Hello! Welcome to part two! In this AU Mihawk is a pianist while Zoro is a butler who likes to play the Piano.
Piano: a large keyboard musical instrument with a wooden case enclosing a soundboard and metal strings, which are struck by hammers when the keys are depressed. The strings' vibration is stopped by dampers when the keys are released and can be regulated for length and volume by two or three pedals.
Zoro glances around the ballroom as he holds a tray of red wine. He noticed a lot of important people were here but he's not sure why. Zoro notices a lady with white hair wearing a dark blue dress with a cut to show off her leg tattoo walking towards him. She smiles at him with a kind expression. "Hope you won't get tired out too easily." She says as she grabs a glass of the tray."I won't." He replies.
She huffs out a laugh and takes a sip from her glass. "There are a lot of people here for him." She says as a group of men rolls in a piano."Yeah, I notice." Zoro says. She shakes her head knowing he was stubborn."Come to me if it gets too much for you." She says as she walks away from Zoro. Zoro watches her walk away disappearing into the crowd.
He sighs and looks back to the piano. Someone important was going to play on that piano. He walks into the crowd allowing people to grab the glasses of his tray. Once the tray is empty he heads towards the kitchen to get more. Opening the kitchen door he makes his way to the counter with glasses waiting to be taken.
He picks them up, puts them on the tray, and walks out, pushing the kitchen door open with his shoulder. He stops as he hears the announcer speaking and looks at the piano to see a man sitting down on the bench. He was wearing a black hat with a white plume along with a black suit and dress shoes.
The man looks mysterious as the hat hides his face. Zoro walks further into the crowd only stopping when needed. He froze as the pianist begins to play. The melody was beautiful. He glances to the piano and watches as fingers lightly run over the keys. He can't move his body as the tune slows down. He snaps out of it when a woman pokes his shoulder.
"Sorry." He whispers. She smiles and shakes her head."It's okay. Everyone seems to be in that state." She replies."Who is he?" He asks as he hands her a glass. "Mihawk Dracule. An amazing pianist." She answers. Zoro blinks at the name. Mihawk Dracule. I heard that name before. He thought as she walked away.
He looks back to the pianist wondering why heard that name before. He steps away from the crowd looking for .He glances through the crowd when he felt a nudge. "Looking for me?" He turns his head to see her with a knowing smile. He gives her a small smile."Here let me take the tray so you can enjoy the music." She says reaching for the tray. Zoro allows her to take the tray.
"You met him before." She says to Zoro."I have?" He asks. "Yes, when you only brought him to his room once." She answers. "He wanted to talk to you but you weren't around. I think you somehow caught his eye." Zoro stares at her in disbelief. "Really?" She nods. "I told him you were playing the violin to one of his songs." She says smiling as Zoro's face flushes a bit.
"Wait until everyone is gone and walk up to him." She says as she pats him on the arm and walks off. Zoro looks down at his feet not sure what to feel. He turns around as the piano stops allowing the man to rest. He watches as he reaches up to grab a drink filled with red wine off a tray.
Zoro can't take his eye off of him. The way he moves with ease and grace pulls him in. He wants to know more about him. Zoro blinks as he realizes what is happening and blushes. Even if Mihawk is interested in him would it work out? He scowls and crosses his arms.
He walks towards a wall and leans against it. His arms are still crossed as he watches the crowd dance as the music plays again. This time it was soft and slow. A melody that he knows. Right I played this song on the violin. He thought as he lets his arms go to the side.
He glances at the piano to which he sees Mihawk looking down quickly. Zoro's eyes widen in surprise then furrow in confusion. Maybe I should stay behind. Just to see what he wants. Zoro resolved. And to see if she is right.
Soon the crowd was leaving as the music slowly ends at a stop. Zoro waits as a group walk up to Mihawk complimenting him on his performance. He fidgets with the cuffs as he began to get nervous. He stops once he felt a hand pat his shoulder and turns his head to see walking away entwined with a gentleman.
The group walks away from Mihawk who was putting on black gloves. He glances at Zoro and smirks. Zoro hesitantly walks towards him. Mihawk leans against the piano a soft expression gaze his face."Uh, you...d-did amazing on the piano." Zoro says as he nervously stands in front of Mihawk."Thank you." Mihawk replies.
