The Swordsman's Cat ( Zoro X Reader)

Chapter 37 : Never Ready

Chapter 37 : Never Ready

Mihawk slumped into his chair at the dining room, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. He was overwhelmed by frustration, grappling with the consequences of what had transpired. You were undeniably your mother's daughter, inheriting her strength and determination. Yet, he found himself acting hypocritically.

He had always professed his unwavering commitment to protect you, to give you the world. However, in his attempt to keep you safe, he had inadvertently chained you to the island for his own selfish reasons. Your actions had shown that you were more than capable of making your own choices, but he struggled to let go.

His late wife's words echoed in his mind, and he realized that it was significant that you sought permission before pursuing your desires. Your strength and resourcefulness allowed you to sneak away, but you stayed because of your concern for him. You were willing to remain until he was ready to let you go, but witnessing you die before him had cast doubt on whether he would ever be prepared for such a moment.

He acknowledged that you meant everything to him, and no one could dispute the depth of his love and care for you. However, he had crossed a line, and his obsession with keeping you safe had morphed into possessiveness. Perhaps what Roronoa had said held some truth. Over the past two years, you had become obedient, following his every command like a puppet. He couldn't ignore the subtle sadness that often lingered behind your smiles, and he began to question the impact of his actions on you.

Mihawk rose from his chair, his steps carrying him to the portrait of your mother that graced the dining room. His fingers gently touched the frame as he spoke softly to the image, "Mi Amor... In moments like these, I would give anything for you to be with us once more. You always knew how to navigate times of crisis."

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, Zoro's voice interrupted him, breaking the solemnity of the moment.

" Didn't know you had the habit of talking to the dead," Mihawk turned abruptly to face him, his piercing gaze meeting Zoro's.

Zoro leaned casually against the door frame, his stoic expression never wavering as he waited for Mihawk's response. The room fell into an uneasy silence.

Mihawk, breaking the silence, retrieved two bottles of wine from a nearby cabinet. He tossed one to Zoro, who caught it deftly. Mihawk opened his own bottle and poured himself a cup, resuming his seat.

Zoro, now perched on the window sill with the open bottle in hand, observed Mihawk quietly. The minutes passed in silence as they both sipped their wine. Finally, after what felt like hours, Zoro decided to broach a different topic.

"Your wife... What was her name?" he inquired, his voice gentle yet inquisitive.

"Hasumi," Mihawk spoke softly, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, as he downed the last sip of wine from his glass.

Zoro raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the name. "Water Lily...? How fitting. Y/N mentioned that she had the ability to control plants and water," he began, but Mihawk swiftly cut him off.

"Shouldn't you be finding Gatita instead of making small talk with me, Roronoa?" Mihawk shot back, his tone implying impatience.

Zoro rubbed the back of his neck in frustration. "I can't... She used that Amour of Heart spell thing on me, so I can't feel her full connection at the moment."

Mihawk chuckled at Zoro's predicament. "She must be really disappointed in you, then."

"In us," Zoro corrected himself with a sigh.

"Look, whether we both like it or not, you're her father, and I'm her soulmate. I apologize for saying that she deserves a better father."

Mihawk raised an eyebrow at Zoro's unexpected apology. "Hmmm... I would never have guessed that you were capable of owning up to your mistakes, Roronoa."