Attention: Kindly review the tags before proceeding. This story takes an unconventional turn, and if the content may be discomforting for you, feel free to abstain. This narrative serves as an outlet for my recent work-related frustrations.
Note: Characters may exhibit some out-of-character behavior.
The truth is that Zoro has grown accustomed to rugged treatment throughout his life. Raised in a dojo, he's experienced the occasional shove, a kick catching him off guard, or even a sword slash when he couldn't defend himself adequately in his youth. Consequently, his pain tolerance is notably high. While the pain was undoubtedly there, over time, it transformed painful cries into nothing more than furrowed eyebrows.
He might describe his life as an adventure in his more optimistic moments, spouting all that cliché nonsense. However, more often than not, fate finds him whenever he gets lost.
Acknowledging that, as an omega, his appearance doesn't adhere to traditional expectations, he's fully aware of his strength. Yet, despite this deterrent, some alphas are oddly persistent in treating him as nothing more than a mere bed warmer.
The prospect of proving such notions wrong excites him, and his swords amplify that sentiment even more.
When he met Luffy for the first time, he thought this alpha was crazy.
Bound to a pole, covered in a layer of dust and sweat that clung from head to toe, he experienced an overwhelming sense of discomfort. Feeling unkempt and disheveled, he grappled with unpleasant sensations. Then, unexpectedly, the wiry alpha appeared, nonchalantly nuzzling his scent glands, nearly startling him to a bite. Following this unconventional introduction, the alpha, seemingly more like a scrawny whirlwind, proposed (or rather, coerced) him into joining his crew.
However, amid the exchange of sharp remarks, with his defensive walls up, he managed to retrieve his sword. The alpha, undeterred, plowed through the barricade of marines. Before he knew it, they were on a small fishing boat, the alpha wearing a carefree smile, ready to embark on their first adventure together.
Luffy's strength surpasses what his physique might suggest. Despite being smaller, a formidable and aggressive power resides within that compact frame. Witnessing him in multiple battles, coupled with the inherent potency of an alpha, Zoro can't deny that Luffy is considerably stronger than himself. Perhaps this is why he's willing to follow and trust him, even after knowing him for just a few hours. His inner omega revels in encountering such an alpha—one capable of providing protection when situations become overwhelming and one who is kind enough to believe in his dream and promise not to not only stand in the way but provide the means to achieve them.
However, with that fact, it also comes with a risk. He's unmated omega, while Luffy is unbonded alpha. A biological match that even he cannot deny.
Zoro, in hindsight, should have anticipated such occurrences when he agreed to join Luffy's crew, especially when an unbonded omega and alpha traverse the seas together in a small, makeshift boat—hardly a ship bound for the nearest town. So, it shouldn't have been a shock when a particular unexpected rut, spurred by their close quarters, prompted his captain to bite into his scent glands, sealing their bond as mates.
The bleeding from the mating bond catches him off guard. It appears Luffy bit harder than usual, resulting in a more pronounced rupture on his skin than the typical mating bond. It's painful, but familiarity with such discomfort makes it bearable. With no medical kit on hand, their only recourse is a makeshift solution using a piece of cloth to staunch the bleeding.
The following days marked one of the most challenging periods in Zoro's life. Navigating through an alpha's rut is inherently draining, but caring for Luffy demands more than mere physical strength. Despite enduring rigorous training in the dojo, he found it hard to stifle the pained groans. Only a feeble, pitiful whine escaped his throat as Luffy continued his relentless thrusts. The discomfort intensified, particularly when the knot began to form, leaving him certain that there was bleeding down below.
They chose not to broach the topic once the rut concluded. Luffy thoroughly marked him with his scent and tended his wounds as best as possible. Beneath the stars, they found solace in each other's company, indulging in the simplicity of shared warmth. It's become another aspect of his reality that he's gradually accepted. Being mated to his captain, whose dreams align with his own, seems a preferable fate compared to the unpredictability of encounters with random alphas during his heat—incidents that have, more than once, ended with him inadvertently causing body harm to those said alphas. It's grown wearisome, to be honest. At least now, with the mating bond and the constant presence of his alpha, he can put those concerns to rest. His worries have narrowed down to just one alpha.
Encountering the rest of the crew proved to be quite the adventure. His captain's charisma shone on good days, and unwavering determination surfaced on the challenging ones. This journey entailed rescuing the troublesome cook in Baratie, liberating the Cocoyashi village from the fishmen, and triumphing over a former pirate captain to secure their inaugural ship.
With more battles comes more experience. Although the added people took some time to get used to. He cannot stand the cook's smell of burned cigarettes and ashtrays; adding that he's also an alpha makes him more aggravated. Nami and Usopp are beta themselves, so their smell doesn't make his nose twitch whenever they pass through him. Both have valuable skills to contribute to the team, and as time went by, Zoro has considered them part of the pack, tho a bit reluctantly on the cook's side.
It took only one day for Sanji, Nami, and Usopp to realize that he and the captain had bonded. Luffy never shared any details on how and when. Zoro also didn't care about sharing such a private matter, despite that it's also his crew. They took it astride. Everyone has a past, after all.
Grand Line came faster than he thought it would be, and with a giant ship than what they used to have, Zoro expected that there would be more of Luffy. However, as big as the Merry is, it's insufficient to warrant good privacy with three other crew members inside. He doesn't do anything about it, content with a little quiet time. He used it for naps if he was not in training. Luffy is also occupied with bothering the cook, Nami, and Usopp.
Even with those adaptations, Zoro always managed to sense his alpha's unmistakable urge. In true Luffy fashion, everything he does is marked by passion and, sometimes, a certain recklessness. He's unabashedly selfish, seizing whatever he wants and needs whenever the whim strikes him—a characteristic befitting his alpha nature.
