The cold rain pelting down doesn't affect him like it normally would. He can barely feel it despite donning only his uniform. No jacket. No umbrella. It doesn't matter that he's standing under the overhang either. The whipping winds make sure to drench every inch of his lean frame.

He should have never come back to this forsaken high school. It was pointless, but he has to be here for Luffy. Even though said boy is surely off with his friends; they're distracting him from the pain and he's grateful. But that just means that he has to face his share head on.

Bruised knuckles flex as he lifts his right hand to brush up through the black fringe sticking to his face. He feels like an idiot for getting hurt, but not for attacking the classmate that dared to insult one of his precious brothers. The monotony of detention has been well worth the few hits he managed to get in before he was hauled away. Although now that he's free from this prison he realizes he doesn't exactly want to go home.

Home means memories.

Home means being alone with those memories.

Part of him wonders if he screams right now if anyone would hear. If some lone person would come running to see what's wrong with him. To wrap an arm over his shoulders and listen to anything he has to say – not that he'd say much or expects anything. The only two people who have ever cared are his brothers.

Narrowing his dark gaze, he glares to the puddles at the end of the walkway as tears slip from the corners of his eyes. The water squelches around in his shoes and part of him itches to go home. After all, he can't remember if he's taken anything for his narcolepsy today and the last thing he wants to do is pass out on the street.

If only he had an umbrella; having one would make things a little more bearable. He finally dares to move out onto the sidewalk and stills. The rain is colder and harsher than when he was three steps back. Before he was getting damp but now the water feels like it's slashing through him.

That is until it suddenly stops. The patter of raindrops hitting a surface has him looking up and noticing the yellow umbrella shielding him from any further harm. Not that it should matter now. He's practically had a bath with how soaked he is. Despite the snarky remark he wants to give the person beside him, he settles with turning to give a nod, "Thanks..."

Only for any other thoughts to melt away at the yellowed gaze. "Are you waiting for a ride?"

The last person he expects to be sharing an umbrella with is Trafalgar Law. He's the star pupil in every class and every one knows he'll be leaving at the end of the year to attend his late father's medical academy. Naturally, he only knows about Law's achievements through the grapevine. But he's seen him around plenty. Then again, he is younger.

"No," he says as he looks away; remembering that he had been crying only a moment ago. If Law notices the tears amidst the rain dripping down his face he says nothing. "I was just hoping the rain would let up."

"You'll get sick if you walk home in this."

He shrugs, "Maybe."

There's an intent to flash Law a grin, but it never quite happens. He turns, partly, only for his eyes to slip shut. Sleep tightens around him in a vice like grip as his body begins to fall. Thankfully, Law spares him from hitting the concrete. The taller boy manages to catch him, clinging onto his wet clothes. "Tch.. I guess the rumors are true."

Law takes it upon himself to fuss with getting the dark haired male someplace dry. The only unfortunate part of it is that he walks to school. Thus leaving Law with hoisting the other up onto his back and managing to grab a hold of the umbrella as well. He's not even taking a step when he can feel the water already soaking into his clothes from doing so. One reason why he takes long, quick strides to the right and down the stretch of sidewalk. He'll take the teen to his home until he wakes up then send him on his way the second he can.

At least, that's the forethought until he feels something press up against his neck as a whine reaches his ears. He can barely make out what's said and he doesn't dare bother with it. Not right now at least. Law's grateful he lives only a block away and that he's reaching the walkway leading to the entrance relatively soon.

"Nngh," he mumbles as he rouses from sleep.

The noise catches Law's attention and he resists the urge to glance over his shoulder. "Welcome back, Ace."

He wants to ask how the prestigious Law knows his name. Not that he particularly cares at the moment. He's far more concerned with lifting his head to see his predicament. There's no sigh or distress, only contentment for his situation. Ace draws up a hand to rub at the back of his head. "I guess I didn't take it this morning."

