Trigger Warning: Mentions of multiple Character deaths, and also, spoilers for Marineford and the two year time skip. If you haven't seen that far, do not continue reading! You will hate yourself if you do, I promise!

It's not okay

Two years. That's how long it had been since Luffy had seen his crew, or his green-haired swordsman that doubled as his boyfriend. He was beyond excited as he walked through Sabaody toward his ship, the Thousand Sunny. He was told to stay under cover by Boa Hancock, but of course, that didn't last long. Before he knew it, he was being chased by Navy soldiers and Pacifistas. At least they were easy to beat now with his newfound powers and strength.

Raleigh helped him, Zoro and Sanji escape, and Luffy had his chance to say a quick goodbye. Then, much to his excitement, he was back on the Sunny with his crew again. They descended as quickly as they could once Luffy said a few words, and they were on their way to fishman island.

Once they were safely descending into the ocean, away from the cannon fire, the crew finally had a chance for a proper hello and group hug. They decided to catch up a little by telling each other a little about their adventures in their time apart, including where they went, and some of the things they learned. They all told a little something except for Robin, who decided to keep it to herself for the time being. They all had interesting stories, though some of them were stranger than others. They kept the stories short, and they laughed and joked until they got to Luffy.

Everyone seemed to look at him with pity, and he knew why. They all knew about Ace. They felt sorry for him. They shared condolences. Luffy was fine, still able to smile, until Chopper, unknowing what it would do, said, "It's going to be okay, Luffy." Many other crew members repeated the phrase, except Robin and Zoro.

Luffy, suddenly upset, left the deck and found comfort in the solitude of the practically unused captain's quarters. He threw himself onto the bed face-down, and not long after, Zoro came in and sat next to Luffy, rubbing his back comfortingly. "Luffy." He called quietly.

Luffy grunted in response.

"Luffy, what's wrong? You were fine talking about Ace until just a few minutes ago." Luffy still didn't answer, so Zoro kept talking. "Luffy, if this is about Ace, it's…"

Luffy sat up suddenly, startling Zoro and glaring at him. "Don't." Zoro raised an eyebrow at the sudden change in attitude. "Tell me I'm going to die. Tell me the sun is going to explode. Tell me the world is ending and there's nothing I can do about it, because if I hear 'it's going to be okay' one more time I will scream."

Zoro didn't respond, because he didn't know what to say. What could he say to that? He had nothing, so he just stayed quiet, letting Luffy continue. "I hate that phrase. I've heard it a lot. Ace hated it, too. When our other brother died it was like that was all people were able to say, and Ace and I grew to hate it. It doesn't mean anything. If you're going to say something to someone who has just been through hell, don't make it that. It's cliché, stupid, and meaningless, and even if it did have any meaning, it doesn't help. All it does is tell that person that it isn't okay now. But that's not it. It may never really be okay. It's not okay that my brother had to die at only 20 years old. That's not okay, and it never will be. Ace barely started to live his life, and it's already over. That's not okay. I may come to accept his death, and in many ways, I already have, but I will never be okay with it, Zoro. Never. It's not okay. It won't ever be okay."

Zoro just stared at Luffy in stunned silence for a long time. After a few minutes Zoro was finally able to collect his thoughts enough to say something. He sighed, "You know more about death and sorrow than most of us combined, I think. I don't know what to say. Maybe that's why people say that, I don't know. So, I'll say this instead: I'm here for you. I actually mean that, Luffy. I've told you before, I will always be here to help and support you, Captain. As your first mate, your best friend, or your boyfriend. Whatever version of me you need, I'll be there. I promise. Always."

Luffy nodded and sighed in relief. "Thank you, Zoro. I know you will be." The captain assumed his usual position in Zoro's lap, clinging to his older boyfriend like he was a koala, and Zoro the tree. He was glad to have Zoro back after two years. He missed the talks, the hugs, and the kisses. He hoped they would never have to separate again.