A steady tune of affectionate bickering hummed through the air, building the solid foundation for a song Brook already memorized by heart. The ups, the downs, the chorus repeating itself in an endless loop persistent as the tide. Hearts beating in sync, and lyrics filled with dreams and trust and love. It never failed to amaze him. After all it was the siren melody of his new Nakama. Every member joined the great ensemble, adding their own spin. Oh, such a joy. Never would he have to play solo again!

Even so the notes were painfully familiar, well known and well cherished, yet not identical. A different song, but the same melody.

As usual it ended with their Captain's bright laugh, and his first mate surrendering to his whims. It was a rather amusing performance in Brook's eyes - if he had some. Yohohohohoo.

What a beautiful symphony, what a beautiful duet.

For a single, meaningful moment Zoro side-eyed the skeleton before making up his mind and strolled over.

"Oi, Brook," the swordsman paused. A flicker of uncertainty hushed over his otherwise neutral features, however deep hidden glimmered curiosity.

"Uhm, I was wondering," he continued hesitant, one hand fidgeting absentmindedly with Shusui's hilt.

An involuntary shiver went down Brook's spine and his bones rattled. The scars of too many lonely nights suffered from the blade were still fresh. And its new master was definitely no less intimidating than its old.

Despite being in Zoro's debt for returning his shadow, the skeleton felt unsure of his own place as another swordsman in the straw hat crew. How could he compare? The younger man offered his life instead of their captains to protect them all!

Brook held his breath - not that it mattered. Oxygen was optional for him. Yohohoho.

"If you wanna spar?" Zoro finished the question gently, as if not to spook him any further.

"Huh?" Was this a test? "Right now?"

The ex-pirate hunter didn't quite managed to look him in the eye. If Brook didn't knew any better, he'd say Zoro was nervous?

The silence stretched till it reached a crucial level of awkward.

"Ah, nev-"

"I would love to Zoro-san.", Brook interrupted, before the younger man could take his offer back.

For more privacy they retreated into the crows nest.

"Ready?" Zoro asked, giving the skeleton a last chance to change his mind.

But Brook just nodded. Honestly, he had waited since Thriller Bark for this to come. At the end of the day it was the swordsman's duty, as second in command, to separate the wheat from the chaff.

In one swift move the skeleton drew Soul Solid from its sheath and waited for hell to break lose.

Wheat, Brook thought desperately. He wanted to be wheat!

Seeing Zoro fight, and going up against him, was as different as night and day. In his own right Brook was a high-class swordsman, however Zoro was on a whole other level. Raw talent mixed with inhuman determination made him one of the most dangerous opponents to face. His all-consuming search for improvement was truly frightening. He'd stop at nothing.

Brook watched as the Samurai reached for his own katanas. To his surprise Zoro only choose Wado. The steel shone softly in the dim light: subdued, almost gentle.

A moment passed in which neither of them moved, and then they simultaneously clashed. Both taking a dip to test the waters. Zoro appeared to be genuinely pleased with Brooks reaction. He observed patiently, before they continued their deadly dance.

Not for the first time was Brook stunned by his skills. The other was in complete control. With every bold attack, he pushed and tugged at his limits, driving them back and forth. He blasted through his defense with a grace that should be illegal! Together a rhythm was build that lived in its own world and knew nothing but the thrill of the fight. Fed by adrenalin, confidence and strength. What a terrifying experience!

But what surprised him was the astonishing lightens to it. Almost playful. Obviously, Zoro wasn't one to pull punches, but this felt different. It Lacked the gravity of a life and death situation. No struggle for survival, or burden to be pulled down by, just them, giving and taking, helping each other grow. Training was not to destroy, merely to learn.

Free from violence and brutal force the skeleton saw beneath it. Only a fool wouldn't notice the delicate beauty of his flawless execution. Unique. Vibrant. Intimate. Nothing was easier than to fall in love with the flow of Zoros movements.

Art, Brook mused. Effortless and elegant in its demand. It was a representation of who Zoro was, taking risks and striving for perfection. He almost laughed out loud. Unquestionably, a storyteller, and this was his way of introducing himself. In fact, the swordsman seemed to have quite a taste for the dramatic.

Brook felt honored that Zoro would share this side of him, or rather allowed him to be part of it.

Moreover, this was fun, more than fun. It was addicting! A grin spread across his face and the younger man was smirking as well, both lost in the exhilarating rush of the battle. No wonder Sanji-san kept on pushing Zoro's buttons.

Sadly it was over way too soon. His eyes got captured as Zoro bashed forward. Failing to block the attack, Brook's sword clattered to the ground and the musician landed on his bony behind. The sharp edge of the sword flashed in front of him till it rested against his throat.

Had he screwed up? A flare of uncertainty welled through him. What if he wasn't good enough? Would he be truly allowed to stay? He worried irrationally.

As if the ex-pirate hunter could sense the changing atmosphere he put Wado where it belonged.

"The master has failed more than the novice ever tried."

Oh god, Zoro cringed inwardly at his own words, did I really just quote my Sensei?

Sheepishly he scratched the back of his neck, before extending a hand to help the musician up.

His breath came out a little too fast and Brook thought that the other looked incredible young with his flushed cheeks and shy smile. He stared at him in awe as he realized that those words were meant to cheer him up. This wasn't a test. This was Zoro reaching out, trying to make him feel at home.

Something warm settled into his bones and his soul sung in delight.

"Thank you." The skeleton took the outstretched hand of his nakama. And then they went for round two. It was Brooks turn to introduce himself.

AN:

Thank you so much for all your REVIEWS! It means a lot to me. (They fuel my inner goddess :3)

As always, if you find any mistakes, something that doesn't make sense, sounds weird, or if you have some questions and plot ideas please let me know! I want to improve my writing and am open for any help I can get ;)

Next: Robin's crush: Peace. Trust. Silence.