Chapter 23

Author's Note: This is the final chapter. No extras and I promised a happy end. Sorry I procrastinated with this. I was sad that when I published it, I would no longer write Buying Time which has the memories of an unpleasant one year that I somehow pulled through.

Thank you for sticking with me so far. You can find my page on Facebook as Destiny Aitsuji. Please enjoy the final chapter.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Zoro heard the news from Chopper and sighed. His captain was still not back and the sea witch was dishing out instructions for the wedding preparation. His best bet would be that the pink haired captain is about to hunt down a certain red head to get answers.

He smiled at the reindeer reassuringly and said, "Don't worry. I'm sure Luffy will handle it."

Chopper frowned but trusted Zoro. He tottered off to help Nami with the decorations while Zoro went to find Sanji, doubting that anything could be done if the pink haired woman decided to grill information out of the Kidd pirate captain.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Law had not expected the food to react badly with Eustass. Apparently the man was allergic to shrimp. Luffy had gulped down the remaining food they could not finish in one mouth, literally.

Eustass, ashamed of being seen in such a vulnerable state, told Law and Luffy to go ahead and check in the hotel before he meet them there. Eustass headed for the nearest alley to heave up whatever he had eaten. He did not realize there were shrimps in his food until it was too late. Seriously, who put shrimps into pizzas? He had never heard of it.

Eustass sighed in relief as the urge to hurl reduced. His stomach still protested but could do nothing because it was empty. The slight pounding of Eustass's head made the grown man suck in a sharp breath.

He was about to head back when he caught sight of a flash of pink. Bonney wasted no time in dragging Eustass away to a more private place to talk.

"What's happening Eustass? I can see death hovering very close to you now. You don't have very long to live. The last time I saw you, death didn't even visit you. Tell me everything now."

Eustass was slightly rattled by what Bonney was saying. "What are you talking about? How do you know if I'm going to die for sure?"

Bonney glared at the red haired man. "My devil fruit ability allows me to change the time of a person. That's how I change people to old man or children. I can see the natural course of a person's life. The last time I caught a glimpse of you, you had a good forty years or so to live. Now it seems as if anytime soon death will reap your soul. What did you do?"

Eustass gave Bonney a calculating look. "What is it to you if I died? Shouldn't it be better for you?"

Bonney wanted to argue but shut her mouth once more. True, if Eustass did die she would have a better chance of finding the One Piece. However a small part in her cared for her rival and the fact that they were all part of the Supernovas made a special connection.

Spinning up a lie, she told him "I still want to have your help to kill Blackbeard."

Eustass snorted. "You can't. I already killed him. Now go away."

Bonney was stunned. She grabbed him by the arm harshly. "What do you mean by that?"

Eustass sighed. "Long story. In any case I killed him because he killed Law."

Bonney was lost at this point. "Law? Isn't he alive? I thought I saw him at the wedding Kaidou crashed. Don't tell me it was a ghost!"

Eustass mentally stabbed himself. Why did he have to slip up? He groaned as Bonney eyed him triumphantly. "Spill."

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Bonney headed back to the ship just as noon was approaching. She was slightly dazed and absent minded during lunch.

"Is everything alright? Do you still hurt anywhere?" the reindeer probed with concern. Bonney smiled and told him she was tired and wished to rest. The doctor on board escorted her to the sick bay where Bonney spent the remaining of her time thinking of what Eustass had shared with her.

She frowned. Was there anything she could do? Looking at the clock on the wall, an inspiration stabbed at her mind. She grinned. She had just the perfect wedding gift for both Law and Eustass.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Eustass got back to the hotel room looking worn out and Law worried over him. "Are you alright?"

Eustass looked into Law's dark eyes and then lunged for a kiss. The attack was unexpected which threw Law off guard. Eustass was relentless and gave no rest in his assault. Law surrendered all forms of protest and went with the flow. He felt the desperation in the kiss Eustass gave and in turn wrapped his arms comfortingly around the other man.

Once they broke apart for air, Law cuddled against the strong chest. Eustass nuzzled the shorter man and they took in each other's existence to engrave it in their memories. Twenty four hours or so and it would become something distant. Law felt a tear slip from his eyes.

"You know, even a lifetime with you will never be enough. If it falls short of forever, it can never be enough. I love you so much I don't know how I'll ever cope with you gone."

Eustass choked back the emotions that were threatening to break free. It was not the time to grief. It was the time to make the best memories. "Law," he whispered. "I feel the same as well. However there's nothing we can do right now. I know I'm selfish by leaving you all alone but can you grant me one request? I want to hold you. I want you to remember how much I love you. I want us to part with memories of each other. Please?"

Law broke down. "Take me all the way then. Make me remember it for a lifetime and more. Love me a lifetime's worth so I won't feel as lonely when you're gone."

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Morning came too fast for those who wish time could stand still. Eustass watched the peaceful face of his lover. It's a sight to behold, honor and remember. He loved the surgeon of death to a point that he regretted not dying with him back then. However the kind of expression he was seeing now affirmed his decision. He knew he did the right thing. Law was strong. He was a lot stronger than Eustass was.

