Archive of Our Own ^beta

Nami has jokingly, or not so jokingly, said that Sanji overthinks because Zoro doesn’t think at all. Of course, Zoro immediately got on the defensive when Nami said that, but Sanji was busy overthinking that Nami, and apparently their friend group, knew that he did.

Sanji often distracts himself with anything, just so he doesn’t sit with these thoughts, or let his mind overthink. Probably why he picked up smoking in high school. Overthinking more often than not, is not helpful. But sometimes, when his spiral of thoughts ends up being true; he still has no one to rub it in their face.

One afternoon, Sanji is working a shift at Baratie, lunchtime rush, when he notices his throat is sore. He doesn’t think much of it, continuing to get through the orders, taking a sip of water when he can, but mostly just focusing on the orders. An hour later, when the rush has died down, Sanji takes his break. He walks down the street to the corner store to pick up some cough drops, in hopes to soothe his throat.

Once Sanji gets back, he eats lunch, takes a lozenge, and keeps the bag in his pocket. He tries to focus on cooking, but he can’t help but notice his throat is still sore. He continues to take a lozenge when he has a chance, but he feels slightly panicked that it’s not going away.

At 5pm, the beginning of the dinner rush, Sanji wonders if he should just head home. His shift was supposed to end at 4pm, but he usually helps with the dinner rush, and leaves after 7pm. Zeff couldn’t kick him out if he tried, and it’s not like Sanji isn’t getting paid overtime. But it feels like he’s skipping out early, if he doesn’t stay later. It also means admitting that this sore throat might be a sign of something worse.

Sanji decides that just for today, and the circumstances, he’ll leave now. He punches out, and goes to collect his things from the locker area, and swings by Zeff’s office, who is eating his dinner while he can.

“Hey old man, I’m going to head out now, just so you know I won’t be here during the dinner rush.” Sanji says, trying to feign nonchalance. He usually says bye anyway, so this isn’t unusual, as long as Zeff doesn’t question the time. Zeff looks up from his meal, and then to the wall clock.

“Alright, fine, get out of my hair. Are you still good with closing tomorrow?” Zeff asks, going back to his meal.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll see you at 1 tomorrow.” Sanji waves, and leaves before Zeff can question him. He waves to the kitchen staff, and heads out to catch the bus back to his place. The bus ride is uneventful, he didn’t think he was overly tired but his body feels heavy in the plastic seat. Sanji wants nothing more than to shower, eat and go to sleep. He wonders if Zoro will be home, Fridays his classes finish early, but he usually hits the gym and public transport and Zoro aren’t the most compatible.

Sanji gets off at his stop, and walks up a block to his apartment. His apartment couldn’t feel further, as he climbs up the four flights of stairs and is abnormally out of breath. He unlocks his apartment, calling out “I’m home,” to no response. Zoro’s shoes aren’t by the door, so Sanji gathers that he’s not home yet.

Chai, and Chilli, greet Sanji at the door, meowing and head butting his legs. He tries to walk, without stepping on them. He drops his bag by the table, and walks into the kitchen to fill all of their food bowls. Chilli jumps up on the counter, leaning in and sniffing Sanji’s face.

“You guys are so silly. The only reason you’re being cute is because I’m feeding you.” Sanji smiles, and kisses Chilli’s face, who meows in response. He manages to fill all three bowls with premade meals. Chai and Chilli are lost to their meal, without a second regard to the hands that feed them. “Clove, come here girl. It’s dinner time.” Sanji calls, walking through the apartment, trying to figure out which nook or cranny she is curled up in.

He walks into his bedroom, and is immediately hit with the desire to flop on his bed. Sanji can’t bring himself to do that, way too sweaty and smelly from work. Shower, eat, and bed. It’s now his mantra of the evening. Sanji finds Clove curled in their laundry basket of dirty clothes, sleeping. He rubs up her nose, and scratches her head, her eyes lazily opening.

Sanji picks her up, cradling her like a baby, and brings her to the kitchen for her meal. He’s just in time too, because Chilli is sniffing Clove’s meal, having finished his own. Sanji nudges Chilli out of the way with his foot, and places Clove in front of her dish. Now that everyone is fed, Sanji makes his way back to his bedroom.

He takes off his clothes, throwing them in the hamper, Sanji removes his binder, hanging it on a hanger until tomorrow. He didn’t realise how sweaty he was until the cool air hit his naked body. He walks across the hall to the bathroom, Chai meowing as Sanji enters. He lets Chai in before closing the door. Chai often follows around whoever is home, and the bathroom is no exception.

Sanji hops in the shower, using cooler water first, rinsing away the sweat of the day. He makes it slightly warmer as he washes his hair and body. After showering, feeling much cleaner, Sanji continues to stand under the warm spray. With his eyes closed, he’s sure he could fall asleep standing up. Wanting to sleep in his bed, Sanji steps out of the shower, and wraps himself up in a towel, rubbing a smaller towel through his hair.

Chai investigates the empty shower, licking at the remaining water clinging to the tile. Sanji dries himself off, and hangs up his towel, opening the door to see Chilli waiting, before he meows. Sanji ignores him and goes into his dresser, putting on a looser fitting t-shirt and sweatpants. He puts on some thermal socks and goes to sit down on his bed to continue towel drying his hair. The two cats follow him into his bedroom, slinking around the room.

Chai is quick to jump up on the bed, head butting at Sanji’s elbows and crawling into his lap. She leans and sniffs Sanji’s face, and despite the exhausting day he’s had, his cats always know how to lift his spirits. He found all three of them huddled together behind Baratie, with a sick looking mother. It didn’t take much convincing to get Zeff on board in adopting them, and bring them in for a check up.

Zeff kept the mom, and when Sanji moved out to live with Zoro, his three babies came with him. They were all quirky in their own ways, and their names came from spices their coats most resembled. They were only 2 years old, but they’ve all since come into their own. Chai is definitely the most affectionate, Sanji’s true baby. Chilli is most mischievous and Clove is quite skittish, even running away from Sanji if he’s not careful.

When Sanji and Zoro agreed to move in together for college and work, Zoro was a little hesitant about the cats. He was more worried about how they would like him, and less about his own comfort living with three cats. But they all get along as well as they can.

Zoro ignores them for the most part, but Sanji has seen Zoro playing with Chilli with a feather wand. Sanji has even come home to Chai sleeping on Zoro’s chest. He was able to take a picture before Chai realised Sanji was home, and hopped off Zoro, none to gracefully, then greeted Sanji.

Sanji is just happy they’re all able to live in moderate harmony, and if he ever had to choose, the cats or Zoro, well. Zoro knew Sanji’s answer. Sanji lets his hair towel rest around his shoulders before holding Chai closer. He scratches under her chin, and Chai lets out pleased sounding purrs.

“Hi baby, did you have a rough day too?” Sanji coos at Chai, or tries to. His voice sounds rougher than usual. He clears his throat, wincing at the discomfort, might be worth taking a couple more cough drops. He’s not sure if he’s had the daily dose, but if not he can have one more then sleep it off, he’ll probably feel better in the morning.

But now showered, sitting on his bed, there’s nothing Sanji wants to do more than curl up and snuggle with Chai. Maybe he could lay down for a little bit, then he’ll get up, have a cough drop, make supper, eat and then go to bed. Revised to do list. He lays properly on the bed, on top of his sheets. Chai quickly accommodates the new position, snuggling up between Sanji’s arm and body, purring contently. Yeah, just a couple of deep breaths then he’ll get started on supper.

-

Zoro sighs in relief at seeing his apartment building. He must’ve gotten off a stop too early, and he almost panicked thinking he would have to call the Cook to come get him. Again. The appeal was that their apartment is close to campus, but despite many chaperons, Zoro still gets home half an hour later than he should be. It doesn’t matter, extra cardio.

By the time he gets up to the apartment, unlocks the door and enters, the place is mysteriously silent. Having lived with the three devils, Zoro knows there’s trouble for him later, whether it’s vomit or something destroyed. A quick glance to the right, and there’s no one in the kitchen, Zoro frowns. He looks down to see Curly’s shoes, and a little further his bag, so he must be home.

