Chapter Text
“Join my crew!”
“HUH?”
Roronoa Zoro couldn’t believe what he was seeing or hearing. This guy, claiming to be a pirate to beat, had trespassed onto marine property. And for what? To ask him to join his crew?
He must be going mad.
That was probably it. He hadn’t had anything to eat or drink for a few days now.
Sadly, his better judgment and instincts said otherwise.
He glared at the wide-eyed young man, somewhat skeptical that he was a pirate in the first place. But after studying him more carefully, he felt that wasn’t the case. Something about the dark-haired guy was different. Though, not in a bad way at all.
He felt drawn to him somehow.
How strange.
Even stranger when he found himself accepting said request (more like command).
Zoro wanted to become the greatest swordsman. This could be the opportunity to encounter worthy opponents, was it not? To get that much closer to fulfilling his promise.
Monkey D. Luffy was his captain's name. And he was going to be the King of the Pirates.
Both shared the burden of a great dream. One that each would risk their life to achieve time and time again.
Surely, there was no room in such lives of danger and adventure to think of silly things such as love, right?
...
"ZORO!"
...
“Zoro!” Tired eyes slowly opened, flinching slightly at the sudden brightness all around.
Zoro was assaulted by Chopper, who began crying at his side.
“I’m glad you’re okay.” He said between wet sniffles.
Upon hearing the commotion, Nami entered the room, casting a relieved expression. Even the goddamn cook appeared behind her, lacking his usual annoying self.
“That bad, huh.” He muttered, not really expecting an answer.
All he remembers was that they fell into a trap. Remembers an unimaginable pain in his torso. Remembers the world going black as his own screams reached his ears.
He looked around the room, as if suddenly remembering that something was missing. His body moved before his mind even realized what he was looking for.
The sound of clattering and clashing prompted Zoro to turn to the door again, seeing the someone he wanted to see the most right now.
Luffy stood at the doorway, having dropped what seemed like supplies and food. They must have just come from doing some shopping.
Luffy’s body was wrapped in bandages, but otherwise seemed unharmed.
At first the captain stood there, facing the floor without a sound. Then he began shaking, fists balled tightly at his sides.
Quite a rare sight for the Straw Hats. Chopper began crying again and the others looked away almost as if in shame.
Then their captain looked up and the hearts of everyone present shattered.
Tears flowed freely from wide, desperate eyes, blood falling from a punctured lip.
“Zoro…” Luffy said, voice restrained, pained.
He slowly walked to Zoro’s bedside, lowering his face on the other's chest unceremoniously.
Luffy’s shaking resumed, much more intense than before. He clawed at the cloth underneath him, silently sobbing.
“Luffy…”
It hurt him to no end to see his captain like this. Hurting so profoundly and for his sake. He wanted nothing more than to make Luffy feel better.
To make him smile in that way which was unique to the pirate. One that would forever be unmatched by anyone in intensity and beauty. No one was as pure hearted as his captain. Or as strong and fierce.
He wanted to take him in his arms and never let go until he was sure the other would never hurt again. Wanted to hold, to touch, to kiss his captain. The one he had gradually grew to love.
Yes, it surprised even the swordsman himself. Having realized one day that there was something else equally important to his promise made as a child. His crew, sure. They were his family now. Zoro would do anything for their sake no matter how much he claims otherwise.
Luffy, however, was a different story. With Luffy, his sense of dread and worry was many times too much for him to handle. He couldn’t fathom losing the captain. It scared him more than anything.
But the moment he realized his feelings, he decided to never act upon them. Not only for the sake of his own dream, but also Luffy’s. The one who wanted to become the King of the Pirates.
A goal Zoro had no doubt the other would achieve someday. It was a dream worthy of Monkey D. Luffy, after all.
There was also the question of whether Luffy even felt the same. According to Zoro, there was no indication of that being the case. At first, he felt disheartened by this, but then realized it was a good thing. Luffy wouldn’t be forced to choose between the two.
Zoro knows how much Luffy values the crew. Everyone on said crew knows this. But having a lover was something else entirely. It wouldn’t work out for pirates with ambitious dreams, would it?
