Thanks for your feedback, it's very appreciated. It motivates me to continue this story and try my best.
This chapter is longer than previous two, because I want to make it up for not updating as often as I like to.
I do not own One Piece, all rights to Eiichiro Oda.
Chapter III – The nerves of steel.
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x
In front of the large and remarkable looking house, Tashigi started shaking. Not because it was cold. Her nerves bounced in different directions, making her nauseous. She asked herself again: why was she doing this?
A low rumble of Law's voice in the background was distracting her, as she tried to concentrate.
He was saying something to her, while taking out their luggage from the trunk, but she didn't want to listen. It was just irritating. The charade they have to put on.
He was back to his natural, distant self, including the sweater. The thought of him in kitten sweater pulls her a little out of the gloominess. Only, it lasted for a second.
Tashigi's stomach shifts uneasily, as she hugged herself, her nails digging deep into the fabric of her woolen sweater.
Law's presence beside her, made her focus on what he was saying.
"…And don't get offended if my father doesn't pronounce your name correctly, or that he doesn't remember what you told him, he's like that. All he cares about is his work, that's where 95 % of his attention goes to. The rest, including us, is the remaining 5%"
"I'm sure you're exaggerating." She pressed her lips together. Well, this is it.
"You will see."
They walked side by side, Law holding her suitcase and his bag, to the grand, double door with an artistic glass pattern.
The doors open almost immediately, showing a beautiful woman with Law's eyes. Except, unlike Law's indifferent eyes, they were kind, glistening brightly. The woman's hair was soft brown, pulled into a neat ponytail. Tashigi had a hard time believing that woman was in her fifties with a slender figure and elegant style.
But she couldn't admire her further, as the woman instantly pulled her into a hug.
"You must be Tashigi!" She released her for a second, taking a better look at her. "Oh, you're so cute!"
Yet again, Tashigi finds herself in a friendly hug, woman's arms squeezing a fraction tighter than before. The woman's perfume... The sweet smell of jasmine filled her nostrils, making her feel calmer.
"Mother, you're suffocating her."
"There's my cute son, I missed you," she releases Tashigi, focusing her attention on Law. "You could call more often, you know," she smacks him on the shoulder before pulling him into a hug.
"I don't wanna take your job," he grinned.
"Smart-ass." She smiled, planting a soft kiss on his cheek.
They enter the foyer, Law places the luggage down, while Tashigi tried hard not to gasp in astonishment. Nothing lavish, but it was put together in an organized and creative way. Chocolate-brown walls with a mural of ivory trees, decorated here and there with family pictures. She almost jerked at her reflection, as there was an antique mirror, cut in an emerald shape on her left. In the center of it was the vintage table with the vase of fresh flowers. The most amazing part of it was an imperial staircase.
"Darling, come and say hi!" Woman's tone was casual and light.
Suddenly, the man who resembled Law, joined them. Older version of him.
The man wore glasses, and his hair was shorter than Law's. With a soft looking face, he smiled calmly. Needless to say that the man was very handsome.
"How nice to finally meet you," he shook Tashigi's hand energetically, with both of his hands. "Tadashi... No, wait... Taishi... No..."
"See, I told you," Law whispered to her.
"Ah! Tashigi! Am I right?"
"Ye-yes" She smiled nervously.
"I'm sorry for making a mistake, dear, I had a difficult surgery last night." The man rubbed the back of his neck, apologetically.
"N-No, don't worry about it." Tashigi smiled once more, unsure of what to say.
"Shame on you!" Law's mother raised her voice, clearly aggravated. "This girl is going to be a part of our family and you can't remember her name!"
"Um, that's allr-" Tashigi started.
"It's not, dear! You are too kind." The woman smiled at her briefly before she continued scowling at her absent-minded husband.
Be a part of the family... Tashigi's heart clenched. No, she can't do this to them. This is simply wrong. Her gaze slid down to the floor.
"It's me, your son, do you remember my name?" He caught Tashigi's hand, like he could feel the clash in her.
"Very funny, treating me like I have Alzheimer's, you might regret it someday if I do." The man crossed his arms while keeping his eyes locked on him.
"I don't see how it would be different than usual." Law gave his typical sarcastic remark.
"Enough you two, c'mon hug it out." They both listened to her without a complaint.
