hot_mes | PSL: fullcowl

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PSL: fullcowl

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(continuing from this)

[Even though he still has a long way to go to restore his strength, Law manages to last out the rest of the night without dropping off again. It helps that once or twice something a little too large passed a little too close to their hollowed-out tree, but whatever it was either didn't like fire or wasn't into humans and kept going on past. His haki alerted him in time, but he sat tense until it passed rather than wake Deku. Kid needs his rest, after all.

The gap in the tree must face east, because Law eventually can see a gray line in the distance as light starts to come up behind the hills, and then the approaching dawn getting brighter and brighter. The fire fizzles out about then, and he stretches out a heel to scratch some dirt over it lest the smoke attract attention. With dawn coming, he won't be able to sleep anyway, so he just lets Izuku sleep for as long as he needs. Besides, he's nice and warm.]

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[Law does, at least, have manners when it counts. Little old ladies require manners.]

Tea is fine, thanks. No...bread isn't necessary.

[I mean, unless Izuku wants some but for Law? No thanks!]

We don't mean to impose. But we don't have any money. All we ask is one night, and we'll be on our way in the morning.

[She looks the two of them over- And nods. She doesn't have an extra bed, but she does have a sofa that could maybe fit the two of them.]

Thank you. Thank you so much, miss.

[Law nods his thanks silently over his cup of tea, only realizing when he takes it into his hands just how much a little civility makes life a little less nuts. Just a few days ago he was ripping hearts out of animals to survive and now he has a hot mug between his fingers and a roof over his head.

Campfire roasting aside, he really isn't much of a cook, so he doesn't offer to help with dinner, but later, when the little old lady has a moment to stop and sit, he offers to see if he can do anything to ease her arthritis. A quick Scan tells him she has a bone spur on her hip that he could swiftly, effortlessly remove without incision and give her a little relief. Maybe that will be repayment enough for the sofa.

After their host goes to bed, Law looks it over and then nudges Izuku with the back of his hand]

You can have it. I'll take the floor.

[for literally no other reason than, he hasn't forgotten what Deku did for him in the prison cell and doesn't want to bring up any unpleasant reminders. He'll sleep on the floor beside him unless talked into not being such a self-sacrificing bastard about it.]

[Izuku can and does help out around the kitchen when she starts. Sure, he's not the best cook, but he figures it's probably a good time to learn how.

Once night falls and Law nudges him-]

Are you sure? You're the one who needs to rest properly to use your abilities. And I think we could both fit on it.

[he hesitates, even though that couch really does look inviting and he was the one talking about sleeping in real beds earlier that day.

Decisions, decisions.]

It wouldn't be...uncomfortable?

[but, really, he's woken up a few times to find himself slumped against Izuku so it's not like they've never touched before.]

[Izuku doesn't seem to mind.]

What...? No it wouldn't. Come here, let's sleep.

[He's just sitting on the arm of the couch. He's smaller than Law is, after all. Once Law's lying on it, Izuku can curl up to him.]

[he is the taller one, this is true.

Law gives in with a sigh, stretching out on the couch so that his feet hang off the arm on the other end. Whoops, maybe kicking off his boots would be polite, too. There, that'll do.]

If you're sure.

I am.

[Once Law's on the couch, Deku presses up next to him.

It's a close fit, but they do both fit on the couch. And sure, he's a little red, but he prefers Law to all the other people he's had to share bed space with.]

[Unlike those others, there are no ulterior motives for Law. Sleeping really is just sleeping, even if he does have to let one arm drape loosely over Izuku for lack of anywhere else to put it. It's surprisingly gentle for this apparently unfeeling man, and it's very clear that if Izuku got uncomfortable, he could shove that arm off and get free without any trouble.

Law tenses at first, but gradually relaxes. It's not so bad. Warm, even.]

You're so much trouble.

[he's completely deadpan about it, but it's a light tease.]

[No, Izuku won't shove him away. It's kind of comfortable like this. So he just closes his eyes and lets him self drift, a small amused smile on his lips.]

Still useful though.

You have your moments.

[this is much better than sleeping on the floor, he admits to himself (but not out loud), and once he can feel Izuku's breathing even out, Law lets go of the last bit of tension and curls up with him. It's not so bad, trusting someone. At least he's not annoying like Straw Hat...

It's probably the best night's sleep he's gotten since being brought to this world.]

[He chuckles, but he's out like a light. They've had some long days on their run, and he's more than ready to just pass out.

