Perona's Diary

by Chisai_Hoshi

Summary:

Have you ever shared a castle with two swordsman? Ever since Perona found herself forced to live with a member of the Straw Hats and a Warlord, her days had been far from the usual life she envisionned when she first arrived here.
----
Despite's its title, the fic is written in third person (god forbids I write in first person), but from Perona's POV.
However, the Goth Family series will be for stories related to them and their entourage. This one specifically involves Perona as the main character. Lastly, this is a one shots fic, meaning every chapter is a stand alone (unless stated otherwise) and is happening on Kuraigana island.

Notes:

Since this is a of short stories fic, I take requests, simply ask in comments or on my tumblr (chihoshisai) and I will be happy to write it ! Though, if you'd like to request something that doesn't involve Perona, it is okay, as long as it involves the other goth family member :)

Chapter 1: Sober Bet

With dim candles lighting her room, Perona looked down at her journal. She sighed in annoyance, having finally written down the last events of a bet with no winner. A bet she started four days ago on a whim.  

That night at diner, Perona squinted her eyes towards Zoro. Ignoring his table manners, she instead took notice of the unreasonable amount of sake he was consuming. 

It was a regular occurrence during meals, and like many things Mihawk didn’t seem to mind – as his reserve of wine wasn’t a target – alcohol was cheap and quite easy to acquire, unlike his fine imported liquor. It was a normal dinner, really, except a thought crossed Perona’s mind. 

“How do you expect to train properly if you drink that much?” she raised an eyebrow towards Zoro. It had been a few days since the newly arrived housemate’s training began, yet he showed no sign of slowing down on alcohol. 

“That’s none of your business is it?” Zoro lowered his glass just enough to return an annoyed look. 

“Of course it is!” Perona slammed her fists on the table, owning her a look from Mihawk, and giving an apologetic one as an excuse. “If you get hurt because you’re hungover, I’m the one who’ll have to treat you!” Her tone dropped in anger. 

“Then you’re in luck, I never get drunk,” Zoro grinned before gulping the rest of his drink.

It irked Perona, “that’s what all alcoholics say,” she rolled her eyes, taking a bite of her food. “I’m sure you’re incapable of staying sober.” She shrugged. 

“Of course I can!” Zoro placed his glass on the table and stared defiantly at Perona, who sat across her. 

“Oh ?” She grinned back at him, “then let’s say a week. No drinks allowed. Not mixed with juice, or anything else for that matter.” 

“I would never mix my sake with juice!” Zoro said, baffled. It sounded like a blasphemy. 

“Urgh, I don’t care how you like your drinks,” Perona gritted her teeth, “do we have a deal or not?” She extended a hand across the table.

“Yeah,” Zoro promptly accepted the handshake, “you better leave me alone and not complain about my drinking after this.”  

“We’ll see,” she gave him a devilish smile, “in the eventuality you cheat I’ll hit you with my ghosts.” And as a way to further prove her point, she made one of her spirits run through his chest, leaving Zoro completely depressed.

“I’m sorry I can’t make myself more useful,” he whispered. Perona laughed gaudily at the sight, unaware of the second look from Mihawk she caused to come her way.

“Please do refrain from using your powers at the table,” he said in a calm tone.

“Jeez you’re no fun,” she gave him a pout. “You have to help me and make sure this guy doesn’t drink for a week.” 

“Well I guess I can do that much,” Mihawk directed his gaze towards the still sulking swordsman, who kept mumbling incomprehensible things. He grabbed his glass of wine, feeling somewhat bad for the guy, before bringing the tip to his lips. 

“This is gonna be so fun!” Perona said in a sing song high pitched voice. She knew exactly what she had to do.

After dinner, whilst Zoro and Mihawk busied themselves with the dishes, she quickly went unnoticed in the castle’s cellar and emptied it. Well not entirely. Leaving nothing but Mihawk’s wine, she made sure to not even accidentally brush the bottles, knowing damn well the warlord would notice. His wine was off limit. She did not want an earful. 

With discretion, she purposefully hid the bottles in her room. Like that, if Zoro was desperate enough, he’d have to manage to sneak his way in, only to be caught red handed. Perona laughed at the plan she devised, before having an inkling of the swordsman's thoughts and deciding to beat him at his own game.

That night, she stayed awake, carefully listening for any footsteps from the hallway. With faint candlelight illuminating her room, Perona kept herself busy with her Kumacy plush, fighting the urge to sleep, as the time neared 3 am. It wasn’t until then that she finally heard what she stayed awake for. Her prediction had proven correct. 

“Just you wait,” she promptly floated herself to the door and into the hall. Simpletons like him were so easy to predict. 

Without even trying to follow the figure, she knew the destination of the footsteps, as she flew lower and lower down the castle’s stairs to arrive near the cellar. With a grin, Perona kept herself hidden, until the moment Zoro would find his way here. Which in all consideration took a while. In fact, it took so long she began second guessing whether he wasn’t heading somewhere else – to do something like late night practice. But the thoughts got quickly interrupted by the sound of footsteps descending the stairway. She watched Zoro open the door without even bothering to check his surroundings.

“Look at you, so sure of yourself that no one is following” Perona whispered to herself, with a silent laugh. 

Zoro disappeared in the room and Perona waited until he exclaimed in surprise before appearing in the doorframe. 

“There’s no sake?!” Both of Zoro’s eyes and mouth grew. He turned around in alarm, the second he heard the voice behind him.

“That’s right,” Perona had her hands on her waist, visibly proud of herself, “I got rid of it.” 

“You what?” Zoro couldn’t believe what he just heard. 

“No need to thank me for making it easier for you, cheater.” She said that last word with a grave tone. 

“Cheater?” Zoro scoffed, “I was looking for the toilet.” He crossed his arms. 

“Give me a break! The toilet is right next to your room!” Perona pointed a finger at him, feet stomping. “I know you didn’t just end up here by mistake.” 

“Whatever, what have you done with the alcohol?” Zoro gave her an impatient look. Surely she wouldn’t be foolish enough to waste that huge amount of liquor just because of a bet.

“Hmph, it's up in my room,” Perona gave him a satisfied smile, “but I’m not giving it to you even if you beg.” She swiftly floated next to him and teasingly poked his arm. “But if you’re that desperate, you’re free to have a taste of Mihawk’s wine.” She laughed, pointing in the direction of the finely stored bottles.

A shiver ran down Zoro’s back. He too knew. Mihawk’s wine was off limits. He did not want an earful.

“I don’t like wine.” He could swear the bottles looked somewhat ominous. “It’s something fancy people like that Cook like to drink.” For a split second, a slight wave of longing crossed Zoro’s at the mention of one of his crew members. Quick on the uptake, Perona wasted no time to take notice of it, but paid it no mind. 

“Right, and you’re far too distasteful for that,” she teased. 

“Shut up,” Zoro groaned. 

Annoyed, she floated in front of him and planted her finger on his chest, “you’re the one who decided to come down here to steal booze despite making a bet of not drinking any for a week!” She hurled the words at Zoro.  

“All I wanted to do was take one last look–” he began, eyes darting away. 

“Don’t try to play dumb with me!” She pressed her finger against his chest harder. 

Zoro said nothing. It was too humiliating being caught red handed.

“Cheater,” Perona whispered. Seeing as he persisted in saying nothing, she flew to the side and pointed towards the door, “now, go on to sleep. I’ll walk you back”  

“Don’t treat me like some kid,” Zoro said, yet he still walked towards the door per her instruction. 

“Then don’t get lost like one!” She followed behind, still floating. 

Sure of himself, Zoro took the wrong turn as soon as they came up the stairs, resulting in Perona grabbing him by the collar. “I’m tired, so I’ll drag you all the way to your room.” Giving instructions to a pirate with no sense of direction required too much energy. 

“Woah, hey!” Zoro tried to swat her hand away.

“Just bear with it!” She gripped the back of his shirt tighter. “Unless you want me to hit you with my powers!” The usual two or three ghosts who kept her company, loomed over Zoro. 

He gulped, “alright fine.” And with much reluctance he let himself be led to his room. 

“Listen,” Perona stood in front of his door with a warning look, “I’ll turn a blind eye to tonight, but you better not try and drink anything, are we clear?” 

“I get it so just go to sleep already,” Zoro yawned. It wasn’t until she gave him a last look that she left, curls flowing at her back to get her well deserved sleep.

-----

Day 1 — No attempts were made by Zoro whatsoever to try and infiltrate Perona’s room. Neither did he complain throughout meals about the lack of alcohol. His training was the same as ever too. The day went on as usual, leaving Perona to feel like a fool for safeguarding the liquor most of the day. 

Day 2 — Zoro’s normal behavior was probably due to how close his last drink was. At least that’s what Perona told herself, as she floated next to him for most of the day. He was now sober for 24h and yet showed no sign of withdrawal syndromes. Maybe he wasn’t an alcoholic after all. 

Day 3 — Zoro increased the time of his training, which didn’t trouble Mihawk, and still not a single complaint had escaped him. Perona had been waiting for the slightest opportunity to tease him, make his life harder and remind him of the bet he had taken. Yet as she looked at him training harder than the day before, she found her opinion of him getting slightly better. 

Day 4 —  Still nothing. If not for the increasing hours of training. It wasn’t until dinner time that Perona finally found a way to nag at him. 

“You’re staring,” she said matter of factly. Zoro had in fact been staring at Mihawk’s wine glass for a while now. His being filled with the usual tasteless water. He refused when offered juice, saying it would be no good for his body. As if alcohol wasn’t worse. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he turned his gaze back to his plate. Mihawk had raised his eye to look at the scene but remained silent. 

“You poor thing, don’t start wavering now.” She filled the room with her usual hollow laugh.

“Don’t pity me!” Zoro spit back.

Day 5 — Perona sat nearby, as she watched Zoro train for what seemed like the whole day. 

“Doesn’t he have nothing better to do?” she said to herself, “it's like all he does is train. And he’s so serious at it it’s not like I can bother him… or go see the other swordsman, as this one might try something.” She sighed, bored. These past days had truly been dull. 

Mihawk appeared from behind Perona, but she felt too lethargic to even glance in his direction. 

“You here to train him again?” She said emotionlessly. 

Mihawk took a few seconds to reply, “No.” 

“Mmh,” her voice trailed. She had no will to further encourage a conversation. The swing of Zoro’s sword in the wind along with his occasional grunts echoed through the silence. After a brief moment, in which Perona felt her eyelids become heavier, Mihawk made his way towards Zoro, and the latter instinctively stopped all movement. The surprising change of dynamic, grasped Perona’s attention, didn’t you just say you weren’t gonna train him, she thought to herself. 

Being close enough to earshot, Mihawk blandly said, “you’re training too much. That’ll do you more harm than good.”

“Even if I trained for a whole day it still wouldn’t be enough,” Zoro stubbornly replied. 

“Training for a whole day? That’s all you’ve been doing these past few days,” Perona complained, yawning from afar. 

“There is uneasiness in your swings,” Mihawk continued his speech, “All things considered you’ve done well so far.” 

“I don’t like the sound of that,” Zoro sheathed his swords, and looked at Mihawk with uncertainty. 

“But you can’t afford to slow your progress any more than this,” Mihawk gave him an astute look, before turning his back to Zoro, “Wait here, I’ll be back.” And without delay he made his way to the inside of the castle.

“What’s with him?” Zoro asked Perona.

“How should I know? Maybe you’re in trouble?” She shrugged. 

“I haven’t done anything that could make him mad.” Zoro wiped his forehead sweat with the back of his hand. “Not that I’ve ever seen him mad.” He added.

“Me neither.”

They exchanged a look. Has Mihawk ever been mad?

Almost as soon as he left, he returned with a bottle full of sake. Perona jumped to her feet. 

“Where did you get that?!” She exclaimed.

“Sorry, I went and entered your room without asking,” he simply stared at her dumbfounded expression, face still stoic before heading towards Zoro.

He knew. 

Of course he knew!

Perona went and grabbed the warlord's arm, “wait! Zoro’s not supposed to drink! It hasn’t been a week yet!” She tried to pull him away. “Don’t interfere!” 

“Even so, he needs it or his training will be further impacted.” Mihawk made no attempt to push Perona away. He simply continued walking, half dragging the ghost girl who started floating along the way. 

“What?” She frowned, “How are his training and alcohol related?” She refused to let go. 

“That’s the way he copes,” Mihawk simply said. 

Perona raised an eyebrow towards Zoro, “so that’s why you’ve been doing nothing but aimlessly swing your sword?”

“Or what? Was I supposed to walk into your room filled with those ghosts, get run over and make you have a good laugh out of it?” Zoro groaned.

So he knew about the ghosts she set as a trap. Perona’s eyes widened as she wondered when and how he had gotten a look at her room. 

“I’m not giving you a reason to make fun of me,” Zoro added.

“Hmph, if that’s how it is then I’ll find another way” She distanced herself from Mihawk who was finally close enough to give the drink to Zoro. 

“Thanks, for saving me from this woman’s stupid scheme.” He gave a light smirk towards the warlord who nodded in response. 

“It wasn’t stupid! In fact it proved that you’re nothing but a stupid alcoholic!” She fumed, her cutesy voice gone. 

“I already knew that a long time ago,” Zoro said, before drinking. 

Chapter 2: Gardening Rookies

Perona stared at her hands, grateful that she managed to save them from the touch of an unruly earth being a few hours earlier. She closed her journal, now done recording the events of the day before seeking the presence of Mihawk in order to give him the cookies she baked as compensation.

***

“This is quite good,” Zoro said, cheeks round with the mouthful of food he had just taken.

Perona grinned, proud of herself for making the swordsman enjoy the salad she made. As she roamed about the hallways earlier, floating and bored out of her mind whilst both pirates trained, her stroll made her pass by the kitchen. On the counter laid freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, who seemed to be waiting for nothing else but to be cut. Seeing an opportunity to cure her boredom, Perona couldn’t help herself. Like the wind, she immediately appeared before the ingredients and wasted no time in giving it a go.

“That big oaf is sure to be hungry after his practice,” she held a knife in one hand and a tomato in the other, grinning somewhat affectionately. “Guess I’ll be kind enough and make him something to eat with these.” Her hollow laugh echoed through the kitchen, accompanied by the rhythmic slicing sound of a blade.

And so, both now sat side by side in one of the many sitting rooms of the castle, with Perona’s negative ghost observing them with their undying smile.

“I wish I had sake with that,” Zoro poked at one of the sliced cucumbers.

“It's not even mid afternoon, stop thinking about drinking for once!” With a scowl, Perona pointed her fork at him, only to receive a bothersome grunt from Zoro as a response.

“Urgh, just enjoy the damn salad will you?” Worried about his drinking habits, she gave him an exasperated sigh.

“I already am!” Zoro jerked his head towards Perona, only to see her eyes fixed in front of her. Instinctively, he dropped his mood and followed the ghost girl’s gaze, and soon enough, he saw Mihawk standing in the door frame, silently observing them.

Whether it was a good silence or a bad silence, Perona couldn’t tell since Mihawk had always been almost impossible to read. Though if it was the former, he would simply walk away, leaving them both to mind their business. As she almost finished chewing her food, Perona bent down to take another bite, already missing the sweet yet bitter taste of her creation.

“These were supposed to be the ingredients for dinner,” Mihawk stated, his face and voice both devoid of any form of reprimand. He dropped the words almost purposefully, as both Perona and Zoro still chewed, eyes growing now that they realized what they had done. Why did he take so long to say so? And because Mihawk was always so emotionless, both couldn’t tell if they were in trouble or not. But one thing was sure — they were caught in the act.

Zoro said nothing, whilst Perona swallowed her mouthful. “The stinky oaf asked me to do it for him,” she said, shamelessly pointing towards the swordsman. Aware of her actions, she reflexively brought her fingers to her ears to block the yelling voice that would soon follow.

“I did not! You’re the one who decided to do it on your own!” Now antagonized, Zoro moved his face closer to Perona’s as he spoke, seeing her blatantly covering her ears.

The pink haired girl knew her ruse would amount to nothing, as she saw Mihawk enter the room, she prepared herself for what to come. He was far from being an evil man — rather he was just and fair in his judgment, so whatever he might say, there was nothing to fear.

“It matters not whose idea it was to use the ingredients I set aside.” Mihawk’s tone yet again revealed nothing as to his emotions. Perona pouted and Zoro scowled, as they further listened to his words, “both of you are going to the garden to harvest new ones for dinner.”

“What?” Both culprits exclaimed at the same time. Perona’s expression contorted to match that of Zoro’s. She couldn’t believe what she just heard. The warlord had always turned a blind eye to whatever shenanigan she and Zoro schemed so why the punishment?

Mihawk remained unphased, as his eyes traveled from one frown to the other, “while you’re at it, learn to do some gardening. It’s a valuable life skill.” He nodded, as if to signal that he was done talking.

“I don’t want to go!” Perona whined, face shaking in disapprovement. The thought of getting herself – and most importantly her polished fingernails – dirty revolted her. No matter how much you looked at it, you could tell she did not belong in the garden. In the eventuality she did find herself there, it would be to admire whatever was growing in it. Not to pluck it out.

“Do we really have to?” Zoro crossed his arms, visibly dissatisfied, though not on the same level as Perona.

Giving them a final look, Mihawk kept his silence and simply turned his back. Perona watched, as Zoro stood up without a word and walked towards the warlord. Silence was a daily occurrence with Mihawk, and this one meant that there was no room for arguing.

“This sucks!” she grabbed her parasol in an angry fashion, “don’t blame me if things don’t go right!” she gritted her teeth before floating towards the two men. Despite all that, Zoro’s contentment towards her food was enough to cause her not to regret her decision, as they followed Mihawk through the castle and out in the garden.

In the blink of an eye, Zoro and Perona found themselves dressed with oversized red aprons and thick looking matching gloves. Curtsey of Mihawk, allowing them to borrow his gear. Both stood near the vegetable patch, with the warlord eyeing them from the side like a guardian.

“What is this? It’s so ugly!” Perona fussed over the equipment, who despite its color, managed to heavily clash with her usual look. The apron came down to her knees, and her hands felt moist inside the unusual fabric, leaving her with the feeling of having stepped out of her comfort zone. Though in reality, she was grateful her hands wouldn’t have to make direct contact with the soil.

“Really, it's kinda lame,” Zoro pointed out, arms resting on his beloved swords.

“I don’t think you’re in a position to call anything lame,” Perona giggled, whilst she looked the swordsman up and down. He looked most ridiculous in this assemblage of clothing.

To her disappointment, Zoro ignored her remark, “do we need to wear this?”

Mihawk’s reply came after a few moment’s delay, “it's not necessary, but you guys are beginners, so I recommend you wear them. I’m sorry if they’re not to your taste, they were a gift from a friend and they’re all I have.” He lowered his head, hiding it behind his hat, “do whatever you want.”

Oh.

A gift. Who knew a socially awkward shut-in like Mihawk — who isolates himself on an island — would have someone close enough in his life to send him gardening equipment as a present? What’s more, a matching set when he usually lives alone ? It was hard to tell if the gift was given with love, as a joke or as an insult. In any case it seemed the warlord’s attachment was more towards the person rather than the item itself. Perona glanced towards Zoro, who returned a similar we hurt his feelings look, and she nodded in the hopes that he would follow her lead.

“It’s a bit big for me but I’ll wear it,” Perona declared with a high pitched tone. “It’ll also keep my hands clean,” she clasped them together as she forced her lips into a smile. “And the color is also cute,” the guilt who creeped at her chest brought forth a laugh out of her, as she continued to hover.

Zoro gave her a dazed look – as though he couldn’t believe how hard she was trying – only to be met with a menacing glare, urging him to bring a follow up or he’d regret it later.

“Well, I guess I don’t have a reason to take it off,” he had said with hesitation. Zoro tempted a look at Perona, who still didn’t seem satisfied by his answer. “That’s quite kind of you to lend us something you’ve received as a gift.”

Perona beamed at his words, grateful that the stinky swordsman had it in him to utter such words. Surely this would be enough to make up for their previous blunder. And as she redirected her gaze towards Mihawk, Perona felt glad to see that he brought back his eyes in their direction.

“Good decision, both of you,” Mihawk nodded in approval as he saw the relieved faces of the pirates he took in, “let’s get started then.”

It was a disaster.

Well aware of it being both’s first time, Mihawk meticulously showed them — how to collect vegetables from the soil, how to dig a hole and plant new seeds. His explanations were well detailed and explained for complete beginners to understand. And yet, as Zoro was assigned the collecting of ingredients and Perona the seeding, both found it in them to exceed Mihawk’s expectations. In the wrong way.

After watching the skillful way in which Mihawk handled the earth, Perona was convinced she could easily replicate it. After all, her work seemed less demanding than that of Zoro’s and required less strength. Strength. The swordsman used too much of it. As she crouched, a tiny shovel in one hand, Perona observed as Zoro pulled out a patch of potatoes, roots and all, accidentally crushing them as they proved difficult to remove. The groan he made alongside his facial expression caused a laugh to escape her.

“You’re ruining our dinner, you clumsy dork.” She said.

“... Try again but with the Zucchini,” Mihawk said, turning a blind eye to the tip of the iceberg.

“Why don’t you leave me alone and plant those damn things of yours,” Zoro gave her a glare alongside his frustrated tone. “Why is this harder than it looks,” he muttered to himself.

“That’s what I was about to do, no need to tell me,” Perona replied somewhat confidently, looking down below her feet. With ease, she dug a hole, put the carrots seeds Mihawk gave her earlier and just as easily closed it up. Feeling proud, she patted her first farming accomplishment. “That’s so easy,” she said in a sing-song voice.

The click of the tongue that reached her ears from an annoyed Zoro made her feel even better about herself. Though that was until a worm poked its face out of the soil, close to Perona’s hand. Almost immediately did she took notice of the little thing as it wiggled itself out of the soil and seemingly tried — according to her — getting closer to her hands. Which were still being guarded by the gardening gloves. However, it wasn’t enough to stop her blood from running cold and her heart to skip a beat in fear.

The ensuing piercing shriek, like that of a newborn, escaping her throat surprised both swordsmen – causing one to crush the vegetables he was currently retrieving and the other to look in alarm, or rather simply turn his attention, towards the noise.

Perona fell backwards, yelling ever so loudly, “a worm! Disgusting!” And as she looked down towards the pink thing, seeing it still move, her body entered flight or fight mode. And so, it was as though she forgot her ability to float, running through the patch of field, screaming still, “it’s coming for me!” She made a beeline for Mihawk, categorizing him as the safest place to be. Since yes, safety was all that mattered as she felt frightened. Therefore Perona cared not on what or where she was stepping, as a taken aback Zoro also yelled in surprise at the outburst and leaving Mihawk dumbfounded enough to slightly allow his lips to gape at the scene. At the sight of his poor garden being runned over.

“I hate worms!” Perona bawled, having reached the warlord’s back, clinging to him for dear life as he was the strongest being here. “Why did you make us do this?!”

“You’re crazy!” Zoro yelled at her, propelling himself to his feet, “you’re out of your mind reacting like that over a single worm!”

“Shut up! Someone like you who smells worse than the monkeys can’t understand!” Perona bitterly spat back from Mihawk’s shoulder, caring not how loud her voice might’ve been in the ears of the latter.

“The way I smell got nothing to do with this!” Zoro roared.

Perona prepared herself for her comeback, but got interrupted by the silent Mihawk, who must’ve finished grieving the situation.

“I’ll take care of things here,” he said, voice surprisingly authoritative. “You two go back inside and get cleaned up.”

“Really? Thank you!” Perona beamed and gave him an affectionate back hug, grateful for his wise judgment. After all, she was never cut out for gardening.

“Why are you letting her off that easily?” Zoro said, with a toned down angered voice out of respect for the greatest swordsman.

“Just go, both of you,” Mihawk answered him.

Delighted, Perona floated into the air, taking off both apron and gloves, “finally!” She gleefully handed them back to Mihawk, uttering a quick apology, before addressing Zoro who grunted, still holding what seemed like the remains of a zucchini crushed by his overwhelming strength, “hurry up you stinky. You need a shower just as much as I do.”

And without wasting a second, she headed for the castle after making sure Zoro was following, and leaving poor Mihawk to deal with the aftermath of their doing. Well, this was his idea after all.

Notes:

A moment of silence for Mihawk and his garden. He loves his children so much that he can't bring himself to be mad at them. Even if it hurts him. In the end he cleaned up the whole thing and served them a delicious dinner with what he could save rip

Chapter 3: Broken Bottle

Perona swirled the glass containing the wine she had been allowed to bring up in her room. Staring at its scarlet color along with her journal that laid open on her lap, she considered how lucky of a person she was after the events of the day. 

***  

“We’re doomed,” Zoro said slowly.

“Doomed? More like dead,” Perona’s voice trembled, looking down at the shattered bottle of wine that had just hit the floor. Whilst the liquid spread across the tiles, as though it had dragged the color of her face along with it, the gravity of the situation sunk deep with the beating of her heart.

“What do we do?” Zoro’s gaze was just as fixated on the floor, and he too had been hit hard enough that cold sweat could be seen running down his forehead.

“What else can we do, you take the blame!” Perona said with conviction, a finger pointed towards Zoro. 

“You’re just as guilty as I am!” He said with a slight increase in his tone, eyes finally breaking free from the damage, to look in annoyance at the finger pointed towards him.

“You’re the one who wanted to come here get a drink!” Hands now designating the mountain of alcohol from the cellar, Perona could think of nothing but start an argument with the swordsman. A small yet vain attempt to steer away from the reality they currently found themselves in. 

“And you're the one who guided me because you insisted I couldn’t make it here on my own!” Zoro returned with a grunt.  

“Argh forget it,” Perona began, shoulders slumping. Even if Zoro was to be framed as the sole culprit, Mihawk would still come to know of her involvement. Courtesy of the Straw Hat pirate snitching on her. As the odor of the wine, sweet and rich in aroma made its way towards her nose, a frivolous thought crossed her mind, “let’s just say the monkeys went and did it !” Her voice gained in pitch, eyes somewhat serious, signaling she had both lost her mind and given up on finding a reasonable solution. 

