#zorororonoa-retired

[ikkaku-of-heart]

Plotted starter for @zorororonoa-retired

It had been a long time since Ikkaku had set foot on Sabaody for more than a couple of hours. It was a semi-regular pit stop, but the woman normally found herself too busy to do more than buy supplies before sailing off again. The Heart's engineer had never been one for retirement, even if the world was far more peaceful than anyone could have imagined twenty years ago. The Age of Piracy felt like little more than a dream some days.

Still, while she wasn't much of a pirate anymore, she kept herself busy. She still invented and built medical equipment for Law. She still sailed with him and the Hearts when the call of adventure enticed them back to the depths of the ocean. And she made it a point to visit an island of former Fishmen slaves in the Calm Belt regularly. It was a safe haven her grandfather had founded during his smuggling days, and she'd taken up his mantle to help others escape there.

It was that need to keep busy that had actually resulted in her current visit. Law had declared she was overworking herself, and she needed to take a break. A hypocritical diagnosis from the former Surgeon of Death, but she supposed she could use a vacation. Just long enough to get him off her back. And Sabaody was not only a popular attraction, but it held some significance to her crew's story, she supposed. It had been the last stop in Paradise before heading to the New World. Where Law recruited Jean Bart and fought a Pacifista. Where he first met Eustass Kid and Straw Hat Luffy, and their first battle together. And if it hadn't been for that first meeting, Law likely never would have bothered to save Straw Hat at Marineford, nor formed their alliance two years after that.

The thought brought a bittersweet smile to her lips. That rubber menace had become King of the Pirates, just like he'd said he would. Some days she swore she could still hear him yelling that declaration on the wind like he had twenty years ago. But it was just her imagination, or maybe the man's ghost. The King was dead, and the seas were a lot quieter without him. Or the rest of the Straw Hats, really. While that crew had been a heap of trouble and contributed to her captain's high blood pressure more often than not, they'd been good folk, and Ikkaku would forever appreciate everything they had done for Law, her crew, and the world. The swordsman, in particular, had done her a pretty solid favor, teaching her Two Sword Style so she could better protect her captain. She owed him a lot for that.

Her feet led her to a building, the sign for Shakky's Rip-Off Bar proudly on display at the top of the tan and green building. Ikkaku had to chuckle a bit at the name. "Well, at least it's honest," she mumbled to herself before heading in. She could use a drink, and a place like this was sure to have interesting clientele, or at least interesting employees. Something to make the trip memorable, at least.

As she stepped inside, she paused, blinking in disbelief. Because while she'd expected interesting employees, the green-haired man behind the bar looked...far too familiar. Ikkaku actually rubbed her eyes, convinced her mind was playing tricks on her. And yet there was no mistaking that green hair, those scars, or that physique.

"Roronoa Zoro. As I live and breathe," Ikkaku chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. After all, she certainly hadn't expected to run into the swordsman out of all the Straw Hats. Taking a seat at the bar, she smiled up at him. Crossing paths with him was unexpected, but pleasantly so. Perhaps this vacation would be worth it after all. "Of all the gin joints on all the islands in all the world, I walk into yours.”

[stormiedeyeddoctor]

@zorororonoa-retired

STARTER - "Beneath the Surface of Memory"

Law had never considered himself lucky. Whenever something good happened to him, life was always quick to take it away. That’s why, after all these years, Law had decided to bury his past, drowning his soul and heart deep in the seas he once sailed. There was nothing left for him. His crew had vanished, probably along with their ship. No old friends remained. Kid had disappeared too, and Law could swear that was the last blow to his already broken heart.

Yet, he survived.

The promise he made long ago was the only thing that kept him going. But the weight of all the loss, along with the ghosts of his past, still haunted him, keeping him awake every night.

It was time to start over. Finding a job hadn’t been easy, especially considering his past as a bounty-hunting pirate. Still, his skills as a surgeon had opened some doors, making him one of the most sought-after doctors.