"That's your first conclusion?" Law stops at the trio of steps before the front door. There's no warning to Law letting go of Ace's legs, allowing Ace to slide off. However, Ace is able to right himself with only a small stumble. Not that he waits for Ace to get his bearings. "You can stay until you bother someone to pick you up."

Ace hurries after him, missing the relief the umbrella gave him, "You sure?"

"I can't in good conscience let you walk home like that."

"Oh, well, thanks," he mutters as he follows Law into the entrance of the small family home. He strips off his shoes and prepares to continue onward when Law puts himself in the way. Ace raises a brow, "What?"

Law removes his white hat with the splotches around the rim before moving further into the house. "Don't move. You'll get the carpet wet."

Ace rolls his eyes but doesn't bother with arguing. Instead he sits down on the cold tile and tries to quell any shivers. He's tired, more so than he usually is, and he tries to blame it on skipping doses. But he knows it's because of the nightmares filled with fire and the sound of wood splitting. Drawing his legs up to his chest, Ace wraps his arms around them and rests his head atop his knees.

Before he knows it, he's fast asleep just as Law returns with an armful of towels and clothes. Law wants to be irritated and annoyed with Ace's behavior as he normally would. But today he can't find it in him. Today has him drawing a towel over the damp black tresses. Law kneels down in front of Ace and pats a hand onto his head, preparing to at least dry his hair while he's asleep.

It's only now that Ace can't hear or see him that Law allows a rather sorrowful expression to appear on his countenance, "I'm.. sorry about Sabo."

Once the words have left him he feels a little better and settles on trying to take care of his now sleeping guest. But he can't stop himself and he'll wonder why for days on end. Law's body leans forward and he slips his hand down to tilt Ace's chin up. He closes his eyes for a brief second, long enough not to notice the twitch of lashes on cheek, and presses his lips to Ace's in a soft kiss.

(0)(0)(0)

Never in a million years has he thought he'd be in this situation. Not because he's not aware of what love feels like but because he's positive nothing will come from it. Just as it had all those years ago. Perhaps that is what compels the tightening of his chest to intensify. Then again, he also thought he'd never see the dark beauty again.

He can't even think of tearing his dark eyes away from the way those sun-kissed fingers perform an elegant dance over the piano keys. The music that sprawls out and smothers the room is nothing he's ever heard before. Then again, classic pieces such as this aren't something he looks for either. Not that he's really concentrating on the soothing sounds at the moment. Oh no, all he can do is imagine those fingers tracing hearts on his chest.

The thoughts that fill his mind eagerly want to thank the gorgeous woman on the other side of the table. If it wasn't for her dear girlfriend not being able to make it he wouldn't have gotten asked to come along instead. They thought he has more manners than Luffy and he'd enjoy the banquet after the show. But what he really is reveling in is the way those golden earrings in the man's ears gleam in the bright light; reminding him of those eyes he knows are hidden beneath long, raven lashes.

Notes fall quieter with each second until a small round of applause fills the air. Promptly after, he turns his attention back to the blue-eyed woman who brought him. She smiles sweetly and he can't help but admit to himself how lovely she is with her black hair falling about her shoulders. "Liking the show, Ace?"

"Yeah, thanks for letting me come, Robin."

"You're very welcome." She glances to the stage, noticing how the next set will start soon. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be right back."

Ace sends her off with a nod before turning his attention back to the food before him. He's been so preoccupied with his thoughts that he hasn't taken so much as a bite. Then again, it's hard to quell the urge to ask why the man on stage is in a suit and not scrubs. Somewhere in these mental musings Ace drifts off.

The loud 'thunk' of his head sitting the table, narrowly missing his plate, draws everyone's attention. The entire room grows silent before suddenly erupting into noise.

"Is he alright?"

"Did he choke?"

"Does anyone know what happened?"

The voices all meld together while a single person rushes over to him. The pianist, having left his seat upon the stage, gestures to several men close to the table. "Get him on the floor."