It’s not to say Zoro expects dinner to be ready when he gets home, but more often than not it already is, and he doesn’t really think deeper into it. Sanji has basically banned Zoro from the kitchen if he’s home, and Zoro really doesn’t want his face kicked in because he moved something and didn’t put it back in the right spot.

Zoro takes off his shoes, and walks to his bedroom, putting down his bag before walking back toward the kitchen. Sanji usually gets home later when he has a morning shift, so it’s kind of weird that he’s here now. He takes a glance into Sanji’s room as he walks by, to see the door wide open, and Sanji sleeping with one of the devils.

Normally Zoro wouldn’t enter Sanji’s room without express permission, but Zoro can’t help it, because the whole situation feels off. When he gets closer, Zoro can hear Sanji snoring, which almost sounds painful, the sound getting caught in his throat. The cat, most likely Chai, based on behaviour, slowly opens her eyes as if sixth sense alerted her of Zoro’s arrival.

He holds out a hand to her, which she sniffs and nudges. Always stuck to Sanji when he’s around, but as soon as he’s gone, it’s like Zoro and Chai are best friends. Zoro doesn’t blame her, he’d rather be caught dead than admit that he has a fondness for the three devils, and their owner.

Zoro can understand the frustration of being woken up from a good nap, but if Sanji plans on sleeping for the night, he should at least get under the covers. He’s also curious if Sanji has eaten yet, since no evidence indicates that he might have. He shakes Sanji’s shoulder to try and wake him up.

“Hey, Curls. You should lay in bed properly if you’re going to sleep.” Zoro says, in a soft voice. He moves back as he waits for Sanji to wake up, which he does slowly, blinking and looking up at Zoro with confusion.

“What time is it?” Sanji asks, his voice sounds terrible. Worse than just having woken up from a nap. Zoro glances at the bedside clock.

“7:19 pm. Have you eaten yet? When did you get home?” Zoro asks. Sanji sits up, displacing Chai, who jumps off the bed. It takes Sanji a second to process, then he goes stiff, and shoots to his legs, and promptly sits back on his bed from how quickly he stood up. “Woah, Curls, slow down.” Zoro holds out his hands in a placating motion.

“I haven’t made dinner yet.” He mutters, and tries to get back up slower this time, with success. Zoro continues to hold out his hands, to prevent Sanji from leaving.

“I know, clearly you’re tired, I just came to check on you, I can make my own dinner.” Zoro reassures. Sanji shakes his head, pushing past Zoro. “C’mon, cook! You taught me how to use the rice cooker, I can manage dinner on my own.” Sanji is long out of his room, with Chai and another cat out of nowhere following him.

“Nope, I will make dinner, I always make dinner when I’m home, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.” Sanji shouts over his shoulder. Zoro sighs. He’s not feeling very combative right now. When the cook gets stubborn like this, there’s no talking him out of anything. Zoro follows after him, sitting at the island counter, like usual to supervise.

Sanji is washing rice and putting it in the rice cooker, clearly inspired by Zoro’s comment. He opens the freezer, and pulls out salmon, which he seasons, and throws in the airfryer. He’s back in the fridge, pulling out vegetables, to cook on the stove. Zoro watches, (not unlike the cats,) Sanji in his element, flying around the kitchen preparing dinner. In no time at all, Sanji is handing Zoro a plate before taking a seat beside him.

They eat in silence, Zoro side eyeing a cat, who might be Chilli, sitting with a swishing tail watching Zoro eat. No doubt waiting for any food to fly. Sanji has told Zoro to never feed the cats anything that isn’t clearly labelled “For Cats” in the cupboard, fridge or freezer. Zoro feels kinda smug, having won this battle.

“Did you already feed your minions?” Zoro asks, before taking another bite. Sanji scoffs.

“I might forget to feed the houseplants, but I can assure you my babies do not go hungry in this house.” Zoro rolls his eyes. He doesn’t point out that he still got fed, so who is really his baby? Wait. What. That is not what Zoro meant, why is he jealous of the cats? He isn’t a baby, and certainly not Sanji’s.

“Yeah, whatever, Cook.” He mumbles. “Was it busy at the restaurant today?” He asks before stuffing his face. Zoro can’t shake the feeling that there’s still something up with the cook. There’s definitely days where he’s more tired, or there are particularly terrible guests, but this seems different.

“Not necessarily busier than usual. My throat has been sore since this afternoon, and I just feel tired. I’m going to sleep right after this. I work the closing shift tomorrow, so I can sleep in, if I really wanted to.” Sanji replies. Zoro hums in response.

“Think you could be coming down with something?” Zoro asks, couple of classmates were out sick this past week, and he vaguely remembers Nami saying Vivi was sick, and she was doing her best to not get sick herself. Sanji freezes, mid bite, and puts down his fork, and turns to look at Zoro.

“What?” His tone daring Zoro to repeat himself. Curly’s eyes are wide, almost fearful, and Zoro’s brows furrow at what he said could cause such a reaction.

“I just meant maybe you’re getting sick. It's transitional season time right now, and I know a couple others were sick. Nothing to worry about, it’s just the cold season.” Zoro states. Chopper also gave him a lecture when they had lunch yesterday, on campus. Reminding Zoro, Nami and Usopp the importance of hand washing and covering their coughs and sneezes. Unexpectedly, Sanji starts laughing. Okay. A little concerning.

“Oh, wow. That’s funny. Never thought I’d be around the day you say “Transitional Season,” and lecturing me about health.” Curls laughs some more, before dramatically wiping a tear away. Zoro scoffs, and picks up their empty plates. “Phew, you’re hanging out with Chopper too much. Next thing you know, you’ll tell me smoking is bad for me.” Zoro rolls his eyes, he will not dignify that with a response.

“I’ll clean up here, you just go to bed.” Zoro grumbles. This is what he gets for looking out for Curly. He would deny the more romantic feelings he has for Sanji, how he can’t help but care for the man, even if it’s not the same for Sanji, but Zoro knows there’s no point in denying what is so plainly obvious.

“You think you’re subtle? You’re about as subtle as your bright green hair, dumbass.” Nami told him. Well, it seemed obvious to everyone, but the cook.

“Don’t put anything in the wrong spot, Marimo.” Curls said over his shoulder. He must be tired if all Zoro gets is a poor threat, and not the whole song and dance of, ‘no I’ll do it.’ “C’mon girl, we’re going to go cuddle, and get some nice sleep.” Zoro looks over his shoulder to see Sanji picking up, who has to be Chai, and pressing quick kisses to her head. “Goodnight, Mosshead.” And with that Sanji disappeared down the hallway.

There is meow at Zoro’s feet, and he turns to see, no doubt Chilli, batting at his leg.

“Shut up, I’m not jealous of hairballs.” He muttered, ignoring Chilli and continuing to clean up. He won’t deny his feelings for Curls, but he certainly will deny any feelings, other than ill harboured toward the cats.

Zoro makes a mental note to check on Sanji before he goes to his shift, to make sure he’s feeling better. Bastard would go in sick, if no one stopped him.

-

Despite his exhaustion, Sanji barely got any good sleep last night. He generally leaves his door open so the cats can come and go as they please, but there were definitely two of them racing each other in the middle of night. The quick sprinting kept Sanji up, and he didn’t bother telling them off, simply too tired to. Eventually they calmed down, and Sanji did manage to get some sleep.

When he wakes up, Chai is sleeping on his chest, making it incredibly difficult for Sanji to breathe, and Chilli sleeping at the end of his bed. Unfortunately, he can already tell that his throat is still sore, almost worse, and he feels a bit achy. He can’t help but remember Zoro’s comment last night about the possibility of Sanji being sick, but there is just no way. Sanji can’t be sick.

He moves Chai off his chest, without disturbing her too much, and tries to take a deep breath, but it only aggravates his throat more. He slowly sits up, it’s like his ears are underwater, or they need to be popped. Sanji shakes his head a little, which is a stupid move because not only does it not help the ears, once his head stops moving, it feels like his brain is two seconds behind. He glances at the clock, noticing it’s only 8:30 in the morning, earlier than he thought it was.