The desire to bury himself within his mated omega and claim what is rightfully his. It manifested as an abrupt ensnarement of rubbery arms, whisking him away to a secluded corner of the Merry with little hesitation. The encounters were passionate and intense, but he's become accustomed to the roughness, even developing a particular fondness for the rough treatment.
He also mastered the art of silence. The confidentiality of these intimate activities is paramount to Zoro. As much as he cares for his crew, he believes this is a private matter between him and his alpha.
Next in line were the princess, the doctor, and the archaeologist. True to form, their arrival was marked by significant events—a grand spectacle, another revolution, and the thwarting of a warlord's plot. It seemed as if Luffy's motto was to either go big or go home, and true to character, he never approached anything with half-hearted measures.
Skypeia felt like a dream, almost surreal. Defeating a god, even if it was an imposter, came as a profound surprise. The successful thwarting of a warlord's conspiracy was already impressive, but witnessing Luffy's triumph elevated Zoro's faith in his captain's strength. As a non-believer, Zoro had reservations, but seeing Luffy achieve the seemingly impossible, turning a legendary superstition into reality, made him reconsider the nature of belief. It wasn't necessarily about deities but rather about the extraordinary capabilities of a mere man.
"Do you ever wonder what it would feel like if we do it in the clouds?"
"Sometimes"
"Come on! The party is still going, we can go to the forest. I'm sure that they will still be dancing by the time we come back!"
"What, Luffy, no, I'm tired."
"You are not, come on!" The ensuing moments carried the familiar rhythm of a thrust, a silent contemplation teetering between perseverance and the consideration of halting due to exhaustion. It culminated in an explosive release that left him bone-weary. Surprise, surprise, he didn't dance afterward.
Usopp leaving the crew was where he drew the line of tolerating all his captain's orders. The charade had to end; it was time for his alpha to understand the gravity of the captain's role. If Zoro had to demonstrate a bit of tough love, then so be it—he was ready for the consequences. He made his stance clear to Luffy, and in return, the captain sent a resounding message to Zoro about the repercussions of defiance in the privacy of their room.
Enies Lobby, on the other hand, provided Zoro with a clearer perspective on how far Luffy was willing to go to protect and maintain the stability of their crew. If Luffy dared to declare war against the World Government for someone who was an enemy just weeks prior, Zoro dreaded to imagine what Luffy would do if he ever decided to leave the crew.
Not that he ever entertained the idea, except for the empty threats he said upon Usopp's departure. Zoro had made a promise, and Luffy swore not to stand in the way of his dream. If there was one thing Luffy respected, it was other people's dreams and the lengths they were willing to go to achieve them.
Zoro refused to indulge in 'what if' scenarios. Loyalty was paramount to him.
The Thousand Sunny had significant shoes to fill in the wake of their first-ever official ship's departure. However, Franky surpassed all expectations. The ship was spacious and boasted numerous exciting features, including a training room that Zoro could utilize during his watch shifts.
When Franky joined them, it marked a redemption of sorts after the tumultuous events in Water 7 and Enies Lobby. He showcased his commitment by crafting a ship worthy of traversing the entire world. As Franky eyed him and Luffy, he asked, "Do you want me to build a captain's quarters larger?"
Luffy said yes, and that sealed his fate.
Luffy is anything but shy; quite the opposite, in fact. Public displays of affection are not a challenge for him, and in Zoro's case, it often translates into a possessive demonstration of ownership through scenting or simply caressing his bonding mark.
While the Thousand Sunny does provide more space, enhancing privacy, it inadvertently encourages Luffy to partake in activities that were once constrained on the Merry. His resolve to be silent broke here. He didn't hold himself back from making any sound. As expected, these more intimate moments between them increased as well, and with that came the curious questions that were not totally welcome from the rest of the crew members.
Zoro never said anything about the increased intensity of their coupling. He's a strong man and even a stronger omega, he could take care of his alpha in whatever way Luffy wants him. However, even when this resolution happened only in his mind, the same thing could not be said to the rest of the crew.
It was Sanji who said it first.
As he neared the end of his watch at the crow's nest, a pair of long arms reached out, pulling him to the nearest quarter. What ensued was a familiar, burning sensation, swift and intense, focused on achieving his release. The curious thing is, the more Luffy utilized his body in this manner, the more it adapted, transforming pain into pleasure. With each forceful thrust, the tightening in his stomach intensified. It didn't take long before he spilled over onto Luffy's hand, legs trembling and muscles aching. Luffy followed suit shortly after.
"Get some rest, Zoro." Luffy said before continuing on the stairs leading to the deck below.
Zoro can't. He's too strung out for that now. He's tired, but the aching in his hole keeps him awake for now. Deciding it would be better to get some sake in the kitchen, he strolled to the dining area. He doesn't realize that he's limping, only familiar ache.
He was taken aback to find Sanji inside, diligently preparing breakfast. Glancing out the window and noting the faint light, he realized it was now closer to dusk. Sanji usually awakes at this time to cook a large portion of breakfast for the crew.
Zoro paid no heed to him, taking deliberate steps toward the cupboard to retrieve what he required. As he reached for his essentials, he couldn't help but sense Sanji's silent observation while the cook expertly whisked what seemed to be pancake batter.
"You should have told him to be more gentle with you, mosshead." Sanji said. Worries clearly painted on his frown despite the jibes.
Zoro doesn't care. Why would he? This is his alpha, not Sanji. It's his business and his captain; Luffy can do whatever he wants with his body. The concern from another alpha, one of his crewmates, should ideally make him feel comforted and cared for. Yet, instead, it feels like an accusation—as if Zoro can't handle his alpha or please him. Zoro prides himself on his strength and unwavering loyalty. As his captain and alpha, Luffy's needs should take precedence over his own well-being.