Zoro’s gaze, now locked on hers with a somewhat stunned expression, caused a flush of embarrassment to form on Perona’s cheeks. A silence ensued, which both caused the spoken words to linger and create an uncomfortable feeling that creeped down in Perona’s stomach. Maybe, just maybe he was stunned because her idea was a good one ?

A scoff escaped Zoro’s lips, as the hint of a smile lured around their corner. Feeling like her words weren’t so nonsensical after all, Perona’s face brightened in response, before a scowl settled upon Zoro's. “As if he would believe that!” The words came flying into her face, with force — almost as though she was being scolded.

Irritation came boiling up to her, as she returned with a nasty voice, far from her usual pitch, “then what do you propose we do?!” Her hands clenched at the frustration she felt — towards the situation and her former decision, out of kindness, to help the swordsman. They did spend most of their time together after all, so it wasn’t all surprising she’d lend him a hand as there was no one else to do so. And Mihawk, well he’d probably trust Zoro’s words if he claimed to be able to reach a destination on his own. Therefore, not that much help to be expected on his end.    

Zoro crossed his arms, as a smile clearly appeared on his lips this time, “we’ll cover it up” he said confidently. 

“What, how?” Perona raised an eyebrow at his claim. This time she returned the silent look that was previously bestowed upon her, without revealing how eager she was to hear more of the swordsman’s idea.  

Keeping his confidence, Zoro pointed his thumb towards himself, “I get rid of the evidence, while you go and distract him,” he finished by pointing towards Perona, his smile unfaltering. 

Perona considered his words for a few seconds — it did sound like a tangible idea. “Okay, except you're leaving all the heavy lifting to me!” Her tone was accusatory while she pouted. 

Zoro shrugged as though he didn’t see anything wrong with it, “leaving no traces behind is just as important.”

Yet, the thought of having to keep Mihawk from suspecting anything was like trying to take down an emperor. And alongside the guilt of having shattered one of his precious wine bottles would make it all unbearable. 

“Whatever, you better come and help me when you're done,” she ordered him. Best have her accomplice close to her. So they would fall together, if the worst was to come. 

Zoro grunted his reply, “fine now go. The earlier we get this done, the better.”

Getting rid of the proof meant Zoro would have to go outside and subtly dispose of it. A shudder ran down Perona’s spine, imagining the swordsman losing his way and accidentally stumbling upon her and Mihawk in his attempt. “I’m leaving one of my ghosts here because we can't have you getting lost,” she said and one of the hollows promptly joined Zoro’s side, causing a slight surprised growl to escape him.

“Yeah alright,” he replied, giving a side glance towards the floating being. 

“One last thing,” Perona said. 

“You’re still not going?!” Zoro gruffed, eyes now looking towards the mess he had to clean.

Perona floated herself towards the shelves, using both hands to grab a bottle of wine with precaution, “I’m taking this with me just in case,” she gave a look towards Zoro for approval.

“Are you sure about that?” He raised his eyebrow, unsure.

“He won’t suspect anything if he’s enjoying wine,” Perona pressed her case further, clutching the bottle harder as she said so.

Zoro smiled, “right, good idea,” he nodded.

It was enough to give Perona confidence along with the foolish hope that their plan would succeed. “Good luck to you, you clumsy oaf,” she gave him a teasing smile, as she floated towards the cellar’s exit.

“Don’t forget you’re the one who broke the bottle!” She heard Zoro shout from behind and she giggled, having found enjoyment out of his lost temper.  

Thinking her plan could use some additional layers, Perona headed towards the kitchen, keeping watch of her surroundings in case a stray Mihawk decided to wander the castle. With quick movements, she chopped cheese and put it on a platter alongside grapes and two wine glasses, arranging the setup quite beautifully. She took in a deep breath and with resolve floated towards the sitting room she remembered Mihawk previously installed himself earlier in today. 

“There you are, I’ve been searching for you!” Perona said, well aware that he would often spend his time in this room, adorned with four armchairs, a table in its middle and a hearth carved in the wall. The warlord could be found either reading a book or the paper with an occasional glass of wine by his side. 

“What do you want?” Mihawk said, eyes scrutinizing Perona for hints as to her visit. 

The gaze caused Perona to tense up, fearing she would be found out soon, she couldn't stop her hands from shaking the tray. “I thought you’d like to have some refreshments while you read the journal,” she said enthusiastically whilst slightly pointing the tray forward to him. The thought of Zoro working hard to discard the mess they had made — she had made — was enough to convince her she couldn't let him down. 

Mihawk's eyes lingered at the plate, more so towards the bottle of wine that had been retrieved from his collection. “Don’t bother doing anything unnecessary,” he said, and paid no mind to the act Perona had posed.

“I’m trying to be considerate here!” her tone turned sour, and her eyebrows furrowed. Being shut down would make the plan fail. A plan which Zoro had surprisingly put into motion. 

Mihawk raised an eyebrow, as he lowered his journal, “why?”

Cold sweat ran down Perona's back — she was playing with hot water and knew her answer would have to be given carefully, “well, because you deserve it?” 

Mihawk stared in silence.

Embarrassment washed over Perona like a wave and she blurted out more words in desperation, “I mean you do so much for me and the other guy so,” she tempted with a smile.

“That doesn’t explain the sudden gesture. Normally you would've brought a snack that suited your palette more if you wanted to share,” Mihawk said, as he gave a sharp look towards the two glasses. 

He had put her on the spot, leaving her fumbling for an answer in her racing mind. Why was he so sharp ! Perona kept her placid smile, as she forced her thoughts to come up with an answer. 

“But the gesture is appreciated,” Mihawk said in a gentle tone, bringing back Perona to reality.

“Really?” She beamed and floated towards the warlord, “then let’s drink!” With a steady hand she deposited the tray on the table — things were proceeding smoothly enough to calm her nerves. Happily filling and handing a glass of wine towards Mihawk, Perona went to sit opposite him with a more natural grin.  

As she drank, she would occasionally risk a few glances towards Mihawk – who expressionlessly sipped his wine and nibbled at the snacks while he continued to read his paper. Was this good enough of a distraction ? She didn't know. However, stalling him here would be enough to erase all trace of their wrongdoings. 

A silent atmosphere reigned over the room, disrupted only by the ruffle sound of the paper. That was until a cacophonic disaster of a sound resonated from outside. Idiot , Perona screamed to herself. Zoro just had to attract attention to himself. He just had to. Perona clenched her glass, regretting leaving the swordsman to his own demise and shot a glance towards Mihawk, too preoccupied by his possible reaction to look in the same direction as him. 

Now alerted by the noise, the warlord directed his gaze towards the window and feeling something was amiss, he folded his journal as he started rising from his chair. 

“In reality I came here to ask you something,” the words spilled from Perona's mouth before she even had the time to think. 

Mihawk paused to look at her briefly, “why didn't you say so earlier, what is it?”

Her self conscience couldn't allow her to keep eye contact, “I’d like to hear about some of your stories as a warlord, won’t you tell me about it?” she fiddled with her glass, looking at the crimson color that inhabited it. 

“Is that all?” Mihawk said.

Perona nodded, “yes, I thought maybe you would have some stories similar to Moria.” As if the two warlords had anything in common to begin with. But anything goes if it means keeping Mihawk seated.

Mihawk directed his gaze once more at the window, looking somewhat unsure of how to proceed. “I'm sure the monkeys are just fooling around,” Perona said, taking advantage of the slight wavering in judgment of Mihawk. 

As no further noise could be heard and the silence of the castle returned, Mihawk allowed himself to sit down. “Fine, I suppose I could tell you some tales,” he said whilst crossing his legs. 

Perona sighed in relief — mainly because she managed to prevent Zoro from being caught mid-act. Honestly, how long does it take to get rid of a single bottle ?  

“What’s wrong?” Mihawk said.

She had not realized he had been staring, awaiting for her to give him attention. “Nothing! I'm just glad you agreed,” she gave a nervous laugh.

Thankfully, Mihawk paid her behavior no mind, as he proceeded to grab his glass and tell a fresh series of stories to Perona, who to her own surprise gleefully listened and shared her thoughts on the matter. With both engrossed in their conversation, it was only until the bandaged form of Zoro appearing in the doorframe did Perona remember that she did ask for him to come join her once he was done. She pouted, slightly regretting her previous words since his presence could only spell a disaster or turn out for the better. 

Zoro stood in the doorframe alone, as Perona's ghost had made a run for it once he neared his final destination — in fear the clever Mihawk would catch up in their involvement. A pack of cards in his hands, Zoro pointed it to the room, “thought this might make your drinking more interesting,” he said with a cocky grin. 

Not bad ! Perona gave him a I knew I could trust you look, and Zoro reciprocated with a complice smile. 

“We could even gamble if you’d like,” Zoro ads towards Mihawk, while making his way to sit next to Perona. 

The words made her scoff, “it's not like you have any money to gamble with!” To be fair, he did arrive on the island empty handed.

“Then I'll bet my chores,” Zoro replied. 

With a smile, Perona furrowed her eyebrows at how ridiculous his claim was, “you barely do any!”

“How unusual,” Mihawk began, interrupting the squabble, “how did you know I would be drinking with the ghost girl ?” 

Both accomplices tensed up. Perona could feel the burn of a side glance from Zoro, asking for help but all she could do was sip from her cup. In the back of her mind, she still hoped the swordsman would take the fall and she wouldn't bring forth the wrath of the warlord towards her. 

Perona's ears perked up as Zoro answered, “you spend as much time drinking wine as I do with sake,” he said tentatively. Fair enough. And it seemed the warlord bought into it, seeing as he remained silent.

“Let's play already !” Perona whined in hope of changing the subject. 

“Before that, let me go and grab a glass for Zoro before we begin,” Mihawk said, and he rose from his armchair. “You two shuffle the cards and decide on which game to play.” 

“That's quite nice of you, thanks” Zoro replied, lips curled with the hint of a smile. 

Perona watched, as the source of her unease exited the room, leaving her with the feeling that she could finally breathe again, until her other source of daily torment ruined it with his words. 

“You're barely helping!” Zoro said angrily. 

“You're the one who dug your own grave by appearing like that!” Perona said in a bitter voice, arms crossed and back turned towards Zoro.

“Because you told me to come here!” He crossed his arms in turn. 

“Well you didn't have to say something stupid, like mentioning the fact you knew we were drinking as you did when you entered!” She turned to give him a scolding look. 

“You've got to be kidding me,” Zoro muttered under his breath.

“What was that?” Perona seethed, “might I remind you even if we're in this together, I can't keep covering up for your mistakes like that loud noise you made earlier.” She lured her finger close to his nose to emphasize her reproach.  

“Sorry, but the monkeys—” Zoro's voice trailed off at the sight of the pale look of Perona's face. He turned and saw that Mihawk had been standing near the doorframe, unnoticed, for God knows how long. 

“I forgot to ask whether or not you two wanted additional snacks,” he said in his usual calm tone. 

“No,” both replied in harmony, still frozen.

“Alright,” Mihawk said, but made no movement to head towards his destination. Instead he took a step further in the sitting room, bringing with him a chilly air, eyes lurking over both of them as though they were prey. “Now, what have you two done,” he said with a tone that left no room for excuses. 

Perona knew they had to come clean. And that depending on how the news would be given, it would make a difference in the warlord's reaction. She quickly tried to think of a nice way to explain things, except Zoro beat her to it. 

“We broke one of your wine bottles,” he said seriously. 

Perona gaped at him, with both admiration for his boldness in delivering the truth and dissatisfaction at the way he put it. However, as Zoro kept his gaze on Mihawk, Perona felt she had no choice but to return a sunken look towards the warlord. Her bottom lip trembled as she awaited for his words to come.

“Oh,” Mihawk said, and Perona felt tears forming at the corner of her eyes. However, the cool atmosphere of the room previously brought by Mihawk seemed to have returned to normal as he spoke, “so that's what all this fuss was about. It's nothing to worry about, accidents happen,” he added casually. 

Zoro's eyebrow raised in surprise, “is it really alright?” 

“It's fine,” Mihawk nodded, “I've already got more of this kind on the way,” he pointed out. 

Perona remained too stunned to speak as she wiped the single teardrops that had been threatening to fall down her cheeks. Honestly, she felt foolish for thinking and worrying so much about it when things would turn out for the better.

“I can't believe I went through so much trouble earlier for nothing,” Zoro said to himself.

“I figured something was wrong the moment ghost girl entered the room with the wrong bottle,” Mihawk pointed out.

“Wrong bottle?” Perona spoke, looking towards the direction of the voice, having heard the alias of her name. 

“All of them are numbered,” he replied “and the one you brought didn't correspond to the bottle I last opened.”     

Yet again.

He knew. 

“What a waste of time,” Zoro grumbled some more under his breath, whilst Perona uttered a high-pitched quaint apology. Truth be told, they didn't consider that someone like Mihawk would go as far as keeping track of his wine and their plan now seemed like a poor attempt to stall a punishment that never came. Nonetheless, Perona felt relieved she no longer had to deal with her guilt. 

“However, do try to be more careful in the future,” Mihawk said, emphasizing his words. He continued only as both Perona and Zoro replied in approval, “well then, I'll fetch that third glass so we can all drink,” Mihawk said, slightly shifting to head towards the door.

“Bring me some cupcakes!” Perona asked in a singsong voice, and she rejoiced as she saw the warlord nod his head.  

“By the way, this girl's the one who broke your bottle,” Zoro said loudly, pointing his thumb towards her in a rude manner before Mihawk disappeared completely.

“Hey!” Perona spat back at him, and angrily pouted as she heard Zoro's scoff. 

Notes:

Hands down to Mihawk for the way he handles these two's shenanigans for real.

Chapter 4: A Red Guest

Closing her journal and gleefully looking forward to the present that would come her way after today’s events, Perona carefully placed her diary away before retiring from the night. 

***

"Who's that?" Perona asked, fixing the vague outline of a figure that seemed to be heading their way. Clutching her parasol in one hand, she squeezed her eyes as though it would help her see better.

 

"Probably your imagination," Zoro vaguely answered, not bothering to look at the mentioned sight. Instead, he frowned at the well put afternoon tea table that laid before him and which contained no trace of alcohol. Once again he had been deceived — forced — into having tea with the Ghost princess on the castle’s patio.

 

"My eyesight isn't that bad," Perona whined with a frown. The gloomy weather of the island, mixed with the thin fog constantly made it quite hard to tell what lay around one's surroundings, but Perona would wager her entire teddy bear collection that it was not a Humandrill monkey. 

 

"It can't be Mihawk either since he said he'd be back this evening," Perona added with pouty lips, mostly for herself, eyes filled with suspicion. The warlord had left last night to attend a meeting with the marines, and after much pleas and shrieking from Perona — who insisted she couldn't survive more than a day alone with Zoro — he promised to cut his journey short and return the next day.

 

As the figure approached with a steady step, seemingly unbothered by the atmosphere of the island, Perona started distinguishing their overall features — tall, with a cape, a white shirt and red hair.

 

Perona shrieked.

 

The yell, highly pitched, the type that would cause eardrums to throb, echoed throughout the area, and probably well into the castle too. A few birds, scared by the clamor additionally let their presence known by loudly chirping as they flew from the trees. 

 

Startled, Zoro yelled back at her, "what's with you this time?!" His eyebrows were furrowed, yet the look of surprise could be read from his widened eyes.

 

In an exaggerated fashion, Perona turned to face Zoro, eyes filled with tears, who seemed to be seconds away from falling. The swordsman shot her a quizzical glance, urging her to speak, but as she was too emotional, Perona simply lifted a finger towards the walking individual.

 

But because no sound came from Zoro, while he squinted his eyes to see what could possibly have alarmed Perona in such a way, she felt the need to tell him the answer, "it's red haired Shanks !" 

 

“What?” Zoro grunted with a frown. The incessant heavy breathing and tribulation from the ghost girl were quite hard to ignore, “calm down there’s no way someone like him could be here,” he said flatly. Though there was no telling what emperors did in their spare time, so how could he know ?

 

Perona risked another glance towards the forest, and surely enough it seemed to look more and more like Shanks, except that the earlier commotion had caused him to quicken his pace. “He’s coming right at us!” She shrieked in fear, clutching her parasol with force, shoulders shaking.

 

Scanning the forest once more with a bored look, the flamboyant crimson hair of the pirate reflected upon the swordsman's eyes like a flame. “So that’s an emperor,” Zoro stated in a whisper, owning him an awful expression of irritation mixed with anguish from Perona. If only he could take this seriously !

 

This time, with fear getting the upper hand, tears descended down her cheeks. "Are we gonna die? I'm not ready to die yet!!" she whimpered at the thought. In this moment, Perona realized how cruel life had been to her ever since she had left Moria’s side. A swordsman, a warlord and now an emperor. Who would be next ? 

 

Her wailing, like that of a child, resonated throughout the open area, irking Zoro some more, "he's not gonna kill us so quit your crying!"

 

His voice, like that of his usual grunt, caused Perona to momentarily pause, "what makes you say that?" She asked, eyes brimming with tears and lips trembling in a pout. 

 

Raising a corner of his mouth in a confident grin, Zoro replied, "just a feeling."  

 

"You!" The inkling of hope Perona had due to his words caused her to feel foolish for believing them in the first place. "We should call Mihawk for help while we can," her sobbing voice added, thinking of the ridiculous possibility that the warlord could teleport himself from the marine's base. 

 

“Are you guys alright?” Shanks' voice, filled with worry, made itself heard from nearby. He had reached them, arriving as silently as the snow, without their notice. 

 

The gasp that escaped Perona’s mouth ended up dying in her throat due to the sheer pressure that emanated from red hair. In fact, it caused her body to reflexively float to hide behind Zoro, who remained sitting with crossed arms, eyeing the emperor with a frown.

 

“I heard a scream so I rushed here,” Shanks clarified, looking at the two with a serious expression. Yet as he saw how Perona clinged to Zoro’s shoulders, eyes threatening to release more tears, a smile appeared on his features and his gaze took on a kinder look. “Could it be that it’s because I’m here that one of you screamed earlier?” he asked with a gentle voice.

 

“That’s right, this girl’s scared out of her mind,” Zoro confirmed, his thumb pointing towards the frightened Perona, as he tilted his head to the side to give her more exposure. 

 

“How could I not?!” Perona said bashfully, feeling self conscious for being called out. “You’re an emperor ! Anyone would be scared !” She loudly protested, sinking her nails in the swordsman’s shirt to hide her fear. 

 

“I’m not,” Zoro mumbled under his breath only for Perona to hear, and he glanced towards the side, raising a finger to clog his ear, fully aware of the gravity of his comment.

 

“Shut up ! It’s not like you stand a chance against him with your injuries !” Perona bellowed in his face, “in fact why do you continue to train when they still haven’t healed ?! Do you have a death wish ?!” She pulled away his hand from his ear in an angry fashion, “remember that I’m the one who has to treat you everytime !” The wince from Zoro’s face was enough to satisfy her, as she allowed him to free his hand away from her clutch.  

 

Shanks' laugh echoed around them, clear and heartily providing a contrast to the earlier strident bawling. “You two are quite an interesting pair,” he admitted. 

 

“Interesting?” Zoro frowned, “It’s because she doesn’t know the meaning of personal space.” Foreseeing her reaction once more, he returned his glance to the side.

 

“Because you can’t be left alone,” Perona objected. It certainly wasn’t because she didn’t have no one else to hangout with that she constantly invaded his company — almost leaving him no room for privacy. A pout formed on her lips, as she saw the swordsman wasn’t willing to come up with a comeback. 

 

“In any case you two get along quite well,” Shanks pointed out, and both of them didn’t deny it. 

 

“So, what’s someone like you doing here?” Zoro asked and Perona gave him a quick surprised glance — how could he speak so casually to an emperor — before returning a goldfish look towards red hair, who seemingly out of respect, stood near the patio but still not on their property. 

 

“Ah that’s right I came here to deliver something to Hawk Eye,” Shanks said, adjusting the luggage up his shoulder.

 

“To the warlord?” Perona questioned, confused. She still floated beside Zoro’s shoulders, partly hidden behind, and using them as support she raised herself slightly, “you two know each other?”

 

“I see he hasn’t told you guys anything,” Shanks sighed, shaking his head. “Well he can be quite awkward, but let’s just say that we’re close.” 

 

“Oh,” Zoro said, letting his words trail off, visibly surprised.

 

But wait, close ?

 

What did it mean ? Perona stared at the emperor, awaiting for him to elaborate his words. Truth be told, it was hard to conceive the thought that Mihawk could be close with someone, let alone an individual that had such a contrasting personality compared to his. But the grand line was full of surprises, and perhaps this was one of them. 

 

“Is he home ?” Shanks demanded, purposefully avoiding any further explanations, as his eyes lured over the castle’s windows for answers.  

 

Slightly disappointed at the lack of information, Perona knew better than to ask an emperor for his private affairs, “he went to see the marines, he should be back shortly.”

 

“I see, then I’ll wait here. Is it alright if I join you guys?” The gentle voice of Shanks asked in a polite manner. 

 

“I guess you can,” Zoro said flatly, “though there’s no booze since this girl insisted that it wasn’t acceptable for tea time ,” he scoffed.

 

“Hey ! It's called tea time for a reason, no alcohol allowed,” Perona said in a grating tone.

 

Shanks chuckled some more, “tea’s alright with me,” he replied with a grin. 

 

“Actually, forget that, how about you spar with me ?” Zoro asked defiantly, crossing his arms and sending an arrogant smile towards the emperor. 

 

He truly had a death wish.

 

“Do you not think before speaking?” Perona loudly exclaimed at his claim. As Zoro stood from his chair without warning, she instinctively let go of his shoulders, knowing it was futile to hold still. Her fear of Shanks had dwindled thanks to his surprisingly amiable nature and she was more worried about the self induced doom the swordsman was about to walk in. 

 

“Don’t go picking fights you can’t win !” Perona pressed some more, clutching her parasol as she said so.

 

“I’m only seizing an opportunity,” Zoro replied without so much as giving her a single glance, focusing instead on the emperor who returned a serious expression. 

 

“Did you not listen to what I said earlier ? Your wounds aren’t healed yet !” She felt herself becoming more and more desperate. 

 

However, the swordsman was too far gone, “I heard you just fine the first time, stop trying to interfere,” he warned.

 

“Are you sure ?” Shanks asked Zoro, who replied affirmatively.

 

At the nod of the swordsman, both went to take place in the greenery of the forest, keeping a reasonable distance between each other, whilst a thick tension floated amidst the fog.  

 

“Oh forget it, I’m not going to patch you up this time, you can die for all I care !” Perona shouted from afar, thinking of a way to stop the ill-fated battle.      

 

As she watched, her chest heaved, cold sweat dripped from her back and more than anything she wished for something — anything — to stop the two from fighting. And as though her prayer was heard, the low voice of Mihawk seemingly aggravated, made itself heard.

 

“What is the meaning of this?” He asked, surging from trees, a visible upset expression formed on his features.

 

While the eyes of both swordsman and emperor widened at the unexpected surprise, Perona abandoned her parasol to hurriedly fly in the warlord's arms — loudly crying her heart out as she begged. 

 

“Please stop them!” An arm wrapped around his neck, she pointed the other in the direction of the source of her anguish, caring not for the way the pain alongside the tears must've contorted her face. The reason behind his early arrival, probably due to increased unease at the thought of leaving alone a ticking bomb like Zoro and Perona, was meaningless. All that mattered was that his presence was akin to a miracle. Stopping said bomb from exploding. 

 

With a steady hand, Mihawk patted Perona’s back in a comforting, reassuring manner, allowing her to use his shoulder to let her shattered emotions flow, while his eyes primarily landed on Shanks for answers. 

 

He raised his right arm in defeat, “I was simply trying to see how strong your student had gotten since you started training him.” Shanks admitted, poking his tongue out to attenuate the situation. 

 

“So you weren't planning on taking me seriously from the start?” Zoro groaned in the emperor's direction, but quickly kept silent at the piercing gaze Mihawk shot him. 

 

The latter sighed, and addressed his words to Shanks, “try not to do anything reckless in the future now that these two also live here.”

 

“I'll try,” Shanks promised with a playful emotion. “But you're also responsible for not telling them about me,” he said, teasing.

 

“I had my reason,” Mihawk assured whilst averting his gaze to the side before lowering it to the mumbling that escaped Perona's mouth.

 

“My tea time got ruined,” she silently whimpered, still holding on the warlord as her body would still release occasional sobs.   

 

And so, per Mihawk's insistence all four found themselves sitting around the patio's table, eyeing the well crafted tea setup Perona did earlier. 

 

Zoro frowned at the content of his teacup, Shanks awkwardly helped himself to the food, Mihawk serenely drank his tea and Perona — who got to have an afternoon tea with so many people for the first time in a while — seemed to be enjoying herself the most, as her honest ludicrous smile returned.

 

“He says you two are close,” Perona broke the subtle silence that had settled with a raised eyebrow, pointing towards the smiling emperor.

 

“Well,” Mihawk began, shifting his eyes from the surprisingly intrigued Zoro to the expectant Perona, “you two will know in due time,” he finished in a whisper. Always so full of secrets.

 

“Look at you, you’re so shy,” Shanks chimed, amused by the warlord’s reaction. 

 

“I am not,” Mihawk assured him, exchanging a look that seemingly both of them seemed to understand. 

 

The foreign sight of seeing Mihawk get along with someone, looking at ease, comfortable with a fellow pirate — considering how he usually worked alone — made him look more human. Less stoic. A warm sensation seized Perona’s heart, and a soft chuckle escaped her lips, subtly filling the atmosphere with its pleasant sound. The eyes of the pirates, who weren’t expecting such a reaction out of the ghost girl landed on her, expecting answers. 

