Al had arrived by the time you were dressed and was standing in the living room tying Sabo's tie when you came downstairs. Zoro followed you and took a seat on the sofa.

"Marco is seething outside." your younger brother said before thanking his girlfriend and kissing her forehead.

Without a word you slipped into your coat and stepped out to find the older blond leaning against the rail lighting a fresh cigarette. Calmly you walked toward him and flicked it from his lips into the snow.

"What the fuck, F/N?" his sleepy sapphires met your gaze.
"I'm not letting you smoke anymore. We all know what happens."
He frowned at you, "I don't need you telling me what to do."
"Well, I'm not letting anyone else in this family ... " you trailed off realizing bringing up death right now probably wouldn't end well.
"Is that why Thatch quit?"

You nodded.

"That weakling could never say no to you." he grumbled pocketing the lighter, "Is everyone ready yet?"
"Ace is the last to get dressed he should be down soon."
"Thatch went early to make sure the flower arrangements are set up. I think he just wants to be alone, yoi."
"We'll let him have his time then. He had Pops much longer than we did." you murmured.
"You think we'll be ok?"

His question surprised you. Marco rarely showed weakness and even more rarely doubted Pops or the family.

You looped your arms around his torso, "Of course, Jozu, Vista, and Izo are holding the company down while we take care of things here. The boys just need their time and so do we."
"You sound so sure," he rumbled.
"I have to be." you stepped back.

The screen door opened as Al, Sabo, and Zoro walked out. Al pulled you into a hug and rubbed your back without saying anything, she didn't have to. After receiving her silent condolences she moved on to Marco with tears streaming down her adorable face.

"You guys can ride with us." Sabo cleared his throat, clearly touched by his girlfriend's display of emotions for your father.
"Is Ace ready yet?" Marco asked awkwardly patting Al's back as she stepped back.

On cue Ace and Luffy stepped out dressed in black suits the youngest wrapping a red scarf around his neck. Ace's eyes were red and puffy, and you noted a bandage wrapped around his right knuckles that hadn't been there last night. Before you could say anything Zoro's warm hand tipped your chin drawing your attention back to him. He quietly searched your face, silently asking if you were ok. You offered him a soft smile as he tugged the hood of your coat up to protect your hair from the falling snow.

"Ace, Luffy, you're with me, yoi." Marco announced leading the way off the porch.

Al and Sabo walked closely together to his car while Zoro took your hand and followed. It was a quiet drive to the funeral home. Anxiety began to twist through your gut as you entered the building and were ushered back to the room where the open casket memorial would be held.

Thatch met you in the doorway with tired misty eyes. His long brunette tresses pulled halfway up into a ponytail.

"You don't have to go to the casket if you aren't comfortable." he murmured into your hair as you hugged him.

Open casket funerals always bothered you. You had attended a few for distant relatives and Pops would let you sit in the back, so you didn't have to see the person inside. People told you it would be different for someone you loved or were very close to but at this moment you didn't think you could do it.

The night Pops passed you stayed outside in the hallway while your brothers took their time with him. The moments that afternoon cuddled up to his warmth while you watched TV and teased each other were your preferred final memories. It was going to take a lot of strength just to sit in the front pew as people shared their stories.

You nodded and squeezed your eldest brother before stepping back to glance over the flower arrangements and photos decorating the doorway.

"You did a lovely job Thatchy."

He smiled and kissed your forehead before moving to greet the rest of the group.

"Thanks for being here for her." you heard Thatch say as he shook Zoro's hand.

The greenette nodded adding a gentle pat to Thatch's shoulder, "For you guys too. Whatever you need."

More people began to arrive, hug you and shake your hand.

Zoro watched closely as Shanks pulled you into a tight hug.

"We didn't always get along, but your dad was a great man."
"Thanks." you breathed.
"Let me know if you guys need anything." the redhead advised feeling your boyfriend's gaze and stepping back.
"We will. Luffy is over in the corner with Nami, make sure you go talk to him," you replied taking Zoro's hand as he offered it.

Shanks glanced down to your laced fingers and nodded before making his way to the youngest.

When the service finally started you sat in the front choking back sobs while your boyfriend and older brother took turns comforting you. Marco didn't cry once, not even when he got up and told the story of your adoption, which you were supposed to do together. For you, it was just too hard. Occasionally Sabo would reach over and rub your shoulder, while Ace and Luffy shared concerned glances.

After Marco finished speaking everyone was dismissed to caravan to the cemetery for the burial. It was snowing harder so not many people followed.

Your brothers carried Pops to his final resting place where you each placed a white rose and in your case also a kiss upon the now-closed casket before it was lowered into the earth.

"I don't think I have anymore tears left in me." you rested your head on Zoro's shoulder and stared up at the cloudy sky from the bed of his truck.

"You might've dehydrated yourself." Zoro quietly joked snuggling into your side to keep warm.

"Probably." you chuckled, "Are you cold, Tiger?"

"I'm fine," he murmured, "just let me know when you're ready to go back."