The Caged Bird Must Sing

Chapter 23

When Law woke the next morning, it was to an empty bed and a dull throbbing at his temples. At first, this didn't alarm him, as he'd forgotten where exactly he was. It was initially assumed he was back at home, recovering from a night of work. But as time passed and the unfamiliar scent of the room jogged his memory as to his location, his eyes snapped open to investigate the room around him.

There was a distinct absence of the blonde he'd gone to bed with the night before, only the impression of where her body had lain throughout the night beside him. Feeling the spot, and it's lack of warmth, he figured she'd gotten up quite awhile ago. A hesitant glance around the room also confirmed that she was nowhere near. His first inclination was to panic. Had she woken up feeling regret about the turn of events? Was she embarrassed to look him in the eyes? Shit...

And then, the smell of something delicious wafted before him, and he perked up, realizing she was probably making breakfast. The tension eased somewhat, figuring that if she had regretted having him over, she wouldn't be making them food. At least, he hoped that was the case. One never knew. That hope returning, Law uncovered himself from the comforter, retrieving his pants and zipping them back on, before stepping out into the hallway.

A feminine hum could be heard over the sounds of sizzling food, and Law emerged a moment later into her living room, spotting the blonde standing in front of a skillet making what appeared to be bacon and pancakes, the source of the delicious smell. Summer looked up at his entrance, giving a wide smile.

"Morning! I hope you like pancakes." She said cheerfully, her hair not too far from a bed head. He smiled back, walking barefoot onto the cold kitchen tiles.

"I do, and thank you. You didn't have to." He replied, unconsciously rubbing at his forehead. Summer must have noticed his wince, because she laughed and pointed to one of the end cabinets.

"There's aspirin in there if you'd like some. And help yourself to anything in the fridge. Breakfast will be ready pretty soon here."

Grateful of the offer, Law went to retrieve the little bottle of white pills. Summer went back to humming low under her breath, turning over the bacon and flipping the pancakes. Two plates lined beside the skillet, waiting for the finished food to be served.

After downing the aspirin, Law wasn't really sure what else to say to her. What was the expectation between the both of them? He bought time by leaving again to find the restroom. Maybe he'd find the right words if he had a bit of time to himself. Summer didn't say anything or give any indication he had upset her by leaving for a moment, thankfully.

After relieving himself and washing his hands, he leaned forwards, bracing his hands against the counter as he stared into the mirror. The dark circles that wouldn't ever seem to disappear weren't helped by the alcohol from last night despite getting a full night's sleep. With a sigh, he craned his neck to pop the joints that felt stiff.

Gray eyes returned to stare at his reflection with disinterest. He wasn't sure how he felt seeing himself in the mirror anymore. It was the same face it had always been. Save for the scruff of his goatee and the sideburns, his face had never changed. Yet Law himself had. More than he thought possible. He'd let go—somewhat—of what he used to be, what he used to do. Enough to start seeking happiness. This relationship with Summer was a major step out of his comfort zone, but in a good way. The threat of those who'd equally wronged and been wrong by him had always hung over his head. It had been years, granted, but they were still there. And grudges weren't something so easily forgotten in that sort of lifestyle.

What if this was the biggest, stupidest mistake he'd ever made, getting closer to Summer? Gaining so much just to lose it all in the end? How many people would be caught in the collateral this time? Who knew how invested the crime lord had been in him during his time as his subordinate...There really was no way to tell, but it worried him, not knowing. Law didn't like not knowing.