The night air was buzzing with energy as the Straw Hats celebrated alongside the entire population of a small island they had aided in rescuing. Making their way slowly to Fishman Island, the exhausted crew detoured to an island not far off course to stretch their legs and breathe a bit more after the events of Thriller Bark. They had planned on making landfall and enjoying some time on the beach, basking in the sun and playing in the white sand, only to be dragged into a long-time conflict with the people of the established towns and the bandits that menaced their peaceful society. The island held five settlements, all within an afternoon's walk of the island's center, where the most prominent town, acting as a hub for business and trade, was established. Some years ago, a large group of ex-pirates had settled into a nearby mountain range on the island, finding it more favorable to extort the people than travel the seas. They were too much for the local law enforcement to handle, who were mainly accustomed to drunken bar fights and rowdy teens rather than an organized crew. The kind townsfolk had suffered long enough but would no longer act out of fear of retaliation, having bore witness to the bandits' tendencies to resort to torture and murder.
Once the crew had heard the stories, Nami turned to their Captain, a grim determination set into her fair features. She'd be damned if she let the same thing that happened to her village happen anywhere else. Luffy's blank stare as he listened to the people's tales transformed into a wide grin when he saw Nami's plea. He nodded his silent understanding, and the Straw Hats wordlessly divided into small groups, each knowing what needed to be done. Given the number of bandits, their moderate skill, and how worn out the crew still felt, it took the better part of the afternoon before everything was fully settled. With a few casualties, the ex-pirates had all been detained and awaited the arrival of a Marine vessel within a few days, their bounties to be split evenly amongst the towns. The Straw Hats planned to be gone long before the Marines arrived, but not before indulging in merriment. Even though the sun had set, there were no signs of rest on the island, only celebration. The island people were ecstatic and eager to celebrate in honor of their liberators, and so the crew was spread throughout the largest settlement, each enjoying the festivities in their own way.
Brook's music and the delicious aroma of Sanji's food were almost tangibly floating in the air, with hoards of people surrounding each of them for their talents. Franky and Usopp were up to their shenanigans, dancing and telling stories for the townsfolk's entertainment, all while Robin watched with amusement from a nearby seat, a fond expression on her face. Nami was making rounds amongst the people, ensuring everyone enjoyed themselves and took a personal interest in their well-being, ushering the injured into Chopper's care and lending a shoulder and ear to those who needed it. Luffy was running around without a care in the world, playing with some of the children and Chopper when the young doctor was between patients.
Hours passed in peaceful comfort and merriment, and Luffy stopped to look around and survey his surroundings. It always warmed his heart to see his crew relaxed and happy, even more so knowing they had helped people in need. As he took a headcount, he realized he was missing someone. Luffy looked around, searching for the familiar head of green hair and the glint of golden earrings. As he searched, he felt a delightful shiver run up and down his spine and knew he was being watched intently. Luffy smiled at the sensation, feeling a fluttering in his stomach warmly spreading to his chest. Luffy knew where the sensation originated, and it was always charged with a feeling he couldn't quite identify, but he had grown accustomed to it and even enjoyed it. Turning around, his eyes landed on Zoro sitting alone on the patio of an outdoor bar that was somewhat tucked away, and his smile naturally widened, immediately feeling at ease. He felt his body relax when their eyes met, everything inside him feeling soft and mushy, and Luffy instantly knew that Zoro had been watching him for some time.
As Luffy stared, he took in his swordsman's look of utter exhaustion and pointedly empty glass, and his smile fell slightly. Zoro had been the most severely injured at Thriller Bark, but Luffy wasn't sure how or what had happened, and no one seemed to know or want to talk about it. He huffed at the thought of his crew possibly withholding information from him and reassessed Zoro, finding it strange that Zoro didn't have never-ending libations at arm's reach. That wouldn't do; his swordsman needed to be enjoying himself. Breaking off from his merry band of gleeful children, Luffy ran towards his first mate.
"Oi, Zoro! Why aren't you drinking anymore?" Luffy asked, jumping up to sit on the table where Zoro was situated. He tilted his head in confusion, his smile faltering again, as he watched Zoro slowly turn to look at his glass like he had just realized it was empty. "Is Zoro feeling sick? Zoro doesn't look so good," Luffy said as he pressed his forehead against Zoro's, seemingly to gauge the temperature. Zoro froze in place, unsure of what to do about the sudden closeness, as he felt the heat rise up his neck and across his face. He was never good with handling physical contact outside of fights, but when Luffy got close, he always felt ten times more flustered than usual, though it was no mystery to him why that was. "Hmm, you feel warm," Luffy said thoughtfully, turning his head suddenly, his neck twisting impossibly, and yelled, "CHOPPER, ZORO DOESN'T FEEL GOOD!"
