Hiyaaa it's the final chapter! I finally completed this story, and am so happy that I accomplished it. I mentioned it couple of times: this story was supposed to be only ten chapters long... And now it has 26! (Same as Law's real age... Coincidence? I think not. Kidding it's really a coincidence.)
I went all out and it's the longest chapter, so enjoy :)
(pardon if there are mistakes, I was in a hurry to post it)
I forget to say this before every chapter but I do not own One Piece characters.
Chapter XXVI - A match made…
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When he was younger, he was told that the best way to get over trauma is to talk, talk and talk some more about it.
Yeah right, as if he would discuss something personal with anyone... But that statement had truth to it. It helped him regain some of his sanity. The one he chose to confide to, at that time, was Cora-san.
Not some fucking shrink.
Why am I here? He knew he wasn't gonna talk about things that actually bothered him. There had to be a more productive way to spend his time than to lie to the psychiatrist.
And he wasn't experiencing a trauma... He was pissed off.
Remember when your parents told you that your number one passion isn't a realistic career, or that you can't make money off it?
Well, he could.
And he had both, up until recently.
It wasn't easy. He was constantly screamed at, spat at and kicked. He had to tell people that the most important person in the world to them is dying. He told people that they are going to die.
He told a woman her child may not survive.
And that was barely scratching the top of the mountain called "the dark side" of being a surgeon.
The essential rule was that he couldn't save everyone. It's not like he didn't lose patients in his career, but he could always cope and recover knowing it didn't have anything to do with his skills.
Which brings him to the crucial question: how can you make peace with something you didn't do? When you were fucking framed?
Everyone walks around him on the eggshells thinking how he had some sort of psychotic breakdown. So what if he's going through a divorce? Big deal, half of the population probably deals with the same... So what if he had a few bottles of drink... Every day...For a month... That wasn't him at his brightest, but he did prove a point that he can quit. And he did.
"I see. Tell me about the roughest period you remember in your career except for the one we discussed in the past weeks."
Law closes his eyes, and he's there. The time he was on the verge of quitting. Yes, he loved what he did, but it wasn't all sunshine and roses.
It was also one of the questions he didn't want to answer. In the beginning sessions, all he could do about them was to force himself to stay in the chair. Now he got better at coming up with lies and fast.
The appointments were a waste of time. He had problems a shrink couldn't solve. But, his family would never let him hear the end of it. And if Tashigi sees him moving on, perhaps she will stop being stubborn and move on too.
He hated shrinks. Never once did they prove helpful to him, and he had seen a fair share of them since his adolescent years.
Talking to a psychiatrist was like stripping off. Not just your clothes, your skin too. And while you're at it, let's crack open your brain as well.
Law knew by heart the whole process; first visit was always the longest; filling out paperwork and assessments to help determine a diagnosis, is next. After that, you'll have a conversation with the shrink. He or she will get to know you and come to understand why you are seeking treatment. There will be tons of questions, yadda yadda...
Then, the plan of treatment will be revised. And as you're advancing sessions would be shorter... He never got to that point, though. After a month, sessions looked longer than ever, and the areas to hide were getting bulldozed.
The psychiatrist was a woman in her forties. Law approved the sound of her voice. It was calming and disrobed of judgment. She wore a plain suit and a little makeup, probably not to put her patients off by being too showy. Her blonde hair was slicked and pulled back into a low pony-tail.
"Dr. Law?" The glasses magnified her eyes whenever she looked his way, but most of the time she was scribbling something or glancing at the paperwork.
"It was on that day... In fact a year." He speaks slowly to consume more time. "Whole year was... Not that great."
His eyes traveled across the walls painted in the hue of grey, to the bookshelf, bursting with books in a corner. Then to the window. It was a bright, cold day in October.
Right, I have to continue.
"I have not eaten or drunk anything over a 13 hour period more times than I can remember. Once a week, I have woken up on the floor... Cold, jittery, anxious, hungry and traumatized by the things I have seen and the things I still see sometimes."
"What kind of things?"
The clock kept ticking.
Something was about to burst. He could feel it.
"I... Um..." He shakes his head.
"What were you going to say?"
He looked down at his hands, squeezed into fists. Another thing he hated about the shrinks. They never let you stop in midthought.
Seeing his face in every patient that died in front of me, he answers in his mind. How he foolishly thought he could save all of his patients.
"Death is something you can't get accustomed to." He finally speaks. "Also telling people that you can't save them or their loved one. It hunted me back then and I-"
"It's not hunting you anymore?"
Law frowned and flicked his eyes over to her, at the gesture. It was the first time she interrupted him.
"It does but... That day I wanted to quit being a doctor."
"Like now?"
Damn it, barely 15 minutes passed. He shifted in his chair, wondering how long he will be able to endure in the line of fire.
"I don't want to quit now."
"Because you..." She expected him to finish the sentence.
"Because it's not my fault."
"I see." She scrabbled into her notebook. "Tell me again, why did you want to quit that day?"
Oh, this is fucking great, he rolled his eyes when she wasn't looking.
x
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An hour later, he was driving around, aimlessly. The session was a pain in the ass, and he seriously doubted that the shrink was on to him.
Though... It wasn't as excruciating as the one where he had to talk about Tashigi.
He sat there blending with the office furniture, literally. Not because he didn't have anything to say, but because his mind was flooded with information.
First thing that came to him was her form cozied up near the fireplace in the living room. It was the day he caught her reading the book of poems he gifted her. Then, he remembers their wedding day, and for some bizarre reason, the vows she said.
"I want to be the one you can drown your sorrows and frustrations with when the world doesn't treat you right and the one you share your special smile with when you are happy..."
Useless data, it was staged, he tells to his wandering mind, but it does not receive this piece of information. Essentially because it was convinced she really meant it.
And lastly... The night when Lami brought her intoxicated and when she whispered with the softest voice: I love you.
The blood rushed to his cheeks and his hands quivered as he held her. His initial reaction was stupefied, but later he dismissed it considering she was drunk. However, if her statement was true, she fell in love with him way sooner than he was aware of.
"What is on your mind, Dr. Law?"
Fuck if I know...
"I was remembering our wedding day." And the next portion of the time he developed some shit how he was the happiest man alive and other nonsense he picked up watching TV. He basically fucked himself up, because the next question was why they were getting divorced when his partner sounded supportive and caring.
Cause I kidnapped her from normal and sane life, and now she developed a Stockholm syndrome. He abstained from an eye-roll at his sentiment.
Ultimately, he stated that he was not the man she deserves, and how he would be a terrible father, which was the truth.
But in the back of his mind, the recognition burned; he wasn't sure in his own feelings. Thoughts were distorted in many ways, and whenever he tried to sort them out, a migraine would strike.
Like now.
While he was blinded with flashing colorful specks and desired darkness, his thoughts shift to the weird things that were happening in the past few days. His family's secretiveness, Lami dumping her gremlins on him more than usual; Naoki avoiding him like a plague... Tashigi not texting or calling. Not that he would answer, but... Did she accept that job?
"That would be smart," he mutters. "She should stop with "I'll wait for you" shit and think about her goal." He would march to her and make her sign the divorce papers if she didn't possess those devil eyes - no, as if she could possess something devil-like... Angel eyes that turned him into a weakling. Back and forth was wearing him down.
Pain pulsated inside his head making him feel more nauseous.
"I will make her do it." He turns his car, finally with a destination in mind.
Ten minutes later, he slams the door of his car, brimming with intense determination to end this once and for all. He barges into their home as if he was entering an old saloon in the Wild West, with a resolve not to look her in the eyes and a decision not to allow her to speak, hanging on his belt.
"Tashigi I need you to-" He stops mid-sentence, seeing her boxes stacked in the hall.
Tashigi blinked at the sight of him, with the box in her hands. Her hair was tied into a messy bun, and she wore the abhorrent, canary yellow, cat sweater he was forced to wear once.
Didn't Lami burn all of her clothes or something? How did she sneak that past her...?
