Ur Rule Link Is Not Working

A dose of care

Pairing: Law x reader

Summary: You have a habit of forgetting to take your thyroid pill in the mornings, much to Law’s frustration. As a doctor, he knows how important it is, and he makes it his personal mission to ensure you never miss a dose—whether you like it or not."

CW: none, I think

Word count: 400 words

A/N: inspired from my own experiences 💀I always forget to take my thyroid pill

The moment you stir awake in the dim light of the submarine’s cabin, you feel Law’s steady warmth beside you. His arms are wrapped around you, holding you close beneath the blankets. You sigh contentedly, nuzzling into his chest as his fingers gently trace circles on your back.

For a while, there is only the quiet rhythm of your breathing and the soft hum of the ship around you. He presses a sleepy kiss against your forehead, his grip tightening ever so slightly. "Mmm… stay like this a little longer," he murmurs, his voice husky with sleep.

You smile, letting the warmth of his presence lull you into a peaceful haze. Minutes pass in comfortable silence before Law shifts slightly, his fingers idly skimming over your arm. Then, his movements still. His brows furrow as his eyes slowly open, and you can almost see the gears turning in his mind. He stiffens just slightly.

Then, in a low but firm voice, he asks, "Did you take it yet?"

You roll your eyes and snuggle deeper into his chest. "It’s too early for this," you mumble, attempting to evade the question.

His grip tightens. "That’s not an answer."

"I’ll take it later," you huff, trying to shift away, but he doesn’t let you go.

"That’s what you said last time." His tone is strict, his patience thinning. "And the time before that."

You groan, covering your face with your hands. "It’s just one pill. Missing one day won’t kill me."

"That’s not the point." His voice sharpens, and he pulls the blanket down slightly, forcing you to look at him. "I’ve told you before how important it is. You can’t just forget. Your body relies on it."

"I’m not a kid, Law!" you snap, irritation flaring in your chest. "I can handle myself."

His golden eyes darken with frustration, but there’s something else in them, something softer. Concern. "Then prove it," he challenges. "Take it now."

You cross your arms, stubbornly refusing to move. "I’ll do it in a bit."

"No, you’ll do it now." His voice leaves no room for argument. "Or I swear, I’ll get up and shove it in your mouth myself."

You glare at him, but he doesn’t waver. The stare-down lasts a few tense seconds before you groan dramatically. "Fine!" You grab the pill bottle from the bedside table with exaggerated annoyance and pop the pill into your mouth, swallowing it without water just to prove a point.

Law watches you the entire time, only relaxing when he’s sure you’ve taken it. "Good," he murmurs, pulling you back into his arms. "Now you can go back to being a brat under the covers."

You grumble but let yourself be held, secretly enjoying the warmth of his embrace. Even when he’s strict, even when he’s scolding you—he cares. And that makes all the difference.

redraw

BE QUIET BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Zoro + unwanted physical affection

one piece but i hit them with the tbhk beam

me rereading a scene: omg why is she acting like that who wrote this? i wrote this.

1. Re-blogging again bc I can

2. I hate Yasopp

3. Yasopp is one of the worst dad’s in One Piece

4. I hate Yasopp

Yasopp I hope your son puts one between your fucking eyes

my little spin on the iconic delicious in dungeon comic, but with my favorite scene from thriller bark

CLINGY MUCH? | ONE SHOT

Shanks x GN!Reader

Zoro x GN!Reader

Mihawk x GN!Reader

a/n: this js me trying to write ffs, this is experimental and for fun only so expect this ff cringe and oc

tags: sfw, fluff, soft, ooc(?)

masterlist | ko-fi

: 𓏲🐋 ๋࣭  ࣪ ˖✩࿐࿔ 🌊

SHANKS

You were many things aboard the Red Force—calm, sharp-tongued, and painfully unbothered by Shanks’ endless antics.

You were also completely unaware of the fact that the most feared (and flirted-with) captain in the New World couldn’t seem to stop touching you.

Not in a creepy way. Not even in a romantic way… at least, not that you noticed.

He’d toss an arm around your shoulders like it was a habit. Rest his hand on your waist when laughing. Tug you into his side when something “dangerous” happened, like a slightly aggressive breeze or a seagull flying too low.

You just chalked it up to him being Shanks.

Until, one bright morning, the crew decided enough was enough.

It started with Benn Beckman sighing dramatically as he walked onto the deck.