Zoro fidgets not sure what to say. "Mrs. Carmine informed me you were good with the violin," Mihawk says noticing Zoro was having trouble speaking. Zoro smiles sheepishly as he rubs the back of his neck."Yeah, I've been practicing." Mihawk smiles as he was handed his coat."How long have you been playing the violin?"Mihawk asks. "About three years." Zoro answers.
"Does want you to perform here?" Mihawk asks as he buttons his coat."I uh, don't think I'm at that level yet." Zoro admits. Mihawk looks at him with a kind look. "Won't hurt to try. You would be surprised to see how much people will like your music." He suggests.
"Now shall we leave? It's getting quite late." Mihawk says as he motions to the large clock on the wall. Zoro blinks at Mihawk. "We?" Zoro questions. Mihawk huffs out a laugh."We are the only ones here." Mihawk says as he begins his way to the exit."Oh right." Zoro replies as he follows in step with Mihawk.
Once outside Zoro stops walking. Mihawk notices and turns around to see Zoro looking up as snow begins to fall softly. He takes a few steps forwards and takes off his scarf and puts it around Zoro's neck. Zoro blushes at his actions and averts his eye."Don't want you to get cold." Mihawk says as the snowflakes land in his black hair.
"Now let's head to your place for a while. I would love to see your skills on the violin." Mihawk says as a black car pulls up. Zoro nods and they both climb into the car. Zoro informs the driver of his address and leans back into the seat.
The way there was filled with chatter as Zoro asked Mihawk a bunch of questions."What! You're 43!?" Zoro exclaimed. Mihawk raises an eyebrow. "What? Do I look young to you?" Mihawk asks with a smirk."Uh well..." Zoro begins but stops as the car pulls up to his address."We're here."Zoro says.
They step out of the car and head up the flight of stairs to Zoro's apartment. He opens the door and they step inside. Zoro mutters about changing and flees to his room. Mihawk watches him go with amusement as he takes off his coat and hangs it on the hooks by the door. He walks around the flat noticing how clean everything was. He pauses as he sees a picture frame hanging on the wall. Zoro was in the middle and surrounding him was Mihawk assumes were friends.
He stops looking as Zoro enters the living room wearing a turtle neck and black slacks."You can keep the scarf. I have plenty at home." Mihawk says as he notices Zoro holding the scarf in his hands. Zoro flushes and puts the scarf on the hooks."Um, w-would you like anything?" Zoro stutters."Tea would be fine." Mihawk answers. Zoro nods and heads into the kitchen to make tea.
Once done he comes out holding two cups. He hands one to Mihawk who takes it and takes a sip."Not used to having company over are you?" Mihawk asks."No, I'm normally around my friends at their place."Zoro answers. Mihawk smiles softly. He sits down on the couch."Go get your violin and show me how you play."Mihawk says and Zoro heads to his room to get his violin.
Mihawk glances at the instrument which he observes is in good condition. Zoro sits down on the couch holding the violin in one hand as the other holds the bow. Mihawk notices the instrument is black with golden pegs."Whenever you are ready."Mihawk says as he waits patiently for Zoro to play.
Zoro takes a deep breath and holds the violin to his chin and begins to play as he moves the bow against the strings. Mihawk watches in awe as beautiful music begins to play."You're astounding with the violin." Mihawk says once Zoro finishes playing a piece. Zoro flushes and sets the violin down on the table."How would you like to perform with me next week?" Mihawk asks.
"Really!?" Zoro exclaims. Mihawk nods. "Yes! I'll join you!" Zoro says with a huge smile. "Then that's settled. Tomorrow we can start writing out our piece." Mihawk says as he begins to stand up. Zoro stood up and walks him to his door. He glances out of the window and saw the street covered in snow."Um, are you sure you want to leave? The road is covered in snow." Zoro asks as he glances at Mihawk.
"Sounds like to me you're worried," Mihawk replies. Zoro blushes and fidgets with his hands. Mihawk places his hands on his shoulders."Relax. I'll be back tomorrow."Mihawk says with a kind smile. Zoro stares at him as he got the urge to kiss him instead he smiles. Mihawk lets go and puts on his coat.
Zoro watches him as he walks down the flight of stairs and disappears out of view. He closes the door and leans against it. His heart beats fast against his chest. He did think he would like him so much. He smiles as he grabs his violin off the table plus the bow and heads towards his room."I can't wait for tomorrow."
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this as much I did!
Can you imagine Mihawk as a Pianist?