I do not own anything besides these words and the cover art.

The incessant knocking woke Zoro up from his dreams, but as he blinked his eyes open, he smiled. Nami was fast asleep in his arms. Her sweating had died down, but he was getting hot from her warm body. He shifted a little, and she moaned in her slumber, "Stop moving. I'm trying to sleep."

Zoro chuckled and wanted to stay in bed, but the knocking multiplied now, so he reluctantly wiggled from underneath her. She held his hand and mumbled something he could not hear, but she let go and settled back into her new space. Zoro glanced at the fresh laundry still in the basket and went through it until he found his own comfortable clothing. The sweats he borrowed were damp from the heat of her body and his, and Zoro preferred his breathable fabric to her velvet tracksuit. After he changed, he closed the bedroom door behind him and shuffled to the banging. He pulled it open with a shout, "What the hell do you-"

Mama barreled in with what looked like a baby bag and three bundles in her arms. "Oh, Zoro, finally! Look, Hoichael and Michael have an emergency meeting at the school, so I need to get over there but the babies just fell asleep and I know if I take them with me, they'll wake up and cause a commotion. So…" She began handing the babies into Zoro's outstretched arms while he tried to comprehend what was happening. He looked into his arms at the three sleeping infants and suddenly saw Mama rush for the door.

"Hey-" he began with a shout but the babies stirred in his arms so he lowered himself to a hiss, "Hey! What the hell! I don't want to take care of your damn kids. If you can't do it, maybe you shouldn't have so many?"

He received a quick slap to the back of his head and Mama frowned. "I am a foster mother. These are my foster kids. Besides, you said you could babysit."

"No! You said you wanted me to babysit, but I never-"

Mama put her hands up defensively at his accusation but to also not give him a chance to hand the kids back, "Look, it will only be a few hours. Besides, Kokoro told me you needed some medicine after she said you made Chimney laugh with your antics and she helped you cook. We can do something like that...I scratch your back, you scratch mine! I'm a nurse so I have some acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which should combat the achiness associated with influenza." Zoro blinked and she continued, "So, just watch the babies for a few hours and your girlfriend will be as right as rain tomorrow morning. How does that sound?"

Zoro groaned, and the babies started fussing so he rocked as he complained, "Like a shitty deal, but fine."

Mama smiled at how instinct seemed to take over Zoro when it came to the babies nestled in his arms. "Perfect. Look, I left all you needed. Diapers, change of clothes, bottles, and some music. If they get cranky, just play the music to calm them down. I just fed them so they should be fine, but just in case…bottles need to be warmed in the microwave for maybe 30 seconds. Test it on your hand and then just hold them steady as they eat. Finally, they like being rocked…so…you're doing just fine!"

Zoro cracked his neck and sighed, "Fine, fine. Just hurry up. I'm not changing any diapers."

Mama grinned, "Of course not. But if you need to, they're right in the bag." She made her way to the door and thanked him once more before closing it with a slam. As soon as she did, the babies started bawling.

"Shit! Come on! All right, all right…shush! Shh…" He bobbed them around while he fished through the bag and found the music player. He pressed it and a soft and slow melody poured out. It was melancholy and somber, but it seemed to put the babies back at ease.

Zoro found himself rocking the kids to the music and his thoughts wondered as he looked at their sleeping faces. Suddenly, his mind swarmed with kids and parents. Though Zoro was abandoned and then taken in, he never felt like he did not have a family. It certainly changed and was not traditional in the slightest, but after Kuina and her father, he had Luffy, and for a moment, Tashigi. Now, he had Sanji and…Nami. He looked around the apartment and at the simplicity of it all. Zoro wondered if she felt safe in this place.

As far as he was considered, he would follow her anywhere. He already did. It did not anger him as much anymore. However, his mind went to her lack of trust or perhaps her fear. He wished she would trust him enough to relieve her burdens because they were a team…they were…more, right? He hated that he could not get to her in time. To stop the bruises. The tears. That was his job, right? He was her fighter.

