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The deck of the Thousand Sunny was warm, having soaked up the prevalent rays of the sun for hours. The wood retained the warmth and fed it into your cold body as you sat near the bow, your eyes closed, listening to the distant caws of birds and the hearty winds that filled the sails. The day was drawing to a close, and the uncommonly gentle lapping of the waves against the hull was helping to lure your heavy eyes shut. It had been a calm day, surprisingly, with your next island still a ways away. Of course Luffy had managed to stir up some trouble, but Nami eventually knocked him out of it, telling him off about how she wanted to have just one quiet day.
Sanji had spent the day checking the stores and preparing light meals, delicious and filling. He’d bickered with Zoro about some nonsense, eventually earning a sharp scolding from the navigator as well. You’d only exchanged an amused smile with Robin, before leaning back in your chair to take your second nap of the day. Your heart was warmed not only by the sun, but by your close friends that milled around you, carrying on with unimportant tasks to keep themselves occupied.
The day went by quickly, no doubt because of your peaceful naps, and now as you shifted to lay out on the deck, your eyes grew heavy purely from comfort, and not from lack of sleep. It wasn’t every day that you were able to rest so much, your adventures and chaotic moments hadn’t seemed to cease ever since you joined up with the infamous Straw Hat Pirates, but you loved it nonetheless. You had gotten so used to the raucous chatter and amiable duels that you couldn’t imagine life without it. Even the thought of a night without falling asleep to Brook’s elegant violin sent a woeful shudder down your spine. This ship was your home.
The wide expanse of the sky above the sea was beginning to tinge with purples and extravagant pinks, signaling the soon rise of the moon. The faintest stars began to appear, and your half-lidded eyes were glued onto them in amazement. No matter how many times you’d seen the sunset while at sea, it left you awestruck every time. The horizon tinged with beautiful colors all around the Sunny, casting its excellent craftsmanship in shades of deep hues. If only you were Luffy, and could safely make your way up onto the lion’s head at the front of the ship, you were sure the view would be remarkable.
Your thoughts continued to wander in slow, lazy circles, and soon the sound of Brook’s violin filled your ears. When had he started to play? You were so caught up in your mind you hadn’t noticed. Slipping back out of your daydreams, you heard Robin and Nami bid their good nights and make their way to the women’s quarters. You’d join them soon enough, but for now, you were content. Your back soaked up what was left of the sun’s heat from the deck beneath you, your chest rising and falling in slow, deep breaths. It was times like these, peaceful times, that made you all too glad you’d decided to become a pirate.
A scuffle of boots was heard to your right, but you didn’t bother to turn your head and look. A clink of swords gave away the identity of the shipmate, and you greeted him with a soft, “Hi, Zoro.” The man said nothing, only grunting in response, before settling down next to you. He unhooked the three sheaths from his hip, and rested those alongside him, before mimicking your position and laying back beside you. You didn’t turn your head to question him, he was always laying down in unusual places to nap around the ship, you were probably just in one of his regular spots. The slow rise and fall of his chest soon matched yours, and you weren’t sure if it was unconscious or intentional.
“Didn’t think you were a stargazer.” You piped up, breaking the comfortable silence after a few long moments. Rolling your head to the side to look at him, your eyes took in his own closed ones, and he seemed to be asleep. Waiting for a second to see if he was truly asleep, you took the time to admire his features, angled and sharp, usually tense but for now they were perfectly relaxed. He had folded his strong arms under his head, supporting his neck, and the bright colors of the sky faintly reflected across his face, nearly giving him the appearance of a masterful painting. One leg was splayed out, while the other was bent at the knee, his lips slightly parted as he exhaled.
Shifting your head back, you didn’t want to be caught staring. Your heart had leapt into your throat at the sight of him, hardly a foot away from you. The feelings you’d done your best to repress were shoving their way back up, decidedly at the forefront of your mind as they became the only thing you could think about. It had been about a year since you’d joined the crew, and you’d faced your share of hardships. Throughout the thick of it, though, everyone had been there to support you, even the harsh-seeming swordsman that rested at your side. You’d developed a bit of a crush on the man, admiring his strength and tenacity in battle. It amused you, the way he fought with the blonde cook, and fell asleep anywhere and everywhere, causing your heart to pound a bit harder than normal when he’d asked you if you wanted to train with him a few months prior. You’d accepted his offer, of course, and had become fast close friends, but you were sure he was entirely oblivious to what you felt for him. Even now, your heart had begun to beat rapidly, and you prayed that he couldn’t hear it.
“There’s a better view on the lion.” His words broke you out of your dizzying thoughts, his voice slightly raspy from unuse. He had opened his unscarred eye, and turned to look at you, no doubt having watched you have your small crisis. You swallowed harshly, taking a deep breath and forcing your feelings down. You could deal with them later. He was just a friend, one you weren’t going to risk losing. He was too precious to you.
