Work Text:
“I don’t like this,” Sanji mutters, feeling a shiver run through his body as he settles against the cold wall of their prison.
It’s been hours since they got caught and locked up by the Marines. Not only did they not figure out how to get out yet, they’ve also spent the first sixty or so minutes of their containment arguing and blaming one another for their current predicament. Not that the morales are any better at the moment but at least the screaming is no longer involved.
By now the sun is nearing the horizon, the cell becoming darker and colder by a minute… And frankly, it’s not doing any wonders to Sanji’s already strained nerves.
“Well, tough luck,” he hears the reply coming from the bottom of the opposite wall. “Captivity isn’t exactly a vacation, Cook.”
Zoro’s voice is still heavy with irritation, the blonde can tell as much. Perhaps, his own attitude would even resemble that of the Swordsman, if it wasn’t for the ever-growing anxiety within him.
“Oi, Marimo…” He hates how weak he sounds but the truth is, it’s getting harder and harder for him to breathe.
At this point, he’s ready to cling to anything, even if it means a small semblance of safety. Because right now, he’s on the very edge; not sure if the distress has something to do with the past trauma he’d been so reluctant to acknowledge, or simply a natural reaction to being held against his will. Either way, the reason isn’t what matters the most. Whatever the case, even if his crewmate is never going to let him live this down, he’s still ready to beg for any sort of solace, just out of sheer desperation.
Maybe, Zoro picks up on some of these fears and stressors… He doesn’t laugh at the plea, doesn’t mock Sanji for being pathetic like he’d normally do without a doubt.
His expression softens, ever so slightly.
“Curly,” he calls out a bit reluctantly. There’s a deep sigh, almost as if the Swordsman’s considering his options. “C’mere,” he commands, eventually, his tone firm but not unkind.
Some little remains of Sanjis’ dignity must still be fighting somewhere out there because it takes him a good minute to get to his feet and traverse to the other side of the room, where Zoro is. Once coming to a halt before the Swordsman, he pauses, unsure of what to do next.
Only now does Zoro notice how much the latter is shaking.
“Sit down.” The Swordsman points to the spot beside him. “Since we’re locked in here together, we might as well make the best of it.”
Knowing he wouldn’t willingly present vulnerability if not cornered, Zoro waits patiently for Sanji to settle down, not once hurrying him up. He wants his nakama to be as comfortable as one can be, given the situation. So he allows the Cook to take his time. When that’s achieved, though, Zoro wastes none of his own to wrap an arm around the smaller frame.
Zoro’s touch is meant to be comforting but he keeps it light, just in case Sanji decides it’s undesired after all. The two of them had never done this before—being so… touchy-feely. One could argue they’ve talked sincerely and comforted each other on numerous occasions in the past, yet still, it plays usually through their regular banter. Not to mention, no physical affection was ever introduced in their dynamic, either. With all this gathered, it’s only fair to say that this is new for them both. Which is why, Zoro is ready for rejection.
That is also why he’s surprised to see the Cook lean into him, to feel the blonde grip so tightly at the Swordsman’s coat.
The remaining arm joins the former, as Zoro understands the message clearly. “You’re okay,” he states, his tone suggesting it’s a fact and not a matter for a debate. “Breathe.”
But, of course, Sanji seems to be doing the complete opposite. The air enters his lungs briefly and leaves in a laboured manner. The quivers haunting his slim frame intensify, as the blonde allows a quiet, soft whimper to escape his throat.
“Twirly—”
“I hate it here.” It sounds almost like a dry sob in his ears. Such a desperate noise. “I don’t want to be here.”
It’s obvious that he’s on the verge of panic as he allows his feelings to be recited out loud. Zoro’s grip on his crewmate becomes firmer if possible. He’s never expected the Cook to break down like this.
“I know,” Zoro replies softly. For once, he’s actually patient with the blonde. He sighs again, trying to figure out how to handle this situation. Panic won’t really help either of them, and it becomes gradually clearer to him that the latter is slowly losing his grip on reality, drowning in his own thoughts and fears.
The Swordsman makes a decision. With a steady hand, Zoro reaches for Sanji’s face, prompting his chin upwards to catch his gaze. The lack of light source in the cell makes it all the more difficult but he disregards that factor.
“Curly, listen to me.” His voice is low but not threatening, rather reassuring. “We’re going to get out of here. Even if not by ourselves, I’m sure Luffy and the rest are on their way to help us already,” the Swordsman pauses, making sure the latter is still listening. Sanji’s eyes are still focused purely on him, which is enough of a confirmation.
“We’re going to be alright, just like always,” Zoro assures, his thumb swiping against the blonde’s cheek in a soothing manner. “And I swear, I won’t let anything happen to you until then. Understood?”
He’s utterly positive both of them will later deny this moment ever taking place, never speaking of it again. But for now, both of them need this tranquillity and the confidence that things will work out in the end.
“Okay,” Sanji murmurs finally, so quietly that, at first, the Swordsman isn’t sure if he heard anything at all.
“Yeah?” He confirms.
“Yep.”
Short reply, once more.
“You feelin’ any better now?” Zoro’s grip loosens upon noticing the Cook shift slightly.
Surprisingly, Sanji merely sits up a bit straighter but doesn’t move away from the Swordsman.
“Mmm…” It’s not a ‘yes’ per se, yet Zoro decides to take it as a success, nevertheless. At least, for now.
There’s a new, unfamiliar weight on his shoulder. The Cook is leaning into him once more, seemingly growing heavier by the minute.
“Yeah…” Zoro murmurs under his breath, more so to himself rather than his companion. “A nap sounds pretty good right about now.”