When he wakes up he's cuddled into Law's chest and- well. He can't exactly stop himself from blushing.

Now, how easy is it going to be to get up...?]

[Law is usually pretty good about sleeping light, he has an innate need to always be ready to jerk awake and jump up to protect himself at a second's notice, but the security of four walls and a roof - to say nothing of the warm body next to his - was all it took to throw that plan out the window. He slept soundly, deeply, and even now he's still dead to the world, chin against the top of Deku's head. His arm hasn't tightened, though, it can still be moved. It's going to take more than a little jostling to wake him up this morning.]

[Then he'll wiggle his way out of Law's embrace, and move over to the table. The lady is apparently an early riser, because she seems to be making breakfast. Once she notices Izuku is up, he's been drafted into helping her with it and setting the table.

They're as quiet as they can be, but eggs still need breaking.]

[It's the smell of breakfast that finally rouses him - something delicious is being cooked near him, rather than greasy beast meat. Law blinks himself awake to find himself alone, which is...okay. He'll ask about it later, when they're off on their own again.

Their host suggests that if he wants to wash, he'll have to draw a fresh bucket of water from the well, a task Law is more than up for and heads off to do while they finish cooking. Dunking his head in a basin of ice-cold water only makes him crave a real bath, though. There's more water if Izuku wants it, and a bucket for the old lady's use later.]

[He's there cooking eggs and bacon and toast for himself and the old lady.

Once that's done he'll wash up and come back for breakfast.

Man, a real home cooked meal- that's amazing after subsisting on weird monster protein for the last few days.]

Thank you so much for all of your hospitality, ma'am.

[She waves it off. She's been helped by plenty of strangers. Now it's their turn to help out whoever they come across.]

[Law contemplates that over his bacon and eggs. His eternally-suspicious mind had worried, how could she be so trusting when she lives so close to a disputed border? But that would explain it. People over here really do look out for each other. It's a relief, he doesn't need to concern himself that their presence here would cause trouble.

And breakfast is like heaven.

She's still trying to offer them things when they get ready to leave, but Law feels like they've already taken enough. The only thing he consents to is a bag, which they can use to start collecting supplies and toting everything they have. He also relishes the chance to dump out the nasty blight-side water from their tins and freshen them with clean well-water.]

[Izuku lets Law talk to her when it comes to supplies, he's content to help her out around the house as much as he can before they leave.

Nice, clean water... Ah, man, he's never been so grateful for clean water.]

Thank you for everything. We'll pass along your good will.

[Or at least Izuku will.]

Mhm. Appreciate it.

[it's probably thanks to Izuku and that sunny personality of his that she was so friendly, he assumes. Law sure doesn't win friends by existing.

He tips his head to encourage Izuku to come along as he starts off, a new day and a new journey. Still eastward, but this time through safer territory with a better chance of scoring what they need before reaching the sea.]

Maybe she's right, and we should head toward the capital. Even if we don't join the army, it'll have everything we need, including information.

[Izuku, however, can make friends just be existing. It's just one of those main character skills he's lucky enough to pick up.]

That's a good idea, I think. The Empress probably has a lot of information to work with, since she's been at war longest. Maybe we can exchange what we know.

[lucky Izuku, not being saddled with edgy-side-character angst...]

I wonder how difficult it is to even get an audience with her. Or if we'd be reduced to dealing with her peons.

[one thing he doesn't know is what people on this side of the border think of former Wulgrimm soldiers. Do they get a pass for wising up and defecting, or are they still tainted by ever being on that side in the first place? Slaves probably get mercy but for himself...there were lots of soldiers who saw him on the battlefield cutting their men into pieces...]

I still plan to get a ship, but maybe some time in the capital will equip us well before setting sail.

[Lucky him, all his angst gets wrapped up quick.

He'll think about it for a moment. He's not sure how the Empress would even treat former soldiers. Especially considering Law's set of skills on the battlefield...]

It can't hurt to look into it, at least.

[And if it comes down to it, Izuku can probably talk to anybody well enough.]

Mm. Add it to the list of things to do.

[they have so much to do to make a go of it the way they want, but it's all good, hard work that will keep them busy. And who knows what they'll learn along the way to help their greater goals?

They're far enough along now that Law finally sets all his brainstorming aside and turns to something less. Plans.]

I didn't hear you get up this morning.

[He nods.]

Huh? Oh, yeah... I figured you needed more sleep.

Should I have woken you up?

No, it's fine. I usually notice such things, I must have been deeply asleep.

Guess it worked out all right. [forever understatement]

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