Roronoa Zoro

The night was too quiet.

Zoro remained leaning against the rock wall, his arms crossed, just another shadow among shadows. His swords rested beside him, but his attention wasn't on the perimeter… it was on her.

"You're late," he grumbled without looking at her.

She stopped a few steps away. She didn't respond immediately. Her breathing was ragged, as if she had run… or fled. Zoro noticed. He always noticed.

"They followed you," he said, now turning his face.

She shook her head, but her hands were trembling. A minor detail. Enough.

Zoro took one step forward. Then another. He didn't touch her.

"Don't lie to me," her voice was low, dangerous. "Not tonight."

The silence between them was heavy. She pressed her lips together, as if carrying the truth hurt more than receiving a blow.

"They're closer," she finally whispered. "It wasn't part of the deal that they'd come for you."

Something tensed in Zoro's jaw.

"It was never a deal," he replied. "It was a decision."

He leaned forward slightly, just enough so that she had to look up. Their eyes met: hers filled with guilt, his with a calmness that only preceded violence.

"If you're thinking of disappearing again..." Zoro trailed off, "don't."

She swallowed.

—They're going to kill you.

Zoro barely smiled. It wasn't a friendly smile.

—Let them try.

He took another step, standing in front of her, placing himself between her body and the exit of the cave, as if the whole world were a threat.

"I don't owe you any explanations," he said. "But I don't intend to lose you either."

The air became heavy.