 

“What is it?” Mihawk asked first. 

 

“Maybe she’s laughing because she too has a hard time believing you’re not shy,” Shanks joked with a grin. 

 

“Quit it,” Mihawk said, giving a side glance towards the emperor.

 

“It’s nothing,” Perona stated, shrugging. She grabbed her teacup and promptly closed her eyes, drinking the liquid to hide her satisfaction. After all, she couldn’t tell them how she felt. That happiness had taken a hold of her emotions at the sight of the warlord’s interaction with the emperor. She too could barely accept the fact that she was feeling happy for them.       

 

“Now, for the purpose of my visit,” Shanks began, bringing the attention to him, as he rummaged through his bag to carefully out an expensive looking bottle of wine. “I came across this during one of my travels and thought it would suit your taste,” he finished, his eyes analyzing Mihawk for hints of his reaction while he placed the bottle on the table.  

 

“Thank you, I'll let you know what I think of it,” Mihawk nodded.

 

“Coming all the way here to deliver a bottle,” Zoro commented, but once more, let the words die in his throat at the look he exchanged with Mihawk.

 

Perona grinned having witnessed the sight, and promised herself not to defend the swordsman at his upcoming scolding. “Can we also try it?” Her singsong voice echoed while her eyes shone at the expensive label.

 

“We can have some for dinner,” Mihawk stoically said, and Perona chirped in enthusiasm. “Will you be staying?” He asked Shanks, who shook his head.

 

“I'm afraid I have to get going now,” he stood from the table, eyeing its members one by one but only allowing a softer gaze upon Mihawk. “Thank you for the tea, Ghost Princess and I'll be sure to bring you and the swordsman a gift next time I stop by.” He said with a kind tone before excusing himself to walk further in the forest, whilst the loud farewell of Perona reached his ears.

 

“I’m still scared,” Perona sighed, her lips curving downwards as she gazed at the flowing cape of the leaving emperor who disappeared beneath the fog. 

 

“There’s no need for you to be, he’s a good guy,” Mihawk said, his voice deviating from his usual flat one, leaning towards something soft, and with lips hinting towards a smile. 

Notes:

Chapter four and Mihawk still can't catch a break rip.

A HUGE thank youuu to everyone who voted ♡ !! I will leave the choices down here for upcoming readers who might be confused as to what the comments of this chapters are about :')

a) they are JUST friends, bestfriends even who care and would die for each other (kind of like the straw hats)
b) they are mutually pining for one another (leading to an eventual relationship in the future)
c) they are already in an established relationship

The story will proceed with option C : established relationship (married) !! Keep an eye out for the word Red in chapter titles as it indicate his presence!

Chapter 5: Fever Maintenance

Notes:

The following chapter was requested by InvisibleAnonymus ! It was so much fun to write, thank you for requesting it ♡ !!

With a sluggish hand, Perona finished writing the last words of her diary, feeling slightly better at the clumsy care and attention she had received throughout the day while the faint sleeping sounds of both swordsmen echoed near her ears. 

***

Perona's had this weird feeling ever since she woke up this morning, as though someone had decided to wrap her body in a cold blanket, the faintest hint of wind was enough to send shivers down her spine. However as there was nothing too alarming that prevented her from functioning, she decided to turn a blind eye to her dropping temperature and hazy thoughts. 

 

Instead she went on about her day in search of the swordsman, in an attempt to request his company as she had grown tired of her stuffed animals. Yes they were cute but couldn't possibly entertain a conversation like her previous ones. And she wasn't crazy enough to start pretending they could — god forbid she catches the weirdness that seemed to lurk around the swordsman and warlord sometimes. But she acknowledged that they did make for good company compared to the void of loneliness.  

 

Through the castle’s elegant windows, Perona discerned the faint outline of Zoro practicing, and knowing what she had to do, shook her head and went to grab one of the many first aid kits hidden in strategic places. The result of her own jarring encounters with Zoro inside the castle — there was no telling when or where the swordsman would casually strut the corridors with gushing blood injuries.  

 

Floating closer and closer to the ground like a deflating balloon, an erratic breathing seizing her lungs, Perona reached the courtyard, eyeing the figure of a sweaty shirtless Zoro. She scrunched her nose at the sight, whilst her remaining features contorted in a revolting manner witnessing an unwelcoming scene. Hell would have more chance to freeze over before the rugged body that reflected in her eyes would be deemed attractive. 

 

“You sweaty thing, stop practicing already and come get yourself patched up,” Perona winced, feeling her energy seeping through her body alongside her words.

 

At the look both exchanged, Zoro promptly gave up on arguing his case, sparing himself from the usual high pitched grating voice of the ghost princess, and sheathed his swords with a grunt. 

 

 “And for both of us, please put your shirt back on. It’s disturbing!” Perona added, with a retching mocking expression, making sure the swordsman catched full sight of it.  

 

Seemingly unaffected by the frivolous tease, Zoro allowed an unbothered expression to settle upon his face as a counter attack. “I get it, so you don’t have to act that way,” he groaned, picking up his shirt.     

 

It didn’t stop the momentary grin from appearing atop Perona’s features, before the silent sweep of the wind, like a whisper, came circling her body. “Don’t you think it’s kind of cold?” her lips curved downwards at the feeling of her tingling skin. One might blame her sensation due to her exposed stomach, but she had never once whined about the weather, accepting that her fashion sense had priority over her body’s temperature. Today however, the breeze seemed to have enough vigor to spark a reaction out of her 

 

“The weather’s the same as usual,” Zoro shrugged, a hand wiping the sweat from his chin.  

 

However, every cell in Perona’s weakening body currently screamed otherwise. “I’m telling you it’s not!” she insisted and at the feeble acquiescence of Zoro, she wobbly floated herself next to him. “Now let’s see how many wounds you reopened this time,” she sighed, used to the recurrent recklessness of the swordsman.

 

“Are you alright?” Zoro inquired, eyebrows frowning while the flushed face of the ghost princess stared back at him.   

 

Perona paused. The words of concern had momentarily destabilized her — usually she would be the one doing the caring, like a nosy family member, constantly noticing the smallest details that hinted towards how her housemates felt and consequently adjusting her gestures depending on the situation. But hearing the subtle worry in the swordsman’s voice along with his serious expression was too foreign. She was not used to it. 

 

“I’m perfectly fine,” her loud words echoed as though she had been offended. How could someone seemingly unaware of the severity of their own wounds dare question her well being? But soon enough, following her hasty answer, a raspy cough seized her lungs, further proving the swordsman’s point. 

 

A grin formed on Zoro’s face, “that doesn’t sound like fine,” he scoffed. 

 

The unforeseen weight that seemed to have settled upon Perona’s body was far too much for her floating form to bear, as she collapsed to the ground, her body convulsing at the alarming cough that persisted, undying like cockroaches. In response, Zoro quickly dropped his smile and crouched to grab her shoulders with a force that caused Perona to wince. 

 

“You alright?” He shook her slightly in the hope that it would make a difference.

 

“Yeah,” Perona huffed, now fully accepting the reason behind her odd sensations.

 

Zoro further looked down at the first aid kid as his eyes pondered over the thought of opening it, hoping that whatever resided inside would be helpful — assuming he knew how to make use of it —  but foreseeing the disagreement and resistance that would ensue from Perona, forfeited. Best leave the matter to someone with more experience.

 

“What the—” Perona panted in surprise while the swordsman slid his hands down her waist and propelled her in his arms to lay her on his shoulders. “Put me down! I don’t want you carrying me around like a potato sack!” She wobbled her feet in resistance, hands drumming on his back.   

 

“Stop resisting,” Zoro whined as the blow he received far from unsettled him. 

 

“You’ll never get a girlfriend if that’s how you handle girls,” her voice croaked with a teasing venom.

 

“I don’t ever remember saying I was into women,” Zoro mused and further grinned at the gasp that escaped Perona’s lips. “Now to go and look for help,” he mumbled nonchalantly to himself, unaware of the question marks that filled Perona’s eyes while he entered the castle and shifted his head towards the many hallways that offered himself before him — each holding the ill-fated possibility of leading them both astray. 

 

“The other swordsman’s on the second floor,” Perona grumbled, feeling the rush of blood, like a stream flooding through her brain alongside the piercing headache that tried fervently to prevent her from further thinking about the swordsman’s declaration. 

 

Slowly yet consistently, it was starting to make her dizzy and her body had already decided to clock-out, reducing her strength to that of a helpless animal thanks to her earlier outburst. With that being the case, Perona had no choice but to stare at the blurry looking ground. “The stairs are on your left,” she faintly added, abandoning herself to fate and to the concerning amount of time it would take the swordsman to find the currently unsuspecting warlord. Who in all honesty probably had never catched a cold in his life, therefore causing the horrible thought to cross the dwindling conscience of Perona as to what sort of treatment they would subjugate her to. 

 

She found solace in thinking it would be a problem for later. 

 

The hot feeling of sickness, like that of a volcano, creeped further and further into her skin, “hurry up will you?” She urged the swordsman, “I’m about to die here,” her words trailed before she allowed the hot fumes to consume her whole, focusing only on keeping her conscience going as she breathed with the invisible weight that obstructed her lungs. 

 

“You don’t have to exaggerate like that,” Zoro mindlessly commented, but as the raspy breathing grew louder and louder in his ears, the quicker his pace became in response before ascending to a quick run. Desperately, he made his way through every single door he encountered whilst keeping a steady grip on the silent Perona. 

 

And after what seemed like an eternity wandering throughout the castle’s hallways, Zoro had successfully found the room in which Mihawk was residing — at the expense of Perona’s remaining well-being, as her heavy panting escaped her lips ever so loudly and the sweat from her rising temperature drenched his shirt. 

 

“Something’s wrong with pink girl,” Zoro quickly declared, slightly breathless while still standing in the doorframe as his eyes implored the warlord to do something. To help him in the face of his lack of knowledge towards the ghost princess’ condition.

 

At the sound of the weak cough that filled the room, Mihawk swiftly discarded his book to allow himself to rise, eyebrows tilting in alarm whilst his gaze remained steady. “What’s wrong with her?” His eyes lured over the limp legs that dangled from the swordsman’s shoulders.

 

“I was hoping you’d be able to tell,” Zoro pressed, feeling the hot erratic breathing of Perona against his back. It served as fuel for his increasing worry, prompting him to further enter the room and somewhat gently deposit Perona on the nearest couch. He made room for Mihawk to observe her by backing away, his face overridden with a mixture of guilt and concern.

 

With the alarming height at which Perona’s chest lifted, blended with the sweat that coated her body, soaking her clothes in its trail, Mihawk seemed to have found an answer, as he picked her up bridal-style. “She’s got a cold,” he turned to face Zoro, as the head of Perona dangled by his side.   

 

“Really?” His panic seemed to have dissipated, as a relieved sigh followed his words.   

 

Mihawk tilted his head, hiding his face alongside his expression behind his hat, “probably.”

 

Probably?

 

Zoro’s eyebrows furrowed as he exclaimed bewildered, “I need you to be sure! She said she was about to die !”

 

“Don't worry, I’m sure,” Mihawk nodded, taking a last glance at Perona before redirecting his gaze towards his pupil. “That she won’t die.” And for better or for worse, his steady gaze was enough to calm Zoro who nodded back in response, awfully compliant to his mentor’s words.

 

And Perona, who had been listening to their conversation with her closed eyelids, internally screamed as she wondered whether those two would figure things out.

 

***

 

Zoro crossed his arms in an attempt to look natural, “so, what are we supposed to do with her now?” 

 

“Jeez you speak as though you’re about to dispose of me!” Perona gave him a side glance glare. Having been carried and placed on her bed by the warlord — with Zoro following closely — Perona had regained enough energy to prop her eyes open and interact with her caretakers. But most importantly, she wanted to witness what they were about to do to her. 

 

Zoro flashed her a grin, “that’s not a bad idea. It’ll make for peace and quiet in this place.”

 

“For now, I’ll go get some medicine, water and towels. Zoro you stay here and keep a watch on her,” Mihawk interrupted the bickering. “Under no circumstances do you leave the room on your own, is that clear?” 

 

“It’s not like anything’s gonna happen to her,” Zoro pleaded in an attempt to also walk away from the situation. “What if I catch whatever she’s got?” he added, fully aware of the potent power of his immune system.

 

“If I was you, I’d worry more about your wounds than keeping me company,” Perona’s measly voice added, before she let a cough follow the trail of her words.

 

An uncomfortable frown shadowed Zoro’s expression as the sound ringed in his ears. “Seriously can’t you keep quiet?” 

 

“Then, I’m leaving her in your care for now,” Mihawk said, reaffirming his presence. “And remember, don’t leave the room.” With that, he went on to disappear behind the pink colored door.

 

“Alright,” Zoro sighed and went to sit on a nearby armchair, sharing it with a teddy bear plush as he was unwilling to stare at the sick head of the ghost princess. 

 

“Watchout so you don’t sit on Kumani,” Perona warned with a growl. Her room was packed full with teddy bears and she wasn’t about to allow some blood drenched swordsman to ruin any of them.

 

“This thing’s got a name?” Zoro’s surprised tone synched with his expression.

 

“Yes, they all do. The one on the chair opposite you is called Kumasan, and the one next to him Kumayon,” Perona rambled, feeling the heat of the fever rush to her cheeks.

 

Eyeing each of the mentioned plush, Zoro frowned, unable to discern them apart, “I get it,” he grunted, “but you’re not helping yourself by speaking,” he added in consideration.

 

The clumsy words that hinted towards worry and hope for recovery guilted Perona into obedience. “Fine. Then I’ll stop talking since you insist,” she mumbled, closing her eyes and relaxing her aching muscles. Apart from the hushed breathing that escaped her lips, no sound made its way to her ears, filling her thoughts with the impression that she was all alone in her suffering. And before long, her doe eyes propped open along with her tiny voice that went on to make itself heard once more. “I don’t like this silence,” she whispered. 

 

“Seriously?!” Zoro raised his voice in annoyance, “do you want to get better or not?” he scolded.

 

“Don’t talk as if you weren’t feeling uncomfortable too!” Perona retorted, hiding a pout behind her bedsheets.

 

“I’m just surprised how you find energy to keep talking like that,” Zoro sighed.  

 

It’s true that it was rather demanding for her body to continually push forward new words, but it was better than succumbing to the darkness that presented itself whenever she closed her eyes. “Then you talk,” she wheezed. 

 

Unsure of what to say, Zoro furrowed his eyebrows, a scowl clouding his face before the squeak of Perona’s words went to give him a push in the right direction. “What do you plan on doing once you’re out of here?”

 

The question had caused the swordsman to momentarily glance at the red face that laid upon the bed. “Reuniting with my captain and the crew of course,” Zoro said matter-of-factly. 

 

Perona took in a deep breath, feeling slightly better at the conversation that further enforced the shared presence. “That’s it? Isn’t there anything you’d like to do beyond that? After being stuck on an island for two years?”

 

“Well maybe together with the cook,” Zoro began but his words faded to be replaced by the clicking sound of the door opening.

 

The stoic form of Mihawk walked in, holding a small bowl of water and a towel in its vicinity, whilst he walked towards Perona. “We have no medicine,” his serious tone voiced, as he made movements to place a wet towel on top of the damp pink bangs.

 

This castle’s got no medicine.

 

“Well that’s a bummer,” Zoro shrugged from his chair, “guess you’ll have to beat that cold of yours with your own power,” he teased in an attempt to lighten the mood but his visible concern betrayed him through his features.

 

Mihawk nodded as he looked down upon the tired eyes of the ghost princess. “I’m afraid Zoro’s right with this one.”

 

Feeling slight relief from the warlord’s gesture, Perona promised herself to take any measure necessary in order for more basic emergency assets to be added to this house — suspecting that medicine wasn’t the only thing missing when its main inhabitant was practically superhuman.    

 

“Soup,” Perona’s hoarse voice said, resulting in quizzical looks from both swordsmen. “I want soup,” she pouted her lips, staring at the ceiling while the news that she had to trust in her immune system sunk in. The least they could do was listen to her instructions instead of standing or sitting while looking at her as though she was some zoo animal.  

 

“Right, I’ll be back then,” Mihawk assured and once again went to disappear behind the door. 

 

A faint silence floated once more, in which Perona’s violent cough disturbed and the worried frown of Zoro landed on her once more. “Will soup make you feel better?” He asked in a low tone.

 

“Yeah, since the one making it is a great cook.” Perona answered, “which reminds me, you were saying something about a cook before?” she asked somewhat too eagerly as another series of cough overtook her. 

 

“Don’t push yourself,” Zoro groaned only to quickly be dismissed by the swift I know from Perona. But he failed to answer her question, as Mihawk returned with questionable speed with a steaming hot bowl of soup, filling the sicklish air with warmth in its trail. 

 

“Would you like me to feed you?” Mihawk asked, standing near the bed with the recipe nestled in his hands.

 

Perona jolted at the request — even Zoro widened his eyes in the distance — considering the option but quickly declined as she was used to doing the nursing and not the other way around. She felt slightly awkward at the thought of being fed while she was vulnerable. Yet she had this hunch, that the swordsman would potentially bring back this moment in the future when she least expected it if she accepted, and everytime she knew she would be mortified. 

 

“I’ll eat it myself,” Perona muttered, sitting herself up, feeling the stream of sickness following her every movement. Grabbing the food that was handed to her, she curiously watched as the warlord went to grab a chair and promptly placed it beside her bed before he sat on it, legs crossed and stared at her with his rigid eyes. 

 

“Why are you staying so far away for Zoro? You come here too,” Mihawk said, without breaking eye contact from the inquiring eyes of Perona. 

 

“What’s this?” She asked, as the obedient Zoro grabbed himself a chair and begrudgingly sat next to the warlord. Now she truly felt like a zoo animal. 

 

“We’re simply going to keep watch over you,” Mihawk answered matter of factly as he sat uptight.

 

Watching both swordsmen sit next to her like watchdogs, Perona wasn’t sure if she was to feel flattered by their gesture or concerned. “But you don’t have to be this close?!” she whined as loud as she could, and Zoro agreed with her words with a slight grunt, while his eyes loitered alongside the room and his arms crossed. 

 

“It’s more efficient that way,” Mihawk simply answered. 

 

There was no getting through him. 

 

Feeling awkward as they watched her eat in silence, Perona promised herself to take better care of her health so as to never deal with such a situation again. And with that, she quickly finished her meal, and went to hide herself under her covers, uttering a shy “thank you,” before sleep greeted her with open arms.

Notes:

Did Mihawk somewhat manage to catch a break this chapter? Mmmh it's up for debate lmao (yes, I'm purposefully dropping some potential zosan hints but let me distract you with some great news instead)

Thank you to everyone who voted last chapter, the story will proceed with option C, Mishanks are in a relationship y'all !! Grab your popcorn he's making a comeback next chapter !! I'll be cooking multiple chapters with all the ideas you guys proposed to ensure the chaos continues hehe and as usual you're free to make requests ♡

Chapter 6: Ambiguously Red

Notes:

shanks is back !!!

Excitedly kicking her legs under her desk, Perona vigorously drew hearts around the single word that earlier highlighted her day.

***

Perona awoke from her nap, jolting her eyes open as she felt a disturbance enter the vicinity of her peace. In the corner of the room sat the swordsman who silently polished his already spotless swords with all the gentleness and care he possessed.

 

“When did you get here?” Perona asked, her eyes blinking to get rid of the foggy sleep vision.

 

“As soon as I saw Red Hair and Hawk Eye disappear in a room together,” Zoro mindlessly answered.

 

“I’m surprised you found this place on your own,” she yawned, aware it probably took him more time than how soon he vouched for. “Wait, you saw what ?” Her eyes popped open in realization, while she brought herself up on her elbow. “Which room did they get in?” she eagerly asked as the thoughts of their unspoken communication and body language from the tea party poured in her mind.

 

“I’m not sure, there are too many rooms in this castle,” Zoro complained with a grunt. 

 

“Which floor,” Perona further pressed, rising from her lounged position to float her way towards the swordsman, eyes equally serious and demanding. 

 

Zoro widened his eyes at the sudden urge in request from the ghost princess, “Pretty sure  it was the ground floor.”  

 

Doubting his words, Perona squinted her eyes, scrutinizing the still features of the swordsman for faint traces of uncertainty in his reply, and seeing as she didn’t receive a glance back — due to the importance Zoro seemed to give his swords — she decided to trust his words. With the same speed at which she floated to him, she practically teleported herself near the door and shot a look behind her shoulder, seeing as she was about to make her way downstairs alone.

 

“Aren’t you coming?” She urgently asked. Internally eager to go and observe the sight of a foreign Mihawk alongside the shared connection with Red Hair she had previously witnessed — most importantly to put a name on it.

 

Only according the ghost princess a quick glance Zoro bluntly replied, “why would I?” Right, whatever business was currently occurring between the warlord and emperor was nothing for them to fuss over. 

 

Fidgeting with her fingers, Perona took a moment to answer, pondering over whether she wanted to find an excuse or coerce him into following her. “I’m still a bit afraid of Red Hair,” she instead admitted in a small voice, her lips pouting. “That’s why I’d like you to come with me,” her voice lowered to a whisper. 

 

A sigh escaped Zoro’s lips as he stopped his movements, deposing the cloth he had been using, his eyes darting towards the pleading expression of Perona. “You better get used to him,” he began, sheathing his swords in a rising movement. “I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of him,” he finished upon the quizzical look he received from the ghost princess before making his way across the room.  

 

Even with the presence of two unaccounted pirates on the island, today proved that it wasn’t enough to stop the emperor from continuing his unforeseen visits to the warlord. And surely enough, they would persist, leaving no choice but for his being here to become less and less foreign to the additional residents. 

 

Upon being put on the spot by the swordsman, a displeased frown settled atop the ghost girl’s features, her body spinning towards the door, her curls flipping in a following angry manner as her hand found the doorknob, tightly gripping it and bringing about the sight of an empty corridor. “I’ll get used to him eventually, so you don’t have to tell me that,” her upsetting low voice grumbled, following the trail of her floating body through the door.

 

A silent Zoro followed suit, keeping a close distance next to the humming Perona. “I wonder what’s the reason for Red Hair to be back,” she mused, whilst thoughts of daydreams and fake scenarios filled her head, a hollow laugh escaping her lips.

 

“You’re probably overthinking this,” Zoro shrugged with a yawn.

 

Rolling her eyes, Perona let the remark fly over her head, “and you’re boring,” she irritably added. There was no reason to permit her good mood to be ruined by this down bad directionless pirate.

 

Parkouring the deserted ground floor of the castle, the gloom of the island casting a gray veil upon the corridors, all seemed to stand still, as though the walls, furniture and decorations were holding their breaths. If not for the muffled voices coming from a closed door, carried only by the silence that reigned like a monarch, egging the two pirates to come its way.    

 

Feeling the excitement upon both discovering what the emperor had brought for her along with the surprise that would cross their face following their appearance, Perona's hand found its way atop the door handle, a smug smile creeping upon her lips, as the exasperated Zoro stood beside her. However, a thought crossed the ghost princess's mind momentarily, and as quick as it appeared it proved to be enough to change her mind. What if she was unwelcomed, disturbing a moment — worst case scenario, bringing forth the wrath of two mighty pirates her way, with only the bandaged form of Zoro to serve as a shield. With her eyes still lingering on the doorknob, she watched as her fingers retracted to form a fist, and quickly turned to face the swordsman, who gave her a frown at her pitious hesitation after dragging him all the way to here. 

 

With a swift determined hand, Persona grabbed Zoro by the elbow, dragging him along the slumber of the hallway. “Weren't you going to go in?” he called out.

 

Ignoring the lamentation, Persona tugged at him even more, “shut up, I have an idea that's all. Let’s go outside,” she explained, refusing to relinquish her chance of adding fodder to her fantasies. Urgently, she guided the reluctant swordsman out and through the garden, nimbly floating through every obstacle, only letting out exasperated grunts at every trip and struggle of her companion. The layout of the castle could prove quite imposing at first, but having learned the overall outline of it with time, Perona effortlessly found the window that inaudibly provided light for the desired room like an accomplice. Yet, the voices carrying the conversations could easily be heard through the thin glass, providing for full insight as to what occurred inside.

 

Bringing a finger to her lips, Persona quietly indicated the swordsman to remain silent, as she crouched to the ground, urging him to follow along, and crawled to sit underneath the betraying window. 

 

“What are we doing?!” Zoro quickly muttered in a whisper as he clumsily finished to install himself besides the silently grinning Perona, who in turn shushed him with a warning look. “Are we really eavesdropping on them,” he mumbled to himself with a sigh, his arms crossing before his serious gaze went on to get lost in the green pasture. 

 

The racing heart that beated through Perona's chest served as both evidence of how risky the current situation was, and how impatient she was, waiting to hear the unfiltered exchange of the words that floated through the silence she shared with the swordsman whilst mingling with the whisper of nature to finally reach her ears. 

 

“As per your request, I brought some medicine. But I must admit it did surprise me to hear you ask for that,” the light voice of Shanks said, and in turn caused Perona to feel relief at the welcomed information.

 

“Some of my guests don’t have the same level of immunity as me,” Mihawk simply revealed.

 

“You mean the ghost princess,” Shanks knowingly answered, and the eavesdropping Perona had to suppress the growing urge to scold the swordsman who gave her a mocking smile. “In any case, since I went out of my way to provide you with the best, you better reward me well for my efforts,” Shanks hummed, letting his voice trail in anticipation, as Perona gulped, unconsciously bringing her hands to her mouth, hanging at their every word.  

 

“Yes, thank you very much. I will reward you,” Mihawk stoically began, “if you stay over long enough,” his voice took on its occasional softness, resulting in the complete swoon of Perona and utter confusion of Zoro. She was starting to become feral at the momentary silent lull that just now settled between the two, suppressing giggles who threatened to spill from her smile and ignoring the lowered eyebrows and quizzical look of the swordsman.  

