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“Of course, Santa exists!”
Luffy frowned as Zoro burst into laughter. They left Shelf Town a couple of hours ago. The sun was beginning to set again when Zoro decided to play twenty questions. He’d never realized how dark the night was in the middle of the ocean. The boat was small, their feet touching at the bottom.
They’d asked each other's favorite color, and Luffy had answered red, yellow, and blue. Zoro had only asked for one but Luffy said he couldn’t choose between the three. Zoro himself had said gray and tried not to think too hard about Luffy's eye color. Then they talked about their favorite meals (meat for Luffy, onigiri for Zoro). Then Zoro had asked when Luffy learned the truth about Santa.
Zoro wiped tears of laughter from his eyes. The booze was good. The new commander of the Navy base had given it to them as a thank-you. Luffy didn’t like alcohol so Zoro happily took the bottle and started drinking.
“Santa doesn’t exist, Luffy.”
“Of course he does. Ace and Sabo told me so.”
“Ace and Sabo?”
“Yep! They’re my brothers. They’re the coolest people I know.”
“Don’t you find me cool?”
“Of course Zoro is cool! He has three swords and he’s my first nakamas!”
Zoro tried to blame the growing warmth in his stomach and the blush on his cheeks on the booze. Zoro felt drunk and deep down but he knew it was from his new Captain’s compliments and not from the alcohol.
Luffy crossed his arms. “If Santa doesn’t exist then why did I have gifts at Christmas?”
“Because your brothers give them to you.”
“It was Santa who brought me my gifts! I even saw it! He was wearing a red coat, pants, and beanie with a white beard! Sabo saw him too! Ace had gone to bed early so he had missed him. Also, this year, neither Ace nor Sabo was with me and I still got my gift. It was a bit late, but I still got it.”
“What did you ask for?”
“My first nakama.”
Zoro choked from his gulp. Christmas was six months ago.
“Sorry, I made you wait, Captain.”
Luffy smiled. “It’s fine! I’m glad I still got you!”
Zoro's blush grew even more. Luffy moved and his leg brushed against Zoro’s. The swordsman felt a chill grow in his body.
“Is Zoro okay? Your face is red. And you’re shivering. Is Zoro cold?”
“A bit. I think we should sleep, Captain. Today’s been a long day.”
“You’re right, Zoro! We need to sleep so tomorrow we can go on a new adventure together!”
Zoro knew the boat was small but when the two teenagers lay down he realized how close they were. He could feel Luffy’s breath on his torso. His fingers brushed against Zoro’s. Then Luffy decided to tangle their legs.
“Goodnight Zoro.”
“Night Luffy.”
Zoro fell asleep with Luffy in his arms, thinking he could get used to his silly, cute Captain.
— — —
“Of course, Santa exists!” Chopper frowned “We even saw him!"
Franky frowned deeper “Chopper, Santa doesn’t exist. Everyone knows that right?” the cyborg looked at his nakamas trying to find support.
The Straw Hat were eating lunch in their fresh new galley. They were sailing for a week with their new home The Thousand Sunny. Sailing without the Merry was a strange feeling but Zoro had started liking Sunny. He had already found five great spots for naps.
Franky, their new nakamas started asking questions about their previous adventures. Zoro wasn’t much of a talker so he had let his nakamas explain while he was drinking. Usopp happily talked about the sky island. Then Nami blushed and started talking about Vivi. After she finished, Chopper started talking about the winter island they went on before Water Seven.
Under the table, Zoro could feel Luffy’s right knee pressed against his left knee. Every time they would sit somewhere, Luffy would always do that. One time Zoro asked why. He had tried not to blush when Luffy explained he just wanted to make sure Zoro was close to him. As if Zoro would leave Luffy’s side.
Luffy slammed his hands against the table “Santa exists! My brothers told me and we saw him!”
