to do than watch him all night. He still checked in at times. And the rookie was always doing the same thing, working away at trying to get his chain loose.

He was doing the exact same thing when Shanks woke up this morning. Kid is stubborn, Shanks'll give him that. Horribly outclassed and a fool not to realize it, but persistent.

Shanks doesn't know what he thinks he'll even if he does somehow manage to get the chain off the wall. He'd still be in Seastone.

Well, not Shanks’ problem, not when there's no way any escape plan will work.

And Shanks has given him enough of a break. The haki around him didn't move, still coating Kidd like a second skin every time Shanks checked. Which isn't too difficult, now that he knows what to look for.

Not bothering to knock, this is his ship and he's not giving Kidd any privacy anyway, Shanks opens the door and enters. The punk must have heard him coming, since he's already facing the door. With quite the glare.

Oh well, his opinion of things really doesn't matter.

“Ready for another chat?” Shanks doesn't wait for an answer, instead leaning against the wall. Hmm. He should probably bring a chair if this continues. No reason he can't be comfortable.

“Already told you, I got nothing to say.” Shanks ignores him, instead flaring his haki. The punk grits his teeth, but then Shanks stops paying attention to what he's doing. That's not what Shanks cares about.

Instead he watches Luffy’s haki, which still isn't quite right. It's almost Conqueror's, but not. And it wraps around Kidd, seeming to almost stabilize Kidd’s own haki as he tries to resist Shanks.

Yeah. Shanks has to admit it, even if he doesn't like it. The purpose of this haki is protection, aid. And haki is an extension of a person's will. Even if Shanks doesn't know the specifics, how or why Luffy did this, it can still only mean one thing.

Luffy cares about Eustass Kidd.

Shanks doesn't understand how that could be the case at all, but the proof is undeniable. Which probably means it's a good thing he didn't sink the punk, no matter how much Kidd would have deserved it. Shanks wouldn't want Luffy looking at him with sad eyes, even if he's sure Anchor would understand after he explained.

You don't tolerate threats to your friends. Kidd had come ready to kill, Shanks was totally justified in acting the same.

Still. Justification doesn't cure grief. And Shanks never wants to be the reason Luffy cries.

A thud pulls him out of his thoughts, Kidd looking up to see Kidd hit the floor. Huh, impressive. Shanks wouldn't have thought he could resist his haki for so long, even if Shanks wasn't really paying attention to him.

Well, he's learned enough from this little experiment. So Shanks pulls his haki back in, tucking it all away. Probably won't need to try that again. Shanks still doesn't know exactly what Luffy did, but that's gonna require more finesse to figure out.

“Bastard.” Kidd growls it out as he pushes himself back to his feet, glaring at Shanks.

“I suggest you start thinking about some stories of Luffy to share. Wano must have given you plenty.” Shanks forces his voice to be pleasant. He doesn't like the punk, but for now manners are his best option. Until he knows more. 

Besides, it's been a long time since Shanks got to hear about him from someone that actually spent time with Anchor. It'll be nice.

“Yeah, keep dreaming. No way am I–”

Shanks interrupts him, tired of all the bluster. “And if you behave and don't cause problems, your first mate can join us.”

The punk falls silent. Shanks watches the conflict on his face, before he grudgingly nods. “Fine.”

Perfect.

Shanks doesn't bother to say anything else, he just walks out. Beck needs to be told about their new dinner plans for tonight. He'll wanna hear all about what Luffy’s been up to.

~~~

There is only one thought in Kidd’s mind as he is pulled to a table set for four people, before being pushed down into a chair.

Kidd is going to kill Red Hair. 

That is his newest, most immediate goal. Raftel and the One Piece can wait. Right now, there's nothing Kidd wants more than that bastard's head on a platter. One of the ones Killer sometimes uses in cooking, though that feels too good for the bastard.

And then he'll throw the whole thing into the sea. Let him feed the fishes. Or make them sick, Kidd doesn't really care which.

Because how dare he use Kidd’s partner against him like that.

The bastard wants stories about Straw Hat? Well he can have them. Kidd'll make sure they aren't the kind that'll do him any good. He'll do it all while being polite too. Mind his manners and all that shit, while he turns Red Hair’s stomach.

Man wants to make a mockery of Kidd, force him into a sham of a meal and disrespect him so much they don't even bother chaining him? Are dumb enough to rely on just Seastone to restrain Kidd? 

Yeah, Kidd’s gonna make sure it's the worst meal Red Hair ever has.

At least he isn’t kept waiting long for this farce. Red Hair walks up to the table, accompanied by Benn Beckman. Another man Kidd owes some payback too, though not as much as Red Hair.

“Where's Killer?” He doesn't wait for them to make it all the way to the table before he asks the question. Killer is the only reason that he's here, that he didn't punch out the minion Red Hair sent to bring him.

Red Hair waves his question away as if it's nothing. Kidd grinds his teeth together so hard he's surprised it isn't audible. And he glares.

Red Hair wants him to talk? He isn’t getting a word until Kidd has seen Killer and knows that he's okay.

Been sighs, loudly. “Shanks, why are we doing this?”

The smile on Red Hair’s face is insane and sets off alarm bells in Kidd’s head. “Come on Beck, don't you wanna hear stories about little Anchor?”

Kidd could almost laugh. Yeah, Straw Hat is a runt. But he isn't gonna die that easy.

Well. He might if he felt shame, with Kidd’s plan, but luckily for him Straw Hat seems to be immune to that emotion. Good, cause when Kidd bests him it's gonna be in a fair fight. 

And it's gonna be them at the end. Relics like Red Hair already had their chance and wasted it.

“We could just hunt him down.” Comes the dry response from Benn. “Then we wouldn't need to deal with this punk.”

“Nah, that wouldn't be as fun. Besides Beck–”

Whatever Red Hair is going to say is interrupted by a blonde man arriving. With Killer right behind him, hands chained in front of himself. Part of Killer's mask is missing and Kidd immediately itches to fix it. 

It's wrong for Killer to not have his whole face covered. Especially in front of enemies. 

“Kidd.” There is something desperate in his partner's voice. Kidd hates it, hates seeing Killer in chains again. It shouldn't be happening.

Kidd is going to kill them all.

“Partner.” He gives Killer a nod. Can't talk about many of the things they need to, not while being watched. “Rest of the crew?”

“Alive, I've seen them. We took the worst of it.” That's good, that's one weight off Kidd’s shoulders. And will make escape easier too, long as there aren't too many injuries. 

It'll suck, but it just became possible.

Kidd snarls as the strange blonde suddenly comes up behind him, touching his shoulder without warning. Kidd has just enough time to elbow him in the knees before a wave of haki crashes down. Suddenly taking all control of his body away from him.

“Now that wasn't very nice. Hongo was just taking a look at your shoulder. You did dislocate it, after all.” Kidd can hear Killer straining, pulling in air. Fuck. Fuck. Killer, Red Hair throws his haki around like it's nothing and Kidd can take it. Can pull up his own to act as a shield or just tough it out.

Killer's tough too, but he doesn’t have Conqueror's to push against Red Hair’s. And Kidd doesn't know if he can push his own defenses out.

Fuck, Kidd’s actually gonna have to behave or Killer will suffer for it.

His own haki surges up as Kidd concentrates, a cloak of power wrapped around him as he forces his head up. And then grudgingly nods to Red Hair, dipping his chin. Letting him know that Kidd will be good, even if he'd rather tear the man apart.

The haki stops, Kidd immediately turning his head to check on his partner. Killer's tense, but looks okay.

Good, that's what matters here.

And this time when the blonde doc touches his shoulder, more roughly than before, Kidd lets him. Doesn't flinch away from the pain of it, refuses to let it show. 

Kidd might not have a lot of control here, but he won't give the bastards the pleasure of seeing him flinch.

He distracts himself instead, listening in on the conversation happening between Red Hair and his first mate.

“–told you Beck, his haki is weird.” Great. Red Hair is still focusing on that insanity.

“Yeah, you're right. Though I'd say it's more Luffy’s haki that's weird.”

“Both, Beckman. It's both. I'm not sure how he's shaping it like that or why Luffy’s haki moves with his. Don't know if he's shaping it or–”

His eavesdropping is cut short as bandages are roughly placed around his shoulder. Restrictive ones, which will cause problems and be a bitch to get off.

“You messed this up good, kid. Didn't have it back in properly either. I'd put you in a sling, but then you wouldn't have a single arm to use.” The man glares at him like Quincy would and Kidd feels a deep longing for his own doc, not this enemy.

He'd rather just let his arm ache than this. Hell, he'd even take Trafalgar.

“Right, so he has the all clear for dinner then.” Red Hair sounds way too excited. Kidd can't wait to ruin his evening.

(As long as Killer doesn't pay for it. But fuck, Kidd can't just roll over. It goes against everything he is. Killer knows it, too. Kidd hates Red Hair even more, for using his partner against him like this.)

“Yeah boss. I wouldn't make him move too much though, not if you want to keep him in decent condition.”

Red Hairs waves a hand dismissively. “Don't worry Hongo, we're just gonna have a nice talk.”

“Right.”

Kidd bristles at being discussed like he isn’t right here, but holds his tongue. Soon. Soon he'll make Red Hair regret this.

“Well, you got a bunch of is excited to hear what you find out, so I won't slow you down anymore.” The doc leaves, leaving only Killer and Kidd sitting at the table with Red Hair and Benn.

Killer leans over, talking and obviously not caring Red Hair can hear him. “What’s going on here, Kidd? None of the crew knows anything.”

“Red Hair’s insane.” Kidd doesn't hesitate to answer.

“No, you're just an amateur with haki. But I care less about that right now. Tell me about Luffy.” Red Hair is leaning forward, even his first mate seems to be paying more attention now.

Killer, who knows Kidd better than anybody, braces himself. 

“Alright Red Hair. You wanna know something that the newspapers don't? The rubber body thing is his whole body, if you get what I mean.” Kidd puts as much innuendo into his voice as possible, just to make sure Red Hair can't possibly misunderstand him. “The stretching thing? Yeah, that's his whole body too.”

Killer sighs, but Kidd doesn't look away from Red Hair. He looks like he swallowed a lemon, it's great.

“You two–” Red Hair barely manages to choke it out. This is going better than Kidd thought it would.

“Oh yeah. Had to celebrate after killing two Emperors, right? Those were a fun few days.”

They were, too. Monkey is insane and down to try anything and the surgeon could do insane things with his Fruit. Kidd can't think of anyone else that's been able to match him in bed like that, but those two? Both fun and mind blowing. 

Killer groans softly beside him. He's already heard all the best details of course.

Kidd though, Kidd is just getting started. He wants to see how many colors he can get Red Hair to turn, cause apparently he's a prude.

Who hasn't thought of how famous Devil Fruit users could use their powers while fucking? Kidd has a fucking list, with two of the most interesting crossed off in Wano.

Not that he'd say no to a round whatever it would be.

First gotta deal with Red Hair though. 

“His tongue? Yeah, that stretches too. And his throat. Which might make it disgusting to watch him eat, but Straw Hat can give one hell of a blow job. Always swallows, too.” Red Hair is just getting paler.

And there may be a bit of haki leaking out of him, but it's only a small bit. So Kidd sees no reason he should stop yet. 

“Fucks like a champ too. You wouldn't think it to look at him, Monkey's a shrimp, but turns out he fucks like he fights. Hard. ” Kidd pauses, as if something just occurred to him, before meeting Red Hair’s eyes directly. There's something like horror in them and Kidd smirks. “Hey, maybe I do have some of his haki in me. Wonder if that means I left some in him too?”

He pretends to think about it, tilting his head slightly. Kidd is pretty sure Red Hair stops breathing. He opens his mouth to continue, when a gunshot rings out and a bullet hits the table a few inches in front of him.

Turning his head, Kidd sees Benn putting a gun away. “I think that's enough of that. No need to spoil our appetites.”

Red Hair is looking a bit green, which leaves Kidd feeling smug.

He shrugs, acting casual. “Fine by me, though it certainly isn't gonna hurt my appetite any. But your captain's the one who wanted info on Straw Hat, and most of the time I spent with him we were all naked.”

Red Hair chokes again. “All?”

“What’s a good victory without a bit of an orgy?” Still a damn good victory, and a threescore might not actually count as an orgy. But Kidd doesn't wanna know how Trafalgar would react to his name getting dropped here.

Something in Red Hair seems to snap at that moment though, haki pouring down on Kidd. Just him, he can tell. Good. Means he's getting all of Red Hair’s focus. That's good.

Even as it becomes a struggle to force his lungs to take in air.

Kidd tries to pull his haki into a shield again, hears Killer yell something Kidd can't hear over the rush in his own ears. The pressure lessens slightly as he protects himself, enough that Kidd can hear his heart start beating again.

Good. Kidd ain't gonna die here cause some Emperor decided to have a temper tantrum.

He can still barely breathe as he slowly forces his head up. Defiant, cause Kidd isn't gonna bow for anyone.

Killer sees him, has a hand on his shoulder (A chained hand, the other not far away because it can't be. Metal, trapping Kidd’s partner. He's going to kill them.) that squeezes. “Kidd, can you hear me?”

Kidd knows he can't talk, isn't going to give Red Hair the satisfaction of watching him try and fail. Instead he just glares.

And slowly the pressure begins to lessen, Red Hair done with his little powerplay.

Or at least ready to talk. “Listen here, you little–”

Red Hair is interrupted as a snail in his pocket starts broadcasting. And one in Benn's pocket. In fact, Kidd can hear multiple. All with the exact same message.

~~~

“What the fuck?” Is all Kidd can say when the message end. Because again, what the fuck?

Red Hair, though, has a strange smile on his face. Kidd doesn't know why, but he doesn’t trust it. It looks insane.

“Well, I think I know where Luffy'll be next!” His eyes lock with Kidd’s. “Guess we can get some more information about your relationship then!”

Chapter Text

Elbaph is so cool. Luffy knew it would be! But there are giant animals and that Loki guy knows about Shanks and Elbaph is great! Plus they're gonna have a feast tonight! Luffy can’t wait!

“So do you think–” Luffy stops, barely even noticing as Usopp walks into him. He wasn't really using Observation but he always has it on a little and that felt really familiar.

“Luffy?” Luffy ignores the question from Usopp for just a second, pushing his Observation out. And there he is!

“Jaggy's here!” Luffy cheers. He didn't think he'd see Jaggy so soon but this is great! He can join the party!

“Eustass Kidd? The scary pirate captain who promised to fight us the next time we met?”

“Yep!” Luffy confirms with a nod. Fighting Jaggy sounds fun. They never have but his powers are super cool and Luffy is sure it'll be a fun fight! “He's got some really powerful people with him!”

“Oh Seas, we're going to die.” Luffy ignores Usopp, he knows what tone means that Usopp isn't saying anything important.

“Come on!”

“Oh no, Luffy. I was going to see Master Brogy, remember?” That is important. Usopp has wanted to spend time with the giants since they first heard about Elbaph from them. To learn how to be a brave warrior of the sea. 

(Luffy knows he already is, but Usopp has got to learn it for himself.)

“Okay! See ya later!” Luffy grabs hold of two of the trees, stretching back. This'll be the fastest way to get to Jaggy! It's been months! “Gum-Gum Rocket!”

“Luffy, wait!”

Luffy barely hears Usopp as he flies through the air, towards the edge of Elbaph. And over it, cause Jaggy must have just arrived.

Luffy lands in a cloud of sand on the beach, kicking it up all around him as his legs bend to absorb the fall. Luffy laughs, cause that was fun! 

And it got him pretty close, Jaggy's only a little ways away. 

In fact, Luffy can see the ship he must be on. It's not Jaggy's ship, which is weird. Luffy doesn’t know why Jaggy would be on someone else's ship. He didn't even wanna see the Sunny!

But as Luffy runs closer, he can see Jaggy standing on the deck. And he's unhappy about something, Luffy can tell with his haki.

But he’s here! “Jaggy!”

Jaggy turns his head some, but Luffy stops paying attention as the man next to Jaggy turns around too.

“Shanks!” Luffy launches himself forward, arms stretched out, and lands on Shanks. Who he feels stumble back and Oh yeah, Shanks didn't know him when he could hug like this.

Oh well.

Luffy wraps his arms and legs around Shanks several times, clinging tightly. “Shanks! You're here! You've gotta meet my crew, they're the best! Oh, and I need to tell you about Vivi! She isn't here but she's part of my crew and–”

“Slow down, Anchor.” Shanks' hand is on his head, ruffling his hair, and Luffy beams. He almost feels like he's in Gear 5 with how happy he is. How wide his grin stretches. 

Shanks is here!

A thought suddenly pops into his mind and Luffy pulls his head back, looking at Shanks seriously. “You can't have it back yet. I'm not done.”

Shanks laughs, shaking his head, and it's been so long since Luffy has heard Shanks laugh. It's great!

“Don't worry Anchor. Though I think you've become a great pirate by anyone's standards, I know what you're waiting for.” And Shanks believes that he'll do it. He can tell by how he says it, how he looks at Luffy. That he knows Luffy will fulfill their promise, Luffy’s way “I don't mind waiting a bit longer.”

Shanks believes Luffy will be the next King of the Pirates.

Luffy’s never doubted it. And his crew believes in him and other people do now too. Luffy will be the King of the Pirates.

Still, it's really nice to know that Shanks believes it too. Shanks is the one who gave him this dream.

“What the fuck?”

Luffy twists his neck, turning to look at Jaggy. Who is staring at him and Shanks with wide eyes for some reason. 

