Don’t Keep Him Waiting

The Song That Inspired This Fic: The Woman's Work- Kate Bush

(1)

“Nothing happened.” 

Before Sanji could call bullshit, Zoro rocked forward and buckled toward the ground. 

With all the leftover strength he could muster, Sanji swept forward and caught him before he fell. He collapsed into his chest like dead weight, and nearly stole the breath from the cook’s lungs. Sanji’s knees creaked and nearly buckled under the swordsman’s weight. 

Zoro made a pained noise. His head lolled against Sanji’s shoulder. 

Good. Still alive. 

You’re a fucking idiot, you know! Sanji thought bitterly, When your ass wakes up from this, I’m giving you an earful….

“Don’t you die on me, dumbass.” Sanji said, “I gotta get you to Chopper. Can you move?” 

Zoro coughed. A wet, hot spurt of blood splattered on Sanji’s cheek and chest. The blond forced himself not to vomit. 

“....stupid question…jackass…” Zoro rasped. His voice was dangerously weak, and his body sagged heavily against the other man. Every ounce of his weight was anchored against Sanji. He was going to have to carry him. But the bastard was built like an iron battleship. There was no way Sanji was going to be able to carry him like a knight carries a prince. 

Sanji adjusted his position. “I gotta carry you on my back,” he said, voice softened, “Work with me, Marimo.” 

Sanji, still supporting Zoro with his body weight, dropped slowly to the ground on his knees. Zoro buckled easily. Sanji let go of him. Zoro rocked forward and crumpled to the ground. 

Sanji turned around quickly, bracing just in time for Zoro to collapse onto his back. Sanji regained his bearings and guided Zoro’s arms around his shoulders. 

“I was…too weak…” Zoro coughed out. 

“Shut up. Save your strength.” Sanji snipped sharply. He ripped Zoro’s bandanna off his arm and bound his wrists in place in case he lost consciousness again. Zoro’s head and upper shoulders hunched forward over Sanji’s left shoulder. Another violent cough rattled his entire body. Blood spilled all over the front of Sanji’s ruined dress shirt. Too much. Way too much. The pulse against Sanji's back fluttered unevenly. Sanji pretended not to notice.

“Stay with me, idiot.” 

Sanji reached under Zoro’s thighs and pulled them up around his waist, grasping firmly. 

And then, he stood up. Slowly.

Pain shot through his entire body. He bit his lip and powered through it. 

He was getting Zoro to Chopper.

The Mossheaded bastard wasn’t dying today. 

-xXx-

(2)

Somehow, getting Zoro back to the crew felt more terrifying than the battle with Gecko Moria. 

As soon as he arrived, the entire crew was a swarm of frantic cries and panic.

“ZORO!” 

“OH MY GOD, ZORO!”

“WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!?”

“Holy crap! That’s way too much blood!”

"Move! Move! Quit crowding him!"

"Where's Chopper!?"

“Right here!” The reindeer hurried forward, already with medicine and bandages. 

Another lance of pain ripped violently through Sanji's body. His knees hit the rubble before he even realized he'd stumbled.

“How did this even happen!? This is way more blood and injuries than before!” 

“I don’t know and I don’t care!” Sanji shot back, “Just don’t let him DIE, dammit!” 

“Right!” Chopper regained his composure, “We gotta get him inside– we have extra mats in there!”

“I’ll bring ‘im.” Franky offered. 

Sanji loosened the bandanna. Franky scooped up the swordsman with zero effort and carried him back towards the palace with Chopper and the rest of the crew barreling behind. 

Robin stopped and peered over her shoulder at Sanji, who was left, weakened and exhausted in the dust. 

“Cook?” 

“I’m fine.” Sanji assured, “Moss for brains is in worse shape than me. Just…just keep the other idiots on task.” 

She studied him for a long moment. Neither of them believed he was fine. But then she nodded, and followed after the crew. 

Brook remained where he was.

The others had already disappeared into the palace.

"I saw what happened," he said quietly. 

“What?” Sanji huffed. 

“I…saw what happened,” Brook said, “I know what he did. Truly, I have never seen anything so brave and selfless. Would you like me to tell you what I witnessed?” 

"Yeah. I do."

Sanji pushed himself back to his feet.

"Tell me what happened to him." 

“He told that warlord to take his life instead of Luffy’s.” Brook began, “He chose to sacrifice himself so that the captain could live.”

“Yeah. I know that part. I tried to stop him. But the dumbass knocked me unconscious before I could.” Sanji replied, “But that doesn’t explain HOW he ended up so injured.” 

"Kuma extracted all of Luffy's pain and exhaustion," Brook said quietly.

Sanji frowned.

"Extracted?"

"Into a physical form."

A cold feeling settled in Sanji's gut.

"And?"

Brook was silent for a moment.

"The swordsman offered to take it. On top of his own.” 

Sanji felt a violent knot twist in his stomach. He gaped. The world seemed to tilt beneath his feet.

The cigarette in his hand snapped clean in two. 

That IDIOT! Of course he agreed! Absolute fucking moron! 

