Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

School was a pain in the ass.

It's not that Zoro hated learning. He loved it actually, the rush of learning something new was similar to that of fighting for him. But just because he liked school didn't mean he was good at it. The green haired teen looked down at the test his teacher had passed back to him, hair falling into his face in strands. 

Failing grades, all of them. 

Zoro gritted his teeth, pissed but unwilling to let this loss slow him. Learning really was like fighting. Each time he got knocked down, the teen only came back stronger. The scores were higher than before, close to a pass. If he kept studying, he ould be okay. Zoro sighed, gripping the handle of his wooden katana and taking comfort in it's solidity. He hadn’t been an underground fighter for too long. Only a year and it really wasn’t his kind of gig, but he swore to his Koshiro that he’d do whatever it took to keep Chopper safe and happy. He was a low level fighter and still got beat more often than he won, but the money kept them fed and warm, with a place to stay. It was clear early on that fighting professionally wasn't going to cut it, since Kendo Tournaments didn't occur often. Chopper was still with him, not snatched and shipped off to some foster care. Honestly, his life was better than he could hope right now. But school was still a drag.

And it was mostly because of the recognition. 

Before the death of his sister, Zoro was a known delinquent and people steered clear of him, unwilling to anger the hot-tempered kendo prodigy. But as a fighter, even a low ranked one, he was swarmed daily by “friends. ” Randoms who he watched spit on him and laugh as he begged for money so that Chopper could eat. They couldn’t even make use of the insurance money for reasons Zoro still didn't know.

It pissed him off.

His little brother insisted that he make friends but there was no one there who understood the green haired teen. 

No one who understood what he went through.

The nightmares that kept him up at night.

And the fears that kept pushing him to get even stronger.

“...oro. Zoro! I know that having a part time job can be thought consuming, but if you’re going to day-dream I ask that you do it somewhere else, please .” 

Zoro startled slightly, then growled as the other kids laughed at him. Their cackling filled the room, growing louder by the second until the only thing the teen wanted was quiet, quiet, QUIET . He stood up and yelled, deep and guttural, chair falling from the abruptness and swung the wooden shinai in a viciously high arc, bringing it down on the table with a resounding CRACK that echoed in the room, silence following the action.

The teen stared impassively at the splinters that littered the floor, both his practice sword and his desk broken from the force of the swing. He was glad that he managed to reign it in though, and focused his power into a confined area.

It limited the shock wave range.

Collateral damage was more of a pain than school.

He sneered disgustedly. “Tch, finally some peace and quiet, I thought you dickwads would never stop your yappin’. Who knew it only took me bashing school property for you all to shut your traps? I’ll do it more often then.” Zoro put a hand in his pocket, back hunched, chin tilted up, and top lip lifted as he shot the room a menacing glare, reminiscent of his old delinquent days.

Something he really hoped to get back to soon, when he had more than enough cash.

As always, the weight of reality came crashing down on his shoulders, and a tired sigh escaped from his mouth. Right now, Zoro wanted nothing more than to just disappear. Suddenly feeling drained, he made his way to the door, ignoring the frightened looks of his classmates and the way it made him feel both satisfied and ashamed, pausing briefly by the teachers desk to throw down some money.

“For the damage.” he mumbled before walking out, right hand flexing the whole time. That was his shinai replacement savings.

Damn.

It looked like he’d be fighting bare for a while, at least, until he could set aside enough to buy a new shinai.

Whatever. 

Hopefully this way, his fights would be an actual challenge.  

He sauntered out of the classroom and smacked into someone, almost tripping and falling before a large hand steadied the green haired teen by the shoulder.

"Shit. Sorry..” Zoro mumbled without looking up as he shrugged the hand off of him to continue walking. “Oh an’ uh, thanks for the save, I guess.” He finished awkwardly, not used to conversing with people his own age, that didn’t include psycho mobs filled with assholes.

“Don’t let it get to you.” 

The swordsman jumped, stopping in his tracks, and cursed under his breath, pissed that he kept letting his guard down. The voice that replied was deep for a 18 year old, or maybe 17 year old, but not the villainous let-me-monologue-to-you-my-entire-evil-plan kind of deep. A light baritone was a better way to describe it. He spared a half-glance back, and took his time appraising the figure behind him.

The guy was tall --though only a bit taller than himself-- and clothed in a black hoodie with matching black skinny jeans that showed off a lithe but well-muscled figure. That was accompanied by black shiny dress shoes, which struck the 18 year old as an oddly archaic detail to an otherwise modern outfit. It made him feel strangely out of place in his camo shorts and white t-shirt. 