They don't hesitate in lifting Ace from his chair and laying him out on the navy tile. The musician hovers over Ace: loosening his tie, checking his pulse, and bending down to make sure he's breathing. His face is a mere inch away from Ace's when the latter blinks his eyes open. The man pulls away immediately while Ace yawns and lifts a hand to rub at his face. That is until he notices everyone standing around him… looking down at him. "What's all the fuss about?"

As his vision begins to focus, Ace finds he can't quite grab at the words he wants to say. Not when there's a pair of golden eyes staring down at him. Those thin brows are drawn together in a mixture of confusion and anger. Ace wants to think there's something more in that guarded gaze as he sits up.

Robin makes her way through the crowd that's formed, muttering small apologies to those she brushes past. "I'm sorry about him. My friend has narcolepsy and must have forgotten his medicine before leaving. Isn't that right, Ace?"

The rather annoyed tint to her words silently says she had trusted him to at least do that much. But all he can do is rub at the back of his head with a nervous laugh. "Yeah. Sorry about that." He then glances toward the pianist, the one person he wants to talk to more than anything. "And sorry for ruining your show. I'm in your debt for making sure I'm alright."

The man can't be too perturbed at Ace once the apology slips out. Especially with the way those dark eyes seem to sparkle even under the dim lighting. He gives a shake of his head and stands. Turning his attention down to Ace, he offers him a hand. Of course Ace readily takes it and he can't explain how nostalgic it is to have those fingers curling around his.

Pulling Ace to his feet, the dark haired man can't stop their eyes from locking. Their hands idle for a moment until Law suddenly tugs his free and turns to Robin. Ace isn't sure why he can't get that gaze to come back to him; maybe it was the intent way he was taking him in.

"I was just doing what someone should do." He extends Robin his hand and once she places hers in his, he lifts it so he can place a kiss just above her knuckles. Letting it go, he smiles at her. "Thank you for coming, Robin."

Ace patiently waits for everyone to return to their tables, just as they do as well, before finally settling his scrutinizing gaze onto Robin. She's not surprised in the least either. "Yes, Ace?"

"You know him?"

She reaches out, lifting up her glass of wine. "Of course. Everyone knows Trafalgar Law."

"Robin, you know what I mean."

Taking a sip, she spares a glance over to where Law is getting read to start his next set. "He's just an old friend."

(0)(0)(0)

Ace couldn't get much more out of Robin than that they had met during college. Yet he still can't make the connection between Law ending up playing music. Then again he hasn't even seen Law since that night. The days continue to stack up and he can't help but feel that it's pointless to try. The only thing he knows is that he's the new rising star.

That tidbit only drives the nail in deeper. They're worlds apart at this rate and there's no way he'll catch up. Even if he could, he doubts anything he feels would be returned at this rate.

He clicks his phone shut and shoves it into his back pocket. Double checking the numbers on the mailbox, Ace adjusts the bag on his shoulder. The house before him is quaint and in one of the better neighborhoods. It doesn't surprise him that he's here. No one that lives in his section of town would call for a handyman.

Although it does make him feel a little under dressed; black boots, matching shorts that reach to his knees, and a button-up shirt left open. He debates about at least doing up one or two of the buttons. At least until he hears the door to the house he's before opening.

"Dammit, be more careful when you do that Cora!"

The name triggers something and when Ace glances over to see who's coming out he's greeted with the sight of someone familiar. Although now there's some wrinkles accompanying the dark circles beneath reddish-brown eyes. The rather tall man places the cigarette between his lips as he walks down the driveway. He gives a wave over his shoulder just before the door slams shut.

There's a smile on his lips as he passes by Ace, sparing a wink. Ace isn't sure what it means but he does give a small flick of his wrist in return. Not that it's seen by the blond as he leaves the exact residence Ace's been called to. A grin slips onto his lips as he heads to that fateful door and the person he knows is behind it.

Knock. Knock.

The door swings open just as the voice calls out, "Yes?"

"You hired a handy man?"

Ace can't help himself; drinking in every inch of the man before him. Part of him wonders who he needs to thank for sending him to Law. A hand drags up through tousled black spikes as he sighs, "No."