Sanji stands up, but everything just feels worse. He slowly walks across the hall to the bathroom, trying to figure out what is going on. He brushes his teeth, rinses his face, but neither makes him feel better. What the hell is wrong with him? Is this a weird side effect of his testosterone? He’s been on it for two years now, surely something would’ve cropped up earlier. He ponders some more what could be the cause, as he rubs his T gel on his shoulder.

He finishes up in the bathroom, making his way to the kitchen. There is not a chance, Sanji is sick. How could he be sick? He decides to act like nothing is wrong, like he’s not going to fall over, and continues his routine like always. He fills the cat's bowls, Chilli the first to arrive at the sound of rustling. Sanji will keep an eye on his trouble maker, so he doesn’t eat his sister’s food before they arrive.

Sanji stares at the small magnetic calendar on the fridge, willing himself to remember what the day is. Saturday. Right. Zoro will be coming back from his morning run any moment, a protein smoothie and breakfast are in order. Sanji gets to work focusing on the task at hand, not the aching in his throat and whole head. He prepares the smoothie, placing the blender cup on the base, but not wanting to scare the cats before they’ve eaten.

He decides that a classic egg breakfast will do everyone good, so he gets to work on cracking eggs into a baking dish, with cottage cheese, leftover bacon, shredded cheese, tomato and spinach. Sanji preheats the oven, and decides to air fry some hashbrowns as well on the side. He flits around the kitchen, avoiding the cats, making sure Chilli isn’t jumping up on the counters or eating food that isn’t his.

Sanji resolves that, whatever is wrong with him, could easily be remedied by good food and nutrition. Some warm tea wouldn’t hurt either, so Sanji turns on the kettle, selecting a black tea bag in his favourite mug. The oven beeps, having reached temperature. Sanji throws the egg bake in and sets a timer. He checks on the cats, all bowls empty, but Chilli is still in the kitchen, looking at Sanji expectantly.

“When have I ever given you seconds? You have no more business being here, you rascal.” Sanji scolds. He turns on the blender, which has Chilli promptly running away. Sanji feels a little mean, he wouldn’t do that to Clove, absolutely not. But Chilli can handle the heat.

Once the smoothie is sufficiently blended, Sanji puts a lid on the blender cup, and leaves it on the counter, so Zoro can just grab it when he gets back. He cleans up the dishes, loading the dishwasher, and grabbing plates and utensils for breakfast. The kettle starts boiling, and Sanji pours the water into his mug.

Just as he’s setting the table, the front door opens, and two seconds later, Zoro appears, flushed and sweaty. They share prolonged eye contact, before Zoro shifts his gaze to the smoothie on the counter, taking it and chugging half of it.

“Okay, slow down, Mosshead. You shouldn’t be chugging anything after a workout. Go shower, change and bring me your water bottle, you should be rehydrating.” Sanji scolds. Zoro puts down the half-drunk smoothie, and grunts in response before walking toward the hall. “Just barbaric.” Sanji mutters.

Sanji finishes setting up the table, taking the egg bake from the oven, and serving it on the table. He takes a couple of slow sips on his tea, and the hot beverage soothes his throat momentarily. In no time at all, Zoro is back in a clean set of workout clothes. His shirt stretches across his chest, and Sanji can’t help but feel envious of Zoro being comfortable wearing fitted clothing. Without the need for a binder.

Zoro refills his water bottle, chugs half, then drinks the rest of his smoothie at a normal pace, and then they both sit down to eat breakfast. They eat in silence, and Sanji slowly starts to feel the effects of having paced the kitchen for an hour. Still feeling like he’s underwater, and now a little lightheaded. Of course now, is when Zoro decides to open his big mouth.

“Feeling any better than yesterday?” Sanji can tell Zoro’s trying to feint nonchalance, not even looking at Sanji when he asks it. Sanji rolls his eyes, and decides to double down.

“I feel great actually, better than yesterday. I slept really well, so I’m all ready for a new day.” Sanji takes a bite, forcing himself to stop talking. Zoro looks up at him when he answers. Sanji starts to panic, can Zoro tell he’s lying?

“Right… I’m probably just going to study today, maybe go to Nami or Usopp’s place later.” Zoro says, cleaning off his plate. “Thanks for breakfast, it was good.” Zoro gets up and picks up the dishes, as Sanji finishes his meal.

“I think I’m going to read in the living room with all that nice light coming in. I can make lunch before I go.”

“Nah, it’s good. We have lots of leftovers, I’ll just eat whatever’s in the fridge.” Zoro replies from the kitchen. Sanji hums, satisfied by the answer, but feeling obligated to show Zoro that he’s not sick. As if. But there is such a thing as over-selling, so Sanji doesn’t reply. He finishes up his breakfast, and hands Zoro his dishes to load into the dishwasher.

“You can portion the rest of the egg bake for breakfast next week. Or I can freeze it, and then you can just warm it up in the microwave.” Sanji suggests. Zoro dismisses him with a wave.

“It’s fine, Curls. I got it. Go read your porn.” Zoro mutters. Sanji gasps, and jabs Zoro in his perfect chest.

“I’ll have you know that I only read the most idyllic, fairytale-esque romance novels.” Sanji defends. He crosses his arms and walks out of the kitchen. He reads a smutty novel, one time , and that is deemed all he reads. Ridiculous. Sanji grabs his tea, and makes his way to the living room, opening up the curtains, letting in the light.

He grabs his kindle, and gets comfortable with a blanket. Chai is quick to join him on the couch, curling up in his lap, and Sanji uses one hand to brush her rhythmically. Chilli is putting his whole body into working the cat stretcher, and Clove is on the highest level of the cat tree, having moved into a sunny spot.

Sanji takes a deep breath. Everything is peaceful and all his babies are here. He has a nice cup of tea, and he selects the last book he was reading. Things couldn’t be better. A little relaxing before work later is just what he needs to feel better.

Sanji can hear Zoro finishing up in the kitchen. When he’s done, he starts walking toward the hall, when he stops. Sanji can feel his eyes on him, so he looks up over his kindle with a raised eyebrow.

“Can I help you with something?” Sanji asks. He can’t quite decipher the expression on Zoro’s face. He looks constipated.

“Nope.” He turns the corner, and Sanji is pretty sure he hears him say “pervert,” but Sanji refuses to get riled up in his happy place.

“Whatever, moss for brains.” Sanji returns to his book and petting Chai.

He gets to the end of the chapter, and then finds himself re-reading the same sentence over and over. His mind drifts off, and his eyelids feel heavy. Sanji tries to fight it, but reasons that he did sleep like shit yesterday, and a late morning nap, couldn’t do any harm. The next time his eyes close, Sanji doesn’t force them open, just leaning his head back and letting his arms go lax.

Maybe when he wakes up, he won’t feel like he’s drowning, and he’ll be ready for another shift at Baratie.

-

It takes Zoro a whole song’s length, to realise there is scratching at his door, and not in his headphones. He lets out a long suffering sigh, and glances at the clock, after 1pm. He might as well take a break for some lunch. Zoro takes off his headphones and glasses, and can now hear there is impatient meowing as well as scratching.

If Zoro could tell the demons apart, it’s most likely Chilli meowing at him when he opens the door. He starts walking away until he notices Zoro not following, turns back and meows some more.

“Okay, I get it, I’ll follow. What do you want to show me?” Zoro asks, following as Chilli makes his way quickly to the kitchen. Once Zoro enters, he sees Chilli and probably Chai sitting at their bowls. Chilli meows again, placing a paw in his bowl, in an obvious demand of food. “You hairballs know I don’t feed you. The cook would have my head if I fed you something you’re not supposed to eat, or twice!”

The minions seem unfazed by his response, and continue to meow, only this time, Chilli decides to sink his claws into Zoro’s foot, as if to really get his point across.