"Oh! We didn't even introduce ourselves to you, honey! I'm so sorry, you must think we're a bunch of weirdos," the woman smiled brightly, revealing her perfect teeth.
"Don't worry mother, I warned her about-"
"Anyhow," one glare of his mother made him hold up his stingy comment. Hm, she already likes this woman.
"My name is Celia, and this is," she gave a cue to Law's father, but he seemed preoccupied with something else, staring at the screen of his phone.
"Ehem!" The woman's brow twitched.
"Oh? What did I miss?"
"Introduce yourself," she spoke with a cold voice, frowning at him. "Of-Of course! My name is Edric and-"
"Good thing he still remembers his name," Law whispered to her rather loudly, earning him a death glare from Celia.
She cleared her throat in an attempt to calm down, "We are preparing the dinner so we can talk-"
"Mother, we would like to rest, it's been one hell of a trip." Law interrupted her.
"Oh, yes, you are unusually late," she paused. "Why?"
"I drove to here."
"Why would you do that, good heavens? You must have been caught in a storm!" Her worried gaze was all over them.
"As you can see, we are fine, just tired."
"You still didn't answer my question, stubborn fool!" She raised her voice, then remembered that Tashigi was there, "I mean, answer my question."
Stubborn fool, indeed. She truly liked this woman.
"Tashigi didn't have a vacation for a while, so I thought she would like to enjoy the scenery," he sighed, seemingly unfazed by her comment. "My bad, okay? Leave it a rest, please?"
Tashigi snuck a glance at him, he winked at her.
Cunning bastard.
"I too, am sorry," she bowed slightly. "I thought it was a nice idea, so I didn't think about-"
"No worries dear, what's done, it's done." The woman's face lightened up again. "I'm just glad you two are okay."
"So, where's our room?" Law was impatient.
Our room, right. It's not like she was going to get a room for herself, they are engaged.
"I prepared you our old bedroom, rest a bit and see you at dinner Tashigi." The woman winked at her, making her blush.
"O-Okay, "she blinked a few times before she felt herself being pulled by the hand.
As she climbed the stairs with Law, she could hear "She's so adorable!" followed by Celia's cheerful laughter.
x
x
"Finally," he threw his bag on the floor, closing the door. Tashigi still carried her suitcase, admiring the master bedroom, which looked like something out of the magazines. She knew they were well-off, just not this much. The room was in pale tones of blue. A large master bed with a textured headboard was in the middle of it. It had few tomato-red ikat pillows and a simple white bedding.
It also had a place to sit, with two comfy chairs at the foot of the bed.
Walls were decorated with a group of several paintings, of various sizes. She stood there for a few minutes soaking in the surroundings.
If she had to describe it in one sentence, it would be a perfect blend of feminine and masculine.
"Want to take the shower first?"
Walking towards the large windows, she didn't pay attention to his words, too mesmerized by a breathtaking view of the garden.
"Yo," he snapped his fingers near her face, "Are you listening to me?"
"No, sorry," She blinked a few times putting her suitcase beside the bed.
"Why are you staring?"
"The view from here... It's spectacular." She replied, dazed.
"Nothing special. So are you going first?"
"Hm?"
He sighed deeply. "The shower, woman."
"No, you can go."
"Fine."
He started to undress.
"Um, Trafalgar- I mean Law," she looked away. "Can you do that in the bathroom?"
"Really?" He rolled his eyes at her. "You're annoying."
When he left to take a shower (bathroom was adjoined to the bedroom) she let out a heavy sigh, sitting on the bed.
Guilt was melting her insides, slowly and painfully. His parents seemed like a pleasant people. Which only made her feel worse. It would be easier if they were distant and bothersome as Law hinted.
Then again, maybe they are just treating her nicely because she's the new face. Perhaps... Well, she will see for herself.
Tashigi lay on the bed, looking at her phone. Several messages from acquaintances and co-workers congratulating her on her engagement.
If only this was true.
"Nah," she shook her head, letting out a snort. She could never fall for somebody like Law. They were too different, not to mention that he enjoyed humiliating her. And he most definitely would never fall for a woman like her. Besides, she wasn't his type. What was his type anyway? She got up into the sitting position.
"…You can go now."
To be frank, he is attractive.
"…can't lock the door…"
Her eyes were clinging to his exposed skin, looking at his bare, muscular back.