He blushed as he realized that he’d been staring at the kids feet too long, completely entranced in his thoughts and moved his eyes upwards. 

Stupid body, it betrayed him, his gaze moving ever agonizingly slow. The other boy had lips that were pressed into a thin line that had the swordsman wondering if it was an expression of concern or permanent amusement. 

But that was the only thing that Zoro could see. The rest of the stranger’s face was lost in the shadow of the black hoodie. Then the thin line disappeared, transforming into a wide, wickedly mischievous grin and he could’ve sworn that he saw a glint in those non-visible eyes. “If you do,” The teen cackled shortly, finishing his previous sentence. “You’ll only regret it in the end.”

“You said it.” Zoro whispered softly, knowing that no matter how much he told himself to let it go, to keep it cool. He’d never be able to, not like his sister..

Zoro didn’t pause, even as he felt eyes boring into his back.

Chapter Text

Zoro knew that Chopper could sense his irritation. He knew because the boy walked quietly beside him, their atmosphere eerily silent even in the bustling streets as he occasionally offered comforting squeezes to his right hand. It was hours since Zoro had ditched school, and boredom followed like a plague. The tan teen was happy when he glanced down at his phone and saw that it was time to pick up his kid brother. 

It took his mind off of what happened earlier. He gritted his teeth.They made him sick, the whole lot of ‘em.

“They poked fun at you again. Didn’t they?”

He jumped, not expecting the boy to speak so suddenly. Then he tensed, not wanting to look at his brother because the resigned tone of his voice told him that he already knew exactly what happened---or at least had a damn good guess. Zoro sighed.

He was so uncool.

“Mm.” he hummed angrily, careful not to tighten the hand clasped with Chopper to a fist. “Yeah, they did and I didn’t react the way I ‘ought’ve.” The green haired teen mumbled, using his free palm to scratch the back of his head in embarrassment. He didn’t like the idea of Chopper being upset with him, especially not when they were on their own. They were all they had. Zoro could feel Chopper’s eyes on him and imagined those eyebrows furrowed until little dimples formed between them.

“Well, don’t let it get to you.” he quipped, throwing his mind back to the other interesting part of his day. 

“Oh, yeah, I forgot about ‘im.” Zoro murmured softly to himself. 

“Forgot about who?” Chopper perked, the somber atmosphere suddenly brightening. Seriously, his kid bro was way too perceptive for his age. He sensed his change in attitude almost before Zoro did, which shouldn’t even be possible.

Zoro laughed.

“I really love you Tony. Y’know that don’tcha?” He looked down into onyx eyes and smiled, a grin so wide that it dimpled his left cheek. Chopper smiled back up at him. 

“Shut you bastard, it’s not like that’s going to make me happy! And don’t go changing the subject. So who is he?” he wriggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“Just what the hell have they been teaching you, in that school of yours?” the swordsman exclaimed, his face turning cherry red, a color only she could get out of him. “S’not like that, I swear. Besides, I just met him today.”

Chopper let go of his hand and twirled in front of him, his pink knee length shorts swirling with the motion as he turned to face him head on---walking backwards with his hands clasped behind his back and a satisfied grin that stretched ear to ear. His cheeks were rosy from happiness and Zoro couldn't help but soak in the warm energy. He decided to give.

“To be honest with you, I really dunno. Now that I think about it, he was kinda just standing there when I left the classroom. I ran into him by accident. I was totally riled up.” the green haired theen said, hoping it would be enough to placate his brother and feeling bad that he couldn’t be more descriptive. 

“Oooooohh.” Chopper cooed, pretending to bat his eyeslashes, charcoal gaze sparkling. “It sounds like the beginning of one of the romance movies that Perona is always looking at. Just watch. You guys are going to hate each other.” he laughed, brown, curly bang falling loose as he dodged Zoro’s half-hearted attempt to grab him. 

“What type of romance is that?” he exclaimed indignantly. “Hate each other? Who could ever hate all this?” he flipped his hair, striking a stupid pose and grinned cheekily as he watched Chopper double over with laughter. 

It was always worth public humiliation to see him smile. He picked up the boy and he settled on his shoulders, legs resting comfortably on either side of his chest. He listened as Chopper nestled deeper into his hair, letting out a sigh of contentment. 

“Listen Zoro” he started quietly, immediately catching his attention with the sudden change in mood. “Be careful.” he finished. 

Zoro stood confused for a second. Then remembered that he didn’t have his shinai. 

Ah. Of course he noticed. I had completely forgotten.

“Don’t you stress a thing Chopper, I’ll be fine. The Big Baddies down at the fight club don’t stand a chance against your big brother.”

