Law N Bepo

Franky grabbing Robin in the middle of the battle and kissing her

Robin pulling back smiling "Franky. This is hardly the time t-"

Franky grinning with confidence "What can I say? When I see something worth fighting for, I go all in."

Robin raising an eyebrow "And here I thought you were all about the explosions."

Franky smirked"Well, you’re an explosion I’m happy to get caught in."

When violent characters are gentle and tender & when gentle characters are violent and unhinged

Enclosed |Master-list|

Straw Hat x !GNReader, platonic, can be interpreted as romantic, comfort fic, angst, fluff, crack, straw hat shenanigans, the crew is very protective of you

Summary: Experiencing a vivid panic attack, you clumsily avoid the crew.

A/N: This is the re-made version of Anxiety, and I cannot BELIEVE how much my writing has changed since the original. Also, there's no Jinbei in here—I apologize, I'm not that far yet 💔

Around 3.2k

Warning! Anxiety/Panic Attacks written in detail + Orthostatic Hypotension.

•-•-•—•-•-••-•-•—•-•—•-•

Mindlessly walking the deck of the Thousand Sunny, you used the rail for balance. With blurred vision, you helplessly caught your breath, gripping the rail like a lifeline as it cut edges into your palm.

Blood didn’t draw, but it pooled at your feet as you sluggishly walked down the stairs.

The moon hung high, and it was nearing 11:00 as the crew kept to themselves and their duties, relaxing in the galley or their designated spots.

The Sunny traveled at night, meaning everyone had to be alert. Shifts were taken and naps were often, though you were left to your senses.

Feeling everything—but nothing at once.

Your nervous system couldn’t tell the difference between being held at gunpoint to the peaceful company of your crew.

It could never make up its mind, and it left you cautious of those around you. Especially Zoro, who you avoided as he rested by the mast.

You carefully, as quietly as you could, stepped down the stairs, faintly making out his form through the dark. His arms were crossed over his lap, protecting his swords even in peace, soundly asleep.

Or so you thought.

Stepping down the last step, your breath hitched.

crk—

A sharp pain ran up your side, making you stagger to grab the rail, fighting yourself as you fought the raw ache in your chest.

You squeezed your shirt, temporarily kneeling, and you knew you had given yourself away. Quickly, you looked up to watch the swordsman—but it was too late.

Zoro didn’t move; he was as silent as a ghost, no longer snoring.

Fuck. Great—he’s awake.

Embarrassed, you fled inside, unaware of the eye that cracked open to watch you. The door swiftly shut, and Zoro sighed, leaning up, muttering something soft under his breath. “Idiot . . .”

You hurried down the hall, passing the kitchen as you ignored soft-talk; limbs burning in protest, with a hand muffling your breath, but you pushed on.

You couldn’t let them see you like this. It wasn’t fair. They hadn’t done anything—it was just you.

It was your problem.

“Your tea, Robin.” Sanji swooned, probably spinning around the table by now. “Ah, thank you,” she smiled, taking the cup. “Hey, where’s my tea?” Usopp grumbled, tinkering with his gadget

“You’ll get in a second.” Sanji replied, then casually, “Chopper, yours.” “Hey—rude! I’m right here, you know!”

You held the wall, slowing down, keeping quiet. But it was damn near impossible to.

“Sanji, I’m hungry!” “I just made you something!” “And since when has that ever worked? He’s an endless pit, bro.”

Suddenly, your hand grazed a painting, and you froze.

“Sooo... about that meat, Sanji?” “Get out of my kitchen!”

“Shh—wait,” Chopper muttered, “did you guys hear that?”

“Hear what?”

With your heart racing, you slipped into the infirmary, going unnoticed. Footsteps came from the galley, and you knew you had to act fast. Tears covered your vision, though a shortcut to the aquarium bar sparked your movement.

You shifted to the hall, exiting from Chopper’s side door—but a familiar hum filled the corridor. Flinching back, you realized it was Brook.

Shit. Shit—Shit.

Impulsively, you left in the opposite direction with your back facing the skeleton. Your shoulders were hunched, and you quietly cried into the palm of your hand.

“Oh, ____! I thought I heard you!” Brook piped, then paused, watching you stumble into the tank room. “Oh, there they go—“

Crashing into the couch, you gasped for air, holding your chest. Dammnit. You couldn’t do this. Too much.

Way, too much.

You loved them with all your heart, and every single of your being—but fuck. There was too much action. Adrenaline coursed through your veins, and you could barely breathe.

A struggled noise escaped you, and you curled into the couch’s armrest. Your limbs ached, tingling as they grew weak, and you muffled a sob, sharply drawing in.

The quiet surrounded you, suffocating you only for a moment, before you realized the room’s lights were on.

Someone else was in here.

“____?” Nami asked, peeking over the couch. “Oh my god, hey,” she worriedly came to meet you, but you’d already bolted up.

“I’m okay,” you rasped, using the wall for leverage. “I’m fine,” you repeated, wiping your eyes.

“Hey—hey, wait,” only getting so far, voices sounded from the door you reached.

You flinched, stepping back—bumping into Nami—you were lost. You didn’t know what to do.

“I knew I heard someone, I figured it was—“

Someone touched your shoulder, and you flinched, covering your ears. You searched for an exit, looking through tears, but there was nothing.

There was so much happening at once.

“___, hey—hold on.”

Voices. Muffled voices, in blurs shapes—you could barely make out what was in front of you. You stepped back, bumping into something, and you couldn’t tell what happened after that.

Your eyes shut.

“Yohoho, there you are!” “I told you they were in here!” “No, you didn’t, you said they were—“

“Oh—You guys, hold on—“

“Stop talking!”

