#zoro fluff

he was resting on the railing, across deck from you, and made it to your side in the blink of an eye. he lifted you with ease, still hoisting you to his side as he turned to glare at usopp. he was sheathing his sword on his hip, glaring menacingly at the sniper.

“watch it, usopp,” he practically growls out, “almost hit him right in the head,”

usopp sweat drops, apologizing profusely, “i’m sorry, [name]! it was the wind that blew it towards you, you know i’d never do it on purpose, right?” thne in a quieter voice he meekly says, “please tell zoro to stop glaring at me…”

“it’s alright usopp! i know you didn’t do it on purpose,” your words were kind and delivered with a smile as you were still being pressed to zoro’s side. you slapped his chest, forcing him to look at you. his gaze softened immediately, “stop glaring, you big baby, usopp didn’t mean it,”

“still-“

“no “still”, just get over it, zo,” despite it being you who almost got nailed in the forehead with the dart, zoro seemed to be the one who was most personally offended by it. he was still pouting as he carried you off to the railing he was previously napping on. his pout goes away when you peck his cheek and mutter a quick "thank you."

and now he's blushing and hiding his face behind his palm.

⠄･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄

a very endearing way that zoro enjoys using his strength on you is whenever he needs to pick you up, outside of his working out and teasing moments. if you ever fall asleep on deck, with usopp, luffy, and chopper surrounding you two, he’ll scoop you up into his arms with ease and take you to the actual beds in the dormitory. since he knows you’re sleeping, he doesn’t bother hiding his fond, soft smile on his face as he effortlessly carries you.

“hmm?” you’re so sleepy you can’t even will yourself to open your mouth properly to say zoro’s name. just leaning closer into his warm chest and whining for a proper bed.

“i know, baby, we’re almost there,” he softly assures you, leaning down to press a kiss to your forehead, “should’ve just fallen asleep in your bed,”

“hm.”

“mhmm,” he hums back at you, smirking as he hears you mimic him in your sleepy state.

he places you into your bed, discarding his shirt and pants before joining you. the skin to skin contact makes you melt further into him, taking in as much warmth as you can. he feels you guide his hands to your shirt as well before lifting it over your head. with no cloth in between you two, it’s just you two pressing into each other for the rest of the night. when you wake up, luffy and chopper are both complaining about the ultimate betrayal zoro did to them by not carrying them to bed. zoro ignores their pestering, hanging off of your side and ruffling your hair as you yawn.

“can you two quiet down? some of us are still half awake,”

“he hates us,” the two cry in unison, comical tears flowing down their cheeks.

⠄･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄

an aspect of your relationship with zoro that many on board, and assumedly the general population if they knew about this, found…interesting (to say the least) was how you two enjoyed fighting with each other. play fighting and seriously sparring, the activities helped you pass time with one another while also testing your guys’ strength.

it was usually done in the crow’s nest since that was zoro’s gym area and was away from prying eyes.

the sun was just beginning to set on the horizon, gleaming through the windows as you two were heavily panting. the sun made your guys’ skin shine even more from the thin coat of sweat on both of you. zoro’s lips have been upturned in a smirk ever since you two started while you were just breathing heavily, glaring at him.

“get that stupid face off your face,” you scowl, going forward to try taking him down.

he side steps you and catches your body against his, dropping you both down onto the floor to keep you pinned. it all happens too fast and you don’t even bother fighting against him and his iron grip.

“this stupid face you love so much?” he teases, tangling his legs with yours to prevent you from moving, “give up?”

“no!” in one last push of strength, you muster up everything within you to push off of the ground and flip the positions. however, the amount of force you conjured did little to nothing in even budging zoro’s frame pinning you down, “okay, i give up,”

you go limp in his hold, making him release you from his snake-like constraint. he doesn’t move from on top of you though, leaning down to briefly kiss you.

“good lessons today?” he asks against your lips, pecking you quickly before pulling away and looking down at you.

"maybe good for you since you got to just manhandle me around, like some doll," he smirks, hands squeezing your cheeks.

"just how i like you," he teases, going in for another kiss. when the crew isn't around, zoro loves to indulge in your affection. it's obvious with how you two are now passionately making out on the wooden floor. his legs move in between yours, pushing them open so he can slot himself right against you.

his hair is slightly damp due to the sweat of your training session, but you don't mind, pulling at the strands in need. his thick forearms now rest on either side of your head, keeping him propped up to not crush you entirely. as for your lower half, he's shamelessly moving his hips against your own.

"zoro!!! [name]!!! it's time for your monthly check up- AGH!!" chopper's high pitched scream echoes in the crow's nest as well as the sudden slamming of the door. "i didn't see anything!"

"that idiot..." zoro rasps, pulling away from you and resting his forehead against yours as he catches his breath. "fuck, what the hell is his timing?"

you don't say anything in return, simply letting your eyes do the talking. they dart to his pelvis and his cheeks go ablaze, seeing your quirked eyebrow and tilt of your head. wordlessly, you're asking him, "seriously?"

"shut the hell up!! whose fault is that?!"

"yours, you fucking pervert! getting hard from tossing me around and a small makeout session? what are you, a hormonal teenager?"

"shut the fuck up!" he pushes you down onto the wood when you try getting back up, making you laugh at his immature behavior.

"you're such a baby."

"i said, shut up!"

his ears are ruby red as he goes to change into a shirt, glaring at you when his head pops out of the neckline.

"tch, asshole."

"the asshole you got hard for, by the way,"

"stop talking about it!"

you laugh at his flustered state, walking over and kissing him once more, despite the frown on his lips, "let's go and get checked up! you should probably take care of that problem of yours, don't wanna scar chopper even more."

"with your shit attitude, i'm already soft," he spits out with a shove to your shoulder before he himself steadies you again. "why the hell aren't you hard? you think i'm unattractive or something?"

you don't bother hiding your laughter at that question, only making him more mad.

"seriously! that must be the only explanation!" he shouts once more, following you down the ladder of the crow's nest.

"you really want me to air out my business in front of the whole crew, idiot?"

"no, but this conversation is far from over,"

"and i'm the brat..." you murmur under your breath, but his sharp ears somehow pick up on it.

"hah?!" he questions, but you just shake your head and ignore him.

"chopper, we're sorry! we're ready for our check up now!" you say in a sing song voice, "zoro's going to apologize to you properly, he's just sooooo embarassed because he's a horm-"

zoro's big hand clamps over your mouth before you can finish embarrassing him further, "shut the hell up, boy," he grunts in your ear, pressing your backside to his front as he controls your walk to the infirmary.

your slapping his hand, trying to free yourself from his clutches, but he just catches your hand in his other. now you're completely immobilized and forced into silence.

"you gonna behave now?" you nod your head and he finally releases you.

"zoro is-AHH!" he swoops you off of your feet and throws you over his shoulder so you now have an up close view of his back. a sharp smack is delivered to your ass and you're shocked into silence.

"that's what i thought," is his final comment before he's pushing open the door to the infirmary.

⠄･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄

However, Chopper's grief is not something you can diffuse, this kid hasn't had any proper closure with the memory of the man whom he sees as his own father. And Chopper's tears are just proof of the legacy that Dr. Hiriluk left behind. He may have been gone but he's alive, his dream lives on through Chopper who became a Doctor like him. 

