Wishfull-star: (*≧ω≦*)


Apparently this is the last chapter lol. I put the wrong chapter number on ao3, but this is the last chapter. Enjoy~


Luffy screamed a cried when he saw their beloved cat, dead on the carpet. Zoro was standing there, a blank, but horrified face on. He'd killed Karina. It was an accident, but he still killed Luffy's dear cat. Luffy was sitting on the floor and sobbing with the old kitty in his arms. Katakuri came running in, and Zoro started to cry, too, and ran for the front door before the man stopped him, grabbing his shoulder, and demanding to know what happened, since Luffy was inconsolable.

Katakuri was in horrible pain to see Karina dead there, but he had to find out what happened. Zoro was crying, and looked so guilty. Had he killed Karina? "I st-stepped on her!" The senior cat was very fragile, and over the summer had grown weaker. Katakuri knew her time was coming soon, but hadn't told Luffy.

Luffy was still crying. He wasn't trying to make Zoro feel guilty, but the taller boy had to be feeling horrible for what happened. Katakuri lead him to the couch, and then crouched in front of Luffy, pulling him into a hug. He didn't cry, not wanting to make the situation worse. He'd grieve on his own when it didn't affect anyone else.

Zoro kept crying, sobbing out apologies. Luffy was crying too hard to hear, it seemed. After a bit, Katakuri took Karina and cradled her. He looked at her with such sadness. He'd wanted her to die peacefully. But it did seem it was fast. Zoro explained that he'd run down the hall, and when he turned around the corner, she was there, and he accidentally stepped on her where she was laying.

To his defense, Karina was the same shade as their carpet. It would be easy to miss her in a hurry. "Zoro, it was a clear accident. An unfortunate one, but you didn't mean to do it," Katakuri said quietly. Luffy was still crying. Karina had been his first real friend when he was adopted three years ago.

"I'm so sorry!" Zoro cried. Katakuri found a shoe box, put a pillow inside, and gently put the cat into it. He bit his lip, sharp teeth not breaking the skin. When he went back to the living room, leaving the box on his bed, Luffy wass hugging Zoro, both crying. It was heartbreaking, and Katakuri felt so sad about this situation.

Zoro was always very hard on himself when he felt he did something wrong. This would linger for a long time. Katakuri knew it would. But the best thing was that Zoro hadn't killed her in wolf form. He was having trouble controlling himself like that. The floodgates had opened, and he was transforming in his sleep, even.

So, having him kill her as a wolf and not as a true accident would have been infinitely worse. After a bit, though, he wanted to go home. So they went to the car, Luffy getting his sunblock on, and drove Zoro home. The car was silent the whole time. Nobody said a thing, all distracted with their own negative thoughts and feelings.

When they dropped Zoro off, on their way back home, he called Koushirou to give him the story in case Zoro didn't. "I see… I'm very sorry for your loss. He's in his room right now."

"It was an accident," Luffy said from the back in his booster seat. It was quiet, and probably not heard on the phone. Katakuri told the other father to have Zoro call Luffy later. Once both of them were more calm and composed. Then they went home, and Luffy cried for three hours straight while Katakuri just hugged him or brushed his dark hair with the special brush he found soothing.

When Zoro called that night, he didn't really speak. Luffy told Katakuri that he'd apologized, and then hung up and wouldn't answer again. But he could feel Zoro's guilt and remorse through their bond, which was only growing stronger since Zoro started to have trouble with transformation.

The next day was Karina's little funeral under the big rose bush near the edge of the backyard. Zoro and Sanji were both invited, but Zoro didn't come. Katakuri knew that it hurt Luffy's feelings, but also knew why Zoro avoided him based on just how terrible he felt about it. Sanji was very sad, too, since he liked Karina.

Luffy had made a little message to say at the funeral. Mostly speaking about Karina always being there for him and was never scared of him despite being a vampire, and many animals feared them. Their kitty had never feared Luffy, even right after he got back from rehab. Then Luffy planted a single seed above the box she was buried in. He wanted something to grow from her grave space.

He managed not to cry through the whole thing, and was being very mature over it. Katakuri hugged him close. "She'll always be with us. You gave her a happy life. She was lonely before you became part of the family."

"Is she alone, now, too?"