He has... Quite a body.
If he couldn't speak, he would be a textbook definition of tall, dark and handsome. But his venomous tongue annihilates his attractive appearance.
Dabbing his dark hair with the towel that hung around his neck, he took a pair of boxers from his bag. And that's when it struck her; she was staring at the tattooed man who was wearing only a towel around his waist.
The alarming point was that she did it naturally without realizing. Heat was rising in her cheeks, as she tore her eyes away from him.
Hastily, she got up from the bed, covering her red face, cursing herself for acting like that.
Luckily, he was too busy to notice her tripping over her suitcase, nearly falling, before she entered the bathroom.
Would he casually get dressed in front of me?!
She was too embarrassed to check, even though her curiosity intrigued her. What's wrong with him today!? What's wrong with me doing that?!
The bathroom was steamy and smelled like soap. Like citrus and mint... Not overwhelming or intrusive.
She tried to calm her breathing, and the pumping of her fidgety heart, trying to lock the door. However...
No key? How odd.
Distracted by that fact, she opens the door, "Hey, how come-"
She froze at the view of Law. At a full view of his buttocks to be precise.
"Hm?" He began to turn around, and she slammed the door shut.
What in the hell was wrong with him?! He's doing that on purpose she was sure of it, as she heard a chortle.
Panic caught her when she hears footsteps approaching the bathroom, making her block the door with all of her strength. Like a scene from some horror movie. Absurd!
"What did you say?" He speaks.
To her relief, he wasn't trying to enter the bathroom, and she was thankful.
"H-H..." She pressed the fingers to her trembling lips, trying to speak. "How c-come there's no k-key?" She managed to say it.
"I already told you, it's because of my sister's kids." He paused, but she could hear a cheerful tone he would get when he relishes in toying with people.
"The little shits like to collect keys. They locked themselves up one time I was here, so we had to go through the bathroom window and- A nightmare." He sighed. "You would think adults would be smarter the next time and not let them roam around the house, but no. The little punks did it again, last time I was here. Only, they locked my father in his bathroom." He laughed maliciously. "Gotta hand them for that one. So basically, a solution was to remove the keys instead of dealing with brats. Idiots."
Tashigi recovered a bit from her previous shock. The story was rather amusing. She caught herself smiling.
"You will have the pleasure of meeting them soon."
"O-Okay." She stayed pressed against the door for some time, to make sure he left. When she heard the door closing, she assumed he left the room. Slightly opening the bathroom door, she peeked through and saw that he indeed left.
Tashigi quickly stripped her clothes off, deciding to forget about everything if only for a moment.
Needless to say that the bathroom was exceptional. She was tempted to take a soak in the extraordinarily looking tub and relax, but having Law in the vicinity... Just no.
Not that the shower cabin lacked in style. It was a spacious, glass, shower cabin.
She took off her glasses and the hairpin, letting her hair fall to the middle of her back.
Stepping into the shower, she let out a tiresome sigh.
The water beat down on her back, soothing her aching muscles. Tashigi took her time, letting the hot water soak her skin, cascading down her body. She shampooed her hair and soaped her body using a randomly picked body wash and shampoo out of many in the bathroom closet.
During the time she washed, she thoughts she hears something, but dismisses it quickly unable to see anything because the soap threatened to get into her eyes, and the water was in her ears.
The soap tickled her, as she bends down to wash her legs.
The shower door slid open, "So..." The voice freaks her out, and she nearly falls down.
"Um... Mother wanted to know if you preferred a duck or a lamb for the dinner." Law's head peeped in.
Tashigi let out a scream. "How long were you standing there!?"
"Stop screaming, I asked you, but you didn't hear me." He proceeded to talk calmly like she was making a big deal out of nothing.
"GET OUT!" She tried to shield herself as much as she could.
"Don't shout!" He yelled at her, like he had the right to be upset. "We're supposed to be used to this by now! Besides, you took a good look at me today." He smirked. "It's only fair that I do the same."
She stood there frozen, watching his triumphal expression, while he absorbed the sight of her. The thought of punching him crossed her mind. "You don't have the right to-! And- I- I didn't do that- It was an accident!" Tashigi was so mad that she couldn't speak properly, and each passing second as he stared at her made her feel like she was about to explode.
"Yes, unquestionably, and ogling me earlier was an accident as well?"
