Chapter Seven: Verdict
It was the moment when not one but two of Tanaka's soldiers came to get her out of the cell that Tashigi knew a decision had been made.
A decision regarding her own life.
Not a single word was spoken while the soldiers carried her to their destination.
Tashigi was too weak to walk on her own.
After endless weeks of physical torture, she was in a constant state of pain. All of her hard-trained muscles were gone and there was no strength left in her.
She had stopped counting her bruises and cuts long ago and she couldn't remember the last time her stomach didn't hurt because of hunger. The vomiting had become a daily ritual for her as well as the daydreaming of better days in the past.
They hadn't handcuffed her, there was no use for it anyway, she wouldn't be able to try an escape.
After some time Tashigi started to recognize the hallways and she knew where they were heading. One of the courtrooms, which was only fitting.
When they entered one of the smaller ones Tashigi wasn't surprised that Smoker and Hina were already there, along with Chiba and Tanaka.
One of her escorting soldiers gave her a push and she stumbled to the ground, right in front of the two judges. Both sitting behind a table.
"That wasn't necessary, Petty Officer," Chiba chastised.
The marine grunted something in her direction but she couldn't care less.
Through her now way too long bangs she looked up at the judges: two older and bulky men she had never seen in her life.
"Judges Dredd and Richter. Are you able to stand up?" the taller one said, however, Tashigi already stood on her feet again.
Shaky and definitely not steady but this was better than to kneel in front of them.
"So, Tashigi, care to give us your last name?" the second man asked after looking at what seemed to be her file.
It was one of these weird habits the Navy had and Tashigi didn't understand for a long time.
But every single member was allowed to erase their last or first name from their personnel file; some of them simply went by their nickname like Smoker.
It took years for her to understand that not everybody who chose this option was being sketchy. Some chose to erase their names to protect their families and eventually Tashigi did the same, so…
"I'd rather not," she answered giving her all to not sound too weak.
Standing to her side Smoker sighed and Tashigi cracked a smile.
Yep, stubborn until I die.
The judges both raised their eyebrows at her.
"Well then," the taller one said, "Tashigi, formerly known as Captain Tashigi, you are charged with suspicion of high treason, correct?"
"Correct, Sir."
"And you neither pledge guilty nor innocent, correct?"
"Yes, Sir."
Tashigi's body had weakened but she still noticed how close she was being watched by everyone in this room.
"Tashigi, we took all this time to think your case through, hoping you would testify one day but since you didn't we came to a sentence. It was not an easy one to make. You were always a picture-perfect marine. You even were part of the unit that defeated Crocodile…"
"With all due respect, Sir," she interrupted.
"But that wasn't my unit. The Strawhat Pirates defeated Crocodile, as well as the rest of his followers."
Tashigi heard Smoker groan in annoyance and she felt Hina's burning stare in the back of her head.
Judge Dredd looked at her scolding while Judge Richter had an amused glint in his light eyes.
"This is a serious situation, Tashigi," Chiba said.
"And I am stating serious facts," she answered.
Dredd cleared his throat and she looked back at him.
"What I was saying was that we decided to give you one last chance to tell us the name of your boyfriend."
With a sad smile Tashigi closed her eyes, a new wave of nausea rushed through her but she fought it down.
She knew what was coming and a single tear dropped down her chin.
"I prefer not to."
"Then we have no other choice than to sentence you to death."
Tashigi felt the energy in the small courtroom change.
Heard Chiba's heartful sigh, Smoker's low growl, and how Hina started to yell at the judges.
However, the most important thing she noticed was when she opened her eyes back up: the big smile of victory on Tanaka's face.
And she knew the Vice-Admiral got exactly what he wanted.
"Hey, Zoro! There was a letter for you in the mail today!"
As soon as these words reached Zoro's ears he hastily got up, stumbled over his own swords, and fell face-first onto the floor. He groaned but got right back up.
Mail.
A letter.
For him.
That was all that mattered right now. He didn't care that his whole face hurt, there was no time for pain!
Rapidly he made his way down to the deck where Nami stood, waving the envelope through the air. It took just one look and Zoro realized that this was not the answer from his Babygirl he craved now for weeks on end.
"So, tell me, Zoro. What is the matter with you?" Nami asked.
"Huh?" he answered dumbfounded.
The woman in front of him sighed.
