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#damn my boi zoro can sleep in such chaos
akwolfgrl · 4 months
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Part 18 LFT
Zoro left the box of cat stuff in the boys' room before he headed towards the galley where he knew Sanji was. He had heard the blond singing. He didn't know Sanji could sing… unless you count those sexy moans as singing. The cat was curled around his neck, purring loudly, reminding him of what was at hand now. Zoro thought cats were supposed to be aloof, but this one had walked right up to him and climbed up his leg. The damn thing had rubbed its head against his own before batting at his earrings. Zoro had gotten lucky. He had stumbled into a book store where the lady working there had been of great help. He was nervous. He didn't give people gifts, but he was just following Nami’s advice.
Zoro watched from the galley window as Sanji moved things in his cabinet around. Zoro opened the door and stepped inside.
A mighty tempest grew
The banshee cried "turn back!"
But our resolve was true
And pointed bow ahead and shouted
"We'll break threw"
The jaws of hell can't hold us back
There's nothing that can keep us from The Shadow
Zoro leaned against the wall, his hand coming to scratch the cat perched along his shoulders. He watched and listened as the cook sang a smile upon his face, a new large strange pot sat upon the stove.
“I didn't know you sang, you should do it more often,” Zoro wasn't here to rile him up this time. His voice was softer than normal, trying to prove he wasn’t here to cause chaos.
“Wow! You're back early! I thought for sure you'd be in a bar getting drunk somewhere,” The blond didn't bother turning around, but Zoro could see his ear turn pink. “Ah well, I did grow up with a pirate, Ussop bought it up, and I realized how much I miss singing with everyone,” Curly closed the cabinet gently before turning towards him. With one raised curly brow, he asked, “What's with the cat?”
“He’s for you, I figured since you're busy guarding against Luffy you could use help guarding against the smaller pests,” Zoro reached behind him and slid a hand under the cat's belly, its claws sticking to his shirt. “Oi, will let go of me.” Sanji laughed, Zoro didn't think he had ever heard the other man laugh before he wanted to hear it again. He turned back around and dug through the fridge.
“Need some help Marmio? We had a ship cat on the braite, she used to keep the mice and rats at bay. She had died of old age a week before I met all of you. She would sleep with the old geezer,” Sanji shut the fridge door and turned back around with a small fish in his hand. He made a tounge clicking noise and tapped the counter with his fingers. That cat left him for Sanji. “Here you go kitty,” Sanji knelt down to feed the cat, letting it sniff his fingers before getting a head butt then deciding the fish in his hand was more interesting.
“What were you singing? I never heard that one before,” Zoro asked.
“It's one that Zeff and his crew made up, it's based on a ship they ran across in the grandline, it's a ghost ship with ragged black sails,” Sanji spoke while petting the cat.
“Speaking of the Grand Line… I got you a gift,” Zoro took the book out of his haramaki.
Sanji looked up at him, a blush spreading across his cheeks as he stared at him in confusion. “A gift? A gift for Me? Why would you get me a gift?”
“Because I like you dumbass, why else would I get you a gift? Here take it,” Zoro held out the book. What was wrong with Sanji that he couldn't just accept a gift, was this the first time someone gave him a gift? Blondie finally stood up and took the book from him.
“Gathering in the Grand Line,” Sanji read the title out loud before flipping through the book. “Thank you Zoro.”
“Your welcome Sanji,” he says rubbing the back of his neck a bit flustered.
“I don't feel like a thank you is enough, how about I show you my appreciation instead,” Sanji smirked at him before putting the book down and stepping closer. “I think I should finish that blow job from the other night that you so rudely interrupted~”
***
Zoro stumbled out of the galley, his legs still shaky from Sanji’s blow job skills. They were absolutely repeating that experience at a later time.
“Well I see someone did a good job at gift giving,” Nami was smirking at him from where she sat on the railing, right on Sanji's spot. “Now go take a shower there’s clothes waiting for you on the coach along with roses, I couldn't get Sanji's favorite followers because they only grow in the north sea. You have a reservation at ADKT so hurry up. You are so lucky I'm so nice, Zoro!” Zoro glared at her and resisted the urge to say something back, because she was unfortunately correct. “So what did you even get him?”