That annoying little smirk of his. She saw it so many times already, that she came to loathe it.
Tashigi crouched down, shielding herself. "You're such a jerk!"
"Just tell me your fucking choice, it's not like I want to be here."
"D-Duck! Get out!"
"You are such a child. For the record, I saw everything. Nice ass." He grins and leaves the bathroom.
Again, why was she doing this to herself? Did he cast a spell on her when she signed up for this charming experience? Tashigi felt like an internal heater inside her system went haywire, evaporating the water on her skin.
But she already made her choice. Tashigi wasn't a coward. She wasn't a quitter either. Because of those two qualities, she often bit more than she could chew, but she would always end up dealing with it somehow.
Either she will end up in a psychiatric hospital or she will attain the nerves of steel.
x
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Tashigi was angry, and she really didn't want to have any contact with Law, at all. Though, that was impossible since they had to come down for a family dinner.
To avoid him ticking her off further, her answers were short, distant and to the point. By no means is he going to amuse himself on her account. She will play her part, but that's it.
And he got the hint, but it didn't stop him from provoking her.
"I have an idea why you get angry so often."
She fell into his trap, by glancing in his direction. His eyes squinting, lit with a glow of mischief. Tashigi sends her gaze elsewhere, pretending that she doesn't listen to him.
"Horniness."
He saw the shock register on her face before she could hide it. A small malicious smile played on his lips, as he continued to taunt her. "If a woman didn't have sex in a while, she'll tend to become moody and irritable."
Every word he uttered was like a gasoline, fueling her rage.
"The more your sexual frustration increases, the more you are uptight and tense."
Tashigi's fists began to clench and her jaw rooted. By no means, she will fall for it, no matter what.
"So, you get offended by minor stuff and blow everything out of proportion."
Tashigi raised an eyebrow, in disbelief. Why would he purposely try to upset her when he needs her help? What exactly is his plan? She pressed her temples in her hands, ignoring him.
The last couple of minutes, before they got down, she spent biting her tongue and refraining from saying what's really on her mind.
"Hello again," Celia greeted her with a broad smile, which to, she responded accordingly.
She was the only one there, and soon, she left to the kitchen to make sure everything was ready. Tashigi had in mind to ask her if she needed any help, although she would be useless when it came to cooking, still the willingness and the thought is what counts. However, before the words left her lips, the hand appeared from nowhere and tightened around her shoulder.
"You're too stiff, relax a bit."
The heat from his fingers creeps into her skin and mind, as she resists the urge to remove it. It felt like an invasion of her privacy.
"Even if you're angry at me, remember why you're here."
Like she needed a reminder. That's what kept her from not smacking his hand.
There was a pressure on her chest as her heart hammered rapidly. Her body felt like lead. Maybe she was getting a heart attack. It certainly wouldn't be a surprise.
The silence is shattered by a child, running and screaming with delight.
"Great." Law rolled his eyes.
Soon after, the foyer rings with a woman's voice: "Don't run Caden! Stop yelling!"
"The mother of the year is here."
He lets go of Tashigi, walking to the foyer.
Tashigi is left alone with an energetic looking young boy with midnight-blue hair. Maybe six or seven years old as she tried to guess. He had a cerulean hoodie with a ninja on it and jeans that were a little dirty around his knees. The child finally noticed Tashigi.
"Who are you?" She could see her reflection in his big, hazel eyes.
"Hmm, I was sent here because somebody wished for an aunt. You know who that may be?" Tashigi winked to the young boy.
His eyes broadened. "M-My sister, Lorie. She asked from Santa last year to give our Uncle Law princess so he won't be alone and angry all the time. Somebody that would make him hate us less." The boy looked down.
Poor, poor kids. Heavens could send Law an angel and she was sure he would turn it into a devil.
"But you are not what she asked for." The boy's eyes were again on her. "You're ugly."
What an honest and blunt little boy. Must be in the family.
Tashigi lets out a little snort. But she knows how to deal with children better than adults. Especially with outspoken six-year olds.
"Well, that's only because... Hm... Okay, I will tell you a secret."
She had the boy's undivided attention.
"I will become prettier each time your uncle is kind towards you."
"Then you will be ugly forever."
Tashigi almost laughs. This kid was on the mark.
