⋆༺𓆩🏴☠️𓆪༻⋆Zolu Oneshots⋆༺𓆩⚔️𓆪༻⋆

₊˚🏈Under the Friday Night Lights(˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!₊˚⊹♡

Zoro gripped his helmet as he watched Ace, the team's star quarterback, lead the Goa Titans down the field. Their rivals from Drum Kingdom were putting up a tough fight, but Ace was a force of nature few opponents could stop.

In the bleachers, smaller figure cheered loudest of all for his big brother and the team. Monkey D. Luffy may have been a freshman but he attended every home game, waving his hands in the air enthusiastically from the front row. Zoro found his eyes wandering from the game more often than not, lingering on Luffy's smiling face and bright eyes.

As Ace's childhood friend, Zoro had known Luffy almost as long. Whenever he had gone to Ace's house, Luffy was very persistent to hang out with them no matter what they were doing. Even after being pushed away and teased by Ace, Luffy just returned with an even brighter smile.

But lately his heart did somersaults at the younger boy's laugh, his shining brown eyes. Luffy was kind and carefree where his brother was intense - a refreshing ray of sun in Zoro's often brooding world. And the younger has all these little tics and things he does that Zoro finds endearing, like bringing water to games for both Ace and Zoro. He had a habit of randomly jumping on people and just wrapping himself around them—mostly to Ace but Zoro is happy with the off time Luffy clings to him—

If only Luffy saw him as more than "Ace's friend." But it was clear Luffy had nothing but a pure heart... and a love for meat. And Ace was fiercely protective, the last thing Zoro wanted was trouble from the team captain and best friend. Their rivalry was Drum Kingdom was neck and neck, so for now he focused on doing his job as running back. He can worry about these forming feelings later...

When the final buzzer sounded and Goa sealed their victory, Zoro joined in the celebration, stealing covert glances at Luffy cheering down on the field.

At the after party, Zoro's attention was pulled from Luffy by a shout from Sanji, the team's star receiver. "Oi Mosshead, incoming!"

Zoro turned just in time for a familiar head of black hair to tackle him in a hug. "Didja see me out there, Ace??" Luffy beamed at his older brother while clutching Zoro's side

Ace sauntered over, eyes narrowed fractionally at finding his brother hanging off another man. But he ruffled Luffy's hair fondly. "You were pretty loud, little brother.. I think there would be a problem if i didn't. Hey, you sticking around or heading home?"

A gleam entered Luffy's eyes and be pulled away from Zoro as he smiled up at his brother. "I was thinking... Do you think Zoro could give me a ride? Since you and Sanji are probably going to be staying late."

Zoro froze, staring down into Luffy's sparkling gaze mere inches from his own. His heart nearly beat out of his chest. "Uh, s-sure Luffy. No problem." How could anyone expect him to say no to the boy...? Especially when he has that look in his eyes.

Ace's eyes bored into Zoro, a silent threat lingering in their steely depths. But he relented with obvious reluctance. "Alright. You be good, Lu. Alright?"

Luffy nodded excitedly, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

The short drive to Luffy's house passed in a blur for Zoro, too nervous to say much beyond basic pleasantries. Zoro was tense the whole way there, no fault to Luffy but as the boy rambled on with a happy smile he had to stay focused on the road before he got lost in Luffy's eyes. But when he pulled up outside and Luffy flashed that dazzling smile, the words he wanted so badly to say finally tumbled out before he could stop them.

"Hey Luffy...would you maybe want to catch a movie sometime? Just the two of us?"

Luffy blinked, and for a heart-stopping moment Zoro feared rejection, he tightened his fists and refused to make eye contact. Then the younger boy grinned sunnily. "Like a date? I'd love to!"

Zoro smiled so wide his face hurt and he felt the horrible pressure on his chest released and he felt light. Luffy had invited Zoro in for an after game snack, and they sat down in the living room while making plans to meet up the following weekend.

Afterwards they exchanged goodbye waves as Luffy bounced inside excitedly making Zoro smile as he drove home on cloud nine.

Their movie date was everything Zoro could have hoped for and more. Luffy had laughed infectiously during the comedy they chose which annoyed the people around them but they couldn't care less, jabbing Zoro's side playfully when he nearly choked on popcorn. Afterwards they walked along the pier, talking and sharing cotton candy until the sunset painted the sky glorious shades of orange.

Holding Luffy's smaller hand in his own calloused one felt like coming home. When it was time to part, Zoro swallowed his nerves and pressed a shy kiss to Luffy's cheek. The younger boy beamed and threw his arms around Zoro in a hug, leaving the teen light-headed with happiness.

Zoro truly believed that nothing could ruin his constant feeling of cloud nine.

But back at school, trouble was brewing. Word of Zoro and Luffy's date had spread, and Ace cornered Zoro in the locker room, expression dour.

"I heard you took my brother out, Roronoa. You thinking of making a habit of it?" Ace's muscled arms crossed threateningly.

Zoro gulped but met Ace's glare head on with his own narrow eyes. "Only if Luffy wants me to. I care about him, Ace - you've got to believe that." Zoro could fight well.. but when it came to Ace, his long time best friend and the brother of his date from the weekend. He's unsure how that fight would end.

Ace stared him down a moment longer before sighing. "You're my friend, Mosshead. But Lu's been my responsibility forever. Hurt him and there'll be hell to pay, got it?"

Zoro nodded earnestly. "You've got my word, Ace."

Gradually Ace warmed up to the idea of Zoro dating his brother, and their little band of friends grew closer through fall and into winter. Zoro walked Luffy to classes, carried his books, made the freshman laugh with stupid jokes. And even went along with any of Luffys crazy ideas. Luffy continue to attend every game, and hearing the cheering in the stands gave Zoro a new burst of motivation on the field. As well as seeing the boy in his varsity jacket definitely helped.

The days grew short as winter settled in, but Zoro had never been happier. They went on dates to small cafes and walks in the park where Zoro somehow seemed to get lost at every turn. But it was always fun. He and Luffy spent Christmas Eve curled up by the fire, sharing quiet kisses under the mistletoe that left Zoro glowing with warmth long after.

Goa defended their championship title that year, led by Ace to another perfect season. Zoro played his heart out each game knowing Luffy was watching, proud as anyone when they hoisted the trophy at the final buzzer.

And as a new year bloomed with promise of senior spring, and Zoro knew whatever challenges came his way, Luffy at his side would make anything seem possible.

Now they have to see what conflicts may come with college come fall...