Chapter 8: Love
Zolo had fallen asleep waiting for Luffy to change back. He yawned and rolled over, to come face to face with a grown up Luffy this time. Luffy was snuggled against him, his hands around the swordsman's waist and his legs twisted around Zolo's ankles. He was fast asleep, his mouth slightly open. Zolo felt himself blush and tried to wiggle free of Luffy's grip but Luffy was stuck tight. Zolo groaned and prodded Luffy in the head. Luffy's face scrunched up and then his eyes opened. He surveyed where he was and then smiled.
"Hey Zolo. How long have I been asleep? Feels like I haven't seen anyone in two days. But, I suddenly have the urge to not eat meat again any time soon." he said and then unwound one of his hands to scratch his head.
Zolo sniggered and then began to laugh. He couldn't help himself, it was just to freaking funny! He laughed until his sides hurt and Luffy was laughing with him, not really sure why, but laughing nonetheless. Zolo finally calmed down enough to run a hand through his hair.
"Luffy. You should really try to remember who your enemies are. That Wapol guy that was at Chopper's castle gave you a piece of meat that had a potion in it that turned you into a nine year old. That's what happened." Zolo explained. Luffy sat up and scratched his head again.
"Oh? Who's Wapol?" Luffy asked. Zolo slapped his forehead.
"Guy who eats everything! Remember?" Luffy thought a moment and then a grin came to his face.
"Nope!" he replied. If Zolo could have face vaulted, he would have but unfortunately, he was already lying on the floor so he couldn't do it. "But I do remember feeling weird and I suddenly have this urge to be a swordsman. Oh well." Luffy said.
Zolo raised an eyebrow as Luffy smiled at him. It was then Zolo realised that what that stupid love cook had said was true. He did like Luffy. He liked Luffy a lot. But how was he going to tell his captain that he was in love with him?
"Zolo?" Luffy asked. Zolo looked up and suddenly Luffy's lips were pressed against his. Zolo was stunned for a moment and then he relaxed, letting himself fall into the kiss. Luffy's arms wrapped around his neck and Zolo felt his heart beat double time. Was this really happening? He hadn't realised just how much he did love Luffy. They broke apart, staring into each other's eyes and breathing a little quicker than was normal. They sat like that until a clatter made them look up and Trace appeared.
"Hey Trace!" Luffy said and got up with a big smile. Trace smiled back.
"Are you feeling alright little bro'?" Trace asked. Luffy nodded.
"Yeah. I feel fine." Luffy responded as he picked up his hat and placed it on his head. Zolo was still in a little bit of shock. Luffy noticed and then his smile faltered as a thought lanced through his mind.
"Hey, Trace. Could you leave me and Zolo alone for a minute please?" Luffy asked. Trace looked between the two and then nodded and went back out again. Luffy walked back over to where Zolo was watching him. Luffy didn't know what to make of the expression on Zolo's face.
"Zolo?" he asked again. Zolo looked at him and a small smile tugged at his lips.
"Yeah?"
"You don't like me do you?" Luffy asked. Zolo started. He hadn't expected that.
"Why would you think that?"
"Because you look like you're in shock or something. I didn't mean to kiss you, it just happened. I'm sorry." Luffy said, his face one of desperation. Zolo bit his lip and then smiled. He pushed Luffy's hat back so it was dangling from the string around Luffy's neck. Luffy watched him with wide eyes as he leaned forward and took Luffy's mouth in his own. There was less fervour in this kiss, but it was soft and it told Luffy that whatever he had thought about Zolo liking him was not true and that they loved each other was the only truth he had to believe. They broke apart again, but Zolo's arm remained around his shoulders. "Luffy. I love you." he said. Luffy tilted his head to the side and smiled.
"I love you too Zolo." he replied and hugged his swordsman.
The End
Okay, all over. What did you think? Reviews please!