absolute zero

10th June 2019

Luffy couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so cold. They had just left an island with a warm and humid climate but for whatever reason — the New World was unpredictable — they had sailed into freezing cold temperatures. Franky and Chopper were working overtime to ensure that the Sunny was withstanding the sudden change in weather. The rest of the crew had layered up their clothes, with blankets draped over too, and were huddled together in the kitchen for warmth. Sanji had made everyone hot chocolates to sip.

Luffy flexed his fingers, they were getting stiff with the cold despite wearing gloves. He wrapped them around his mug of hot chocolate and savoured the warmth that spread through his hands.

“How long until we get somewhere warm?” Luffy whined. He was cold, but also bored. There wasn’t much to do when confined inside.

Nami rolled her eyes. “I told you already. It could be a few days,” she said.

“But I’m bored,” Luffy moaned. He turned to Zoro who was seated next to him. “Aren’t you bored, Zoro?”

Zoro shrugged. “Pretty tired actually.” He opened up his arm, inviting Luffy to share his blanket. Luffy inched closer and made himself comfortable curled into Zoro..

“How are you so warm?” Luffy said, as Zoro’s body heat slowly spread to him. He was reminded of the early days of sailing with Zoro — when it had just been the two of them. He’d asked the same question back then. Zoro had just shrugged.

“Just am, I guess,” Zoro said.

Luffy smiled and shut his eyes. He was warm and comfortable. He could be bored later, but for now a nap sounded like a great idea.

Sanji chuckled. “That’s one way to stop him complaining.”

But Luffy didn’t bother responding. Instead he drifted off with Zoro tracing circles into his shoulder.