A few days ago, he had accepted a new position as the lead surgeon at the local hospital, specializing in chronic and rare diseases. At least that was the only positive outcome in the whole situation. Maybe, just maybe, he could still save some lives.

One thing that hadn't changed over the years was his inability to cook and his general laziness when it came to everyday chores. That started to become a problem when the hospital cafeteria closed for the week. How was he supposed to get his daily dose of caffeine?

That’s how he found himself in the first bar he stumbled upon. He wasn’t even sure if they served coffee, but he was desperate.

He walked in, scanning the place, dark circles under his eyes betraying his lack of sleep.

"Can I have a coffee?" he asked, his tone flat as he approached the counter. Only then did he notice something familiar. Was he seeing things, or was it real?

"Roronoa-ya?"

He called out, unsure if he was making a mistake. "You're alive?" It was a statement that straddled the line between a question and a relieved conclusion.

[fumusandglacies]

@zorororonoa-retired

Smoker stretched, entered the bar, and yawned. Ace was supposed to have met him here, but the idiot must have fallen asleep somewhere. So here Smoker would stay drinking. When he caught sight of the green-haired former Straw Hat, he smirked, "Hey Bartender, can I get a shot of your neatest scotch, please? I need something to take off the edge."

[squaletta]

𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐈 𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑

Last song I listened to: Costantino Carrara – IDGAF – Dua Lipa (Piano Cover)

Favorite color: mustard, royal blue, carmine red and white

Currently watching: I’m not watching anything at the moment.

Last TV show I watched: I Am a Killer (Netflix documentary series)

Spicy/Sweet/Savory: I like all flavors equally – spicy, sweet, savory, and also salty. The best is to eat something sweet and then have something salty.

Last thing I looked up: I was googling an American slang term again to understand it.

Current obsession: funny cat videos, roleplay, AMVs, my cats ♥ and Tumblr commission blogs which offer banners, icon template etc.

Tagged by: @nogoodvongoladecimo

Tagging: @musessinabag @zorororonoa-retired @crimson-sorrow @famiglia-lealta @wisteriamuses @shnebrght @voidcenturyseashanties @secondbcrn @swordsandfashionablehats @seaoftales and anyone who wants to do it.

[seaoftales]

He stood there for a while, leaning against the doorframe, taking in the whole scenery. The few times he was in contact with Shakky after Ray had died, he did mention somebody new taking over, though he never thought too much of it. The business she so diligently established and grew over the decades deserved to thrive, and he was just glad she found somebody who could take over. Never in his wildest dreams, however, did he think it would be none other than the man who managed to surpass him so many years ago.

The comment had his lips twist into one of his rare smiles, the swordsman pulling himself away from the doorway and closing the door behind him. Luckily the place seemed to be empty, which would allow both of them to perhaps even reminisce about the past, if the whim striked them.

Mihawk took a seat at the bar, eyes never leaving Zoro. ❝ I suppose the world is yet to witness either of us perishing. ❞ He almost did, he was aware of that. Whether Zoro intended to barely let him live, a courtesy extended to him like he did to the boy all those years ago at Baratie, Mihawk didn't know, and perhaps it was pointless to ask. He also thought Zoro dead, the other simply vanishing from the face of the world without a trace. A mental note was made to eventually ask him about it, unless it naturally came up in conversation.

❝ I don't suppose my mother still has some of that fine red she keeps behind the counter? If not, give me whatever is your best poison around. ❞ Despite the years, Mihawk never lost his refine taste in good, red wine. Back in the day, Shakky would always keep a bottle or two behind the counter whenever her son decided to show his face.

❝ It is... good to see you, after so many years. ❞

@zorororonoa-retired / continued.

[ikkaku-of-heart]

Ahhh, there was that bit of the old Zoro she'd been trying to coax out. That fire that she'd seen burning inside him back in the old days might not be an inferno anymore, but there were still some smouldering embers that could light up if enough fuel was poured on them.