“Do you two need a room or something?”

You blinked from where you stood, arms crossed. “We’re not even doing anything.”

Benn pointed. “His hand has been on your lower back for ten minutes.”

Shanks blinked down at his own hand like it betrayed him. “Huh. Didn’t even notice.”

You raised a brow. “Are you okay? Do you have tactile issues?”

Lucky Roux snorted as he passed by with a turkey leg. “Yeah, it’s called ‘falling for someone and not knowing what to do with your hands.’”

Shanks turned red. You remained… utterly unaffected.

“Touch-starved pirate disease,” Lime Juice muttered, jotting fake notes like a doctor. “Tragic. Symptoms include: prolonged physical contact, excessive grinning, and spontaneous cuddling in public.”

Hongo popped his head out of the crow’s nest. “I saw him brush your hair behind your ear during the storm last week.”

“That was because it got in their face,” Shanks defended.

You nodded. “He didn’t want me to get stabbed by my own bangs. Very heroic.”

“You’re wearing a braid,” Yasopp called from the helm.

A long pause.

“…Okay, I’m not good with excuses,” Shanks muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. His hand bumped yours in the process.

You tilted your head, eyes narrowing. “Captain.”

“Yes?”

“You’re touching me again.”

“...I genuinely didn’t notice DAHAHAHA.”

The crew erupted into laughter.

You blinked slowly and glanced down at your joined hands, then back up at him. “You’ve been holding my hand for a minute now. You good?”

“Maybe.”

You stared.

He stared.

“…You’re kinda warm,” he added, grinning.

“I’m wearing gloves.”

“Exactly. Impressive.”

You didn’t smile, but your voice was flat with dry humor. “You wanna marry me, too? Get it over with?”

Shanks choked. “Whoa—what?”

“You’re already touching me like I’m your lover. Might as well commit.”

The crew howled.

“I’m starting to like them more than you, Cap,” Benn said, lighting a cigar.

“They’ve got more bite,” Lime Juice grinned.

Lucky Roux offered you a celebratory turkey leg like a sword. “You just proposed better than he ever could.”

You calmly took it, giving a single nod. “Thanks. I accept my own proposal.”

Shanks was still frozen. “Wait, are we actually engaged now?”

You took a slow bite of the turkey leg, deadpan. “Keep touching me like that, and you’ll owe me alimony.”

ZORO

You were minding your own business—arms crossed, eyes half-lidded, back leaned slightly against the Sunny’s railing—when a familiar weight thunked into your side.

Again.

You didn’t flinch, didn’t glance, didn’t even blink. Just spoke.

“Zoro.”

“What.”

“You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what.”

“Treating me like a living chair.”

He grunted. “You’re stable. And not annoying.”

“That’s a compliment?” you asked, still deadpan.

“Take it or leave it.”

The crew had noticed. Of course they had. This was the sixth day in a row Zoro had casually latched onto you like a sleepy barnacle.

“Oi, mosshead!” Sanji snapped, appearing from the galley with smoke swirling and a righteous fury in his eyes. “Get off them, you clingy cucumber!”

Zoro cracked open an eye. “Make me.”

“Oh, I will!” Sanji stomped over dramatically. “Y/N-chwaann shouldn’t have to carry your freeloading swordsman body weight! If anyone deserves to be close to them, it’s me!”

You raised an eyebrow. “You literally tripped into my lap yesterday trying to ‘tie your shoe.’ You were barefoot.”

“It was a metaphor!” Sanji cried. “For falling head over heels!”

Zoro scoffed. “That was the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Says the mossy limpet glued to their side like a touchy fungus!”

Zoro didn’t move. “Jealousy’s not a good look, curly.”

“You—!!”

“Guys,” Nami sighed, “can’t we go one day without turning affection into a shouting match?”

Brook leaned on his cane, chuckling. “Yohohoho! Young love… or something!”

Usopp squinted. “Wait. Has Zoro always been this clingy with Y/N?”

Robin smiled mysteriously. “Since thriller bark, at least.”

Franky nodded solemnly. “Saw him fall asleep on their shoulder mid-battle once. SUPER unconscious.”

“I thought he was dead,” Chopper added, horrified. “Turns out he was just really comfy.”

Zoro’s grip on your shoulder tightened very slightly, and you finally glanced sideways at him.

“Do you know you’re this touchy?” you asked.