For a moment, you looked for some way out, and a peaceful, single storage closet called to you. You didn’t even hesitate. You bolted.

The door slammed shut, and you crashed into whatever was inside.

Silence shrouded, and objects poked at you. Your head felt like it was going to explode.

With your heart pounding and anxiety raging, you couldn’t think, you couldn’t feel. Only the burning of your nerves, to the shaking in your limbs, was overwhelming.

In the dark, static blurred with reality, and tears covered them all. You felt like it was the end of the world, with everything folding in on you at once.

•~•~•~•

Outside the closet, a room of confused and worried crew members stood still.

“Shh!” Nami hushed, silencing the group. “Be quiet.”

“Sorry!” Chopper whispered, covering his mouth, side-kicking Usopp, who winced.

“Are they okay?” Luffy asked.

“What do you think?” Sanji spoke, physically tensing as the cyborg strolled in. “Yoh! What’s the big—“ A giant hand slapped over Franky’s face, and he nodded, immediately getting the memo.

Robin’s hand disappeared, flurrying into petals, and Zoro silently followed in.

Everyone shared a look, checking the closet, and an understanding passed through. The moment seemed to slow.

Luffy slipped by Nami, sitting beside the door to listen to your panicked breaths. His hat covered his face, and his fist clenched over his knee.

You’d think he was angry, but right now? It was the complete opposite. He was torn.

Another moment passed before Sanji spoke quietly. “What happened?”

“I don’t know,” Nami muttered, “They burst in here, trying to be alone, I think I scared them.” A hand rubbed over her chest, and her eyes softened.

“She was already startled,” Robin murmured, taking a seat on the couch. “I believe it’s a panic attack.”

“Yeah,” Chopper mumbled, lowering himself beside her. The doctor looked to the closet, wishing he were in there with you.

It wasn’t fair that you were alone.

“I wish I’d noticed sooner,” he added quietly,

“You couldn’t have done anything,” Zoro said, leaning against a table, “they were hiding. I saw them sneaking around the deck.”

“Sneaking?” Brook blurted, a little too loudly. The skeleton quickly covered his mouth, ducking to avoid Robin’s hand that sprouted from the wall. He placed a bony hand over his heart, thinking back to earlier, when you’d avoided him.

Realization set in, and he sighed.

“Oh—____, no one deserves to be alone when experiencing something so hard.”

Sanji hummed, his expression growing grim. He leaned against the wall, opposite of Zoro, bringing a cigarette to his lips.

No. No one did. Especially you.

“They were fine earlier,” Usopp whispered, pausing. He looked at his hands, closing them into fists. “I swear, I saw them not even 30 minutes ago, they helped me find a piece for something.”

“They come on fast,” Chopper responded, sniffling. He rubbed his nose, leaning against Robin. “It’s hard to control them when they do, I just... I don’t think they wanted us to see them like this.”

“They avoided me like the plague.” Zoro tsked, crossing his arms. “It’s probably a lot more than that.”

“Well, that’s too bad,” Luffy said firmly,

“They’re a part of this crew—they’re ours. They don’t get to go through this alone, not when we’re here.”

A gentle pause, and the heavy breathing finally stopped. Everyone listened, but only to silence. Nami let out a breath, looking at Robin.

Already acting, the archeologist crossed her arms, muttering a soft; Un Fluer,” and a single hand sprouted from inside the closet.

It gently reached your leg, grounding you with single taps.

You sniffled, blinking through tears, and you hesitated. Through the dark, you saw her hand, and you didn’t know why you froze. Your throat tightened, as if this simple gesture were a grand speech.

Outside, Robin was determined. Her eyes had a focused gentleness to them, and she wouldn’t let this go. She closed her eyes, making her hand reach yours.

It was the gentlest push, but it was needed, and your hand squeezed hers, signaling you were okay.

Robin smiled, reciprocating the gesture. “They’re coming out of it, just give them some time.”

“Fine by me,” Zoro grumbles, taking a seat. “I’ll sit here all night if I have to.”

“For once, I agree with you,” Sanji sighed, blowing out his cigarette. He leaned against the tank, quietly watching the reflection of the glass.

“Uh-huh,” Franky agreed, “we’re super patient, kiddo, take all the time you need.” he plopped down, creating a loud thump, and Nami shook her head at Usopp.

They shared a look, checking the closet.

Clunk

Something fell from inside, as if you were moving, and the crew acted casual. They lounged, creating a soft tension that left it easy to breathe. They made sure not to make you feel small or crowded, even if they were secretly watching.

Another object fell, thumping softly, and a weak “ow” echoed.

Usopp cracked a smile, and so did Luffy. The captain leaned on his left knee, peeking at the door that cracked weakly open.

“Shishi, there you are.” he smiled, “We were worried about‘cha.”

You wiped your eyes, managing a smile, though it wasn’t convincing. It was weak, just a tip of the lips, but it was there.

Papers littered where you sat, with bent boxes and random trinkets—you slowly stretched your legs, leaning against the doorframe.

“Yeah, sorry about the shelves.” You mumbled, looking behind you.

“It’s fine,” Robin assured, as calm as ever. “We didn’t need it anyway. It was just free storage.”

“Yeah,” Franky mentioned, “I was gonna turn that into room space, but you just did the demolition for me.” he laughed, eliciting a few smiles throughout the room.

“I’m just glad you’re not hurt! I heard the crash from upstairs.”

“As did I, you startled us ___.” Brook started, crossing his legs. “Yohoho—it looked rather painful, seeing you so lost.”

“Yeah, it was, I’m sorry you have to go through that.” Usopp said, rubbing the back of his neck, “You don’t have to hide that, though.

“You know we’re here.”

