Who said break-ups are fun? Zoro will kill them if they said that to his face. The morning after the breakup is worst. He woke up feeling groggy as if someone hit him too hard. He doesn't feel like getting up from his bed and certainly, he does not feel like doing anything much less go to work.

That may be unprofessional of him, but going to work right now is no good for him. Not when he will see Luffia.

Yes, he wants to see Luffia. He feels like if he sees her smile, it will instantly take away all the shitty feelings he has, but at some point, he knows it will make him feel guiltier than ever.

With heavy feeling, he decided to call Nami.

"Zoro, it's too damn early in the morning. Please tell me you and Luffia won't be going away again." Nami did not even let Zoro greet her and just proceeds to hell him what she wants to say.

"No. We're not going anywhere. I am just calling to let you know I'll take some days off from work."

"This is a surprise coming from you given you never take a damn leave. What happened?"

Zoro would like to rant, but he figures ranting now will not do anything to him. It may make him feel a bit better, but aside from that, there's nothing. He doesn't even know what to do next.

"There's just a few things I have to deal with... Personally." His serious tone must have taken Nami aback because her tone changed a bit.

"Does Luffia know?"

"No, she doesn't."

"Alright. But you have to take note that Franky wants to do test driving for the newly assembled vehicles. We are far behind schedule as it is."

"Don't worry. I'll be back in a few days. A week at most."

After the call ended, Zoro just remained sitting on his bed, staring at nothing. What is he supposed to do now?

He's stuck on what to do after realizing he has feelings for Luffia. It's not like he can just confess to her right after the breakup. That would be shitty. He will feel shitty and guilty for doing so.

Besides, if he takes the step forward, there's no turning back. There's no turning back to being just best friends. Everything will change.

As for Tashigi, he'd want to talk to her one last time. What happened last night is something unexpected. He did not plan the breakup at all, he was still wrapping his head around the fact that he did not realize what Luffia meant to him when the breakup happened. It happened too fast before Zoro can even think of what he was supposed to say.

With another sigh, he got up and changed clothes so he can do weight lifting in his gym. He needs to do something to distract his mind.

After two hours of weight lifting, he decided to take a shower and maybe find something to eat. Opening his fridge, he saw the leftover food from last night's dinner. The last dinner he had with Tashigi before the breakup. Looking at it makes him guiltier.

While eating the leftover food, he decided to send a text message to his adoptive brother.

"Can I come to your house?"

It took about 5 minutes before he received a reply stating Yes. Come before lunch.

Washing the dishes, he decided to leave the house. Getting drunk right now sounds about right. The problem is, he rarely gets drunk. Only at times like these that he wants to curse how high his tolerance in alcohol is.

As soon as he arrived in Mihawk's house, he went straight to his office. Upon arrival, he saw Mihawk talking to someone on the telephone. It was placed on speaker so Mihawk can still read newspapers while talking to this person.

"Tell me, did you steal wines again?"

"Hawky! How did you know?" It was a very familiar voice to Zoro. Voice he is used to hearing for years.

"I managed to take a look at my wine collection and found two bottles missing, which I do not remember drinking."

"Shishishi. It was a perfect wine when we had a big dinner celebration with Marco."

Mihawk sighed.

"You are no longer allowed inside my cellar! Those wines are hard to get. Of all wines, you have to choose those two?"

Zoro can't help but smirk at the conversation. This is normal. Luffia always gets bottles of wines in Mihawk's cellar and get away with it. He can still remember when they were just starting their business. They have no extra money to buy wine or alcohol, so Luffia raided Mihawk's cellar.

"You better give me another wine to replace those! Why do you always have to steal from my collection? Can't you buy anything else instead?"

"But Hawky! You have the best collection in the world! But dont'cha worry! I'll get you two bottles of wine! I may need to go to Shanks' place."

"Alright, as long as you replace them." The call ended right then with Luffia's promise to replace the wines she stole. She will no doubt raid another cellar to get what she needs. Poor Shanks.

