You stormed down the porch steps, keys jingling wildly with your rigid movements. As you remotely unlocked the car doors your body was snatched up. In your fit of rage, you didn't hear the screen door slam or your boyfriend calling after you.

"Please let me go." you grit your teeth.
"Not until you cool off." his warm breath visibly puffed passed your cheek as he restrained you from behind.
"Zoro," you wriggled trying to break his hold.

Your arms were pinned at your sides, his grip forced you to drop your keys.

"Who's the tiger?" he asked flaunting his amusement with your aggressive behavior.
"Please? You aren't helping." you went limp and let your dead weight rest against him.
"What will you accomplish in going after Shanks?" He asked calmly.
"I dunno," you groaned, "make him kick Ace out of his stupid fight club? Kill him so there would be no more club?"
"Do you think he'd listen to you if Ace is raking in money for him?"
"No. That's why death is a better option."
He chuckled, "When did this bunny get so vicious?"
"Awe C'mon." you sighed bringing your hands up to grip his forearms.
"What?" he asked innocently.
"You can't say cute things. I'm trying to be mad."

He kissed your neck sending a shiver down your back.

"Let's go for some breakfast, the neighbors are going to start rumors." he placed you back on your feet and bent down for your keys.
"Fine, but I still want to kill that stupid redhead." you pouted.
"Some other time." he opened the passenger door for you.

Ten minutes later you were sliding into your favorite booth at the diner the two of you had visited after your drunken escapade.

"I'm not taking sides," the greenette repeated with his hands raised, "I'm just saying Ace is an adult. There is a better way to go about this."

You had calmed down and now felt a little embarrassed by your outburst at home. It was unlike you to overreact like this, but this situation was a bit on the extreme for you. The entire family was under a lot of stress and you just wanted everyone to be safe and feel loved. Was it too much to ask to keep your younger brother's beautiful face intact?

You sighed.

"I'll talk to Ace then."
"But F/N, you can't stop him." he looked at you sternly, "If this actually helps him you should be supportive."
"Ugh. Yes, yes ok." you covered your face and groaned again, "I can't believe I slapped Marco."
"I don't think he could either." Zoro chuckled cutting through his waffle with a fork, "He was pretty pissed."
"Well, it's not like he didn't hurt me." you pouted rubbing your wrist where Marco's grip had left a faint red mark.

Zoro reached across the table with his palm up gesturing for your hand which you obliged. He rubbed his thumb gently over it before planting a chaste kiss.

"He's lucky he's your brother."

You flushed, though you already knew after the fight with Eustass he meant that.

Me: You are so lucky to be alive rn

Red: well lovely to speak to you F/N
Red: to what do I owe the pleasure?

Me: don't get cheeky with me!

Red: cats out of the bag then?

Me: Yes you ass! You could have told me my brother was over there raking in the cash for you for the last week.

Red: I'm not obligated to be a part of the Newgate sibling drama anymore
Red: besides you would only come down here and hit me
Red: wait
Red: where are you?

Me: you're an idiot. You're also very lucky I have someone holding me back

Red: ah the green haired kid, I didn't know you were into cradle robbing
Red: what do you want me to do? Tell Ace he's banned?

Me: he isn't a kid and shut up, like any of those girls you seduce are even close to your age.
Me: and no. Just... Keep an eye on him?

Red: of course.

You smirked triumphantly at your phone as Shanks apparently gave up the argument.

Zoro had dropped you off so he could go to work, but you hadn't gathered the guts to go inside and face your older brother. Sure, the two of you fought often when you were young and sometimes it did get physical, but in your adult life you hadn't hit each other. You were worried over how angry he would be while he worried over having made you angry enough to slap him.

He knew he shouldn't have been so dismissive with you, you were only concerned for Ace's wellbeing and his careless attitude spurred your aggravation. The blond rubbed his afflicted cheek as he sat in the den. Not only did it physically hurt but it also hurt his feelings. You were his precious sister and though you'd had many childish fights he could see how much pain and anger was behind your glare as you slapped him.

Marco sighed.

"He's moping in the den." Sabo's low voice resonated from the door.
"Aren't you cold?" Al questioned from his left.
"Yeah," you sighed rubbing your hands together, "I just don't know how to face him."
"I'll put some tea on." Al disappeared inside.
"He's been like this since you left." the younger blond moved to your side, "You two have always been this way. Just talk to him, he's afraid he went too far."
"I definitely went too far." You groaned standing up.

Sabo placed both hands on your shoulders and helped guide you through the doorway. Immediately your freezing fingers and toes began to tingle and thaw.

"You'll be fine." he murmured.
"Thanks bumblebee ~" you sang teasingly earning a thump to the back of the head.

Taking a long deep breath, you stepped into the den to find Marco perched on the love seat staring at the window. He didn't move as you sat down next to him and glomped against his shoulder. He let a breath pass through his lips before tugging the rubber band from your hair and tossing it on the floor.

"Hey!" you protested sitting forward and lightly shoving him, "After I gather all my pride to apologize."
"Such a troublesome brat." he muttered while you pulled your hair back into a messy ponytail, "Don't. It's my fault, yoi."
"But I overreacted." you pouted turning back to your brother.
"With good intentions though." he hugged you, "Let's just let it go, ok?"
"You're too soft on me, Pineapple." you sat back and rubbed his cheek.
"I'll get you back, don't worry." he winked.

_______________________________

Zoro: want me to come over?

Me: well, I'll try not to beat anyone up this time
Me: maybe give it an hour?

Zoro: just remember to support him
Zoro: I'll see you soon. You got this.

For the millionth time that day you swallowed your heart and knocked on the wooden door in front of you.

"Ace?"