Love/Hate -Zoro-

-Sixteen-

A/N: Some NSFW <3 enjoy

Your hands carefully grabbed the small green and red box that Zoro held out to you. He had just gotten home from work and you were more than happy to wait up for him to return. You began to unwrap the present and he fidgeted next to you on the couch as you took your time, mentally teasing him to wait for your reaction.

"Just rip it already," He whines. You snicker at the impatience and do as told, ripping into the gift. The box was small, white, and had gold lettering on it. You furrowed your brow and slowly opened it, only to gasp at the sight before you. There was a beautiful opal ring encased in sterling silver, all polished to a perfect level. There were five gems altogether, white, blue, and fire opals all to match each other.

"This is amazing," You whisper. "I love it, Zoro." You slip the ring onto your left ring finger, knowing it is probably just a regular ring, but it fits too perfectly to go on any other finger.

"It's a promise ring," He explains when you notice the size. "I gotta say, I'm really glad you're a heavy sleeper. Getting your ring size was easy because of it." You frowned and poured your lip out at him.

"Well, either way, I love it. Thank you." He smiles proudly at your reply. "Now here!" You shoved your gift to him, the green and white matching him well.

"It's not often I get to make you feel flustered," He comments. "That's a gift in itself."

"Shut up and open it, Roronoa!" You shout with reddened cheeks. He chuckles and begins to quickly rip the paper to his gift. He pauses, staring at the long box in his hands. He very slowly opened the wooden crate and you could feel your heart pounding in your chest heavily.

"I just thought that since you don't only run a sword shop you also use them..." You trailed. "I had hired Bart to make it, but he didn't let me pay him. It was a gift from everyone at that point, but they are letting me take credit for it." He was still quiet, just staring at the beautiful weaponry you had Bartolomeo make.

"If you don't like it-"

"I love it," He whispers. You stopped your fretting immediately. "This is the best thing anyone has ever given me. I-" His hand goes to cover his mouth and he closes his eye for a moment. He puts the sword down beside him and pulls you into a hug without warning.

"I didn't think you'd like it this much," You nervously admitted. "I thought you'd just say thanks and add it to your collection-"

"I love you." Those words froze you. You want to pull away to look at him, but he was gripping onto you as tight as he could that it nearly hurt you. "I can't look at you when I say it."

"C-can you say it again?" You stutter. "So that I can make sure I heard it." His fingers dig into your back and he pulls you closer to him.

"I love you, Reader." His voice sent a shiver down your spine. "Thank you." He finally let you go just enough to back up and look at him. He looked so small, his cheeks filled with blush and his eye avoiding you at all costs.

"It's okay if you can't look at me, Zoro," You whisper softly. "I love you, too." His eye finally snaps up and you could feel him release his tension slightly. "You don't need to ever be scared of telling me that." His lips connect with yours as soon as you finish your words. You could feel the vulnerable actions he showed creeping up to display themselves once more, but this time it was different. The way he held you as if you could leave at any second. How his hands were firm yet gentle on your back and hip. His lips moved softly on yours but still showed enough force to keep you grounded. This was the most sensual kiss you had shared with Zoro to date.

"Not here," You whispered when you finally pulled away. "The couch isn't where I want to do it this time." He nods, obedient to your words. His hands slither to grip you enough to lift and pull to stand with him. Your legs were wrapped at the hips and your hands were on his neck. The feeling of how strong he was really set a good mood for you usually, but right now it wasn't about his strength, but his weakness. He was showing a side he didn't show often, and even when he did, it was only for a split moment.