Chapter 35: Dinner at Zephyr's
In the evening, after today's training had ended, the afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the streets of Marineford, plating the Marine Headquarters in a warm, golden light.
Garon followed behind Zephyr, passing through several quiet alleys before finally stopping in front of a modest, two-story house.
"We're here." Zephyr pushed open the door, and an enticing aroma wafted out from inside.
Upon smelling the food, Garon's stomach immediately let out a loud protest, earning him a sideways glance from Zephyr. "That hungry?"
"Hehe, training just burns so much energy," Garon said, scratching his head, a little embarrassed.
"Come in." Zephyr stepped aside to let Garon enter first.
Inside, a woman with short hair was walking out of the kitchen, holding a steaming hot pot of stew.
When she saw Garon, her eyes lit up, and a gentle smile spread across her face. "You must be Garon. Zephyr mentions you often."
"Ma'am!" Garon immediately snapped to attention and gave a standard salute. "My apologies for the intrusion!"
"Don't be so formal." The woman placed the stew on the table and wiped her hands. "My name is Lina, Zephyr's fiancée. You can just call me Sister Lina. Hurry and sit down, let's eat."
In an instant, Garon's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the bountiful feast on the table. Beef stew, grilled fish, vegetable salad, steaming hot bread... His stomach rumbled again.
"Sit down, brat." Zephyr clapped Garon on the shoulder, his tone uncharacteristically gentle.
The three of them sat around the table. Garon had just picked up his fork when Lina stopped him. "Wash your hands first."
"Oh!" Garon finally noticed his hands were still covered in dust and bloodstains from training and quickly ran to the washroom.
When he returned, Lina had already served him a heaping bowl of stew.
"Thank you!" Garon said, before immediately digging in like a wolf.
"Slow down, don't choke," Lina said with a laugh, handing him a glass of water. "There's plenty more."
Zephyr watched Garon inhale his food like a tornado, unable to stop his brow from furrowing. "Brat, were you a starving ghost in your past life? Lina worked hard all afternoon, and you're just... eating with a clear conscience. Besides, how is your appetite exactly the same as Garp's?!"
Garon's mouth was full of food. He mumbled indistinctly, "It's just 'at goo'!"
Hearing Zephyr's stern tone, Lina clapped him on the shoulder, chiding him gently. "Don't say that. He's only 16. This is the age where they're still growing."
"'Still growing'..." Zephyr glanced at Garon's nearly 1.9-meter frame, his lip twitching. "Sixteen? This is sixteen?"
"Haha." Lina covered her mouth, giggling. "Even though you've 'part-time' taught so many students at the Academy, Garon is the first one you've ever brought home for dinner."
"Hmph!" Zephyr snorted and said no more, but a trace of softness flashed in his eyes.
Garon said nothing, just kept his head down and ate, quickly wiping the table clean of food.
Seeing this, Lina got up and went back to the kitchen, returning with a plate of fruit and dessert. "Here, try my apple pie."
"Thank you!" Garon's eyes lit up as he took the plate and continued to feast.
Zephyr shook his head, exasperated, but the corner of his mouth ticked upward.
At the table, Garon suddenly remembered something and looked up. "Teacher Zephyr, are you and Sister Lina not married yet?"
Hearing this, a faint blush rose on Lina's face. She looked at Zephyr tenderly. "He said... we'll get married after he becomes an Admiral."
"Ahem..." Zephyr coughed, looking away, clearly uncomfortable. "That's right."
"Is that so?!" Garon smiled, then asked curiously, "Then how did you two meet?"
A reminiscent look appeared in Lina's eyes, and she smiled. "Zephyr protected me when I was very young. I was just a child, and I was being tricked by some other kids. He was the one who saved me!"
"Oho?" Garon was intrigued. "So, what was Teacher Zephyr like as a kid?"
"When he was little~" Lina thought for a moment, then laughed. "Mm, just like now. A hero of justice!"
As she spoke, Lina suddenly stood up, imitating a pose from memory. She put her hands on her hips, puffed out her chest, and yelled:
"I am the Hero of Justice—Z!!"
Zephyr, who always wore a stern expression in front of his men, instantly turned bright red. He shot to his feet. "Lina!"
Garon froze for a second, then burst out laughing. "I can't believe Teacher Zephyr was so passionate as a kid! The Hero of Justice, Z!"
"And! And..." Lina was also doubled over with laughter. "He's a total blockhead. I followed him all the way from his hometown to Marine Headquarters, and he still didn't realize I liked him. I had to be the one... Garon, don't you ever be like Zephyr in that regard! What a dummy, making the girl make the first move!"
Zephyr looked at the two of them, finally letting out a defeated sigh, but he couldn't hide the tenderness in his eyes.
Dinner ended amid happy laughter.
Garon offered to help clear the dishes, but Lina waved her hands. "No, no, you go rest. You must be exhausted after training all day."
"It's fine. I can at least do this much," Garon insisted.
"Just let him wash. He ate enough," Zephyr said, standing to the side. He watched Garon's clumsy but earnest movements, a flash of warmth in his eyes.
It grew late. As Garon was leaving, Lina made sure to pack some snacks for him to take. "Come back again soon, Garon!"
"Thank you, ma'am!" Garon accepted the bag, a warm feeling spreading through his chest.
Walking back to his own house, Garon looked up at the stars, his mind replaying the warm scene from that evening.
He knew what kind of pain Zephyr would endure in the future, and he knew that gentle, kind smile would one day disappear.
I absolutely cannot let that happen... Garon clenched his fists, making a silent, firm resolution.
...
Back at Zephyr's house, after Garon had left, quiet returned.
Lina gently closed the door. When she turned, she found Zephyr standing by the window, gazing in the direction Garon had left, a faint smile on his lips.
She walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, pressing her cheek against his broad back. "Garon is a good kid," she said softly. "Don't be too hard on him."
Zephyr didn't answer immediately. He just raised his hand and covered hers, his thumb gently rubbing her knuckles.
After a moment, he said in a low voice, "Mm. He's a troublesome disciple, but... he's a good one."
Lina giggled, moving around to face him. She looked up into his eyes. "You rarely bring students home for dinner. Let alone train them personally... or even get Garp involved. It seems you really value him."
Zephyr snorted, but his eyes softened. "The brat has talent, but more importantly, his 'heart' is in the right place."
He paused, a rare note of sentiment in his voice. "I see my younger self in him."
"Haha." Lina reached up to cup his cheek, her fingertips gently tracing the fine lines by his eyes. "Is that why you admire him so much?"
Zephyr didn't deny it. He just took her hand, lowered his head, and kissed her fingertips. "Soon."
"Hm?"
"When I become an Admiral..." Zephyr's voice was low and firm. "Then, at the peak of my career, I can properly marry you."
Lina's eyes grew warm, but she just smiled and pinched his nose. "Dummy. I've been waiting a long time for that day."
For once, Zephyr didn't argue. He just pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head, and whispered, "I won't make you wait much longer."
Outside, moonlight spilled onto the streets of Marineford, serene and gentle.