Zoro floundered when he saw Chopper's head perk up and look his way, the young doctor assessing him from a distance. He panicked and jerked his head away from Luffy, waving his hands at the small doctor to let him know he was okay and hoping that Chopper couldn't tell how red he was because of Luffy. Zoro knew that Chopper was still worried about his injuries from Thriller Bark and pleaded with him to take it easy during their skirmish since he still hadn't fully recovered.
"Nah, I'm alright, Captain. Just pacing myself tonight in case Marines show up early." Zoro said, but in reality, he couldn't drink like he usually did without feeling slightly ill. It didn't mean he would stop, though, even if Chopper encouraged him to. Luffy sat back, putting some distance between them, his lips forming a small 'oh' of understanding, and Zoro found himself staring at them. He gulped and resisted the urge to lick his lips and the more immense urge to bite Luffy's.
Before they had arrived at Water 7, Zoro had started noticing that he was feeling differently about his Captain. It was little things at first, enjoying Luffy's touchiness more than he used to, craving the proximity just a bit more, things so small that he hadn't noticed the changes until that stretch of their journey, making him wonder how long it had been since it started. Zoro had tried to ignore it, excuse it as camaraderie or just something normal for a first mate and best friend, but then he started noticing his intense concern and longing when they were forced to separate, along with his increased irritation when someone took up too much of Luffy's attention.
It was alright with the crew, except maybe Sanji at times, but since the cook already irritated him, it didn't take much to tip the scale. It wasn't like he actually disliked the cook, not that he would ever admit it. Sanji was good to the crew, protective and kind, and his food was incredible. Zoro understood how Luffy was with food, and it was a fact of life that Luffy would hover around Sanji around mealtimes, but the shitty cook was too sweet on him sometimes. Zoro became increasingly irritated with the soft smiles or endearing looks that Sanji would give Luffy, to the point where he avoided mealtime with the crew for a time so that he wouldn't have to see it. That lasted about a week before Luffy dragged him back, saying something about the meals not tasting as yummy without Zoro at the table. Zoro remembered grumbling that 'it couldn't be helped' and did as his Captain requested, telling himself not to read much into it. His discomfort didn't ease until he overheard a conversation between Sanji and Nami. Sanji admitted that he saw Luffy as an adorable little brother, with Nami agreeing and both lightheartedly lamenting that they doted on him too much. Hearing that eased the knot in Zoro's stomach, and though he still didn't like Sanji being too close, he supposed it was okay.
However, as soon as there was talk of adding a new, tall, muscular, mountain-of-a-man member to their crew as a shipwright, Zoro felt a sudden and unexpected bit of panic. It wasn't until Luffy himself requested such a person, someone bigger and stronger than him, that it really hit him. The wave of jealousy left him simultaneously confused and with a sense of clarity, putting together all the little moments and feelings and finally realizing that he had fallen for his Captain and didn't want to share. At that point with their crew, he trusted them well enough, and Zoro didn't feel like any of them were interested in Luffy romantically. Nami always seemed to have a thing for Vivi. Sanji was enamored with Nami and Robin, or maybe he had a thing for Usopp? Zoro didn't care enough to figure out the hot mess that was the chef. Usopp marched to the beat of his own drum and just wanted to have fun. And Chopper was a reindeer. The biggest question mark was Robin, but then again, she always was. Zoro didn't get the sense she was interested that way, though. All things considered, the crew felt safe for Luffy to be around.
Bringing in someone new, however, someone bigger and possibly better looking, was a gamble. Zoro had some pride in his muscular build, though he knew there was always room for improvement; he still didn't want Luffy fawning over someone else because of their physique, especially if it meant that Luffy thought it was better than Zoro's. His mind tried to wrap around the notion of why he wanted Luffy to admire, enjoy, and fawn over only his body and no one else's, and he quickly came to terms with the feeling of wanting the Captain's affections all to himself. He didn't want anyone to get close to his Captain because of the extra attention they would get for being a new member, even for a short while. After spending time in Water 7, seeing the shipwrights, how they were good men, and how the townsfolk practically idolized them, he decided he wouldn't lose to the competition. His Captain's attention and affection were on the line, and they would be all his.
