thekingofthepirates

We'll make sure it's worth all of that, definitely. [And whatever else Garp will do for sneaking off with his grandson. He pulls away slowly to give Koby a fond punch to the shoulder.

He's not thinking if this will be the last time -- because Luffy isn't going to sit around worrying. He has no intention of dying after all, and he knows Koby is tougher than he even knows. They'll see each other again. Hopefully not when Koby has to make the decision of whether or not he maintains his loyalty to Luffy or not. But he doesn't want to think of them having to fight.

He just wants to enjoy the night with his friend.]

Come on. I'll show you the way to my cabin. I think the bed's big enough for both of us.

[Honestly, Koby's taking a very pragmatic view of Garp's intense brand of training -- its making him stronger, a better fighter. Every punched warship is helping him get that much closer to his dream. It's worth it, the bloodied knuckles and bone-deep exhaustion and every wound and injury.

Plus he's managing to still see Luffy during it all. Besides, did Garp ever specifically say Koby wasn't allowed to see the pirate? No. No, he didn't. Whatever code Koby has, Luffy's still safe inside it.

Besides, there are more pressing issues -- like the fact that they're apparently immediately going to bed. Koby's thoughts immediately jump to not-very-professional places, and he sort of chokes out the words as he hurries after Luffy:] Your -- bed? Both of us?

[Garp is good at that -- pushing and pushing until he gets the result he wants. Until you're as strong as you can possibly be. He may not see eye to eye with his grandfather, but Koby will get to where he wants to be. Luffy is sure of that.

And right now? They'll spend some time together. He figures he'll show him where they're sleeping, then-- maybe they'll go check out the rest of the ship. Or the galley, or--]

Huh? [He looks over at Koby.] Well, yeah. Is that a problem? I thought it would be better than either of us taking the floor.

[Immediately, Koby wants to kick his stupid, smitten brain. He needs to make the most of Luffy being here, not waste it being an idiot about a dumb crush. It's not that he doesn't love being friends -- he does, more than almost anything else. Luffy's the first real friend he's ever had.

But sometimes, he thinks about -- more. It's selfish. It's so selfish.

So he shakes his head hard, squaring his shoulders up a bit more. He's learned to do that, more and more.] No, no, it's -- it's me, I've spent too much time around idiot cadets. I keep hearing dirty jokes or...or innuendo in everything. Ignore me.

[Luffy can be oblivious, but he's not dumb. Koby mentions dirty jokes and Luffy's eyebrows go up and his eyes go slightly wide.]

Oh. [Oh. Luffy's quiet for a moment as he keeps walking. Not really because he's offended, but he's thinking. Koby hadn't exactly been offended, had he? Luffy doesn't think so anyway. He could have told Luffy no if he thought he'd been suggesting something like... that.

But he'd just followed after.]

Did you want to? [It's better to just ask than play a guessing game. And it's not like--

He likes Koby. A lot. It doesn't matter how far apart they travel, it's always the same when they cross paths again That excited flutter, that urge to not let him go, even when he knows he's got to. They've both got their own dreams and Luffy wouldn't stand in the way of that for anything.]

[It's not -- the worst reaction ever. Luffy isn't immediately grossed out or offended. He doesn't Gum Gum Something Koby right off the ship. He sounds almost -- thoughtful. Traitorously, Koby's chest gives a hopeful little flutter, which he immediately stamps down. Luffy is -- special. There's something almost magical about him. Koby is still just a cadet, and not a very good one. He's not going to fool himself that Luffy would ever want him -- like that.

But then: that question. Koby almost trips over his own feet, choking out a shaky laugh far too late to seem even remotely unbothered.] That's -- I'm -- I-I told you, ignore what. What I'm thinking. I'm just happy to spend time with you, really.

[His voice is strained, his casual smile clearly fake.] I'm sure plenty of people have thoughts like that about the highest bounty in the East Blue. You're very, um. Popular.

Koby.

[He turns to face the other man, arms crossing over his own chest as he meets his eyes. He's dodging the question.

... and maybe Luffy does find the flustered smile kind of--

Well, cute. If he thinks about it, which he can't help but do right now.

He knows Koby is just as capable of going after what he wants.]

I'm not asking about other people. [Finally he cracks a smile.] I wouldn't let them kiss me. Probably.

