A/N: writing this, I have discovered Luffy's character is a delicate balance between genius and idiot, and I love it.
Drowning was terrifying. Luffy wasn't an easy guy to scare—not after he'd realized there wasn't much to be afraid of. Most of the things he'd found scary as a kid just didn't bother him anymore. Honestly, they annoyed him more than anything; like the mountain bandits or that stupid sea king.
He was strong, there wasn't any real reason to panic. He could kick anyone's ass, any time, any day, no problem.
And yet, whenever the ocean's icy claws dug into him, yanking his strength away, dragging him under, he couldn't deny the kernel of primal terror that festered. He'd watch helplessly as the surface grew farther and farther, hands feebly reaching for it, lungs aching and burning. All the while, bubbles would dance passed, carrying whatever breath he had left to the surface with such little effort.
It served as a reminder of sorts. That, despite all of his training and hard work, he could die here, weaker than a bubble.
Swaddled in the icy depths, he was cut off from the rest of the world. Alone. Helpless. Yet, he never let his mind wander far. Never got the chance to.
Because the surface would always break without fail.
A hand would clasp his own, the same one that had been so useless moments ago, lifting him from the darkness of the ocean floor to the place where he could fight, to the place where he was strong. He'd gasp for breath, take any and all bumps to the head with a grin, because he knew, without them, he'd never escape that lonely place.
They pulled him into the light, again and again, they were his light. His everything.
One day, Usopp would ask how he does it. How he can rocket around the ship so carelessly after falling in time and time again. Would ask how he hadn't learned his lesson with a fond but tired sigh.
The rest of his crew would pause, if only for an instant, every bit as curious as the sniper. Luffy wouldn't mind. He'd grin from ear to ear, peering over his shoulder from where he sat on the bow.
"Water is scary and drowning sucks," He'd admit, "But you guys will always save me, so it's fine."
It wasn't a question, nor was it an order. Just a fact, plain and simple. The sky was blue, meat was delicious, and his friends would never let him drown.
"Of course we will!" Usopp would declare, cheeks taking on a brighter tint.
Chopper would dance, voice rising in a sincere squeak. "We'd never let you drown, you stupid bastard!"
"Oi, you can't swim either, you know!"
The rest would look on with sated grins, like, they couldn't have asked for anything better, and he'd turn away, resting his eyes on the endless expansion of sea ahead. Drowning was terrifying, and he hated feeling weak, but he'd be okay.
Because, he knew, no matter what, his friends would always be there to pull him back.