Hello everyone,

today we continue with a switch of scene and some more strong emotions. (So what some of you wished for will finally happen ;-))

Thank you for all your comments, favoring and following, especially rebecca taylor and Anana16

Have a good time ;-)

Sharry

Chapter 11 – Trust

-Sanji-

„Sanji!" The navigator rushed in, her voice breaking, her hair messy and her lips quivering.

"What is it?" He was slightly filled with panic, letting go of the rag he used to clean the table and hurried to her as fast as he could for the moment.

"Are we under attack?"

She shook her head, silent tears running down her cheeks.

"He has woken up!"
All tension build within him was gone suddenly and he could not hinter but to hug the crying woman. For a moment they laughed and happiness filled the quiet aquarium bar, but then he was serious again.

"Thank you. You should go to bed now, try to sleep."

Namu shook her head again.

"Sanji, you don't have to do that. If you want, I can talk to Luffy."
For another time he hugged her, embracing her strength.

"No, my dear Nami. I have to talk with him. It's my duty."

Glassy eyes looked at him.

"It's my duty now." He whispered and allowed her to catch that one lonely tear before she nodded with squinted lips.

He took a deep breath, holding her hand for a second and then walked outside. Darkness surrounded him cordially and the cold fed on his soul, while every limping step brought him closer to the inevitable. His injuries healed quite well, at least the physical ones, but Chopper had forbidden him any training. He was well aware that those words were actually not meant for him, but he did not say anything. The young doctor was a tough little fighter; Sanji did not want to make it any harder for him.

He stopped in front of the sick bay. The last days had been hell and slowly Sanji got the feeling he would never wake up out of this nightmare. Weakly he knocked against the strong wood and entered.

His captain crouched at the bed, wrapped in bandages and with dark circles under his eyes, but awake and alive.

"Chopper, what's going on?" He asked squirrelly.

But the small doctor sat at his desk, grinding some herbs like it was a matter of life or death. He was not able to look at his friends.

"Hey, Sanji!" The black head recognized him. "Cool! I'm hungry!"

A sad smile crossed his face. Luffy was still happy, still lighthearted. He had been unconscious, until now. Unit now he was innocent and untroubled. And now it was his horrible duty to change this.

He simply raised his hand for a greeting.

"Later, Luffy." Luckily his voice sounded as strong as always.

"Chopper, why don't you meet Nami in the kitchen for some hot cocoa, while I talk with our captain?"

The reindeer nodded sharply, already rushing to the door. When he passed the cook, Sanji could see the deep tearstains. He really hoped Nami could offer some comfort to their youngster. Softly he closed the door to the kitchen behind the doctor.

"Say Sanji. What's going on? Nami was strange, Chopper doesn't talk." Luffy's voice was still filled with joy, not really worried. Obviously he did not get anything.

"How long was I out cold? What did I miss?"

In slow motion he crouched down at the stool, looking straight at his captain.

"Luffy." He said serious. "What do you remember?"

The strawhat looked at him confused, but then he threw his arms in the air and folded them behind his head.

"Let me think." He murmured like it was a difficult task.

"Ah!" Grinning widely he jumped up and down.

"We were at that great island where we wanted to party. Zoro and I put up the campfire and Usopp got mad because we used some stones, which could explode. That was fun! All those little splinters flying around, hitting Zoro and Usopp. They were just too slow to dodge it." He laughed softly and Sanji's heart felt like it was dragged down by millions of stones.

He had almost forgotten those happy, innocent moments because of what happened afterwards. He remembered that they, they wanted to celebrate, to have one night of filled with joy, but it was destroyed in such a horrible manner.

Suddenly his captain's voice was serious.

"And then the navy guys showed up and attacked us." He lowered his head. "They were strong. This guy in the coat threw me around like a piece of paper, I couldn't do anything." In the next second he was grinning again. "But you guys did it! I don't know how, but you got my back again. It's amazing how strong y'all got."
Sanji looked away. How could he be strong enough? How should he be able to protect his captain?

"No, Luffy." He murmured and shook his head. "We didn't win."

