It was just another day sailing the seas for the Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy was relaxing on the figurehead of the Thousand Sunny while chatting and laughing with his crewmates. However, he had a secret plan he was excited to execute.
Luffy had asked Nami and Robin for help in planning a surprise party. He wanted to do something nice for his loyal first mate and best friend. Together, the three had cooked up a feast for the evening and decorated the men's quarters where Zoro stayed. Now all that was left was getting the birthday boy there without him being suspicious.
As the sun began to set, Luffy jumped down from his spot. "Ne, Zoro!" he called out. "Come help me train, I need a workout partner!" Zoro raised an eyebrow, confused as he never sees the captain train, but he still complied with his captains request of course, following his captain to the main deck. What greeted them made Zoro's eyes widen in surprise. His crewmates suddenly popped out from their hiding places, shouting "Happy Birthday!"
Zoro was stunned into silent shock at the party before him. He never would have expected his crew to remember, let alone celebrate, his birthday. Luffy grinned widely at his success in catching Zoro off guard.
"Come on, let's eat!" Luffy cheered, dragging Zoro over to the food-laden tables. There was a feast spread out with all of Zoro's favorite dishes, and of course lots of Sake for the birthday boy. As everyone gathered to dig in, Brook led the crew in an off-key rendition of "Happy Birthday." Zoro tried to scowl and brush it off, but the corners of his mouth turned up in a small smile.
After gorging on the amazing meal, it was time for presents. Usopp proudly presented Zoro with a set of shiny new weights for training. Franky gifted him custom-crafted bottle openers shaped like swords. But Zoro was most touched when Luffy shyly pulled out a leather bracelet he had made, engraved with their Jolly Roger symbol.
"So you don't forget your most important crewmate," Luffy said with a grin. Zoro's heart swelled and he clasped the bracelet on, vowing never to remove it. As the party raged on around them, Luffy leaned in close. "I have one more surprise for you later, just you and me," he whispered, sending a shiver down Zoro's spine. What more could his captain have planned? And why did the idea of something being between only them make him so happy.
As the party began to wind down, Luffy grabbed Zoro's hand. "Come with me," he said with a mischievous smile. The captain led his first mate away from the loud noise to the front of the ship, where they had a beautiful view of the starry sky over the open sea. Relaxing happily together, just smiling in silence for a bit.
Luffy turned to Zoro, taking both his hands in his own. "I wanted to give you your other present somewhere private. You mean so much to me, Zoro, as my friend and as my strength. There's no one else I'd rather have by my side." He leaned in and pressed their lips together in a tender kiss.
Zoro was stunned yet again tonight, but happily returned the kiss. When they parted, he said, "You never cease to surprise me, Captain. I assumed my feelings were one-sided."
Luffy grinned. "Nope! I love you too. So, will you be my special person from now on?"
A soft smile and a nod was Zoro's reply.
As the rest of the crew began retiring for the night after the party, Luffy took Zoro's hand and led him onto the figurehead. They sat close together, legs dangling off the side as they gazed up at the dazzling night sky. They spent the rest of the night on the figurehead, talking and sharing sweet kisses under the moonlight. It was the best birthday Zoro could remember. Their bond remained strong as captain and first mate, but was deepened with new passion and devotion as lovers as well.
The moon shone down, bathing them in a soft glow. Luffy was the first to break the comfortable silence. "Did you have a good birthday, Zoro?"
A rare smile spread across Zoro's face. "It was certainly... unexpected. But I really enjoyed it, thanks to you and the others. I'm glad I could share this day with my crew."
Luffy beamed back at him, thrilled that his plan was a success. "I'm glad! You work so hard as our first mate, you deserve to relax and be appreciated sometimes too." He leaned his head on Zoro's shoulder affectionately.
Zoro's cheeks colored slightly pink at the intimate gesture. He wasn't used to openly displaying emotions, but with Luffy it felt natural. "You're a good captain. I'm proud to follow you to the end."
Luffy lifted his head to meet Zoro's gaze, grinning wildly. "And I'm proud to have the World's Greatest Swordsman at my side!" He closed the distance between them, capturing Zoro's lips in a sweet kiss.
Zoro kissed back gently, savoring the rare moment of tenderness. When they parted, Luffy rested his forehead against Zoro's, smiling softly. "I meant what I said earlier. I love you, Zoro."
Zoro's heart swelled hearing those words. "I love you too, Luffy. Thank you for everything." He pulled Luffy into a tight embrace under the stars, content to stay in each other's arms for the rest of the night.
The next morning, Zoro joined Luffy at the bow with a rare, bright smile. He took Luffy's hand and gave it a grateful squeeze. "Thank you for the best birthday. I'll be by your side forever, my captain, my love." Luffy beamed back at him, and they sailed on toward new adventures together.