“OW! What the fuck! Get off me you demon spawn!” Despite his outrage, it doesn’t hurt that bad, and with a light shake of his foot, Chilli unlatches. “I don’t understand, the Cook would have fed you before he left for work. Why do you want food?” Suddenly, there’s a sound of a phone ringing, and it’s not Zoro’s. He turns around to follow the sound, and then realises that Sanji is asleep on the couch, and not at work.

Before he has time to question that, he decides to pick up Sanji’s phone and the caller ID reads ‘old man.’ Zoro walks back to the kitchen and answers the call.

“Hello?”

“Eggplant?” Zeff asks, clearly confused.

“Sorry, no it’s Zoro.” He corrects.

“Oh. Cabbage. I’ve been calling Eggplant for the last 20 minutes, and he’s not answering, are you with him? What’s going on?” Zeff demands. Zoro decides to say nothing about the cabbage comment, and stays on topic.

“Yeah, he’s still at the apartment, I’ve been studying in my room all morning. He’s sleeping on the couch right now, I thought he was at work.” Zoro responds.

“Yeah well, he was due here half an hour ago, and even then he shows up early. He’s never late unless he tells me. Something is clearly going on.” Zoro isn’t sure if Zeff is alluding to Zoro being the cause, but if that’s the case, the old man’s got another thing coming.

“Honestly, I think he’s sick. Yesterday he said his throat was sore, and he was definitely more tired than usual. I even suggested as much, but he totally flipped his shit on me, saying he couldn’t be sick. This morning I asked how he was doing and he said he was feeling better, but I knew better than to believe him.”

“So, despite knowing he was sick, and lying to you, you still holed yourself up in your room? Instead of taking care of my Eggplant, or encouraging him to call in? See a doctor? I knew you were a terrible boyfriend, Spinach.” Zeff scolds.

“WHAT?” Zoro yells, then immediately checks to see if Sanji is still sleeping, and thankfully he is. “I’m sorry, but I’m not his boyfriend,” even though he wishes they were. “Sometimes I wonder if we’re even friends the way we butt heads. Anyway, I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you how ridiculously stubborn that Cook is. I will gladly take care of him, but he hasn’t even come to terms with the fact that he’s sick! He doubled down this morning saying he felt fine. I can’t help him, if he doesn’t want it.”

Not that Zoro knows much about taking care of a sick person, or how taking care of Sanji looks like. But damn if he wouldn’t try and do everything and anything Sanji needs. The jerk just doesn’t know how to ask or accept help, even if he needs it. There’s dead air on the other end, and Zoro looks at the phone to see if Zeff is still there. Then there’s a deep sigh on the other line.

“Eggplant hasn’t been sick very often in his life. He takes very good care of himself, and I made sure to raise him well.” Another sigh. “That being said, Eggplant is not a very good patient when he is sick. He gets upset, in a way I do not understand and had a hard time navigating. Being his dad, I was able to take care of him, whether he liked it or not. So my only advice, Broccoli, is don’t give up on him.” As if Zoro ever would.

“Oi, if you insist on calling me a vegetable, keep it consistent!” Zoro snaps back, and he can hear Zeff chuckling. “I would never give up on Curls. I will take care of him now, I promise.”

“Okay, good kid. Tell Eggplant to call me later, he can update me himself when he’s awake. For now, tell him he’s off the hook for the weekend, and if he needs more time off, that’s completely fine.” Zeff informs Zoro. He wonders if this is the first real conversation the two of them have had in the year Zoro and Sanji have moved in together.

“Got it, I’ll let him know.” Zoro confirms.

“Good. I’ll swing by tomorrow with food, don’t get sick too, Cabbage.”

“I won’t.” Zoro assumes that’s goodbye, and Zeff has hung up. Zoro lets out a sigh. It sounds simple enough. Take care of Sanji, all he ever wants to do. Except it’s never easy.

Right. Zoro figures the first step is unfortunately waking up Curls. The cats need to be fed, and he needs Sanji to tell him what he needs. Zoro needs to put Sanji’s mind at ease and urge him to rest. After another deep breath, Zoro walks into the living room, to where Sanji is lying on the couch with two cats in tow.

Upon closer assessment, Sanji looks uncomfortable, and his snoring sounds like it hurts. Zoro beats himself up, agreeing with Zeff, he should’ve been a little more insistent about how Sanji was feeling this morning. Just as Zoro is contemplating how to wake up Sanji, Chilli jumps up on the couch, sits in Sanji’s lap and promptly starts yowling. It doesn’t take long for Sanji’s face to scrunch and his eyes to slowly open.

“What? What do you want, Chilli?” Sanji’s voice is hoarse, and he seems to notice and attempts to clear his throat. He slowly sits up, and takes in Zoro’s presence and Chai. Sanji’s eyes widen in alarm. “Shit! What time is it?” He scrambles to get up, Chilli moving out of the way. He stands up, just to sit down again. “SHIT!”

“Okay, slow down, Curls.” Zoro quickly moves to sit beside Sanji, placing a hand on his shoulder, mostly to keep him from trying to stand up again. Zoro has always been straight to the point, and he sees no other way to tell Sanji that he’s sick, then just saying it. “Your old man was calling you, worried why you weren’t at work, and I explained what the situation was, and he said to not even bother coming in.” Sanji turns to Zoro with fear in his eyes.

“What the fuck is the situation, Mosshead?” Sanji asks very slowly, putting emphasis on every word. Zoro let out a sigh. Like ripping off a bandaid.

“You’re sick, Curly. Whether you believe it or want to admit it or not, the facts and evidence are all here, you’re sick. It doesn’t take Chopper for me to see that.” In Sanji’s silence, Zoro continues. “You overslept, and were late for work. I have been in my room studying, until the fuzzballs were at my door yelling because they were hungry. I was only going to wake up to ask what to feed them, since you don’t let me.”

Sanji slowly closes his eyes, and puts his face in his hands. Zoro isn’t too sure what else to say, or what Sanji needs. He meant when he said he would take care of the Cook, but the problem is, Zoro doesn’t really know what that looks like because he’s very rarely given the chance. He shifts his hand so it lays solid hand high on Sanji’s back, giving however long he needs to absorb this information.

After what feels like minutes, one of the cats meow reminding them of their presence, and their still empty bowls. Zoro feels Sanji take a deep breath before removing his hands from his face and slowly standing up. Zoro lets his hand hang awkwardly, unsure if he should brace himself to catch Sanji in case he falls again. Sanji looks at him, expectantly, and motions for Zoro to follow him.

Once in the kitchen, the third cat is waiting by her bowl, patiently, and Zoro can’t help but wish the other two were more like her. Sanji opens the cupboard above the fridge, and takes down three food canisters, all labelled with one of the cats’ names.

“I usually prepare something fresh, but they have this custom mix that I made recently so there’s nothing complicated. Just make sure Chilli doesn’t eat his sisters’ food. That’s probably the hardest part.” Sanji follows through with filling their bowls, starting with Chilli, lest he eat something he’s not supposed to. Chai keeps head butting Sanji’s leg, no doubt looking for affection, or showing her gratitude as Sanji fills the other two bowls.

Sanji puts the canisters back in the cupboard, and leans against the counter, watching the cats ravish their food. He closes his eyes, and Zoro wishes he knew what was going on inside his head. He doesn’t know how to talk about the elephant in the room, but he feels like he should be doing something. He doesn’t want to give Sanji false hope, but maybe this will pass quickly.

“Zeff wants you to call him back. He was pretty worried on the phone.” Zoro says. He treads carefully, not wanting Sanji to get upset or shut down. “You should also text Chopper about your symptoms, and what you can do to get better.” Sanji is still watching the cats, he seems frozen in time. “I’ll head to the store, I have a few things I need to pick up, if there’s anything I can grab for you while I’m there.”

Not wanting to over step, Zoro leaves it at that, and leaves the kitchen. He goes to his room to grab his wallet, and walks to the front door. Passing the kitchen, Sanji is still in the same spot, frozen. Zoro tries to not let it worry him, and puts shoes and jacket on, and heads out the door.

