Work Text:
From the moment Luffy saw Zoro, he knew that destiny brought them together. He saw him by his side on his journey to find the One Piece.
There was this visceral feeling, deep in his guts that drew him to the swordsman. And he followed this feeling, let it guide him to the path that would allow him to find the greatest treasure in the world and pursue his dream.
As the days have gone by, it has grown into something more. An immeasurable trust that he doesn't think he could give to someone before he met him.
Luffy likes people, he likes being surrounded and has always imagined his crew to brave any obstacle alongside him. Zoro came into his life and then Nami, and Usopp and Sanji and everything felt right.
He loves everyone on his crew, but Zoro is different. He has to admit it. Zoro is like a mystery unsolved and Luffy wants to decorticate every layer of the man until there is nothing else to hide, be closer to him, heart to heart.
When he almost lost him, he thought his world was crumbling. It hasn't been a long time since they met but the idea of not having Zoro in his life anymore left him shaking and distressed. That was probably the moment he realized.
Luffy has never been interested in romance or been attracted to anyone before. His only goal in life is to find the One Piece and become King of the Pirates, but Zoro has caught his attention. It may not be the type of attraction people expected or not exactly the feeling of love people told him about; however, it is an intense connection that makes him want Zoro, only for him.
He can say without shame that he adores Zoro immensely and doesn't know how to tell him, how to let the words roll out of his tongue, utter them in a way that would instantly explain how he feels.
Would Zoro understand? Does he want Luffy as much as he wants him? All these questions have swirled in his mind all day. For once, he has stayed silent, reflective as he peacefully watches the sunset from the bow of the ship.
He observed the horizon, the extension of the sea far and far until it doesn't feel like reality anymore.
A hand closes around his arm gently and brings him back. He looks behind him and sees Zoro, staring at him with a tinge of worry.
"You're alright, Captain?"
"Yes," Luffy chimes, already happy to see his first mate, something bursting in his chest at the very sight of him.
"You are… you seem weird today, uh… you didn't eat much." Zoro murmurs, stumbling on his words, like he was trying to find the right thing to say. "The others are worried too."
"Don't be, I'm fine!"
But it’s as if Zoro could read his mind. He looks at him in a way that leaves Luffy bare, not being able to hide.
"Have you ever been in love?" Luffy asks him out of the blue, because it is better to say things with honesty than wait for everything to unfold on its own. He is more a man of action, thinking this hard over this is not like him.
Luffy can see he has said something unexpected judging by Zoro's reaction. His eyes widen and he doesn't know where to look or what to say, his mouth hanging open.
"I‒ I don't know," Zoro sputters, frowning as if he was contemplating the idea. "Have you?"
He can't answer that. This feeling is new to him, but it is already familiar and comforting. Just like breathing, a natural and instinctive feeling.
Zoro looks at him sometimes like he is the most important person in the room, and he feels it, but can't place a word on it. Is it love? Is wanting to be with him until the end, fight for him, die for him, would be considered love?
He wasn't clueless about the whole concept of love, but it’s hard to really understand something well when you haven't felt it in your life. Until you think you do…
"Zoro..." he breathes his name, almost like a secret.
"Yeah?"
"What are we?"
"Whatever you want us to be." Zoro states without hesitation, as if he thought about it before. "I'm fine with what we are right now, don't need to define it."
That gives Luffy more confidence to talk about it openly. "Do we have to kiss, hold hands and stuff?" He genuinely asks, curious about what Zoro wants. "Or have… hum, sex?"
"Only if you want to. It's not an obligation but something that should come naturally."
"Maybe if I feel like it…" Luffy whispers more to himself than the boy in front of him. "Do you want us to?"
"Not necessarily." Zoro concludes. "Remember what I told you? I swore to stay by your side until the end, until we find the One Piece or die trying. I'll always be with you, I'll be loyal to you, I'll die for you, Luffy."
Even if Zoro told him something similar a few weeks ago, it still surprises him to hear it again and it warms his heart. "Really?"
"Luffy, nothing can define how I feel about you. There's no word for it and I've accepted that. You're everything to me and more, and I get to make my dream come true because you believe in me. So, yeah, thank you for making me join your crew, I'll never regret it."