Mihawk's eyes landed on Zoro's and as soon as he saw his younger adoptive brother, he can't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Don't you look great today, Zoro." There is an underlying sarcasm in Mihawk's voice, making Zoro roll his eyes.

"Tell me something I don't know." He slumped on the couch, sighing.

"What happened this time? Has your brain short-circuited with what you realized yesterday?"

"We broke up." Was what Zoro answered, surprising Mihawk.

Mihawk took two glasses and a bottle of vodka before sitting in front of Zoro.

"That was quite decisive of you."

"It wasn't planned. I didn't plan for it to happen right there and then." Taking a glass of vodka, Zoro drank it straight before refilling it again and drank some more.

"That explains why you looked like a dead man."

Zoro did not answer. Instead, he continued to drink vodka one glass after another. Despite that being the case, he still can't feel any signs of getting drunk at all. Curse his tolerance.

"What are you going to do now?"

"I don't know." He answered. "It's not like I can tell Luffia about it. Wouldn't that make her feel guilty? It's enough that I, alone, feel guilty in this situation. No need to drag her into this." Knowing Luffia, she will feel guilty that indirectly, she's the reason why Zoro and Tashigi broke up. Even though it is not her fault at all. It is Zoro's fault.

"True, but you ought to tell her one of these days. It is not something you can hide from her."

"I know. But not now."

Sigh. "And everyone asks me why I did not marry. This is the reason why I did not want to marry at all. Too troublesome."

Zoro scoffed upon hearing Mihawk's words but did not say anything. Maybe someday, Mihawk will find someone that can change his mind.

===XXX===XXX===XXX===

Saturday morning came, which means it is time for Ann's second date with Marco. He picked her up early in the morning and noticed how she still looks sleepy.

Half the time Marco is driving, Ann remains asleep which he does not mind knowing that she has a mild case of narcolepsy. She's not a morning person to begin with, so Marco let her be.

The drive is about an hour and a half, enough time for Ann to take a nap without having trouble later on for the day.

"Ann, we're here, yoi." Marco had to wake her up because he does not have the authority to get into the gates of the farm. There's a big sign of Firefist Technologies Incorporated at the gate and in front of the sign, about 50 meters away, Marco saw Straw Hats Incorporated sign.

She yawned, trying to wake herself up.

"Drive straight to the gates."

Marco did as what he was told and stopped in front of the security personnel. Ann rolled the windows down, waving at the security guard who smiled upon seeing his boss. "Boss!"

"Hi! How's it going? Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

"I did, thanks for asking Boss. Let me open the gate for yah!"

After waving goodbye to the security guard, Ann told Marco to drive to where the guest house is. It's their office here - a three-story building that resembles a mansion rather than an office building.

This is where the stay-in employees sleep and of course where the command center on the farm.

"Getting fresh air is the best!" Ann said as soon as she got out of the car.

"Indeed. It's a great place." There are stables near the house as well as several vehicles that consume water instead of gasoline.

There's also a huge flower bed not far from where they are. It's pretty much a relaxing place.

"Do you want to eat breakfast first before going around?" Ann had to ask. They left around 6 AM and she guesses that he has not eaten anything decent yet. Neither did she because Sab has not cooked breakfast when they left.

"Yeah, that would be great."

Holding his hands, Ann guided Marco inside the building to where the kitchen is. Along the way, they were greeted with a few employees who stared at Marco for a second before teasing Ann for finally bringing her boyfriend around.

In the kitchen, they were greeted by a few rough-looking men.

"Ann! You're here!"

"Magra! Didn't know you will be here." Ann looked surprised seeing someone very familiar. "Don't tell me Dadan is here?"

"No. The boss is in Raf- "

"Ahem." Ann coughed rather loudly while glaring at Magra for saying something unnecessary. Thank goodness he got it as he immediately corrected himself.

"I mean, they were back in your parents' house. They probably are doing general cleaning."

Marco feigned ignorance of what he witnessed and just shrugged it off. Maybe there are a few things Ann is not ready to tell him. He will respect that as there are a few things he has not told Ann just yet. The whole dating thing is for them to slowly get to know each other when and tell each other something about themselves at their own pace and at the right time.