Chopper buried his face against Robin’s side “Franky is mean. Santa exists, right Robin? Doctor Hiriluk and Doctorine said so and we all saw him last Christmas.”
Robin gently rubbed Chopper's flur “Of course Santa exists.”
Zoro felt Luffy getting angrier, he needed to find a way to calm his Captain. Usopp stood up “I think it’s time we go fishing right Luffy and Chopper?”
Chopper didn’t move and stayed close to Robin. She whispered, “If you want I can read you a story about Santa later.”
Chopper nodded “Yes please.” then he stood up and took Luffy's hand “Are we going fishing?”
Luffy looked at Zoro. The swordsman nodded. Luffy looked back at Chopper with a smile “Okay!” and walked out of the galley with his two nakamas.
Franky put his sunglasses on his blue hair “You guys are joking, right? Like, we all know Santa doesn’t exist.”
Nami took a sip of her coffee. “We know Santa doesn’t exist, but both Luffy and Chopper still believe it. We thought about telling them but they’re so cute, we just can’t.”
Zoro glared at Sanji. The cook and himself were separated by an empty chair that Usopp previously occupied. He had started shaking, his hand covering his face.
Nami continued. “So, last Christmas we decided to play along.”
Sanji was shaking even more and Zoro had heard him snorting.
Nami repressed a laugh “So we decorated a tree on the deck, then at midnight, Santa came giving them gifts.”
Franky raised an eyebrow “Wait. Hold on. One of you played Santa?”
Sanji’s head was now against the table. He was holding his stomach and kicked the floor.
Nami smiled even more, eyeing Zoro. “We bought a Santa outfit. Only Zoro could fit in. So he went on the deck wearing the red hat, the coat, and pants with his black boots.”
Sanji raised his head. His face was red and he had tears in his eyes, and spoke with a very high-pitched voice “ The fake beard!” and busted into laughter.
Zoro pulled out Wano and attended to cut that stupid cook into slides. Franky stopped him since the waiter was too busy laughing to fight back.
Nami also started laughing along with Robin. Sanji was laughing so hard he fell on the floor, holding his stomach.
Zoro growled and left the galley. When he closed the door he heard Nami. “Luffy asked him to join our crew like five times. It was really cute.”
Zoro remembered. Luffy had been heartbroken when Santa had refused. He had begged him and then ordered him to stay and later said that he would just kidnap him. Usopp tried to tell him, that the other kids in the world wouldn’t have gifts anymore if Santa became a Straw Hat. Luffy hadn’t cared much but Chopper convinced him that he couldn't be that selfish. During the evening, Zoro saw Luffy glancing around. His Captain was probably looking for meat.
He walked down the stairs and found the deck empty. Then he heard voices in the boys’ room. He opened the door and found Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp sitting on the floor looking at pictures.
Chopper beamed “Zoro! Look, it’s the pictures we took with Santa!”
Zoro looked at the pictures. Usopp and Nami had insisted (forced) him to take pictures with both Chopper and Luffy. Everyone could recognize him. His scar on his torso wasn’t even fully covered by the coat and some of his green hair exceeded from the red hat.
Zoro nodded “You should go show the pictures to Franky.” The cyborg would tease him for months and Curly would never stop bothering him but if that would mean Chopper and Luffy would stop frowning or looking sad then Zoro was happy to make the sacrifice.
“You’re right! After that, Franky will have to believe us!”
Chopper left the boys’ room smiling holding the pictures with Usopp behind him. Zoro thought Luffy would have followed but he stayed on the floor.
“You’re not going with them?”
Luffy kept looking at the picture. Zoro looked at it and saw himself, in Santa clothes with Luffy. His Captain had extended his arms three times around him and their faces were pressed together. They’re both smiling in the pictures, Luffy’s was smiling wide while Zoro’s was more shy.
“I’m sad Zoro hasn't seen Santa.”
Zoro shrugged “It’s fine.”
“I was really worried you know. I couldn’t find Zoro that night. I’ve looked everywhere. I thought someone had taken Zoro away from me.”
