Chapter 35
"Well, guess you did it then, huh Kid?" Kid grinned at that, turning around to find Killer approaching all by his lonesome.
"Hell yeah. I wasn't too bad at all." Kid boasted, grimacing when he shifted.
Killer snorted. "You're hiding your wounds."
"Still won didn't I?" Kid grunted, frowning as the blonde began to examine his side with a scowl definitely on his face.
The mask might stop him from seeing it but he could tell it was there.
"He did." Law's blank tone startled him, the dark haired male staring at him from across the room.
"Yeah you." Kid greeted, his voice surprisingly gentle.
Law's eyes narrowed though, the fucker now looking pissed. Really? After everything he just did? He bloody won! They were safe! Now Law was storming over and seething at him.
"You fool! You should have left while you could have! He was going to let you go had you not deliberately agitated him!"
Kid growled. "I was not leaving you with that pink bastard. He was trying to break you."
"I was going to let him, I told you this." Law snapped. "You didn't even bother listening."
"I'm not listening to you when you're like that. You were acting like a depressed idiot." He fought against the urge to fidget when Killer's fingers pressed against the slice down his side. "I promised you didn't I?"
"You didn't have to keep it." Law's shoulders slumped as he shook his head. "He tortured you."
Kid couldn't help but snort. "Yeah the fucker stepped on my dick and had Vergo whip me. It was fucking sore, hell yeah it was but nothing like what I went through in the mines."
"Did people step on your dick all the time Eustass-ya?" Law asked innocently.
"If they did that there wouldn't be many people in the mines left, nor would I have anything to fuck you with."
He grunted when suddenly Law collided with him, arms wrapped around him and his head buried in his neck. Kid was startled at first but raised his arms to wrap around Law's waist, rubbing his back soothingly.
"Thank you Kid." Law murmured into his shoulder, making him smirk. "You're still an idiot but thank you."
"Heh, don't just thank me, even though I did most of the work the Straw-Hat's got your little minions out and to safety. They even took the pink haired girl with them."
Law chuckled. "So I shouldn't bother thanking you at all then?"
"I told you I did most of the work still." Kid huffed. "Be a little grateful you shit."
"I believe I have Gol D. Roger to be thankful for. He did force Doflamingo to follow to rules." Law pointed out as he pulled away, looking so much better than he had the last time they saw each other in his room.
Law chained to his bed and Kid's back aching from the whiplashes.
"I'm not surprised the bastard was gonna lock me up. Didn't think he had the balls to do it in front of that crowd though." Kid sneered.
"You underestimate him. He still wants your head on a spike but thankfully he can't do that unless you do something truly stupid as his Champion."
Kid gritted his teeth. "About that, how the fuck is it gonna be 'six years' now babe? I thought it was gonna be three."
"It was allowed, especially since he wants revenge for you 'stealing me away', freeing my sister and killing Diamante." Law grumbled, crossing his arms.
The sound of a loud bang sent them all jumping though as Luffy flew in, meat in one hand while the other wrapped around Law's shoulders, making the dark haired man tense, looking horrified all of a sudden.
"Traffy you're missing the party!" Luffy accused, shaking his head. "You can't miss your own party!"
"It's not my party! It's the closing ceremony and that's tomorrow anyway-"
"You won so it's yours and Eussy's party!"
"It's Eustass you little shit!" Kid snapped.
"I'm fine right here Luffy-ya-" Law was cut off though when Straw-Hat literally began dragging him out of the room, cheering already.
That fucker just stole his lover. What the fuck? They were having a moment!
Ace laughed at the sight of Luffy carrying Law over his shoulder who, had meanwhile, just given in and remained still. Luffy dumped Law right next to him before sitting at Law's other side, as he yelled for Sanji.
"Sanji! Traffy needs some food! Not bread though! He hates it!"
Sanji scowled. "I know he hates bread!"
"Sanji you sit back down!" Chopper protested.
Ace shook his head at how loud his brother's crew was, grinning as he ruffled Law's hair who was now sulking at being forced to join them. "How you feeling?"
"I go from being held against my will by Doflamingo only to be kidnapped by your brother." Law offered snarkily.
He could only chuckle at that. "My little brother tends to do that quite often."
"Kidnap people?"