[He can't think of anyone else he'd like to kiss anyway, but-- Koby is. Handsome. Luffy can and has noticed that. His smile when he's actually happy, the way he looks when he's done something to be proud of. Maybe he didn't think they'd do anything about it, but...

Apparently that's on the table.]

But I would, you know. Let you.

[Koby has to skid to a halt as Luffy turns abruptly, arms crossed, with that knowing look he gets sometimes. He isn't dumb, not at all. Sometimes Koby thinks the captain can just -- look at people and know them. Even better than they know themselves.

The words, though, are unexpected. Koby's awkward attempts to dodge the questions melt away immediately, replced with a wide-eyed, sort of stunned loom. Then, before he can help himself -- a grin, wide and genuine and hopeful.] You. You would. Really? Do you really mean that?

[He can't help the laugh that leaves him at that look. The grin, the excitement. He's mirroring it in a moment though, reaching out for one of Koby's hands to tug him along.]

I wouldn't joke about that, Koby.

[And Luffy never says anything he doesn't mean.]

But-- we should probably get inside first, right?

[He doesn't think his crewmates would appreciate walking in on them making out before they get to the cabin...]

Oh. Ohhhh, right. [Another of those sheepish laughs as Koby's tugged along. Making out with the captain would probably be even more infuriating than wearing a Marine uniform.

So he follows, gathering up his courage enough to slide his fingers between Luffy's and holding tight. Koby's hands are smaller, but surprisingly callused -- lots of mopping does that. And he lets Luffy lead, looking absolutely blissful, like he doesn't care where they go. He'll follow, no matter where.]

[He thinks Koby is probably an exception -- or he is to Luffy. He's not like the other Marines. He's helped them out. He's been a good friend to Luffy.

But he doesn't want an interruption, so he tugs him into the room and closes the door behind them.

And doesn't quite let go of Koby's hand, even if maybe he should. His thumb brushes over the back of his hand fondly.]

Have you done this before?

[Any other time, Koby would be fascinated by what's in Luffy's room, and want to hear about everything. But he's a little bit distracted right now, mostly by the rough brush of Luffy's thumb over his knuckles.

Somehow it's easier now to shake his head, face reddening a little. Koby knows Luffy won't judge him for being inexperienced -- not much opportunity to make out with anyone when you're trapped on a pirate ship and/or training with Vice-Admiral Garp.] Just thought about it a lot. But I don't think that really counts.

...have you?

[There's not too much in the way of personal belongings yet. There's the bed, his clothes, maybe a few things he's picked up here and there...

Right now? The most interesting thing to him is Koby. He steps a bit closer to Koby and shakes his head at the question.]

No. Guess we'll figure it out together, right?

[And he's very enthusiastic if the way he leans in is anything to go by, to press their lips together. Quick and soft for now, testing the waters.]

... Were you thinking about kissing me?

You haven't? [This seems to surprise Koby a little -- clearly he can't imagine anyone not wanting to kiss Luffy. That just doesn't make any sense. Is everyone else blind??

But there's not time to dwell on it, because Luffy's leaning forward, and there's no time to get nervous or overthink anything. There's just that quick, sweet, press of their lips together and -- it's not scary at all. It's the easiest thing in the world.

All the anxious tension melts away, and Koby's reaching out immediately, without worrying if it's the right thing. Don't think, just do. Just follow his gut, hands curling into Luffy's shirt to tug him closer again.] Yes. Every single day. Since I met you.

Nope. [People tend to find Luffy to be a little bit much, and even if that isn't the case... Luffy tends to be oblivious, focused on his dream. That doesn't mean he hasn't-- thought about things though.

Especially with the other man right in front of him.

Especially when he's getting tugged in and Koby's talked himself up to act, not fret and worry. He grins at that answer, following the tug to settle his hands on Koby's waist.]

Then we should definitely make up for all of those missed opportunities, huh? [He doesn't exactly wait for an answer before he leans in to kiss him, a little bit bolder this time.]

[It's very difficult to say no to Luffy, pretty much regardless of the circumstances. Even when he's proposing something absolutely insane, like recruiting a bounty hunter or breaking into a Marine base.

So it's even harder to resist when he's suggesting something like making up for lost time. Lost kissing time. Koby knows he's grinning like an absolute idiot, hands loosening in Luffy's shirt, smiling too hard to actually properly kiss him for a moment.]