Zoro would help Luffy achieve his dream by becoming the greatest swordsman. By being the support Luffy needs to become the greatest.
Even if he never ends up being there for Luffy in the way his heart desires.
Turns out Zoro was out for a few days. That and the fact that he was still in slight discomfort despite Choppers’ care and medicine made it obvious that it was a close call.
It would take him much longer than usual to return to his tip-top shape.
That’s what unsettled him the most. He wouldn’t be allowed to work out as he normally would and if something bad were to happen, his injury could cost him not only his life but also the rest of the crew. He would be a liability for a while, something that didn't sit well with him at all.
His delicate condition didn’t warrant any sympathy from Nami, though, since she kicked him out of her bed soon after he regained consciousness. She and Robin had slept on the floor given that it was a hundred times better than sleeping in the guys’ room.
(They had tried but all it took was Usopp shifting in his sleep and accidentally hitting Nami in the face for them to choose the floor instead.)
“You haven’t eaten for a while. I’ll make you something.” Said Sanji, making his way to the kitchen. Zoro hummed, following the cook in order to get some water in his system. He chugged it down like it was the most delicious thing in the world. (Chopper had prohibited him from taking any alcohol anytime soon.) He mentally sighed at the thought of no booze for a while.
Zoro plopped down at the kitchen table after having his fill. He winced slightly at the pain that shot up. He placed his forehead down on cold wood.
“So… what happened?” Zoro asked, turning his head.
“Idiots got the jump on us. Not much else to it.” Sanji replied after a while, clearly displeased.
Of course the Straw Hats were a bit salty. They hadn’t seen the attack coming and were taken by surprise. A moment of distraction that almost proved fatal for one of their crewmates.
Zoro had an idea of what took place after he was taken out of commission.
“Hope they got what they deserved.” He chuckled.
Zoro closed his eyes, feeling tired despite just having woken up from a long slumber. Makes sense, he figured. That’s what happens when you get skewered like a goddamn animal.
He was slightly startled when Sanji suddenly placed his meal in front of him.
Smells good. His mouth salivated.
He was no Luffy, but his stomach was in absolute need of food right now. Speaking of Luffy, where was he? Hearing that Sanji would be cooking should surely make the captain all excited and whatnot.
“He hadn’t been eating… as he normally would.” Sanji said, as if reading the other's mind.
Zoro stopped chewing his food.
That can't be right.
Luffy NOT eating? Passing up an opportunity to steal someone’s food when he already has the portion of a giant?
Zoro swallowed the mouthful of curry, waiting for Sanji to elaborate.
Sanji lit his cigarette leisurely, blowing smoke up above.
“He almost tore them apart.” Sanji began, voice steady. “After your ass went down, we all… he…”
Zoro’s eyes widened at seeing the cook so distraught. Almost scared, even.
“I’ve never seen him like that.” Sanji admitted.
Zoro finished his meal quietly, despite wanting to know more.
But everyone was okay. Physically, anyways. So there should be nothing to worry about. It's not the first time their lives were put in grave danger and it won’t be the last.
“You should get some sleep, Zoro.” Chopper suggested, despite knowing the other wouldn’t follow through with the doctor’s request.
“I’ll be fine.” Zoro answered, taking his finished plate to the sink.
He hadn’t stood watch for a while even after having regained consciousness. They had no set order of turns, but it felt wrong not to do his part. It was something he usually did anyway (even if he did fall asleep halfway through).
Chopper made sure to give him some medicine along with blankets to keep him warm during the cold night.
Everyone went to bed without a word, knowing that Zoro would do as he wanted regardless.
He took his usual spot on the crow’s nest, shivering at the cold breeze. The extra blankets would definitely come in handy.
Zoro stood peering out at the vast ocean, at the flowing darkness all around. The silence was soothing. Too soothing. He gradually struggled to keep his eyes open. Despite having had a rather uneventful day his body still seemed to need a bit more sleep than usual. He sat down on firm wood, leaning against the crow’s nest interior.
At least he noticed that he was much better now. Soon, he would…
Zoro paused upon hearing a thud. His eyes opened, warily. He reached for one of his swords, ready to strike if need be.
