To Tame A Beast

Precautions

Lana rubbed her temples with irritation as her head began pounding. Zoro had intentionally avoided her since Sanji saw him almost kiss her. She took a deep breath to calm herself before dipping her paintbrush into the yellow paint. She continued painting the field of flowers she had been working on all morning as Sanji's words from that morning echoed in her head:

"If you two are trying to hide your romantic relationship from us, you're doing a shitty job at it." He laughed, leaning against the ship next to her, taking a long drag from his cigarette.

"Relationship...ha, what do you mean?" Lana denied tucking her hair behind her ear.

"You are the worst liar. Almost as bad as Usopp." He chuckled, bumping her shoulder. When Lana didn't say anything, he continued.

"I'm pretty sure the only person who doesn't see the chemistry you two have is Luffy. I see the way you look at each other, that and how the two of you conveniently disappear at the same time." He cocked an eyebrow staring at her.

"Okay, fine! Keep your mouth shut; at least, I don't think he's ready for anyone to know officially." She sadly, as her chest felt tight.

"I still don't understand what someone as beautiful and kind as you see in that angry moss head, but I understand where he's coming from."

"Thanks, Sanji," Lana whispered, elbowing him affectionately.

"Of course, I'll admit I am a little jealous of him if I'm being honest." He grinned.

Lana rolled her eyes, "Oh, Sanji, we would never work out. You're too much of a flirt, and I am a jealous woman." She laughed, squeezing his shoulder before walking away.

     Lana finished her painting, setting it to the side so it could dry. If he weren't going to go to her, she would go to him. She marched all over the ship looking for him, but he was nowhere to be found in his usual lounge spots. The only place she hadn't yet checked was the bathroom. She stomped to the bathroom throwing open the door; Zoro jumped as the door slammed against the wall before slamming shut. He heard the sound of a lock clicking, and he looked up to see Lana walking to the edge of the tub with her arms crossed.

"What are you doing in here?" he demanded; Lana slapped her hand over his mouth, cutting him off mid-sentence.

"What you're going to do is shut up and listen." She snapped, squeezing his cheeks with her hand hard. He nodded, giving her his full attention. She took a deep breath.

"You suck, Zoro! Big time! You've been avoiding me all day, and I don't like it." She pouted, letting go of his face. He stared at her dumbfounded before bursting into laughter.

"Why are you laughing? Wh..what is so damn funny?" She demanded, flicking him on his forehead. He grabbed her wrist, yanking her into the tub. She yelped in surprise, flailing on top of him in the water.

"Zoro! Now my clothes are all wet." She whined.

"Well, then I guess they'll need to come off then." He laughed, pulling her into a deep kiss; all her irritation and worry melted away at the first stroke of his tongue against hers.

       Lana moaned against his mouth as Zoro slid her wet pants off her hips, setting them outside the tub. He broke their kiss briefly to slide her shirt off before kissing her once more. Zoro's hands trailed down the curve of her back. He kissed down the side of her neck slowly before biting down roughly. She cried out as her fingers gripped his biceps tightly. Zoro looked at the mark he left on her neck with satisfaction, enjoying how her eyes glazed over with desire for him. He kissed her again, more gently this time, intending to take his time with her.

—- —- —-

      By the time dinner was ready, the sun had disappeared behind the horizon. Light clouds shadowed the moon, making the dark blue sea appear as an endless black abyss. Lana went around the ship lighting lanterns so it would be safe for everyone to move around. She sighed deeply, she had been trying to speak with Chopper privately all day, but each time she caught him alone, someone interrupted. She peeked around the corner seeing him walking out of his room.