"Firstly: You almost killed Usopp for trying to read your letter. The fact, that you receive letters is weird enough. But you changed your behavior in the last few weeks as well. Staring at the sky all the time, straightening your back whenever a bird flies near the Sunny. You stopped drinking and you don't nap anymore. So, what the fuck is wrong with you?"
Zoro should have expected that someone would notice his strange behavior sooner or later, he had preferred it to be later but especially Nami was quick to catch up on those things.
"That isn't any of your business, " he answered and tried to grab the letter.
Of course, Nami had suspected this and was quick to bring her hand out of his reach.
"It is my business, moss head! Just imagine if we get into a fight and you are not coming to our rescue because you are too busy staring at the sky," she argued.
"Nami… please…"
Zoro was not in the mood right now to explain to her that he hadn't heard a single thing from the love of his life for three weeks now. And that was more than unusual for Tashigi and Zoro's bad feeling grew more each day.
He was still not fully ready to acknowledge it, but deep down he was scared. That was why he had sneaked away from the crew on the last island and had sent a letter to Quin. Hoping that he had heard something from her.
Maybe she was injured and unable to use her hands or something similar stupid happened. Something that only his clumsy Babygirl was able to get herself into. At that moment Nami opened her mouth again but got interrupted by a passing Robin.
"Don't tease him too much, Nami. He hasn't received a letter from his girlfriend in weeks."
Zoro and Nami looked at her simultaneously. Nami was surprised and Zoro was shocked. Although, it really shouldn't shock him, right?
He should know by now that it was impossible to keep secrets from Nico Robin.
"Zoro has a girlfriend?" Nami asked still surprised.
Loud bangs and shatters were heard from the kitchen and just seconds later Sanji kicked the door down.
"Marimo has what?" the cook screamed at the top of his lungs.
Ugh… great.
"A girlfriend apparently," Nami answered.
"Not apparently. It is a fact. They got together some time in the last two years," Robin continued to share her information about his personal life.
Normally Zoro would just go and wouldn't give a shit about it, but Nami still held Quin's letter hostage. So, now he had to face Sanji's wrath as well as the cook's kicks.
"Who is the poor lady that you force to be your girlfriend, spinach head, huh? Tell me her name so I can rescue her from your cruel arms and show her how a Beautiful Lady should be treated!"
"Shut the fuck up! You have no idea what you are talking about!" Zoro yelled back while strongly holding on to Sanji's outstretched leg.
As if Tashigi would ever fell for Sanji and his stupid behavior. Women like Nami and Robin might prefer men to kiss their feet and carry their shopping bags but his Babygirl was different.
She was independent and didn't want to be a damsel in distress, she was so strong-willed that she would rather collapse under the weight of her shopping bags than let a man carry them for her.
Zoro knew that for sure, he had been shopping with her.
"Let it go, Sanji," Name said voice serious.
"As you wish, Nami. Do you want something to drink? It is pretty humid today. Let me grab you a cocktail."
And with that, the cook's whole attitude had changed and he was practically dancing back to the kitchen.
This man's a fucking idiot, no wonder he's still a virgin.
"Is… she okay? Is she safe?" Nami asked while handing over the letter.
Zoro took his time looking at her.
"I don't know for sure…"
He was thankful that she didn't press him for a name.
"If you need anything or if we can do something or if you want to check on her. Let me know."
At times Zoro seriously questioned Nami's attitude but he knew for sure that the whole crew could always count on her. And this right here proofed it for once and for all.
Dear Zoro,
it is nice to hear from you and I am glad you and your friends are happy and healthy. I read about your latest adventure in the newspaper.
Unfortunately, I am non the wiser than you regarding your Babygirl. The last thing I heard from her was that her unit would stay at the Headquarters. Since then I did not receive any news from her.
I will go ahead and write to her superior to see if he can give me any new information, which I then will forward to you.
Let us hope that she is just busy doing navy stuff. Whatever that may be.
Farewell, my son.
Quin.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
The paper crumbled in Zoro's fist while anger and fear rushed through him. When even Quin, her father, hadn't heard anything from her then there was only one possibility.
The Navy must have found out about their relationship. And either arrested or executed her right on the spot.
Zoro felt tears pricking in his eye but told himself to calm down. Although he doubted that there was any other reason than that, there was still this tiny fraction of hope in his heart.
