⌕ One Piece: Mugiwaras • Usopp.

how writers feel knowing that they will never be able to read their own work for enjoyment (they wrote it with the intent of making something they haven’t seen before)

sorry to be negative on the dash but..... y'all need to be nicer to fanfic writers. we all know interactions are decreasing, and even during the nine months i've been on here, i've noticed a decrease.

tell writers you like their works. comment on their works, reblog their works.

some of you act so entitled, and idk if you've noticed but you're literally making writers miserable. it makes me so sad to see my mutuals deactivate because the joy of writing has been taken away from them by ungrateful readers who are constantly demanding more, more, more, to the point where people are experiencing burnout and anxiety because they can't keep up with the constant unrealistic demands.

reminder that even though it takes you five minutes to read 1k words it might've taken the writer hours to get the words down, proofread, edit, and make the perfect fic layout.

some of you complain that there are no "good" fics anymore, yet you do nothing for the fandom, do nothing to support writers and just hide behind anon and blank blogs, complaining about every little thing till you've driven all writers off this site.

it's so tiring. please be kinder. we're all trying our best here.

do your ever get excited to see certain mutuals in your notes like yes i pleased the Friend

Death Of Pizzaz |Master-list|

Trafalgar Law x !Fem!Reader, fluffy, spicy, first kiss, yearning Law cause why not, make-out, he's a tease fr, you test his patience, bickering

You have some sharpies to your 'arsenal' and your dear captain is your victim...

•-•-•-•-••-•-•-•-••-•-•-•-•

•-•-•-•-••-•-•-•-••-•-•-•-•

It was creeping into a late evening on the Polar Tang. The crew had tiredly retreated to their rooms after night watch had taken over in navigation. You quietly walked through the halls to your captain's room, surrounded in a dark hue from the seal covered windows and the dark sea. Small circular lights lit up your path, following from the floor to the stairs, overcasting a soft white glow throughout the sub.

You hopped down the final step, gently knocking on Law's door as you couldn't be bored any longer. You had spent an hour trying to fall asleep, but ultimately you gave in and craved the presence of your lover. A muffled "Come in," sounded through the door and you casually strolled in, stuffing your hands in your pockets. An unmistakable clink of sharpies hit against your hands, and you tightened your grip hopefully muffling them.

A little decor couldn't hurt, could it?

Your captain was the unsuspecting victim, as he hadn't taken his attention off the comic he was reading, something he'd have tossed and hidden if it wasn't for your familial gaze. You'd picked up on his nerdy tendencies a long time ago, and Law eventually excepted his fate, giving it up to share with you. His hair was unkept and messy, something you’d come to love along with his flimsy tank, praising the view it gave you.

“What are you doing?” Law asked, reclining silently against the couch. His infamous hat, and sword had rested close by, propped against his desk.

“What I can’t have quality time?” you smiled, feigning absolute innocence as you'd crawled into his lap, soaking up his touch. You always loved these relaxed moments. As it wasn't often he let go, more-overly stressed and constantly planning for the future, he was barely at ease.

But with you in his arms he could make an exception.

He let out a hum in response. "Depends what your after," he mumbled, adjusting himself under your weight, shifting back against the couch's armrest. Law brought his hand to soothingly rub over your shoulder, closing his eyes for needed peace.

You quietly watched as he closed his comic in hand, unknowingly knowing he was listening to your heartbeat, which thudded softly against his upper thigh.

You didn't know it, but your captain tended to listen to your pulse for a sense of comfort, remembering you were there with him: that you were real. That it wasn't some dream, and that he wasn't in some nightmare where you weren't.

He adored when you were like this, needfully resting by his side away from prying eyes—though he'd never admit it. Law would let his guard down with you, settling still in your innocent embrace. He opened his eyes to watch you shift, taking in the way your head gently rested against his hip.

He thought it was a heartfelt gesture really, but when you grabbed his arm and pulled it to your chest he thought otherwise. A soft click emitted, and a cold swipe crossed his skin, leaving him confused.

"What the hell are you doing?" he muttered, quickly pulling away your wrist.

"Nothing, just gimme your arm," you replied, trying to grab it again.

"Seriously? ____ I'm not you're coloring book, no."

"Oh don't be so stuck up, it'll wash off eventually," you stubbornly grabbed his arm again, tracing his tattoos as you ignored him completely. You were off in your own world now, leaving your captain to a very grumpy demise. You didn't pay attention to the way he'd grumble or keep to his lingering gaze.