Sorry. [It's mumbled, more out of habit than anything else.]

[He's laughing at the smile before he's backing up-- hopefully towards the bed, but he's more focused on tugging Koby along with him to really turn around and look. Well, tugging and pressing another kiss somewhere by the corner of his mouth.]

Don't be sorry. [Mostly because he has no idea what he's sorry about really. Everything is just exciting and new for Luffy, something he instantly wants more of while they've got the chance.]

Kiss me.

[Koby doesn't really know either -- and that's what's so magical about being around Luffy, isn't it. The things that are awkward or uncomfortable or bad just sort of seem to disappear. It must be nice, being around that all the time. Koby's definitely not giving up on his lifelong dream, of course not, but sometimes he wonders...

Anyway. Time for that later. Right now he's just laughing and letting himself be tugged forward, obligingly kissing the corner of Luffy's mouth, his nose, his cheeks, everywhere he can.] I am! See?

[He's-- really cute. The kisses having him letting out a soft chuckle. When his legs bump his bed, he does sit down on the edge of it, looking up at Koby. There's a warmth to his eyes, affection.

He'd have-- loved Koby coming along with him on this adventure. Even if he'd never want him to give up on his dreams, would never ask him to.

But they can have these little moments for right now, right?]

You are! [He hugs his arms around Koby's middle to pull him in even closer, resting his chin against him as he looks up.]

How many kisses do you think it would take to make up for lost time anyway?

[Koby's gotten good at not thinking about things. Don't think about being hungry or scared, on Alvida's ship. Don't think about failing or screwing up, in the Marines. Don't think about how this could be the last time he sees Luffy, before he disappears across the ocean.

So he doesn't think about that, just huffs out a laugh, hands coming to cradle Luffy's face, taking in that smile, that look. Memorizing it, just in case.]

Maybe a hundred? I've already lost count, though. [One thumb strokes the scar on Luffy's cheek, gently.] We might need to try something else, to make up for it.

[It's a pretty smooth line, and would probably be a lot more impressive if Koby wasn't bright red as he said it.]

[He tips into Koby's hand, eyes going half-lidded for a moment as he just enjoys the touch. But that--

Oh.]

Right. [Something else.] Yes. We should.

[There's no lack of enthusiasm from Luffy, even if there's a bit of heat creeping up to his face.]

What do you want, Koby? [His arms loosen around the other man, but just to slide his hands to rest on his hips instead.]

Anything.

[The heat is tangible, especially since Koby's fingers are still lingering on Luffy's face, tracing his jawline, ghosting over his lips. He swallows, throat suddenly dry, suddenly very aware of their current position.]

I -- don't want to be greedy. Or go too fast. [Even though what he really wants is to tear all their clothes off and spend the next five hours in bed.] And I've never -- um. Done anything before.

[Quickly, red-faced:] I-I know how it all works, though. I was on a pirate ship for two years, and nobody cared about privacy there.

I haven't done anything before either. [But largely, Luffy doesn't seem worried about that detail. He doesn't do anything he's not sure of, and Koby seems pretty sure of himself.

Even with all the flushed cheeks and stammering. That-- just seems to be Koby, and Luffy is confident he'll get there in the end.]

You can be greedy, Koby. Tonight, I'm all yours. [He told him he could have his company all night, right? Just them. He grins and, reluctantly, pulls away. But only to slide further up the bed, leaning back on his elbow.]

I think you're wearing too many clothes for all the places I want to kiss and touch you next. [He may not have any experience, but he does have a lot of imagination.]

[Koby is very sure! He's just going to be deeply awkward about everything throughout the process. And push his glasses up his nose a lot and look determined before climbing onto the bed, kicking off his shoes as he goes.]

Okay. [Deep breath, looking so serious, like this is a challenging Go game or something.] Okay. [Pulling off his shirt now and -- getting caught in it. Awesome. So smooth. Maybe try unbuttoning it first, buddy.]

Koby! [He's laughing. Not in a mean way, just-- watching him struggle and getting caught in his own shirt pulls it out of him. He sits up a bit further to try to help out.]

Here, let me help. [Unbuttoning it first is a very good idea!

And it's more fun to do it himself anyway.]

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