If she had been heavily injured or died while on an operation Quin would know by now. He was her dad, her father. The Navy would have contacted him, that was how things were organized there.
Zoro knew that Tashigi had explained it to him and he then joked about what would happen if she made him one of her emergency contacts. She had thrown a huge laughing fit and even right now Zoro couldn't resist smiling at the memory of it. If only for a short moment.
He needed a plan, he needed to know what happened to Tashigi. There was no time for waiting around till Quin got an answer from Smoker! Zoro needed to act like yesterday!
It was dinner time when Zoro cleared his throat way too loud and had everyone's attention.
The whole kitchen went silent and Zoro hated that they were now starring at him.
That wasn't the fucking plan. Ugh… just roll with it.
"Did you decide to share some more information about your girlfriend with us?" Robin asked smiling.
"Yooo… what?"
Immediately Zoro felt Sanji glaring at him but gave his best to ignore him (and the rest of the crew), instead he turned to Nami.
"I need to take your offer," he said.
"What offer?" Luffy asked but got also ignored.
"What happened?" the navigator asked in a serious tone.
Zoro tried to keep his voice as neutral as possible.
"I don't know. It's like Robin said, I haven't heard from her in forever. The letter today was from her Dad and it's the same for him. That's so unusual for her."
"Hey! What's all this about?" Luffy once again chipped in, sounding impatient now.
Robin answered him.
"Our swordsman is worried about his girlfriend's well-being."
"A girlfriend?"
"Yes, and I offered that we could check on her," Nami explained. "Where do you expect her to be?"
Zoro swallowed. He had a pretty huge suspicion of how his crewmates would react to this answer.
"Marine Headquarters'."
The kitchen fell even more silent and everybody looked at him open-mouthed. Minutes passed until someone said something, Franky was the first to recover.
"Why the hell should she be there out of all places?"
They all remembered what had happened on their last trip to the Headquarters' and nobody wanted something remotely similar to happen again. Ever.
"Because she is a marine, isn't she?"
Of course, it was Nico Robin who came to the right conclusion.
"That is ridiculous. A navy member would never have a relationship with a pirate. Not even with an attractive one like me. The moss head could never…"
"Tashigi," Nami cut Sanji off.
"It's her right? Tashigi is your girlfriend. That's why you watched her fight Monet and why you bind her shoulder. You didn't run from her as you did back in Alabasta because she is your girlfriend."
"Correct."
"Whaaaaaaat?" Sanji yelled at the top of his lungs and looked like he would faint every minute.
"Tashi and Marimo? I… think I have a heart attack."
Nobody paid attention to the cook but Zoro realized the serious expression on his Captain's face.
"How long has this been going on?" Usopp asked
"Over a year," Zoro answered.
"And you kept that a secret the whole time?"
"Yes and that's the problem," he said turning to Nami.
"I think they found out and arrested her. Or worse."
Zoro tried to not get too emotional, he had a reputation to uphold after all, but it wasn't easy.
Yes, he understood that his friends were surprised to learn that he was in a serious romantic relationship but even if that was out in the open now there was no need to get all emotional in front of them.
"The Navy handles relationships with pirates as high treason," Robin said.
Yeah and that's the whole problem.
"I haven't read anything about her in the newspaper in the last few weeks. So I guess that's a good sign. I get that you would like to check on her but… the whole crew has to decide if we make this trip."
Zoro's gaze dropped from Nami to the rest of the crew.
Some had serious expressions and some still seemed to process the idea of him having a girlfriend.
That's when Luffy decided to speak.
"Tashigi's Smokey's friend, right? The one with the sword."
Zoro nodded.
"Do you think the marines would hurt her?"
"Yeah."
Zoro saw the gears working in his Captain's head and he hoped for the best.
"She is nice, I like her and she's our friend. And those stupid people have no right to hurt my friends."
"Smoker! You can't just leave!" Hina yelled while she followed him down the hall.
Hina didn't understand.
Tashigi had just been sentenced to death, the execution was supposed to happen in less than a week and Smoker just stormed out of the courtroom without saying a word or even trying to change the judges' minds.
"Where are you going?!"
Without missing a step Smoker finally answered.
"I'm getting that asshole of her boyfriend to save that stupid woman's life! I wasted too much time thinking she would come to her senses!"
Hina looked at him skeptically.
"Do you think you'll find him in time?"
Smoker stopped and looked at her.
