Loser

Ghost Train - a ZoLu fic - Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Andromeda

(ɔ◔‿◔)ɔ ♥

A/N: sorry that Zoro is slightly OOC in this story, but he's supposed to be a fanboy you know? Anyway he's head over heels for Luffy in canon so it's not that different, right? lol?

(ɔ◔‿◔)ɔ ♥

Zoro was walking around town with Robin and Franky, apparently, the town was having a festival today.

"It's interesting, the amount of effort the townspeople are preparing for the festival, I was just reading a book about it from the town's library," Robin said in slight awe, Franky was impressed as well. "Yeah they're building a lot of things for this festival pretty quickly, and it looks stable too."

Zoro chuckled internally a bit, of course, Franky and Robin's hobbies will never rest, Zoro was just happy to go to the city without too much supervision. While he apparently "gets lost" a lot, he's glad that Robin and Franky came with him, they give him way more slack than the others, (yes, because walking in a straight line without getting lost is an achievement).

He finally spotted the object he wanted to see since his first night at the beach house, he had to wait a few days because the others had group plans. He saw that huge statue that caught his eyes a few nights ago, there he was, standing in front of a memorial of his favorite band.

Considering the festival is a music festival, it made a lot of sense for the group to be the center of the festivities. Flowers, letters, food, and more were left in front of the statue, right above it was a plaque, 'The Pride of Dawn Island' is what it read. From what Robin told him earlier, a lot of people that left gifts for the departed trio weren't just fans, those three were kind to the town before they were famous and after they reached stardom. It's a reason why Zoro likes them, celebrities that aren't jackasses and didn't let fame get to their head, the support they have from the city is just proof of it.

Franky whistled at the statue, impressed by the quality, Robin smiled at the young adult before her. Zoro isn't the type of person to idolize someone if they don't deserve it.

"By the way Zoro, the town has a memorial concert for the boys at the end of the festival, in case if you wanted to know" Robin smiled as he saw the green-haired man shoulder's raise with hidden excitement.

"Really? That's nice of them," Zoro replied softly, he turned around the face his older friend. "How long is it before the concert starts?"

Robin pulled out a pamphlet from Franky's back pocket, the older two looking over the itinerary.

"It starts around 10 pm bro, so you got plenty of time to relax before then," Franky said as he was looking at the other festivities listed.

It was currently 7 pm, and the small group was looking around and taking time to shop around and play some classic carnival games.

It wasn't long before the stack of prizes Franky won for Robin started to pile up, meanwhile, Zoro only got one prize, a pretty good one too.

Now it wasn't a surprise to anyone that most carnival games are almost impossible to win, especially the basketball free throw game. The number of people Zoro saw struggling to make more than 5 shots would be embarrassing if it wasn't rigged, but Zoro had a backup plan.

He was eyeing the replica guitar hanging on the prize corner, all he had to do was make 20 shots, and 20 shots he did. It didn't help the carnival workers that Zoro was basically a 6 ft. wall of pure muscle, all he had to do was squeeze some of the air out for the ball to fit through the 'smaller than normal' hoop.

So now he was carrying proudly a replica of Luffy's guitar. "Why don't we stop by the beach house for a moment to drop everything off, especially you Zoro, I doubt you want that shiny guitar to get into an accident," Robin told the two as she offered to carry some of the prizes that were won for her.

The two agreed and by the time they made it back to the beach house, it was 9 pm, Zoro was finishing getting dressed and he looked in the mirror in his guest room.

Wearing the shirt that Zoro waited weeks before the trip was finally being worn, it wasn't too tight nor loose, fitting his build just right.

Now after rushing Robin, Franky, and now his other friends, they made it to the concert venue.

"I'm actually surprised we got some good seats!" Usopp said as they were waiting for the concert to start.

All of his friends had a seat next to each other, a surprising feat since the concert started in thirty-ish minutes when they arrived and his friend group consisted of 9 people including himself.

(ɔ◔‿◔)ɔ ♥

"Do you know what songs they're going to play moss-head?" Sanji asked as he blew smoke out of his mouth, his other friends also looked at him for an answer.

"How am I supposed to know pervy -cook, I just found out they were having this concert a few hours ago." Zoro replied while rolling his eyes in annoyance to piss off his 'friend' more.

Thankfully, Chopper, Usopp, Jinbe, Nami, and Vivi were sitting between Zoro and Sanji so they don't try to murder each other.