Zoro pinched his lips. After he had changed from the Santa clothes, Luffy had glued himself to him and didn’t let him go for the entire evening. Even the few days after, Luffy has always stayed at arm's length close to him. “I would never leave you Luffy.”
“Zoro better not. Zoro can’t leave me. Captain’s order.”
“Aye, aye Captain.”
Luffy stood up “I’m gonna show the pictures to Franky.”
They left the boys’ room and walked toward the galley. When they entered Chopper was already showing some and Franky was nodding. “You’re right Chopper, Santa exists. I’m sorry I said otherwise.”
Chopper pointed to another picture. “Look! In this one, Santa is carrying me on his shoulders!”
“Santa is really super!”
They spend the rest of the meal with Luffy and Chopper telling them everything they’ve done with Santa. At some point, Sanji left because he couldn’t hide his laugh anymore. Stupid cook.
Zoro had his left hand resting on his knee and tried to not show anything when he felt Luffy’s hand brushing his. Luffy curled his pinky fingers on Zoro’s. A minute passed and Luffy would take slowly one by one Zoro’s fingers in his hand. Luffy bushed with his thumb the back of Zoro’s hand. Zoro felt warmth growing on his cheek. He glanced around and saw Nami looking at him. He saw her smirk growing. Zoro felt his face growing redder.
Stupid witch.
— — —
“Luffy! You’re coming to take a picture with Santa?”
“I’m coming!” Luffy giggled and he ran to Nami.
Zoro buried his face in his red scarf to hide his smile. It’s been a week since the Straw Hat had moored at Laponia Island. It was a winter island with mountains and forest. Robin had said it was a magical island where it was snowing all the time and most importantly Santa Claus’s island.
The houses were in brick and decorated with lights. The kids would either have snowball fights or build snowmen. The island was a commercial island and people from the New World would travel for days to come and find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.
Christmas was coming, and in two days they could finally celebrate it and Chopper’s birthday together.
It was their first Christmas together since they were reunited and Zoro felt like he had the pressure of the world on his shoulder. He had to make it up for Luffy. He had to make things big and find the perfect gifts for him. Everything needed to be perfect. Luffy has spent two Christmass alone without them or gifts. One of his brothers, Ace, the one that make everything in his power to maintain a normal life, to make sure Luffy could have a normal childhood despite growing up in a forest as much as he could died and Luffy was completely alone forcing him to live his grief by himself.
The villagers had built a decorated platform on the village square and in the middle of it, Santa sat on a big red throne, and next to him was a giant decorated Christmas tree. The kids were waiting in queue with their parents, waiting to take pictures with him. Chopper was in the waiting line with Robin while Franky, Usopp, and Jimbei had left taking drinks and food.
Luffy had been building a snowman with both Zoro and Sanji when Nami called out for him. They went into the waiting line just after Robin and Chopper.
“You found his gifts?” Sanji exhaled some smoke. His nose was red because of the cold.
Zoro smirked “Nope Rudolph.”
Sanji rolled his eyes “And you’re not panicking Christmas tree? We have everyone’s gifts except for Luffy.”
“I have a plan.”
“You have a plan?”
Zoro nodded.
“Oh boy, we’re doomed.”
“Oi! Luffy is gonna tell what he wants to Santa, Nami will hear it and then we will go buy it. It’s gonna be fine Curly.”
Zoro and Sanji advanced the snowman and they were nearly done when Luffy and Nami came back from the photobooth with Santa.
Zoro frowned when he heard Nami’s voice. Her voice sounded close to panic. He put his hand on Wado and looked around. Curly must’ve sensed something because he started looking out for the rest of the crew. Zoro didn’t see any marines or other pirate crew that would cause trouble.
Nami frowned “Luffy! You have to do it!”
Luffy shook his head. “I told you I have already done it! Santa knows!”
