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KING ZORO WALKS slowly along the golden pillars of his unfading palace. He has a frown on his face and presses his lips together to keep from letting out a wistful sigh. Boots made from dragon skin make a terrifying noise on the crystalline floor. Sometimes when he passes by a servant he receives exaggerated bows and out of the corner of his eye, he watches as the soldiers discreetly show him the way.
Time later he manages to reach the garden. He inhales the fragrance of whimsical gold-dipped roses and flirtatious silver lilies. He takes off his shoes and socks, then hides the items behind a pinkish bush. He feels how the dew from the grass makes a nice massage to his tired feet. He lies down and extends his arms. Although he wants to sleep, he can't help but get lost in the vivid hues of the sky that mix together to form an exceptional color.
A playful breeze slowly moves his emerald hair and in turn removes the beads of sweat that run down his face, product of exhaustive training. His white uniform, shiny and wrinkled, clings to his body very easily, highlighting his long legs and muscular arms.
He waits to hear through the deathly silence, the sound of a carriage approaching. Minutes, seconds, hours pass and he still doesn't move. He sits down, raises his head and looks at the horizon… Nothing. There is no sign of any resplendent chariot or the rhythmic gallop of Russian stallions. It's already night, the darkness covers all his kingdom and again, he is alone.
"He's not coming yet" he thinks sadly.
His beloved husband King Luffy, so sweet and funny, is not in the castle. He has gone on a journey that lasts two long months. His main goal is to form a permanent alliance with another sovereign. He is always the most suitable for this type of duties, because thanks to his unparalleled smile and charisma, he manages to conquer any heart.
Yes, at first he was quite a rookie. Wanting to spend taxes, ordering impossible things, making a lot of mess, almost causes chaos in the kingdom. But over the years, and thanks to the faithful help of Robin, he was able to improve and became an excellent ruler. Fair, faithful and loyal, when he has time he goes out to the streets to greet his subjects and by the way, personally listen to any problem.
His fighting skills are fantastic. In battle, his body seems to stretch gracefully dodging each blow, and if someone hits him he doesn't flinch, he even seems to be made of rubber; they considered him the best fighter in the army for a reason. Remembering those days, where every time he passed by the headquarters he ran into the boy's sensual gaze and his so indecent compliments of him, fills him with enormous nostalgia; but he always ends up smiling, because at least that stupid knight reached the goal of making the even more stupid prince fall in love with him.
He wants to whisper affectionate phrases in his ear, watch as his dark eyes emanate that peculiar light. He wants to hear his contagious laugh to cheer his soul. He misses him, he misses the king of his love too much.
But he can't say anything, he can't cry or complain, he mustn't let others see how his heart twists with pain for not having him by his side, he suspiciously hides any sorrowful expression on his face and pretends to be right. If anyone asks about his condition, he just nods and averts his eyes, so that no one notices treacherous tears threatening to spill out. He is a monarch, the figure of authority, the man that everyone respects and admires, would they think the same if they knew that he is dying to see a little boy?
Due to his pride, he prefers to swallow his feelings and bury them in a locked drawer, he prefers to continue attending to royal affairs with total tranquility, he prefers not to lose his composure when seeing a portrait of the young man, he prefers to maintain a serene expression, the one that everyone is used to seeing. Because after all, he is the unflappable King Zoro
"His Majesty". Listen to the voice of his personal butler.
"Nami," he answers without looking at her.
"It's dinner time, he shouldn't be late," she reminds in a neutral tone.
"Can I eat in my room today? I don't feel like going to the dining room,” he whispers, trying not to break.
"Of course sir. Today we have no visitors".
"Is there anything to do tomorrow?"
"Nothing to worry about, just review a few papers."
"Fine, thank you very much," he answers resignedly, hearing how the woman begins to move, but decides to ask her something else. "Nami".
"Tell me, Excellency. "
"Is there anything new in the mail?" he asks, hoping for a positive answer.
"About King Luffy?"
"AHA". He looks at her euphorically, unable to hide his emotion to eceive a letter from the young man.
