Zoro had spent the last few days deep in thought and on constant alert.

The words of Sanji still bothered him. Zoro did not quite understand why the blond would have to leave him. However, he knew that there was a dangerous man lurking around and that he was aiming for Sanji's and his mother's lives.

How was he also connected to this case, Zoro did not have an answer for that either. He also could not bring himself to ask Jinbe who seemed like he knew what was going on. When Jinbe had come to their rescue, his father's words had suddenly echoed in his mind. He had told him a long time ago to go to Jinbe if ever one day he needed help.

The green haired silently hoped for his father to be back soon. The thought of relying on the man who was never present and who was called his father annoyed the green haired very much. But for the sake of his loved ones' safety, Zoro was willing to put aside his nine year old pride.

The thought of Sanji and his mother leaving his house stabbed Zoro painfully into his heart. He would miss the motherly figure of Sophia, her open affection and delicious meals. Zoro would no longer be bathed in the light of Sanji's happy smiles and expressions. He would miss the blond's occasional stupid grins and actions.

"Zoro? What are you thinking about again?"

"Huh? Oh nothing." Zoro stuffed his hands into his pockets as he walked besides Sanji and behind the latter's mother.

The trio was out for grocery shopping and Sanji insisted on accompanying his mother and Zoro naturally tagged along.

"Zoro?"

"What?" the green haired glanced up and saw no one.

"Behind you," Sanji chuckled.

Zoro gritted his teeth and spun around.

"You are funny, Zoro. How can you make a U-turn just like that?" Sanji laughed again.

Zoro just fumed silently.

"Kids! I told you to stick close to me. Come on, no complaints now. Let's hold hands!"

"Noooo, we are no longer kids!" Sanji complained.

"Grab my hand, Sanji." Sophia's voice was stern. "You too, Zoro."

Both boys grabbed each of her extended hands. Satisfied, the three resumed their way to the grocery store.

"What do you want to eat, kids?" asked Sophia.

"Pizza!" grinned Sanji.

"Sorry, another time, sweetheart."

Sanji pouted and looked at Zoro who had his face frowned in concentration.

"Umm, curry?" Zoro proposed.

"It's curry then." Sophia smiled.

"No fair!" protested the blond.

Yeah, Zoro would definitely miss their moments together but the green haired would do his best to enjoy each and every second of them until the day they had to part.