A/N: hello! it's been a while since ive updated! im sorry all i do the past few days was to sleep and sleep xD anw as always, thanks for my sister for beta reading this! anw without further ado, onto the chapter!
"Zoro…"
He heard Perona's voice but it was a little bit distant to him, barely audible for him to hear. He dismissed Perona for now as the place around him was strangely familiar— the dark ambience, the fog, the wet soil below him— Kuraigana…
"Zoro, are you even listening to me?"
Now he can hear her clearly, he raised a brow at the ghost princess as he halted on his tracks.
"What is it now?" Zoro grunted.
"I dare you to take a swim before we get to Mihawk's castle." She grinned as mischief glinted in her doe eyes, trailing behind him like a child.
Zoro rolled his eyes, "You're not gonna be the one who will get scolded by Mihawk when we're late. Think about that."
He ignored her whines as he continued on walking past the ghost princess. Perona seems blurry in his vision but her high-pitched whine was visibly clear in his ears. Then, all of a sudden, she frantically tugged his sleeve making Zoro frown. He then swiveled his head, looking at the ghost princess.
"What?!" He snarled.
"I'm gonna abandon you here if you want to get lost again! And you won't be able to eat what I'm cooking tonight. Guess what it's gonna be?" Perona stuck out her tongue at the swordsman.
Zoro knew it was gonna be her signature wild hog's blood stew for tonight, Mihawk had prepared the blood for her waiting for Perona to cook the stew. He must be lying if Perona wasn't a great cook, and he was hesitant at first Perona had shown this dish once, then, when he got a taste— he would trade stupid cook for Perona if that can happen. But then again, living with Perona felt like you were arguing with a five-year-old, she might be a good cook but Zoro had a bad thing for her childish attitude.
"How can she be so childish?" he heaved a sigh.
"Hey! I heard that!" Perona huffed and crossed her arms to her chest as the humandrills snickered, and shook their heads in disappointment because of their childish banter again.
"Fine... Just five minutes, then we'll head back to the castle." He grunted, already settling beside the river preparing to take a dip. He can't believe he just agreed with Perona's petty dare.
Then all of a sudden, all he can see from his eyes turned black.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Someone was knocking on the door in Zoro's room— not really his.
"Knock it off, Perona. Five minutes hasn't finished yet!" He groaned as he covered the pillow on his head, not wanting the light coming from the windows shine brightly from his eyes.
"It's not Perona , Zoro." A calm voice said and Zoro immediately jolted awake.
"Shit!" Zoro mentally cursed , throwing his pillow away from his head, not caring where it flew on the floor. He then sat right up quickly upon hearing Robin's voice.
"It's open!" He said, as if he didn't frantically panic when he heard Robin's voice.
Robin slowly opened the door, and greeted him with a smile on her face. Zoro often sees her smile like that following the events of Enies Lobby. She started to be open with the crew, but no matter what, everything suited her, he thought but immediately perished it.
"You're late for work." She teased him, settling her body against the door as she folded her arms.
"I was dreaming..." Zoro shrugged. He noticed that she had already changed into her work clothes— a cotton blouse was one of her usual tops when she was reading at the ship. She was here so early , he grumbled as he was still half-asleep.
"I can kick you out." She smirked, raising a brow.
"Fine…" He let out a sigh, removing the blanket wrapping his body.
He didn't have a shirt on when he slept and Robin took notice of his chiseled abs as he removed the blanket on him. Robin shook away the feeling of trailing her lithe hands on those— That was an immature thought for a woman to think and you barely knew him, Robin , she mentally cursed herself for her sensual thought. Despite that, her demeanor remained composed, hoping that the swordsman didn't take heed of her regard towards his body. Then, once again, a smile was tugged on her face, completely masking what she felt.
"Anyways, meet me in the kitchen, got it?" She almost left the room then peered her head once again, "I almost forgot— this morning, Bepo was here to lend your clothes from the ladies. They really have good eyes choosing those." She smiled as she pointed at his night stand, before leaving him alone in the room.
