𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 || Zoro

Zoro surprises you with a compliment and you express your appreciation with a surprise of your own—by unintentionally stealing his first kiss.

------------------------------------------------

"Told you it was a waste of time." Nami drawls as she continues to peruse through racks of clothes searching for an outfit to wear for tonight's dinner while you sit, sulking in a corner next to a discarded heap.

"You don't have to rub it in y'know." You lift your head from off your knees to peer up at your friend with a pout. "I'm already regretting all my past decisions." You say, feeling heat bloom at your cheeks as you recall the couple of model worthy poses (well at least you think they were) you'd mustered up the courage to perform in front of a certain green-haired individual as you tried on multiple styles of clothes ranging from cute to elegant along with a few that showed off some skin— none seeming to had piqued the swordsman's interest. Not even shamelessly batting your lashes had been enough to earn an ounce of a reaction from him except for his concern that something might have gotten stuck in your eye.

You release a stifled cry at the embarrassing memory, plopping your head back down onto your knees.

"Why did I have to fall for someone incapable of giving a girl a decent compliment?" You say, your words muffled by the fabric of the outfit you're wearing.

Fishing for compliments wasn't a habit of yours and seeking validation for your appearance, especially from a guy, definitely wasn't either. You knew you were a hottie— by your standards anyways. It's just that you really had somewhat of a thing for Zoro who you'd known for some time now, and hearing him compliment you for just once in your life, no matter how small it was—even if it was only a single word—would be more than enough to send you, having lived a fulfilling life, right to heaven's pearly white gates.

"C'mon, it's not the end of the world." Nami crouches down at your level, giving you a tender pat on the head and you peek an eye open at her to notice that she's changed into a beautiful and traditional chinese dress; its red colour complementing her ginger-orange hair.

"I've already told you, you look great. Sexy and cute— a deadly combination." She gives you a wink and you giggle lightly at the action.

"Thanks, Nami." You smile.

"No problem." She lightly pinches your cheeks before standing to her full height. "Now let's finish getting ready, shall we?" She extends a hand down at you. "I have a bet to win."

You playfully roll your eyes, remembering her bet with Luffy before taking her hand, the two of you making your way out the grandeur of the closet.

‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗

Later at night, under the dazzling lights of a grand chandelier, you and the rest of your newly formed crew along with Usopp—a boy you and the others recently befriended—stand scattered about the spacious foyer of Miss Kaya's home, awaiting the birthday girl's presence as you mingle and indulge your taste buds with lavish delicacies being served around on silver platters.

While you and the crew wine and dine, Zoro stands amongst his own company near the staircase, nursing in his hands, his fourth glass of cocktail—deep brown eyes pinned on your form standing beside Luffy and Usopp.

He watches as you converse with them and as you chow down on platter after platter of food like it's the last meal of your life alongside Luffy, his gaze drinking in your every smile, your every laugh and the adorable expressions you make as you stuff your cheeks full with every bit of food that comes your way. It makes him wonder if you and Luffy are having a full on eating competition at the rate the two of you are going.