Though, she looked rather different than he remembered. The sleeves were concealing her hands, fingers peeking out as she held the box; shoulder seams were at the middle of her upper arm, the hem loosely swinging at mid-thigh. Her lips were a little apart as she gazed at him, glasses at the tip of her nose.
Something was clearly amiss here. That sweater is wrong for her build and shape, yet she was ridiculously... Cute.
What the hell...?
He inspected her for a few minutes, before he reached to take the box from her hands.
"You don't have to..." She doesn't get to finish, as he already took it, putting it beside the others.
He notices a suitcase she always used when they traveled, too. It had a ridiculous amount of bunny stickers, compliments of Lorie. Why she didn't take them off, was beside him.
She's actually going, huh? That makes things easier.
"So, um I..." She starts.
"You are leaving?" He gets to the point, his patience on glass legs.
"Yes." She bit her lower lip. "I decided to take the offer." Her hands totally disappear beneath the sleeves of the sweater. He had an urge to roll them up.
"Good. That's great. You finally came to your senses."
"Um... Did you speak with your family, by the way?" She asks with a certain reservation. He could tell, considering every time Tashigi was nervous, she would fix her clothes or eyeglasses. This time she straightened her mess of a sweater.
"No, why?" He decided not to pay attention to it.
"No reason..." She looks down.
Something is fishy... The pain got stronger right between his eyes.
"I'm leaving today."
"Today?! Without saying anything? What if I didn't come-" He elevates his voice accidentally, a sudden coldness hitting him at the core "I mean... Fine...? Do you need help...?"
Nice save, idiot.
"No. Bren will help me with the stuff." Her gaze was ping-ponging all over the place.
"I see." He curses that his voice sounded so bitter.
"...To move them to the storage."
"What?" He grimaces, as the pain throbbed violently around his skull.
"I'm leaving, but not saying goodbye." She approaches him, cheeks a little red. He looked into her eyes and saw his own staring back. Her eyes are so bright, full of stories, dreams, and scars. He was stuck like a spider to a web, craving to feel the same wild thrill he would when he consumed her sun-soaked lips.
"Not that shit again..." He couldn't allow it. No... This has to end today. Conviction sizzled through his blood like hot oil. "Just sign the damn divorce papers and go out there and live your dream and save lives and-"
She presses the tip of her finger to his lips.
"I signed them." She says quietly, looking straight into his eyes.
"What?" His eyes dart nervously, at the built-up tension between them, pain moving to just one side of his head.
"I signed them, Law. But..." She looked away, wrapping her arms around herself, looking like the cutest homeless person he ever saw.
"But?"
He studies her, overwhelmed by a wish to find out what she is thinking; to glide inside of her mind and see the world with her eyes. But that was impossible...
"It's up to you whether you want to end our marriage or not. Think about it while I'm away, okay?" She gently places her hand to his chest, and he jumps away, startled by the authority her touch had.
"Why are you this persistent?! You deserve so much... Better! You are wasting time with me!"
Smooth. Real smooth. He rubs his temples in agony.
"I don't think so," she straightened her posture. "I love you… I fight for what I love."
Fighting the sudden dizziness, he barely thinks of a comeback. "And if I want a divorce?"
"Then..." She takes a deep breath, clutched hands loosening beside her thighs. "Then that's it. I don't appear in your life anymore."
"Tashigi..." He was reaching his limit. To meet someone again who didn't want to give up on him no matter what... What was he supposed to do now?
He tried to go back to that night when he said he didn't love her. He needed those reasons again... But the new wave of pain hindered him. His pocket starts vibrating, followed by a standard ringtone.
"Stop worrying so much." Cupping his face in her hands, she gives him one of the warm looks he cherished. "Answer the phone."
Before he could say a word, she releases him, passing through the front door.
What exactly was going on...? The tenacious ringing of the cell phone halted the train of his thoughts.
"What?" He answers, looking through the window. Tashigi was standing there without her coat. He shook his head.
"Wait, what? Repeat that." He focuses on the sound of his father's voice.
"The board and you made a decision? Already? Why didn't you tell me anything, earlier?" He glances through the window, his face involuntarily scrunching at the sight of car parking on their driveway.
The owner-jerk must have been celebrating now that they are apart.
"Now? I have to come now?" Distracted, he repeats the words, taking in too much information, not liking the scene in front of him.
"But I'm in the middle of something."
Bren gave her his jacket. Asshole. She can just come inside and get her own.
"I know it's important... I understand." He hung up, receiving the message loud and clear. They decided his future in the hospital, and pretty much the outcome of his life... Yet he didn't prepare, didn't have a clue how to tackle the mess Sylvie made, didn't begin to figure out how to defeat her. For the first time in years, Trafalgar Law was unprepared.
They're gonna fire me for sure. What will I do then? Go somewhere else with the tail between my legs? He resists the urge to hurl his phone at the wall.
Everything he built was crashing and burning at the speed of light. He had to take a seat on the sofa, struggling for air, powerless in front of his personal hurricane.
Again, he was that lost boy in the dark alley with the knife in his hand, and nothing on his mind but the primal urge to flee.
Run? Where to? I have nowhere left to run or hide. His heart was racing faster, head throbbing as if it was going to explode.
"Hey kid, what are you doing?"
He gripped the knife tighter swinging it in front of the blond man, showing his teeth like a feral animal backed in the corner.
"Whoa there, don't do something you'll regret later, buddy." The man moved his hands from his gun holster, raising them in surrender.
"G-Get away from me!" Boy screamed, sensing the boiling tears spill down his cheeks.
"C' mon, put that knife down, and let's go grab something to eat." The man didn't show any sign of fear, speaking loudly but earnestly.
"I can't! I... Can't! I messed up... I... It's late for me..." The tears were stinging his eyes as if he produced acid, his hand clutching the handle of the knife tightly as if it was the sole way to remain alive.
"It's not too late... It never is..." The man made a step closer to him, still holding his hands up in the air in a pacifying gesture.
"S-Stay away, I mean it!" Stink of the rotten garbage, blended with the smell of his sweat, assaulted his nostrils, while he fought to inhale more of that foul air.
"It's not too late because you did the right thing." Guy with blonde hair spoke softly. "You just proved you're not fit to be a killer."
His mind was like an electrical system overloaded with too much stimulation. It shut down, leaving him numb and dead inside. "I..I... I'm as good as dead, anyway." Young Law dropped his knife, collapsing on his knees. The last thing he remembered seeing was Cora's face as he held him in his arms.
It was the lowest point of his life, when he nearly turned into a murderer. But, he got back up, and it wasn't easy... Surely this... This is nothing compared to those times. If he loses his job and the hospital, then he will have to pick himself up again.
But he was so tired... So, so tired of picking up the pieces and assembling them anew...
"Law? You okay?" Tashigi asks, in the company of the last man he wanted to see. Thankfully, his jacket was no longer around Tashigi's shoulders. He was irritated enough as it is.
"Hi," bastard greets him.
He flatly ignores him and turns to Tashigi. "I'm... I'm fine... I have to go to the hospital... Can we talk later?"
He tries not to pay too much attention when she touched his cheek again. Worry adorned her face, and she closes her eyes as if she made a peace with everything. "I'm afraid not. We have a plain to catch." She glances at Bren's direction, and he immediately starts picking up boxes, carrying them into his car.
"I ... See." It was too sudden, and things were way off. However... He couldn't blame her, particularly because he came to make sure that she leaves.
"See you later, Law," She whispered into his ear as she embraced him. He inhales the smell of her, taking his time. It was the smell of winter and wildflowers, contradicting each other, yet a great marriage of the two. He perceived their relationship like that.
You know if only they started dating and did the things as all normal people do.
"I think I know the answer." She murmurs.
"To what?" The words tumble down his lips.
"To why you came back here. It's not only for the hospital. It may have been to honor your promise but deep down you came back because you knew you have nothing else. You are discovering the true meaning of belonging and what it means to be a part of a family. At first, there was anger, betrayal and the initial anguish of loss that led you to believe you can't forgive them... That your heart is dead."