“Mm,” Sanji agreed, “We’re everywhere, whenever you need. Always.”

You nodded, looking at your feet. “Thank you, that... means a lot.”

“I’m sure it does,” Nami hugged her sides, checking the clock. Not out of urgency, but as a reminder. That you, right here, right now—we’re struggling.

12:05am…

This late. And you still tried to hide it.

She was frustrated—not at you, but herself. She’d been the one to startle you further, and that guilt lingered.

Nami—just like everyone else thought, knew this wasn’t fair. Because you were safe: with them, not with whoever made you feel the need to act this way.

To hide, bury your feelings—tune it out till it all boils over, leaving you overwhelmed. Bittersweetly, she smiled.

You reminded her a lot of herself.

“And you’re welcome, but you shouldn’t feel the need to thank us.” “It’s not out of obligation,” she added.

“It never is.”

“We want to be there for you, even if you think something like this is ‘small,’ it’s not. Everything matters, and if you already know it, I, and everyone else, are going to remind you, over and over again—you matter.” Nami walked forward, standing close.

“It doesn’t matter what it is, just tell us. Tell someone. You don’t deserve to suffer alone.”

Luffy stretched, internally relieved—because in his own words, he would’ve said the same thing.

Just . . . Not as Nami-ish.

However, he still had something on his mind, and it was killing his patience to ask you. Luffy nudged your foot with his own, bumping it again as if he were thinking.

“Is that why you hide?” he asked, casually.

“'Cause you're scared?”

Pulling a leg close, you shrugged, knocking his foot back.

“Sometimes,” you admit. “Sometimes it’s like that, when I don’t know what you’ll say, or how you’ll react. Or, I just don’t really know. It just... happens, and I freeze up. I can’t think, and I can’t talk, and I don’t know what to do with myself other than hide.”

A short pause.

“It feels safer that way.”

Luffy hummed, bumping your foot again.

“It shouldn’t,” he muttered, almost grumbling. “We’re just as safe as some stupid storage closet. And you shouldn’t worry about that, we’d never hurt you.”

Weakly, you nodded. You couldn’t stop your tears, but you didn’t know if you wanted to. You hadn’t let yourself cry like this in a long time, not with people who cared for you now.

“I know you’re safer than some storage closet, Luffy.” You chuckled, sniffling. “It’s not that I think you’re not, it just... It’s different.”

“I know it is,” he shifted forward, placing his straw hat on your head. “Just come to one of us next time, yeah?”

“Yeah,” you agreed, nodding. Nami rubbed your shoulder, and Luffy slowly stood up.

He offered you his hand, as a choice, and you took it. With little warning, he pulled you up, and almost instantly, dizziness washed over you.

You didn’t have enough time to even think.

“Oh—Luffy, be careful—“ Chopper warned. But it was too late.

Static spread up your body, crawling into your vision—and as stable as you came, it suddenly disappeared. You went limp, ears blaring as both knees gave out underneath you.

“Oi—____!” Luffy quickly caught you, eyes wide as he held you to his chest. In a matter of seconds, the room erupted.

“Idiot! You can’t just pull them up that fast! Their body needs to readjust!”

“Readjust? What does that mean?!”

“He means acclimatize, Luffy,” Robin sighed, watching your head loll gently against his shoulder. Her eyes softened, “They just can’t seem to get a break, they?”

“No, apparently they cannot,” Usopp sighed, his head dropping.

“So what—they just passed out?” Zoro ignored, walking over. “Are they okay?”

“Yes, and no, I mean—technically?”

“Chopper.”

“It was a drop in blood pressure! Orthostatic Hypotension, they had a lot of things to contribute to it, anxiety, dehydration—standing up too fast,” Chopper listed, coming beside you.

“When that happens, their brain and heart don’t have enough blood or oxygen to properly function,” he finished, gently taking your vitals.

“I understood none of that.” Franky blurted.

“Exactly, that’s why I’m the doctor.” “Ok, lil’ bro.”

“They just passed out, they’re only unconscious,” he continued, pausing. Worriedly, his eyebrows scrunched.

“Oh, that’s not good, that’s really low.”

“Low? What’s low? Are they dying?!” Usopp panicked. “Yohoho, my heart can’t take this—“

“No, you idiots! They aren’t dying, quit it!” Nami snapped.

“They just passed out, like Chopper said. Just give it a second.” Robin assured.

“Yeah, well, I hate waiting,” Franky muttered, standing above Luffy. With his hands on his hips, he watched you protectively, just like the crew did.

If he ever found out who’d done you harm, to this extent? Bringing your anxiety to an all-time high? They wouldn’t walk another painless day. If at all.

“Sanji, can you get them some water? They’ll need something light to eat too, for when they wake up.” “Already on it.”

•~•~•~•

Blearily, you stirred to panicked voices.

Luffy’s hat had tipped to the side, shielding your vision, while Chopper tracked your pulse, and Zoro broodingly hovered . . .

You wondered how long you’d been out, but you’d been too tired to move—or signal that you were alive.

“God, there you are.” Sanji sighed, placing a hand to his heart. “You’re just all over the place.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” Chopper muttered, “How are you feeling?”

You blinked, slowly, very slowly—almost grogily. “Did I j’s pass out?”

“Yeah, you did.” Nami deadpanned, gently adjusting Luffy’s hat. She looked at the captain, glaring. “Don’t ever do that again.”

“I won’t,” Luffy chuckled, “sorry, ____.”

“It’s fine,” you muttered, shakily leaning up. Your balance didn’t last, and Luffy let you rest against him. “Ugh, I think I got hit by a ship.”