"Pretty sure, yeah. Can you break the news to the G-5? And keep an eye on them. I'm sure they would try something stupid if unsupervised."
"Hina will do that. Good luck, you'll need it."
Smoker gave her a nod and turned around again.
Hina didn't move until she couldn't see him any longer.
It was a peaceful morning on Kuraigana Island, just as peaceful as every other morning.
Happy and content Mihawk sat down in front of his castle to drink his first cup of coffee of the day.
In one hand, the steaming hot beverage opened the newspaper with the other, certain that nothing could have happened that would grab his attention for more than three minutes.
That's when he read today's headline and choked on his first sip.
What in God's name…?
"Perona!" he yelled at the top of his lungs.
"Where is the den den mushi?"
Five minutes later the world's strongest swordsman eagerly waited for his call to be picked up, Perona now standing next to him lost on what was happening.
"Hello?" the call finally got answered, the voice of the man on the other end sounded weaker than usual but Mihawk paid no mind to that.
"Do you call that taking care?!" he barked right away.
"Is that your way to protect…"
"Mihawk!" interrupted the man firmly.
"I had no idea what was going on! I…"
But Mihawk was not in the mood to listen to the man's apology.
"How did we end up in this mess?" he demanded to know.
A sigh was heard.
"Zoro," came the answer and the pirate widened his eyes and fell silent.
Holy… whatever. That boy is killing me.
He felt Perona's questioning look on him but ignored her.
"Can you fix this?" Mihawk got asked.
He took his time to find an answer, he wasn't sure if he would be able to solve the dilemma.
If he had known sooner, maybe he had an answer now if anybody had told him about this. However nobody had told him and he probably could have never guessed this outcome, especially with a boy like Zoro.
"You'd better start praying," was the only thing he could come up with and he ended the call before the other man could respond.
Without missing a beat he grabbed Yoru and marched into the jungle.
"Where are you going?" Perona yelled confused.
"Trying to fix my offspring's dilemma!"
Zoro's eye was fixed on the sky, on the nearing mail bird to be exact.
It wasn't the one Quin had gifted them but maybe Quin got an answer from Smoker sooner than expected?
Even though that wouldn't change any of their plans
The Sunny had already set sail to the Marine Headquarters.
It had been a week since the crew decided to check on Tashigi and Zoro still felt grateful.
"Morning," a voice behind him said and he turned around to greet Nami.
She had always been an early riser and was probably here to grab the incoming mail.
A heavy knock on the side of the Sunny led Zoro to look over the railing and leave the landing bird to Nami.
His breath hitched and he almost choked on his spit when he looked into two hazel eyes glaring up at him.
What the hell? Smoker? And if he's here, where the fuck is Tashigi?
The Vice-Admiral turned himself into smoke and wavered on the Sunny when Zoro heard Nami catch her breath and he looked back at her.
Her eyes were wide and locked onto the newspaper's front page, she seemed like she was in a state of shock.
"What," he started but a hard and unexpected punch sent him to the floor.
"It's your fault! Bastard!"
"What the fuck, old man?" Zoro yelled at Smoker while getting back up.
He knew there was no use in punching Smoker back. The marine would just turn into smoke but at least Zoro could glare at him.
And where the fuck was Tashigi? She was always at Smoker's side!
"You asshole! It's you, right? Her so-called boyfriend? Bastard!"
Smoker's screams led to the appearance of the rest of the crew. Some were still half asleep but they all were now on the deck looking as confused as Zoro felt.
"What's your problem, Smokey?" he asked ignoring Nami, who just said his name.
"You! You and the fact that this stupid woman prefers to be executed over telling her superiors your name!"
Zoro felt his whole body go cold.
"What?"
Smoker, still a murderous look in his eyes, chose to stay silent and to cross his arms in front of his chest.
"Zoro," Nami said softly and gave him the newspaper.
One look was more than enough.
There she was.
Tashigi.
Tired-looking, thinner than ever, bruises and cuts all over her face.
And next to her picture the headline:
High Treason: Former Navy Captain sentenced to death
There was a brief description and a reference to the complete article on page twelve. Written by none other than... fucking Kota.
Zoro's blood went cold, his sight dark, the newspaper crumbled in his balling fists. And suddenly hot rage rushed through him and he looked at Smoker.
"YOU," he growled.
"That is your fault."
Smoker dared to look shocked.