He quickly fishes out the bill that Marco told him to hang onto. Ace holds it out to him. "Well, someone did. This is the address I was given."

Law merely turns around and starts to head inside. "He called for you and doesn't have the decency to stay to keep an eye on you." Following, Ace keeps his eyes on Law's back until they're standing in the kitchen. Law turns around and gestures toward the sink. "Leaky faucet."

Unable to resist, Ace raises an eyebrow while a smirk curls onto his countenance. Law notices instantly and the glare that he settles onto Ace could kill. "It's not that I can't do it."

Ace merely shrugs as he strides past him and straight for the problem. "I didn't ask," he replies as he lets his bag slide off his shoulder. Ace opens the cabinet doors beneath the sink and grabs for his flashlight. A few glances and he has the problem figured out. He knows he'll have limited time, however, as it's such an easy fix.

Law doesn't so much as budge from the doorway. He leans against the wall and crosses his arms. From a safe distance he's able to keep an eye on Ace. He watches as Ace trades his hat for a handful of tools from his bag. That is only to lean forward into the opening and making his shirt slide up away from the waistband of his pants.

For some reason that sun-kissed skin has Law feeling only a little uncomfortable. Just as he had when he opened the door to see the well toned body. He's sure the tense atmosphere he's feeling only applies to him and he hates it. That suddenly here's Ace waltzing into his house and talking as though nothing has ever happened.

The thoughts in his mind swirl in circles and have his brows drawing together in frustration all while he tries to enjoy the sight of Ace bent over and working on that leak. The one in question isn't aware of anything other than his own frustrations at not having Law react how he wants.

Ace sighs as he grabs for the plumbing glue. He'll be okay if those feelings aren't returned, he's already had Law all to himself once before. But that doesn't stop him from trying, something he hasn't done for someone in years. "Is it just the faucet?"

"Yes."

"It would have been cheaper to just do it yourself," he says as he moves out of the cabinet and shuts the doors. Ace turns toward his bag and places the glue back inside one of the pouches. As he does he notices Law glance off to the side.

"I have a performance and he didn't want me to hurt my hands. Otherwise I would have done it."

"Ah, got'cha." Standing up, Ace tries not to think about the slight ache in his knees while dropping the rest of the tools into his bag before scooping it up. He settles the strap on his shoulder and places his hat back onto his head. "Hate to disappoint the fans huh?"

Law pushes off from the wall, "I should have asked if you were even qualified. But at least you didn't fall asleep in the middle of the job."

Ace keeps a grin on his face but they both know he's beyond irritated at that jab. "Then call a real plumber next time."

Glancing over Ace's shoulder, anything not to look the man in the eyes, Law takes note of the sink. "Is it done?" A nod is the reply and it has Law reaching into his back pocket for his wallet.

On the other hand, Ace leans against the counter with his hands shoved into his pockets. "How long have you been playing?"

Law opens the plain black bi-fold, "Long enough. How much?"

Pushing away from the counter, he moves toward Law. Ace merely shakes his head and shoots Law a smile, "Tell Rocinante it's on the house."

Law can't hide his displeasure, "If this is a joke you two are playing, I don't want any part of it."

Ace shrugs, "I just met him outside, Mr. Grouch." He strides past Law and heads straight for the door. He can see he won't be getting anywhere – even if there's a chance that this was Rocinante's planning.

To his surprise, Law follows after him. "Ace, how much?"

At that he stops dead with one hand idling in his pocket. He had intended to just open the door and be on his way like none of this happened. It's not that he's gone anywhere since Law vanished the first time so there's no reason for the latter to stay around this time.

"So, how many people fall all over you because of that talent?" Ace gives a curt chuckle, "Even Luffy thought you were pretty good after just one song I showed him. I bet it'd make anyone you try to see jealous."

"Not if there's no one I'm seeing. Now if you'd just tell me how-"

"I said it's on the house," he retorts while reaching for the doorknob.

The door is opening as Law huffs in irritation, "I don't like owing favors. Just tell me-"

SLAM!

