sword oath - roronoa zoro
summary: in the process of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman, zoro saves a girl that he can’t seem to send away
warnings: violence, language, not exactly a slow burn, indifference to friends to lovers, something like soulmates, knight x lost princess trope— kind of. not cannon compliant. mention of past assault and harassment- nothing graphic, reader hates pirates, sexual themes, banter and tension, reoccurring night terrors
*part 1!
you gasped as you were shoved to your knees, fistful of your hair being pulling enough for you to look up. “oh, it’s you, alright…” the man sneered, ugly teeth bared in what he thought was a smile, “what are you doing all the way out here? all by yourself?”
you narrowed your eyes and spat, grinning as the man wiped his face with an even angrier expression. he growled and you merely narrowed your eyes and stared at him, daring— fearless.
he raised his hand to strike you, but someone stepped in front of you. a hand closed around his wrist, pulling it away from you roughly.
“is there a problem?”
his voice was cold. casual, indifferent. as if he had seen this type of thing every day.
“no problem at all— just helping this lady here—“
“let go of her.”
he still hadn’t even looked at you, eyes locked on the man like he was daring him to defy him. he had one hand on his sword— which you quickly realized he had three of— eyes dark and unyielding, as cool and collected as if he wasn’t in a confrontation at all.
“i know you…” the man had reached for his own sword, jerking his wrist out of the other man’s grasp.
“i wouldn’t do that.”
“you’re roronoa zoro…”
“which is why you shouldn’t do that.” he drew one of his swords and eyed the man with a dangerous warning, “let her go.”
you were shoved forward, nearly slamming your face into the sand if a pair of arms hadn’t caught you. the man who had had ahold of you took off running and you held back a snort, “pathetic.”
zoro, apparently, eyed you with a skeptical look, “are you okay?” he addressed you with that same dry disinterest and never fully looked you in the eye.
you nodded once, rising to your feet with a shaky exhale. “thank you…”
zoro looked at you once more, as if deciding something, “don’t mention it.”
he was actually rather rude now— short and indifferent and so nonchalant you could just shake him. zoro looked you over, eyebrow lifted slightly.
“what?”
now it was you who snapped.
“your dress does not seem to be the most effective choice of clothing.”
“thank you very much. i just left with what i had.”
“you’re not going to make it far in that.”
“i’ve done decently, thus far.”
zoro grunted and eyed you, “if you say so.”
he moved to turn away and stopped. he shouldn’t get involved. he shouldn’t even say another word to you… he didn’t care who you were. where you were going. or why you seemed to be completely fearless.
“come with me.”
“what?”
“look, i may be a pirate hunter but i don’t just leave women to fend for themselves…”
“i can take care of myself.”
“yes, you seemed to be doing great without me.”
“excuse me! i have been more than capable so far. one asshole catching me off guard means nothing.”
zoro regarded you again, looking you up and down in a way that was entirely unsuggestive. you glared back and he almost smirked.
“there’s a lot of assholes in the world… can never be too careful…”
“how charming. are you offering to protect me?”
“no. i have no time to be a bodyguard…”
“well then, you shouldn’t care what happens to me. or if i’m tromping around in a dress.”
zoro snorted, “whatever you say, princess. you’re welcome for saving you. try not to get abducted…”
you scoffed, crossing your arms, “what— don’t call me that.”
zoro’s hand flexed around his sword, fighting amusement, “whatever you say, princess.”
he unfolded a stack of papers and unfolded the top one, eyeing you with a knowing glance. you raised an eyebrow, stepping closer curiously. he cleared his throat and held up a wanted poster.
your wanted poster.
“princess v—“
you surged forward and snatched the poster from his hands, shushing him with a hiss. zoro smirked, eyeing you with that same damn expression.
“four hundred million is a lot of berry. what the hell did you do?” his eyes scanned you once more and if he hadn’t been anything but indifferent, you would swear he was checking you out, “princess.”
