Everything happened so fast, perhaps it would feel that way regardless; no matter how sick he was or how old you were it would always be too soon. Two days before, at 3:14AM Marco called to tell you Pops was gone, and you hadn't shed a single tear. Things had to be done. The boys had to be taken care of.

There was a light snow falling making the night feel quieter.

"Do you want me to put on some music?" Zoro asked softly resting his chin on your head.

You hummed in affirmation and he shifted to get his phone. Since Pops passed away he'd been sleeping in your bed. You didn't want to leave your brothers but Zoro also brought a sense of calm and comfort. He obviously didn't mind the switch in sleeping arrangements. All that mattered at the moment was that you were ok. He was quite concerned that you had yet to cry. The days before you had no problem breaking down once the two of you were alone, but now you just stayed quiet and stared off into space. Perhaps you had exhausted all of your tears, but he had a feeling it was just building.

Soft music filled your room as his arms made their way back around you.

"It's almost three." he murmured.
"I'm not sleepy." you buried your face in his shoulder.
"That's ok. We can just lay here." he rubbed comforting circles on your back, "Do you need anything?"
"This is perfect. Thank you."

After a few quiet moments, someone tapped on your bedroom door.

"Yes?" you called rising from your boyfriend's chest.
The door cracked open as Luffy peeked in, "Can I sleep in here?"
"Of course baby," you answered climbing over Zoro to grab blankets to spread on the carpet. As you were making Luffy's pallet there was another knock.
"Come in."
"Uh...is it ok..." Ace trailed off catching sight of what you were doing.
"Yes Freckles, you'll need more blankets though."

Ace turned to fetch more blankets and bumped into Sabo.

"I'll get pillows." the blond murmured disappearing down the hall.

Ten minutes later all three of your baby brothers were camped out on your bedroom floor. For a moment you worried it would be awkward with Zoro in the bed with you but the only person who seemed to care was you. Besides, it wasn't like he was going to try anything while you were not really emotionally available.

He was really handling this whole situation better than you expected. Normally the beginning stages of a relationship are the most affectionate and yours was spent full of tears and anxiety, none of that being his fault, but he seemed to roll with it all. Zoro, of course, just wanted you to be comfortable and happy if right now things had to feel more platonic then so be it.

You rested your head on his shoulder while you both stared at the ceiling.

"Luffy, get your cold ass feet out of my blanket." Ace muttered kicking the youngest's feet.
"But, you're warm." Luffy kicked back, "I'm wearing socks."
"Stop, you're kicking me, idiots." Sabo grumbled.

In a matter of seconds, a WWE match was taking place in the middle of your room. Instead of scolding them and breaking up their fight you found yourself unable to contain your laughter. Uncontrolled melodic giggles pushed passed your lips eventually stopping your brother's brawl. Zoro turned on his side, your laugh had to be one of the greatest sounds ever created.

He was a bit alarmed to see tears rolling down your cheeks. Your laughter quickly turning into sobs and hiccups. Zoro pulled you into a seated position and held you against his chest.

"It's alright." he murmured against your temple.

Your brothers drooped back, all three feeling guilty for bringing on whatever kind of manic episode you were experiencing. Of course, it wasn't their fault.

"Are you ok?" Sabo questioned once you'd calmed down.
"S-sorry you guys," you mumbled wiping your face with your shirt, "it just reminded me of when you were little."

You turned to see them all watching you with puppy dog eyes.

"I'm not sad... it was just cute, and I couldn't help but think of how Pops would burst in and yell at us for being loud in the middle of the night."
"We were always getting yelled at huh?" Ace rubbed his nape.
"We really were brats though." you chuckled.
"You still are," Zoro added making you pout and push him.
"F/N?" Luffy called quietly.
"Yeah?"
"Would it be ok if you read?"

You smiled at your little brother and turned the lamp on your side table up to the next setting.

"Your book is on the desk."

After handing you the book everyone settled back into their bedding while you sat against Zoro and turned to the first chapter.

_____________

"Goddamnit, does it always take this long for you people to get ready, yoi?" Marco shouted down the hall.

Ace was in the shower, Sabo and Luffy had gone back to their rooms and you and Zoro were getting dressed in yours.

"Yes!" You and Sabo called back.

"Just hurry up. We have a schedule to keep with the funeral home." Marco's voice got further away as he went downstairs.

"You think this is ok? Shouldn't I be wearing black?" Zoro asked buttoning his navy shirt and tucking it into charcoal gray trousers.

"It's fine, Tiger." you were pinning your hair back at your vanity, "You didn't have a black suit anyway, and I think you look nicer in gray."

"I guess that's all that matters then." he flipped his collar up and began tying his tie.

You stood and slipped into the dress you'd picked. It was black with a boat neckline, three-quarter sleeves and an A-line skirt, Pop's had always liked it on you.

"Can you zip me?" you asked turning your back to Zoro who obliged, "How's this? Too much?"

He felt a little bad for all of the thoughts that dress elicited considering the occasion - 'too much' was definitely not one of them.

"Perfect." he finally managed.