“The warlord was certain it would kill him."

Brook looked toward the palace.

"I believed it would as well."

He turned back to Sanji, “But it didn’t. I do not know how.” 

“It was…truly a miracle.” Brook said. 

Sanji remembered the blood. The coughing. The way Zoro's pulse had staggered against his back. He'd thought the idiot had been wounded in the battle. But none of that had come from Moria. Zoro had chosen it. Selflessly. 

Something stirred deep in Sanji’s chest. There was a sharp tug on his heartstrings. 

The idiot had looked death in the face and accepted it without complaint.

Damn him. 

"To witness a man willingly lay down his life for another..." Brook pressed a hand to his chest, "I confess, it moved me deeply."

Sanji’s exhaustion gave way to a swirling warmth. 

Damn him for making a choice like that…

"To think such devotion exists..." Brook sniffled. "I haven't witnessed anything like it in fifty years." 

Sanji lit another cigarette. 

“Yeah,” he said, “Maybe.”

A pause. 

 “...But Luffy can NEVER know, understand? He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he has to carry that guilt. So you better keep this between us, Brook.” 

He peered toward the palace, “...Zoro doesn’t want him to know either. The whole point was to spare him.” 

“Of course.” Brook replied quietly, “...I understand.” 

-xXx-

(3)

When they got to the palace, Sanji joined the rest of the crew around Chopper and Zoro. He was wrapped in linens. 

Sanji pretended not to notice the soiled bloody linens and towels discarded nearby. 

“He’s stabilized for now.” Chopper exhaled. 

A collective sigh of relief engulfed the crew.

For now? Sanji felt an uneasy sensation twist in the pit of his stomach. 

“I’m gonna keep a close eye on him, though.” Chopper continued, “And we gotta let him sleep so his body can heal.” 

“HECK YEAH!” Luffy confirmed, “He’ll sleep it off just like he always does! And then he’ll wake up good as new!” 

Satisfied with this, the rest of the crew began to disperse to join the festivities around them. Though Robin and Brook lingered for a moment more. 

“Sanji! There you are! I gotta treat you now!” 

For once, Sanji didn’t protest. He simply sat down cross-legged beside the Mossheaded dumbass and placed another cigarette between his teeth. He stripped off his ruined dress shirt and suit jacket to make his injuries easily accessible to Chopper. 

The reindeer began to move around him– cleaning and disinfecting the injuries– injuries which were feeble scratches compared to Zoro’s. 

“Hey, Chopper…” Sanji finally began, “Be honest. Is he gonna be okay?” 

The reindeer hesitated. Sanji suddenly felt sick.

“He…he should be…” he replied. 

“Chopper.” Sanji repeated, “I said honest.” 

Tears pricked the corners of the reindeer’s eyes, “I–I don’t know for sure…” he answered. 

A strained gasped tore from Sanji’s throat. 

“I’m gonna do everything I can…but his injuries are really, really severe.” Chopper confessed, “And they’re different from what I’ve seen before…I had to stop internal bleeding..."

Chopper's voice shook.

"And there was so much blood...he needed transfusions!” 

He wiped at his eyes.

"I don't know if I've fixed everything yet." Chopper continued, “And now he’s sleeping but…but right now I don’t know…it’s…it’s gonna depend on how the recovery goes.” 

“Dammit!” Sanji hissed, “You stupid jerk!” he snapped at Zoro. Of course, the swordsman didn’t respond. 

We can’t lose him!

“I’m sorry!” the doctor squeaked. 

“No– it’s not your fault, Chopper. I know you’re gonna do everything you can.” Sanji’s voice softened, “This just sucks…” 

He stared back down at the unconscious swordsman. 

…I can’t lose him… 

The bruises on his body still throbbed. His ribs still ached. Every breath still hurt.

Yet the thought of losing Zoro hurt far worse.

(4)

“You really fucked yourself up this time.” 

The sound of a familiar voice pulled Zoro from his slumber. He was lying in soft grass, under the shade of a hanging wisteria tree. 

He felt the gentle breeze on his face. Smelled the sea salt mixed with the intoxicating odor of spring florals and sweet fruit. He heard the waves crashing against the cliffside.  

Am I dreaming? 

His peace was abruptly interrupted by the sudden sensation of a cold towel on his chest. His hissed in pain and jolted upward, “Shit! What the– that’s cold!” 

A dainty, though calloused hand pressed down on his shoulder, “Easy. You’re gonna tear your stitches moving like that.” 

He froze. And it was in that moment he noticed the figure hovering over him. Short inky dark hair in a pixie cut– she’d always found long hair inconvenient. Sarashi over her chest. Haori. Matching hakama. Dark eyes. She was grown now, but no less familiar. 

"Kuina?" The name left him before he could stop it.

A smile tugged the corner of her mouth. 

For a moment, he forgot about the pain. Forgot about Thriller Bark. Forgot about everything.

“You’re in way worse shape than you were last time.” she scolded, “What the hell happened?” 

“Last time? What do you mean?” 

“Last time you were near death, stupid.” 

She put the cloth back in the water bowl and sat down cross-legged beside him. 

