Hello, dear readers. This fanfic is a challenge, and I will try my hardest to complete it. Tashigi will turn out to be slightly OOC, I'm afraid since it's the alternative universe. But I will try to keep the resemblance of the characters we love.

If you don't like Trafalgar Law or the very idea Law x Tashigi, this is not fanfic for you.

Without further ado... I present to you chapter 1.

*I do not own One Piece, nor the characters. All rights to Eiichiro Oda.

*Will be using Italic for inner-thinking and flashbacks.

Chapter I - A bad decision.

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"I need you to marry me, Tashigi."

Tashigi cautiously stared at his impassive face. He's joking, right?

"Your joke is terrible, Trafalgar."

In fact, it ticked her off. It was one thing to ignore his sarcastic comments and frivolous taunting. But this...? Her patience has reached its limit. Tashigi hurried to the elevator which opened. She had a lot to do today, and the last thing she needed was to be a pawn in his twisted game. Yet, he matched her pace and entered the elevator with her.

"Listen." He grabbed her wrist.

"Get away from me," she hissed, not wanting to cause a scene.

"I'm serious. I want you to marry me." He didn't seem to mind the crowd.

Her eyes dropped to the floor. Why is he doing this to her? Elevator felt too cramped, her stomach churning at this uncomfortable situation.

"This is not a joke." He continued to speak, ignoring the people who began to stare at them.

"Can you keep it down, please?" She whispered to him, praying for an escape.

"All I'm asking is for you to listen to me."

Annoying and stubborn!

"Fine."

Tashigi tried to stay calm until they reached his office. When she made sure they were alone, she snapped. "What is wrong with you!?" Her fist clenched. "Ambushing me like that?!"

"You asked me if I needed something, and I answered you."

"I was being polite! The last thing I expected was a marriage proposal!"

"I'm running out of time, so I need to be direct."

"Running out of time? What in the world are you talking about?!"

"Calm down and I'll explain everything."

"You know what? I won't." Tashigi threw him a glare. "This is preposterous! Like a bad plot from TV drama!" She was about to get out when he swiftly closed the door.

"Move!" Her lips curled.

"You said you owed me. I want you to return the favor. Are you refusing?" He pierced her with his icy stare.

"But this..." She took a deep breath, trying to collect her thoughts. "What you're asking for is too much. It's crazy..."

"Do you think I enjoy this? That look on your face is pretty amusing, but c'mon. At least listen to the whole story, you owe me that much."

She exhaled and closed her eyes. "Okay. But if this is one of your bad jokes, I'll smack you."

"Right." He moves away from the door. "Your threat has zero intimidation."

"Don't test my patience, Trafalgar." She sat on the sofa, as he leaned on his desk, across from her.

"Okay... You know my parents have a hospital in Flevance, right?"

"Um, yeah, I think I heard others talking about it..."

"The point is... they want me to manage it."

"That's great, right? I mean you can be-"

"Yes, but there lies the problem. Their condition was that I and my future wife run it together." He crossed his arms, tapping his foot. "Ridiculous, I know. But they are a little... difficult. Anyhow, you get it, right?"

"No." She frowned. "They want you to marry a doctor?"

He sighed. "You're really slow, aren't you?"

"How do you expect me to get it with such a bad explanation?! And that still doesn't answer why am I-"

"Stop getting worked up. I'll explain further." He walked to his chair, collapsing into it.

"I told them I have a fiancée who is a fellow doctor."

"Do you?"

"Are you a moron? If I had one I wouldn't be asking you to marry me now, would I?"

"No. What I meant is... Did you have one? Did you break up or something...?"

"Your questions are pointless. Shut up and listen."

Tashigi pouted. He's acting pretty snappy for someone who asked for help.

"I didn't have a fiancée, to begin with. It's just that... It was convenient for me to lie to them." He got up, walking towards the window. "My mother and sister were always trying to set me up with random women, so many times that I stopped going home. Even on holidays. Their meddling is a waste of time, and I had no intention to indulge them. You know how it is, all my time goes into my work. The last thing I want is a girlfriend, let alone wife. Too much fuss over something that won't last." The next part he muttered, "I already know how it's gonna end." Law cleared his throat. "Not everyone can have a marriage like theirs, and I don't want to."

"You told them you have a girlfriend to get them off your back."

