The One : Roronoa Zoro X Reader

27

Thatch and Zoro entered the room nearly dropping the food they’d brought back when they saw you hunched over Ace’s chest crying as he weakly stroked your hair.
 
“It’s ok,” he murmured unsure if it was the truth or not.
“I know,” you sniffled, “that’s why I’m crying.”
 
Thatch set the tray he was holding on the nearest table and slumped over you.
 
“Guys,” Ace croaked, “it’s really hard to breathe with you like this.”
 
You were just so relieved to see him awake and hear his voice, it was hard not to cry.
 
“You’re awake!” Thatch sobbed.
“It’s like I have two moms.” The raven chuckled glancing at Zoro.
“Ok, maybe you guys should let him breathe.” Your boyfriend suggested calmly moving to peel you away from your sibling.
 
As you stood Zoro swept the tears from your cheeks and smiled softly. Though he wasn’t a fan of seeing you cry, at least for once it was over something good.
 
“Oh!” you gasped yanking your phone from your pocket, “I have to tell everyone.”
 
 
 
The Crew :
 
You: He’s awake!

Phoenix_blue: I’m at the office but I can be there soon.

Dragon925: How is he?

You: he seems fine but doesn’t remember much. Law will be in soon to check on him.

PirateKing98: Me & Nami will be there in a few hours

Dragon925: Al and I were out getting breakfast but we’re on our way. Should we stop for anything?

You: We’ll worry about that later. See you guys soon.
 
 Law entered shortly after to perform some neuropathy tests.
 
“Well, he doesn’t seem to have any issues with nerve damage or motor skills.” Law glanced at you and your oldest brother and then turned back to Ace, “Do you remember anything that happened the night of the fight?”
Ace pondered for a moment, “Uhm…I know I had to fight some old man.” His face scrunched as he fought harder to remember.
Law placed a hand on his shoulder, “Don’t push yourself. If you happen to recall later let me or Detective Smoker know.”
“Yeah, of course.” Your freckled brother nodded.
 
“Well,” Law stood placing the clipboard back at the foot of Ace’s bed, “We’ll keep him one more night just for observation, but I expect a full recovery.”
“Thank you,” Thatch murmured.
“I’ll be back during my rounds later.” The doctor reached the door just as Sabo and Al entered.
“So how bad do I look?” Ace asked wiggling into a more seated position.
“Remember that time Luffy put gum in your hair?” Sabo chuckled as Ace frowned.
“That bad?”
“Worse.” The blond confirmed.
“Your hair isn’t so bad,” Al chirped, “it’s at least fixable”
“Yeah,” you agreed, “your face on the other hand…”
“Gimme a mirror!” Ace demanded.
“It was a lot worse four days ago.” Zoro added handing him the small mirror from your overnight bag.
 “Is that supposed to make me feel better?” the raven gaped at himself for a moment and then reached up slowly running his fingers over the bruised swollen parts of his face, “Holy shit.”
 
Your chest burned a bit watching him realize just how serious the situation was. Zoro’s gaze fell over you taking in your reaction as well. He brought his arms up to wrap around your shoulders and reeled you into his chest.
 
“My hair…” Ace’s busted lip jutted out just a bit.
“We’ll fix it.” You murmured with a smile.
“Not you.” His ruby gaze snapped up to you, “Not after the last time.”
“I can do it.” Al volunteered.
“No one better than the licensed professional.” Thatch commented still drying his tears.
“We’ll have to wait until you’re home and feeling a bit better.” You added.
“I can just bring everything to the house when you’re ready.” Al smiled softly.
 
The day carried on slowly as your siblings came in short stints to visit your younger brother. Thatch volunteered to come back in the evening for the final night shift, just to make sure Ace was comfortable and not left alone.
 
“Did you have anything in mind for dinner?” you asked Zoro shedding your hoodie in the doorway of his apartment.
“Delivery is already on the way.” He answered pressing a kiss to your forehead.
“Oh, planning ahead, Tiger?”
“I had to considering most places would be busier today.” He answered stepping back into his room.
 
You plopped down on the sofa wondering what was so special about today that meant restaurants would be busier. Was another snowstorm blowing through? People always had to get out of the house before possibly being snowed in for a few days.
 
It wasn’t a weekend.
 
You sighed.
 
 
 
You really had tunnel vision this week and couldn’t think of a single reason, until your greenette emerged carrying a small magenta gift bag and single white tulip with a purple ribbon tied around the stem.
 
Valentine’s day.
 
You’d completely forgotten in all of the drama that surrounded Ace’s hospital stay.
 
“It isn’t much.” Zoro started, handing you the flower first, “I thought you’d rather have a quiet night.”
“You didn’t have to do anything, I’m so terrible I didn’t even remember.” You accepted the flower and the gift bag as he offered it.
“There’s been a lot going on,” he scoffed, “I wouldn’t have expected you to. So, don’t worry about it and remember I’m bad at this gift thing.”
 “Yeah I bought that lie on Christmas.” You rolled your eyes as he took a seat next to you.
 
Tugging the shimmery white tissue paper from the bag your fingers brushed against something soft. You pulled out a small purple lop-eared rabbit plushie. It was actually very cute and about the same size as the little tiger you’d won for Zoro so long ago, you could even assume it was made by the same company just judging by the facial expression and materials used.