Heyho,

so instead of studying I spend my time writing, but I hope you don't mind ;-)

Anana16: I'm really glad this little story could brighten your day. And yes, Zoro will suffer! That's always a given when I'm writing^^ But don't worry, Mihawk isn't off the hook either. Thank you so much for your sweet words.

BlueBoltKatana: Oh, I love your emotional adventure there, thank you very much^^ Well Mihawk is kind of old-school so I can promise you a lot of blushing but also some sweet moments ;-)

And thank you all for your comments, favoring and following.

Have fun

Sharry

Chapter 20 – Book

-Mihawk-

The first rays of sunlight heated his back while he was scanning some charts, which tried to explain why the islands were in need of a seatrain. Not that he really cared.

Right on time the housekeeper knocked against the door and entered. In one hand she was holding a tray with breakfast and in the other one the newspaper. Quickly he took his feet from the desk before she could scold him again.

This elderly woman right now had nothing in common with the wild amazon from last night.

"How is our guest?" He asked her without looking up, taking the tray and the newspaper.

"More or less alright." She answered and went around the desk to open the windows. "But I suggest taking a break today."

Surprised he looked at her, unconsciously opening the newspaper. "Why? Did something happen?"

"No, no." The older lady did not sound concerned. "Just a little visit from Aunt Rosie."

"Oh, okay." He blushed deeply. "If that's the matter… yes, I think you are right. Probably the best..."

"Calm down, Sire." She grinned softly. "This is something totally natural. She is not sick or anything."

"I know, I know." He answered a little bit too quickly.

"Good." She said offering him a cup of coffee. "So stop acting like she is."

Before he could answer she turned towards the desk and pulled out some little book buried under the tray. "What? A book? "

He looked up and raised an eyebrow.

"What about it?"

"Oh nothing." She answered swiftly. "I was just not aware that you do read books."

He only rolled his eyes at that comment. "Are you implying something?"

"Oh, not at all, Sire." She opened the book.

"You cannot read it."

"Why? Is it only for poorly mannered men?"

She seemed to be in a bad mood. He assumed she was mad at him, because he had been quicker than her last night, so she had been unable to find out what had happened to Roronoa.

"Please watch your sharp tongue while talking to me. It is annoying. But let me correct my words. Certainly you can try reading it, but you will fail because its language is extinct."

For another time he looked down at his newspaper.

"Uff, you sure are moody today, Sire." Kanan said and left with the book. "Both of us know that you love me because of my sharp tongue just like Loreen. But I understand that Aunt Rosie's visit throws you off." She closed the door behind her back.

A cold shiver went down his spine, but he shrugged it off and started reading his favorite lecture.

-Zoro-

Like winning a small battle he raised both hands to the sky, before hurrying over to the sink and washing his hands.

He had done it! He had mastered the true challenge of a woman.

Wait a second that sounded wrong. Really, really wrong.

Besides he did not do much more than putting some cotton someplace in his body he only had for few days.

This sounded disgusting.

Sighing he went back into his room. Sadly this was the last evidence that he was a true woman.

Of course he knew that he was one, he could tell the different between both genders, but up until now he had been sure that only his shell had changed. He had believed that under the layers of his skin he still would be a true man.

Another cramp greeted him out from his stomach.

He was scarred. He was a true woman, which meant… He did not want to finish that thought. He knew what that meant.

At least theoretically he was able to become pregnant.

Dammit!

With shaking hands he held his belly. This was real, this was reality.

Not only a damn dream.

He had to become a man again, better today than tomorrow!

Quickly he got dressed.

A simple black dress, nothing to mock about.

Barefooted he left his room and walked to the kitchen.

He was greeted by a great breakfast and the housekeeper, who was reading a book.

"What are you reading?" He asked and sat down, not wasting another second before eating, he was really hungry.

"Oh nothing, nothing. Just some book from the young Sire, but its language is dead already."

She held the book up and he almost choked on his food. It was the story about Hakuryuu, which he had told Mihawk all those nights ago.

"You know it?" Kanan's sharp view did not miss a thing. He simply nodded.

"Anyway…" She stood up and placed the book next to his plate, without asking any further. "The young lord seemed interested in it. I assume he regrets that he cannot read it."

For a moment they looked at each other and Zoro thought she was reading him like an open book.

"Okay my little one. My daughters will arrive any seconds for the first fitting. Eat up and meet me upstairs." She clapped her hands happily and walked off.

"Kanan."
"Yes sweetie."
He did not turn around but stared at the little book.

"Today you asked me how old I am. It's the first time you asked me something personal. You don't know who I am but still you're so kind to me. Why? Why don't you ask anything?"
A soft laughter sounded from behind him.

"My lovely Loreen, what serious thoughts for this early time. Don't worry honey, I know exactly who you are. You are such a sweet child, of course I cannot help but chaperone you."