"Precisely. But as time passed, they begin to have doubts. My imaginary relationship lasted longer than any of my previous ones. So, they insisted on meeting her. I couldn't keep lying that she is busy... I ran out of excuses. My mother accused me of lying. I snapped and told her that we are engaged. Stupid move. Their insisting became harder, especially since they are planning on retiring. Yesterday, I told her that I will bring my fiancée this weekend."

"Why couldn't you admit-"

"You don't understand, do you!?" He cut her off, all worked up. Tashigi was completely baffled.

"If I told them it was a lie, they will leave it to Lami! She is not ready to lead a hospital. And she most definitely isn't cut out for it, because she isn't interested in it."

"Lami?" Tashigi lifted her brow.

"My younger sister." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Oh. It's that bad?" Tashigi asked with an uncertain tone.

"Yes, because- I told you already! Don't make me repeat myself!" He massaged his temple.

"She's married to an idiot our parents found her. Doctor as well. He will brainwash her and do what he wants with the hospital, and I won't let that happen! I won't see it crumble!" Law hit a wall with his fist.

Tashigi widened her eyes. He was intimidating, yet passionate. This side of him was something unexpected. He was always calm, cool and collected.

An uncomfortable silence settled between them. After a while, with a little courage, Tashigi broke it. "Why me?"

Law was still silent and turned to the window.

She didn't let it intimidate her. "Couldn't you ask one of your previous girlfriends-"

"That's complicated. You're a perfect choice."

Perfect choice, as if! That was her breaking point. She stood up, marching towards him.

"How on earth did you get to that conclusion? I barely know you! And we don't even hang out... We're not even friends!"

"That's why. And stop shouting. I hate women who throw tantrums."

"You know what? I'm leaving. I heard you out, so bye." Tashigi turned on her heel, walking towards the door.

"If you help me, you will be in charge of the Pediatric Surgery Department in my hospital."

She stopped.

"You can also realize the trip that the board declined."

She turned around.

"I'll finance your trip to wherever you wanted to go to help the children." Once more, tranquil expression settled on his face, his voice serious.

"That's not fair..." What kind of woman would she be if she accepted his offer? A terrible woman and a liar. But she was conflicted with her desire to help the children.

Or not.

That desire was always overpowering everything in her life. She was also living for her work so she could understand him. It's not like she had a private life either.

"It's pretty fair." He continued to persuade her. "And we don't have to stay married for long... Let me see... When they give me the hospital..." He squinted his eyes a bit. "One year tops."

"A year?! Forget it." The proposition was tempting, but not that tempting.

"What? A year will pass by in the blink of an eye, for workaholics like us. We won't even see each other that much."

He made it sound like it was a simple business transaction. Didn't he understand what he's asking?

"You are not…" Tashigi stuttered. "What you're suggesting is... I can't pretend you know? I'm a terrible liar and I don't know anything about you. You don't know anything about me either. Not to mention that-"

"I've taken everything into account. Who do you think I am? An idiot? Would I ask you to marry me just like that and not think about it?"

Tashigi was always a curious person. Curiosity always led her to bad situations, like now.

"Then... What is your plan?" She couldn't help but ask.

"Does that mean you accept?" A glimmer of his trademark confidence appeared in his eyes.

"Depends on your plan..." What could go wrong? She will only listen to him.

"First off, sit." He guides her to the sofa and sits beside her. "You don't have a boyfriend, right?"

"No." The bitter lump settles in her throat. She used to... But they decided it was better to call it quits. He had his job and she was busy with hers.

"So you broke things off with that cop, huh?"

"How do you-"

"I have ears you know. Just because I look like I'm not listening doesn't mean I don't."

"You still didn't answer my question. Nevermind. Tell me about your plan."

"I sit behind you in the cafeteria, so I know plenty about your life."

"Huh? I never noticed that... That's kinda creepy."

"Creepy? I was the first one sitting there. That's my spot. You happened to sit there with your blabbermouth buddies. Let me enlighten you: the nurses of this hospital are the biggest gossip station in town."

"I know. That's how I found out things about you."

"Like what?"

"It's not important right now... Besides, since you "listen to things" you should know."

"Tell me."

"You have a fan club. And all the members are women, of course. Maybe even a few men, I don't know..." She chuckles. "They call you Dr. Sexy."

"Bunch of fucking morons." He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Hey, it's not that bad. They say nice things as well."

"What do you mean "nice things as well?" Do they-"

"Let's not get too far from the subject." Tashigi nervously interrupted him. "The point is, you inspire many people with your brilliance. You're the number one cardiothoracic surgeon in this hospital, at such a young age... Good looking and passionate about your job... Of course, everyone is going to talk about you."