"And who is this person?" Magra pointed at Marco. He may look like a ruffian, but amongst the group, he's probably the most decent and understanding guy. Dadan is the leader - a huge bulky woman who has a few criminal records. Basically, she's the ring leader of a group of thieves.

Garp just struck a deal with them to babysit the sisters when the parents are busy or when Garp can't babysit due to his duties. If anyone asks why of all people, he has to choose a group of thieves to babysit his granddaughters, he'd just laugh the question off. Even though they had criminal records, that did not stop their parents to employ them. For some reason, they trusted them regarding the sisters' wellbeings.

"This is Marco. Marco, this is Magra. He works here from time to time but mostly stays with my parents' house."

Magra smiled at Marco.

"I did not expect to meet Ann's boyfriend today. But pleased to meet you."

"Likewise, yoi." The words Ann's boyfriend has a nice ring to it, Marco thinks.

"I've known her and her sisters all their lives. Let me tell you, they are very much loved by their parents, especially their father. Oh, does your father know?"

"NO! He doesn't and you can't tell him!" Ann demanded, raising her voice in panic.

"Oh..." As if realization hit Magra, he stared at Marco as if he was afraid of something. "Right. Can't tell him."

"Yes, you can't. Anyway, do you have anything we can eat before we look around?"

"Hold on. I'll cook something for you and your boyfriend here."

While Magra was cooking, he started chatting with Marco and keeps on telling him stories when the sisters were younger.

"We used to babysit the three of them. They can't stay still and gives the boss a lot of trouble. I remember the three of them set a lot of traps in their hideouts. That gave the boss a few bruises after visiting that lair."

"Magra!" Ann protested.

"It's true! You were always the mastermind of the pranks you three pulled. Did you know? They dig a huge hole, about 2 meters down. They said it was a bear trap, but it ended up trapping their grandfather."

Marco can't help but scoff in laughter after hearing it.

"Did he get injured?"

"Grandpa's as steady as a bull, of course, it will take more than children's bear traps to injure him. He was pissed though."

"You three probably gave him grey hairs than you imagined." Magra said while serving the breakfast.

While eating, Magra continued to share stories of Ann's childhood, making Ann terribly embarrassed at Marco.

Marco, on the other hand, is enjoying Ann's embarrassing state. He likes seeing the blush on her face while pouting and glaring at Marco.

"I'll definitely ask a payment for this. I'll ask Thatch and Izou about your embarrassing past."

"They'll be more than happy to tell you, but it's not like I had anything better than what I'm hearing right now, yoi." He smirked.

After breakfast, they decided to take a walk in the garden while pointed to different areas of the farm. Afterward, they decided to change to riding clothes so they can visit the other areas as well.

While horseback riding, Ann was explaining a few things about the untouched forest that they kept. The farm is about 5% of the land area of the city, which she thinks should be kept untouched. They have better use for it anyway.

After stopping by in a clearing nearby to take a rest, Marco began asking a few questions regarding her family. He's curious. After what happened last Thursday night, he ought to at least have an idea of what's going on.

"Dad does not welcome the idea of us dating. AT ALL. He's very overprotective of us and exaggerating if I'm being honest. He used to tell us that boys are bugs. Basically, we shouldn't date." Ann's laughing a bit while remembering how her dad used to warn them when they were teenagers.

"Sounds like every father out there, doesn't he?"

"He is. I don't want you to meet him because he will go on a rampage once he finds out. I mean, mom's been trying to tell him that we are adults - let's just say she's trying to prepare him for the possibility of us dating anytime."

"Don't worry. I understand, yoi. If I were in his position, I might do the same thing. Although, I'd like to meet him one day." Ann just stared at Marco as if asking if he's being serious or if he has a death wish. Judging from the look in his eyes, he seems to be serious which baffled Ann.

"I don't want to scare you, but my problem is not only with my dad. My grandpa is the same. They share the same brain cells when it comes to us dating." Ann shivers at the mere thought of her grandfather.