That earned him a hard flick to the forehead. “That's not what I mean.” Chopper said harshly, ignoring the teen’s pained “ Ow!!”  

“Be careful with your heart, okay? And get that guy’s name. That’s the first thing I want to hear out of your mouth when you pick me up from school tomorrow!” 

“A’right a’right I will.” He replied, answering both questions.

Protect his heart huh?

Weird.

Chapter Text

The rest of the way home was fairly uneventful, something Zoro was immensely grateful for. He listened to Chopper as the boy spoke about the newest medical procedure he was learning

He puffed his chest, heart swelling with pride. The teen had no idea what kind of surgery thing his brother was researching, but he knew it was a difficult thing to do. That much he understood, just from hearing the teacher ranting on about how “Little Chopper” was such a prodigy, mastering all beginners' anatomy in less than two months. 

Their apartment wasn’t far, and they made it there in record time, neither sibling having to make any sort of detour. He reached deep in his pocket, feeling as Chopper gripped him tighter since his hand was no longer supporting him. The swordsman fondled the keys and struggled briefly to insert the metal object in the keyhole. After a not-so-gentle shove, he swung the door inward, careful not to let it slam into the wall. 

“Alrighty Chopper, go on ‘n take a bath you hear? I’ll change, then start making the preps for dinner ‘n if you finish you can come help me. No rush though. Okay?” He asked the boy, setting him on the floor, making sure to place him lightly on his feet. Crouched down as he was, they were nearly the same height and he didn’t even have to get on his tippy toes to place a small peck on Zoro’s cheek before scampering off to his room. “Okay!” He heard the boy answer, albeit a little late. 

Zoro walked into his room, and came face to face with the full-body mirror, taking the time to assess his appearance. He was slim but fit, it seemed that the older he got, the more muscular his physique became. He still felt somewhat weird though, his body hadn't grown into itself. He’d never admit it out loud, but he knew that it wasn’t likely he’d grow any taller than what he was now. Maybe two inches if he was lucky. Possibly 3 if miracles were real. But he had to fill out. As long as he exercised, he’d be stocky, but well built. 

Zoro sighed, shrugging and pulling off his pants. It wasn’t that important right now anyways, he needed to get dinner ready. 

He changed into a black t-shirt and left his boxers, not bothering to put on anything else. Sliding tan feet into black slippers, he stepped out of his room and made his way to the kitchen, swiping his mp3 player as he went. The tan teen strolled through all his music, finally clicking on “Bad” by the american singer Michael Jackson. The song had barely started and yet he was already tapping his foot to the beat. 

“Du, du, du, dudu. Dudu, duu dudu. Du, du, du, dudu. Du, duu,du dudu. Your butt is mine, Gonna tell ya right. Just show your face, in broad daylight…….”

He spun through the kitchen, grabbing the pots and pans he needed for curry. Green hair was flung back and forth as the teen nodded to the headbanger. He swiped a wooden spoon as he passed by the counter near the stove and brought it to his mouth, breaking out into song.

“Because I’m Bad, I’m Bad, come on. You know I’m Bad, I’m Bad come on, you know. And the whole world has to answer right now just to tell you once again, whose Bad!” The swordsman sang aloud, sweeping his hair back with his free hand, and making his best “ I’m sexy” face though it probably came off more like “I'm constipated”.

“Are you okay, Big Bro? Did you eat something funny?” Chopper asked, appearing before him in a light blue top and pants, his wide eyes full of concern, and not at all phased by the fact that Zoro was still mid-pose. Just pure, unadulterated, worry and the desire to help his older brother who was seemingly suffering from an upset tummy. 

Not a sexy face then.

Point made.

Chapter Text

They ended up with take-out. 

Zoro didn’t have enough money for it, he shouldn’t have been spending any cash at all, and Chopper knew this, so he ordered the least expensive thing on the menu.

An onigiri. 

He ordered a fucking riceball.

Zoro felt his guilt soar. They hadn’t had enough ingredients to make curry, or really anything, so take out was their only choice. But at least, with home cooked food, they could pretend that they made just a little bit of it on purpose. Out like this in public, there was no denying their paper thin lifestyle. As the teen shoved his hand into his pocket, he pulled out the last bit of cash he had, giving it to the cashier, who looked at him in surprise.

“You’re not getting anything else? Nothing for yourself?” 

No , he wasn’t getting anything for himself, and if the cashier knew what was good for ‘im he’d drop the fucking subject. 

Apparently, the man got the message, because he hastily deposited the money into the register and delivered the receipt.

“H-here you are. You’re order number 217, please move to the side and pick up your meal when the number is called.”