Zoro relaxed his grip but didn’t take his hand off Wado. “Everything is alright?”
Nami looked at him. She widened her eyes “No! Everything is not alright.”
Luffy tilted his head “Why? I told you I told Santa.”
Nami whispered “Luffy didn’t say his wishes to Santa. I have no idea what he wants.”
Oh fuck.
Zoro frowned “Luf? Why didn’t you say anything?”
Luffy sighed “I told you, I already told my gifts to Santa.”
Nami crossed her arms “When?”
“This morning.” Luffy took more snow in his hands. “When I woke from my nap on the Sunny head.”
Nami, Sanji, and Zoro frowned.
Sanji tilted his head “What do you mean when you woke up?”
“This morning. After breakfast, I took a nap on the Sunny head. And when I woke up I told Santa what I wanted for my gifts. Ace says.” Luffy marked a pause and spoke again. “Ace used to say that Santa can hear everything all the time. That’s how he knows when kids are bad or good. And what they want for Christmas. ”
Sanji exhaled some smoke “And you don’t want to go tell him again? I mean Santa is old, maybe he hadn’t heard right.”
“Nope. Ace said he had a very good earring. That’s how he knows when kids are bad.”
Zoro and Nami looked at each other. They both knew they were fucked. When Luffy had decided something, nothing could change his mind and today, he had decided to not tell his gift wish to Santa.
Also, Luffy said gifts. Gifts. Plural. Fucking hell. Zoro couldn’t believe it but Curly was right. They were doomed.
— — —
After dinner, Luffy and Chopper went to bed early and the rest of the Straw Hat were plotting in the gallery. In the afternoon the whole crew minus Chopper, had tried to make Luffy say what he wanted for Christmas but he would always respond by “I already told Santa.”
Robin pulled out a paper and started writing. “For the recap, Chopper wants medical books.”
Usopp nodded “We bought them with Jimbei and they’re wrapped.”
She wrote it done and looked at Franky “The den den mushi?.”
The cyborg smiled “I boosted the signal yesterday. Chop will be super able to call Doctorine!”
“Good. Wonderful job my love.”
Franky blushed “Of course my darling.”
Zoro rolled his eye. He looked at the paper in front of him. It was a blank paper with only written Luffy at the top.
Nami drank her cup of tea “What could Luffy would want?”
“I have no idea.”
Sanji shrugged “Maybe he just wants meat.”
Zoro frowned “Luffy always wants meat dumbass.”
“Well, do you have a better idea moss of brain?”
Zoro growled. Luffy had meat every day, he deserved something better, something unique.
“Oi moss of brain, did you fry the few neurons you had?”
“Shut up I’m thinking.”
“Oh boy, he’s thinking. Nami-swan, we definitely lost the moss. Should I bake a cake to celebrate?”
Zoro pulled out Wano and in the middle of his fight with Sanji, Nami punched both of them.
“We really don’t have time boys. Christmas is like the day after tomorrow. We only have one day to figure out what Luffy wants.”
Zoro sat back in his chair and rubbed his head. The others had started to make different suggestions when Zoro thought about something.
“Robin? Do you still have Sabo’s number? Maybe he could come, after all, it must been a while since they didn’t spend Christmas together.”
Robin nodded “It’s a good idea, I’ll call him tomorrow.”
Usopp frowned “And the second gift? I mean Sanji is kinda right, Luffy always wants meat and he’s a simple guy. Or maybe he wants clothes.”
Nami frowned “Clothes? Luffy?”
“No, you’re right it’s dumb. Definitely not clothes.”
Zoro pinched his lips. Maybe Luffy just wanted meat and Zoro was overthinking. It fucking hurts to hear that stupid cook could know Luffy better than him.
“Maybe.”
