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Zoro had woken up that morning just like any other; thinking about the countless things he could accomplish during the day, and debating which were most important.
Working out came to mind, closely followed by meditation and even a quick thought about what food Sanji was working on for the crew and how he could go bug him for something early, as his stomach was beginning to growl.
Despite everything he thought was important, however, he couldn’t bring himself to move.
Because out of them all, his captain was the most important.
He had come out to the lawn of the Sunny to check out the afternoon weather; it was a warm and bright day, with just enough of a breeze to sit comfortably in the sun without overheating.
When he arrived, he discovered Luffy and Chopper engaged in a game of go-fish in the grass, and by Luffy’s expression, it seemed like Chopper was winning.
He sat down beside him, figuring he could use a quick rest while he decided what he wanted to do, but it was Luffy that decided he wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon.
The man climbed into his lap without a second thought and wiggled a bit to get comfortable, flipping over one of his cards and presenting it to the doctor, claiming his win.
There was a small argument between the two that lasted longer than it should have, and they ended up deciding on a tie. Chopper scooped up the cards and made his way back to the med bay, muttering about how no one ever listened to his rules; however, Luffy decided to get more comfortable in his own seat.
He turned, wrapping his arms around Zoro’s neck and pulling him down onto the grass, laughing loudly as he did so. He nuzzled against him, closing his eyes and getting comfortable. His grip wouldn’t be loosening anytime soon, and Zoro sighed, accepting his new fate.
“Hey, Zoro?”
Luffy’s voice had come out so soft and gentle that Zoro had barely even heard him; even so, he cocked an eyebrow to show that he was listening.
“You’re really handsome.” Luffy stated it as if it was the most obvious fact on the planet. As if everyone knew that Sanji was a chef, Nami was a navigator, and Zoro was handsome. There was a hint of something new in Luffy’s voice, as if this compliment was coming from a place he had never spoken from before.
The older man gave him a gentle smile, bringing one hand up and caressing his cheek in return; stating in his own silent way he felt the same way about his captain. It didn’t take long before Luffy returned the gesture, untangling his arms from around his neck to cup his cheeks ever so softly.
Luffy couldn’t help but notice how well Zoro’s face fit in his palms, like a puzzle piece he didn’t even know he was missing.
“You’re not too bad looking yourself, captain.” Zoro’s smile had grown to a full, toothy grin; his cheeks graced with a gentle flush of pink. He slid his hand back to thread through his hair, pulling him in a bit closer.
Despite his action, it was Luffy that closed the distance. His eyes had flicked from Zoro’s eyes and down to his lips, and in an instant he had practically lunged forward to crash his own against him. If Zoro hadn’t already been on the ground, he surely would have fallen over from the impact.
“Hey,” Zoro spoke slowly and softly as he broke the kiss, not wanting to hurt the young man’s feelings. “Hold on a moment.”
“What? But-“
“Just give me a second.” He tilted Luffy’s head up slightly, running his thumb along his lower lip and admiring just how soft and plump they were up close like this.
Really, every part of Luffy seemed to be soft as silk. Perks of being rubber, he figured.
“Part your lips, just a little.” Zoro could tell that Luffy was beginning to wonder what he was doing, but for once in his 19 years of life the man couldn’t seem to find his voice.
“Yeah, just like that.” He leaned in a bit closer, holding his head in place and tilting his own slightly, “Now, close your eyes.”
“Why?”
“Because when I kiss you, you’re not going to be able to see anything anyway.”
Luffy obeyed without another word, instinctively leaning in a few inches to meet the other in the middle. It was soft and gentle, barely more than a press of lips together, but Luffy couldn’t help thinking it was the most wonderful thing he’d ever felt.
He wanted more of Zoro; all of Zoro, if he could have him.
He was starting to think maybe he loved Zoro. Just a little more than the way he loved his friends.
It was Luffy that wrapped his arms around the man’s neck and pulled him closer, trying to get more of him. One hand held onto his shirt, the other tangled in his hair, both holding on as if he would lose himself at any moment.
He felt maybe he could just drown in Zoro, and that would be okay.
Zoro pulled away after what felt like an eternity, his eyes fluttering open slowly as if he needed to readjust to sunlight. He was greeted with what he would only describe as an expression of pure love and wonder on his captain’s face, and the pure innocence made his heart swell.
“When can we do that again?” Luffy asked, rubbing the back of Zoro’s head with the pad of his thumb. “We… can do that again, right?”
The two didn’t speak for a moment, enjoying the sounds of waves lapping against Sunny’s hull, and the crickets that had chosen Nami’s orchard as their new home.
It was the sound of their home.
“We can do that anytime you like, captain.”