"None of your business, shitty cook." He instead replied.
"Just an opinion here. You look beyond exhausted, and frankly speaking, this is not the first time I noticed it. If you'd like it rough, I will stay silent, but you don't look like you are enjoying it as much as he is."
Perhaps he has a point, but despite his outward demeanor of not enjoying it, he's never left unfinished by Luffy. The rougher it gets, the more intense and satisfying it becomes. It's just a fact. In his mind, pain equates to pleasure. It's akin to training—your muscles ache, but the sense of relief and accomplishment sets in after completing a grueling set.
So, he shrugged and only said, "I enjoy it."
He then downed his sake in a single gulp, realizing it was probably a good idea to freshen up before the rest of the crew stirred and bombarded him with questions. After all, he could feel the remnants of Luffy's cum trickling down his pants. Gross.
The second occurrence involved Nami. As he concluded his training on the deck, Nami sat nearby, engrossed in her novel, sipping on a sweet concoction that he was sure had been expertly crafted by the shitty cook just moments before.
Shirtless, he finds the simplicity and cleanliness more comfortable than his usual attire. While he counts to a hundred, he senses Nami's gaze on his back.
"He sure bites a lot there," Nami commented.
"I guess it makes sense. Luffy is always so protective of his crew. It will be more towards his mate." Nami said again when he didn't even bother to reply.
Realizing what she was saying, he only grunted in return. He feels defensive about Luffy. It should not be any other people's business what his alpha and he are doing in the privacy of their bond, no matter if she's also part of his crew.
His last set has finished, and he decided not to entertain this conversation more than necessary.
"It's his rights," he replied before walking away.
He observes that Robin gazes a lot, particularly after one of his sessions with Luffy concludes, and they resume their daily activities. It starts with just a glance. Then, a casual remark about spotting Chopper. And finally, as she catches on to the fact that he consistently ignores her advice, she discreetly slips in a painkiller here and there when they pass each other. He never takes it. It's like an offense toward his strength.
Indifferent to Robin's opinion, he opts not to voice his thoughts or avail himself of the painkiller.
"Mr. Swordsman, the captain protects the crew, but the first mate protects the captain. Everyone has their own role in the pack, and so does you." She commented absent-mindedly and continued to water her garden as usual.
"Of course, Luffy is our captain, but I am his," he replied. At least it's not one of the pitiful stares he got from Sanji.
"But it's also a ways relationship, give and take. You give something, the captain should also give something. Maybe you can inform him that everyone has a different stamina than him?" Robin smiled; her eyes had a knowing look that he could not read, nor did he want to know anyway.
Zoro hasn't held strong opinions about Usopp. In general, Zoro's feelings toward Usopp are neutral at best. Thus, when he casually opened the door to the deck, catching the tail end of his captain's conversation with Usopp, he didn't give it much thought—until he heard the rest of it.
"-o, no, it's a different feeling of rush when you are with Zoro. It's not like meeting the navy or another warlord. The rush is different! It's like that sometimes. Zoro likes it rough, but it's also like when eating meat! Like I cannot be fulfilled, and I'm still hungry, but unlike meat, I never run out of Zoro's ass." Luffy is always so blunt, but this is too much detail than he cared to listen to.
"Zoro likes it rough? Really? I'm not so sure about it, Luffy. I caught him grimacing more often than not lately when he sits down or when he walks." Usopp replied.
"Shishishi, I don't expect you to understand. You are not an alpha, after all." The familiar laugh, usually comforting in his captain's presence, takes on a different tone when accompanied by the unusual glint in Luffy's eyes. Even from a distance, Zoro can discern that this isn't just their captain—it's the alpha, asserting dominance and marking his territory. It's the same look before Luffy takes down one of their enemies, clearly warning that Usopp's input is unwelcome.
Usopp seemed a bit uneasy, offering an awkward laugh in response.
Dismissing the idea of a leisurely day on the deck, Zoro shook his head, recognizing it as a luxury he couldn't afford at the moment—especially with Luffy sporting that particular look. Altering his course, he set out for the captain's quarters, hoping to reach there before Luffy did. He knew he was an excellent first mate despite not being explicitly told, and Luffy never complained about him being a not-a-good omega. He could sense when his presence was expected.
If only the captain's quarters didn't move around so much, perhaps he'd have more time to prepare himself.
"I never thought that you as a suuuper masochist, bro!" Franky casually remarked while sipping his cola on the deck. The rest of the crew must be occupied elsewhere on the Thousand Sunny. It's a relatively uncommon occurrence for Zoro to find himself alone with the cyborg.
"What do you mean?" What's that word again? Zoro was sure it was a made-up word.
"No need to be shy here. With all the shouting you and Luffy make in the captain's quarter, I think it's not a secret anymore that you like them on the rougher side!" Franky wiggled his eyebrows.
"I don't. I don't like it rough." He shrugged, having an idea where this conversation was going.
"Oh, I thought…Bro, if you need any help, just let me know." Putting his mechanical hand on Zoro's shoulder. Zoro shrugged it off. Not sure he welcomes such touch at the moment. He's feeling a little lethargic again.
Their dynamic is peculiar. Franky once exuded a beta aura, but his human body's changes have altered his scent. Instead of the typical beta fragrance, he emanates the distinct odors of metal and oil. Unlike Nami, who carries an overpowering sweetness akin to oranges or Robin with her floral scent, it's an unusual but not unpleasant blend.
