more detective stuff?

[dodging the rest]

[jesus fucking

way to pick your weapon, baren. even if he wanted to he wouldn't be able to stand up to kyouko.

he'll just be in the apartment, slumped on the couch, a bottle of whiskey in one hand and his head in the other.]

the key's where it always is.

[ there's no text response, because a little later the key will turn in the lock and kyouko will let herself in. she brought...coffee, black, for herself. but she also brought a cup for zoro if he wants it, or a backup for herself if he doesn't.

she's easy either way.

once she's inside she heads over to the couch and sits down next to him, setting down her second cup so he can reach it if he wants and crossing her legs as she takes a sip from her own. ]

You've had a day.

[zoro's not really a coffee person but that doesn't stop him from accepting the cup. black, of course. because there isn't anything about zoro that's not stereotypically macho.]

That shitty frenchman was easier than Baren. You believe that?

[zoro still fucking can't.]

...Somewhat, yes. You care about Baren more.

[ so ]

[ack.]

Shut up.

[he almost spilled his coffee by gripping it too hard kyouko!!! goddammit why did baren have to call her.]

What's with that look?!

[STOP IT]

You didn't want me saying anything...now I'm not to look, either? Childish...

[zoro slaps the back of the couch]

DID YOU JUST COME HERE TO INSULT ME?!

No. I came here to check on you. [ ... ] Teasing you is just a bonus.

[he's pouting]

I don't need to be checked on.

I'd agree had you contacted me instead of brooding alone.

[gOD KYOUKO]

Fine. You've seen me, I'm fine, congratulations. What else do you want?

...Talk to me.

[zoro just. stops. considers. runs a hand through his hair and then raises the coffee to her.]

This coffee's weak. They say how old the pot was when you went in for it?

[that's not what she meant zoro]

...About the things you held back, Ryouta.