Luffy didn't like Zoro staring. It made him feel weird. With Chopper it was different, but this, no. He didn't like it at all, and would not tolerate this dumb pining any longer. He had limits too.
Unfortunately, he also had the impulse control of a toddler. So with that, and the help of a nicely aimed kick, he got his point across. His disapproval heavily implied. For good measures he stuck his tongue out, as well as making a face at a mildly entertained Shichibukai.
"Better put a leash on the Marimo!" Sanji jerked his thumb toward their wayward swordsman and gleefully smirked. He had watched Zoro being an idiot many times, but this was taking the cake.
"He is free to go where ever he wants," Luffy replied defensive.
Sanji grinned. That was clearly one unhappy diva.
Is he though, Sanji asked himself, while taking a deep puff from his cigarette.
The cook inhaled another lung full of smoke and let the sounds of battle wash over him. Fire and the organized chaos reminded him of a kitchen during service. Silently, they continued to observe Zoro. There was always something stupidly honest about the pirate hunter when he crossed blades.
"One day you'll get him killed," he mused.
The words stabbed through the captains heart and his eyes instantly vanished beneath his hat. A dark curtain of pain and blind rage clouded Luffy's sight and Sanji didn't quit manage to suppress a shudder. But as soon as it came it disappeared. He looked up and locked eyes with his cook, not allowing him to turn away. It was important he understood.
"Everyone dies," Luffy lied earnestly, while smiling brightly.
And that was it.
Of curse it wasn't lost to him that nobody lives forever, but Zoro had that kind of immortality around him, and he couldn't imagine that he'll ever be gone. He kind of thought of him the same way he thought of Merry… of Ace. Sturdy, unsinkable, and always there to catch him.
AN: Credit where credit is due
Quote: "He kind of always thought of Merry the same way he thinks of Zoro: Sturdy, unsinkable, and always there to catch him." by bobtheacorn ('no parking on the battleground'; chapter 20; go check the fanfic out on archive of our own if you haven't, it is amazing!)
