Love/Hate -Zoro-

- Twenty-Four -

"Will you stop squirming?" Nami asks with a huff. "How am I supposed to do your hair if you keep moving?"

"I'm sorry," You whine. "I'm just... nervous."

"As you have every right to be!" She exclaims with a large grin. "You're becoming my sister-in-law!"

"Along with Nojiko and Perona's," You remind her. She crosses her arms and pouts.

"Are you saying I'm not the favorite?"

"I didn't say that!" You laugh. She smiles brightly as she finishes up your hair. Thanks to Nami, you became less aware of the event at hand.

"The dress is ready, Reader!" You year Vivi call out. Nami claps her hands excitedly.

"Come on! We have to put it on before your makeup smudges." She clasps your wrist in her palm, dragging you from the chair and over to the dressing room. Your legs halted when you saw the dress you picked hanging on the wooden hanger. The theme was forest green with beige, black, and brown tones. The idea was yours since you loved how Zoro and everyone else looked in the color set.

"It's so beautiful that I gawk every time I see it!" Nami claims with a squeal. "I'm so glad I get to witness you wearing it before Zoro." Her proud look made you snicker. You slipped the beige and green dress on carefully, avoiding overworking your body. You pause to look in the mirror, the bright LED lights illuminating you as you stared at your reflection. You had never felt more beautiful than in this moment.

"Reader?" You could hear your brother call from the other side of the door. "Can I come in?" You smiled and nodded at Robin as she opened the door with a gentle grin.

"Hello, Chopper," She greets. "What happened?" His eyes immediately wandered to you and you saw him stand there, frowning. "Is something the matter?"

"You look so pretty!" He yells before attempting to dive onto you. Thankfully, both Nojiko and Nami are able to stop him in time. He sniffles with a limb body, staring at you with teary eyes.

"Chopper, I think you're overreacting!" You laugh. "Besides, it's just a dress."

"It's not the dress," He pouts. "It's you. You're glowing more than ever. I'm so happy I get to witness you finally being happy for yourself." You bit your tongue, covering your little brother's mouth.

"You keep saying that crap and I'll cry off my makeup!" You whine. You wafted your eyes with your spare hand and smiled shakily. "You were always sentimental."

"The wedding is about to start," Vivi informs as she peeks her head in the door. "Jinbei, Zoro, and the Groomsmen are all where they are meant to be. Bridesmaids, you're next." With that, she shuts the door. You give one last look at your brother.

"So, are you still willing to walk me down the aisle?" You asked with a soft smile. Chopper rapidly nods.

"Of course I am!" You laugh lightly and lean over, kissing his forehead.

"Then I'll meet you outside the room. Just... give me a minute." The women and Chopper all gave wary glances but left you in the room within a few seconds. You stared in the mirror, glancing down at your ring with a shaking breath.

"I am getting married to a good man," You confirm to yourself. "I will not run away." Your voice began to tremble even though you personally knew there was nothing to be scared of. "Everything you have now is what you deserve; Good friends, a good man, and a stable income. You deserve it all, Reader." A light knocking at the door withdrew you from your thoughts.

"In a minute, Chopper!" You called.

"A bit rude of you to yell that at your brother," A familiar voice said. You furrowed your brow and whipped your head around to see Mihawk.