Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece.
Rating: T
Readers note: Sorry if this is incredibly mushy, it's just how I write. Anyway, this'll be a oneshot for jow, though I might add more later if this goes over well. Anyway, thanks!
Coby sighed as he returned to his room from a long day of training. He had been sparring with Garp and his limbs screamed with pain. He was looking forward to relaxing his muscles and getting a good night's sleep. When he entered the room, Helmeppo was waiting inside for him.
"Coby? How did training go?" He asked, lifting his eyes from the book he was riding to meet Coby's eyes. Coby grinned. He was tired, but always glad to see Helmeppo. He loved his time with the other marine.
"I've improved a lot, though I'm really beaten." He told him, flopping down on his bed next to Helmeppo's. Helmeppo sat up and looked at Coby. Coby met his eyes. He could tell that the other boy was thinking carefully about something. He could see it in his gaze.
"Something wrong, Helmeppo-San?" He asked. He hoped everything was okay. Helmeppo had a thoughtful look on his face. It made Coby nervous. Helmeppo leaned closer. He had been thinking so much about Coby recently, it gave him a warm, fuzzy feeling, and more than once he had found himself blushing. He was so close to the pink haired boy now. He wanted nothing more than just to close the distance between them and show him how he really felt, but he kept himself there, and forced himself to speak. There was no sense in rushing into things without thinking first.
"I've been having some strange thoughts, Coby." He started. Coby nodded for him to continue. He was not aware of his wide eyes, showing his nervousness very clearly. He was curious now though. Helmeppo continued.
"I've been feeling this weird feeling towards a certain someone, but I've never felt it before. I'm not exactly sure what it is." He said. Coby tilted his head to one side.
"What is this feeling?" He asked. Helmeppo shrugged.
"It feels warm, and different. It makes me want to be with the other person I'm thinking about." Coby smiled mischievously.
"Helmeppo, I think it's what you call love." He said. Helmeppo looked surprised. He'd never fallen in love before.
"So," asked Coby, nudging Helmeppo. "Who's the lucky girl?" Coby felt slightly jealous, but forced himself to act cheerful and happy as usual. Helmeppo blushed. Coby saw it.
"A-actually, it's not a girl." He said. Coby looked at him carefully, startled.
"Then who?" He pressed.
Helmeppo didn't answer. Coby blinked, confused. He pushed back a strand of bright pink hair as he waited for Helmeppo to answer. Helmeppo looked slightly nervous and averted his gaze. The pink haired boy understood. Love was complicated, it was hard, and it was even harder to tell people who the person you loved was. Coby reached over and rested his hand over the blond's gently, a reassuring gesture.
"It's okay. I get it, you're uncomfortable. You don't have to tell me who if you don't want-" He was cut off as Helmeppo grabbed Coby's hand and twined their fingers togetger. Warm, soft lips pressed against Coby's own. Coby's eyes were wide and his heart pounded, but after a few moments, he closed his eyes and melted into the kiss, reluctantly pulling away after a few moments. Helmeppo smiled at him.
"You, Coby. It's you." He said. Coby stared at him for a moment, registering what Helmeppo had just said. Then he smiled and threw his arms around Helmeppo. Coby had never felt happier.