 

Making the shared tranquility disappear, the chipper voice of the emperor made itself heard once more, “oh right, in your letter you spoke of the disaster those two caused, have you ever lent them the gardening gear I gifted you since?” Shanks teased, fully aware of the answer, and further chuckled at the negative reply of the warlord, whilst Perona viciously smirked now knowing that the two were penpals along with the sender’s identity behind the unexpected gift. 

 

On these words, the arm of Shanks went to make an appearance — as he somewhat purposefully slowly opened the windows — causing both eavesdroppers to hold their breaths in their throat, as they felt the anxiety of their action hinder their conscience. But as the emperor disappeared back into the room without a word, his eyes darting down as though trying to steal a secret glance down at the fear ridden privacy trespassers, he simply resumed his conversation with the warlord. 

 

“Hey don’t give me that warning look,” a defensive tone mixed with a merry voice came from Shanks, “I’ve been good lately haven’t I?” The spoken last words served as a cushion from the almost busted, recovering tense Perona, who let the words echo in her mind alongside her racing heart.  

 

“I would simply like you to avoid causing unnecessary trouble,” the brisk voice scolded. 

 

Acknowledging the remark, the signature cheery sound of the emperor went on to wrap the surrounding peaceful air. “Then, let’s drink!” 

 

Frustrated at their enigmatic back and forth, Perona opted to cast away her pride and dignity in remaining hidden, as she quickly stood with a scowl, hands on the hips to emphasize her emotions. “Jeez what’s with you two?! What are you ?!” her grating voice rang, whilst her eyes blinked at the unforeseen scenery that caused a vague flush to pass by her cheeks — Shanks’ arm laid relaxed behind Mihawk’s shoulder on the sofa’s head, as both men sat in a detached manner next to one another. One sipping wine with his legs crossed, and the other teasingly flashing a smile, his glass already emptied. 

 

“Oh hello there,” Shanks greeted with a warm expression. “Sorry to impose once again,” he finished with a slight bow of his head.

 

The unusual salutation replacing what should have been surprised faces and accusations oddly worried the ghost princess — aren't any of them going to ask how long we've been here? The thought guiltily crossed Perona's mind, as her eyes innocently swept the room. “I don’t mind. You’re here to see Hawk Eye so it’s fine,” she answered as though she wasn’t imposing upon someone else’s property. “But if you were being this cozy with each other, why bother with the confusing chit chat,” she mused with her usual hollow laugh, taking the chance to divert the conversation from her act.

 

Tilting his head with a glance towards the stoic warlord before bringing it back to the expectant ghost princess, the emperor purposefully let a faint silent atmosphere reign before answering. “Confusing? How would you define us then?” Shanks replied with a playful grin

 

“Me?” Perona began, pondering over their previous conversation. The words, so ambiguously sweet, could guide towards all sorts of answers. But she wasn’t here to play detective and wasn’t a fan of this roundabout way. “Why’re you asking me? Just come out with it already instead of playing all these mind games! Or what, do you have something to hide?” her profound voice whined, whilst she hid what she believed to be the right answer to their connection deep in her heart, unwilling to risk the possibility of humiliating herself by saying the wrong one and in turn being humbled by reality.   

 

Following the clamorous accusations of the ghost princess, Shanks’ laugh enthusiastically gushed out, filling the room with its dainty embrace. “You sure have a way to make people answer your questions,” he cheerfully pointed out in between chuckles.

 

“And sneaking around, listening in on people’s conversation,” Mihawk pointed out, his emotionless remark casting a slight cool layer above the warm laughter. 

 

With the right opportunity to make an appearance, his arm resting atop his sword’s handle as he stood up, Zoro momentarily widened his eyes, being taken by surprise at the unexpected sight before collecting himself. “As expected, there’s no way you haven’t figured out we were here, so why keep quiet?” he pointed out with a frown, and Perona, thinking he had read her earlier thoughts turned a surprised look his way before throwing a nasty pout to the grin of Red Hair and the uncaring expression of the warlord. Her plan had been turned agaisn't her and with a tick of the tongue, she wondered how much of their previous conversation had been true. 

 

“Well we had been wondering when you two would show your faces,” Mihawk admitted. And at the sight of the teasing smirk of the warlord, a quaint sigh escaped his lips, “but as we weren’t discussing anything serious, we didn’t see a need to scold your actions,” he finished with a stern look at the two culprits — who were far from showing the faintest hint of remorse. 

 

Subtly taking his arm away from its resting place, Shanks rose from the couch, “That’s right, you guys are lucky we were just idly chatting,” he said, grabbing a pink wrapped present, unaware that his last words ringed in the ghost princess’ mind like a tragedy. 

 

Idly chatting, the words pronounced so easily, almost indifferently, pained Perona’s heart like needles, as she started to feel foolish for getting ahead of herself. 

 

“Not like you guys would’ve mentioned anything worthwhile when you knew about us being there,” Zoro pointed out, his voice relaxing at the loosened atmosphere. 

 

“Well there’s that too,” Shanks heartily laughed. Having both warlord and emperor lighten the severity of the privacy violation truly played in their favor as to depict them as less frightening than what their reputation entailed.  

 

“Eavesdropping on pirates is not a good thing though you know, it could cause you a great deal of trouble if you get caught,” Shanks advised in a lighthearted tone, making his way to the faltering features of the ghost princess and handing her the pink box. “Here, as promised,” he finished with a warm smile and with a quick nod towards Zoro whom he had already gifted his parcel earlier.

 

Scanning the package that would normally have her rejoice under other circumstances, Perona delayed her thanks, mumbling them in a miserable manner, failing to catch the increasing worry that shadowed the emperor’s face. 

 

Sneaking a glance at the face of the ghost princess, seemingly looking as though she had been fooled, Mihawk soundlessly rose from his chair, keeping a firm grasp on his drink and taking a few steps to reach the right side of the emperor — who had enough understanding of his partner's intention to affectionately make his arm wrap around the warlord’s shoulder, softly holding him, whilst his lips delicately greeted Mihawk's cheeks with a kiss. 

 

Persona dropped her present, her mouth gaping, before an excited high-pitched screech boomed from her chest. Zoro too, found himself standing open-mouthed, seemingly unaware, as he stood shocked, the words stuck at his throat unable to leave and letting himself get abruptly shaken by the unbelieving overjoyed Perona.    

Notes:

Mishanks the power couple who will teasefully get back at the daily shenanigans the kids keep pulling :’) what could be the word peronna fussed over, highlighting and drawing heart all around in her diary, I wonder :3

Ngl I had writer block on this chapter for 3 days but I hope it was still enjoyable :) Currently trying to make my way through everyone's idea for married mishanks couple - some will be combined as they go amazingly well together and I'm considering doing featured chapters for those who voted a or b when I find the time (currently swamped with finals 💀 and with summer coming, I'll be busy with my idol performances/filming, anime conventions, events and whatnot 🤡)

Chapter 7: Snail Mail Penpals

Angrily writing down the highlight of the day, Perona vowed, prayed and promised to have her way with the uncooperative swordsman.  

***

“So, what’s it like exchanging love letters ?” The teasing words spread out of Perona’s lips like bait, as she lounged on her stomach on a couch, her swaying legs crossed in the air and her signature Kumacy knockoff residing in her arms. An undying smirk painted her face whilst she observed the warlord who sat in a nearby armchair, his face buried behind a journal.

Not even allowing a glance at her blatant attempt to stir a reaction out of him, Mihawk simply kept himself steady. “Nothing special really,” his cold voice answered.

“Then what’s the point of exchanging love letters when you can just use a transponder snail,” the bandaged form of Zoro, who sat near the windowsill polishing his swords, made himself heard, as he flashed a grin similar to the ghost princess towards the warlord. After being shocked by the truth that hid behind the warlord and emperor, both young pirates still had a hard time adjusting to the news — only to wordlessly agree to poke at the warlord’s skin to make the truth sink in.

Yet again, Mihawk gave the same treatment to the swordsman, “some things can only be conveyed through paper,” he flatly responded. 

Never missing an opportunity, Perona failed to prevent her hollow sneer to escape her lips before she allowed her perpetuous sermont to taunt the warlord. “Are you confessing to being a romantic,” she breathed, muffling her laughter over her teddy bear at the thought of such a distant individual being something close to a poet. 

Though seeing as the reply she got was the rustling sound of the newspaper, Perona ceased her laughing, and instead directed a more innocent look towards the hidden warlord. “What do you usually write in your letters?” Her sudden honest inquiry granted her the emotionless surveying of the eyes of Mihawk, who seemed to ponder whether or not to indulge her.

Nevertheless, there were a few things he had come to learn by living with her unforeseen, demanding and tumultuous company. And one of them was that any information given to the ghost princess could be made into a weapon for her to get under the skin of anyone who managed to cross her — which in all honesty was fairly easy to do. 

“I’m afraid I can’t share that with you,” Mihawk told her, as he returned to hide his gaze behind his journal. 

Displeased towards more of her questions being shut down so quickly, Perona let out a visible portrait of her feelings across her face. “Oh please! You’re too secretive!” she whined in her angered tone. 

“You’re just asking the wrong questions,” the mocking tone of Zoro went to start a fire at Perona, who in turn shot him daggers with her eyes, as she prepared to add fodder to the blaze, refusing to not have the last words. But being the one to start the fight, Zoro quickly let himself be heard again and extinguished Perona’s opportunity. “Where do you find the time to write such a thing?” he asked Mihawk.

Upon seeing the smirk that the swordsman purposefully gave her, Perona refused to allow herself to go down — to let Zoro think he had outsmarted her with his questions. Therefore she spoke without even giving the warlord a chance to come up with a reply. “Can we send him letters too?” Her fiery gaze traveled from the swordsman to the silent warlord, as her heart accelerated in the hope her question would be answered first and for the grinning swordsman to stay quiet.

But Zoro had other plans.

“How do you mail your letters?” he asked, following the words of the ghost princess while also leaving no room for Mihawk — seemingly unbothered — to answer. His gaze competitively locked on Perona, as though urging her to come up with a question in turn or she would never hear the end of it.

“Ha, what a stupid question,” she mocked in her low voice, before embellishing it with a softness directed towards the warlord. “Which bird do you use to deliver your letters?” Once more, her eyes landed on the swordsman, this time accompanied by a smug smile. 

As both continued a back and forth of — bickering — questions across the room, occasional insults having found their way in the conversation, escalating to previous mishaps done by the other — the pandemonium had Perona rise from her seat, floating with a pointed finger to the still sitting swordsman who returned a scowl. It was only thanks to the very audible sigh from the warlord, filling the room with a chill air, that the uncivilized exchange came to a stop. The hovering Perona came back down to sit with her legs crossed, and the instigator Zoro, pretending to acquit himself of all responsibility, suddenly seemed to have found another spot on his swords to clean.

As an harmonious atmosphere reigned across the room, disturbed only by the rustle of the newspaper and the continuous tick of the clock seemingly trying to record how long this moment would last, a gruff interfering voice came to wreak havoc sooner than expected.

“Can you ask for some sake in your next letter?” Zoro’s serious tone said, causing both Perona and Mihawk to perk their head in his direction. 

Raising her hand to catch the warlord’s attention, Perona giddily showed him a smile. “Ouh, then ask for hot chocolate too,” she lowered her hand upon having met his eyes, “I love it so much but there’s barely any in this house. Please,” she pleaded.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Mihawk nodded to both.

Testing her luck, Perona further kept the interrogation going, “could you tell us how long you’ve been sending letters, if you don’t mind,” she asked, clutching her rebranded Kumacy in the hopes that the warlord would answer with more than a curt answer.

“We started exchanging letters because there was no telling when one of you would impose on my privacy and eavesdrop on our calls. It was safer that way,” the glance of Mihawk came gliding over the two pirates like a stern reminder of their previous mishaps.

But Perona was far too gone, considering how scot free she managed to escape not once but on multiple occasions, it gave her the strength of a thousands bulldozer to keep charging ahead. “That’s your excuse. I think you’re just shy, just like a certain someone said,” her hollow laugh rang across the room, accompanied by the scoff from Zoro like an acquiescence to her words.

“Too shy to speak on the phone, that’s surprising,” Zoro’s sneering voice wasted no time in delivering the reply, while his eyes entertained themselves at the display of the warlord’s still features. 

“I’m not—” Mihawk tried to protest, only to be proved powerless upon being confronted by the venomous tongue of young pirates.

“Too shy to affectionately say I love you on the phone,” Perona pitched, finally recovering her previous common ground with the swordsman. Her stomach oozed in pain from the laughter she poorly tried to hold in, her cheeks coloring in a rosy tint from the all mighty warlord rendered ridicule. 

Having a tighter grip on his emotion, but not without a bemused smile, Zoro who found himself distracted from his swords added in turn, “with the way he is, it might sound more awkward than affectionate.”

“You’re right, maybe he’s a closeted romantic writer and that’s why they exchange letters,” Perona said, perking her head towards Zoro and exchanging a partner in crime look that quickly got reciprocated. 

“Somehow I can picture that being the case,” Zoro splendidly delivered the final line — their seagull cackle along with failed attempts to gasp for air reverberated through the room, making the warlord less and less able to focus on his journal, his eyes wondering on the incessant giggling faces. 

Being considerate towards their mutual entertainment, Mihawk patiently waited, occupying himself by swirling the wine in his glass, until the thunderous laughs came to an end. “Are you done?” 

Hands still clutching her stomach, while her lungs tried to readjust to their natural breathing, Perona perked a look towards the swordsman to see him return a silent smile before glancing towards the warlord. “What? No, we’re just getting started,” she breathed, a finger wiping glistening tears at the corner of her eye. “When's the love of your life coming back?”

Visibly in no mood to indulge her in any shape or form any further, the warlord gave her a glance before hiding himself behind the journal now that the artificial peace had been restored. 

“You just want your present from Red Hair,” Zoro pointed out, his lips still shadowing a smile, as he sat with his arms raised behind his head, leaning against the window now that his attention towards his blades had been robbed.

Rolling her eyes and adjusting her position in a more comfortable sitting one, Perona pointed an accusatory finger towards the swordsman, “And you your alcohol. I know you’re tired of wine, you tasteless oaf!” And upon the grunt she received, she turned her attention to the warlord once more. “If we can’t send letters, can we at least call him?”

“No.”

The chill answer slightly took her aback, causing Perona to cease any attempt towards making contact with the emperor — the gatekeeping by the warlord being made quite obvious. “But still, sending letters is quite romantic,” she chatted in an attempt to make herself sound better, consequently making her eyes dreamy and envious. “I wish I could send letters to Moria too, but he’s in jail,” she bitterly sighed.

“Served him right,” Zoro admitted seriously.

“Hey!” she threw a pillow at him, only to see the swordsman skillfully dodge which further increased her irk. “Stop ruining the moment!” 

Trailing his words between their conventional arguing with ease, the voice of Mihawk came to offer compassion. “Even if you can’t send something to your captain, I’m sure you can find someone else to send it to.”

Another sigh escaped Perona’s lips. “No, I’m good. But this bloody thing over there could try sending letters to his crew,” she pointed to Zoro, fully aware of his possible thoughts on the matter.

“Give it up, we’re supposed to train for two years, not exchange pieces of paper,” Zoro grumbled, his face expressing his opinion that it was a stupid idea

“I’m sure there’s someone you want to reach out to,” Perona insisted, a teasing smirk creeping on her lips.

Matter-of-factly delivering an answer so as to be left alone, Zoro shrugged. “Yeah, Luffy but I’m sure he’s got his hands full with training.”

“And you with fighting monkeys,” Perona mumbled with rolling eyes. “How about that cook? You mentioned him before,” she asked, recalling the previous odd signs she had noticed in the swordsman at his mention.

Zoro flinched, crossing his arms in a nervous manner with wandering eyes. “What about him?”

The warlord who had sensed the hesitation in the swordsman, slightly revealed his eyes to analyze the room and exchange a look with the equally intrigued ghost princess. “What’s his name?” Perona asked, eager to learn more.

Losing his temper at what appeared to be a harmless question, Zoro unnecessarily raised his voice in annoyance. “Why’s that important to you?” 

“His name is Sanji,” Mihawk answered in the swordsman’s place before hiding his face on the other side of the journal, upon meeting the scornful glare of Zoro. 

His eyes still glued to the paper, Zoro grumbled, “how do you know that?”

“Wanted posters,” Mihawk merely answered. 

If anything Zoro simply managed to pique Perona’s curiosity more upon his outburst. Eyeing him with perceptive eyes, missing no signs at his obvious body language that tried hard to appear indifferent, Perona came to deduce that there was a story to unravel under this tough and bandaged form. “Why not send a letter to Sanji?”

“I already told you there’s no point!” Zoro yelled, his patience slipping as quickly as the sake he liked to drink.

“And I’m telling you that there’s one, you damn—” Perona rose to her feet, interrupting her words upon the gaze of the warlord that came raining down her spine like a warning. “There’s more here than what you’re admitting!” she said equally loud while keeping watch of her words and consequently making the intimidating eyes that lurked on her disappear.

“That’s none of your business,” Zoro intensely expressed, “plus it’s not like I’ve got anything to write with,” he finished in an attempt to make her realize how half witted her idea was.

“I can lend you some of my stationeries,” Mihawk pointed out behind his journal, unaffected, or rather used by the booming voices.

“See!” Perona pointed towards the cooperating warlord, her eyes still harboring animosity but with a triumphant smile. “Stop trying to find excuses and write to that man!”

Sending an indignant look at the warlord, Zoro inaudibly cursed under his breath, “I have nothing to say to that stupid cook!”

Giving a mocking stare at the swordsman as though unbelieving how far someone would go to deny apparent facts, Perona calmed her voice in an attempt to make him realize how serious the situation at hand was. “Really? Because judging by your ridiculously red face I’d say otherwise!” 

Zoro stopped, seemingly now too taking notice of the heat that ravaged his body. “I’ve heard enough of your nonsense, I’m going!” He proceeded to walk towards the door. “And don’t you dare follow me!” 

Perona stood aghast at his preposterous claim — how dare he threaten her, when he barely stood a chance against her ghosts! With the nastiest angry look she could muster, she started making her way towards the door in the hopes of catching up before Zoro reached it. 

“Give it up for now,” the warning came from behind her.

And with a stomp on the ground, Perona screamed loud enough for her words to reach the disappearing swordsman, “this conversation isn’t over! Mark my words!”

Notes:

and the zosan plot thickens
and another moment of silence for Mihawk, it’s his toughest chapter yet

I’ve rewatched the earlier op episodes and honestly it surprised me to see how livelier Zoro once used to be, fooling around and laughing without a worry in the world. There’s so much depth and sides to his character and this chapter (before sanji got mentionned LMAO) was an attempt at restoring the innocence from when nothing traumatic happened to the crew yet.

Chapter 8: Red Flower

Fixing her diary paper with a blank stare, curiosity boiled inside Perona at the thought of a long lasting love story.

***

Perona was taking a moment of the afternoon to isolate herself from the sometimes scruffy atmosphere and aloof air of the swordsmen to instead bathe in the gloom weather of the island. Its lack of skin burning sun rays colliding with her preference to uplift her mood. Despite fearing loneliness, enjoying her own company was a must to retain her sanity. 

Perona sat, gathering flowers to add some vibrance and livelier atmosphere to the bland of the castle. Upon her past exploring, she had found a plot of flowers that had managed to bloom and thrive under the harsh, unconventional climate conditions. Finding such pure beauty after leaving through two bleak islands, the sight made her reconnect with that more delicate side of her, that wound up buried under the widespread gothic aesthetic that surrounded her. As such, she decided to call this area her secret spot — believing that the swordsman would never manage to reach this area on his own and the warlord well, he would probably give her monopoly if she whined loudly enough. Perona had managed to figure out that much through enough trials and tribulations. 

So as she gathered her jewels, the thought of a closeted Zoro brewing in her mind, she slightly froze upon perceiving the familiar yet still mighty form of the emperor — his smile flashing towards her to ease the rigid tenure of her shoulders. Seriously if it wasn't for how amiable he seemed with that smile, and the leniency he had shown towards her in the past, she would have long since abandoned her meticulously picked flowers and fled for her life in search of either swordsmen. 

Returning a faint smile before hiding behind her held flowers, Perona grew even more conscious, as her eyes surveyed the approaching emperor, her mind hoping he wouldn't bother her too much before making his way towards the warlord.

“Ghost Princess, what are you doing?” Shanks crouched in front of her, his eyes breaking with anticipation with the need to join in.

A cold sweat ran down Perona's spine, the reality of sharing a private moment with the emperor being too foreign. “I'm gathering flowers to decorate the castle,” she replied somewhat mechanically. 

“Oh really? That's why the place looks quite lovely, it was thanks to your care,” the earnest compliment came from Shanks as easily as he breathed.

The uncomfortable feeling that had been egging at Perona's stomach evaporated at his remark. It was easy for emperors to make other pirates feel like ants, but Shanks had once again proven to be different by appearing threatless. “So you can tell! I've been putting a lot of effort into the interior decor,” Persona beamed.   

Shanks offered a warm smile to the ghost princess, “that's really kind of you. You’re doing great.” The following motion came naturally — the way in which he raised his right arm to carefully place it atop Perona's head and proudly pat it. 

Like a flower that had been greeted by the sun, Perona’s eyes lit in wonder towards the emperor, a fuzzy sensation blossoming from her stomach to her heart, before finishing its growth to her cheeks, pigmenting them with a crimson tint. Being rewarded for one’s effort truly was the best encouragement. And with a sincere beam etching upon her lips, Perona could not believe how she had almost forgotten this pleasant feeling. Along with how she grows from praise and encouragement.  

“I’m sure Hawk Eye must appreciate your effort in helping around too,” Shanks added with enthusiasm, putting an end to his movement to show a golden look.

Upon the mention of the warlord, Perona was reminded of her reason for becoming so modest towards herself. “Well if he does, he certainly doesn't show it,” she bitterly voiced with a pout. Neither of the swordsmen have expressly acknowledged her skills nor the thoughts and gestures she put towards the castle. As if it all went unnoticing. 

Laughing at her modest tantrum, Shanks let out a light sigh, “with people like him, you have to nudge them a little to make them say their thoughts.” He gave her a winkle which Perona returned with a devilish sweet smirk. The person before her had more experience, so surely his words were worth something. 

Leaving his crouching position behind to instead sit criss-crossed amidst the pasture, Shanks rested his hand on his knee after depositing his bag, giving his full, undivided attention to the ghost princess. “Say, can you make flower crowns with these?” he asked, his eyes sparkling towards the flower before locking their glitter in Perona's gaze.

Slightly taken aback by the sudden interest, Perona slightly nodded. “You want me to make flower crowns?” She repeated the words so as to confirm their tangibility, her mind slightly at odds while musing on his reason to stay. They weren’t exactly strangers, but the diligent passage of time hadn’t done its duty to shorten the distance that hid between them under the guise of acquaintances. Maybe this was the time to define their bond.  

“Yeah, make one for me would you,” Shanks began, before pointing a finger towards his head, “you see, my head’s feeling a bit empty. Flowers would definitely make it look less lonely don’t you think?”

An emperor asking for a flower crown. Perona wasn’t sure what to think of it, but one thing was certain — she did not wish to disappoint him. With a confident nod, she surveyed the flowers and put her hands to work. “You’re quite lucky I happen to be good at this,” her hollow chuckle resonated. 

Shanks’ behavior towards his request spiked in interest, as he leaned his head closer to Perona’s fingers. “You really are good at this!” He chirped. “Teach me how it’s done,” he pressed with a grin.

What followed was a series of hit and miss — with Perona instructing and using a spare hand to make up for the emperor’s lost one and the latter dutifully following through, finding earnest enjoyment from the task and showering the visibly pleased ghost princess with praise.

Now having shared this secret moment together, Persona found her opinion of him getting better, less frightening even as the line between their ranks dwindled into nothing. Through the exchange of giggles that dulled the passage of time into the sweep of the wind, Perona had failed to notice the new presence that approached like a shadow, as her hand placed a second flower crown on the red hairstyle amidst her laughter. And only through the motion did she take notice of the shift in the emperor’s expression and followed his gaze that found itself accompanied by an unfaltering smile. 

With the rigid form of the warlord reflecting in her vision, Perona's bubble burned, being so absorbed and thrilled at enjoying herself that she had come to forget that he too lived on the island.

With a hand raised in the air to cheerfully welcome his partner, Shanks exuded a laid-back portrait of himself amidst the field. “Hawk Eye!”

"Hey,” Perona quaintly greeted in her own way, somewhat disappointed by having a once in a lifetime moment interrupted, leaving it to turn into the dust of a memory. “This is my spot," she expressed to inform the warlord while her hand clutched flowers.

Surveying the pouting ghost princess for a moment before nodding to approve yet another of her requests, Mihawk then turned his attention towards Shanks as he spoke, “I wanted to see if you had reached the island and if so what could have caused delay." 

But without a care in the world while flashing a childish grin towards the warlord, Shanks firstly extended his hand towards the flowers brimming around him. "Look, aren't they just lovely!!" he chimed, before handing a crown to the warlord as an invitation. 

A sigh escaped Mihawk's lips, "so this is what you were doing.” 

"Call it bonding,'' Shanks chirped while grabbing Perona by the shoulder and affectionately bringing her closer. The gesture made a heat rush to her cheeks as she sheepishly nodded to the warlord.  

“Never thought you’d have an interest in anything other than drinking,” Mihawk admitted in an attempt to tease.

“That’s rude,” Shanks replied, visibly unaffected by the remark. “Why wouldn’t I take interest in such a bright young lady,” he dabbed her head once more, having made his point. 