"Running my mouth has worked out pretty well for me so far, so I don't plan on stopping anytime soon," Ikkaku quipped. Sure, it still got her in trouble occasionally, but never trouble she couldn't get herself out of. At least these days. In the past, she'd needed more help, which was why she'd sought out training from those she knew were strong enough to put their money where their mouths were. "Pretty sure it only stops running when it's got something else to keep it occupied," she added, taking a pointed sip of her refilled drink, smirking at the man over the rim of her glass.

She'd continue to run her mouth as much as she needed to find out if Roronoa Zoro had truly abandoned his old hard-drinking, harder-training, ambitious way of life she had so admired him for. And, while she wouldn't claim to have known Straw Hat Luffy well in a personal capacity, she had the feeling the dreaming Pirate King wouldn't have wanted his first mate to have abandoned it either.

"Maybe I am trying to impress you. Is it working?" she asked, fluttering her eyelashes playfully. Yet there was a note of sincerity in her tone as she continued, "Or maybe I've always aspired to leave an impression on the mighty Roronoa Zoro, and he was just too boneheaded to notice." Not that she blamed him completely for that. She'd been in a weird place, mentally, when they'd met, and when he hadn't picked up her hints at finding him attractive, she hadn't exactly pushed the matter. Besides, him training her was far more important at the time, so she'd focused on being the best student in Two-Sword Style possible rather than anything else.

But those days were long gone, she was in a much better place now, and hell, she had nothing to lose by being a bit more forward. Hell, that teasing tone of his made her wonder if he'd actually learned how to flirt himself, or if she was just being hopeful.

Ah well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, and Ikkaku didn't back down from a challenge.

Leaning across the bar, she stated, "I don't think I could handle you. I know I can. At drinking, fighting, or anything else. The real question is whether you could handle me."

Zoro watched her with that same unreadable look, eye steady as she rattled off her challenge, her confidence, her refusal to back down. He had to give her credit—she wasn’t just talking for the sake of it. He could tell she meant every word.

Her laugh still had that same sharpness, the kind that made people turn their heads just to see what the hell was so funny. It was familiar, even after all these years. He wasn’t the sentimental type, but he wasn’t blind either.

"Tch." He reached for the bottle and poured her another drink, the amber liquid catching the low light before settling in her glass. "Didn’t say you were rusty," he muttered, almost begrudgingly. "Just that you like to run your mouth." But there was no real bite to it. If anything, there was something almost considering in the way he looked at her now.

She wasn’t wrong to push.

And she wasn’t wrong to suspect that the fight in him wasn’t completely gone. He might not be on the battlefield anymore, but he still trained every morning before the sun came up. His swords weren’t on display behind the bar, but they weren’t far either. They never were.

Zoro huffed through his nose, smirking faintly as he leaned against the counter. "You really think you can handle drinking with me and bringing me moonshine that strong? Careful, Ikkaku. I might start thinking you’re trying to impress me." His voice was dry, teasing—just a little—but there was an underlying challenge there too.

[ikkaku-of-heart]

His comment got a bark of laughter from her, head thrown back and curls bouncing across her shoulders. "Ha! 'Knack for going overboard', huh? That's rich, coming from you. I vividly remember your training regimen being so over the top I actually thought you were taking the piss when you were setting up your weights on the Tang." Now that had been a sight to see. Every dumbbell the Hearts owned had been used and combined for the swordsman's workout. Even Jean Bart's massive weights. It had been impressive as hell and had further convinced Ikkaku that Zoro was the right person to train her in Two Sword Style.

No matter what he was doing or how he regarded himself now, Roronoa Zoro was and always would be the World's Greatest Swordsman in her eyes. He'd trained hard, fought harder, and come out on top to achieve his dream of beating Mihawk and gaining his title. His determination was second only to his captain's, and it was something Ikkaku had always admired. It was why she'd practically begged him for training and trusted him to help her with her own dream of becoming strong enough to protect her captain. To be strong enough that Law would never leave her or the crew behind to "protect them" while he risked his life on some suicide mission.