He listened to each word very carefully, goosebumps creeping up and down his skin. He even held his breath a little.
"Law you... You dared to look inside realizing that no matter what, you are actually surrounded by people who care about you. They will never leave you again. Ever." Her arms grip tighter around him, but he couldn't bring himself to return the favor, feeling disassembled like a puppet.
"Goodbye..." Stuck in his throat, once she released him. "But... What about the things we agreed on? About our deal-"
"It's all right. You owe me nothing."
"No, that's not-"
"It stopped being a deal a long time ago." She walks towards her suitcase, and he believes he heard a sound that made his heart squeeze. She can't be crying?
But if it was a sniff, she hid it well, turning to him again. "Uh, I almost forgot..." With a bit of an effort, she takes off the wedding ring and nana's ring, placing them in the palm of his hand.
Suddenly, it hit him what was about to come. Though, he had no voice. He wanted to fall on his knees as he did in that alley. He was sure she would hold him like he once did. But he won't allow himself to crumble in front of her. If he was about to meet his demise... So be it. There was no reason to drag her further into it. She did more than enough, and she deserves a chance to be finally happy.
He thought, holding the rings inside of his hand, watching as she entered the car, departing with a fair chance for happiness.
x
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It was late afternoon when he reached the hospital. The pain in his head was gone, so was his burden. All of it, replaced by emptiness.
He ran his fingertips along the edge of his cell phone, thinking about calling her. Is she departing? Is she scared of the foreign and distant land she will spend in the next months? Years? Why did she leave in such a hurry? Did Sylvie make her? Maybe she threatened to ruin her career too... Maybe she blackmailed her with... Him, probably.
He waited in front of his parent's office, to find out the verdict. His day got more fucked up when Sylvie showed as well.
"Law, dear," she smiled.
He rolled his eyes, pushing her hand from his shoulder. Isn't she supposed to be in there too?
"What do you want?"
She brushed her hands together like she was brushing the dirt off her palms. "I was called. Seems they made a decision about the hospital." Her grin spread. "You know what that means?"
He fell silent. Of course, the bitch got the flawless victory. But it didn't weigh as much as he thought it would.
He couldn't get his mind off Tashigi. Or her words.
"... true meaning of belonging and what it means to be a part of a family."
He felt a little closer to them at the present. And Cora-san wasn't even a family... Yet he felt closer to him than anybody else.
"I see you accepted your defeat," her hands snake around him from behind, the most vicious way to be pulled from thinking. "But things don't have to end like this Law. You can still have the hospital, just admit that I won. And... Let's get married."
"You have five seconds to move away from me, before I make you. And I might break a few things... Accidentally. After all, something might pop inside my head." He knew she's been spreading lies about his mental breakdown.
She moves away in haste. "Y-You don't have to be like that. I know I made things a little difficult but-"
"A little difficult?" He shook his head in disbelief. "You wanted to ruin my career because... My brain is circling around and can't find an explanation about your so-called revenge...? And then it dawned on me... It's a case of stupid childish fit. And like a brat, you need punishment... In your case, a good beating would do."
"You!" Sylvie turned red. "You'll regret mocking me." She swallowed her anger, returning the smirk. She flipped her hair, tucking it behind her ear.
"As you wish. I see the logic did not come back to you. Pity. I thought when that pawn of yours leaves you would regain-"
"Did you convince her to leave?" In the blink of an eye, he was up in her face. "I knew you were behind it. What did you tell her?" He accused, through gritted teeth.
"Nothing, get away from me!" She pushed him nervously.
"Aww..." He faked disappointment. "Didn't you want to get closer to me a moment ago?"
"It was her d-decision..."
She looks surprised and a little alarmed... Good. Time to raise the heat.
He confines her with his arms against the wall. "Listen to me very carefully, Sylvie..." Law spoke with the voice he never thought he would use again. Voice he used for intimidation, especially for the snitches, before he roughs them up. Of course, he had no intention of harming her in a physical way but psychological... Well, it was his expertise when he wanted to join the underworld.
She didn't know him. She didn't have a fucking clue that he played on both sides of the game. Shady businesses? He knew all about them. Blackmailing? His second nature before he met Cora-san... But more importantly, she broke the unbreakable rule. The rule he realized at the very moment...
Don't fuck with Tashigi.
Her face was ashen and she didn't move when he delivered the warning.
"If you have threatened her in any way, I won't rest until I bury you. And bear in mind that this hospital... Even my career has no meaning to me if you did something to make her miserable."
Sylvie stared at him wide-eyed. He could see that she was shaking when he moved away. If she had any retorts, she didn't get to voice them, as his mother opened the door of the office calling them in.
"Good. You're both here. Come in."
Did she just glare at Sylvie? His brows bump together. That had to be the oddest thing today. As they walked into the spacious office, Sylvie had to take a seat thanks to him. His lips stretched unnoticeably at this small victory, and he leaned against the wall, choosing to stand.
His mother was accompanied by his father and Benedict. In other words, all the key figures were there.
His devil-may-care attitude was put on pause, as he thought about the words he uttered and his 'unbreakable rule.'
Is it really true? Nothing matters to me except seeing her happy?
His heart pounded faster to confirm it.
Since when...?
He crossed his arms over his chest, thinking about every single moment she used to pry open his armor and awake his heart.
"You dared to look inside realizing that no matter what, you are actually surrounded by people who care about you. They will never leave you again. Ever."
Once believed to be dead heart pulsated harder at the words.
People who care about me... Love... Foreign, yet familiar words.
Cora-san wasn't a family yet there was love between us. A love that can't be put into words.
Will I love somebody like that again?
Do I... love somebody like that?
The answer was obvious, in front of him all along.
I do... I love my family. All this time... He massaged his brow, broken by his discovery.
No matter what happens, I can always start again, because they will be by my side. They won't leave me again...
And the one who made him understand that was now miles away.
"I quit," Law broke the silence. Now that he was able to take a step back, this whole thing with Sylvie was so dumb... So, he will tell her to shove all of her plans, petty blackmailing, and money in the ass. Also, remind her that karma is a bitch and that she will crumble soon enough.
He felt a hundred pounds lighter.
"What?!" Sylvie looked at him, and then at her father and his parents. "You can't do that! He can't!"
"Calm down, this is not the principal's office. We are not in high school. I thought two of our most respected young doctors would know that." Edric spoke, with a tranquil tone, as if his statement didn't faze him at all. He let out an exasperated sigh.
Law observed them. They all wore a serious and tormented face.
Just say that you choose Sylvie so I can... Go back home? Why? Tashigi's not there.
Then to Lami's...
"Daddy, explain to him-"
"Shut up, Sylvie."
He was taken aback by Benedict's strict voice. Never in his life had he witnessed Bernard being rough towards his princess-bitch-of a daughter.
She widened her eyes, her voice dying out.
Ha, ha. Karma.
"We made a decision about the management of this hospital. But before we address that, there are some serious things we need to discuss. Luckily, we chose to do it without the involvement of the police, since Benedict took it upon himself to deal with... The problem." Celia looked at Sylvie.
What in the...? Law had to come closer.
Sylvie had no clue what was going on, or she pretended. She held her hands together tightly to stop them from shaking, he noted.
Benedict stood up. He appeared more wrinkled that day, as if he aged ten years overnight. His face had lost its healthy color, looking dusty. Law always saw him as a powerful, stern man, with one weakness: his daughter.
"I'm so terribly... Disappointed in you." He closed his eyes, reopening them. "I can't find the proper words in my vocabulary for the degree of ridicule and shame you caused to me, and to our family name by your actions."
It took an entire minute for Sylvie to realize he was addressing her.
"Papa...?" Her expression blanched. "I don't underst-"
"We have been using our wealth to help others in need and to save lives. Never take them." He gripped the top of the armchair he's been standing behind. "Never using the money for corruption and unseemly businesses. Never in five generations... And then you ... You..."
