A/N: I try not to write the typical LuffyxZoro moments and find the smaller, more humble moments between the two, but I know I'll be itching to write the obvious moments one day. Thanks to those who reviewed and favourite-d this fic so far :)

Timeline: Chapter set just as the Alabasta Arc ends and the Straw Hat Pirates have just left Vivi. See around Vol. 23, chapter 217 if you want a refresher. Depending on which scanlation you read, the translation may differ. You can also check out the beginning of episode 130.

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Chapter 2: the Insult

All the Straw Hat pirates, save for one, slumped over the deck that overlooked the rest of the ship. Their voices were sullen as Zoro stated that the marines were no longer chasing them, but he soon realized that no matter what he said, their answer was still the same grim "Hmmm…." Growing tired of their last lifeless answer, the ex-pirate hunter asked, "What's wrong with you guys?"

"We miss Vivi!" they whimpered loudly in unison. Everybody was in tears, even Sanji, despite puffing away on his cigarette.

Zoro grimaced and sighed. "Stop crying already! Jeez, still won't accept her leaving," he said gritting his teeth. "I knew I should have dragged her aboard." Even though the green-haired man meant well, he was still not prepared for the chain reaction of insults he unwittingly started.

"You're a barbarian!" Chopper managed to say with shock.

"Despicable," Nami choked out in tears.

Sanji was no longer crying, but he said in almost a sneer, "Devil."

And for some reason that was beyond anybody's comprehension, Luffy stated with a straight face, "Santoryu."

One could say the young captain didn't understand what it meant to insult his first mate, and just followed what everyone was just throwing into the air in carelessness. Luffy knew he didn't like Zoro's attitude at the moment, but he couldn't lay down words of malice like his other crewmates. Luffy just spoke what first came to mind about the swordsman, the one who just took in his crew's verbal abuse – the one who glanced expectantly at him now.

Usopp, mouth open ready to insult Zoro in turn, was taken aback by Luffy's response. He stared at him questioningly. " Oi, Luffy, Santoryu's not an insult…"

And for lack of a better word…

"Yontoryu."

"You just added one!" Usopp cried out.

Perhaps, Luffy really did appreciate Zoro offering to kidnap Vivi for the sake of the crew. A rough gesture like that may be seen as barbaric, yet it comforted Luffy in a strange way. In that respect, the rubberman just couldn't bring himself to insult the swordsman, but…he could always try.

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That scene where everyone was whining about missing Vivi was so cute! Everyone, except for Zoro of course, was in tears and pouting. I know Oda doesn't give thought bubbles or anything to Luffy on purpose, but these are one of those moments where I wished he did.

It's nothing much, but if you like the chapter, please leave a review ;)