And by the gods, Zoro's training had done precisely that. She owed him so much for every move he taught her and every lesson he'd taught. She'd carved out a place for herself in the swordsman pecking order, and she owed it all to him.

Which was why she wasn't going to let this sleeping dog lie. The Mihawk comparison had been calculated. A feint to see if he would dodge, parry, or attempt to strike back. She wanted to see if there was still some fight in Zoro.

"Too much credit for what? My ability to hold my liquor? Because Law can vouch for my liver's prowess both as my doctor and my drinking partner," Ikkaku shot back. Propping her elbow up on the bar and resting her chin on her fist, she gave Zoro an unflinching stare. "Or are you talking about something else? I'm not some little girl trying to play with the big boys, you know. Just because the seas have calmed doesn't mean I've sat around letting my skills get dull. I'm an engineer - I don't let anything get rusty. Swords included." Another prodding jab in hopes that she might see a hint that the Demon of the East Blue wasn't as dead as so many seemed to believe.

She grinned when he called her pushy, and she easily caught that quick hint of his old smirk. Pleased with herself and feeling bold, Ikkaku couldn't help but wink as she replied, "You say it like it's a bad thing. Being pushy's fun. Even more so when you find someone willing to push back." Not breaking eye contact, she finished off her drink before placing it firmly on the bar, pushing the empty glass towards him. "Pour me another, if you please. And I'll gladly bring you some moonshine next time. I've got business in the area, so expect me back here with it before the month is over." He might not be making any promises, but Ikkaku was. Zoro wouldn't be rid of the engineer easily, even if he wanted her gone. The woman was pushy and stubborn, and meeting Zoro again had reawoken her desire for a challenge, in any form she could find.

Zoro caught the subtle shift in her expression—the flicker of disappointment, quickly masked by that confident smirk of hers. She was good at hiding it, but he’d spent too many years reading opponents, reading people, to miss it entirely.

He exhaled through his nose, picking up his glass again but not drinking from it. Just rolling it in his palm as he listened.

The Whitebeard and Kaido comment made him smirk again, though this time it wasn’t as lazy—it had a sharper edge, like she’d managed to amuse him despite himself. "That so? Guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You always had a knack for going overboard." His eye flicked to hers, and something in his gaze hinted that he wasn’t just talking about her brewing habits.

Her Mihawk comparison earned a short snort. "Tch. You give yourself too much credit," he muttered, but there was no real bite to it. If anything, he seemed more amused than dismissive. But she wasn’t wrong, and that was the part that got under his skin.

She wanted to drink with him. Not just as some casual bar game, not just for the hell of it—but because she still thought of him as the best. That hit different.

He had spent years convincing himself that none of that mattered anymore. That the weight of those kinds of titles—the world’s greatest, the strongest, the best—had slipped from his shoulders the moment Luffy died. The crew had gone their separate ways, the age of piracy had dulled into something quieter, something tamer. And he had let himself believe that he was just another man at a bar, passing time until he wasn’t needed anymore.

But Ikkaku wasn’t letting him sit in that lie so easily.

Zoro clicked his tongue, setting the glass down with a dull thunk against the wood. "You’re pushy, you know that?" His voice was gruff, but his lips twitched upward again.

He leaned forward slightly, resting an elbow on the bar as he considered her. "Tell you what. You bring me a bottle of that moonshine next time you stop by, and I’ll think about it." He wasn’t making promises—he never did—but the fact that he was even entertaining it said enough.

And whether he admitted it or not, a part of him did miss it. Not just the drinking, but the camaraderie. The challenge. The reminder that he was still something more than just a bartender hiding behind a counter.