“Sorry, did I wake you?”
Zoro got up just in time to see Luffy pull himself up to the crow’s nest using stretched-out arms. He swiftly landed right next to Zoro with a slight smile. The swordsman instantly relaxed, seeing that the potential ambushers were just his captain wandering about.
“I wasn’t asleep.” He lied, sitting back down. Luffy sat down, too, taking up the spot immediately next to the swordsman.
“Sure you weren’t.” Luffy mocked, laughing softly.
An awkward silence ensued, with Zoro silently wondering if Luffy needed anything. It wasn’t usual for the captain to willingly want to stand watch. Not to mention that Zoro was already doing so. (Not really.)
He once again felt himself drift off but flinched when he felt a warm hand pull at his blanket. He turned to see that it was just Luffy adjusting said blanket since it had been falling off his shoulder.
Luffy had a gentle look on his face. Brows slightly furrowed and eyes that refused to look directly at the swordsman. A look that Zoro didn’t really know how to respond to.
“T-Thanks.” He whispered, trying to hide his blush.
It was much harder for Zoro to sleep after that. He felt a bit flustered especially when at some point Luffy drifted off and was now leaning up against him. The soft breathing of his captain proved to be quite adorable.
Zoro scanned the younger face. Making note of the clear and smooth skin, along with the single scar underneath the other's left eye. He didn’t know the story behind it, but he was sure Luffy wouldn’t be who he was without it. It added to his character as much as his beauty.
His gaze moved further down to soft lips, slightly parted as the other slept.
The slight pink to them was absolutely enticing, more noticeable with the moonlight above. His hand rose up to the other's face, thumb brushing over the lower lip. His breath hitched upon contact.
Without too much thought, he slowly leaned down, unconsciously licking his own lips.
“Zoro…?”
The swordsman was startled, quickly pulling away from his captain. Luffy was barely awake, his eyes half lidded. He had a look of confusion, which Zoro was grateful for.
What the hell am I doing...
“Thought you might be cold.” He said, pulling a blanket over them both.
Luffy hummed, yawning.
He snuggled closer to Zoro, both pleasing the swordsman leaving him flustered all over again.
So close.
He couldn’t help but fall asleep with a smile.
“Luffy! Zoro! What are you guys doing?!” Shouted Nami, waking the two right up.
Luffy looked up from Zoro’s chest, still dazed.
Zoro was slightly irked, having been woken up in such a way after having had quite a pleasant night with his captain in his arms.
The ensuing explosions that appeared to be too close for comfort brought the two pirates to their feet.
“It’s the marines!” Zoro pointed out, as another cannon ball hit the water not too far from the ship. “Shit!”
“So early…” Luffy yawned, disinterested.
“It’s a lot of ‘em! Let’s get out of here!” Sanji said, turning to Nami expectantly.
“Alright everyone! Chopper! I need you to turn the ship! Sanji! The sails! Zoro! The-“
“NAMI!” Shouted Usopp upon seeing the marine trying to sneak up on their navigator.
Shoot, they’re already here!
“We’ve got you now, Straw Hats!” The marine shouted, charging at Nami.
Before she could even turn around, the poor guy was being flung overboard.
“Zoro!”
The swordsman pointed his sword at the marines down below, crowded on a small boat not so different from their very first.
“Sneaky bastards.” He grinned.
“Watch out!”
Zoro turned up to see a cannonball coming right for him. He adjusted his stance, prepared to slice the thing in two. But the opportunity never came.
Luffy appeared right in front of him, receiving the cannon ball and flinging it back at the ship responsible. He then took off towards another ship, no doubt to stop any further airborne attacks.
Zoro turned his attention back at the marines below him. The ship had begun moving in the opposite direction which meant he could focus on these guys.
He jumped down, swords freed from their scabbards. There were just under a dozen or so men so it shouldn’t take long to deal with them.
They all immediately charged at him, mistakenly thinking that there was strength in numbers. Which wasn’t at all true. An army of a thousand ants was no different from an army of just one, after all.
Zoro moved effortlessly, as he had done many times before. Cutting up anyone that got in his path, sending each toppling down in defeat.