"I'm sorry, Eminence. His husband didn't send anything". He falls silent at those words, he freezes and pinches his left arm.
"It's okay. Stand down, please; I'll go eat in a few seconds". He orders, camouflaging his disappointment. Nami gives a small bow and quickly disappears.
He gets up from the lawn, puts on what he had removed and sadly leaves.
• ───━━━━─ ● ─━━━━─── •
KING ZORO ENTERS the personal room and slams the door. The maids wait for him to help him, but he orders them to leave in a sad whisper; today he wants to do things himself.
He strips off his heavy garments dipped in diamond dust and carefully folds the sash which, in large and ornate blue letters, indicates that he is the monarch. He puts it on a glass shelf and takes the opportunity to close the curtains in the room. He opens the closet where he keeps thousands of elegant suits for different occasions, he chooses striped pajamas made of fine and soft silk. He places it roughly on his body, then throws himself on his bed with his arms crossed.
Someone knocks on the door, gives permission to enter and a new maid appears with a tray in hand, murmurs a cordial greeting, bows and places on a table copper your exquisite dinner. Zoro thanks and takes the opportunity to order his favorite liquor.
He nods and leaves. He looks at the food out of the corner of his eye and does not hesitate to cover it again, today he has no appetite, since Luffy left, he has hardly eaten anything. He doesn't feel the need to satisfy his man, instead, what he misses the most is listening to his husband's heartbeat.
Minutes later, someone else knocks on the door again. An old servant enters and leaves a bottle of European wine on the same piece of furniture. He commands, in a soft but firm whisper, to remove the food; the old man looks at him doubtfully; Zoro growls in annoyance and with a fierce look, the butler finally obeys, crestfallen. When the room is empty, he pulls a fancy corkscrew out of a drawer and opens his drink, then slowly pours it into the container.
As the delicious liquid burns his hungover throat, he feels a slight pang in his heart; his eyes burn and he has trouble breathing. That wine, half tears, half grapes, together with the nocturnal stillness, is like a slap in the face that reminds him of his sad reality with a burlesque laugh.
He is alone. He is alone and since there are no critical eyes observing his actions or viperines tongues they can finally judge him; he cries. He cries silently, frustratedly grabs the salmon-colored sheets, makes a hilarious sound, similar to a tiger that is wounded by a malicious hunter's shotgun, releases the pain that bothers his soul and tired, he murmurs the young man's name, as if in that way, it could appear.
Without the echoes of Luffy's laughter bouncing off the achromatic walls, the castle seems emptier, he had already gotten used to seeing his slender figure walk the corridors issuing orders and neither the moon nor the sun shine with the same intensity if he doesn't present.
He misses seeing his flushed face begging him to get away from the royal activities and play for a while. Luffy is the only person who can get the best of him, he is the one who guides him when he has a problem, supports him in storms and defends him from any problem. With a simple look from the he, Zoro is completely tame, mellow, bewitched, ready to serve the young man with all his will.
Luffy is the most beautiful melody, the most perfumed flower, the most intoxicating liquor, the sharpest sword, the water that cools your dry heart, the faint breeze that washes away your sorrows, the reason to live, the brightest star, Luffy is all that and more. He envies the people who are with him, because being present before such a being of light should be considered a privilege and his jealousy increases even more, when he realizes that his companions can see him and he cannot.
He wants to go look for him, but Luffy said him before he left that he wanted to accomplish this mission alone and he wasn't going to let him down. He'll have to put up with his anger for a while longer until the little one comes back. Damn him and his uncontrollable impatience.
• ───━━━━─ ● ─━━━━─── •
KING ZORO WAKES UP exalted when he feels a lump slipping between his sheets, his senses are activated and he doesn't have time to take his sword to defend himself, since by touching the figure, he instantly recognizes who is there. He smiles immensely and, with genuine desperation, begins to remove the fine fabrics trying to see the infiltrator.
Some strands of black hair stand out between the gray blankets and he confirms his suspicions, he can't help but go over his sleepy body with extreme delicacy and takes the time to finally uncover his face.