"I had a dog when I grew up. I'm sure they're getting along just fine, now," he said, giving Luffy a small, kind smile. "Why don't you call Zoro? Both of you." Sanji nodded, and they both went inside to call their distraught friend. Zoro did answer the phone, but was quiet and didn't say much.

"We had a funeral. She's probably happy now with papa's old dog. I'm not mad at you. I know you feel really bad, and it was an accident. I'm sad about it, but I'm not mad or blame you. Papa said she was growing weaker lately. It coulda' happened to any of us." Zoro was quiet before he said a short apology again.

He was closing up big time, isolating himself from his friends. As much as Zoro came across as the stoic one, he was riddled with insecurity over his condition, and it only got worse since he started to lose control of the random transformations. Katakuri suggested to his father he see a counselor, but Zoro was adamant against it. For some reason, he thought kids who took counseling were weaker. He hated looking weak. And Katakuri didn't encourage him to get help because he knew it would only piss him off and push him away. So he went through the route of convincing Koushirou to take him.

But there was only so much he could do when Zoro was stubborn and absolutely refused.

The call was short, but after Sanji left, Luffy called again, and this time, Zoro fell apart. He always tried to look tough in front of Sanji, but Luffy was able to break down his walls easily, and was always there to comfort him when he needed it, or give silent support when it was the right thing to do. Katakuri was proud of Luffy for how empathetic and understanding he was to others. It did help he knew exactly how Zoro felt a lot of the time.

The next day, Katakuri asked Luffy if he wanted another pet. Not necessarily soon, but if he wanted a new furry friend. "Yeah. I want another kitty," Luffy said. Then he frowned. "I'd want Karina, more, though."

"Me, too. But I'm sure she would want us to be happy and find a new friend. Not to replace her, she can't be replaced. But as her successor."

"What's that?"

"Like when someone retires and another comes to continue on their work. The role may be to someone else, but nobody can replace the person who retired," Katakuri explained patiently. Luffy nodded, and said he hoped they could get a kitty soon. And he wanted Zoro to feel better. "He'll get better as long as he has support from his loved ones, which he does."

"Yeah. He's so sad, it makes me really sad, too. But he'll get even more sad if he knows that," Luffy mumbled.

"He needs some time, but that doesn't mean to leave him on his own. You're a very good friend, Luffy. Keep being that way."

"Yeah. I love Zoro, he's my best friend. I'll be there for him no matter what." Katakuri smiled.

-x-

Luffy was sad that most of the animals at the shelter didn't like him. They went to two shelters in the area, and all the kitties disliked him or were just rude. Katakuri felt bad for him, too, and they went to the car to speak a bit. "All the kitties don't like me…"

"The kittens do. There's still a month before school starts again." They had planned on not getting a kitten, but with the older cats disliking Luffy, there wasn't much to do about it. But they tried one more place, and Luffy walked inside feeling insecure and not very hopeful they'd find a cat that was the right fit and actually wasn't afraid of him.

When he saw a fat, orange cat in the crate licking the bars and wrapping his paws around them like he was trying to open it, Luffy was instantly drawn to the strange feline. When it saw him, he didn't react much. Other than Luffy heard it fart. He started laughing, and said he wanted that one.

The cage was opened, and Surume sauntered out like he was hot stuff. He was very different from Karina, but still walked into his lap as Luffy sat cross legged on the tile floor. While the orange tabby looked bored with life, he was still purring in Luffy's lap loudly. His papa was happy and smiling behind his scarf.

After spending 20 minutes getting to know him, they went to the counter to adopt him. Luffy gave the money to the worker, and then hurried to get Surume ready to go home. He got to bring his carrot toy home with him, and snuggled it in the cat crate. He was much heavier than Karina, but in no way too heavy for Luffy.

When they got home, Surume assimilated immediately, and found his favorite spot was under the couch, only half of him fit under, so his back half was sprawled out. Katakuri thought it was amusing, but Luffy knew he'd still rather have Karina. So he had to get used to this new cat, and love him, too, even if he was different.

The plan for the next month was to help Surume lose some weight. Luffy was all for that. A goal oriented task. Lose a few pounds by X date. He looked forward to helping the two year old cat to get healthier.

There was still trouble with Zoro, who didn't want to see Luffy anymore. He knew it was still out of guilt. It had only been a week. It did hurt a bit, and he was sure Zoro felt it through the bond when he called him back. Luffy had been holding in tears before then, and made sure Zoro didn't know that.