She left and he stayed behind with another heavy burden.

He could never tell her the truth without breaking her heart.

Half an hour later Zoro stood with outstretched arms in the middle of the large dressing room, wearing nothing more than underwear and high heels, while three women bustled around.

Kanan and her youngest daughter Koumyou Seira were comparing fabric samples with each other, discussing in loud voices.

The oldest daughter measured Zoro meanwhile. Her relaxed, chocolate-brown eyes and her soft smile never losing their calm. She seemed so different to those other two women of her family, always behaving with integrity and discretion, but aging with grace, her thin brown air framing her face like waves of an ocean.

Actually she seemed a little bit older than Kanan and apart from that they had nothing in common.

While her mother and sister were quarreling about little things, she continued working and never entered their small fights.

"Maybe you should ask Loreen which shade she prefers." Her soft voice and her thin brown hair made her seem so weak, but she smiled warmheartedly and lovely. She seemed so innocent and unremarkable Zoro had already forgotten her name, which was not much of a problem because everyone called her Mousy.

"Mousy is right, mother." The youngest daughter held up the catalogue with the samples. "So Loreen what do you think? Which color sample fits the one of the invitation best? The one on the upper left, right?" Now she held up the small invitation card, where a small sample of Zoro's dress-color was printed on.

"No no!" Kanan disagreed. "The one on the right is much better. What do you think, Loreen?"

Without moving, because Mousy was still taking his measurements, he stared at the catalogue.

"Honestly they all look the same to me." Two mouths fell open.

"Why don't you ask Mihawk what he prefers?"

"You don't get it!" The mayor's wife yelled and threw the catalogue after him, barely missing his shoulder.

"He must not know the color of your dress." Kanan agreed angered.

"No reason to throw books." Mousy replied in her calm voice without even looking up. "Or do you want to add more bruises?"
Nobody said anything.

Zoro could not change it. This body was simply too fragile. Dancing and training had left blue spots everywhere at legs, hip and butt.

At night he had scratched his own shoulders bloody and his left wrist was swollen.

It was pathetic that little things like this hurt him.

"She is exactly like a porcelain doll." Mousy laughed softly, never stopping her work.

"Say Loreen, do you have any special wishes for you dress or the mask?" She asked him. "We might not look like it, but we are very skilled in tailoring and my aunt lives at the Sabaody Archipelago and can get all those exclusive fabrics only kings and queens wear."

For another moment all women stared at him.

"Like I said: I don't know anything about that stuff. It should be comfy and easy to move in. I don't care about the rest."

"No problem. I already have some great ideas." Kanan exclaimed happily and started drawing highly concentrated at some paper.

Suddenly someone knocked at the door, opening it a little.

"Do Not Enter!" Mss. Koumyou screamed immediately. "Show some decency, here stands an undressed lady."

An annoyed, dark sigh came from the other side of the door.

"This is still my house, Mss. Koumyou, I ask you to show some decency." Hawk Eyes answered cold. "I just wanted to inform you that I have to leave for Suzuno again. I will not return before nightfall I assume." For a moment he was quiet. "Oh and just for the record. This would not be my first time seeing my guest naked." He closed the door and left.

For another time Kanan and her youngest daughter stared at him with wide open mouth, while Mousy did not even look up.

"What?"
"Loreen, what does he mean?"
"Child, he's way to old you!"
He could not stop their babbling, so he inhaled deeply. This was going to be a long day.

-Mihawk-

The sun was already setting when he finally returned. He was tired and highly irritated by this useless waste of time. It was in his disapproval that the Navy used his current presence to order him around whenever they like to.

Entering the house he noted the missing shoes as well as the missing coat at the hallway. This meant that Kanan's daughters had already left and she was probably working in the backyard, like often at dusk.

"So Roronoa. How was your ladies-day?" He asked in an evil voice and entered the living room.

Darkness greeted him.

His guest was not there.

He was probably already in bed, even though it was barely past dinner time.

Maybe Aunt Rosie's visit was tougher on his little tomboy than he had expected.

Still Mihawk could not stop himself from looking into kitchen, dining and finally the trainings room.

The pirate was not around.

Somewhat disappointed he went upstairs.

It was not like he had expected that the other one would wait for him to return, but he would have enjoyed having at least one decent conversation today.

Some luxury he had gotten used to too quick during the last days.

Silently he knocked against the guest room's door, but heard no answer. Carefully he opened a door, but the bed was untouched and the room empty in the dying light of the day.

Where was his tomboy?

Mihawk knew that the pirate would not walk into the locked rooms of his parents or his sister without asking. There was also no reason for him to walk into the staff rooms.

His mother's dressing room was locked; the first fitting was definitely over.

He even looked into his own private rooms, but only coldness greeted him.

