"Here's one from his seventh grade winter formal." Rosinante flipped the page in the photo album you were holding.

In the photo was a gangly 13 year-old with the same exact scowl being directed at you from across the living room. He was wearing an untucked gray button down shirt with black cut-off at the ankle dickies, black combat boots and had a wallet chain dangling from his pocket.

"I bet everyone wanted a dance." you chuckled drinking in every detail of the photo.
"I didn't dance." your fiance muttered.
"Such a shame, why'd you go if you didn't want to dance?" you turned to the next page surprised to find Law in the center of a group photo from the same night.

On either side of him were a red head and another boy with jet black hair. Both were posed enthusiastically while a third taller boy stood behind them with platinum hair and a sheepish expression.

"Awe, was this your crew?"
"Ah that's Shachi, Penguin and Bepo." Rosinante pointed to each boy as he named them, "I'm surprised you haven't met them."
"Such unusual names," you glanced back up to Law, "you're still friends with them?"
"They still live here in Olympia, so we don't see each other often. But, yes we're still friends."

For some reason that made you happy. Law hadn't spoken about friends and you were starting to think he'd always been alone, though he seemed to be fine with being a loner.

"I'm glad you'll have some groomsmen." you smiled softly turning to a new page of silly pictures with the same boys.
"I'm guessing you haven't done much wedding planning then?" your soon to be father-in-law questioned.
"We're working on that." Law murmured.
"Baby steps," you nodded, "we're starting with the menu. But it seems you raised a picky eater."
"I'm not picky, I just know what I like." your fiance protested.
"Semantics." you shrugged looking up at Rosinante, "This man expects me, a baker, to have a wedding without a cake."
The blonde shuddered, "Well it is basically bread."
"Not you too!" you slumped back into the sofa, "bread and cake are two different things."
Law smirked, "They share similar qualities."
"You're impossible." you tossed a throw pillow at him drawing out a low chuckle that made your stomach flip.

You hadn't really heard Law laugh and though it was low and quiet, it was absolutely endearing.

"I'm sure the two of you will find a compromise." Rosinante assuredly patted your shoulder.

The day continued pleasantly as you snacked and looked at old photos. Rosinante had a treasure trove of embarrassing coming of age stories to share while your fiance objected and interrupted frequently to explain himself. You couldn't remember the last time you had such a calm day.

When was the last time you'd really laughed?

Law watched you chuckle at every story. He even had to avert his gaze before getting caught a few times. The way you cozied right up to Rosinante like you were completely comfortable even though you'd never met made him feel lighter. This relaxed side of you was so inviting and warm. He wished he could make it last longer.

He looked out the kitchen window at the darkened sky after dinner was finished.

"Cora-ya, we should get going."
"But it feels like you've only just arrived. Why don't you stay the night and leave in the morning?" Rosinante frowned.
"Oh, we don't want to overstay our welcome." you patted his forearm.
"Overstay?" the blonde shook his head,"You could never."
Law leaned forward in his seat, "We both have work in the morning, and F/N-ya goes in much earlier than I do."
"That's true." you pouted, "We'll come back soon or you can come out to Seattle, we have lots of planning to do."
Rosinante's eyes lit up, "I'd love to help, let me get your number so we can get some things together."

After exchanging information and packing up leftovers at the blonde's insistence, you and Law finally got back on the road. You settled into a comfortable quiet as music played softly.

"I adore him."
"Yeah?" Law's lips upturned slightly as his gaze remained on the road in front of you, "He gets a little too enthusiastic sometimes but I suppose he's alright."

You playfully swatted his shoulder and chuckled.

"You know you love him. He's a great dad."
"Sure." He stole a glance at you appreciating the way the stereo console lit up your features in the dark car.
"You're impossible." you chuckled  again before yawning.
"I know, I know." the raven nodded, "But really, I'm glad you two get along."
"You didn't think we would?" you asked, settling into the seat.
"Honestly? I wasn't sure. I guess I still don't know you very well. It was nice to see you relax."
Suddenly you were thankful it was dark as your face heated up and you averted your gaze out the passenger window, "Well, I can be fun sometimes."
There was that chuckle you had a new affinity for, "Noted."
"It really was a good day though." you smiled happy to finally have one.

A truly good day.
With your fiance.

_________________________

The bell on the store front door chimed as you were gathering your things to wait for Law to pick you up. You sighed, Usopp must’ve forgotten to lock up. Placing your coat and bag on your desk you stepped out of your office.

“I’m sorry we’re close-”
“I know-yoi,” the tall blonde called back as you rounded the corner and stopped in your tracks, “What have I told you about locking the door after dark?”
“You can’t be here.” you stated as firmly as you were able.

It was annoying that you still felt your stomach drop at the sight of him. Getting over the love of your life was such a daunting process and it didn’t help that he made it a point to randomly insert himself into your life.

“Well, you reject my calls and don’t answer my texts. What was I supposed to do-yoi?” his half lidded gaze swept over you.
“Because I blocked you. We can’t be seen together, I’ve already told you and your brother this.” you sighed, “Please stop making things more difficult.”
“So, just like that you’re over me?” he furrowed his brows but stayed put in front of the display cases.
“Is there a problem here?” the bell on the door chimed again punctuating your fiance’s question.
Marco turned surprised, “There’s no problem-yoi. We’re just talking.”
“We were just discussing how he should leave.” your voice was shakier than you would have liked.
“You’re the match right? The doctor?” the blonde turned to Law completely.
“And you're the ex.” he replied calmly.

Marco’s eyes widened a fraction before he glanced back over to you appearing to search for some confirmation, which you obliged by nodding.

He ran his left hand over his face and huffed,, “Fine. I don’t want to start an argument-yoi.”
“You should keep your distance then.” Law muttered trying to keep his tone even.

He hadn’t expected to ever come face to face with Marco, or for that chance meeting to make him feel so tense. Seeing your discomfort had him clenching his fist.

“What’s that supposed to mean-yoi?”
“Marco.” you drew the blonde’s attention again, “Please.”

With that he turned abruptly and brushed passed Law muttering obscenities to himself as he stepped back out onto the sidewalk and stalked off.

“Are you alright?” Law asked crossing the room.
“Yeah, thanks.” you sighed again letting your shoulders relax.
“What did he want?”
“I didn’t let him get that far and then thankfully you walked in.” you stepped back into your office to grab your things, “Sorry, he just let himself in. I’ll double check the locks more often.”
“You don’t have anything to apologize for.” Law watched you slip into your coat and grab your bag.
“Let's just get outta here.” brandishing your store keys you and your fiance stepped out and locked the shop up.

It was just after 8PM and dark out but there were still a few cars parked along the other storefronts. An expensive black sedan parked directly across from your store caught your attention briefly as the engine revved to life before it slowly pulled away. It seemed out of place but you shrugged it off as Law began to ask you about your day on the short walk to his car.