"I'm sorry. I just… I killed something, and it was your precious cat. I don't know how to feel better."

"Papa helps a lot of kids with stuff like that. It would help you, too, maybe."

"No."

"...Don't you trust me?"

"Of course I do!"

"And you trust papa."

"Yeah."

"Why can't you trust what we say, then? If you don't like it, then quit. Don't you wanna feel better?"

"I don't want some stranger's help for something like this!" Zoro was getting irate. So Luffy backed off, sounding sad.

"What if I go to counseling, too? If I'm doing it, then that means I'm weak, too, right?" Zoro said he really didn't want to go. "What if we went as a pair? We have that bond, right? Then you won't be alone and feeling weak or anything."

"... I don't know." It was an improvement! He didn't refuse immediately! Luffy told him to think abut it. "Okay."

-x-

Katakuri sat in the waiting room while his seven year old son and his best friend were in their joint counseling session. He hadn't suggested this, so he was impressed that the usually "dense" Luffy had come up with this compromise. The man had no idea how it would end up, if Zoro would cooperate or it would be pointless, but it was a great idea and he was proud of Luffy's consideration.

Zoro was doing a bit better, as it was the second week since the Karina accident. He was moving on, though the guilt was still there. But seeing Luffy get along with Surume, he seemed to be moving on a bit. He no longer looked ashamed and unable to make eye contact with Katakuri. He was doing better in transforming, too.

It was assumed to Katakuri that his internal struggle was overpowered by the experience of killing something living. Not as a werewolf, but he knew what it was like to kill something. Something that others would miss. Maybe that was forcing him to control himself. Averse to the feeling of causing someone else grief.

Just like how Luffy's determination to be a good friend for Coby spurred him to try his best to be under control. It didn't end up working out well then, but for Zoro, it was doing well. Of course, it was all speculation by Katakuri, so he couldn't be sure. It was just a hunch. He was reading an article on his phone while he waited the half hour time slot.

This place wasn't his company of work, and he didn't know the counselor. He felt Zoro might distrust Katakuri's coworkers to not tell him. So he and Koushirou chose this place. It had good reviews and was near a froyo shop. So they could get a treat after taking a big step and being mature, going to counseling. Hopefully Zoro allowed it to continue.

Honestly, he had no idea what the boys would end up talking about, or if Zoro would say anything at all. And he wouldn't ask Luffy about it, it was confidential. If he wanted to share, then that was fine.

When the time was up, Luffy and Zoro walked out of the door and into the little waiting room. Neither looked upset or bothered, so that meant Zoro hadn't thrown a fit or been bothersome. Katakuri stood up, and walked to them, asking if he should reschedule. "Zoro's dad should do it cause Zoro wants to go in on his own next time," Luffy said with pride.

"Then he'll schedule an appointment on the phone," Katakuri replied lightly, not bringing too much attention to Zoro's choice. He wondered what made him flip on this and agree to go back on his own. Well, whatever it was, it only came about because Luffy compromised and went in with Zoro himself.

They drove Zoro home, neither boy talking about their time. They just had the radio on. When Zoro was dropped off, Luffy gave him a big smile. As Katakuri pulled out of the long driveway for the Roronoa family, Luffy squealed, and proudly said he convinced Zoro to go alone. Katakuri grinned in the rear view mirror, at the absolutely smug face on his young son.

"Great job, Luffy. I'm proud and impressed."

"Papa helps people a lot, so I want Zoro to get help from guys like you, too." The father smiled some more, and they headed home to work on Surume's exercise regimen. It was a satisfying day for his son. Hopefully Zoro stuck to it.

-x-

"I need a five minuter," Zoro said, and Luffy nodded, wandering away. That was when Zoro needed a break with no questions asked. He sat outside on the patio and Luffy brought his coloring supplies to the kitchen table in their big basket. He wanted to color, and had a special coloring book for Zoro that he hadn't shown him yet.

It was nearly time for second grade to start, and Zoro was sticking to going to the counselor twice a week, and he was doing better! He didn't look so ashamed a lot of the time, and wasn't so closed off so suddenly. He still felt guilty over Karina's death, but seeing Luffy enjoy his time with Surume helped him. Seeing Luffy moved on and really forgave him.