Before any of the two can say anything else, the lights around the stage lit up and a pair walked up the stage.

"The show doesn't start for another 5 minutes, wonder what's going on?" Brook, who was sitting next to Sanji questioned.

"Hello everyone! I hope you're having a great night tonight!" a short but energetic woman greeted the audience.

"I'm Koala and my partner here is Marco" Marco waved towards the crowd.

"Before the show starts, we wanted to have a brief moment of silence for our superstars before the show begins, if that's alright with guys-yoi" Marco, the taller of the two spoke towards the crowd.

The crowd was responsive to the two hosts, "Now since everyone has different beliefs here, we aren't going to do a joint prayer or anything like that, but just have a nice minute to say your thought to the boys before we get this show on the road alright?" Koala smiled at the excitement of the crowd.

The ambient music playing at the festival stopped and the stage lights moved from the hosts to a mural of the band.

Luffy was smiling so brightly, an arm around his brothers. Ace was on the left, having a small smile but had his elbow resting upon his brother Sabo. Sabo had a smile that was a mixture of Luffy's and Ace's, wrapping his free arm around Luffy.

Zoro was relieved that he didn't hear a prayer, his friends most likely felt the same since none of them have a religious bone in their body.

Everyone had their eyes closed and it was complete silence, Zoro decided to close his eyes as well, he might as well be respectful.

"Thanks for coming!" a bright voice rang through Zoro's head.

Zoro opened his eyes quickly, when he realized everyone was still silent he just assumed that he's been hearing things lately. Shaking his head he closed his eyes again, enjoying the brief silence once more.

After another minute of silence, the light faced the hosts again.

"Alright, thank you everyone for coming tonight, and enjoy the show!" Koala said before Marco and her left the stage.

Not even seconds after, a huge projector came out, and then the show started.

Multi-colored lights were coloring the night sky and Zoro was having the time of his life. He and his friends were singing along to their favorite songs.

(ɔ◔‿◔)ɔ ♥

It was an amazing two hours, ending the concert with 'Andromeda', one of Zoro's favorite songs. After the concert was over and the group made it back to the beach house, Zoro felt a little sad.

"Okay guys, we're heading to bed, tonight was fun!" Nami spoke in a happy but tired voice as she brought Vivi with her.

Everyone else also said their goodnights to each other and Zoro was now in his room.

He was laying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, before he felt a hand touch his hair.

"What the fu-" Zoro sat up and saw something, no someone in front of him.

"Oh shit, you can see me? Well...anyway sorry for messing with you, but I was happy seeing you at our concert! Especially with our merch, it makes me and my brothers happy!"

Zoro slapped his cheeks and was so surprised to see that he was not hallucinating...

"I have to be fucking dreaming aren't I?" Zoro said as he put a hand to his face and sighed.

(ɔ◔‿◔)ɔ ♥

Previous Chapter: Momentary Bliss                                 Next: All Alone

Mouthwashing if Anya told Swansea instead of Curly

no stealin’ !!💥

Ace, Sabo and Luffy should have done a blood pact as part of becoming brothers (slicing their hands and pressing their wounds together) because then Ace couldn't hate his blood anymore since he shared blood with his brothers :)

Injury prompts:

CW for mention of injury, blood and death

Bandaging them up while you both tell each other about your day

Using your hand to lift up their face to check for any injury, when you notice how pretty their eyes are, causing you to blush

Scolding them for their reckless actions, while they look at you, smiling softly

Trying to hide your injury from them, but failing miserably once you faint right in front of them

Hugging them tightly, telling them how worried you were

Staying the night in case they need your help, being asked to sleep on the bed instead of the couch/floor

Helping them wash off the blood from their body

Carrying your wounded enemy on your back, taking them home to treat their injuries

Noticing some not-so-recent scars on their back while applying some ointment, asking them where they got it from

Dragging them to the nearest clinic since they're too stubborn to go get themselves healed

Dialogue:

"Stay still, I don't want to hurt you"

"Drink this. It'll help you heal faster"

"Go to sleep, you need rest"

"This might hurt a little..."

"Where does it hurt the most?"

"Is it a deep cut?"

"How long have you been hiding this?"

"You moron... Why are you so careless!?"

"Relax, it doesn't hurt that mu- Ow!"