Zoro watched your hesitation as you stood beside the weeping Chopper. He has heard of the poor reindeer’s stories, about Dr. Hiriluk and all that but Zoro took his time to watch you beside Chopper. He knew that look so well. The look you'd always have when you contemplate whether you should step in or not. 

You've always been the kind of person who would walk into the path that others would avoid.

So, seeing you hesitate to comfort Chopper is actually a new thing for Zoro. He has only met you when you joined the crew but those times were enough for him to take note of your personality.

When you found out about Laboon's story, you shed a tear for the being, despite being swallowed by the creature along with the ship.

He steps forward standing on Chopper's other side, the little reindeer still cries as the ship slowly sails and the snow starts to fade.

Zoro looks down at the crying Chopper and puts him up gently placing him on his broad shoulder.Chopper made some cute gasping noises but held onto the side of Zoro’s neck.

You watched the interaction with a smile especially when Zoro stood closer to you, you placed a hand on Chopper's back gently brushing his fur.

“Welcome aboard, Chopper.” You whispered gently and Chopper looked at you with big doe eyes glistening.

“Thank you.” He whispered in his tiny voice and you smiled tiptoeing to pat his head through his gigantic hat.

The silence made you realize that the other crews have already gone in and left the three of you sightseeing as the Going Merry sails through the smooth sailing sea.

____

You headed to guide Chopper to the space he'll stay in, you managed to set up a tiny bed for the little reindeer. 

Chopper's big eyes wandered around the room, “It's big.” He whispers his eyes full of innocence and wonder. His eyes were practically sparkling, he could finally claim something of his own.

You tucked him to bed with a smile. “Goodnight, Chopper.” You whispered gently. Covering him with a fluffy blanket.

You brushed your delicate fingers in Chopper's fur and he smiled up at you. Your touch brings warmth in his heart, the kind that reminds him of Dr. Hiriluk and a touch that reminds him how he has never experienced such care from his own family and own kind.

“Thank you, Miss YN.” he whispers, yawning and sleepy. His tired body gave in to exhaustion and drifted off to sleep.

_______

You couldn't sleep after tucking Chopper to bed so you went to the kitchen to have some tea and took a couple of balls of yarn that you had lying around your room.

You're planning on knitting a scarf for Chopper, you were originally planning to give him a knitted sweater but you realize it could get in the way when he transforms, he can easily use a scarf no matter what his size is.

Zoro walked into the kitchen when he saw the lights on, he sat beside you drinking the tea in front of you, his face unreadable.

You look up at him to complain about him drinking your tea but you decided to focus on what you were doing instead.

“Playing mom now huh?”

“Shut it, Zoro..” you blushed. 

Zoro chuckled and looked at the beginning of the scarf that you're crafting, “Seems nice.” He told you. “He'll surely appreciate it.” he said sipping on your tea once more but you realize he's just working you up so you let him be.

Days with Chopper as an additional family member are surely good. The crew stopped by another island to pick up medicine supplies that Chopper would need for his infirmary.

Since YN is sociable and charming she's usually assigned to assist with shopping. She draws attention but not in a suspicious way, the kind that makes store owners lower the price because she smiles prettily.

She held Chopper's hand tightly as they made their way into the crowded shops. On her other hand was a bunch of supplies they needed.

On the other side walks alongside the two is Zoro with a bored look on his face. 

YN pulled Chopper to the side where there's not much crowd, she crouched down on his level brushing his fur. 

“Stay with Zoro for me will you? Stay put okay he has a terrible sense of direction. I just have to pick up one last thing on your list and we're good to go.”

When you left the two on their own, Chopper looked up at Zoro blinking. The green haired man looks down at him “To clear things up, I'm the one babysitting you.” he tells him and Chopper blinks, nodding quietly.

As time passes by Chopper grows impatient too, he's starting to walk in circles and Zoro is just as impatient he clicks his tongue and starts walking off looking at Chopper “Heh. If I stay put for another minute I'm growing roots.” He grumbled.

“But Miss YN said—”

“Hush up, fur boy.”

Zoro stops by in front of a stall while Chopper follows closely behind. They're selling sweets, so he bought some and handed it to Chopper. The latter happily took it from his hands munching on the sweets, he followed Zoro closely behind who’s looking at the other stalls that they pass by, he struggles to keep up with his pacing given how tiny he is.

Zoro looks behind him, seeing Chopper still eating the sweets as he tries to keep up. Zoro stopped in his tracks and without a word, he picked up Chopper and placed him on his shoulder.

You were carrying a bunch of supplies walking along The Sun Island, you spotted Sanji buying food supplies with Luffy and you just waved at them, you needed to hurry up and meet up with Zoro and Chopper once again given how impatient Zoro can be.

When you went to the last place where you left them you held your breath, Zoro and Chopper weren’t there and you cussed, Zoro is the worst when it comes to directions, worst case scenario he could easily lose sight of poor Chopper.

You look around frantically and see a commotion nearby, they seem to be watching some parade of the locals, with people wearing vibrant yellow costumes with sun illustrations. 

It was a mesmerizing parade, complementing the island’s naturally orange sand. You made your way through the crowd still looking for any green haired muscular man or a sight of your new furry friend.

It was until you heard some giggles nearby, a giggle you knew instantly despite getting to know about it for just a little while. You know there’s no mistaking it, you turn around and see Chopper watching the parade clapping his hands while he sat on Zoro’s broad shoulder, the swordsman, as usual has a bored look on his face, his free hand holds onto his swords, always ready to unsheathe it if anything happens.

You made your way to where they were and smacked Zoro’s arms. “I told you to stay where you were!” you glared and Zoro looked down at you with the same bored look and took the shopping bags you were carrying.

“It’s the kid’s first island stop, let him soak it in.” he whispered looking up at Chopper, sitting on his shoulder completely mesmerized by the parade and didn’t even notice your arrival.

When the loud music and parade came to a halt, Chopper clapped happily, his eyes travelling down and gasping when he saw you looking up at him. He gasped, holding onto the side of Zoro’s head as if hiding, you laughed, realizing Chopper fails to understand he’s always hiding the wrong way, you tiptoed to pinch his cheeks.

“I-I’m sorry, Miss YN! Mr. Zoro said—”

You cut him off handing him a lollipop you bought from one of the merchants around the parade. “It’s fine, did you have fun?” you asked him with a smile as you watched him hold the lollipop close to his chest.

“Yeah, I did! They were dancing around! And—And it’s warm here and there’s a lot of colors and foods! It’s so different from Drum Island.” he exclaimed his voice full of glee and you felt that warmth seep through your heart just by watching him be cheerful.

Your gaze landed on Zoro who’s staring at you with an unreadable expression, you frown tilting your head up to look at him. “Why?” you asked.

Zoro looks away, still carrying the supplies you bought. “Let’s go.” he said in his raspy voice and you just quietly weirded out but you’ve always known Zoro has moments of spacing out so you disregarded it.

You walked side by side while Chopper talked about the parade they watched, you just listened to his stories, a smile plastered on your lips.

Zoro looks at you through his peripheral view, admiring the sparkle in your eyes, and the softness of your voice and gentleness of your gaze when you talk to Chopper. 

He could still remember the first time you looked at him that way, after his fight with Mihawk, when he was unconscious, you stayed by his side until he woke up. 

A small smile plastered on his lips as he remembers how your delicate fingers cupped his face to check him when he woke up, your frantic worried voice, he remembers it all vividly and he felt a  warmth seep through his heart as he remembers you fondly.