"Yes, that may be. His heart is hard to reach... Do you know a tale about a Prince with a heart of stone?"
"No, but I love stories."
"Is your name Caden?"
"Yes, and yours?"
"Tashigi. Let me guess..." Tashigi pretended to be deep in thought, her brows bumping together. "You're six."
"Yes! Do you have powers?"
"Hm, only a bit. I would get more power if you liked me, but..."
"I like you! Aunt Tashigi..."
Aunt... Deep inside her chest, an unbelievable warmth developed, flowing through every cell in her body. It was strange and wonderful.
The boy tugged her by the sleeve. "Will you tell me that story Aunt Tashigi?"
"Of course," she smiled, guiding the boy to the sofa where they sat together.
"A long time ago, the King of the Eastern kingdom, had ordered his daughter, the Princess, to take a husband who would inherit him and rule by her side. But the Princess refused all the suitors and decided to embark on the journey to find the one worthy of her. On her journey, she was accompanied by her faithful servant Nene.
During their travel, they overheard a story about the beautiful and wise Prince who lived in the Crystal Palace, and they decided to pay him a visit.
But in their hastiness, they missed a valuable part of the story; the Prince had a heart of stone.
'He had traded his heart for something,' people would say. For what? "
"For treasure!" Caden interrupted her. "No... Maybe for some cool power! Like freezing stuff! No! Superhuman strength! Ugh..." The boy frowned. "What was it, aunt?"
"Nobody knew. They could only guess."
Caden pouted, but was silent. She continued the story.
"The old men said: 'Prince took lightly the words from a witch, or warlock, or sorceress, or magician,' since nobody knew with whom he made a deal with, 'Heart and the feelings only hinder me in life,' the Prince said, 'I have no problem parting with it.'
And soon after, the Prince discovered that he cannot find joy in anything. He could no longer laugh or cry. Feel love or joy. Find beauty in things that surrounded him or feel compassion.
He could no longer feel. For he had a heart of stone.
A terrible misfortune struck him, as well as the people around him; men were jealous of him, often wishing bad luck and trying to kill him, cause any woman that looked at the Prince would madly fall in love at the first sight.
Prince rejected each and every one of them, cruelly. He did not care about their sadness.
Our Princess finally arrived and like many others, she fell madly in love with the Prince. Only then she found out that her love will never be returned."
"Aunt Tashigi people can't have a heart of stone. My dad tells me that's not possible. The heart is a mu-," the boy tried hard to remember the word, "Mu-mu-stular organ in humans and animals, and pumps blood through the body. Without it, we couldn't live."
Impressed by his answer, Tashigi tried to hide how thrilled she was.
"Yes, that's true. But this is a story. And it was not really made of stone."
"So, it's not right then?" Caden bent his head to the side.
"All the stories in the world are based on truth more or less." She smiled faintly at the clever and curious boy.
The boy frowned slightly. "But can he still feel? He's pretending, right?"
Her fascination with the boy grew each passing second.
"Unfortunately, he was not pretending. He really could not feel anything."
Caden looked at his legs, swinging them up and down. He was quiet for a few minutes.
Great, I made six-year old depressed, I'm worse than Law, Tashigi thought.
"I think the Prince was sad," Caden spoke. "Even though he can't feel anything, he was all alone."
Yet again Tashigi looked at the boy. This kid intrigued her. So much that she forgot about everything.
"So... What happened then?" Curiosity gleamed in his eyes, and Tashigi breathed a sigh of relief.
"Princess's sadness was so deep that she came up with a plan to kidnap him."
"That's not true! Princesses don't do that kind of thing." The lips of the boy pressed together in a slight grimace.
"Oh, but she was very sad."
"Like when your ice-cream falls on the ground?"
"Even sadder."
"Oh, poor princess! What happened then?"
"She developed a plan with Nene, which was not very successful. Prince was no fool. He discovered their true motive. Of course, he didn't want to come let alone marry her, even when Princess told him she loves him very much. Desperate, she promised everything she has to him. But he didn't care.
Luckily for her, Nene found out an interesting thing about the Prince. She overheard it in the palace; prince found a way to distract his boredom by collecting unique things-"
"Like frogs?"
"Maybe."
"Or maybe insects! No, snakes!" The boy was excited to play the guessing game.
"Even weirder."
"I know! He collects hearts."