He could barely face him.

"What do you mean?" Luffy asked with a small laughter. "Then who saved us?"
"No one, Luffy. We were caught." He had no choice.

"You were unconscious, so you don't know any of it, but close to that island was a marine base." He could see the confusion crawling over his friend's face.

"Yeah, but now we're at the Sunny. So you escaped and took me with you? That's so nice of you guys!"

He wanted to scream!

Even now this naïve boy still believed it was all good.

"Luffy, listen." He grabbed the other one's arm, urging him to look up.

"Yes, Sanji. I'm listening." He said plainly. It all seemed so simple to him.

"You're right. We made it out of it. Zoro…" He paused, shaking his head again. "Zoro had a plan and got all of us out."

The younger one grinned again.

"Sure! Zoro can do anything. After all he will become the greatest swordsman in the world!"

Shit!

Almost dreamlike he could feel this wet pearl running down his cheek.

Protect your own dream as well.

He could see his captain's eyes widen as he stared at him unbelieving.

Live Sanji!

Incredible carefully, like he was afraid to break the other one like glass, he placed his hands at the black head's shoulders.

"Luffy, Zoro is dead!"

-Nami-

A loud, agonizing cry resounded within the colds room of the pirate's ship. Nobody was sleeping anymore, was not sleeping to begin with.

They could all hear it. They could all feel the pain.

Nami looked at the closed door, at the other side of it was her captain suffering. She turned away to hide her tears from the youngest crewmember. Luckily the only other woman onboard had shown up only minutes ago and held the little doctor on her lap. The warm drinks at the table were long forgotten.

-Chopper-

He cried.

For the first time since their escape, for the first time since they had left G-6, he cried. Until now he had put all his attention on Luffy. He did not think, did not feel, only worked.

Now Zoro was dead.

Although he was held by the warm arms of his friend and even though his friends were with him.

Chopper was alone.

Chopper lost Zoro and he could not even thank him.

He could not thank Zoro, for being there for him whenever he needed him, for protecting him, for encouraging him, for simply being Zoro.

And now he was alone.

He was left alone.

He was alone, again.

He could still hear Luffy's cry in his ears, but was already greeted by darkness.

-Nami-

"It seems our Doctor has finally fallen asleep."

The archeologist's voice was soft and calm by force.

"Not really surprisingly, though. Since our escape he took care of our captain round-the-clock and did not even bother to sleep. I assume he is more than tired."
The navigator simply nodded.

"We are all quite exhausted." Robin whispered.

"Robin?" Slowly Nami looked at her friend. "What are we going to do now?"

Robin shook her head and got up.

"To be honest with you, I do not know. This decision has to be made by our captain."
Nami nodded and fought her tears.

"But for now we can bring our young friend here to bed, so he has at least a few hours of rest."

Their way to the men's quarters was quiet. Only Luffy's moaning voice filled the deck like a ghostlike whine. The room was calm and dark, but all three present men were awake. None of them said anything, when the archaeologist placed the reindeer in his bunk.

"All of you should try to sleep for a while. The upcoming days won't be easier for certain." She advised softly but brutally true. The cannoneer exhaled loudly.

"Not like any of us actually could sleep." His nose was still swollen. His face still bruised.

"At least try to." The older woman ordered before she left.

Outside it was easy for Nami to see how her friend closed her eyes and forced herself to breathe slowly. Yes, Robin tried to stay strong, but she was grieving as well. Compassionate Nami placed a hand at her cold forearm, smiling sadly.

"It's alright, Robin. It's only the two of us. You don't have to be tough now, okay? Tonight I'll be strong, because tomorrow Luffy will need you. Tomorrow you have to be strong again, okay?"

The black haired woman walked for two steps, hugging herself tightly, like she was freezing, while she stared up at the cold moon. And after a short eternity slowly tears glided down her face. Nami walked up behind her and put her arms around her fragile figure. At some point Robin's legs gave in and she slid down to her knees, sobbing. With one hand she was still holding the rail, still hugged by her friend.

"Why?" She whispered silently.