“nothing. i didn’t do anything. except for run away.”
zoro lifted an eyebrow, apparently urging you to continue.
“if you want the bounty money, i will pay you. but i’m not going back there.”
zoro eyed you again, impressed, testing the waters, trying to get a read on you. “what’s all the way out here for you?”
you shifted on your feet, looking down, “i’m looking for my brother…”
zoro shifted now, seeming more interested, “your brother? there’s a runaway prince now, too? your kingdom must be charming…”
you almost laughed at that but brushed yourself off and shifted instead, “everyone thinks he’s dead. but he’s not… i know he’s not.”
zoro grunted faintly and you took that as pity.
“he isn’t dead.”
“alright…” zoro eyed you once more, seeming to see you more of an equal than as a profit or an inconvenience, “so maybe he isn’t… how are you going to find him? it’s a big world…”
you had considered that but hadn’t actually thought about it again since breaking free of the kingdom’s boarders. your expression must have fallen because zoro cleared his throat, “i’m heading to the grand line. if we find him on the way…..”
what?
he would help you find a long lost sibling?
become an accessory to the run away princess?
“i don’t need protection. i’ve had my fill of guards constantly trailing behind me.”
“maybe you don’t. but i think we both have a better chance with someone watching our backs… can you even fight?”
you turned sharply and glared at zoro in a way that made him smirk instead of look intimidated. “i can fight satisfactory.”
“satisfactory…” zoro crossed his arms with a slight smirk, “i’m not sure there’s a place for proper dialogue in a land of pirates and bounty hunters…”
he wasn’t making fun of you, you realized; despite his smirk and amused tone, he was genuine. you hadn’t actually stopped to consider your manners and etiquette— and how blatantly useless they were out here. the full, frilly dress was enough to make you a target; save the proper talk and eloquent words.
“you’re right….”
you had paused, as if completely struck by the realization.
“i mean feel free— just don’t expect me to start quoting poetry with you or something…”
this made you smile, glancing up at him with a playful expression, “not into poetry, roronoa zoro?”
zoro almost smirked, shifting his hold on his sword, “i find actions speak louder than words…”
you glanced back at him, eyes taking him in in a quick motion, “or perhaps, in your case, swords.”
zoro glanced down at the three swords on his waist with a small smirk, “exactly.”
apparently the two of you would get along just fine.
“that’s fucking outrageous—“ zoro glanced over at you with a tense expression, eyes softening for a moment, “sorry, princess…”
you eyed him sharply, not for the language, but for the fact that he thought he needed to apologize for it. “that’s alright. my brother cursed like a sailor when he thought no one was looking… it’s fine. get the room.”
“i don’t have—“
you dug into the corset on the outside of your dress and zoro looked away, slightly pink. you pulled out a small pouch full of berry and dropped it in zoro’s hand, “get the room. neither one of us should sleep on the street or surrounded by drunks…”
zoro eyed you, bewildered but not arguing. you had had much worse sleeping arrangements since your grand exit of the palace. ships, rooftops– and frequently no sleep at all, to keep away from the hungry, impure gazes of men that would surely provide you with a place to sleep in exchange for parts of your soul.
“after you, my lady.” zoro propped the door open with his arms crossed over his chest. he smirked slightly as you shot him a glare at the reoccurring theme of royal nicknames.
“i’ve seen worse.”
“yeah,” zoro took in the room with a moment of hesitation. there was only one bed but you hadn’t seemed to notice— or perhaps be too concerned, “do um… should i keep watch, or—“
you glanced at him, glanced at the bed, blinked once. zoro expected you to cause a scene— perhaps fan yourself and mumble something about dignity and decorum while pointing to the furthest corner of the room where he could curl up like a dog.
“take the bed,” you had your foot on the small bed side drawer, pulling a knife out of your boot, calf and part of your thigh exposed as your skirts climbed up your leg.
zoro was momentarily stunned— and rather distracted by your sudden show of leg and lack of shame about it. he blinked quickly and realized with a slight fondness that he had you pegged completely wrong.
