"I'll be right back," you held up your index finger as Zoro closed the door to the den, "I need get my flats from my room."
"I could just come with you." he rumbled wrapping an arm around your waist keeping you from advancing up the staircase.
"Ah but then we might not leave." you chuckled tapping his nose.
He buried his flushed face in the crook of your neck, not expecting you to one up his innuendo, "hurry back."

Once released you made your way upstairs.

"Having fun, yoi?"

Zoro tensed and turned toward your older brother.  Were they seriously lurking around every corner?

Yes.

"You guys always throw a good party." he replied with a shrug.
Marco crossed his arms over his chest glancing lazily over the younger male, "If this is some kind of cougar fetish..."
"No." Zoro cut him off.
"We're quite protective of F/N, yoi." his half lidded eyes trailed up the staircase.
"I wouldn't expect anything less." the younger nodded acknowledging the indirect threat.

Your older brothers weren't anyone he wanted to piss off.

"As long as we have an understanding." Marco gave his shoulder a firm pat and continued down the hall.

Zoro exhaled and turned hearing your quick steps.

"Did Marco need something?" you asked joining him.
"Nope." he answered.
"Ok..." you were sure Marco had said something rude but chose to let it go.

Once outside Zoro's fingers tangled with yours keeping you close to his warmth. Then you felt it, an insecure twinge as a multitude of gazes settled over the two of you.

"Care for a dance?" the greenette asked pulling you from your daze, "You'll have to lead though. I'm not very good."

You chuckled and nodded heading for the dance floor that was also lined with gas heaters. Zoro pulled you close resting his left hand on your hip while the right remained laced with yours, your other hand against his chest. The two of you swayed in small circles occasionally getting lost in each other's gaze.

It felt like you and he were the only two in existence while you giggled and chatted through the music.

"You surprised me." He admitted.
"How so?" you asked.
"Just didn't think I stood a chance." his hand moved to the small of your back pressing you closer to him.
"On the contrary Tiger, I don't think anyone else did."

He flushed lightly at your confident tone.

A large hand came down over Zoro's right shoulder gently halting your movements.

"May I cut in lad? This young lady owes me a dance."

Zoro frowned briefly before nodding and stepping back, "I'll be by the fire pit."

"Moment ruiner." you chuckled taking your father's hands.
"Forgive an old man who wants to dance with his only daughter." he rumbled.
"Always." you hugged Pops as he pulled you around the dancefloor.
"So, the moss haired brat?" he finally let his curiosity get the best of him.
"I think so." you chuckled meeting his golden gaze.
"As long as you're happy, lass." he rumbled.
"He's quiet but he's a good guy." your eyes found Zoro waiting patiently near the fire speaking to Robin and Perona.
"Glad I'm leaving you in capable hands." Pops murmured.
"Please don't talk like that. I understand it's inevitable but for tonight can I just pretend I'll have you forever?" you pressed your forehead against his massive chest.
"Of course you will, princess." he kissed the top of your head.

You had to fight tears at the use of your childhood nickname. It was incredibly rare for Pops to call you that, usually reserved to soften the blow of a heavy situation. He never thought you caught on, but you were a smart child. After you gathered your composure you went back to your normal teasing banter with the old man leaving you in small fits of laughter while your bothers and friends looked on.

_____________

Me: Happy Christmas!

Zoro: Merry Xmas
Zoro: Will I get to see you today?

Me: If that's what the lil tiger wishes...

Zoro: it is and please stop calling me that?

Me: I'll think about it
Me: do you want to come for dinner? Thatch and I are cooking there will be plenty.

Zoro: perfect. I'll be over around 5

"Are you going to help or keep grinning at your phone?" Thatch asked.
"After that make out session last night you can probably count her out for the day."

You frowned at your freckled brother.

"I'm gonna kill Sabo."
"We were all waiting for it to happen anyway." Thatch murmured, "It was cute how you pretended not to be into each other though."
"Everybody shut up," you groaned, "he's coming over for dinner and I'd like it if you guys didn't make a big deal out of it."
"Oooh ~" Ace sang, “Did you get him a gift?“
You felt your face heat up, "Yes. Now go check on Pops and get out of my business."

That morning you'd gathered in the den with Pops and unwrapped gifts, just like every year since your respective adoptions. Your father had given each of you a special family heirloom. You received a ring that belonged to his mother and had been passed down a few generations. Jewelry wasn't really your thing but this ring was gorgeous. It was simple but stunning and suited you perfectly, Pops had even had it resized for you.

During the present exchange you noticed Pops sighing and shifting often. The party the night before must have worn him out, so you made note to check on him more often today since there would be no hospice nurse.

The day carried on eventually Al and Nami arrived at the house exchanging gifts with the boys and even visiting Pops for a bit. Finally just after five the doorbell chimed. Knowing it was for you, you sprinted from the kitchen and stopped to collect yourself before calmly opening the door.

Looking up at the greenette with a teasing smirk, "You're la-"

He swiftly cut you off with a kiss and pulled away slowly to murmur an almost shy 'hello'. He couldn't help himself, you were so cute and all he'd been craving since the night before was another taste of your lips. You blushed, thankful no one was in the family room to tease you both.

"Sorry it took me longer than I thought. I had to make a stop on the way over." he held out a red and green striped bag.