A/N: Hey there! Its been a while, I know, sorry.
Here's the new chapter...
Life resumed back for Zoro. The boy almost felt like he had just awoken up from a long dream. His house was back to cold and empty. His father was still the same. No real improvements at all. He would still occasionally drop by here and then whenever he felt like to but with the number of his visits increased ever so slightly.
Zoro even went to stay at Jinbe's place for a few nights after Sanji's sudden departure. The older man had noticed and deep inside knew that the boy would be unable to stay alone all again. He was simply not prepared to go back to his old life and Dracule Mihawk was basically not a man to obediently stay at home to look after his own son. He had other better things to do.
Jinbe had expected no less from the green haired: he was quiet, cried little or not at all and was too independent for his age. Having no child of his own, Jinbe was quite happy and overjoyed even to have one under his wing even if it was for a few nights. He looked after Zoro the best he could and was glad that his efforts were not wasted.
Once, in tidying up his mountain of paperwork on his desk office, he came across Sanji's student file. He opened it and his expression softened at the sight of the blond's picture. In it, Sanji had his hair cut short, a soft smile with his only visible eye looking straight at the camera: the photo was almost a too perfectly taken one.
At the top corner of the admission form, two more photos were held in place with a paperclip: the usual procedure of asking two more pictures for the forthcoming procedures. However, in this case, they would be of no use again. Jinbe took his stamp and placed it on the paper leaving a big red print of [LEFT] on it.
He then took the pictures out and placed both of them in his wallet. He would probably put them to good use later. Surely, Zoro would be delighted in having one.
Getting up from his desk, it was time to have a little round in the school compound. His pace was slow and relaxed as he passed each classroom from which he could hear the teachers' voices and a few children's giggles from some.
He lost track of time and it was the school bell which brought him back from his daydream. A few classroom doors banged open and there ran out energetic children. Jinbe stood slightly off their running course and would never stop at being surprised at how the children were not afraid of his gigantic physique, not that he wanted to be hated of course. A few mischievous kids even jumped up to pull at his hair or kimono playfully.
Knowing that they did not have any ill intentions; Jiinbe never got angry or how could he? He simply loved children too much.
A particular green haired caught his attention and he saw Zoro walking away with his head hung low as he made for the back. Jinbe quietly followed and chuckled amusingly at the boy's lack of sense of direction.
Finally reaching the back of the school, Zoro sat down under the big tree standing there and gazed far away. Jinbe's heart clenched painfully at his lonesome sight. Indeed, Sanji made a good pair with the green haired. Together, they looked as if they were meant for each other.
Jinbe sighed as he approached him. Finally, Zoro looked up. His eyes looked dead. Jinbe put his hand in his pocket and felt for his wallet, holding it in his hand while he plopped down heavily beside the boy who did not even budge.
"Hey there!"
"Hey," Zoro answered weakly.
"Still hanging on I see,"
"Yeah, I am. Any news yet?" Zoro turned to look at the adult.
"No, I'm afraid."
"Ah ok," he turned away, looking sad again.
"As soon as I hear something, you'll be the first to know, okay boy?"
"Thanks!"
"Euh, " Jinbe scratched his head. "Look at what I got for you," he pulled out his wallet. Zoro rose up one of his eyebrow questioningly if ever it would be money that the older man would give him. If it was, he would politely refuse it of course but instead of notes, Jinbe took out a small piece of rectangular paper he kept in it.
"Here, I thought you probably would want one."
Zoro took the little piece of paper gingerly in his hands and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh, it's Sanji!" He exclaimed. "Thank you, old man!" the green haired cheered up immediately, jumping up to his feet. Jinbe brushed off the 'old man', but inwardly still commented that he was not one and rolled his eyes.
"Yeah. I thought you would like it."
"I do!"
Zoro stared at the picture, scanning the features of his friend until his eyes unknowingly filled up with tears! How he missed him so much…
"There there boy.." Jinbe stroked his back to finally pull him in his lap.
"Miss him?"
"mhmm" he hummed, eyes still unwillingly to part with the picture.
Zoro was happy, apart from the picture book that he received from Sanji, he got nothing else and this picture of his was a good reminder of the blond which he sure would cherish for a real long time, forever even.
"Jinbe?"
"Hmm?"
"I'll find him! It's a promise!"
Jinbe was surprised at his serious tone. Nonetheless, he still smiled at him and said: "You know a real man do not get back on his words, hmm?"
"I know and I will not!" Zoro spoke in a louder voice. "Watch me!"
Jinbe chuckled and ruffled his green hair, "I will, boy. I will."
A/N: This is it for now. I have not lose inspiration for this story since I have the plot written down even if I am not following it at all. However, while writing, I still feel that something is off with it. Maybe it's getting boring or something like that? (Please let me know.)
I know that I have to improve my writing though and I'll work on it some more.
Thank you!