"Hm..." Law looked deep in thoughts for a few minutes. "You think I'm good looking? That makes our mission easier."

"Um... I - I was saying-" A flush crept across her cheeks.

"You're kinda plain and hiding behind your glasses and bangs." He was checking her out. "Your figure is decent I think... I would have to see you without scrubs."

"E-Excuse me?!" Tashigi started to blush heavier.

"Why are you getting so worked up? I meant in normal clothes." He smirks. "You're perverted, aren't you? Who knew...?"

"C-Can we get back t-to the subject!"

"Fine." He put his hands behind his head and leaned back. "It's simple; we learn details about each other. Even the smallest, stupidest quirks. You don't have to lie about yourself. Tell them anything you wish. The less we lie, the better. I don't want you to slip on some stupid detail."

"Why do you think I would slip?"

"You have guilt written all over your face... One look at my mother or sister and you're gonna spill the beans."

"Hm." Not everyone is good at pretending like you are. She folded her hands in her lap.

"You look like a kid when you sulk." He took a breath, two lines forming between his eyebrows. "We need a story of how we met down to the stupid details. My mother and sister will gush about it."

"I leave that to you."

"You accept?" His eyes bored into hers, causing her to wince.

"I can't believe it... But, I do." Tashigi accepted before the brittle voice of dissatisfaction could emerge within her. What did you get yourself into Tashigi? His eyes… Are out of the ordinary… There is something… captivating and reassuring. Seductive even.

"You're a smart woman."

"I don't think so. A smart person would never-"

"What's wrong in helping each other to fulfill our goals? You have to be clever. This world is not a fairy tale where kind, decent, and honorable people win. They always lose."

"What about conscience?"

"You're doing this for the greater cause, aren't you? So, the question is how badly do you want it? How badly do you want to help children?"

"I want it... But I still don't think I can pull it off." She bounced her leg, biting her lower lip.

"Don't worry, I'll help you." He placed his hand on her knee, stopping it. "No need to be nervous."

The warmth of his touch seeped through her body, bringing unexpecting comfort. Although it lasted for a moment, it made her feel like a melting ice-cream on a sunny afternoon.

"O-Okay. What now?" She promptly shook it off.

"Now... We will go back to work as usual. The rest we can talk about at my place."

Tashigi nodded, her heart beating unbearably fast as she proceeded towards the door.

"One more thing." He walked to his desk, opening the drawer. "This is for you."

He tossed her the little burgundy plush box. Tashigi hardly managed to catch it. Her jittery fingers slowly open it, revealing an elegant and beautiful aquamarine-diamond pebble ring.

"What- How did you-?"

He smirks.

Did he know she will say yes? If so, how did he know her ring size? It fits perfectly.

That bastard.

"Are you sure they're gonna like me?" Tashigi threw a glance at Law, over her glasses, reading the notes he made for her.

"Positive. Be yourself." He frowned a little. "Your handwriting is terrible. No wonder you're a doctor."

They were sitting on Law's couch in the living room. It was her third day staying at his place. He claimed it was necessary to get used to each other.

Tashigi was wearing her gray, baggy koala T-shirt, with purple pajama pants. Her hair was loosely pinned with the hairpin.

"You're convinced." Tashigi shifted from her cross-legged position, stretching her stiff joints. Yeah, right. What was going through his head when he chose me?

"Of course I am. Your lack of sex appeal makes you the perfect candidate, every mother wants for her son." Running his fingers through his hair, he took his black rim glasses off. He was wearing a simple dark-gray pajama set. "You can even babble about kittens and other stuff you love."

"Nobody in the right mind would believe we're a couple, Trafalgar. We can't pull this off." Tashigi tossed his notes on the glass coffee table.

"Why are you so negative? And call me by my name, practice it."

"We lack chemistry Tr- Law. There is nothing believable about us being a "couple." We're so mismatched... Only a fool would think we're engaged.

"Can you pronounce my name without looking like you ate something spoiled? Don't worry about that, it's the easiest part. Focus on learning things about me."

Easiest part? Easiest part!?

"How is that the easiest part!? That's the crucial part! And it's so awkward to-"

His sudden closeness silenced her. Their eyes met, and his hand brushed against her thigh. An unexpected electric shock surged through her body. His other hand touched her hair, and she felt his long fingers combing it, taking her hairpin off. Tashigi couldn't move. His eyes were hypnotic, drawing her in. She felt his warm breath on her cheek as his fingers traced a tingly path from her lips to her neck. With a smirk on his face, his head dripped down. Tashigi bit back a moan when his lips pressed against the curve of her neck.