"Luffy," he whispers dumbfounded as he looks at his sleepy features.
The other king didn't even bother to change his finery and fell asleep in the uncomfortable clothes; a fine thread of saliva falls through his open mouth and he can't help but laugh when he hears his soft snoring, the ones he loves so much stan.
Without much thought, he approaches his neck and revels in his unusual scent. His temptation wins his ever and he deposits soft bites in the chosen place, while with his hands, he caresses his back, confirming that he is not dreamed. He thought that the king's trip would last two long months, but he is grateful that the reason for his sudden return allows him to have him in his lap again.
He feels like just his calm presence, he begins to take effect inside of him. His worries, doubts, problems, disappear instantly and only a benevolent peace remains warming his soul. He settles further into bed, ready to have the best nap in days, hugs his husband's body and buries his face in his tangled hair. His small laugh echoes in his body and when he feels how his thin arms correspond to the gesture, an electricity revives the spark of his joy.
"Zoro," the young sovereign whispers tenderly.
He breaks away from the hug to see his curious eyes flash. Thanks to the strong lunar light that filters through the thin fabric of the curtains he can contemplate his face contracted in a grimace of happiness; Luffy has flushed cheeks and a string of slime dripping from his mouth.
Unconsciously, Zoro places his hand on his opponent's chest and feels his heart beating rapidly, showing that he is nervous.
"I'm sorry, did I wake him, His Majesty?" He asks in a hoarse, sensual voice, emphasizing the vocative.
That question makes Luffy's blush increase and he lets out a small laugh; Zoro knows better than anyone that his husband is embarrassed that she calls him with such respect.
"Yes, but it doesn't matter," he replies, caressing the green-haired man's cheek. "I wanted to talk to you early tomorrow, but I know you like to sleep, so I didn't want to wake you up".
"You've just arrived?".
"About an hour ago. Robin already went home, she was very tired; I told her she could take the day off, but she insisted on coming, you know her".
"I'm surprised you're not in the kitchen," Zoro teases, fiddling with his nose.
"King Riku gave me many provisions for the road, so don't worry, I have a lot of energy to be with you," he confesses, approaching his lips.
He longed for that contact ever since Luffy left. He runs his tongue through every space in his husband's mouth while with mischievous caresses, he encourages him to get on top of his The boy understands the message and without separating, he climbs on his legs letting out sweet moans.
Zoro gasps in ecstasy as he feels the aroma of meat that is unique to the minor and sinks his fingers between his bare, thick thighs. He bites Luffy's upper lip just to make him moan, which works immediately.
"I missed you so much," he admits, bringing their foreheads together.
“Me too, honey." Luffy approaches his right ear and in a confidential tone, explains "why do you think I came back? Nami told me in her letters that you were very sad and you kept crying, so I decided to finish everything as fast as I could to come back and cheer you up.
"Tsk, I wasn't crying," he replies sadly.
His pride would never let him admit his suffering out loud. The boy just laughs happily, touches his lips while desire shines in his eyes. Zoro's instincts are activated by such an act, he takes his chin and kisses him with great passion and excitement.
Luffy drops his velvety cape, then strips off his upper garments, revealing his abdomen adorned with a cross-shaped scar from army training.
"I love you".
That phrase slips out of his in a tender lullaby. Zoro stares, watching as he begins to unbutton his striped pajamas.
"Me more," he answers in a growl, stroking his hair.
Zoro knows that the night will be long when the minor's hips begin to move and a lot of fireworks explode in a certain part of his body. He feels how his face burns, his heart is about to burst and the moonlight perfectly illuminates all of Luffy's ecstatic gestures.
"Dad?".
"What?!".
Hearing a sweet female voice say that word, Zoro is petrified, releases Luffy from his grasp and as a consequence he falls on the floor. Not knowing what to do, he gets out of bed, looks for a match and lights the pink candlestick that illuminates his entire room with an intense blue flame.
"Can you explain to me who that brat is, Luffy?"he mutters, coldly observing the newcomer.
He ooks over at his husband, who is sitting on the floor rubbing his head.