Zoro snatched the paper out of the worker’s palm, then felt bad as he gazed at the frightened expression, adding a gruff “thank you” as he stormed off, Chopper in hand. He heard the person behind him begin to order--by the sounds of it, it was the entire fucking menu-- and it only served to make him even more ashamed of his poorly state. 

He felt Chopper’s hand tighten around his own and glanced down, feeling his heart break as he saw the longing in his eyes as he listened intently. The teen growled. He knew it wasn’t right, but he had half a mind to walk over to whoever it was back there and kick their ass. He was seething so much that he could’ve sworn steam was streaming from his ears and he almost missed the last thing the person said.

“Yeah, and half of what I ordered can go to the guy who went before me. I don’t care which half you give me, as long as I get my food. You got it? And I want it split evenly . If I feel like you’re giving more to me or to him….shit won’t be pretty.”

Zoro spun around, letting go of Chopper completely and shot the guy an incredulous glare. The person’s back was to him, but the swordsman knew that they could sense his fury and confusion by the way they tensed. They turned, and Zoro was met with a boy who was all sharp angles. 

Platinum blond hair was meticulously placed, a large chunk of hair parted to the side in a low hanging bang. A few light strands peaked up rebelliously, ever defiant to the laws of physics. His eyes were hidden from sight but the teen could imagine them being piercing. The very air itself seemed to radiate with this kid’s aura. The teen in front of him was pale, but not sickly. If anything, he was the epitome of health, though Zoro couldn’t imagine how, after hearing that outrageously large order. 

“You have a problem with what I just did? Because I don’t like to think of how I’d be dead if looks could kill.”

The voice sunk deep into Zoro’s bones,reverberating, and made his mind itch from the familiarity. But he could care less about that because once again he was fuming.

“And where the hell do you think you get off talkin’ all high and mighty?” he growled lowly, trying and hardly managing to keep his cool. He’d already snapped at the cashier. He shouldn’t be going off on the one buying him food, even if it wasn’t something he asked for. He knew he shouldn’t.

And of course, the jackass(or savior, Zoro wasn’t sure yet) knew that too, with the way he responded, lips quirked slightly on one side.

“Well, that’s rich, considering I just bought you a meal.” The other male looked over the green haired shoulder and peered at Chopper. “The onigiri, that was for your brother right?” There was no venom in the way he spoke, but it didn’t stop the swordsman from feeling attacked and he bit back with hackles raised.

“So what if it was? Doesn't mean I need you to buy me food. Ain’t chivalry dead n’ all that? ‘Sides, ‘m just not hungry, is all.”

A loud growl from his stomach punctuated the statement. 

Zoro felt heat rush to his face, and knew that he was undoubtedly red.

Amber eyes sneaked a peak to his lower abdomen, a glare that his body promptly ignored.

Fucking traitor.

The other laughed, and Zoro couldn’t take his eyes off of those pale lips, drawn back into a smile that was all teeth. White canines gleamed under the fluorescent light of the cafe, abnormally sharp. The pale teen looked down on Zoro and smirked, right hip jutted out to the side and both hands in his pockets. 

“Oh noooo the strong and mighty Marimo is hungry. How sad, oh what a travesty. If only there was someone who could buy him food.”

Zoro had been right.

Those eyes were sharp, slicing him into ribbons. 

He felt that every action he made was being closely watched, weighted, and judged.

He could feel himself leaning subtly forward, searching.

…

He saw nothing but disdain in those electrically blue eyes.

Why was he surprised?

The blond spoke again, breaking the green haired teen’s thoughts.

“Listen here, dipshit. I didn’t buy the food for you , I did it for your brother. I really could give less than a damn what you do, but he,” Then came a long pale finger, practically shoved into Zoro’s chest, “ he’s eating. And if you have a problem with that--though I’m not sure why the fuck you would, we can settle it here.”

The swordsman growled, fist clenching and wished that he had his bat. The urge to fight was disgustingly overwhelming and he was tempted to take the chances of channeling his strength through his arm and hand instead of a weapon. If he ended up scattering this toothpick across the ground like he did that desk, there’d be no remorse.

The teen reared back, ignoring his feelings of uneasiness as he gazed into those lethal cerulean orbs. 

Something is seriously wrong with this dude.

But Zoro wasn’t one for overly complicated thoughts. He wasn’t stupid either. Just a straightforward guy, who trusted his gut more than anything. More than anyone.

Except for the person who was the most important in his life.

The one who motivated him to break every obstacle in his path.

The person who was now blocking his way.

“Thank you so much mister! We’ll take it. Right brother? We’re taking it.”

Zoro started, trying not to show how hurt he really was as he looked down at Chopper who was staring at him with fiery black eyes. His small fists were wrapped tightly around his faded blue jeans. Zoro found that he couldn’t deny him, and held his head low in defeat.  