[ikkaku-of-heart]

So the bar's name was established long before Zoro had come along. Shame. Ikkaku had hoped that it was some kind of tribute to Nami or something. Some hint that perhaps the legendary bond between the Straw Hats hadn't died with their captain.

Still, despite that disappointing revelation, she wouldn't let it sour the chance encounter. And it was good to see that despite the years and toll life always seemed to take, Zoro still had a sense of humor. Catching the glass of rum, Ikkaku took an appreciative sip. It was pretty good - not top-shelf liquor, but sharp with a hint of sweetness and spice. She could only imagine what the price tag would be.

"Heh. I'd appreciate you cutting me off before I make a total fool of myself. Law would never let me hear the end of it if I did something so ridiculous. And believe me, one way or another, he would find out," she chuckled. Her captain might be a bit of a recluse, but he was a well-connected and informed one. And that man always seemed to be able to sus out when his engineer did something embarrassing.

That made her wonder if Law knew about Zoro's current whereabouts. She knew he'd kept tabs on at least a few of the Straw Hats. It seemed doubtful, however. Ikkaku was certain that if he had, Law would have at least mentioned it since he knew she'd be stopping at Sabaody. So unless he was keeping secrets - which was possible, but not as likely as it was twenty years ago - Ikkaku had uncovered a secret even Trafalgar Law hadn't sniffed out. Whether or not she'd keep it to herself, however, remained to be seen.

Resting her chin in her palm, she smirked across the bar at Zoro, giving him a confident wink. "'Worth a damn'? Honey, that moonshine knocked Whitebeard and Kaido on their asses back when my Gramps brewed it, and I've only made it stronger and smoother. You should know I don't do things half-assed."

The way Zoro's smirk faded didn't escape her notice, and his declining of her challenge sent a strange surge of disappointment through her chest. Of course she could respect not drinking on the job, but he was always there? Didn't he have any help? Take breaks? Was this some kind of indentured servitude, or did he overwork himself on purpose?

None of that sat right with Ikkaku. Not at all.

"Mmmmm sweet of you to offer, but I'm not interested in outdrinking some random scrub when you're right here. It'd be like you challenging Mihawk to a fight, and him offering to find you some other random swordsman because he was busy, I don't know, polishing his coffin boat." She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as she took another sip of her rum. The tang of the alcohol helped wash out the bitter taste of her disappointment. "And I don't accept default victories, either. I wanna drink with you because you're the best I've ever met, just like I asked you to train me because you were the best I'd ever met. Still are, if memory serves."

Zoro let out a low chuckle at her remark about poetry, shaking his head as he grabbed a bottle from the shelf. "If that’s the case, I’ll have to cut you off before you start reciting love sonnets." He uncorked the bottle and poured her a glass, sliding it across the counter with a practiced ease that came from nearly a year behind the bar.

At her question about the name, he snorted. "Wasn’t my idea. Place still belongs to Shakky—she just dumped it on me and said I’d ‘do a good job’ before taking off." He huffed, shaking his head. "Didn’t really give me a choice. Figured if the name worked for her, no point changing it."

He glanced around briefly, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. "Besides, makes the dumbasses think twice before trying to haggle."

He leaned his forearms on the bar, studying her with that steady, calculating gaze of his. Ikkaku had always been sharp, always quick-witted, and while she played it casual, he could see the gears turning in her head. She was observant—always had been. But she wasn’t prying. Smart woman.

At the mention of moonshine, his smirk grew a little wider. "If your moonshine’s worth a damn, I might consider it. Though I’ll pass on the reports—don’t need to document every idiot who stumbles in here thinking they can drink like a real man." At her challenge, though, his smirk faded slightly, replaced with something a little more measured. "Can’t say I drink much these days," he admitted, rolling the glass between his fingers. "Shakky made it a rule—no drinking while I’m working. And since I’m practically always here, well..." He shrugged. "Guess that means you win by default."