Zoro had been confident then, but that was easier said than done. Luffy was an enigma when it came to anything other than friendship. He wasn't sure to what degree Luffy could feel romance or lust or if he had even experienced them at all. Zoro himself didn't experience it often, only feeling lustful every blue moon, and he had a few crushes when he was younger. He tended not to worry about it but knew he could have those feelings and wanted to share them with Luffy. Zoro felt it then as he looked upon his Captain, illuminated by the flames of a nearby bonfire. Luffy was the most radiant being in his eyes, brightening everything around him wherever he went. Tearing his eyes away from Luffy's lips, Zoro looked into his eyes, seeing the light of the fire dance in them, the corners crinkling with a bright smile. So unbelievably beautiful.
"Alright! I'm going to get some milk. Does Zoro want anything?" Luffy asked expectantly, leaning onto his arms and closer to Zoro to be able to hear him. Luffy's eyes sparkled with mirth and excitement, freely and eagerly roaming over his swordsman's face as if he didn't already have every contour memorized and seared into his mind so thoroughly that he saw Zoro's face every time he closed his eyes. Luffy liked looking at Zoro more than anyone else - his soft green hair, steely gray eyes, sharp features, and sun-tanned skin. Luffy thought Zoro was beautiful from the moment he laid eyes on him, and seeing him nearly every day only reinforced that fact in his mind. Now, Zoro had started wearing more open shirts that showed off his chest and scar, and Luffy found that he enjoyed it more than he thought he would. He could stare endlessly and never get tired of it.
Zoro unconsciously leaned forward on the table, tilting his head as if basking in Luffy's presence, wanting to close that gap again. 'I want you,' crossed Zoro's mind, immediately berating himself for such a cheesy thought. "No, thanks, Captain," Zoro answered instead, but the look on Luffy's face told him that he would be getting another drink regardless. An affectionate smile formed on Zoro's lips at the thought, and it crossed his mind that he probably looked like a love-sick fool at that moment, but he didn't really care.
"Okay!" Luffy said with a grin, grabbing Zoro's empty glass, jumping off the table, and heading off to the bar. Zoro watched his Captain happily walk away and laughed when Luffy tripped over the flat surface of the deck and almost slammed into a stool, thankfully not dropping the glass in his hand.
"That doofus," Zoro chuckled affectionately. As he watched his Captain flag down the bartender, his eyes drifted to a figure moving closer. His smile dropped as an enormous, hulking man approached his Captain. He remembered this man from the battle, though he was impossible to miss, towering over everyone on the island. The man was built like an instrument of war and was very easy on the eyes. He had incredible strength and was an excellent fighter, arguably the island's best. He had been a great help fighting off the ex-pirate bandits with relative ease while still assisting his less combat-inclined companions to escape safely. Zoro had seen him go out of his way for the elderly, families with children, and even pets, ensuring no one was injured or harmed. The man had a rugged, chiseled exterior and a soft heart, just the kind of person Luffy was drawn to. From what he could tell at that moment, the man also seemed to have his eyes on Luffy in a way that Zoro didn't appreciate. He looked at Luffy with admiration and tenderness, but a sharpness in his eyes let Zoro know he was there with a purpose. Zoro's body tensed as he strained his hearing to listen to the conversation over the continuing sounds of celebration.
"Ye' was incredible out there, Cap'n Strawhat. We're in yer debt," the man said almost bashfully. Luffy turned, and his grin widened in a dazzling display, momentarily giving the man his full attention and unknowingly making Zoro clench his jaw. This stranger didn't deserve his Captain's attention, much less that incredible smile.
"Oh, it's you! Bert!" Luffy beamed, his eyes sparkling with awe at the sight of this beast of a man, having to tilt his head back considerably to look at him. "Whoa! You're even bigger up close! And your voice is so deep! So cool! I wish my voice was deeper like that," Luffy laughed softly with a huge grin.