He shuddered, his voice breaking.
"F-Father...?" Her mouth hung open. She tried to get up but couldn't, once Benedict's gaze pierced her.
"Stop with the act!" He exploded, as he moved towards her. "Don't embarrass yourself and me any longer! You should be begging on your hands and knees for forgiveness!"
Sylvie was frozen. She muttered, "I-I don't... I don't understand..."
"We know everything!" Her father seized her by the upper arm giving her a few shakes. "All of your lies, negotiations... About your tremor... When were you going to tell me about that?" He grits his teeth. "How many people would have to die for you to come for my help?!"
Law witnessed Sylvie's brain shutting down for the first time in his life. Her face was vacant, as she gawked at her father.
"I didn't... I..." She stammers weakly.
"Stop denying!" He took her by the shoulders lifting her up from the seat. "How dare you frame Law...?" He paused, his breathing labored. "How dare you mess with his hard work? I can't believe you turned into this pathetic and twisted woman after your mother and I tried so hard..."
"Benedict." Edric placed a hand on his shoulder.
Benedict lets go of Sylvie, taking a step back. His nostrils were flaring, and he took out a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the sweat off his forehead.
"I don't know what you are talking about, Papa," she spoke like a child, starting to cry.
Ah, the typical act she used to deceive her father. Law watched the show silently, starting to believe in justice.
"That's not going to work!" The man roared. The routine had a contra effect.
"Thank god Tashigi opened our eyes... To think I was going to make you my heir..." His lips curled in disgust, as he massaged his brow.
At the mention of Tashigi's name, both Sylvie and Law jerked.
"Papa! I don't know what that woman said, but she's mad! She's obsessed with Law, and their marriage is fake! All the things she said are pure lies!"
"Lies?" Benedict bitterly answered. "You don't have dignity, do you?" He shook his head in defeat, pulling the cell phone from his pocket.
"…First off, my tremor is not that bad, that man just... He... It was an accident. Not my fault. All I did after that was making sure not to have a speck on my career you know? I needed to, since I had a reputation to maintain, and it's not like I didn't give the family of that man a huge sum of money."
It was a recording.
Sylvie's eyes nearly popped out of her head.
"Lesson number one, money buys everything no matter what people say. See how that nurse gave up on helping Law? Money. She found an imposing sum of money on her bank account and now she's singing a different tune. Her child is at prestige school. I don't need to use intimidation. I'm not that bad, you see? How did I find out? That nurse called me to ask for money, that's how. I must admit I forgot how crafty and sly Law could be, but he hesitated and that's what buried him."
Law's hands were ice cold, and he stood still, not daring to breathe.
"Setting him up was easy, really. I had it as a backup plan for months. All I had to do is to approach one of Law's patients who would do anything for money... Faking evidence... Can't really call it fake now, can I?" The sound of laughter echoed the room ominously. "That's cause that guy accepted to be opened up, get the wrong surgery, and endanger his life for money!" Sinister laughter, anew. "Isn't it hilarious how people can sell even their health for money? The doc who helped him is real, so are the lawyers..."
"I fucking told you so..." He whispered.
"Things didn't need to go further. I convinced my father and everyone that Law had it rough in past months, and that he was losing it cause he was overworked. They drink it like water. So, all of your questions are answered, no?"
Sylvie collapsed to her knees. She started rocking, sobs escaping her. Nobody tried to help her or console her. Benedict turned his head away.
Law was still glued to the spot, his mouth dry. A second later, Sylvie got up like one of those creatures that pops out of a wooden box when you open it.
"That bitch set me up! It's not true! That's not me!" She starts furiously crying, "I'm gonna destroy-"
"You will have to go through me first, you get it?" Law caught her hand and he didn't even have the control over himself. "You won't operate on anyone anymore. I'm going to sue you. And there will be no wiggling around this and brushing it beneath the carpet either. You will pay for everything you did, for everyone you stepped over."
Tashigi that smart, smart...
Wait, what did she...? How did she...?
He didn't have time to think, as Sylvie violently pulled her hand out of his grip.
"You two are out to get me!" Her screaming sobs were only interrupted by the need to draw breath. "Faking things to end me, this is your plan! Father...LIES!" She screamed uncontrollably, her voice filled with rage.
"Whatever. You're done for." Law said it calmly. "You are facing jail. And all because of some petty complex... You ruined your own life, congratulations." He crossed his arms over his chest again, watching her face showing more emotions than ever, and relishing in the meltdown.
How did Tashigi pull this off? Sylvie never talked about her methods in front of anyone, because she knew it was a dumb thing to do... Yet she admitted everything to Tashigi...
"No no, no..." Sylvie uttered as a mantra. She started tugging her hair, pulling out the... Extensions? Or real hair? He lifted his brow.
"Stop this instant," he heard Benedict, having no intention of getting closer to the woman who was having a mental breakdown.
Enjoy your visits to the shrink, bitch, he thought.
Benedict pulled her up from the floor, trying to calm her down, but she pushed him aside, grabbing something from the nearby desk.
"You didn't win! You didn't!"
The bitch had gone completely berserk, attacking him with the scissors she held in her hand. Luckily, he got ahold of her wrist, slamming it against the wall. She screamed, dropping the scissors to the floor. He kicked them to the other side of the office, still not letting go of her hand.
Who's having a breakdown now, Sylvie? He didn't flinch at the feeble punches she delivered with her free hand, while shrieking insults, and spitting on him in the process.
Benedict and Edric flew to his side, attempting to subdue the psychotic bitch.
Lastly, Celia called security and she was heavily sedated.
When the circus was over, only the three of them were left in the office. He was alone with his parents after a long time.
"So... Now what?" He asked tiredly.
This whole fiasco with Sylvie left everything in shambles. His headache returned, and he felt like after one of his nightmares.
"Your reputation will be cleared," Celia answered, visibly drained. "We agreed to release a public statement. Sadly we will take a devastating blow because all that happened with Sylvie, and we still have to figure out the damage she did. But the best thing is that this hospital is now finally... Ours." Her lips pulled into a smile.
"Really?"
"Benedict gave us his part," Edric said, taking off his eyeglasses, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"That was the least he could do after unleashing a plague over this hospital." Celia mused.
Law was overwhelmed.
"So..."
"Yes, it's yours, son," Celia smiled, and hesitated to touch him. "If you don't want to quit, that is." Edric walked to her side, observing him as well.
Law nodded. But something troubled him. At last... The thing he worked for so long came true. Then... Why doesn't it feel like a victory? He dreamed of this day, imagining happiness, pride, excitement, relief. A personal triumph. Fulfillment of life's milestone.
Yet he felt like a loser... Because he didn't fulfill his obligations. Tashigi paved the path for him.
And therefore his victory was hollow.
"I... I don't think I'm ready." He looked at his feet. "I don't deserve to lead this hospital. Lami and Galen should."
I'm a fucking coward! He squeezed his fists. They all tried to help me and I can even... She helped me... All she wanted in return was... Was...
"Law?" He heard his mother's worried voice.
…was for me to open my heart again... She showed me so many good things, even when everything was crumbling around me. She showed me the path to a new start.
"I... I need you guys." He spoke, his voice barely audible.
"Of course, we will help you manage it until you get in the hang of it."
"No, not just that... I... I wanted them to be involved too."
"Law," his father places a hand on his shoulder. So did his mother. "It's okay to be nervous."
"You don't have to forgive us. Just let us be by your side." Celia whispered. "We are sorry about everything we put you trough... We were terrible parents... And we even wanted you to get married to that dreadful woman." Celia stopped her voice breaking.
"What your mother is saying... We will spend the rest of our life trying to make amends for everything, son. We just want a chance, please."
All kinds of emotion build up inside him, and he thinks he will explode.
