Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.
Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.
Warning: OOC possible. One shot.
Rating: T
Note: From the 24 hours prompt request in my tumblr by seiijixcia.
24 Hours
[6:24 PM]
Zoro glanced at his watch for the umpteenth time since he exited his apartment building. For the past ten minutes he just stood near the entrance, impatiently waiting for his so-called orange-haired neighbor to come down and join him.
Damn, what's taking that witch so long?
He muttered a curse under his breath and scratched the back of his head frustratingly. He hooked a finger at the collar of his formal white shirt, irritated that he had to wear one for the night.
Robin is hosting a fund-raising gala at the nearby university where she works. The tall, black-haired woman had invited them—no, actually; more like demanded in that infuriatingly calm way of hers—that they should attend it.
Luffy had already gone ahead with his brother Sabo, while Usopp got roped in assisting the blond, perverted cook; who Robin requested to handle the catering for tonight's event.
And that left him with the devil incarnate herself called Nami.
He checked his watch again. 6:24. The gala starts at 7:00. They still have plenty of time to drive to the university.
That is if Nami decides to show up within two minutes.
Zoro inwardly groaned. He could've headed there just right about now. Why in the world did Robin had to be adamant that he arrive at the gala with Nami?
Just come with Nami alright? That way I can be sure that you'll both be there. Especially you Zoro. You have a nasty habit of not showing up for these events…
That is what Robin had said a few days ago… with a sly smile on her face that Zoro knows is absolutely a dead giveaway that she was planning something. What, he's not really sure. Her mind's just as devious as Nami's.
But whatever it is… he has a gut feeling that it will not be good for him.
Shifting his weight on his other foot, he absent-mindedly tugged at the collar of his shirt again. Honestly he hates wearing stuffy clothes like this. He absolutely cannot wait for the night to end.
He tugged at it again, frowning when he realized that it was not the collar that was stifling him, but the tie that Nami had conveniently knotted around his neck before she shooed him away to wait for her downstairs and outside the apartment building.
"Don't even think about it Zoro!"
Zoro abruptly spun around at the sound of Nami's voice… reacting exactly like a child that had been caught doing the very one thing that he was instructed not to do.
And everything just stood still for him.
The sound of Nami's high heeled shoes, tapping against the ground of the entryway as she approached him, echoed inside his head. It was the only sound his mind was able to register at that moment. That and…
Nami had a scowl on her face as she glared at him and yet… the sight of her in a cowl-necked, turquoise-colored gown that hugged her body perfectly was enough to steal his breath and brain function away.
"I didn't go through all that trouble of fixing that tie for you to just mess it up." She huffed as she stopped in front of him, slapping at his hand lightly away. She reached out and adjusted his undisturbed tie slightly before straightening his collar.
Then she brushed her hands on his shoulders, as if clearing away some imaginary dirt on his coat.
"There," she gave a nod of approval as she eyed him. "Keep your hands to yourself all night alright?"
His scathing remark at her statement just froze on his throat when she smiled prettily at him. The curled wisps of her hair that was framing her face made his fingers twitch with the urge to touch them.
It didn't take long for Zoro to realize that he was actually gawking at his completely troublesome yet stunning neighbor.
He schooled his expression and forced himself to scowl at her instead.
He'd rather be dead than be caught admiring her.
"Shut up witch! You took so long I'm already contemplating on leaving you here!" He snarled, turning away from her before she sees the blush that has made its way on his face and neck.
"Hey! Don't be mean Zoro! Robin specifically told you to bring me there!" Nami retorted from behind him as he started walking towards the direction of the parking lot.
"Oh yeah? " He looked over his shoulder to throw a cocky smirk her way. "That doesn't mean I can't make you walk your way to the university!"
Nami's features darkened at that and he laughed, liking how he got the upper hand on her so easily.
"Come on! Pick up your pace witch."
And he heard her snort.
"Zoro you idiot. The parking lot's the other way!"
– The End –
R and R please.