Zoro X reader: Encore (Epilogue of Mind Games)

Months passed since your and Zoro had spent "quality time" together. Since then, you and the crew have been on many adventures. What made it even more wonderful was that the day after your birthday, Luffy had asked you to be part of his crew. You, of course, naturally agreed.

And as promised, You and Brook began the music lessons. Both in guitar and in voice. Originally, when you began your first guitar lesson, you could hardly strike a chord without your fingers hurting. Your voice was quite and soft, but it had potential to become something more, if you were willing to put in the hard work.

And work hard you did! Brook was a wonderful teacher, but it was up to you to find confidence in yourself when you sang. Your beloved would often catch you singing some tune to yourself when you thought you were alone, and when Zoro would begin to clap, you immediately would become flustered and your voice would stray.

Eventually, you did master a song or two, now you just had to develop the multitasking skill of singing and playing your guitar. That was a lot harder than you thought it would be. You often found yourself either missing a few chords while singing, or not singing at all while focusing on the guitar. It took you weeks to manage both at the same time.

Finally, after months of training and many bleeding fingers; You had mastered four songs on your guitar and with your voice. The final test of your training would be tonight, after dinner when you would finally give the private concert.

You nervously sat around the dinner table, picking at your food, the nerves were beginning to get to you and Brook noticed it. So, while Sanji wasn't looking, you allowed your Captain to steal your entire plate. Once dinner was over, you excused yourself and went to go retrieve your guitar and practice out your nerves.

Brook stopped by, wondering if you felt alright.

"I'm fine, Brook, just a little nervous is all." You responded, feeling slightly queasy.

"Are you starting to feel sick? You don't look so good." Brook noticed as he sat on a crate across from you.

"It's just nerves, Brook. I'll be fine." You soothed as you pushed down the sickening feeling.

"Alright, but there's no need to worry. Once you start, you'll be fine."

You nodded, standing and giving your body a final stretch before heading back out onto the deck. Everyone had gathered around, waiting for you to take your place and begin.
You swallowed your fear and sat down on the makeshift stage, the entire crew clapped as you approached, trying to ease your obvious anxiety.

Zoro caught your gaze and gave an approving nod and an encouraging smile, easing away at your anxiety as you decided on your first song. You placed your fingers on a chord and began to play.

"Lyin' here with you so close to me
It's hard to fight these feelings when it feels so hard to breathe
Caught up in this moment
Caught up in your smile

I've never opened up to anyone
So hard to hold back when I'm holding you in my arms
We don't need to rush this
Let's just take it slow

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
No I don't want to mess this thing up
I don't want to push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss goodnight

I know that if we give this a little time
It'll only bring us closer to the love we wanna find
It's never felt so real, no it's never felt so right

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
No I don't want to mess this thing up
I don't want to push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss goodnight

No I don't want to say goodnight
I know it's time to leave, but you'll be in my dreams

Tonight
Tonight
Tonight

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
No I don't want to mess this thing up
I don't want to push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby I'm alright, oh, let's do this right, with just a kiss goodnight
With a kiss goodnight
Kiss goodnight"

Your voice was sweet yet strong. The melody fell sweetly on to the ears of the crew.

The crew was completely speechless, and looking at Zoro. They all knew to whom this song was dedicated to. And his facial expressions were priceless; a heavy blush and a large smile on his face. His eyes, went soft, obviously touched by your dedication. Your blush showed as he held your gaze for longer than usual. He stood and walked over to you, the crew clapping behind him, and planted a giant, passionate kiss on your lips- which were followed by oooh's and wolf whistles- when he withdrew, you felt what ever nervousness or uneasy feelings fall away completely.

You smiled, and prepared for the next song. While in the presence of your nakama, and with Zoro by your side, you had no worries. None at all