Chapter 17

Day 8

Proposal and the Truth

Author's Note: I hope this extra update makes up for the time and the incompetency. Enjoy.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

It was the eighth day since Eustass brought Law back from the void. The Heart pirates were docking at the island Shachi mentioned a few days ago. Eustass immediately went to seek a communication booth. Law had given his crews orders to resupply while getting Penguin and Shachi to oversee the rest of the details. Bepo was already jumping on land. The bear must have suffered being cooped up in the hot submarine under the sea.

Law slipped off without anyone's notice into town. He was looking out for any good goldsmith and a good tailor. He wanted to make it a surprise for Eustass after all.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

That night Law told his crew that Eustass and him were not going to be back for dinner and that they would be staying at an inn. No one questioned their captain. They knew better than to ask. Law left, satisfied with Eustass grinning.

Law made a booking for the both of them in a fancy hotel. They had dinner in the room with candle light that Law had specially requested. Eustass wasn't surprised by the romantic setting. Law smiled as things progressed smoothly.

A little wine later to ease the tension in his stomach, Law dropped onto his knees before Eustass with the small velvet box in hand. Eustass's mind spun with the 180° change in the situation. Was Law proposing to him?

"Marry me." It wasn't even a question and Eustass felt his heart breaking in two. One part of him was glad this was happening but reality tugged at his heart. The truth that they could never spend their time together after a marriage vow pained him. Law would suffer and regret after this. Eustass did not want to imagine Law leading a painful life after his passing. Eustass's initial plan to disappear silently with his crew after he met up with them and spare Law the cruel reality went up in smoke with law's serious proposal.

Eustass laughed a hollow laugh. Law felt his heart sink a little. He was a rational person who knew from the start it wouldn't work out. Eustass probably doesn't have the same mind as him.

"Law…" Eustass choked. His eyes conveyed so much pain Law never expected to see.

"I have to tell you something…"

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Law took a deep breath. The truth was harsher than he had expected. Twenty two days would never be enough. It wasn't even close. They wouldn't have a honeymoon or a future. There was nothing for them but sorrow ahead. Love was supposed to be a happy thing but what of it now? Law knew better than to hope for the impossible. The world was a cruel place and happy endings for sinners like them were a farfetched dream. Both of them having sold their souls to the devil shouldn't be granted the joy of knowing love. It was already a miracle to be able to meet and love each other.

Eustass was uncharacteristically silent. Law wanted to say something too but there were no words suitable for such an occasion. Then Eustass stood up with a smile that was small and sad. "Now that you know, I suppose I should leave. My crew will be here in a few days. I enjoyed being with you and all but I suppose we were never meant to be. Still, I don't ever regret knowing you. You are my One Piece, nothing else would matter now. Take care of yourself. The Grand Line is a cruel place. I won't be seeing you at Raftel then."

Law was abnormally calm when Eustass left. The door shut and resounded in the room. Law suddenly felt unable to breathe. His blood pumped and rushed through his veins as if they were on fire. The air in his lungs burned as if they were toxic. His body tensed as if ready to fight to the death. Everything became crystal clear suddenly. The door shutting was deafening to his ears in the lonely room. Law would have none of it.

Eyes narrowed with a predatory snarl, law tore off after Eustass who left. He had to find him to make himself clear.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Law panicked. Eustass left not long before. However, the red haired man was nowhere in sight. It seemed like Eustass had ran away after that. Law had been a fool once to let him go, he won't do that again.

Eustass was at a local bar downing glass after glass of foul liquid. He had to get drunk tonight to cope with what he just did. He let go of the man he swore to protect and love. He was a coward and he knew it. "He wasn't afraid of marrying me even if I would die tomorrow. The one afraid is me…"

Eustass downed another glass, the liquid burning his throat as it was swallowed. "Another!" he yelled to the bartender. Tears fell silently as the rowdy bar paid no attention to him. The brownish liquid swirled in the glass and Eustass gulped it down quickly, feeling the effects of alcohol take place.

He barely remembered what happened after he felt a feverishly hot hand grab him and a pair of strong arms circling his waist to support him. The chill wind outside made Eustass shiver but nothing could compare with the chill in his heart. The pain bit like frost at the heart that was already crying bloody rivers. It was over.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Law found Eustass with the help of Bepo who sniffed the red haired man out in a rowdy bar. The sight of Eustass, a once proud and strong man, sitting on a stool looking broken and defeated made Law want to punch himself. He should never have believed in Eustass's obvious lie. He knew better than to trust anyone. Eustass never ran away believing Law didn't want him. Eustass ran away knowing that Law would never let him go. That man was afraid of happiness that he felt he didn't deserve. He was wrongfully punishing himself.

Bepo helped his captain to pay for Eustass's drinks while Law helped Eustass back to their hotel room.

Once at the hotel, Law laid Eustass down on the bed. He sighed and caressed Eustass's chiseled jaw. Bumping their foreheads together, he sighed, "Why must you do this to yourself? Why are you so afraid of being happy even if it would be for a short time?"

Eustass didn't respond and Law shook his head before planting a soft kiss on those lips. "I won't ever let you go. I love you too much to do so. Even if I lose you, I must have you."

Eustass never stirred but those words seemed to take effect on him. "Law…" he whispered in his sleep. Law held his hand throughout the entire night and stayed beside him. "If only time can stop still for us both."

Author's Note: I know it's a short chapter but I couldn't stop myself once I started. I wanted to complete writing this series as fast as possible because I knew I won't have time after my exams because I'll start working. Do review.