"Yep." Ace shrugged. "He makes friends out of sheer determination. Odd to think I used to tie him to trees and beat him up yet here we are, close brothers."
Law gaped at him making him laugh harder. "What the hell is wrong with you two?"
"It's the 'D' Law, you'll suffer it some point too."
"I'd rather hope not."
"Ace tried to murder me several times. He was so funny." Luffy chirped in.
"And very angry." Ace shrugged. "Mum was gone and dad was rarely around. Buggy and Shanks kept annoying me so I just became a little ball of anger that kept trying to set them both on fire. I only ever got Buggy's trousers."
"How are you both still alive?" Law ended up asking, looking exhausted just listening to them blab away about the crap they used to do as kids.
"Well I guess I had Shanks looking out for me? Not sure how Luffy did though, even Gramps ended up putting him in hundreds of near death situations."
"The balloons were the worst part." Luffy shuddered.
"I don't even want to know."
Doflamingo sipped quietly at his wine, staring out the window into the dark night sky and trying to relax. He couldn't though, he couldn't think of a way round the entire deal Law had gotten away with. Vergo would be executed and he would have to fight all the contestants that yet lived. Law's men were all gone somehow, Penguin and Bepo were no longer in the dungeon, instead Monet had been lying there, dead with the knife he swore Monet had given Shachi plunged into her chest.
That little rat had played him good. He had pretended to be on their side just to stay free while sharing his hatred of the assassin. He knew the brunette didn't like the assassin, it was obvious enough. That made it such a shame that Shachi hadn't done as he was told and just stabbed the mutt in the back.
That way Law would be remaining here, at his side, where he should be.
"Doffy? Are we really going to let the boy leave?" Vergo asked quietly from behind, he was seated comfortably on the couch, resting now after that battle earlier in the day.
"Unfortunately Law gets to go. I'm not risking Roger executing you like he did Blackbeard. He would do it too then drag my ass out into the arena to fight." Doflamingo grumbled. "Law won't be too far away either way. We still have his assassin on leash for six years after all."
"We will be dragging the brat back then?" Vergo asked.
"Fufufu, we'll give it time. Let Law venture out for a bit, it might help settle him back down, he has been agitated as of late." Doflamingo chuckled softly. "Then with the right plan we'll bring him back, my cute, little Heart executive can't just wander off after all."
"Meanwhile we make the mutt's life a living hell while he serves here?"
"Oh definitely. He killed Diamante, turned Law against me and stole his sister right out of our hands. She was always useful for keeping Law obedient whenever he was getting too unruly. Now away she goes with riches, away to wherever she wants to be, the little bitch."
"And Law-kun's men?" Vergo asked.
"I believe either Penguin or Shachi murdered her. They will pay for that of course. We just have to find them first. Fufufufu, they even took Rebecca Riku with them, which was such a shame."
"Hopefully her family will not get any foolish ideas."
"Viola is a smart girl. She'll behave if she knows what is good for her." Doflamingo said, taking the bottle now instead and gulping it all down, sighing once it was finished. "It will be such a shame to see my beloved Law go. Fufufufu, maybe I should break his legs so he can't."
"Was that a request?"
"Sadly I can't. I am not agitating Roger, not even I am that crazy." Doflamingo laughed. "But I'll get around it once he and all the other nobles and contestants are gone. The little Prince can't keep an eye on Law forever, no matter how much he tries to help and the Straw-Hat's will be off on one of their little adventures soon enough."
Law will be back with him soon enough. He was patient enough to wait.
Sometimes better things turn out with enough time.
"I heard you're a free woman now Lami?" A familiar warm voice asked her on the snail.
"Yes, my collar is already gone." Lami answered, still massaging her neck and staring at the mirror of the luxury lounge she was in.
She was being treated like a noble lady now that Law's champion had won his battle. She was still in shock, the brunette couldn't understand it.
She was actually free?
"You sound healthier."
"I look it too." Lami smiled. "I might actually be able to visit you soon Koala, wouldn't that be great?"
"It would be! Sabo and Hack have both missed you too." Koala chirped.
Lami couldn't wait. She would be out of here soon. She would be far away from this horrible 'family' and her terrible uncle. She and her brother would be free.
Freedom.
She couldn't stop grinning. They were so close. So, so close.