“....Fine.”

The other boy cackled, his voice loud and offensive. “There it is, all it takes to cull the mighty warrior is a tiny terror.”

The tan teen felt his face heat up in mortification, unable to defend himself because he knew that it was utterly true. He felt a tug on his palm and glanced down, eyes widening as he was greeted by a blinding smile from Chopper. 

“Thanks Big Bro! You’re the best!”

Damn, this little boy had him wrapped around his small finger and he knew it.  Zoro was putty in his hands, and didn’t even try to stop the soft grin tugging at the edges of his lips. 

“Yeah, yeah, anything for you Tony. Y’know that. Maybe a little too well.”

His laugh tinkled through the now-silent cafe and once again the swordsman fortified his conviction that public humiliation was always worth a smile. 

He picked Chopper up, swinging him high in the air and warmth bloomed in his chest as the boy settled in his arms. The swordsman glimpsed the other teen openly staring and shot him a look, hoping that his gratitude would be clearly shown. He couldn’t-- wouldn’t give up on his pride and apologize, especially not to this jackass.

Judging by the smirk on the lighter males face, he was understood perfectly.

“Well, I’m off.” The taller boy sang with a lilted voice, shooting Zoro a mischievous glance and a backwards wave as he turned away. “You’re not the only one who’s hungry. And crowds aren’t really my thing anyways.”

By the time the teen finished looking around, his face embarrassingly crimson, the other male was already gone, hidden in some secluded corner of the establishment.

“Asshole.” Zoro muttered, ignoring Chopper’s reprimanding “Language!”

To the crowd, he gave a menacing glare, delinquent persona back in full swing, 102%.

“The hell ‘are you effers looking at?”

Simultaneously, over 50 heads turned away from him and the green haired teen let out a sigh of relief, not noticing the pair of eyes that still lingered from the shadows.

Chapter Text

The meal was good, better than Zoro would ever admit. It had been more than a long time since he’d eaten decent food, making sure that Chopper would always be the one taken care of. He ate messily, not realizing the fervor in which he shoveled the cuisine, pausing only when he noticed the waitress staring at him. 

He glared at her, finding it hard to look angry with his face filled to the brim. “Whadda ya want?”

The waitress jumped, barely managing to speak. “U-uh I was wondering if you needed anything.”

He grunted, a noise that came out roughly as a “no” and the girl scampered off, heels clacking lightly on the marble floors. The green haired snuck a peek to his brother, who was munching happily on a large salad and took a big swallow of food before grinning fondly, leaning his chin on his palm. 

“Heya Chopper? I’m gonna go over to wherever that ass-- donkeyhole is hiding and say thank you alight?” 

All he got was a nod and Zoro couldn’t help but laugh.

He stood up and stretched, surveying the restaurant before making his way to a back corner, the most secluded spot in the establishment and from what the teen gathered--exactly the sort of place that scumbag would slink off too. 

The area was so disgustingly cliche that he didn’t bother to muffle the snort he let out as he made his way closer. As he came near to the table, a feeling mixed between relief and disappointment filled him as he realized that the male was no longer there.

But something else was.

A small crumpled sheet of paper stood out against the forlorn setting and against his better judgment Zoro grabbed it, smoothing the sheet out, amber gaze instinctively searching. Scrawled on the back in tiny lettering were words that had the swordsman simultaneously pissed and confused.

“If you’re reading this, I assume it means that you finally swallowed your pride and came to say thanks. Sucks for you then. I wouldn’t have accepted your shitty apology anyways, even if you groveled. It's fuckers like you that take hunger as a fucking joke, or a honor thing, it pisses me off. You fed your brother though, so I guess you’re not half bad. Fuck, I’m running out of space. Well, I can’t say it was a pleasure little Marimo, nor am I looking forward to seeing you again. But that’s how it is. Tell your brother I said I hope she enjoyed the meal. And if you want a taste of something seriously good, go to the Baratie. It’ll be on the house.”

Zoro paused, as something stood out to him. 

Nor am I looking forward to seeing you again.

Again.

Had they already met before?

The green haired teen recalled his sensation of familiarity when the taller teen had started talking, but he had dismissed it, deep in his feelings of rage.

Then the memory hit Zoro full force and he realized that he had seen that irritating leer just earlier today. 

The swordsman groaned sulkily while he walked back to his baby brother, shoving the note into his jean pocket and frustration coloring his voice as he realized who he’d have to approach tomorrow. Just wait until Chopper found out.

He was going to be fucking estatic.

Looked like Zoro would be making a friend after all.