His tone was casual, but there was something else beneath it. A weight that suggested there was more to the rule than just keeping the bar running smoothly. And knowing Shakky, she hadn’t just laid it down for the sake of the business.

Still, his smirk returned, though a little more subdued. "But if you’re looking to test yourself, I can always find some fool here willing to keep up with you."

[ikkaku-of-heart]

Smirking at his comment, Ikkaku gave Zoro a cheeky wink. "I'm a woman of many talents and even more surprises. I might even manage to get more poetic once I've had a few drinks." Looking around, she took in the bar. It wasn't some high-end joint, but it also wasn't the dingiest tavern she'd ever been in. It was looked after, at least, and didn't look like it had been trashed by a brawl recently, at least. "You name this place? Because I'm not sure if advertising you're gonna rip people off is bone-headed or genius."

Getting comfortable in her seat, she decided she'd take her time and relax a bit. That was the point of a vacation, right? So why not sit a while and catch up with an old ally. "Heh. I'll just take the most palatable rum you've got, then. If I wanna get drunk, I've still got plenty of my moonshine supply back on the ship. I'd be happy to supply you with some for your bar. All I ask is you report back what stupid things the drunkards get up to," she chuckled.

As surprising as it was to see Zoro there, Ikkaku couldn't say she wasn't relieved to see him alive and well. Sure, he looked older - time came for them all - and like her probably had a few more scars, but he looked good. The silver streaks in his hair looked nice with the green in her opinion. His eye was still sharp and intent, and Ikkaku knew he was studying her just as she was studying him. He was still muscular, too, which told her he hadn't let himself give up on his training, or at least keeping fit. His determination and focus on honing his body had always been an attractive feature.

Still, she was concerned. Ikkaku remembered a time when the Straw Hats would make the news every other week. Some government toppled, or party disrupted, or powerful fighter defeated. But since Luffy had died, things had been quiet. The crew had disbanded, and the rumor mill had long ago dried up. So what had Roronoa Zoro been doing for all these years? Why was he on Sabaody? Why become a bartender? Did he still even carry his katanas?

Still, she'd long ago learned from Law that talking about the past wasn't everyone's cup of tea, and prying could turn this reunion bitter. So, best to hold those questions for now.

Instead, she grinned. "Wondering if you can still hold your liquor like the good old days. Law's still mad he never got to study your liver, and I'd love to see how you compare to my Gramps' stories about Whitebeard's drinking habits."

Zoro had been wiping down the bar when the door swung open, and the first thing that caught his attention was the sound of boots that carried purpose. Not the aimless wander of a tourist, nor the lazy shuffle of a regular too deep into their drink to care. He lifted his gaze, half-expecting some mercenary looking for trouble—or worse, another old ghost from the past that he wasn’t in the mood to deal with.

Instead, it was her.

Ikkaku wasn’t a face he had seen in years, but her sharp-eyed stare and confident stride hadn’t changed much. He could see traces of time on her—same as himself—but she still carried herself like an engineer who had a problem to fix, not someone here to reminisce.

Zoro leaned against the counter, expression unreadable as he took in her reaction. The disbelief, the second look, the low chuckle of realization. It was a reaction he was getting used to. People thought he had disappeared—he supposed, in a way, he had.

His lips quirked slightly at her words, a dry chuckle escaping him. "Tch. Didn’t take you for the poetic type." He gestured toward the shelves behind him, lined with bottles of varying degrees of legality. "What'll it be? If you came looking for a rip-off, you won’t be disappointed."

Even as he spoke, he studied her. Not out of suspicion, but curiosity. She was the first of the Hearts he’d seen in a long while, and he wondered if she had any news worth hearing. Though, if Law was still kicking, he figured she wouldn't be here looking for him.

[stormiedeyeddoctor]

That sharp tongue.

At least that hadn’t changed over the years. Law wouldn’t go as far as to say they could call each other friends, but he had come to appreciate a few qualities in the swordsman. Or former swordsman, he supposed—it was hard to tell how much had changed over all this time.