The three of you walked up to the shore where the Going Merry awaits, Zoro carefully helped you up the ship, while you carried Chopper in your arms. 

Your friends await at the ship, Luffy is waving with Vivi beside him, Nami is calling Sanji out to start dinner, Usopp is looking at the new supplies he bought for his new projects.

Every straw hat crew is an oddball of some sort, in many ways, but in the Going Merry, all of you belong and fit like a puzzle piece. 

________

You helped Chopper in setting up the infirmary, helped him put labels on the medicines, and herbs. 

While you were sorting out the supplies you bought for his infirmary, you watched him in the corner of your eye turning this very space as his own, you let him do what he wants and occasionally steps in if he needs assistance but you let him take the reins.

“Hehe! It's nicer now isn't it Miss YN?!” he exclaimed, skipping around the infirmary obviously proud of his work.

You smiled, looking around at the room he turned into his own. This space used to be cold and empty, but it seemed vibrant with Chopper hopping around and climbing up the chair to reach for the supplies he set up in his cabinet, he's meticulously checking if you put the proper labels as he taught you and he checked on the bed he set up for himself. His tiny hooves on his waist as he admires his work proudly.

The room is not repainted nor heavily remodeled, but the entire space seems to be brighter now and you realized it's because of the bubbly furry friend you've got in front of you.

Your eyes landed on the stethoscope on the table, you carefully picked it up and made your way to the delighted Chopper still busy admiring his “remodelling job”.

Chopper looked up and blinked when you put the stethoscope on him, gently pinching his cheeks—a habit he realizes you seem to like ever since you've met him in Drum Island.

He looks up at you with his big innocent eyes glistening, he's never seen such tender care in one's eyes other than the mentors he had grown to treat as his very own father and mother figure.

Your touch has always been delicate and gentle, almost as if your touch were as light as feathers.

Chopper started tearing up and you looked at him worriedly, “Hey, hey,” you called out softly cupping his small face in your hands. “What's wrong? Do you miss Doctorine? What's the matter?” You asked your voice as gentle as the soft blanket that envelops Chopper with warmth every night.

“N-no, Sorry..”he mumbles looking up at you as your thumb wipes his tears away.

“Thank you, Miss YN. For everything…” he whispers sniffling and you smile brushing his soft fur.

“There's nothing to thank me for, Chopper. And like I've said, just call me YN.” You reminded him softly.

You watch his doe eyes dilated with wonder and glee, he nods at you whispering your name cutely and giggling.

You remembered the scarf you knitted for him and reached out for your bag, you gently took the scarf you knitted and wrapped it around his tiny body.

“I was originally planning on knitting a sweater given how unpredictable weathers are in our route but I realize you have different forms and it might restrict your movement.” You told him to fix the scarf properly just enough for his mouth to be out.

Chopper hugs the scarf around his neck, he could feel the warmth he's been seeking for after years of cold winter, despite his thick fur coat, his existence has a cold void that's been wanting to be filled and you've been igniting the fire to bring warmth in his cold days.

“Thank you!” He exclaimed teary eyed.

You smiled giggling at his cute expressions, “Always welcome, Chopper.” You whispered and patted his head. 

For a while you helped him organize his infirmary and helped him tidy things up. 

Once he's well satisfied with the work done, you let him take a breather by admiring his work. 

You indulged him for a bit before helping Chopper up in his bed, he seems tired and for someone who spent most his life in a restricted place, he needs some adjustments to get used to the constant motion of the ship.

“Goodnight Chopper.”

Chopper smiled up at you hugging the scarf you knitted for him  close to his heart as his eyes closed while he drifted off to sleep.

_____

The next day while the entire crew are still asleep you went out to admire the sunrise on the deck. You stood at the figurehead and Zoro came from the other side of the deck, he stood beside you.

“I heard the Doctor loved his place.”

You smiled sipping your coffee looking at the green haired male and giving him your cup, knowing he probably needed one.

“How long did you sleep?” you asked, watching him take a sip on your cup.

Zoro let the strong taste of brewed coffee roll in his tongue before he answered, “Around 3 hours, I wake up every now and then to make sure no more assassins would get through.” He whispered his grip in his sword tightening.

He handed your coffee back, his eyes lingering at the way you look in the morning, your hair tied up with loose strands framing your face, the sunlight reflecting on your eyes.

“You could've taken turns with the other guys or with us too.” You mumble. You've always known how Zoro takes his role seriously as the sole protector but he does spread himself thin every now and then.

Before Zoro could even protest that he doesn't need such arrangements he heard tappings on the deck he looked down from where they stood beside the figurehead and he saw the hat and antlers peeking out.

“Oho! Sunrise!” Chopper exclaimed seeing the sky lit up. 

You and Zoro made your way down seeing Chopper trying to climb to a higher place to see the sunrise, his tiny hooves desperately clinging onto the surface, before you could even take a step forward, Zoro made his way to the small boy and carried him up his shoulder.

“WAAAHH! So pretty! You see this every morning?! I love being a pirate doctor!” He exclaimed hooves up in the air enjoying the morning breeze that rolls with the gentle waves that carries the Going Merry.

Chopper looked at the serious looking Zoro snd blink, “Thank you, Zoro!” He said, clinging onto the side of Zoro's neck, holding on tight.

You smiled at the way Chopper held onto Zoro, the latter just didn't mind and let him be. You made your way beside them and Chopper greeted you.

“Good morning, Miss YN! oh I mean YN…” he corrected himself and you giggled at his cute gasp.

“It's okay if you won't get used to calling me that. I don't mind.” you smiled, pinching his cheeks.

You hooked an arm on Zoro's free arm  and leaned on his shoulder, admiring the radiant colors of sunrise.

Zoro looked down at you with a small smile painted on his lips as he let you be while he held Chopper.

Chopper is still in awe of the sunrise, his mouth gaped open and his eyes sparkling.

He observed the two people surrounding him today, when he thinks about family, the ones he originally knew outcasted him, the other two he came to know,—one was taken from him by fate, the other he had to leave to explore and reach his own dreams.

He felt accepted, loved and protected. Every time Zoro held him up, Chopper knew the big green haired man would never let him fall nor get hurt and with you standing next to him and Zoro, Chopper knows you have his back, that when the nights are cold he can hug the scarf you gave him, and when he gets scared at night he knows you'll drop by to tuck him in.

He smiled watching the rising sun shine on them, and at that moment, Chopper finally felt like he belonged, not pitied, but accepted as a whole.

_________

Chopper learned to settle down in the Going Merry; he spends his time studying in the infirmary, making sure that if anyone gets sick or injured his skills would be enough to tend to his crew mates.

He's humming happily wearing his stethoscope as he looks at the medicinal herbs he has. He's listing down the supplies making sure they have enough.

Meanwhile, you went down to call Chopper so he could have dinner. You didn't come in immediately and watch him through the glass window and smiled to yourself seeing how confident he seemed in his own space.

You knocked twice to announce your presence and Chopper looked over his shoulder meeting your gaze and smiling as he waved at you.

“YN!” he says happily climbing down his chair to open the door for you, he waves his tiny hooves at you and you waved back with a smile.

You looked at what he was doing before crouching down to his eye level, “Are you busy, Doctor? Sanji just finished cooking dinner, we need to hurry up before Luffy annihilates all of the food.” You said with feign seriousness, but Chopper has witnessed that Luffy is easily capable of such a feat and hopped into your arms.

