Everhungrymuncher - Vampzs

fruit ninjas 💥💥 who r u putting in the salad today

i made these waaaay back during summer break and always wanted to post them but just… never got to it so here they are!! original idea was to make them into charms for myself but i have yet to do that… so maybe one day 💪💪

Intento d dibujar a beel ya mejor- es un redraw d un coso promocional juaj

sketch feO

Of course he's a twin

Guys I can explain...

Mmmm one piece men with tattoos

Did a vampire!Friedrich sketch inspired by @hederasgarden’s delicious Nosferatu mullings

Twisted Wonderland icons!

Heartslabyul

Savanaclaw

Octavinelle

Scarabia

Pomefiore

Ignihyde

Diasomnia

Please credit me when you use them. Do not edit my icons.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BBY!!!

Favorites

Sanji x F!Reader

Summary: Following a comment from Sanji, you and the other girls begin to wonder which one of you is Sanji’s favorite girl. Mentions of blood (nosebleeds), a bet and kinda toxic behaviors, teasing Sanji, angst!!!

Masterlist

“Alright, ladies, here we are.” Sanji holds a tray of snacks and drinks in hand. He passes out the brightly colored drinks to each of you and turns to grab the snacks that he brought along. With a sweet smile, he offers you the plate, “For my favorite girl.” You stall for a moment in the grab, Sanji clearing his throat as he grabs the other plates. “For my other favorite.” He offers Nami the plate. “And for my other favorite.” Robin takes the plate from him as you look to each other in confusion.

The snacks and drinks were usual, even the cheesy nicknames, but this was the first time he referred to any of you as his ‘favorite’. As Sanji scurried away, your mind begins to wander. You glance to Nami and Robin who are indulging in their treats already.

You sit forwards in your sun lounger, “Who do you guys think is Sanji’s favorite?”

They both stall for a moment in thought.

“I vote Robin.” Nami shrug, sipping at her orange and pink drink.

You shake your head, “Nah, i think it’s you Nami.”

“It’s Y/N.” Robin declares.

Nami looks around for a moment, a bright smile pulling to her lips. “I bet it’s Robin.” She looks between you both with a mischievous smile.

“Nami.” You speak her name as a warning but that cheshire grin doesn’t falter. She quirks her brows up and glances between you and Robin. You let out a resigned sigh, “How on earth do you even plan to test it?”

“It’s Sanji.” She rolls her eyes. “I’m sure it won’t be all that hard to figure out.”

“Fine,” You laugh. “I bet it’s Nami.”

Robin raises a skeptical brow, “It’s definitely Y/N.”

Leaning forwards in her seat, Nami eyes Robin closely. “Believe it enough to bet on it?”

Robins mouth opens, she pauses, before a smile finally pulls to her lips. “Absolutely.”

And so the bet was settled.

Nami proposed a more subtle approach, knowing that Sanji would short circuit if the three of you confronted him about this. You are all special to him, you were almost certain he would blabber on about and blush.

As Zoro announces the approach of land, the mischievous grin reappears on Nami’s face. The group gathers and everyone begins to chatter in excitement to explore the island. As always, Nami planned to scope out any shops near by to help in completely filling every inch of her closet. With no responsibilities, you and Robin have no choice but joining her on such a quest.

“Sanji,” Nami grins at the man. “Will you join us?” With her unspoken role as the straw hat treasurer, she was well aware of how well stocked the kitchen was for the time being. Leaving the man free to explore as he pleased, or in this case, follow his crew mates ventures.

“Of course, Nami-swan.” He offers a big grin and the four of you are off.

Through countless stores and even more outfit try ons, Sanji follows close behind you all, holding bags and gushing compliments. An equal amount of compliments, Nami notes dejectedly.

The final store of the day was nearly empty, likely due to the hour of day and high price tags. This left the back area near the changing rooms near empty and Nami took the chance to spring into action.

Sanji was seated on one of the cushions before the two changing rooms doors, you and Robin at his sides, and various layers of dresses crowded in between. Nami is in one of the dressing rooms and asked for you all to give your opinions on a dress she wasn’t sure about. The door is soon thrown open and your jaw nearly drops.

Nami steps out in the dress that barely makes it past her butt, Sanji’s eyes blowing wide as she turns to the floor length mirror near by. “I’m not so sure about it.” She declares, offering a small twirl.

The man beside of you fidgets nervously with cheeks flushing a deep color. “You, uh, you look good.” He chokes out.

“You guys don’t think it’s too short?” Her arms lift up with the question, the fabric dragging up her thighs, proving that it was definitely far too short for the pirate life. But you know that she was already aware of such a thing.

Sanji raises a hand to his nose, trying to subtly wipe it against his black suit jacket, shoulders slumping.

Nami eyes him close through the mirror, before offering a simple shrug. “I don’t think i’ll get it.” She waltzes over to grab two different outfits. She offers one to you and one to Robin, before ushering the other women into the dressing room due to the… complicated straps involved on the dress.