"Huh."

Zoro leaned back.

"Guess that explains it."

“Well, how the hell else would you be able to see me?” Kuina replied, “I’m dead, remember.” 

“You sayin’ I’m gonna be dead soon too?”

“That remains to be seen.” Kuina replied, “But we’ll get back to that later. First, you can tell me how in the hell you ended up here again.” 

“Yeah…”

-xXx-

(5) 

Zoro’s condition had stagnated. He appeared to be sleeping peacefully. And that was enough for the crew.

But not for Sanji. 

Because it was clear to the cook that he was sleeping too peacefully. Usually, Zoro was a lively sleeper– talking, mumbling, fidgeting. Zoro always snored. Loudly. Mumbled. Annoyingly. Usually Sanji wanted to kick him. But right now he'd give anything to hear it.

Because Zoro was doing none of those things. He was completely still. The only indication that he was still alive was the slow rise and fall of his chest and the heavy breathing. And aside from that— he slept like Juliet in her tomb. 

He had been deemed stable by Chopper about an hour ago. He’d been moved to a bed in the next room– still connected to fluids and a blood transfusion. Sanji hadn’t left his side since. 

The rest of the crew trickled in occasionally. Stayed for a while.

And then went back out to join the party again while Zoro teetered the edge of life and death. 

It was infuriating. 

But the crew seemed wholly convinced that he’d “sleep it off like always”. 

Grotesquely naive. Over optimistic… 

But then again…he had to remind himself that he and Chopper were the only ones who knew that right now. 

“You know, you’re a real selfish bastard.” Sanji said, “The whole point of this stunt was to spare Luffy from the whole mess. So your ass better not die on us.” 

Zoro did not respond. 

“And don’t you think you’re getting away with knocking me unconscious, either.” he continued, “You’re hearing about it when you wake up, yeah?” 

He felt a stinging prick behind his eyes. 

“...You better wake up, Marimo, I’m serious…” 

-xXx-

“...You offered to die for your captain?” Kuina confirmed.

"Yeah." Zoro replied. 

"Why?" she demanded. 

"Because he's my captain."

"That's not an answer."

“....Fine.” Zoro rolled his eyes, “I made a promise. I keep my promises.”

“You promised him, huh?” Kuina echoed, “What did you say exactly?” 

“Why does that matter?” 

“Just answer me.” 

“I promised him I’d stay by his side until we find the One Piece.” 

“Dead men don’t stay by anyone’s side.” Kuina bit back. 

Zoro went silent. 

“How can you stay by his side if you die here?”

Zoro’s eyes widened. Kuina stood up and swung her sword over her shoulder. She stepped out from the shadow of the wisteria towards the sun. 

“That’s not loyalty.” Kuina said, “That’s quitting. That’s breaking your promise.” 

Zoro didn’t respond. 

“And there’s no way in hell that’s it.” Kuina furthered. 

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, Zoro.” Kuina emphasized, “That’s not all, is there?”

There was a silent pause between them.  

“If I hadn’t done it— the idiot cook would have.” 

Kuina perked up. “The Cook?” 

“Yeah.” 

Kuina turned back to face him, “I see.” 

-xXx-

Sanji leaned over the bed and screwed his eyes together. 

“Who in the hell am I supposed to fight with if you’re gone, huh?” 

Despite Sanji’s efforts to stop it, a single tear slipped free and landed against Zoro's face. 

“Idiot.” he forced out, “Just stay.” 

He took Zoro's hand and squeezed.

It was warm. Still alive. 

"...Please."

-xXx-

“So this cook of yours must be pretty important to you.” Kuina assumed. 

“...He’s my crewmate.” Zoro replied. His voice came out sharper than he intended. 

Something warm crept into his cheeks. He averted his gaze. Kuina noticed. 

“Is that all? Just cause he’s your crewmate?” 

“What does that have anything to do with it!?” Zoro exclaimed. 

As he was speaking, a sudden warm, squeezing sensation pulsed against his hand. Like someone holding on. But Kuina wasn’t touching it. He peered down at it. There was nothing there, but the feeling was clear as day. 

“Someone’s waiting for you.” Kuina said. 

“What?”

“Nothing,” she replied. She walked back over to him and sat down in front of him, “Tell me more about this cook of yours.” 

-xXx-

Sanji was still holding Zoro’s hand. 

The stupid tears hadn’t stopped either.

“Why didn’t you just let me do it?” Sanji asked, “Stupid marimo…” 

Zoro’s fingers twitched.

Once. Faint. But just enough pressure to feel it. 

Sanji perked up immediately and hastily wiped his tears with his sleeve. “Oi…Mosshead?” 

Then nothing.

Zoro stayed still. 

Sanji didn’t let go. 

-xXx-

(6)

“He wouldn’t have survived if I’d let him do it.” Zoro was saying, “He’s an idiot. Thinks he ain’t worth it.”

Kuina was listening intently now. 

“Wanna know what he said to me before he tried to do it?”

“What?”

