Work Text:
What you're looking at?
It was afternoon. One of the few times in a day which seemed peaceful.
Zoro and Hiyori often found themselves together these days. It was only 2 days ago when Zoro and Luffy woke up. However, whenever any occasion came up, as during lunches, banquets or even walking along the town, both of them became very aware of each other amidst every one else. Each handled this notion differently.
The princess on her part, since the days following her brother's victory, had been soaking in everything that was happening around her. Part of her was still in disbelief, sometimes becoming extremely alert fearing Orochi's sudden return. She had gotten back her brother as well as all the loved ones she had lost since childhood. She no longer needed to hide but instinct was hard to wear off.
But amongst all her joy and fears, she had realized how much she had started liking the green haired Pirate. She had been aware about her attractions towards him before, but pushed them away out of her thoughts, judging it as admiration for the man. Now however, her mind would occasionally drift towards him, praying that he would wake up, so she could see that wonderful sharp grey eye.
Why she chose to clean him while he lay there in bandages was nothing more than pure desire to take care of him. The thoughts that crossed her mind as she cleaned his absolutely beautiful body, she could not be uttered.
Now however, She couldn't keep her eyes off him whenever he was present.
What she didn't know was, did he even like her?
During the period of time they had known each other, Hiyori had noticed he was a bit different from other men. He was very stoic, didn't say much unless needed or goaded to by his crew mates, who seemed to play with him all time. Even though he looked annoyed, he didn't entirely stop them either.
All her mature life, men had looked at her, every look had been of loving stare and even lustful and she had felt most uncomfortable. They looked at Komurasaki. Zoro looked at Hiyori. It felt good.
Perhaps this was why she felt at ease around him. He didn't objectify her. But at the same time, she wanted Zoro to look at her. Which was a first time for her, never had she desired the need for a man to look at her a second longer.
Every time Zoro glanced at her, she smiled.
Meanwhile, Zoro cursed himself. He had let himself into this.
He looked at Hiyori, and his heart made a flip. No-one could tell this of course, he kept his face straight. He had fallen miserably for her. Not only was she beautiful but she was strong willed and kind, and he admired her.
Zoro thought this was a fleeting fancy, until he realized he was thinking of her pretty much all the time, even during training. He took every care to make sure any of this did not come off as a pervert. He honestly couldn't stop his eye from glancing at her.
Hiyori was someone Zoro couldn't ignore.
And more importantly, he didn't want to feel disappointment. Why would a princess like her even feel any affection towards a pirate like him? He seen too many times the pathetic state men got to (mainly Sanji) when their feelings weren't reciprocated.
This wasn't supposed to happen. How the fuck did he end up like this?
Now they were walking, along with some of straw hats, and others, in the afternoon. However, pretty much all of them were ahead, chatting and laughing. Only Zoro and Hiyori were slightly behind. Unconsciously they had started walking together side by side.
The afternoon sunshine was beautiful. Mainly though, all he could focus on was not to keep staring at how absolutely beautiful Hiyori looked, the warm rays falling on her hair made it even beautiful, it looked as though a waterfall was graciously falling down. And the hairpins shone brightly, elegantly. The flowers on the side of her head waved softly with her movements.
Fuck.Fuck.Fuck.
Hiyori also couldn't help staring at him from time to time, as they walked along. She didn't even register they were walking side by side. The yellow sky made the Zoro's earrings shine beautifully, and he looked even hotter.
It was then, both of them realized, they were staring at each other, and at the same time, they were walking together, closely. Their noisy band ahead of them.
However as much both felt extremely embarrassed at their predicament, they didn't shift their gazes away. Zoro at this point felt urges that he never felt before, and Hiyori blushed as the same thoughts came to her.
The moment would have continued longer, if not Zoro came into his senses
"Oi. What you're looking at?" he mouth twitched slightly, containing himself from smirking. He could not believe that this woman was looking in his way.
Hiyori, in turn made a big smile tilted her head and answered "I could ask you the same question" She never felt so giddy. Zoro had looked at her, and had kept looking at her. She screamed internally.
Zoro could have avoided quipping back, but without thinking he said "just enjoying the view" now smirking. Inwardly he gulped.
What the fuck was wrong with him. Was he actually flirting?
Hiyori in turn decided not to back down.
"me too"
They didn't talk much after this, preferring to join their company. Perhaps it was both of them needing to digest what they had just said to each other. Their silent was comfortable, both of them were smiling, as they walked along.
They didn't know it but that very night, they would keep their shooting glances at each other during dinner, eventually leading both of them sharing a very intimate moment with each other deep into the night, fingers wrapped around each other.