😅

😰

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You let out a tired sigh as you gazed at the scene before you.

"So let me get this straight... the fight's already over?" You asked.

"Calling it a fight is quite generous" one drunk man chuckled.

"Those guys didn't even stand a chance" another one chimed before taking another drink.

'This is not what I was told' You thought, turning to Briggs who was still trying to catch his breath.

The poor guy had run to your house in a panic to inform you that Zoro was picked on for a fight. He was outnumbered and probably being beaten up as they speak. He then ran back to the bar with you only to find a whole different predicament.

"So how did this happen?" You gestured to Zoro, who was currently stuck at the bottom of a well.

"Are the details really necessary! Just hurry up and get me out off here!" Zoro's voice echoed.

"The details will probably determine whether I help pull you out or not!" Briggs fumed.

You looked around at the people lying unconscious on the floor. Other than a few heavy bruises, they all seemed fine.

'He must've held back, he only used the back of his swords' you observed.

"The moss ball was amazing!" Another man chuckled. "Don't know what started the fight but he just told them to lead the way. He followed those guys outside into an open area and BAM! destroyed them. After that, he seemed a bit confused, started walking around for a bit until he decided to sit down. Unfortunately, he sat down on the weak wall of the well and just fell right in"

'So he got lost and fell... It's way too early in the morning to be dealing with this right now' you groaned as you walked over to the well.

"Zoro are you in a position to hold onto rope?" You called.

"Yeah" his voice echoed up.

"Alright then, get ready to grab it when it falls" you replied. "Briggs, can you help me get him out please?" You pleaded.

"Yeah yeah I'm on it!" He grumbled as he walked away to get some rope from the bar.

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With a lot of help, you managed to organize a bunch of tipsy men to pull Zoro out of the well. Another thing to add to your regime. Whilst they were doing that you were also able to help the unconscious men with their bruises. They were out cold but when they woke up their headaches would be tolerable. Eventually, they all managed to pull Zoro out of the well, causing cheers to go up.

"Let's go and drink to celebrate!" One cheered and they all stumbled back to the bar.

'I'm concerned. These men are much older than me but they act like toddlers' you shook your head at them.

"I'm gonna call it a night (Y/n)" Briggs patted your head. "You gonna be able to manage him?" He jabbed a thumb at Zoro, clearly still upset about the fact he was in a panic over nothing.

You glanced over at Zoro who was waiting patiently against a tree. He hadn't said much since he got out of the well. A few thank yous, but that was it. He'd sustained a few cuts and bruises during his fall but it wasn't anything too severe. Currently, he was watching you from a distance seeming too uncomfortable to approach.

"I'll be fine Briggs, Thank you so much for your help" you patted the hand on your head and he gave you a small nod and left.

Zoro visibly flinched when he saw you making your way over. He probably expected you to chew him out, maybe even kick him out and send him to sunny for causing so much trouble. So you can only imagine his surprise when you outstretched your hand to him and offered a tired smile.

"Ready to go home?" You asked.

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The entire walk back was completely silent. Zoro read your silence as annoyance, maybe even disappointment and as such, he thought it best to stay quiet. For most of the walk he was either rubbing the back of his neck or glancing at you, trying to gauge your pent up anger. You unlocked the door to your house and walked in. Everything, and everyone, was exactly where you'd left them.

"Sit" you ordered, as you made your way into the kitchen.

Zoro obediently followed your instructions and sat across from where Sanji was snoring away happily. You promptly returned with a box and hand rags. Once everything was in place, you wasted no time in dousing the rags in alcohol and cleaning the small cuts on Zoro's body. Immediately he tensed, a small hiss escaping him.

"You know I'm starting to get a sense of deja vu" You hummed. "Someone falling off a roof and getting cuts all over, but can't deal with the cleaning process"

Zoro blushed and looked away in embarrassment.

"It's just a coincidence" he grumbled.

'Who falls off a roof and down a Well in the same week' you giggled.

"That's quite the coincidence" you smiled as you bandaged and moved to the next cut on the side of his arm.

'Thinking on coincidences, how did Zoro and Luffy meet?'