“Said “tell everyone I’m sorry I couldn’t say goodbye…and that you’re gonna have to find a new cook.” Zoro replied, “It pissed me off. Him actin’ like he was disposable– like he doesn’t mean anythin’. It’s bullshit. I was provin’ him wrong.” 

“…That’s what you’re telling yourself?”

Zoro frowned. “What?”

“You’re saying you did it to prove him wrong.”

“Yeah.”

She tilted her head slightly, studying him like he’d said something stupid.

“…No,” Kuina said.

Zoro clicked his tongue. “The hell do you mean no?”

Silence.

The wind shifted through the wisteria above them.

Kuina stepped closer, just enough that Zoro had to look at her properly.

“You couldn’t stand the thought of him thinking he was disposable,” she said, Kuina stepped closer, just enough that Zoro had to look at her properly. "...Because it made you angry.”

Zoro didn’t answer.

The wind moved through the wisteria above them.

“…That’s not loyalty,” Kuina added. “That’s attachment.”

A beat.

Zoro’s jaw tightened.

“And I don’t doubt part of this was for your captain,” she furthered, “but that’s not the full story, is it?” 

Something flickered in his eyes—quick, unreadable.

Kuina watched him carefully.

“…Is it?” 

-xXx-

Sanji’s grip tightened on Zoro’s hand. 

Zoro exhaled unevenly. 

Sanji froze. 

“...Zoro?” He leaned in slightly. 

Once more, he was met without a response. 

“Oi…don’t you mess with me…come on…” 

Tch. Clingy. It wasn’t Zoro. It sounded like him anyway.

“Dammit…” Sanji bent forward, fringe swishing against Zoro’s face. He pressed their foreheads together. The swordsman was still breathing. 

“Attachment…” 

Sanji stiffened.
That wasn’t Zoro.
Whose voice was that?

He must have been imagining it. 

He was exhausted, delirious. His injuries were throbbing again. He felt like he might collapse on the bed. The party was white noise in the other room. 

“Attachment….”

The hell does that even mean? 

“…the cook…?”

Silence.

Sanji’s breath caught.

“Mosshead…?”

Silence.

Zoro hadn’t said anything. 

Sanji’s head fell against the swordsman’s chest. His heart was still beating. 

Zoro coughed.

Violently.

Sanji jerked back instinctively as blood hit the cloth.

“Sanji!” Chopper’s voice cut sharply, “W-what are you doing?! He needs to rest—don’t press on him like that!” 

Sanji jolted upright. 

“I’m sorry, I—” he cut off, “I just…”

He drew a shaky breath, “I’m tired, I didn’t realize I was…” 

“You gotta be careful.” Chopper hurried over and returned to treating the swordsman. 

Silence settled back in.

No echo. No voice. Nothing but the steady, stubborn beat beneath his palm.

…And what he swore was another twitch of Zoro’s fingers.

Probably just reflex.

-xXx-

And I don’t doubt part of this was for your captain,” she furthered, “but that’s not the full story, is it?”

Something flickered in his eyes—quick, unreadable.

Kuina watched him carefully.

“…Is it?”

“Tch. Guess not…” Zoro scoffed.

The admission tasted strange coming out of his mouth.

Before he could say anything more, another ghostly, warm sensation brushed against him.

He froze.

Soft. Like hair.

Then the touch of a sweat-damp forehead resting against his own.

Familiar.

But when he looked up, there was nothing there.

Only the wisteria branches swaying overhead.

…And a hint of nicotine on the breeze. 

Zoro frowned.

There shouldn't have been.

The air smelled of saltwater. Wisteria. Fresh grass.

Not cigarettes.

Not him.

Kuina hadn't moved.

“...The hell?”

The sensation vanished as quickly as it had come.

Moments later, a pressure settled against his chest– Right above his heart.

Like someone leaning their weight against him.

Zoro instinctively raised a hand to his chest.

Nothing.

And yet the feeling remained.

Warm.

Stubborn.

Refusing to let go.

His thoughts drifted to a cigarette burning in the dark.

To blond hair.

To a voice calling him a dumbass.

His chest tightened.

“What the hell?”

Kuina's expression softened for the first time since he'd arrived.

“I'll bet it's him,” she said.

Zoro looked up sharply.

“What?”

“The cook.”

She nodded toward him.

“Reaching for you from the other side.”

Another pulse of warmth spread through his chest.

Kuina folded her arms.

“So what are you gonna do about it?”

-xXx-

Zoro’s fingers twitched. Curled weakly around Sanji’s hand. 

Sanji locked his gaze on Zoro’s. 

The swordsman’s brows furrowed. His lips moved. 

“...idiot…”

The word was barely audible.

A rough breath escaped him.

"...cook..."

Sanji froze.

His breath caught in his throat.

"I'm here," he choked out.

He tightened his grip around Zoro's hand.

"I'm right here, Mosshead."

…Come back to me.

-xXx-

“I’m right here, Mosshead…” 

The voice carried on the nicotine-scented breeze. It was more a ghostly echo than anything else. But it was there.

And Zoro and Kuina both heard it. 

“That’s him, isn’t it?” she confirmed, “He’s calling to you.” 