"My fault? It's not me who fucked around with her!"
"But you weren't there!" Zoro screamed so loud that Nami next to him jerked.
"You weren't even there when she got arrested!" Zoro's screams echoed over the whole ship and everybody stared at him in horror.
Never before had he felt so enraged!
Tashigi had been sentenced to death
The love of his love!
His soulmate!
"You dropped her off at the fucking Headquarters' and then you disappeared! Where the fuck were you?! Where were you when my wife got arrested?!"
He needed to punch something or someone but first, he needed Smoker to answer his question. However, the Vice-Admiral just stared at him.
"What did you say?" Smoker asked.
New anger rushed through Zoro.
Either Smoker had become deaf or senile in the last few seconds. Because Zoro was sure that he had been pretty clear.
"Did you say, wife?" Nami asked.
FUCK! Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
"Are you two married?" the woman next to him continued.
Zoro felt himself shaking.
He was so fucking dumb!
"Tashigi married the pity ass of yours?" Smoker said in disbelieve.
"Married?" Sanji's screeching was heard across the Sunny and Zoro knew he had lost.
He put both hands on the railing and stared out at the sea.
"When do you get picked up again?"
Zoro looked over to Tashigi and smiled.
"Next week. You know that."
"Yeah," she said and looked back at Leyla.
Zoro also put his attention back at the five toddlers.
It was astonishing how fast the time went by since he and Tashigi became a couple. He blinked and his last three months on Silver Ait had passed.
Just yesterday Quin had informed him that Hawk Eyes would come to pick him up next week. Zoro still had no clue why he had been sent here in the first place but it didn't bother him anymore.
He had found his soulmate and that was all that mattered.
They had had a long discussion about how they should handle their relationship away from Silver Ait.
It was easy as long as they were on the island, everybody knew and nobody cared. But it would be impossible for them to kiss when they would meet again out at the sea.
Because he would be the pirate and Tashigi would be the marine.
So they decided to keep their relationship a secret. Even Zoro wouldn't tell anything to his crew.
Too high was the risk that one of them would slip up in front of the wrong person or that Sanji would try to "rescue" Tashigi from Zoro in front of her unit.
It was going to be hard not seeing her every day or to no longer wake up next to her but they would manage.
Their love was fucking strong and only got stronger with each passing day.
"I don't want you to leave," Tashigi said.
"And I don't want to go."
"Soro bye-bye?" Gini interrupted while climbing onto Tashigi's lap.
She cradled the toddler and Leyla closer to her chest as she nodded.
"Yes. He leaves next week."
"Noo," the toddler said and looked at her with wide eyes.
"Sadly yes, Gini," Tashigi answered sorrow in her eyes.
Zoro let his gaze wander through the toddler's room but in the end, he got stuck on Tashigi again.
When he had first set foot on the island he hadn't known what to expect. Never had he thought to find love or Tashigi and never had he thought to find love with Tashigi.
He didn't want to leave her behind, after all, neither of them knew when they would meet again. But he couldn't stay, he still needed to get stronger and he had promises to keep.
Tashigi understood that Zoro could tell that she wasn't happy about it but not once had she tried to get him to give up his dreams, which made him love her even more.
She knew what she was getting into and she still chose him.
Zoro's heart swelled while looking at her. How she shushed the baby and talked to the toddler simultaneously.
For the first time, Zoro had a vision of his life after reaching his goal.
Children and Tashigi.
Children with Tashigi.
Maybe they would build a house on Silver Ait or an island far away from everywhere else. Just settling down together and starting a family and marry.
Zoro stopped his train of thought at this realization.
"We should get married."
Tashigi looked at him shocked and a blush started to rise on her cheeks.
"Ex… excuse me?"
Enthusiasm rushed through him as he answered.
"You and I! We should get married before I leave. You're mine so, why not make it official?!"
Tashigi looked at him like he had lost his mind.
"Zoro. I… ehm, don't you think that's a little early?"
"No!"
Who cared that they were together for only three months?
He didn't.
"But that's not how these things go."
"Well, enlighten me, Babygirl. How do things between a pirate and a marine in a secret relationship go?"
Oh, how he loved to see her pout. Because that was always the sign that she had run out of arguments.
"Listen," he started while ignoring Skel and Sango who used him as a jungle gym.