A few minutes passed and you'd finally fucked up, scribbling over your design, "Okay, that's enough." Law cut sharp to your name, quickly grabbing the pen tossing it aside to his table.

"Really?" he deadpanned, taking in the scribbled pieces.

"What? It'll wash off."

"Yeah, in a few days, it's literally black sharpie you idiot," Law scolded, flicking your forehead with a scoff.

You let out your own huff, shifting in his arms to sit comfortably against him, leaning into his chest. Your head personally thunked against his shoulder, though you eased when his arms wrapped around you again. His lip quirked in amusement as your masked mumbles were only so long-lived.

He often was firm with you. But it could never stay that way. His irritated expression relaxed, and he called your name taking in his scribbled arm.

“You realize these are permanent tattoos, right?” He asked, swiping him thumb across your hip.

"Yeah, I just enhanced em' though." You said absentmindedly.

"I think you should get it re-tattooed like that."

. . .

Law snorted, manhandling you to face him, "I love your artwork and all but I think I'll post-pone that." he remarked, bringing his hands to your sides. You immediately faked a hurt look and he cracked. He couldn't look you straight in the eyes when they grew glossy like that.

“You're serious?" he muttered, swallowing unbelievably hard. You shattered his resolve, and he feared he might not be able to say no.

"You broke my heart Law, I put my soul into that." you said dramatically, seemingly putting an ease to his inner torment, but it only irked him. He flicked you again creating a red spot, and you quietly yelped—covering it.

He really thought you were serious, and he'd been a sucker enough to believe it.

"It just looks better," you retaliated, squirming in his arms as he'd reached a ticklish spot.

"Better? Really? You must've borrowed that soul from one of Bepo's maps then," he snarked, cracking a smile as he'd finally gotten a laugh out of you. He'd come to love that sound the more and more he knew you, every day and every moment he loved to hear it, to see it.

Your chaotic remarks and energy were his livelihood, and he'd at times been too dense to see it. It had taken years before there'd been an ounce of romance in your relationship, and that was after years of trustworthy hardships.

Law had finally backed you off his lap, putting an end to your 'assault,’ which only brought you to hide between his thighs with a muffled "Shut up!"

“Oi, don’t do that,” he stumbled, feeling a pit in his stomach. His arms quickly came up under your's, sliding you upright, which seemed to relieve the strange tension in his stomach. He'd been a fool to say it wasn't a common feeling.

It’d always been a strong feeling, specifically and only for you. And he'd usually been the one to try and ignore it.

He wasn't sexually inclined, as he said he didn't have time for it. It wasn't his main goal, and he didn't have time for that lust and desire—meaning it wasn't his strong suit. You'd been the flirty type in the past, but if he simply wasn't ready—he wasn't ready; and you had never held him to that.

“Don’t what?” you deadpanned, glaring softly.

“Don’t pout,” he sighed, brushing off his blush as he grabbed your chin, tilting your head back. Law couldn’t tell if you were being dense or doing it on purpose. Either way; it was infuriating.

“I’m not.”

"You are," Law interjected, taking in your form atop him. His mind wandered and he knew he was in trouble. Because he knew that no matter what he tried to ignore, he was always wrapped around your pretty little finger. Regardlessly…that's all you were, trouble.

You for once, seemed to quiet. Finally put at a loss for words. Your voice practically died in your throat and you couldn't help but question his intense gaze, you hadn't seen him look at you like that before.

Maybe once or twice but never like that. And it’d always pissed you off when he could put you in your place, before you could even begin to argue.

"I. am. not." you challenged, leaning closer—attempting to hold your ground. But it faltered when he drug his hand to your throat.

“Mm, yeah not anymore,” He whispered, overthrowing your little flirty act with a gentle squeeze your throat. He saw your face light up and he let out a whispery laugh. Law was enjoying himself.

On the other hand, you were internally panicking, opting to lean back, because Law had never been this forward with you. He'd been dense about that kinda thing, but obviously this was not the freaking case.

You swallowed against his hand, leaning back, but his lips caught you before you could own up to it. You heard a groan leave his lips before it swallowed your own, leaving your head spinning. You leaned forward, shifting your hips, and it only encouraged him.

His free hand squeezed your hip, and the hand around your throat tightened, though it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was more like a handle for him to hold. Your breath shuddered, and you forced yourself to breathe through your nose.

He'd caught you off guard and you couldn't seem get a grip.

You finally parted to breathe and his own blush matched your own. He gave a whole lotta' talk and do behind his pose, but deep down he was just as flustered as you.

"Don't be a smart ass," you muttered, bringing his hand away, but it only tightened around your smaller hand.