Zoro looked for the bathroom in Robin's place to wash his face and change into some fresh clothes the ladies gave him. Surprisingly, he didn't get lost on locating the bathroom as well as Robin's dining room after he finished changing. He saw a handful of food prepared on the table like savory bacon and eggs, deep-fried shrimp fritters, and hash browns. He presumed that stupid cook did all of this for Robin. But really, is eating so much food here common? If that's the case, then he should train after work, if Robin or should he say, his boss, would let him. Maybe she will, he thought.
Robin stopped on what she was reading upon hearing Zoro enter the room. She greeted him with a smile, "If you're curious, Sanji was the one who prepared that but not for you, Sanji had told me." Robin chuckled.
"Why am I not surprised?" Zoro rolled his eyes.
She continued, "But I insisted that I should share this with you since I can't finish this whole thing, care to join me?" She was waiting for him to eat, he noticed, the breakfast wasn't yet eaten nor being touched.
He nodded. Who can't deny free food? All he has been doing around here was eat, probably he should go train again. He sat to the nearest seat, in front of Robin, from where he was standing then, the both of them ate in silence. Zoro won't bad mouth the cook for now since, honestly, that idiot cook never misses when it comes to cooking, he thought. He still was a good cook, yet he was still an annoying, idiotic prick. However, with all these dishes served, Zoro just wished he had a sake beside him to quench his thirst.
Robin stole a glance at him while eating, she felt relieved that he looked delighted. But then, she just remembered that she was supposed to tell him about her déjà vu. This would be a great time to tell him that, she thought. Robin put down her utensils, then stifled her hands under her chin. Her eyes focused intently at the man in front of her.
"I wanted to tell you something." Robin started.
Zoro gazed up, stopping mid-way on chewing the potatoes. His eyes fixed on her, eagerly expecting for her to speak to which Zoro felt like he was being scrutinized under her azure eyes. His hands froze somehow— he wasn't sure why, but he stayed vigilant on what's about to happen next.
"I think I know you… somehow ." Robin said.
Zoro almost choked on the potatoes he was chewing. He never expected that she would say that. So, does it mean that she remembers about the Sabaody incident? He thought, but then he remembered, if she knows him, then why didn't she say so in the first place?
Robin chuckled at the sight of the swordsman, and continued on, "Look, Zoro, I know that we haven't met but after you came here in Rustbay, all of a sudden, I have memories of you when clearly I haven't met you yet." Robin was still staring at him across the table, examining his features, "I know this is kind of far-fetched but, do you believe what I'm saying?"
It was a sudden confession but then, the thought of her remembering him might do something but no, she still told him that she didn't know him… now that did make sense to him but he took note of what she said. And honestly? He didn't anticipate this at all during breakfast.
"Have you already told anyone about this?" He questioned her, instead of directly answering her, after all, he didn't know how to explain it to Robin as well, given that his memories were still a bit hazy and only giving him vague answers. The only thing he knew was that something was really odd happening here.
"Only you… And I don't think Nami and the others will have any explanation for this, that's why I'm telling you this if you happen to know something." Robin said.
"Look, I don't know how to explain that. I don't even know how I ended up here in the first place." Zoro said. Now that Robin actually told him, what if he told her that he might actually not from here. As in literally. He still didn't have any idea how he got here, honestly. It has been five days, and today it was already February 7th. He took note of Robin's birthday then dated back on February 2nd, if he was being accurate on his date.
Robin sighed, "So you didn't know either, huh? I guess that explains it…"
"The what?" He tilted his head.
"I just thought that you may have the answers. It has been bugging me since last night and I blame you for that," she let out a dry laugh, though it wasn't a joke, he knew that. "That's why I thought of asking you now, instead of doing nothing to satisfy my curiosity."
Zoro nodded on what she said. He can't help but smile— her archeologist side must be giddy right now, he thought.
