Love/Hate -Zoro-

-Four-

You tapped your foot while sitting next to Chopper, fingernail between your teeth in anxiousness. It was the third time your younger brother put a hand on yours to stop you from chewing it off completely.

"If you get nervous they will think something is up," He reminds you softly. "You know how Mom and Dad are. If they think you have something to hide you'll avoid them finding out at all costs."

"I really can't ask too much of Zoro, though," You whine. "He's already doing so much for me. If they demand proof of a relationship what will I do?"

"You two talked about it yesterday, right? Like you got your stories straight?" You nod. "Then don't worry about it. He said to trust him and you should listen. He seems like he knows what to do without you guiding him." Your phone vibrates in front of you. You slowly pick it up, heart thudding loudly against your ribcage when you see your mother's contact photo with a text message.

Mother: On the way to your place. We will be arriving in an ETA of fifteen minutes.

You: Understood.

As soon as you sent the message you shakily called up Zoro.

"They on their way?" He questions without a greeting.

"Unfortunately," You sigh. "It's not too late to back out, you know?"

"I'll be there in five." With that, he hangs up. You cover your mouth, tears threatening to come to your eyes. You couldn't cry right now. You had done your makeup and hair, dressed in your best clothes, and made sure that you were presentable enough for your parent's approval.

"You're worrying again," Chopper hums beside you. You groan and throw your head back.

"It's kind of hard not to!" You argue. "A man I barely know is posing as my boyfriend, you might have to go back to Mom and Dad, and I will be shunned for lying!"

"You need to relax, Reader. You know I'll help you and Zoro in any way I can." He places a hand on your back to soothe you. "I don't want to go home either." You smile weakly at him, wrapping him into a tight hug before hearing a knock at the door. Knowing your parents, they wouldn't knock. You get up and quickly rush to the door, swinging it open, and gawking at the man who stood in front of you. Zoro knew exactly how to dress to impress. His short and usually wind-blown hair was now neatly brushed and as well tamed as its length would allow. His earrings were newly polished to shine brightly in the lighting along with the watch he wore on his left wrist. His dress shirt was buttoned until the top two, slightly exposing the top of his chest and his collarbones. He had it tucked into some black jeans that could easily pass for a pair of business slacks. Holding them snugly was a deep brown-black belt with a shining silver buckle. His sleeves were rolled to just below his elbows, exposing his large forearms.

"Am I on time?" He asks, bringing you out of your trance. You clear your throat after blinking a few times.

"Y-yeah, they aren't here yet." You move aside to allow him to enter, shutting the door behind him. "You definitely knew how to dress for the occasion."

"I could say the same for you." He motioned to you with his left hand. You wore just a pencil skirt and a white dress shirt that was slightly unbuttoned like his. Your gold necklace and matching earrings added an accessory to the outfit. You added in some sheer pantyhose and black heels that you obviously hadn't worn since you bought them. Your hair was tied back and pulled out of your face except for two single front strands on either side of your forehead. Your makeup was a bare minimum, but enough to cover blemishes and discoloration.

"Thanks," You reply quietly. "Anyways, they will be here soon and I wanted to-"

"Reader." Zoro's voice was stern and it caught your words in your throat. You gazed up at him with a nervous swallow. His hands encased the tops of your shoulders to gain your full attention. "We will be fine. Stop worrying." His eyes stared intensely into yours as you slowly gathered yourself.