“A cat and a book about gathering in the Grand Line,” Zoro wasn't about to admit that he had some help in picking out the gifts.
“A cat? Really?” Nami sighed. “Let me guess he loved both gifts. I guess you're secretly a big softy under that scary muscle mass.”
“Hey!” Zoro complained about being called soft.
“Just a big ole teddy bear,” Nami teased him with a wicked grin. “Does Sanji know what a big ole softy you are?”
“Shut up!” Zoro yelled before stomping away to shower, Namis laughter trailing behind him.
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lunnamars · 4 years
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lunami prompt: during a fight nami is hurt in a "normal" way (like a twisted ankle), idk how to evolve the story but maybe luffy helps her by giving her a piggyride?
Hello, dear anon! Sorry for the delay, but here it comes an oneshot. I hope you like it!
Another ambush, another clashing with the Marines in high seas and another ordinary day for Luffy to come back completely worn out and hurt. Really hurt. Bleeding. And every common human, being in its right mind, would decide to be bandaged and lie down to hopefully sleep and rest. 
However, not Luffy. Never Luffy. The captain is no normal human being, he doesn’t abide by the rules. So instead of being fast asleep in the infirmary, the boy was right in front of her, full of bandages from head to toe, worried because she had a swollen ankle.
A fucking swollen ankle.
Dear God.
Nami sighed and said for the hundredth time, "Luffy, you don’t need to keep carrying me all the time. I said I’m fine."
But the captain was stubborn as a mule. "But Nami~! What if you fall because it’s hurting too much? WHAT IF YOU LOSE YOUR FEET??"
Luffy had a bigger imagination than all of them, but she wondered if he really believed in the nonsense he says sometimes. She grimaced and blinked, "Sometimes… sometimes I don’t know where you get these ideas from."
"You're not a doctor, you idiot. You don't know about these stuff", he gave her his usual childish pout, and Nami could only roll her eyes.
"Yeah, but neither do you. Anyway, stop with the piggyback ride. I can walk on my own."
Nami stood up and started walking away from him when suddenly a sharp pain pulsed on her ankle and she had to lean in the wall next to the stairs. She cursed because it hurt and because she could feel that victory smile on Luffy's face. She didn’t even need to turn around to see his crooked smile and his arched eyebrow. 
The navigator sighed again for the two hundredth time and said with her back still turned, "Go on. Say 'I told you so'."
She stood still, waiting for him to say something or laugh at her, but nothing came. When she least expected, Luffy had scooped her in his arms and glanced at her with a big toothy smile. "Luffy, I told you not to—"
"You told me to stop with the piggyback ride. This is bridal style, Nami. Are you dumb?"
Bridal style?! How the hell he knows this?
"Dumb?! The nerve of you, you rubber man—!", Nami raised her fist to punch his face, but he dodged. Then, out of nowhere, his expression became serious and he whispered.
"You're too proud, Nami. I'm here to help. Don't you know that?"
Nami closed her eyes, inhaled his scent, touched the skin that wasn’t covered by any bandage, and spoke softly, "Luffy. I just twisted my ankle. It's not a big deal. Yes, it hurts when I walk but I want you to rest."
"But I'm worried about you", he whined.
The navigator knew why he was worried — he thought it was his fault that she got hurt. In the middle of all the chaos, Luffy had bumped into her and lost his balance; Nami just did what she could so they wouldn’t fall flat on the ground but in the process, well, she had sprained her ankle. No big deal at all. Why couldn't he understand that? It's nothing compared to the punch in the stomach Luffy received. 
And it angers her to no end this selflessness he has sometimes. He should be in bed, resting, not being restless because of such a foolish thing. So she tried a different and softer approach. 
“Luffy, I'm kinda tired. Wanna lie down with me? Guess Robin wouldn't mind.”