He looked like he wanted to evaporate into the deck. “I… just don’t mind you being close.”

You blinked slowly. “Is that samurai code for ‘I like you’?”

Sanji audibly gagged. “Oi! Don’t flirt in front of me!”

“We’re not flirting,” you said.

Zoro mumbled, “Might be.”

Sanji died inside.

“Y/N-chwann” he said gravely, dropping to one knee. “I beg of you—pick me instead! I would never lean on you like a sweaty tree log!”

Zoro growled. “Because you’d faint from being close.”

“AT LEAST I’D DIE HANDSOME!”

You looked between the two of them and sighed.

“I just want to drink my tea without being fought over,” you muttered, walking off—Zoro immediately following, like a shadow with swords.

“You’re still touching me,” you noted.

“Didn’t say I’d stop,” he replied casually.

You stopped walking, turned, and looked him square in the eye.

“You’re aware this is very couple-coded, right?”

He blinked, then grunted. “Guess we should make it official then.”

You blinked right back. “That was fast.”

“Why waste time.”

You smirked just a little. “Romantic.”

He shrugged. “You’re warm. And you don’t talk too much.”

“That’s your idea of a proposal?”

“Worked, didn’t it?”

From behind you, Sanji dramatically screamed into the ocean.

MIHAWK

Kuraigana Island was a wasteland of stone, wind, and uncomfortable silences. You didn’t mind. You were the type to thrive in eerie places — quiet, observant, and allergic to nonsense.

Which is probably why Mihawk didn’t bother with small talk.

Or... so you thought.

Lately, the world’s greatest swordsman had developed a habit of materializing wherever you were. You’d be cleaning a blade — and there he was, pouring tea. You’d sit on the crumbling stone wall for some air — and there he’d be, suddenly trimming the overgrown vines right next to you.

At first, you thought it was coincidence.

Until today.

“...You know you don’t have to sharpen every one of my knives,” you said flatly, watching him work silently at the bench beside you.

“I didn’t,” Mihawk replied, still honing the blade. “Only the dull ones.”

You blinked. “That was my butter knife.”

“Then it was very dull.”

From the far side of the ruins, Zoro grunted as he finished a set of squats. “He refilled their canteen twice this morning.”

“Once,” Mihawk corrected, still not looking up.

“Twice,” Zoro insisted. “Once after breakfast. Then again after they just looked at the sink.”

Perona floated down with a snort. “He also folded their coat. While they were still wearing it.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Wait. Is that why my sleeves were shorter for a second?”

“You had a wrinkle.”

“I always have a wrinkle.”

Mihawk looked up with that unreadable expression. “And now you don’t.”

Zoro huffed. “What even is this? He acts like a butler. But like, a scary one.”

Mihawk narrowed his eyes at him. “I’m not a butler.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” Perona muttered, arms crossed. “You fixed the strap on their satchel too.”

Mihawk didn’t respond to that.

Perona raised a brow. “You gonna deny it?”

“No,” Mihawk said coolly, “because it was crooked.”

Zoro leaned against a stone pillar, towel around his neck. “He also moved your seat at the dining table.”

“That was my seat,” you said.

Mihawk finally gave you a long, side glance. “You’ve sat on the left for the past four mornings. I simply ensured it remained consistent.”

You deadpanned. “You rearranged the furniture.”

“Briefly.”

Zoro stared. “And when they tripped over that vine—”

“I cut the vine before they fell,” Mihawk snapped with a tone just shy of defensive.

“Bro. You lunged across the courtyard.”

Mihawk sipped his wine calmly. “It was in the way.”

You raised an eyebrow. “And when you pulled me by the hood into the shade the other day?”

“You were overheating.”

“I wasn’t sweating.”

“You were blinking slowly.”

You stared. “That’s just how I blink.”

There was a long pause.

Then Perona gasped. “Wait, wait — you also fixed the strap on their scabbard!”

“I adjusted it. The weight distribution was uneven.”

Zoro clapped once, grinning. “So you are clingy.”

Mihawk’s eyes narrowed, the glint in them sharp and dangerous. “I am not.”

You leaned your chin on your hand, amused. “Then what would you call this?”

He paused. “Awareness.”

Perona lost it. “You mean hyper-awareness. Of one (1) person.”

Mihawk ignored her. “It’s strategic. I simply ensure you're at your most efficient.”

“That’s not efficiency,” Zoro said, wiping his forehead. “That’s doting.”