Actually Luffy has some questions now too. “Why are you on Shanks’ ship, Jaggy?” 

Because that’s weird. Luffy pouts at him. It also isn't fair. “You wouldn't come on the Sunny. And the Sunny is great. I thought you didn't like other people's ships!”

“Why am I– Monkey, why did you just throw yourself at a Seas damned Emperor!” Jaggy's shouting now, but Luffy doesn’t see what the big deal is. Sure Shanks is strong and important and stuff, but he’s still Shanks.

“It's Shanks. He's the first pirate I ever met! He's why I'm a pirate.” Luffy feels Shanks moving as Jaggy just stares at him. Then a hand is on his head again, ruffling his hair as Shanks leans forward.

“Aww, Anchor. I think you just broke your little friend a bit.” Shanks' voice sounds a bit mean as he says it. 

Luffy reluctantly unwinds his arms and kegs, letting them snap back into place. Shanks winces for some reason. 

“Why don't you like Jaggy?” Luffy asks bluntly, crossing his arms over his chest. “And why is he on your ship if you don't like him?”

“Are you blind, Monkey? I'm in Seastone handcuffs, why do you think I'm here?” Luffy turns to look behind him. Sure enough, now that he's actually looking at Jaggy, he can see the Seastone wrapped around his wrist. 

That makes Luffy frown. Jaggy is his. 

“He's here because he has your haki on him.” Shanks cuts in. Which, huh.

“You sunk my ship, you bastard!”

“You're the one that decided to attack first. You're just a punk who doesn't care who he hurts and I have no clue why Luffy would care about you.”

Luffy mostly ignores them, but he has a lot more questions now. For later, if he remembers.

Instead he walks up to Jaggy, who looks like he's gonna yell some more, concentrates, and pokes him.

“Hey, what are you doing?’

Luffy takes just a second to be sure, then smiles up at Kidd. “You really do have some of my haki! I had to really look at it, cause it's more like what I have in Gear 5, but it is! That's really cool, Jaggy!”

There is silence for a moment.

“What!?” Jaggy yells it, obviously surprised. Luffy isn’t sure why though, Jaggy should know it's there. The little bit of Luffy’s haki is all twisted up with Jaggy's, shouldn't he be able to feel it? “Monkey, are you tryin’ to tell me that that bastard is right?”

“I mean, yeah? Can't you tell?” Luffy is sure he would know if he had someone else's haki.

“No! I haven't–” Jaggy's mouth shuts as Luffy kinda stretches his mind out, seeing if he can do anything with it. The haki might be on Jaggy, but it's still Luffy’s. Even if it is the kind that only comes out when Luffy is in Gear 5.

Maybe Luffy should go Gear 5 and see what happens?

“What are you doing, Monkey?” Jaggy's face has gone all red and funny. And kinda cute, Luffy likes it. It's a good face.

“Wanted to see if I could make my haki do stuff. This is so cool Jaggy!”

“Well fucking stop. It feels weird.” Jaggy's voice is all weird as he says it. Luffy wants to play more, see what all this can do.

Rayleigh never told him about anything like this!

“Luffy.” He turns his head as Shanks speaks. There's a worried look on Shanks’ face, which Luffy doesn’t get. “You mean you didn't do this on purpose?”

“Nope.”

“Do you normally leave haki on your friends?” Shanks’ voice is still all tense. Luffy can tell he doesn't like what Luffy’s telling him, even if Luffy isn't worried.

Gear 5 is kinda weird, but it's still his haki and him and stuff. It's not like it'd hurt Jaggy, Luffy wouldn't let it.

Still, Luffy’s happy to help Shanks figure it out. 

“Nope, at least not my crew. I woulda noticed. But I don't wanna talk about this til you give me the key.”

Luffy will be happy to help Shanks figure it out,  after Shanks takes the cuff off Jaggy. Being in Seastone sucks and Luffy doesn’t like that anything is holding Jaggy prisoner. He shouldn't be trapped. He needs to be free, like Luffy.

“Do you mean the key to that punk's cuffs?” Shanks sounds like he can't quite believe what's happening, though Luffy isn’t sure why. He's being pretty reasonable, he thinks. 

He wants Jaggy free, so he asking.

“Yeah? What other keys do you have?”

Jaggy makes a noise behind him, kinda angry. “I don't need your charity, Straw Hat. Or your pity.”

Luffy turns to look at Jaggy, and wow he has to twist his neck a lot standing between them. “It's not pity. I just don't like seeing you in Seastone.”

Luffy thinks that it's obvious that of course he'll help Jaggy, but Jaggy is weird at times. Really proud and doesn't understand that it's fine to accept help.

It's silly, but it's Jaggy. 

Shanks sighs. “Kiddo, if I set your friend free he's just gonna try and kill me. And you know how that's gonna end.”

“Damn right I will.” 

Ignoring what Jaggy says, cause Jaggy is always saying he'll kill people, Luffy turns to frown at Shanks. “Why do you keep calling Jaggy my friend?”

Cause Jaggy is great and Luffy loves him lots but friend isn't the right word. Not the way Shanks is saying it. 

“Are you saying you aren't?” Shanks sounds hopeful. Luffy guesses he really wants to fight Jaggy or something. Luffy doesn’t like that thought, even if the fight could be cool, because it wouldn't be a fun fight.

“Maybe.” Luffy shrugs, cause words can be hard and Jaggy is a friend but also with more. “But he's also my husband.”

“What?” The shout comes from behind Luffy, cause Shanks isn’t actually talking. 

Shanks is actually going really pale and Luffy is kinda worried. Should he yell for Hongo? Cause the only other time Shanks looked like this, it was after he lost his arm.

(Luffy wasn't supposed to sneak into Shanks’ room to see him, but he did. Cause it was his fault and he needed to know that Shanks would be okay.)

“Are you–” Before Luffy can finish asking if Shanks is okay, he feels himself jerked backwards. And completely off his feet, cause Jaggy is strong even in Seastone.

“What do you mean I'm your husband?” Jaggy doesn't stop shaking Luffy the entire time he asks. After he turns him around, at least, so they're looking at each other. Luffy wonders what it would look like if he was in Gear 5, he hasn't really got shaken yet.

Still, Jaggy is confused for some reason. So Luffy should explain. “We got married in Wano, duh.”

“I think I would remember that, Monkey.”

He should, yeah. Jaggy should really remember. “You should, it was your idea.”

Jaggy looks like he wants to fight. Luffy watches as he takes a big breath though, fine with hanging from his hand for a bit longer. It was kinda cool, Luffy likes how strong Jaggy is.

Maybe once Luffy has got Shanks to let Jaggy go, they can have some fun together.

“Alright, Monkey. I'm gonna speak in small words for you. How. Were. We. Married?” Jaggy says the words really slowly, like he thinks Luffy’s an idiot. Luffy pouts at him.

“You don't gotta be mean, Jaggy. Remember when Momo gave me that huge sake cup at the feast? And I was gonna drink it but then you stole it and it was fun? Well, after, Momo told me drinking sake together means you're married!” Luffy hadn't known until after they were married, but he doesn’t mind. They had so much fun.

Jaggy, though, is turning colors. It's great, cause it almost matches his hair. “You. I. You just didn't get to drink before me, cause you aren't better than me, Monkey, no matter what the World Government thinks.”

Luffy is dropped to the deck as Jaggy's hand suddenly goes to run through his hair. “Wait, Trafalgar was there too. Are you telling me you think we're all married?”

There's a choking noise behind him, but Luffy is too busy watching Jaggy to turn around and look. “Well, duh. We all drank the sake. And then we did that sex stuff. You, me, and Traffy.”

“Sex doesn't mean people are married!”

“I know that.” Luffy isn’t some little kid. “But I only have sex with people I'm married to. It was fun though, so we should do it again soon!”

“Luffy, for the love of the Sea, please stop talking.” Luffy finally looks away from Jaggy, who is just staring at him with his eyebrow twitching, to Shanks. He looks kinda like Sanji does when Nami's annoyed with him. “Please. Just stop.”

“Why?” They aren't talking about anything bad.

“Because the last time I talked with you, you were a cute seven year old. Now you're telling me you're married to this punk. I need time to process, kiddo.” Shanks rubs at his forged with his hand, looking stressed

Jaggy, meanwhile, slowly begins to smile. Luffy feels excitement bubble up, because that's a fun smile. Jaggy only wears it when he's about to do something exciting.

“So that's what your problem is, old man? Why you threw a fit the other night? Because you can't deal with Straw Hat being all grown up and down to fuck?” Jaggy pauses and Luffy knows whatever he says next is gonna be funny. Well, hopefully. So far it isn't, but people are weird about sex. “Mad he found a better red head?”

“Luffy’s a full grown pirate, a good captain, and an Emperor in his own right.” Luffy feels the pride swelling his chest. It's nice to hear that Shanks knows just how strong Luffy has become. “He can do whatever he wants. I just don't understand why that would include someone like you.”

Shanks waves his hand at Jaggy, an expression on his face that has Luffy frowning. Shanks doesn't have to like Jaggy, but he shouldn't look at him like that. Not when talking about how he's Luffy's.

“Cause Jaggy's fun. And I like him. And he's strong and I like how he looks when he's happy and he's cool and I chose him.”  Jaggy is Luffy’s and he's supposed to be happy and strong and free to do anything. Only he isn’t now, which sucks. “Shanks, where's the key?”

Luffy sets his feet. He doesn't wanna have to fight Shanks now, that's for later, but he will if he has to. No one gets to keep anyone Luffy cares about in chains, not even his other friends.

“Why? He's he's not actually your husband because he didn't know he was getting married so it doesn't count, and–”

“Sure I am.” 

“What.” Wow, Luffy didn't know Shanks could growl! And his Conqueror's is so strong, Luffy can tell even if Shanks is holding it back.

“Yeah, I've decided I'm on board. Straw Hat's husband or whatever, Monkey I'm gonna laugh so hard when you explain this to Trafalgar. But why not? You're hot, strong, and fun in bed.” That's a very Jaggy grin, proud and big and a bit mean. Luffy wants to kiss him.

So he does.

Kissing Jaggy is a bit like a fight. Because everything that Luffy gives, Jaggy takes and gives back. If Luffy presses forward, so does Jaggy. And Jaggy tries to take control, to set the pace. It's like a competition. Only instead of trying to kick his ass, Luffy’s goal is to make him fall apart.

He feels a hand on his back, pushing up his shirt as Jaggy smirks into the kiss.

And then suddenly feels bad, the Seastone a shock that breaks through how much fun Luffy is having. 

Seastone sucks. Luffy wants it gone right now.

And Luffy has an idea, so he breaks the kiss. Turns to look at Shanks. “Are you really not gonna let Jaggy go?”

“I don't really see why I should. Took him prisoner fair and square to find out what's up with his haki. I still don't know, so why should I let him go? Release him to a rival Emperor?” There's a glint in Shanks eyes as he says it. This is a test, Luffy realizes. Shanks wants to see how Luffy will react.

“Because I'm a pirate!” Luffy laughs, loud and free and a grin spreads across his face as he wraps an arm several times around Jaggy's waist. It'd be so easy to slip into Gear 5 right now, with how Luffy feels. He ignores Jaggy's questions as he answers Shanks. “I don't have to ask.”

Then Luffy launches them both off the ship, back to the beach. Becoming a balloon so Jaggy won't be hurt in the landing. Hears Shanks laughing behind him, can feel the rest of the crew laughing as well.

(Luffy’s a little put out that he didn't get a chance to say hi. Oh well, there'll be time later.)

“Straw Hat.” Jaggy basically hisses at him as he pulls himself out of the sand and to his feet. Joining Luffy, who already bounced back up. “He has my crew. And he only bothered with keeping them cause of me." 

Jaggy is obviously worried. And angry, cause he's worried. Luffy just grins confidently up at him. “Don't worry Jaggy, they'll be fine. Shanks doesn't hurt people unless he has to.”

He wouldn't hurt Jaggy's crew, Luffy knows.

There's a soft thump in the sand as Shanks lands on the beach, closer to the sea. He isn’t pushing out with his Conqueror's, isn't trying to force them down. But it's so heavy around him, Luffy can almost see it, can picture the air around Shanks as red as his hair.

“Good first step Luffy, but what's your plan now? I have his crew, his key. And all you have is dead weight to protect in a fight.”

Jaggy growls at that, obviously offended but not arguing. Luffy knows that he'll still fight anyway though, cause Jaggy never stops fighting.

“My plan's simple.” Luffy answers Shanks. “I take them.”

Shanks laughs at that, wiping tears from his eyes when he's done. “Oh, kiddo. Your crew isn't here, even if they're on their way. And if you think you can take me and all of my crew my yourself, maybe it is time you give me back that–”

The air turns blue. Luffy idly notes Shanks hand going to his sword for the first time, but he’s too excited to care. Cause Luffy knows exactly what's happening, concentrates his Observation on finding him just a few seconds before Traffy and his bear appear on the beach.

“Traffy!”

Traffy's eyes lock on him, familiar but not right. Almost too bright. 

Luffy’s smile disappears as he looks at Traffy. His coat is torn and stained. Luffy can see scrapes and bruises, even if Traffy doesn't have any bandages. His eyes are bright but underneath them the skin is dark. There isn't any smile on Traffy's lips, not even a bit of a smirk or anything.

And he doesn't have his hat.

“Six Seas Trafalgar, what happened to you?” Luffy agrees with Jaggy's question. He needs to know. Traffy looks horrible and Luffy needs to know why. Needs to know who.

But Traffy ignores the question, seems to ignore everything else as he walks up to Luffy. 

“Straw Hat.” His words come out sure, like Traffy won't let them do anything else, even as it sounds like his throat hurts. Luffy listens. “I challenge you to a Davy Back fight.”

Chapter Text

Law doesn’t look away from Luffy. From Straw Hat. He can't, can't spare the energy to worry about another Emperor being here, (Even if this is a conflict between Emperors, a fight Law can't afford to get involved in. Haki might have been flared, but they weren't actually fighting. Old traditions will halt that until this is over.), can't worry that Eustass Kidd is here for some reason.

All he can do is wait for his answer. Law only has one plan. He has a second. But he can't, it isn't safe. Too many enemies. Law can't risk it.

But all Straw Hat is doing is looking at him. 

He needs an answer. Needs Straw Hat to agree to the challenge because after that it's over, Law can rest.

Law is so tired.

And Straw Hat still isn't answering. Law allows himself one second of warmth, of the haki that's unlike any kind he's felt, before blocking it off again. He doesn't know if it could run out, what the consequences would be. 

They need the strength more than Law does.

“Traffy, are you okay?” He's concerned, of course he is. Law knew he would be. It's who Luffy is, he can't not care.

Law doesn’t have the time for it though. Needs strength, not care.

“Answer the challenge, Straw Hat.” Law can't falter, can't let him get distracted. Straw Hat is unpredictable, almost impossible to plan around. But just this once, Law needs him to follow the plan.

“Why would he accept your challenge, Trafalgar Law, when it's clear you don't have much to bet?” Red Hair Shanks and Law doesn’t have the time to deal with him. Can't let him say anything to talk Luffy out of this.

And why does he even care?

Law makes himself find the words, make his brain work. It isn't hard, Law has never forgotten his own worth. “My bounty is 3 billion berries. That more than most crews are worth put together.”

“Traffy, I–” Law hasn't looked away from Luffy’s face. So he sees as Straw Hat pauses the way he so rarely does. Sees as Straw Hat's eyes scan over him, before fixing on Law's own face. Watches as Straw Hat's expression firms. “Are you sure, Traffy?”

No, he's probably going to lose everything he worked so hard to build. (It’s already lost.) Yes, because this is his only chance to save anything.

It doesn't matter if Law is sure. This is the only choice he has. “Do I seem unsure, Straw Hat?”

“You seem beat to hell, Trafalgar.” Eustass. Unimportant, Law can ignore him. (Though maybe a second option. Law turns the idea over in the back of his brain. How to convince him?)

“Captain…” Bepo, worried. Law doesn’t think Bepo has stopped worrying since the moment Law woke up and just gave him a direction. But he'll be fine, this will make sure of it.

Luffy is still staring, like he can see into Law's soul. Maybe he can. For all Law knows, he attached that warm haki to Law's very soul, even if it isn't for Law himself.

(Later, in private, Law will demand answers. Now isn't safe.)

Something he sees must convince him, because he nods. That firm look Straw Hat always has on his face right before he turns the world on its head. “Okay, Traffy. I accept.”

The wave of relief Law feels at that is almost enough to knock his feet out from under him. Luffy agreed. Law doesn’t have to last much longer, then he can be done.

“Good.” Can't say thank you, not yet. Even if that's what Law means. “We can start in five minutes.”

“Traffy?” Law ignores him, instead turning to Eustass. Stack the deck in his favor, Law has to make sure that all the cards are his. And he's obviously got himself into some kind of trouble, that's Seastone on his wrist.

Law can use that. 

He summons his Room, ignoring the drain. Just a bit longer, then he can rest. Forces it to expand, out and out. Enough to find everything, to know what's going on. To get all the information he needs.

Even the shock of finding out that Eustass is in the same state as him (Of course he is, it was all three of them. He should have known Luffy would pull Kidd into this as well.) doesn’t slow him down.

He'll tell him later. 

Right now he needs to make sure the other will help. Easy way to do that.

A sudden, crashing wave of haki hits Law. Nearly forces him to his knees. Red Hair, angry and aggressive and trying to stop him. Law grits his teeth and pushes on, raises his hand anyway.

