Love/Hate -Zoro-

-Twenty-Three-

You held the hand that had just put a ring on your finger five minutes ago tightly. Your heart had slowed down, but your body was still in so much shock you couldn't speak.

"Honey, you gotta let go so I can fix it." You look at Zoro with a pout as he lightly chuckles. "I need to rotate it. I was nervous so it went on crooked," He explains softly. You finally release him and watch him as he adjusts the silver band around your skin. The gemstones shone beautifully even in the lights that strung the willow tree above you.

"It's so beautiful, Zoro," You breathe with a small smile to match your softened tone. "Thank you."

"You deserve the best." Your eyes wander from the band to meet his and he grins widely, leaning to press his lips to your forehead.

"Gross!" Chopper yells, Luffy and him both sticking out their tongues. "PDA!" You roll your eyes and release Zoro, diving into your brother and Luffy.

"Aw, someone is just sad they aren't getting attention!" You rub your face in between their cheeks, making them squirm in a weak attempt to get away. "It's okay, I still love you, too!" You keep your grip tight on them, making them squeal and wiggle away more. Finally, Chopper breaks free, grabbing Luffy and pulling him so hard it breaks your grasp.

"Nasty!" Luffy says, spitting out his tongue. "Save that stuff for Zoro!"

"Alright, you two, I'm sorry," You feign innocence in your voice. "I just thought you two were feeling lonely."

"So when are we doing the party?" Nami interrupts, slinging an arm over your shoulders and nudging you to the side a bit.

"The what?"

"The party for your engagement, duh!"

"We still haven't thrown one for you!" You claim, cheeks heating at the mention of a party in your honor. "A-anyways, I wouldn't want a party..."

"Nonsense!" She smiles wide and drags Robin closer to you both. "Us girls need to escape this manly group anyways, right?"

"I suppose..."

"Nami, don't push her into coming," Robin warns. "You know how she is about gatherings."

"I know, but this would be for her!"

"Which is even worse." You were grateful for Robin at this moment. She understood your anxiety well. You were about to speak when your phone rang, interrupting the whole group's laughter and such. Your phone read your uncle's name and you cleared your throat.

"Sorry, I have to take this." You walk away from the group quickly, not noticing Zoro watching you carefully. He knew something was happening this morning, but he couldn't figure out what. He had hoped you would tell him on your own.

"Hello?" You lowly ask into the phone.

"Reader, it's settled." You smiled wide at Mihawk's words. "The Roronoa family is now held under the protection of the company of Opendium Motors." You wanted to jump around and hug Mihawk, but you couldn't since it was a device between you two.

"Thank you so much, Uncle!" You whisper-shout. "I wanted to let him know by the end of the night. I knew I could depend on you!" You quickly dismissed the phone call, rushing back and grabbing Zoro into a surprising hug.

"Everything okay?" He immediately asked with concern. Everyone in the group was quiet as they waited for you to answer. Your hands came up and caressed his face as you made him turn all his focus to you.

"You no longer have to compete in the Dressrosa competition," You explain. His eyebrows furrow and he glances at the others quickly before back at you.

"Reader, I think we should discuss this later." Instead of the happy tone you were expecting, the cold tone set your mood off. It was an obvious shift, making Zoro sigh and grab your wrists to kiss the palm of your hand. "Come on, we can just leave now, then." You nodded, hanging your head slightly and looking to the group of friends who patiently waited for an answer to what was next.