"Bjorn," the man corrected as he leaned into the bar, his gaze sweeping over Luffy as he watched him laugh unabashedly. He waved at the bartender, and she slid him a double shot, which he tipped back quickly. They exchanged a look, him nervous and she encouraging as she nodded toward Luffy, raising her eyebrows meaningfully. He cleared his throat, looking a bit stiff and awkward. "Cap'n Luffy," he starts off confidently, "I think that ye' are absolutely stunning, even more so in the heat of battle," he was cut off by a gaggle of children running by, screaming with joy. It didn't seem like Luffy had heard him, judging by the way he cocked his head to the side.
Still, Zoro had listened to every word, and though he agreed with the statement, he didn't like where this was going. To a lesser degree, he was bothered with himself for not being the one up there flirting with Luffy instead and leaving him wide open to someone else's advances. As first mate to the future King of the Pirates, he has the privilege of being Luffy's right hand, and it's his duty to stand at Luffy's side - only him, at all times. Sure, the Captain could take care of himself, and Zoro trusted their crew to keep his Captain safe when he couldn't be there himself, but it was always best for him to be mere inches away, centimeters even. At least that way, he could prevent scenarios like this from happening. He watched as Bjorn glanced nervously at the bartender, and she slid him another double, then another, and another, downing them in quick succession.
'Liquid courage,' Zoro thought, feeling apprehensive at the thought of that moving mountain being even more direct with his intentions. He watched as Bjorn reached out and placed his enormous hand on Luffy's shoulder, though he could probably wrap his hand halfway around Luffy's torso, making Luffy look smaller than he already did. 'Don't touch what's mine!' Zoro thought as he felt an involuntary grumble erupt from his chest at the sight of Luffy practically engulfed in that massive hand. Zoro liked Luffy's smaller stature, with the top of his head fitting perfectly underneath Zoro's chin. Some time ago, Zoro had started to unintentionally daydream about the many ways they could fit together, spurring many sleepless nights that began with tightening tension and ended in longing frustration as he tried to convince himself that it was normal behavior of a first mate to pleasure himself while envisioning his Captain. However, there was no time for those tantalizing thoughts at the moment, and Zoro's mind focused solely on the present scene before him as Bjorn leaned close to Luffy's ear. His traitorous mind began to envision them in those same scenarios, ripping a jealous growl from his throat and shutting those thoughts down immediately. Those were not mental images that he ever wanted to entertain. His fists clenched tightly, struggling with the urge to step in and pull Luffy away, instead forcing himself to stay where he was and to focus on their conversation.
"I'm not sure if ye' heard me, but I think ye' are stunnin', and I would very much like to repay yer act of bravery and kindness in some way," he said meaningfully, punctuating the final part of the sentence by slowly rubbing Luffy's arm with his thumb. Zoro watched how Bjorn's large, calloused fingers glided along Luffy's perfectly smooth tan skin, applying occasional pressure. Bjorn inched in closer, placing himself in Luffy's personal space bubble, which, considering Luffy, was nonexistent.
'Too close,' Zoro thought with a clenched jaw, feeling the increasing tension in his shoulders as he struggled to keep his breathing even and measured. 'No one but me gets this close for this long,' Zoro growled in his mind with a possessive frustration that he didn't know he was capable of or was sure he had ever experienced before. Their crew were the only people who got this close to his Captain. One look from him and no one else dared. Out of reflex, or perhaps he was called, he placed a hand on Wado Ichimonji to ground himself, instantly feeling slightly more at ease. She sang to him in a soothing vibration, and he could finally take a deep breath, communicating his gratitude with a gentle caress. 'What's gotten into me? ' Zoro felt thoroughly perplexed as he began to analyze his feelings but was quickly tuned back into the pair before him as soon as Luffy spoke.
"Thanks, Bart! It was really no problem. They had it coming!" Luffy laughed mischievously, pleased that the bandits had been dealt with and seemingly oblivious to the man's advances. Even more distressing, Luffy seemed entirely unbothered by the touch or the proximity, and Zoro had to remind himself that was just how his Captain was; it was something he loved about him. He showed affection through tactile sensations and loved receiving them in return. "You really helped us out back there! You're a really great fighter!" Luffy grinned, and Zoro could have sworn he leaned in closer. It was made all the worse by Luffy's look of admiration and praise, which were typically reserved for him. Zoro felt a pain in his chest now that someone else was earning those accolades right in front of him. This was almost too much for Zoro to watch, and he didn't know how much more he could take.