Luffy is closer. He won't let Red Hair hurt him.

“Shambles.” Sand on the beach becomes replaced by pirates, Law can hear surprised noises over the rushing in his ears as he immediately drops his Room. The world greys out for a second as his already low energy reserves dip more.

Law doubts he has another Room left in him, even a small one.

“You owe me.” The words come out quick and sharp. This wasn't free, can't be free this time. Later, maybe. He can get Kidd out of the Seastone. But this is a debt and one Law will call in. He has to.

(Two of them equal an Emperor but Blackbeard means more than an Emperor. And they'll both need to be more careful this time. Can't take risks, Law has to hold every card.)

The pressure of the haki on him increases, Law feels the moment the sunshine warmth pulls back. Becomes shield instead of blanket as Law wavers.

But doesn't fall. 

He can't fall.

Just a little bit longer.

A hand grabs his shoulder, Law blinks as Kidd is suddenly holding some of his weight. Low concentration of Seastone? It–

“Yeah, sure. I owe you one. Not like this day can get any crazier. Trafalgar, what is wrong with you?” If he had the energy, Law would laugh. That's a long list including several impossible things.

“Trafalgar Law.” Law turns, ignoring how Kidd still holds some of his weight. It's fine. Law can't hide how weak he is now, anyway. “That was a bold thing you just did. Not worried about stealing from an Emperor?”

Law can feel it, that warm shield cracking. He can't control it, even if he wants to make it stop. Doesn't know what will happen if it shatters and Law can survive Conqueror's. Has, so many times before.

And he isn't afraid of Red Hair. Even if Law bent the rules, Luffy is right there.

He just can't find the words to tell him that. So instead he flips him off. That should say everything, that Law doesn't have the energy to put into words right now.

Then Luffy is in front of him. His own Conqueror's surrounding him. Not quite the warmth Law has grown used to, but close. “Shanks, enough. ”

~~~

Luffy’s become strong. That's Shanks’ first thought as Luffy stands between Shanks and Trafalgar. (The punk too, Shanks supposes, though that's not who Luffy is really protecting here. Even if he would if he thought he had to.) His own Conqueror's rising to meet Shanks’ and Luffy has come so far.

Shanks is so proud.

Trafalgar really does look awful, so he pulls his haki back inside. Shanks isn't actually mad at the kid, after all. He doesn't really like having to bother with prisoners.

And while normally Shanks might be a bit insulted at the gall of him, to just do that, he isn't sure the younger captain is firing on all cylinders right now. And there isn't anyone important around to see, aside from Luffy. Luffy who won't see Shanks’ lack of retaliation as a weakness to exploit.

So Shanks' can deal with Trafalgar's audacity. He can't be as bad as the other one. (Please, Six Seas and Four Winds, let Trafalgar be better than the punk.) One of Luffy’s husbands has to be decent.

(Husbands. Every time, D insanity catches him by surprise the instant it starts. Shanks would think he'd be used to it by now but he's never quite prepared.)

“Alright Luffy, I'll just let this go. Let's call it a favor between old friends.” Shanks sighs. “I guess we won't be fighting quite yet after all.”

A shame and not. Shanks was looking forward to it, seeing how far Luffy has come. So far he's only heard stories.

But the time isn't quite right yet.

Plus things just became a bit too serious for them to have a fun fight. Shanks isn't surprised by how Trafalgar looks, he's read the paper. Really Trafalgar is probably lucky to even be alive.

(Shanks' heart had skipped a beat when the punk mentioned him earlier, when it was made clear he was involved in whatever this weird relationship is. Shanks didn't want to have to tell Luffy he'd lost a husband.)

“I guess not. But there's always later!” The gleam in Luffy’s eye says he's looking forward to that later as much as Shanks is. “But I gotta do this with Traffy first!”

Ahh yes. The Davy Back challenge from a captain who's no longer a captain. Shanks has heard of such before, a desperate grasp at power from those who can't live without it.

It doesn't speak well of Trafalgar. But Shanks is determined to hang onto some hope that the man isn't awful. And Luffy is humoring it, so Shanks can't really complain.

He can needle, though.

“So a Davy Back with only two people on your side, Trafalgar. That's… unique.”

“It'll just be me and Straw Hat. I've already got the challenges planned.” As he speaks, Trafalgar steps forward. Away from the punk and Shanks will give credit where it's due. He kept a steadying hand on Trafalgar even as his second came up to him. If it's because he owes him or because of the sudden reveal that they're somehow married, Shanks doesn't know. But it's decent of him.

But Shanks doesn't wanna think about the punk anymore than he has to.

Instead he looks at Trafalgar, curious. Raising an eyebrow when the Heart captain fails to elaborate any on what he said. “Oh?”

“Traffy always has plans!” Luffy sounds cheerful, but Shanks can see the concern in his eyes as he turns his head to look at Trafalgar. And Shanks knows the cause isn't the Davy Back, Luffy is never afraid of a challenge. 

Nope, it's Trafalgar he is worried about.

Trafalgar moves with the grim, steady steps of someone that won't be able to start again on once they stop, walking closer to the center of the beach. Completely ignoring any of the recently freed pirates as he walks, scanning the beach for something.

The mink, Shanks notes, hovers nervously beside him as soon as he gets close. Holding a sword that Shanks guesses is Trafalgar's. Though Shanks is surprised he isn't carrying it himself, even as messed up as he clearly is.

There's something else weird about how he walks, though Shanks can't place what exactly it is.

Finally though, he must find a place that fits whatever his requirements are. This can't be a normal, physical, Davy Back. Trafalgar would be useless and honestly at full strength Shanks doubts the mink could do much against Luffy. If he ends up doing anything, which Shanks doubts. Trafalgar claimed it would just be the captains.

“Straw Hat.” Shanks watches as Luffy starts over without hesitation. Shanks, meanwhile, turns to name over in his head. Notes that Trafalgar doesn't use Luffy’s name.

He's curious about how, exactly, this is gonna go. So Shanks wanders over after Luffy.

“What're we gonna do, Traffy? I've only done one Davy Back before and there was a race and–”

“Sit down, Straw Hat. I'm afraid this will be less exciting than that.” It's clear that Trafalgar is about to sit down, so Shanks decides to do him a little favor. Remind him how a Davy Back starts, before he has to get up again.

“Do you even have the coins to pay to Davy Jones, Trafalgar? Cause it doesn't look like you have much on you.” 

Trafalgar grimaces, as if he forgot exactly how a Davy Back starts. Then again, he entered a challenge and then immediately stole from a pirate not involved, so Shanks isn’t impressed with how well Trafalgar is sticking to tradition.

Still. Things don't officially start til Davy Jones gets his due.

“I have the coins.” Trafalgar turns, walking to the water's edge. “What, do you want to referee this match?”

Shanks has no doubts that Trafalgar intends for his remark to be sarcastic, that's it's the needling of a captain whose pride can't stand being told what to do. It's also an offer. Something to allow Shanks closer to watch this all play out.

“Sure, I'll happily referee for you two.” The words come out relaxed, but Shanks puts just a bit of haki in them. Just enough to make it obvious that he'll take the role completely seriously.

Trafalgar doesn't react at all. Huh. Maybe he doesn't plan on trying to cheat then.

Luffy joins Trafalgar closer to the waves, Shanks following them. Not so much cause he thinks Trafalgar could cheat here, but because two Devil Fruit users close to the ocean is something to keep an eye on. 

Both pull out coins, Trafalgar hesitating for just a second before tossing them all at once. Shanks doesn't bother to listen to them, instead taking a moment to really look at Trafalgar with his Observation.

Sure enough, like Shanks expected, Luffy’s haki is on Trafalgar. Much more obvious than with the punk. With him, it had been almost invisible, blending into his own Conqueror's. A second skin.

On Trafalgar, it's like a blanket. Moving more and doing something, though Shanks has no clue what.

Interesting.

Especially now that Shanks just got to actually experience Luffy’s Conqueror's haki close up and he can tell this doesn't actually match it. It's close, but not quite. 

Shanks is still sure though that it matches up with what he felt coming from Wano.

Which means this isn't exactly Luffy’s haki, or at least not only. It's tied to Nika. To the Devil Fruit that's going to change the world.

What part do Trafalgar and the punk have to play in that? Shanks is incredibly curious.

But for that, he'll probably just have to wait and watch.

Watch closely, right now, as Luffy and Trafalgar head back to the spot Trafalgar had picked after giving Davy Jones his due.

Trafalgar, upon reaching it, sits down like a man not intending to get up any time soon. Shanks frowns slightly, trying to figure out what his game is, as Luffy crouches down across from Trafalgar.

“So what're we doing, Traffy?”

“Playing some games.” There is what might be the ghost of a smirk on Trafalgar's face as he says it. “Bepo, dice.”

Trafalgar holds his hand out expectantly towards the mink. Who seems to look at his captain for a long moment, before reluctantly pulling a few small objects out of a pocket and dropping them in Trafalgar's hand.

“Dice?” Shanks. He is supposed to be the referee after all.

“Yes.” Trafalgar nods, without looking at him. “I'm done trying to plan for you, Straw Hat. So this time, I'm leaving it all up to luck.”

Chapter Text

Kidd snorts from where he’s watching the farce, one eye on Trafalgar and Straw Hat even as he takes a report from Killer. Seems like they were the only ones that actually got hurt, which leaves them not nearly as fucked as they could've been. Him and Killer are the sturdiest, recover the quickest.

Replacing Victoria will take time. Nothing can replace her. But, overall, it seems like they got lucky.

Unlike Trafalgar.

Kidd hates that luck is what things have come down to, not his own skill. But he'll take advantage of it. Cause that's how you win, using everything you got with no apologies or regrets.

“What now?” Kidd takes in Killer, the broken mask that he's fixing immediately, and knows exactly what he needs right now.

(Kidd isn't gonna plan in the long-term yet.)

“Get Wire over here. The Red Hairs are shitty at taking prisoners. I know he managed to hide something to get this off me.” Kidd shakes his arm for emphasis. He needs to be back at full power as soon as possible, doesn't trust Red Hair’s nice guy act even if the monkey does. “....and get Quincy.”

Killer's eyes immediately sharpen as they scan Kidd. “You're injured?”

“Nah.” His arm might complain some, but it's nothing Kidd can't handle. Quincy doesn't need to be fussing over him. “But I don't think Trafalgar gonna be able to stay on his feet much longer “

And the only other doc close by was a Red Hair. Like hell was Kidd gonna let one of them near him.

“Trafalgar?” Killer pauses and Kidd can see his mind working. He has to know how they all got outta that ship. “You make a deal with him?”

“Just owe him a favor, partner. And,” Kidd pauses, wondering exactly how to explain the insanity of the past ten minutes. But it's Killer, he'll get it. “Turns out I might be married to him. And the monkey.”

Killer goes completely still and Kidd can see him turning it over in his head. Putting pieces together. “You've decided you want that.”

It wasn't a question. Killer knows Kidd, if he didn't then no mere tradition would mean a thing to Kidd. He'd blow it all off, maybe even kill Straw Hat for being so dumb.

“Yeah. The idea seemed to piss off the red haired bastard, so..” 

“So you agreed.” Killer knows him too well to be surprised, for all that Kidd can hear the exasperation in his voice. “And now that you've agreed, you aren't backing down.”

Kidd shrugs. He is who he is. It might have been impulsive but Trafalgar and the monkey are his now. And Kidd never surrenders what's his.

“So I suppose we're in some sort of alliance with the Straw Hats and the Hearts then?” Killer's voice carries a hint of distaste that Kidd mirrors with a scowl. Cause no, he's not doing that again.

“This is something else. That Straw Hat and I'll have to figure out.” Which is gonna be a pain in the ass, cause Straw Hat isn't reasonable about anything. “The Hearts…don't think they exist anymore, honestly.”

It's the only explanation for Trafalgar's state, for this whole display.

Kidd walks closer, even if he didn't bother listening to whatever rules of whatever dice game Trafalgar has them playing. Dice. As if this is an actual challenge, not what Kidd already knows it is.

A surrender.

Because Trafalgar is done. He's just too proud to actually say it, to submit to someone he called a rival a few months ago. Trafalgar is here to join Straw Hat and the Davy Back is just to save face. The last scraps of a captain's pride.

Bit of a pity he went to Straw Hat. Kidd woulda taken him now. But it was always inevitable that Trafalgar would end up back with Straw Hat. That was obvious. Where Straw Hat shows up, so does Trafalgar. From Sabaody to Marineford and everything that Straw Hat did after bursting back onto the scene, Trafalgar has been there. 

They're sorta a package deal that way.

Seas, and Kidd has them both now. Two stubborn idiots. At least both of them are fun in bed.

“Well twenty is closer to eighteen than five is. So this round goes to Luffy.” Kidd tenses with the effort of restraining himself at Red Hair’s voice. He isn’t chained up anymore, could just attack him.

Kidd needs the Seastone off first.

And he owes Trafalgar, enough that he'll let him have this. Even if Kidd thinks Davy Backs are stupid in general.

(Last time someone was dumb enough to think Kidd would bet his crew on a dumb game and arrogant enough to think he'd be tempted by any of theirs, Kidd put a steel rod through their brain. He doesn't have time to waste on that bullshit.)

This is the first time Kidd’s ever seen one, even if this isn't a real one. That's obvious in how the monkey looks at Trafalgar, as if asking permission, before wrapping his arms around the mink.

“Don't worry Traffy, I'll take good care of your bear.” For all that the mink looks like he'll start blubbering if he tries to talk, Kidd can see Trafalgar relax some. 

Kidd doesn't get it, because like hell he'd ever let someone take one of his crew without knocking their teeth in, but he knows why. Trafalgar only had one crew mate left and now he's somewhere safe.

Stupid way to think, in Kidd’s opinion. You don't get anything from giving someone up. Kidd would be disappointed if he didn't know Trafalgar plans on following him. 

That just makes it kinda sad. 

Cause Kidd realizes suddenly, he doesn't like seeing Trafalgar like this. Isn't right. Trafalgar argues against everything and smirks. He's a smug bastard, not this exhausted and hurt man.

Soon as this is over, Kidd’s taking him. The monkey can whine about it all he wants, but he’s the one that gave Trafalgar to Kidd, so he can suck it up.

“Rock, Paper, Scissors.” Kidd tunes back into the conversation, wondering what's taking Wire and Quincy so long to get their asses over here, as Trafalgar speaks again. First words Kidd’s heard from him in a while.

“Seriously, Trafalgar?” Red Hair complains and Kidd feels an immediate spike of satisfaction. Kidd doesn't care what any of these stupid games are, but he approves of anything Red Hair dislikes on principle.

“You're a referee, that's all. Feel free to quit if you don't like my choices.” Trafalgar obviously couldn't give any less of a fuck about Red Hair’s opinion as he turns to Straw Hat. “Ready?”

Maybe half a second passes, before Straw Hat grins. “Course, Traffy!”

Kidd glances away for a few seconds as Wire finally gets his ass over here, before looking back to see both of them with fists out.

“Well, that's a tie. Why don't you boys try again?” Kidd is gonna make Red Hair swallow his own teeth soon.

Wire fusses around his wrist as Kidd watches as Trafalgar and Straw Hat match each other again. And again. And again.

Two idiots sharing the same brain cell.

“Right, as referee I'm calling this round a tie. No one's changing crews or–”

Kidd stops listening to the bastard as he hears a click. 

~~~

Law doesn’t have a plan. Two rounds, that was as far as it was supposed to go. Him and Luffy. (That was the point of Bepo not doing anything, of it just being captain against captain. That it would be over as soon as one of them got taken.)

Bepo is safe. He did that right, at least. It hurts, to see the place on Bepo’s boiler suit where Law’s Jolly Roger should be. Damn Red Hair, for caring about the rules so much.

Bepo will be safe, no matter how upset he is. Straw Hat has him. One person Law has failed but has still managed to save.

But he only had two games and damn Red Hair again for calling it. For not letting them just go until someone won. Law shouldn't have agreed to let him be judge.

He just hadn't had the energy at the time. Doesn't really now.  Law should have known better though.

Nothing goes as planned around Straw Hat.

“Traffy? What're we doing next?” The question almost seems like it has to go through cotton to reach his ears. That, Law notes distantly, is not a good sign. He has to be able to keep it together until the Davy Back is over.

It's supposed to be over. 

But it isn't.

“Need a break, Trafalgar?” A break? Law wants to laugh in the Emperor's face. The world doesn't give Law breaks. “Nothing says you can't have some prep time between rounds.”

“No.” Law responds. “No, we're finishing this now.”

Law just needs to figure out how.

“Pull yourself together Trafalgar. You're making all of us look bad.” Kidd. He hasn't had anything to do with the challenge, doesn't have anything to do with it. He's just a favor to call in later. And he's like Law. “Come on, you sneaky bastard. What have you got up your sleeve? Or in your fucking pocket I guess, since you don't have any sleeves.”

It's just for a second but Law swears he feels something move in his pocket. Huh.

He flips Kidd off, because he's an ass and always deserves it. But he does also reach into his pocket. 

And pulls out a coin.

His last one, he realizes with a pang. All the others are lost to the Sea.

He knows which one it is without even having to look. Picked it up from the museum of the first island they reached in the Grand Line. Just on a whim, because he's always loved coins. It's silver, 250 years old. Minted in honor of the eradication of some plague.

He'd thought it was ironic, for him to take it.

He's had it the whole time he's been on the Grand Line. It's fitting, maybe, to use it to end his time as a captain.