Anyone who would listen to such words would definitely scold her or give her a very disapproving look. An unmarried woman lying with a man? What a sin!
But Nami didn't care. She knew Luffy, she knew he harbored no romantic feelings for her and didn't have a single malicious bone in his body, so she had no reason to feel threatened. Or ashamed. 
“Yeah! Let's go, Nami!”
At the exact moment the words fell out of her mouth, she knew Sanji would be coming in hot, jumping right at Luffy's jugular. 
“You damned rubber man!! How dare you get into the bed of the beautiful Nami-san?!?!!”
Nami already raised her hands to stop him.
“It's alright, Sanji-kun. I'm really tired indeed.”
“But Nami-swaaan, he doesn't need to lie down with you!!”, Sanji whined and pouted. Then he had heart eyes again, “I can go with you!!”
Sometimes Nami didn't know where Sanji got the idea that she'd choose him if he insisted hard and long enough. She thought she was pretty obvious about how she was actually in love with Luffy for quite some time. 
I mean, it's not like she has voiced that, but the navigator thought they'd have understood by now. Robin knew, that Nami was sure, but the crew has never said anything though. 
She wondered if Luffy knew. Nah, probably not. It's not any of his interests.
A pity. She wished it was. 
But no matter. Nami still liked what they had — this strong companionship, the undeniable loyalty, and trust. It was enough. 
(Sometimes it wasn't, to be honest, but that were times when she was just being selfish). 
“Well, but I want him to, but thanks for always worrying, Sanji-kun. C'mon Luffy, I really wanna—”, she stopped mid-sentence the moment she looked at Luffy with raised eyebrows and a gaping mouth. What? Did she say something wrong?
“Luffy?”
“Mhmm, sure, Nami”, he looked away and started walking towards the girl's room, with Nami on his arms. 
She frowned and didn't know why he looked surprised. Maybe I did say something wrong. 
“C'mon Luffy, come to bed”, she sighed and massaged her temples. 
“Ahhh Nami~, I wanna watch more tv~!”, Luffy whined and glared at her. 
“Luffy, come to bed right now. Don't make me go there and drag you by the hair.”
Luffy was right beside her in a lightning speed. 
“Smart decision.”
Nami fetched another pillow, made room for him and covered the both of them. She found a position that wouldn’t hurt her ankle and then, helped Luffy settle down.  
“Nami, why did you say you wanted me to come lie down with you?”, Luffy was looking at her with his funny owlish eyes. 
“Why? Do you have a problem with that?”, he shook his head vigorously, “First it's because you make me feel safe and second because you need to rest, Luffy. You're human, you know?”
The captain nodded and brought Nami closer to his chest. Her heart skipped a beat and she caught her breath. His heart was beating at a regular pace and it was almost lulling her into sleep. 
Nami realized what made her so pissed — she was worried sick about him, worried that someday he could get seriously injured because he was one of the most wanted (and hunted) men in the world and her beloved captain could be taken away from her because he was only human.
“Nami. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not leaving you guys. I'm not leaving you, stupid.”
His tone was final, there was no hint of doubt and it spoke of a promise. If he could keep that, the navigator had no idea, but she chose to believe in him. She had the knowledge that no one in this world is invincible, not even Luffy (or Zoro or Sanji), but she likes to think he was and will continue to be fucking hard to defeat. 
“You know I don't go down that easily, you dumbass. I also have you guys to protect my back, so I'll be fine. We'll be fine”, his voice was low and kind. 
She still finds amazing how Luffy's emotional perception of people around him was always on point. Especially with the crew, especially with her. Somehow, he knew her and knew what she needed. Like he was inside her mind, living in her brain and forever etched in her heart. She was in love with him (there was literally no doubt about that) and in love with their connection. 
“Promise me, Luffy?”
“Yep.”
“How can you be so sure?”, she asked in her sleepy state. 
“Because I wanna come home to you, shishishi.”