“Then don’t stick your head where it doesn’t belong.”

. . .

"What?—I didn't--"

"What?" he asked impassively, keeping a firm hold. He shifted causally beneath you and you knew he was doing it on purpose...that sarcastic bastard.

"Don't what me you know what!" you snapped, trying to pull your hands away, but he held on. His smirk grew and your blush heightened.

"What? That you like my hand around your throat? I figured, I didn't know it'd shut you up though." he leaned forward, attempting to whisper in your ear.

"Trafalgar Law!"

14 beers zoro

Franky grabbing Robin in the middle of the battle and kissing her

Robin pulling back smiling "Franky. This is hardly the time t-"

Franky grinning with confidence "What can I say? When I see something worth fighting for, I go all in."

Robin raising an eyebrow "And here I thought you were all about the explosions."

Franky smirked"Well, you’re an explosion I’m happy to get caught in."

zoro pouts in his sleep sometimes but he vehemently denies it even if you have photo evidence. he’ll call you a creep for watching him while he’s asleep and then turn away from you, pulling the covers over his head and grumbling something about sleep away from you from now on.

this is probably so ooc but idgaf cause that’s my baby boy. i’ve also been watching too many videos of mingyu sleeping on tiktok so…

If it's not too much to ask but could you please do a story of only one of the Monster trio like Luffy or Zoro or Sanji? (Or the whole straw hat crew) with a reader whose birthday it is on the same day as a holiday like valentine's day (even though we've already went past it, or it could be any other holiday that you think?) But only her best friend (one of the crew members) remembers her birthday and now the others feel bad, so they decide to throw an "apology birthday party" to make up for it?

Apology Birthday Party

zoro x strawhat!reader

a/n: I hope this is what you wantedddd, let me know if you want it different tho (づ￣ 3￣)づ

words count: 1.3k

tags: sfw, romance, soft zoro, nico robin bff

masterlist || ko-fi

The Sunny is draped in pink and red decorations, hearts scattered across the deck like confetti. Sanji is running around serving chocolates and heart-shaped treats, Nami is counting stacks of berries won from lovestruck islanders, and Luffy is eating whatever he can get his hands on.

It’s Valentine’s Day. And it’s also your birthday.

But no one seems to remember that last part.

You don’t say anything, of course. It’s not like you expect them to throw a big celebration or anything, but a simple “Happy Birthday” would have been nice. Yet, with everyone wrapped up in the holiday of love, your special day is completely overlooked.

Well, almost everyone.

“Here” Robin says, appearing beside you with a small, neatly wrapped box in her hands. She smiles, that knowing glint in her eyes as she hands it over “Happy Birthday.”

Your heart warms “Robin…”

“I know how it feels to be forgotten” she says gently “But you’re not.”

You unwrap the gift to find a delicate bookmark pressed with dried blue forget-me-not flowers. It’s beautiful. And, fitting.

Before you can properly thank her, a loud, boisterous laugh fills the air “Oi, Robin, what’s that? Love letter for y/n?” Luffy grins, oblivious as ever. That, of course, draws the attention of the rest of the crew. Sanji practically skids over, hearts in his eyes.

“A love letter?! From who?! I’ll destroy them—”

Robin sighs, sipping her wine “It’s her birthday present.”

Silence.

Utter, dead silence.

The entire crew stares at you, then at Robin, then back at you again. The color drains from Sanji’s face. Franky’s jaw quite literally drops. Usopp nearly chokes on his own spit. Nami’s eyes widen, and Chopper gasps in horror. Even Luffy, who usually doesn’t have a care in the world, looks like someone just told him there’s no more meat on the ship.

But the worst reaction? Zoro’s.

His eye snap to yours, and you see something flicker behind them, something that looks suspiciously like guilt.

“Wait,” Usopp wheezes, gripping his head like it physically hurts “Today’s your birthday? Like, right now?”

“…Yeah.”

A chorus of expletives follows.

“We’re horrible!” Chopper wails, flopping dramatically onto the deck.

“How could I forget such an important day?!” Sanji cries, dropping to his knees like he’s been personally betrayed.

Robin chuckles into her drink “At least you all realized it before the day ended.”

That kicks everyone into action. Nami immediately starts planning an emergency “Apology Birthday Party” barking orders while Franky dashes off to set up decorations. Luffy insists on getting you the biggest cake possible, while Sanji declares he will cook a full birthday feast worthy of redemption. Usopp starts crafting a birthday gift at lightning speed, while Chopper is still crying about how bad of a friend he is.