“Catch.” Law tosses it at Red Hair, who plucks it out of the air with no problem. “Look like a fair enough coin to you, Mr. Referee?”

Red Hair turns it over, before nodding. “Yep, seems like a normal coin to me.”

“Glad it meets your standards.” Law says dryly. Before nodding at Kidd. Letting his gratitude show for just a moment. “Then let's get it over with, since some people are getting impatient.”

“What’s the game Traffy?’

“Just a coin toss. Your call, Straw Hat.” Dimly, Law realizes this is probably the last time he'll call Luffy that. Because this is a coin toss. And Luffy is the luckiest person Law's ever met. Miracle maker.

(Who does the physically impossible. Which Law will be questioning him about. As soon as they are safe.

Because it has to be Luffy’s fault, with the strange haki he left on Law.)

Luffy looks at him, before nodding. “Okay Traffy. Heads.”

Law waves at Red Hair, because the Emperor should make himself useful. Besides, this way no one can question anything. It'll just all be over.

“Go on Red Hair. Toss the coin. Heads for him, tails for me.” Easy. Simple.

Instead of listening though, Red Hair looks at him. “You need two hands for that, Trafalgar. So I'm afraid I'm a hand short.”

“Then let it land on the sand. Everyone can see.” Law doesn’t care. And apparently Red Hair is done playing, cause he looks from him to Luffy and then nods.

Before flipping the coin into the air.

It spins high, then seems to hang in the air for what seems like forever. Law's breath catches in his chest. As it then spins, coming down to land perfectly between him and Luffy.

Heads.

It's over and Law feels all his remaining energy run out at once. Feels the warm haki, Luffy’s haki, push against him. Warm him, for all that Law does his best to ignore it. Ignore the tempting warmth.

He's done, he can rest. And they need it so much more than he does. (They shouldn't even exist. The world is against them existing.) He'll leave the sunshine to them.

“Well Luffy, I probably don't need to ask. But I'm guessing you're taking Trafalgar, not his flag.” The words just wash over Law.

Luffy, he knows, has wanted him since Dressrosa.

“Traffy.” Something in Luffy’s voice has hom looking up, meeting brown eyes. Eyes that just stare at him for a second. “I want Traffy.”

Law closes his eyes. That's it, it's over. Ten years a Heart and it's over. Sorry Cora. But I used it while fulfilling your dream.

And Law has so much he has to protect. Luffy,  who actually beat Doflamingo, is his best choice. Cora would understand.

“You have me.” Law swallows, before speaking a title he hasn't used since he was a child. “Captain.”

Law isn’t a captain anymore. It doesn't feel real, doesn't feel possible. He still owes his crew too much, still has too many responsibilities. But he isn't captain. He doesn't have the control, the power.

How is he–

“Okay, now that this bullshit is over.” Law wasn't paying enough attention to notice Kidd getting close, until the man is right over him. “Quincy, get your ass over here.”

A woman that Law vaguely recognizes comes over, frown on her face. “Don't exactly have any supplies to patch him up, Cap. But I'll do what I can.”

“Just do something, cause frankly he looks pathetic right now.” Kidd is the most annoying person in the world. That gives Law enough energy to lift a hand and flip him off. 

He only gets a laugh in return.

Then arms are around him, familiar in how inhuman they feel, squeezing. “Don't worry Traffy, my crew'll be here soon and Chopper will fix up you and the bear!”

“Stop moving my patient!”

Right, Dr. Tony. That's important. “Tell him to stay away from my stomach.”

Law doesn’t know what they'll look like to someone just doing a physical, but Chopper is good enough he might notice something. Law isn't taking any risks.

“Also might want to ask Hongo for something to remove tattoos. Trafalgar can't exactly go around wearing his old Jolly Roger.” Red Hair. Red Hair, who is set on playing enforcer of the Davy Back rules.

Who might say nothing counts, because of the ink on Law's skin. 

It can't. He can't. It's over and it has to be over. Law has to have it be over, the challenges are done. Law is supposed to be done.

“Seas take you.” Law curses Red Hair, before moving his hand. “Room.”

Blue sparks that sputter and die. No, he can't. “Room.”

It's over and done and it has to be over and Red Hair is going to ruin everything, Luffy wouldn't have even noticed. “Room.”

Nothing. “Room.”

Nothing. “Room.”

Nothing. “R–”

“What the hell are you doing? Hold still, how are you even moving this much?”

Not important, Law twists his hand again. “Room.”

Nothing. Law feels something desperate rise in him, looks up at Luffy. Crouched close and frowning. 

“Please. ” The word feels strange and wrong but Law isn't above it. Not now. “After I sleep. Please. ”

Luffy doesn’t stop frowning and something about him looks wrong. Law's head feels so heavy. His whole body does and the world flickers.

“Okay, Traffy. Go to sleep.”

Everything falls away as Law lets his eyes, finally, close. Luffy’s here. Kidd, as much as Law hates to admit that the other man is reliable, is here. And Luffy’s here. 

They're safe. Law can rest.

~~~ 

Luffy looks at Traffy. Luffy's seen Traffy hurt before and bad. Worse than this. He's seen Traffy ready to just give up, til Luffy showed him how to fight again.

Traffy has never begged before. 

And something in Luffy is angry, like a storm of fire. Furious and wanting to rage. Because Traffy should never be like this.

Luffy doesn’t wanna do that, though. So instead he lets himself be happy at the sight of Traffy in his hat. Happy that Traffy is here and staying and Jaggy is here and Shanks is here. There's so much that Luffy can be happy about.

Right now, Luffy would rather be happy than angry. He doesn't have anyone to fight.

“Sorry Luffy. Didn't think he'd take a little joke like that.” Shanks means it, Luffy knows. Otherwise Luffy would be mad at him. But he knows Shanks wasn't trying to hurt Traffy. 

Even if it was stuff that Luffy doesn’t care about at all. “I don't care about Traffy's tattoos.”

“I figured kid. Want me to get Hongo for ya?” It's been forever, seeing Hongo sounds good. And Luffy knows he'll take good care of Traffy til Chopper gets here.

“Oh–”

“No way in hell, Red Hair.” Jaggy's words are nearly a snarl and Luffy knows he means them.

“Didn't ask you, punk. Last I checked, Trafalgar just became a part of Luffy’s crew.” 

Luffy sees as Jaggy's eyes narrow, before his masked guy says his name. Then he huffs. And picks Traffy up.

“Captain! I didn't say you could move him.”

“Jaggy! That isn't fair!” Cause Luffy wants to hold Traffy. He pouts at Jaggy.

“Tough, Monkey. You're the one who told me he's my husband, that means I'm keeping him away from my enemies. You're lucky I only have one arm right now.” Things get really quiet for a moment and Luffy can’t help but smile at Jaggy. Sure, it's silly to call Shanks an enemy, but Jaggy has Traffy and Luffy’s hat and Luffy loves them both.

“Jaggy!” Luffy pounces, jumping on him and wrapping his arms around Jaggy's neck (careful not to knock Traffy off his shoulder) and his legs around his torso.  

“What are you–”

“Love you Jaggy!” Jaggy's cheeks go bright red and Luffy likes that. Jaggy looks good like that, all red. 

“Shut up!” 

“Both of you stop moving! Captain, you know better.” The doc lady sounds serious, so Luffy reluctantly pulls away some from Traffy and Jaggy to look down at her. “Didn't even let me finish but I know he at least has a broken ankle, which shouldn't be shifting around. I don't know how he was walking with the pain it must have caused.”

Luffy frowns. He knew Traffy was hurt, but…

“Cap– Law.” Luffy looks at Bear. Bear who is still crying and worried and Luffy doesn’t like that either. But he understands. (The rest of Traffy's crew isn't here and Traffy's hurt.) “I. He sometimes turns off the pain receptors in his brain. If he needs to. It's–”

“So Traffy isn't hurting?” In pain, but not hurting. “That's good.”

“No it isn't.” Doc lady looks super stressed. “It means that I can't trust his reactions in an exam.”

“He fixed the internal damage. It wasn't a lot.” Bear looks worried even as he tries to sound helpful. “I, we were more worried about infection without anything to use as bandages really. And the seawater.”

“You have medical training?” The lady asks Bear.

“Law made everyone learn the basics.”

“Enough yapping.” Jaggy starts walking, which is fun. Luffy hangs on, cause Jaggy and Traffy are going somewhere and Luffy wants to be close right now.

“Kidd. Where are we headed?” Mask guy, Jaggy's Zoro, asks from right next to them. All of Jaggy's crew are like, gathering up. Jaggy has a lot of people, Luffy notices. More than him or Traffy.

“Away from here.”

“Kidd, do you always have to make my job harder?” Doc lady sounds annoyed. 

Luffy raises his head up, so that his face is in Jaggy's. “We have to go up. It's where the giants are! And my crew!”

“Up? What the hell are you talking about Monkey? And get out of my face.” 

“Elbaph is a really big tree and all the stuff is on the next level. Well, except for a giant that's chained up. I need to find his key.” Though Shanks is here now, so maybe he doesn't? Luffy can just come back down and talk to Shanks later. Or maybe Shanks will come up! “But he was a lot higher up too.”

Jaggy's face does something weird. Mask guy speaks instead of him. “Alright Straw Hat. How do we go up?”

Luffy thinks for a second. “Don't know!”

Jaggy scowls and Luffy catches a wave of Conqueror's coming from him. “What do you mean you don't know, you stupid monkey? You're the one that just said we had to do it!”

“Yeah.” Luffy shrugs as best he can while wrapped around Jaggy. “But I was asleep when I went up before.”

“Great. Back to my plan then.” Luffy doesn’t know what Jaggy's plan is exactly, but that's fine. His crew will catch up eventually.

Luffy can’t wait to tell them that Bear and Traffy are with them now.

Chapter Text

Law wakes up warm. 

It takes a moment, to remember why he's in a strange room. What happened to the Tang. What Law lost and what he managed to save. The Davy Back and what he is now.

A Straw Hat, not a captain.

Law's been a captain for so long, he isn't sure he knows how to not be one. But he'll have to figure it out.

His hand rests on his stomach. He'd have had to figure something out soon anyway. He could have figured it out with his crew, but…

But nothing. Luffy will help. That means that they'll be saved. And Law is sure that some island somewhere flying the Straw Hat flag will be happy to take them in.

Law just needs to get out of bed and find Luffy. Start planning a rescue mission. Blackbeard will be tricky and Law needs information.

And he needs to pull Luffy aside for a very different conversation. About the basic rules of biology. How Luffy broke them.

…He'll need to pull Kidd aside too. 

Law sits up, only registering the IV when it tugs at his arm. Right, he'll need to reactivate the pain sensors in his brain. And find out what drugs Chopper has him on, though Law knows Bepo wouldn't have let him use anything dangerous.

Law pulls up a small Room, doing a quick Scan on himself. Ribs are set, so is his ankle. Good work on the cast, as expected. The enhanced metabolism that comes with a Devil Fruit has obviously been doing its job, Law would estimate he's been asleep roughly 40 hours. He should be fully mobile in a couple more days

For now, his Devil Fruit should let him get around fine.

He just has to figure out what's most urgent. Two days to plan while he recovers. He'll have to talk with Nami and Bepo about navigation, compare notes on Blackbeard's crew with Robin. Figure out what chaos here the Straw Hats will have inevitably gotten wrapped up in and how to pull them out of it as quickly as possible.

Law sighs, rubbing his forehead. The next few days are going to be exhausting.

And that's without all the more personal conversations. Luffy first or Kidd? 

Probably Kidd. Talking to Luffy might be frustrating, and Law might have to resist the urge to strangle him, but Kidd? 

Law's going to have to stay calm when he talks to Kidd.

That is going to be a fun conversation, Law is sure. He'd say there's no way Kidd would react reasonably, but Law isn't sure there is a reasonable way to react to impossible pregnancy. He isn’t sure he reacted reasonably.

(Panic, a mental breakdown as the world turned on its head, refusing to come out of his quarters for several days. Until Bepo, Penguin, and Shachi broke in.)

And options. Law has to have options for Kidd. Law spent years sure that his family would end with him. The last Trafalgar. Not once had he considered any other option, until confronted with the fact that he doesn't have to be. This is a gift, as much as he didn't ask for or expect it. As insane as it is.

Law is completely willing to burn the world down for his daughters.

There's no guarantee that Kidd will feel the same way about all of this. Law doubts it, in fact. No matter what, it will be a shock. 

And Law can only offer to try if Kidd wants to end the pregnancy. The foreign haki on Law had completely stopped Doc Q from being able to affect his body. While he has had no problems using his powers on himself, Law doesn’t know if that's because it's himself. Or if the haki can sense intent. Or anything and maybe he does need to speak to Luffy first.

Maybe Law is worrying for nothing. But he doesn’t want to speak with Kidd without being able to give options.

Still, he decides as he removes the IV, he needs to start with finding Luffy. Find out what Bepo has shared. If Kidd even stuck around.

It would make sense, but–

“Traffy!” The door is thrown open as Straw Hat appears. Law barely has time to blink before Straw Hat has arms around him and is careening into him. 

Apparently Law doesn’t need to bother with finding him.

“Luffy.” The name sounds a bit weird coming from his lips. He's said it before, but that was while Luffy was his lover. But he can't call his captain by his title. Luffy has to be just Luffy now. “We need to talk.”

Talking doesn't seem to be on Luffy’s mind however. Not as Luffy untangle himself from Law just enough to be in front of him, before surging forward and kissing him. 

It isn't sweet or gentle and Luffy pushes forward, taking what he so obviously wants. As his tongue slips in when Law's mouth parts in surprise. But it isn't exactly demanding either. Luffy’s tongue caresses his own, wrapping around it. And Law feels the smile pressed against his lips.

Luffy’s kiss is happy.

Of course he is. Luffy has wanted Law for his crew for a long time, Law knows. He just knew it wouldn't happen, that Law loves his crew too much to ever give them up for Luffy. 

Now, with this being how he saves his crew, Luffy must be thrilled. He has Law. 

Law…isn't as upset by it as he would have thought. He'll still argue with him, it's not like Law is going to suddenly do everything Luffy says. Luffy isn’t the type of captain to expect that and Law would never offer it. Following isn't who he is.

Luffy knows that.

And he still wants him. 

They found that out back in Wano, how well they fit together. Attraction and some sort of affection that is dangerous between rival captains. That couldn't last, not with nothing holding them together and different crews to run and expectations to face. Not even Luffy breaking the laws of the world could change that.

But they aren't separate captains now. Law has lost so much, not everything though, and he has to believe they can still be saved but he has a chance for this. He can have this, now.

So he kisses back. 

Not slow or sweet or even happy. But desperate and hungry for something Law didn't think he'd ever get to have again. Luffy, here and his even as Law had given himself to him. 

(It feels slightly odd, to not feel intense eyes on him as they kiss. Or a heavy hand on his back. But Law will take what he can get.)

He feels the arms around him shift, a hand moving to stroke his hip, as he licks into Luffy’s mouth. Devours the moan the other lets out as Law gives Luffy everything.

He'd already promised everything, the moment he lost the Davy Back. And while Law hadn't considered this perk, it's good.

Finally though, the need for air must become too much as Luffy pulls away. Law realizes as he gasps for breath just how long the kiss had lasted. He hadn't noticed, before.

Turning his ability to feel pain back on soon definitely needs to be a priority. Though this does present some possibilities for later.

Luffy is still smiling at him. It's warm and nice and Law doesn’t want to lose it. 

But there is work to be done. So Law repeats what he said earlier.

“We need to talk.”

Luffy nods. “Yeah! I have a lot to tell you and I wanna hear about your adventures and all the cool things you saw and stuff!”

Law sighs. “I mean we have important things we need to talk about. I–”

“I know, Traffy.” Luffy has that serious look in his eyes now, the one that he rarely gets but always means that the world is gonna be left changed when he's done. Law doesn’t know what he could've done to get it aimed at him.

Well, unless Luffy knows. He might, it's his haki clinging to Law and Law assumed that is was unintentional. That at most Luffy might know he'd made it possible but not that Law–

Luffy’s hand reaches out, landing on Law's chest. Caressing, almost, but somehow more. “I don't mind your tattoos Traffy. They're parta you. No matter what Shanks thinks.” 

Oh. Oh, this is about Law's display before he passed out. That's embarrassing. And reassuring. Law was right, Luffy won't ask him to change.

“Oh, that.” Law would lean back if Luffy’s hand wasn't on him. To show that he's relaxed, that that was a momentary lapse, that he's fine. “Good. I wouldn't get rid of them anyways, Red Hair can think whatever he wants. He just caught me at a bad moment.”

Law can admit that much, to that weakness. But Red Hair doesn't matter now, so Law won't pay his opinions any mind.

“Good.” Luffy nods firmly, like something important is settled. A warmth spreads through Law.

He made the right choice.

“But I meant things a lot more important than my tattoos, Luffy. Blackbeard has my,” Law can't say his crew, not anymore. He has to remember that. “He has my friends Luffy. I need your help. Please, Captain.”

Luffy’s eyes dilate as he stares at Law for a long moment. Before he laughs, as if Law told a joke. As if there's anything funny about Blackbeard having his crew, having Ikkaku and Hakugan and Jean Bart and everyone Law lead for years, into this sea. Having Penguin and Shachi.

“This isn't a joke, Straw Hat.” Law snaps it without thinking. Without caring that he shouldn't use that name anymore. Because Law did this because he was sure, sure that Luffy would help. Especially if Law was on his crew, Luffy would help.

And now he’s laughing.

Luffy wipes a tear from his eye, before throwing arm over Law's shoulders as he sits next to him on the bed. “Bepo already told us about that, Traffy. You're acting like it's some big deal, but of course we're gonna help you save your friends. Silly Traffy.”

Despite the fact that it should sound condescending, something in Law releases. A last bit of tension as his faith is rewarded. He feels a smile forming on his lips, a real one that isn't a smirk, as he turns his head to look at Luffy. “Thank you.”

“You don't gotta thank me Traffy. You're my friend and my crew and–” Luffy stops talking suddenly, mouth snapping shut as his eyes shift around. Law is immediately sure that Luffy’s hiding something. Odd and suspicious, Luffy almost never hesitates to say anything that pops into his head. 

Law's torn. Part of him wants to demand answers immediately. The other part, the smaller part of Law, just wants to be grateful and not question. It would be easy, when so much right now isn't.

Law has never been one to take the easy option.

“Luffy–”

“You're mine, Traffy.” It seems to burst out of Luffy’s lips. A declaration almost. “You're mine. So you gotta keep calling me that, not Straw Hat like before.”

The expression on Luffy’s face isn't quite a pout, but only because it's too stubborn.

“Fine, Luffy.” Law isn't going to argue being called Luffy’s. He agreed to be on his crew. The Davy Back made it final. And if Luffy means it another way, they have the time to figure that all out now. Being his doesn’t sound bad. Not if Luffy is Law's too. “But we still have more we need to talk about. Taking down Blackbeard won't be easy.”

Because that is where this will end, he knows. Saving his crew is the most important thing, but Law wants Blackbeard broken. Done. He tried to take everything from Law, did take his hone and so much. 

Law won't forgive that.

The glint in Luffy’s eye tells Law they're on the same page with this. “Don't worry Traffy, we'll get him.”

Law doesn’t doubt him.

Then Luffy’s expression lightens. And he bounces off the bed, an arm snaking behind him to grab Law and pull him up as well. (Law is very glad he took the IV out before Luffy arrived.)

“You need to eat Traffy! You've been asleep and Chopper said you needed it but you need food so you can get better and we can kick Blackbeard's ass!” With that very typical statement, Luffy starts pulling Law forward.

(Law is also very glad he hasn't turned his pain receptors back on yet.)

Law stumbles forward as an arm wraps several times around him, Luffy not stopping moving or talking. “-And Jaggy is talking with Franky a lot. He's not really supposed to leave the Sunny, Robin said, but she also said not to bring that up.”

“What did he do?” Because Kidd has to have done something to have gotten into that sort of trouble and Law needs to know if it will be a complicating factor. At least he hasn't had time to leave yet, Law needs that favor.

(Maybe. Kidd might have repaid it during the Davy Back but also this is his crew. Law can't afford to be generous.)

“Fought Shanks.” Luffy shrugs. “Or tried to fight Shanks at least, it doesn't sound like a lot of a fight. But it also made Brogy and Dorry really mad, cause he was trying to fight him here and stuff.”

Here. Law doesn’t even know where here is and the sheer amount of information he's missing only becomes more clear the more Luffy talks. “What island are we on?”

“Elbaph! It's so cool, Traffy!” The home of giants. And Law came here without even knowing what he was doing.

He found Luffy, that's all that matters.

“Hey Traffy.” Law looks up, sees Blackleg looking at him as Luffy pulls him through the doors of the kitchen. The chef is smoking a cigarette as usual, something that Law realizes is going to be his problem to clean up now. Blackleg's lungs must be a mess. “Welcome to the crew, I guess. Luffy, get out of my kitchen.”

“But Sanji, Traffy just woke up! You gotta feed him!” 

“You mean you want to steal whatever food you're trying to get him to give me.” Law nods at the chef, ignoring the pout Luffy send his way. “I'm fine waiting for whatever meal is next…Stealth Black.”

The annoying pity in Blackleg's eye vanishes as soon as Law uses his other title, replaced by annoyance. Good. Law doesn’t particularly care if Blackleg likes him, but he will not pity him.

“Both of you get out before I kick your asses!” 

That's an instruction Law doesn’t hesitate to follow, not wanting to be here in the first place. Instead he opens a small Room, switching with a blade of grass on the Sunny's deck. 

And looking around for one of the chairs. He shouldn't be on his ankle if he doesn't have to be, he knows, and the last thing he wants is to push back his recovery. 

Actually, the library would probably be better than the deck. Quieter and with a higher chance of running into Robin there. 

He also needs to find Bepo and apologize. But–

“What are you doing out of bed?” The words are aimed at him as Law tilts his head to see a woman he vaguely recognizes as being one of Kidd’s. And from somewhere else, he thinks. “Why are you standing? Without crutches? ” 

Oh, Kidd’s doctor.

“Traffy's fine.” And there's Luffy, back out of the kitchen and suddenly looking at him with far too much concern. “Right?”

“Winds save me, there's four of them now.” She doesn't bother to be quiet as she says it. Law crosses his arms over his chest, glaring at the woman. “No, Straw Hat. He has a broken ankle and shouldn't be standing on it.”

“He is right here and perfectly capable of assessing his own condition.” Her diagnosis is perfectly reasonable, but Law isn't about to let one of Kidd’s crew push him around. And he is perfectly aware of his own limits.

And how to extend them when necessary, even if it isn't really right now.

“Traffy–” Normally Luffy is the one to watch. However, something about the expression on the woman's face has him feeling an entirely different type of dread. He recognizes the emotion there. He's felt it himself on multiple occasions. 

Being absolutely done with a patient. He normally decides it's easier to work with the patient either unconscious or in pieces if he reaches that point. Obviously the woman couldn't manage something like that with him.

Leaving him with no idea what she's going to do.

Whatever Luffy is about to say is swallowed by her yell. “Captain! Kidd I need you here, now!”