Feeling her affinity for the emperor rise, the bittersweet poisonous thought of having him as a permanent figurehead rather than the warlord weaved its way in Perona’s mind. "He's surprisingly got great taste with flower arrangement," she pointed out with a smile, unwilling to admit that the warlord had good taste in men. "But I'm sorry if I took your precious time with your lover," she snickered with a glance towards the warlord, wrapping her arms around the emperor's elbow in provocation. She had no interest in other people’s partners whatsoever, but the temptation of having proper company for once was too great. “He just gets me so well.” She internally rejoiced to see that the emperor's behavior had been earnest all along, as he maintained the same carefreeness. 

"Oh don't worry," Shanks began, turning a blind eye to her touch with his usual bright self. “We've been married for 10 years already so we've already had our fair share of moments and still have lots of time to look forward to," he finished with a grin towards the warlord. 

10 years ?!! 

The word echoed through Perona's brain, taking an infinite amount of time to be processed through her blank expression — the revelation was just if not as big as when they had said to be each other's lovers. She almost wanted to point an accusatory blame at the warlord for not wearing a single ring whatsoever. 

"That's why I'd like to curry the favors and blessings of the guests Hawk Eye allowed to stay in his place,'' Shanks added. 

"Oh," still baffled, Perona lifted her arms that had grown limp to hide her gaping mouth. "Well you can't exactly have a great time if me and the other oaf don't approve of you." 

"Exactly! Also did you know it took him an awfully long amount of time before he told me where he lived?" 

"Pfft I can see why," she acknowledged, half grinning and smiling towards the silent warlord who seemed moments away from rolling his eyes. Cogwheels slowly started spinning in Perona’s mind, as she took notice of the way in which the emperor easily spilled information. Almost as if he was too happy to talk about Mihawk.  

"That's why I was surprised to see him allow you guys to stay here so easily," Shanks gave a surprised expression mixed with a smile towards both Perona and the warlord.

Taking a step further into the field, Mihawk broke his silence. "I can't let children who lost their home be stranded.”

"I'm not a child!" the grating voice of Perona clarified, her mind upset at the chance to further extract details from the emperor.

Rising from the field in a swift movement with his head still crowned, Shanks gave a warm expression towards the warlord. “In that case shall we get going?” He extended an arm to Perona, who enthusiastically marveled at the gesture while grabbing it with one hand, the other hanging on flowers as a reminder for her original visit. To her surprise, Shanks bent to pick up and give her the bag that, contrary to what she assumed, contained something else. “Both your present and the one for the Pirate Hunter are in here.”

Nodding, Perona watched as the emperor enthusiastically led his steps towards the warlord, showering him in a warm embrace that just as tenderly as it was given became reciprocated by the warlord. And Perona, having her hands too full to hide the rush of colors that had creeped upon her face found herself speechless. 

“How long are you going to keep these on?” Mihawk asked, fiddling with the flowers, though to Perona’s eyes it looked like an excuse to stroke the red hairstyle.

With his only hand grabbing the raised one from the warlord, Shanks gave a frivolous grin. “I’m not taking it off. Not when your guest made it for me,” he finished with a slight peck on the warlord’s fingertips. 

“Suit yourself,” Mihawk simply nodded, further letting himself succumb to the fingers that intertwined between his while teasingly dancing atop of his skin before wrapping the guilty hand with fervor.

Perona’s heartbeat found itself reaching worrying heights. 

With the intimacy that draped both mighty pirates, they were almost unrecognizable, far too different from their daily allure which made for an enticing sight. 

“Let’s go,” the inexpressive voice of Mihawk announced, stirring Perona away from her shameless staring. As a result she led the way to the castle, practically zooming through the forest while having enough self conscience to not steal peeks behind her shoulder — instead letting her mind ram through everything she had come to witness until the training sight of Zoro reached her gaze. 

“Are you that desperate to pop open your blood vessels?” Perona shouted, floating towards the swordsman who had been startled by her voice. “Take a break and let’s open the presents Red Hair’s got for us,” she ordered, closely watching Zoro put down his weights while giving a nod of acknowledgement to the emperor, before dragging him inside so as to give as much privacy to the love craved spouses.

Notes:

shanks taking interest in mihawk’s kids and showing them mihawk ain’t all that cold ♡ ♡ ♡

this might just be the most peaceful chapter so far!! (esp for Mihawk LMAO)

wanted to post this yesterday but my wifi died the moment i wanted to write :)))

Chapter 9: Silent Morning

Notes:

One week passed in which I found myself unable to write a chapter because of finals
Two weeks passed in which I found myself unable to write a chapter because I was going through it and could only write angst
Three weeks passed in which I found myself unable to write a chapter because I got a writing slump and everything I came up with seemed not good enough, each day making me feel the pressure of three weeks having passed and that I needed to come up with something good as a comeback
Through all this I found myself living through medical appointments and the whirlwind of life but today after watching my sibling perform I came home and whipped up this chapter! Apologies for the lack of updates and I hope it will be to your liking :)

The day may not have started the way Perona envisioned it, but nevertheless it had been unique enough to be the best part now that it's been written down.

***

Perona had woken up early, the usual gloomy weather of the island being replaced with the first ray of sunlight which forced her internal clock to rise earlier than usual. She shifted underneath her bedsheets before making her way towards her bedroom door in a yawn.

Surrounded by her ghosts, with her devil fruit floating her towards the kitchen, Perona's eyes glanced over the empty room. A smile tugged the corner of her lips while her feet met the ground so she could hustle herself into making a piping hot tea. This occasional silence that stood still amidst the castle like a rare phenomenon was a testament to the old days before whining, grunts and accidents blazed like a wildfire. And Perona, who feigned ignorance happily basked in the serenity. Humming to herself while the kettle boiled. Placing a tea bag in her pink mug, remembering who had gifted it to her. Nestling her chin on her palm over the counter while waiting for the beverage to be ready. 

During these early hours, loneliness seemed like a small worry. The disappearance of Moria a distant memory. The grumpy and aloof warlord unintimidating. And the driven headstrong one, far less stoic.

Time froze as Perona sipped over her piping hot drink, sitting on the kitchen's countertop while her legs freely balanced. Now that a peaceful morning had been granted to her, she decided to head back to her room and change before returning to the kitchen once more. The dwindling sunlight had also participated in increasing her start of the day mood. And because kindness had found a way into her current temperament, it manifested through an idea in her mind. As such, while she glided along the empty corridors, bounties of breakfast ideas buzzed through her imagination. By the time she had reached the kitchen once more, she was greeted by the awkward warlord who too seemed steps away from entering the room. He stood with a basket full of fruits, his torso teasingly revealed underneath a loose dress shirt. 

Monopolizing the kitchen was no longer an option.

Perona's mouth slightly gaped, while her eyes glanced at the awkward man. The warlord had almost beaten her to it, leaving her feeling irked but more disappointed. It was to be expected since he was the one planning and making most of the meals. Perfectly balancing training sessions, leisure time and work. 

Perona remained floating with a broody attitude. 

“Good morning,” Mihawk curtly nodded, giving her a glance and purposefully breaking their halt in movements by entering the kitchen. 

“Yes good morning,” Perona voiced rather sulkily, floating inside in turn with a pout. “Are you going to make breakfast?” The answer to her question was obvious, yet she refused to let it ruin her day. 

“Hence why I've gathered these ingredients from the garden,” Mihawk approved with a nod.

“Since I'm already here, let me give you a hand,” she expressed, floating behind his shoulders for a forced approval.  

As she expected, Mihawk remained silent – simply showcasing his reply by handing her his basket. It was little moments like these that made Perona appreciate the warlord even if he was a man of few words. She silently smiled, thinking to herself that cooking together wouldn't be all bad if he cooperated. 

Bringing the fruits the warlord had collected towards the sink to wash them, Perona heard the clamor of cabinets and tilted her head to survey the way in which eggs, butter, flour and more made it onto the countertop. 

“What are you making? Waffles maybe?” She chirped while her hands mechanically moved under the tap water.

“Pancakes,” Mihawk responded, keeping his eyes steady on the ingredients as he put on a red apron. 

The color instantly brought a smirk to Perona’s lips. Now that she possessed knowledge, it felt painfully obvious how signs have always been present. How could she have missed such important details?

“Is this from Red Hair?” She asked with a you know you can’t deny it look to the warlord who met her gaze for a faint moment before looking elsewhere.

“Why ask a question you already know the answer to?” Mihawk’s cold voice replied while his hands tied the fabric in his back.

The remark wasn’t intended to be bait, but now he just went and turned it into one. Was it on purpose? Probably not. Would Perona jump on the opportunity? Absolutely. 

“What? How could I know the answer? That’s why I’m asking!” Her hands busied themselves with the fruits still, but her mind focused entirely on the warlord’s facial expression.

“Don’t play ignorant with me when we both know what you’re trying to do.” Mihawk had begun to mix the dry ingredients together.  

“Oh and what is it?” She arched an eyebrow, playing dumb.

A sigh escaped Mihawk’s lips. “You’re trying to force the answer out of me. Trying to make me go and say it.”

Oh she was.

It didn’t stop the teasing glimmer to reflect in Perona’s eyes while her cheek burned with her persistent grin. “Then go and say it already. You know I won’t stop otherwise.”

A batter had already formed in the bowl Mihawk used. His eyes remained focused on his task while he spoke with the full intent on putting an end to the bothering. “Fine. Yes it was a present from Shanks. A christmas present to be exact. Yes it matches with the oven mitts and yes it means a lot to me.”

With the warlord taking out most of the fun by foreseeing Perona’s future questions there was nothing left but for her strident hollow laugh to chime in the room. 

“You didn’t have to go that far,” she began but by the piercing gaze the warlord shot in her direction they both silently agreed that yes it was necessary. “But good for you, he seems to be treating you well.” She finished, and brought back her gaze towards the sink now that everything has been cleaned. Teasing him further would be no good in this situation.

“Of course he does,” Mihawk answered matter-of-factly. 

They’ve been married a while. It goes without saying.

“What do you want me to do with the fruits?” Perona asked, bringing forth the basket towards the counter. 

Mihawk had already started filling a pan with batter. His back remained towards Perona as he answered, “cut them up in pieces. They’ll be put on the pancakes later.” 

Now that the smell of the recipe started filling up the kitchen, Perona’s tongue itched for the sweet breakfast. “Okay!” She cheerfully replied, taking on a kitchen knife and with a decent level of proficiency cutting up her load of the work.

Once pancakes found themselves flipped by Mihawk, it left Perona watching in awe at his skills. How could someone be ridiculously talented in many areas? Though to be honest, if he was instead another useless buffoon like the other oaf things in the castle would look as grim as the weather. Even so, she felt no need to compliment his skill to avoid another curt answer. He was just that good. Very good.

As such another silence draped the kitchen. Thin due to the subtle sizzling of the stove fire and the knife slicing, but comfortable. An intricate delicate silence that could only find its way when two individuals were comfortable with one another. When no offense or uneasiness was taken by the lack of conversation. A unique moment created when the blabbermouth went quiet and the silent tongued one didn’t feel compelled to speak up. When both were focused on respective tasks with no need to seek distraction. There were many types of silence Perona had come to pick up by spending time with Mihawk, and through the way her body remained relaxed, it was the clear indication of a safe atmosphere.   

Perona’s eyes found themselves doing a race of back and forth between the swishing of the pan and the cutting of her fruits. And it seemed as though the pancakes gained in height with every of her glances almost like a subtle way of flaunting one’s skills — or perhaps please the obvious watcher.   

The mutual stillness of words continued, like a stagnant river disturbed only by the falling of leaves on its clearness. Perona grabbed three plates, dutifully finding her way next to the warlord so he could deposit his piece of work on each. Until Perona took the relay, a pleasant smile adorning her lower features while the warlord remained impassive — a drizzle of maple syrup found itself on each plate, hers containing more, a snowfall of powdering sugar and finally the placing of the fruits. 

A frown on the swordsman's plate, a heart on the warlord’s and a bear on hers. 

“Is this really necessary?” Mihawk asked with his eyes fixed on the creative liberty. Maybe he failed to see her clear feelings through her gesture or maybe he would have preferred a plain assortment. Probably the former.

A slight pout found itself on Perona’s lips. “Yes it is and you will eat it exactly how it looks!” She grabbed his plate first to nip down any attempt at sabotage and went to the dining room to place it down. Mihawk followed suit with the remaining two plates, a jar of milk and enough kitchenware for three.   

Perona stood almost aghast once he had entered but quickly shook her head. “You’re quite something,” she mumbled.

Mihawk posed down everything perfectly, “how so?” He asked without sparing her a glance.

One hand raised to find Perona’s hips. “Forget it,” she sighed. 

Everything was set in place to mark the start of yet another day. A day which had the possibility to see its dull routine replaced by whatever heavens decided to throw their way. A day which Perona would write down in detail in her diary, highlighting how she had cooked breakfast with the warlord for the first time and how tranquil it had been. Pleasant even.

“Morning,” Zoro came walking into the room with dragging steps, a yawn stretching his lips upwards as he rubbed his neck.

“Good morning,” Mihawk voiced in turn, pulling out his chair to sit in.

There was the last oaf, coming in unbothered to eat something he probably didn’t even know how to make. “Come and eat what we’ve prepared for you. You better be grateful and not complain!” Perona’s bitter tone scolded him while she took place.

Zoro quickened his pace at the bitter hurl, sitting down as his eyes took in the different designs. “So you’ve made these.” He raised an eyebrow at Perona.

“I did tell you to be grateful,” She shrugged with a coy grin. These particular tricks were those Zoro would never be able to reproduce and for some reason it thrilled Perona. Since there was no having to worry about him pulling one over her in retaliation.

“So, why’s mine a frown?” Zoro grumbled while his eyes darted towards the delicate heart on the warlord’s pancakes.

A subtle laugh escaped Perona. “Need a mirror?” 

“Can we please eat without trouble?” The chilled voice of Mihawk came between the two. 

And through a triumphal smug smirk from Perona and a very well replicated glower from Zoro another quietness slid between the three. One that clouded by mocking stares but remained comfortable and safe still.

Notes:

sorry mihawk but your bonding with perona cannot happen without teasing :')

Updates will most likely stop being weekly (It's summer break and I can no longer procrastinate through writing plus i work full time 9-5) but I will try! I still have some ideas for this fic but life keeps throwing rocks at me, therefore updates will most likely become irregular, I'm sorry

Chapter 10: Red Marine

Notes:

bringing back slightly chaotic goth sibling energy this chapter

After eating her fill at dinner, Perona wrote down the very terrifying power of hunger that seized not only her but an entire situation.

***

“How long have they been cooped up in a room?” Perona asked through a rumble.

“Dunno, probably like three hours or so?” Zoro mindlessly answered, lifting weight while sharing a couch under the watching gaze of the ghost princess. 

Perona sighed. Usually she would feel delighted at the idea of the scruffy warlord getting some well deserved momentum in his life. But now she sat hungry, her temper having reached its lowest pit and keeping a keen eye on the wounds that seemed too stubborn to heal on the swordsman’s body. 

“Should we try and get them out?” She tempted.

“We? Don’t you mean trying to pin blame on me while you bat your dark eyelashes in innocence?!” Zoro exclaimed in her face.

God, why was he so uncooperative?! And finally seeing through all her tricks too. “Don’t act as if you’re not starving too!” She gave him a light nudge with her foot along the side of his stomach.

Zoro curved his spine at the touch, throwing her a glare. “Then why don’t you go and cook something? It’s not like it’ll be your first time!”

“You don’t get it!” She whined, lunging her back further into the couch as her lips pouted.

Zoro gave her a disinterested side glance. “Then why don’t you explain it to me.”

She knew he was indulging her and they both knew she’d jump right at the opportunity. “I don’t want to cook. I can’t cook when I’m too weak from hunger,” she spoke in a soft voice hoping it would reflect her predicament.

But all she got was an eye roll from Zoro. 

“Don’t look at me like that, I mean it!” She sat up straighter, a tint of red having found her ears. 

Sighing, Zoro answered back, keeping most of his attention to his weights. “Then let’s both wait until they’re done. Nothing else we can do.”

“And I’m telling you there is! We just have to create a commotion big enough that’ll alert them towards leaving their room!” Perona spoke up, hoping the warlord hadn't yet grown immune to their shenanigans.

Zoro refused to spare her a glance. “Really? And what would that be? Faking a marine raid on the island?” 

Perona blinked, something clicking inside her mind as she mused on the swordsman's words. “Not bad, you’ve got some imagination in your brain, that’s unexpected but appreciated.”

This prompted Zoro to stop in his tracks and give her an alarming look. “You can’t be serious.”

“Or what? We walk up to their room and knock on the door while begging for food?” Perona darkly scoffed at the ridiculous thought. She knew for a fact she wouldn't be inclined to indulge whoever came pounding on her door if she was in their place. “Please, I’ve more dignity than that!”

“Leave me out of it.” Zoro warned.

She pointed an accusing finger at him, bringing it closer to the swordsman's eyes in a menacing manner. “It was your idea!” 

“But you’re the instigator.” Zoro flinched back, his vision resting on her nails.

“If you want to play it that way then the warlord and Red Hair were the one who gave us a motive!” She easily pinned the blame on them, hoping it would give a new perspective to the swordsman. 

Zoro sighed, it seemed he had finally given in.

“Grab a transponder snail.” She ordered, putting aside her fake Kumacy in a comfortable way on the couch.

“What for?” Zoro asked with an unsure voice.

Her lips etched in a devilish smile. “We’re gonna fake a marine raid call.”

Zoro stared at her dumbfounded. “Do you hear yourself?”

“Yes. I’m hungry.” Perona narrowed her eyes, prompting him to make haste with a wave of her hand.   

Zoro reluctantly grumbled. Plus with the hollow ghost that seemed to hover behind like a threat, he resigned himself to her antics. “Don't expect me to take the blame if this backfires.”

Perona offered him a satisfied smile as she watched him pose down his weights and begrudgingly drag his legs across the room to grab a snail. In the meantime, she swiftly grabbed paper and a pen, started to scribble down a dialogue for Zoro, who watched her with an exasperated frown as he sat back down, before the sheet found itself on the low-rise table in front of them. 

“Do you really think they'll believe this?” Zoro asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Just change your voice and it should be fine,” she gave a sly smile, speaking the words mostly to encourage herself. If she was to doubt her own plan, how could things proceed smoothly? ”You know how the Marines speak with their gruff protocol-ish voice, all sounding the same. Just replicate that and they'll be out of their room before we know it!” She vigorously nodded.

The swordsman however didn't seem entirely convinced. Yet, he complied and began rehearsing what they deemed as a ‘marine accent’ under the strict instruction of Perona for a short while. Until ultimately, the transponder snail rang its usual puru puru puru chime thanks to the knowledge the warlord had provided Perona with his personal number. In case of emergencies.

“Hello?” Mihawk's voice sounded slightly unstable, almost out of breath, yet his cold self-restraint could be felt.

Perona gave an expectant look at Zoro, while suffocating her off-brand Kumacy plush in her clutch. 

“This is G-5,” Zoro gave her an uncertain look, as his voice took on the tone they had practiced. She gave a thumbs up. “We're currently on our way to Kuraigana island.”

A pause seemed to occur on the other side of the line. “What for?” Mihawk asked. “There should be no reason for the marines to come as I alone live on the island.” 

Perona almost wanted to snort at the blatant lie, but quickly caught herself. She smiled at the thought that even the aloof warlord knew how to hide the identity of wanted pirates. But her smile quickly died down, as she saw Zoro freeze. He couldn't exactly proceed with his speech now that a question had been asked.

Perona took her pen and quickly scribbled down something, vigorously pointing the words in the swordsman's vision.

Zoro furrowed his eyebrows as he spoke. “We're coming for an inspection. We received reports of a ship repeatedly docking on the premise of the island.” His eyes seemed to ask ‘what are you making me say’ but Perona quickly brushed it off with a satisfied grin. Surely this would be enough to prompt them to exit their room with the emperor scrambling to get away.

“Oh, that would be my ship,” the sunny voice of Shanks came through. 

Seeing the swordsman's lack of initiative at the words, Perona quickly mouthed for him to ask who it was even if they both knew the answer. Better safe by playing dumb than sorry.

“W–Who is this?”

“Red Hair Shanks,” his voice was relaxed. “I’m currently on the island and surely the navy wouldn't want to come and cross paths with an emperor. Wouldn't do us any good to get hurt on this fine day, don't you think?” The tease and snicker in his voice was unmistakable and for some reason it rubbed Perona the wrong way.

“Right…” Zoro trailed off, unsure what to add next and looking at his accomplice for help. He was met with the daggers that poured from her eyes — she did not like his dismissive answer that implied their backing off. 

However, before she had the time to come up with a reply, the stable voice of Mihawk came through again. “Tell me, who approved of this?” 

“My superior sir,” Zoro answered by giving a side glance at Perona. He purposefully ignored the foul scribbles she frantically started writing down.

“And that is?” Mihawk pressed further.

“I'm afraid I can't divulge their identity,” Zoro shrugged, his voice edging towards a laid-back tone.

“Never knew the navy was one with discretion.” A pause fell in which a muffled sound seeped through the call. “Then tell me your rank,” Mihawk further added, the background noise sounding more and more like a poorly hidden laugh.

They were cooked. At least that's the feeling that boiled inside Perona as an indication of their imminent defeat. She couldn't decide whether it was a typical characteristic for the warlord to ask this many questions or if he was trying to blow their hastily put-together cover.

“No, no let me guess!” Shanks’ voice came through, a wheeze leaving his lungs. Zoro furrowed his eyebrows in incomprehension at Perona who shrugged while her lips curved downwards. “You're a vice-admiral, aren't you?”

“Yeah,” the reply slipped from Zoro instinctively. A proper laughter from Shanks boomed across the call. This time, Perona smacked Zoro’s shoulders with her Kumacy replica. A groan escaped his lips, but she was beyond furious at him for fumbling after they had decided he was but a low-rank recruit to blame herself at her own indiscretion. 

“Are you alright, sir?” The unamused voice of Mihawk asked.   

“I'm fine,” Zoro groaned.

“Then, let me ask you again, what is the purpose of your call?” The chill tone left no place for excuses anymore. 

Perona resigned herself through a sigh. Letting Zoro fend for himself by glaring in another direction and crumbling their physical paper evidence. 

Zoro's gaze lowered to the ground while his free hand scratched the back of his head, his officer tone simultaneously dropping. “We're hungry.” 

“Shouldn't the navy provide you with the best food there is out there? Especially to a vice-admiral!” Shanks chimed in through ragged breaths, no longer hiding his evident amusement at the situation.

At his words, Zoro's face grew in embarrassment, and so did his temper. “It wouldn't be an issue if our cook was not holed up elsewhere!” he added through a slight increase in voice. Perona now anxiously eyed him by fiddling with her fingers, awaiting for their doomsday sentence to be pronounced.

The breezy chuckle of Shanks came to a stop as he added on a more comprehensive voice. “I apologize for that. It was indeed my fault and your attempted investigation of the island was justified.” 

Perona found her spirit slightly lifted.

A sigh escaped Mihawk. “We did lose track of time, but you simply could've come and get us instead of orchestrating this.”

“Perona did this, I have no part in it except being forced to make the call,” Zoro corrected, giving a scowl at the ghost princess who pouted while turning her head away.

“Of course she did,” Mihawk dragged another sigh out of his lips.

Rightfully so, Perona interjected before anyone pointed fingers her way. “So what about it? It's not like we could just come and interrupt!”

“In any case, it was pretty fun,” Shanks came between the three, lightening up the conversation. His attitude had managed to quell the bickering by preventing consequences to be given. 

“How long have you known it was us?” Zoro asked.

“Since the moment you mentioned being part of G-5,” Mihawk answered.

A groan escaped Zoro. “You've known this whole time, why did you pretend not to then?”

Not surprising, though Perona couldn't help but feel disappointed they had shooted themselves in the foot since the very beginning.  

“A certain someone thought it would be amusing to see how far you guys would go,” Mihawk admitted.

The innocent laughter of Shanks rang once more. “Sorry, it was just such a golden opportunity.”

“There you have it. We'll be down soon, you guys can set the table in the meantime.” Mihawk lastly spoke before hanging up.

Well in all retrospect, their plan had somewhat succeeded and soon enough they would be able to eat dinner. Perona felt her hunger comeback now that the unexpected situation passed and her shoulders relaxed at the news that all seemed to end well.

“Aren't you glad? We didn't get in trouble,” she gave a proud grin to the swordsman who angrily rose from the couch, his eyes blaming her for everything.

“Just so we're clear, you're setting the table,” he began dragging his feet towards the door.

“Jeez, learn to be happy for once. But fine,” she floated herself after him while her hollow laugh trailed behind them.

Notes:

poor mihawk having to not only deal with perona and zoro but now shanks too

Chapter 11: Buried Secret

Notes:

this idea came to me during a dentist appointment while i had various instruments in my mouth (don't worry the chapter got nothing to do with teeth lmao)

I've also started reading Jane Eyre and i'm afraid it's writing impacted my own style a bit lol so don't be surprised if this feels more different than how I usually write

That night, as her candle breathed its last flame, Perona wrote down what had caused her to feel two very distinct opposite feelings in the spawn of a single moment stolen from her habitual afternoon. 

***

"You overdid it again! Look at your bandages, they're stained red already!" Perona indiscreetly rambled on with her usual nagging, sending the familiar sting of daggers from her look at the swordsman while floating in front of him. 

"Stop blocking my way and move aside!" Zoro protested, giving her a similar eye treatment as her pink locks twirled in his vision through her movements. 

"Can't you appreciate someone's worry?" Perona furiously closed the distance on purpose, hoping to rub a remark she had made times and times again in his face. 

"You're like that everyday! Do you expect me to feel grateful every single time?!" 

"Well obviously," Perona matter-of-factly answered. "Tell me who else here is going to do the same for you?" 

"I don't need your sentiments!" Zoro bellowed in her face. 

