This wasn't the first time for you to spend the night in Law's room, but it was the first time you were aware of your surroundings. That was following a panic attack that left you frazzled and exhausted. Now you were completely awake taking in the room while he pulled his shirt off and redistributed the pillows on the bed.
His room was tidy, very minimally decorated with more modern neutrally colored furniture. Sleek black night tables flanked the dark queen sized bed. The lamp on the left side was set on the lowest setting filling the room with a soft warm golden light. It smelled like him - warm woodsy rosemary with a very light touch of lavender.
"There," he murmured, turning the sheets and comforter down.
Your stomach flipped as you moved forward and crawled into the bed facing his side. He turned off the lamp and joined you while your eyes adjusted to the lack of light. You weren't sure what to expect - he didn't make any attempt to touch or cuddle you.
Settling into the mattress he slipped his arm under his pillows and yawned, "What time are we leaving in the morning?"
"I'd like to get to the shop no later than ten. Zoro and Robin will meet us there." you fiddled with the corner of your pillow.
He looked at you very seriously for a moment, "Are you sure you still want me to go? Wasn't it bad luck?"
A small smile tugged at your lips, "I didn't know you were superstitious."
His eyes widened and he quickly blinked, "I wouldn't go that far."
"Sure," you chuckled, "I think like ten generations back it was an old wives tale or something. But now, from what I've seen with my friends and my catering, it's pretty common practice now for the groom to come along. Unless you don't want to come."
He frowned, "I didn't say that. If you want me there then I'm there."
"Good." you yawned.
"Let's get some rest then." Law watched you close your eyes and hum in affirmation.
He didn't know what possessed him to ask you to stay in his room. Maybe it was this, how peaceful you looked all snuggled up in his pillows. Just like you had been when you dozed off on him in the living room. The soft rhythm of your breathing somehow brought him comfort. He was able to relax in a way he hadn't in a very long time.
Sleep wasn't something Law found easily. There was always stress, always work, always memories that tugged him in all directions. Survivor's guilt ate at him most nights.
Where would his sister be?
Would his parents be proud of him?
Would they like you?
How did he feel about you?
"Law." you murmured not bothering to open your eyes.
"Hmm?"
"Quit staring and go to sleep." there was a playful edge to your tone.
“Shh.” he quickly replied before closing his eyes and sighing quietly.
When he woke the room was still and far too quiet. The space you'd warmed next to him was cold and empty. Sitting up, Law stretched and rubbed his face. For the first time in years he felt well rested. His jaw and shoulders were relaxed. He'd slept deeply through a dreamless night.
The scent of coffee began to filter in as he stood to begin his morning routine. Once finished, he stepped out of his room to meet you in the kitchen. When Law entered you were still in your pajamas with a long knit cardigan that was a couple of sizes too large for you slouched over your shoulders. An easy smile curved his lips as he watched you hum and move around the kitchen.
“Morning,”
His voice sent static straight up your spine drawing out a small gasp.
“I didn't hear you come in.” you turned hoping your face didn't look as hot as it felt.
“Sorry,” he murmured, glancing away briefly, “next time I'll announce myself from the other room.”
“Don't be ridiculous,” you handed him his favorite mug with fresh coffee, “I'd just be startled sooner.”
“Suit yourself then.” he chuckled softly, “What are you doing up so early anyway?”
“I thought we should eat a little before we left. I don't know how long this will take.” you moved around him to plate some eggs and sausages.
“We can have lunch after if you want.” he waited for you to sit before sitting himself.
It hit you that though at this point you had shared plenty of meals together at the bakery and at home, you'd not had a proper date. A hint of nervous energy swirled through your chest.
Breakfast continued with small talk about what the day might bring. Before you knew it you were pulling up to the dress shop.
Robin was already seated on a plush deep purple sofa situated in the corner of the sales floor. Your cousin sat unamused in a small black armchair nearby.
“You're surprisingly early.” you prodded his shoulder.
“Robin picked me up.” he muttered, cutting his eye at you.
“You would've gotten lost.” she smiled as a small vein popped out of Zoro's temple.
“I know where the shop is.”
“Yes,” she chuckled, “but getting to it is the problem.”
“Awe Mossy, don't be so grumpy.”
Law stood patiently behind you taking in all of the dresses on display while you helped your friend tease your cousin. The store wasn't very large but the floor was spacious enough. There were two short circular pedestals in opposite corners with seating for family and friends. A hallway led to another room in the back of the store; he assumed the dressing area. The walls were lined with dresses in all variants of white, ivory and cream - there were even red, black and more adventurous colors. He stepped to the side to get a closer look at one that caught his eye. Layered ivory chiffon with a white floral lace pattern.
Your hands on his right forearm brought his slate gaze forward again.
“Robin, this is Law.”
“Doctor,” she reached out to shake his hand.
“Just Law is fine.” he politely corrected.
An older tall slim man with dark hair entered flashing a bright smile. He wore a black suit that was perfectly tailored to him with a lavender tie.
“I'm Randy, you must be F/N.” he held out his right hand to greet you, “I'll be taking care of you this morning. Is this your fiance?”
“Yes,” you nodded, “that's Law and this is my friend Robin and my cousin Zoro.”
