My Flower: Lilly
By: Kuroi Neko-kun
Summary: His own crew does not know his past but what if a part of it comes to them, with a secret that she tries to keep from the straw-hat boy?
Disclaimer: Don't own them. Wish I did. I DO own a Shanks figurine, which I treasure dearly.
Author's Note: This happens after the Arlong Arc. I mean we've seen everyone's past by now, why can't we see more of the hero's?
---
Chapter 4: He Can Never Know
---
She stepped onto deck that night, enjoying the night's breeze. The ship was anchored in the middle on nowhere and it rocked to the waves. She wondered if Luffy loved nights like these. She had grown to love nights, even after so many painful experiences about them. She shut her eyes, letting the wind blow around her. A creaking step made her aware again. She was about to reach for her gun when a hand caught it. Whirling, she reached for the other, only to be stopped again. She faced her attacker who was none other than Zoro. She had never seen him at such close approximation. He was so dangerous… and attractive.
"What are you doing up so late?" he asked, whispering. The swordsman let her hands go, expecting an explanation. All he got was her rifles, which were strapped to her back, drawn at him. One pointed at his heart, the other his crotch. He cocked his head. Something he had learned from Luffy was to never fear death or pain. With a swift motion, he stepped aside and kicked the guns aside. Since they were not cocked, they never misfired. She raised her eyebrows in admiration.
"Suicidal, are you not?" she said, smirking.
"Maybe," he answered, mirroring her smirk," answer my question."
"I love the night's breeze. Reminds me of the time I gave the money for Luffy to chase his dreams." As she said that, she holstered her rifles behind her.
"So you're the person he promised to?" Lilly shook her head, smiling.
"But he promised me the title of Queen."
"Ah," he said, making nothing of it.
"What are you doing here?"
"Keep watch. Someone has to," he said, taking a seat at the bow. A silence fell upon them. Zoro could not help but stare at her. She was an amazing girl with fighting skills that surprised even him.
"Roronoa Zoro… the pirate hunter. That's you, right?" A small nod confirmed it. "Then why become Luffy's first mate?"
"Because he asked."
"He must have done something…" she trailed off before grinning.
"Yeah he did…" Zoro found himself launching to a story about Luffy and how he helped Zoro. Lilly listened intently proud of the boy who had helped so many people with their lives. And she felt more uncomfortable of knowing that one day her story had to be told. Especially once they reached the island. She had to do something… somehow.
~~~
"We should be reaching that island in a couple of days if nothing goes wrong," Nami announced as they all sat for a hearty lunch. Sanji's cooking was undeniably good as always. Even knowing that, Lilly seemed to not eat. Her spoon stirred about in the soup.
"Is there something else I can make for you, Lilly-san?" Sanji asked, always at service. She shook her head, saying that it was not the food. Her eyes flickered at her side where Luffy sat, enjoying his meal. She spooned some soup and ate it, wondering what she would do to avoid confrontation. Luffy cannot find out about her… yet.
"Lilly, are you okay?" Luffy asked, concerned about her. She nodded before resuming eating. She looked across the table where Zoro was eating. Maybe… maybe that boy could help. She hoped so.
~~~
She stood at the bow, staring intently at the figurehead. Her plan was sound with reasons that dear innocent Luffy would not understand. She hoped that Zoro would, being older and much more mature. It was Zoro's watch shift anyway.
"Want a rematch?" he asked as he stood beside her. She smiled, shaking her head.
"I was thinking," she mumbled," about Luffy-kun and what he doesn't know." Zoro gave her a look, wondering where this conversation was leading.
"Luffy doesn't know a lot of things. He's better off not knowing."
"You're right about that, Zoro-san," she said softly. Her mind was still struggling to even let this guy know about her. "That's why I can't let him go to that island." A brow lifted. Zoro looked confusedly at this girl. She was trying to tell him something and was having trouble doing so.
"Give a good reason why." Slowly, she took out a piece of paper from her pocket. It was a wanted poster of a pirate. Zoro was still confused as he took it in his hands.
"I have a score to settle with that man and his crew," she explained," he was seen at that island last. I've been trying to get there alone but meeting Luffy again… threw me off course."
"So why not tell him and not me?"
"Because I don't want him to find out what that guy did to me." Zoro did not want to ask any more questions but it was the curiosity that caught him.
"What did he do to you?" Lilly found it hard to explain. Once or twice she would trail off and look away from Zoro. But he understood clearly. She was abducted, raped by thirty men or so and saved by the man that Luffy made the promise to. She was lucky that he did, she said. Zoro found it hard to believe. This girl got over something so difficult and trying to get her life back. Whoever this Shanks guy is, he's a saint to be able to help the girl gain confidence in her. Then again, it does explain the seven guns, especially the large one on her back. He sighed, understanding her drastic measures. She was afraid that the man she loved would reject her because of this. But wouldn't she know? Luffy does not take things so seriously. He's so optimistic that some people would think he's crazy. Zoro thought so once. Still… She dried her tears and turned to him.
"So can you help me, Zoro-san?" she asked. The reason was confusing and he had nothing to do with it. But Zoro could not look away from the desperate look on her face. Zoro realized that even if she did not say it, she was not doing this for revenge but to settle her peace of mind. He agreed and listened to her plan. They did not know that a certain smoking cook was eavesdropping on their conversation.
~~~
"Lend you my kitchen?" Sanji repeated her question," but I'm the cook around here." Lilly smiled at him, pleading to him.
"I just want to show Luffy how good I can cook now! Please?" she begged. The blonde gave it thought before agreeing. After all, even the cook needs a day off.
"Just don't make anything heavy for them. I'm planning on having a barbecue on the island later," he said, leaving the kitchen. Now alone, she took out some utensils and food. Then from her pouch, she took out a bottle of sleeping pills.
---