"This is what I wanted to tell you tomorrow, but I see I'll have to do it right now". He sighs resignedly, standing up and brushing off his pants. "Zoro, she is the future heir to the kingdom, our daughter!" He explains raising his arms; the little girl gets the message and runs excitedly to Luffy's lap.
"Daughter?!" He exclaims in exasperation and unconsciously runs a hand through his hair, trying to analyze the situation.
Since a long time ago, Zoro wants to have a son or a daughter with Luffy, he would be lying if he said that seeing a small version of him and his spouse does not excite him, but they never took the big step for the simple fact that the green-haired man had not yet feel ready to take on such a responsibility.
Now, Luffy appeared saying that they are the new parents of a curious little girl. When he asked the young man for a present from the other realm, he never expected such a surprise!
“You…”
"She saved my life when I came to Dressrosa, some men wanted to attack me and she came out to defend me without hesitation. She also fed me. She is very brave and very strong,” he says animatedly while the girl laughs embarrassed. "Her mothers died during the war two years ago and then she had to wander the streets and well… she reminded me of me,” he confesses in a low tone.
Zoro relaxes his face and carefully analyzes the little girl. She is slim and short. She wears a simple brown dress, flat shoes and two small gold earrings. Her eyes are large, of a bright greenish color that with the brightness of the flames take on a magical yellowish tone; her skin is pale and thanks to that, she can notice several scars scattered on her oval face, her hair is tied in an elegant messy bun with two unruly green locks falling on her forehead. She has a big smile overflowing with joy that makes her look more like Luffy. She estimates that she may be twelve years old or younger.
"She... she was with me all the time, she goes on sweetly. Robin taught her some princess and queen basics, but she says it's your responsibility to show her what's important". The eldest is speechless at those words.
He carefully watches the sweet gestures that Luffy and the girl make to each other, it seems; they formed a very strong bond in the short time they lived together. His husband looks very happy and that's what should matter to him, sometimes he tends to be a bit bitter, but when he looks at their smile, his heart melts like butter.
He heaves a sigh of resignation. No matter how reckless the dark-haired man's decisions were, he would always end up supporting him; they had already taken care of a giant squid years ago, how difficult could it be to raise a little girl?
He sits on the edge of his bed, his head a jumble of thoughts. Of all the questions that invaded him mind during the day, there is something that she cannot understand.
"Tell me, girl; why did you enter the room without knocking?" He claims overwhelmed, his intimate moment was ruined by her, at least, he wants to know the reason for her interruption. The brat breaks away from Luffy and takes a seat next to him.
"I got lost while I was looking for my room," she admits in a murmur, embarrassed, "so; when I was passing by, I heard some strange noises and daddy Luffy told me that this was his and daddy Zoro's room. I thought something bad was happening to them and I went in to protect them".
Since Luffy ascended the throne, the boy ordered the guards to stay away from the room, this to have more privacy with his husband; he excused himself by saying that if something bad happened, he could take care of himself.
Zoro guessed that the girl slipped through the surveillance and since his husband arrived tired, he left the door unlocked and she was able to enter. Either way, that little act of bravery strikes his as too cute, and she manages to steal a small smile from him.
"What's your name? He asks more relaxed, putting a hand on her head.
"Kuina!" Roronoa widens his eyes in astonishment and stops breathing, overwhelmed.
He is sure that the trunk where he keeps the most treasured memories of him is opened and from it, melancholic feelings escape, which can only be compared to what he feels when Luffy leaves. He glances at the young man, waiting to hear an explanation about such a painful coincidence.
"I know, I also reacted the same way when I learned his name," he comments in a sympathetic tone, gently squeezing his left shoulder. "It's a strange coincidence that he has the same name as your sister".
Kuina died when Zoro was just eight years old. She clearly remembers all the suffering that his sister experienced due to this damn disease that only attacked adolescents between fourteen and sixteen years old. Although they searched heaven and earth for her cure, not even the best doctor in the region could save her life. Her last wish was that the young man could reign with justice and freedom.
Apparently, the girl notices the fleeting sadness that darkens Zoro's heart, so she hurries to get on her lap and look at him sweetly with her pupils dilated with emotion.
