You're standing alone on the deck, moonlight streaming down on you from overhead turning the occasional tear that trickles down your cheek silver as it falls into the rolling waves below.
It was a stupid argument about nothing in particular that left you in this condition. He was stubborn and you were stubborn. You'd left your home to protect him, he wanted to be stronger to protect you.
He was the world's greatest swordsman and you would follow him wherever that dream took him. First a pirate hunter, now a pirate, and wherever this lead afterward.
"(Y/n)." You glance over your shoulder, seeing his green hair glow faintly beneath the silver of the stars.
"I'm sorry…" You mumble, throwing your arms around his waist. His muscular arms wrap tightly around you, careful of the injury on your right side.
"I should've moved faster-"
"Shut up," Zoro grumbled, one large hand caressing your head. "If it weren't for you I would've been a lot worse off than I am now." You grip him tighter, eyes brimming with tears yet to be shed.
"I'm glad Chopper fixed you up." Gentle fingers ran over the deep gashes on his lower cheek.
"Yeah…(Y/n) don't ever do anything so stupid again. I actually kind of like having you around." If you hadn't known the man better, you would've sworn he sounded choked up.
"No promises Mr. Swordsman…" the sleepily mumbled words brought a smile to his lips.
"Guess I'll have to toughen you up then."
Lesson 3: Just because someone doesn't love you the way you expect, doesn't mean they don't love you the only way they know how.