Something in Zoro's chest tightened.

Before he even realized what he was doing, he was already on his feet. The decision had been made before his mind caught up to it. In his haste, he barely noticed—The pain was gone. He only stopped when he felt the bite of cold silver against his throat. 

“And just where do you think you’re going?” Kuina asked. 

“Back.” 

“I haven’t seen you in almost 10 years, and you’re leaving already?” 

“I gotta go back.” 

“How?” she replied, “You don’t know the way.” 

“I’ll figure it out.” 

She shook her head. “You’ll get lost.” 

“I’ll find it eventually.” 

"You wander around aimlessly and you'll never make it back.” Kuina replied. She pulled her blade from his neck and pointed to his swords on the ground. “Pick them up. Let’s have a duel, you and I. For old time’s sake.”

“You spent this whole time convincing me to live and now you want to spar?” 

“I was always planning to spar with you.” she smirked, “...If you win, I’ll show you the way back.” 

“And if I lose?” 

“You come with me.” 

Zoro picked up his two good blades from the ground, “Fine. You’re on.” 

“...Mosshead..."  Sanji’s voice carried on the breeze again– a little stronger this time. 

The grip on Zoro’s swords tightened. 

(7)

Sanji stared. For a moment, he was afraid to breathe. Beside him, Zoro remained unconscious.

His eyes were closed. His face was pale.

The bandages wrapped around his torso were still stained pink in places.

And yet—

"...idiot...cook..."

Sanji swallowed hard.

He hadn't imagined it. He knew he hadn't.

"Did you hear that?" he asked suddenly.

Chopper looked up from where he was checking the IV.

"Hear what?"

Sanji hesitated.

"...Nothing."

Because saying it out loud made it sound ridiculous.

The swordsman was unconscious. Half-dead. And somehow still finding ways to piss him off. A weak laugh escaped him. His eyes burned again.

"Stupid bastard."

The words lacked their usual bite. 

Sanji rubbed his thumb across the back of Zoro's hand. Zoro’s face twitched in response. Sanji wiped a bit of sweat from the swordsman’s brow. 

“Just hurry up and wake up already…” 

-xXx-

Zoro drew his swords and rushed forward. 

Kuina parried his first attack with zero effort. 

“Your stance is sloppy.” she said, “You’re raising your elbow too much again!” 

“Shut up!” 

She pushed against his blade. 

He swung at her with a second one. 

She dodged.

"You're thinking about him."

"I'm thinking about beating you."

"Liar."

Their blades collided again.

Steel rang through the wisteria grove.

Zoro pressed forward.

Too hard. Too fast. Trying to overpower her instead of reading her.

Kuina slipped past the strike effortlessly.

"There it is again."

"The hell are you talking about?"

"You're angry."

CLANG.

"No shit."

"Not at me."

CLANG.

"Shut up!"

 The image of blonde hair and curly eyebrows consumed his every waking thought. 

His next strike came a fraction too wide.

A rookie mistake.

One Kuina immediately punished. Wado flew from his hand.

The sword spun once through the air before clattering against the grass.

Dammit.

Get out of my head.

The smell of cigarettes lingered on the breeze.

A voice echoed somewhere beyond the trees.

I'm right here, Mosshead.

His chest tightened.

And that moment of hesitation was all Kuina needed.

She surged forward.

A hand twisted into the front of his shirt.

Cold steel settled beneath his jaw.

“You aren’t fighting me,” Kuina snapped.

Zoro's teeth clenched.

"Tch."

He knocked her arm aside and wrenched himself free.

Then immediately dove for Wado.

The familiar weight settled back into his grip.

Steady. Safe. Right. 

Zoro swung immediately. 

Kuina parried the blow again. 

“Now that one looked like it mattered.” she said. 

They circled. Traded blows.

A clash of will and steel beneath the swaying wisteria. 

-xXx-

(8)

From the bed, Zoro suddenly convulsed. A strangled gasp tore from his throat. Sanji shot to his feet.

"Mosshead!"

Sweat poured down the swordsman's face. His breathing turned ragged. Labored. Every inhale sounded like a battle.

The pulse beneath Sanji's fingers went from sluggish to frantic.

Too fast. Way too fast.

"What the hell is happening!?" Sanji barked.

"Move!"

Chopper shoved past him and immediately pressed a hand against Zoro's forehead.

The reindeer's eyes widened.

"He's burning up!"

Another shudder wracked Zoro's body.

The bedsheets tangled around his legs.

His head rolled weakly against the pillow.

"No, no, no..." Chopper muttered.

The doctor scrambled for fresh cloths and medicine.

A knot of terror twisted in Sanji's chest.

A minute ago he'd been talking.

Gripping his hand.

Fighting his way back.

Now it looked like his body was tearing itself apart.

"He was getting better!" Sanji snapped. "You said he was stable!"

"I know!"

For a split second, Chopper sounded just as scared as Sanji felt.

"I don't know why this is happening!"

Another violent tremor ran through Zoro.

His jaw clenched.

A pained sound escaped him.

Like he was fighting something neither of them could see.