Luffy smiles until the corners of his mouth hurts. A laugh escapes his lips, but nothing is funny. He realizes it's just relief, a breath that he has held too long. He is the captain and Zoro is his first mate and they are more than that, souls who found each other and needed each other. They were meant to be.
That's when he understands that there's not a single way to love, it was multiple, and every way was meaningful. Love is sudden and brutal and yet soft and warm, something you never want to stop feeling. It's there and it's strong and Luffy lays his eyes on Zoro and he knows. He always knew.
He doesn't want to lose that. Zoro's wound is still visible under his shirt, still in the process of healing, a memento of the day he almost lost his life.
Luffy gently runs his fingers on the bandage covering the beginning of a scar and then his hands stop on Zoro's chest, lingering there. He feels the swordsman's hand on his, taking it slowly before bringing it to his lips. He kissed Luffy's fingers one after the other as a demonstration his feelings for him, even if Luffy doesn't need him to. But the kisses move to his palm and his lips press on his skin lightly.
All too soon, Zoro lets go of his hand and places it back on his chest. He wants to feel his first mate close to him, and he doesn't wait any second as he envelops his arms around Zoro and presses his head on his chest but carefully not to hurt him like last time. He feels Zoro's arms slide around him too after a few seconds and their bodies are warm against each other. The feeling is still present, and suddenly his relationship with Zoro has a whole new meaning.
"I want to be with you Zoro." Luffy whispers as a way to reaffirm his feelings towards him.
"Me too. I'll always be by your side, remember that, okay?" Zoro murmurs, mimicking Luffy’s tone as his voice has become quieter. "I made this vow in my head that time in Kaya's home when you told everyone you're a pirate and you'll be the one to find the One Piece. You said that with so much belief, it blew me away and I could only follow you because I trust you."
"I know."
"By losing to Mihawk I was ashamed. I should have been stronger like you always see me, and I know you told me I didn't fail you, but I did. " Zoro continues. "You put your trust into me, you believed in me, and I blew it up."
"It doesn't matter, Zoro." Luffy assures him. "I'm just happy you're alive! Nothing would have been the same without you. I was so scared to lose you…"
Zoro cups his face, stroking his cheek gently. "You're never going to lose me."
Luffy believes it and that’s all he can give to Zoro, his unwavering trust. Their hearts thumped against each other, in unison, and they don't need to say more.
After that, everything has changed. Luffy can feel Zoro's gaze only on him, burning eyes, attentive, boring into him. Their relationship has always been special, but now it feels like all the pieces have come together. They are on another level of trust and comfort around each other. It's hard to tell if the rest of the crew has noticed something and if they did, they seemed to accept it.
For Luffy, it makes sense. Him and Zoro. He doesn't see it any other way. They need each other and they were perfect together.
Zoro's devotion is a demonstration of love. Luffy understands that now. The swordsman has shown it to him, with his words, with his eyes, with his touch. Luffy felt it. Everything. It's warm and vibrant and exciting, just as much as when he thinks about his dream. And he wants it, if it was with Zoro, he wants all of it.
Luffy hopes Zoro can feel his love too, feel it enveloping him like a soft blanket, protecting him. He needs him to see that he was the most important thing in the world for him and that without him, he isn't truly himself. He was a part of him.
The swordsman joins him later that night. Luffy is on the deck, watching the stars, finally coming to terms with his feelings for his first mate, understanding himself a little bit better, realizing that there is more to him than his ambition, his dream. There are many people gravitating around him to whom he gave a place in his heart, but at first, he didn't know where to place Zoro. Although, at this moment it is clear, Zoro has a special place. A place where he allows himself to feel, to feel so much it hurts. But knowing Zoro feels it too was like a balm, soothing his heart, showing him that love is not a pain, but liberating, something he can't really explain. But it's okay because they find solace and understanding beyond words.
Their unbreakable bond blossomed into something Luffy has not been prepared for, but he embraced it, accepted it as a part of himself.
Zoro approaches him and wraps his arms around his waist. Luffy feels his hot breath against his cold neck, and the contrast of temperature makes him shiver. His back is flushed against Zoro's chest and for a split second he's scared to hurt him. But Zoro holds him tighter and doesn't show any sign of pain.
They're safe together. Luffy turns his face and Zoro gazes into his eyes. They don't have to say anything. Their lips found each other and Luffy feels it once more.