"You know... you never did tell me how you and Luffy met. You were both unconscious from Nami's treatment."

Zoro didn't say anything. You gently dabbed his cuts, placing one hand firmly on his arm to keep yourself steady. Even now you could feel his muscles tensing, he was probably trying to fight the urge to hiss at you again. In reality he thought you were going to drench him in alcohol and watch him suffer.

"It might help distract from the pain" you proposed.

You were greeted with another long pause, which was then followed by a sigh of defeat.

"...I was about to be executed" Zoro began.

'Holy cow that escalated quickly! And this was before he met Luffy?' you gawked.

"Luffy said I was a good guy and took the bullets for me, set me free, gave me my swords, and pestered me into joining his crew. I vowed to stick by him as long as he didn't get in the way of my dream" he said, starting to relax slightly.

"To be the greatest swordsman?" You ventured and he gave a quick nod

"But I've discovered that I'm gonna stick with him for another reason"

"Another reason?" You raised a brow, as you placed some bandages down and moved to his shoulder.

"Yeah another reason, but I'm not gonna tell you that" He smirked down at you.

"What? No way! You're such a tease!" You pretended to be offended.

"What a drama queen, did Luffy get that from you?" he chuckled.

'Rude!' You scoffed as you continued to dab the cut on his shoulder.

Zoro was tilting his head away so that you could work properly, but he couldn't help but stare at you. And as usual, you were clueless.

"...I expected you to be...angrier" Zoro breathed.

"Angrier?" You hummed.

"About the..."

"Rude comment?" You guessed.

"...Yeah...No! No, the fight!" he babbled.

'Oh yeah... that...' you thought to yourself.

Applying the last bandages to the shoulder you finally moved to the last cut on his forehead. You cleaned around the edges of the cut before diving right in.

"Zoro, you're a lot like moss" You beamed.

"What?!" Zoro glared darts at you.

"Did you know moss was probably one of the first plants to ever exist? Normally it's found in dark damp places, but it still depends on the light a lot more than normal plants. It doesn't have roots but it anchors to things and doesn't steal its nutrients. And on top of that it's durable, but a big softie."

"Why are you telling me this (Y/n)?" Zoro groaned impatiently.

"You were the first person in the crew Zoro, the first to exist. And you were found in a pretty dark place unless execution is a normal thing for you. You didn't know Luffy but you've managed to anchor your loyalty to him without taking anything. In the end, I believe you rely on what you think is right, I would even go as far as to say that you depend on those instincts, like how moss depends on light" you explained.

"Because of this, I don't think you'd start a fight for no reason. So I'll trust you and won't worry about it" you smiled, laying down the last bandage then meeting his eyes for the first in a while. "But if you scare me like that again right before I'm going to bed be prepared for the lecture of a lifetime"

It took you about seven seconds to realize that you were way too close to Zoro's face which made your face almost explode. You were looking down at him, hand on his face to keep him still and your other hand just grazing his piercings. From your point of view, he looked scarily sober, a complete contrast to the soft jingle of his piercings.

"I-I'm so sorry Zoro! I didn't realize how close I was while I was working!" You squeaked

'I can't believe I was that close and didn't even get to touch his hair' you wept bitterly. 'I need my bed'

As you backed away, an arm instantly wrapped around your waist, bringing you right back where you were. Only this time your hands had landed on his chest and shoulder. Zoro's expression hadn't changed, but his eyes seemed a lot more desperate than before. It was making your poor heart pump like a train engine. You were an open book right now, and Zoro was soaking up every piece of information you had to offer, from your slightly parted lips to your flushed (s/c) skin. He could only imagine how addictive you tasted. Zoro edged forward his sharp brown eyes locked onto your (e/c) bedazzled ones, his arm wrapped securely around your waist.

"....Damn you...Lost...Marimo...." Sanji snored, which snatched both yours and Zoro's attention.

You erupted into a fit of giggles as you turned and watched Sanji's face scrunch up in disgust.

"Is that Bastard seriously cursing me in his sleep?!" Zoro growled, a small tick mark on his forehead.

'I can easily picture you doing the same thing' you chuckled.