Suddenly, she was wide awake and raised her head to meet his eternal happy grin. Gosh, I fucking love you, stupid man in a straw hat. 
She curled up more in his arms and grunted, “You better do, Monkey D. Luffy. Otherwise, I'll kill you myself.”
Nami felt him jerk, probably frightened, and she just smiled in his chest. 
Please, always come home.
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generaldevi · 5 years
Text
Prognosis
Chapter 4: Sun Burn
Rating: Mature
Pairing: Law x Luffy
Characters: Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Monkey D. Luffy, Trafalgar D. Water Law, Usopp, Donquixote Doflamingo (mentioned), Donquixote Rocinante (mentioned, Dr. Kureha (mentioned), Sanji (mentioned)
Warnings: References to Depression, Emotional Manipulation, Emotional Dependency
My part for the @lawlu-events BigBang 2018/19
The story got illustrated by the awesome artist @novicecomics
How was something like that even possible? How long did the other one sleep in the bright sun? Why did his friends not wake him up?
Zorro’s skin was red and raw, and Law was sure, that painful blisters would appear on his chest after a while.
“And… how long did you sleep in the sun? Did you use any kind of sunscreen?” “No. And uh- not long, I just took a short nap” Zorro was confused, what was all this about? Why did Nami insist on sending him to the doctor? Why did Luffy agree on it so quickly? Usually Luffy was more carefree. Zorro could not remember a single time of Luffy agreeing on visiting a doctor without someone being gravely injured or showing clear signs of sickness.
“A short nap?” “Yes, a short nap on the deck of the boat.” Luffy started to giggle. “Short? You fell asleep right after breakfast! You woke up at noon to eat something and drink beer and then continued to sleep! You slept the entire day!”
Luffy exclaimed while wobbling on the chair. It nearly felt, as if it was not possible for him to stay still for a moment. He may be talking to Zorro, but his gaze was fixed on Law. The doctor felt uneasy because of the intense stare.
Zorro noticed. Luffy was eager about something. That behavior clearly indicated, that Luffy wanted something. It had to do with the doctor, otherwise Luffy had let Usopp accompany him to the office, without insisting on going by himself.
“…” Law looked at Zorro with utter disbelieve. This could not be possible. If he did not know it better, he would think the other one had been cooked alive.
“Anyway. I can prescribe you a mild lotion, it will cool the irritated skin and help with the natural skin repair. Please refrain from direct sun in the next days and in general use sun screen to protect yourself. Skin Cancer is one of the aftermaths of repetitive sun burns.”
Law kept the more scientific and medical details to himself. Most people did not care about that anyway.
“Yeah, yeah.” Zorro yawned, while the doctor applied some of the lotion. After the treatment he threw the disposable gloves away, before turning around to watch the two of them. During the entire procedure Law had felt Luffy’s eyes on himself. It was somewhat unnerving. The worst thing was, it did not feel like the other one wanted to control him. Wanted to check, if he was doing everything right. Law felt like Luffy was watching himand not the procedure.
“Okay, I am done, you can-“He hesitated and took a look at his patient again. Snoring?! He was snoring. Why was he sleeping?! How did he-. It had been less than a minute?! Luffy laughed, while examining the expression on Torao’s face. It was always amusing to watch people’s expressions, when they encountered his friends! “He falls asleep easy! Let him nap! Or he will be grumpy!” Luffy got up with a grin on his face, before leaving the room, trailing towards the adjacent room. Torao’s desk was located there, he wanted to take a look around! He was curious!
Law watched Zorro for a moment, before turning towards Luffy, following him. “I guess, he can rest here for a while and later return to you- what are you doing?”
The other one was leaning over his table, examining the things he had on the table. There were not many things, considering that he had to share the work space with the other doctors. The only personal thing decorating the table was a single picture.
It was an old one. It meant a lot to Law.
“You looked as grumpy as child, as you look now! Shishishi” Luffy said with a warm smile. At first, he wanted to take the frame into his hands. He wanted to examine it closer, but he felt instinctively that it was something very dear to Torao. As much as he liked to disregard certain rules… no, this was something personal Torao was not willing to share. Yet.