This is wrong... So wrong...

His arms tighten around her waist, drawing her into his dangerous embrace. All she wanted was to touch him, even though her mind ordered her to snap out of it. Her hands were hesitant, but she rests them on his lower back.

What is this ache...? This yearning?

A warm, damp touch of lips controlled her like a puppet. Tashigi knew she was missing something in her life. But she could not fathom what that something might be. His hand sneaked under her shirt, forcing her to remember that... she was completely exposed underneath.

"S-Stop..."

That "something" definitely wasn't Law.

"Why? You seem like you were having a good time..." He was back to his usual self. Maybe he was never out of it. This was just a "task" to him.

Why did I allow him to...? Ahhh! The heat rushed to her face.

She got up, sheltering her chest. "I-I'm going to the bathroom."

"You don't need to, I can help you with-"

"No thanks!"

He grins. "She's really perverted."

Tashigi splashed her face with cold water, several times. "What is the matter with me?" She never expected to react like a friggin teenager. And she needed to get used to- No. They don't need to go that far. He was messing with her.

Jerk.

When she got back, she caught him reading her notes, his glasses back on. Tashigi sat as far as she could from him, grabbing the notes she tossed earlier.

"So you agree that the topic we discussed earlier won't be a problem?" He broke the silence, throwing her a glance.

"I don't want to talk about it... And please, don't do that ever again."

"You know that we will have to display some sort of affection in public? I thought we could practice." He smirked again. "You're so tense."

"I doubt that you need to feel my breasts in public."

"I guess I don't, but it's fun. Especially your face-"

"I'm glad I amuse you."

"More than you could imagine." He scooted closer to her. "I was going to say it was kinda erotic."

"Back off, your playtime is over."

"Who says it is?"

For a split second, his comment scared her. But she shook it off. "Hm... You were born on October the 6th?"

His eyes narrowed. "You're a mood killer, you know. And yeah, what about it?"

"I've been told that. It's kinda my specialty." She sighed. "We're birthday twins. Except for the year, that is."

He looked at her a bit surprised, his lips pulling into a grin. "Really? I didn't notice it because your handwriting is awful."

What a big coincidence... Perhaps it was a sign. Did she make the right choice to help him?

"Oy." He snapped his fingers in front of her face. "Why are you spacing out?" He lifts his brow. "I see. You think it's some kind of cosmical sign to ease your conscience... Well, whatever makes you cope with this situation."

"You know, you're a real jerk." Tashigi was deflated by his comment.

Am I so easy to read?

"One more thing... Apologies for calling you plain." His tone was neither harsh nor teasing.

"Huh?" Did he apologize?

"I had no idea what you were hiding beneath those baggy clothes you usually wear."

Tashigi turned bright red. "I- Can we not talk-"

"And your bust size... Not plain. Again, apologies."

"Aghh! If you don't stop with the teasing I'm leaving!"

"I'm admitting an honest mistake here and you-"

"Good night!"

"Good Morning." Law greeted her when she entered the kitchen to pour some coffee.

He was reading the newspaper on his laptop, fully dressed and ready to go to work. And he would usually go without her. She kinda hoped to avoid him.

Tashigi grumbled in response, still pretty pissed about last night. And to think she will have to put up his behavior for god knows how long... Maybe she should call it quits while she still has the time. It was like she was on drugs when she made the decision to get involved with him.

"You're not thinking of bailing out?"

His voice snapped her back from her thoughts, and she almost dropped her mug.

"Seriously?" He let out a weary sigh. "Are you a five-year-old?" He closed his laptop. "Fine. I won't do that ever again, I swear. But we will have to pretend in front of my family, you know that, right?"

"I know." She took a big sip of her bitter coffee. "It doesn't ease my conscience though, no matter what you say."

"What are you, a fucking saint? How do you think I feel? You think I like lying to my family?"

"No. It's just that-"

"There's no other option, trust me, I tried everything." He approached, glowering at her. "I need to know that you won't change your mind. And once we go on that trip on Friday, no turning back."

She pondered for several minutes. To give your word meant little to nothing in today's world. Unlike in the past. Your honor and the honor of your family was put at stake if you failed to fulfill what you promised. She could walk away. It was easy and safe. Yet, Tashigi was "one of those people." She believed in fulfilling promises and integrity. Even though she was about to lie like she never lied before.