And then Chopper froze.

The realization hit him all at once.

"...He's fighting."

"What?"

Chopper looked from the bed to Sanji.

His voice came out barely above a whisper.

"He's fighting to stay alive."

The words struck Sanji harder than any punch.

His gaze snapped back to Zoro.

To the sweat.

The fever.

The trembling.

The stubborn refusal to let go.

Sanji seized his hand.

"Damn you, Marimo..."

His voice cracked.

"Pull through."

Zoro's fingers twitched weakly in his grasp.

Sanji squeezed harder.

"You hear me?"

The fear he'd been holding back finally bled into his voice.

"Don’t you DARE leave me!” 

-xXx-

“You know what I think?” Kuina continued. 

CLANG.

"Don't care."

CLANG.

"I think you're terrified."

"Of what?"

"Of admitting he matters."

Zoro attacked harder. More aggressively than necessary. He struck Kuina’s blade with full force. Steel screamed against steel. The impact rattled his arms.

Kuina slid back through the grass, unharmed. “You’re terrified....Of admitting HE'S the most important person on that crew to you!”

She lunged.

Zoro met her strike head-on.

Their blades locked.

Metal shrieked.

Neither gave an inch.

"I NEVER SAID HE WASN'T!"

The words exploded from him, ripped from his throat before he could stop them. 

"DAMMIT, OF COURSE HE IS!"

Silence.

Even the wind seemed to still.

Zoro froze.

The realization hit him a second too late.

Shit.

For a moment, neither moved.

Nothing between them but heavy breathing.

The scent of salt.

The rustle of wisteria blossoms overhead.

Kuina's smile was infuriating. Warm. Knowing. Victorious.

"There it is."

She struck again. Their blades collided sharply. The sound of ringing metal reverberated through the air. A flurry of parries so fast that Zoro could barely see them.

“If he means that much to you,” 

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

“Then prove it!” 

Zoro tried to block her. 

Missed.

He felt the bite of cold steel against his shoulder. The moment the sword touched him, the excruciating pain from his injuries ripped violently through his body. 

Every wound he'd taken. Every bone that had been broken. Every drop of blood he'd spilled. Every ounce of Luffy's pain. Every ounce of his own.  It all came roaring back at once. His knees nearly buckled.

"What's wrong?" Kuina asked, "Thought you could take anything."

Zoro bared his teeth.

"Tch—"

His vision blurred.

For a split second, he saw red.

Blood. Stone.A courtyard drenched in it.

Kuma. Pain. Darkness.

The crushing weight of it threatened to drag him under all over again.

He gritted his teeth.

No.

The image flickered. Distorted. The bloodstained courtyard dissolved like mist.

And through it—

Blond hair. Blue eyes. A glowing cigarette. 

A familiar voice, rough with exhaustion.

I'm right here, Mosshead. 

Zoro's breath hitched.

"Sanji?" he choked out.

Don’t you DARE leave me! 

A flash of silver pierced through the mist and the image vanished. 

He felt the collision before he saw it. 

Kuina knocked him backward. 

Hard. 

Both his swords went flying– a smooth arc through the air– and landed under the wisteria tree. 

Zoro crumbled to the ground on all fours, robbed of breath– and the pain from before still rippling across his body. 

Kuina stood over him, blade pointed between his eyes. 

“Last chance.” she said. 

Sweat poured down Zoro’s back. Blood dribbled to the ground around him. He clawed for breath. 

“Come with me…” 

-xXx-

Zoro convulsed again. A violent cough tore through his throat. 

Blood splattered across the sheets.

Too much blood. Far too much.

“NO, NO, NONONONO!” Chopper wailed. “Zoro, come on! DON’T do this! Not NOW!”

“GOD DAMMIT, MOSSHEAD!”

Sanji nearly climbed onto the bed.

Hot tears blurred his vision.

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?”

Zoro wheezed.

His breathing hitched.

Stuttered.

His pulse beneath Sanji's hand felt wrong. 

His heartbeat was staggering towards a stop. 

“FOR GOD'S SAKE, DON'T GO!” Sanji's voice cracked. “YOU NEED TO LIVE!”

The commotion drew the rest of the crew inside.

The room filled quickly.

And then fell silent.

Luffy stared.

For once, there wasn't a smile on his face.

“...Zoro?” he asked quietly.

The swordsman didn't answer.

Chopper was already working frantically.

Fresh bandages. Medicine.

Blood-stained cloths piled onto the floor. 

Nami's face went pale.

“Oh my God...”

Usopp froze near the doorway.

“What the hell is happening...?”

Robin's eyes widened.

For the first time all evening, her calm composure cracked.

Brook stood perfectly still.

His cane tightened in his grip.

Franky looked from the blood to Chopper.

Then back again.

The color drained from his face. “Doc...” he said carefully. “Tell me he ain't—”

“I'm TRYING!” Chopper snapped.

His voice broke.

The room went dead silent.

Because Chopper never snapped.

Not like that.

Not when things were okay.

A horrible realization settled over the crew.

This wasn't Zoro sleeping off another injury. This was something worse. 