Sanji exhaled some smoke “Tomorrow we will go into town and we will find the best piece of beef for our Captain. And if you’re a good kid mosshead, you will go with me.” Sanji ruffled his green hair as Zoro pulled Wano out again determined to cut in half the chef
— — —
The next day, Zoro was on the deck and double-checked the little purse Nami had handed him. The witch was more generous around Christmas. He was counting the bellies again when he felt a presence behind his back.
“Yes, Luffy?”
“You’re not gonna train?”
Zoro heard the sound of Luffy’s boots coming closer to him. Luffy loved his sandals and every time they would moor at a winter island, it was a nightmare to make him wear something else. Luffy agreed to wear boots only if they were black. Zoro tried to not notice the resemblance with his own boots. He turned around to face his Captain and saw him frowning.
“No, I’m gonna go with Curly in town to buy the food for tomorrow's meal.”
“Oh. Then make sure Sanji buys a lot of meat!”
“Of course Captain.”
Sanji walked toward them “Ready Marimo?”
“I’ve been ready for the past hour Curly.”
“Good then follow me and try to not get lost. See ya later Luffy!”
Luffy nodded “Don’t take too long!”
“Aye aye, Captain!”
Sanji left the Sunny first and Zoro just after him. He quickly glanced at the ship and saw Luffy looking at him. He looked worried maybe he thought that lunch would be served late.
The village was calm. It was cold and people were wearing big warm clothes. Zoro buried his nose in his red scarf. Luffy had bought it for him on their first day back at Drum. It was their first winter island and Zoro had never thought about wearing a scarf. Now when the wind would roze, he would always put on his red scarf. Thankfully, neither Cook nor Nami had seen the blush on Zoro’s cheek when Luffy handed the scarf, otherwise they would have made his life hell.
Sanji came out of the shop and handed Zoro another grocery bag. He pulled a list with a pen and crossed something.
“So, we have the vegetables, the different species, and fish, and now we can go to the butcher.”
Zoro growled in agreement.
“You still think Luf doesn’t want meat for Christmas?”
“Luffy had meat all the time. Maybe he wants something else, something important.”
Sanji exhaled some smoke. “Look I know you’re worried but I promise Luffy is still gonna be happy with meat.”
“What if he’s not? You and I know both how much he loves Christmas and he spent the past two alone. I don’t even know if Rayleigh brought him gifts.”
Sanji sighed “We will figure it out.”
They kept walking toward the butcher in silence. Some kids passed next to them running and laughing.
Sanji finished his cigarette and turned it off. “Can I ask what you guys took for me?”
“Fighting skills fourth place. And me?”
“A brain. And a scene of humor.”
“Fuck you Ero-cook.”
“Fuck you too Moss.”
They arrived at the butcher shop and Zoro insisted on coming with Sanji. Every time Cruly would say a number amount of meat Zoro would immediately doubled it. They ended up with thirty-five pieces of sheep, twenty-two pieces of chicken, and sixty pieces of beef.
Sanji sighed “You’re explaining the situation to Nami-swan.”
Zoro shrugged. He cared more about Luffy’s joy than the witch’s wrath.
It was nearly lunchtime when they arrived at the Sunny. Cook started cooking and Zoro went to take a nap in the boys’ room. Usually, it was either on the deck or at the crow’s nest but because of the cold, Zoro was craving for his blankets.
His bunk was the first and the closest to the door, ready to defend the crew if necessary. Zoro was a heavier sleeper but would wake up the second the door opened. Luffy had claimed the bunk just above his when they started living on the Sunny and Zoro had tried not to think about it. He definitely didn’t like seeing Luffy half asleep, rubbing his eyes with his hair everywhere every morning. Absolutely not.
Zoro lay down in his bed and was about to fall asleep when he felt someone sneak into his bed. Luffy put his arms around him and Zoro could feel Luffy’s chest rising from his breathing on his side. Luffy rested his head on his shoulder.
“I didn’t see Zoro a lot this morning. I missed Zoro a lot.”
“I missed you too.”
Luffy hummed. “Can I stay with Zoro? Or does Zoro need to be alone?”