“Nah uh, let's eat YN! We can't starve!” he said, holding onto your arms and leaning on your chest as you made your way to the kitchen carrying him all the way there.

Zoro awaits at the table, saving a spot for you and Chopper. When he meets your gaze across the room he simply glances at the empty spots beside him, implying his invitation.

You gently set Chopper down between you and Zoro looking at the other Straw Hats crew gobbling up the food that Sanji cooked.

Luffy is already done eating an entire plate on his own, he occasionally steals some from a clueless Ussop's plate.

The smell of perfectly grilled fish fills the room, Chopper looks down on his plate, eyes sparkling. “Sanji, it smells so good!” He sniffed his food, his blue nose almost diving first into the plate. Zoro shakes his head with a quiet chuckle at his childlike wonder and innocence.

After dinner, you walked Chopper back to the infirmary.

Chopper sat on his bed and invited you to sit down beside him and you did, looking down at him softly.

“You want bed time stories?” You asked with a smile.

It's been a habit of yours to talk about some random stories before Chopper gets to bed when he was new to the Going Merry. It helped him ease up his anxiety in the new place.

“Yeah, tell me about cool stuff.” He said lying down, you tucked him in brushing his fur.

“Well I'll tell you the cool stuff Zoro did at Cactus Island.”

Chopper's eyes widened in anticipation, his doe eyes sparkling. He hasn't seen Zoro in action but he knows he is cool whenever he watches the swordsman train with three swords.

You began your story talking about how you all ended up there, and how you all found out that the whole island is a hoax.

“So, apparently it was an island of assassins specifically from Baroque Works. Zoro fought 100 foes in the bar. He used his swords every turn and every kick he knocked someone down.”

Chopper gasped audibly, the sheer amount of shock and wonder written all over his cute face. “100…wow. Zoro is cool!” He exclaimed.

You kept going about the fights and Chopper as usual is the best reactor to a storyteller. It wasn't long till his eyelids get heavy and he gave in to the pull of sleep before you could even finish the story. 

You stopped midway speech brushed his fur with your delicate hands and fixed his blanket before standing up to leave.

When you got out of Chopper's infirmary, you gasped seeing Zoro waiting outside the door. His eyes were closed as he leaned on the wall.

Your eyes widened, your mind thinking whether he heard you telling stories about him to Chopper. You bit your lip trying to physically stop the heat to travel to your cheeks.

Zoro opened his eyes, gaze meeting yours and he smirks teasingly.

“Didn't know you think I'm that cool.” 

You cussed mentally but rolled your eyes at him exasperatingly. “Oh please, I had to exaggerate things up a bit so Chopper won't get bored.” You snickered walking past him and heading out to the deck feeling your cheeks heat up. Maybe once you're out in the cold of the sea breeze out there you won't get so worked up.

Zoro follows closely behind, still mumbling about how you painted him as a hero with a smug look on his face. He smirked as he cornered you in the figurehead of the Going Merry he grip the hilt of his swords out of habit, his muscular built loom over your smaller figure.

Zoro looked down at you, let go of his sword finally and reached his hand out to brush his calloused thumb gently on your cheeks.

“Seems like Chopper ain't the only one who loves my adventures.” He smirks.

You almost froze at the bold move and attempted to slap his hand away and Zoro caught it smoothly holding your wrist down to your side. 

Zoro studied your face, the heavy breathing, the lip biting, and those rosy cheeks. He's the kind of man who may get lost even in a straight direction but he's not naive to such reactions.

He held your wrist gently yet firmly to your side and stepped closer till he could practically share the same breath with you. 

Your brain is malfunctioning, this is not his usual teasing to gas himself up, this is something else he's never done this to Nami, and you bit your lip trying to scheme how to get out of this situation but you're nailed at where you stood with your heart beating erratically you're afraid he could hear it from this distance.

“It's crazy, I don't know which is louder; my heart or yours.” He whispers huskily.

You met his gaze looking up and noticed the subtle deep breaths he takes to regulate his own breathing and you gulped.

“You know, the sea is vast, the waves are harsh, and the path ahead is thorny. And we don't know what tomorrow will bring, what kind of monsters we'll see, or what kind of trouble we'll get into.” Zoro trails off letting go of your wrist brushing a strand of your hair and tucking it behind your ear.

“Shit.” He whispers, “I forgot what I was supposed to say next.” He groaned.

Zoro utters a few string of curses before he looks back up again, “Fuck it—look, why don't we try…” he let out a defeated sigh, letting his head drop on your shoulder his forehead pressed on the side of your neck breathing in your vanilla scent that gets tangled up with the smell of the sea.

You felt your knees weakening at that point, your hand holding onto his biceps for support and you felt Zoro chuckled against your skin.

“I'm not good at all of these. But goddammit, can we stop pretending we don't feel anything?”

He gently pulled away to look at your expressions still letting you hold onto him for support.

You avoided his gaze. You knew what he was talking about, all those late night talks, the shared cup of coffee or tea, the frantic look to search for one another whenever trouble is up ahead.

It's been months, you have no idea when it even started. But you and Zoro have created a bond you believe won't be classified as plain crew mates aboard a ship.

“But what if—” 

Zoro cupped your face, cutting your hesitations off. “We can deal with all that may happen when we get there. But tonight…can't it just be about what we feel here and now?” He nipped your chin between his fingers.

You let out a soft chuckle, “So eager aren't we?” You finally found your footing, tilting your head to start firing back at him and Zoro's gaze landed on the smirk playing on your lips.

“With those lips looking like that of course I would—so…” 

He gulped his eyes silently asking for one last sign of agreement or disagreement if there's any before he could lean down.

However, Zoro didn't expect you'll grip the hem of his shirt to pull him down to meet him halfway.

When his lips crash against yours his hand finds its way on your waist pulling you closer, his free hand cupping the back of your nape gently brushing as he releases months of his pent up longing to hold you close.

He only pulled away to let you both catch your breath, he's smirking as he looks down at you biting his own lip.

“Well I'll be damned. You have me wrapped around your delicate fingers, woman.” 

You laughed, biting your lip hitting his broad chest. “Since when did you become a suave talker?” You raised your brows.

Zoro shrugged, pulling you closer. “Well, that's just the way I am.” He smirked, leaning down for another quick kiss.

It had you giggling in his arms as you wrapped your arms around his torso, he pulled you closer instinctively as the cold breeze of the sea engulfs you both.

Zoro admires your face from upclose, his calloused thumb brushing on your cheek, his eyes tracing every facial feature, and he couldn't help but lean down once more for another kiss.

You melt into his touch, his touch igniting a fire within you enough to battle the cold sea wind as you hold onto him.

You both made a paradise for yourselves at that moment just the two of you wrapped in each other's arms in the middle of the cold windy night but the two of you pulled away from the kiss upon hearing a soft cry nearby.

“YN?! Zoro?!” 

Chopper's hooves tap around the deck as he sobs, he actively tries to wipe his own tears but his sight gets blurry even more from tears.

“I had a bad dream, where are you?” He cries calling out and searching, the scarf you knitted for him wrapped around his neck to keep him warm.