The desk was neat and clean, entirely different than from the old hag’s desk. A lot of empty bottles had been standing around, random books and scraps of paper. Weird books with disgusting looking skin diseases and other kinds of gross stuff Luffy did not care about.
“I was not grumpy.” Law said with a bitter voice. The picture had been taken shortly after he had been adopted by the Donquixote family. He had hated everyone’s guts back then.
“You were. Look how big your frown is! Even bigger, than earlier, when you saw me again!”
Luffy looked up from the photograph, locked his eyes into Laws.
“Who is that man? Your father?” They looked entire differently, but Bellemere also looked different than Nami and her sister. Family did not mean, that people had to share visual characteristics! Family was much more than blood after all.
“Yes, I mean no, He was-. It does not matter.”
Law did not want to talk about Corazon. As much as he would like to think back about his warmth and love, it always was bound to the feeling of grief and loss. He missed him. It hurt. The logical consequence was not thinking back, trying to push away the thoughts. But then again, was it not something ignorant to do? Not thinking about happy times, because they made him sad? Was that disrespectful?
“It does matter. At least for you” Luffy said, before getting up, walking around the desk and stopping in front of him.
“I am sure he was a good father.” Law frowned, glaring daggers at the smaller one. This brat- he had no idea. Yes. Corazon had been a good father. Law disliked the way the Strawhat just came into his office and started questioning personal things. Law wanted to get rid of him. He wanted to push the other one away, like he always did with potential friends nowadays.
“As soon as your friend wakes up, I will send him back to you.” “Alright!” Law felt uneasy. It was, as if the other one had seen through his façade. Something was there. Something he could not pinpoint.
“Strawhat?”
“Yes, Torao?” Luffy turned around, beaming with a grin on his face. “I do not want to have another appointment with one of your little friends tomorrow.” “Oh! Do not worry! I watch out for my people!”
After the other one had left, Law let himself fall down on his chair. With a sigh he leaned back, sinking deep into the comfortable cushions. And he had thought, that yesterday had been annoying. How naïve he felt now for thinking that. Maybe he should have just taken the weeks of mandatory vacation, instead of this nightmare.
Why did he think, that a cruise ship tour could be enough of a distraction from his problems?! He cursed himself internally, while staring at the wooden picture frame. The frame was burnt in one corner. Corazon’s doing. He smiled for a second, thinking about the incident. Soon his thoughts drifted elsewhere, so he pushed them away. Again and again.
He did not like the Strawhat boy. At first glance the other one seemed rather goofy and moronic. He seemed like one of these people, who caused chaos wherever they went. On the other hand, Law had an uneasy feeling about him in his guts. The way the Strawhat had looked at the picture, the way he had talked to him. Luffy was by no means as dumb as he might appear first. The Strawhat had been quick at coming to a conclusion. His staring and grinning. He had known. But how? Law had always thought he had a rather good poker-face. One of the things you learned in the Donquixote family. Conceal your true feelings, hide your motives, survive. Sometimes, when Law thinks back, he notices more and more, that Cora-san had been the only one being completely honest with him.
If someone like the Strawhat could look through him, who else could see through the façade? Was he overthinking things? God. He felt the dull throbbing of a beginning headache in his skull.
“Damn Strawhat” he murmured to himself, just to hear half a chuckle, half a yawn. Zorro was standing in the doorframe, looking at Law with tired eyes.
“You look done” he murmured before heading towards the door, “Don’t overthink Luffy.” Zorro said before leaving. Apparently Luffy had taken interest on Law. Maybe he could have warned the doctor, then again, he was too tired to think about a proper way to describe a force like Luffy. He should find the others and then continue to nap.
Law looked dumbfounded. What? Apparently, his thoughts were obvious. He sighed and leaned back in his chair. Maybe he should do it like Dr. Kureha and drink away his memories and dark thoughts. It seemed easier than coming to terms with them in a proper and healthy way. Not that his way of dealing with emotional stress was healthy. With a sigh he stopped looking at the picture showing himself sitting on Cora-sans lap. His round face was showing an ugly pout, cheeks red of embarrassment and childish tears swelling up in his eyes.