"T'was nothin', cap'n! Jus' helpin' out where I can," Bjorn took the opportunity to flex, raising his enormous arm and making it bulge further, and sent Luffy a wink. Luffy giggled, and his hands immediately wrapped around the massive bicep, marveling at its size.
"Wow! Your arm is HUGE! Not even Zoro's arms are this big! So cool!" Luffy grabbed Bjorn's arm and swung himself back and forth, still giggling in his carefree manner and unaware of the near-fatal blow he had just dealt.
'Fuck... hit a man where it hurts, Captain...' Zoro thought mournfully, feeling unusually self-conscious and deciding that he'd have to increase his weights when they returned to the Sunny. 'Maybe I should go do that instead of sitting here watching this shit...' he thought bitterly as he watched Bjorn lean down to whisper in Luffy's ear, who had sat back in his stool and was now laughing uproariously at whatever Bjorn had said. Zoro felt torn between admiring his gorgeous Captain and his beautiful laugh and once again wanting to be the one next to Luffy, making him laugh like that, whispering into his ear and sharing things only meant for them. Zoro wasn't very good at flirting, but he could make Luffy smile and laugh like no one else, or he liked to think so. He despised that someone else was doing it right in front of him. 'That should be me... Fuck. This. Guy.'
"Can I get ye' a drink, Luffy?" Bjorn asked openly, looking completely relaxed and going back to stroking Luffy's arm more confidently. It seemed like the alcohol was taking its intended effect, and Zoro noticed the shift, feeling his heart clench almost violently. The flirty playfulness was getting out of hand. Zoro wanted nothing more than to go over there and assert himself, to stake his claim, but he knew he didn't have the right to do so. Luffy was the most unrestrained person he'd ever known, directed by only his heart and mind. Even if Luffy had commanded his soul since the day they met, Luffy wasn't his. Not yet.
"Oh, sure! Can you order me some milk and some sort of alcohol? Make it something delicious!" Luffy asked the mountainous man excitedly, glad to have someone to rely on for picking the alcohol. He wanted the absolute best for Zoro; his swordsman deserved nothing less. Luffy also heard Nami's voice in the back of his mind telling him to always try to get things for free, so there was that, too.
"Oh, a mix? What goes well with milk?" Bjorn pondered, partially to himself and partially asking the bartender, who was also listening in on the conversation and seemed rather invested in helping get a positive outcome for her friend.
"No!" Luffy laughed. "The milk is for me, and the drink is for my swordsman over there!" Luffy pointed toward Zoro enthusiastically. Zoro almost jumped at being suddenly called out, not expecting the sudden attention. Bjorn turned to look at him, sweeping Zoro with his gaze with a glimmer of recognition in his eyes. Zoro took the opportunity to square up with the massive man from a distance, wanting to leave no room for doubt that Luffy wasn't up for the taking by anyone other than him. Zoro stared him down, his intensity unwavering as he put all his intent behind his gaze and watched as understanding dawned on Bjorn's handsome features.
"Is he yer lover?" Bjorn asked carefully, not taking his eyes off Zoro just yet but also not removing his hand from Luffy's arm. He got the message loud and clear but wasn't one to give up just like that.
"No, we're not lovers. Zoro's my first mate," Luffy answered too quickly and jovially for Zoro's well-being, feeling all the air escape his lungs as if his Captain had punched his gut hard, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach. He saw Bjorn nod with a smirk and turn his attention back to Luffy, who had just finished a glass of milk with a satisfied grin. "That was tasty! Can you get me another? I'll take this to Zoro and be right back!" Luffy said as he started to move away from the bar with the drink in his hand.
Bjorn quickly moved his hand from Luffy's arm and put it on Luffy's thigh, keeping him in place as he gripped, squished, and rubbed gently. He knew it was over if the Captain returned to the swordsman, and he wouldn't get another chance. Bjorn wasn't about to challenge Zoro directly; he had seen the man fight, and even while obviously injured, Zoro was an absolute beast. Bjorn wasn't in a hurry to risk his life again so soon. Zoro saw this, and his whole body tensed instantly, instinctively reaching for his swords, careful not to fall into the instigating harmony of discord that Sandai Kitestsu was emanating. He forced himself to swallow his outrage and watch for Luffy's reaction. 'There is no actual physical threat, Roronoa,' Zoro told himself forcefully, no matter how much he wanted an excuse to act. He noticed a different look in Bjorn's eyes that he didn't care for - like he had found an opportunity and was going to take it.