Tashigi pauses, amazed by the kid's answer. Sure, she met her share of kids, but never encountered one such as this little boy.
"Yes, that is really unusual, but he did not."
The boy was silent again, listened carefully.
"So to win him over Princess vowed to find him something more extraordinary than he had ever seen. He had accepted it and promised to marry her. Until then, she bid him farewell."
"... I don't need you to give me lessons on how to raise my children, dear brother. When you have your own-"
The woman resembling Celia, froze when she saw Tashigi and Caden sitting together. She stared at them like she was witnessing some kind of bizarre situation. Even Law widened his eyes slightly.
"Aunt Tashigi, that's my mom." The boy pointed to the slender woman in her mid-twenties. She was dressed casually in jeans and white fluffy turtleneck, with knee length boots. Her hair was darker than Celia's and was pulled into a messy bun. She had her father's eyes.
"Aunt..." Both siblings pronounced it like they were under a spell.
"Oh, hello," Tashigi smiled, getting up to greet her.
"H-Hello..." The woman still looked at her mesmerized. "I'm-"
"Mommy, mommy, Aunt Tashigi has powers!" Caden energetically pulled his mother's hand.
Tashigi smiled, winking at the young boy.
"Yes... She... Apparently, does." Lami shook her head, returning to old self. "So you are the brave woman who decided to put up with my brother for the rest of her life? I'm already a fan of yours," Lami smiled much like her mother, extending her hand to greet her.
"Yes, because Uncle Law is the prince with the heart of stone," Caden added.
This kid... Tashigi's smile grew even wider at the grimace Law and Lami made.
"Prince? I would say your uncle is more like a Scrooge… And your aunt is a Princess." Lami, exhaled.
Law frowned, seemingly uninterested about the conversation.
"Not yet, she will become one, and I'm going to help! Aunt Tashigi you must wear something better! Princesses wear big dresses!"
That's when Law actually laughed. Both women looked at him a little shocked.
Great, even kid mocks my outfit taste.
"Okay, let's greet grandma," Lami instructed Caden to follow her, which he did.
Once again, they were left alone, and it took only a glance to remind her of her situation. Her smile dies out.
"I see you had fun. It's nice when you smile like that."
Tashigi stared at him, like he was possessed.
"What?"
The sound of the front door opening crudely, made them go to the foyer. The tall man held something in his arm, trying to carry a traveling bag as well.
Without thinking, Tashigi approaches, taking the bag from his hands.
"Ah, thanks," the man's voice was rich and warm. It had come as a complete surprise.
That "something" in his arm, was, in fact, a little girl. She was sleeping soundly, her head onto his shoulder.
Her head was buried in her woolen jacket with bunny ears, chestnut curls sticking out slightly, her little fingers curled, clutching man's sweater.
So darn cute!
Then she takes a better look at the man. His hazel eyes were soft but enigmatic at the same time, and although he looked harmless, his sturdy body gave a message that by no means you could underestimate him. His hair was also midnight-blue, much like Caden's, and was mid length, cut in layers, shorter around the face. He wore a red sweater with the black shirt underneath.
"Um..." He stared at her.
"Oh, sorry, my name is Tashigi and I'm-"
"She's my fiancée, Galen," Law approached them, taking his bag from Tashigi's hands.
"Nice to meet you, Tashigi," he gave her a small smile, which she found rather charming.
"And great to see you, Law."
Law nodded to the man.
"Lami is in the kitchen with Caden, and mother prepared the usual rooms for you and kids if you want to put Lorie to bed."
Law's tone was too... Professional. She heard it when he talks to the patients. Why would he behave like that with his sister's husband? He mentioned he did not like him, but why?
"Yeah, thanks." Galen started climbing the stairs. "See you later Tashigi."
She bowed her head slightly.
"I'll help you with the bags," Law mumbled. "Stay put and don't do anything stupid," He glanced at her like she was a child, carrying the bag from Galen, along with the luggage Lami left, up the stairs.
Alone, she drifted to the dining/living room area. Sighing, she sat on the sofa, feeling like she went through an emotional roller coaster.
"My son is quite a personality to handle, right?" Tashigi jerked, not noticing Edric on the recliner near the fireplace. He was playing chess.
"He is," she smiled.
"Well, all I can say is, you will need a ton of patience, but you already know that right?"
Tashigi nodded.
