You had initially thought this date wouldn't be so bad. You were wrong.

What you thought had been a Big Lebowski crack when he met you at the bar was actually a jab. He'd never even seen the movie. Who hates on bowling? You didn't mind a little sarcasm, look who you're surrounded by 24/7, but this guy was sort of mean about it.

He's a surgeon and a good one apparently, well known by most of the patrons surrounding you. One of which he got into a heated argument with. The attractive redhead eventually noticed your embarrassment and apologized before going back to his table. Law didn't apologize though; he actually didn't seem to care at all that you were embarrassed by all of the gawking their outburst had caused.

This cocky shit.

Super hot..cocky shit

The server came and picked up your menus. When he turned and asked what you wanted Law spoke instead ordering for you.

"I hope you don't mind." He started, "You seem like the type who will order the cheapest thing on the menu... to be polite or course."

Rude!

Well, there was truth to that but it didn't need to be pointed out.

"Excuse me for a moment." You smiled and stood.

Once you reached the ladies room you fished you phone out of your clutch furiously dialing Nami only to get her voicemail.

"Why would you set me up with this gorgeous asshole?? You are totally gonna pay for this."

Me: Worst. Date. Ever

Ace: Its all in your head. Give the guy a chance.

Ace: you didn't want this to work out in the first place.

Me: shut up

Me: he's a colossal ass

Ace: I'm not rescuing you so give it up and go back to your dinner

Me: I hate your dumb freckled face!

Ace: I love you too my darling sweet best friend

You sighed in defeat tapping your free hand on the counter as you scrolled through your text log and stopped on Marco's name. You could do it, but you also knew he might actually show up. And as much as you wanted him to, you also didn't.

Ace sat on the sofa chuckling to himself.

"What's so funny yoi?" Marco asked rounding the corner.

"Oh F/N was trying to fake emergency her way out of her date." He waved his phone, "I told her she had to suck it up."

"She wouldn't ask if she didn't have good reason, right?" The blond slipped into his favorite teal hoodie that hung by the door.

"She's just being difficult because she didn't want to go in the first place. It's for her own good. You should have seen her before she left." Ace turned to face his brother wiggling his brows.

"That's OK." Marco shrugged.

He'd honestly rather not see you dressed up for a fancy date.

"Where you going?" Ace asked suspiciously.

"The bar. Not that I have to tell you anyway."

_____________

"Will you stop sulking?" Thatch placed a shot in front of his brother.

"I'm not sulking yoi."

"What's up with him?" Shanks nodded toward the depressed blond.

"Nothing." Marco replied.

"He's upset because F/N is on a blind date with Trafalgar Law." Thatch laughed earning a sharp glare from his brother.

"She's hating it by the way." Marco started, "She was texting Ace."

"Not surprising." A female voice chirped from the other side of Shanks.

All three males turned to the pinkette.

"That guy has a terrible attitude. He's super hot though."

"Not helping Bonney." Thatch chuckled.

Bonney shrugged continuing to munch her order of nachos.

Marco spent almost two hours at the bar getting pity drinks from women who thought he'd just been dumped. He sat slumped forward eyes barely open, mentally torturing himself. What if the date took a turn for the better because you decided to give him a chance. A surgeon certainty sounded better than a high school art teacher, right?

Thatch : Can you come get this sad sack?

[[ Image received from Thatch ]]

Me: Yes! I'll be there in 15 or less.

You shook your head at the picture of a completely wasted Marco slouched over Thatch's bar.

"Everything ok?" Law inquired.

"Ah, yeah. Seems my friend got pretty drunk and I need to go pick them up." You smiled retrieving your keys from your clutch.

"I'm sure we'll see each other around." He smirked handing the valet his ticket.

"Sure. Thanks for tonight." You nodded and made your way to the mall parking lot the next block over.

You were so glad to get away from that stuffy place. Tossing your heels in the back seat you shifted into gear and turned onto the main road.

"Over here." Thatch pointed to the end of the bar.

"Hey F/N! You're looking well ~" Shanks winked as you passed.

"Charming as usual Red." You smiled slipping into seat next to the blond, "Oi...pineapple ~"

"Heeeey F/N." Marco smiled turning his sleepy gaze to you, "When did you get here yoi?"

"I'm here to take you home you drunken goon." You laughed.

"I'm n-not drunk." He hiccupped.

"Oh of course not." You stood as Thatch rounded the bar to help you pull him off the stool.

The drive home was quiet until Marco started fumbling with your radio. You didn't mind, you shared the same taste in music. He opted for a Blue October CD that was already in turning it up before slouching back into the seat.

What if we could

Where would we go

If it felt right

Would you want me to know

I would meet you

Would you meet me

Wildly appreciate lyrics for the car ride. You skipped to the next song.

"Sorry yoi." The blond murmured.

"For what?"

"You had to leave your fancy date to get me."

You chuckled, "If anything I should thank you. You saved me from having an awkward 'I'm not coming home with you conversation."

"He was gonna take you home yoi?" He sat up.

"He didn't say it...but I have a feeling that's how most of his dates end."

Marco frowned, "Bonney said he is super hot yoi."

"Well, I can't deny that." You looked at the pouty drunk, "But he isn't my type."

"I see." He relaxed.

"Think you've sobered up enough to walk a little? The boys aren't home and I'm sure pops is asleep." You asked pulling into the drive way and parking.

"Mhm." He hummed heaving himself out of the car.

"I mean I'll help you, idiot." You grabbed your shoes and shuffled to steady him.

"Ya know, you look really nice tonight yoi." He commented snaking an arm around your waist.

"At least someone acknowledges my effort." You laughed, "I thought it was customary to compliment your date."

"He must be blind yoi."

"Thanks." You flushed.

The two of you shambled into the house.

"Where do you want me to drop you? I'm not risking the stairs."

"Couch yoi."

"Your yois are more frequent when you're drunk." You commented earning a flushed glare from the blond, "What? It's cute don't worry."

He seemed more flustered as you plopped down on the sofa together.

"You wanna sleep out here? I'll get you a blanket and some water."

"Yeah thanks." He yawned stretching out.

After getting Marco situated you retired to your room to get comfortable.

What a weird fucking night.

A light tap brought you back to your door. Rubbing your makeup remover wipe over your face you opened it revealing a swaying Marco.

"Sorry yoi... I forgot to give you your shirt." He said far too loudly in the quiet hallway.

"Hush, you'll wake pops." You pulled him into the room.

He held up a small brown bag and plopped down on your bed. You took it and continued to wipe your makeup off taking a seat next to Marco. The plain gray v-neck you'd given him four days ago now had an elaborate turquois phoenix soaring across it.

"Marco this is amazing." You held it up to get a better look at the intricate detail of the curling flames.

"I'm glad you like it." He replied sheepishly.

"Like is an understatement." You wrapped your arms around his neck.

Before you knew it his lips were on yours.