“i– i’m not going to let you sleep on the floor.”
“i have had worse sleeping arrangements, i assure you.” you shifted the dagger— plural, apparently— into your hand and returned your foot to the floor.
“i can sleep anywhere. you paid for the room, you take the bed.”
“don’t be stupid. you did save my life, after all and you’ve been favoring your left leg. take the bed and get a good night’s rest.”
zoro glanced down at his leg with a startled expression. he had been purposely forcing himself to walk with even pressure on it, not wanting to show a sign of weakness. how you had noticed—
“please. i’m too tired to argue…” you took a pillow from the bed and shifted to the side of the bed, preparing to shift onto the floor.
“i will sleep between you and the door.”
you looked up at him as if you had misheard, “sorry?”
“i don’t want you by the door.”
oh?
your heart had flipped slightly as you pulled an amused smile, “planning to steal my money and run and don’t want to trip on me on the way out?”
zoro didn’t laugh as he settled himself onto the bed, “if someone breaks in, i want them to meet me first.”
oh.
you said nothing for a moment, suddenly thinking of nothing smart or obnoxious to say. you hadn’t even tried to argue that you didn’t need a bodyguard or protection. he had just said it so naturally. like protecting you had become a natural instinct despite knowing you for less than twenty four hours.
“well…”
what did you even say to that?
“thank you.”
the mattress creaked as zoro shifted, “don’t mention it…”
you found yourself smiling, though you weren’t completely sure why, “goodnight, roronoa zoro.”
“goodnight, princess.”
you drifted off to sleep with that same small smile. there were no nightmares that plagued you. there was no abrupt waking, thinking someone was right beside you in the darkness. for the first time in a long time, you felt safe enough to sleep deeply.
“put this on.” zoro tied a black bandana over your head, tucking your hair up securely as he glanced over your shoulder like a paranoid security guard.
“oh, are we matching now? i think i would rather like using a sword.”
zoro almost smiled, eyeing you with a look that wasn’t quite exasperated, “you still stand out too much.” you glanced down at the black pants and white button down you had exchanged for your dress. you clicked your tongue indignantly, frowning slightly, “are you saying i’m too pretty to be here?”
that smirk was back, eyeing you with a more scolding look that did not seem sincere. he said nothing as he nudged an apple and small baked meat pie into your hand, “breakfast. i’m not sure when we’ll have anything fresh again…”
you eyed him softly, still trying to figure him out completely. he was certainly no demon, like the bounty hunter you had heard of. zoro tucked a few apples and a loaf of bread into your satchel and adjusted his swords. “that ship can get us to the next island. just don’t tell them who you are… and definitely don’t say my name.”
you followed behind him with a curious expression, faltering slightly as you took in the jolly roger looming from the mast. “i—“ pirates. zoro had stopped, glancing over his shoulder at you with a cautious expression.
“we need to get going, princess…” his tone was commanding but it wasn’t harsh. he was urging you to follow but he wasn’t being demanding.
“i just…. i don’t—“
zoro sighed and retreated back to your side. his shoulders were tense, breathing steady like he was trying to remain patient, “what is it?” his voice was still soft. his tone was still gentle and even.
“pirates…” you breathed it out in a forced breath, hand coming to your necklace to ground yourself.
“okay,” zoro sighed again as if this was only slightly inconvenient, “look at me.”
you expected him to be irritated and sharp— maybe even leave without you for keeping him— but his eyes were on you like a promise. intense but not angry, patient and almost reassuring, “nothing is going to happen to you on that ship.”
“but i—“
“i hate pirates. more than anyone. but this is our best ticket out of here… i killed some people so it isn’t safe for us to stay here.”
us.
he wasn’t going to leave you…
“you’ll be safe. i promise you.”
and you followed him. you had seen the look in his eyes and decided to trust him again… you had seen what he did to the baroque agent that had you— even still, a ship full of pirates…
“if they—“
“no one’s going to touch you. on my word, it will be the last thing they ever do.”