She heaved a sigh, "Pardon for that, Zoro, but—"
"No, it's okay. I guess you needed answers as well as myself."
Robin nodded. He was right . They both needed answers for that, "Well, that settles it for now. Let's continue to eat. I don't want Sanji to tell me that I have let the food go to waste." She gave him a smile for which Zoro agreed to her.
The breakfast went on quietly as expected, but Robin wanted that in her mornings, just peace and quiet. Robin didn't press Zoro for further information, for now, but she thought, maybe she can ask some of the townspeople around. They might also have a say regarding what she experienced. She hoped there would be definite answers to her questions.
After breakfast, Robin's shop opened that morning. Her florists and workers followed as they were already busy working on the orders at the shop while most of the orders were ready to deliver to their designated customers. Robin was about to finish her call with a client on a transponder snail when she heard the bell chimed on the front door.
"We'll call you later…" She told her client before she ended their call. "Who could that be?" Robin wondered. It was too early for someone to visit the shop. She almost made her way to greet the client but it was old lady Marina who showed up to greet her instead.
"Oh, Ms. Marina! You're here to see your orders?" She gave her a pleasant smile when the old lady came into her shop, but Marina shook her head then stood for a while, making Robin wait for her to speak, then all of a sudden, the old lady spoke.
"So, you already met the swordsman?"
"What?" Robin was caught off guard and almost dropped the poor transponder snail, but quickly, she managed to pick up the snail thanks to her good reflexes. Why would she even be surprised that she would ask her that? It was not like anything had happened between her and Zoro last night. She just let the swordsman live in her spare room, nothing else.
Marina just let out a cordial laugh, amused at Robin. "Just what I've thought. You sure are quick to trust Robin, hm?"
Robin was taken aback when she said, well, the swordsman felt eerily familiar to her, what can she do? It felt like he was her friend, however, there's no sign of him entering her life from the past few years. If he did, then she should have known his name before, right? Not until yesterday. She even insisted on helping the swordsman, but to what extent? Surely, there would be something behind her intentions, she can't quite place what could that be.
"He seemed nice, no?" The old lady spoke, interrupting her thoughts, as she sat in one of the chairs for the waiting area.
"Gossips spread so fast, no, Ms. Marina?" Robin asked, she swayed the conversation on not answering the old lady.
"Oh, you bet! Those ladies can't hold their tongues even though their husbands are having a hard time stopping those mouths from talking…" Marina let out a hearty laugh, then her face turned solemn, sighing, "Now, I just remembered my husband..."
Robin looked at the old woman with a sympathetic gaze. " Ah, here we go again," she thought. Marina had told her about her husband one time but she just stops and dismisses it as Robin would just continue on listening while she was working. But if Marina would speak about him, it was always about the days when her husband would take her on the cliffs in the far north of Rustbay. It was a fond memory, Marina would often say, but the old lady would never talk about what happened to her husband. She just said that he was lost, left their kids in her care, and never came back without looking back. She wouldn't pry without her consent— that would just open a wound if she might ask what happened. But this time, it was different…
"Remember Manuel?" Marina said.
Robin just nodded, Marina always told Robin about her husband's name, as the old lady stared at the flowers in front of her, carefully tracing its petals. "That fountain… was the last time where we last saw each other." She sighed. It was like she was rambling to herself, and Robin was just there to witness her speak to herself.
The old woman continued on, "That I won't forget for almost twenty years, he would just slip away from my grasp… I still felt helpless up until now…"
Robin remained silent for a while. It was best for her to be quiet and just listen to the lady. She needed that and Robin couldn't help but feel sorry for the old lady as she patted her back.
"I... I don't know what to say, Ms. Marina." She told her as she stilled on where she stood. This was the first time she knew about what happened to her husband. Sure, she had known Marina for almost 6 months of her stay here but then this was the first time she had talked about this. The only things they have talked about are: flowers, plants and archeology and at some point, Marina's life. But she would never think Marina would tell her this— the old lady hasn't told her about what happened to her husband aside from the fact that he had disappeared from Rustbay, leaving no trace, and never came back.