"Y'know, Cap'n, you're th' most incredible man I've ev'r met," Bjorn said earnestly, his words starting to slur. He used his free hand to hook a finger under Luffy's chin, effectively focusing all of Luffy's attention on him. "Tha' body o' yers is 'mazing an' I really admire it... err... you," Bjorn's face was deeply flushed from both his admission and the alcohol's effects. "I'd like t' get a clos'r look at wha' yer dev'l fruit powers can do," his tone of voice lowered huskily, shifting his hand to stoke Luffy's cheek, his other hand still kneading Luffy's thigh.
'No no NO No NO!' Zoro practically vibrated in his seat from the rage he struggled to control. He clenched Wado in his fist as tight as he could, willing himself to calm down, to not do something rash that he might regret later. 'Back OFF! Let go! STOP touching!' As much as he didn't want to, Zoro was losing his grip on his rational frame of mind, feeling like he was going insane. Around and unbeknownst to him, any people nearby gave the bar a wide berth, the jealous rage radiating from Zoro practically palpable. From a distance, a keen set of eyes sparkled with interest as they observed.
"Would ye like to go t' my home, cap'n? I'd love t' get a private dem'nstration. I can even give ye' some of my own milk," Bjorn smirked suggestively, "I promise you'll enjoy it more than this," His gaze flicked briefly to Zoro, shooting a smug smirk his way.
'That son of a bitch!' Zoro's mind cried out with rage. Every fiber of his being roared at him to do something, anything. There was absolutely no way in hell that he would allow another person, alive or dead, to ever have Luffy in their bed, a writhing and moaning mess. That distinct pleasure would be his and his alone. 'But what the fuck can I do that won't upset Luffy?' Zoro searched his mind frantically and started to stand but froze when he heard Luffy's voice.
"Really? I'll like it even more?" Luffy looked excited and expectant, his eyes glued to the mountainous man like a puppy expecting a treat. Of course, the promise of something delicious would have his Captain bouncing in his seat, even if he didn't exactly know what he was being offered.
'He knows what lovers are but doesn't recognize that this guy wants him to choke on his cock?!' Zoro thinks incredulously, willing his mind not to malfunction at the ridiculousness of this situation. He watched Bjorn's massive hand slide higher on Luffy's thigh, applying a strategic bit of pressure. The look in Luffy's eyes went from excited to confused as he stilled and gave a surprised squeak, which startled him, Bjorn, and especially Zoro. 'What... was that?' Zoro wondered, feeling shaken. He had never heard his Captain make that sound, high-pitched, startled, and cute, and Luffy made a lot of strange sounds. Luffy quickly turned his head to him then, a bewildered expression on his face, his sparkling dark eyes locking onto Zoro's unwavering silver gaze.
Undeterred and possibly encouraged by the sudden, admittedly adorable sound, Bjorn continued more confidently and firmly squeezed the sensitive area of Luffy's inner thigh. In a fraction of a second, Luffy's world faded away, his vision tunneling so that he could only see Zoro in front of him, feeling as if they were a hair's width apart. He could practically feel Zoro's hot breath against his skin, his rough and skilled hands the ones on his body instead, and Luffy wanted nothing more than to be in Zoro's arms. At that exact moment, his eyes still firmly locked with his swordsman's, a low, breathy moan escaped Luffy's lips, and Zoro saw Luffy's exquisite face as his eyes grew wide.
"Oh, fuck NO!" Zoro swore violently under his breath, moving as quickly as he possibly could to reach his Captain. He pulled Kitetsu, which continued resonating harmoniously with his rage and pressed her back against the man's neck. He could feel his sword cry out for blood, and Zoro was sorely tempted to indulge her further with the blood of the man that made his captain moan, made his Captain make that beautiful face that was only meant for Zoro to see. "Consider your next move very carefully," Zoro threatened, hearing the bartender gasp, grateful she didn't scream. It was apparent that Bjorn was beyond drunk at this point, the drinks having hit him full force, as he turned and smiled at Zoro as if his life wasn't being threatened. Zoro briefly wondered what drink the bartender had given him, tempted to get some for later. A man of his size should not be this sloshed from drinking so little. Pushing the thought away, he focused on Bjorn, still careful not to get Kitetsu's sharp edge too close to his flesh. He knew she would take full advantage at the slightest touch. Zoro didn't want to kill him if he didn't have to.