“but—“
“come on, princess…” zoro held out his arm for you to take to step onto the small plank up the ship. you tentatively took his elbow, holding it delicately but not missing the way his muscles flexed beneath your grasp. he was eyeing you softly and your fear slowly dissipated as he guided you on board.
eyes met you immediately and you shamefully stepped behind zoro, your hold on his arm tightening. zoro kept his eyes sharp, glancing around the ship like he was looking at a meal. he kept himself between you and everyone else in a way that you did not miss. your hand shook slightly as you shuffled along behind him, knuckles practically white against your grip on him.
zoro glanced back at you before shifting further onto the ship. he kept one hand on his sword and one hand on your wrist, walking you steadily to the back of the ship. eyes trailed you everywhere you went and you forced yourself to breath steadily.
“you’re safe.”
the male eyes on you told you differently. the gazes took in zoro, eyeing him, leveling him up as if determining how the fight would go. zoro kept his eyes straight ahead, sharp and unblinking, daring anyone to make a move. you didn’t understand how he was so confident— how he was so collected and calm and sure he could take an entire crew…
“looks like we have a little lamb on board…” boots shuffled on deck and you glanced up to see the small group gathered around you. “are you her shepherd?” one of the men kicked at zoro’s boot and zoro exhaled slowly, eyes flashing up like venom. he stood to his feet, struggling momentarily as you refused to let go of his arm.
“you touch her and you die.”
there was snickers around the ship and your stomach twisted. zoro shifted slightly, turning just slightly so his swords showed. there was sharp inhales and several people stepped backwards. you looked up at zoro, mesmerized, clearly not fully understanding his reputation.
there were several mutters of his name and pale expressions.
“i paid for passage on this ship. clearly you know who i am and lucky for you i’m not here for a bounty…” zoro shifted again so he blocked you from their view entirely, “if anyone touches her, that changes.” he eyed the man that had previously been so bold sharply, until he stumbled backwards and tripped. the crew split up, each returning frantically to their posts with nervous muttering.
zoro sat beside you again, head resting back against the side of the ship, knee bent to his chest as he folded his arms around it. he closed his eyes and said nothing, as if he hadn’t just threatened an entire pirate crew for looking at you.
you just stared at him, blinking once, realizing perhaps it was fate that made you get caught by the baroque works agent… you stayed close to him, fidgeting slightly at every footstep that fell and flinching at every small sound.
the sun was directly overhead, beating down on you like it was a punishment. you squinted over at the glistening water and exhaled, shifting to your feet as zoro continued dozing. he hadn’t moved and for a brief moment of insanity you wondered if he was dead. you nudged him slightly with your knee and he shifted his head against your leg with a small groan. you suppressed a smile and turned you attention back on the water.
“how did you get caught up with the pirate hunter? you seem a bit too prim and proper to be into killing.”
you had flinched at the voice but straightened your shoulders and turned towards the voice, “we just happened to be going the same place…”
the man eyed you, glanced down at zoro and hummed, “fancy that… sounds like right place right time.”
you shifted, breathing in slowly, “i suppose so…”
“seems like you’re well protected, my lady.”
“i’m— there’s no need for that…” you were tired of the titles, “yes… i am. truthfully, he did save my life and i owe him… there’s no reason he need stay with me and look after me. but i do appreciate it…”
zoro, eyes still closed, smirked slightly to himself, always more aware than he let others know.
it was barely after midnight when you woke up screaming. the night terrors were back— dragging you underwater as you swam to save your brother. your brother’s funeral- this time with a blue and sea swallowed corpse beneath the casket.
arms were holding you before you could take your first breath, solid and steady. “what happened? what happened—“ your eyes found zoro, wide eyed, eyes locked on you trying to identify the threat. you sucked in air— shaking as you did. nearly choking on the breath you took.
“i’m sorry…. i’m sorry— i…”
you were pathetic. you had escaped and made it this far to still be taken down by nightmares.