~~~

The cyborg has a good setup, Kidd recognizes that, but he doesn’t do things like Kidd does. Kidd can tell just from how the table is laid out that the man is all about his designs and cramming as much stuff as possible into one thing.

Luckily he's gone now. Leaving Kidd to tackle what he actually needs to work on first. Shock absorption. Before almost anything else, he needs to figure out what metal would work best and what design he needs.

No more wooden ships for Kidd and he doesn't care what the shipwright thinks about it. Doesn't care if this is the best place in the world to find wood.

The cyborg might be a master at making ships, but Kidd knows what he needs for his own. The best ship for him, his powers.

Cause Kidd has a vision of just what he wants. They have a ship that flies because of fucking Cola? Kidd will make something that–

“Captain! Kidd I need you here, now!” Kidd sets down his pencil, glaring at the direction of the yell before standing up. This isn't an emergency, he knows. Quince would sound a lot different if it was. And she'd probably be calling for Killer too. And he'd have heard whatever the emergency was.

No, this is Quince being pissy about something and making it his problem. Sometimes Kidd wishes he had left her behind, with as much complaining as she sometimes does.

(Not really, Kidd’s known Quincy too damn long and she's saved his ass too many times. Still, she can be damn annoying at times.)

Course he arrives on the deck of the ship to chaos. The monkey is wrestling with Trafalgar? Definitely trying to make him do something, and last Kidd checked he wasn't even awake yet.

And Quincy looks absolutely done, though an unholy light fills her eyes as they land on him. That's not good.

“Kidd.” Oh shit, her voice has gone past annoyed and straight into sweet. “Your husband was walking on a broken ankle and the other one is useless. You should pick him up before he hurts himself.”

“His what?” 

Shit, Monkey was supposed to be the one that had to explain while Kidd got to stand there and laugh. Kidd is only supposed to join in on the explanation to make fun of the monkey.

“We're married Traffy, duh.” Oh good, plan restored. The idiot has decided to talk.

“I think I'd remember something like that happening.” Trafalgar's voice is ice cold and sharp and Kidd really wishes he had some popcorn. Maybe he can–

“He's still on his feet, Kidd.” Right, Quincy is still not glaring at him and Kidd has no clue how she goes from being the least threatening person ever to actually scary so quick.

(Yeah he does. It's cause last time he ignored her like this, everyone found out about the Chair Incident. Medics collect all the dirt, apparently.)

So, ignoring the bickering, Kidd goes over and picks up Trafalgar. Who immediately goes stiff in his arms, before relaxing. Which is fucking weird, no way Trafalgar should have given in that quickly. 

But he does. And he weighs like nothing. Monkey is grinning at them dumbly, before Trafalgar speaks. “The three of us need to talk.”

Chapter Text

Law refuses to do this with an audience. He's not sure what this is yet, but he’s probably going to end up revealing things that shouldn't be said where anyone can overhear. Where there is any chance of loose lips letting the knowledge get back to the marines. If he still had the Tang, Law would only speak of it underwater.

His children will not be hunted before they are even born.

“Somewhere private, Luffy.” Law stresses the word, because he knows that unless he says that, it won't be. Luffy doesn’t care about secrets, wouldn't ever think there's anything that couldn't be talked about in front of his crew

Their crew.

Inexplicably, the look on Luffy’s face actually brightens some. Law has no clue why, when he was expecting the man to pout. 

Later. After he can find out what this husband nonsense is, then he can worry about understanding Luffy. He will, probably, have plenty of time to do that.

(Unless Luffy decides that Law is too big of a burden, once he knows. He won't hurt them, Law knows, but the smart thing to do would be dump Law on some safe island. It's what Law should want to happen. 

Anything more is greed Law can hardly afford now. Robin knows what Law wants to know. Law doesn’t have to go himself.

He still wants to.)

“And you, put me down.” Law glares up at Kidd, who is still holding him. Kidd just smirks down at him, infuriatingly, before shaking his head.

“Nah, don't think I will. Quince might try and skin me.”

Law is opening his mouth to argue, (Because just because he's not a captain anymore doesn't mean that Kidd gets to boss him around. Even if being held isn't exactly bad.) when he is forced closer to Kidd’s chest by a rubber arm wrapping around them both. Kidd curses but Law honestly isn't surprised.

“Kay! We can go to my room, I haven't really used it yet!” Luffy must tug with the way Kidd stumbles. And fine, it's probably better on his ankle that he's carried instead of dealing with this.

And within a couple minutes, slowed by Luffy’s enthusiasm and Kidd’s resistance of it, they are all in a room that's empty aside from a large bed. Law ignores the bickering as he thinks of what sort of proof he's going to have to offer.

Law barely believed it and he had the proof of his own Scan.

Luffy should be easier to convince than Kidd. He, somehow, probably caused this. His haki is responsible, Law is sure of it. And haki seems to be one of the few things Luffy really understands.

“Here, captain's quarters! I don't use them, cause being alone sucks, but you're here now. So are we gonna kiss?”

“No.” Law doesn’t even have to think, feels Kidd’s chest moving under him as he breaks out in loud laughter. “You got a kiss earlier, now we're talking.”

“Well now that isn't fair, Trafalgar. Monkey getting a kiss when I don't.” Kidd doesn't sound normal. No, Law recognizes that tone. From Wano and the days that started this whole complicated mess. There is heat in Kidd’s voice that this conversation doesn't need.

And Law isn't in the mood to humor it. 

“Life isn't fair. Put me down, now. ” Or Law will open a Room and leave him holding something else.

Maybe Luffy, if they both want to kiss so badly.

Somewhat surprisingly, Kidd gives in this time. Not exactly as Law told him, because of course that would be too much to ask for, but taking the few steps needed to reach the bed.

And open his arms, so that Law would fall on it.

The bed bounces under him as he glares at the completely unconcerned Kidd. Who barely has time to sit down himself, before Luffy is on him. Because of course he took Kidd’s complaint as an invitation.

For those two, kissing is almost like a battle. Just from watching, Law can tell that this isn't sweet like Luffy kissed him earlier. And not hungry, like how Law kissed him in turn. It's a competition and a challenge and yet. 

And yet it's very clear that they both enjoy it. That the competition is part of it, even.

Idiots.

Still, he lets them have it. Gives them a few minutes to be happy, and himself a bit of a show, because apparently he's gone soft. But a few minutes won't hurt and he's going to be asking a big favor of Kidd soon.

(The Straw Hats are strong but Law can't chance anything. Can't afford to be reckless now, can't bargain with his own life. They need as many allies as they can get.)

Then, done with waiting, he opens a Room and switches Luffy out with a pillow. Watching with a smirk as the sudden change in position causes them both to topple over.

“Traffy!”

“What the hell, Trafalgar!”

Music to his ears, as both right themselves and look at him with glares. And in Luffy’s case, a pout.

“Just cause you're a fucking wet blanket doesn't mean–”

“Why,” Law interrupts Kidd’s complaint, wanting to get things back on track. “Does your crewmate seem to think we're married? And that you've married Luffy?”

Law is unsure if he's supposed to be married to Luffy as well, but he knows there isn't a marriage. He'd remember a wedding. 

Well, maybe those two had one. Law wasn't unconscious for long, all things considered, but long enough for two impulsive fools to get married. “Congratulations, I suppose.”

He'd tell Luffy that he shouldn't kiss him if he just married Kidd, but they are pirates. And something else is clearly going on here. Besides, Luffy wouldn't cheat.

(He's glad there is something strange going on. One of the few good things about his current position is a chance to have Luffy. He wouldn't want to lose it now.)

Kidd smirks at him, pulling his feet up to stretch out on the bed. He leans back, looking perfectly relaxed as he folds his hands on his stomach and nods at Luffy. “Monkey gets to explain this one.”

Law turns his head to look at Luffy, who has a frustrated pout on his face. “Well?”

“Come on Traffy, we all got married in Wano!” He says it like it's something obvious that Law is the crazy one for not knowing. Instead of the absolute nonsense that it is.

“I'd remember if we'd exchanged vows, which certainly didn't happen. I have very clear memories of Wano. We fought, won, and then spent a few days having a lot of victory sex. That's it.” A thought suddenly occurs to him. Luffy is extremely powerful but can also be very naive. “You do know that sex and marriage are different things, right?”

Luffy rolls his eyes, looking exasperated at Law's perfectly reasonable question. “Yeah Traffy, course I know that. Geez, do you think I'm an idiot?”

“Yes.” 

Kidd bursts out laughing as Luffy pouts at him. And Law knows that Luffy isn’t dumb, is too creative of a fighter for that. And is very good at knowing just what to say to win over people. A certain instinctive intelligence.

None of that stops him from also being an idiot.

“Well I'm not. We got married when we all drank sake together during the party.” Luffy sticks out his tongue at him. “So there.”

Law feels like he’s going insane. “Lots of people drink sake together without getting married, that's normal! You didn't think all the captains at Dressrosa wanted to marry you.”

Bartolomeo probably did, but that is besides the point. If that had happened, his heart probably would have stopped anyway.

“Yeah, but we drank it all together. Momo says that means marriage.” Seas. Law remembers exactly what Luffy is talking about. As the man who defeated Kaido, even if a lot of the country didn't know it, Luffy was supposed to drink first. Law hadn't cared, but Kidd made a huge fuss. And then Law did care, because he wasn't going to be treated like less of a captain than either of them.

It was, in hindsight, utterly ridiculous.

Winds and Seas, that was the night that Luffy kissed him. And when they first–

Law groans as several things suddenly become very clear. “You thought that was our wedding night.”

“Apparently it was our wedding night. I think we should get a do-over though, cause the stupid monkey forgot to tell us.”

Law's head snaps up as he gapes at Kidd. “Why are you going along with this? Luffy I get, this is just the kind of idiot he is. But what do you gain from this?”

There has to be something. Because this is nonsense and Kidd has to know it's nonsense. Kidd of all people can't actually care about whatever obscure Wano tradition is at play here, not any more than Law himself does.

Law isn’t married.

“Two powerful, hot husbands that are mine. ” The possessiveness in that voice is unmistakable. And unsurprising. Law is sure he'd echo it if they were actually married. “Plus it pisses off Red Hair.”

Of course. Of course he's that petty.

“You should be nicer to Shanks. He's great! And he just wants to know about why my haki is on you.”

“He's an asshole that hates me as much as I hate him. And one of these days I'm gonna sink that smug–”

Law decides to interrupt before they can truly start arguing about Red Hair. Law doesn’t like the man, but he also doesn't have the patience for it right now.

“Right. So Eustass agreed out of spite–”

“Can call me Kidd, Trafalgar.” Law feels his eye twitch at that show of hypocrisy, but he continues talking.

“Eustass agreed out of spite. Why are you going along with this Luffy?” Law pauses, having an even more important question pop into his head. “And why should I go along with it?”

Because that is quite clearly what they want. Both of them, for some reason.

(Law, admittedly, isn't entirely opposed. Luffy is Luffy and Kidd is, he must admit, reliable in his own way. Law can respect him.)

“Cause I like Traffy and Jaggy. Like having them and both of you being mine.” Luffy says it simply and without a bit of shame. “I love you, so why wouldn't I wanna marry and keep you?”

It feels like the world stops.

Love. It feels like too much and too soon, coming from a storm of a man like Luffy. Someone free and friendly with everyone, a savior. Luffy cared about people. He rescued and freed them. But love? To love Law when they barely know each other? And to bring Kidd into the mix so eagerly. They all were rivals when Luffy claims they got married. It's insane to claim there's anything more than fondness between any of them.

But Luffy doesn’t lie.

Law takes in a deep breath. Closes his eyes. And forces himself to come to terms with this. With a world where Luffy is in love with him. It's unbelievable, but it's also reality.