Something caught Zoro’s eye, if only for a moment.
Luffy stood in front of an entire army, a grin plastered on his face. Looking absolutely perfect.
After the day he regained consciousness, Luffy had gradually returned to normal. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were as chaotic as ever. And like right now, he was back to smiling.
But this moment of distraction was all that was needed for one of the marines to land a hit on the swordsman. It wasn’t a fatal hit, having only grazed his arm, but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. He jumped back a few feet, putting up some distance between him and those remaining.
“They did say you were injured…” One of them commented offhandedly.
Seeing as they were all very obviously looking at the same place, he looked down to see that he was indeed bleeding through his bandages.
“And what about it?” He bit back, glint in his eye. The remaining men flinched, realizing that their defeat was imminent. Enemies who come face to face with the Roronoa Zoro of the Straw Hats always do in the end.
Zoro charged at them once more, this time with a bit more urgency. There was no point in dragging this out.
The last man was sent flying into the sea a few moments later. He cut the rope that had been tied to the Merry and jumped on board.
He turned back to where Luffy had been, glad to see the marine ships up in smoke. Seems they weren’t being followed anymore. Or more like they couldn’t follow due to all the damage they took.
He grinned.
After just a short while, Luffy made it back to the ship.
“Yo!” He said, as if he hadn’t taken out an entire small army by himself.
Zoro relaxed, seeing his captain unharmed.
It was a habit of sorts that he picked up somewhere along the way. When Luffy was out in battle or in some fight, he would always remain alert until the other returned. Until he saw with his own eyes that Luffy was okay.
He often had to fight the urge to go and help. Not so much because he believed Luffy would need help, but rather he wanted to be there for him.
Seems he was so focused on Luffy that he forgot about himself. As he made his way to the top of the ship, the sudden dizziness that overcame him almost sent him to the floor. Luffy was at his side in an instant, catching Zoro as he fell.
“Zoro!" Luffy noticed the growing blood stain.
There was that look again. Of worry.
Zoro felt guilty, bringing about such feelings in his captain.
“Oops.” He began, trying to come off as reassuring. “Must have reopened my sutures. Doctor?” He turned to Chopper, who was already rushing over. “On it!”
Zoro allowed Luffy to drag him to the kitchen, relishing in the contact, slight pain momentarily forgotten.
Chopper fixed him right up. Apparently it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. The dizziness Zoro experienced was due to the sudden workout after a few days of no action. He was still recovering from the blood loss, too.
The following few days carried on rather uneventfully once again.
Up until this moment.
Zoro had volunteered to stand watch again and luckily for him, Luffy decided to join him.
More like the captain appeared out of nowhere like last time, without a word or purpose. Though this time he went right up to Zoro and pulled his blankets over himself, body pressed up against the older pirate.
It took a moment for Zoro to compose himself, too overwhelmed by the sudden contact.
Calm down, Zoro.
This wasn’t something to get all flustered over! This was just Luffy being Luffy, as per usual. He probably enjoyed the warmth especially in this colder weather. It didn’t mean anything more. The captain would probably snuggle with Usopp or Robin or anyone else on the crew.
Zoro found himself annoyed at the mere thought of his captain being like this with someone else. Even if it was someone on the crew. Even if it wasn’t something meaningful or anything.
He pulled Luffy closer, placing his hands on the other's lower back. It wasn’t wrong to enjoy the moment, right?
He would allow himself to be greedy. To enjoy the other's warmth, the steady heartbeat, the soft snoring. He would get lost in Luffy’s peaceful face, memorizing every bit of skin he could lay his eyes upon.
Luffy awoke first for once, and this time there were no marines out to get them.
He paused upon feeling something warm engulfing him. He looked up to see the green-haired swordsman sleeping soundly.
That’s right, he joined Zoro last night to keep watch.
Though obviously not to actually keep watch but rather because he wanted to be in the other’s arms once more. Sleeping after that first night wasn’t the same. He wanted that same warmth again, and wouldn't mind being embraced by it forever.