Law takes a deep breath. The last thing he wanted was to sound cruel or to hurt their feelings. It wasn't in his nature to be nice or say something poetic about forgiveness. The truth was, he needed more time to work through years of accumulated resentment, anger and hurt. But he knew one thing; he didn't condemn them anymore. Life can be so inconstant and difficult to plan for. You grow and change because of shit that happens to you. And... You need to take responsibility for your own life.
"I... I forgive you. I'm sorry for taking so much time-"
Within the next moment, he was smothered between his parents in a group hug.
Tashigi was indecisive before making the greatest decision in her life; taking on a dream job vs the love of her life. Bren had contacted her and told her that she has to make a decision in the next two days. The pressure was already through the roof as it is.
The more she thought about it, the more it looked like she was stuck between impossible and improbable choice. It was splitting her brain, making her want to pull her hair out of frustration. If Law said those three little words, she wouldn't be in this agony, cause she would choose him. The need to be with him was even stronger than her desire to save lives. And that scared the heck out of her. After all, the whole point of her dream job was to try and distance herself, since he clearly had troubles in understanding his feelings.
Sure, there were moments when she consoled herself hoping he would wake up the next day and say, 'oh, you know, I love you, stay with me forever...' But the other side of the grievous coin was that it may take years before he recognizes his feelings. She knew how complicated it was for him. And the saddest part was that he may never realize and continue to live on without her.
Now that plan against Sylvie worked like a charm... At least he will have some peace when they get rid of that insane woman, she smiled.
When she told the group her plan, group being Law's parents, Lami and Galen and Naoki, they agreed it was dire, but also approved it wholeheartedly.
She had told them Sylvie will drop her guard around her, just because she doesn't see her as a threat. And she needed to record her confession. The best way to do it was to look miserable and pathetic. People tend to drop their guard when they see tears and sad people in general. It's not like she lied or acted. It was her true feelings.
"You are leaving?" Lami leaned against the door frame of Tashigi's, soon to be, former bedroom.
"Yes. I packed all of my stuff."
"Nana helped you make a decision?"
"She opened my eyes, yes." Tashigi packs the remaining clothes into her suitcase, closing it. "I can't cling onto Law and force him to be with me. He has to wish it on his own. There's nothing more I can do at this point." She sighed, taking a seat on the bed.
"Yeah..." Lami entered, settling beside her. "I mean you already did a lot... You're a superwoman, taking down Sylvie like that..."
"Lami, you're exaggerating," she gave a half-smile. "I just had luck."
"No, you're smarter than she is! Truly, everyone agrees."
"Thanks."
"But, why do we have to hide it from Law?"
"I want him to find out after I'm gone."
"Why?"
"Because..."
When the call came, she nearly flipped out. Nana did ask her number, but never in a million years did she expect a call.
"Yes?" She shyly spoke, preparing for the worst.
"I'll get straight to the point." The old woman sounded equally intimidating over the phone. "Lami updated me about the situation and considering I know one more thing..."
She knew which thing it was. Their arrangement.
"I want to offer you some advice, child."
"O-Okay..."
"Correct me if I'm wrong: you think if you help him resolve his current problems he will confess his love and you two will live happily ever after?"
"Um..."
"Wrong, girl." It wasn't a question, Tashigi realized. She decided to shut up and listen.
"There are things he must realize on his own, persistence can only do so much." She heard the old woman sighing over the phone. "You chose a tough person to love, for that you have my sympathies. But you also have my gratitude. You helped my grandson more than I ever could or ever will. I am pleased that he is loved by a pure-hearted woman like you."
Tashigi nearly dropped the cell phone at her words of praise.
"U-Uh... Thank you." She was puzzled. Didn't Nana hate her guts? I mean she left and didn't attend the wedding. She called her all kinds of names too...
"I apologize about my behavior that day," Nana said as if she could read her mind. "It was clear to me that you loved him, I had to confirm it."
"I see." Tashigi sunk back into the quietness. The old woman was aware of it before she was, which freaked her out.
"He's the same as my late husband, stubborn and too caught up in his own way. I tried a lot of things to make him understand particular circumstances and accept my love... But in the end, he needed time for himself to decide whether or not I'm going to be a part of his life and if I'm worth more than his career. He needed to get rid of his insecurities and overcome doubts. Because I told him I won't settle for less, and neither should you."
Tashigi had a stinging lump in her throat.
"So my advice is... Go. I know it's hard child, I know how much you love him." The woman paused, before continuing with her ironclad voice. "I saw that when I was with you when the two of you weren't aware of it yet. He feels the same, but he doesn't understand it yet. Until he does, the best to do is to move on with your life."
Her words slapped her in the face. It came like a rude awakening, but a needed one. Nobody gave her any helpful advice when it came to Law, mostly because they didn't know the truth. To them, they were just a couple who hit a bump in their marriage.
"It's time to let him go, and hope that he will come back into your life." Nana proceeded. "If not, then you loved him more than he loved you. It happens, even if it's sad. But that as well is the part of life."
"I don't want anything to sway his judgment... I don't want him regretting later that he made me stay because he was indebted to me. He hates that." Tashigi answered. She felt proud of herself when her voice didn't waver. If there was a time in her life when she needed to be the strongest, it was now.
"Tashigi you are..." Lami stared at her. "I don't have words..." Instead, the younger woman enveloped her arms around her into a familiar and cherished hug.
"Know this; you are always welcome at our place... And don't hesitate to call me... Us... For anything, please... You have done for us so, so much... I'm disappointed I couldn't do anything for you."
Tashigi rubbed her back. "You did enough, Lami. You and Galen and kids... You were with me all the time, I felt so loved..." Tashigi halted, her voice breaking.
"Thank you... For bringing my brother back..." The woman sobbed. The entire cry festival happened a little later when she said her goodbyes with everyone.
"Thank you for accepting me into your family... I love you guys... And I'm gonna miss you."
With that, she closed another chapter of her life.
Christmas day came. It was his first, genuine Christmas since childhood. No concealed hostility, hatred disguised with a smirk, unwanted guests, and prickly comments that made people uncomfortable.
No, scratch that. He may have forgiven his family, but prickly comments that make people uncomfortable were his thing. Now, his family has the front row tickets to experience them fully.
"Watch out, Uncle Law!" Caden shouted, slamming into him while he was carrying a tray with freshly baked chocolate cookies (Christmas edition) from the kitchen. Lorie followed soon after.
"What did I tell you about running in the house, brat- kids?" He employed one of the breathing techniques for relaxation. They didn't help much.
"That you will tie us outside and we will freeze like ice-cubes?"
"Mhm. So don't test my patience, okay?" Law ruffled Caden's head, not regretting about half of the batch he dropped on the floor. The terrified look on Caden and Lorie's faces was worth it. Who said the kids are hard to deal with? You just have to be creative enough.
"Bepo likes the cookies!" Lorie shouted delightfully. She started talking more after she turned 5. And... was extra productive in harassing his cat.
"Agh! He can't eat that!" He dropped the rest of the cookies, picking a huge cat, white as snow. "You can't eat sweet things, Bepo." He tried to stare at him the same way he did with Lorie and Caden, but it was futile. The way Bepo stared back with those huge, apologetic eyes, made it impossible. He also licked his cheek.
"Don't eat sweet things okay?" He sighed letting him down. Bepo mewed in return.
"Hey, Law how's it- kids, stop eating those cookies! They fell on the floor!" Lami frantically beat the cookies out of her children's hands. "Law what the hell?" She glared at him.
"Calm down, they'll be fine, the real crisis is averted." He collected an empty tray.
"What crisis?"
"Bepo tried to eat one."
She paused, staring at him. "You can't be comparing my children to your cat."
"Why not?"
"Forget that I said anything." She sighed wearily. "Clean up this mess, and don't let Nana see this!"
"Fine, I'll do it, relax," he groaned, combing his hair with his fingers. As soon as Lami was out of sight, he cleared his throat. "Let's make this a game... a competition."