"You love me, I love you and we both agree that we're meant to be. So, I don't see the problem. Is it because other people wait years to get married? Screw them, we're different and that's perfect. Or don't you want to get married?"
"I do," Tashigi was quick to answer and warmth spread through Zoro.
She wanted to marry him!
"Then what are we waiting for?" he beamed at her and her doubtful look changed into a loving one.
That was a yes, right?
"So we're doing it?" Zoro asked to make sure.
"Yes!"
The pirate made sure the toddlers won't get hurt as he quickly leaned forward to kiss his fiancée.
Unsure Quin stared at his daughter and her boyfriend.
They just dropped a bombshell on him and even though he had been more than happy that they finally got together, this he had not expected to hear so soon.
"You two want to get married?" he wanted to confirm.
"Yep."
"Before Zoro has to leave next week."
Still, Quin looked at the couple unsure.
They were holding hands, both of them happy smiles on their faces.
He had never before seen Tashigi this happy and this content with herself. And Quin was full of joy because of that, his daughter's happiness had always been one of his top priorities.
He had absolutely no concerns about the fact that the reason for her happiness was a pirate. Quin couldn't care less. Zoro was a good guy with the right sense of justice.
"Aren't you rushing this a bit?"
Tashigi's smile softened and she let go of Zoro to step towards him.
"Dad, I know this is surprising and some would say we're rushing things but who cares? We love each other and we want this. And we want you to do it."
Count on his daughter to always find the right words to make his heart melt.
"You're relationship is complicated as it is. Why throw a marriage in the mix?"
Quin wasn't out to change their minds, at this point he just wanted to make sure that they had thought this through.
"It doesn't matter if we hide a relationship or a marriage. The outcome is the same," Tashigi answered.
A smile crept on Quin's face as he once again looked at the couple in front of him. Both of them seemed so sure and determined.
Did he have a choice then?
Tashigi felt nervous and couldn't believe this was happening.
She had never been one of those girls who had dreamed and planned her wedding day from a young age. Mostly because she never really planned to get married at all.
Funny how things could change.
Today was her wedding day. She was a bride and in the next few minutes, she would be someone's wife.
Roronoa Zoro's wife to be exact.
Her heartbeat faster just by thinking of it. She was nervous and happy at the same time which was a strange combination.
Tashigi stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself.
Makeup and hair had never been her forte but she did the best to her abilities and she knew that Zoro would not care that her eyeliner was a bit uneven.
She kept her makeup to a minimum and had just put her hair up in a high ponytail. Also, she didn't wear a traditional wedding dress because the ones she had looked at in the only clothes store on the island were not to her taste.
Too much glitter, too much cleavage, and too long; knowing herself Tashigi would just trip and fall.
So instead she bought a simple beige dress, ending at her knees and with flower ornaments at the seam.
It was perfect and Tashigi felt very comfortable in it. She had thought about wearing heels but had decided on black sandals, less risky to break a leg on her wedding day.
The opening door pulled her out of her musing and Quin entered her room.
"Are you ready?" he asked a bright and happy smile on his face.
"I am."
He held out his hand and she grabbed it. Together they left for the church.
With each step, Tashigi's heartbeat got faster and faster. She couldn't wait to meet Zoro.
"You know," Quin said.
"When I first saw you and Zoro together back then in the forest, I would've never thought that it would end like this."
Tashigi couldn't help but laugh.
"Me neither, Dad."
"I love when you call me that, Sweetie. And let me tell you that I am proud of the woman that you became."
She looked at him with a smile and love spread through her.
"You don't mind it, do you?" she asked.
"Me marrying a pirate, I mean."
Quin stopped and took her face in his hands, the look in his brown eyes was full of love.
"I absolutely don't. He loves you, everyone can see that and he makes you the happiest version of yourself. You are my daughter, Tashigi. I don't care that we don't share the same blood, I raised you and you are my everything. I will forever love and support you!"
Now she had tears in her eyes and hugged him.
"I love you too, Dad. Thank you for doing this for us."
"I would fight everyone who would try to prevent me from doing so."
They held each other tight for a few more minutes and in the end, Tashigi was the one who let go first.
"Getting impatient, huh?" Quin asked mischievously.
"Just a bit."
"Then let's get you married."
A few minutes later, they arrived at the side door which led from their house to the church, and Tashigi needed to take several deep breaths.
Why was she so freaking nervous?
She wanted this and there was no way that Zoro had a change of mind, was there?