Did Roronoa leave the mansion on his own?

Maybe he should ask Kanan.

He made his way back towards the stairs, but paused as he reached the guest room.

Silently from the other side of the hallway, from his office, soft music played.

Cautious he opened the door to his bureau and went in.

Except for the little lamp at his desk the room was dark. An ancient record placer played gentle music. Mihawk could not recall the last time he had used it, if he had ever used it, that he actually had one.

The glass-door leading to the balcony was open and a soft breeze welcomed him.

On the other side of the wall of glass multiple candles and some lanterns offered warm light.

Slowly he crossed the room and entered the door frame.

Outside was the pirate, sitting at one of the two chairs. The open hair hid his face, while he leaned over the small table. An almost untouched bottle of wine and a half-filled glass next to him.

Naked feet leaned on the other side of the table on the other chair. The pirate seemed to be writing, for the wine moved wearily with every small movement.

Roronoa had not noticed him yet, too deeply concentrated at his work.

And so he watched the girl in the candlelight, while the world around them turned darker with every heartbeat.

He never liked someone entering his office without asking. This room and his bedroom were his most private place. But for whatever reason, he did not mind it at all right now.

"How long will you keep starring?"

Oh, so the other one had noted his presence.

"Good evening to you as well." He greeted relaxed.

With calm movements he took his beloved Black Sword of his back and leaned it against his bureau chair, before walking outside and sitting down at the balustrade, because the green-haired one occupied both chairs.

"How was your day?"

Both, surprised and annoyed those green eyes looked up for a second before Roronoa bowed his head again and continued writing. Mihawk could see Kanan's pinkish hot-water bottle in his lap.

He watched the other one writing with one hand using his other right one to turn over the pages of a book, probably taking notes.

"What do you wanna hear?" Zoro's words were calm, not aggressive. "Kanan and her daughters are a pain in the ass and I can't believe we didn't train because… of that." He turned over another page. "So how was your day?" It was less honest interest and more of a polite set phrase, something most unusual for the pirate.

Mihawk watched his tomboy, who did not even look up during their conversation but continued writing.

"Boring." He answered plain. "I was told not to go traveling during the next weeks."

The boy in a girl's body looked up confused. Their eyes met.

"Why's that?" This was sincere curiosity, without false politeness.

He shrugged his shoulders.

"I was not informed about the reasons. But I assume that all seven Shichibukais will assemble at Mariejois at some point and for that cause I shall stay close by."

For a moment the youngster stopped writing.

"Sounds serious." He mumbled, meeting his view without any problems. "Are we expecting a war?"

He could not hide a grin, leaning back and folding his arms. His disciple was not as stupid as he always tried to be.

He nodded. "I think so, indeed. Something is happening in this world, something the Navy tries to cover up. For that reason the newspaper is filled with articles about Lady Loreen, weddings and coronations instead of pirates and outlaws."
Roronoa nodded thoughtful. "As a distraction."
For a second they looked at each other, agreeing that something great was about to shake the world, if all Shichibukais were called in.

"Do you already know when it will be?"

Mihawk shook his head.

"If that event was about to happen, I would have been summoned to Mariejois directly. And it will take time for the other Warlords to arrive, so I assume we still have some time left. As far as I know the already Pirate Empress needs several days for her journey from the Calm Belt to the Red Line. If she comes at all. She is a spoiled brat. The poor fellow who has to inform her."

"Wouldn't it be smarter to cry off the ball, if a war is about to happen?" The soft voice of the girl sounded serious and grown-up.

"No, the aristocrats would never allow that to happen. Besides we have to keep up the appearances, right? The folks would notice that something is wrong, if such an important social event was canceled. I am truly sorry, Roronoa. But we will be attending."
Nodding approving, although a little bit blue, the younger one started writing again.

"You are left-handed?"

For another time his guest looked at him with this mixture of surprise and annoyance.

"Obviously."
"What are you writing?"

Astonished he watched how his tomboy slammed the book shut in a weak attempt of hiding it.

"Nothing important."

But this had been his mistake, because now it was all too easy for him to see the back of the book, realizing which story it was.

Again he had to smirk.

"There is no need for you to take notes. After all you are the only one who has a use of these books. They are yours. You can take them along, when you return to your crew."

He was not certain if it was because of the candlelight, but Roronoa seemed to blush and looked away.

"Whatever." The boy mumbled ungrateful. "I'm not taking notes."

Doubting Mihawk reached for the pile of already written on papers and pulled them closer, before the greenhead was able to react.

"Don't! I'm not done yet!"

With big eyes he gazed over lines of simple, elegant letters. His tomboy was right, those were no notes. It was a story.

"You have a pretty handwriting." This was not what he wanted to say.

"Not really." The pirate answered and lifted his left hand to observe it closely. "I think it's because of those small hands. I'm also much slower than usually."