“it was a dream…” zoro said it more to himself, as if reassuring himself that there was no physical threat to you. you covered your face with your hands, rubbing your face until the dream unlatched itself from you.
there were several irritated crew members stomping across the deck, groggy and dazed, not appreciating being awoken by screams.
“i’m sorry…. i’m—“ you fell forward into your knees, closing your eyes tightly and cursing the tears that fell.
“what are you all staring at? you can go back to sleep.” zoro had stood to his feet to block the gaping eyes from you, voice assuring it was not a suggestion.
zoro said nothing as you curled around yourself, forcing yourself to breathe– reminding yourself it wasn’t real.
“do you want to talk about it?” he was stiff and uncomfortable as he settled beside you, clearly not being the one to ever bring comfort.
you shook your head, taking a breath, “it happens all the time… it’s why i prefer not to sleep.”
“i didn’t know… you never—“
“they stopped… for a while.”
with you.
“i knew you were there and…”
“you feel alone.” instinctively, he moved closer.
“no… not…”
zoro shifted as if defusing a bomb, head bent slightly to take you in, “you felt safe… with me.”
you just nodded, not bringing yourself to remove your head from his shoulder.
“but you don’t here.”
zoro was still stuck on the fact that he could make anyone feel safe. that he could protect and not just defend or kill…
you had shifted closer to him and zoro didn’t so much as flinch a muscle, “you can rest. i’m not going anywhere.”
“i’m not—“
“you can rest. i will be here…”
his hand was on his sword, grip relaxed but ready to attack. he hadn’t moved when you instinctively shifted closer to him, head falling heavily against his shoulder. he kept his breathing slow and even, mind whirling at the thought of someone retreating to him instead of away from. safe.
you felt safe with him…
he would keep you safe.
he would make sure you slept…
you wrapped your arms around his elbow, laying heavily against his shoulder as you did eventually drift off to sleep. you didn’t wake again. there were no screams, there were no nightmares. just zoro, sitting like a statue as you used him as a pillow— breathing steadily, dwelling on the fact that he was a protector and not just a killer… zoro glanced down at you with a soft expression, reassuring that you were still sleeping and that he hadn’t woken you.
he stayed like that all night. your head on his shoulder, slowly shifting to his chest as the night continued, arms wrapped around his in a hug. hand hovering on his sword in case he needed it.
“everything alright, princess?”
you cast zoro a scolding glance and let out an indignant snort, “i shall start calling you swordsman, if you don’t start using my name.”
zoro met your gaze with a barely there smirk, “sounded to me like you’re running from your name. i assumed you were tired of hearing it…”
you stopped short and eyed him, caught slightly off guard by his words. you swore he read you like a book— so aware and observant of you it was almost intrusive. he saw you like a person— not a crown or a status or royalty.
“you keep looking at me like that.”
“like what?”
“like you’re so surprised to hear something other than a grunt from me.”
you started laughing— covering your mouth in embarrassment as it came out loud and obnoxious. zoro’s eyes lit up momentarily, the faintest, fond smirk appearing on his face. it was as if he was seeing you for the first time— carefree and smiling, laughing at a joke as if you were more than wandering souls that bumped into each other only a week ago. zoro ignored the way his heart beat steadily increased, putting his hand on his sword to keep it from twitching.
“i know this isn’t exactly what you’re used to…” zoro was shrugging his jacket off and laying it down on the ground. you eyed him, lifting an eyebrow and then gaping once you realized he was making you a bed.
“zoro… this is fine. i always wanted to go camping… i thought sleeping outside would be relaxing… of course i never did. not very fitting for a princess…”
zoro eyed you with a small smirk, “then i hope it lives up to your expectations… and i’m sorry if i don’t tell scary stories around the fire…”
this time you grinned, tilting your head at him with a soft expression, “i think you’re good company, actually… my brother would have liked you— would… he would like you.”
zoro poked at the fire, shifting to a squat, “oh yeah? why’s that?” zoro had never once asked about your past or your brother. he had assumed it was a sore subject and didn’t dare bring it up in case you wanted to forget all about it.