“No, you got hit by a Luffy.” Usopp corrected, letting Sanji slip by with some water. “Here, this’ll make you feel better. There are some electrolytes in there, so it’s sweet.” He soothed.

“It wasn’t that bad,” Luffy grumbled, but Franky was quick to interrupt. “Oh, it was that bad. They folded like a chair.”

“I did not.” You mumbled, though it was completely ignored.

“How was I supposed to know they’d do that?” Luffy huffed, his arms tightening around you.

“Yohoho, because.” Brook shrugged. “Because—?”

“Ok, on a serious note!” Chopper finished, bringing their attention back to you. “Your blood pressure is low, you’re dehydrated, and you need rest. So don’t even think about doing anything strenuous.”

You nodded, but went to say something—

“And no. I’m not sure about training tomorrow, we’ll see how you feel.” “Seriously?”

“You just passed out, moron.” Zoro’s eye twitched. “Give yourself a break.”

“You’re one to talk.” “Oi—watch it.”

“They’ve got a point, Zoro, I don’t know how many times I’ve seen Chopper chase you around.” Usopp plopped a seat beside you.

“Haha—remember when he bandaged him to the mast?”

Here we go . . .

“Don’t turn this on me!”

Leaning against Luffy’s side, you listened to the crew’s banter, relaxing. Everyone had made themselves a comfortable spot, lingering close, and your eyes began to droop.

“It was a good waste of bandages, I’d do it again.” Chopper proudly smiled, crossing his arms as he finally let your wrist go. “Shishi—he looked like Sanji’s pork wraps!”

“I did not!” Zoro blushed, scoffing as he turned away. “I’m leaving you to drown next time you fall overboard.”

“No, you won’t!” “Oh, yes, the hell I will!”

Luffy’s hat fell in your lap, and slowly... your eyes closed. The light-hearted arguing acted as a white noise, and as insane as it sounded, the loudness was comforting.

Yet again, everyone’s voices blurred, but this time it was by sleep, not by the torment of your anxiety. Your body, for once, relaxed, and almost instantly, you were at peace.

In the arms of your captain, and the company of your crew, you could finally rest. It would be okay, and in a matter of no-time, your energy would return.

It wasn't everlasting, only temporarily in the depths of your episode, and you had to remember that it would pass. And I would be okay.

•~•~•~•

hello!!! I’ve never asked for a request before so this is so strange but I love your writing ❤️

I was wondering if you could write something with Zoro X Reader where the reader gets injured badly in a fight and zoro is also too injured to carry her back to the ship. So he has to entrust Sanji to carry her back for him. Maybe there is a light bit of teasing between the two men but ultimately they care about their crew mate more than petty fighting. Hope I explained that well and once again love your work.

Bruised Egos

zoro x reader

a/n: thank youuuu!! hope you'll like this eheh

words count: 2.2k

tags: hurt/comfort, sanji & zoro friendship (reluctant), established relationship, injured reader, protective zoro

masterlist || ao3 || ko-fi

The smoke clears just enough to make out the wreckage of the battlefield. Bodies lie scattered, groaning or out cold. Blood paints the ground, most of it not yours, but the gash across your side is too deep for pride, and you’re only staying upright because Zoro’s shoulder props you up.

“Shit…” you breathe, slumping “That bastard nearly cracked my spine.”

Zoro hisses through clenched teeth “You shouldn’t have taken that hit.”

You try to laugh, but it catches in your throat, half cough, half whimper “Wasn’t trying to. Thought you had my back.”

“I did have your back,” he growls, voice low “He just went through me first.”

You look up. Zoro’s bleeding from the temple, his shirt ripped, a deep fresh cut across his chest. One arm hangs limp at his side. His swords are sheathed, but his breathing’s all wrong. Shaky. Strained.

You know that look.

“Zoro… you can’t carry me.”

“I’m not leaving you here.”

“And I’m not walking. I can’t feel my legs, babe.”

His jaw tightens. You see the war happening in his head. His pride screams to fix it himself, but his body’s failing. You lean your forehead against his, voice soft.

“You gotta call someone to help.”

Zoro’s silent.

Then a voice cuts through the haze like a damn knife.

“Ohhh no. No, no, no. This is bad. This is very bad.”

Sanji.

His boots skid to a stop in the dirt, one sleeve torn, bruises darkening his jaw. He crouches beside you, worry etched across his face “Ma chérie, what the hell happened to you? You’re—you’re—”

“I’m not dying” you murmur, almost amused.

“She’s not dying,” Zoro snaps, shooting Sanji a glare “But she can’t move. I can’t carry her.”

Sanji’s brows shoot up “So you’re actually asking me for help?”

Zoro doesn’t respond. He just glares harder.

“Oh my god,” Sanji gasps theatrically, placing a hand over his heart “Roronoa Zoro, Pirate Hunter, is entrusting me with his precious, injured girlfriend. The world is ending.”

“I will end your world if you drop her.”

You groan, head lolling back “Guys. Not the time.”

Sanji immediately sobers “Right. Sorry.” He leans in, his tone gentler now “This is gonna hurt, but I’ll be careful.”

Zoro grabs his wrist before he touches you “If you get weird, even a little, I’ll know.”

Sanji rolls his eyes, but there’s a flicker of something honest under the dramatics “She’s hurt, moss-for-brains. Not my type when she’s bleeding out.”

You snort despite the pain “Wow. Thanks.”

Zoro lets go of Sanji’s wrist, reluctantly.

Sanji carefully hooks his arms under your knees and back, lifting you with surprising steadiness. You flinch, but he adjusts, murmuring apologies the entire time. You can feel Zoro’s gaze burning into the both of you.

“Hey” you whisper to Zoro, reaching your hand out.