Law slipped another hoodie into his backpack, ignoring Doflamingo standing standing idly at the wall. Out of the corner of his eye he could see that disappointed frown, not even trying to hide behind a smile which made a painful twinge surge at his chest. So with a soft sigh he lowered his bag, finally letting himself turn around to face Doflamingo.
"Doflamingo why are you here?" Law frowned softly, he couldn't help but tense as Doflamingo stepped over to him but forced himself to remain in place, he had seen Doflamingo's frown deepen at that, the blonde looking hurt.
"You know why Law..." The blonde murmured, Law couldn't help but relax as Doflamingo's hand reached up, gently brushing against his cheek. "...Please stay..."
Law ignored the odd pain in his chest and instead clasped Doflamingo's hand gently within his own, giving it a small squeeze. "You're drunk Doflamingo. You should go get some sleep."
He could smell it, he reeked of alcohol.
It made him feel guilty but Law instantly kicked himself up the arse for that. He couldn't feel guilty for this. He was leaving to be with Kid, to be free, he didn't love Doflamingo any more.
Law couldn't help but flinch when suddenly a pair of arms were wrapped around him, Doflamingo's head burying into his shoulder, he felt his hand slipped into his hair, tightening against the strands. He gave a soft protest as the embrace but managed to remain still, it would be the last time he would see Doflamingo in person. He wasn't planning on ever coming back. Not after everything that had happened.
It would be better this way. For both of them.
"Law your home is here, you've been with us since you were ten years old, why leave now?" Doflamingo's voice sounded hurt which Law hated.
"You know why, I'm going to live with Eustass-ya. Somewhere nice and quiet." Law murmured lightly, frowning softly as Doflamingo's arms tightened around him, his voice darkening.
"...Why should I let you go? Why should I have to?" Law frowned softly, shuddering lightly when Doflamingo hissed into his ear. "I could keep you here with me Law, even if you protest. You could stay with me in this castle, in silk or in chains I can have you beside me. Why shouldn't I just keep you here?"
Law managed to squirm back, revealed when Doflamingo's arms allowed him to move. It meant he had enough time to snap the blonde back into reality. So he reached up and gently clasped Doflamingo's cheek, earning an even deeper frown.
"You promised you would never force me remember?" Law reminded him, knowing that Doflamingo would listen to that. "If you kept me here with you, you would have to impregnate me and you said you would only allow that to happen if I agreed, that you would never take that decision from me."
Doflamingo's shoulders slumped at that, he sounded defeated but he tried to put up one more argument, the words that pained Law to hear the most. "I love you Law. Stay."
Law remembered the first time Doflamingo had said that to him and the last time he had, the first was at the beach when they were watching the sunset with the family, where Cora-san had tripped up and somehow set himself alight from the bonfire, where Baby-5 and Buffalo ended up laughing hysterically while Gladius merely threw a bucket of water over Cora-san. Then he remembered the last time Doflamingo had said that, when he had him chained to his own bed, exhausted and hurt and when he had given in. When he had expected Kid to leave him behind.
He never did. Kid never gave up and neither could he. Not any more.
"I can't." Law managed to push himself away, frowning at the hurt look he was shot. "I'm sorry."
So instead of trying to confront the blonde he grabbed his last bag and rushed off, knowing Kid would probably be in his room.
Kid looked up from his bag when the door opened and closed, Law leaning heavily against it, a dark look in his eyes. It made Kid nearly growl, realising it was probably that pink bastard who caused it.
"You alright?"
"I'll be fine. This is just difficult is all." Law sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose. "I've been with him for most of my life..."
Kid grunted. "I can't help ya much, I was happy to leave my home."
"Your home?"
"It was nice enough I guess but I wanted more. Ma and pa were content as they were."
"I already ran once, I can do it again." Law offered, sighing as he sat down on the carpet. "Last time I had to leave a lot behind and I will do so again, but this time I will be taking a lot more with me too."
"Aw, how sweet." Kid chuckled, moving to sit down in front of his dark haired lover who smirked playfully at him.
"Did you think I meant you Eustass-ya?"
"Oh thanks, I save you and you just stab me in the back." The redhead complained.
"Oh don't fuss. You've got enough of a big head as it is without me helping you. I'm actually doing you a favour."