“Maybe so, but I can’t get up there. I’m not stretchy like Luffy.” Sighing, you closed your eyes, pouting slightly that you couldn’t get up to the affectionately titled ‘Captain’s Spot’. You were quite nimble, but even your agility couldn’t get you that high. It was odd, envying your captain’s powers and his recklessness that allowed him to discover such places. “Even if I were, I wouldn’t risk falling into the sea. The steps only go up so far, and I can’t get up over the back of the head.” You shrugged, leaning your head back against the sturdy wood of the deck. Besides, here was plenty. There was still warmth to covet, and your view of the sky was only slightly inhibited by the large ship masts.
It was quiet again, save for Brook’s playing, then Zoro broke the air again. “I can take you.” You opened an eye to see him pushed up onto one elbow, his gaze striking and sending a flurry of butterflies rushing to your stomach. It was hypnotizing, the radiant colors of the sunset reflecting off of his tanned skin and sparkling earrings. Your breath caught in your throat, and it took you a second to recover. Was he serious?
“C’mon.” He grunted, seeming annoyed by your lack of words, but you knew that was just how he was. The hostility his tone sometimes gave off was just a facade, something he’d developed a habit of. He meant nothing by the rude sighs and huffs. The green-haired man pushed himself up, moving his swords to rest by the mast. His footsteps were heavy on the thick wood, and he turned to you to make sure you were following.
Scrambling quickly to your feet, you winced at the slight ache in your legs from laying for so long. Casting a glance behind you, you noticed that the main deck was mostly empty, only a small light from the kitchen as Sanji was likely cleaning up. Brook was sitting on the swing on the lawn deck, happily playing his gentle, soothing tune. Waves crashed against the sides, pushing the Sunny along to her next destination. Everyone else must have turned in, as you noticed a distinct lack of voices. Turning back to the impatient swordsman, you caught up with his long strides, stepping past the helm. He quickly scaled the small staircase leading to the back of the lion’s head, waiting for you to join him.
“Okay, we’re here, how do I-“ You were cut off by Zoro wrapping a strong arm around your waist, and lifting you with ease, causing your stomach to lurch with unspoken feelings. “What are you-!” He grunted again, hefting you up, as he bent his knees slightly.
“Just shut up, will you? I’m takin’ you up there.” He muttered, and with a single strong push from his toned legs, he leapt up onto the top of the lion, setting you down and making sure you were steady and balanced before letting you go. He flopped down, sitting with his legs crossed, his eye focused straight ahead. You could say nothing, the view was entirely breathtaking.
Nothing obscured your gaze, the colorful sky and the soon to be numerous amount of stars wrapped around you, filling you with awe and wonder. The sound of waves and wind soothed you, and you could hardly process Zoro’s words until he finally gave up and tugged you down with a sharp pull to the hem of your shirt. You settled into a seated position like his, securing your balance, leaning forward as your eyes did their best to burn the sight ahead of you to memory. Zoro let out a frustrated sigh, leaning back on his arms as he gave in to watching the sky with you too.
The horizon was turning a much darker blue now, and the few, thin clouds in the sky were dispersing, their fluffy edges stained red and orange as the sun sank lower and lower. More and more stars became visible, and a comfortable smile settled on your face. Gratitude bloomed in your chest, and the threat of tears made itself known in the back of your eyes. Inhaling slowly, you closed your eyes for a moment to quell the newfound emotion.
“Oi, I didn’t bring you up here just so you could not look at it.” Zoro’s brows were furrowed, slight annoyance portrayed in his handsome features. You let out a soft giggle, before turning back to the lovely sunset ahead of you. You could hear Zoro huff and mumble something under his breath in exasperation, and you just smiled, happy to be sharing such a beautiful moment with the man you had feelings for. Your heart continued to pound, and you swallowed thickly, trying to just focus on the sunset. It was hard, when the man had himself reclined on his hands, head tilted to rest on his shoulder. His coat was open, displaying the wicked scar across his muscular chest. He looked handsome, almost as if he was posing for a picture, and you could feel your cheeks tint with blush.
“Thank you.” You mumbled quietly, unsure if he would hear you. It was a one-off thought, curious about the view, and he’d answered your query without a second thought. You were sure he’d just ignore you, hell, you’d thought he was asleep at first, but his rare kindness had made itself known.
“What?” He responded, obviously not hearing you over the combined sound of the wind and the waves. He turned to look at you, but you had already laid back, starfishing your limbs and staring up at the wide, beautiful sky, now turning a deep navy color as night began to take over.