"I think you've gotten into enough fights for one day Zoro" you patted his chest. "How about we call it a night"

'Good lord this man is built' you internally gushed as your hand met his chest.

"I guess" he rumbled, still glaring daggers at Sanji.

He slowly released you so that you could stand and pack away the first aid kit.

"Can I trust you to find your room on your own? I've locked all the doors and closed all the windows so there's no chance of you finding your way out of the house" you assured.

"Real funny (Y/n)" Zoro groaned. "Just hurry up and go to sleep already"

"Alright alright, I wasn't even here!" You laughed. "goodnight Zoro"

"Night woman"

'He did that on purpose' you groaned

You trudged upstairs and opened the door to your room to find Luffy sprawled across your bed.

'It's just one guy after the next, one day the testosterone will get to me' You sighed

Did you let it stop you, hell no! It's your bed! You plopped down next to Luffy, landing on one of his arms and legs. In response, he muttered some gibberish before curling the rest of his body around his newfound warmth, you. A small smile crept onto your lips as your eye-lids started to fall. Luffy's embrace put you at ease and you slowly drifted off to sleep. However, one thought did occur to you.

'If Sanji hadn't said anything, what would've happened?'

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[A little bit extra continued...]

An unfamiliar voice grinned.

Before you could even scream, he forcefully grabbed hold of your neck and pinning you to the ground.

Dropping the cake, you frantically grasped at the large hand on your neck in an attempt to shift the weight off of you. But the grip remained steady. He was a large man with a scar over his left cheek, his long black hair was a greasy mess and a few of his teeth were missing. He was a lot older than you so it was fair enough to say that you were outmatched.

"I can't have you screaming right now, what happens if someone hears us?" he smiled, "especially your three little friends from earlier"

Your eyes became as wide as saucers as the cogs shifted into place. The man was after Ace, Luffy, and Sabo. But he was going to use you to get to them.

"Ah! From the look in your eyes, I can tell that you understand where this is going! Clever girl~" He smirked before giving you a menacing glare "Now tell me where's my money" He growled, applying more pressure to your neck.

You desperately gasped for air. 'For one, how the hell am I meant to talk to you if you're strangling me. Secondly, like hell I'm going to snitch!'

You slowly shook your head in defiance, and he was not happy about that.

"Stupid bitch! Tell me where it's at!" He screamed at you as he choked you.

Your eyes were overflowing with tears as the pain became intolerable. He was cutting off your oxygen supply and your vision was starting to get blurry, but you refused to give in. You bit down on his hand in response, your eyes shut tight, too scared to face the fury in his eyes. It was a futile effort but it got the message across. You weren't going to tell him anything.

"DAUGHTER OF A BITCH!" He roared as he let go of your neck and kicked you into a tree.

You flung your hands behind your head to protect your skull from the oncoming impact. Despite that, a painful crack was heard and you weren't entirely sure whether it was you or the tree, but one thing was very sure. it hurt like hell. You wanted to cry out but your body was only concerned about getting oxygen, so you ended up coughing and sputtering on the floor. The pain in your gut starting to make an appearance, as the taste of iron registered on your taste-buds.

"IF YOU WON'T TELL ME THEN I'LL JUST BEAT IT OUT OF YOU!" The man hollered as he made his way over, more than ready for round two.

You instinctively braced for impact as you curled up into a small ball and tried your best to choke back the tears. Adrenaline was being pumped around your body but the intense throbbing in your stomach acted as a reminder that its effects could only last for so long. 'Just close your eyes and pretend it's ok' you told yourself. 'I could never face them again if I gave in!'

"AAAWAAAGH!" A painful scream erupted out of nowhere and it wasn't yours.

"YOU FILTHY BASTARD!!!"

"(Y/N)!!! HEY (Y/N)!!!"

"(Y/N)!!! Are you okay?!"

Upon hearing the familiar voices you slowly peeked out from your small shell. You laid eyes on a very worried Luffy and a deadly serious Sabo. Ace wasn't in view but you imagined that he was somewhere nearby.

"Sabo...Luffy..." was all you could manage before the adrenaline completely left your system and you passed out.