Law couldn’t help but grin at the comment about his appearance. "Me?" he teased, raising an eyebrow. "Have you looked at yourself recently? Out of everyone, you're the last person I expected to find on this island."

Still, when the green-haired man pointed to the seat, Law’s legs moved of their own accord, taking him there without hesitation. He could imagine a few possible reasons for Zoro to be in a place like this, yet he found himself curious to understand why a man like him ended up in a bar like this.

"Are you working here now?" he asked, his tone flat. "Or is this place yours?" His first sip of coffee spread warmth through him, and he couldn’t help but be surprised. It was actually pretty good—so good that he couldn’t completely mask the surprise that flickered in his eyes.

@zorororonoa-retired

STARTER - "Beneath the Surface of Memory"

Law had never considered himself lucky. Whenever something good happened to him, life was always quick to take it away. That’s why, after all these years, Law had decided to bury his past, drowning his soul and heart deep in the seas he once sailed. There was nothing left for him. His crew had vanished, probably along with their ship. No old friends remained. Kid had disappeared too, and Law could swear that was the last blow to his already broken heart.

Yet, he survived.

The promise he made long ago was the only thing that kept him going. But the weight of all the loss, along with the ghosts of his past, still haunted him, keeping him awake every night.

It was time to start over. Finding a job hadn’t been easy, especially considering his past as a bounty-hunting pirate. Still, his skills as a surgeon had opened some doors, making him one of the most sought-after doctors.

A few days ago, he had accepted a new position as the lead surgeon at the local hospital, specializing in chronic and rare diseases. At least that was the only positive outcome in the whole situation. Maybe, just maybe, he could still save some lives.

One thing that hadn't changed over the years was his inability to cook and his general laziness when it came to everyday chores. That started to become a problem when the hospital cafeteria closed for the week. How was he supposed to get his daily dose of caffeine?

That’s how he found himself in the first bar he stumbled upon. He wasn’t even sure if they served coffee, but he was desperate.

He walked in, scanning the place, dark circles under his eyes betraying his lack of sleep.

"Can I have a coffee?" he asked, his tone flat as he approached the counter. Only then did he notice something familiar. Was he seeing things, or was it real?

"Roronoa-ya?"

He called out, unsure if he was making a mistake. "You're alive?" It was a statement that straddled the line between a question and a relieved conclusion.

[stormiedeyeddoctor]

Law toyed with the glass in his hand, his fingers, adorned with tattoos, tracing its edges as he pondered Zoro’s words. The rhythmic movement of his hand almost seemed to mirror the pace of his thoughts.

"Does that happen often?" he asked, his gaze distant as he focused on Zoro. "Waking up in places you don’t recognize?" The question lingered in the air, carrying with it an undercurrent of curiosity. Law found it fascinating, almost unsettling. He’d been diving deep into the study of brain pathologies recently, and while he tried to maintain a professional distance, his mind couldn’t help but race with possibilities. Perhaps it was just his natural inclination to overanalyze, but there was something about the situation that felt off. Still, he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was. He tried to dismiss the unease, to convince himself there was nothing to worry about, but that nagging feeling wouldn’t go away.

"I’ve got a spare room," he offered after a moment of silence, the words slipping out before he had the chance to fully think them through. It wasn’t like him to make such an offer, especially not to someone he didn’t know all that well, but something about Zoro’s situation felt different. "If you ever feel the need, it’s yours." Law almost immediately questioned his own words. Why would he offer something like that? He wasn’t sure, but it just felt... right.

"I’m rarely home anyway," he added quickly, trying to downplay the offer as if it was of little consequence. It wasn’t about offering charity or a place to stay, but more about something deeper, something unspoken. Still, the offer hung between them, unexpected and somewhat awkward.