“It’s okay, you can stay.”
Zoro felt Luffy curled up on him and fall asleep hearing his captain breathing.
— — —
After lunch, Zoro sneaked out of the Sunny and went to the village again. He was determined to find the perfect for his captain. During the meal, he had tried to think about potential gifts. Luffy liked simple things. Clothes were out of the question just like jewelry.
Fuck, maybe the cook was right. Maybe Luffy only wanted meat.
Zoro kept walking under the snow and saw a glimpse of orange hair. Nami was in front of a shop looking at bracelets and necklaces.
“Looking for Vivi’s gift?”
Nami kept her gaze on the jewelry “She said she didn’t want gifts.”
“But?”
“But I can just not offer something to my girlfriend on Christmas right?”
Zoro noticed Nami wasn’t just looking at the whole shelf. She kept looking at the blue and orange necklace and a pair of bracelets.
Zoro nodded. “How long have you been looking at them?”
“Too long.”
“Why don’t you just buy them?” Zoro looked at the price tag. The pieces of jewelry were expensive and Nami loved money but loved even more making Vivi happy.
Nami bit her bottom lips “What if she doesn’t like it? I mean she’s a princess. I’ve seen her room. She has boxes full of royal jewelry. Boxes Zoro. Plural. Also, it’s like royal jewelry, gifts from others kindgoms.”
Zoro shrugged “And? Vivi would prefer something from you than anybody else. Also, You could send her the necklace and one of the bracelets and you keep the other one. Like that, you will share something and have a reminder of her.”
Nami turned her head and raised an eyebrow “Since when you’re smart?”
“Fuck you witch.”
Nami smirked “Love you too.” Nami called for a seller “Hi. I’m gonna get the necklace and bracelets please.”
The seller smiled “Hi, of course! Is it for someone important?”
A blush grew on Nami’s face. Zoro noticed she always blushed when Nami spoke about Vivi. He wondered if it was his case too when he talked about Luffy.
“It’s for my girlfriend.”
“Well, it’s a wonderful choice. The pieces of jewelry are made with Ceylon Sapphire and Cornelian stone. They are known for the virtue of love and protection. it will be perfect.”
The seller put the pieces of jewelry in a bag and Nami handed the money.
“Thank you so much and Merry Christmas!”
The two Straw Hat started walking around the village again. Nami put the little bag in her pocket.
“I thought you would have stayed in the Sunny. I know you hate cold.”
Zoro shrugged. He buried his nose in his scarf.
Nami stopped walking when they were in front of a hot drink shop. She took a hot chocolate and handed another drink toward Zoro.
“I don’t like chocolate.”
Nami rolled her eyes “I know dumbass. It’s warm sake.”
Zoro took the drink and started drinking as they started walking again.
“You’re still trying to find a gift for Luffy?”
Zoro hummed.
“It’s Luffy you know. Don’t overthink. Also, Luffy will love whatever you offer him.”
“He’s gonna be King of the Pirates. I deserve more than just meat as a gift.”
“I know but it’s Luffy.”
Zoro grumbled.
Nami smiled and rubbed his green hair “It’s gonna be fine. I can’t remember what we got for him last time.”
Zoro responded immediately. “We took meat, a bag for bentos for when he goes on an adventure, winter boots, a book about beetles, and a call with Ace.”
Nami smirked “You remember everything about Luffy right?”
Zoro tried to hide his blush with his scarf. Luffy had stoled it in the morning and now Zoro could smell Luffy's scent.
“Maybe we could buy a scarf. He always steals mine.”
“He only takes your scarf because it’s yours, idiot.” She smirked “Maybe confessing your feelings could be your gift for him.”
Zoro rolled his eye “As Luffy could love me.”
Nami snorted “Sanji was right with his suggestion. We really need to buy you a brain.”
“Oh fuck you, witch.”