He planted a gentle kiss on the doctor's forehead and ran his fingers through the black hair with a tender look in his eyes only available to the person who holds his heart.

Things would have been perfect. It should have been. However, association with Luffy never ends as expected.

The wooden door was kicked wide open which startled Trafalgar Law to an abrupt start. The day has begun and Luffy was excited.

Shoving clothes into the couple's arms, Luffy demanded them to change and be ready in five minutes.

Not giving them time to protest, Luffy shut the door and went downstairs to shout for Nami.

Eustass and Law were utterly lost but did as told.

A good ten minutes later, Luffy had everyone propelled to the Thousand Sunny which had been decorated expertly. It was obvious that there would be a wedding held and Eustass felt overwhelmed. Would he be able to have Law as his official husband before his time expires? It was something that made him cry.

Law was dumbfounded at the warm reception. He didn't cry like Eustass but the warm fuzzy feeling in his heart had filled up all the cold voids he had yesterday.

Sanji tossed a box to Eustass and hollered, "Ask him to marry you for real!"

Eustass snapped out of his emotional moment and grinned before getting down on his knees. "Be my husband?"

Law scoffed. "That's no way to treat a man."

Eustass grinned. "You're right." With that he grabbed Law's left hand and slid the ring onto the ring finger. "Don't you dare take this off. You can't say anything else today to the 'priest', as holy as he gets, except I do."

Law chuckled. "You arrogant bastard."

"Your arrogant bastard."

They went to the makeshift chapel in the library. Brook stood there giggling every now and then before popping the long awaited question.

"Do you, Eustass Kid, take this man, Trafalgar Law, as your lawfully wedded husband?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then do you, Trafalgar Law, take this man, Eustass Kid, as you lawfully wedded husband?"

"Yes, I do."

"You may now kiss the groom."

Everyone watched with slight blushes on their faces as the two captains made out. It was Bonney who had to clear her throat to snap them out of their love hazed trance.

"Well, since I was an unofficial guest to the wedding I suppose it's only right to give a gift."

Before Eustass or Law could ask what it was, Bonney did something to Eustass and Law.

Law and Eustass both looked a little younger but otherwise, nothing else was off. "Oi, what did you do?"

Bonney snorted at Eustass who was being rude. "I'm merely helping the both of you out. It's not a lifetime thing but I can assure you it's not just twenty two days. As long as I live and have my devil fruit powers, Eustass won't age a day and death can't claim him. I only reversed your times and froze it. None of your abilities are affected, only the physical aspect. A gift so be grateful. It's also to return the favor of having helped me kill Blackbeard."

Eustass was shocked and Law smiled. "Thank you."

Bonny blushed. "It's nothing. Also, because of this the both of you better watch out for my safety. If anything happens, I can't guarantee anything."

Eustass grinned. "Keep in touch then. Here's my vivre card. It's stopped burning now and grew back in size thanks to you. You can keep it if you need to find me."

Bonney smiled. "Now then, I have to go find my crew. Enjoy your honeymoon and nuptial night!"

Bonney disembarked the ship not without giving the newly wedded couple a sly wink.

Law blushed and Eustass smirked.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Law and Eustass excused themselves early from the party that night and their departure gave rise to many cat calls. Nevertheless, the joy in the air did not decrease without the two important figures of the night.

Sanji leaned against Zoro, away from the heat of the party. It was nice to gaze stars and sip on sake.

"So when are you gonna propose to me?" Zoro asked. Sanji blushed so hard he put a tomato to shame.

"What are you talking about? It's supposed to be you to propose to me!"

"Will you say yes?" Zoro raised an eyebrow. Sanji met his eyes. "Depends on how you do it stupid moss head."

Zoro grinned. "That's tough. I assume you would want me to do it in a romantic setting. Say, a long walk by the beach under a night just like this, away from other people. I'll bring you to a secluded place and then drop down to my knees with an expensive ring as I ask you to marry me. Would that be about right?"

Sanji smiled. "I say it's a good start. I never thought you could be this romantic."

Zoro raised his sake again. "That's because you are too busy trying to hide our relationship." Sanji fidgeted.

"Zoro, about that… I wanted to ask if it was okay to announce we are going out officially?"

Zoro stared at Sanji as if he had grown two heads. "I'm not against it but when would you want to do it?"

Sanji blushed, his voice almost a whisper. "I was thinking as soon as the wedding mood is over.

Zoro smiled and pecked the cook on the lips. "I can't wait then." Sanji returned the small kiss. "Thank you for waiting."

The End

Author's Final Note: Thank you for making it all the way to the end. It was a painful experience for me to draw the series to a closure. I hope this is enough for all of you. It has been a year? In any case, do drop me a review if you loved it because I do.

Like my Facebook page Destiny Aitsuji for more updates on my works and post requests there. I can't wait to see you guys again. It has been wonderful. *bows*

This is Destiny Aitsuji signing off!