Nami just shook her head and embraced her shivering friend even more.

-Sanji-

The next morning came, without anyone of them – except for the young doctor – getting a wink of sleep. It should be a good morning. Their captain was back at their breakfast table, but nobody seemed really happy and nobody showed big appetite.

Well except for the strawhat himself, who inhaled the different dishes like they were air. At first none of them said anything, a little bit afraid, confused and worried.

"Luffy." Nami murmured finally. "So, what shall we do?"

The already quiet breakfast became deadly silent. The cook, leaning against the stove and watched from the distance, bit his lip. He knew what was going to happen.

The strawhat just shrugged his shoulders.

"We sail on!"

Everybody stared at him.

"Luffy!" The little reindeer yelled. "How can you say that?!"

Immediately waterfalls run down his cheeks and the skeleton next to him placed one boney hand on his shoulder to comfort him.

"Because I'm the captain." Luffy grinned, not even bothering to stop eating.

"Luffy!"

The navigator's voice was higher than usual, her fist slamming at the table. But it was not her, but Robin, who was brave enough to talk. Her darks eyes lay heavily upon the black haired boy.

"What about Zoro, captain?" She rarely used his name. "How shall we honor him? Our cannoneer rescued his swords. Shall we arrange a grave for him at the next island or a cremation of his swords?"

Luffy did not even look up.

"Nope, not needed." He said swiftly and grabbed the next plate.

Aghast all of the others started talking to him like crazy. Only Sanji stayed calm at his place, watching his friend headshaking. During the complete last night they had been arguing and he just could not understand his friend.

Suddenly Luffy got up, pulling the strawhat over his face.

"Listen up, guys." His voice was deep and slightly angered. "Zoro needs no grave and nothing. We will head for the Fishmen Island just as planned."

"But…" The cyborg wanted to reply but Luffy grinned.

"Zoro knows that we want to go there, so I'm sure he'll meet us there. And then we can give him his swords back."

"Won't you get it?"

It was not Nami, who jumped up desperate, not Usopp nor Chopper.

No, it was Robin.

"He won't return!" She yelled with big motions.

"Zoro is dead! He died for all of us. It's over!"

The boy's grin simply grew bigger. "No. Not at all. Zoro's alive. I know it!"

Nobody knew what to say, but finally Sanji spoke up.

"Luffy. I know, it's hard to believe for you. But we've seen it. We have seen him die within those flames."
They all looked at him. He had never spoken about it.

Only Luffy did not face him.

"And even if he was somehow able to survive this burning hell, he was injured pretty badly and couldn't even stand straight."

But his captain just shook his head.

"But he's alive!"

Sanji was getting mad. He ignored his hurting legs and walked up to the younger man.

"He was standing right in front of me. Telling me it was my turn now. It was my duty now, to protect you. Why should he say something like that, if he'd seen any possibility to survive?"

He did not tell the others, just like he did not tell them anything about Thriller Bark. He had been the closest, both times. He knew when it was over.

"Isn't that clear?" Luffy placed his hand on Sanji's shoulder. "He meant, until he comes home, because he will come home."

Sanji opened his mouth but Luffy just turned around and left the room. Nobody followed him.

-Luffy-

Inhaling deeply he left his depressed crew. It was difficult to feel their pain, their grief, almost unbearable.

He understood what Sanji told him and he did cry, he did scream. But deep within him he was more than sure that his swordsman was still alive. And he had to trust that feeling. He had to believe in the other one, even if it took him hundreds of years. Zoro would return and he had to believe in him. He owed it to Zoro.

He sat down at his favorite place, staring at the wide ocean.

"Somewhere out there you are, Zoro. I know it!"

He drew in as much air as possible and then he screamed the name of his first crewmember as loud as he could.

Roronoa Zoro had to be alive!

-Mihawk-

He woke up early.

The night had been short, but he was not tired. In silent horror he remembered the previous evening. He could not remember any time in his life, when he had been so angry, so furious, but he knew, that everything would change from now on. He had made a decision, a decision he never wanted to make. He would take care of this boy.