You gently pushed Zoro off of you and headed down to meet Chopper, when he spotted you, the boy wailed like a lost child jumping into your arms as he cried. You carried him in your arms cradling him close to your chest sharing your warmth to him

“It's scary, I couldn't find you both. The abominable snowman was there, it was gonna take me.” Chopper sniffles holding onto you.

Zoro appeared behind you patting Chopper’s back. “Seems like you don't know me, kid. No abominable snowman would be strong enough to defeat me. So, your bad dream will always be just a bad dream.” He whispers, his voice husky his hands on your waist, watching Chopper bury his face on your neck.

Chopper calmed down from your comfort and looked up at Zoro, “Are you gonna defeat it like you fought 100 foes?” He sniffled.

Zoro smirks. “Damn right I would.” He answered smugly, “So, keep your head up, kid. As long as I stand—we stand no one's gonna get to you. Right YN?” he turned to you and you nodded with a smile looking down at Chopper in your arms.

“No worries about the abominable snowman, Chopper. You'll be fine.” You whispered gently, wiping his tears away.

When Chopper calmed down from his bad dream, you and Zoro made your way to the infirmary to tuck him in.

Zoro crossed his arms over his chest, watching you sit on the edge of the bed, covering Chopper up with his warm blanket brushing his fur gently, “Sleep tight kid, we're here to keep watch.” Zoro whispers assuringly.

“You're so cool, Zoro.” Chopper whispers sleepily, the adrenaline from his fear in his bad dream starts to wear off and he looks up at you.

“You're cool too, YN…” he yawns, his eyelids getting heavy as you keep on brushing his fur, he whispers slurry goodnights before drifting off to sleep.

You kissed Chopper’s forehead gently, standing up carefully to not make any sounds. You looked behind and saw Zoro with a small smile on his lips. 

Zoro pulled you close to him kissing your forehead as you both watched Chopper's breathing even out. You hold onto Zoro's big arms around your waist as he hugs you from behind.

You swallow hard. This is it.

You walk up to him and poke his cheek “Luffy.”

His nose scrunches up, and he lifts his hat just enough to peek at you “Hmm?”

You sit down next to him. Your hands shake a little. He notices. His hat slides off his face completely, and he blinks at you “What’s wrong?”

You take a deep breath “I… I have something to tell you.”

Luffy sits up fast. His eyes are wide, full of curiosity “Oh! Is it something cool?!”

You let out a small laugh “Yeah… really cool.” You reach for his hand and place it gently over your stomach. “Luffy, I’m pregnant.”

He stares at you. Blinks once. Then twice. His fingers twitch against your belly.

Then— “WHAAAAAAT?!” he jumps up so fast that he nearly topples over. His hands flail before gently grabbing your shoulders “Really?! A baby?! OUR baby?!”

You nod, laughing at his reaction “Yeah.”

Luffy’s grin stretches wider than you’ve ever seen. He wraps his arms around you, squeezing tight “This is awesome!! I’m gonna be a dad?!” he pulls back, eyes sparkling “Wait, wait—does this mean there’s a tiny me in there?! Like—super tiny?!”

You giggle “Kind of.”

Luffy gasps dramatically “That’s so weird—but so cool!!” he crouches down and presses his ear against your belly, pouting “Oi, baby! Can you hear me? I’m your dad! Your super cool, super strong dad!”

You ruffle his hair “It’s too early for them to hear you, Luffy.”

He sits back, looking thoughtful. Then he beams again “I gotta tell everyone!!” Before you can stop him, he takes a deep breath and then—

“GUUUUYS! (Y/N) HAS A BABY IN HER BELLY!”

Footsteps thunder across the ship as the crew comes running. Nami facepalms, Zoro groans, Sanji faints, Usopp starts panicking, and Chopper yells something about medical checkups.

Luffy just sits there, hands on your stomach, grinning like he’s just found the One Piece.

Months Later

Luffy is… something else during your pregnancy.

He pokes your belly every day, fascinated by how it grows “It’s getting huge!!” he exclaims one morning, eyes wide “Are you sure there’s only one baby in there?!”

He steals extra food from Sanji’s kitchen and piles it on your plate “Eat! The baby needs to be strong, like me!”

He refuses to let you do anything dangerous “No fights! No running! No carrying heavy stuff! That’s my job now!” He puffs out his chest making you smile softly at him “Captain’s orders!”

At night, he talks to your belly in a serious tone “Okay, listen, baby. When you come out, we’re gonna have so much fun! I’ll show you how to stretch like me! And how to eat tons of meat! And we’ll go on super cool adventures!”

One night, as you lay in bed, his arms wrapped protectively around you, he mumbles sleepily “Love you. Both of you.”

Your heart melts. You smile, placing your hand over his “Love you too, Luffy.”

He grins even in his sleep, dreaming of the greatest adventure yet, being a dad.

── .✦ Zoro:

The evening air is warm as you stand on the deck of the Thousand Sunny, watching the ocean waves. Your heart beats fast, but not from battle or danger, but from the words you need to say.

Behind you, Zoro trains like always. His swords cut through the air with sharp precision, muscles flexing as he moves. His brows furrow in focus, sweat dripping down his forehead.

You take a deep breath. Now or never.

“Zoro”

He stops mid-swing, turning to you “Huh?” His tone is rough, but his gaze softens when he sees your expression “Something wrong?”

You step closer, gripping the hem of your shirt. Your nerves make your fingers twitch, but you push through. You have to tell him.

“…I need to tell you something important.”

Zoro sheaths his swords, sensing your seriousness. He crosses his arms “Yeah?”

You swallow. Then, carefully, you take his hand and place it over your stomach.

“I’m pregnant...”

Silence.

Zoro doesn’t move. Doesn’t blink. It’s like the words haven’t registered yet. His hand rests on your stomach, fingers barely pressing into the fabric of your shirt.

“…What?” His voice is quiet, actually too quiet for him.

You squeeze his hand “We’re having a baby, Zoro.”

His breath catches. He stares at you, eyes flicking between your face and where his hand rests on your stomach. His fingers twitch slightly. A baby. His baby.

Then, suddenly, you’re lifted off the ground.

“Zoro—!” you laugh as he picks you up effortlessly, holding you close. His grip is firm but careful, like you’re the most precious thing in the world.

When he finally sets you down, his hands linger on your arms, steadying you. His face is unreadable for a second, and then a smirk.

“Tch. Guess I really have to get stronger now.”

You raise an eyebrow “Why?”

Zoro’s smirk softens just a little. His thumb brushes your stomach lightly “To protect both of you.”

Your heart swells. He’s serious.

You press your forehead against his “You’re already strong enough, idiot.”

Zoro scoffs “There’s no such thing.”

Then, after a pause, he mutters “…Are you okay?”

The question is so simple, but the weight behind it makes your eyes sting.

You nod “Yeah. Just… nervous.”

Zoro’s arms tighten around you “Me too.”

You pull back slightly, surprised “You? The great Roronoa Zoro? Nervous?”

He clicks his tongue “Tch. This is different” he glances at your stomach “Fights, enemies, swords—I know how to handle those. But this?” His hand brushes your belly again, softer this time “This is new.”

You smile, lacing your fingers with his “We’ll figure it out together.”

He exhales, like a weight has lifted from his chest “Yeah.”

And for the first time in a long time, Zoro doesn’t feel lost at all.

Months Later

Zoro is the most overprotective person ever.

He watches you like a hawk. If you so much as sigh, he’s next to you in a second.

“You okay?”