“he’s loyal… he was the kindest person i think ever existed… our father hated him for it. he was good… we couldn’t have a good king… he always defended me and protected me. he was my best friend too… he was never the mean older brother that picked on me… no… that was— the others…”
zoro stopped poking the fire and looked up at you, eyebrows furrowed, “i didn’t realize…you had other siblings…” he toed the line gently, getting a feel of it— “you left them to find him… i…” zoro shook his head, realizing he wasn’t supposed to care. he shouldn’t—
“i’m sorry they were awful to you. i’m sorry your father—“ zoro stood up, so suddenly you thought something was wrong. you moved to follow him and he stiffened, “i… one minute—“
you fought back an amused smile but watched him in confusion.
zoro disappeared into the trees, muttering curses under his breath as he did. he rubbed his face, trying to wipe away the new feeling in his chest. to leave home and find someone who was told to be dead. you were brave. so much braver than anyone gave you credit for… to grow up with—
a scream sounded and zoro was tripping over his own feet to get to you. the panic that had suddenly filled him was so foreign and unfamiliar and he hated it. he had never cared this much— he had never been so scared of someone getting hurt.
“ah, there you are—“
you were struggling on your knees, hair pulled tightly by the man holding you. “i wondered when you would notice me following you… apparently you didn’t.”
zoro had his swords drawn though the calm expression on his face was more terrifying than his blades, “i knew you were following us.”
your eyes widened slightly, looking up at him in disbelief. zoro’s glanced to you briefly, expression sure, “i knew you weren’t a threat.”
“i’ve tracked the two of you for days…”
“and it’s taken you nearly a week to catch her. how impressive.”
you shot zoro a glare, but strangely you couldn’t let yourself feel panicked. zoro had never once let you down. he had never once failed to protect you. he had never once lost a fight…
“you should join us, roronoa zoro. your talent is unmatched.”
“if i join you do i get a cool face tattoo?”
you muffled a snort, tilting your head forward to hide your genuine smile.
“only the elite agents get—“
“do i get to pick the number?”
“n—“
“i’ve always been partial to number one.” zoro lifted a choice finger and this time you did laugh. you glanced up at him with a soft smile, head tilted slightly in playful disbelief. the man gripping you shoved your head forward and your laugh was cut off.
“let her go. i’m only going to tell you once.” zoro glanced down at his swords like he was bored.
“i’m afraid not, roronoa zoro. her bounty will help me out quite a bit…”
zoro blinked slowly, “the bounty i get for you will help me out too, i’m sure…” he stretched his neck slightly, still looking bored.
“you’ll have to kill me if you think i’m going to just let her go.”
zoro moved so quickly you hadn’t even seen exactly what happened. blood splattered on the bottom of your dress and you flinched. the man’s torso was severed from his legs and you looked up at zoro with your mouth hanging open. he wiped the blade of his sword against the dead baroque works agent and exhaled slowly.
“are you okay?”
the body hit the floor and the grip on your hair slackened. you fought back a wave of nausea as you stood to your feet. you pushed the corpse with your foot and reached for his pocket— procuring his wanted poster and a sack of berry. you tossed both to zoro and eyed you with an almost amused, proud smirk.
“thank you.”
zoro eyed you, looking up from the wanted poster with a confused look, “you don’t need to thank me for protecting you.”