@zorororonoa-retired

STARTER - "Beneath the Surface of Memory"

Law had never considered himself lucky. Whenever something good happened to him, life was always quick to take it away. That’s why, after all these years, Law had decided to bury his past, drowning his soul and heart deep in the seas he once sailed. There was nothing left for him. His crew had vanished, probably along with their ship. No old friends remained. Kid had disappeared too, and Law could swear that was the last blow to his already broken heart.

Yet, he survived.

The promise he made long ago was the only thing that kept him going. But the weight of all the loss, along with the ghosts of his past, still haunted him, keeping him awake every night.

It was time to start over. Finding a job hadn’t been easy, especially considering his past as a bounty-hunting pirate. Still, his skills as a surgeon had opened some doors, making him one of the most sought-after doctors.

A few days ago, he had accepted a new position as the lead surgeon at the local hospital, specializing in chronic and rare diseases. At least that was the only positive outcome in the whole situation. Maybe, just maybe, he could still save some lives.

One thing that hadn't changed over the years was his inability to cook and his general laziness when it came to everyday chores. That started to become a problem when the hospital cafeteria closed for the week. How was he supposed to get his daily dose of caffeine?

That’s how he found himself in the first bar he stumbled upon. He wasn’t even sure if they served coffee, but he was desperate.

He walked in, scanning the place, dark circles under his eyes betraying his lack of sleep.

"Can I have a coffee?" he asked, his tone flat as he approached the counter. Only then did he notice something familiar. Was he seeing things, or was it real?

"Roronoa-ya?"

He called out, unsure if he was making a mistake. "You're alive?" It was a statement that straddled the line between a question and a relieved conclusion.

[stormiedeyeddoctor]

Law immediately caught the dare in the other voice. But could he simply lower his head? Obviously not. Those words made him smirk, a childish expression on his face. "It's not like I’d rely on you for lunchtime, Roronoa-ya," he teased playfully. "You weren't the cook on board."

It might sound a bit hypocritical, considering how rarely Law ate due to his own laziness.

I’m working at the local hospital now, so I’m sure your coffee can keep up with the standard. You’ll be seeing me often" he replied.

After a short pause, his tone shifted, becoming more serious. "What about your swords?" he asked. He had been a swordsman as well, so he understood the deep bond between a man and his blades.

@zorororonoa-retired

STARTER - "Beneath the Surface of Memory"

Law had never considered himself lucky. Whenever something good happened to him, life was always quick to take it away. That’s why, after all these years, Law had decided to bury his past, drowning his soul and heart deep in the seas he once sailed. There was nothing left for him. His crew had vanished, probably along with their ship. No old friends remained. Kid had disappeared too, and Law could swear that was the last blow to his already broken heart.

Yet, he survived.

The promise he made long ago was the only thing that kept him going. But the weight of all the loss, along with the ghosts of his past, still haunted him, keeping him awake every night.

It was time to start over. Finding a job hadn’t been easy, especially considering his past as a bounty-hunting pirate. Still, his skills as a surgeon had opened some doors, making him one of the most sought-after doctors.

A few days ago, he had accepted a new position as the lead surgeon at the local hospital, specializing in chronic and rare diseases. At least that was the only positive outcome in the whole situation. Maybe, just maybe, he could still save some lives.

One thing that hadn't changed over the years was his inability to cook and his general laziness when it came to everyday chores. That started to become a problem when the hospital cafeteria closed for the week. How was he supposed to get his daily dose of caffeine?

That’s how he found himself in the first bar he stumbled upon. He wasn’t even sure if they served coffee, but he was desperate.

He walked in, scanning the place, dark circles under his eyes betraying his lack of sleep.

"Can I have a coffee?" he asked, his tone flat as he approached the counter. Only then did he notice something familiar. Was he seeing things, or was it real?

"Roronoa-ya?"

He called out, unsure if he was making a mistake. "You're alive?" It was a statement that straddled the line between a question and a relieved conclusion.