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You woke up with a headache handcrafted by harpies to torment you. Wrapped head to toe in bandages, your movement was limited, but it wasn't enough to stop you from propping yourself up on your elbows and looking around. Your eyes slowly adjusted to the light and you were starting to see some familiarity.

"You shouldn't be moving" a hand shoved your head back down to the pillow.

"Dandan?" You whispered

It was dark but you were able to make out a small nod.

"You gave those boys quite the fright you know?" she sighed as she sat down next to your bed.

'I wha-?' At that moment the memories came flooding back.

The creepy man, your stubbornness, Ace Sabo and Luffy... A pang of pain shot to your head, causing you to wince. Bringing a hand to your head you patiently waited for the pain to subside. Dadan sat quietly before propping you up and handing you a glass of water.

"Drink" she ordered.

You wasted no time in gulping it down. Then let out a small 'thank you.' Silence captured the room but your mind was still swarming with questions.

"Are they ok?" You meekly asked.

"Those little brats are fine! I'm more concerned about the other guy!" She huffed. "Ace and Sabo were furious, they almost went back for him after they dropped you off"

You relaxed considerably knowing that they were ok. Although the thought of Sabo and Ace being angry was a bit unsettling. They get reckless when they are upset. Luffy, on the other hand, was probably a sobbing mess.

"I should probably tell the stupid brats you're awake" Dadan stood and walked to the exit.

"Dadan!" You blurted out.

She stopped in the doorway but didn't turn around.

"Thank you for helping me" You smiled.

At that, she broke down. Tears flew from her eyes and snot from her nose as she wept. She whipped out a tissue from her shirt and tried her best to wipe the river of tears flowing from her eyes.

"You shouldn't scare me like that (y/n)!" She hollered. "You're the only decent one around!"

'I should've expected this to happen' you let out a small chuckle.

"Sorry for worrying you" you smiled as she blew her nose and leave the room.

The door didn't even have a chance to close before something flew in and landed straight in your chest. You let out a painful shriek as the thing gripped onto you, clutching you as though you were trying to escape, which you were.

"T-Too... tight..." you rasped.

"LUFFY STOP! SHE'S STILL RECOVERING!" A familiar face rushed in.

'Luffy?' You looked down to see messy raven hair and a straw hat hanging on his back.

"WAAAAAAAAAHHHH! (Y/N)!" He wailed, his face completely buried into your chest.

You were about to stroke him but someone got to him first.

"IDIOT! Do you want her to stay in here longer than she needs to!" Another voice growled as he hit Luffy.

Amazingly, Luffy's grip was so tight even after the hit he didn't fall off of you.

"AAAAAAAGGHHH!! (Y/N)!!!!" Luffy continued to wail. "I WAS SO-!!!!.....zzz.....zzz...."

"HE FELL ASLEEP!!!" The two boys screamed.

"WOULD YOU BRATS KEEP IT DOWN!!!" Dandan screeched from the other room.

Realizing that they were being too loud, Sabo and Ace quickly quietened down. The sound of gentle snores, slowly filling the room. It was very clear that you were just going to have to deal with the uncomfortable position and suck up the pain, so you played with Luffy's hair to take your mind away from it.

"That stupid cry-baby" Ace grumbled under his breath.

"Guess he wore himself out, from his previous crying" Sabo sighed.

"As for you..." Ace glared at you, causing you to flinch.

"I-I dropped the cake! But I didn't tell him where your treasure was! I kept my mouth shut!" You blurted out.

Sabo and Ace were taken aback by your sudden outburst. Their eyes widened in shock. They both looked at each other

"He wanted the money?" Sabo slowly asked.

"But I didn't tell him where it was! I promise... it's important to you guys! It'll help you reach your dream! So I refused to tell"

"IDIOT!! YOU THINK THAT'S MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR LIFE?!" Ace yelled.

You jumped, clutching onto Luffy's jacket from fear.

"You could've died you know!? And for what! paper and metal!" Ace continued.

Sabo wasn't saying anything but he gave a disapproving look. His eyes held the same amount of anger as Ace's.