Ace's bag creates a loud thud as it hits the floor. The man is quicker than Law remembers; to the point where he's completely taken aback. Ace grabs at the front of Law's black hooded jacket and captures Law's lips in a bruising kiss. His hat slides back a little on his head as he deepens the embrace.

Law doesn't know how to respond right away. He's too distracted by the dusting of freckles beneath Ace's closed eyes and the familiar softness on his mouth. But he refuses to stay enraptured for long. Law reaches up and shoves at Ace's shoulders.

The latter stumbles back and Law's at least thankful that Ace has the decency to let go of him in the process. The anger in his eyes isn't as strong as it should be even as he clenches his fists at his sides. "What the hell was that for?"

Righting himself, Ace proceeds to return to trying to leave. Although he does feel like he's accomplished something by eliciting such a reaction. It's always been some weird, twisted game after all. He opens the door for the second time, "Payment. Unless you'd like to apologize for disappearing."

Law draws up a hand to run over his face. He feels the headache coming on already. No one has bothered to question him why he's suddenly popping back up. After all, the only person he kept in touch with from this little city is Rocinante. He expected to be harassed by old friends but none dared.

Except this one. This old flame he had thought he had snuffed out of his heart without hesitating and he hates that he can't take his eyes off it.

Ace turns back toward Law once he has the door open. He lifts a hand to flick at the rim of his hat, showing the beaming smile. But Law knows Ace, better than most and while the smile may be there it's the eyes that lack the same happiness. "See you around, Law."

That's all it takes.

Law is perfectly aware that from a logical stand point this is stupid; possibly even a mistake. But he can't stop his arms from stretching out so that he can pull Ace back into the house. The latter stumbles and trips backwards over his own two feet. Except Law is right there, keeping him steady while the door swings back shut.

Once Ace is standing, Law pushes him away enough so that they can be face to face. He steadies his eyes on Ace's and silently dares him to lie. "Why did you kiss me?"

"Payment for the job."

"I meant the first time."

Ace laughs and Law has to keep his glare steady to hide the fact that he likes the sound. "Moron, you kissed me first."

Horror crosses Law's features for a brief moment and it has Ace more than delighted. All he can think about is the day he first made real contact with Ace. Law takes a step back, "You… were asleep."

"That was a cheap move. Just like the one you pulled by up and leaving without any word."

Law cuts his eyes away, "You're no different. In fact, you still don't know how to kiss."

Anger flares to life inside of Ace and it has him closing the distance between them. He grabs onto the front of Law's jacket, "You're the jerk that didn't call anyway."

Their gazes meet and Law raises an eyebrow, "I tried. But weren't you the one that changed your number?"

It's not an uncommon sight to see the hothead flushing with embarrassment. But it does draw a smirk to his countenance as Ace loosens his hold. "I didn't… it got broken in a fight." Ace's brows furrow together, "And would you stop looking at me like that!?"

Law settles his hands onto Ace's shoulders, "Like what?"

Ace doesn't want to say it nor does he get the chance to. Not with Law slipping one hand back to tangle into his hair while other keeps him steady. Although, Ace isn't going anywhere either way.

It's a simple kiss but it's one that has Ace left breathless by the time Law pulls away. He struggles to regain any form of traction. "I guess I'll see you at your next show," is all that manages to come out.

Leaning forward, Law brushes his lips over Ace's ear. "Why wait till then? We have a lot of catching up to do."

A shiver races up Ace's spine and he finds himself remembering how demanding the other can be. While both will admit to themselves they like the other, neither says a word as they come back in for another kiss.

First off a big thank you to the lovely Yuri for the first prompt!

These will be little stand-alone fics that didn't make it very far to be something concrete or requests or even pwp! If there's something you'd like to read and it pertains to Ace/Law, message me however or leave it in a comment c: It'll all end up here.

There's a possibility that some of these will intersect but for the most part they'll probably be shorter than this first one XD They will be labeled accordingly. Rating might go up depending on the requests made ;D Canon-ish or AU is welcome.