As Luffy and Zoro returned to the Going Merry, they looked up to notice William flying around the ship. They both paused, looking at each other with a worried look. William flew down, landed on Zoro's shoulder, and pointed towards the ship. Zoro looked up at him. "What is it? Is Pretty Kitty ok?" He looked at Luffy. "Keep your guard up, Luffy."
Luffy nodded. "Right. We'd better hurry." He and Zoro followed William towards the ship. By the time they got there, the Going Merry was surrounded by Marine ships. "Zoro, go to Kat. I'll have Sanji and Chopper help me with them."
Zoro nodded. "Right."
Once they got on the ship, they gave the rest of the crew the load down a plan was put into action. Sanji and Chopper agreed to help Luffy distract the Marines. While Zoro, Nami, and Usopp would stay by my bedside.
Zoro came over to my side and took my hand. "Come on, my love, wake up." Exhausted, he fell asleep holding my hand.
A few hours later, I woke up, looking down to see that Zoro had fallen asleep holding my hand. I smiled and played with his hair, noticing that his head was near my stomach. I looked at Nami, who also smiled. "I don't want to wake him. He's been through so many battles and always comes back covered in blood."
Nami nodded. "I get it. How are you feeling? You had us all worried. Zoro, most of all."
"I feel better. I guess the rest was all I needed. Where's Luffy, Sanji, and Chopper?"
Nami laughed. "Where else? Kicking ass and taking names."
I bent down the best I could and kissed the top of Zoro's head. "You've been through so much just to protect Henry and me. Like any father would do. I couldn't ask for anything else."
Usopp looked at Nami. "Maybe we give them some space."
Nami nodded. "That's a good idea." She got up and headed to the deck to join Luffy, Chopper, and Sanji, who managed to defeat the Marines.
Luffy noticed that Nami and Usopp were on the deck. "Is Kat awake?"
Nami nodded. "Yeah, she's awake, but we should give her some time to gather herself and Zoro did just fall asleep on her lap."
Luffy smiled. "Ok."
After some time, Zoro started to stir. I smiled, still playing with his hair. Something was calming about him, even when awake and in his protective mode. I knew that I could always rely on him. "Good morning, Daddy."
Zoro opened his eyes. "Hey, Momma. How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling alright. Not fully myself, but I'll get there."
Zoro nodded and kissed my stomach. "Hello, my son. Daddy's here."
I giggle. "Someone has missed his father."
Zoro smiled and kissed my neck. "I thought I lost you due to that lunatic."
"It takes more than just wax to take me away from you."