(A/N): Again, I owe you a better chapter lol, enjoy~

The next day, Sabo had returned to his law firm deciding to try to busy himself with work. Ace volunteered to help your family with the cattle and any technical difficulties with machinery. This has been their itinerary since Pop's passing while at the same time, having an empty nest you applied for art school deciding to make webcomics to improve your craft. Art turned out to be more than expected requiring faith in yourself and your brush strokes. Thankfully, class didn't seem like such a chore because ever day you're absorbed in your sketches until class gets dismissed. You never imagined you could put your entire focus on one thing when it came to school. Now you understand the hubbub of hard work in your studies.

As you exit your final class, you're greeted by your red-headed fohawk friend friend, Grount. "Hey!" He hollered. "How were your lessons? Are you still struggling?"

"I'm doing just fine. I think I got the hang of steadying my lines. I also refreshed myself with backgrounds, but they're still hard to master for me." You pouted. Grount blushed finding your expression cute. You hadn't noticed his tiny crush on you nor gathered why he's been so kind to you since you started.

"W-well, I could help you out. One of my friends is into drafting and enjoys designing buildings." Your eyes light up at the grand gesture.

"Really? That would be a big help. Oh-but I don't want him to think I'm using him for my benefit. I find it's kind of rude." You expressed.

"Don't worry about it. He's quite a softy when it comes to girls. He's willing to please any of them so he won't mind one bit." He assured. You sweat drop imagining the type of fellow Grount's friend to be.

"Woman or not, I don't want to use him." You argued.

"Ok, ok just pay him in chocolates and he'll be thankful." The redhead sheepishly rubs his head as you whole-heartedly agree. "We can head over to the store and-"

"I'm sorry, I can't today. I have something important to do at my parent's ranch." Grount frowned, disappointed that he hasn't had a chance to hang out with you for the past two weeks.

"I understand. You can just text me your schedule and I'll compare with my friend, Shimoi and fix an appointment."

You nod in agreement then set out to a local cafe. A small establishment ran by Shank's girlfriend, Makino. It was shocking to both you and Lyn that the flirtatious man had changed his playboy ways and settled with a lovely lady. Your first thought was concerning Lyn's reaction toward the girl. Unexpectedly, the pair got along just fine by bashing on Shanks. Makino has a great sense of humor and is quite understanding why any of the exes were so keen on strangling him during their relationship. Eventually, Makino became a good friend. Both you and Lyn have been greatly helping her business by showing up regularly. Eventually the shop became your hangout for after school.

You enter the lonely cafe with a cheery attitude. "One caramel coffee please, Makino~!" You ordered.

"(Y/n)! Coming right up." The greenette fetches a medium cup to pour in freshly roasted coffee. "How was your day? Anything new?" She started.

"More or less." You set the money on the counter. "My backgrounds need work and I have Grount hooking me up with a tutor." Makino sets the cup down and a Danish before receiving payment.

"Ah, Grount. Don't you think that kid is unusually sweet to you?" Makino even noticed the detail about the boy hitting on you.

"Are you saying he's using me for my skills?"

The owner laughs and shakes her head, "no I mean like he likes your company way too much that he believes it could lead to something more."

You furrow you brows. "What? No way! He knows I'm married and besides, I'm not a catch. I'm used to being overlooked." There you go again downplaying yourself even when you're married to not one but two incredibly hot dudes.

"I don't think that's true, otherwise you wouldn't be married so don't say those things." You blushed half embarrassed to say something inconceivable.

"You're right, but I'm just trying to shrug off the fact that Grount likes me when I told him I'm taken. There's no hope for him and it would be torture on his part." You argued.

"Some people can't comprehend the word "no", (Y/N)." You hum in thought having a hard time admitting to Makino's truth.

"Ah yes, Grount does seem to be playing that game regardless of what you stated." You yelp and turn to the voice in question belonging to your sister-in-law.

"L-Lyn! How long have you been there?" You inquired.

"Since Makino brought up the subject of Grount." She snickered taking a seat next to you and ordering her usual.

"Guys, relax!" Your cheeks grew more red than a tomato. "Grount is just a friend. I promise. I keep him in check of making any advances and he hasn't done anything even when we hang out." You argued.

"Sure, that's because you're never truly alone with us watching over you." Lyn retorted. She has a great point the more you think about it. There hasn't been a time when the two of you truly spent time alone and knowing that fact made you uneasy.

"Okay...well, I guess I won't be alone with him alone unless you guys are around to keep it that way even if it means he doesn't want to be my friend anymore." You hang your head low feelling partly bad for clinging onto the lad. There is more to it than being friends and the reason behind it has to do with the boys being distant, yet you refused to admit anything wrong with hanging around Grount.

        For the sceond time, your thoughts are intervened by your blonde husband. "Blondie~" The brunette cheered.

"Sorry I'm late. I spent the entire day signing paperwork and fixing appointments." Sabo explained.

"Are you sure you're ready to be on trials?" Lyn questioned. Sabo sends her a wide grin.

"Absolutely! There isn't a doubt in my mind. I'm capable of doing my job with my eyes closed." He boasted.

"Okay, easy. Let's not get too cocky." You sit on the sidelines admiring the sibling's banter like old times and suddenly held a sense of nostalgia. It's evident how rare it is to catch the Newgates communicate like they once were. Deep down you wondered if Grount's company played a part in how you're feeling.
__________________________________

After the break, Sabo holds your hand. "Are you ready to go? We can't be late."

You fake a smile and chirp, "yep" and take your leave. While walking towards the car, you couldn't help but hold Sabo's hand tightly as if not wanting to let go of the serene moment. He tilts his head in response but out of reflex returns the gesture and bends down for a kiss on the scalp.

"I love you too." He whispered. Somehow your chest squeezed not because you didn't reciprocate, but due to conviction.

(A/N): Ooof! Reader-chan what the hell goin on here? We shall see in the next Dragon Ball GT-err One Piece