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Sanji woke up not feeling too well but decided to tough it out and get to work anyways. It's his responsibility to take care of the crew. Feeding everyone, especially the always ravenous Luffy was a full-time job with no room for time off. He does his best to get showered and dressed, only having to stop a few times to catch his breath. He takes a mental note to ask Chopper to look him over before shrugging it off and heading to the kitchen.
"It's probably just allergies or an insignificant head cold, nothing to worry about," Sanji thinks to himself as he starts preparing breakfast while most of the crew continues to sleep away.
The first person to arrive is Robin who Sanji eagerly greets with as much energy as he can muster and goes to get her coffee.
"Here you go, Robin-chan," Sanji has to stifle a cough, not feeling the need to disturb her quiet morning.
"Thank you, Sanji," Robin returns the favor with a sweet smile. "How are you feeling today?"
"Just peachy now that you're here," Sanji manages to say before excusing himself to the kitchen. As soon as he closes the door a coughing fit starts and it nearly doubles him over. He swiftly covers his mouth to muffle the sound. It soon subsides and he washes up.
"Good morning, Zoro," Sanji can hear Robin greet the swordsman from the other room.
"Yeah," is Zoro's gruff reply. "Where's that shitty cook at?"
"Finishing up breakfast I assume," Robin starts then there's a pause. "He seems to be under the weather though."
"Idiot. That fucking pride of his," Zoro's words cause Sanji to puff up. Like he's one to talk.
Sanji starts for the door, ready to give him an earful when Zoro bursts in. The two stand there and stare awkwardly for a moment before Zoro speaks up.
"You look like shit...more than usual."
"Shut up, you damn..." before Sanji can finish his sentence another coughing fit hits, this one causing him to reach out for the counter for support. Instead, he finds himself being held up by the muscular swordsman who is currently looking down in concern. Strong, battle-worn hands grip him tightly as if letting go meant certain tragedy. Sanji can’t help but blush, whether in frustration or embarrassment he doesn’t know.
"That's it! No damn excuses! I'm taking you to Chopper," Zoro huffs and without warning just flings Sanji over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
Sanji lets out a yelp of surprise before succumbing to another coughing fit, his fingers subconsciously gripping onto the back of Zoro's robes like a lifeline. His face has turned a brighter shade of red, not just from the increasing fever but from sheer embarrassment. This was pure humiliation for him but he didn't have the energy to do much about it.
"Zoro, stop," is all Sanji can manage to get out through his wheezing.
Zoro ignores the pleads as he carries him off to Chopper's office. Sanji soon just gives in, feeling more tired than before. Eventually, he finds himself in bed, has been given medication, and the strict orders to stay there. However, to his mild surprise, Zoro remains also, sitting on a stool with his arms crossed and a stern look on his face.
"You can leave, you know. How can I sleep with your ugly mug staring at me, moss head?" Sanji snaps before coughing a few more times from the sharp exhale.
"I'm staying, dumb ass. Someone's got to make sure you stay in bed and get better " Zoro growls, turning his eyes away. "I don't want to deal with Nami's cooking is all."
Sanji's face relaxes at this and he smiles weakly.
"Thanks, idiot. Love you too," Sanji thinks to himself before drifting off to sleep. Zoro waits until he's sure the cook is asleep before moving closer, inches away from his bed just to make sure he's okay. He’s willing to stay however long it takes for Sanji to recover. He hesitates briefly but eventually, he reaches over and takes the other’s hand, interlocking their fingers gently. A sure-fire way to make sure the cook stays put and to know if his condition changes suddenly. Soon a chorus of snores fills the air as the two sleep soundly.