It was rather strange, Luffy thought. He never sought such comfort before. Not since his childhood. Why he only wanted Zoro’s company was also a mystery to the young captain. If he were to really think about it, he would say that he likes Zoro best!
A fact he didn’t really know how to go about. He liked all of his Nakama! Every single one was an important part of his life. They were his family!
Why his view of Zoro differed so much was beyond him.
And being Luffy, the carefree captain that he was, he chose not to dwell on the matter too much.
“HURRY UP!” Shouted Nami, whose words worked wonders especially when followed by that murderous glint in her eye.
“Coming, Nami-swan~!” Sanji replied nonchalantly as he jumped off the Merry.
Luckily, they had arrived at Spora Island just a day before some festival was to take place. Finally getting a chance to have a bit of fun and really relax, the crew decided to attend the event before they set out to sea again.
Against Nami’s protests (and of course Sanji) Robin decided to stay behind to watch Merry, claiming that she wasn’t up for partying.
The rest of the crew headed out, eager to indulge themselves in the island’s offerings.
A few festival games later, Luffy inevitably made a beeline for the nearest restaurant. Not that he hadn’t already stuffed his face full of sweets and snacks already.
Nami became immersed in the various clothing and jewelry stands. Sanji was right behind her, holding all her recently purchased items. Zoro had wandered off somewhere. Only Chopper and Usopp decided to stick around the gaming area, talking about winning some interesting prizes.
Luffy’s mouth salivated as he made his way to the front of the homie restaurant. “Smells good!”
His face lit up as he spotted familiar green hair, and he chose his table accordingly.
“Zoro! Here you are!” He smiled cheerfully, taking the seat next to his crewmate without even having to ask. The other continued to drink his booze after acknowledging his captain with a nod.
Luffy placed his order (lots of meat) to the now-frantic owner, earning him a low chuckle from Zoro.
“Why am I not surprised?” The swordsman said as he wiped his mouth. Of course the spoiled brat was pouting.
Luffy made a “hmph” sound. “You’re one to talk, Zoro!” Luffy shouted, pointing to the cup in Zoro’s hand.
“No, Luffy, this is--”
“I’m back!” Interrupted an older woman as she took the seat on the opposite side of Zoro.
Luffy turned to her with a questioning eye. He noticed how she pulled her seat closer to the swordsman and even went out of her way to lean towards him. She said something about her friends being boring or something.
For some reason, Luffy found it annoying that the woman didn’t even seem to notice him.
Though, even Zoro himself seemed disinterested. Not that the woman seemed to be fazed by this.
Luffy fidgeted in his seat, partly in anticipation for his food, partly because Zoro was now talking back to the woman, leaving him out of the interaction entirely.
He didn’t really mind. From what he could tell she was a stranger he recently met.
“Oh! Is this your friend?” The woman asked, as if she finally decided to turn somewhere else besides Zoro’s direction.
She waved at him, flashing him a gentle (albeit forced) smile.
“Yo.” Luffy waved back, awkwardly.
Seems she wasn’t remotely interested in speaking to him as she returned her attention to Zoro.
His food came soon after and he couldn't be happier. Things were getting a bit uncomfortable.
Supposedly, Zoro had stopped the woman and her friends from getting robbed and as payment for his kindness, she had invited him for a drink. Since alcohol was involved, there was no way Zoro would decline. Luffy completely understood that reasoning.
However, now Zoro looked almost annoyed. The woman was clearly drunk and was becoming more touchy and loud.
Luffy did not like that for whatever reason. It made him… not want to be there.
But his food was here so the sooner he finished the better. He also wanted to go back to Chopper and Usopp to play a few more games.
“T-This is all we have.” The owner had said, setting down three large plates full of meat. It was a large portion by normal standards, but Luffy was nowhere near close to normal.
He didn't mind the quantity, even if it was too little to completely satisfy him. He could always get something else later.
“Thanks for the food!” He said before gulping down everything in front of him as if there were no tomorrow.
“Oh! Can I have some?” The woman asked, setting down her mug clumsily.
Luffy froze. He didn’t normally share his meal with anyone, much less a complete stranger.
“No.” He found himself saying as he shoved another piece of meat into his mouth.