Law never had liked attention. Neither as kid, nor now. The picture had been taken shortly, after he joined the Donquixote family. Cora-san had wanted to take a picture of them both. Something like father and son. Back then, Law had not been able to accept Cora-san as father. In the beginning he had only seen Cora-san as a weird old man, who took him out of pity from the orphanage. Later he had learned, that it had been Doflamingo’s doing. Pointing out Law’s tragic past and pushing Cora-sans buttons. A promising doctor’s son was a nice addition to his pawnsfamily. Not that Law minded. It was probably the best, that could have happened.
Law sighed at his thoughts and looked down at the frame again. On contrary to his own grumpy expression, Cora-san had grinned widely. One of his huge hands was resting on Laws shoulder, the other pointed towards the camera. As if Law had not known, what to do in such a situation. Cora-san had tried so hard to make him smile. More than once. He had failed. By now Law wished, he had smiled more. For Cora-san sake and maybe for his own.
With a silent sigh he got up and started to clean the desk, as well as the treatment room. It was not his job to clean. They had cleaning staff in charge of disinfecting everything after each treatment. Right now, it was all Law needed. Something to do. Something to keep himself busy. Something to occupy his body and therefore restrict his mind.
His shift would end soon. He wanted nothing more, than to take a few drinks and at least try to get some sleep. His sleep-deprivation also correlated with his mood. The less sleep, the darker and depressed his mood got. One could only work so much, before the body pulled the break and forced one to rest. Stupid damping and calming chemicals released by the body to prevent damage due to sleep-deprivation. It was difficult to fight versus the own hormonal cycle. Power of hormones, synapsis and receptors was too strong.
Law busied himself until Dr. Kureha took the shift over. He did not even listen to her banter about how everything was too clean and why the ship even paid a cleaning staff if Law was doing all by himself. Grumpy old hag. She should stick closer to her wine and let him be by himself.
When Zorro arrived at his friends table, Luffy was shoveling food down his throat and Nami was sipping on a cocktail that looked too fancy to contain enough alcohol for Zorro’s taste.
“Oi. Zorro. Luffy said you were as red as the lobster he ate earlier. Better not nap in the sun tomorrow!” Nami said with a taunting voice. She had warned him, before he had fallen asleep in the sun. The Redhead had even offered him some sun-screen (not for free though).
“Maybe, dunno. Does not matter, will heal.”
Luffy looked at him and nodded before trailing off, gathering more food to devour.
“Luffy found a new victim. Doctor seemed like he is about to lose it. He looked done, when he saw Luffy and me.”
Nami raised one eyebrow. She was not sure if it was really Luffy’s fault this time or if it was the bright red skin colour of Zorro, that had made the doctor wonder. Then again, Luffy’s behavior earlier had been weird. He had listened to her and brought Zorro to the doctor. Without a fuss! That had been surprising…
“How did the doctor look?” Usopp asked, wondering if it was the same one as yesterday.
“Dark hair, darker skin type, some tattoos, tired, grumpy.” “Yeah, sounds accurate.” Usopp thought about the creepy appearance of the doctor. He had not looked like the typical doctor in a white coat with a nice smile! More than the horror movie kind of doctor. He had been nice and competent though, so … Usopp would not complain.
“Luffy mentioned, that he invited him for barbeque today, but the doctor declined.” Nami looked at her two friends, before smiling cat-like. “Who wants to bet? The doctor will join us for dinner at least once before the cruise-trip ends?” Silence.
They all knew, what was going to happen.