"You're just being an ass." Kid smirked, twisting his hand in Law's hair who grunted. "Asshole's need to be shut up sometimes."
"How subtle-" Law's snark was cut off when Kid yanked him into a deep kiss, thankful when Law settled into it instead of putting up a fuss.
He pulled away after a playful lick at Law's lips and grinned at him, earning a raised eyebrow which made him nearly laugh.
"So, how about we do something evil huh? I could fuck you on Doflamingo's desk-"
He groaned when all he received was a slap to the back of his head. Boring quack doctor.
"So, where will you go Lovely Lami-chan?" Sanji asked as Ace and Zoro continued to help her pack everything into the ship sent for her.
"I was given an idea from some friends I am meeting up with. They're to be guiding me safely to my next destination." Lami murmured.
"Well I hope you remain safe my lady." He bowed but Lami shook her head, looking suddenly upset, he tensed when Lami suddenly threw herself at him, locking him in an embrace.
"You tried to keep me safe all this time. Don't you dare bow or call me 'my lady'. I'm Lami, I'm your friend."
"Always Lami-chan!" He cried out, fighting off the urge to squeal in delight at being embraced so tenderly by such a lovely lady! "You're such a lovely lady though, I want to show my respect as a man!"
"You've always been a gentleman Sanji. You do tend to get excited sometimes but you're always well mannered and kind to us." The brunette said gently. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too. I'm sorry I can't visit. I'm one of Doflamingo's chefs... If he finds out where I went to see you..."
"I know, I don't want him tracking me down." Lami agreed before shuddering. "I don't want to see Mas-Do-Doflamingo ever again."
She nearly said 'Master', but she managed not to, it was a nice surprise. Sanji hoped that she could handle everything and live a long and happy life after all the things she was forced to suffer through. She deserved so much better.
He squeezed her in the hug before pulling away at the sight of Law arriving at the docks, Eustass Kid at his side. He nudged Lami to turn around, grinning when he saw her smile brightly at the sight of her brother. Law looked stunned when she ran over to him, quick to embrace him in a hug while Law stared at her, bewildered.
He felt his grin widen at that before mimicking hugging her when he caught Law's eyes, the dark haired noble taking a moment to register the motion and copy it, still baffled.
"Holy shit, the quack doctor's actually hugging someone."
"Shut up Eustass-ya." Law snarked back before blinking down at Lami. "Lami why are you so happy to see me? I got you into so much trouble..."
"You're an idiot." Lami insulted.
He was inclined to agree with lovely Lami-chan in that subject.
"We're free Law. You did it. Why would I be angry with you?"
"All these years-"
Lami snorted. "It doesn't matter! He used me as a bargaining chip to keep you in line. I felt guilty about that for so long, that was why I always tried to escape, so you could too. Now we're both free, your risk paid off! You won!"
"Jeez, you Trafalgar's both feel guilty too easily. It was all the pink bastard's fault that you two got mixed up in this crap." Eustass grunted out.
He was right on that one. It was Doflamingo's fault thing turned out the way they did. Now they were allowed to leave and start fresh like they had been wanting to for years.
"I hope I get to see you soon." Law murmured.
"We'll try. I'm trying to get as far away from here as I can." Lami said.
"I don't blame you." Law nodded. "I'll be stuck near the castle for about six years until Idiotass is free."
"Who you calling an idiot?!" Kid snapped.
"Who do you think?"
Luffy immediately started laughing, hanging from the ship's railing while Usopp was being wheeled around the ship by Kaya, still too weak to be allowed up and about yet, or at least that's what Chopper says. Chopper says that about him too though and he was fine. He wasn't even allowed to help Lami-chan pack her things into the ship, no, he had to leave that to the mosshead.
And stupid mosshead's always get lost on the way to anything important.
Franky, Robin-chan and Nami-swan where long gone with the treasure they stole from the shitty bird King. Luffy was going to make sure Law got away safely since Kid had to remain here for the ceremony that would 'knight him' as Doflamingo's Champion. Usopp had to remain too because of his injuries and of course he and Chopper worked in the castle so they weren't going far.
Jeez this was all shitty as fuck.