"Really, Uncle Law? You're gonna play with us?" Caden's eyes twinkled. The boy was a little taller, Law noticed recently. He grew out of most of his clothes and shoes, driving Lami insane. His hair was shorter, and he wore a heather dark ninja hoodie that had an option to cover his face. It was his present for Christmas. The kid screamed the whole morning, hooking around his legs whenever he got the chance.
"Yes. Let's see who can eat the most of the cookies." He spoke with his cheerful tone, which didn't deviate too much from his regular one, simply being a little higher.
"Mommy said they are no good." Lorie peered at him. She had on a red plaid dress with long sleeves and her hair was in two braids. With a heavy heart, he had to admit she was cute with the bunny hairclips he bought for her. He wanted to buy her a real bunny but Lami threatened to bite his head off. And he changed his opinion after seeing how she handles Bepo. A rabbit wouldn't stand a chance.
"But you tried them right?"
Both of the kids nodded.
"And they are delicious, riiiiight?" He tried to sell the floor cookies to his niece and nephew like a crook of a salesman.
"Okay, uncle!" The kids didn't need to be told twice to eat sweets.
"That takes care of the cleaning." He muttered, grabbing Bepo just in case.
Life was great... It was good...It was fine.
He was fine.
The hospital was fine.
"Mom we need a new batch." He entered the kitchen again with Bepo in his hands.
"What? But I just finished one!" Celia frowned.
"Yeah, kids ate it." He released Bepo.
"Law! You're not supposed to let them eat sweets! They will ruin their dinner." The vein on mother's forehead pulsated, and it was a known fact that Nana's arrival always made her extra cranky.
"Nah, they are like a bottomless pit, you're good." He used to live with them and they didn't lack the appetite. They could eat and barf for eternity and beyond.
"Well, I need to start preparing the meat. Can you whip up a batch?"
"Okay, but don't complain later when they overshadow your cooking." He grinned, taking the ingredients.
"Smartass." She grumbled.
Good... Fine... What more can you ask for? Law continued narrating to himself. The hospital was on a road to recovery after the change in command which still consisted out of his parents, but Lami started earnestly learning the ropes. And it turns out she was natural. He was wrong. She also began taking various courses about hospital administration, while Galen stayed with the kids. Law offered a job to him and said it will wait until he decides to get back to work.
The day before yesterday, he finally operated again.
As everything began to settle in its place, he felt more relaxed and in tune with himself... So much that he was going on therapy to work on his insomnia and deal with the nightmares. They were still there, but less frequent. Last night he slept for real. It was barely for a few hours but it made him rejuvenated.
While the cookies were baking in the oven, his mother started talking some nonsense about her book club. His mind roams to a well-known place. It was a shrine in his subconsciousness, where he chose to spend each waking moment. Yes, things looked fine, but his beacon was missing.
The lack of her presence caused a dull pain in his chest like it was pierced with a needle. And since the day she left, he was sailing without a compass.
How anxiously he yearned to contact her... But each time he felt he had no right to do so. She couldn't afford being distracted with the fact they were still married and that he had no guts to speak to her for nearly three months. She needed to focus on her work and the harsh circumstances. Trying to forget her was impossible. Her presence lingered around every corner of the town, was implanted in his home, in his sheets, in his soul. He couldn't even celebrate his birthday without remembering that it was her birthday too.
Besides, he didn't want to forget Tashigi. No matter how much time it takes, he will come clean when she finishes her volunteering abroad.
Waiting also brings the risk of some other guy swooping in-
"Honey, your cookies are burning."
"Shit!" He pulls out the smoking tray of cookies, some of them charred at the bottom.
"Ah, damn!" He throws the baking tray on the counter, sulking like a child.
"They look fine, just get the burnt parts off." Celia comforted him while he had a staring competition with the cookies.
"They are ruined."
Both of them stay quiet, not moving. She squeezed his shoulder, letting out a sigh. "I know I said I won't interfere but... Why don't you call her, honey? I'm sure she would love if you-"
"Mom, I don't want to talk about it."
And Celia dropped it, unlike in the past where she would pry and be control freak. He appreciated it.
"Dip them in the chocolate and they're good." She smiled, patting him on the back.
"Hrm." He looked down at the cookies, fighting off the perfectionist inside him to throw them away. Unlike them, life couldn't be edited, imperfections thrown away and start a brand-new mix. The only way to find out what truly means to be alive is getting the full experience. Good and bad.
"Hey, mom..."
"Yes?" The woman stopped in the middle of preparing a big chunk of meat.
He desired to ask about Tashigi, cause he knew that practically everyone in his family was keeping in touch with her. Even Nana.
When she came for a check-up last month, things got weird. Because she stroked his head and asked for forgiveness. Law wanted to leap through the window from the fifth floor. To cut the matter short, he forgave her too and ordered her to take better care of her diet. Not that death would take her anytime soon. She was too stubborn and intimidating.
"Um, which chocolate should I use?"
Celia smiled softly, and he knew she could read his intentions. "Dark or the milk one. The choice is yours." With that, she continued her work.
After he finished his cookies, he took Bepo and went into his room. Yes, his room. He was staying there at the moment and it proved to be therapeutic. Going through his old stuff made him realize his childhood was not that miserable. And he finally organized his coins thanks to Tashigi's Christmas gift from the last year.
There it is again, Tashigi.
If that wasn't enough, he had the big-ass picture of her on his nightstand making it painfully obvious he didn't intend to forget her. It was a close-up of her in the wedding dress. Right when they recited their vows, as Naoki said.
When he received it, he shut himself into this room, sitting motionless, looking at her face.
And it became clear.
The words he didn't allow himself to form... The words that he felt but didn't have the nerve to face. It was so sudden and shocking, yet it was the truth.
The body he caressed, the mouth he kissed, the eyes he saw his reflection in, the hands that soothed him... His partner in a battle, the reason he stayed awake at nights believing to hear her voice... And the other nights where she was in his bed submitting to his whims and acts... His woman... His wife... His other half... His loved one.
"I hope I didn't fuck up... No, I fucked up big time... I just hope you still want me..." He took a picture of Tashigi, habitually talking to it.
His sister once walked in on him and called him crazy. She suggested he should simply call her and say how he felt over the phone. But Law couldn't do it. It was pathetic admitting feelings over the cell phone with bad reception or over the computer or whatever. He wanted her in front of him so he can touch her and kiss her... Do other things.
He groaned, causing Bepo to jump on the bed, cuddling by his side.
"Are you comforting me? Thanks," he stroked him as he purred.
.
.
.
Two hours later, the setting sun tinted the winter sky orange. He was back at the living room/dining room area, helping his mother along with Lami to set the table. Nana came in the meantime and had the full attention of her grandkids, as she told a story. His father was in one of their debates with Galen, often casting a glance their way.
"Is Naoki joining us?" Lami inquired. She wore reindeer antlers on her head and a plaid shirt to match her daughter. Law ridiculed her for an hour, though he found it rather charming. Later, he had an embarrassing daydream where Tashigi and his non-existing daughter also paired their outfits. Though Tashigi's sense of clothing was dreadful, so it quickly dispersed his fantasy. At first, envisioning kids and thinking about a family of his own alarmed him. It slowly became obvious to him that he wanted it, but only with Tashigi.
"No, he's spending the Christmas with his girlfriend at her parents' home."
"I see." Lami smiled smugly. "I didn't know he had a serious relationship."
"Yeah, he's very secretive about that." Law halted to see if he got the knife, spoon and fork order right. He would merely drop it on the plate but his mother had an OCD.
"Well, only a weirdo can be best friends with you." Lami placed another dinner plate patterned with a gold bows on the rims.
"And the person who is saying that doesn't have a best friend. Sad."
"I have a best friend!" She hit him with a napkin.
"Your husband doesn't count." Law paid no attention to her.
"I wasn't thinking about my husband! It's Tashigi!"
The room abruptly became quiet. They all glanced at Law, who frowned.
"Get back to your business," he said to them, resuming his work.
"Sorry," Lami muttered. "Although, she is."