"Ah… I'm sorry I always do that and interrupt your work, Robin. I'm just an old lady spewing about anything that comes out of her mouth, but at least those gossipers are nothing to compare to mine." She chuckled and sighed, "Don't mind me rambling once again about my husband," She almost stumbled upon standing due to her jittery legs, but Robin quickly assisted her to stand up.
"It's nothing, Ms. Marina. I'm glad to be listening to you."
"What a kind lady, you are, Robin— Oh, the flowers! I almost forgot why I am here in the first place! Don't ever forget about my orders later, dear. Just deliver it to my house." She smiled at Robin, already heading out to the door.
"You won't have a look at the flowers, Ms. Marina?"
The old lady just shook her head as she abruptly stopped on her tracks, "I already trust you, dear. I know you all do better. See you around, Robin."
"Take care! And Ms. Marina? If you would like to talk to, I'm always here to listen."
"Sure thing, dear." Marina nodded and gave her a warm smile, then the old lady left.
Robin was used to mornings like that. But what can she say? She was happy to listen to an old lady's life story as a florist rather than listening to an arrogant businessman at the city telling her that he would earn more money than her as an archeologist. She hated those people. She was thankful enough that she left the city and at least she would never face those assholes again.
Turning her back, Erin was there at the front desk.
"Ms. Robin, I'm sorry I was late to tend to Ms. Marina."
"No, it was fine, Erin. You can handle the other customers. I assure you I can deal with Ms. Marina." Robin told her.
Erin just nodded, then, "By the way about the guy upstairs…"
"Oh, the swordsman? What's the problem?" Robin chuckled. Earlier, she already told Erin about Zoro staying in the spare room. She told her that it was just temporary and he won't stay long, but if he does, then she might need to readjust her lifestyle now that she has a new housemate.
"Won't it be too… inappropriate—" She considered her words, averting her gaze, "—you know, for him to stay at your home?"
"Why would it be? He needed a place to stay. There's no malice for a person who needs shelter, Erin." Robin sighed as she remained calm despite that. She knew Erin meant no harm in her words. It was just her kindness that was often wrong to some townspeople and she couldn't control what they thought about it. That shouldn't be Robin's problem. She didn't care about what the townspeople might say.
"Let's head back to work, Erin. There's more to do." Robin said, patting her shoulder before leaving Erin alone in the front desk.
There's nothing wrong with helping those in need, right?
Although Zoro wasn't used to doing house chores, surprisingly, he washed the dishes before he eventually headed downstairs. Robin saw him at the stairs, and waved him off to go to the workshop with her. He looked around the room. Obviously, since this was the workshop, most of the flower arrangements were being made here. Aside from that, there stood Robin's workers and already waiting for their boss to speak and apparently, Zoro, who was now working for her.
"Everyone, I want you to meet Roronoa Zoro, he will be working with us for a while." Robin started as her workers greeted him with 'Hello, Zoro,' but there are some who weren't that enthusiastic to welcome the newcomer.
Robin continued on, "I'm only in charge to most of the sales and designing arrangements; ordering flowers, plants and greens and all the boring stuffs, so Ben here—" she gestured for Ben to settle beside her, "—was in charge of logistics and I trust Ben that he can teach Zoro faster than me."
"You sure he won't be a pain in the ass, Ms. Nico?" Ben snickered as soon as Robin finished while Zoro on the other side, rolled his eyes.
Robin chuckled, "I think he won't. Since we've both agreed that in exchange for him living in my home for a while, he will work for me. Now, let's head back to work, shall we?" She finished with a smile as she headed out of the room. Robin knew there would be questions among them but she just left them as they were.