Mihawk arched a brow. “You think a swordsman cannot be observant?”

“You folded their laundry in order of fabric weight.”

“They prefer it that way.”

You blinked. “I never said that.”

He side-eyed you, expression cool. “You didn’t need to.”

You blinked again.

Zoro grunted. “You see? He’s acting like we’re all weird for noticing.”

Perona jabbed a finger toward him. “He's totally doing the ‘if I act calm, no one will notice I'm obsessed’ thing.”

Mihawk finally gave a soft, tired sigh — the kind that said you people are exhausting.

Then, turning to you, he asked, “Would you like tea?”

“I haven’t said I was thirsty.”

He didn’t blink. “You will be.”

You stared. “Are you psychic?”

“No,” he said simply. “You’re predictable.”

You squinted. “...That sounds like flirting.”

Mihawk blinked slowly. “I don’t flirt.”

Perona groaned. “OH MY GOD—”

Mihawk stood up, cloak sweeping behind him, expression unreadable as always. He held out the canteen like he’d already won this conversation.

You took it with narrowed eyes, muttering, “Thanks... I guess.”

He nodded, calm as ever. “You’re welcome.”

Zoro crossed his arms. “Still denying it?”

Mihawk looked at all of them — then at you — and with perfect poise said,

“I’m just efficient.”

And with that, he turned and walked away.

You stared after him, took a sip from the canteen, and sighed.

“…Efficiently annoying.”

See-See Fruit |Masterlist|

Roronoa Zoro x Reader, angst, protectiveness, fluff, uncontrollable feelings, mentions of depression, Reader is an empath, swearing, definitely blood and a teensy bit of torture?? Idk, shit went dark. #alittledisturbing

Summary: In a fight, you take a hit for him that leaves you in your most vulnerable state.

A/N: Sorry for not posting for so long, I apologize. Writer’s block has been tough and I’m struggling with medical issues. Dysautonomia?? Screw that. So I thought I’d write something sweet. Also, I’m still figuring out my writing style so—like, some of my fics are shit and some are not so much, so please bare with me. (I will be re-vamping them, but not right now)

Also thank you for the 84 followers! That means a lot >:)

Atleast 2k; and I’m making one of these for the other Straw Hats, but it’s gonna take me some time and I just needed to get this one out.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Roronoa Zoro:

Walking through the woods of another refreshing island, you were welcomed with warmth. Sun shone through the trees, overcasting a soft glow on your face. You were luckily accommodated with little wind as you walked beside your swordsman.

The island was overtaken by nature. Vines, much overgrown, wrapped around every corner—while flowers sprouted from every nick n’ cranny.

Much to your surprise, the woods weren’t dense, they were open with mossy patches and thick trees that extended meters high. The wild-life thrived, and you and Zoro spotted many animals.

Though you’d discouraged him from making them a snack,

“Zoro.” You tugged, pulling him behind a fallen trunk. “It’s too cute to die—eat something else!”

He let out a quiet sigh, begrudgingly sitting beside you. “The shitty cook said to grab food, so that’s exactly what I’m doing.”

“And? Since when do you listen to him?” you whispered, tightening your grip on his haramaki. You kept him close, un-trusting that he wouldn’t turn that cute little deer you saw, into a kabob.

You quietly glared, holding his gaze.

This wasn’t a competition he was gonna win.

He still tried, he really did, but it was a lost cause. He couldn’t beat you on this, and his expression finally cracked. He caved, turning away.

“You can’t save everything, it’s life,“ he grumbled.

“Maybe not, but if I can do something about it I will.”

Curse that stupid look.

Zoro ran a hand down his face, rubbing the bridge of his nose, before looking over his shoulder. He peeked through a disfigured branch to watch the animal tend to some grass.

He hated to admit it, but you were right.

It was kinda cute.

Zoro felt you shift beside him, and he paused looking back. You moved halfway into his lap, resting your knee between his own as you used him as a pillow. He smirked, a little confused by your sudden closeness—but he didn’t complain.

He grabbed your waist, leaning closer.

“What are you—ach-“

You pushed his face away, focusing your attention to the deer and its apparent mother came from a bush. It was at-least three times the size of it’s baby, with a black and bushy white tail.

“Zoro, look!” You smiled, turning his head.

In a soft curse, he muttered your name, grabbing your wrists. He saw the deer, but it was at an awkward angle and he let out a muffled noise of distress. He huffed an annoyed, “woman,” pulling your hands away, but you were far too excited.