He grabs it instantly, squeezing it tight “I’ll be right behind you.”

Sanji shifts your weight, starting toward the ship “Take your time, mosshead. Wouldn’t want you to collapse on the way and make me carry you too.”

Zoro mutters something under his breath that sounds a lot like “dead chef walking.”

But you hear it too, beneath the insults, under the tension, is trust.

And for now, that’s enough.

“Chopper!”

Sanji’s voice bounces off the twisted trees of the island interior. He cradles you tighter against his chest, eyes scanning for movement “Come on, little reindeer, now’s not the time to play scavenger.”

Zoro limps behind, every step deliberate. He’s pale under the dirt and blood, his knuckles clenched tight. He hasn’t spoken in minutes, not since you stopped answering him.

You groaned once. Then your head lolled against Sanji’s shoulder. And now nothing.

“She’s out cold,” Sanji mutters, almost to himself “Breathing’s shallow. I don’t like this.”

Zoro stops walking “Let me see her.”

Sanji glances back “We don’t have time to switch carriers, dumbass. You can barely stand.”

Zoro doesn’t budge “I said, let me see her.”

Reluctantly, Sanji kneels and shifts your weight slightly so Zoro can crouch beside him. Zoro brushes hair away from your face, his hand trembling just enough to notice.

“Hey. Y/N.” His voice is low now, barely audible “You with me?”

Your eyelids don’t flutter. Your lips are pale.

Sanji watches him, surprised at the way Zoro’s hand lingers on your cheek.

“She’s tougher than she looks,” Sanji offers gently “She’ll pull through.”

“She better,” Zoro mutters, eyes locked on your face “I didn’t fight off three of these monsters just to watch her pass out in the dirt.”

Sanji lets him have a moment before standing again “Let’s move. We’re no good to her like this.”

Zoro stands too, but he’s slower now. His entire right leg is dragging slightly.

“You’re falling apart,” Sanji notes, voice tinged with both sarcasm and concern “Need me to carry you next?”

Zoro snorts “I’d rather be buried.”

“Wouldn't be the first time I carry you... But suit yourself, marimo.”

Sanji adjusts his hold on you again, but more carefully this time. You’re burning up now, your body swinging between chills and heat.

“You’re holding her like she’s made of glass” Zoro points out.

“She is right now,” Sanji snaps “You want me to drop her?”

“You’d be dead before she hit the ground.”

“Romantic,” Sanji mutters “Just say you love her and let’s go.”

Zoro doesn’t answer. His silence says everything.

They stumble into a clearing and Sanji spots Chopper.

“Chopper!” Zoro bellows.

The doctor turns, eyes wide “What happened?! Oh no, oh no—is that blood?”

Sanji doesn’t waste time. He kneels, laying you gently on the nearest blanket “She passed out a few minutes ago. Deep gash on her side. Internal bleeding, maybe. She hasn’t opened her eyes.”

Zoro drops beside you, his whole body stiff with tension “She was conscious right after the fight. Talking. Then she just… went quiet.”

Chopper’s already on it, gloves on, stethoscope out “Stay back, both of you. Let me work.”

Sanji pulls Zoro a few steps back. They both stand in silence for a moment, watching Chopper work with rapid, practiced hands.

“She’s gonna make it,” Sanji says quietly “She has to.”

Zoro glances at him, exhausted “If she doesn’t, I’ll kill you.”

Sanji rolls his eyes “You really know how to make a guy feel comforted.”

Zoro’s lip twitches, and for a second, just a second, Sanji sees something close to gratitude behind his usual scowl.

You stir, faintly, the barest motion of fingers twitching.

Zoro immediately drops to your side “Hey. Hey, hey—look at me.”

Your lips move, dry and cracked “…Zoro?”

He exhales like he’s been holding his breath for an hour “Yeah. I’m here. You fainted like an idiot. Don’t do that again.”

Chopper’s already at your other side “She’s stable now. But she needs rest. And stitches.”

“Ugh,” you murmur “Don’t let Sanji near my stitches.”

“I would never,” Sanji huffs from behind you “Though I was tempted to draw little hearts around the bandages.”

Zoro glares “Try it. I dare you.”

You crack a weak smile “You guys are… the worst.”

But your voice is soft, and your fingers curl weakly around Zoro’s sleeve. And that’s enough to keep him from collapsing himself.

You dream in flashes. Smoke. Pain. Arms under you. A soft voice murmuring apologies. The scent of cigarette smoke and flour. Something warm against your forehead.

Then everything fades into darkness.

When you wake up, it’s to the low creak of wood, the soft hum of the Sunny rocking beneath you. The room smells like clean linen, alcohol, and the ocean. You’re warm, safe. Your side aches like hell, but your brain is clear enough now to register that you’re alive, and tucked neatly into the infirmary’s bed.

Your fingers twitch. A shadow stirs beside the bed.

Zoro.

He’s slumped in a chair, arms folded across his chest, chin dipped low like he fell asleep mid-glare. One foot taps slightly, and there’s a fresh bandage wrapped around his bicep.

You blink slowly. Then whisper, hoarse, “…Zoro?”

He snaps awake so fast the chair nearly tips backward “You’re up?”

You nod, barely. Your throat’s dry, but you manage, “Feels like I got hit by a sea train.”

“You did,” he grumbles. He leans forward, his hand gripping the edge of the mattress like if he doesn’t hold on, you might disappear “Don’t scare me like that again.”

“You were scared?”

He looks away, cheeks faintly tinged “No.”

You smile weakly.

There’s a long pause. Then you whisper, “Can you… get Sanji?”

Zoro freezes “What?”

“I wanna thank him. I just remember… being carried. He was gentle. He smelled like pastries.” You grin sleepily “Like a knight or something.”

