The One : Roronoa Zoro X Reader

26

His callused thumbs gently brushed over the dark circles under your eyes as he cupped you cheeks.

"You're coming home with me." he frowned, unhappy with the lack of care you've allowed yourself.

When you opened your mouth to protest he pinched your lips between his thumb and index fingers.

"They'll call you if anything happens, let Thatch stay tonight." there was a look of genuine worry on his face that you knew you couldn't turn down.

You nodded still unable to speak until he released you and pecked your lips.

It was Ace's fourth day in the hospital and though he was no longer in a medically induced coma, he still hadn't woken up. Law assured you that this can be typical considering the trauma of his injuries and that he was healing at a steady pace but it still worried you all night and day.

Thatch looked over at you still halfway in your boyfriend's embrace and smiled. It was as if you'd forgotten he was in the room, too busy caught up in the caring moment with Zoro.

Suddenly you turned with and apologetic smile.

The brunette held up his hand, "I got this, go rest. You look terrible."
"Well then," you grumbled, "looks like it's decided."
"I'll keep my phone close." Zoro told your brother.
"We'll be back in the morning, Freckles." you swept Ace's hair from his face and kissed his cheek.
"We'll see ya tomorrow, honey." Thatch smiled presenting his cheek for the same treatment as Ace.
"Goodnight, mom." you chuckled tugging his goatee.

It wasn't a long drive to Zoro's place but you managed to fall asleep, only startling when he gently unclipped your seatbelt to help you out.

"Sorry," he murmured, "I was trying not to wake you."
"S'fine." you yawned grasping his arm for support as you slid out of the seat.

You had really underestimated how tired you were. It was hard to sleep in the hospital, aside from being incredibly uncomfortable nurses came in every few hours to check vitals and what not. It took forever to doze off only to be woken up to start the process all over again. That mixed with all the stress and worry started to take a toll.

Zoro kept his arm around you and tugged you up the steps to his apartment. Once inside he sat you on the sofa.

"I'll be right back." he kissed your lips and disappeared into the bedroom.

Knowing you were in a comfortable place that you practically lived in helped you relax. Your eyes were so heavy it was difficult to keep them open after blinking. A few moments passed before your handsome boyfriend reappeared shirtless. With an amiable gasp of your forearm he pulled you to your feet and began to guide you into the bedroom. The bathroom light was on, the door was open and the room felt slightly humid as if the shower had been running.

Your brows furrowed as you glanced up at him, "What are we doing?"
"I know you're tired, and no offense, but you need a bath." he chuckled at your immediate pout, "You'll sleep better."

Without waiting for you to reply he pulled you into the bathroom and started helping you undress. Only now you realized he had a towel around his waist. Had you not been so exhausted you would've caught on to his little plan, not that you were really upset about it. Once you'd both stripped down Zoro stepped into the tub and assisted you in taking a seat between his legs. It was a cramped space but you honestly didn't mind; the water was perfectly warm and you'd never complain about being pressed against your handsome lover.

"I know it's not fancy, but it'll do." he reached for the detachable shower head that he'd rested over the faucet.
"It's perfect, Tiger." you closed your eyes as he turned the water on and ran it through your hair. 

A soft hum rumbled through your chest as he massaged shampoo into your scalp. Once your hair was clean you leaned back against his chest enjoying the warm sudsy water. When you began to softly snore he kissed your shoulder to gain your attention and unplugged the tub.

Zoro again helped you to your feet and reattached the shower head so the two of you could finish rinsing off. After your shower you slipped into your favorite shirt of his and toweled your hair dry.

"Do you need anything?" he murmured adjusting his boxers.
"You." you answered dropping yourself into the mattress.

A cocky smirk bent his lips as he crawled into bed with you and buried his face in your chest. He was very pleased knowing you needed him. Out of all the men in your life he didn't really have to fight for your attention.

"Tiger," you hummed running your fingers through his hair.
"Hm?"
"Thanks for putting up with all of this." your digits moved down to caress his temple and scarred cheek.
"It's life," he kissed your neck, "I just hope I can help ease things."
"More than you know, babe." that was the last thing you remembered saying before drifting off.

His lips brushed over the soft skin of your nape making you shiver, groan and stretch.

"Time to get up." Zoro rasped, "It's almost ten."

You yawned and rubbed your eyes, a little upset with how late you'd slept. You'd wanted to be back at the hospital early, but clearly your body needed the rest. After going through a quick morning routine you dressed and made your way to the hospital to relieve a very tired Thatch. Before leaving, your edelst brother guided your boyfriend to the cafeteria to grab a bit of breakfast for both of you.

You turned on some music and hummed along while readjusting Ace's pillows.

A small gasp pushed passed his lips as his eyes fluttered open.

"Well, good morning Freckles."

He smiled lopsidedly and then pouted in confusion, "Wha- where?"