When Zoro came back in, he asked if Luffy wanted to jump on the trampoline. They both hurried to take their shoes off and start jumping. Luffy was happy Zoro was getting help, and so was his papa.

-x-

"Luffy! What are you doing?!" Katakuri asked angrily, seeing Luffy sitting on the roof of the house. He looked genuinely surprised that he was angry at this. "Get down." The boy frowned and jumped off, landing lightly. "Why were you on the roof?"

Luffy mumbled that he was playing with his rubber body and was able to slingshot himself up. "But I can heal if I get hurt," he said.

"You're not allowed to go on the roof again." Luffy started to sniffle, but Katakuri didn't budge. What was he thinking, going on the roof when he wasn't even in an area Katakuri could easily see him. He only heard him from the giggle as a shingle fell off the roof and into the gutter. He was going to start setting things he could and couldn't do with his rubber body. At least, for now. Like when he tied a finger around the a door, and then when it shut on him, started screaming about being trapped in the door.

-x-

"Hello, there," a young man said to Luffy, who was waiting at the counter for papa's coffee drink while he was in the bathroom a couple feet away. There were people in the store, so he didn't feel in any danger to talk to this person.

"...Hello."

"You're a vampire, right?" Luffy nodded. "Where's your parent? Are you here alone?"

"Papa is in the bathroom."

"I see. Here, give your papa this," and he pulled out a flier and handed it to the boy, who took it and looked at it. "Well, my drink has been made. I hope to hear back from you both! Bye."

"Bye, bye," Luffy said, reading the brochure. It was for a testing facility. It called for minorities that would like to offer themselves up for information for future generations. Like someone whose quirk caused them problems could record said problems and solutions for people in the future who had the same types of issues.

Luffy knew there was very little to look up about young child vampires, and they had to guess for a lot of things. Then there was his ability with Zoro. Though he'd only talk about that if Zoro felt comfortable to do it, too. The door opened and his dad came out. "Did you poo?"

"Remember, I told you that's rude to ask," Katakuri said patiently. "What's that?" Luffy handed him the slip, and said some guy gave it to him. "Was he creepy?"

"Nope. He seemed normal, not like that other scary guy that followed us," Luffy replied. Their drink was called, along with Luffy's warm slice of banana nut bread. They got to the car, Luffy getting in his booster seat, and Katakuri read the paper. He asked if Luffy would want to take part in this. "Uh, maybe. Cause then it might help others like me, right?"

"Yes, it would." Luffy asked if he wanted him to do it. "I've heard of this company before, and have gotten some information from them, so I know they're legitimate, but it's your choice whether to speak about your experiences or not," he replied. Luffy thought for a moment, thinking that not everyone would have as great a papa as he did if they were turned into vampires so young.

He decided. "Yeah! I wanna do it!" Katakuri smiled in the mirror, and they went home to call the number and confirm that they were interested. They had a phone appointment planned, which would be on the afternoon of the first day of second grade. After learning this, Luffy called Zoro and asked if he wanted to take part.

"No way!"

"Why not? Then if there's others like us, they will have a better time," Luffy replied, surprised by just how offended Zoro sounded about it. He'd expected a no, but not like this.

"If we had to figure this shit out ourselves, they do, too."

"But we could help them."

"I'm no hero."

"But… you're my hero," Luffy said in confusion. Zoro didn't reply. "Zoro?"

"I only help you cause you're my friend. And you help me, too. But the people that would be reading wouldn't know us. It's private, I don't want them to know."

"Okay. Then I won't say anything," Luffy replied. Zoro thanked him, and they planned on going to the movies the next day with Sanji. Zeff would be taking them since Katakuri had work. It was their last day of summer break. He got off the phone and told his dad that Zoro wasn't going to take part in the interview.

"Well, maybe he'll change his mind. If not, that's fine, too." Luffy nodded and went to his room to put his fuzzy socks on and then watch a movie.

-x-

Katakuri just got out of the shower when he got the message. It was 6:30 and he had a very long appointment today with a very abused girl who was taken from her family and put right into another hard situation. She'd been seeing him a few sessions and he felt he was making progress with her.

He even baked cookies for her the day before to help her calm down. So when he got to his phone, he didn't expect to get a text from her grandparents. They didn't usually cancel, and had even been there early each time so far.