Zoro's grip on the children tightened and one of the babies started crying so he fetched a bottle, went to the kitchen, and heated it up as he continued to rock them. As he put the bottle into the angry baby's mouth, the others seemed to be just as hungry and so he repeated himself until he had three suckling kids in his arms. Zoro did nothing but hand them the bottle and they seemed quite content with playing with his earrings and pulling at his nose. It haunted him the way they seemed to smile and jabber without a care in the world. Zoro had respect for Mama, as strange as she was, for being a foster parent. Koshiro Sensei was his foster parent, and he cherished him dearly for that. One of the babies started blowing bubbles and Zoro found himself chuckling.

"You trust me, don't you? I mean…you're babies so…you don't really have a choice but-" One of them grabbed his finger and Zoro played a tiny game of tug a war with the tiny fist, "You are so small…but right now, I feel smaller. I don't like it. It's like…everything is over my head. As if, I know nothing at all. And I just…"

The infants fought away the empty bottles and seemed more hyperactive, so Zoro let them roll down his body until they found the floor. He lay beside them as they crawled around him. Zoro found them to be adventurous and he encouraged them with his lack of disciple. They would climb on couches and crawl over wires, but at a tumble or fall, Zoro was right there to catch them. He thought Nami would be great at giving them orders, structure... He watched them roll over and rise, fumble to maintain balance and keep up with one another and he found himself feeling so low. It was not just the soft music playing, but his heart felt heavy, too. Kids usually uplifted people, and Zoro never cared to interact with them, but suddenly he felt a need to tell them all his heartaches.

"Look, you're still learning…just crawling now, but one day, you'll get better right? I mean…I've always lived my life that way. I always thought I needed to be better, for myself…for some defining moment, but then I met her and it seemed like…she was it. And she doesn't…say a damn thing. When I know, I know she's hurting, she rather shut herself off and for what? Pride? I have given up a lot for her, you know! I am basically trusting her with my life and yet she…just…"

The babies seemed attentive though Zoro knew they did not understand a single word he said. They clapped and giggled, as babies do, and he felt self-conscious. He felt as if he was being watched somehow and someone saw him have a therapy session with a bunch of children. He quickly swiveled to notice the bedroom door slightly ajar, and he worried he had disturbed Nami from her sleep. As he tiptoed closer, he saw her still in bed fast asleep. He closed the door quietly and went back to barely watching the children and begging that luck would put them back to sleep.

He dozed off right after they snuggled up on his chest, and suddenly another set of knocks woke him up. He looked down and cradled the kids as he quietly made his way to the door. Before Mama could speak, he hushed her and pointed to the bundles in his arm. She gave him a small smile and whispered, "How were they?"

Zoro handed them to her carefully as he quietly responded, "Well, they woke up a couple of times. But I managed to put them back. This guy kept hogging all the milk, so I found some formula in your bag and make some more. Hope that's okay. They're still sleeping. I'm not sure if that's good or bad, but I also managed to change her diaper. It was overflowing, so haha, I guess she had more than enough food, huh?"

The woman looked at him and blinked, "Oh, my goodness. You are quite something, huh?"

"What?" Zoro responded as he gathered the rest of her items.

"Well, they've never been good with strangers, so I knew it was risky but I just needed to get to the school…but…wow, I am so impressed. This- this suits you, Zoro."

Zoro quickly turned pink, "Sh-shut up. I mean, it was fine. I just…whatever. Here, just take your junk."

Mama collected it all, then reached into her purse and handed him some pill bottles, "And here is everything you will need along with directions. Listen, the boys should have dinner made by now and I'll bring some down to you guys. Grilled salmon, wild rice, and a garden salad sound good?" Zoro felt his stomach growl and Mama heard it and chuckled. "I'll make sure Hoichael and Michael pack extra helpings…"

Zoro scratched his head, "Uh, thanks. Nami never has food around."

"Maybe you should take the reins and cook once in a while. I'm sure she'd love that. Though Kokoro said you needed a lot of help."

"Well, she's the one just chatting it up with the pervert next door and then next thing I know, she's in my kitchen making soup. So, no...I don't really cook. I have a guy for that. I usually eat oatmeal and instant rice."

"Oh, no. I won't have that. You're too good of a babysitter to eat such poor meals. Look, if you or she ever need a hand, just let me know. I'm sure the boys wouldn't mind helping you guys out. They really like you, anyway."