-

Only once the cats are done eating, and Chai is back to rubbing up against him. That brings Sanji out of his head and back to the present. He reaches down, and strokes from head up her tail once, before walking back to the living room. He sits back on the couch, getting warm under the blanket, feeling cold, but unsure if that’s him or the fever making him feel that.

There’s no point in avoiding it anymore. Sanji is 100% sick, and trying to be okay about it. It’s not a big deal, it doesn’t have to be a big deal, these things happen. They just don’t usually happen to Sanji. He does everything in his power to avoid getting sick. He eats right. He usually gets enough sleep. He’s active if he doesn’t have work. He could probably drink more water, but he’s doing better than most. He washes his hands religiously. He’s a chef, for fucksakes, he understands the importance of hand washing. Sure he smokes, but it’s one thing out of a million that he does right.

Chai joins him on the couch again, meowing and rubbing her face against his, and Sanji closes his eyes, and accepts the affection. It’s not going to be forever and it’s not the end of the world. It’s not his fault that he’s not feeling well, but who else is there to blame? He decides to call Zeff, just to be able to go back to sleep. He answers on the first ring.

“Eggplant?” And god, he does sound worried, and it’s never a good look on him. Sanji tries to take a deep breath, coughing on the exhale. He holds his phone away so he’s not coughing in Zeff’s ear.

“Yeah,” Sanji rasps, clearing his throat. “You sound worried, old man? Something serious must be happening.” He jokes.

“My idiot son is sick, and I’m at work. It’s a little out of my control at the moment.” He grumbles in response. “How are you feeling, Eggplant?” Isn’t that the million dollar question? Sanji tries to clear his throat again before answering.

“Like shit. It feels like I’m underwater and I can’t breathe. My throat is sore, and I can only assume the coughing will persist. I’m now starting to feel feverish, and I’m so tired. Next, I’m probably going to get a stuffy nose, then I won’t be able to breathe, which will force me to breathe through my mouth, which will only aggravate my throat more. I’m sure I’ll get a headache later, followed by nausea and I won’t be able to eat, or cook for that matter, because I’ll be rotting in my bed, with no energy, and it’s all my fault. I must’ve touched something and then my face, before washing my hands, which caused me to get si-”

Sanji takes a shuddering breath, now realizing how close he is to tears. More stupid to add to this already stupid situation. He can’t stand being sick, and now he’s going to cry about it, because he already feels so helpless, and it’s only the start, he’s going to feel so much worse before he feels better. Even after everything he does, he still got sick-

“Eggplant, Sanji, you need to breathe. Do your best to take a deep breath.” Zeff’s voice breaks through the anxious fog, Sanji didn’t even realize he was hyperventilating. He sniffles, and forces himself to breath through his nose and out his mouth. It’s aggravating on his throat, but he does his best to focus on breathing.

“Good.” Zeff notes. “I know this is hard for you, Eggplant, but you just have to focus on resting. Not getting better, or when you get better, but just resting. Focus on healing in the present moment, and nothing else. Certainly not this shit hole.”

“But, who is going to cover for me while I recover?” Sanji can’t help but ask. He feels so guilty, for inconveniencing them on such short notice.

“Believe it or not, this place actually manages to open and close just as well when you’re not here. This place won’t sink just because you won’t be here for a couple of days.” Zeff replies. “I mean it, don’t worry about this place. I just wanted to know how bad it was, so thanks for calling back.”

“Wow, gratitude from a fart like you? I must be getting sick.” Sanji jokes.

“I’m serious, Eggplant. You’re not stepping a foot in this place until you have a clean bill of health. Now, you go back to sleep, I have a restaurant to run. I’ll swing by before work tomorrow to drop off some food. And let that Cabbage take care of you. You’re not feeling the best, he lives with you, and is more than willing to help.” Zeff threatens. “Take care, and feel better.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever, old man,” and they both hang up. Sanji hesitates before texting Zoro to bring home medicine and cold treats, not really wanting to get into it. He places his phone on the coffee table, and gets himself more properly situated.

Chai moved to the other end of the couch during the phone call, but once Sanji has curled up on his side, Chai pads over, curling up in the free space. Sanji wraps an arm around her, and closes his eyes. Resting, not because his dad told him to, but because he is just so exhausted.

-

“I don’t know why you called me, and not Chopper.” Nami reiterates. Zoro scowls at the medicine aisle, the camera not pointed at him, but sure Nami can imagine the face he’s making.

“Because I told the idiot Cook to call him, but all I got was a cryptic text, and you’re who I call when I need a Love Cook translation.” Nami rolls her eyes in the corner of his screen.

“Well, he said medicine, since I’m assuming you don’t have any at home, since you’re both men, and too stubborn to get sick, so get him something that will help relieve his symptoms. You told me he has a sore throat, and he’s tired. I would buy more cough drops, pain relievers, since they’re something everyone should have in their house, since it can help a lot. Something to manage nausea, and something for stuffy noses and congestion.”

Zoro paces the aisle, holding things up for Nami’s approval before adding them in his basket. Nami reassures that none of these will interfere with Sanji's testosterone. Since they have absolutely no medicine in the house, Zoro leaves the aisle with several different types of medications. Good thing they last a long time. Not that Zoro would do something like take pain relievers when he can just tough it out. Maybe not the example that Sanji needs right now.

“Now, cold treats. Go to the freezer section, at the end of this aisle, make a left.” Nami directs. He feels somewhat embarrassed at having to be guided through a grocery store, but in his defense, he doesn’t come here often. Plus there are so many aisles. “He isn’t really specific, but I would definitely get ice cream, and popsicles.”

Once he gets to the aisle, Zoro scans the freezers, selecting a multi pack of popsicles that Nami approves of.

“What’s his favourite ice cream flavour?” Zoro asks. It’s Nami’s turn to scoff at Zoro.

“Shouldn’t you know it? You’ve been living with him for over a year. Plus, aren’t you head over heels, madly in love with him?” Nami so helpfully points out. Zoro growls, and even though Sanji’s not here right now, this isn’t the place.

“Well I don’t know. We don’t have ice cream in the house, because neither of us eat it. I’ve never seen him eat ice cream in his life!” Zoro defends.

“Heh, you didn’t deny about being madly in love with him.” Nami grins. Zoro scoffs, and turns the camera to front view, so he can intimidate her.

“Look, everyone clearly knows, except for him, and I want to keep it that way. Besides, this is hardly time for a confession when the Cook feels like shit. Now, what ice cream flavour do I pick.” Zoro demands.

“Okay, okay. I’m only saying that you’ll have a chance to take care of him, and he’ll get a chance to see your soft sensitive side. This might work in your favour.” Zoro rolls his eyes, and turns his camera back around to show the freezers, slowly walking and panning to show everything.

“I don’t have a soft sensitive side.” Zoro grumbles. Nami laughs, briefly moving out of frame, as she throws her head back laughing. “I don’t! Oh my god, I hate you.”

“Right, right.” Nami gasps out between chuckles. Once she calms down, she’s back in frame wiping away tears. “We’ve been friends too long for the tough guy act to work on anyone, least of all me. Buy strawberry flavour and return home to your sick lover. Heal him with the power of love.” Nami makes a heart with her hands, before giggling again. Zoro takes that as his cue to end the FaceTime call.

Zoro picks up the first strawberry one he sees, and makes his way to the cash. On his way, he passes by the tea aisle, and decides to walk through. He looks through the many options, and decides to pick one that supports immunity, and he notices Sanji’s favourite type of tea, chamomile and lavender. Not wanting to waste any more time, lest the frozen stuff melts, he beelines for the cash. He can only hope Sanji will be sleeping when he gets home.

Zoro arrives home a little after 4pm, and realizes he forgot to eat lunch. He amends himself, choosing to eat now, lest Sanji get angry with him for skipping a meal. He toes off his shoes and hangs up his jacket, one of the hell spawns greeting him at the door. He ignores the cat taking his bag of groceries to the kitchen. He quickly places the frozen treats in the freezer, not too melty from the bus ride back home. Zoro decides to keep the medicine above the fridge, where the cats are least likely to swipe at it.