"Yeah. But she's a weirdo too." Both of the siblings smirked.
As they finished setting the table for a Christmas dinner, the doorbell rang.
"Who's that?" Lami lifted her brow. "Mom, are we expecting company?"
"Not that I know of." She frowned. "In any case, I'll check who it is."
"Law should do it," he overhears his father. "You should sit down and rest, Celia."
Law lifted his brow. "Okay... I will." He walked over to the door, feeling nervous for some reason. He yanked it open. His mind went blank and his eyes widened as he stared at familiar orbs. His heart exploded, clammy hands limply dangling like a doll.
"Law, honey? Who is it?" Celia's voice reached his ears, snapping him out of a daze.
"Nobody!" He yelled, exiting outside. The door close with a heavy thud and his hands trap the person in front of him to make sure she was real.
"H-Hey that hurts," Tashigi said, her lips raised into a timid smile. She wore white winter jacked with a hilariously colored shawl, her hair longer than he remembers it to be and loose. Her cheeks were pink including her nose, and he assumed she was standing outside for a while before she decided to ring the bell.
She's really here... She's really here... In front of me... He couldn't stop squeezing her.
"Am I dreaming?" He murmurs.
"Eh? No..." Her eyebrows squish together and she drops her suitcase on the snow-covered ground, placing her hands on his sides in return.
"You... You're here..." He mumbled like a mad man. "You're really here..."
"Um, yeah." She studied him, tilting her head to the side. "Why are you so surprised? I told you I would make it."
"Huh?"
"You texted me? At first, it shocked me, but you said you couldn't bear spending Christmas without me so... I came."
Law became speechless again, his arms still around her.
"I knew something was wrong." She exhaled, vapor coming out of her mouth. "There's no way you sent it."
Law tightened his grip around her unconsciously, like he was afraid she will disappear. What the hell was happening here?
He abandoned the issue immediately, thinking how it must have been a nightmare to get away from her work... Get a flight during Christmas... All the hustle she went through... Because of him. Always because of him. Who cares about the fuss? She was here with him. Nothing else mattered.
"But... But you still came back." He utters, witnessing her cheeks taking a shade of red wine.
"O-Of c-course. You know how much you mean to me." She looks away, biting her lip. "But it was dumb to come without confirming it so... I'll just go. This is awkward."
"No!" She jerked at his roar, her lips separating slightly. She averts her gaze again, "L-Law, l-let me go, this is so embarrassing. I'm an idiot."
"No, you're not."
"C'mon, say what you truly mean." She narrowed her eyes at him.
"You are but... You are my idiot."
At the same time...
"Mom, you are so screwed." Lami looked at two figures outside. "He will kill you this time."
"What?" She looked out of the window, covering her mouth with her hand. "Tashigi?! I didn't-"
"Mother, we know your work when we see it." Lami gave her a sarcastic look.
"Mommy, can we greet aunt Tashigi?" Caden pulled the hem of his mother's shirt.
"Not yet."
"I really didn't!" Celia denied vigorously.
"Calm down, girls. I did." Edric calmly stated.
"Dad?! Edric?!" Lami Celia and Nana exclaimed. Galen chocked with his tea.
"Stop being so stunned. I think Law needed help. She is too good of a woman to make her wait."
"How did you do it, for heaven's sake?" Celia watched her husband wide-eyed.
"I had help," he caressed Lorie's hair.
"Huh?" Lami grimaced.
"I asked Lorie to help me get Law's phone."
"You hacked his phone!?" Lami shook her head in disbelief.
"No, don't be silly. We had a plan," he smiled at his granddaughter anew, pinching her cheek. "He has a soft spot for Lorie, and I exploited it. She asked him to give her his phone so she could play games, while in the reality she brought it to me so I could send the message to Tashigi. And after that, I erased all of the evidence."
"Whoa, dad, I see you in a different light... You're more cunning than mom!" She slapped him on the back, which resulted in his glasses sliding down his nose.
"I can't believe it..." Celia mumbled like a broken record.
"Nobody can, especially Law, so you will take the blame, Celia, right? It's a noble sacrifice." He grinned, pushing his glasses up with his index finger.
"Oh, my darling, I know how sneaky you are... I'm amazed Law didn't saw right through you." She lifted her brow, crossing her arms over the chest.
"He's an easy target since he's distracted," Edric answered.
"I noticed that too," Lami took a seat beside Galen. "His head is in the clouds and they all look like Tashigi."
They all chuckled, except for Nana. "Ahem. So you are all proud of being intrusive and scheming people? Edric, has Celia corrupted you so much?"
"Me?!" Celia grimaced. "He was sneaky, to begin with!"
"Are you implying I don't know my own son?"
"Yes!" Both of the women glared at each other.
"Ladies..." Edric tried to interfere.
"This isn't the only time he wanted me to take the blame for something." She furiously looked at her husband.
Edric gulped.
"Continue..." Valeria suspiciously observed them.
"The vase you sent us for our anniversary?"
"That you broke," Valeria replied.
"Well, it wasn't me. Your precious son did it. Because he gawked at his phone and banged into the table knocking it over."
"Um..." Edric didn't dare to look at any of the women. He nervously fiddled with his wedding ring.
"I need popcorns," Lami whispered to Galen, who chose to stay out of it like most of the times.
"You broke it," Valeria uttered with her steely tone. "It belonged to your grandmother." She closed her eyes. "For what else did you take the blame, Celia?"
"Do you remember the dent on the car when you borrowed-"
"Okay, that's enough," Edric panically stood up. "We're losing sight of what's important right now! Kids need to make up!"
"You're right," Celia spoke. "If they get back together I don't care... He can yell at me all that he wants."
"I don't like "sneaky moves" as you call them, but I have to admit you did good, Edric." The corners of Valeria's mouth turned up. "That doesn't mean you're off the hook."
Outside...
"I'm glad you came." He whispers in her ear.
Tashigi appeared to be in a state of uncertainty, standing frozen.
"You don't have to say a word... I'll do the talking."
Her eyes widened when he cupped her face with both hands. The pale skin contrasted his own like he was holding the purest of the snow in his palms. And much like the snow, it could vanish if not treated delicately. His fingers tingle and his heart rate accelerates. The sound of vehicles is distant and the stifled voices of neighbors graze his ears. Nonetheless, he didn't allow himself to get distracted.
"I heard so many times your words of love... And I took them for granted. However, I learned when people love each other they fight through everything together. You were with me the whole time... My partner."
Her eyes start to well up, and she looks the most beautiful when near tears.
"I was a lousy partner, but I need you... The fight is not over. It will never be over when it comes to me... You are the only one I want beside me, for as long as I live. I love you."
Tears glided down her face, and he leans in to kiss them away. Saltiness tasted sweet on his lips, and he feels her hands gripping the fabric of the hoodie on his back.
"I-I... L-L-love you too." She answers between the sniffs.
"I wanted to tell you but..." He pressed his forehead against hers. Her glasses were poking him, but he didn't care.
She sighed, placing her gloved hand on top of his that was still cupping her cheek. "Let me guess? You didn't want to disturb my work. That's a poor excuse for not calling me or texting me... You could have written a damn email... What am I going to do with such a stubborn man?" She took in a deep breath to calm herself down.
"I intend to make it up to you... Fully." His hands drop to her waist, embracing her tightly, regardless of the puffy winter jacked that was standing between him and her curves. Scarf wasn't helping either but he ignores it pressing his face to her neck. She smelled like home.
He plants a kiss right below her ear, hearing an amusing yelp.
"L-Law... I missed y-" He presses his lips onto hers hungrily, sucking the winter out of them, roughly at first then gently, remembering she disliked rash kisses. But it was urgent... He was at his limit... He slid his tongue past her lips, caressing her tongue with his. A shallow hum escaped her, and it only made him more filled with lust.
Shit.
He involuntarily separates from her, giving her another quick kiss. Her eyelashes fluttered for a moment, before revealing the eyes glazed with the same desire.