Sanji's aroma is too sharp for his liking. Zoro despised this particular kind of scent, mostly because of his experiences with unmated alphas from years ago before Luffy came and claimed him. It's the smell of an unmated alpha, an aggressive one at that on the worst days. On a better day, Sanji still doesn't smell as good, like a burning cigarette and cooking oil. While Brook, oddly enough, has no discernible smell. Usopp has a faint hint of gunpowder about him. Chopper smells like wet fur which he doesn't have any issue with considering Chopper also doesn't have secondary gender.
His alpha, on the other hand, reminds him of his dojo, of the open sea, and unsurprisingly like meat.
"It's cool that you guys are mated. I guess it makes sense considering the nature of your sub-gender, and you are also his first mate, but it's always supposed to be consensual, bro."
Zoro couldn't help but scoff at the implication. It baffled him how these individuals seemed to lack respect for their captain. The recent Usopp incident appeared to leave them unfazed. It's as if they fail to recognize the significance of having him as their captain—an individual deserving of utmost respect, destined to become the King of Pirates, someone willing to sacrifice anything for the crew's sake.
"I don't get what you mean. It's always consensual between us. I'm his omega, after all, and he's my captain and alpha."
Franky shrugged his shoulder, feeling like a lost battle, but he had already said his point. Turning the conversation away from that particular topic to avoid making it awkward, he asked instead, "How did you get bonded to him, bro? I only know that you are his first mate."
"I was captured by the navy and tied down on a pole for days before he came and asked me to be his crew. Our boat was barely a fishing boat then, and his rut came unexpectedly during the day. As you know, I'm an omega, and to be that close to an unbonded alpha during a rut, Luffy bit me. I've been with him ever since and will always be."
Franky's brows rose to his hairline, "Bro, not super…"
"Franky, this is our business, my alpha and my captain. We will reach our goal together, and he will not stand in my way of becoming the best swordsman in the world. I vowed to stand by his side."
Chopper's acknowledgment was more challenging for Zoro to swallow than the reactions from the rest of the crew. Maybe it's because Chopper, being the ship's doctor and possessing medical knowledge, receiving such a comment doesn't sit well, especially when it concerns what is supposedly a regular occurrence for him.
It all began with Luffy's latest rut, which hit with an even more intense force than usual. While not entirely surprising, given Luffy's consistently passionate nature that manifests in moments of joy or stress, it's only natural for his body to respond in kind.
Their cycles synchronize in the realm of mated pairs, lasting only three days max in every three months or so.
As the enticing scent of his alpha intensified beyond normal and the simmering heat in his stomach rose, Zoro instinctively knew it was time to make his way straight to the captain's quarters.
Typically, what ensues is a whirlwind of images for Zoro—a fusion of pleasure and pain so intertwined that discerning one from the other becomes a challenge in the moment. All he recalls is the overwhelming heat, the swift pace, and the unyielding roughness. The knot, at times, isn't the worst, but after a particularly intense session, it leaves a lingering sense of dread. It's invariably too sizable, too swollen, and too overwhelming.
He lost consciousness more times than he could tally. As the fog in his head gradually lifted and the heat subsided, his limbs felt like jelly, rendering him incapable of moving a muscle. In stark contrast, his captain remained vibrant and full of energy, undeterred by the three-day marathon sex they just did.
Closing his eyes, he figured a brief nap would suffice before heading to the bathroom to freshen up.
Upon awakening, a familiar medicinal scent greeted his senses. Still groggy, he glanced to his right and, as expected, found their doctor meticulously grinding what he presumed to be medicine.
"Zoro, you are awake! Let me get you something to drink. I'm sure you are very thirsty at the moment."
Not long after Chopper said it, he felt a cold glass hit his parched lips. He took a sip, little by little, so as not to choke.
"Why am I here?" Zoro asked hoarsely. His voice is rough after days of being used too much.
Chopper appeared slightly teary-eyed but quickly wiped them away before any tears could escape.
"Luffy brought you here. You didn't wake up for a day, and he was concerned. You also lost a lot of blood during his rut and other fluids. We managed to treat it, but your body was so exhausted it took another day to wake up."
Oh. That was new. Yes, it's always rough, but he only needs to nap and will be fine. Perhaps it's the stress from the previous battle.
"I'm fine. I just need to sleep." Zoro said, and to prove a point, he yawned and closed his eyes.
"Zoro, has Luffy ever done something you don't want?" Chopper asked quietly.
He's grown weary of having this conversation repeatedly in recent times. The need to clarify that Luffy is an incredibly passionate alpha, far from the villainous image other crews seem to paint him as, has become tiresome. It's perplexing how others can still react this way, especially considering their captain's tremendous sacrifices to save them.
"The captain does what the captain wants. I'm his first mate and also his mate, Chopper. My responsibility is to fulfill his needs and ensure his head stays clear to care for the crew."
"Not at the expense of your body, Zoro." Then, a cry broke out from Chopper. Tiredly, he opened his arm to give some room for Chopper to cuddle. It seems to be the best way to calm the reindeer down.
"I'm fine, Chopper. Don't worry, I have you to patch me up."
"But Zoro…"
"Chopper, it's my alpha. Don't worry about it. Luffy never hurts me."
Zoro was sure that Chopper didn't believe him, but then Chopper positioned himself beside Zoro, gently taking his hand and offering a set of pills. As Zoro furrowed his brow in curiosity, Chopper explained, "It's birth control. I reckon it's not the best idea for you two to have children running around on the Sunny. Frankly, I'm a bit surprised you're not expecting by now, given how often you two engage in mating. The other pill is a painkiller. You should take it before Luffy's rut or when your heat comes. It'll help alleviate the discomfort a bit."