As Robin left the room, murmurs erupted in the room. Ben wasn't the only one who was shocked when they heard of this news from their boss. But then, now that they have heard it coming from Ms. Nico's, that confirmed that the rumors were true. If Sanji knew that the one who told them were his assistant cooks in Baratie's, he wouldn't be surprised. He might have told them that no one should speak of the dinner yesterday, yet they're too stubborn and now, almost all of the townspeople, including Robin's workers, know that the swordsman was now living with Ms. Nico.
After a while, Robin was busy calling one of their clients, and she noticed that Zoro was already adjusting well. Although she can't help but hide her laugh when she notices Zoro can't find his way. Is he that idiot? She nudged one of her workers in his direction to lead Zoro on his right away, instead of being lost. Even though the room he was supposed to go to was a meter behind him, he still got lost on his tracks.
She surely liked how he looked flustered when her worker pointed out, and Zoro even muttered, 'I know' when clearly, he was going the other way around.
"Silly, swordsman." Robin chuckled and went back on call.
Hours passed, and Zoro was helping around the flower shop. Zoro was surprisingly a fast learner on doing the heavy duty in the flower shop. He put in his mind, doing all the work on the shop was just part of his training even if he was away from Mihawk. Boxes, plants, flowers, he would help lift it to the workshop for the flower arrangements. Even Ben admitted that he thought that Zoro would just be a 'big oaf with no brain,' he meant no offense, that's what he meant for his own 'tough love' but Zoro just shrugged it off. He didn't mind what the other workers would say, at least he was doing his part.
Even if most of Robin's workers give him a doubting glance, they still remained tight-lipped. When Robin was nowhere to be seen around the room, they began talking about their boss behind her back. Some of them even said that Robin was surprisingly kind to the swordsman. Well, she was kind to all of them, honestly. She will be giving those kind smiles to everyone she meets— even to the flowers she took care of, she would give them a smile, but the way she acted towards the swordsman, it looked like there's something . Like she was extremely caring as Erin had observed even if this was the first day Zoro was working here at the shop.
"Hey, Erin. Ms. Robin wasn't like that, was she?" One of the workers asked Erin.
"Like what?" She asked, although she knew what they meant.
Anya, one of the florists, immediately shushed them up, giving them warning, "Don't let the others know about that, you know how rumors travel fast around here. Even Ms. Nico wasn't free from that, and you know about it. Remember that time with Dr. Trafalgar and her?"
They reminisce that time back when Robin was relatively new in Rustbay. Aside from the first people who befriend her— Nami, Sanji, Luffy, Usopp and Chopper— Dr. Trafalgar was there to greet her in front of her new home. One gossip to another, now everybody in the central initially thought that Robin was his lover. The doctor wasn't like that. He was aloof, as some of the ladies would say but still visit him from time to time. Even Dr. Kureha who recommended him here as a doctor was surprised that he eventually went out of the clinic and visit the former archeologist. He was never like that— he was aloof and never talks. When they were about to snoop what's going on between the doctor and the new florist, it turns out that Law happened to know Robin because of what she did as an archeologist during her expeditions with the Oharan scholars. Eventually, the townspeople learned that they eventually became good friends or that's what they say.
While others do not seem to bother the two anymore, rumors have spread that one of them has unrequited feelings for the other. No one knew where it came from and no one knew who had spread that in the first place. Up until now, no one still hasn't known the truth which to Law and Robin's relief, they were both glad the rumor died down eventually.
Meanwhile, Zoro overheard it but he just brushed it off and continued stacking the pots on one side. However, there was that sneaky bitch who stood out to ask Zoro all of a sudden which prompted the other workers to turn their heads at him.
"So, it's really true that you're already living in Ms. Nico's home? Upstairs?" One of them asked as Zoro gave them a deft nod, not wanting to answer more of their questions, and proceeded to his work.
"How did you find your way to Ms. Nico?" They continued on.
Zoro knew he was the one being asked again. He already opened his mouth but he was soon interrupted by another question.
"Did you seduce her?"