“Zoro—“

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” he mumbled, watching you. His eyes followed to your smile, and your fidgety fingers, and he couldn’t help but stare. Zoro took in your sweet features, slowing his hands back to your waist, closing his eyes to relish the moment.

Your swordsman for once relaxed, and you seemed to too, sinking closer. “You still gonna kill it?”

“No, I’ll find something else.” he replied, leaning back.

You hummed in satisfaction, resting your chin on his shoulder as you watched the two deer trail off, enjoying the cozy moment.

It was all perfect.

Until it wasn’t.

A crashed echoed behind you, and Zoro instinctively moved. He pulled you down, using the trunk you’d pestered him for as a shelter, avoiding a narrow blow.

A strange streak of black and blue zapped above you, exploding nearby stone—crippling it to rubble. You went to speak, but Zoro was already reaching for his swords, standing to glare the person down.

“Oi! What the hell was that for!” he snapped, covering you. His sword stretched, flickering to the side to cover your face, glinting just barely in the sun.

You couldn’t believe this was happening.

Soooo—much, for that peaceful moment.

“Yeah—what the fuck gives?” You muttered, grabbing your weapon. “Who are you?” you called, moving to your feet, sidestepping Zoro’s protection.

Silence only emitted, and the masked man remained eerily quiet. He shifted forward, but Zoro’s sword raised and he paused.

“That’s not of your concern.” The man’s voice was smooth, but he seemed transfixed on something—though, you couldn’t tell what.

“The hell it is, you almost hit us!” Zoro pulled his third sword out, placing it in his mouth.

He wasn’t messing around.

“I was aiming for the deer.”

“Bullshit!” You both chimed, and the stranger casually shrugged his shoulder.

He seemed… bland? And you didn’t like that. Neither did Zoro. Because, that meant he was hiding something, and that something could easily give him the upper hand.

Without hesitation, Zoro moved. He wasn’t putting up with this bastard’s bullshit. It was fucking obvious that he aiming for you.

“Ushi Bari,” he spoke, sending a strong attack with his first two swords, then swinging in with his third. The man staggered, defensively blocking Zoro’s weapons with his own.

The dueling blow was close, and he was strong, but he wasn’t stronger.

“Be careful!” You yelled, watching from afar. You watched them exchange blows, feeling useless for not helping—but you knew Zoro could handle it alone.

It was clear he wanted to when he’d just zoomed off, but you couldn’t blame him. He was looking out for you, he always had, and—besides, when he got stubborn like this, he was stubborn.

You sighed, shifting your sword in your hold.

You weren’t fighting, but you could analyze.

This dude obviously had a devil fruit, but of what? He turned trees to mush, and rock to rubble—maybe an acidic specialty? No, that wouldn’t make sense, that’d be a paramecia type, and Zoro had already nicked him.

Searching for an answer, you watched his hands glow with the same blue he’d blasted at you and Zoro from before.

“Zoro get back! He’s gonna use—“ A shockwave of energy followed, but your lover dodged, letting it fly through a row of trees. The unsettled land smudged to the ground, pulsing softly with blues.

“Thanks for the warning.” he huffed, shifting his blade in his mouth.

“Yeah, of course—but watch his hands.” you took a step forward, keeping an eye.

However, the stranger suddenly turned to you, and something uneasy settled in your stomach.

Why were your eyes watering?

Zoro’s eyes narrowed, and he watched you carefully. He looked to the man, following back to you, and questions racked in his mind. Feelings of concern and discomfort twinged, what was he doing?

“I’ll get your bounty first.”

Your eyes widened.

A bounty hunter?

Masses of black charged towards you, and Zoro shouted your name. Your ears rang, and a stillness blinded you. Something settled heavy in your chest, and you just—barely, dodged it.

Debri flew overhead and Zoro called your name again, but you didn’t answer. You were shakily kneeled, struggling to get up.

His attack had clearly affected you—and Zoro was done. He took the initiative to finish this fight before shit went further South.

“Oi, your fights with me!”

•~•~•~•

The forest was ruined now.

Long smoldering sword marks, and devil fruit abilities were etched into the island. Dust rose, and the bounty hunter was still taking Zoro head on. He was using his unkown abilities to his advantage, sending blasts that Zoro had to dodge, because he didn’t know what it’d do if it hit him.