Lost in thoughts he showered. What had he taken into this house?

He never thought things could turn out this way. He never expected some stranger could become important to him. He never hoped he would ever want to protect somebody again. With a sigh he regarded his reflection. Even though he was still the same, he barely recognized himself.

A snotty laugh left his lips. He wanted to protect the very person, who wanted to defeat him someday. What did happen to him?

But he knew exactly, why he acted the way he did. He thought about his sister. He thought about his former crew. He lost both. But not this boy, not as long as he – Mihawk – could do something about it.

But the conversation of last night would make everything more difficult, for him at least it would be more exhausting. What had he taken into this house?

He needed a solution, but not now. Now all he needed and wanted was some strong coffee.

Still caught in thoughts he put on some clothes, straightened his hair and brushed over his beloved sword. His loyal companion, his best friend.

The house was quiet. Kanan did not seem to be home by now and the young pirate was probably still hiding in dreamland.

He knocked against the guest room loudly.

"Roronoa, sleep is over now. Get up!"

No answer.

"Roronoa?" He asked grumpily, unsuccessful.

The warrior in him became alert. He pushed the door open and went in.

The room was empty, the bed undone, and the bathroom door open. Except for the bright daylight it was dark. One window was open and offered some fresh air. And then he saw him, outside.

The cursed pirate stood in the garden, nothing on but his thin nightgown, staring at the wide ocean.

With hastened steps he rushed down the stairs, past the training room and outside.

His guest stood in the grass, still wet from the morning dew. The green hair was dancing in the wind and the white little dress flowed between thin legs. The bruises and blue spots still shimmered in the light, but looked already better. The girl was apparently caught in deep thoughts.

"Roronoa…" He whispered and walked up to him barefooted.

The other one seemed to notice him and turned halfway to him. Those big, green eyes felt dark and empty. It took the other one more than a second to finally see him.

"What are you doing here?" He asked his tomboy, who turned his view back to the ocean, shaking his head slightly. The child seemed like he had seen horrible things, like he had been through hell, like he wanted to be anywhere but here.

"We should go inside. I need some coffee."

Yes, since last night nothing would be the same like it was. He waited for the child to catch up on him and placed an arm around those thin, still shivering shoulders.

But to his surprise the pirate snorted sneering.

"What the hell…? Are you stupid or what? Let go of me. You're acting strange, you know?"

He pulled his arm back.

"If I recall correctly, you were the one crying." He answered with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, I've female hormones to fight. What's your excuse?"

He sighed.

"You! You are the best excuse and my private hell."
The green head grinned.

"Your own fault, no sympathy!"

With slow steps they reached the house.

"So what did you actually do outside? If Kanan had found you like that, she would go insane."

Roronoa stared at his bruised feet and did not replay.

"Can we continue training toady?" He asked instead deadly serious.

"Did you listen at all yesterday?" He growled and opened the door. Zoro folded his arms but met his view serious.

"I did and I even understood." He said sarcastically. "But the first week is almost over and I'm not ready yet to handle a sword again. Not even talking about real combat."

Miahwk passed the green head, but stopped surprised as the other one bowed.

"I promise to take better care about myself, so please, continue to train me!"

He regarded the other one for a while.

"Not today."

"What?!" The girl yelled mad. "I even bowed!"

"Calm down, Roronoa." He said bored, walking down the hallway to the kitchen. He needed his coffee. It was clearly too early for so much stubbornness. Small feet followed him loudly.

"Your wounds seem to heal as quickly as you said. We will continue your training tomorrow. For today, take a rest."
The mad woman tried to talk up, but he looked down cold.

"Do not dare to start a discussion about my decision, Roronoa. You would only proof that you have not understood yet, what I am trying to teach you. A stupid disciple is nothing worth my time."

With a grin he watched this small mouth close again.

"Well maybe you are capable of learning."

In this moment the door was banged open loudly.

"Hello! I am back!" The powerful voice of the housekeeper shook the earth

"Oh no…" The Shichibukai sighed. "Not before my coffee." He complained.