Zoro stares at you. His eye twitches “A knight.”

“Mmhmm. My… chevalier in shining apron.”

“Oh, hell no.”

You giggle weakly, and he scowls even harder.

Zoro mutters something about “damn curly-brow” and “should’ve let me carry her and pass out instead” but he gets up anyway, muttering all the way to the door. He yanks it open and yells down the hall:

“HEY, LOVE-COOK! YOUR DAMN PRINCESS WOKE UP AND WANTS HER SHINING FRENCH-FRIED KNIGHT!”

You wheeze a laugh and immediately regret it as pain lances up your side.

“Ugh—ow. Ow. Okay. Worth it.”

Zoro glares at you “Not funny.”

You grin “A little funny.”

Moments later, Sanji slides into the room with a flourish, one hand to his heart, the other holding a steaming mug of tea.

“Ma belle, you called for your humble rescuer?”

Zoro groans “Kill me.”

Sanji kneels beside your bed dramatically “I brought tea, special blend for pain and recovery. Also, you’re glowing even with dried blood and stitches. How do you do it?”

You take the tea, sipping carefully “Thanks, Sanji. Seriously. I don’t remember much, but I remember you carrying me. You felt safe.”

Sanji softens instantly, all flair dropping “Any time. You’re our crewmate, our family. I’d carry you through a burning building if I had to.”

Zoro mumbles, “Burning kitchen, maybe. Not a building.”

Sanji ignores him.

“Still,” you murmur, “you were… really sweet. Thank you.”

Zoro groans louder “That’s it. I’m throwing myself overboard.”

Sanji smirks “What’s the matter, mosshead? Jealous?”

Zoro doesn’t answer. He just sits back down and crosses his arms, glowering at the wall like it insulted him.

You reach out with a small smile, grabbing his hand. He looks over, still sulking, but your fingers tug his down.

You mouth, thank you.

He doesn’t smile, but his thumb brushes across your knuckles. Just once.

Sanji rises “Alright. I’ll let you two lovebirds bicker in peace. But next time she needs rescuing, I’m bringing rose petals.”

“I’ll bring my swords.”

“Romantic!”

The door clicks shut behind Sanji.

Zoro sighs, muttering, “Chevalier my ass…”

You smile and lean back “You’re still my favorite swordsman.”

He grunts. But his hand never leaves yours.

You watch him in silence until he speaks.

“Still thinking about your chevalier?”

You smile faintly “Still sulking about it?”

He glances at you “I’m not sulking.”

“You’re absolutely sulking.”

He scowls “I just don’t like the way you looked at him in his arms.”

“I was out of it. I don’t even remember much. But something about the way he held me felt safe. And soft. And dumb, and warm. I was so out of it that at some point I even thought for sure it was you.” You smirk “Turns out it was the one who wears suits to jungle battles.”

Zoro huffs “You’re comparing me to that frilly cook?”

You nod slowly, eyes closing for a moment “Mhm.”

Zoro grunts “Tch. Dumb.”

But then he leans forward, and you feel his callused hand brush your arm, slow and deliberate. His voice softens, just a little.

“You scared me, you know.”

You open your eyes again “Yeah?”

“You dropped so fast. One minute, you were teasing me. Next… nothing. Just a dead weight in curly-brow’s arms. I couldn’t do a damn thing.”

His hand closes around yours. Not possessive, just grounded. Steady.

“I thought maybe I’d lost you.”

You shift your fingers to lace with his “You didn’t.”

“I almost did.”

“But you didn’t...” you repeat gently, tugging his hand until he leans a little closer “You were there. Even if you couldn’t carry me, you stayed. That means more to me than anything.”

Zoro stares at you, unreadable. Then, slowly, he leans in and presses his forehead to yours.

For a long, quiet moment, you just breathe each other in.

No bravado. No teasing. Just warmth. Just him.

Eventually, you murmur, “You know… I might ask Sanji to carry me again.”

Zoro pulls back with a look.

You smir “Kidding.”

Zoro shakes his head, standing up with a low groan, but he doesn’t let go of your hand.

“You’re lucky you’re injured,” he mutters “Or I’d drop-kick you off the deck.”

“Romantic” you whisper.

He smirks, just slightly.

Zoro pulls the chair closer to your bedside, sits again, and this time, he doesn’t fold his arms or pretend he’s not watching you sleep.

When your eyes finally drift closed, his hand is still wrapped around yours. Firm. Protective. Unmoving.

Sanji might have carried you.

But Zoro never let go.

i'll crawl home to you

trafalgar law x fem!reader —ᡣ𐭩 blurb c/w: it's hozier so religious themes, reader is referred to as an 'angel' and a 'goddess'.

I've done terrible things in the past...

It was always an excuse, a justification, a way for Trafalgar Law to convince himself he deserved all the terrible things that happened to him. He was a man of solitude, preferring his own company to that of others, and if others wanted to stay beside him, it was their funeral.

It was the first thing he told you, in the back alley of a marketplace, his blank hands grasping bags of meat. He was young, in his late teens when he asked you to join his crew. You seemed like a critical addition to the Heart Pirates, your expertise and skills in an area he hadn't considered essential.

It was a whim, something he hadn't discussed with Bepo, Shachi, or Penguin, but Law wanted to make this call without their commentary. It felt right to ask you, like the strings of fate were pulling the air from his lungs and puppetting his lips.

It was briefly surprising when you agreed to join, despite his initial warning, and he felt his heart flip in a way it hadn't before. You never questioned him like you should have, but, when you're young and eager to leave your small island, any out is enticing.

All I care about is who you are in the present...