Zoro couldn't stop himself from snorting. Of course Luffy would say something like that without a second thought.
“So mean!” The woman whined, suddenly clinging to Zoro’s arm.
“Your friend is mean, Zorooo!” She reiterated, expecting something to be done about it.
Much to her dismay, she was ignored by them both. But being as drunk as she was, she seemingly let it go.
Now, much to Zoro’s own dismay, she was taking the mug from his hand and taking a sip from it. Zoro was obviously displeased by this but made no protest beyond a simple “hey!”.
Luffy was now set on leaving as soon as possible. His food was losing its flavor.
If that were him, he would have told her to get lost already! Luffy wondered why Zoro had not done that already. It’s not like he couldn’t…
Perhaps…
Zoro likes this woman?
The thought took Luffy completely by surprise.
The glass cup in his hand shattered, its contents splattering all over the table.
“Luffy!?” Zoro shouted, concerned.
Luffy looked down at his bleeding hand, not quite understanding what had just happened.
Zoro tried handing him a cloth to stop the bleeding but suddenly Luffy was out of his seat and running out of the restaurant.
“W-Wait! Luffy, what’s wrong!?” Zoro shouted, clearly confused.
Before he ran out the door himself, he turned back to place some money on the table. He didn't know if it was enough but that wasn't important right now. The woman also seemed to be shouting something but he couldn't care less.
Luckily, Luffy was still in sight so Zoro was able to follow him through the crowd.
"Luffy! Wait!" He shouted, but Luffy just wouldn’t listen, wouldn't even slow down.
Zoro couldn't help but feel worried. Luffy seemed so… sad. It wasn't something he said, right? He hadn't even said that much all evening! Did he see something? Someone? If only he would stop and tell him what was going on maybe he could do something about it!
By now, the two had made it to the end of the town. Zoro was finally able to reach out and grab the other's arm, stopping him in his tracks.
Zoro was not prepared when Luffy finally turned to face him.
His eyes were watery, the other seemingly moments away from completely losing it.
“Luffy?” His voice softened.
The other looked away, almost ashamed. No. Confused?
“What’s wrong?” Zoro asked again, this time more persistent. Please tell me something, dammit!
“I- don’t know…” Luffy replied truthfully. He didn't know why he felt the way he did! Just because Zoro likes that woman…
“Wait, what? I like who?” Where was this coming from?
“I didn’t… I don’t like that woman!”
The two stood there, eyes wide, slowly processing whatever the hell that was. Well, that was mostly Luffy. Zoro, on the other hand, had a feeling of what that outburst meant. But he had to be wrong…
“Luffy, were you… jealous?” He audibly gulped.
Saying it out loud made the swordsman want to hide in a hole forever. At the same time, he grew tense, hoping for an answer he wasn't sure he would hear.
“Jealous…” Luffy tested the word in his mouth. Was that it?
Jealousy was the feeling he got when he wanted something for himself (food) but it didn't seem likely he would get it (without taking it by force, that is). Meaning…
His face suddenly heated up without a warning. “W-What?”
Zoro suddenly pulled him close, wrapping his arms around his captain.
Luffy’s mind was going a mile a minute. First he was called jealous and now this? His heart was beating loudly in his chest. Was he dying!?
“Luffy. Tell me to stop and I’ll stop.”
“Wha-” Luffy was interrupted by Zoro’s lips on his own, the action literally taking his breath away.
At first, Zoro’s warm lips were simply on his, but then the other licked, prompting him to open his mouth. He yelped at the sudden action, his hands reaching for purchase.
Too much, too much!
Who knows how long the two remained connected, inexperienced lips seemingly finding that special taste they were hungry for all along.
It was Luffy who pulled away first, but only because his legs gave out and he was well on his way to the ground below.
But Zoro was there to stop his fall. Like he always would be.
Luffy quickly dove back in, earning him a surprised sound from the swordsman. Because he did want the swordsman, wanted more of whatever this was.
Zoro held a special spot in his rubber heart, perhaps right from the start.
“Z-Zoro…” Luffy whined, as Zoro had pulled away to get some much needed air into his lungs.
“Dammit, let’s go back to Merry.”