“Oh, c’mon” Nami sighed, leaning back. Maybe this had been a little bit too obvious? After it was sure, that none of the boys wanted to bet with her, she looked around. Maybe she should go to the casino-room and play a bit for money. She had never been a gambling person, at least not at something that was truly luck based. But some games could be either won by strategy or by distracting the other players. Most people playing here were elder men. It was easy for her to distract those! “I am going to earn a bit of money. Anyone of you wants to join? Or will you stay here?” She asked, before something caught her interest. Nami raised one eyebrow. Luffy stood in the middle of the way leading towards the dining area. He had a huge, overfilled plate in his one hand, while he stuffed his face with the other. So far, nothing unusual.  
Luffy was watching someone. When Nami followed Luffy’s gaze, she noticed a dark-haired man. Was that the doctor? Apparently. His clothes seemed rather pricey, fitting for a well-earning doctor. Tight fitting black jeans and a blue-ish Hoodie with some fur or feathers around the upper part. It looked, like there was a yellow sign or symbol on the Hoodie? She could not make out any details because of the distance towards him. The most interesting part about the doctor had nothing to do with his looks. It was Luffy’s interest in him. By now she had learned, that if Luffy was interested in someone, that person had something special to them.
“You know what guys? I rather stay with you then play with some old geezers some card games.”
She was curious about the doctor and Luffy’s interest towards him.
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shikkearu · 6 years
Text
Irreplaceable Part 4: Memories of better times
https://www.wattpad.com/539580061-irreplaceable-part-4-memories-of-better-times
The morning light was shining softly through the cream white curtains. It was going to be a lazy day. He was laying on the bed with his chest bare, enjoying the small weight on top of him. His little Zoro finally at home. Perona walked into the room wearing only a loosely buttoned white dress shirt. Everything was soft, white and clean.
No rush, just this room and them.
- ”My perfect little wife, come here.” He reached out and gave her a beaming smile. She laughed softly. The light hit her hair making it glow golden. - ”Good morning,” she said before sitting next to the two. He caressed her cheek. - ”You're so beautiful. I love you.” She smiled warmly and turned towards Zoro. - ”Horo horo. I'm sorry, but I love only Zoro now.” She planted small kisses on Zoros back and head. He curled his tiny fingers in his sleep. - ”My cheeky ghost girl,” he chuckled making his chest shudder. Zoro woke up and started whining. Perona gently picked him up to her chest. Freed of Zoro, he rose up and leaned against her back and looked as she tried to feed their baby. - ”Doing well?” - ”Not quite, but we're getting better.” He was proud of her for not giving up. She nearly did at the beginning. Thankfully the nurses back at the hospital knew just the right words. He smoothed the small tufts of hair on Zoros head.
- ”My beautiful wife and son. I will love you forever.”
Perona woke up with tears on her cheeks. She was curled on his childhood bed, holding his white shirt that had lost his scent a long time ago. She rose up slowly and blinked. It was afternoon already. She saw a note next to her cellphone.
“Grocery shopping with Zoro. You looked so peaceful sleeping so I didn't wake you up. Will be back by four. Please call if you need anything.“
She neatly folded the shirt putting it back where she got it. She hurried downstairs. There wasn't much time to check if she wanted them to buy something while in store. On the way something caught her eye. The door to study was left open. A temptation too great to resist for a nosy girl like her.
It was clear that this room hadn't been saved from renovation. Hastily packed boxes full of books waiting to be shelved again. Carpet was rolled and leaning against the wall. Wine bottles, some empty, most were full. It was a controlled chaos. She went by the desk. It was covered with files and papers from his work.
- ”Tsk! Very careless, mr. Dracule.”
Behind a stack of papers were three frames. She took a closer look. There was a small faded photo of young Mihawk holding a tiny baby in his arms. He was dead tired sitting on the swing. Yet he was still somehow beaming with happiness, a stark contrast to the gloomy man he was now. Second photo which was the largest, was of his son holding a massive cabbagehead, though it was hard to tell it's true size when only comparison point was a scrawny ten-year-old boy. Third photo she recognized instantly. It was one of their wedding photos. Her new husband held her by the waist trying to steal a kiss, but she had leaned lower and lower while holding his neck. Just after taking the shot, they had both toppled over. He had buried his face in her breasts and laughed so loudly it hurt her ears. She had called him a pervert and he had responded with a sneer:
- ”Can't wait for the honeymoon, dear!”