It’d just barely grazed you and you were already fatigued, you looked off—even different. Your eyes were weakly glazed, and your movements were slowed, but you were still you. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but in a way you looked sad, and he hated it. He didn’t know what that bastard did—but he’d put a stop to it. No matter what.

Zoro was filled with determination, but the bounty hunter played dirty. He dangerously sent another attacked towards you before a blistering one to him—and he had to dodge.

“Watch out!”

This was getting ridiculous.

Frustrated and angry—Zoro finally charged.

He found an opening, and he took it.

“Ashura!”

A three headed, six silhouetted figure, appeared behind him. Nine swords lifted, and they came down with a devastating blow, sending your attacker feet in the ground.

He slammed through torn mossy floor, crunching further into the earth—rendering unresponsive. Dust masked your line of vision, but you could faintly make out Zoro who’d been standing somewhat close.

A wobbly smile crossed your face, and you let out a relieved sigh.

He’d won.

“Zoro, you okay?” You rasped, coughing as grime flew into your face. A hand came to your chest, and you shut your eyes to struggle with the burn of the dust. The heaviness that pressured your chest from before, suddenly ached, sending a cold sharp wave throughout your body.

A lightheaded feeling surfaced, and anxiety quickly spread. “Zoro—?”

“I’m here,” he said, gently grabbing your shoulder. “You hurt?”

You shakily shook your head, “No, I’m fine.”

“You?” you muttered, looking him over.

He didn’t seem too bad, but it was clear he had a few spots. Though, you weren’t really any better, you looked exhausted. Your clothes were dirtied, and your cheeks and limbs were scraped from flying scrap.

You were a mess, and you still looked…sad.

Zoro didn’t know how else to describe it, your eyes were soft, as if they were on the verge of tears. It settled an unresolved anger, and he wasn’t sure how to help.

The bastard’s power had affected you one way or another, but he didn’t comment on it. He wouldn’t until you did, because he trusted you to speak up and say something.

“I’ll live.” he replied, stepping closer. His eyes flickered to your torn shirt, and he caught the tremble in your fist as it was placed your heart.

His eyes narrowed.

Was it getting worse?

Zoro rumbled your name, but you didn’t respond.

Your eyes had locked over his shoulder, to the onset black light, flickering in the dust.

He wasn’t down?

A whirring sound hummed across the forest, and on instinct—you acted.

Zoro was a big man, he always had been, but adrenaline made you stronger, even in your weakened state. He sucked in a breath as you pushed him, and in slow mow—it happened.

He was sent back, bracing fallen woodland with you in his arms. Zoro’s mind screamed at him to do something, but he couldn’t. Shock coursed through his veins, and he tightened his grip on you.

He felt wood splinter into his back, but nothing hurt as much as the thought of you sacrificing yourself for him. His consciousness flickered dark, but panic must’ve brought him back, because you were unresponsive in his arms.

He didn’t know how long he’d been out—but it didn’t matter. All the mattered was you.

You’d expect it to happen in a flash, but the trees and leaves were still falling. Everything was going so slow in time. It felt unreal.

Zoro weakly called your name, looking you over—expecting the worst, but you were the same. There wasn’t a blistering mark, or anything? You were just out.

“Fuck, hey, come on,” he shifted you up, kneeling with you close. His voice broke, and it cracked with fear as he cradled your body. Calloused hands found your face and he muttered your name, again, desperately.

Why weren’t you waking up?

A sick laugh echoed from the distance, and he tensed. Realization settled across him, and it was deadly.

Him.

Zoro set you down as if you were glass, brushing any leaves that had fallen on your face.

He was beyond raged.

“Couldn’t dodge that one, could you?”

“Fuck you! What’d you do?” Zoro snapped, standing up. He grabbed his sword, already stalking forward.

And the bastard just smiled.

The fuck did that mean?

Zoro aimed the sword to his throat, but strangely, he didn’t fight back. A whimper sounded close him, and he froze. It wasn’t from the bounty hunter.

Zoro almost dropped his sword.

He quickly breathed your name turning around—though his heart twisted.

You were crying. Hard.

He couldn’t see your face, but your shoulders trembled, and he knew. You were curled on your side, burying yourself in the crook of your arm, sobbing. He fucking forgot where he was, and what he was doing. He felt crushed.

Why were you crying? Were you hurt? You had to be. But you said you were fine?