He was in there waiting for her at the altar.
They had decided to keep the wedding as small as can be. Just Zoro, Quin, and her.
Nobody in the Navy knew about her home island so it wouldn't matter if they had invited the whole town but they decided to play it safe.
Another thing they decided against was wedding rings; both of them never wore rings daily. Starting now would only spark suspiciousness.
And they both agreed that they wouldn't need rings to be sure of their marriage.
"Do you want a way out? I'm old but I can put up a fight," Quin joked and Tashigi was thankful that he eased her tension that way.
"No need to, old man. Get me married."
Quin grinned at her and then he opened the door.
Zoro turned around and Tashigi felt her heart burst with love.
He had asked her if she wanted him to wear a special outfit but she didn't care, she just wanted him to feel comfortable.
And to be honest she didn't think Roronoa Zoro would ever wear a suit. But he did today and he looked stunning.
He wore a black one and underneath the open jacket a white dress shirt. The top buttons were open to showcase his muscular chest and a part of his scar; no surprise there.
Tashigi couldn't help but run into his open arms and kiss him.
"You look fffff…. Freaking hot," she whispered after they pulled apart.
"So do you," he answered grinning.
"I would've married you ages ago if I'd known that."
Tashigi gave him a playful clap on his shoulder and looked at her father, who just cleared his throat.
"Shall we?" he asked.
Both of them nodded and stepped apart but their hands stayed joined.
She felt herself blushing under Zoro's intense stare but she did not flinch. Over the last few months, she had learned to love his gaze on her.
"Dear Tashigi. Dear Zoro. We've come together on this beautiful day so that you may enter into the covenant of marriage."
A thrill went through her whole body and Tashigi could feel Zoro squeezing her hands.
"Normally I would have prepared a big speech along with some praise of God and Jesus but I know both of you don't really care about the things I devoted my life to."
Simultaneously Tashigi and Zoro looked at Quin, confused by his phrasing. But her dad simply stood in front of the altar with a mischievous glint to his eyes.
"I planned to say some other things instead. Zoro."
Tashigi could feel the swordsman tense up and he now looked at Quin mindfully.
"I already told Tashigi how happy you make her and I can see all the love you have in store for her, however, I have to tell you one thing."
At that moment the mischievous glint disappeared and Quin looked at Zoro sternly.
"If you ever hurt my daughter in any way: I will find you and beat some sense into you!"
"Dad!" Tashigi protested.
"What? It needed to be said. He didn't even ask for my blessing beforehand."
Tashigi opened her mouth to answer but Zoro was quicker.
"He's right. I should've done that. And it's okay that he warns me. Although it's useless. I'll never hurt you."
Quin seemed satisfied and Tashigi shook her head in disbelieve.
What have I brought myself into?
"Good with that being said, let's get to the fun part," Quin said clapping his hands.
Tashigi had a hard time fighting the urge to sigh because she couldn't believe it.
"Zoro had told me that he wanted to go first. So, son, please say your vows."
Again Tashigi felt Zoro's intense gaze on her and forgotten was her annoyance with her dad.
Who cared anyway?
She felt Zoro's hands shake and grabbed them tighter and then he spoke.
"I, Zoro, take thee, Tashigi, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge myself to you."
And that was the moment Tashigi started crying tears of joy. Of course, she had known what would happen but to hear the love of her life say those words was… a feeling she couldn't put into words.
"Fantastic", Quin said with a raspy voice.
"Your turn, Sweetie."
Taking a deep deep breath Tashigi locked eyes with her soon-to-be-husband.
"I, Tashigi, take thee, Zoro, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge myself to you."
Zoro beamed at her like never before.
She had got to learn some very interesting and new facial expressions of him in the past six months. But this was the first time that he seemed to be in absolute bliss.
Tashigi couldn't wait to spend the rest of her life with him.
"Forasmuch as groom and bride have consented together in holy matrimony, and have pledged their love and loyalty to each other by the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife."
The tone of his voice made clear that Quin shed tears but Tashigi couldn't pay mind to that.
As soon as the last word had left Quin's mouth, Zoro pulled her close and pressed his lips on hers.
Tears were still running down her face and she was overwhelmed with happiness. She could feel all the love Zoro had for her in this kiss and she couldn't believe that this green-haired idiot was her husband now.
Bound to her for the rest of their lives.