"What?" Zoro scowled.
That was definitely drawing a line. They were concerned, that was true, who wouldn't be concerned if some stranger would be staying at a woman's home, but then, they should have respected Robin's privacy if she didn't intend it to talk in public. They were in her own workplace. they were too aggressive when it comes to Zoro, so naturally, he would talk back against them.
"I'm only here because I need to go back to where I came from and what you are thinking is complete bullshit. If you keep on thinking like that, it's like you don't trust Robin at all." Zoro scolded them. If only he wasn't working here, he would definitely take down all of them, but no, they were still Robin's workers. He thought if he would settle on violence and without thinking rationally, then nothing would happen. Even on Zoro's first day of work here, he should stay good or else Robin will kick him out of the house and the worst part, he won't go back to Kuraigana.
After that dreadful conversation with the other workers, Zoro ignored the uneasy tension that enveloped the room. He just wished his biting words would shut their mouths and never talk back against Robin. Everyone stayed silent, watching Zoro go out of the room as he finished his work at the workshop. No murmurs erupted, hopefully, and all of them eventually went back on working.
Later that day, as Zoro was taking a break for a while, Robin told him that he should go deliver his first orders to Ms. Marina. She explained to him that Marina's house was almost four kilometers away from the central, where the flower shop resides, hence, a car was needed to transport the orders. Robin observed earlier that Zoro wasn't good at directions, that's why he needed someone to drive the car. At first, Zoro agreed with no remorse on what Robin asked him but then, his expression turned sour when she mentioned Ben, insisting that Zoro will be joining him on their way to Ms. Marina's house.
Now, Zoro was stuck with Ben in the car— pretty sure both of them weren't so happy about it.
As they head to Marina's house, it was going smooth so far yet the uneasy tension between the two men was noticeable as if they were on thin ice. Unlike being with Robin, he sure liked her company more than being stuck here with Ben but with hate, Zoro thought. Why did he have to be here with Ben? If that stupid cook would be the first one who annoys him, definitely Ben would rank second. More importantly, why would Robin even insist on bringing Ben with him and not that other funky guy who stamps the orders? He was much better than this old geezer, he scoffed.
"So, it's been what? Two days? And Ms. Nico already likes you, huh?" Ben started all of a sudden, not removing his eyes on the road.
"I don't know what you mean." Zoro didn't look at him as he focused his eyes at the window. He knew Ben was implying on him staying at Robin's just like the other workers.
"Yeah, sure, be naïve all you want, but we see what's happening. We're not blind, Roronoa." He gripped the steering wheel, still careful not to crash on the road.
"I think you're mistaking it for something." Zoro muttered with crossed arms as he gazed at the fields they passed by.
Ben continued on, "Don't get me wrong. I know we should get along with you because one: as per Ms. Nico's orders, and two: we're coworkers. But if you really did something unacceptable to Ms. Nico, then we won't hesitate on not letting you out alive."
"What's wrong with you, people, hating me all of a sudden? I didn't even do anything wrong?" Zoro sneered. It didn't even matter to him, honestly, but Zoro was just tad curious on why Robin's workers tend to paint him in a bad light. Weren't they supposed not to dwell in someone's personal lives or were they just that insensitive?
" Yet . So, be kind and don't do anything bad, swordsman. All of the townspeople have their eyes on you. One wrong move, you're dead. That's a warning." His eyes never left the road but from the looks of his, it looked like he was really pissed on Zoro as seen in the mirror.
"You sure are a fun person, Ben." Zoro scoffed, ignoring Ben's scowl and that ended their not-so-good conversation. Zoro then directed his gaze at the window where fields of flowers were seen as they passed by the road. Zoro wasn't used to seeing much flora and fauna and as a pirate, it was often that he always had seen the seas, not this. Staying at Kuraigana didn't help as well. Since that island was kind of gloomy and pretty much that warlord and the ghost princess would definitely suit on that island, but not for Zoro. It just happened that he was transported there, but then, he kind of liked the ambiance since he learned to adapt to his surroundings, he was once a bounty hunter. Not that he truly admitted it to himself but, he somehow missed Kuraigana.