Opening the text, he dropped his phone at the message, and sat on the bed. The message was open and he couldn't stop staring at it. The meeting was canceled. The girl had been found in her room, gone. He couldn't think straight other than the fact that a twelve year old girl had killed herself. Did he fail? He didn't help her right.

But he knew that was not fair to think. There were way too many problems with her home life to be fixed in just a few visits. She was removed from that situation, but it hadn't been enough, or had been too much. He felt sick. It had happened before, his clients passing. He'd had a few kids with terminal illnesses. He'd always paid his respects afterwards.

But he'd never had a client kill themselves before. It was awful! But he didnt cry. He couldn't imagine finding your kid dead in her room to wake her up. That terrible sight passed through his mind at seeing his boy there.

He stood up and walked to the bedroom door before leaving and heading to Luffy's room. He listened, hearing he was asleep, before he slowly opened the door. Luffy had fallen off the bed again, and was tangled in the sheets, wrapped up like he was trapped. Katakuri smiled sadly, and walked over to carefully tuck Luffy back in.

Standing in the doorway a bit, looking at his kid, he left the door ajar and went back into his room to call his boss and ask what to do now.

-x-

"I'm not goin' to the movie," Luffy announced at breakfast. Katakuri looked up, and asked if he didn't feel good. "I think papa needs me at home today. He's very sad."

"I'm fine, I don't want you to miss out on the last day of summer break," Katakuri said, looking tired but grateful for Luffy's intentions. But he wasn't budging. He said he wouldn't enjoy the movie, anyways, knowing papa was sad all alone. "What about Zoro and Sanji? They're looking forward to today, too."

"I'll see them tomorrow."

"And you would see me after the movie."

"I'm not going!" Luffy said firmly. "I'll stay here and take care of you!" Katakuri relented, and said he was leaving him in his hands with a small smile. "Good! I'll make dinner-"

"I think I'll make dinner, but you can help if you want," the father replied, and Luffy put two rubery thumbs up.

-x-

Luffy was feeling good about explaining his problems to the nice people so more kids like him could feel better. They were simple questions. About how he felt when he was thirsty. How he dealt with it, the senses that became stronger, how his urges felt when they were out of control, and how it affected him emotionally.

He didn't really know how to explain his emotions very well, but he did confess he was sad to lose a friend over it. Even though he gained one in the process of getting better. He didn't mention Zoro much after just saying he made a friend in rehab.

They gave him a lollypop, which he was allowed to eat, and after the hour was up and he'd said everything he felt was important to say, he got to go home, and they went to get some groceries and then back to the house.

The boy felt great afterwards. Very useful. Hopefully his answers and experiences could one day help other little kids like him who were turned so early. He went to bed that night feeling satisfied, looking forward to telling his friends about it the next day. How he felt very helpful and that it was a nice feeling. He didn't think Zoro would feel guilty about not helping out, though, so that was good.

-x-

"I'm gonna beat you!" Zoro said, wearing his running clothes. Luffy refuted this, saying he'd beat Zoro.

"You guys will only beat me because you're superhuman," Sanji said, not sounding too bothered by it. He had a backpack on that held the snacks for when they got hungry. Luffy had the water and Zoro had any medical supplies. Their dads were all teaching them how to be responsible. They were standing next to Katakuri, ready to go on the 5K run.

They were all dressed in sports gear, good shoes and running appropriate outfits. It was a Saturday, and Sanji had wanted to do this, but Zeff and Koushirou were busy. Luffy's dad had the day off, so he was taking them, not bothered or inconvenienced. Though he acknowledged he'd probably not be faster than Zoro and Luffy, who were told to stay with the group, even if they could go super fast.

The race began, and the boys started to run. Immediately Zoro was running too far ahead, and Katakuri calmly called him back to the group. Luffy was keeping pace with Sanji, not wanting him to feel left out or super slow. Katakuri was in fine shape, and he was easily keeping up with the slowest of them, Sanji, though he was also faster than many of the nearby adults. Zeff made him be in good shape, as well.

Of course they could not keep up the pace the whole time, and they ended up jogging slowly or walking quickly while eating their apple sauce packets and drinking their big bottles of water. Zoro was bored with running slow, but Luffy was having fun anyways, even if he wasn't able to go at his full speed.