Zoro knew Mama probably had her hands full with the numerous children and a busy job. "Are you sure-"

"Don't worry; I'll be coming back for your help with the kids. If you don't mind." She gave him a tender smile.

Zoro felt a bit silly at how content he was at the thought. "Only if it comes with dinner."

Mama gave him a wink. "Always."

Zoro had a slight blush, "Then I guess that's fine."

Mama turned to leave as she rocked the kids again, but turned around to give him a quick glance, "You're a good man, Zoro. I hope she gets better soon. I'd love to meet her."

"Yeah, seems Nami doesn't socialize much," Zoro said as he leaned against the doorway.

"Honestly, until Kokoro told me, I didn't know she lived here. A man sometimes comes and goes, but he doesn't look like you."

Zoro balled his fists tight, "Hey…Mama, you wouldn't happen to know what that other guy looked like, would you?"

Mama stopped and furrowed her brow at the sight of Zoro's angry expression. "Now, look, I don't want you guys to get into any trouble. You hear me?"

Zoro nodded, "I know. I just…can you help me out?"

Mama paused in thought and sighed, "You're lucky I don't like him. He seems…like…not a good person, you know. I don't know what trouble Nami is in, but this guy looks like he runs with the wrong crowd. Big guy, like 7 feet. Wears ridiculous outfits and I think he has a gang tattoo."

Zoro leaned out and asked with eagerness, "Know what it looks like?"

Mama shook her head sadly, "No, sorry. I don't like to get that close. I got kids, ya know…and I make sure my kids know not to be around people like that." Zoro understood and Mama recognized the solemn expression. "Hey, look…if I do come across him ever again, I'll be sure to let you know. Okay, Zoro?" Zoro nodded and Mama took the opportunity to change the subject, "I hope Nami gets better. Oh, and make sure you wash your hands and contain your coughs and sneezes. Her, too. So no cuddling tonight, I'm afraid."

"Oh, a little too late," Zoro said with a shrug.

Mama giggled, "Goodness, to be young again."

"It's not-"

"Don't worry. If she's as tough as you are, I'm sure she'll get better sooner than we think. And as for you, mister, just make sure to take care of yourself, too!"

"Yup." With that, Zoro closed the door and relaxed finally. He looked at the clock and knew it was late. He would have to go home, but with Nami still sick, he was afraid to do it. He looked at the pills in his hand and figured he would sleep on the couch after he fed her.

Zoro made his way back to her bedroom and sat on her bed. He grabbed a fresh glass of water and nudged Nami up to make her take the medicine.

"Hmm, a live-in doctor and cook? How lucky can a girl get?" Nami croaked dryly.

Zoro pushed the pill past her lips as he tilted the glass and watched her drink, "Not lucky, witch. You're just a mess who needs the help."

Nami coughed slightly and settled back down, and Zoro rose to leave but Nami pulled his hand again. "Don't go." Zoro was tired, so he tried to pull away but Nami seemed to get her strength back little by little. "I'm not giving up…"

Zoro chuckled and leaned down, "Then tell me…tell me what you want me to do."

Nami made space for him on the bed and pulled him down, her eyes half open and her head buried into the pillow. "Just don't leave me alone."

Zoro nodded and took his place beside her. He turned to get comfortable, and as he did, she nudged her way under his chin and settled into his chest once more. He did not dare say anything more, and they let sleep take them over again.

Music Inspiration/Theme: "Say Something" (Pentatonix Cover)

1) This song will ALWAYS make me cry. A-L-W-A-Y-S.

2) I love me some covers.

3) Fluff…more like baby daddy feels and all the angst. #yourewelcome

P.S. Nami definitely saw him with those babies, but I didn't want to break up the point of view. Let me know if you want me to talk about how she saw it all go down or nah. Ha-ha.

Also, someone asked me how Kokoro and Chimney knew Zoro's name, I just assumed they got it from Brook when they stopped him from taking nami's panties:)

UPDATE: A paragraph had repeated and I don't know why sometimes my files duplicate text, but thanks to moi who caught it. I try to just upload best I can then delete the file as to not keep editing- I have a big issue with that, i.e. I never feel like something is done/good enough, and sometimes, unlike Pokemon- I can't catch 'em all, so thanks to those who see my mistakes!

XoXo shipfiend