Love/Hate -Zoro-

-Three-

You glanced around nervously, leg bouncing up and down. Your parents were going to be pulling into your home's driveway and you had made sure even the entrance of the drive was spotless. You had called two weeks ago about a pothole in the front and got it filled in two days prior to today just for the occasion. You were not going to let anything ruin your time with your brother. Finally, you saw it- the Opendium Motors one-of-a-kind vehicle that your father drove. It was made by him and for him specifically, so it was hard to miss. Your mother sat tight-lipped in the front seat, sunglasses covering her judging eyes as your father just looked straight ahead. As soon as the car parked, Chopper dove out and scrambled to get to you, hat nearly flying off his head.

"Reader!" He yells, diving onto you in a hug.

"Tony!" You wrapped your arms around him and spun, settling when he felt too heavy for you. "When did you get so big? It's only been a year!"

"I grew like a weed, huh?" He jokes, puffing out his chest with pride. You held in your giggle at his proud stance and nodded.

"Absolutely. Tallest weed I know." Your body slowly turns to face your parents as they stood in pristine clothing, watching your sibling interaction.

"Reader," Your mother greets.

"Mother." You bow slightly before doing the same gesture toward your father. "Father."

"The place isn't bad looking from the outside," Your mother announces. "It looks... Affordable." You bit your tongue immediately. At least she didn't say it looked like a slum.

"Come on in and I can give you a quick tour," You offered, not wanting them to invite themselves in so you could have some sort of control. You had gotten Nami to pack away her things neatly and leave to go to Sanji's for the day, making it look like you and your roommate had your lives together. The house was spotless, under the counters bleached and wiped down to avoid a finger-swiping test, and the doorknobs were polished to where your reflection had shown in them. Your parents took their time to inspect the home. Your mother was more thorough, wanting to find a single reason to take Chopper home and not give you the satisfaction. However, when she returned to the living room with a scowl, you knew you had won.

"Planner?" She asks with her hand out toward you. You grab the planner from the coffee table and hand it to her proudly. She carefully reads every page, inspecting your grades, classes, teachers, and times to make sure they were all jotted down correctly. "Study group?" She questions. "What could you possibly study in an art major?" She looked as if she caught you in a lie, but you stop her from smirking.

"I am the leader of the study group. I help with other subjects, not just art," You claim. It was a total lie, the study group really being your friend group with Nami and the others.

"Very well." She snaps the planner closed, handing you the book and looking at your father. She nods once and places her hands on her hips. "Chopper will be here for exactly thirty days. No later and no sooner unless it is an emergency. Understood?" You nod your head. "Any dietary needs, clothing and accessories, and transportation will be handled strictly by you."

"Understood."

"Now, we have also come to discuss another predicament with you today. If it wasn't for that, your father wouldn't have even come." Of course, he wouldn't have.

"Another predicament?"

"You are nearing twenty-four. That is the cut-off for a suitable marriage age. What are your future plans for this?" Your face immediately turns cold with sweat.

"I'm sorry, I want to make sure I am understanding your question," You say with a dry throat. "Are you asking if I have a marriage planned?"

"Yes."