Nami laughed. Zoro finished his drink and put his cup in the closet's trash can.
“You think Vivi will have her gift in time.”
Nami frowned “I hope so. Either I strangle that stupid bird.”
“You’re gonna write a note or something?”
“No, I prefer to just send the bow in case the Marines caught it. She will know.” Nami finished her hot chocolate “Robin told me Sabo will be there tomorrow.”
“Good.” Zoro was glad Sabo was on his way. Even if he couldn’t find the perfect gift, at least Luffy will have his brother.
— — —
The next morning Zoro was woken up by Luffy who jumped from his bed and landed on his stomach. When he opened his eye Zoro saw Luffy beaming at him.
“Zoro! It’s Christmas! You have to get up!”
Zoro finds himself unable to speak. Luffy had bed hair and his cheek still had the mark of the pillow. His eyes had still signs of sleep and yet Zoro saw the spark of excitement. Zoro would never get tired of being waking up by Luffy.
“Zoro? You’re okay? Your face is red.”
Usopp passed behind them yawning “You probably suffocate him Luf.”
“Oh sorry Zoro.”
Luffy started to move when Zoro grabbed him. Luffy tilted his head at his gesture.
“It’s fine Luffy.”
“Oh. Then you’re coming to eat? Sanji must’ve finished breakfast now and I’m hungry!”
Zoro smiled “Aye Aye Captain.”
They left the boys’ room after they put more warm clothes. The day passed slowly and Zoro was bothered. Or more irritated.
He had thought about going into the village again in case he had a last-minute idea but every time he would get closer to leaving the Sunny, Luffy would call after him and follow him.
Every. Single. Time.
He couldn’t even go to the bathroom alone. It was like Luffy couldn't spend a second without Zoro.
At first, it was fine but now at dinner, it was more complicated. The weather was less cold so the straw hat started a fire on the deck and Luffy was half-sat on Zoro’s lap.
Chopper frowned and looked at Robin “Do you think we will see Santa again?”
The rest of the crew glanced at Zoro. He knew it was time. They had finished dinner so Zoro knew he should leave to get changed and put on a Santa Claus costume. The costume was hidden in the girls’ room so the crew was sure neither Luffy nor Chopper could find it.
He knew he should leave but Luffy wouldn’t let him go.
Robin smiled “He’s on his way I promise.”
Zoro finished his drink. He needed to find a way to leave and fast. He nodded at his nakamas and Brook and Jimbei nodded back.
Brook went close to Luffy “Luffy? I think I saw Sanji leave the barbecue. Maybe you could steal some meat if you’re still hungry.”
Luffy smiled “Thank you Brook!” and got up.
Zoro was about to get up too when he felt something or rather someone grabbed his wrist. He turned his head and saw Luffy frowning.
“Where are you going?”
Nami and Usopp who had gone closer to the girls’ room to help Zoro prepare froze at Luffy’s words. Zoro swallowed.
“I’m just gonna get a drink.”
“I can bring you one.”
“I know but the cook hid the good booze in the kitchen so I’m gonna get it.”
Luffy frowned deeper “Well Franky can go bring it. Right Franky?”
Luffy turned his look toward Franky and he slowly nodded. “Sure.” Franky started going to the galley to get the sake.
They were fucked. Either Luffy had realized Zoro was Santa or for a strange reason he didn’t want Zoro to leave the deck. Luffy extended his other arm and caught meat before sitting back next to Zoro. The swordsman could feel Luffy’s hand curled around his wrist. Firm but not hurtful. The rest of the crew spent nearly an hour trying to get Luffy to let go of Zoro but nothing worked. Luffy’s hand was still on Zoro’s wrist. At the same time, Chopper and Luffy himself start getting worried about Santa.
Luffy rested his chin on Zoro’s shoulder “Do you think Santa is late?”
“Maybe. I mean he has a lot of work.”
“I want to see Santa!”