Trafalgar Law didn't know it at the time, but you'd nestled yourself beside his heart and vowed to remain there for eternity.

—

When the Navy had come looking for Trafalgar Law, famed pirate of the Worst Generation, there was no way he'd go down without a fight.

The Polar Tang is alive with chaos, the air thick with clouds of apprehension and charged by panic. The storm raging inside the submarine is nothing compared to the one occurring outside.

Law stands on the deck, his hand outstretched and the sea shrouded with his power. Three Navy ships surround his beloved Tang, but none had come close enough to harm it, and by extension, you.

Against his wishes, you loom in the doorway, the darkness of the entrance a veil. It doesn't take much for Law to notice your presence, and when his chest tightens and aches, he knows you're watching.

It used to alarm him that his blood-soaked hands didn't scare you, and now you watch with pride. His mind was a whirlwind of crippling anxiety and debilitating despair at the thought that his sins could imprison him, forbid him from worshipping you the way you deserve. But even if they did, he'd claw his way from hell to be beside you again.

"You're not meant to be here," He says lowly, gaze calculating. "Go back inside."

"You need help, more ships are coming from the south."

Law scoffs, his anger toward the Navy growing tenfold. The pulsing blue dome retracts and the floating Marine vessels fall into the sea, the men aboard flailing into the water. "Submerge."

You step aside as Law approaches, his footsteps are heavy against the metal. The Tang shutters once he pushes the door closed, and the familiar sensation of your stomach rising has your hands latching onto Law's forearm.

"You okay?" You whisper, voice soft. If Law didn't know any better he'd think you were an angel.

His piercing eyes assess you for injuries he knows you don't have and then he sighs. Law leans down, his lips a ghost over your own.

"Better now that you are."

You smile and press your mouth against his. Law swears he could get a toothache from kissing you.

"C'mon," You say, walking backwards and tugging him along with you. "Let me check you over."

Law used to struggle to grasp your need to ensure he wasn't hurt after he wounded so many. Good and evil weren't two opposites that he would have contemplated in the past, considering his upbringing, but when he laid his eyes on you, he questioned whether the two thrived separately or could co-exist.

Can good live with evil when good knows all that evil has done? When evil is everything that good opposes? Law thought himself as inherently evil, but with good like you love him like he was not, he wasn't sure he knew the meanings or cared anymore.

Nothing matters but you.

"You seem to be fine," You mumble, pulling the thermometer out from under his tongue. "No fever."

"I am fine. No symptoms of illness or any injuries."

"Just making sure."

"Baby, not even death could separate us. I'd crawl out of the cold, dark earth to be with you. No need to worry."

The corners of your lips tilt up, and Law rests his palms on your cheeks. His touch is firm, and the look in your eye absolves him of any crimes—like a judge and a goddess.

Your hands press over his, and the added pressure of his skin on yours does little to satiate your need for his touch. He's not going anywhere without you.

He says your name like a prayer, his voice low and raw. "I love you."

You kiss his palm, gaze locked on his. "Don't think I wouldn't do the same."

Law sighs, his heart clenching. "You're not going in the ground on your own."

You don't think too much about his omission for your own sanity. "I love you."

Now, it wasn't an excuse. The things Law did in the past, and still do to ensure the safety of you and his crew, are something you admire. There's never good without evil, and as much as Law believes he is the latter, he is half your soul, and it is nothing but good.

CRYING.

I HAVE 12 FREAKING DRAFTS THAT ARE ALL MY DIFFERENT WRITING PERSONALITIES AND HALF-DONES

WHAT DO I DOOOOOOO

I’m living through the 5 stages of grief rn.

LIFE GIVE ME MOTIVATIONNN

Glimpse of Us

Pairing: Roronoa Zoro x Reader

Zoro can’t stop seeing Kuina in you—her voice, her stance, her likes and dislikes. As the subtle comparisons mount, you’re left feeling like a shadow, never fully seen for who you are. Can he ever truly see even a glimpse of you, or is it always a glimpse of her?

Word Count: ~4,000

tags: angst, emotional distance

my masterlist here ♡

You joined the Straw Hat crew just after Dressrosa, your sword at your hip and fire in your veins. Zoro was the first to spar with you, his eyebrow raising as your blade nearly nicked his sleeve.

“Not bad,” he muttered. “What’s your name again?”

You told him, and when you smiled, something in his eyes flickered. You didn’t know it then, but he was remembering someone else.

Your face, the way your expression softened when you smiled, reminded him of her. The way your eyes sparkled with that fire, it was too familiar. It wasn’t just your face; it was the way it was framed with your hair, the way your lips curved when you laughed—something in your features felt like the ghost of someone long lost.

“She was strong,” he said under his breath, not to you—but to the ghost behind your shoulder.

Still, he trained with you every morning. He watched you eat three bowls of rice like it was nothing. He called you annoying when you talked too much and interesting when you didn’t back down. You’d catch him staring sometimes—his gaze unreadable.

You thought it was the beginning of something.

⸻

It was late, and you were both on watch. The Thousand Sunny rocked gently beneath your feet, stars swimming above you.

“You always stay up this late?” you asked, sitting beside him on the lion’s head.

“Yeah,” he said. “I like the silence.”

You looked at him, and he didn’t look away.

“I never asked,” you said softly. “Why did you become a swordsman?”

There was a pause. Then: “A promise.”

“To who?”

He was quiet again, gaze drifting to the sea. “Someone who meant a lot.”

You nodded. You didn’t press. But his hand brushed yours—rough fingers curling slightly—and when he didn’t pull away, neither did you.

You thought that maybe this was how it began: gently, gradually.

⸻

It started with little things.

Zoro offered you her favorite drink from the fridge. He mentioned her name once by mistake—Kuina—and froze like the air had been knocked out of him.