Perona rolled her eyes at his antics, aware that her persistence wouldn't be quelled by his demands. People who were oftentimes than not reckless, doing dangerous crazy things would harness the raising of flags of those with a clear mind around them. If no one stopped to glance their way who knew what would happen. 

"You're welcome," Perona mumbled under a harsh breath. 

Visibly fed up, Zoro halted his movements, hoping to drive her away by his words. "Learn to mind your own business already!" 

"Jeez what's with that tone, do you want me to hit you with my hollow ghosts?!" Perona dangerously warned, the transparent beings circling around the swordsman with their snarky smiles and backing him in a corner. 

Zoro recoiled over the wall, visibly recalling unpleasant memories. "Fine, I get it! My bad, now get those things away from me!" 

As a satisfied grin lined along the face of Perona, Zoro's body that had been glued on the wall came to put an end to the teasingly aggravating atmosphere reigning. As a result of the circumstances, his hand pushed in a brick on the wall. The motion that had been spurred by spontaneity couldn't be ceased while the sound of old bricks, strident to the ears, rubbed alongside one another, stirring narrowed and confused looks on the two standing nearby. 

Zoro's hand had reflexively flown away as a testament to prove his innocence and Perona, curious at the prospect of a new ailment in their daily live crowed her neck down to where the hands of the swordsman once stood. 

"Hey, what's going on...?" Zoro's words trailed with uncertainty as additional bricks sunk themselves further in the confines of the wall. 

An eerie sentiment seized Perona, who unconsciously failed to reply, her eyes too fixated on the door-like hole that now sprouted, its inside pitch black like an invitation towards a forbidden doom. 

"I think... we're better off leaving. Pretending we saw nothing," was the stream of words Zoro gave now that he too laid eyes on the opening. 

Perona gave him a glance, musing on his proposition as she hovered atop the ground still. A secret passage wasn't too uncommon in castles or old establishments — Mihawk had counted them the tale of the previous inhabitant, making it a surefire way that there was no telling what could dwell further inside the coffins. Walking away from it wasn't inherently a bad idea either. But this was a hidden passage in Mihawk’s home; almighty warlord that we were talking about. 

"Let's go in," Perona blankly stated, her eyes fixated in front of her with resolution. 

Zoro seemed unsure whether to widen his eyes in surprise or furiously furrow the bridge between his eyebrows. "What did you just say?" his body settled on a slight gaping of his mouth. 

Through the subtle warning hidden behind the swordsman's tone, Perona found her gaze fixated on him, relying on past experience to bend his flexible will.  "Don't forget whose place this is," she stated. With the incomprehensive ponder that settled on Zoro's complexion, Perona further added. "It's Hawkeye's place, surely there must be something of value down there," she pressed, emphasizing her pronunciation while bulging her eyes for the swordsman to get a clue. 

"You wanna dig up his secrets now?" Zoro asked with a raised eyebrow. 

Perona vigorously nodded. "He can't be all that... serious, stoic and elegant," she quickly rambled, earning an interested look from Zoro in turn. "We both know he won't tell us a thing about himself, so think of it as us getting to know him better!" Her forged smile hid away traces of desires to acquire teasing ammunition against a far too layered foe. 

It was enough to convince Zoro, who eased a sigh out of his lips and rested a hand atop his swords. "If we keep this to ourselves, it should be fine." 

Restraining her rejoicing through a simple hollow laugh, Perona's inside heated up in anticipation. By thinking that the warlord had already explored every nook and cranny of the place was enough to brace her nerves and convince them that no matter what — or who — rested down there wouldn't be a wretched, nightmare-inducing cursed relic of the past. 

"Let's go then," she affirmed, giving the swordsman a last glance before leading the way. 

A narrow staircase led them down — its gray brick walls mirroring the ones found on the various surfaces of the castle. If not for automatic lanterns lighting up on their own like a malevolent invitation, darkness would have entrapped them from all sides, suffocating their insides with the chill air that ran its course the lower they descended. 

The eeriness found itself blending naturally with the gloom of the island, therefore nuzzling right in Perona's preferences. The faint darkness hidden by the glow of light didn't scare her, as much as the buried uncertainty that extended a thin hand in invitation towards it.  

Both walked silently in a single line, reluctant to disturb the thick unknown that continued forging their claustrophobic path. After what seemed like long enough to edge Perona towards raising a vocal complaint, the faint golden glow of their destination radiated a brighter contrast from the staircase. 

"Finally, let's see what's hidden down there," Perona uttered in a slow breath, her eyes narrowing due to the sudden change of brightness. 

Zoro who had now joined her side let out a small puff of astonishment following the adjustment of their vision that paled in contrast next to the gaping mouth of Perona — the room, like the path that preceded it, was brightened by a candle ceiling chandelier ; harsh colors and shadows creating contrasts on the various trinkets and walls. 

A chilly air of preservation could be felt on the skin as the temperature found itself entrapped by the concrete walls. The vicinity with its square-ish form stretched on the smaller side — rows upon rows of wine bottles remained still, their label worn out with the passage of time while their taste continued to prosper on the wooden shelves they laid on still. 

On the walls, carefully propped up dangled a muted rainbow assemblage of various swords, colors and sizes dimmed through the light. But if one had trained their eyes long enough, the subtle chip and usage most of the tinkering weapons sported would leave a satisfied sentiment regarding the usage and lifetime of each, for they were still receiving care and love in their respite. Confined to the coffin of glass cupboards like a corpse that had run out of life, intricate designs of clothing were showcased, each a relic of a past that hid behind their well maintained woven stitches. 

It was like walking in a museum. The orderly arrangement made it feel more like an extension of the common upper rooms rather than a secret stash of dirty money. 

“What the hell...?” Perona mumbled in a low breath. Unveiling an unknown side of the warlord had been her goal, yet as his scattered personal possession came into her view through the focus of her eyes, nothing, nothing preserved in this room was surprising. None, would arise suspicion nor inquire the rise of an eyebrow in questionment. “This can’t be real…” she added, violently turning her head in every direction. They — she — had come to find a spec of dust on the Warlord, but even this paling grand revelation seemed to sneer at them as another proof of the man’s just and proper side. 

Both trespassers left their standing point to weave their way inside, separating to each direct their steps towards what piqued their interest. 

"He's got some pretty neat swords," Zoro admitted through a hum. Without surprise he had found his way towards the wall — scrutinizing each weapon that in turn left awe along with a grin on his face. 

Perona glanced at him, her lips reflecting the downside of the anticipation that had melted into a bottomless pit of disappointment — the swordsman truly appeared to notice no deception from the situation. "Don't you feel like this is a let down?" she asked, stopping the motion of her feet to focus her attention on Zoro. 

A shrug as an answer. "Not really, if anything this room's pretty cool.” 

"That's the thing!" Perona exclaimed, furrowing her eyebrows and lips pouting for once not due to the swordsman. "This is supposed to be a secret room, why bother hiding all these unimpressive ordinary stuff?!" 

Another shrug was expected from the swordsman but instead, his silently loud gulp mixed with the widening of his eyes made her lose patience, therefore misinterpreting the clues of his behavior. 

"What is it? You think I'm wrong?" her voice had taken on an impatient sour tone. 

"Not necessarily, but if you want the answer to your question I think you're better off asking him yourself," Zoro uttered in a tensed breath, directing his eyes towards the entrance where Mihawk stood. In silence. 

His sight startled Perona, causing her to flinch and yelp in surprise. How long had he been standing there? But it wasn't the relevant question — would they get in trouble now that he had caught them red handed in his -allegedly- private secret room? 

Until the man in question spoke, "someone's junk is another’s treasure." 

Okay? If anything her heart had yet to lower its speed after hearing the rigid words that mirrored a similar expression from the warlord. Perona shot a glance at Zoro, seeking answers as to what fate awaited them but alas, only got a similar confused look in return. 

"So you're telling me this is a treasure?" Perona opted for a distraction through a pattern of speech rather than silently basking while standing on their crime scene. Her hands rose as she spoke, aiming towards one of the wine bottles that would soon find its label completely erased if given a couple more years of time to dwell untouched. 

"I wouldn't touch that if I were you," the chill voice spiced with a warning tone. 

The triggered motion in Perona's arm recoiled — she guiltily backed away her limb to hide it behind her back while apologetically lowering her gaze. Perhaps his treasure was too valuable for her handle. 

"Where'd you get such swords?" Zoro asked while pointing his thumb at the wall, his voice triumphantly stirring the warlord's attention over to him. Perona internally felt grateful at the keen interest he demonstrated and opted to raise her eyes upwards once more, letting them sway between the two men before focusing on the object of the conversation. 

Mihawk took his first steps inside, rhythmically heading towards the nearest wall from the two. "Some were gifts, others I found. Each carries my journey of the past," a glazed look clouded Mihawk's eyes, clearly recalling memories that had long since received a visit. 

"Mmh, that's nice," Zoro confirmed with a smile that rather leaned on the sweet side. And he too, crossed his arms, before letting his eyes lurk over the walls some more. 

On the other hand, to Perona's unperceptive eyes and lack of knowledge on the matter, the weapons appeared nothing more than blunt metallic things waiting for the essence of time to rust them away. Even if she couldn't bask in their appreciation, she instead seeked to redeem herself by attempting another shot at her previous inquiry. "Where'd you get the wine?" She asked in a small voice. 

Mihawk parted from his wall of memories to give her a sharp glance. "Only in the best places on the grand line," the steady tone, despite conveying a formal answer, seemed on edge. Perona felt her blood run cold under his subtle glare. "The wine here is more valuable than the one upstairs, irreplaceable even." 

Perona's instinct registered the translation of his words as follow; lead to the shattering of one of these bottles in a way or another and you won't get away with it with a simple tone deaf reproach and a slap on the hand. If her heartbeat had raced prior to the warlord's words, then now it rang in her ears — deafening her surroundings for a few seconds while her blood increased its chill to a frozen condition. 

"I-I see," she awkwardly mumbled, her lips thinning into a single line while her eyes blinking darted towards the swordsman. Thankfully the stiffening of his shoulders, though well hidden at first glance, was well discernable under her eyes that daily scourged his body for traces of healing — or new damages — and she was relieved to see that the threat had not flown up his head either. Add to that a side glance he extended her way that like the many shared connections they had exchanged in the past made them both realize it was now time to stop ignoring the elephant in the room. 

"So," Zoro began, taking on that hurdle upon himself. "How did you figure out we were down here? We both know it wasn't a coincidence you decided to come at the same time as us," he spoke calmly and gave a dreary downward smile while one of his arms parted ways from their crossing to rub the back of his head. 

A pause occurred in which Mihawk examined both — his eyes peered through theirs, leaving Perona with a vague impression that perhaps he could peer through her soul, and she dared not look away. This was an assessing silence from the warlord, in which the weight of their actions was being measured accordingly, leaving for an uncomfortable atmosphere. 

After what seemed to have made Mihawk feel satisfied, he tilted his chin upwards towards a camera transponder snail that camouflaged on the ceiling corner. "There's a security system installed, and I've known you've infiltrated this place since the wall opened." 

"You're very thorough," Zoro commented with a sigh of defeat. To Perona's relief, he didn't seem particularly inclined to pin the blame on her this time around. 

"And now you've come to pick us up before we mess your little treasure box," she sarcastically added with a pout. 

Mihawk consequently nodded, "you two do have a track record backing you up." 

Both Zoro and Perona found themselves exchanging sheepish guilty glances, fully acknowledging that no counter argument would prove useful. 

On this note that brought forth a sense of detention and arrest to the guilty young pirates, both found their time in the chamber cut short for the warlord had already turned his back and made way for the exit, forcing them to follow suit. 

"I hope you've seen to your heart's content as there will be no second chance for you two to come back here," Mihawk instructed with a final tone. 

Perona and Zoro silently obliged — as they had no other choice — and truth be told, their excursion had proven to be quite the stale aftertaste of disappointment to Perona. Mihawk, greatest swordsman of the sea, while acting jaded, cold and blunt hid in his secret room wine, swords and expensive looking clothes like the perfectly well composed, uptight and well mannered man he was. 

Notes:

mihawk is just that guy frl frl

Chapter 12: Red Mediator

Notes:

***Important life update I would like to share : Me and a friend were supposed to meet the OPLA Mihawk (Steven John Ward) next weekend at a meet and greet to a convention happening. Me cosplaying as Perona and my friend as Zoro so we could recreate the goth family vibe. But life once again threw rocks at us and Steven canceled his appearance. Anyways we were really hyped about it, then dissapointed but were left with no choice to instead go see OPLA's Buggy actor (Jeff Ward). Saying all this because, I wanted to share this news with you and I have been cooking something for a while for this fic with their characters :3 And also because, if you know which event is happening and you happen to see goth siblings cosplayers... chances are I'm one of them hehe (don't hesitate to say hi!)

This chapter was written in honor of pride month (as if the main couple ain't gay lol), enjoy!!

Perona had been surprised, rather unexpectedly, which left her struggling to find words to write. Even as she felt intoxicated with the wine she had consummed, her mind still buzzed with toughts of a story that had pierced her in the heart.

***

A peaceful morning — peaceful in the sense that neither oaf swordsmen were currently in the same vicinity as Perona. Indeed, she had seeked refuge in the hidden plot of flowers in search of replacements for the ones that had already wilted in the castle; their color turning uninterestingly yellow, and falling off in dryness. Unfortunately her mood shifted following their timely death, causing her to now forgo the carrying of her usual ombrella to support a flower-filled basket in her arms, feeling satisfied with her pickings. 

The gloom of the island carried her away, a smile, satisfied and expectant to decorate, stretched on her lips. She regained the forest, its lush trees casting harsh overshadows she had grown used to but nonetheless making it hard to see. If not for one of her hollow ghosts, filling her vision to seek her attention, Perona wouldn't have taken notice of the passing by form of Zoro. 

Intrigued, she paused, hovering in the air, eyes blank that followed his form with raised eyebrows. Something felt weird. Very, very weird. Perona narrowed her eyes, pinpointing what had aroused her suspicion in the first place. Zoro seemed, very much unlikely to himself, to be following a precise direction rather than walking aimlessly, taking on random and odd turns in the most unexpected places. 

“Where is he going?” Perona mumbled to herself, losing interest in her own original course to furtively follow the swordsman. For once, he wasn't training, nor was he in her company or sleeping around. A curiosity to fill her knowledge of the way Zoro packed his spare time had therefore prevented Perona from calling out to him, floating to his side and inquiring about his endeavors. She doubted he would be honest and frankly, what fun was there in forcing the answer out of him? 

Hence why she kept her distance, hiding here and there behind trees, her flying freeing her from the thoughts of accidentally making herself heard through misplaced footstep atop the wooden land. But only for a short time did the stalk last, due to the final destination being reached — the island’s beach, its sandy and ocean pastel colors stretching about as usual in eternal stillness. 

The only abnormalities to the scenery, meaning they scarcely belonged there, was the rigid form of the warlord standing on the beach, watching with a rather tender gaze as the familiar figure of Shanks disembarked his boat to skip over towards his lover. The red hair giddily jumped on the other, who to Perona’s surprise accepted the gesture by wrapping his arms around Shanks waist, and both gave each other an expected warm embrace.

Seeing them in her view, but failing to perceive their distant chatter, Perona came to notice that the swordsman too remained hidden amidst the edging claws of the forest, watching from his masked leaf coverage with a rather envious, or perhaps jealous, gaze. It went without saying she knew exactly whom Zoro was thinking of, and that this time around, for he had been caught in the act, there would be no valid excuses or getting away from her this time.

Another smile, almost wicked but filled with good intentions, painted its colors on Perona while she discreetly floated by the swordsman’s side, saying no more than “they make a good pair don’t they?” before giving him a snide glance.

Zoro clammored, yelped, widened his eyes at her voice, at her appearance, completely forgetting that they were both observing another.

“What's going on? Who’s there?” Mihawk’s cold voice raised rather calmly.

Perona shot through the bushes, but not before giving a provocative snippet of her tongue to the swordsman. “It’s us!”

Her vivid expression, along with the easiness in which she gave herself away momentarily froze the warlord, which had been enough time for the emperor, his grin growing wide, to exclaim in his stead. “Did you guys come to greet me too?!”

“Why were you remaining hidden?” Mihawk spoke to take away the opportunity for Perona to give an answer.

A hollow laugh escaped her lips, thinking of the reaction her words would arise in the persistently still hidden swordsman. “Zoro misses his Cook, or should I say his boyfriend,” she purposefully accentuated the word, willingly adding oil to the fire and finding entertainment in the growing wide faces of the older pirates. “I think it makes him bear the distance to see you guys all over each other like—”

“What are you saying!” Zoro pierced through the foliage, justifyingly furious, even with a tinge of red blush on his ears. “You don’t even know what you're talking about!”

Perona had expected as much, but with the glare stabbing her skin and the tone of his voice, her temper felt obliged to slip in turn. “Then why don’t you tell me? Why don’t you stop keeping secrets and being all ambiguous if you don’t want me saying nonsense?!”

“Wait!” A rather unexpected loud voice from the emperor caused the bickering pair to look his way. “Can we start from the beginning? What's this we’re hearing about Zoro having a boyfriend?” His hands were raised in a stop motion, while on his side Mihawk discouragingly shook his head, mostly at the situation than anyone in particular. 

Zoro, who most likely wanted to display similar rage at the emperor, found his pitch tone down a bit. “Like I said he’s not my boyfriend. At least I think he’s not? I’m not sure,” Zoro trailed off, running an irritated hand atop the moss of his hair.

Perona gave a compassionate pout, almost feeling guilty — it sounded complicated. More than she thought. 

“How about you two leave your hiding places and come over here so we can chat?” Shanks tempted in a kind voice.

Seeing no reason to refuse, Perona did as instructed, stopping only once she realized the swordsman wasn’t following in her tracks. 

“I’ve nothing to say,” Zoro spat out, an angry scowl on his features upon meeting her gaze.

And she reprimanded him for the poor display of behavior. “What? You’re not even gonna properly greet Red Hair?” she reproachingly furrowed the bridge between her eyebrows.

Zoro grumbled as if to say ‘what is the use in that’ but nevertheless followed. 

“Flowers?” Shanks beamed at the basket Perona was carrying. “Could they be for me?” He self-centeredly asked.

“It must be a coincidence, they didn't know you were coming. The ones in the castle have already withered, it must be why,” Mihawk matter-of-factly delivered a reasonable explanation, owing himself a pout from the emperor.

“Even if that’s true, you didn't have to say it!” Shanks whined, but the warlord saw no use in giving apologies.

Perona chuckled as she reached the two. “You can have some if you want.”

“See!” Shanks gave a pompous grin to Mihawk though with no effect on him whatsoever.

Zoro lingered to the back, visibly refusing to partake in the conversation. Seeing him, Shanks took on a more serious, yet amiable composure. “Are you still upset at the Ghost Princess?” He asked.

Hearing her nickname, Perona’s mouth offendedly gaped, and as she was about to utter a bitter low word of complaint, a pressuring gaze from the warlord shook her body — as she shot him an incomprehensive look, she was rendered silent by the shake of his head. So this wasn’t for her to meddle in, was it? Fine, she might be clumsy, forceful too, in her approach, but to deny her the right of speaking? It left her boiling inside.

“Well yeah, she keeps pestering me on many things,” Zoro crossed his arms while giving her a side scowl, which she fully returned silently. 

“Don’t think of it as misplaced attention,” Shanks left Mihawk’s side to walk past Perona and wrap a friendly arm around the shoulders of Zoro, surprise building on his face.

In order to watch the scene with an anger that decreased to turn into interest, Perona floated to stand beside the warlord — both keeping glued eyes on the peculiar pair.

“Instead, would you like some valuable advice from someone who’s been married 10 years?” Shanks asked with a slight shake of Zoro, tilting him so their back would face the ocean and offer privacy from the two watching pair of eyes.

“What? Married?” Zoro exclaimed, showing no sign to fight off the emperor’s touch. 

“That's right. I’m sure I’ll be able to help more than our charming, clumsy, awkward Hawkeye could,” Shanks cooed, turning his neck back to give a purposeful wink to his beloved. Without surprise, Mihawk remained unfazed, if not for the subtle averting of his eyes to the side, prompting Perona to hide a teasing snicker behind her hand.

“Help me with what?” Zoro cluelessly asked. 

“Well, help to know whether or not you’ve got a boyfriend,” Shanks grin reached further heights. Seeing as the swordsman kept to himself, Shanks pressed further. “For starters you seem confused on how to define your relationship. Why don’t you explain what happened between you and this Cook and we figure it out together?” 

The emperor's tone was kind, gentle and encouraging; the complete opposite of Perona, who unconsciously, mentally took notes of his approach. 

An approach that had been delivered well enough to push Zoro over the edge to speak, though by glancing elsewhere. “We kind of fucked once on the Sunny before we reached Sabaody island and got separated.”

Zoro nonchalantly shrugged while his words hung in the air — putting Perona at a loss for words and succeeding to make the warlord widen not only his eyes, but raise his eyebrows as well. Even though the conversation was unfolding a few feets from them, both back turned to Perona, the revelation had struck like lightning. 

The emperor however remained nonchalant. “And before that? How were things before you got intimate?”

Tilting his head on the side, musing on events of the past, Zoro made all who listened hang at the edge of his breath. “He was always in my space, in my face. Everywhere I looked, he was there, and sometimes he’d stare at me in the eyes for no reason,” recalling memories made Zoro smile. “Acting all nervous when there was nothing to get worked up for. He’d always lose his temper over the smallest thing and cause us to fight more often than usual,” Zoro scoffed at the last part. 

This, to the romantic filled mind of Perona, sounded sweet. Chaotic considering Zoro’s personality, but nonetheless endearing. She found herself, as she listened to his tale, smiling rather sheepishly as well.

Shanks nodded in acknowledgement. “And how were you feeling when this was happening?”

“I thought he was hot.”

“Is that all?” Shanks pressed further, and Perona tightened the grip on her basket, impatient to hear more.

“I couldn't help but tease him about it, cause at first I thought he was being ridiculous. And the night before we reached Sabaody I was more intense than usual, and before we both knew it we were naked with me on top of him.”

The raw, unfiltered, yet vague reply felt like a taunt to Perona — she wanted, yearned to hear more, to learn of every single detail that had led from point A to Z, the hows and the whys. Not this surface level of information. Yet, considering past trials and mostly errors, the chances of Zoro unveiling his story layers seemed pretty grim to Perona.

“And how are you feeling after all of it? Right now, standing on this island, apart from him.” was the last question from Shanks.

A moment occurred, in which all stood silent, with the lull of the waves rocking time on its back, a peaceful, unaggravating  sound to the mind. 

“Lost,” Zoro uttered, creating another silence in which everyone partook in shared sympathy. “Two year's a long time and I’m sure the cook's fine, but I'm scared he'll act differently afterwards.”

“Well it did sound like a complicated story, with no chance for answers to be given whatsoever,” Shanks, rather grimly compared to his usual silvery voice, offered to Zoro. “Looks like we'll be needing drinks after this.” Shanks gave a slight, friendly shake of the shoulders to Zoro and turned to face the two spectators who had been witnessing the scene in silence all this time. “Mihawk love, I hope you're ready to share your wine tonight. But don't worry, I'll be sure to bring you back just as much next time.”

The emperor gave a warm smile and turned around, keeping his grip on Zoro while starting a banter on another topic with the swordsman, leading him into the forest, their final destination in mind being the castle.

Still blown away by the revelation she had been wanting to know for a while, Perona gave a glance towards Mihawk, saw his collected expression, yet still discerned a hint of surprise behind the eyes she had grown accustomed to.

“How do we deal with that?” She asked him, having found her vocal cords, hovering still by his side, a lost voice full of inquiry and a full fretting face.

“I’m not sure,” Mihawk curtly answered, keeping his gaze forward a while and soon marching in the direction set by the emperor. 

Perona gave an uneasy pout behind his back; of course she was asking the wrong person. And now that all had been said and done, she was rendered obliged to follow the group; keeping to herself so as not to aggravate the swordsman, doing so out of empathy and a fear of souring his affliction even further.

Notes:

yall have no idea how many times i screamed while writing this, probably my favorite chapter so far *is a big zosan shipper*

Chapter 13: One Lover's Pining

Notes:

apologies for disappearing, life forced me to go to therapy for the first time, depression and burnout followed, making for a lack of time to write, school started, keeping me busy but all in all I'm recovering and writing more!

As for an update about the last A/N chapter : me and my friend did meet OPLA buggy and it was amazing ! the actor was a really nice person !!

As she wrote down the events of the day in her diary, Perona’s lingering elated emotions prompted a giggle from her lips as she thought back on the honest feelings she witnessed today.

***

“What do you want?”

The gruff voice of Zoro along with a look came to expose the floating form of Perona shadowing in his steps. 

“How was your lesson today?” Perona no longer hid now that the swordsman had taken notice of her and instead swiftly went to float by his side.

A typical side glance was given by Zoro before his eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, showing his awareness of foreseeable meddling on the Ghost Princess’ part. “Since when do you take interest in my training? Just say what you want to say.”

Truth be told, Perona couldn't give two cents of the sweaty training orchestrated by two awkward men. Though maybe she had been quite obvious in her opinion if this oaf next to her came to be aware of it too.

Slightly irked at seeing her attempt at polite conversation being shot down this quickly, Perona delivered her main point with a hint of worry. “I was watching you guys through the window and I think something's off with Hawkeye, don't you think so too?”

“Was he? He seemed perfectly fine to me,” an uncaring shrug from Zoro was added to his reply. 

Perona’s temper, loud and grating, slipped through her tongue at his body language. “That's because you were too busy swinging your sword around to pay attention to his body language!” Her face and an accusatory finger found themselves in the field of vision of the laid-back swordsman. 

“In other words, you're able to read that guy now?” Zoro far from flinched, used to her antics as he was now or perhaps too exhausted from training, instead raised a curious eyebrow at her. 