“Can I get you all anything before we get started? Coffee? Tea? Champagne?” Randy offered after properly greeting everyone.
“Champagne.” Zoro said, sitting forward.
“It's barely 10AM.” you nudged him.
“I'm not driving.” he retorted.
After getting settled Randy escorted you to the dressing room where a female staff member dressed in all black waited. Her dark hair was pulled up into a neat bun. She smiled pleasantly as you approached and handed you the white satin robe she was holding.
“I'm Genevieve, I'll be helping you get in and out of the dresses.”
“Nice to meet you.” you replied feeling a little awkward and out of your element.
“We've pulled eight dresses based on your preferences. Of course we can add more or take a few out as you'd like.” Randy motioned to a rack of dresses parked near the dressing room door.
“Ah, yeah eight seems like a lot.” you chewed on the inside of your bottom lip.
“You'd be surprised.” Genevieve chuckled, “Should we get started?”
They left you alone to change into the robe provided and any shape wear you thought you'd be wearing for your wedding. Once you were ready Genevieve entered and helped you step into and zip the first dress.
This one wasn't anything special. A basic off-white satin ball gown with a boat neckline and fitted sleeves down to the elbow. The fabric on the bodice was layered at a diagonal. You looked at yourself in the mirror and hummed. It was already out of the ordinary for you to be in a dress. Skirts and dresses weren't permitted in the kitchen. But this particular dress, though it was beautiful, didn't suit you.
Randy brought you out onto the sales floor and helped you stand on the pedestal facing another large mirror with Law, Robin and Zoro behind you.
“It's beautiful.” Robin complimented, “What do you think?”
“I'm not sure.” you ran your fingers over the bodice and examined yourself in the mirror.
Law hadn't understood what was so important about picking out a dress you would wear one time. It was just a dress. Then he saw you walk out in one. Everything that he'd admired about you was amplified.
Your eyes met in the reflection before you.
“What do you think?”
His gaze stayed locked on yours, “It's a nice dress, but I don't think you like it. That's what's more important right?”
A small smile tugged the corners of your lips appreciating his observation.
“You're right, it's not the one.” you turned lifting the skirt to step down as Randy offered his left arm.
Nearly forty minutes and five dresses later you stood in front of the group in a champagne colored chiffon dress with a plunging neckline and a slit clear up to your right hip. It was covered in gold, silver and bronze stars. You fiddled with one of the appliques, frustrated that a dress purchase was starting to stress you out. Taking them off, putting them on, being on display and talking about the pros and cons of a garment - it was absolutely exhausting.
“It's certainly a party dress.” Robin commented.
“She's not a party girl.” Zoro countered, “Not that it looks bad.”
Law remained quiet watching your body language for a moment. You clearly weren't happy with the selection. Not that the dress didn't look amazing on you, it did. The cut accentuated your curves and the color highlighted your skin tone. This one was just not for the intended occasion.
“F/N-ya,” he called softly as you looked over your shoulder, “should we take a short break?”
“It's ok, I still have a few more and I don't want to keep anyone longer than necessary.” you answered, forcing a smile.
“This sucks,” you muttered as Genevieve helped you out of the starry number, “how do people do this all day?”
“I think the majority share your sentiment.” she chuckled and stepped out to get the next dress.
You tied your robe and took a few deep breaths. Initially you'd thought this would be a fun experience. It always seemed that way with your friends and portrayed in media. No one told you it would be tiring and hot, not to mention you weren't having any magical connections with these dresses. How were you supposed to know which was the one? You had also never planned to have this experience. Life with Marco wasn't going to bring you here.
How fucking weird that a few months ago you didn't even know Law.
Genevieve knocked as you felt your hands begin to shake.
“Can I have a moment please?” you murmured wishing there was a place to sit.
The door opened anyway.
“Can I…” the words died on your tongue as your fiance stepped into the room with a white garment bag.
“Sorry, you were getting a little pale out there.” he hung the bag on the back of the door.
“It's just a bit more stressful than I expected.” you sighed, “What's that?”
“The next dress, if you want to keep going.” he stepped closer to you, placing his right hand over your forehead.
“One more shouldn't kill me.” you watched his eyes examine you as he'd switched into doctor mode.
“As long as you feel well enough to continue.” His hand moved down brushing over your jaw.
The air in the room shifted. It seemed heavy with tension - but not in a way you'd felt with Law. The look in his eye was of genuine concern, but there was something else there pulling you in.
“I-I’m ok.” you said softly.
“I'll be waiting out there then.” In a very natural motion he leaned forward and brushed his lips over your forehead.
Your heart leapt out of your body while a pleasant heat tingled where his lips had touched. His warmth was gone quickly, followed by the click of the door closing. The moment lasted seconds, if even that and you wanted more.
You. Wanted. More.
There was a jarring wrap on the door before Genevieve stepped in dispelling the transe you were in.
“This next one is gorgeous, I think you'll really love it.” she unzipped the bag, “Your groom picked it.”
The bright smile on your face as you stepped onto the sales floor said it all.
Ivory chiffon embraced your torso and hips, drifting down into a small train behind you. It fit like a dream and the white lace pattern that decorated it reminded you of the delicate design you'd used for the cake Law picked for your reception.
This was THE dress.