"Swordsman! Be calm! Yer cap'n said he's nothin' of yer's. He's free to come with me," Bjorn bellowed in laughter while his hand continued to grope Luffy's thigh, making Luffy squirm slightly and bite his lip to keep more unintentional sounds from escaping. Bjorn's other hand had left Luffy's face, trailing down to caress his chest and abdomen, looking as if he was about to undo the buttons of Luffy's blue vest.
Okay, he might have to kill him. "Take your fucking hands off him!" Zoro growled aloud menacingly. 'He's Mine!' he seethed in his mind. Bjorn stood, pulling Luffy up and yanking him close. Luffy seemed somewhat like a rag doll, his feet not touching the ground. He still held the drink meant for Zoro in his hand, and the movement made the liquid spill over the brim and all over Luffy's blue vest, drenching the garment and causing it to stick and cling to his skin. Despite this, Luffy was unusually quiet and still throughout this entire exchange, his expression unreadable. Though Zoro didn't dare take his eyes off this behemoth, who was easily three or four heads taller and about twice as broad, he could see that Luffy still seemed shocked by his own reactions, like he was intensely focused on a single thought. But more than that, Luffy had not taken his eyes off Zoro the entire time. Luffy watched him with such unblinking intensity that it would typically make Zoro shiver.
"I wan' to thank yer cap'n n' make 'im feel good," Bjorn slurred, ignoring the bartender who had been slapping him with a wet rag and begging him to shut damn his mouth, advice that Zoro wished he had heeded. "How 'bout this? We can share him!" He turned to Luffy, smiling broadly. "Tha' sound good t' ye,' cap'n? Yer first mate can fill yer mouth, and I can take care of yer a-"
"Finish that sentence, and you're a dead man," Zoro's voice was low and deep. He could feel his body burning with rage, barely able to hold himself back, but the threat didn't seem to reach the drunken man. He felt dangerously close to slitting this man's throat, Kitetsu encouraging that notion, but Luffy's gaze and Wado's voice kept him steady and grounded. Even Shusui had started quietly resonating soothingly. "Luffy, let's go," It wasn't an order, but there was a finality to it and a sense of desperation that almost made it a plea. Zoro didn't know what he would do if his Captain refused.
"Wha? Are ye' his dah? His nanny?" Bjorn teased as he turned to Luffy. "He can stay with me if he wants. Ye' wanna taste tha' sweet milk I promised ye', cap'n Luffy? Or d'ye' wanna go with your swordsman? I'm bettin' he wants to give ye' some of his own milk," Bjorn asserted boldly, putting his giant hand around Luffy's slim waist. "But mine will taste muc-"
"I'm going with Zoro," Luffy cut him off suddenly and without hesitation. Grinning as brightly as he ever did, Luffy suddenly moved, pushing away this mountain of a man with incredible ease and happily bouncing over to his first mate. "I don't like how you're talking to Zoro. And your hands are too grabby!" He huffed as he comfortably took his place next to his swordsman like he belonged there. Zoro sighed with a bit of relief as he resheathed Kitetsu, much to her displeasure, and reached over to put his arm around his Captain's shoulders, allowing himself that small pleasure in return for all his stress. If he had imagined that Luffy had leaned into him further, snuggling closer, then that was between him and his remaining sane brain cells. His Captain had the unique ability to make him lose his damned mind. Luffy didn't even seem fully aware of what had just happened or what it meant, but his body still reacted when that man touched him.
'He's an idiot, but he's my idiot... No, not mine... but he will be,' Zoro resolved, eager to take his Captain anywhere else.
"Are ye' sure, cap'n? I promise we'll have some f-" Bjorn's words are tuned out as Zoro steered Luffy away. He shifted his arm and moved to hold Luffy's wrist firmly, leading him through the crowds of people, a few of whom had watched the exchange and ducked out of the way, and most others completely oblivious. Zoro was about to groan in frustration, not knowing which way to go, when some helpful hands appeared from the nearby walls, letting Zoro know that Robin had watched the whole thing as she set up a trail that pointed the way back to the Sunny. He felt grateful and focused on her hands, not wanting to get turned around before getting to the ship and not noticing that Luffy had shifted his hand to intertwine their fingers and was looking at him again with the same intense stare. Neither noticed the ear that had discreetly appeared on Luffy's hat.