Since it wasn't really a competition, no prizes for who won first or anything, there was no real rush. They crossed the finish line together, but hadn't gone slow. It had been slow for Zoro and Luffy, though. But it was still fun regardless. After Sanji wasn't sweaty anymore, though not excessively, they went to get some yummy authentic Chinese food.

Happy about the day and the exercise, Zoro ate the most of all of them. Luffy drank a lot of water and then a blood bottle. Sanji and Zoro didn't care at all about it, unbothered completely. Not afraid of him. Zoro especially, since he gave his yummy blood to Luffy when Sanji or anyone else wasn't around. He didn't like doing it with Katakuri in the room, either.

After food, they all went into the car seats in the back. Zeff gave them Sanji's when they were picked up, since Katakuri only had two in the car at all times. When they were dropped off, Luffy happily said goodbye through the window. The kids were all in a great mood when they got home, and Luffy went to draw him and his friends and papa running. It was put on the magnetic board on the wall since the fridge was already completely covered in drawings from school or home.

-x-

"Ooh, I want that one!" Luffy said, pointing to an AB negative blood bottle. Luffy was finally old enough to enter the blood shops where most vampires got their blood supply. They weren't too common since vampirism wasn't a common thing. Luffy got bottles of all flavors, and even got one to try that was mixed with chocolate syrup, but not normal syrup.

He was excited to tasted them, but knew he couldn't open all of them for testing at the same time or they'd go bad quickly. But when they got home and put the bottles all into the blood fridge, he tried the chocolate one, and spit it out on the table, not meaning to make a mess. It was horrible! He hurried to the fridge and got milk, trying to get rid of the taste.

"I take it it was gross?"

"So bad! So yucky!" Luffy exclaimed in disgust. Katakuri wiped the table with disinfectant, and Luffy dried it, wanting to be a help. "Sorry to make a mess, papa."

"It's fine, it was an accident. Well, now we know something new, right?" he said patiently, with a smile. Luffy beamed, and nodded, glad he wasn't in trouble for making that mess. At least it was wiped off fast and didn't damage the wood. But when he drank the B negative later, it was so yummy!

Everyone tasted a little different, but the same blood types tasted familiar enough to be able to tell what it was.

He was laying in bed, thinking about Coby for once, which he didn't think about much. It had been a long time since seeing him, and he didn't remember some of their interactions. But based on the behavior of Sanji and especially Zoro, he knew it never would have worked out with Coby if he was afraid of Luffy so much.

He was about to fall asleep when he heard a thought in his head that didn't belong to him. "Fucking asshole, don't wanna go to bed yet." Luffy was sleepy, and didn't think about it much. His dream was starting, and Zoro was in it. He fell asleep easily, no voice in his head again. And he forgot about it the next day and it didn't come up during breakfast.

It was at school that it happened again. He was doing his math work at his table when he heard, "Shit, I'm no good, I'm gonna fail! Again…" The voice was Zoro's, and sounded so sad. Luffy looked to him and saw him struggling, rubbing his hand through his short hair. Luffy thought back, and just asked his name slowly, cautiously. Was he dreaming?

Zoro jerked up to see Luffy watching with wide eyes. Zoro returned the wide eyed stare, both shocked, baffled and confused. "Luffy?"

"Zoro…"

"Fuck! No way! We can talk in our heads?! Hey, help me with number seven!"

Luffy looked down at his paper, and said he'd skipped it. "Fuck. We'll talk later."

"Okay." Zoro was acting so calm about it, not bothered. Luffy wasn't especially upset with it, too. At recess, Sanji asked what was wrong. Since he knew about their bond, they decided to be honest. Luffy said he heard Zoro talking in his head. Sanji looked left out, and Luffy felt bad. But they couldn't do anything, and Luffy didn't want to have a bond with two people. Well, it might not work since Zoro was a werewolf and all.

They didn't speak of the awkwardness with Sanji's tumble into sadness. "I don't want to use it, Luffy. I… want my thoughts and feelings private," Zoro said. Luffy smiled, perfectly fine with that. "So, you don't need to be sad, Sanji," Zoro said in a rare tone of comfort and understanding. Luffy thought it was cool to talk to his super best friend in his head, but would respect Zoro's wish, and not try to talk in their heads.