Zoro took the pain killer one but didn't think painkillers were necessary. He always enjoys it, and Luffy does too. Maybe this time is an exception. It will improve his body, and this feeling will subside a little. The goal was to be better prepared the next time his captain required his strength, eliminating the need for Chopper to patch him up. However, he hesitated to take the birth control. He hasn't discussed it with Luffy and didn't think it's the perfect time now. Moreover, as Chopper said, he hasn't even gotten pregnant despite all the sex they had. So most probably there is something wrong with him and birth control is unnecessary.
Not long after that, Zoro felt that the crew members started to watch him a lot more than usual. They also started to offer some advices to their captain. It was a subtle remark here and there, but Zoro can guess what their intention, especially since all the talks he had with the rest of the crew.
"Be gentle," Nami said.
"It's the alpha's responsibility to care for their omega, Luffy," Chopper pointed out.
"Captain, I think Zoro is a bit tired now," Robin commented.
"Bro, there is this thing called fingering. You should try it! It's suuuuper good for the receiving one! Like they say, foreplay makes the guy happy!" Every so helpful, Franky advised.
"Luffy, get your fishing gear! We need something for dinner!" Usopp knocked on the door where Zoro had his pants down, and Luffy was about to start another mating session with him.
"Luffy, I made extra snacks for you in the kitchen." Even the shitty cook is unhelpfully providing a distraction when he noticed Luffy was dragging Zoro to another corner of the ship.
Naturally, their captain never heeds the advice. After all, this is Luffy, always marching to the beat of his own drum. Taking it in stride, he remained unchanged in his behavior. Zoro couldn't help but ponder when Luffy would finally reach his breaking point and convene a crew meeting to address this intriguing new development.
It seems nothing changes with his behavior towards the crew, but to Zoro, what comes after is painfully rougher sex than usual.
He just lets Luffy take what he wants whenever and wherever he wants it.
"You are mine, right Zoro?" Luffy asked as he thrust deep inside him, making him gasp and his cock throb more than before.
He cannot answer verbally, mainly when Luffy used his devil fruit ability inside him, stretching him wide and long, hitting his prostate every time. What he can answer is just a breathy soundless moan as he got pounded, over and over again, ass raised high in the air.
"You are my first mate and my omega. Maybe one day I will put my mark on your back like Ace has with Whitebeard. Everyone will stop questioning that you are mine then." Luffy thrust deeply one more time before his knot caught at the rim of his hole. Maybe it's because of the idea of such possessiveness or the overwhelming feeling in his body, it didn't take long before Zoro spilled all over his stomach.
It's the nuanced shift in his demeanor that the crew picked up on, realizing that their advice might have been making things a tad more challenging for him. Consequently, the crew gradually withdrew, subtly sensing that their well-intentioned input wasn't quite hitting the mark.
They'd cast concerned glances when they observed him moving a bit slower than usual or, in the worst-case scenario, limping and wincing when he settled down. Occasionally, they'd suggest he enjoy his meals in the lounge chair outside, offer a gentle nudge to prompt a relaxing shower for relief from cramps, or even slip a painkiller or two his way after dinner.
He's aware of their concern, although he deems it unwarranted and unnecessary. On one hand, he finds it oddly touching that they harbor such feelings towards him. It's a peculiar blend of emotions, but Zoro is steadfast in understanding his role within the crew. From the moment Luffy chose him and pledged his loyalty to the future Pirate King, he has embraced his place.
If his unwavering commitment to Luffy isn't a significant enough display, the mating bond on his neck serves as a visible mark of ownership. Being with Luffy is akin to being with the sun—providing life and light to the world, yet drawing closer results in getting burned. Despite the challenges, Zoro is willing to play his part, considering it a necessary sacrifice to endure for the sun to continue shining brightly in the sky.
There are only a few moments in Zoro's life where he feels his weakest. He can count them on one hand and still have some fingers left. However, the event in Thriller Bark, dealing with one warlord to face another, overshadowed all others.
It was a prolonged battle against a giant, and none of the crew emerged unscathed. Even his captain, known for his tremendous stamina, was slumped—an unusual sight. Then the impossible happened; another warlord arrived with orders to exterminate their crew. With no one left to defend, only Zoro and Sanji remained standing. Without much thought, Zoro pleaded with the warlord to take him instead. He couldn't allow Kuma to take Luffy, the carrier of their dreams, the pillar unifying everyone and the one with ambitions the entire crew believed in.
Of course, Zoro believed in those dreams, too. However, in the grand scheme of things, he considered his life less important than others. Sanji was the cook and provider of sustenance; Nami, the navigator, would lead them to the One Piece; Chopper, the doctor; Usopp and Franky, the mechanics; and Robin, the brain. Zoro saw himself as the protector which Luffy himself can manage even better, and, perhaps, the captain's omega who is as replaceable with others once his alpha becomes the King of Pirates. So, he pushed Sanji aside and offered himself instead.
Then Kuma redirected a small portion of Luffy's pain and exhaustion toward him, it provided a new perspective. Luffy wasn't just the carrier of their dreams and ambitions; he also carried their pain and worries. Zoro gained a more profound respect for his captain, realizing he wasn't strong, important, or simply not enough. Luffy would be able to move on and find another brute force or another omega who could replace him quickly. How could he, the protector, not withstand the minor pain his captain experienced?
He requested Kuma to take all the pain elsewhere so the crew wouldn't be traumatized by discovering his body when they woke up. It was the least he could do. Casting one last glance at his captain and alpha, he silently mouthed a solemn thank you for everything he had experienced in his limited time with them. His only regret was not witnessing Luffy reach his dream as the King of Pirates. It was ironic—the first person who believed in him could not witness the realization. Determined, he took a deep breath and pushed himself into the massive balloon of Luffy's pain and exhaustion. The pain was blinding, more intense than anything he had ever felt. Then, there was none.