She took the photo as tears rolled down her face. He had been so handsome. She wished she could go back in time. Three years before he had asked her to marry him, two years married just the two of them and the last year full of joy with their little boy. Those six years over and over in an endless loop.
A car drove to the yard. Mihawk and Zoro were back. Hastily she put down the photo and ran out the room, leaving the door the way it had been before. She was by the front door cheerfully welcoming them back.
- ”Have you been crying?” Damn, he was sharp. - ”Little bit, but it was during my sleep. I just woke up.” - ”What did you dream of?” Mihawk raised one brow. He could tell that she was lying. - ”I can't quite remember. It had him in it, I think.” Cue for Mihawk to stop questioning. ”How's my little man? Did you enjoy your little trip?” She took Zoro from him. Zoro started babbling. The way he was doing it indicated that he would say his first word soon. An idea that made her happy and sad at the same time.
- ”Oh? Is that so? Tell me more.”
He looked at the door to his study. Open. He never left it open. Though it now made sense that she had lied. He looked around to see if she had touched something. Everything seemed the same. He looked at the frames. The wedding photo was clearly visible. He quickly hid it away so that only the top of the frame showed. He couldn't bear to look at them nor put away.
In the kitchen Perona was preparing food. It was spaghetti and meatballs. As simple as it could get. Still something smelled burnt.
- ”I'm better at making sweets” she lamented. - ”I noticed the door to my study was open.” She stiffened as if a chill had gone through her. Clearly she had been there. He didn't really mind it, but he wanted her honesty. - ”Have you been to the study?” A long silence fell. She was getting nervous. - ”Umm...” He went a bit closer and crossed his arms. This was getting entertaining. - ”A photo had been moved. ” She opened her mouth as to say something, but instead stirred the sauce a bit faster. - ”I was hoping it was you and not burglars.” - ”Uh! I-” - ”Yes? I really wouldn't want to upgrade the security.” - ”I want to go to the apartment tomorrow.”
He was shocked. Playtime was over.
- ”I think it's time, don't you?”
He nodded in agreement.
It was.
They hadn't taken much with them yet. Just Zoros travel bag and paper to make notes. They weren't going to stay there for long. Just enough time to list what furniture was going to be sold, photo those and to figure out what they needed for packing.
On the yard Zoro became alert. At every noise he would quickly turn and look. - ”Are you scared, Zoro?” Perona asked him. No answer. She petted his back and he relaxed a bit.
At the door she hesitated. - ”I can open it for you,” Mihawk said. - ”Thank you.” She was so thankful that he was there.
It was cold and dark inside. Perona was filled with sadness. She set Zoro down, but before she could take off his shoes he dashed off. He ran and crawled excited from one room to the next. At every door he cried out:
- ”Dada!”
Perona and Mihawk watched in horror as desperation started to settle in Zoro's face. One final time he cried out for his father before looking at his mother with pleading eyes. Perona couldn't take it. She fell on her knees sobbing uncontrollably. Mihawk didn't know who to comfort first. The moments devastation was too much even for him. Finally Perona forced herself to crawl to Zoro and hold him as they both cried.
- ”I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.” She kept repeating with a broken voice.
Mihawk was pale as a sheet and loathed himself for being so helpless. He gathered his strength and with shaky hands he helped Perona up. They were soon back in the car. Mihawk made sure Zoro was well in his seat. Still crying, but safe. Perona had stopped crying and was rubbing Zoros belly while whispering something soothing. But when Mihawk looked at her face, her eyes were empty and devoid of emotion.
He sighed and opened his phone.
It was dark when they got to their destination. Zoro had cried himself to sleep and Perona was looking out the window, still numb. They got out of the car and a figure was waiting for them.
Peronas eyes widened and she cried out:
- ”Dad!” before dashing to Moria who took her into a warm embrace.
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