"One reassuring thing is that he will never give up on you or your marriage. The boy has a big sense of duty and it's committed to the fullest, even though he hides it well."
Did Law know how his father feels about him? She was an outsider, but his words were sincere.
Something is not right between them.
The man fell into a silence, perhaps embarrassed by his previous statement. He returned his gaze to the chess table, pondering moves.
"Um... Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course, dear."
She had thought of a way to speak with him, which would be the most effective and that would give her some information.
"Can I join you?"
Edric raised his head, blinking. "You play chess?"
"I used to, with my father."
"Then, by all means," he pointed to the seat across from him.
"I used to play chess with Law." She was quiet, letting him speak. "Until we drifted apart little by little."
Tashigi made her first move.
"It was my fault," the man followed shortly. "We fathers have it rough."
Her move. So something serious happened, indeed.
"The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature," Tashigi spoke.
The man stopped, giving her a second, astonished look this evening. His lips pull into a smile,
"Manon Lescaut, Abbé Prévost." He makes his turn. "You like to read dear?"
The sweetness of his voice surprises her, and the familiar sense of warmness she felt with Caden, overtakes her again.
"Yes, that's kinda my thing." She chuckles.
"Eh…" Dark haired man knitted his brow, as his finger squeezed a chess piece, indecisive of his next move. He finally makes it, satisfaction beaming on his face.
"With each book, you read, you discover something you could never attain in your short life."
"Precisely." It was Tashigi's turn to frown and think. Her skills were a little rusty.
Following a ten-minute pause, she finally had an epiphany; her slender fingers pull the chess piece, triumphally.
The man started to laugh, "That's a great move, you are a better opponent than myself."
Tashigi grinned as well. A long time passed since she was praised like this.
At that moment, voices came from the direction of the kitchen.
"Guess we can finish it tomorrow Tashigi."
"Definitely."
"... And he used to do-" The two women stared at them.
"Dad!" Lami jumped to greet her father, while Celia gave him a disapproving glare. "Why do you bore Tashigi with chess? You are really-"
"Actually, I insisted." Tashigi interrupted her.
"Well... Okay then." Celia smiled once more.
"I missed you, daddy," Lami hugged the man around his neck tightly, sitting on the arm of the recliner.
It made her heart squeeze in pain and feel a little envious. Soon after, the Caden joined them, throwing himself into his lap. "Grandpa!"
"Your husband is upstairs, putting Lorie to bed." Law walked into the room, eyeing the situation. His gaze lingered on the chess and then it stops on Tashigi.
"Stand up," he orders. Without a word she listens to him, not wanting to make a scene, aware of the eyes on them. He walks to her armchair and sits in it. Just when she wanted to walk to the sofa, he stops her, catching her wrist. "Come here." He pointed to his lap.
Son of a biscuit! She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs. Why is he making this situation harder!?
"Um..." Tashigi bit the insides of her cheeks.
"It's okay, don't be shy because of them."
Her brain was swirling violently, trying to cope with another chaotic situation caused by him. To make his actions look softer, less draining. The task was pointless, 'cause she's slowly coming to terms with the fact his actions will always be too random for her brain to take in.
Although she tried to be calm, what she really wanted is to throw a tantrum like a toddler. But that wasn't an option. Tashigi tenses like a mannequin when she sat down on his lap. Her shoulders squared, her hands buried in her lap.
His body loosened, and he stroked her back. "Relax..." He whispered, to which she responded by elbowing him in the ribs, pretending to sit more comfortably.
The room became quiet and uncomfortable in her eyes. Until...
"Uncle Law never lets me sit on his lap!" Caden voiced his opinion rather loudly.
Oho. Tashigi smiled. Let's make this a game of chess.
"Well, would you like to?" She asked the little boy.
"Yeah!"
"What are you doing," Law whispered through his teeth.
She turned, grinning, to him. It's payback time.
"Your uncle said yes." She turned to the little boy.
"You will pay for this," Law hissed, but she couldn't care less because he was a huge jerk. Just when she wanted to get up, he spoke. "You can both sit on my lap." He returned the grin to her.
Stubborn bastard. No matter, she won't budge.
The little boy run from his grandfather's lap, nestling on Law's, now free leg.
Tashigi had thoughts about her next move and was scared to pull it. But Law put her through too much already so he kinda deserved it.