Then he opens them and looks at Kidd. Isn't quite ready to look at Luffy. “You have anything you need to confess?”

Kidd snorts. “Nah. You're okay and I like that you're mine well enough, but I'm not the monkey. You might be my husband, but it'll be a long time before you hear from me about love. ”

Right. The world still makes some sense, Kidd is still Kidd at least. (Law isn’t going to think about how a long time isn't never and what that implies.)

“I'm still not even sure about the husband part.” Law forces himself to glance between them, to look at Luffy too, as he says it. “Why should I just accept this?”

“Because we're already married?” Luffy sounds confused that Law is even asking, confused by the question itself.

It would be so easy to accept that. Might even be for the best.

But Law has given away so much control already. The weak get few choices, but this Law has the power to choose. Just accepting it because Luffy says so feels like too much, too far. 

Law won't lose himself.

“I don't consider us married. Marriage means promises and–” Forever. A real, true partnership that will last til death. Mom and Dad dead but still next to each other. “Rings. It's a decision, not a whim.”

“Right and we're not pretty enough to be tempting, huh?” Kidd is almost laughing, Law can tell, and he scowls at him. This isn't a joke. This is serious.

This is asking for even more from him. It's not a cage but it is another type of surrender. His hand drifts down over his stomach.

It's also another type of target. The Pirate King's husband, along with Kidd’s and all his enemies.

(Law isn’t scared to fight. The challenge sounds thrilling, actually. He's fought beside Luffy and Kidd and fighting with equals is unlike anything else.)

“Attraction is hardly a good enough reason for marriage. This isn't a joke.” 

Something of how Law feels must show on his face, because something in Kidd’s expression changes. He sighs, looking a bit more serious himself. “No, it isn't. But we work well together, Trafalgar, and you know it. Can you say you don't want it?”

Luffy is oddly silent when Law glances at him, his eyes fixed on Law's face. Just like Kidd's. Law almost feels trapped. 

“We all barely know each other. You two are captains of different crews,” Words might be escaping his mouth fast, but that still hurts to say. To admit that he isn't. Isn't either of their equals anymore, through skill or luck. “I'm not–”

“You're thinking too much, Traffy. None of that stuff really matters.”

Of course it matters.

“Monkey's right.” Kidd’s eyes seem to be drilling into him. “You're spitting a lot of excuses, Trafalgar, but you aren't answering the question. Are you willing or not?”

Suddenly and with absolute surety, Law knows that he could say no. Reject all this and turn it down, and Kidd would be on his side. He doesn't know why, not when Kidd obviously does want it, but he knows he would be.

Something settles. Law trusts Luffy, but he doesn’t listen when he's told no. Kidd will. 

That matters.

“I'm willing to try.” Because there is something comfortable here that Law wants. That he thinks he could have. And something safe. More enemies yes, but strong allies. “I won't make you any promises. But we'll see where this goes.”

“Great.” The words are rushed but also smug. And followed by Kidd lashing out as quick as a whip, a hand grabbing the front of Law’s shirt. “Then let's see about the fun part.”

Kidd’s lips meet his own in a demanding kiss. Pushing and taking, but not rushed. And Law matches him, enjoying the simplicity and the passion. So easy to just be for a few moments, to just live.

Before something hits him and Kidd, breaking them apart. Law lands on the bed at the same time the rubber arm snaps into place around him, Luffy beaming as Kidd sputters. “Great!”

Luffy smiles like the sun and Law feels so warm for a moment. Because Luffy is happy and Kidd might complain but this whole moment is so comfortable. 

Then he realizes why he feels warm. The haki is doing something. 

It pulls him back to what needs to be done, a good reminder of the things that only Law knows. That he has to share.

Actually. This whole situation becomes quite different, with what Law just found out. 

He pushes himself up, ignoring the arm wrapped around him and glaring. “What did you do? ”

Luffy doesn’t trap people. Law reminds himself of that very firmly. If he was that type, Law never would have come to him for help. Lies. He'll do whatever he has to, save his crew and keep them safe. And he obviously already finds the marriage binding enough.

But.

But this is all happening at the same time and there has to be a reason.

“Do? Oh, with my Gear 5 haki! Found out I can mess with it a bit and Jaggy can feel it. Can you?” Can Law feel it?  

“Of course I can, idiot. And I didn't mean right now. I mean what made you do this in the first place?” Law gestures at himself, at his stomach and the starting lives inside of him.

He wants an explanation, now.

Law needs an explanation.

“What made you think you had the right to do this?” Because yes, Law loves them already. Law is fully willing to burn down the whole fucking world for them if he has to. But he still has to change everything in his life. Has to have new priorities to keep them safe.

He still wasn't fucking asked.

“The haki stuff?” Luffy tilts his head to the side. “I don't know how I did it. But it's really cool, I like that both of you have a bit of me with you! Maybe I just wanted a connection when we all separated. Or maybe it's a sex thing, but Shanks didn't think so.”

Kidd bursts out laughing as Law has to process. That Luffy truly, really has no clue what he's done. He'd thought it likely, but hadn't really believed this could be an accident. 

But apparently it is. With dawning dread, Law realizes that Luffy is probably going to call it all a mystery and move on.

“Oh, it's a sex thing.” Law says it calmly, for all that he feels like he’s going insane. 

“Ha!” Kidd crows triumphantly. “Can't wait to tell Red Hair that, even if I still don't know what all of you are talking about.”

Distantly Law notes that that makes perfect sense. Once he'd known to look, he'd been able to see traces. But he hadn't felt it until Blackbeard. Until he needed it.

Kidd just hasn't been pushed to his breaking point. Lucky him.

“Wait, Traffy! Do you know what it is?” He sounds so innocent. Law could scream. Or laugh. Or cry. Any of those seem appropriate.

Instead he smiles, a wide grin that feels like it's cutting across his face.

“Room.” And he opens up a Room. Big enough to find Kikoku, to replace a pillow with her. Maybe he doesn't need a blade for this, especially a cursed one, but Law trusts her. Wants her here, can feel her purr in his hand.

“Trafffy?”

“What're you doing, Trafalgar?”

“It'll be easiest just to show you.” He turns to where Kidd is just starting to sit up. “Scalpel.”

It's always slightly different when the organ he removes isn't a heart. He can still feel how alive other organs are, but they don't pulse.

Of course, this isn't really an organ. Just a possibility.

It's bizarre to look at. Normally with Scalpel, he'd pull out a uterus. And while that's mostly what this is, it's off in dozens of little ways. It doesn't have quite the right texture. The tissue isn't quite right, it doesn't have quite the right connections. Probably because Kidd doesn't have some of the things it should connect to.

“What the hell did you just pull out of me, Trafalgar?” Kidd isn't quite panicked, probably doesn't know enough to realize what this means. But he’s wary. Fair enough. There might be trust and respect between them, but as far as Kidd knows Law is holding a part of him.

“Hey, all my haki went with the thing!” Luffy, I'm contrast, seems completely unconcerned. Well, other than being excited.

(Maybe someday Law will see how he reacts to having his heart taken. Depending on how things go.)

“Wait, what?” Kidd seems to squint, even if Observation doesn't really use the eyes. Law waits. Let them have some of the pieces, so he won't have to spell out everything. “Yeah, I can sense it better now. What the hell?”

“This is your possible,” Law does a quick Scan. “Daughter. Because apparently he can do that. Make that happen.”

“Ha ha, very funny. Seriously Trafalgar, what's going on?” 

“Exactly what I said. Somehow, he got us pregnant. Or his haki did, it's definitely got something to do with it.” A sharp laugh escapes. “So yes, it's probably also a sex thing.”

“Well duh.” Luffy cuts in and Law's eyes dart over to him. “Babies come from sex, everybody knows that.”

“You're not joking.” Law watches as Kidd’s skin goes nearly white as what Law is saying sinks in. “This isn't a fucking joke you're playing on me.”

His voice is almost desperate. Law shakes his head, understanding exactly how Kidd feels. “I'm not.”

Law pauses, realizing something. He's removed the fetus from Kidd, without interference from the haki. Something that Law has no way of knowing if he'll be able to do again.

“I can take it right now, if you want. While the haki is letting me.”

“You aren't taking anything, Trafalgar! You took that thing outta me so it's mine, and you better put it back.”

A wave of Conqueror's rolls out of Kidd at that statement, the haki around the fetus in his hand seeming to curl protectively around it. So easy to sense like this.

Then he realizes just what Kidd said.

“You want to keep them?” 

~~~

Fuck.  

Kidd doesn't know what the fuck he wants because this is insane. He's maybe ten seconds away from fucking murdering the monkey and Seas drown everything. 

Kidd has no fucking clue what to do with this shit!

But he just told Trafalgar that the thing is his and Kidd never backs down from a choice once he's made it. Like hell is he gonna start now.

“You heard what I said.” He growls his response out, eyes locked on it. Them. Whatever. 

Fuck.

“Fine.” Trafalgar, to his credit, doesn't argue with Kidd. Just reaches out to casually push the thing back inside of Kidd. Lucky him. Kidd’s pretty sure he's gonna murder the first person to give him an excuse. 

Pretty sure he has a good excuse to murder the monkey, in fact.

So he turns his head to see the bastard, who is fucking beaming. As if this is all his stupid dreams come true and Kidd sees red.

It's nothing to coat his hands in Armament and lunge forward, to wrap a hand around Monkey's throat. It's small in his hand and would be so easy to crush. Monkey doesn't even have the brains to look worried. 

If he wasn't Kidd's, Kidd would kill him.

Instead words come out in a growl. “What the fuck did you do?”  

He can feel the throat moving under his hand as the monkey responds, confusion in his tone. “You were there Jaggy, we had sex. Sex makes babies. I don't know why you're surprised.”

Wringing his neck is so tempting. “I'm a man, you idiot!”

Something the monkey damn well knows and Kidd really is going to kill him if he doesn't start answering questions soon. He's not gonna put up with Monkey's normal idiocy right now.

“Well duh. But why does that matter?” Before Kidd can say anything to that bullshit, the idiot in his hand is replaced by a pillow. 

Trafalgar never dropped his Room.

Kidd turns, sees where Monkey is sitting on the bed, looking like his head is fucking empty. And how Trafalgar is staring at him, a look of realization on his face.

“Luffy. Did anyone ever actually explain how babies are made to you?” He sounds pained to even be asking and Kidd agrees.

This is fucking ridiculous. Emperor of the fucking Sea and here Trafalgar is having to treat him like a child.

“What’s there to explain? It's not like it's hard. Tigers and crocodiles and everything can do it.” 

Kidd can't believe what he's hearing. Yeah, he figured the fucking monkey was a virgin before their tumble, he didn't thinking he was fucking clueless. “Those are animals, idiot. What, did you grow up in a fucking jungle? ” 

“Yeah, mostly! We had a treehouse!” 

Ridiculous. Fucking ridiculous. Kidd is not dealing with this. He refuses to deal with this right now.

“Trafalgar, you deal with this shit!”

Kidd doesn't wait for a response before leaving the room. He needs a fucking drink.  

And Killer. 

Kidd needs Killer and lots of drinks.

Chapter Text

Traffy sighs as Luffy looks away from the door Jaggy just left through. Luffy knows that he did something wrong, but not what.

He doesn't like that. Luffy doesn’t mind upsetting people most of the time. Even if with his friends it's normally not real upset. But then he knows what he did.

Right now he doesn't.

“Are you and Jaggy upset about the babies?” That's the only guess Luffy has. Traffy was surprised to find out they were married, which was kinda dumb. But even if he didn't wanna admit it, Luffy knows he likes it. He can tell. The babies, though. “We don't have to keep them.”

Even as it hurts to say. Luffy has never thought about babies before, but now he wants them. Wants these babies, little hims and Jaggys and Traffys. Wants them so much.

But you can't make people wanna have kids. Luffy knows that. Some people don't want them and that's okay. Luffy wants Jaggy and Traffy and for them to be happy more than he wants babies. 

If his husbands don't want kids, they won't have them. Luffy didn't need them before and he doesn't now, even if he wants them.

“If anyone, including you, tries to take my daughters from me I will kill them.” Traffy says it like an oath, like a promise, and Luffy relaxes. There's no way Traffy doesn't want the babies. 

Which means even if Jaggy is upset, he's out voted! And he said he was keeping the baby in him too. So things will be fine.

(Good. Luffy doesn’t wanna send babies away. It's lonely.)

“Then what's wrong?” Luffy pouts at Traffy, because he doesn't understand. “You both said I did something, but I don't know what. ”

It wasn't fair to be mad at him and not even tell him why.

Traffy looks frustrated. He gets frustrated a lot, but it's normally cause Luffy is actually doing something. Then they win and he isn't as upset anymore, even if he still yells at Luffy sometimes. That makes sense at least, even if Luffy thinks Traffy worries too much. “It's not about the babies themselves. Luffy, I shouldn't be pregnant. Neither should Kidd.”

(Jaggy isn't here, so Traffy will use his name. Traffy's weird like that, but he's using Luffy’s name now. Which is great! Luffy thought that would take a lot longer, but things are weird now. Different.)

“You guys weren't worrying about it when we were having sex.” Luffy points out. Because it seems like that woulda been the time to think about it or something. Not after. “Traffy, you're a doctor! You're supposed to know how this sorta stuff works!”

Or at least Luffy is pretty sure that he should.

“I know exactly how this is supposed to work.” Traffy snaps the words at him. Angry. “And if it is normally within the realm of possibility, I would have taken precautions. However, as pregnancy requires things like uteruses and vaginas, which none of us have, it wasn't something I worried about.”

Yep, Traffy is still definitely upset.

And Luffy is still confused. “Traffy, I don't know what those are.” 

“That is something that's become extremely clear.” Traffy's hands tighten on his sword for a moment, before relaxing. “You're going to Doctor Tony for more details, I don't have any diagrams to do this properly. And you will learn this properly.”

Traffy glares at him. Luffy doesn’t even know what this is, but if it's that important he can listen to Chopper talk for a bit. So he nods.

It must be enough, cause Traffy goes ahead and starts talking again. “Right. So what you need to know immediately. The uterus is the organ a fetus develops in and–”

“What’s a fetus?” Luffy doesn’t think he's ever heard that word before. And Traffy says all this is important, though hopefully he won't use too many weird words.

“An infant that has yet to fully develop.” 

“Oh, okay.” Luffy thinks for a second. “So it's where a baby lives in a tummy!”

“Close enough. Anyways, you see the problem. Right?” Traffy's question almost sounds like a threat. And Luffy could never be scared of Traffy, but he wants to go back to kisses and hugs and good stuff.

So he thinks.

“You said you and Jaggy don't have one? But you have babies.” Luffy is very sure of that part, even if the rest doesn't really make sense.

“Exactly. So you see why this isn't possible, only we both have something close to but not exactly like a uterus. That is covered in your haki, making you the cause. Which I'd like an explanation for. Now.”

Traffy is looking at him for answers, so Luffy nods seriously. “It's a mystery then!”

Traffy's expression goes blank, but Luffy is worrying about other things. “Traffy! Do you need Chopper? Oh, and we should have a party! I mean we were going to anyway, but this is more good stuff and–”

“No.” Traffy's hand covers Luffy’s mouth as he leans really close, so his eyes are just a few inches from Luffy’s. “We are not having a party. You are not going to just brush this off as some mystery, because I want answers. And I'm not celebrating anything until my crew is safe.”

Oh. Oh, Traffy is really upset. Luffy understands, he remembers what it felt like when Kuma separated them and he didn't know what happened to his crew.

And Traffy does know, kinda. He knows Blackbeard has them and that might be worse.

“Okay.” Traffy looks shocked, but Luffy doesn’t understand why. “We'll save all your friends first, then we'll have a party. Then it can be even bigger. And they should get to celebrate with you.”

Luffy can wait a few weeks for a party.

Though. “We're still having a feast tonight.”

Cause Traffy is awake now and he's Luffy's. Theirs. Traffy is a part of Luffy’s crew and they are gonna have a party for that. A party for the fact that Traffy isn't ever gonna leave again. “Sanji is gonna make your favorites.”

Luffy doesn’t even have to ask, cause he knows his chef. Traffy's been hurt and he needs cheering up. Sanji will make Traffy onigiri and there'll be lots of fish and it'll all be so yummy.

“Blackleg can do as he likes. And whatever we eat, dinner is going to be for planning. Not goofing off. I need to know what trouble you've found now.”

Luffy pouts as Traffy leans back a little bit. He's serious though. Traffy won't be all the way okay til they save his friends. Which they will, Luffy has been waiting for the chance to destroy Blackbeard for a long time.

(Traffy didn't have to join his crew for Luffy to help him take down Blackbeard. But it was Traffy's idea. Luffy is too selfish to let him go, not when Traffy asked and Luffy knows he wants to stay. And not now.)

“Some people chased us from Egghead, but I don't think they're chasing us anymore. Oh! There's a chained up giant here! But so is Shanks, so I can just talk to him now. And the library made Robin really happy!” Robin wants to stay here longer, but she also likes Traffy. And she always looks out for the crew. 

But they can come back later.

Traffy has a weird look on his face. Almost like he doesn't really believe Luffy, which is mean. Luffy wouldn't lie to Traffy.

“Are you telling me that you actually managed to not immediately find trouble as soon as you reached an island, for the first time in your life. Or were you doing it to mess with me?” Traffy's voice is annoyed, but not really. 

“The giants are cool.” Which means that Luffy doesn’t need to punch them, even if he kinda does wanna fight someone just for fun. 

Traffy nods, looking like he always does when he thinks too much. “Well that should make things easier at least. Bepo can work with the Cat Burglar to plan a route. I also need a newspaper.”

Traffy is obviously mostly talking to himself now. Boring. And Luffy doesn’t need to know how they're gonna get to Blackbeard, Nami can take care of that.

Luffy has the best navigator.

And Traffy can plan later too. Luffy wants to know more about the babies. “Hey Traffy, can I see?”

“I just said I don't have a newspaper. Pay attention.” Traffy scowls at Luffy. “And when did you start caring about the news? I thought you only cared about bounty increases and let your crew tell you anything else.”

“Not the newspaper!” Cause Traffy is right, newspapers are mostly boring. Or they tell him that something bad has happened. Luffy only wants to see the newspaper after he does something, and then someone else normally just shows him his new bounty. 

No, he wants to see the baby. “Can't you take the one in you out, so I can see it like I could see the one in Jaggy?”

Surprise flashes across Traffy's face, and his hand rests on his stomach. Before he shakes his head. “No. Not just on a whim. I don't know the risks, if it taxes the haki you left around them more. If it can run out.”

“Run out?” As far as Luffy can tell, the haki on Traffy and Jaggy isn't changing at all. And haki is there or it isn't.

Though Rayleigh didn't teach Luffy anything about this kind of haki. “And what's it doing anyway?”

Luffy is glad that it seems to be protecting Traffy and Jaggy. Or the babies? Both? But he still doesn't know what it actually is, other than probably important.

“Don't know. Keeping the laws of reality at bay, maybe. You don't make sense and apparently that's infectious.” Concern passes over Traffy's face. And he knows how much Traffy trusts him, to let him see as he curls protectively over his stomach. The baby. Their baby. “I don't know if reality can catch up and erase them if the haki isn't there. I need answers, Luffy.”

Concern flows through Luffy instantly, along with determination. Nothing is gonna happen to them. “Then I'll just keep protecting them. Do you need more haki? I can go into Gear 5 and try to give you some. And Jaggy.”

Luffy doesn’t know how exactly, but he'll figure it out.

“I don't know.” The frown on Traffy's face tells Luffy how unhappy he is about that. “I need more information. Starting with your Fruit. This goes way beyond just rubber.”

Luffy doesn’t like how Traffy says it, cause rubber is great. Being rubber lets Luffy do all kinds of cool things! And Gear 5 lets him make other things rubber too! Luffy can do so many cool things in Gear 5!

“Rubber is a great power!”

“It's ridiculous, like everything else about you, and you've put in the work to make it strong. But this should be beyond it. Creating life and breaking laws of nature don't have anything to do with rubber.”

Reluctantly, Luffy nods. Because yeah, Traffy is right about that. Rubber doesn't have anything to do with babies.

“So, out with it. Your Devil Fruit.” Traffy is looking at him, expecting something, but Luffy just shrugs.

“It's the Gum-Gum Fruit and it made me rubber. And Gear 5 after I died, which makes me make other things rubber. And makes me really happy.” 

Luffy doesn’t really know what else to say.

“That's it?” Traffy doesn't sound happy. In fact he's just looking more upset, so Luffy thinks really hard. He knows about what his Fruit can let him do, thought about how to fight with it, but this isn't that.

Oh, Pigeon Guy!

“It might actually be a Zoan, not a Paramecia! Cause when the Pigeon Guy used his Awakening, he had clouds like I do in Gear 5!”

Luffy watches as Traffy sighs, his hand starting to creep closer. “A Zoan doesn't make any more sense than a rubber Fruit. Where did you even find the Devil Fruit?”

“In a chest on Shanks’ ship.” 

“What.” Traffy doesn't sound like anything when he says it, but Luffy sees his eye twitching. Traffy's a lot easier to read without his Hat.

He still needs it back though. Along with his friends. Luffy doesn’t want Traffy to stop feeling like Traffy.

“Shanks had it. I ate it. I'd never even heard of Devil Fruits before then, but it was in this box and I thought it'd taste good.” Luffy makes a face, remembering just how awful the Devil Fruit tasted. “Man was I wrong.”

“You mean Red Hair. The Emperor of the Sea. Just let you eat it.” Luffy isn’t really sure what Traffy's face is doing. But Traffy isn't watching him, so he moves his hand a bit closer.

“Well yeah. But he was just Shanks then.” Shanks is Luffy’s hero. But he was never distant like that. “And he didn't let me. He was pretty upset.”

It's been so long, but Luffy remembers it like it was yesterday.

“So you stole your Devil Fruit from Red-Haired Shanks. And what, figured out it made you rubber?”

“Nah, Shanks told me what it did.”

“Right.” Something settles in Traffy, fire in his eyes that sends a thrill through Luffy. Traffy is powerful and determined and Luffy loves him and has him. “I suppose that means we'll need to have a conversation with Red Hair about what, exactly, is happening with you. I–”

Traffy stops talking as Luffy’s hand lands on his belly. His eyebrow starts twitching. “What do you think you're doing?”

“Seeing if I can feel the baby.” Luffy pushes a bit on Traffy's stomach, trying to feel the baby inside. 

Traffy pulls his hand back, Luffy letting him with a pout. He hadn't been able to feel anything!

“Idiot. It's only been three months, they aren't moving yet. All you're doing is groping my stomach.”

Luffy shrugs, even if he's a bit disappointed. “I still like touching Traffy. So it's good either way!”

Luffy cocks his head to the side for a second, before remembering what else he needs to do. Then he concentrates on his chest, wills his heart to beat different.

And it does, a beat that echoes and fills him. And at the same time that glee feels him, the feeling spreading to every part of Luffy. With the knowledge, the certainty, that he could do or be anything. Complete freedom and Luffy starts laughing from the sheer joy of it.

“What are you doing?” Traffy sounds so serious. Which is silly, cause everything is great right now! Luffy rolls on the bed, giggling some more before stretching an arm out to pull Traffy down on the bed with him.

“Luffy.”

“Relax Traffy! Not gonna do anything, I'm just happy!” Everything is so flexible in Gear 5, it's great! It doesn't matter that Traffy's normally taller than him, Luffy can wrap his arms around Traffy and press Traffy's head against his chest. Let him hear the Drums, cause Luffy wants to share them. “And I wanna help, love you all so much!”

Luffy rubs his chin on Traffy's head, while his had comes to rest on Traffy's tummy. 

Then he lets his haki whirl around them. 

(Luffy wishes Jaggy were here too, that he'd stayed. If Jaggy were here too, things would be perfect. But there'll be more times, times when Luffy can hold them both. Watch them both and play with them.

Tonight, hopefully.)