Once everything is put away, Zoro decides to check on Sanji before eating. He’s once again passed out on the couch, snoring just as harshly, cuddled with one of the furballs. He can see why Sanji might want to take a picture when Zoro falls asleep with one of the cats, because suddenly Zoro wants to stare at this sight forever. He refrains from taking a picture without Sanji’s knowledge, or while he’s sick. He decides he should take care of himself first.

He opens the fridge and decides on pasta leftovers. He portions some onto a plate and warms it up. One of the cats returns, and paces the kitchen but Zoro pays them no mind. He eats his early supper, and decides to text Chopper while he does.

Hey, Curls is sick, what can I do to help?

He gets a response back almost immediately.

Oh no! That’s terrible! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Sanji get sick before! What are his symptoms, and when did they start?

Apparently this is a rare occurrence. He was complaining about a sore throat yesterday, and he seems really tired. He’s been resting for most of the day, and hasn’t told me much else. I just don’t want it to be anything bad.

The best thing Sanji can do is rest, drink lots of water, eat or drink vitamins, and take medicine if necessary. A lot of friends have been getting sick, but nothing super serious. It’s still not fun, and I wish Sanji a smooth recovery. I’ll be sure to text him myself later. If you suspect his symptoms are worsening by day 4, then I would take him to the clinic. NOT TO ME, but an actual doctor.

You’re an actual doctor

Zoro, we’ve been over this, I haven’t graduated yet, I’m not a doctor yet.

But you’re going to be

Shut up, saying it doesn’t make me happy or anything >_<

Zoro can picture Chopper in real life, dancing around whenever they call him doctor. He hopes it won’t get so extreme that they have to go to a clinic. It’s really helpful having a doctor friend for any and all questions. Zoro cleans up his dishes, and goes back to check on Sanji. He’s still snoring like a foghorn, and Zoro once again feels guilty for having to wake him up, but Sanji also hasn’t eaten since breakfast, and should probably have something.

He gives Sanji’s shoulder a shake, and it doesn’t rouse him. Zoro frowns wondering what else he could do. The cat wakes up at Zoro’s movement, and tries to wiggle out of Sanji’s grip to inspect Zoro. It’s most likely Chai, and she meows, as she continues to struggle. Sanji’s snoring stutters, and his face scrunches up. He opens his eyes blearily, bringing a hand up to scrub his face.

“Hey, Curls. I just got back from the store. If you want to take medicine, you should probably eat something.” Zoro resists the urge to comb his fingers through Sanji’s hair. Sanji groans in response.

“I don’t want to do either. I just want to sleep or perish. Either sounds good.” Sanji mumbles, curling more into himself. He relinquishes his hold on Chai, who jumps down and rubs against Zoro’s legs. He rolls his eyes, used to the Cook’s dramatics on good days, but is relieved to see it’s still there despite him feeling like shit.

“Not one of the options.” Zoro replies. Sanji pouts and closes his eyes again.

“Are you going to be a mean nurse? Zoroooooo.” Sanji drawls, a little deliriously. “I’m sick. I’m. Sick. I’m never sick.”

“So I’ve been told. I’ve also been told you’re a shit patient, so I’ll give you what I get.” He replies. “Now, are you going to get up, and have something to eat?” Sanji moans, but rolls around, before flinging the blanket off himself and slowly, sluggishly standing up.

“Are you going to cook for me too?” Sanji teases. Zoro doesn’t dignify that with a response and follows Sanji to the kitchen. Before Sanji can step foot into the kitchen, Zoro guides Sanji to sit at the counter.

“I won’t subject you to that, since I don’t want to listen to you, bitching and critiquing my technique. What do you want to eat?” Zoro asks, opening the fridge, and scanning the shelves. “We have pasta, chicken, and rice. I think we still have chilli in the freezer from when you made it last. Or anything else that I didn’t name?” He looks over his shoulder at Sanji, who is now slumped over on the counter, barely keeping his eyes open. A cat trots in the room, meowing at Zoro. He snorts at who he assumes is Chilli, at being summoned into the room.

From lack of answer, Zoro decides to rummage in the freezer, looking for the chilli. Once he finds it, he takes it out and takes off the lid. He places the glass container into the microwave and selects the defrost option. He decides now is a good time to feed the cats as well, so he takes down the canisters, starting with Chilli and fills his bowl. He swoops in like a starved man, happily eating away. He gives one of the containers a shake in hopes of summoning the other two, and fills their bowls.

The other two cats show up, and Zoro can only hope that the right one goes to the right bowl. He glances over at Sanji, to see him still resting his head in his arms, slumped over. Zoro approaches him, and tentatively places the back of his hand to his forehead. He feels warmer than he should, but not frighteningly so.

Zoro asks Chopper if he should keep Sanji warm or cold, while his body temperature fluctuates. Chopper replies just as quickly as last time, saying it’s best to keep him warm but not stifling though. Before he pockets his phone, he decides to take a picture of the cats, so maybe he can better familiarise himself with their looks. He feels bad for not making an effort, despite their spawn from hell. Especially since Sanji isn’t feeling 100%.

Clove is the one he rarely sees, he supposes at meal times. She has white feet, which makes it look like she’s wearing socks, which he vaguely remembers Sanji pointing out. Chilli is the one with an orangish brown spot over his eye, the most devious of them all. Chai is Sanji’s shadow, the fluffiest one. She’s also notably all one colour, a warm chocolate brown. He points at them all, one at a time, saying their names as he does, willing himself to remember.

They eventually all filter out, Chilli being the last to leave, sniffing the other bowls before realizing there is no more food. Zoro peers into the living room, noticing only Sanji’s tea mug, and no other drink in sight. He gets a reusable water bottle and fills it with water, placing it next to Sanji for now. There’s time left on the microwave, so Zoro goes to retrieve his mug, so he can hand wash it, and Sanji can use it again when he’s ready.

Once the chilli is done, Zoro gives it a stir, making sure there’s no cold spots, but the glass jar is hot enough for Zoro to assume it’s hot all the way through. He grabs a spoon and places it in front of Sanji, hoping the smell alone will rouse him, which it does. He slowly opens his eyes, and stretches his arms over his head. Sanji smiles sleepily at the bowl.

“Wow, Mosshead does cook.” Zoro rolls his eyes.

“Everyone knows how to use a microwave.” Sanji hums in agreement. He blows on his bite before eating.

“Right. Except for you apparently, this is still cold.” Zoro freezes, suddenly really embarrassed. He reaches for the bowl, but Sanji pivots away. “No. It’s fine, I’m hungry.” He makes a show of taking a bite, humming in fake content. Sanji tries to look over the counter, frowning at the cat bowls. “Did you feed them?” Zoro hopes he didn’t mess up for a second time.

“Yes… Was I not supposed to? Was it not the right time?” Zoro asks, uncharacteristically nervous. Sanji glances at the clock, and shrugs his shoulders.

“It’s a little early, but they’ll be fine.” Sanji continues to eat his meal.

“Did you want to take any medicine?”

“What kind did you get?”

“Uhhhh… all of them?” Zoro replies, sheepishly. He reaches above the fridge, grabbing the bag he put up there earlier. Sanji sorts through all of it, in between bites.

“I think I’m good for now.” Sanji states, putting everything back in the bag. Zoro frowns, staring at Sanji, trying to figure out if he’s being truthful or not. “I mean it! I am way too tired right now. I’ll finish dinner and clean up and go to sleep.”

“I’ll clean up.” Zoro corrects. Sanji looks like he’s about to protest but Zoro is quick to intervene. “You are sorely mistaken if you think you’re doing anything except for resting and relaxing, Curlybrows. It’s not a big deal, so don’t make it one.” Sanji closes his mouth, and finishes his meal. Zoro grabs his dishes before Sanji can. He loads the dishwasher, and drops in the soap to run it.

“Well, I’m going to sleep in my bed.” Sanji states. They awkwardly stare at each other, waiting for the other to say something.