You roll your eyes “Yes, Zoro. For the hundredth time, I’m fine.”

He grumbles but doesn’t stop hovering.

He always refuses to let you lift anything.

You reach for a barrel and then “Put that down.”

You try to carry plates from the kitchen and he goes “I got it.”

You bend down to pick up a book, Zoro glares and “What did I just say?”

He even walks with you everywhere.

“You don’t have to follow me to the bathroom.”

“What if you trip?”

“Zoro.”

“…What if an enemy attacks?”

You groan, but he just folds his arms and stays put.

He also naps closer to you now.

Zoro still sleeps a lot, but now he always makes sure to be near you. Some days, he dozes off with his head on your lap, his arm draped over your growing belly.

You run your fingers through his hair, feeling his slow, steady breathing. He won’t say it out loud, but you know he’s nervous, and this is how he comforts himself.

One time, you catch him talking to your stomach when he thinks you’re asleep.

“You better not kick too hard in there… Your mom needs to sleep” His voice is quiet but gruff. Then, after a long pause, he adds, “…Can’t wait to meet you, though.”

Your heart melts.

Later that night, you whisper “Are you scared?”

Zoro is silent for a moment. Then, he exhales “A little.”

You lace your fingers with his “Me too.”

He turns his head to look at you, eyes steady “We’ll figure it out.”

You smile “Yeah.”

Zoro presses his forehead against yours “Get some sleep.”

As you drift off, Zoro stays awake a little longer, hand resting on your belly.

For the first time, he’s facing a future he can’t predict, a battle he can’t train for.

But he knows one thing for sure—he will always protect you. And your child.

No matter what.

── .✦ Sanji:

The smell of fresh bread and sizzling butter fills the Thousand Sunny’s kitchen as you sit at the counter, watching Sanji move. He hums to himself while stirring a pot, completely in his element. His blonde hair falls over his eyes, but he doesn’t seem to care.

You take a deep breath, heart racing. It’s time to tell him.

“Sanji...” you say softly.

He turns instantly, smiling “Yes, my love? Dinner will be ready soon.”

You shake your head “I… need to tell you something first.”

Sanji notices your serious tone and wipes his hands on a towel before walking over “What is it, sweetheart?” He tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, concern in his ocean-blue eyes.

You take his hand and press it against your stomach.

“I’m pregnant”

Sanji freezes.

His fingers twitch slightly against your belly, his usual smooth confidence suddenly gone. His mouth opens, but no words come out. His cigarette almost falls from his lips.

“…What?” his voice is barely a whisper.

You smile nervously “We’re having a baby.”

Sanji stares at you, his eyes wide. Then—

THUMP.

His legs give out, and he falls to his knees in front of you. His hands stay on your stomach as he looks up, completely overwhelmed.

“You’re… serious?” His voice shakes “I—I’m going to be a father?”

You nod, tears prickling in your eyes “Yeah.”

A sharp inhale. Then, suddenly, Sanji buries his face against your stomach, arms wrapping around you so gently, as if he’s afraid to break you.

“Mon amour… I don’t even know what to say” he murmurs, voice thick with emotion. You feel his breath against your skin, warm and shaky “This is the greatest gift you could ever give me.”

You stroke his hair, heart swelling “So… you’re happy?”

Sanji pulls back slightly, grinning through tears “Happy? (Y/N), I feel like I just won the whole damn world.”

Then, his hands cup your cheeks, and he kisses you—soft, deep, full of love.

“Wait—!” He pulls away suddenly, eyes wide “You need food! Proper nutrition! I need to—” He rushes toward the kitchen, grabbing ingredients at lightning speed “I’ll make you something right now—no, I’ll make ten meals—no, twenty! The baby needs to eat too!”

You laugh, watching him run around in a panicked, love-struck frenzy.

Sanji is going to be the best dad.

Months Later

Sanji is the most devoted, doting, over-the-top partner ever.

He refuses to let you do anything.

You try to stand up? He’s already pulling out a chair for you.

You reach for a glass? It’s in your hand before you can blink.

You sigh in the heat? He’s fanning you immediately.

“Sanji, I’m pregnant, not broken” you groan.

“My love, you are carrying our child!” He places a dramatic hand over his heart “I refuse to let you lift a single finger!”

Sanji cooks nonstop for you.

“Here, sweetheart, eat this.”

“Sanji, I just ate five minutes ago—”

“The baby might still be hungry!”

He talks to your belly constantly.

“Hello, little one! This is your father speaking.” He presses a kiss to your stomach “I hope you’re nice and comfortable in there. When you come out, I’ll make you the most delicious food in the world!”

Then, more seriously, he whispers “And I’ll take care of you. You and your mother. Forever.”

Your eyes tear up every time.

At night, Sanji holds you close, his hand resting protectively over your growing belly.

“You should sleep” you murmur, noticing he’s still awake.

“I’m just… thinking” he admits.

“About what?”

Sanji sighs softly “I never thought I’d have this,” he says “A family. Someone to love… and now, both of you.” He presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. “It’s like a dream.”

You smile, lacing your fingers with his “Then let’s make it the best dream ever.”

Sanji chuckles, pulling you even closer “Oui, mon amour.”

As you drift off, you feel his lips brush against your stomach once more.

Still, despite preaching that food should never go to waste, Sanji had purchased enough seafood not only to feed the crew for a month, but to host several feasts with visiting pirate crews.

Then, barely giving anyone a chance to object, he had practically dragged you all toward the sushi restaurant he’d dreamed of visiting ever since his days aboard the Baratie, positively buzzing with excitement at the chance to learn something new.

“Old geezer used to say if you ever crossed the Grand Line and found yourself on this island, you’d be a fool to leave without eating here.”

By the time you finally arrived, your cook let out a sigh of pure admiration, forcing you to discreetly pinch Zoro more than once to keep him from making one of his usual remarks.

The restaurant wasn’t extravagant so much as quietly timeless. It stood at the very edge of the harbor, where the sea nearly kissed its foundations whenever the tide rose high. From the outside it was surprisingly modest, a weathered cedar building whose dark wooden walls had been polished smooth by decades of salt-laden winds. A faded indigo noren hung across the entrance, its color softened by countless summers, bearing nothing more than the simple white crest of three intertwined waves.

“OI, SANJI! THIS SHACK’S THE PLACE WITH THE AMAZING FOOD?!”

Luffy’s voice rang out with all the subtlety of a cannon blast.

He was immediately met by three raised fists: Sanji, whose cigarette nearly snapped between his teeth as one leg lifted threateningly into the air; Nami, glaring daggers at their captain’s complete lack of manners; and poor Usopp, desperately trying to salvage what little dignity remained.

Hidden behind your shoulder, your boyfriend allowed himself the faintest, thoroughly self-satisfied smirk before nudging both you and Chopper, who had already claimed your other hand.

“C’mon.”

After taking off your shoes, with Chopper naturally finishing long before everyone else and bouncing impatiently where he stood, a waiter led you toward one of the tatami rooms through a series of polished wooden corridors. Paper lanterns cast warm pools of amber light across the hallway, while the old floorboards creaked softly beneath your footsteps.

You slowed for just a moment, unable to resist admiring the tiny courtyard garden tucked between the rooms. A smooth stone basin caught the steady trickle of falling water, soft moss blanketed the ground beneath a wind-shaped pine, and several koi drifted lazily through a shallow pond.