“You've been living here too, you should be able to tell that much!” Perona added in self-defense, feeling slightly shy to be put on the spot in such a way. “Use your brain!” 

Zoro groaned, rubbing the back of his neck while he mused on her words. “Can't say much about him, but today's breakfast and lunch were pretty… simple? They didn't have that usual exquisite, extravagance about them.” He tempted with an unsure voice.

“Right!” Perona’s mood soared while she brought a beaming face closer to the swordsman. “Something is definitely up with him.” She now pulled back with concerned lips leaning downwards.

“And something tells me you're going to involve yourself one way or another.” 

The signature hollow laugh escaped Perona's lips. “There’s only three of us here, occasionally four, of course we're bound to know and be involved in each other's business!”

“Whatever you say,” Zoro indifferently replied.

“That includes you. You're also getting involved,” another finger of hers pointed itself in his direction. 

Zoro gave a low grumble in defeat, allowing himself to be pushed around on the back by Perona without so much as giving a protesting remark. Whatever the warlord was going through, Perona came down to the conclusion he would have more chance of feeling better if he saw that not only her but his student also went out of his way to care. Even if it was indirectly. Therefore, with this thought in mind, Perona guided Zoro all the way to the kitchen where he was forced to stand, looking out of his element.

“What's your plan?” Zoro asked, following her hovering movements through his eyes.

Perona scrambled around the cabinets, picking up mugs. “Tea, cookies and a heart to heart conversation.” Her hands lurked over the various assortment of teabags, ultimately choosing chamomile as a safe option.

“Heart to heart? You sure you want me to take part in that?” Zoro raised a dubious eyebrow as Perona reached for a tray. 

She paid no mind to his qualms. Sure, he might be more awkward than adept in what would soon follow, but counting on his presence was already a winning bet. “Just do your best,” Perona gave an uncaring shrug, placing the mugs on the tray. “How about you make yourself useful and boil some water?” She asked with a faint smile.

The swordsman seemed to have found himself unwilling to come up with a reply, as he begrudgingly poured water in a kettle and up on the stove before leaning against the counter with crossed arms.

Perona rolled her eyes at his brooding form. His distaste for the situation was apparent but she wasn't willing to let a possible rift form between him and Mihawk if he backed out and she came up to the warlord alone.  

“Which one would you like?” She asked, inclining various options his way while the bubbling noise of the water filled the room.

Zoro gave a momentary glance at the sugar-filled pastries before appearing disinterested by once more looking away. “Whichever, choose for me.”

“I'm trying to make sure you at least enjoy what you'll eat!” Perona bitterly voiced, irked at his detachment. 

“I trust your judgment,” Zoro matter-of-factly pointed out, far from intimidated by the stance she took with hands on her hips and a scowl.

His words made Perona's reply stuck at her throat, pouting her lips in a sheepish way while she brought her gaze down to the already made desserts. Now the swordsman had gone and made her feel pressured as to decide what he would like most. However his trust in her was enough to lift her spirits, as a kind smile bloomed on her face, replacing the thunder of her features, and she picked what both swordsmen would most likely enjoy. Perona found confidence in her choices just as the kettle rang to announce the termination of the boiled water. 

With a decided step, she drowned chamomile in a teapot before handing the tray to Zoro who furrowed his eyebrows as he looked towards the extended hands his way.

“You carry it,” Perona ordered, thinking it would make the swordsman appear more credible in his poor caring attempt. 

Zoro uncrossed his arms, and quietly held the tray, walking side by side to the ghost princess to make their way across the eerie air of the castle. 

***

“What have you two done this time?” Mihawk's cold gaze seemed to skin down both Perona and Zoro who awkwardly stood in the doorway of the sitting room the warlord found himself in. 

Perona, feeling offended, spoke sourly. “That's harsh! We didn't do anything!” She quickly took back the frown that settled on her face to speak more gently. “We're here because you seem off.” Her eyes surveyed the book that lay open in one of the warlord's hands, few pages were turned, either as an indication the novel had just begun to be read or his mind had proved to be elsewhere. 

Mihawk in turn focused his gaze first on the tray Zoro carried before scrutinizing their expression for any hint of a false statement. The silence carried away by this moment seemed to make the air heavy by ricocheting on the velvet fabric of every armchair spread across the room. “It's nothing for you to worry about,” Mihawk finally breathed out. 

Perona felt the conclusion the warlord had reached regarding their intention was that of genuine concern as her body no longer pricked by his watch. “Then what about everything we've prepared?” She extended a hand towards the content of Zoro's hands.

Mihawk silently shifted his head towards Zoro. “Well I suppose we can't let it go to waste either. Let's enjoy it together since you both went out of your way to prepare it.” He nodded.

They took it as their cue to proceed and sit down, Perona dispatching what she carefully selected to their respective owners. 

“Chamomile?” Mihawk raised an eyebrow ; the escaping steam of the beverage wafted throughout the room, its delicate aroma for all to absorb. “Were you hoping it would help relax me as I told you my worries?” 

“Oh, so there is something bothering you,” Zoro pointed out, his face showing signs of surprise. Perona who took notice of his expression silently commended herself in having hit the nail on the tooth regarding the warlord’s intricate mood. 

“Exactly,” Perona picked up her teacup to further feel the warmth of the drink. “How about you accept our gesture instead of sulking on your own? We're not here to make fun of you, just to lend an ear.” 

As it was his turn to deliver a line, Mihawk let a quick silence occur in which nothing but the tick-tocking of the clock filled everyone’s ears. “Even if I told you, there's nothing to be done about it.”

“We can't know for sure until you tell us!” Perona pouted, trying to prevent her emotions from erupting in fear the warlord would retaliate in telling his honest truth.

“You sure are putting little value in us,” Zoro ironically said, swallowing a sweet in one mouthful, much to the ghost princess’ hidden pleasure.

Perona nodded in agreement. “Frankly, I'm offended.”

“That is not true.” Mihawk's eyebrow twitched downward.

Both Perona and Zoro exchanged a doubtful glance before blankly staring at the warlord, who soon sighed feeling their silent pressure. “It’s Shanks,” he admitted in a hushed breath.

Another silence following the truth, in which nothing seemed to make itself heard nor felt enveloped the room. This… was not what Perona, nor Zoro apparently, expected. A problem with the navy? Sure, they were bastards and it was easy enough for them to cause trouble to even their warlords. His gardening gear broken or stolen by monkeys? That too was anticipatable. 

But for a stuck-up man who refused to even showcase the faintest hint of emotion with a daily still-face admitting to having issues with his lover was striking. It made him seem more human.

Zoro catched Perona's attention by giving her a ‘you speak first’ glance which made her swallow heavily. “Shanks? Will he not come back for a while?” She asked.

“I don't know,” Mihawk answered curtly.  

“Didn't you guys see each other earlier this week?” Zoro, who  now refrained from touching his plate, asked in turn.

“So what about it?” Mihawk’s voice was starting to show a hint of annoyance. But unfortunately for him, he was facing stubbornness in the form of a person.

Perona put down her cup to eye and reach for her dessert, far from feeling agitated at the conversation. “Just go and see him, it's not that hard.”

Mihawk, most likely irked by their tone and advice, closed his book, looking them both straight in the eye. “You children speak of something easier said than done.” 

“Children—” Perona breathed out offended, almost letting go of the grip she had on her sweet.

“This conversation is over,” Mihawk cut her, putting down his book on the table to rise and head towards the door. 

“Well that was quick” Zoro leaned back to make himself comfortable in his seat. 

“What?!” Perona stood up while clumsily deposing her dessert. “Hey, wait! Why are you leaving so suddenly?!” The door closed on her last sentence, quick but delicate in its noise, and she remained standing baffled at the behavior of the warlord. Even the aroma of their tea, indication towards the safe space it tried to build, dissipated just as swiftly.

Zoro kept his composure as he pointed out, “maybe we've overstepped our bounds this time.”

“Nonsense, we're going after him.” Perona rushed to the door, insistent on the idea she had brought forth to confront the warlord, but not without giving a quick glance over her shoulder to notice the swordsman refusing to budge from his chair. “Now!” She ordered.

Zoro complied, mumbling something under his breath as he lazily followed the ghost princess. 

“Hawkeye!” Perona hurled, picking a side of the hallway in which she briefly caught sight of his back. “”You're not helping yourself by keeping it all bottled up!” She abandoned her walking to instead float, increasing the speed of her chasing. The gloom of the weather peeking from the window, seemed to make his back not only appear lonely, but also add an unnecessary dark filter to a ridiculous cat and mouse situation.  

“I will manage perfectly well on my own,” Mihawk, who kept on his walking,  voiced loud enough for her to hear. 

“Stop being so stubborn!” Perona catched up to face him. And now that the view that once found itself behind her appeared in her vision, she noticed the casual way in which the swordsman took a wrong turn, causing anger to rise up her chest. “Zoro, where do you think you're going?!” Perona boomed, losing herself at having to monitor two grown men. 

That single moment was the perfect opportunity for Mihawk to slip away from the blockade of her body and wander off towards another destination. 

“Hawkeye!” Perona tried again, giving up on the lost cause swordsman to focus her attention where it mattered most.

A tired sigh came from Mihawk ; proof of his exhaustion at the persistent insisting. For that reason, rather than turning around to scold the ghost princess, or perhaps indulge her in her selfishness, Mihawk tilted his head to the side only revealing his side profile as he spoke his final words. “I'm simply pining over Shanks, there is nothing that can be done.” 

Perona watched with round eyes the way in which the warlord showed the back of his head once more and walked away in his usual steady manner. At this rare display of honesty from him, Persona felt a mellowness bloom at her heart, witnessing such sentimentality coming from the warlord towards another. 

“You’ll be fine since you guys are married, hang in there!” Perona exclaimed with a grin before the warlord disappeared behind a corner, out of earshot. And once his figure came to be no more, Perona allowed her hollow laugh to echo once more, giddy at finding his situation adorable, but slightly disappointed at the missed opportunity to tug at his heartstrings.

“Did you lose him?” The dreary voice of Zoro appeared from the left, almost causing Persona to jolt as her laugh extinguished sharply up her throat. Clearly through a coincidence, the swordsman had found his way back, oblivious to his own wrongdoings. 

“Oh shut up you!” Perona, now annoyed, furrowed her eyebrows at him while drawing her lips down. “Things are resolved already!” 

“See, you didn't even need me there,” Zoro told nonchalantly, earning him a nasty look from the ghost princess, which he ignored. “What's the conclusion then?” He posed a hand to rest on his swords, edging one of his eyebrows up with interest, considering he had been somewhat involved. In a way.

“He's just a man in love,”  Perona shrugged, keeping her voice in check as she spoke of the honest feelings of the warlord. “Though you should know better than me how that feels,” she teased, sneering behind her palm.

Zoro flinched at her last words, increasing the grating noise of the chuckle, his face subtly growing a tinge of red, and embarrassed as he was, his hands unconsciously went to brush the back of his hair. “So that's it then, there was no need for us to bother him. Good to know there's nothing to worry about,” he blurted out awkwardly and proceeded to pick a random direction in which to walk towards. But to his horror, Perona shadowed him from the ceiling, floating while keeping a firm grasp on her teasing by hunting his every step with her hollow laugh.

Notes:

oh mihawk... your children are just trying to help!

Chapter 14: Red and Blue

Notes:

I'm picking this fic back up !

A bittersweet day that filled itself with a rather unpleasant guest, Perona wrote. But she rejoiced towards at least having spent it with far more agreeable company that left her fulfilled.

***

“You ever think about the fact that pirates almost never have family members?” Perona pondered aloud, her eyes drifting over to the sapphire of the ocean. 

“Not really,” was Zoro’s automatic reply.

She had figured as much. “Think about it, whether you're an orphan, have issues or cut contact with your family member, dysfunctional families might be a trigger to this lifestyle,” she elaborated the plausible causes as though it was akin to the wrongdoing of a child, trying to entice interest in the conversation. 

With the peace that encircled them however, the strident call of seagulls, the pale-colored tan of the sand on which Perona sat, feeling its warmth, foot dug in its depth and the salty air that enveloped their being made it a point to alleviate what seriousness hid behind her claim. 

“Or perhaps it's just a coïncidence” Zoro offered, his whole body laying on the sand’s particles, hands serving as a pillow for the back of his head. 

“You don’t really care, do you?” Perona frowned in irritation, after looking at the peaceful way in which the swordsman had his eyes closed.

A yawn ensued from Zoro, forcing a disinterested Perona to sigh — she would keep that conversation for another day she thought. Some time in silence passed by, disturbed only by the occasional acrobatics from the sea’s creatures. 

Perona scribbled a Kumacy on the sand with a stick, her other hand holding her parasol. The swordsman next to her had already fallen into a delicate nap, judging by the steady rise and fall of his chest. 

Having finished her piece of art, Perona allowed her attention to return to the sea. Envious of the swordsman’s ability to fall asleep in the blink of an eye, and with the safety that arose from the solitude of the island Perona permitted her eyelids to grow heavy under the cloud hidden rays of the sun. Sleep did not find her, for her attention sparked. “Hey look!”

“Mmh?” Zoro drawled, opening one eye, half-awake by her sudden exclamation.

“Stop sleeping you oaf, Shank’s here!” Perona beamed and stood up, throwing away all thoughts of a nap while Zoro went through a stretching process accompanied by a yawn. “Wait… whose ship is that? A clown jollyroger?” 

As Zoro got to his feet, and squinted his eyes to the distant ships, he murmured with an unamused  voice, “Buggy.”

Most likely the two had an encounter in the past, Perona figured, glancing at the way the swordsman crunched his nose and appeared to dread the arrival of said ship. 

“What does he want here,” Zoro mutted under his breath, crossing his arms while his lips slipped downward.

Perona had heard little of this pirate, having focused most of her attention on Moria's affair, therefore apprehending what may ensue if the swordsman wasn't thrilled by his appearance. “We'll find out soon enough,” she voiced with an unsure tone, watching under her umbrella as the soothing sound of the waves rocked the boats closer to them. 

It was under a total lack of conversation that the impressive boats arrived, each crew settling their anchor down the sea. A single small boat eventually rowed by Shanks upped itself on the beach. The long since seen sight of the emperor brought a smile at the corner of Perona's lips, thinking not only of what he might have brought her this time along but also how much she had missed his easygoing company. Floating with ecstasy, observing the fellow grin of the emperor, Perona's smile faltered to cede place to wary round eyes when landing on the unknown figure struggling to walk behind by fault of carrying quite the luggage.

“Zoro, Ghost Princess, how kind of you guys to wait for me!” Shanks amusingly laughed, consistent in bringing about a light-hearted air about him. Yet, all he received was a simple nod from the swordsman and a quickly ushered ‘Hi’ from Perona. It was through the noticeable interest the pair's eyes seemed to have taken towards his guest that Shanks came to an understanding. “How about I introduce you guys to each other,” he politely said.

Buggy dropped the many exploration gifts he had been tasked to handle to declare boisterously, “I don't need no introduction,” he impolitely pointed a finger towards one of them, “I already know pirate hunter Zoro!”

Now with all eyes on him thanks to this jester, Zoro gave a begrudging answer, “I suppose so, yeah.”

“See!” Buggy told Shanks with a smirk, almost proud of himself.

Shanks kept a more eye-pleasing smile on his face as his attention ran across both parties, “well, I'm glad to see you guys know one another already.” 

“Hey!” Perona offendedly exclaimed ; she had felt out of the loop seeing as everyone was past the strangers starting line already, hence why she floated slightly higher to attract attention to her. “Who are you? I don't already know you like these guys!” She refrained from lowering her eyebrows in frustration seeing as this was someone brought in by the emperor.

Buggy snorted in bewilderment, “how do you not know me ?! I'm Captain Buggy,” he finished with a proud hand over his chest.

From a voice that irritated the ears akin to the sound of an unwelcome morning alarm, to an undistinguished, unrefined body language, the pirate seemed to be far from likeable company to Perona. Therefore she shot a quick glance at the emperor, who remained unfazed in his smile, unsure as to why he was associating himself with someone looking like a third-rate pirate at best. 

She followed with her personal introduction. “I'm Perona, from the Thriller Bark pirates,” she voiced flatly, her interest in him decreasing through aloof eyes. 

“Great, now everyone's acquainted with one another now,” Shanks came to speak, either to prevent an uncomfortable silence or a raucous from two specific individuals. “Why don't we make our way back to the castle now?” He led the way for a displeased Zoro, a disgusted Perona and a loudly complaining Buggy. 

“You know what,” Perona started, partly worried at the vibes oozing off of the swordsman's body and feeling herself nearing the self restraint she had put not to snap at the whining of their new company, “I think me and this oaf will go alert Hawkeye that we've got company other than you this time around,” she finished suggesting with hopes this idea would come to pass.

Shanks accordingly nodded. “Sure thing, go ahead.” 

“No need, I won't be staying after I drop these off,” Buggy told, his body slightly leaning under the pressure of his luggage.

“Yes you are,” Shanks retorted.

“But earlier you said—” Buggy started.

“You are,” the honey of his voice had turned warningly thick. 

Sensing this as her cue to head off, Perona floated slightly higher, “Okay well, see you guys later,” she grabbed the swordsman by the arm and dragged him with a quicker pace from an airspace seemingly soon to devolve into an argument. 

“Why would Red Hair bring someone like that here?” Perona complained aloud, keeping a firm grip on the swordsman — to avoid his foreseeable, definitive loss through the mint-colored foliage. 

Zoro grumbled his reply, “trust me, I’m not happy about it either.”

Without distractions they promptly reached the castle. Conscient of the short amount of time on their hands, Perona thought it wise to holler the warlord's name rather than play hide and seek with him on such a large property.

“Hawkeye!” She fisted her hands to emphasize her effort while feeling the gaze of the current swordsman by her side. “Come here, quick!” 

Zoro, keeping his straight face, remained unbothered — or rather used — to such volume as he also allowed his eyes to survey around in search of a figure moving.

And as such, Mihawk appeared, gardening gear hiding the front part of his body along with his hands. It took for Zoro to grunt a ‘He’s here’ for Perona to stop her booming thundering.

“What's the matter?” Mihawk asked, his yellow eyes piercing under his hat. Dirt sullied his gloves in a way that hinted he would soon return to his task upon resolving this troublesome duo's situation.

The said troublemakers exchanged a look — who will break the news to him was what flashed through their minds. 

“We've got a situation,” Zoro started, plowing the groundwork for Perona to deliver the crucial information.

“Red Hair is coming here with some clown looking pirate!” Perona delivered, giving a bewildered look, hoping it would be returned by the warlord in his own way.

In response, Mihawk started taking off his gloves, whether at the mention of Shanks or the arrival of an unknown guest, it remained unknown.  “With who?” He asked.

“With Buggy.” 

The sunny voice made the trio turn their heads in its direction, exposing both Shanks and Buggy, almost out of breath from the weight carrying, standing by the limit of the forest's foliage. 

Perona suppressed a gasp for they had been too late — the Emperor had already arrived soon after the news had been broken to Mihawk. And she felt for him, standing in his earth colored gardening gear, without having the chance of grooming himself, let alone prepare tea and food for this short notice surprise. She silently watched besides the still unhappy swordsman Zoro as the more grown adults said their piece. 

“I see you've got yourself a henchman to carry your belongings,” remarked Mihawk with icy eyes on the blue haired pirate.

“Who are you calling a henchman?!” shrieked Buggy, offended. As if to prove his point, he hunched down, putting everything on the ground almost clumsily. “I'm the captain of the Buggy pirates,” he proudly voiced towards Mihawk.

“I see. A crew under yours?” Asked the warlord, with a hint of pride that didn't fail to catch Perona’s eyes.

“What? No!” interjected Buggy. “Tell him Shanks!”

Shanks gave a smirk as he spoke, “he's a childhood friend of mine. Though I’d say he’s more like a sworn brother.”

At this a general surprise passed through the faces of those who failed to know. Eyes widened, some mouths gaped and the air stood still for a moment. It wasn't the type of connection Perona expected to hear either. This running gag-looking of a pirate, a childhood friend, sworn brother of the Emperor? Despite knowing that fact, Perona persisted in finding it hard to respect him seeing as Buggy’s voice constantly seemed on the verge of cracking whenever he spoke. Added to how far he looked from being intimidating and having a presence. 

As the stupor stood its ground, Shanks took it upon himself to bring back a sense of flow to the conversation’s dry stream. “Now that the kids know me and all, I thought this might be the right time for them to get familiar with Buggy.”

“Kids—” Perona started, lips lowering towards her chin. 

Sure, she might be significantly younger than most of the other pirates present. Maybe even a little less mature as well. Let alone still wander around with a bear shaped plushie. But being referred to in such a familiar way definitely was enough for her to puff her cheeks. Half out of embarrassment and half out of delight, though she would never admit to the latter.  

“I see,” Mihawk interrupted, “welcome amongst us to Kuraigana Island, Buggy.” Voice as steady as his pace, he headed towards the pirate in question, extending his right hand in acknowledgement while his left secured the gardening gloves. 

“Ah, yes thank you for having me over,” Buggy, rather unexpectedly responded, grabbing the hand, almost out of habit. Until some sort of switch activated to bring back his boisterous behavior. “What kind of twisted joke is this?!” He proclaimed towards Shanks, letting go of Mihawk. “Since when are you involved with this lot?” Buggy’s teeth grinded while he glared silently at what appeared to be an absent intimidating aura from the others. 

The guy seemed to be all over the place.

Perona grimaced by lifting the corners of her nose. But not without shooting a knowing look towards Zoro. Now she understood his previous reaction from the beach. 

“No need to focus on the little details, Buggy,” being good-natured and all, Shanks wrapped his arm around Buggy’s neck. “How about a tour of the castle since you’re here?” Eyes brimming with joy turned in the direction of Mihawk who solemnly nodded.  

“Then let’s start with the garden. Plus I still have to put away my gears as well,” was Mihawk’s way of acknowledging this new additional life form on his island. He did care about that plot of gardening land quite a lot after all. Starting with it was his way of repaying Shanks for introducing him.  

With Mihawk in front alongside Shanks, who had taken the opportunity to slide next to his lover’s side to most likely whisper furtive sweet nothings, and Buggy in the middle, Zoro and Perona formed the rear of what constituted a rather peculiar assemblage of pirates.

“You’ll have to tell me the story of how you and that red-nosed clown met,” whispered Perona into Zoro’s ears. Preferring to hover still rather than walk, her eyes furtively wandered between the swordsman before settling on the unsettled-looking Buggy in front.

“It’s nothing exciting though but sure,” was Zoro’s reply. 

In due time they made it to the garden. Mihawk having led the way, he remained silent while Shanks offered commentary to a Buggy that feigned being interested in it, all while the two youngest of the group remained slightly to the back, observing and offering quickly hushed comments and sneakers to each other. 

“Look, this is the apple tree that Mihawk and I planted,” Shanks would giddily explain to Buggy.

This pattern continued all over the house — “This corridor is full of various sitting rooms. Lots of serious conversations happened in some of them,” he would say. 

“The kitchen has lots of food and cooking equipment which Mihawk is super skilled with! But make sure to stay away from the wine cellar unless you’re me, it’s not worth the earful that’ll follow,” he shot a wink at the stone-faced Hawkeye. 

“One of the rooms in which Zoro trains, I heard some pretty gruesome things happen in there, which means he’s working hard!” Shanks’ encouragement made Zoro appear somewhat proud.

“All around you can see pretty bouquets of flowers Perona picked for the house,” he would say, a sincere enough compliment warranting a shy smile out of her.

Throughout it all, Buggy found his own enjoyment towards the tour, mostly by being amazed at the life that seemed to ooze from each room despite its gloomy first glance appearance. All of which became enhanced thanks to Shanks’ tid bit of anecdotes and information.

“Are you staying for dinner?” Mihawk broke the house-tour spell upon their arrival in the dining room. Subtle dusk-colored sunlight filtered through the window glass, letting all know of the eventual arrival of night. This certainly served as a reminder for Mihawk if he was to make dinner for five, best he get started on it now.

All eyes pointed to Buggy, awaiting an answer. Cold sweat ran down his face as he pondered his options. 

“Right, I'll stay. Nothing beats a free meal,” was Buggy’s responde. Uttered rather vigorously.

Perona felt her heart drop at his statement. At having to spend yet more time observing a rather unlucky pirate. She clutched the handle of her umbrella, predicting that it would take her some time to get used to his presence, let alone grow to like him. Towards her side, she felt Zoro grow more and more distant from the present as well. 

Mihawk nodded. “I’ll get dinner ready then.” He politely excused himself and made ways for the kitchen.

As for Shanks, he took it upon himself to lead the remaining party to one sitting room, inquiring for Perona and Zoro to keep his left and right side company, Buggy trailing behind with a neck jerking in all direction admiring the walls.

“That’s rather odd company, even for you Red Hair,” Perona admitted to the Emperor in a quick whisper.

He gave a lighthearted laughter, far from offended. “You’re right, our acquaintance isn’t a conclusion anyone would come to. But don’t worry, I’ll share the details of it all over a warm meal,” he promised to a silent Zoro and a worried Perona. 

“I think I’ll go help Mihawk in the kitchen,” Perona pitched, unwilling to have a sit-down session with Shanks’ guest. 

“What?” Zoro complained aloud, prompting a ‘forgive me’ look from Perona who floated down the corridor in a rush. The hand that gripped his swords tightened as a result. 

“You might want to follow her,” Shanks pointed out, the sun having lost its radiance from his voice. At that, Zoro raised an inquiring look at him to notice that the emperor had shifted his attention behind them.

Buggy was gone.

“Is your friend lost or something?” Zoro asked, oblivious to his own tendencies.

“No. He’s left,” a rare disappointed cloud casted a shadow on Shanks’ features. “Better tell Mihawk it’ll be the four of us tonight or he’ll be upset at having made food for five.” 

However, Zoro had a feeling the warlord would still be pissed at the current situation. “Then let’s both go and deliver the news. Maybe also help them cook while we’re at it,” he offered in comfort to the emperor. 

