A hug is all he needs.
His crew knew he was still hurting, even though it had been two years since Ace's death. They could see through the facade he put up, the brave front he wore day in and day out. They knew about the panic attacks that would grip him when memories of Ace flooded back. They knew, but they also knew they couldn't turn back time to help him heal.
One night, Zoro heard a noise coming from Luffy's room. Concerned, he went to check, only to find Luffy tossing and turning in the throes of a nightmare. Luffy was calling out for Ace, his voice filled with anguish, tears streaming down his face. Zoro couldn't bear to see his captain and lover in such pain, so he gently tried to wake him.
"Luffy, it's okay. You're safe," Zoro whispered, his voice filled with reassurance.
Luffy awoke with a start, his wide eyes darting around the room, desperately searching for Ace. When he realized it was Zoro who had roused him, he broke down into more tears, his grief overwhelming.
Zoro didn't know what to say to console Luffy, so he did the only thing he could think of. He held Luffy close, wrapping his strong arms around him, offering a silent, comforting presence. Luffy clung to him, seeking solace in the warmth of his lover.
As Luffy cried, Zoro held him until he gradually began to calm down. Then, Zoro gently guided Luffy to lie down on his bed. Without a word, he lay down beside him, pulling Luffy close so that the young captain rested his head on Zoro's chest.
Zoro kept a protective arm around Luffy, and as they lay there together, the rhythmic rise and fall of Zoro's chest provided a soothing lullaby. Eventually, the exhaustion of emotions took its toll on Luffy, and he fell asleep once more, this time in the comfort of Zoro's embrace.
Zoro didn't leave. He stayed there, watching over Luffy as he slept, knowing that sometimes, the best way to heal was simply to be there for someone when they needed it most.
