Now or Never

In The Now

Hey guys, I just had this idea. Its a one-sided Zoro x Nami fanfic with a slight Zoro x Kuina reference, its a one-shot just fyi! (The chapter picture nor the cover picture is mine btw, full credit goes to whoever drew these, not me)

Zoro had just finished his workout and the sun was just starting to set on the oceanic horizon. The radiant rays of light flew through the air and pierced the clouds in a magnificent display. But he only spared it a quick glance before slinging his towel over his shoulder.

He scratched his head absentmindedly as he thought of his to-do list after his workout.

1) Get water
2) Take a shower
3) Guard Duty
4) Second Guard Duty (Damn it, Luffy)
Short and to the point. His style really.

He grabbed his water bottle and chugged the water inside.

"Zoro?" and he choked on the liquid before falling into a coughing fit. He had not expected someone to come in. Although he didn't know why he had thought that. For the love of all that is holy, there was no privacy on this ship whatsoever. Still though, he was surprised Nami of all people would be in here. It was sweaty and stinky and icky...what the hell was she doing in here?

"N-Nami?" his voice was hoarse from coughing and he cleared his throat, "Why are you here?" He turned to see the ships navigator stumble into the crows nest. Was she okay? Had she been drinking or something? She looked flushed and nervous, unsteady and unsure. 

"What's wrong?" he frowned and she glared, "Does something have to be wrong for me to just come see you?" and he raised an eyebrow, "Is that a trick question?"

She huffed and sat down on one of the benches. She played with her fingers nervously as she fidgeted before finding that standing was much more appealing, getting back up as she rubbed her thighs anxiously. 

"You're acting weird." he pointed out and she groaned in exasperation, "I know, you idiot! I know!" 

She chewed her nail nervously. How was she supposed to say this? She had waited two years to see him again. Err....everyone again. During those two years she had a lot of time to contemplate the past. To relive old memories. To realize her mistakes. To fear her regrets. 

Fear. Yes, that was it. That was what nagged at her from the first moment she realized she wouldn't see him for two damn years. Fear that she wouldn't be able to thank him. Fear that her cowardice had taken over her life. Fear that she would never have the chance to tell him. 

Yes, she was afraid of the inevitable rejection, of course, but at least she would have been open about it. At least she would've done something. 

She had spent all that time being afraid, she wasn't going to back out now. She had to do this right this second or she never would. 

"Ooookay...." he was extremely confused but decided to just go take his shower and maybe when he was done, Nami would either have sorted out her weird problems, or have given up and left. 

He turned around to leave as he waved his hand back at her to tell her he was going now and she panicked, "NO! WAIT! ZORO!" as she rushed to him and snatched up his arm and pulled him back. 

He stumbled and made a nervous sound of unsteadiness before he sighed in relief and looked back at her, "What the hell was that woma--?!" but he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the glistening tears in her eyes.  

"I-I'm sorry..." as her hands slipped from around his sweaty arm and he frowned again. Okay, this was getting out of hand. She never apologized to him. There must be something seriously wrong.