“but you don’t have to… you never needed to step in. you never needed to bring me with you and…”
zoro hesitated against your hand, squeezing it once, “but i did. and i will…”
and that was all he said.
no explanation, no reasoning…
zoro was in the bar, while you slept soundly on the floor above him, safe— he had assured it four times— in your rented room in the shady inn. he exhaled slowly as he drained yet another bottle, letting his head rest against his elbow. he breathed deeply, feeling his thoughts drift to you. how he had possibly landed himself in this situation he had no idea… how you had landed with him and trusted him enough to only sleep when he was nearby…
he cursed under his breath, ignoring the realization that his thoughts had always been drifting to you lately. he rolled the bottle top between his fingers absentmindedly, rubbing his face tiredly. zoro half glanced over at the arrival of two larger men, quickly gauging their threat level. moderate to irritating– he watched them cross the room, hand tightening around his drink, heart rate rising slowly. they walked straight past the bar, past the receptionist- and towards the stairs.
zoro was standing before he set his drink down. hand on his sword, eyes sharp as alarm bells began going off in his head. their posture was too rigid, they walked too heavy, with too much purpose— they hadn’t even stopped to ask for a room or get a key. they hadn’t been in here earlier. which meant only one thing—
they were looking for someone.
zoro knew the exact number of steps from your room to where he was sitting. the idiots had thankfully gone the wrong way at first and he was waiting to greet them outside your door.
“lost, are we?”
his eyes were on his sword, raised and braced for a strike.
“it’s you.”
zoro sighed, dull expression meeting the men, “it’s always me.”
“we’ll split the reward money with you—“
zoro split them before they could make a single move towards your door.
you jumped awake, startled by the sounds of screams. there was a curse and heavy thud outside your door and you stumbled to your feet, reaching out for zoro, who was not beside you. panic began to take hold and you fought to calm your breathing.
you gripped the lamp beside you, teeth gritted in determination. you lifted it, hands shaking, just as the door opened. you shrieked and rushed forward, bringing the lamp down swinging. a hand caught it, sighing slightly. “don’t scream when you attack… it uses too much energy.” the hand released you and gently eased you backwards as he entered the room and closed the door behind him.
you relaxed instantly, letting your arms fall to your side.
zoro.
“zoro,” you breathed out in too much relief, “what happened?”
“nothing. are you okay?”
“i’m— yes?“ he had turned the light on and was now looking you over sternly, assuring himself you were unhurt, “i heard screaming…” zoro eyed you sharply, “don’t worry about it. everything is fine. you’re safe…”
you opened your mouth to respond, but zoro stepped closer, “don’t worry, princess. you’re safe.”
you let yourself relax slightly, moving to open the door. zoro stepped between you and the door, hand gentle on your elbow. clearly he was hiding something but you had learned to trust him…
“i’m staying in here for the rest of the night.”
oh.
“earlier you said—“
“do you not want me to? i can go…”
you didn’t want zoro to go. in fact you had only fallen asleep because he stayed in the room before disappearing downstairs only once he knew you were sleeping.
“stay.”
it came out rushed and unceremonious and almost desperate. you knew men had come for you. you knew they were bounty hunters and zoro had taken care of them before they even reached the door. even still… the look in zoro’s eyes. the intensity and way he was almost desperate to reach you…
“if that’s what you want, princess.”
he still stood so close. still poised and tensed for a strike. braced for an attack…
“please stay.”
“okay…”
you stepped closer— you weren’t sure why. he was already just a finger’s length away. zoro’s breath caught, his chest puffing out slightly like he was thinking about backing up. his hand relaxed on his sword, shoulders tight, hand flexing around nothing, straining to close around your waist.
no.
he couldn’t—
you closed the distance and zoro didn’t stop you. your lips met his like you were scared to— soft, tentative, cautious. zoro’s body tensed, feeling the crash of emotions wash over him like a wave. more emotions than he could recall ever feeling all at once crashing into him like they were at war. his hands moved before his mind caught up— grabbing your waist roughly before he could think better. suddenly the thought of you pulling away even an inch was unbearable. you let out a surprised, breathy laugh and pulled him closer by the edges of his shirt. any restraint or reservations he had snapped. the feelings he hadn’t even come to terms with or realized bubbled to the surface and boiled over when your hands found his hair.
your rushed breathing and messy hands hesitated when your calves brushed against the edge of the bed. your fingers tightened on zoro’s shoulders and he stopped immediately. his hands left your waist and lower back, eyes snapping up to yours. they were wide and hesitant. you had tensed. you already missed his hands on you— you longed for his mouth against you again—
“i’m sorry.”
no.
zoro stepped back, ducking his head.