And if he heard Zoro's vice in his head, he'd keep it to himself, and not alert him to it unless it continued to happen. They resumed the day just fine, and Luffy got help on his math, which encouraged Zoro to seek assistance, too.

When Luffy got in the car to go home, he immediately told Katakuri about him and Zoro's new discovery, and their decision. The boy saw the look of shock in the mirror, and he giggled. He rarely surprised papa that much. "I've never heard of that happening before," he said, controlling his expression more. This was very surprising and unexpected. Now he would be open to anything strange happening, and would deal with it then. If they could speak in their minds, what else was possible?

-x-

It didn't take long for Zoro to take back his decision. When he had nobody to talk to, he turned to Luffy very often. He got lonely easily, and Luffy was always available to talk in their heads. He tried to be the sun in Zoro's life. He was so scared of his transformations and hurting anyone that he avoided going to play dates with others or the parks. Or around any big crowds.

Luffy was always there, and almost always happy. This didn't mean he was never sad, and that he didn't turn to Zoro for help. But his main person to talk with was his papa, if he was sad about something. Surume liked to cuddle with Luffy, and had lost the weight. So Luffy carried the big cat around the house like he liked, holding him like a baby in his arms. He wasn't heavy, so this was just fine.

When Zoro came over, though, he was afraid to hurt Surume too, no matter the reassurances he was given. Luffy stopped pressing. They went to play, but couldn't really do anything when Surume came to observe or sleep, snoring loudly. He wheezed, even though there was nothing medically wrong with him. He just had allergies.

"Are you okay?"

"I think so. Today is a good day," Zoro replied with a smile. Luffy returned it, glad he was there for Zoro and that he trusted him to talk to him, even if it wasn't always important things. Luffy was always there for him and Sanji. And of course papa when he was sad, too!

-x-

When Zoro turned eight years old, Katakuri still saw the depression he had. It was obvious when he was with Luffy, that something changed around the smaller boy. Zoro's face would light up, and when he left, it would return to the neutral, sad state. Katakuri could understand why he was depressed. Unlike Luffy, Zoro could infect others if he lost control, which he was terrified of.

Sadly, he'd gotten scared enough on full moons to find a huge cage meant for bears at a circus, and locked himself inside so there was no chance of hurting anyone. The cage had been very expensive.

So, one day, after doing plenty of unnecessary research since he'd done this before, Katakuri spoke to Zoro's dad and suggested he get Zoro some depression medication. He was old enough. Koushirou agreed, which was a relief. And only two weeks later, Luffy told Katakuri Zoro was much happier in his thoughts.

He was still going to counseling, and willingly took the pills. Katakuri was proud of the boy for embracing help, as he'd thought the green haired boy would have refused based on his pride. But it was great he was working on himself, with help, of course! Luffy was always there for him and compared his blood as medication that just tasted yummy.

Things got better between Zoro and Sanji as well. Zoro was more open with him, even if it wasn't as much as with Luffy, as they were still very bonded and the feeding was still occuring, no matter if Katakuri still didn't like it. There was no way for him to police them at all times. They were already eight years old. There was no stopping it by now.

So, Sanji wasn't so left out anymore. Katakuri had always felt for the boy, seeming to be the second choice to both of them. But now they were all close. It was great Luffy had understanding friends and loved ones.

At dinner, Luffy said, "Papa, I love Zoro and Sanji!" Of course this was obvious.

"I can see that. You're a wonderful friend, Luffy. Don't ever lose that kindness."

"Shishishi! I'm a vampire but I'm a good one!"

"Being a vampire has nothing to do with being good or bad." They never spoke of the one who'd turned Luffy for no known reason. It had been four years since then, and there was no contact or sighting of the monster. But even after that, Katakuri and Luffy's friends never loved him less for being what he was. Luffy was Luffy.

"But I'm a very good and big boy, now. So you hafta stop babying me."

"So I should stop cooking for you?"

"No! No, that's okay!" Luffy said in a hurry. Katakuri laughed, and ruffled his hair lightly. "I love papa, too! Maybe more than Zoro and Sanji, but shhh! Don't tell them."

"I love you, too, and I promise it'll be our secret."

"Yeah!" and he shoved some more chicken into his mouth, smiling with his mouth closed as he ate. Katakuri could never regret adopting Luffy. Man, he was lucky to find him that fateful day. Paul was long gone, though.