"The same grandfather who you caught in that bear trap, yoi?"

"Yes, him, none other. You don't know how scary he is. The last incident was when he pointed a gun at someone who looked funnily at Luffia. HE FREAKING POINTED A GUN AT THE POOR MAN'S FACE!"

Marco blinked a few times trying to process all Ann stated. Before his mind can come up with a response, Ann started talking about her grandfather.

"He's just damn insane. Don't get me wrong, I love the two of them, but they're both crazy! I'm not kidding!"

"Doesn't change the fact that I'd still like to meet them." She stared at him as if he has lost his mind. "Look, I am not saying I should meet them right now. And it's probably too early for that anyway. I don't want you to think that I am rushing things up or setting this relationship in a fast track, but what I want you to know is that I want to meet them someday. Just like how I'd like you to meet my family too."

Hearing the sincerity in his voice, Ann can't help but feel happy and touched. He's willing to face the wrath of his father and grandfather.

Ann leaned forward and kissed him which he responded with double the enthusiasm. Their kiss feels so much better as if they've grown closer to each other. Their sincere exchanges earlier just brought them closer, and probably made them fall for each other more.

Wrapping his right arm on her waist while the other holds her neck, Marco deepened the kiss as if to tell her how much he wants her, how much he cares for her. Her mouth is hot against his and Marco wouldn't complain at all. He loves it, especially when he explores her mouth and he hears her moan against the kiss, it just turns him on.

Almost a week of being together feels like they've known each other for months. How is that even possible? But they both felt closer than ever. There are a lot of things they do not know about each other, but that's something they can explore in the future. They have time after all.

===XXX===XXX===XXX===

It's been four days. Four days of doing nothing but overthinking about a lot of stuff. Zoro remained in his house in those days doing nothing aside from constant exercises at his gym.

He misses Luffia. He misses how she laughs, how she will just smile at everything. He misses how she smiles at Zoro.

Four days and he has not heard anything from her either. Even without Zoro saying anything, she knows that he needs some time away from everything. That is the benefit of knowing each other for years. They just know when the other is feeling down or going through something.

The past few days have been hard for Zoro. He stayed in his brother's house for two days, constantly drinking his collection of alcohol until he was kicked out for being a lazy bum.

"Do something productive for a change. You can't stay useless like this every day, can you?" That was Mihawk's words before kicking out Zoro.

Ding dong!

Zoro frowned after hearing the doorbell ringing. He's not expecting anyone coming or visiting him, and he is sure he did not call for deliveries. Upon checking the intercom monitor, he's surprised to see Tashigi standing outside.

He panicked, and let it be known that Zoro never panicked at anything. Even when the company was in dire states two years ago.

In any case, he rushed outside to open the gates for her and invited her in. He's not sure what to say or how to act in front of her. It hasn't been a week since their breakup so, seeing her right now is the last in Zoro's list of expectations.

Once they're inside, Zoro feels awkward.

"Have a seat. Do you want to drink something?" It's kind of painful that the situation looks like a stranger came into his house.

"Water will do, thanks!" She smiled at him, but he knows that her smile is still full of sadness and awkwardness. Regardless, he took the opportunity to get her water to think of the reasons why she came back to see him.

Of course, Zoro can't let her wait for too long. He can't stay cooped up in his kitchen while she's waiting in the living room.

When he came back, he noticed the key that was placed on the coffee table right in the middle. After placing the glass of water in front of her, he sat on the couch, waiting for her to say anything.

"I came back to return these to you." She said in a calm voice. He just nodded and did not say anything. "You don't have to feel guilty."

"I can't. No matter what I do, I can't help feeling guilty about everything."

Tashigi smiled upon hearing his sincere words.

"I knew this is inevitable a long time ago. If it did not happen now, it will happen sooner or later. Prolonging the stay in this relationship will cause bigger damage to both of us. Neither of us will be happy and it might end up completely destroying our friendship."

There was silence between them as Zoro processes all her words. It makes him proud of how mature she is taking all of these. She should be mad at him, but she made a hard but better decision for both.