"My dad Luffy told me many good things about you, he said that you could teach me how to use the sword!, you will teach me right?". She asks, settling on her chest.
"Maybe," he replies somewhat stiff from the sudden contact and Luffy laughs mockingly. Zoro rubs Kuina's back shyly, then looks at his partner.
"What else did Luffy tell you?"
"That you were an idiot..." she sings with a smile innocent.
"How?!" He claims offended. The jet lets out a loud laugh, holding his belly and hitting the bed.
"A very cute idiot," she ends, getting infected by the minor's laughter. Zoro sighs. He thinks he understands the reason why those two connected so quickly, they both join forces to get on his nerves.
"They're going to pay you!" He warns. He lunges at them to tickle them. Laughter takes over the place, the two black-haired begin to run around the room, shouting funny jokes exclusively for the eldest; after flushing his pride down the toilet, Zoro abandons mistrust and reason, ending up following their trick and starts chasing them trying to catch them. Luffy's smile makes his soul happy, while Kuina's glowing green orbs complete it in a very different way, in a fatherly way. Maybe being the father of a brat isn't such a bad thing.
After a while, they all throw themselves on the bed, tired of all the fun. By the tender blush on Luffy's cheeks and the sparkle in his eyes, he knows that he is happy. Kuina looks worse, his hair has come loose, so he can admire how his black and green curls are lost between the sheets, the beads of sweat fall all over his little face and the sudden movement of his chest. he indicates his weariness.
"It's time for bed," he reminds his firmly.
"I don't want! Luffy and Kuina reply at the same time.
"Honey, we have important things to do tomorrow," whisper, giving his a small kiss on the forehead. You are the king, right?
"Being a king is boring, I want to continue playing!"He protests crossing his arms
"Dad Zoro is bitter". the girl complains.
The green-haired man looks at her furiously and she defends herself by hiding between the legs of hers, another father of hers. Seeing her husband's childish whims, Zoro has no choice but to use his secret weapon. He approaches her lips and kisses him very delicately, little by little, Luffy reciprocates the caress and feels how his body melts as the contact intensifies.
"To sleep," he murmurs in his ear, kissing his neck. Luffy yawns, pulling away from his to snuggle up on his chest and hug him tightly. "Tomorrow we'll tell the whole town that we have a daughter," he answers in a small voice and a second later, Luffy begins to snore peacefully. "Okay, good night, Your Majesty," he finishes, giving him a small kiss on his hair.
She looks at Kuina, she is sitting on the edge of the bed, attentively watching the inexhaustible flames of the chandelier. Zoro clears his throat, the girl blows out the candle and then looks at him.
"Dad?" His skin bristles when he hears that name, over time, she will have to get used to being called that.
"You have to go to your room too."
"No dad, I have to take care of you two so that that strange thing doesn't attack you," she announces with great determination.
"So, will you sleep here?" Zoro sighs dazedly. He still doesn't know Kuina's weak point, so this time he will resign himself to accepting her madness.
"Yes!" And without waiting for any permission, he stands up, jumps up and lands between the two of them, separating the oh-so-romantic embrace from her. Kuina puts a hand on Luffy's shoulder and puts a foot on Zoro's stomach, snuggles up and slowly closes her eyes.
"I love dad Zoro and dad Luffy very much".
Zoro blushes slightly and in an inaudible whisper, he replies, "We love you too."
He smiles with satisfaction and stealthily, her left hand entwining it with his husband's and his right hand resting on Kuina's cheek. He feels a warmth enveloping her body and an overflowing happiness that he shows with a sigh. He is no longer alone.
"If Zoro is with Kuina, he won't be sad anymore," Luffy murmurs, changing his sleeping position to a more awkward and strange one. Zoro's brain clicks at that moment and he manages to understand it.
Bringing that girl into his life is the solution that Luffy gave him to calm his anxiety, of course in his very peculiar way.
"Idiot". He laughs, closing his eyes to finally rest. Luffy was a fool, a fool that he loved with all his heart.