"Oi cook." He heard Zoro call out, the mosshead was carrying plenty of chests filled with gold and jewels on his shoulders. "You gonna cook something? I'm hungry."
"What can I cook all the way out here? I don't have any ingredients in the first place!" Sanji snapped.
"Wow, what a shitty-cook, can't even cook anything."
"Why you marimo-"
"Oi! Zoro! Sanji! Don't you date fight! Sanji's still recovering!"
"Hurry up and get better then shitty-cook."
"Shut it mosshead."
"Goodbye Lami." Law murmured into his sister's ear who smiled, her hands on his cheeks. "Stay safe."
"You as well Law. I love you." Lami stated, leaning up to kiss his forehead before pulling away.
"I love you too sister."
He hated watching her get on that boat by herself. He wanted to be at her side, to keep her safe, but he couldn't follow. Lami had her own journey to make now, her own life to choose. He couldn't protect her before anyway, so what difference could he make now?
"You look sad." He heard Kid murmur into his ear, his arm now around his waist, tucking him in close.
"Just something else to get used to." Law said, leaning in against him. "Like you becoming Doflamingo's subordinate."
"Urgh, not looking forward to that." Kid grimaced. "You sure I can't leave with you?"
"Not unless you want us both to be hunted down and dragged back."
Kid grunted. "Can't risk him getting you again."
"That's why Luffy-ya's following me. Ace-ya's meant to be coming too apparantly to 'get away from his father' because he keeps hounding him."
"Those two are bloody weird."
"Tell me about it." Law chuckled.
He enjoyed the silence for a moment before Kid spoke up again, sounding annoyed. "Damn though, that pink bastard is gonna quickly get on my nerves. I'm stuck with the bastard for six years, how the hell am I gonna handle that?"
"Maybe you'll assassinate him?" Law teased.
"Knowing my luck he's survive me stabbing him repeatedly." Kid grumbled, and Law leaning up to kiss him on his lips, earning a pleased grumble.
"We'll figure it out."
"Yeah we will. Love you Law."
He couldn't help but smile at that. "I love you too Eustass-ya."
The End
Holy crap we're here? We've finished? Alright first of all, thank you all you beautiful people for reading this story! I can't believe how much it had progressed since my every first chapter back in 2014, I seriously started this in 2014? I can't believe it actually finished it and people actually enjoyed it so again thank you o.o
Thank you for all you people who have stuck with me for like three years now, it has been such a long time but it was so amazing. I'm still in the whole 'I can't believe I did it' point xD This has been such an amazing learning experience. My writing has improved so much thanks to this story and all your wonderful reviews, you guys really helped me bring my confidence up to the point where I'm even trying to write my own book now while plotting out other fanfics I want to write. I'm excited to get started on them. Hopefully they won't take as long as this did now I feel more confident at it but we'll see ;) xD
Again thank you all so much for sticking with me, I know it's been a bumpy ride at times but I'm so glad we did it! We got here :D And yes there is to be a sequel, at first I knew what the entire thing was gonna be but now it's getting developed further so I don't really know when it's gonna be out exactly, it needs a wee bitty work done to it. I also want to try and focus on my rewrite of 'The Everlasting Turn', my other KidLaw story which is also gonna have Ace and Smoker I think as the other main couple, but that is also still being played around with :) Lots of work to do on all of these but that's all the fun :D
But I still can't believe 'A Champion's Game' is done. Seriously what the heck? I'm freaking out over here xD But yeah hopefully the sequel will be out soon, can't wait to get it started, I'm excited because I'm also being very evil to poor Law and Kid xD I warned you all I was gonna do it, so be prepared :P
Anyway, another thank you all and I'll see you all for the next book :D
Last review replies for this story! OMG why?! xD
SEllen, Glad you're happy with the update xD And unfortunately here's the last one until the sequel (unless you're gonna read the rewrite of 'The Everlating Game ;)' ) And yeah couldn't help but make Monet nasty, I seem to like doing that to her for some reason even though I love her character in One Piece! She's so awesome :Dguest, I was trying to extend them but when I did they didn't look too good (or maybe I was being paranoid xD) And that is so ironic because I actually have a scene written up for the sequel where I have Kid and Law both address that! And you'll have to find it all out in the sequel ;) :P And yeah Monet and Penguin shared an interesting relationship...