In the middle of all the chaos, you catch Zoro watching you. His arms are crossed, his expression unreadable, but there’s tension in his stance. And then, without a word, he turns and disappears below deck.

You don’t see him for the next hour.

By the time he returns, the impromptu party is already in full swing. The crew has somehow managed to pull together a spectacular celebration, with streamers, food, and a birthday banner that is only slightly lopsided. You’re seated at the center, laughing as Luffy shoves an unreasonable amount of cake into his mouth.

Then Zoro drops something onto the table in front of you.

You blink. It’s a small box, wrapped haphazardly, almost like he struggled with it. When you glance up at him, his face is turned away, slightly pink at the tips of his ears.

“Tch. Don’t make a big deal out of it” he mutters, arms crossed.

Curious, you open it and your breath catches.

It’s a charm. A small, silver sword pendant attached to a simple chain. The craftsmanship is rough, but undeniably his.

“…Did you make this?”

Zoro shrugs, still not looking at you “Had some spare materials lying around.”

Your fingers curl around the charm, warmth blooming in your chest “I love it.”

“…Good.” His voice is gruff, but you catch the corner of his lips twitching, just slightly.

The rest of the crew watches with barely concealed interest “Oi, oi, does this mean Zoro is getting all romantic now?” Usopp teases, wiggling his eyebrows.

Zoro immediately glares, hand twitching toward his swords “Say that again and you won’t live to see tomorrow.”

The laughter that follows is the best sound you’ve heard all day.

Maybe your birthday started off forgotten, but as you sit among your chaotic, wonderful crew, a handmade gift resting in your palm, you can’t help but think this turned out to be the best one yet.

The party goes on for hours. Sanji serves an extravagant feast, each dish crafted with your favorites in mind. Luffy challenges you to an eating contest, one you gracefully decline, knowing it’s a lost cause. Nami surprises you with a beautiful set of earrings, and Usopp proudly presents a handcrafted figurine of you in an exaggerated heroic pose.

Franky insists on a dance party, much to your amusement, and even Robin joins in. Chopper, still sniffling, clings to you, vowing to never forget your birthday again.

Through it all, Zoro remains close, never one for loud festivities, but always within reach. Eventually, when the night winds down, you find him on the ship’s upper deck, gazing at the stars.

“Thanks for the necklace” you say, leaning beside him.

He grunts, but doesn’t move away “Yeah.”

A comfortable silence settles between you. The ocean breeze is cool, but standing next to him, you feel warm.

After a moment, he exhales “…Sorry for forgetting.”

You glance at him, surprised by the quiet sincerity in his tone. Smiling, you shake your head “You made up for it.”

He finally looks at you then, and in the soft moonlight, his expression is softer than usual “Good.”

Zoro stays silent for a while, avoiding your gaze, and then adds, "Actually... I had prepared it for Valentine's Day."

For a moment, you remain impassive, smiling at the sea in front of you, but then your brain connects what he said.

You suddenly turn to him and gasp, "Wait, wh...what do you mean?"

He continues to avoid your gaze, trying to look indifferent, but the redness in his ears betrays him "I admit I forgot your birthday, but I didn’t forget Valentine's Day" he says.

You, even more flustered, reply "So it’s true what Luffy told me earlier, that you worked on the necklace for more than a week??"

Zoro shifts uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck. He looks away, clearly embarrassed but trying to act nonchalant "I... I just wanted it to be perfect" he mutters, his voice barely above a whisper.

You blink, still processing the confession. It’s hard to believe this is the same person who usually brushes off any sort of emotional display "Zoro," you start, your voice soft, "You really made all of that... for me?"

He finally looks at you, and for the first time, his usual tough exterior seems to crack. His eyes are slightly hesitant, but there's a genuine warmth there, almost like he’s afraid of your reaction "Yeah, I did. It’s... not much, but I thought you’d like it."

You take a deep breath, your heart racing as everything sinks in. You can’t help but smile "I love it," you say, stepping a little closer "And I... I love that you cared enough to do this."

Zoro looks almost startled by your words, his cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. He clears his throat awkwardly "Well, don’t go getting any ideas... It's not like I’m suddenly a romantic or something."

You laugh, the sound light and genuine "I never said you were. But this is pretty damn romantic, Zoro."

He grumbles but there's a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth "Don’t get used to it."

You both stand there for a moment, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore filling the space between you. It’s not the most conventional confession, but somehow, in that moment, it feels just right.

And just like that, your birthday, and even Valentine's day, is perfect.

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.