"I don't know how I can ask your forgiveness."

"You know, I wanted to be mad at you. To be mad at Luffia. At some point, I wanted to hate her, but I can't. She's such a lovely and bright person. I just can't hate her no matter what I do. The same goes for you. We are friends at some point, Zoro. We may be romantically breaking up, but it does not mean that our friendship will too."

Zoro can't help but think that she does not deserve someone like her. She deserves someone better, someone, who will make her happy and someone who will love her more than anything else in this world - someone who will give her everything she deserves.

"We may not be able to go back the way it was, but eventually it will. Just know that we are parting ways in good terms and that I forgave you. I forgave you a long time ago. There's just one favor I'd like you to do, Zoro."

"What is it?"

"Be happy. Don't be stuck feeling guilty about this. I want you to be happy, got it?"

"But - "

"No BUTS, Zoro! This is a favor coming from a friend."

Zoro can only smile at her. When she stood and hugged him, he felt like he was about to cry. He heard her sniff, which made him hug her tighter as if physically showing her all the emotions bottled up inside him.

"Alright. I have to go now. I'll be transferred to the other precinct for the next three months. When I come back, you better be together with Luffia, or else, I'll kill you."

"Alright, alright. Take care Tashigi. I am just here if you need anything."

With a nod, Tashigi bid her goodbye. It made Zoro feel a bit better. It feels like a thorn was pulled out. Maybe he can start moving forward now.

After 5 days of not reporting to the office, Zoro finally decided to work. His return caused a little bit of tension, especially during their meeting. Anyone with brain cells can figure out that Zoro has been avoiding Luffia for reasons unknown. The Straw Hats can notice that something is going on.

They've known the two of them for years, they knew how they treat each other, how they act around the other... It is easy to figure out when something is wrong.

Luffia, on the other hand, kept her usual attitude with everyone else - except she is not being clingy to Zoro. Something is going on and even if that's that case, no one dared to voice it out. This is not the first time that the two of them started drifting a little bit apart, but they both managed to somehow make up and talk it out.

... At least that's what the Straw Hats are hoping for.

"Are you going to participate in the Motorsports Events, Luffia?" Nami asked. Sponsorship is one thing, participating in the event is different.

"Yes. List down Jaggy's name as well. He will participate too. Ann as well!" Luffia excitedly answered. "Didn't get to ask Sab. Wait, let me call her."

Nami paused in taking note of the names she mentioned while Luffia calls her sister.

"Hi, Sab! Are you not busy? I just want to ask if you plan to participate in this year's Motorsports event? Ann's going to participate so she can compete against Marco."

"I didn't know that. Alright, sign me up."

It was just a short conversation, but Luffia got the information she needed. The meeting of Straw Hats is fairly short, it was almost over after an hour.

Some of them started to leave the meeting room until it was Zoro and Luffia that's left. There's a heavy silence in the room, something they both can't stand.

"Shouldn't you be at the Dojo?" In the end, it was Luffia who broke the silence by asking a casual question.

"No. I'll be doing a test drive with Franky's new vehicles."

"I see."

And there's silence again.

"You can come if you'd like." Zoro said.

"Really?!" Her eyes shined so brightly. It returned to its original glow - the glow that Zoro is used to seeing every day. Luffia's smile is a constant in Zoro's life. It feels wrong not seeing her smile and not smiling at him.

"Yes. You are not allowed to ride on my back."

"What? Why not?! I want to!" She demanded.

"We have to do a few test drives. I'll let you ride once we have stabilized the vehicle."

"YEHEY!"

A smile instantly appeared on Zoro's face. Just by seeing Luffia happy, it makes Zoro happy. Her dream is also his. Ever since Zoro dropped everything just to support her goals, he should have realized something at that point, but he didn't.

He will do anything just to make Luffia happy. This is the extent of how much he is willing to do for her.

====XXX===XXX===XXX===

AN: Whew! Finally managed to finish writing this chapter. Let me know your thoughts.