“Sleep well.” Zoro says, sincerely. Sanji hums, and walks to his bedroom. Zoro hears the door close which says a lot about how Sanji is feeling. Once the kitchen is clean, he tidies up the living room, picks up the garbage, and rearranging the couch, so it looks fresh and welcoming for Sanji tomorrow. He finds the cough drops that Sanji bought, and places them on the coffee table. His kindle is still at a high charge, ready for reading tomorrow if he feels up for it.

Since Sanji closed his door, Zoro keeps his door open. It’s way too early to go to sleep for him, so he resumes what he was doing before; putting his headphones and glasses on and continues studying.

It’s only ten minutes later, Chai is beside his desk meowing. He rolls back, ready to ask what the problem is (like she could answer,) when she just jumps into his lap. Zoro smiles, since no one else is around, and strokes down her back twice before sitting back at his desk properly. A minute barely passes, before Chai is meowing, looking for attention. Zoro sacrifices a hand to pet Chai, and his other to continue studying.

-

The next morning, Sanji doesn't feel much better than yesterday. But he also doesn’t feel worse, which he supposes is something. He doesn’t feel as bone tired, but still sluggish. Zoro continues to surprise him, by preparing his breakfast and tea. This is a new side of Zoro, Sanji is not used to seeing.

Zeff dropped way too much food in the early afternoon. Not wanting to get sick or intrude, he didn’t stick around, having to get to work anyway. He made enough food for the both of them, which Zoro was grateful for, but later told Sanji that he would’ve cooked for himself, had it not been the case.

By noon, Sanji had eaten twice, drank his full water bottle, and had taken some cough drops. He is coughing a little more today, but he feels like his throat is bothering him less. He resumes his spot from yesterday, picking up his kindle in hopes to read, with Chai on his lap, but he once again has a hard time focusing.

He feels like he has enough energy to read, so why does this feel like more of a chore than a relaxing activity. Sanji forces himself to focus, but he just can’t bring himself to want to keep reading. Sighing in defeat, he places his kindle back on the table. He cradles Chai’s face in his hands, as she was curiously watching from his lap.

“I don’t know, baby. It’s so frustrating. I have this sudden free time, I should be productive. Do something I don’t always have time to do, but I just can’t focus.” Sanji laments. While he thought he could better ignore the fact that he is sick today, it seems that it can’t escape his mind. This is basically free time, which he could use to get caught up with reading, or laundry, or writing recipes down in his notebook. But here Sanji is, wasting away on the couch.

He turns onto his side, Chai moving to be in the bend of Sanji’s knees, and he pulls the blanket tight around himself. Just when he feels ready to cry, Chilli comes running down the hallway, followed by the heavier steps of Zoro. They make eye contact as Zoro appears. Sanji childishly hides his face in the pillow, in case Zoro can discern anything by his facial expression.

“Did you want to watch something?” Zoro asks after a prolonged silence. Sanji turns to look at Zoro with confusion.

“Are you asking out of pity or something? It’s weird enough that you’re practically waiting on me, hand and foot, now you’re going to suggest watching something, which you hate doing?” Sanji asks. He can’t help it. Zoro’s behaviour is too out of character. Zoro scowls.

“Of course I’m not pitying you. You have been acting like someone has died, meanwhile it’s just a cold. Obviously, being sick is hard for you, you have barely any experience. I was just trying to suggest something to make you feel better. Asshole.” Zoro stalks to the kitchen. He can hear the sound of the cat food, and Chai perks up from her spot, and leaps over Sanji’s legs, as she makes a beeline for the kitchen. Once the rustling has stopped, Zoro reappears in the living room. “Where is Clove?”

“Pfft, beats me.” Sanji says, taking a cursory glance around the living room. He drops his hand, and rubs his thumb and forefingers together. There’s a nose nudge from under the couch, as he moves his hand away, to reveal Clove’s adorable face. “It’s lunch time, my dear.” She meows and shimmies out from under the couch, and makes a break for the kitchen. Zoro is still standing there.

“Are you going to be an asshole, if I ask if you want to watch a movie together?” Zoro asks a fair question. Sanji glances at the TV stand, thinking what movie they could both enjoy.

“I won’t be an asshole if we watch a TV show together.” Sanji amends. “I was trying to make you watch Avatar The Last Airbender, we can continue watching that if you like.” Zoro nods his head, and turns on the TV. He opens up their Netflix and finds Avatar. He plays the next episode, episode 13 The Blue Spirit, and continues to hover.

“Do you need-”

“No. Zoro. I appreciate your attentiveness, and I know I’m not someone who normally asks for help. But for your sake, please stop asking and I will tell you if I need something.” Zoro pulls a face, unconvinced, but takes a seat on the arm of the chair. Just to prove a point Sanji asks; “Zoro, could you bring me a bowl of ice cream?” Zoro rolls his head to look at Sanji. He laughs at Zoro’s face, which turns into a cough. Despite his jest, Zoro gets up to presumably get his ice cream.

Zoro comes back, with all three cats following him like a mother duck. Clove makes a quick escape to the top of the cat tree and Chilli and Chai join Sanji on the couch. Zoro hands Sanji his bowl of ice cream, his favourite - strawberry, and goes to sit back in the armchair. Sanji sits up to eat, Chai placing her head in his lap, and Chilli lounges on the back of the couch.

They continue the episode, where Katara and Sokka are both sick from the storm in the last episode. Sanji sulks at the real life comparisons. As the episode continues, Aang trying to find medicine to help his friends, Sanji puts his empty bowl down on the table. He stretches out on the couch, curling under his blanket to keep warm after eating that cold ice cream.

“Do you want to know why I hate being sick?” Sanji asks. It’s a little muffled by the blankets, and he doesn’t think Zoro really wants to know, since it’s a pretty depressing answer. Sanji doesn’t feel obligated to tell him, but on the off chance Zoro actually wants to know.

“Only if you want me to know.” Zoro replies. Chivalrous bastard. Of course, he would leave the decision in Sanji’s hands. He decides, what the hell, and pauses the show, sitting up so they can have a somewhat normal conversation.

“It’s really depressing, so don’t say I didn’t tell you so.” Sanji warns, but Zoro’s gaze is unwavering and waits for Sanji to continue. Sanji does his best to take a deep breath. “I can recall two other major times in my life when I was sick. The first time I was probably 8, and I don’t remember much, just that it was really scary for Zeff. I was so young, and it was hard to say how I was doing. I was in the hospital for a few days, I only really remember the bright lights, and the jello. I haven’t had jello since.

“The second time was in high school, and this wasn’t anything too severe, just a common cold. The price you pay when you go to school, it’s swimming with germs. But I really felt horrible, because I hadn’t really experienced anything like it before. I got behind on all my school work, and I had a hard time focusing since there was still that lingering sickness.

“Since then, I told myself I would never get sick again. My life is too busy for me to have to slow down. I don’t have time to be sick. I have a full time job and people count on me. It’s also not fair when I do everything right to prevent myself from getting sick, and then I still get sick. I’m reminded of how weak I actually am.

“And when I try to be positive about it, and do things I don’t normally have time for, because if I don’t then it’ll feel like I wasted all my time being sick. Because if I can’t be at work, I should at least be working on personal productivity. Then I feel guilty if I can’t bring myself to do it, which circles back to the main problem of me being sick. I think about being 8 and I just feel so helpless, but I’m not helpless, but-”

Sanji takes a stuttering breath, not having noticed that he was hyperventilating. He tries to take deep breaths, but his nose congested, either from the near tears, or being sick, and Sanji wills himself not to cry in front of Zoro, over something so pathetic. In the next stuttering breath, Zoro is actually at his side, holding out a box of tissues, Sanji quickly takes.

Zoro places his hand high on Sanji’s back not unlike the other day, and in this moment of vulnerability, Sanji leans into him. Tucking his head down, leaning against Zoro’s shoulder. The hand on his back begins to stroke slow movements up Sanji’s back. He’s still a little breathless, but he grounds himself against Zoro, and focuses on the rhythmic strokes on his back. Once he is breathing a little more steadily, Sanji adds for good measure;

“I just hate being sick.” Zoro snorts, but doesn’t move or stop what he’s doing.