She turned to him, caressing his face, "Are you okay Muffin? I am heavy." Check.
"Muffin! No way!" They all started to laugh, Lami pressed her hand against her stomach.
Law's hand presses harder around her waist, and his nostrils flare for a moment. But the malicious gleam in his eyes never disappeared. Nor the feeling that his amusement reached its peak. "Not at all, Boo Bear." His lips curled devilishly.
Huh? What is he-?
"Aww, that's adorable," Celia sighed in awe. "Remember our cute nicknames, dear?"
"Of course," Edric smiled, as Celia approached him, caressing his hair.
"But what killed me is the muffin part," Lami breathing got heavier. "I can't believe he let you call him-"
"She can call me anything she wants. Besides, it's normal to associate your loved one with something you enjoy. Muffins happen to be her favorite."
But how he manages to make everything sound so cool!?
She glances at him, immediately regretting. His cryptic eyes locked on hers as they glimmered in triumph.
Checkmate.
It was her defeat, as all of them moved on to other subjects. Even Caden ran off upstairs to his father, leaving her at Law's mercy.
"That was entertaining. It's your loss," he whispered.
It was. But she won't say it. Tashigi was a sore loser. No matter, she will get him one day, she just has to try harder.
"So it's only fair you listen to me, since I'm victorious."
"If I must." She bit her lip hard. "Just don't get more weird ideas, please."
He just smirked. "Now, sit nicely and put your arms around my neck."
"Really? You want me to put my arms around your neck? Are you sure about that? I might strangle you since I'm moody." She narrowed her eyes at him.
"You won't." He didn't even blink.
Their faces were very close. She sighs, leaning onto his chest. "I hate you." She muttered hopelessly, avoiding his gaze.
"I can work with that." He never took his eyes off her, his voice low and tempting. Resting his arms around her waist, he made small circles with his left thumb on her ribs, making her chew her lower lip.
"If you hate me, you have feelings for me. That's how I have control over you."
His words were absolute torture as her feelings shifted from anger, embarrassment, shame, and humiliation to something she could not define.
"Why are you doing this?" Her breathing hastened.
He let out a little snort. "We have to be convincing, and you are acting like a robot. I'm just helping."
His nose tickled her neck. She let out a tiny gasp and jolted.
"Oh, so that's your sensitive spot," he grinned wider.
"Hey lovebirds, keep it for the bedroom, let's eat," Lami cut in, winking at them.
Her face burned bright, but she was grateful that her torment ended.
Note:
* Tashigi curses politely, being surrounded by children all the time, even in her mind.
* Since we know basically know nothing about Law's parents, (except that they were doctors), I formed the charas according to my imagination. Same goes for Lami.
*The incident with the kids I used here happened to me lol. My six-year-old cousin locked herself into the bathroom and didn't know how to unlock it. As a result, I, who was the slimmest at the time, had to crawl through the small bathroom window. Oh, and it was on the second floor. Like Law said a nightmare. The part about collecting keys? Also true, my other cousins did that. And they locked my father in the bathroom haha.
* Manon Lescaut (L'Histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut) is a novel by French author Abbé Prévost, published in 1731.
* My fairy tale – Basically a mash up of various fairy tales, since I still love to read them.
*The names are horrible I know, and I'm sorry. It's just that 'Trafalgar Law' is not Japanese, so I took the liberty to name the characters on my own accord. (Names of Law's parents were not revealed.)
*Law is derived from real life pirate Edward Low, Trafalgar is the name of a cape in the south-west of Spain. Its name is Arabic in origin, meaning "Western Cape". It was the site of a famous naval battle between the British and the French/Spanish fleet during the Napoleonic Wars, dubbed the Battle of Trafalgar. London's landmark Trafalgar Square is named for the battle, as is a class of submarines in the British Royal Navy.
*Names I used: Edric (From the Old English elements and "wealth, fortune" and ric "rule"), Celia (or Caelia, the name of the Fairy Queen in epic poem by Edmund Spenser, her name refers to the Heavenly Spirit), Galen ( 'peaceful, calm and healer' ) and Caden (Spirit of Battle).
*Flevance, as you know, is a country in One Piece universe, which was located in the North Blue, so basically imagine it as a snowy country out of a fairy tale, in my fanfic as well, minus the catastrophic events.