~~~

“Kidd.” He looks up at the sudden alarm in Killer's voice. Killer, for the most part, is unflappable. Kidd rages and Killer follows behind him, burning just as hot but calmer. Everything Kidd has done since they were kids, Killer has been right there. Backing him up, never wavering or hesitating.

Aside from when it comes to himself, now. Kidd needs more names.

But that's definitely concern. More than Killer had shown during the whole explanation of the newest insanity that the stupid Monkey brought.

(Killer knew immediately that Kidd wasn't joking. And Kidd doesn't understand yet how the fuck this is possible other than Straw Hat's insanity somehow being contagious. He infected Kidd. And now Kidd is apparently pregnant, fuck. He needs more booze.)

All of that gets pushed aside in a second as he looks at Killer, the sudden tension in his posture. The way his hands go to his Punishers, like he's preparing himself to use them. This isn't panic, Killer never panics, but his partner is on edge. The entire world sharpens, the light buzz Kidd had worked up gone as he immediately clocks every piece of metal in the room. On the Straw Hats’ whole ship, because anything that makes Killer sound like that Kidd will need everything to deal with.

“Yeah, partner?” Kidd’s own words come out, the question nearly a demand as he meets Killer's eyes. What's wrong?

“You're going to be the King of the Pirates.” Killer says it like it's simple. Like those words are an explanation, not just a statement of fact. 

Kidd waits, for Killer to explain what could be wrong with that. To get himself under control as a sharp laugh escapes, damn Kaido for that, before he leans closer to Kidd. “You're going to be King. And you're going to have a child. ”

Immediately Kidd comes to the exact same conclusion Killer must have reached a minute ago. The World Government responds to this situation in exactly one way. Slaughter, on a scale that would make an Emperor blush.

“Not this time.” The words come out as nearly a growl. Cause sure, Portagas somehow delayed his execution two decades, but it wasn't for lack of trying on the Marines part.

(Aside from Dive, Kidd is the youngest member of his crew. Spent most of his younger years as the youngest around, period. Having kids was a risk no one wanted. And they weren't Baterilla, but that place just had it the worst.

No one cares what happens on a little island that doesn't pay Tribute. And some Marines thought safe was better than sorry.)

Only thing people like the dogs of the Celestials understand is pain. Kidd is more than happy to give it to them.

Marines deserve nothing else.

“New orders, effective immediately. Marines are dead on sight, not a single survivor. No mercy.” Because Kidd might not even know if he wants the thing growing in him yet, but she's his. Damned if he's gonna let any marine threaten that.

Kidd will have them drowning in their own blood before the girl's born. Teach them to fear him before the problem even starts.

“Right.” Killer nods and Kidd knows that the entire crew will know soon. Won't be any complaints from them, every last one of them will understand. No one likes the marines, but this will mean all out war.

Fine with Kidd. Monkey can be the nice one, the Emperor that goes around throwing down tyrants and freeing kingdoms or whatever it is he does. Play hero, from what Kidd’s seen. That's fine. He can be the good one or whatever shit.

Kidd though? Kidd doesn't mind bloody hands. He'll protect what is his. (Cause Trafalgar is his too and if anyone figures out this insanity the World Government will come for him too.) Show the marines, the world, why Monkey shouldn't have been the one made into an Emperor. 

That Kidd is the one they should have been smart enough to fear.

“Kidd?” Killer has the question out before Killer makes it all the way off the stool.

“You go ahead and let the crew know what's going on, partner. I've been cooped up long enough.” He needs to plan the new ship, but Kidd also needs to get stronger. Red Hair certainly made that clear. Kidd might be one of the strongest pirates around, but one of isn't enough. Not if he's gonna being fighting admirals.

(Between him and Killer, Kidd is fairly sure they'd win that fight. Not enough. Kidd needs to be strong enough to crush them.)

Even Roger isn't known for admiral killing. 

Course, he also got caught in the end. Kidd doesn't plan on letting that happen either. Nah, he's gonna cut through every damn marine and any other dog the World Government cares to throw his way.

Heh. “Gonna make them regret taking Hawkeye off their payroll.”

He can feel his own Conqueror's haki shifting under his skin, ready to be let out. To take on and overcome, to make the world itself bend to the shape Kidd’s just decided it's gonna be in. 

Raftel and the One Piece aren't the end of anything. They're just the start.

“After you spread the new orders, come and join me. We got sone training to do, partner.”

“Course, Kidd.” Killer agrees as easily as Kidd knew he would. Good.

They have a ways to go if they're gonna surpass Roger.

~~~

“I thought Luffy was keeping that one on his ship.” Beck appears at Shanks’ side, nodding his head at where the punk is putting on quite the display. Which Shanks is keeping an eye on. Because the punk might be a brat that's not nearly as strong as he thinks he is, but he’s also destructive. And while Shanks can handle him, he's aware that most people couldn't.

Shanks isn’t gonna let him damage Elbaph in whatever sort of sustained temper tantrum he’s throwing. “Apparently he got loose.”

Beck snorts, shaking his head. “You make it sound like he's some sort of stray dog Luffy adopted.”

Shanks’ lips twitch up, even if he kind of hates how true that seems to be. It's impressive for Luffy to win someone that strong and wild to his side. Unfortunately he's also an aggravating punk that absolutely doesn't belong there.

But it's Luffy’s choice, not Shanks’.

Still, he shakes his head. “Nah. If Luffy adopted anyone, it's Trafalgar. He was one pathetic stray when he appeared. The punk's just some wild thing Luffy decided to feed.”

Beck chuckles at that. “So not that different from Luffy himself then. A wild thing that stuck around for food and stories certainly describes the kid we met back then.”

“Nah.” Shanks shakes his head. “Luffy was just a lonely brat. He grew up.”

Unlike the punk that obviously thinks he can just go crashing through the world and not face the consequences. If he had any brains, he'd have learned the first time Beck taught him a lesson.

Instead he's giving Shanks a headache, throwing around Conqueror's he has no clue how to use properly. What a pain.

“So. How long are we gonna stick around for?” Because meeting Luffy at Elbaph hadn't been the plan, not originally. Not until the punk showed up and gave Shanks too many questions in need of answers.

And there are things that Shanks could tell Luffy. But Shanks also wants to see just how far he can get on his own. He's so close and Shanks just knows he can make it the rest of the way to Laugh Tale on his own.

Luffy deserves that, without Shanks’ presence to muddy the waters.

“Another day or two at most. Don't wanna get in the way of Anchor's adventures.”

Chapter Text

“Traffy.” Law wakes up to Luffy nudging him, wincing slightly as the movement jostles something that aches. Lots of things, actually, and if sleeping with Luffy is going to be a regular thing Law might just turn his pain receptors back off until he's completely healed. It would be worth listening to the complaints from Chopper.

Not, he realizes as the fog of sleep clears from his brain, that he was with Luffy when he fell asleep. He'd been talking with Bepo after dinner. Apologies, promises, tears. And at some point, he must have fallen asleep against Bepo like he's done hundreds of times before.

And apparently Luffy moved him. Or someone did, but Luffy seems the most likely option.

Right. Law can't be sleeping right now, there's too much that he needs to do. To figure out. “Where would Elbaph keep their Eternal Poses?”

Not that he thinks Luffy would care about that enough to know, but Luffy is full of surprises. And if he does know, Law can move immediately.

“I don't know. What's it matter, Traffy?”

Of course. Luffy wasn't even paying attention, too intent on his welcome dinner. Like the whole thing wasn't a giant insult, a reminder of what Law lost. 

(Gave up. Willingly, because it was his best option. Still. Even if there are advantages, being on a different crew isn't something Law wants to celebrate.)

“We need an Eternal Pose to get to Pirate Island.” Because the Straw Hats don't have one, of course. Why would they? Never mind that it's obvious Luffy would clash with Blackbeard eventually. The Cat– Nami, probably just thought it would happen when it happened.

And now, because Seas forbid the Straw Hats show anything like common sense or foresight, Law has to figure out how they'll get an Eternal Pose. Beyond the extremely unlikely event of the giants having one, which Law doubts. He'll check, but it's probably going to be a dead end.

Between Bepo and Nami, Law knows they have enough skill to get to Pirate Island without an Eternal Pose. But it will take months. They don't have that, Law doesn’t have that. Not acceptable, not an option.

The Tang had a large collection of Eternal Poses, if he still had her this wouldn't be an issue. But she's gone, at the bottom of the sea with everything else, everything Law spent so many years collecting and it's all gone.

Law doesn’t have time to mourn. It hurts. He has to come up with other plans. 

“Don't worry Traffy, we'll get there. Then I'll kick Blackbeard's ass and save your friends.” It's all so simple for Luffy. He doesn't understand the work that goes into getting him to the right place. No, he just punches things.

Fine. This is fine and nothing Law didn't already know. Punching things is Luffy’s specialty. It's what Law needs him for. 

“I'll make a plan with Robin tomorrow. She seems to have contacts here.” And she's mostly sane. Though Law wants the story of just how she has contacts on Elbaph. 

That's something he hasn't heard of anyone else managing.

“Kay. But right now I wanna go see what Jaggy's doing. He's been outside for hours!” A brief use of Observation confirms Luffy’s words. Kidd is still at it. 

“You know what training looks like, idiot.” Law knows he does, Luffy has spent too much time on it to not know.

“You don't skip dinner when you're training, that's dumb.”

Law blinks, surprised. Medically speaking, that's actually sound advice. Coming from Luffy. Even if it is grounded in gluttony more than knowledge, Law still wouldn't have expected it from him.

“You don't. Kidd’s a big boy, missing one meal won't hurt him.” Also, even if he has a point, Law doesn’t want to set a precedent of Luffy interrupting things for meals.

His friends already do that often enough.

“But doesn't the baby need food too? He has to eat for her too, right?” Law would think this was all just Luffy looking for an excuse to bother Kidd, if he couldn't hear the actual worry in his voice. 

Which, as valid as his thoughts might be, Law is not gonna deal with this. “In a normal pregnancy? No, a few missed meals wouldn't hurt the baby anymore than they'd hurt Kidd. He'd pass out before that point anyway, then Killer would drag him somewhere.”

Because Law sensed his first mate there with him, so it isn't even like Kidd is training alone.

“And he's not delicate suddenly, any more than I am. I'm exactly as strong as I was yesterday, as I was when fighting an Emperor. Stronger, because I haven't spent the past three months doing nothing.” Law glares at Luffy, hoping to make his point. Yes, great that Luffy is so thrilled at all of this. It could have gone a lot worse. But Law will not be treated as less than because of it. “And if you want a demonstration, I'll give you one right now.”

Maybe pull Kidd in too, because he's sure to agree with Law. Together they should be able to beat Luffy and get any stupid notions out of his head.

“I know Traffy's really strong! And Jaggy too! And sure, we can fight if you want. I'll fight you anytime Traffy, promise!” There's so much sincerity there, Law knows he means it. “I never said you weren't strong.”

There's a pout on his face. “But Jaggy isn't here.”

Oh Seas. Law is not dealing with this, it is not his problem. “Then go complain to him about it. I have work to do.”

“Hmm, nope!” 

Luffy grins stupidly as he says it and Law can feel all of his remaining patience starting to slip away. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Traffy spends too much time worrying and making plans and stuff. So I'm saying you can't, from midnight until dawn. You have to sleep or do fun stuff, instead of trying to act all serious and grumpy.” Penguin would be thrilled at that rule. He's tried ones like it before.

Law is just furious that Luffy would dare. “And is that an order, Captain?”

He watches as Luffy’s eyes widen for a second, before he nods. All while still wearing that stupid grin. “Yep, captain's orders!”

Right. It's been less than 24 hours and Luffy is already trying to pull this bullshit. Fine.

Law's been part of a crew before. He was a brat back then. Time to make it abundantly clear that, regardless of everything else, Law isn't going to let Luffy boss him around.

“Right.” Law nods, before expanding a Room out. All the way past the Sunny, until he's close enough to where the Kidd pirates are training. “Shambles.”

Kidd, he's sure, will be more than happy to help him make his point.

