Love/Hate -Zoro-

-Twenty Two-

"Are you sure that this is a safe option, Reader?" The man asks you on the phone. "I wouldn't want to hurt the company nor Zoro's."

"It's fine. I'll handle everything here if you take care of your end," You promise. He sighs loud enough to be heard just barely.

"Alright then. Doflamingo isn't one to trifle with, though, so who is to know if he will even let this slide."

"He will if it's you."

"Just because I had been colleagues a time ago with him does not mean we were friends, Reader." You smile slightly.

"I know, Uncle," You reply. The front door opens and closes, signaling Zoro returned from opening the shop. "I have to go. Let me know what you'll need from me, okay?"

"I will. For now, stay in a low profile regarding Doflamingo," Hawkeye warns. "He isn't one to play nice in any shape or form." You nodded before hanging up the phone to avoid suspicion from Zoro.

"Hey," You greet with a soft smile. "How was opening?"

"Same as usual," He confirms. "I brought you something, though." His hands show you a new polishing kit you've seen at the shop before.

"A polish kit?" You question. "What would I need one for?"

"I thought that was obvious- your sword." You stared at the man even longer now. "Do you still not realize that I made that sword you polished for you?" Now your confused stare turned into a shocked one.

"Me?" You squeaked when you finally got the words to exit your mouth.

"Yes," He laughs as he pulls your hand into his, dragging you towards the spare room Zoro once called his own bedroom. He reaches under the spare bed and grabs the box that you recognized as the casing for the sword and scabbard he had you polish the other night. When you held it in your hands, you realized just how real it was.

"This is for me?"

"I didn't put this much care into a sword for some stranger, Reader." His arms engulf you in a hug, removing the sword to place it on the bed. "Happy Anniversary, my love." His lips touch the top of your hair gently before pulling away to try and get a glimpse at your face for any sort of reaction.

"Zoro..." You trail, lip quivering as you did. "Thank you. I never imagined getting my own sword, let alone a custom one like this. I will cherish it forever." You pressed your head into his chest, a low rumble erupting from him.

"You're welcome, Reader." You frown, pulling back more to look at him.

"My gift isn't ready yet, but it's nothing compared to yours..."

"I'm fine with receiving a really good kiss if you want to just give me that," He teases with slight truth. You smile lightly and roll your eyes.

"I'm serious, Zoro." You sigh. "I have no clue when it will be done. I had a whole day planned out, too, but that will seem like a hassle at this point."

"Well, where are we going first?" You blinked a couple of times.

"What?"

"You said you had a whole day planned- What's on the list first?"

"I- I didn't think you would want to do any of it."

"If you want me to do it, I'll do it." His words were hard, but his voice was gentle. You faltered at first, but in the end, you smiled.

"Then how about breakfast? I was thinking Sanji's restaurant would be fine." He shrugs with a nod.

"Sure. To be honest, his cooking is actually amazing." He pauses, pointing a finger close to your face with a serious expression. "If that sentence leaves this moment, I will fight you to the death." You laugh and nod in understanding.