Zoro broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers.
"I love you, Wifey."
"I love you too."
A few days later Tashigi had to fight back her tears because she couldn't cry.
She stood next to Quin and Zoro at Silver Ait's harbor where Dracule Mihawk just arrived to pick up her husband.
Zoro's master couldn't know about their relationship, they had to keep it a secret. So, she gave her all to look as natural as possible.
The world's strongest swordsman let his gaze wander over Quin, Zoro, and herself.
Tashigi had met him a few times while on duty but she knew him from way before.
To this day she didn't know how they met each other but somehow Quin and Dracule were long-time friends.
The black-haired man had visited them at least once a month when Tashigi had been still a child.
Although he and she had never really spoken to each other.
If she had been present by the time he'd arrived, most of the times he had looked her up and down and went on to talk to Quin.
The same thing happened now.
Tashigi saw him looking at her from head to toe and proceeded to shake Quin's hand.
"Quintanilla. Good to see you. Did he behave?"
Her dad laughed out loud at those words.
"We had a rough start but the thing's played out nicely."
"No shame was brought upon me?"
"Not an ounce."
"Good. Roronoa! Get in the boat, we have a lot to catch up on!"
"That's my fault? You forced me to stay here for six fucking months," the younger answered.
"Watch your tongue!"
Tashigi could hear Zoro mumble something under his breath and hardly managed to hide her smile.
"See ya, Glasses."
Glasses? Tashigi thought confused.
That was a whole new nickname. Granted, he couldn't call her Babygirl like he usually would.
"Next time I see you, I'm going to arrest you and take your swords," she said with a determined tone.
He smirked at her over his shoulder.
"You can try if you want."
"Thanks again, Quintanilla," Dracule said as he neared his boat.
"My pleasure. You should visit for dinner soon."
The swordsman did not answer, just jumped into his boat and set sail.
Tashigi and Quin stood at the harbor until the two swordsmen were out of sight. And as soon as they were, Quin put an arm around her and her tears started to fall.
It hurt to no longer have him with her.
Damn, it hurt more than she had expected.
"You had a proper goodbye before you came down here?" her dad asked pulling her into a hug.
Tashigi nodded.
Zoro and her shared a goodbye filled with tears and kisses the whole morning. Well, she had been the one who hadn't stop crying and he had been the one who couldn't stop kissing her.
It had been bittersweet.
"You'll see each other again soon," Quin said.
She had doubts about that.
Zoro still had a whole year of training ahead of him and Tashigi had been informed just today that she and Smoker had been transferred to the G-5 Unit and that she had to report back within two weeks.
"You're leaving too, aren't you?" Quin asked then.
"How do you do that?"
"What do you mean?"
Tashigi wiped her tears away and smiled at him.
"You always know the things on my mind. Sometimes even before I know them myself."
Quin laughed and grabbed her hands.
"Call it a God-given talent."
She too laughed and squeezed his hands.
"Take care of yourself, Sweetie. And visit more often. The kids will miss you."
"Thank you, Dad. For everything."
Zoro rubbed his arm over his eyes, hoping to stop the tears at bay. His whole life just shattered, his best-kept secret got exposed in front of his crew and his wife's superiors.
Although judging from Smoker's reaction the Navy didn't know about the marriage part.
Taking a deep breath he turned around again, meeting the stares of his crew and Smoker.
"Yes, I said wife," he began.
"Yes, Tashigi married that pity ass of mine. Yes, we are married. Over a year now. And… I beg all of you to help me save her. If Tashigi dies… I… don't know what to do."
They all continued to stare at him.
Shock, surprise, and disbelieve in their eyes and Zoro tensed up in anticipation. Then a big smile broke out on Luffy's face.
"Of course we'll save her. Tashi is family now!"
Relief washed over Zoro and he felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulders if only a small one.
He knew exactly what he was asking for and how dangerous it could be. But how could he not ask?
His wife was sentenced to death because she was keeping their secret.
"Let's go inside and talk. I'll make breakfast," Sanji said lighting himself a cigarette.
"Right. We need to make a plan. Quick," Nami added.
Zoro watched his friends go inside, crumbled newspaper still in his balled fists and highly aware of Smoker's murderous glare on him.
The Vice-Admiral then set himself in motion while he spoke.
"I was at my mother's funeral. Not that that's any of your fucking business."