"I have a perfectly reasonable explanation for this"

"I don't know it was just... there when I woke up" || "...That's the best excuse you can come up with?"

"I promise I'm fine... I just need some rest that's all"

"I'm glad you're alright"

"I... thought I lost you..."

"Never do that again. Please"

"I'd hate to be a burden..." || "It's alright, (Name). I don't mind taking care of you"

"...Who did this to you?" || "Let it go (Name), it doesn't matter-" || "Yes, it does. Who did this to you?"

"You saved me...? And bandaged me up? Am I dreaming?" || "Yeah, well, I wasn't going to let you die just like that..."

"Are you okay!? Are you hurt!? A-" || "Calm down, it's just a scratch"

"Don't even try to get up" || "Watch me!" *stumbles and falls on the ground*

(X)

yes you are

SOBBING

Love was more than just a three worded statement to Zoro, something just to be said. For Zoro, it had to be shown. It had to be earned.

He could never just say that he loved the other Straw Hats. It would never be enough. Zoro had to make sure that they never were in danger and put his life on the line for every one of them. That they had someone to do all the heavy lifting when they couldn’t, even if he may grumble periodically if it’s the Cook. Hell, if needed, he had to make sure that they had a nap buddy. And most importantly, he always liked to listen to them talk.

Zoro never has to say that he loved them. They all know. He never expects for his gestures to be returned. But they always are, without fail.

Luffy always wanting Zoro to play some stupid game with him or even just hanging out while he trained. Using his devil fruit in some of his exercises, something that Zoro didn’t know would be helpful. But Luffy, looking up at him, would shoot him the biggest ear-to-ear grin. 

“Well, Zoro needed those resistance bands to work out. I don’t know how those help but I thought I could help better,” Luffy stated obviously but so sweetly as Zoro used part of his arm to stretch his shoulders. Zoro smiled a little softer at the knowledge of how closely his captain listened. How aware of him he was. 

Usopp, creating a gadget that was even more durable enough to hold his swords, with Zoro watching behind him. So experimental and dexterous, he messed with the metal of the soon to be fully formed carrier. Making sure it could withstand anything Zoro could encounter. He watched him move, his head tilting to the side as he watched. 

“You’re very intent on making sure this doesn’t break,” Zoro pointed out amusedly and Usopp nodded, fixing the final screw of his holder.

“Well, of course. I don’t want you to lose your swords,” Usopp said, the tone of voice also much softer than he’s used to being directed. 

Nami and Sanji he would find cleaning his swords, Nami holding Enma in his lap and Sanji holding Kietsu in his lap. Meanwhile, Wado rested on a towel and was practically given a pillow for it to be rested on. He watched the gentle care that Nami and Sanji performed on his swords, treating them like something of care to the both of them. All of his swords have a history, he knew that to anyone else they were a hunk of metal.

Not to his crew. Not to Sanji and Nami right now, unaware of Zoro watching them.

“This oil you picked out is so nice. It makes the swords shine,” Sanji said to Nami, finishing the wiping down the tip of his blade with an intense concentration. Nami was giving him a look that even Zoro couldn’t read and she hummed in agreement, still cleaning Enma down.

“Cleaning and sharpening his swords were also a good idea,” Nami replied, a tone gentle as she stared down at Enma. The two of them sat in silence as Sanji and Nami both cleaned his swords.

“Zoro! Why are you working out now!?” Chopper scolded, staring down at his bandaged torso as he lifted a smaller weight. Zoro finished his rep and he placed it down on the ground next to his feet.

“I need to keep training-”

“Well you’re not going to get stronger if you stay injured,” Chopper said to him with crossed arms across his chest. Despite his frown, Zoro didn’t miss the worried glint in his eyes down at him. His little blue nose twitched as his hoof pressed into his side.

“Alright fine. But I want to keep my swords by my bed,” Zoro requested as they walked to the hospital bunks.

“Nami got you a stand. So you’ll be okay.”

Zoro nodded and when they got to the bunks, Robin was fixing Zoro’s bed and fluffing up his blankets and pillows. When she finished, she sat on the chair and picked up a book on the history of swordsmen. She looked over at him with a gentle smile, a much warmer smile.

“Figured you needed some company, Swordsman.”

13.09.2024

I need the light novel in my country as well! I NEED TO READ THIS!

This was not the story of how he became the greatest teacher. 😔