Shanks gave a weak smile. “Yeah, let’s go.”

Chapter 15: Bed and Breakfast

Notes:

apologies for the slight fanservice, it was my first time writing about my favorite character, I couldn't help it..

I present to you the longest chapter as of date! Hope you enjoy ♡

A day that at first had been filled with the scent of smoke, before setting place to relief and rejoicing, one so pure and sincere that Perona had jumped in the arms of the warlord, grinning for most of the day and even now, as she wrote in her diary.

***

“Isn’t this Kuraigana Island?” 

Heavy rain poured down. Thick and dense. The type of rain that darkened everything in its surroundings and where seeing what lay ahead very difficult. It hammered on the ground to offer white noise for those seeking peaceful moments inside. Such weather would make anyone seek refuge in the nearest shelter, going as far as pounding on a door to escape the shower that rained overhead. 

Therefore, when Perona observed the swordsman open the front door from afar, somewhat proud of him for having found his way there, she did not expect to feel hostility exuding from him.

“Yes,” the tone of Zoro’s voice darkened, a hand on the doorknob while the other remained ready to reach for his swords if necessary. 

“Then why are you here?” Perona failed to recognize the voice, let alone understand the animosity behind the swordsman’s behavior as well. But one thing stood clear to her, letting someone remain for one more second in such weather was ill-mannered. 

“You oaf, why aren’t you letting them in?” She floated to Zoro’s side, anticipating someone insignificant enough that she would tease the swordsman for overreacting like that in the days to come.

Perona had floated high enough to sneak her head behind the nook of Zoro’s neck. Unsuspecting, she focused her vision with a subtle smile to discernate the figure amidst the darkness of the entryway porch. “Crocodile?” She breathed out in shock. 

“Mr. 1,” Zoro added one beat later. 

The rain had done an excellent job of drenching the two individuals down to the bone. The once slick back hairstyle of the warlord turned convict turned escapee had watered down into a wavy-looking mess, with clothes seemingly desperate to remain attached to invisible layers of skin and a fur coat looking heavy atop his shoulders. His partner's appearance, despite having a buzzcut less susceptible to the damage of the rain, found his own attire suffering a similar fate. 

“Is there something I can help you with?” Mihawk had furtively made his way towards the door as well, towering over Perona and the swordsman while holding a higher part of the wooden door rather protectively.

“So this is your place after all, Hawkeye,” Crocodile confirmed with a look poised on the warlord. “I was starting to think I got the wrong address when they answered the door,” he sharply lowered his eyes, leaving Perona rather impressed by the allure oozing out of him. It was her first time meeting Crocodile; despite having heard of him and seen his recent demise in the papers, she found it hard to believe in the idea that the marines, that Smoker, were the ones to strip him of his warlord title and descend him to Impel down. 

“One thing led to another and they're both with me now. But yes, this is my home,” Mihawk nodded with a step closer, sandwiching Perona to an extent where the rain's droplets ricocheted across her face.

“How unlike you to have and keep company,” trailed Crocodile with a smirk. “Got room for two more?” 

“It depends on how amiable those additional two are,” was Mihawk’s answer, most likely after sensing Zoro's animosity. 

Crocodile lowered his eyes to Zoro, keeping slight annoyance in his face at having to explain himself. “Water’s under the bridge now, even with your Captain. Alabasta is a matter of the past.” His attention went to Perona, who felt her mouth dry. “And I’m now above bullying little girls for that matter.”

This had proven to be satisfactory enough for Mihawk, for he nodded and withdrew into the castle’s brim entrance as he spoke, “we’ve more than enough room and utilities to accommodate additional guests.”

Freed from her sandwiched position, Perona floated to arrive next to the warlord, looking at a reticent, still mute Zoro retreating as well to stand by her side. His reaction struck her as odd, sensing a story related to Crocodile’s fall from grace which she was willing to fish out from his memory afterwards.

Standing in a single line, they all watched as the lobby of the castle drenched itself under Crocodile and Mr. 1’s imposing figure. The latter kept his attention to his superior who, with interest, eyed the interior design. 

“Not quite shabby of a place you’ve got,” was Crocodile’s critique. Perona took it to heart as well with a smile creeping along her lips, since she also had a hand to play in the overall look of the castle.

The compliment flew over Mihawk’s head, “I’ll show you to some rooms where you can dry yourself.” 

The company disappeared following the warlord under the chitchat of Crocodile, leaving behind an intrigued Perona who followed them with her eyes before settling on the grumpy  swordsman next to her.  

“I think our job is to mop the floor while they deal with their business,” she instructed Zoro, floating in his vision before disappearing with the already established knowledge that he would follow her. He had to, if he didn’t want to hear the thunder of her voice, strident, unforgettable and louder than the one currently outside. 

“Why are we the ones stuck with the chores,” Zoro complained with a yawn, flawlessly walking his way throughout the castle with the pink-haired guide available to him.

“Because Mihawk’s the one who will do all the cooking, entertaining and hospitality!” She thought back on the way in which he had hurried in the kitchen following Buggy’s unexpected introduction. “We have to make ourselves useful. Especially since they all know each other already as warlords. Plus,” Perona floated with eagerness chittering up her throat, “you seem to know them as well. What’s that about? Tell me.” 

She hovered around him like a hawk until Zoro begrudgingly counted his tale throughout their task. Perona — who sneakily had gotten a handful of plushies to do her share of the work for her, much to Zoro’s unfairness as he hustled his constantly wounded body around — listened with eagerness to his tale, sliding in comments, frowning and poking fun at the swordsman before praising him for his prowess against Mr. 1 at its end.

Unfortunately, their path had to momentarily diverge ; one trail of water went to one end of the corridor while the other stopped at its beginning. Perona allowed Zoro the shorter end of the stick, willing to let her stuffed henchmen waddle their way a bit further. A tender look, like a mother rejoicing at the sight of her children, glowed on her face as she watched. It had been a while since she was allowed the opportunity to use this ability and she seriously mused on using it more often for its utility. 

Satisfied with their work once they had stopped in front of a bedroom door, she ordered them to retrace their way back to the storage, with her room as a final destination. Perona knew not whose chamber it was that stood before her, suppressing a flaming, heart-throbbing curiosity to peek inside. Instead, she made for the end of the corridor, while, almost as an answer to her prayer, the door sprung open to reveal a decontracted Crocodile. 

His fur coat had been put away, revealing the full length of his broad shoulders. However, from borrowed items, he had kept his button up shirt, scarf slightly loosened and suit vest who seemed to be hanging on for dear life, rather than letting themselves burst, buttons flying everywhere, under the sheer pressure and volume of his large chest. A cigar, delicately pressed between his teeth had been lit, the trail of smoke lighting up to a carefully selected strand of hair hanging loose in front of his face, unlike the rest which was slid back behind his head, hiding behind his ears, the right one sporting a golden loop earring. Time, with a towel at play as well, had done a good job of wiping away most traces of the rain, though some still persisted — a subtle darker color of his hair and skin forging their way through the fabric where his most prominent arm muscles stood. Crocodile seemed to have kept the same pants in which he arrived, but displaying attention there would be quite inappropriate..     

In short, he was threatening. 

Not for his physique in Perona’s eyes, but rather for the confident and imposing way in which he stood, arms and hook resting by his side. Years of well-fought battles and wisdom written all over his face. The linear scar across his face being the biggest evidence of that statement. If his clothing attire exuded charisma, then the crease between his eyebrows screamed authority. 

Upon noticing Perona, the curving of Crocodile’s lips went from a bored frown to a scheming, contemptuous smile. “I didn't know room service was provided,” he gave his signature laugh.

The tease hadn't failed to land on an appalled Perona. “I’ll have you know, I’m no maid!” 

“You’re not?” Crocodile looked her up and down, taking in the evidence that at least, she wasn't dressed for the role. “Then why is Hawkeye keeping you around?” 

“Because—” Persona began, forcing herself to a halt. She couldn’t admit to this ex-warlord that she too, had lost everything and was being permanently sheltered without anywhere else to go. Not only would it be mortifying, but she would lose respect in front of Moria’s most likely acquaintance. “Because I don’t owe you an explanation.”  

Crocodile scoffed, unimpressed. “A man like Hawkeye, who had no need for company his whole life, now sheltering children. Either he’s grown soft or there’s something much bigger at play here.”  

“Aren’t you also being offered shelter yourself?” At the irony, Perona’s laughter pitched in the conversation, a hand rising to hide the width of her open mouth. 

“For one night. It is but a means to an end, young lady.” Crocodile kept his cool, though his face had gone back to being serious, letting Perona know that he wasn’t all that indifferent to her words. “If I was you I’d worry about why and how long Hawkeye would keep you here.”  

“I’m not dead weight to him, so he’s got no reason to throw me out!” Perona thought back on a particular green haired someone, along with all the tasks she voluntarily takes around the house.   

“But are you important enough that he will let you follow him? Or will you remain caged in this castle forever, for the sake of his image?”

A victorious smile had crept along Crocodile’s features, prompting his cheeks to lift the extremities of his scar upon the confused look of Perona; furrowed eyebrows and bitten lips.

“You’ve got a problem with her?” Zoro had appeared in the brief intermission as the ex-warlord waited for a pathetic reply on her part. Zoro stood by Perona’s side, where she failed to meet his eyes, arms crossed but at the ready to grab his swords if needed.

Crocodile gave a breathy laugh. “I was just asking her to show me to the nearest salon,” he smirked, taking a satisfying puff from his cigar.

“And why’s that?” Zoro inquired with a raised eyebrow. 

“Hawkeye promised me and Mr. 1 some tea,” uninterested in Zoro, Crocodile looked at Perona expectedly, exhaling a puff of smoke in her direction.

“They’ve got to get themselves warmer somehow!” Supported Perona, giving the ex-warlord the reaction he seeked, as the suffocating smell of his smoke reminded her of their interrupted discussion. She led the way by keeping her legs grounded to the floor.  

It was too late. Doubt had crept its way inside Perona’s mind. Ice cold and sickening, it was finding its path throughout Perona’s memories. 

***

Sure Perona might have arrived on the island accidentally against her will, but she did force her stay here. 

And wasn’t that rude? 

It was true that she missed Moria and wished to find him, rejoin his crew once more. Yet she had never actively made any plans to leave. Extending her stay while living day to day. 

Wasn’t that just as rude if not irresponsible?

But she takes such good care of the clumsy oaf! Plus she cooks, decorates and even does the dishes! The place has gotten so much more cuter since she got here. 

Wasn't that disregarding Hawkeye’s own taste? 

Still, that same Hawkeye made a place for her in his hobbies, nursed her while she was sick and even made clear boundaries not to cross, like when it came to his wine, to ensure a peaceful coexistence. 

All of which he wouldn't have to do if his space wasn't invaded.  

But wait. Hawkeye introduced her to his husband, didn't that amount to something? Doesn't that mean there is value in her presence? That because she persisted in remaining here, she got to meet the warlord’s family. 

That because she persisted in remaining here, Mihawk was forced to introduce her to his family. 

The viciousness of the rain kept its pitter-patter on her bedroom’s windows — rendering the whole place darker than usual, with piles of plushies looking like mere shadows and the overall furniture almost blending in with the walls. Inside the pink arrangement of her bed curtains which enveloped her, she laid on her bed, eyes on the ceiling while feeling the tormenting descent of her memories.

What a selfish person she was. 

Perona always knew, nor did she hide it. But with Crocodile present, and how easily he had planted the idea of her possible lack of significance in the warlord’s eyes, what made her think an impending expulsion wasn’t happening as they were speaking.

Earlier, upon fetching Mr. 1 from his chamber and bringing both ex-convict to the nearest sitting room, Perona and Zoro had gone for Mihawk who was hiding in his study. She hastily explained that the guests had requested his presence along with some tea, which Mihawk consented to.

“I thought you already planned to see them,” a confused Zoro had asked to Mihawk.

“I didn't,” the warlord flatly answered. 

“For God's sake, learn to read in-between the lines, you stupid oaf! That smoking, dressed up alligator was treating us like his servants!” Perona had exploded rather intensively towards Zoro, which took both swordsmen by surprise. With the way Crocodile kept a scheming smirk whenever he looked at her, and with recollections of the past failing to stay in her control, deforming in her panicked state of mind, Perona’s temper had reached a shorter fuse than what they were used to.

“What’s gotten into you?” Mihawk had asked her with a concern she failed to discern.

“Nothing, it's the rain,” she grunted at him, guilt and questioning about her presence in the warlord’s life preventing her from opening her heart.

“But you love the rain, because it’s all gloomy or whatever,” reminded Zoro, worry also manifesting in him as his voice had grown serious and his eyes furrowed in questioning. 

Perona sulked, shrugging limp shoulders. “Not today.”

“Is it the guests?” Mihawk added as she was about to turn her heels to the door. 

Growing impatient, Perona shook her head with rolling eyes. “No. They’re polite, calm and well-behaved. Unlike a certain blue haired clown,” it escaped her lips rather bitterly. 

“Watch it, that's Shanks brother,” warned Mihawk coldly. Deep down, sincere regret brewed as Perona felt the impact of her words make her avoid eye contact. 

“In any case, if it was them, I would've said so,” this time, she promptly made for the door, speaking one last sentence before disappearing through it. “I’ll make the tea and bring it myself.” And she thanked them in her heart that they did not follow her.

“You've got quite the help around here Hawkeye,” were the first words to greet Perona upon her entrance in the sitting room. Voiced by Crocodile who analyzed her expression upon filling his cigar’s smoke all around himself and others. He sat with Mr. 1 by his side and with Mihawk across.

“Something which I'm sure you don't have right now,” Perona spit back, plucking her lips in annoyance, placing down the tea tray while submerging all anxious thoughts. 

Mihawk nodded. “I can’t imagine running this place on my own anymore since she’s been here.”

Normally, Perona would have rejoiced, or perhaps even given a little ‘don’t get too used to me!’ reply. But under the sheer avalanche of an unappeased mind, all she could do was keep her frowning lips and quietly withdraw from the room, with the words ‘how unexpected of you,’ from Crocodile biting her mind.

Now, she sunk in her bedsheets, their soft fabric trying to ease her into a forgetful slumber. The sound of the rain offering a lull towards the same goal, but the war waging in her mind not so complying. She had no plan B were she to leave in the upcoming days, even knowing things would figure themselves out somehow. 

Amidst the stillness surrounding her, the abrupt opening of her door came to stir her from her mopping. She couldn’t make up the identity of whoever was standing by the door. What now? 

“Why is your room so damn hard to find?” Zoro revealed himself. “Also why not put some light on, it's so dark here.” He offered, after visibly bumping into an object he hoped wasn't important.

The chuckle couldn't help but escape her lips. “You’re so dumb.”

Zoro brushed the back of his head. “You say that but you don’t mean it. Just like earlier,” he made his way to her bed, which she had slumped back into. “To hell with nothing’s wrong, why are you suddenly like this? Did that Crocodile bastard say something to you?”  

“No.”

Zoro stood at the side of the edge, stopping where the bed’s ceiling curtains fell delicately at his feet. “I watched him speak to you from the end of the hallway. I only dropped my mop and came over when I saw your expression change.” 

At this, fury seized Perona. Like the boiling of a kettle pouring over tea leaves, her brows snapped together while her jaw clenched.  

“Then why didn't you come sooner?!” She guilted him, rising herself on her elbows, eyes seeing red.  

“I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. My mistake, I’m sorry,” Zoro’s steady voice came, offering sincerity. 

“Learn to react sooner!” Perona’s voice was sounding raspy, considering all of her torment could have been avoided. 

“I’m training for that.” Thunder briefly illuminated the window, deafening all noise to show a remorseful Zoro with his hand sharply gripping his swords.

“Don’t ever let me be the punching bag for your training!” Her lips were now trembling under a blurry vision. 

“Understood. It won’t happen again.” 

A sniffle escaped Perona before she wept. Hot voluminous tears made their way to her chin while she buried her face in her pillows, embracing them along with the presence of the swordsman in her vulnerability. 

Zoro parted the curtains envelopping her bed, speaking softly. “Will you tell me what happened?” He sat, raising one of his knees on the bed as well for comfort. 

“I don’t think I belong here,” Perona spoke in sobs, “I have no purpose, unlike you who trains to become stronger.” 

“Then give yourself purpose. You can train too if you want.”

She blankly stared at the contour of his figure in the dark, face stained with tears. “I’m no swordsman. Handling a sword is not cute.” Her voice sounded almost reproachful.

“There’s always haki,” Zoro shrugged, which Perona managed to make out through the dim light of the weather. 

Arguably, the swordsman’s advice was coherent. Logical even. However, Perona made incomprehensible whining noises, visibly showcasing her thought of it being a pain in the ass. Through it, Zoro allowed her this moment of childish selfishness, quietly listening rather than calling her out for it.  

“I’m afraid of being thrown out,” Perona eventually mumbled. Her weeping had come to a stop, with a sniffling nose and a chest heaving its way to a regular breathing. 

Zoro looked at her convincingly. “Not happening,” his voice sounded final. 

It blossomed hope in her heart. “What makes you say that?” 

“Just a feeling.” 

And she went back to whining, this time clearly; about how useless he was in offering comfort and reassurance even though her mind had settled its stream of thoughts upon believing in his words. Once again, Zoro allowed her this moment until she had settled down. Until the tension of her body had finally relaxed to more comfortably ease into her mattress, him leaning back against the headboard, with the sound of the rain being all that could be heard between them.  

“Oh right,” Zoro spoke, when sleep was ever so close in successfully luring them. “Hawkeye wanted to let you know diners in about an hour and if you wanted to join or not.”

“What?” Perona choked out. She didn't particularly want to join, but she was afraid of what missing out on this opportunity would cost her. How is it that he was only saying so now! “You— how long have we been here?” She sat up with wide eyes, looking for her alarm.

Zoro didn't bother waiting for the time. “Let’s go.” Clearly long enough.

***

Perona’s fears had been answered.

In one of the dining rooms sporting a large round table sat Mihawk, Crocodile and Mr. 1 halfway through what seemed like roasted beef sauteed in a vegetable sauce. Perona, with Zoro by her side, stood mortified, cheeks puffing red in embarrassment as she glossed over the two empty plates supposedly left for her and the swordsman. 

“Care to join us?” Crocodile swirled his wine glass in their direction, which prompted Perona to notice that his left hook had been replaced with a fork. 

In the corner of her eyes, Perona also became aware of the way the warlord had dropped his utensils, ready to serve them food if needed. “It’s rude to join in the middle of a meal,” she flatly said, ignoring the bottomless pit of hunger that had grown in her stomach upon smelling, and seeing the food.

“I daresay it’s even more so to decline when offered,” Mr. 1 offered as support. 

Not that Mihawk would care either way. 

But Perona, still prisoner of her own self-doubt, failed to reach that conclusion. Instead, under the gaze of the warlord, walked and sat herself down with a scowl, Zoro by her side offering silent support. Everything proceeded smoothly and a juicy piece of meat was offered to her. Yet, regardless of how much juice and tenderness it contained, swallowing it proved quite the ordeal for how dryly it slid down Perona’s throat, clumping and giving her the sensation of a lump.

Upon their arrival, all dinner conversation had died down. All ate in silence with cutlery and chewing noises floating between them. The warlord was never one for conversation, so Perona had grown to accept it, and she knew that the swordsman eating less faster than usual was keeping quiet for her sake. What bothered her, stirring her nerves and rendering her food tasteless, was the silence of the ex-warlord. After making it a point to be quite chatty in her presence, why was he suddenly quiet now.

Were they talking about her before she arrived?

A bigger piece of dry meat found her mouth. 

“What happened to the Straw Hats for you guys to be separated like that?” Crocodile spoke towards Zoro, evidently asking a question that had been burning his lips since his arrival, considering his own circumstances with Luffy.

“Who knows,” Zoro cooly replied with a smirk, visibly liking the advantage.  

Crocodile gave a mocking sigh to mask his annoyance and returned his attention to his plate. Amidst this brief conversation, Perona wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or worried that the ex-warlord’s focus had shifted targets. Her round eyes glued themselves to him until Crocodile was forced to acknowledge her back with contempt and a raised chin, all without a word before looking away.

Dinner blurred itself in an uncomfortable quiet memory. Having arrived last, everyone had waited while sipping wine for Perona and Zoro to finish their plate before dessert could be served in another quiet manner. Perona couldn't even remember what it was, simply that it tasted like sand while she tried overanalyzing whether there was hostility flying in the room. Which, later she would come to realize wasn't present at all, and that most likely nobody, being from different crews and personalities, knew how to interact all together like this.  

For once, neither she nor Zoro complained when they were ordered by Mihawk to do the dishes while he showed the guests to the showers.

“I’ll take care of the dishes. You go and get some rest,” Zoro advised her once everything had been brought to the kitchen.

“Then you better do things properly around here!” Perona wasn't sure where his generosity came from, but she jumped on his offer, worried he would change his mind upon starting the tap’s water. She floated out of the kitchen and into her room, making sure to avoid every possible location linked to the ex-warlord’s quarters.

Later that night, Perona wrote of the anxiety and anguish that had been plaguing her, about the proud aura oozing off from Crocodile and his henchman and the way in which, Zoro of all people had been the one to stand by her side. 

***

Morning silently came, bringing with it the brilliance of a sun half-hidden by clouds, but nonetheless offering a peaceful atmosphere. What prevented Perona from enjoying her slumber, instead forcing her to a sudden rise, eyes jolting open in fright, was the suffocating, all-powerful scent of a cigar overtaking her room.

How did you get here? She wanted to shriek at him, but having woken up so abruptly, she sat momentarily disoriented, unexpectant of Crocodile’s presence, while the words took their sweet time finding their way to her throat.

“There’s no need to look so alarmed. I’m not staying long,” Crocodile sat on one of her armchairs, visibly crushing a poor stuffed animal that had been placed there for decoration purposes, under the sheer weight of his years of training. “I must thank you.”

“What for?” Perona finally managed to croak out, trying as best as she could to hide the pajamas of her upper body by lifting her pink colored blanket. He sounded so sincere that Perona couldn't help but blink in confusion, trying to chase the blurry sleep from her vision at the same time.

Crocodile gave a satisfying smile. “You made me realize that there is an open place in Hawkeye’s heart for others. And I plan on taking full advantage of that in the future.”  

Perona wasn't sure what his taking advantage of Mihawk entailed, but she for certain wasn't going to let the warlord not know of this. “Why are you telling me that?”

“I give credit where credit is due.” 

That, was certainly nice of him. So nice that Perona felt flattered to have received such praise and even showed her first smile of the day. But when she saw the ex-warlord rise from her armchair, which momentarily retained the shape of his body and a completely flattened stuffed animal, she blurted out the conclusion she had reached upon having fake arguments with him in her head. The words she wished she had said earlier.

“I’ve thought about what you said and I’m fine with being caged,” her voice had made Crocodile stop in his tracks to look at her. “Because at least it means I won’t cause more issues for Hawkeye outside of this island.”

“Good for you. If Hawkeye keeps you around, that means there is value in you.” He smirked. “If he ever throws you out though, you're more than welcome to join me in the New World.”  

“I’ll never join someone who speaks so freely about throwing out people!” Perona’s mind didn't stop for one second to consider the proposal, as her face furrowed in anger.

“It’s not a habit of mine as long as they’re being useful.” Which logically makes sense for most, if not all crews out there.

“My loyalty belongs to Moria.” Perona firmly stated.

She watched as Crocodile took off the cigar from his mouth to shamelessly laugh, eyes closed and scar rising. “That run of the mill bat?”

Despite herself, Perona felt the heat of shame rise to her cheeks upon seeing someone laugh about her captain in such a manner. “Don’t insult him when you got caught by the Navy!” 

“I did not get caught by the Navy!” The thundering anger that spilled from Crocodile’s tone told her she had strung a chord. “You should be familiar with this tale : warlords being done in by the Straw Hats. I’m surprised to see you're all buddy-buddy with one of them without anything to gain.”

“Things happen and what's in the past is in the past,” she shrugged, having long ago discarded her grudges against Zoro and his crew. 

“But the future remains uncertain,” a puff of smoke was exhaled by Crocodile. “My offer still stands if you're in need of a new captain.”

“Well I don’t like you.”

Amused by her reply, Crocodile scoffed, giving her a last look. “Don’t expect me to treat you as nicely if you change your mind.”

“I won’t!” 

Crocodile headed for the door. “Your choice,” and it shut soundlessly behind him.  

***

Upon spending some more time in her room to process this conversation, Perona had arrived rather tardively to breakfast and learned that the ex-warlord and Mr. 1 had already left the island, making their way to the New World. Upon hearing that, she quickly delivered the news of Mihawk being used to Crocodile’s advantage for which he replied that he knew, as they had been discussing many things during the ex-warlord’s stay.

Things finally settled down around the castle with the animosity and tension that had been keeping everyone on their toes dying down. However, Perona still kept a kindle of self-doubt as she shadowed both swordsmen on their way to practice outside.

“Will you kick me out?” She eventually asked in a small voice, causing both swordsmen who were about to enter the forest to turn her way. 

Mihawk retained his cool, but the time in which he took to reply served as proof he didn’t see it coming. “Did someone put this nonsense in your head?”

“So you will?” Shoulders rising to make her look small, Perona clutched her umbrella with a sulk.

“No.”

“Why’s that?” She looked up at him, noticing Mihawk probably had never taken his eyes away from her and ignoring the ‘told you’ Zoro mouthed on the side. 

“Because you have a place here until you decide to leave,” Mihawk nodded, and despite showing no visible sign of it, his words were entirely honest. 

“So… Does that mean I belong here?” Perona asked hopeful. 

“Yes. Both you and Zoro.” 

Needless to say, a suffocatingly tight yet loving hug followed after that.

Notes:

yeah, I kinda have a thing for crocodile...

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Goth Family