He cursed again for being outdoors.
Inside...
"They are pressing mouth to mouth, it's ok!" Caden shouted.
"Caden, it's called kissing." Lami facepalmed herself, moving from the window. "An adult way of kissing."
"Is that a true love's kiss?"
Lami frowned. "Um... I guess...Yeah..."
"Let's go, Lorie! Your wish came true!" Lorie held Bepo and obediently followed her brother.
"What wish?" Galen asked.
"She asked Santa to give Uncle Law princess so he won't be alone and angry all the time. And he doesn't hate us anymore! He even let us eat cookies!"
"Wait, cookies from the floor? I'm gonna kill him!" Lami gripped her fist in a threatening manner, but the kids were already at the door.
"So, now what?" Tashigi asks while they gazed at each other, still in a hug.
Law exhaled. "I was hoping we could go home and shut ourselves in our room, engaging certain activities proximately 48 to 96 hours, occasionally taking a break for hydrating and intaking light meals to keep the momentum. It's a recommended therapy for trying to make up the lost time. Especially for lovers. Not to mention it will bring me immense pleasure and help me focus on other things considering all I could think about is you."
Tashigi lifted an eyebrow. "Is that your professional opinion, Dr. Law?" Although flushed, she smiled teasingly.
He gulped. Tantalizing Tashigi was equally bewitching.
"Are you sure it's the right idea to distract me with your sexy talk? I might explode here."
She stiffens, and the chuckle escapes him. "What? Are you afraid I might take you here?" He leaned in, not being able to resist teasing her.
"I'm just worried about you," she pouts, not moving away.
"About what?" Their noses touched.
"If you think that's sexy talk, you're lost."
"That's right," he laughs, "I'm crazy about you and everything you do... You could even wear your horrible clothes and I would still think you're hot."
"Fortunately for you, I have a bunch of new clothes." She beamed.
"Oh, great."
"You sound enthusiastic."
"Mhm, I imagine taking it off of you... You know, like unwrapping the present from the horrible paper."
"Yup, there's my Law." She kissed his cheek.
"So, wanna go?"
"As much as I would love to, it will have to wait."
"Why in the dammed hell?" He grimaced, pulling away a bit.
"Your parents are responsible for me being here in the first place, right?"
"My mother, a hundred percent." His lips settled into a hard line.
"I want us to spend Christmas together." She begged with her eyes, and that too looked suggestive.
It required drastic measures.
His hand drops down to her butt and he pinches it as he tried to kiss her.
"He-Hey, L-Law!" She twisted in his arms.
"What? At least let me feel you up a bit." While his arms roamed her body, she panted, pushing him dangerously on the edge.
I should stop.
"You're skinny. Staving without me, are you?" He attempted to cool down.
She frowned. "No, as a matter of fact, I learned how to cook a few dishes. Lots of people ate it and said it was good."
"And are they still among the living?"
"Very funny," she softly hit his upper arm. "It was tasty, the children even asked for seconds."
"Tashigi, they were starving. They would eat anything even your horrible cooking."
"Jerk."
"But you're stuck with me until the rest of your life."
"Yeah." She smiled.
Just as he leaned to kiss her again...
"Aunt Tashigi!" The irritating voices of the brats he will kill later, stopped him.
"Hi," she smiled broadly, separating from him and welcoming them into her arms.
He grunts, folding his arms over his chest. Now that she released him, he was cold.
"And who is this?" She rubs the top of Bepo's head.
"This is Bepo!" Lorie proudly showed him to Tashigi. "Uncle Law's cat!"
"Pipe down," Law grumpily replied, "And stop tormenting my cat. Let's go in, before I freeze my ass off."
"Uncle Law said ass!" Caden exclaimed enthusiastically.
"I'm going to tell mommy." Lorie continued to carry Bepo. He behaved like a stuffed toy, seriously.
"Can I say it too, Aunt Tashigi?" Caden asked.
"No, you shouldn't be rude as your Uncle, and Lorie you shouldn't-"
"Be a snitch," Law cut in. "They are the ones who get their ass beaten first."
"Law!"
"What's a snitch?" Lorie questioned, her eyebrows furrowed.
Law rolled his eyes, "I hope our kids won't be such a pain in the ass."
"Our kids?" Both of her eyebrows lifted.
"Y-Yeah..." He couldn't look her in the eyes, massaging his neck.
"He said it again! He said it again!" Caden repeated.
"Shut up, or I'll tell Santa to erase you off his list." Law took out his embarrassment on his nephew.
"You can't do that!" Caden scowled at him.
"I can. I know him." He dropped down to his eye level, intimidating a seven-year-old kid.
"There, there, guys, let's go in." Tashigi stopped their bickering.
"Fine." The same answer came from both of them.
"So we have a cat now?" Tashigi asked him as the kids entered the house.
"Yeah, you're gonna love him."
"How did that happen?"
"I was returning home when I saw some kids bullying him, so I sent them to hell and he kinda... Followed me. Everywhere. Even when I tried to chase him off."
Tashigi's lips spread into a huge smile.
"What?"
"Oh, no, nothing. It's just that..."
"What? Just say it." He pinched her cheeks.
"Agh- That hurts..."
"Talk."
"You have a cat that you take everywhere, like a certain someone, no?"
Law rooted to the spot.
"Don't even joke about that, okay?! I just got goosebumps. And unlike that demon cat who's not here, fortunately, Bepo is friendly and nice to everyone. Even to Lorie who abuses him with her hugs and kisses, and other shit children do." He enveloped her into his arms. "And now, you need to be punished for trying to be a smartass."
"Alright, alright, I give up, please don't throw me into the snow... I'm tired."
"Oh, you wish. It won't be so... Quick." He smirked.
"L-Law, why are you grinning like that?" She tried to wiggle out of his embrace.
"Shhhh... Don't struggle... I just thought of a perfect excuse to take you home."
"Erm... B-But..."
With Tashigi tightly secured in his hug, he guided her to the entrance.
His family gathered, ready to welcome her.
"Save your shit for later," he abruptly stated. "Right now we need to go home and make a baby. Okay? Bye." He glared at Caden before walking away. "Better take care of my cat or else you're off Santa's list." He slammed the door shut right in their faces.
Christmas was important, but nothing was more urgent than being with his soulmate.
"I-I can't believe you just did that!" She elbowed him in the ribs, but he still didn't let go. "Are you insane!?" Tashigi covered her burning face with her hands.
"Of course I am." He let go of her, to take her suitcase. "Now get your butt in the car."
"Oh, Law..." She shook her head, but gave up on returning into the home. He knew she was too embarrassed. Throwing her suitcase on the back seat, he halted. "One more thing," he pulls the chain around his neck, containing the two rings.
"I know this is not the time or the place... And I know you imagined some romantic crap with candles, music, roses... But let's face it, I'm terrible at it." He drops down on one knee.
She grasped covering her mouth with her hand.
"I think it's an improvement from the last time... Uh... Um... Tashigi... Will you still be my wife? And keep in mind this is simply a formality cause you can't say no." He quickly adds, thinking how the words sounded better in his mind.
Tashigi sniffed, gushing over the gesture. Apparently, she liked it. He felt blessed that she was satisfied with crappy things, such as his stupid proposal.
"Tashigi? It's cold and my knee is getting wet..."
"Y-Yes! Of-Of-course!"
He got up placing both of the rings into their rightful place. Her face was damp when she kissed him, leaping into his arms, knocking the air out of him. They both nearly fell down.
"Ohhh, I'm s-sorry..." She buried her face in his chest.
"It's fine, just don't waste too much energy. Long night is ahead of us." He smiles, kissing the top of her head.
"W-Wait you were serious!?"
He chuckled at his wife's naiveness. When was he not serious?
A/N: Well, what can I say? I hope you like how it ended, and that I delivered. Thank you so much for following this story and leaving comments… They helped me immensely to try harder and be a better writer. I love you all and until the next story, stay well.