You pretended not to notice.

But then came the slip-ups.

“She used to hold her sword like that,” he said mid-training, watching you adjust your grip on the blade.

You paused, sword in hand, before nodding lightly. “Guess it works for me too,” you replied, though it stung.

“She hated fish too,” he noted over dinner one night, pointing at your plate when you hesitated to eat. “You like it, but… she never could stomach it.”

You gave him a forced smile, trying to ignore the coldness creeping into your chest. “I guess I’m different.”

At first, you smiled. You laughed it off, letting it go.

Until it kept happening.

“Kuina always said that.”

“Kuina used to hum that song.”

“Kuina—”

You slammed your fork down one night at the table, but you didn’t say a word. He didn’t notice your silence. Or maybe he chose not to.

⸻

Nami found you in the hallway after another awkward dinner, your arms folded tight across your chest.

“He doesn’t mean to hurt you,” she said gently. “It’s just… grief. Sometimes it sticks.”

You stared at the wall, trying to find something to focus on, but the words kept repeating in your head. Grief. Grief. Grief.

“I’m not her,” you said quietly, though you weren’t entirely sure who you were trying to convince—Nami, or yourself.

“I know.”

“I don’t want to be her.”

“You’re not.”

You bit your lip, voice breaking. “Then why does he keep looking at me like I am?”

⸻

You found him in the crow’s nest, sharpening his sword.

“Zoro,” you said quietly.

He looked up, pausing mid-stroke. “Hm?”

You stepped closer, heart in your throat. “What did you see when I joined the crew?”

He blinked. “What?”

“Was it me?” Your voice trembled. “Or was it just someone who reminded you of her?”

Zoro sat up straighter, eyes narrowing like he couldn’t believe you were saying this. “Y/N—”

“You talk about her like she was everything,” you said, a soft ache rising in your voice. “And maybe she was. I understand that. But you can’t keep looking at me like I’m her. I’m not a ghost. I’m not your memory.”

He stood slowly, arms hanging at his sides. “I know you’re not—”

“Do you?” you snapped, stepping back like his presence burned. “Because every time you mention her favorite food, her stance, her voice—it feels like I’m being folded into a mold I never agreed to fit.”

Zoro’s mouth parted, but no words came.

You bit out the words, sharp and shaking. “I’m not Kuina.”

His voice came low and rough. “Yes. You are not.”

There was a pause, sharp as a blade between you.

“So then,” you whispered, “what about the people who are here? Who want to love you now? Do they even stand a chance?”

He closed his eyes like your words had split him open. “I never meant to make you feel that way.”

“But you did,” you said, voice cracking. “You made me feel like I was someone you were trying to remember—not someone standing right in front of you.”

Zoro opened his eyes again, pain flickering behind them. “That’s not fair.”

“No, what’s not fair is that you keep carrying her into every room we’re in and then wonder why I feel invisible.” You stared at him, your heart pounding. “Do you even see me for who I am? Or is all you see the parts of her that I happen to resemble?”

He looked stunned.

“Do you even know what I like? What I hate? What I’m afraid of? Or have you only been memorizing Kuina all over again through me?”

Zoro’s voice dropped. “I see you.”

“Then tell me something about me,” you challenged, stepping closer. “Not something I remind you of. Something real. Something only I would say or do or think. Tell me you see me.”

He opened his mouth—but nothing came out.

His lips parted, his brow furrowed, eyes darting like he was searching for the right words in the fog of his guilt.

But there was only silence.

Just that.

Your breath hitched.

“See?” you said, and your voice cracked like glass. Disappointment twisted your expression as you stepped back, something fragile and unspoken crumbling inside you.

⸻

You stopped training with him.

You laughed a little less. You avoided late watches.

He noticed. But he didn’t chase.

Sanji filled the silence in the kitchen. Luffy never asked why you stopped joining Zoro on the deck. The crew carried on. And maybe you did too. Maybe that’s what survival looked like.

But some nights, you stood at the rail of the ship, wind cold on your cheeks, and wondered if you’d ever been seen for you—not her echo.

⸻

One morning, he stood beside you. Quiet. Not saying a word.

You didn’t turn.

“I remember her,” he said finally. “Every day. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t see you.”

You stayed still, unsure if it was comfort or cruelty to hear that.

Zoro’s voice was rough. “I saw how you always double-check the anchor chain before we dock. How you clean your blade like it’s a ritual. You hate lychee, love thunderstorms, and you always look out for Chopper when he’s scared. You stand with your weight slightly to the left when you’re lying. And when you’re angry, you chew your words like you’re afraid they’ll hurt.”

You swallowed hard.

“You were never a shadow,” he said. “You were vivid. And I—I was just too lost to hold you properly.”

A long silence stretched.

You breathed, voice soft. “I wish I’d been someone else.”

Zoro’s eyes lowered. “I wish I’d been someone better.”

You turned to face him for the first time in days. The space between you pulsed with the weight of everything you both had carried.

You turned to him, eyes rimmed with quiet hurt. “You said you see me now. But when I needed you to, you didn’t. And now… I don’t know what’s left to see.”

Zoro reached for a word, a gesture—anything—but nothing came.

You stepped back. “Maybe all we ever were was a glimpse of something that never had time to become.”

And then you walked away.

He didn’t stop you—not because he didn’t care, but because he finally understood.

Sometimes, love comes too late.

Showing here my feelings towards him *pets his bald head*

"I know adverbs are controversial, but "said softly" means something different than 'whispered' and this is the hill I will die on."

you’ve changed (for the better)

for @where-does-the-heart-lie ‘s fighting game au I love ur designs I love them dearly