When consciousness returned, a symphony of laughter and dancing shadows greeted Zoro. Briefly entertaining the notion of an afterlife and the possibility of arriving in a realm where happy endings existed, reality asserted itself through the searing pain in his body.
To find himself alive was a surprise. He sighed, hope flickering alongside lingering shame. He had faced a warlord alone, surviving but far from defeating him. What other challenges awaited them on this long journey, especially when he still felt so weak?
"Zoro, you're awake!" Luffy exclaimed. His captain, the radiant sun, and the alpha of his life. Zoro opened his eyes briefly, taking in the sight.
"Yeah," he managed weakly.
"Shishishishi, I know my Zoro is strong!"
Suddenly, he found himself enveloped in Luffy's arms, causing pain to surge through his body. Chopper's admonishments reached his ears, but he couldn't resist the familiar scent of home—the scent of his captain. Despite the stiffness in his muscles, at that moment, he felt a fleeting assurance that everything would be okay. He was okay, granted another chance.
They prepared to set sail not long after. Back in his captain's quarters within just a day, Chopper advised him to rest and skip ship chores and training. The mere thought of training now made him feel queasy. Exhausted, even taking a deep breath felt like a daunting task.
Surprisingly, Luffy became somewhat gentler—less aggressive, to be more precise. He remained tactile, and the scenting became wilder and more frequent than usual. Yet, despite the confinement to the captain's quarters and dining area, Zoro expected Luffy to demand more, as he usually did after a harshly fought and won battle—a claiming victory, as Luffy called it.
Several days passed, and he found himself only resting with Luffy in his arms, without the promise of intimate activities. The detour to Spa Island was a welcome break, although the accident was not.
Luffy also consistently provided more food, sometimes stealing from his plate, caressing him, and offering gentle pecks on the cheeks. It left him confused.
He attempted to initiate intimacy one night when they retired to the captain's quarters, and Brook took the night watch voluntarily. He nuzzled Luffy's neck, scenting that deep alpha smell, like the ocean, strong and free. He nipped gently at Luffy's neck, while his hand wandered below the belt. However, before he managed to go further than that, Luffy's hand stopped him.
"Don't. Let's sleep, Zoro."
Was it because he was damaged now? Despite Luffy's assurance of his strength, the recent treatment suggested otherwise.
"It's been a while, alpha," he replied earnestly, expecting a more heated response by baring his neck and caressing Luffy's chest again.
"Shishishishi, I know! But Zoro must rest now if he wants to help me in my next rut."
Oh, okay. That made sense. Calculating quickly, he realized Luffy's next rut was due in a week. It almost slipped his mind with everything that had happened lately and his numerous naps. Silently nodding, he tucked Luffy to his chest, savoring the comforting scent of his alpha. He wondered whether he would be strong enough in just a week to avoid repeating what happened in Luffy's last rut. He had no desire to wake up in the infirmary again.
In the ensuing days, Luffy became more agitated than usual—constantly moving from one place to another, devouring food voraciously, and, of course, incessantly scenting and caressing Zoro by his side.
"Sanji, I'll be occupied for the next three days. Can you leave some meals in front of my room?" Luffy declared one day after dinner to their cook.
Ah, tonight then. Zoro sighed, downing his sake, mentally preparing for what was to come in the next three days. Sanji shot him a concerned glance while silently acknowledging his captain's request. Shortly after, another sake appeared before him. Despite the cook's questioning stare, Zoro remained silent, downing yet another serving of sake.
"Nami, please watch over the crew. Only come to me when it's absolutely necessary," Luffy said, leaping over to their navigator. Nami nodded solemnly, refraining from any comment.
"Chopper, get me some painkiller pills you have."
"But Luffy, maybe we sho—" Chopper began, only to be silenced by a stern look from his captain. Frowning, he handed Zoro some pills, advising him to wait a few hours before taking them, given his recent intake of sake.
"Usopp, you're on watch duty," Luffy directed. Usopp swiftly affirmed, not daring to defy an alpha close to his rut.
"Brook, play soothing music for the next few days, okay? I want to hear some of your new songs, just not too loud." Brook nodded, muttering, "As my captain demands."
"Franky, ensure that our ship is fully stocked on cola power." Franky raised an eyebrow but refrained from comment.
"Robin, lend a hand, won't you?" Robin simply nodded, offering a faint smile at Luffy's request.
And with that, Zoro was dragged down to the captain's quarters. He stole one more glance at his crew members, noting their resigned expressions. However, it wasn't his concern at the moment. The captain had spoken, and now it was time for Zoro to fulfill his duty as the captain's omega.
When they entered the captain's quarters, Luffy dropped his hand and started rummaging through the drawer. Zoro, a bit confused about what his captain was looking for, decided to get a head start by taking off his boots and sitting down on their shared bed.
"Take off your clothes too. I need to scent you," Luffy instructed. Zoro nodded, beginning to remove his haramaki, pulling off his pants, and taking off his T-shirt. He lay down in the center of the bed, inhaling his alpha's scent.
Luffy continued searching for something before finally joining Zoro on the bed. Zoro glanced at what Luffy placed beside him and was surprised to find a sea stone cuff, a precaution picked up from their last visit to subdue someone with Devil Fruit power.
"This is a sea stone cuff! Why? It will incapacitate you!" Zoro couldn't comprehend. This would render Luffy weak, not the best idea during his rut.
"I know, but it doesn't matter. Put this on me. Just on one hand," Luffy offered his right hand. Zoro hesitated, still bewildered at the request.
"No, Luffy. It will make you weak, especially during rut!"