~~~

“What the hell Trafalgar?” His sudden appearance, which forced Kidd to redirect or slice the guy into a bunch of pieces, wasn't expected. Or smart, Trafalgar's lucky that Kidd prefers him in one piece. 

“Luffy ordered me to either have fun or sleep.” Oh, Trafalgar's pissed. Guess he's not liking not being a captain anymore. Makes sense, he hates being told what to do.

Kidd’s not exactly in a good mood himself, even if the familiar aches and exhaustion that come with a good workout have drained a lot of his anger. He's still not pleased with the situation.

And Trafalgar has brought trouble with him. Kidd can tell by the glint in his eyes and the stubborn tilt of his chin. He's looking to cause trouble. 

Kidd just doesn't know what kind.

“And what's that got to do with me, Trafalgar? In case you forgot, you literally just signed up to have him order you around. None of that's my business.” Or his problem to handle.

“Well you're the one claiming to be my husband.” The smirk on his face is absolutely wicked. “So. Let's have some fun.”

Without waiting for an answer, Trafalgar reaches out and pulls Kidd into a kiss.

Oh, Kidd gets Trafalgar's game now. 

And yeah, he's still kinda pissed at the monkey too. If Trafalgar wants to make him jealous, Kidd is so down for that. It'll be fun.

So he returns the kiss, pushing into Trafalgar's mouth. Trafalgar pushes back, his tongue up against Kidd’s as he fights for control of the kiss. Monkey got him riled up good, which hey. More fun for Kidd.

Still, can't let him have it all his way. 

So he scoops him up in his metal arm, easy with how much smaller than him Trafalgar is, and swallows the surprised sound he makes at suddenly being picked up. And then gets a nip on the lip for his troubles, before he pulls back to grin at Trafalgar.

“I guess we're done training then?” Killer's not really asking, Kidd knows. He still waves him off with his free hand.

“Yeah, partner. Get the crew ready tomorrow, though, we got some work to do.”

Trafalgar doesn't let him say anything else, his hand grabbing Kidd’s head and pulling him back down into another kiss. Teeth knock against each other, not that Kidd cares. Or that it seems like Trafalgar does, with how he basically growls before shoving his tongue in Kidd’s mouth.

This is a new side to him, but Kidd has gotta say he's enjoying it. Trafalgar mad is fun. And hot.  

Trafalgar pulls back just a little, challenging grin on his face. And yeah, this is what Trafalgar is supposed to look like, a confident pain in the ass. “Right now your focus should all be on me.”

A confident, demanding pain in the ass.

“Right, of course.” Kidd draws the words out, sarcasm dripping from his voice. “Cause I'm sure you didn't want Killer leaving as quick as possible.”

Kidd honestly wasn't super concerned about it, Killer's seen him worse than what he's about to do to Trafalgar. He doesn't think it's possible for him to be embarrassed by Killer at this point.

“I could have sped that up myself.” The blue that flickers around the hand Trafalgar holds up shows exactly what he means.

Kidd rolls his eyes. “Don't do weird shit to my partner.”

Trafalgar isn't gonna hurt him, so Kidd isn't really worried, but he’s not about to let him think he can take liberties with Kidd’s crew. Especially Killer.

Even if it would be funny as hell to watch Killer knock Trafalgar on his ass afterwards. 

“It's not weird, it's just a change of location.”

“Trafalgar, I've seen your powers. They're weird as shit.” Kodd still isn't even sure what kinda fruit he ate. Kidd’s is simple, magnetism. Monkey's is dumb, but the fact that he's rubber is obvious. Trafalgar? He teleports, chops people up without killing them, makes his sword grow, and like half a dozen other things that have nothing to do with each other. 

“You weren't complaining a few months ago.” The smirk on his lips is undeniably smug. Which is fair, because yeah. Trafalgar's powers might be weird as hell, but they also let him do some kinky stuff that Kidd thoroughly enjoyed.

“If you wanna use your powers on me, I'd be happy to take you to a bed right now.” Cause while Trafalgar isn't exactly heavy by Kidd’s standards, and a part of Kidd definitely preens at that, holding him isn't exactly the best way to do more than make out.

Kidd plans on doing a lot more than making out.

(It’s a damn shame he lost all his toys with Victoria. Doesn't hurt like losing her does, but he hasn't had time to make new ones yet.)

“No.”

“No?” Kidd raises an eyebrow, cause what does he mean, no? He's the one that came to Kidd. “Thought you wanted to fuck?”

“I mean we aren't going anywhere.” There are teeth showing in his smile. Which has more in common with a cat that just caught a mouse than anything the monkey would wear. “Yet.”

“Yet? What are–” The pieces click together in Kidd’s mind. “You came straight here from a fight with the monkey. And you're looking for payback. You want him to show up and see us.”

Kidd throws back his head and cackles, because this is great. Trafalgar's petty side is hilarious.

“Unless you've suddenly become shy.” Trafalgar's voice lets him know how much Trafalgar doesn't believe that is the case. 

Which, fair. 

“I've never been shy a day in my life, Trafalgar.” He runs his free hand over the tattoo on his chest, stopping to tweak a nipple just cause. “And I doubt you are either.”

“Good.” Trafalgar's shifts, putting his hands on Kidd’s shoulders and pushing himself up to start mouthing at Kidd’s neck. 

Kidd groans. “Well either monkey better hurry or you better be okay with getting fucked on the ground. Cause I want you under me, Trafalgar.”

“Really? Not strong enough to hold me against a tree?” Oh, that's a challenge in his tone.

Kidd laughs. “What, can't hold yourself?”

“I'm not supposed to put too much weight on my ankle. And unless you plan on being disappointingly quick, I don't care to try.”

Yeah, fair's fair. Kidd wouldn't wanna fuck standing on a broken ankle either. 

Also if Quince finds out, he'd never hear the end of it.

“I'll pin you to a tree and fuck you later, Trafalgar. Right now, I want you under me.” What's the point of having a pretty boy husband if Kidd can't pin him down and fuck him?

“Fine.” Kidd starts to move, before Trafalgar cocks his head to the side. “Actually, no need. He'll be here in a few seconds.”

“You have your Observation on now?” If Trafalgar can concentrate that much, they aren't doing this right. Kidd has to up his game.

“Luffy isn’t hard to keep track of.” Apparently Trafalgar is done talking, cause his mouth is on Kidd’s again, diving in deep. Kidd kisses back with just as much force, swallowing Trafalgar's moan.

And letting out one of his own when one of Trafalgar's hands comes up to start teasing Kidd’s nipple. 

They are supposed to be putting on a show.

So he doesn't stop when he hears a thump a few feet away. Instead he breaks the kiss to run his lips down Trafalgar's neck, nipping at it to draw moans from his throat. He arches beautifully, especially when Kidd sinks his free hand into his hair and pulls. Tugging his head back and giving Kidd an even easier time marking up his neck.

He can feel Trafalgar's cock, the way it presses against him as Trafalgar starts rutting against his stomach. Makes Kidd growl against his throat and he just knows that taking off his pants is gonna be a pain with how hard he is.

The feeling of eyes on him, heavy and intent, just encourages Kidd. 

“Gonna fill you up, Trafalgar. Make sure that you can't think of anything but me.” He nips slightly harder, enough that Trafalgar basically fucking mews. Seas, yeah. Being married to him is definitely worth it. “That's what you want, right? To be fucked until nothing else matters?”

“So pretty.” Monkey's voice makes Kidd turn his head, scowling when he sees him. Yeah, he looks damn attractive. Hair messy and eyes blown wide, looking like he’s about to rush forward at any second.

He's also the cause of all Kidd’s current problems.

Monkey notices Kidd looking at him, meets his eyes with an intense gaze. Filled with promises that Kidd would normally happily take him up on. “Jaggy. Want me to fill you up too? I'll make you feel so good, make you both so happy.”

“Nah.” Kidd smirks as he says it. “I think we're pretty good already.” 

“But–”

“Why are you here?” Trafalgar's voice is cold and Kidd can see the monkey deflating. “You ordered me to have fun. So I found something fun to do.”

As if to make his point, Trafalgar moves so it's his mouth on Kidd’s neck.

Kidd sees the monkey pout, but there's also something satisfied there. Which is weird. And immediately has Kidd suspicious. 

What crazy bullshit is about to happen now?

“Okay, you guys can have fun. I won't touch you.” He doesn't make any move to leave though. If anything, his eyes go even darker.

Kidd stops worrying about him, though, as Trafalgar pulls him into another kiss.

~~~

Luffy wants to play with Jaggy and Traffy. Wants to touch them both and pull pretty sounds from their lips and have fun himself. He wants to join them.

But he doesn’t need to. Just watching them is enough to make him smile. Cause Traffy isn't worrying and Jaggy isn't mad. They're both having fun and happy and Luffy is so happy.

Happy enough that it bubbles up inside of him, Luffy not even having to really try to slip into Gear 5. His heart is already so happy and ready to dance, it's easy to let all of that bleed out and into the world.

So when Jaggy decides to stop standing up, pulling Traffy down to the ground with him, he makes the ground rubber under them so it's softer. So they can sink into it. And Traffy meets his eyes, but Luffy just smiles and waves at him.

He isn't touching, but Luffy can still help make them feel good. And Traffy can't really mind, since after a few seconds his eyes close and he lets out a loud moan as Jaggy does something.

That's good, Luffy likes that noise. Traffy should make it more often, Luffy decides. It means he feels good.

Jaggy is making noises too, also good. Ones that make Luffy feel all bubbly and happy inside. These are his husbands and they're happy right now. 

He wants to hug them. He can't right now, so instead he concentrates on his haki in them. (Around the babies! Luffy has daughters and he's gonna love them forever. They're never gonna be alone, ever. ) He imagines it moving, hugging them, and watches happily as they both seem to sigh at once.

Before Jaggy glares at him. “What the hell was that?”

He's not really angry, more surprised. Luffy can tell, he didn't know that Luffy could do that. Which is silly, cause Luffy’s done it before during these past few days.

Still, he shrugs. “Wanted to hug you.”

Then, with Jaggy still looking at him, Luffy jumps in the air and crosses his legs. Before sinking back to the ground. “You can keep going.”

They don't need to stop every time he does something, Luffy already knows the rule. No touching.

Traffy moves his hands and they're covered in blue for a moment. Before their clothes are gone, laying a few feet away.

“You coulda asked.”

“That would have taken too long.”

Luffy laughs. Traffy and Jaggy are so funny together! It's great! 

“Sometimes patience is rewarded, Trafalgar.”

“Yes. But I'm not in the mood for that right now, so hurry up and prepare me.”

Oh! Luffy wants to see! From closer, cause Traffy is gonna look so pretty and make the best noises and Luffy knows Jaggy will do a great job. And Jaggy will have a great face!

So Luffy stretches his neck put, just so he can–

“No.” Red eyes meet his own as Jaggy glares at him.

“I just want a closer look.” Luffy pouts at Jaggy, who doesn't seem to care. 

“Yeah well, then you shouldn't have done…whatever you did to make me pregnant, Straw Hat. You're lucky this is all I'm doing.” Jaggy is being mean.

“You know what we did! You and Traffy are doing it right now! I just wanna watch!”

Which he should get to do! Luffy understands that they're both upset, but Luffy is being good. He's following the rule and just watching them!

“If you don't stop interrupting, I'll take us somewhere else.” Traffy is glaring at him too now. Luffy pulls his head back, still kinda annoyed. But he doesn’t want them to stop, not now. And he wants to keep watching them have fun.

“Fine.” Luffy leans forward, watching. He keeps Gear 5 up, cause it isn't hard when he's not doing a lot. And they don't know if it helped Traffy and the babies earlier or not, but it didn't hurt anything. So Luffy can still give haki hugs at least.

That, and watching as Traffy and Jaggy start moaning again, is enough for Luffy right now. 

~~~

Law is panting slightly on Kidd’s chest. He aches all over, this did his healing wounds no favors, but it was worth it. Some of his aches are good ones now.

And he has Kidd trapped under him. That's useful.

“What are you plotting, Trafalgar?” Law frowns at Kidd. This is something that's going to have to change now.

“You should call me Law, if we're going to keep doing this. Law or–” Law hesitates. It's his true name, his secret name. Law isn’t sure he's ready to give that away yet. And it's not how he thinks of himself, anyway. Maybe, if he'd had family to use it– “Call me Law.”

“What, you wanna feel closer to me?” The smirk in Kidd's voice is so loud Law would have heard it even if he wasn't looking at him. Arrogant asshole. “Cause I don't think we can get a whole lot closer than we just did.”

“You and Luffy are the ones claiming we're married.” Law resolutely ignores the noise Luffy makes at that. He isn’t talking to him right now.

“Sure, I'll think about it.” The smirk on Kidd’s face is infuriating. “You do make such pretty noises for me.”

“Like you're any quieter than me.” Law retorts. Then forces himself to calm down. He has a plan, he's going to stick to it. “Now. About the favor that you owe me.”

“Really? Right now?” Kidd gestures at them, like Law could somehow have missed the state they are both in. “My cum is literally still dripping out of your ass.”

“That's irrelevant.” Law had come up with a solution to his problems around the time Luffy showed up. He doesn't see any reason he needs to wait. “How would you feel about robbing a marine base?”

“Traffyyy. You're supposed to be having fun, not worrying about marines.” Law ignores Luffy’s whine as his eyes lock with Kidds.

“What do you think Kidd? Is planning to steal from marines fun?” There is the promise of violence in Kidd’s answering smile.

“Oh, definitely. What do you wanna steal, hellcat?” 

“We need a logpose to Pirate Island to rescue my cr–” Law stumbles over the word, barely catching himself. “My friends. And I don't think we're likely to find one here. A marine base though?”

“Oh yeah, this will definitely be fun. I was already planning how to make an impression though. So I'm thinking we don't just steal something, we level the place.” There is something that Kidd isn't saying, but Law doesn't have a chance to question it as Kidd suddenly sits up. Taking Law with him. “Oi, pipsqueak. Get over here!”

Luffy, who Law notes has gone back to looking like his normal self, comes over to sit down across from them. “Do we have to plan something? I'm sure Nami can get us there. And Bepo.”

Bepo might be added as an afterthought, but Law appreciates that Luffy remembers to include him. He knows that Luffy thinks of his best friend more as a bear than a navigator.

“Not quickly enough.” Law isn't willing to wait a moment longer than he has to. “I won't be in any state to fight. And who knows what state they'll be in.”

What state they might already be in.

“We'll save them, I promise.” Luffy says it simply, but the weight of it echoes. Law knows that Luffy means it, that he performs miracles and does the impossible. He knows that Blackbeard will fall.

He also knows, though, that Luffy can fail. Knows it better than anyone, put all the pieces back together himself.

Luffy always wins. He doesn't always save.

“All this mushy stuff is sweet and all, but I still need to know what's going on. Why're you so sure they're even alive in the first place?” Kidd’s hand is on his hip, rubbing circles as he asks. Law wonders if Kidd’s even aware he's doing it.

“Because he wants my Fruit. And he knows I'll come for them.”

“Right, sure. And you're calling in your favor to get my help?”

“Just with getting the logpose.” That's all it's worth, Law knows, and even that may be pushing it. He knows now that Kidd’s crew wasn't actually in that much danger. Besides, Kidd has as much reason as Law to be cautious what fights he picks now. A marine base is one thing, an Emperor another. No matter what Law has hoped before. “We can handle Blackbeard.”

“Of course Jaggy's gonna come with us though!” Luffy looks like he never even considered that Kidd might not. “You need help, Traffy. And Jaggy's ship isn't even ready yet, anyway.”

“He's his own captain, Luffy.” Not like Law. Which means that Kidd will leave.

“He's right here.” There's a pinch on the side of his hip, Kidd apparently annoyed. “And you're right, I make my decisions for myself. You think I'm gonna let you two go off and take down another Emperor? Without me, so that the monkey gets all the credit when he's already an Emperor? No way.”

Luffy cheers. Law feels something warm spread through him. 

“Besides.” Kidd’s hand grabs his. “Quince is great, but I have a feeling I'm gonna be needing your help soon enough, Surgeon.”

That is very true. And Law knows how this works. “You help me and I'll help you?”

“Exactly.”

“Great! We can leave tomorrow then!” Law's suddenly pushed into Kidd’s chest as Luffy suddenly launches himself into them, rubber arms wrapping around them several times as Kidd starts cursing. “It'll be a great adventure!”

Law has the sudden feeling he knows exactly what the next few weeks are going to be like.