"Oh Zoro-san. It's been so long."

Koshiro's voice was hoarse. His body was sickly, just like Lily's. He had a breathing mask arouns his neck and an oxygen tank next to his bed. His hair was greying and his eyes were empty behind his glasses. Zoro forced himself to walk forward, closing his jaw. "W-what happened to you?"

The old man laughed, coughing in the process. "I'm very sick, Zoro-san. I-" "Please, call me Zoro." Zoro cringed. He hated formalities. Koshiro nodded. "I'm extremely sick." He coughed. "Cancer, they say it is. They're sure I don't have much time left. Even I'm sure I don't. The only person who refuses to accept this is Lily."

Zoro's face softened. His old menotr was dying. Lily was going to have to take care of Yuu. His heart heart for the poor girls. "She has always been so weak. So emotional. She was never a tough warrior. I wish she was more like Yuu or Kuina."

"What are you saying?" The Shichibukai growled. "She's been through so much! Have you ever looked at her? She looks just as sick as you. Hell, maybe she's dying too. But you wouldn't care, would you? Your family never meant anything to you."

Koshiro never answered, he only stared up at the ceiling emotionless. "You disgust me." Zoro growled before walking backwards out pf the room, slamming the door behind him. He couldn't believe this. Even on his death bed, Koshiro had to speak badly about his daughter. A loud knock pulled him away from his thoughts and he turned to head back downstairs.

"Lily!"

That was Yuu, her dep voice belowing through the halls. He couldn't help but realize how much she was like Kuina and Koshiro. They were all like clones. Then there was Lily. Sge was a spitting image of her mother. Sge was so… He shook his head. No time for thoughts like this.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs he heard a man's voice coming from the back. The voice was angry and muffled so Zoro wuickly hurried out to the back. He didn't want Lily to get hurt.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Zoro's eyebrows furrowed at the sight in front of him. A rather muscular man with black hair that reached his shoulder held Lily's arm tightly. He looked pissed, like he would kill her. He wore a tight grey t-shirt and blue shorts; he reminded Zoro of a pirate.

"L-let me go!" Lily whimpered, a few stray tears running down her cheeks. "Tell me what you're doing wearing another man's coat!" the man scremed, weins popping out of his neck. Zoro cleared his throat; hoping to be noticed. It took everything he had not to kill this man. "Zoro-kun?" lily asked, her eyes wide. The other man wuickly released her arm; frowning. "You're her pirate friend then?" He asked lowly. Zoro nodded, clenching his hands into fists. "I'm going to have to ask you to leave. You're upsetting Lily-chan."

Said girl wrapped her arms around herself, turning away as the black-haired man laughed. "You can't tell me what to do! I'm-" He froze, swallowing deeply as the sword touched his neck..

"I suggest you leave. Now."

He growled at the green-haired swords man before pushing the sword away and stomping around the house. "Zoro, I-"

"Lily, don't worry about it. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. But Zoro,-"

"No buts. Come on. You should probably get a warm bath and change clothes."

He held his hand out, smiling. Sighing, she placed her fragile hand in his, her fingers cooling his skin. Quickly, he pulled her close, lifting her into his arms. She pouted.

"I can walk."

"I don't want you to."

"stop babying me."

"I'm not babying you."

"Yes you are."

"Can I not take care of my best friend?"

Their argument continued until he reached her door. He set her down, sucking in a deep breath. So many memories lay in here. Some good, some bad. His heart broke, rmembering the last time he was here. Their druken antics, lust, the candles burning on her window sil as their clothes lay scattered on the floor. It hit him hard.

"Zoro?"

He jumped, the young girl pulling him from his thoughts. She looked worried, a little too worried. "I'm fine." He replied emotionlessly. She nodded quickly before opening the door.

"It hasn't changed." He whispered, following her inside. The walla were a pristine white, covered in paintings and portraits. Her queen sized bed sat up against the wall, pastel pink sheets and pillows covering it. Her dresser and nitestand were also white, picturs or her family and himself were scattered all over them. The floor was made of a light colored wood, with a white fluffy rug covering it. A lone chair sat in the middle of the room, a large easel placed in front of it.

"I'm not a big fan of change." She mumbled, sliding off the coat. He looked at her attire strangely. He hadn't thought much of it last nite, but now it seemed weird. A long sleeved shirt and jeans? On a summer island?

"I'll wash this for you. If you don't mind." She added, laying the fabric on the bed. Zoro closed the door behind him. "I can do it. Don't worry abput it." She smiled. "No, it's fine Zoro-kun. I can do it."

He sighed and sat down on the bed. "Lily-chan," he began, placing his arms on his knees. She skipped over in front of him. "What is it?" She answered quietly. He looked down; it took all he had not to repeat his actions from the last nite he was here.

He cleared his throat and clasped his hands togheter. "Who…Who was that guy?" He couldn't hide his anger and jealousy. Her boney fingers made their way up to his cheeks. Gently, she lifted his face up.

"He is no one Zoro-kun. Don't worry about it."

"But he hurt you."

"He didn't do anything."

"You're lying."

"No. I'm not."

He knew her. He knew her better than anyone. Behind her smiling face, there was pain and lies. He wanted to bug her about it, but now just wasn't the time. "Okay." He breathed. Suddenly, she flung herself into him, knocking him back on the bed. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she sobbed into his shoulder.

"I've missed you so much. I was so lonely without you. Promise me you'll stay longer this time." She cried. His heart felt terribly guilty as he placed his hands around her waist. "I promise. I promise I'll stay as long as I can." He whispered, rolling them on to their sides.

She curled into him, sobbing for what felt like forever. He apologized over and pver until she fell asleep. Carefully, he kissed her forehead. He would never be able to make this up to her. And that killed him inside.