"So you plan to translate it? Is it easier to read for you?" He asked what he actually wanted to.

"No, I just thought it's faster than teaching you how to read it."

Surprised he stared at the other one, who still gazed concentrated at his hand to avoid his eyes.

"Kanan told me that you wanted to read those books and after all I couldn't do much today…"

Roronoa did not finish his sentence, but Mihawk could not do anything else than staring at him.

He did not expect that.

"Besides I couldn't relax enough to mediate. Stupid cramps."

The Shichibukai laughed softly. "Not much of a loss. You know I am not found of this training method." But his thoughts were somewhere else.

"Thanks." He almost whispered softly but truly honest.

He was deeply grateful. He would have never asked the other one, his pride would never allow him to do so. He would also never admit, but since he had heard about those 13 paths of the sword he really wanted to read those books.

Any true swordsman would love to learn about those beginnings. But he would have never admitted it. Would have never allowed himself to accept this weakness.

And now he was holding the first pages of this work in his hands.

"I'm not far yet." Roronoa whispered almost unheard, not reacting to his words. "But I'm sure I'm able to finish the first book before I leave."

The unknown feeling of true happiness suddenly deceased when he remembered that the other one would leave him soon.

How could he get attached so fast?

What had he taken into this house?

The greenhead continued writing meanwhile and so Mihawk started reading.

"I have to thank you as well." His guest's voice sounded more like an insult, but he had gotten used to this, without feeling bothered.

"Of course you do. But what do you mean exactly?"

His tomboy rolled his eyes without looking up.

"I mean…thanks for…tonight." He answered even lower than before.

Mihawk blushed and laughed softly.

"You should pay more attention to your choice of words if Kanan is around. I never want to talk about contraception with her again."

Roronoa laughed as well.

"No kidding. Because of you I had this conversation with her and her daughter today." For another time their eyes met.

"But that's not what I'm talking about. Thanks for not asking about what happened."
The older one put his papers down. For a moment he felt that unbearable tension again, this dangerous unknown tension. But then he caught himself, crossing his legs and looking back at the lines in front of him.

"It was not because of compassion or something like that, Roronoa." He could feel the other one's view on him. "It was more than obvious what you were dreaming about. Besides I was already expecting your next emotional breakdown."

"Excuse me?!"

Oh, he loved this highly irritated voice of his tomboy.

"Calm down, little frog." He replied and stood up. As he reached for the other chair the little boy pulled his feet back so he could sit down across from him.

"According to your current situation it was highly possible that you would have a nightmare sooner or later. Women tend to sleep bad, especially during their menstrual period and last night was full moon."
"What the hell are you babbling about?"

For another time they looked at each other before the younger one looked away and continued writing.

"And of course there were only three things you could have dreamed about."
"And how would you know?"

Mihawk shrugged his shoulders.

"Because there are exactly three things scaring you." He crossed his legs again.

"Number one would be Kanan dressing you in a pink dress. I thought about that at first after hearing you scream, but at the moment I saw you I knew, that was not it."

"And how?" The other one gnarled irritated.

"If this were the case you would have tried to rip off your clothes while dreaming."

Both of them blushed.

"So what's number two?" Roronoa asked quickly.

"A hopeless fight against me of course."

Shocked the other one stared at him.
"But after hearing your words it was obvious that you were dreaming about your crew."

"Do you have too much free time in your life that you can brood about mine as well? I would never play chess with you." The pirate murmured unbelieving.

"Oh what a surprise, you know how to play chess?"

"I'm actually really good at it!" Roronoa boasted threatening.

"Anyway." He replied and took the greenhead's wine glass. "If it makes you feel any better, I can assure you that those fears of your dreams are without any reason. Brooding over such worries is nothing but a waste of time and only creates non-existing problems."

The boy did not answer while he emptied the glass in one go. It was good wine, but not the best one, not the one he would pick.

"The only thing you should worry about, leaving the little issue of the ball aside, is your task about becoming a man again."

The youngster turned away.

"I conclude that you have not reached anything yet?"

Zoro folded his arms.

"It's not easy, okay? It's not as simple as one of your stupid dance."

"Not that you are actually good in dancing."
"You're not helping me at all, okay?"

"Both of us know, I could help you if you told me what the actual issue is."

Both of them leaned back with a soft grin.

"And both of us know that that will never happen."

But suddenly Roronoa's face became serious again.

"What's wrong, little frog?"
"Don't call me that."

"But it fits you so well." He looked at him daring. "So?"

"Please."

Surprised his eyes widened.

"I know I have to pay more attention to my body, but please, can we train at least a little bit?"

Slowly he looked up at the sky.

"Are you sure, in your condition?"

"I'm not sick. It's just…." Every word was lower than the one before.

"Fine. We can, but do not tell Kanan."