The drive heading to Marina's house filled only with the wind breeze entering the car. Not long after thirty minutes, they arrived at Marina's house. Ben had parked the car not too far from her home. Zoro took notice that the old lady's home was near the gardens which Robin mentioned earlier. Ben gently moved the flowers, handing them to Zoro.
"That's fragile, don't crumple them and also, don't get lost, kid," Ben said.
Zoro scoffed, "Like it's gonna happen." He hopped off the car and brashly slammed the car's door, making Ben scold him that he shouldn't do that but he was too late for Zoro to hear his voice far away. The swordsman then followed the cobblestones leading to Marina's. Luckily, he didn't get lost and there he stood in front of Marina's house.
"Ms. Marina?" Zoro knocked on the door. He waited for someone to respond then a few seconds later, he heard someone, probably a child, to wait for a while. Zoro seemed to notice that Marina's house was just a cottage that seemed to be old yet sturdy up until now. There are small coops not too far from the house as well as a tractor. After a while, Marina opened the door and greeted Zoro with a placid smile on her face.
"Oh! You're the swordsman living in Robin's home! What a handsome, young man! Now I think Robin wouldn't be alone any more." The old lady said.
He didn't know how to react with that.
Ms. Marina let out a chuckle, "Don't be shy, dear. Do you have the flowers?"
Zoro gave her the flowers as Ms. Marina's smile never left her face upon receiving the flowers.
"This looks lovely! Can you tell Robin that Old lady Marina thanks her as always, thank you?"
"It's Zoro." He supplied helpfully.
"Okay, thank you, Zoro. I'm gonna give you something, wait here." She quickly headed back inside their house, and not too long after, Marina had a packed food on her hands then handed it to Zoro.
"Take care of Robin, hm?"
Zoro nodded and waved goodbye at the old lady. After a quite long ride, Ben remained silent and his eyes fixed on the road. Zoro was still thinking about what Marina had told him about Robin not being alone no more. He wouldn't dare ask Robin about that—he and Robin were just living together… No, not really as a couple but just two people living together. He respects Robin's privacy and if she was okay to talk, then why not?
The sun was almost setting when Zoro and Ben made it to the workshop due to the late advisory that there will be a night bazaar on their way to the central, that's why they had a hard time getting back early. But thanks to Ben being a local here in Rustbay, he knew shortcuts and eventually headed back to the shop. Robin's workers called it a day, making Ben the only one left to go home.
Robin was still in the lobby checking some last-minute logs for the shop, and welcomed Zoro as he entered the shop.
"So, how did it go with Ben?" Robin said.
"Lovely ," Zoro rolled his eyes.
She chuckled, "Don't worry that's what he is. Like a father, you know. He was tough on the outside but soft on the inside."
"As if I needed another father figure." Zoro shrugged it off. He wouldn't believe that Ben would be like that. He almost made it upstairs but Robin called him.
"Zoro." Robin said, a serious look etched on her face to which Zoro couldn't read, making him halt on his steps then turned his head to listen to Robin.
"Yes?"
"I've heard what happened to the workshop. I'm sorry for what my workers have told you, they were just concerned for me."
Zoro sighed. So that's what it was? "Don't be sorry, Robin. They should know that they're drawing the line when they've said that and I just told them the truth. I did what I had to do. Also, that old lady told me to give her thanks for the flowers. She looked grateful, by the way and she gave me this."
Zoro showed the packed food that the old lady gave him.
"Just what I've thought. You can eat that, I'm gonna go finish some last works here. I'm sure you'll like what she has cooked." Zoro just nodded at what she said.
He will make sure that he will eat this after he finishes training in his room.
end notes: thanks for reading, i really appreciate the comments on the fic if you have so far hehe anw see you next update!