Zoro was yet again frozen, he’d never felt this fear before. This excruciating guilt, the kind that made your body ache. He’d never hesitated this much in his life—and maybe this was the reason you were hear now.

He couldn’t believe he let this happen. Not to you. Not to anyone. Seconds passed, and he finally brought himself back. Your nails dug into your chest, and another sob broke the silence.

His heart couldn’t take it.

“What, did. You. Do.” Zoro growled, stepping forward.

In milliseconds, the bounty hunter was slammed back. He had no time to react, no time to render anything, just time to experience pure, brute—force, with searing pain.

Though his smile never wavered.

It was weird. It was as if this fucker was feeding of your pain? Of your agony? The first emotion ever showed—was joy, by your suffering?

Un-fucking-forgivable.

Zoro’s hands shook, and his sword swung. The man tilted his head back to avoid the blow, and it shredded the trees behind him.

More leaves fell, and he finally answered.

“Anything I think, she feels. She’s living in whatever illusion I created.”

What?

Zoro’s sword hesitated as it was held high.

What could this bastard, possibly think, that could make you like this? To the point of sobbing? Crying?

Shusui slammed into his leg—eliciting a sharp breath.

“Then, Fix it.”

The bounty hunter laughed, though his pain was obvious, “I’d rather die.”

“Trust me you will.” Zoro sneered, twisting the sword. “I said fucking fix it.”

A strangled noises echoed, and he craned his sword up to his hip. The man gasped, squirming back, but it dug deeper. “You stupid pirate—“

“I’m not repeating myself.”

“Fine!” The sword didn’t let up till it was to his side, but he seemed to finally let you go.

Zoro looked back, and your body had finally stilled, growing quiet. He ripped his sword away, swinging it behind him, not bothering to look back at the scene—and he was next to you in a instant.

His sword was sheathed, and he shook you gently.

“____, come on,” he murmured, wiping your tears.

He felt you stir, and a breath of relief escaped him. Zoro hugged you to his chest, holding the back of your head as he breathed you in.

You weakly croaked his name, and he only held you tighter.

“I’m here, you’re okay.” you were brought up, held protectively in his arms.

“I thought you—“

“I know. Just rest.” he said, “I’m taking you back to the ship.”

“Ship?”

Zoro steps slowed, “yeah, the Sunny.”

“No—the, the Sunny’s gone?” you broke, shakily leaning up. His hand shifted to your back, and he held you tighter.

Your voice seemed so broken.

“____, the Sunny’s here.” He looked you over, and you still seemed so shaken. Your eyes were red, brimming with tears—and he couldn’t care less about the snot.

You were hurt, maybe not as much physically—but mentally, the bounty hunter’s power made you shatter. His heart ached, and he remembered the man’s words.

“Anything I think, she feels.”

Anything. He, thought.

Zoro cursed under his breath, and he set you down onto the mossy floor, making you flinch. His hand steadily came to your back, but you only hugged him tighter. It was clear you didn’t want to let go, scared he might disappear—but he wouldn’t.

He’d stay right beside you, but you needed to come back from whatever hell that bastard created.

He needed you here, and he needed you with him.

Zoro carefully crouched in-front of you, and he shifted back to take your face in his hands.

He looked you in the eyes, and it was clear what he was doing. He was giving you the time to breathe, to realize—it was okay.

You sniffled, letting out a shaky breath, and your grasped his shirt.

“Zoro.”

He didn’t respond, and he didn’t offer you pity—but he did offer you his presence. And that was enough.

“It, it wasn’t real was it?” you voiced, looking up to him, and he only shook his head.

He sighed, brushing away your leftover tears.

“No, everyone’s fine. The Sunny’s docked in the cove, and the crew’s safe.” Zoro grabbed your waist, pulling you closer. “They’re probably waiting for us now.”

He gently brought you in his arms, letting you hug him, waiting for you to be ready. He wasn’t urgent, and he wasn’t rushing. He was careful, and patient.

Your arms encircled around his neck, and you buried your face in his shoulder. A few silent moments passed, and you eventually felt ready. “Then, can we go?”

“Yeah, we can go.” he picked you up, shielding the forest with his shoulder as he brought you through. Zoro wasn’t letting you go for a long time, not even in the safety of the Sunny, or in the infirmary where chopper would treat you.

Today was something he experienced for the first time, and never, I mean never—would he let it happen again.

He would work harder, and he would protect you.