Hi everyone, Meme12 here! First of I really want to apologize for leaving this story hanging for so long! (Kneeling for forgiveness) Life sent a lot of stuff on my way... (Shoot yourself assignments! *Picture screaming out to the ocean with the sea waves crashing at the rocks*). I would like to thank all who have actually like and followed this story and without further a due, I present to you the next chapter of Waiting for you.

AU: Luffy x Zorro, Zorro x Mihawk

Disclaimer: Meme12 does not own One Piece and any of their characters.

How we have changed

Previously: Zorro attacks Perona in a state of aggressiveness and spills some disturbing news. Mihawk finds his emotions towards the green hair male once again worming to the surface.

Zorro groans as he tries to clear away the haziness from his vision. "Where am I...? Ryu!" "You are awake." Zorro turns abruptly, body tensed to fight the owner of the voice head on. "Who are you and where is my son?" The black hair male sighs. "For heaven's sake Zorro, have you led such a peaceful life that you have forgotten who trained you for those 2 years?" The green hair male blinked once then twice before his eyes widen incredulously. "Mihawk?" The black hair male resisted rolling his eyes at the forgetful male but inside, he was deeply relieved that Zorro had regained consciousness. Relief flashed in Zorro's eyes momentarily before the panic set in. "My son..." "Perona is placing him down for a nap as we speak and your lover is on the bed behind me."

Hawkeye shifted, allowing Zorro to see the rubber boy who was still unconscious and lying on the bed. Zorro immediately sprang out of bed, ignoring the twang of pain from his wounds as he grasps Luffy's hand in his. Mihawk gaze at the loving scene, shaking his head slightly he pushes aside his crushed emotions and approaches Zorro. "Luffy oh god... Luffy please wake up...!" Mihawk placed a comforting hand on Zorro's shoulder. "Zorro..." Worried coupled with anguished eyes gaze back at Mihawk who felt his worry double fold at how broken Zorro had seemed. "Zorro you need to rest. I have called a doctor, he is on his way and the straw hat boy will be fine." "I can't..." "If not for Luffy, then do it for your son. Even if you try to force yourself now there's nothing that can be done to wake up your lover." The words stung but it was the truth as Zorro reluctantly let go of Luffy's hand and allowed himself to be helped back into bed.

As Zorro lays down, Mihawk tucked him in. "I will bring something for you to eat and tell Perona to bring your son here when he's awake." "Wait Mihawk." The older male pauses in his steps. "I..." "Don't force yourself...only when you feel better." "...Thanks." Mihawk nods and quickly leaves the room to find Perona and to fight his overwhelming emotions. When Mihawk left, Zorro sat up and limps over to Luffy. He wanted nothing more than to erase the horror that he had seen and what Luffy had...no...it couldn't have been Luffy it had to be a monster... Zorro brushed aside some of the hair covering Luffy's eyes before he slips himself under the blanket, cuddling the slightly shorter male in his arms. "It's alright Luffy... I will find a cure... I promise..." With those words, Zorro fell asleep, letting himself relax in the security of Mihawk's home.

As Zorro slept, Mihawk made his way to the kitchen. Even though he had said that he wouldn't pry; said male was curious. He couldn't help but wondered what had happen to Zorro after so long? Where are his companions? What were they doing after the war...? The male was so deep in thought that he walk straight into Perona. "Hey watch it!" Perona shouts but immediately covers her mouth when she remembers that she had just placed the baby to sleep. "He's awake." "Really, good because it is payback time for him throwing the lamp at me." "He probably doesn't even remember that part."

Perona swirls her head back violently. "Eh!?" "When he woke up, his first concern was on the straw hat boy and his son. He doesn't seem to have any recollection of himself throwing the lamp at you." "I can't believe it that man! I'm so gonna let him pay for doing this to a lady... Hey where are you going?" "To get food Perona, you can't expect us to let our guest go hungry." The male replies as he enters the kitchen after bypassing Perona. As Mihawk prepared the meal, he sighs when he felt the gaze on his back. "Is there anything else Perona?" "Are you going to tell him?" Mihawk stiffened slightly. "I have nothing to say Perona." The ghost girl crossed her arms. "Don't play dumb Mihawk I'm talking about your feelings for Zorro!" Mihawk completely froze at that point as Perona sighs and walks into the kitchen to stand beside Mihawk.

"...There is nothing to say about this Perona." "You still love him am I right?" Mihawk fell silent and Perona sighs. "You need to tell him Mihawk. No point bottling up those feelings right?" "He has a son, a family..." "But...!" The glare from the golden pair of eyes drew Perona's argument to a halt. The kitchen lapsed into silence before it was broken by Mihawk. "Times have changed... We have changed." "Mihawk..." "I cannot wedge myself between the happiness he has already forged for himself. I can only observed and congratulate him even if it is killing me inside..." With those words, the swordsman left, carrying the tray containing the food for Zorro. As the footsteps grew further, Perona sighs. "How we have changed huh... You have changed Mihawk but your heart...is still the same."

To be continued

Please read and review, this is Meme12 saying sayonara matta o!