"I heard you, my insensitive Sire."

The girl laughed softly.

"I like the way she offends you while staying polite."

The next moment the housekeeper rushed in, carrying countless boxes and baskets.

"The hell?" The young swordsman whispered, dodging the housekeeper's arms before he got stroke death.

"Kanan, what is…"
"No worries, my dear." She smiled.

"Sire, take this!" She shoved all her stuff at the only man available.

"Take everything to the storage-room. I will be with you in a second."

"But what is…"

"No complaints." She interrupted him. "I will make you some coffee meanwhile, before you destroy my kitchen."

What did he do in his life to deserve this?

Growling like a lion he put all the stuff away, without even wanting to know what it was. Back in the kitchen he was greeted by the lovely scent of roasted beans. The green head sat on a chair, trying to braid his hair, what seemed to be a quite difficult thing to do. In front of him was a glass of orange juice, he really looked like a sweet, innocent child. The former nanny took the time to prepare breakfast, talking non-stop to the fake girl, who could not run away.

"…and Seira had been so impressed, sweety. She was gushing about you the whole morning."

"Aha, thanks, I guess?" The pirate mumbled, obviously more occupied with the quest of his hair than actually listening. But she had already found her new victim, him.

"Sire, Tenkai told me all about you supporting him at the assembly. I am really proud of you. You father would have been proud as well."
Mihawk took a cup of coffee, raising an eyebrow.

"I doubt he would be even interested in this, otherwise he would have blessed Sasaki with his presence at least once within the last 25 years."

The room was quiet. A tense silence filled the air in between them.

"Uah!" Blustering loud the cursed pirate fell from his chair, hands tangled in his own hair.

"Oh no, Loreen!" Kanan rushed to the girl. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

Groaning the child sat up.

"The only thing hurt here is my pride." The youngster murmured and freed his fingers from his hair.

"I'm done with it. That's just stupid. Give me a scissor, I cut it, now!"

"No, you will not! For this beautiful hair hundreds of…"

"Girls would die for. Got it, got it. But…"

Grinning silently he watched the two ladies fight, while the housekeeper braided the long, green hair. Both of them continued quarreling like they were discussing something deadly serious, but it was just ridiculous to watch and he could not hinder himself from laughing. The women looked at him surprised and stopped gaggling.

"Are you alright, Sire?"

"Weirdo!"

"You are the one talking." He replied effortless. "Now I would appreciate you getting dressed, this will be a busy day for us."

"Why?" The girl asked suspicious, but he gave the child credit for not asking for another training session. Maybe this bullhead was able to learn something after all.

"We will visit Sarue today."

He faced the door.

"But only if you are able to get dressed in something less homelessly. Tomorrow we may continue your training. For now I get the newspaper." He grumped and did as he said.

When he returned the girl had already left and only the former nanny was present. He could not hide his grin.

"Seems like I finally have a lock on our guest." He muttered self-pleased and grabbed his cup again.

"Certainly." Kanan commented sarcastically, offering him a plate of fresh fruits. "Actually I got the impression this girl here is the one in command."

He met her teasing view cold.

"What do you want to imply?"
But she just placed a grape in her mouth and smiled satisfied.

"I hope you will enjoy your time at Sarue. Loreen already has a perfect dress for a day trip."

He rolled with his eyes. "We are not going on vacation. This is work."

"Of course. You would never spend your time useless, would you? Well then I hope you enjoy your work trip or whatever this is." She turned around.

"Kanan." He murmured without looking at her.

"Sire?" His eyes stayed on the newspaper in his hand, not reading a word.

"What do you imply with your words?"

"Which words?" She asked in an innocent way.

"Why do you doubt that I am the one in control?" Each word was lower than the one before.

"Oh Mihawk." Surprised he looked up. Since his earliest childhood she had not called him by his first name.

"I know how you ignore any emotion you might have, but even you must have noticed it."

"Notice what?"

Smiling like a loving mother she caressed his cheek for a moment.

"You take not only care of that girl. You care for that girl. You discuss with her, you talk with her. But most importantly, you laugh again!"