“Tch. You coming, woman?”

Zoro’s voice pulled you back. He stood beside the open shōji door, patiently holding it for you.

You smiled, quickening your pace.

“Thanks.”

Taking advantage of the brief absence of witnesses, you rose onto your toes, pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, then slipped past him into the room.

Zoro answered with nothing more than the smallest shrug, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward as warmth spread across the cheek you’d kissed.

Chopper had already rushed inside.

“I WANT THE WINDOW!”

In the blink of an eye he’d claimed the spot overlooking the water.

You laughed, straightening the little hat that had slipped crookedly onto his head.

“You beat me to it.”

“I can still see everything from here!” Chopper beamed.

Kneeling beside him, you adjusted the cushion he’d knocked askew, still smiling to yourself.

When you finally looked up again, Zoro was still standing where you’d left him, quietly waiting until you’d settled in before lowering himself onto the cushion beside you.

The peaceful atmosphere lasted all of thirty seconds before the shōji door slid open and in burst the Straw Hat captain wearing a grin as loud as his voice.

“FOOD!”

Before anyone could stop him, he was already kneeling at the table with his nose mere inches from the immaculate place settings.

Sanji immediately seized him by the back of his vest, a vein throbbing visibly across his forehead.

“Don’t touch anything, you idiot! They haven’t even brought the food yet!”

“But I wanna see!”

“You’ll see it when they serve it!”

Having personally insisted on ordering directly from the head chef, selecting the restaurant’s rarest specialties, Moonfin tuna, Rainbow snapper, Sapphire squid, and countless fish found nowhere else but these waters, Sanji had, in truth, been determined from the start to spend the evening beside the master chef himself, soaking up every lesson he could.

With a sparkle in his eyes brighter than the one that usually appeared at the sight of a beautiful woman, he practically floated after the elderly chef, an old acquaintance of Zeff’s. The discovery had caught him completely off guard, but his surprise quickly gave way to unmistakable pride. The legendary sushi master not only knew the stubborn old geezer from the Baratie, but seemed genuinely delighted to meet his apprentice, readily demonstrating his techniques and sharing the knowledge he had spent a lifetime perfecting.

Thankfully, that spared the rest of you another hour of listening to him repeat,

“This chef trained for sixty years.”

“The vinegar is aged.”

“The rice only grows on the northern cliffs.”

“The knife’s been passed down through eight generations.”

With drinks finally served, conversation flowed easily, as much as it could with Luffy repeatedly announcing that the food ought to hurry up already.

You, Nami, and Robin soon found yourselves making plans to visit the island’s famous onsen together, all three of you craving a little time away from your beloved idiots. Nami had already reserved a spot for the following day and fully intended to spend a generous portion of the crew’s budget shopping beforehand, while Robin quietly informed you about a local bookstore that supposedly carried the very book you’d been searching for in every port these past few months.

Beside you, your green-haired swordsman sat in comfortable silence, occasionally brushing his little finger ever so lightly against your hand as he sipped his sake. With one ear he listened to one of Usopp’s wildly exaggerated stories, a tall tale bearing little resemblance to reality, while unsuccessfully hiding a smile at the captain’s and Chopper’s wholehearted amazement.

At one point, Chopper’s attention was stolen by a tiny crab making its way along the veranda outside.

Without thinking, you reached to stop him from leaning too far.

At that exact same moment, Zoro’s hand settled firmly against the small of your back out of pure instinct.

Across the table, Robin smiled quietly into her teacup.

At last, Sanji returned alongside the head chef, greeted by Luffy’s ecstatic cheers, as beautifully carved serving boards shaped like waves, dragons, and even swords were carefully placed before each of you.

Delicately arranged atop them, each piece of sushi looked almost too beautiful to eat. Brilliant colors gleamed beneath the lantern light, from the vivid turquoise sheen of the Moonfin tuna to the deep crimson cuts and the iridescent marbling of the Rainbow snapper. The craftsmanship was nothing short of mesmerizing.

You discreetly nudged your boyfriend’s ankle the moment he opened his mouth to remark that sushi looked the same no matter where you ate it. Meanwhile, you, Nami, Robin and Chopper found yourselves quietly pointing out your favorite pieces, admiring the vibrant colors spread before you like tiny works of art.

“The strongest warriors used to volunteer their arms,” the elderly chef remarked, with the sort of perfectly straight face that made it impossible to tell whether he was recounting history or inventing it on the spot.

“Long ago,” he continued, “the strongest warriors of this island would offer their arms during festivals to the person they held dearest. They believed food tasted sweetest when it was shared with the one they wished to protect. It was never meant as entertainment, but as a quiet promise. To nourish someone with your own hands was one thing… to trust them enough to place your own body beneath their meal was another.”

A faint smile softened the old chef’s weathered features.

Unfortunately for Zoro, Luffy volunteered him before he even had the chance to object.

The chef studied the green-haired swordsman thoughtfully.

“With muscles like that… it would actually work.”

Zoro refused immediately.

“COME ON, ZORO!” Luffy pleaded, slapping him enthusiastically between the shoulders. “PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEEEASE!”

“No.”

Your boyfriend sounded so final that it was obvious he’d sooner wrestle a Sea King than endure Luffy’s stretchy hands and tongue anywhere near his skin, especially knowing the rest of the idiots would immediately join in.

“I WOULDN’T MIND!” Luffy declared instead, balancing pieces of sushi along his own arm, much to Sanji’s horror as several nearly slid onto the floor. “I’M STRONG TOO!”

Saving the endangered sushi with remarkable speed, Sanji marched toward the girls, hearts practically floating around him.

“I would never offer these magnificent hands to those heathens,” he declared dramatically, “but if my lovely ladies wished it, the greatest honor of my life would be to have their beautiful lips graze my arm…”

“ME TOO!”

“NO!”

Sanji snapped around so fast his entire expression transformed the instant Luffy tried to volunteer himself.

Meanwhile, everyone else had turned to stare at Zoro.

“The hell’re you all lookin’ at?”

He was completely against it…

…until you quietly asked,

“Would you mind?”

Silence settled over the room.

Usopp leaned forward with unmistakable interest, Chopper stared with stars sparkling in his eyes, and Franky simply raised an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

“…Tch.”

“If he won’t, Y/N-swan, I’d be more than happy to offer my…”

“She’ll eat off mine, you damn perverted cook.”

Your green-haired swordsman had already rolled up his sleeve, deliberately turning his head away as though none of this concerned him. Usopp would’ve sworn the tips of his ears were as red as the coral reefs of the Grand Line, but wisely kept that observation to himself.

Still visibly irritated, though making a genuine effort to compose himself for your sake, Sanji reached for a few pieces of sushi, intending to arrange them across the firm curve of Zoro’s bicep. One sharp look from the swordsman stopped him cold.

“Only her.”

Unable to hide your smile beneath the curious stares of your crewmates and Sanji’s poorly concealed sulking, you knelt beside Zoro, biting back a laugh as you carefully arranged each piece of sushi along his forearm.

Your fingertips drifted gently across the surprisingly soft warmth of his skin, stretched over the solid muscle beneath. As your index finger idly traced the prominent vein running along his forearm, he nearly choked on his own breath. The swordsman's eyes widened for the briefest instant, a warm flush blooming across his cheeks before he hurriedly schooled his expression. A quiet, strangled sound escaped him, something that, in the peculiar language of Roronoa Zoro, translated to I’m barely holding myself together, and I’d much rather you didn’t do that in front of everyone… even as he made no move to stop you.