“I think I got that, Curls. I’m not going to try and tell you anything, because your brain is not going to let you believe me.” Zoro stops, his hand curling around Sanji’s shoulder, holding him against Zoro. “But, Curly? You are not weak. You are the most hardworking person I know. Getting sick is not a sign of weakness, it makes you human.” Sanji exhales very slowly, soaking in Zoro’s words. Even if for just right now, Sanji will believe him.

“Thanks, Zoro.” Sanji mumbles into his shirt. After a few more moments, they both gradually lean back against the couch, Sanji’s head on Zoro’s shoulder. Chilli wedges himself between their thighs, and Chai remains unmoved. They finish the episode and start the next. Their usual bickering that occurs when watching shows together, is absent and Sanji longs for it, oddly. But he’s also too tired to start anything, so he continues to watch the show in silence.

Sanji didn’t even know he fell asleep until he feels himself being lifted into the air. It should bother him more than it does, that Zoro is just casually carrying Sanji like he’s nothing more than his workout routine, which he figures is true. Zoro deposits Sanji gently into his bed, going as far as to tuck him in, and brush his hair out of his face. He feels the familiar weight of Chai jumping onto his bed, and settles down.

He assumes Zoro has left, judging from the lack of sound, but then he feels the back of his hand pressed against his forehead. Zoro’s hand is warm, and Sanji would love nothing more than to lean into the touch but he thinks better of it.

“I know you don’t like this, and I don’t like to see you like this. But, it’s not forever. You’ll come back kicking, and soon you’ll be able to do everything at full throttle.” Zoro whispers. His hand lightly slides down the side of Sanji’s face, brushing against his cheek. Sanji’s heart hammers in his chest, he can’t help but think this is a caress. He feels so cared for. But just as suddenly as the hand appears, it disappears.

“You’ll feel better, at least by next weekend. And you’re off next weekend, there’s no way Zeff is going to make you work, so you have that to look forward to.” Zoro slowly pads out of his room, speaking a little louder he says, “I’ll leave the door open, because Chai is in here. Goodnight, Curls.” And with that, Zoro’s feet retreat down the hall.

Sleep comes easy that night, Zoro’s voice floating around in his head, lulling him into a safe sense of security. Sanji doesn’t think about tomorrow, and how he’ll have to call into work for Monday. He just thinks about how warm his blankets are, how soft his bed is, how comforting Chai is and how he may be in love with Zoro.

(His mind doesn’t remind him of this thought until later.)

-

By Wednesday, Sanji was feeling well enough to go into work. There was the lingering stuffy nose, but he gave himself dishwasher duty, using gloves, and helped out at the host stand. Zeff sends him home on time, and does in fact ban him from coming in on the weekend, as it was his weekend off. Sanji decides to not put up too much of a fight.

He’s sitting on the couch Saturday morning, after they cleaned it from him being sick. He’s had a light breakfast, and Zoro’s smoothie is waiting for him in the fridge. It’s a surprisingly sunny day, which is a nice change in the late autumn season. Clove is laying out in the open for once, belly exposed, also enjoying the sun. Chilli is batting away at the hanging feather on the cat tree. Of course, Chai is in her rightful place in Sanji’s lap.

Sanji has read a chapter from where he was last week, having moved past the brain fog, and anxiety from last week. The plot is finally picking up at the halfway mark. He does enjoy all romance, and reads according to his mood. However, the regency romance can get a little boring, when even hand holding is scandalous. But finally, the couple is moving forward.

Just then, the front door swings open, and Zoro comes in breathing a little heavy from his workout. Chilli immediately abandons the feather and goes to greet Zoro. Even Chai pivots her head, and meows from her spot on Sanji’s lap. They’ve been acting more amicably toward Zoro since Sanji’s been sick. He only thinks it’s because Zoro was the hand that fed them.

Zoro gives Sanji a head nod, as he walks into the kitchen refilling his water bottle, and drinking it. Sanji watches as Zoro drinks, watching the way his throat moves and muscles look like their pulsing from exertion, sweat glistening. This is another new thing, Sanji is beginning to think his feelings toward Zoro are not platonic or gender envy. He feels shy, peeking over the edge of his kindle as he watches Zoro in the kitchen.

Before, Sanji would admit that Zoro and him were friends. Friends enough that they both agreed to move in, and live together. They bickered lots, mostly about petty things, but Sanji certainly didn’t hate him. He thought he had feelings of jealousy, for Zoro’s perfect body. Strong jaw, flawless muscles, wide shoulders, narrow hips, and the ability to walk around with his shirt off confidently. Despite being two years on T, and being on the waiting list for top surgery, there were still many days, Sanji longed to have a body like Zoro’s. It would be so much easier for him.

Now, ever since Zoro took care of Sanji when he was sick, he’s starting to see Zoro in a different light. Could these feelings actually be misplaced attraction? Though Sanji was jealous of Zoro’s masculine build, the idea of being able to hold it and see it take care of Sanji, well. There was an idea. But it’s still so confusing, and new to Sanji. He decides he’ll just continue to subtly check Zoro out until these feelings come to a head.

“Hey, Curls.” Zoro calls from the kitchen. He has his smoothie in one hand and he is the other leaning on the counter with the other. “I was thinking maybe we could watch Avatar later. Since we’re both off.” Sanji doesn’t immediately response, so Zoro continues to ramble, “Of course, I know you were sick last weekend, and probably want to use this weekend to catch up on everything you haven’t been able to get to, and I should probably study, so it’s not-”

“Woah, Mossy, I haven’t even given you an answer yet.” Sanji interrupts Zoro’s rambling. “I was going to say, we can definitely continue after lunch.” Zoro relaxes his shoulders, and takes a breath.

“Okay, cool. Thanks for the smoothie.” Zoro says, trying to play it off. He downs the rest of the smoothie before heading down the hall.

Later, after lunch, they both sit down on the couch and pick up where they left off last week, starting book 2: earth. Sanji asks if Zoro could get him a bowl with the rest of the ice cream, mostly just to push his luck, but he dutifully gets up as the intro continues to play. Sanji forgets that Zoro will very often do anything Sanji asks of him. It’s a lot of power, and Sanji’s trying not to let it get to his head.

Zoro returns with the ice cream, sitting down beside Sanji, a little closer than before, their thighs touching. He hands Sanji the ice cream then casually puts his arm on the back of the couch. If Sanji were a bolder man, he would lean in close to Zoro’s body, but he settles on leaning back so that his head is leaning against Zoro’s arm and their bodies are almost perfectly lined up.

Chilli hops up on the back of the sofa, getting as close to the ice cream, seeing as Chai has moved to be sprawled across both of their laps. Chilli bats at Zoro’s earrings, which he tries to evade, only for Chilli to be more encouraging since the earrings are now moving more. Sanji laughs at the scene the two make.

Sanji puts his empty bowl on the coffee table before reaching behind, and picking Chilli up and placing him on the floor. Sanji picks up his feather toy and Chilli is just as eager to play with that. There’s an occasional swipe of a paw from under the couch, where Clove is hiding, but she’s much too out of range.

It’s heartwarming that the five of them can live together, harmoniously. It took over a year and Sanji being sick to get here, but it’s the fact that they got here. It seems that there was some good to come out of Sanji’s illness, to put a positive spin on things for once. He wouldn’t believe it during his time ill, but now that it’s all said and done, Sanji gained quite a bit from the experience.

He will still get upset, overthink, and be a bad patient, if/when he gets sick again. But he also knows that they have a medicine cabinet now for almost any and every occasion. His father’s cooking is always so comforting. And now, Zoro, his roommate, (he may be developing feelings for,) who surprisingly took on the role of nurse. Yes, Zoro is still Zoro, and he does things a little awkwardly and often with no tact. But Sanji could still see and feel Zoro’s true intentions.

Maybe, next time anything that leads Sanji to overthinking, he can take a breath, and count on someone who will help him through whatever situation. Easier said than done, but maybe with Zoro, it can be easy.