Zoro bit his bottom lips. Luffy was eager to see Santa but he wouldn’t let go of Zoro. The swordsman swore in his head. First, he hadn’t found a gift for Luffy and now he wouldn’t even be able to bring some happiness to him by showing up in Santa Claus. Fuck. It was their first Christmas reunited and everything had gone wrong.
Chopper sighed again “I don’t think we will see Santa this year again.”
Then when Zoro thought everything was lost, he heard someone jump and land on the Sunny deck. By reflex, he put his hand on his sword and saw Santa.
Luffy and Chopper beamed and ran to Santa. Somehow, Luffy manages to keep holding Zoro’s wrist while jumping around Santa.
Zoro narrowed his eye and then smiled when he recognized the blond hair and the burn scar. Sabo’s costume wasn’t better than his but Luffy and Chopper still believe it.
Santa distributed gifts to all the Straw Hat. Nami got maps and jewelry. The cook and Robin got new books. Franky got a new hammer and Usopp's new goggles. Brook got a second violin and Jimbei a new coat. Zoro got a new oil set for his swords.
Luffy frowned “Where is my gift?”
Santa raised an eyebrow “Oh! It seems that I forgot! Wait here Little Lu!” then Santa jumped from the deck and Sabo came back a minute later.
Luffy beamed “Sabo! What are you doing here? Did Santa kidnap you?”
“Yes! Like I was working and suddenly Santa kidnaped me and brought me here!”
Luffy jumped on Sabo and hugged him. Luffy spends the rest of the evening telling their last adventure to his brother with his hand still around Zoro’s wrist.
— — —
After the cook took the night watch, Zoro went to bed. When he opened the door, by reflex he looked at Luffy’s bunk and frowned when he saw it was empty. Then he lowered his gaze he saw Luffy sleeping in his bunk.
Zoro took off his boots and lay down under the cover. Luffy moved and curled up on Zoro. The swordsman put his arm around his captain’s body.
“I'm happy I saw Santa and I saw Sabo too.”
Luffy had talked so low that at first, Zoro thought he had imagined it.
“I’m glad you were happy.” Zoro whispered back. He didn’t want their nakamas to interrupt their moment.
Luffy raised his head. Their faces were so close their nose were touching.
“You got all of your gifts?”
“I got the two on three.”
Zoro slowly brushed Luffy’s hair “Meat and Sabo?” Fuck if Curly was right he would throw his cigarette pack in the ocean in the morning.
Luffy giggled “Shishishi. No. I mean seeing Sabo again was the second one. The first one was being with my nakamas again at Christmas and that they would be happy and safe.”
“I’m sorry we made you wait.”
“Silly Zoro. It’s not your fault.”
“What was the third one?” Maybe if Luffy could tell him, Zoro could go buy it after breakfast.
Luffy bit his inside cheek “I don’t know if I can have it.”
Zoro frowned “Why?”
“I don’t.” Luffy swallowed “I don’t want to lose Zoro. Ever.”
Zoro put his hand on Luffy’s cheek “I will never leave you.”
“I just love Zoro so much. And for the past few days, you kept leaving me. I got worried you would have left me again like last Christmas.”
“Even if I would leave, I will always come back at you.”
“Promise?”
“On my dream.”
Luffy rested his forehead on Zoro’s. Then they both closed their eyes and Zoro felt Luffy’s lips on his. Their kiss was slow and intimate. Zoro felt his face heat up.
“I love Zoro so much. Zoro still wants to stay with me?”
“Until the end.”
Luffy kissed him again and Zoro kissed back immediately. When they parted, Luffy buried his face into the crook of his neck and Zoro tightened his grip around Luffy's torso.
“You should go back to sleep, Captain.”
He felt Luffy’s smile against his skin “Aye aye Zoro.”
Zoro brought Luffy closer to him and fell asleep listening to Luffy’s breathing. He couldn’t wait to wake up with Luffy in his arms and spend the next Christmas together.