“i’m sorry… i shouldn’t have—“
“zoro.”
you had kissed him. you knew if you hadn’t moved, it never would have happened—
“i’m sorry. i apologize—“
you pulled him in again, slower this time. more deliberate.
“i’m sorry—“
“no, princess.”
zoro’s breath was heavy against your shoulder, hand gently tucked under the edge of your shirt. you hadn’t gone any further…
“i’ve never— i mean..”
“it’s okay. i haven’t either.”
“it’s— you haven’t?”
“you seem surprised, princess… believe it or not i’ve never had time for it. and i don’t exactly see satisfaction in falling into bed with just anyone…”
you woke up to zoro already up. you had fallen asleep draped in his arms; his usual tension and refusal to move an inch towards you had vanished for the night while he allowed himself to properly hold you.
“zoro?”
“good morning,” zoro stood to his feet, adjusting his swords and eying the door. his shoes were already back on and it looked like he had been up and ready for at least an hour, “we can get going… i expect shellstown is about a day from here.”
oh.
almost as if last night hadn’t happened…
was that all it was?
one night?
you gritted your jaw and stood, ignoring the way your hands suddenly shook.
“everything okay?”
“fine. yes…”
you shouldn’t have expected anything. it never should have happened. you had spent so much time together. so much time close together— it’s inevitable to feel something. even if it’s just a weak moment…
you stood beside zoro at the rail of the ship. zoro had barely spoken all day. he was tense and stiff and even less talkative than usual.
“zoro…”
“don’t.”
you flinched slightly before turning towards you and raising your eyebrows.
“we aren’t talking about it.”
oh.
“and why not?”
“it shouldn’t have happened.”
oh.
“nothing did happen.”
“something happened. it’s good it didn’t go further…”
anger coursed through you before hurt. you crossed your arms and zoro raised his eyebrows at your expression.
“you realize i kissed you?”
“yes.”
“and you didn’t stop me.”
“i know.”
“but it was a mistake? right. are you sure it’s not just that you’re scared?”
zoro spun around so fast you stepped back, “what? scared? of what?”
he wasn’t angry. there was a flicker of hesitation and maybe even something more—
“because you feel it too.”
his eyes snapped to yours and there was panic behind them.
“you know it’s something real and that scares you. i know… i was never meant to even find you. i was supposed to find my brother and then be on my way but—“
“i didn’t plan for you. i plan for everything and… you— i don’t know what to do with it.”
“you don’t have to do anything, zoro.”
“but there’s something… i don’t think i can just ignore it. i didn’t…”
“i know.” you stepped closer to him, exhaling, “it’s not… convenient.” zoro almost laughed, shaking his head as he ran his hand through his hair, “no, it isn’t…”
he turned his attention back to the water and shifted, “i don’t want you to think it was a mistake… that i just wanted to kiss you once and—“
“i know. i don’t think you’ve ever been casual about anything…”
zoro’s mouth twitched into a smile, “i don’t think it can be casual… i would need to love you the way i do everything else… with all of me. fiercely. with everything i have…”
you stepped back, voice catching. zoro had his hand on his sword. he bowed his head, withdrew his sword a few inches and then replaced it in the hilt. you knew the gesture. you knew the meaning… the promise.
the vow—
“zoro—“
“i swore to protect you. now i swear to you… i will protect you. with everything in me… if you’ll have me— if… if you–“
you kissed him again and this time it was he who pulled you in. there was a slight smile on his face, the shy intensity gone. you pulled away only when some of the crew of the ship began to whistle and applaud. you smiled shyly, while zoro shot a glare over his shoulder. zoro turned his attention back to the waves, torso resting against the banister of the ship. you stepped closer, hand brushing against his arm tentatively. you just wanted to stay close… lately that had been all you had wanted. your hand closed around his and he didn’t pull away.