Luffy stepped forward.

Slowly.

His eyes never left his first mate.

“Chopper...” he said.

The doctor's hands trembled.

“Please save him.”

The desperation in his captain's voice twisted the knife even deeper.

“I'M TRYING!”

Another cough wracked Zoro's body.

More blood.

Sanji squeezed his hand so hard his knuckles turned white.

“Don't you dare,” he whispered.

The words sounded more like a prayer than a threat.

“Don't you fucking dare.”

-xXx-

(9)

It was quiet beneath the wisteria grove.

Just the wind.

The waves.

The whisper of delicate blossoms dancing on the sea breeze.

It was peaceful here.

No pain.

No blood.

No broken bones.

No promises.

Zoro's eyes felt heavy.

He could rest.

Just for a little while…

Kuina had lowered her sword and stretched out her hand. 

“Come with me, and you won’t hurt anymore.” she said. 

He reached for her. 

His fingers were inches away.

Then—

ZORO! ZORO, PLEASE!

Chopper.

He stopped. 

Trembled.

COME ON, BROTHER! POWER THROUGH THIS!

Franky.

His fingers curled into a fist.

YOU IDIOT! YOU'RE JUST GONNA LEAVE US!?

Nami.

His arm dropped back to his side.

You can live, Swordsman. You have to live.

Robin.

His knees bent. He braced himself to stand. 

ZORO, come on, buddy! You gotta wake up! You always wake up! 

Usopp.

Zoro’s hands pushed against the ground. His arms straightened. 

My friend, you mustn’t go yet! 

Brook.

What about your promise, Zoro? You promised me, remember! You said you'd never lose again! You can't die here!

Luffy.

Zoro's eyes widened.

Promise. Right. The promise.

Mosshead, don’t you fucking dare!

Sanji.

Zoro pushed himself upright. And stood.

“No.” he said, peering right at Kuina, “There’s still so much I gotta do.” 

He picked up Wado. 

“Like becoming the world’s greatest swordsman?”

Zoro adjusted his stance. So did Kuina. 

“Yeah.” 

“And helping your captain find the One Piece?” 

“Yeah.” 

“...And?” 

“Tch. There’s an idiot cook waiting for me.” 

Kuina smiled. The way a rival would. The way a friend would. The way an older sister would. 

And she lunged. 

Zoro rushed at her. No doubt. No hesitation. 

Their blades struck. 

Light exploded. 

Kuina’s sword flew out of her hand, spun once, and clattered to the grass. 

“Looks like you finally figured it out.” she said. Her image wavered. 

“Don’t keep him waiting.” she said. Her image faded slowly. Her voice carried like a faint echo on the breeze. 

Around him, the grove began to unravel.

Wisteria petals dissolved into light.

The sky cracked apart.

The ground beneath his feet gave way.

Kuina's smile was the last thing he saw. Proud. Certain. At peace.

"Go." Her voice echoed on the wind. 

“Yeah.” 

The world shattered.

Zoro fell.

Into darkness.

Into the sea.

And somewhere above the surface, an infuriatingly familiar voice was calling him home. 

(10)

“He- He’s stabilizing AGAIN!” Chopper cried with relief.

Zoro groaned. 

The room froze.

His fingers twitched. His eyelids fluttered.

Slowly, painfully, his eyes cracked open.

The first thing he saw was blonde hair and baby blues through a smoking cigarette.

Sanji was hanging over the bed. 

Tears streamed unabashedly down his face.

A clammy hand was gripping Zoro’s so hard it was shaking. 

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then—

“HE'S AWAKE!”

Chopper burst into tears.

“ZORO!” Luffy shouted.

The captain launched himself across the room so fast Franky barely caught him before he landed directly on top of the recovering swordsman.

“DON'T JUMP ON HIM!” Chopper screamed.

Nami's knees nearly gave out.

“Oh thank God...”

Usopp looked seconds away from joining Chopper in crying.

“I TOLD YOU HE'D MAKE IT!” he shouted.

“You absolutely did not!” Nami snapped.

“I was thinking it really hard!”

Robin covered her mouth with one hand.

A rare, genuine smile softened her features.

Brook sagged with relief, “Ah...thank goodness.”

Franky wiped suspicious moisture from his eyes, “SUPER comeback, bro...”

The room erupted into overlapping voices.

Questions.

Shouting.

Arguments.

Relief.

The noises blurred together.

Zoro barely heard any of it. Because his attention remained fixed on the cook.

Sanji was still gripping his hand. Still crying. Still staring at him like he'd seen a ghost.

“Took you long enough,” Sanji choked out. 

Zoro's lips twitched.

“...Tch.”

His voice came out rough. Weak. Barely audible.

“Clingy bastard.”

A broken laugh escaped Sanji before he could stop it.

And for the first time all night, the fear finally began to leave the room.

Sanji hastily wiped his eyes. 

“You’re a real selfish asshole, you know.” Sanji scoffed, “Do you have ANY IDEA what you put us through!? What you put ME through!?” 

“Tch. I dunno why you’re freakin’ out. I’m fine.” 