Luffy smiled at his response but handed the cuff to Zoro, saying, "Yes, it won't be enough to restrain, but my power will be significantly reduced, and I want you to assist me. You are the one in control now, Zoro."
"You've never done this before. Why? You always take. Is it going to be a permanent feature now? Whenever you are in rut or I'm on heat?"
"Nope, not always. But you are hurt. I don't know what happened in Thriller Bark. Kuma left, and we were okay, but you are not. You are my first mate and my omega; I need to take care of you first. I don't want you in the infirmary again, and Nami scolding me. Maybe also, I can put a little baby inside you without too much stress going on."
"What? That's quite sudden. Why now?" Zoro asked, still not putting on the offered cuff.
"Baby? You want a baby?" Instead, he inquired. He hadn't even done anything with the cuff.
"Of course!" Luffy smiled enthusiastically.
Zoro shook his head, "But we never managed to do that before, not with all the heats and ruts we've gone through, not without all the other stuff in between. Maybe something is wrong. Chopper was so surprised too," recalling his last conversation with Chopper after Luffy's rut.
"Yeah, probably it's because of the stress and strain. Now, I'm not going to do that." When Luffy realized Zoro hadn't moved an inch, he took the cuff again and put it on himself. Luffy sagged a little but didn't fall down completely. His eyes were almost completely blown with lust, a clear sign that his rut was starting soon.
"What do you want to do then?" Zoro asked tentatively.
"Take care of you! I cannot be the King of Pirates if you are not here with me, and you cannot be the world's greatest swordsman if I cannot take care of your well-being. Let's do this! My rut will finish before we reach Fishman Island."
And there it was. Zoro didn't understand this strange turn of events, but it had clearly been happening a lot after the Thriller Bark accident. Luckily or unluckily for him, Luffy's rut hit right there and then, but instead of jumping right to him as usual, he was slower and gentler than before. For the first time, Zoro was fully aware of what was happening during his alpha's rut instead of the foggy awareness between lust and pain. He felt a bit dizzy with the scent but not as overwhelming as it used to be. For the first time, he felt really, really good.
Little did he know at that moment, Fishman Island would only become their destination two years later, marked by yet another catastrophic event in Sabaody and another encounter with Bartholomew Kuma.
Zoro's self-reproach intensified as he grappled with the perceived weakness that prevented him from safeguarding his crew. However, this internal struggle was abruptly halted when Kuma, in an unexpected turn of events, touched him, propelling him into the unknown. Amidst the disorienting flight, he vaguely heard his name called by his captain, a moment that resonated with his profound desperation and a haunting sense of helplessness.
Two years later in Sabaody...
Zoro cradled the baby on his hip, marveling at how quickly the little one had grown, yet remained remarkably clingy. The sight of green hair, reminiscent of his own, accompanied by a face strikingly similar to his captain's, was both surreal and amusing when reflected in the mirror.
Despite the occasional peculiarity, Zoro found solace in the baby's easygoing nature. Grateful for the lack of fussiness, the child seemed content to be carried by his father, even when fully capable of walking.
The passage of two years felt both swift and unhurried, particularly considering his survival after Kuma's unconventional transportation to a remote island. The encounters with Perona and Mihawk, initially unforeseen, proved to be a serendipitous blessing. More so when he realized Luffy had orchestrated their reunion, albeit not in three days as expected but after a span of two years. The blessings continued when, mere weeks after humbly seeking Mihawk's tutelage and vowing to become stronger, Zoro discovered he was expecting a child.
"Oi, oi, not the first person I expect to see after two years."
A voice, unexpected and familiar, jolted Zoro, nearly causing him to fumble with the baby. Swiveling around, he was met by the unmistakable figure of the cook. Sanji, true to form, hadn't changed much in appearance over the two years, aside from a more pronounced beard. Surprisingly, the scent surrounding him carried a hint of flowers, a departure from the usual, but the ever-present aroma of cigarette smoke remained distinctive.
Wrinkling his nose, Zoro adjusted his grip on the baby, signaling the cook about the new addition to their party. Sanji, taken aback, took a step back, his eyes scrutinizing the baby's features, noting the green hair that unmistakably mirrored their captain's face.
"What—"
"Finally, someone arrived! Did you get lost or something?" attempting a casual tone.
The cook's attempt at nonchalance fell flat as Zoro's jab was met with indifference. A pointed look from the cook prompted Zoro to cut short any potential response.
Before he could reply, the baby chimed in, making his presence known by discarding the fruit he held. Recognizing it as a ploy for attention, Zoro playfully ruffled the child's head and planted a kiss on his forehead. "I told you not to throw it away. Now you can't eat it," he scolded gently, swapping the discarded fruit with another from his pocket. "Here, eat this. You haven't had lunch yet."
"Is that-?"
Zoro didn't need to lift his gaze to recognize the finger pointing at his baby. "Yeah, just my luck to find out I'm pregnant with the captain's son right after he announced the two years."
"Does he know?"
"No. He asked us to train, to be better for the New World. If I told him, we would be distracted." It wasn't a decision made lightly, and more times than he could count, Perona berated him for it. Yet, Zoro, a steadfast first mate, understood the stakes and the necessary sacrifices.
"Were you alone all this time?" Sanji extinguished his cigarette as he inquired.
Taking it as a welcoming gesture, Zoro responded, "No. Do you want to hold him? He's a quiet kid. I guess, aside from his face, he took after me."
"You-you are multiplying! He has moss hair too!" Scratch that, Zoro wasn't entrusting his baby to this cook.
"Oi, watch it! Not on my son!"
"He has green hair!"
"I'm well aware. Now, do you want to hold him or not? I need to put some stuff in my bag too."
"Ye-yeah, sure. I've never held a baby before."