“Cold?”

“No.”

He was so still he barely seemed to blink.

“Isn’t it a little difficult to keep your balance?”

“No.”

“You can move if you’re uncomfortable.”

“…You haven’t finished,” he muttered, meeting your eyes for only a heartbeat before looking away again.

Smiling softly, you leaned in once more, steadying yourself with one hand against his shoulder.

His bicep had long been one of your favorite places to find comfort. It had steadied you through countless ordinary moments, carried the weight of your exhaustion without complaint, and welcomed you whenever the world felt just a little too loud.

You had kissed your way along that very arm more times than you could count.

Sometimes, when you were feeling especially playful, you’d nip at it just to hear his gruff complaint. You’d cleaned the cuts left behind after battles, pressing gentle kisses to fresh scars as you wrapped them in clean linen. On quiet afternoons beneath the Sunny’s mast, you’d used it as a pillow while dozing safely tucked against his chest, and on sleepy mornings, you’d leave a trail of featherlight pecks along his bicep before trying to slip from his embrace, only for him to wordlessly pull you back against him.

Whenever you rushed into his arms, it was there that your face inevitably came to rest. You hid behind that broad upper arm whenever you grew shy or tried to conceal a smile. In crowded festival streets, you instinctively clung to it so you wouldn’t lose him in the sea of people. Sometimes you’d lazily trace little pictures or write words against his skin with your fingertip, laughing as he tried to guess what you’d drawn. And on nights when the two of you lost yourselves in one another, you’d leave lipstick marks along the muscle, and he’d regard them with quiet satisfaction, reluctant, and entirely uninterested, to wipe away those little traces of your affection unless you insisted.

Yet never, not once, had you eaten from it.

After hearing the story behind the tradition, and knowing he had offered that quiet honor to you, and to you alone, the entire moment took on an intimacy you hadn’t expected.

Perhaps you should have felt embarrassed with the whole crew watching, but the thought barely crossed your mind.

Moments like these, when Zoro chose to wear his affection where others could see it, were impossibly rare. His love had never been loud or adorned with grand declarations. It revealed itself through quiet choices, stubborn gestures, and silent promises that somehow always reached your heart all the same.

Your hair brushed lightly against his neck, sending the faintest tickle across the skin of the stoic swordsman, who suddenly became far more aware of your closeness than he had been a moment before.

I fought Mihawk with a steadier pulse than this.

The ridiculous idea itself didn’t bother him in the slightest, nor did the certainty that the crew would tease him mercilessly for weeks to come. What unsettled him was the way you kept drifting into his space without the faintest idea of the storm you were stirring inside him.

You had expected him to grumble, to click his tongue in annoyance, perhaps even shift restlessly enough to send your carefully placed sushi tumbling onto the wooden floor.

Instead, as you leaned impossibly close to that absurdly broad bicep, you became acutely aware of the warmth radiating from his skin, lingering only millimeters from your lips. Beneath the delicate aroma of fresh fish and seasoned rice lingered the faint scent of sea salt, mellow sake, and the subtle cedar and hinoki oil you’d given him months ago on another island, a fragrance that had long since become unmistakably, comfortingly his. The muscles beneath your fingertips tightened almost involuntarily each time your warm breath ghosted across his skin.

Before you realized it, warmth had crept into your cheeks despite knowing every inch of that arm by heart.

He noticed immediately.

A smug little smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Thought this was your idea.”

“Shut up.”

Trying very hard to pretend his ridiculous smirk wasn’t affecting you in the slightest, you reached for a piece of Moonfin tuna. As you leaned in to take it, your lips brushed against the warm skin stretched over the firm muscle of his arm.

The warmth lingering beneath the rice nearly distracted you from the immaculate sushi itself. It truly was exquisite. The fish dissolved across your tongue with an almost delicate sweetness, balanced by perfectly seasoned rice that Sanji would undoubtedly spend the next month trying to recreate. Under any other circumstances, you would’ve happily spent the next ten minutes praising every nuance of its flavor to your hopelessly enthusiastic cook.

Unfortunately for him, your attention had wandered somewhere far less culinary.

When you lifted your gaze again, your eyes met Zoro’s.

For one suspended heartbeat, neither of you looked away.

Then the flustered swordsman did.

The tips of his ears had turned an unmistakable shade of pink.

A smile tugged at your own lips. You chose not to comment on the way he’d instinctively straightened the moment your lips had lingered just long enough to catch the last few grains of rice clinging stubbornly to his bicep.

“Good?” he asked, amused now by both the absurdity of the situation and your growing fluster, while hoping his own wasn’t nearly as obvious.

“Mm.”

“Worth humiliating me?”

You didn't hesitate.

“Definitely.”

Another crooked smirk found its way onto his face.

“Then have another.”

The crew erupted.

Sanji nearly collapsed to his knees, mourning the image of his precious angel being corrupted by an uncouth brute. Beneath the table, Brook quietly slipped a handful of berries into Nami’s palm, settling whatever bet the two of them had apparently made, while Luffy barreled between the two of you before anyone could stop him.

“NOW IT’S MY TURN! GIMME! I WANNA TRY TOO! C’MON! C’MON!”

He reached for another piece balanced on the sturdy ridge of Zoro’s arm.

Zoro pulled it back before Luffy could get anywhere near it.

“Will you knock it off already?”

“You’re no fun,” Luffy huffed.

For one suspiciously convincing second, he looked as though he’d given up.

Then, like a seagull spotting unattended food, he lunged forward and took a bite out of Zoro’s arm instead.

“THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!”

A solid punch landed squarely on the captain’s head, earning an exaggerated yelp as the two immediately dissolved into yet another loud argument. Zoro looked ready to draw a sword on pure principle. You rested a calming hand against his shoulder before he could seriously consider it, while poor Usopp threw himself at Luffy in a desperate attempt to drag him away, entirely unaware that he had just volunteered himself as the next victim.

His efforts proved spectacularly futile.

Luffy abruptly abandoned Zoro altogether, declaring him “too grumpy,” and instead attempted to balance a piece of sushi on Usopp’s nose.

The resulting chorus of laughter, indignant protests, and Sanji’s horrified cries about wasting perfectly good food swept through the room, drawing everyone’s attention away from the two of you.

Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, you—almost shyly now—reached for one last piece resting on your green-haired swordsman’s arm.

Without looking at you, he mumbled quietly enough that only you could hear,

“…You’re the only one I’d ever consider doing something this ridiculous for.”

You smiled, warmth blooming in your chest before you could stop it.

“Good to know.”

He answered only with a quiet grunt, though the faint flush still lingering at the tips of his ears betrayed him completely.

Around you, the restaurant slowly settled back into the familiar, beloved chaos that seemed to follow the Straw Hats wherever they went. Luffy was now chasing a horrified Usopp around the room with a piece of salmon balanced precariously on his finger while Sanji shouted himself hoarse in the background, torn between protecting the restaurant’s dignity and strangling his captain.

Yet somehow, amid all that familiar noise, Zoro’s quiet confession lingered longer than the taste of the meal itself.

Every moment thereafter, whether absurd enough to leave you both laughing, heavy enough to test your resolve, or beautiful enough to steal your breath away, would be met the same way: side by side, sharing each one together.