"I'll try my best. No turning back." The last part she whispered, feeling sick.

"Good. Now let's go."

"Together?!"

"Are you always this dense in the morning?"

"I'll pass." Tashigi sat at the counter, taking another sip of her coffee.

"Give me a break." He rolled his eyes.

x

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An hour later, she was sitting in the passenger seat, looking at the moving scenery, trying to clear her mind. But all her calming methods didn't work. This man always gets what he wants. How does he win every argument?! It irritated her. No, she passed that point. Next time, she might smack him with a nearby object.

"Did you finish with your sulking?" Stopping at the red light, he threw her one of his usual flat-voiced comments she detested.

"I don't want to talk to you."

"Mature."

"You're pissing me off!" She shook her head. "You bring out the worst in me! And I'm patient and-"

"And you're fucking charming. Making a fuss about everything, a fucking piece of work."

"Ugh, shut up."

"It was a simple kiss, I don't know why you act like that. We will have to do it in front of my family so I don't understand why-"

"It was a big deal!"

"You're acting like it was your first kiss." He rolled his eyes. "I didn't think you will be so dramatic. And crazy. You slapped me, I should be the one who's pissed."

"It was my first kiss!"

His eyes widened a bit.

"With you, I mean. I wasn't prepared."

"So what? I still don't get why you're so upset."

"It's the way you did it that pisses me the most. You can't just-"

"I could have sworn you liked it, but fine. Next time, I will cater to your needs." He grinned, focusing on the road again.

"That's not what I-" She mumbled, concentrating on scenery. But the scene was vividly playing in her mind.

"I'm going to ask you in a civilized way, to get your butt dressed, so we can go to work like normal people, without you acting like a brat." He exclaimed sharply.

"And, as I said, in a civilized way, I refuse. Please, go by yourself." She spoke through her clenched teeth, trying to control her voice.

He stood for two minutes, eyeing her sitting figure before he sat beside her.

"If you are going to behave like that," they were glaring at each other, "You leave me no other choice."

"Huh-"

He cut her off by pressing his lips on hers. Dumbfounded, she jerked her head back, her mind shutting down in an instant. But he didn't allow her to break his violent kiss. She blinked a few times, perplexed. A shiver ran down her spine. She never experienced a kiss like that one. Her feelings were mixed; unsure whether to respond or to push him away. His hand on the back of her neck pressed her harder, crushing her lips, demanding a response.

"Mmph…!" She tried to tell him to stop, but he used that opportunity to shove his tongue into her mouth.

Her indecisiveness lasted only for a second.

He got his response. A slap across the face. Her hands were trembling, but he deserved it.

She didn't over-react in the slightest. Maybe a bit. But he was the one to blame.

The rest of their way to the hospital was filled with silence. When he parked, Tashigi tried to get away quickly, however...

"Why aren't you wearing your engagement ring?"

"Are you crazy? You want me to get killed by your fan-club?"

"You're overreacting, again."

"I'm not." She proceeded to get out of his car.

"But it will help if everybody knew. The lie would be more believable." Law kept talking while he was locking his car.

"There is no need for that."

"What are you afraid of? You won't be working here anymore if our plan succeeds." He caught up to her.

"I told you already, it's too much of a trouble. And your "fans" are creepy." She quickened her pace to put some distance between them.

Law sighed. To other people, it was a simple, audible exhalation of breath. Not to her. It was his "I don't care what you say, I'm gonna do what I want" sigh. She learned to distinguish them since they were mostly directed at her.

This time, things won't go his way!

"Listen to me, Trafalgar... I mean Law. You won't say anything to anyone, are we clear?"

"Watch me." A slow grin tugged at his lips. "As I said, your threats have zero intimidation."

Note: So this concludes the first chapter, hope you liked it. Sorry if some mistakes sneaked up on me.

Now about some details; I used Flevance, because I don't like using names of real countries in my fanfics. Although this is AU, it's not our universe. I know it makes no sense but bear with me. In my story, Law's family is alive and well. (No Amber Lead Syndrome catastrophe.)

Law and Tashigi are indeed birthday twins. (October the 6th.) On that tone, Law (26 in OP), in my fanfic, is 29. Tashigi (23 in OP) in my fanfic, is 27. Also, I suck at medical stuff so I won't focus on it much.

Cover picture credits: Pixiv user id=1396693