"It's easy, just like this. He can sit upright, so you don't need to support his head, just his back," Zoro explained as he showed Sanji. Then, he transferred his baby to Sanji's hold, who, though initially awkward, adapted quickly.
"Is everyone here already?" he asked curiously as he finished packing the remaining fruit.
"Some, yes. Not Luffy though. He'll be here soon enough."
"What! Whose baby is that?"
Of course, their captain was at the epicenter of another uproar. A quick glance revealed several Kumas in hot pursuit. Despite his confidence gained through training with Mihawk, taking on one was a no-brainer. Yet, the baby in his arms introduced a hesitation, prompting Zoro to choose the prudent path of fleeing alongside his captain.
"We need to run! Franky's already on the ship; we can pick up others later."
"Why does he have green hair? Oi! Zoro! Did you steal someone's baby?"
"He's my son, you idiot!"
"Zoro, when? What? Why?"
"Later, Luffy! I don't want the Navy to know I've got a baby here."
"Who's the father?"
"Are you shitting me right now? Look at his face! Did you notice something familiar? Like, oh! I don't know, your face!?" he retorted sarcastically.
"That's mine!?"
"Of course! It's a he, by the way! Who do you think he is?"
"But, it's been two years!"
"Yes, he's also one year old now! You were in a rut before we got separated; guess that Sea Stone worked after all."
As they sprinted away from the encroaching marines, Zoro could see a thousand questions forming on his captain's face. Oh, how he missed that face. But with marines to evade, the full reunion could wait a little bit longer.
"So, Zoro! Care to explain a little bit about what happened during our two-year separation?" Nami broached the topic as the crew settled down on the Sunny's deck. Zoro sat on the grass, letting his baby crawl around him.
"Not much to say. I trained, lost an eye, gave birth, and here we go," he replied, lifting the baby from the grass to settle on his lap. The little one contentedly sucked his thumb, nestled against Zoro's arm.
"He looks well-mannered, unlike a certain moss head I know," Sanji commented from the other side of the deck.
"Oh! I need to brush up my knowledge on a child's development now! How old is he?"
"One year and three months."
Luffy approached, settling down next to Zoro. The unspoken question reflected in his furrowed eyebrows. Understanding his captain more than he cared to admit, Zoro offered his baby for Luffy to hold. Luffy looked mesmerized, especially when the baby touched his face and mirrored a smile.
"He looks so much like me but has Zoro's green hair!" Luffy exclaimed as he tickled the baby's stomach, eliciting a hearty giggle.
"Yohoho! It's been a while since I saw a little baby. Let me hold him next, Luffy!"
"No, mine! My son, you cannot touch him!" Luffy replied, tightening his hold.
"You can't expect people not to touch him, Luffy!" Nami admonished as she settled on the grass.
"Yes, I can! He's so cute! Look at him, he's sucking his thumb!"
The loud noise startled the one-year-old baby, making him jump and look around for his father. Unable to find Zoro easily, the start of a loud wail emerged.
"He sure has a strong lung," Luffy commented, attempting to soothe the baby by rocking him left and right, but to no avail.
"Hufth, give him to me," Zoro said, reaching out for his son. Taking the baby from Luffy's arms, still crying, he calmed down once in Zoro's embrace. Nuzzling against Zoro's neck, the baby stifled his whimper, occasionally peeking at Luffy. While Luffy appeared eager to hold the baby again, he remained silent as Zoro rocked the infant, carefully avoiding his swords.
"Can I hold him again?" his captain asked.
Zoro carefully relinquished the hold from his neck and seated the baby upright on his lap. Luffy extended his arms, and one tiny hand latched onto his finger.
"He decided to hold you, captain," Zoro said, a soft smile playing on his lips as he observed the little one.
"Aw, that's super, bro! Maybe I can make some toys while we visit Fisherman Island. We also need to craft a small cot. Oi, long-nose bro, want to help?"
"Sure, sure! Let's do it!" Usopp and Franky eagerly headed to their workshop below deck.
"Motherhood looks good on you," Robin commented from the side.
"Oi, oi, oi Marimo! Can he eat solids yet? I didn't get any formula from the market because we were in a hurry, but I can make some mashed food, perhaps."
"Yes, he can. He eats a lot."
"Guess it's not only the face he took after our captain, after all."
"He's a quiet kid." he replied lamely.
It was later in the night, in the captain's quarters, the baby sound asleep on a cot next to their bed, courtesy of Franky and Usopp.
"I missed a lot with him," Luffy said, gently swaying the cot and caressing their baby's pudgy cheek.
"You did," Zoro replied from the bed as he observed his captain. Luffy had missed a lot, but placing blame was pointless. What mattered was the present time.
"Tell me more about him, Zoro! I want to know everything."
"He likes grapes but doesn't like vegetables. He's not fussy but quite clingy if I don't hold him for a few hours. He has the best laugh but the loudest cries. He's like you, Captain," Zoro shared softly as Luffy slid down next to him on the bed.
"Hmm..."
"What are you thinking, Captain?"
"We should have another child. I want to see Zoro's belly get huge with our children. I want to hold our little babies. I want to spend time with them and with you. I'm sad I was not there, but there will be many opportunities in the future," he replied animatedly.
Zoro couldn't help but smile at Luffy's enthusiasm. The two years were challenging, and he missed his alpha immensely. There were so many things they hadn't gotten to do yet. Luffy had rescued him from that pole, bringing brightness to his life with a promise of a better future and the fulfillment of their dreams together. As he was pulled closely into Luffy's arms, Zoro couldn't be happier. With a contented sigh, he simply said, "Sure, alpha." Everything would be alright now.
That's it! Hope you enjoy :D