“Mossheaded IDIOT!” Sanji’s voice cracked, “DON’T PLAY IT OFF LIKE IT’S NOTHING!”

“Sanji–” Chopper tried to interrupt. 

“YOU DAMN JERK!” Sanji’s fingers twisted in the sheets, “YOU ALMOST DIED!”

“But I didn’t.” 

“THAT’S NOT THE POINT!” 

“THEN WHAT THE HELL IS!?” Zoro shot back. He immediately winced. Gritted his teeth when a stab of pain ripped through his chest. 

“Easy! Don’t over-exert yourself!” Chopper exclaimed, “Sanji, stop yelling at him!” 

Sanji’s expression flickered once. Softening only just. 

“Well, Cook?” Zoro emphasized, “What’s got you so damn pissed?” 

“Because! Because I–” he cut off sharply. Crimson rushed to his cheeks. 

“What!?” Zoro demanded. 

“Uhh…y’know what, bros– let’s give these two some space.” Franky decided, already backing towards the doorway, “I gotta feelin’ this is about to get real awkward….” 

One by one, the crew trickled out of the room. 

The door shut behind them, and they were alone. 

"I can't keep watching you throw your life away like it doesn't matter!” Sanji snapped.

“Oh yeah?” Zoro challenged, “You’re one to fucking talk! You really pissed me off! Tryna take the fall for me like YOU don’t matter!” 

Sanji froze. Zoro glared. 

They were pressed closer than they needed to be. Their glares pierced one another like daggers. Their breaths were rapid and hot against one another’s faces. 

Sanji’s expression softened, “...Is that…why you knocked me unconscious?” 

“...Yeah…”

Sanji’s grip tightened on Zoro’s hand. Zoro’s fingers twitched, and he squeezed back. 

Sanji averted his gaze when a fresh stream of tears spilled down his cheeks. 

There was a strained beat of silence in between them. 

“You scared the hell out of me.” Sanji confessed, “I didn’t— I was terrified to lose you.” 

“Yeah…” Zoro replied, “...I know…” 

He stared over Sanji’s shoulder towards the broken window for a moment. 

“...Truth is…I really was about to die…” Zoro admitted, “...I almost went…”

Sanji’s breath trembled. 

“But I came back ‘cause of you.” 

Sanji’s heart kicked violently against his chest. 

“I heard you callin’ me.” 

Sanji stared at him. 

"You…heard me?"

"Yeah."

"That's impossible."

"Probably." Zoro replied, “But I know what I heard.” 

There was another pause. But it felt different from before. 

“Tch.” Zoro scoffed. He pushed himself up onto the pillows and leaned closer, “Guess you saved my ass.” A smile tugged the corner of his mouth. He turned his wrist and threaded his fingers into the spaces between the cook’s. 

Sanji’s breath wavered. He snubbed out his cigarette and dropped it in the ashtray. 

He slid forward until their lips were centimeters apart. 

Zoro did not move away. 

“Mosshead, I—” Zoro’s breath was hot against Sanji’s face. 

Zoro’s eyelids fluttered, “...shut up already, idiot cook…” 

Zoro leaned forward. 

And kissed him. 

Sanji made a soft noise. And then immediately kissed back.

-xXx-

“I don’t hear them– you think they’re done fighting yet?” Luffy asked.

(The crew was still pressed against the door, listening.)

“They’re not fighting.” Nami said. 

“You think they’re okay?” Chopper asked. 

“Yeah, they’re all good, bro!” Franky replied.

“Are you sure? I’m gonna go check on them!” Chopper decided, already moving towards the door. 

Robin stopped him with a gentle squeeze to his shoulder, “There’s no need. They’re more than fine, Chopper.” 

“Yeah. Just let ‘em be for now.” Usopp said. 

-xXx-

Zoro’s hand pressed against the back of Sanji’s head. 

The kiss deepened quickly. 

Zoro tasted like sake and salt. 

Sanji like cigarettes and wine. 

Zoro kissed with every ounce of passion and strength inside him. 

Sanji moved against his mouth with flawless, unyielding fervor. 

The cook crawled onto the bed, enough to pin Zoro beneath him, but careful not to press too hard against him. Zoro’s spare hand anchored firmly on Sanji’s hip. 

-xXx-

Sanji only broke away so that Zoro didn’t overexert himself too much.  

For a moment, they stayed where they were, shoulders heaving.

Sanji hovered over Zoro, the edge of his blonde fringe brushing the swordsman’s cheek.

For a moment, the only sound in that room was the heavy breathing. 

Sanji sat back on his heels, gaze still locked on Zoro’s.

“Tch.” Zoro scoffed, “Guess we can’t be friends anymore after this, can we?” 

“We never were.” Sanji smiled.

“So what does that make us?” 

“Partners in Crime has a nice ring to it.” 

“Tch. Yeah. Let’s go with that.” 

Sanji kissed him again–

But this time it was a soft, chaste thing. 

“Heh. Idiot cook.” 

“Bloody mosshead.” 

Neither insult had any real heat behind it anymore.