“Nothing, silly marimo.” You spoke a little louder, laughing softly. Zoro grunted something in response, but it was too low for you to hear, leaning down and laying next to you, the arm closest to you resting by his side while the other supported his head. You could hear Brook transition to play the first few chords of Binks’s Sake, a clear sign that he was going to bed soon. He always liked to end his nightly performances with that song, you found it entirely endearing, giving into a yearning for something that you couldn’t quite decipher.
You relished in the moment, savoring it in its entirety. You had the chance to relax, ponder, and fall into the clutches of pure contentment. There was nothing quite like the life of a pirate, was there? The night air began to cool, a shrill breeze blowing over the pair of you and giving rise to a rough shiver. You sidled a little closer to the man next to you, close enough to feel the heat from his body, but not close enough to touch shoulders. Your knuckle brushed against his, and in your state of slight fluster, you took a chance and reached out to grab a hold of his strong hand.
To your surprise, he didn’t push you away. Instead, he clasped his calloused hand around yours in return, his gaze still firmly fixed on the sky. The tips of his ears were pink, but you refused to turn your head to look at him. Zoro took initiative and pushed himself closer to you, so that your sides were firmly pressed against each other, a welcome sigh leaving your lips as even just the mere touch of his warmth protected you from the soon-frigid night. Your heart was racing, furious as though you’d just fought a long battle, unable to handle your proximity. You didn’t notice Brook finish his playing, leaving only you and Zoro left on the main deck.
You were holding his hand, and he wasn’t pushing you away. Did this mean he felt the same way about you as you did him? A flurry of thoughts blanketed over your mind like a blizzard, only stopping when Zoro gave your hand a faint squeeze. “I can feel your pulse, y’know.” Your heart caught in your throat, and you sucked in a harsh breath, refusing to move or acknowledge what he said. It was true, he likely could feel your pulse, the edge of his finger resting over the pulse point in your wrist. “Just relax, I’m not gonna let you fall off.”
You let out a shaky exhale. He was oblivious, entirely oblivious. Of course he thought you were just scared of falling off. In all actuality, the thought of falling never once crossed your mind ever since Zoro had brought you up to the lion’s head. You trusted him so completely that you knew he wouldn’t let you fall, his arms would wrap around you again and keep you safe. Shifting your head to rest against Zoro’s shoulder, you sighed.
“Stupid swordsman.” Your words were little more than a hum, and Zoro just furrowed his brow. He leaned his own head to the side, giving you a bit more space as you leaned on him. He’d grown so used to you, so attached, that your position felt familiar, comforting, even. He’d come to expect you leaning on his shoulder after a long training session, sprawling over his lap when he drank during celebrations on the ship. He didn’t know what possessed him to let you hold his hand, but he was glad he hadn’t pushed you away. Your smaller hand was tucked in his, and it brought blush to his face. He hoped you couldn’t see it, now that the bright colors of the sunset had faded and left only deep navy behind.
He could acutely hear your slowing breaths beside his ear, a clear sign that you were falling asleep. He stayed as still as he could, not wanting to disturb you. So close to him, you mumbled out another ‘thank you’, before putting your weight into him and falling asleep. He didn’t mind supporting you, after all, you weighed hardly anything compared to the weights he trained with. The only thing that bothered him was the rapid pace of his own heart, nearly matching yours from earlier. He was being serious, he wouldn’t let you fall, not someone who’d become so precious to him. So why had you called him stupid?
Waving off the thought, the swordsman felt an unfamiliar feeling bubble up in his chest. He was surprisingly content, his positioning with you leading him to forget about his goals and looming ambitions for just the slightest moment. Something about you pressed neatly into his side felt so right, so perfect. He felt an overwhelming urge to protect you, as more and more confusing feelings sprouted inside of him. Pushing all of the feelings away, including the butterflies in his stomach, he sighed as he decided to handle them all later.
Carefully resting his head atop yours, his unscarred eye stared up at the night sky, tracing out constellations. He’d agreed to take you up to the lion’s head on a whim, you just seemed so eager to see the uninhibited view that he couldn’t resist seeing the look of wonder on your face. It was all entirely worth it, it wasn’t like it was hard for him to leap up to the figurehead of the Sunny, even with you in his grasp. He’d just done it because you wanted, and that was as good enough a reason as any for him. Maybe all those days of training you, helping you learn how to use a sword, sharing sake with you had turned him soft. With one glance at you, though, he didn’t mind going soft.
Your eyes had fluttered closed, your lips slightly parted. The moon reflected over the planes in your face, illuminating you in a pale white glow. You looked beautiful, something he’d realized a few days prior. Your peaceful state was endearing, and he felt those new feelings bubble back up again. Shoving them back down, he closed his eye, deciding to wait there a little longer. He didn’t have the courage to disturb you, not when you looked so relaxed rested on his shoulder.
His voice was low, barely above a whisper when he spoke, but full of warmth. “You’re welcome.”