You step into the other room to eye the short dress she had collected for you. Despite the competition sparking in the woman’s eyes, it was just your size and a color that would compliment your skin tone well. Stepping out of your clothes, you pull on the sleeved dress, adjusting the position of the cutout at the chest, before attempting to tug up the zipper. However, the awkward positioning of it, coupled with the snug fabric, it wasn’t working out.

“Nami?” You call out.

“Little busy.”

With a small sigh, you hold the front of the fabric to your skin and open the changing room door.

Sanji’s eyes immediately meet yours as you offer him a sheepish smile. “Uh, do you mind lending a hand?” He looks at you with wide eyes. “The, uh, zipper. I can’t reach.” You attempt to explain and he is soon scrambling to his feet.

“Of course, my dear.” He smiles.

You can practically hear the gulp as Sanji steps closer to you. He delicately takes the zipper between his fingers to drag it up your back, fingers brushing hair from its path and sending a pleasant shiver down your spine. He lets out a shaky breath that fans over your skin, “Done.” There’s that love sick tone to his voice that you were all very familiar with, but it was laced with something else that you couldn’t quite place.

The dressing room door suddenly flies open and Robin steps out in her new outfit. Sanji takes an abrupt step away as Nami follows her out to urge her in front of the mirror. When you turn, you notice the gush of blood he is wiping as he seems to look away from Robin.

Nami shoots you a smug look.

Your lips purse as Sanji excuses himself from the three of you, muttering something about needing a cigarette, and an uncomfortable heat seems to settle deep within your chest. A hand presses into your sternum as you stare back at yourself in the mirror. At the sight of your frown, Nami waltzes over, looking at your reflection over your shoulder.

“The colors pretty on you, but I don’t think I like it either.” She simply shrugs.

After changing back into your own clothes, the three of you drift out of the store without making a single purchase, much to the shopkeepers dismay. There, you find Sanji leaning against the wall and puffing what you assume is his third cigarette since leaving you. He offers a sweet smile, collecting the bags from off the ground, and waving off any offers of help.

The walk back to the sunny goes by quick and you’re met with Luffy’s beaming smile as he fills the cook in on a local restaurant that he heard about. Sanji relents and Luffy is nearly vibrating in excitement at the prospect of food.

But Zoro snorts his protest, “Saw that place on the way back to the Sunny. It’s all high brow, suit and tie.” His nose wrinkles at the idea.

“That restaurant is on the other side of the island.” Chopper tips his head in confusion as he remembers the map he had found of the island. Zoro simply waves the comment off.

“Who cares! I heard they have this special squid dish that sounds really yummy.” Luffy practically salivates at the idea.

“They probably have some fancy booze.” Nami points out and the green haired man relents. “Plus, it gives us a chance to wear out our nice outfits that we can’t wear out at seas.” She beams at the idea of getting dressed up opposed to the usual itinerary of battle. Then, a mischievous grin pulls to her lips, “Sanji, you should wear that green button up you have.”

“Oh, uh,” He gapes, cigarette nearly falling from his mouth in shock.

“Or the purple, but I may be biased.” Robin simply shrugs.

You grin, playing into the mischief. “I think you look good in blue.” You state, ignoring the implications as you further the compliment. “It brings out your eyes.”

“Yeah, true. Blue is his color.” Nami’s head tips to the side in thought, her love for fashion outweighing everything else.

Sanji flushes a bright red as he inhales a deep puff of smoke. “Right, uh, i’ll do that.” He mutters to himself, unable to meet your eye. The reaction makes your heart flutter- face nearly going pale at that realization.

“We, uh, we should go get ready.” You clear your throat in effort to stamp down anything trying to rise up inside of you. Nami seems none the wiser, but Robins eyes linger on you a beat too long as you all head to the girls quarters.

The next bit is a flurry of fabric and products as you all enthusiastically get ready for the fancy meal. Shoes were the next big speculation. It was never certain if this would become a dine and dash situation, or if a fight would break out for what ever reason. That was the uncertainty of the straw hats.

You all finally emerged to the rather impatient group of men, some dressed far nicer than others. Regardless, the group followed whatever ridiculous dress code and would be granted the way in.

Eyes fall to Sanji and a heat fills your being at the light blue button up he adorned, the silk fabric perfectly complementing his eyes, just as you had said. He offers a bright smile and the usual spiel of compliments for the three of you.

“Doesn’t the new dress look really good on Robin, Sanji?” Nami prompts, batting her lashes at him. The man simply smiles and echoes the compliment.

As the push and pull goes on, all the way to the restaurant, your shoulders sag a little bit more. A strange nausea settles in your stomach despite how hungry you had been moments ago. As Nami peers back at you with her teasing grin, you can only force a smile.

The group is met with a rather exasperated waiter as Luffy continues to be his rowdy self despite the places atmosphere. Menus are offered and drinks delivered. Yet you can’t even bring yourself to focus on the matter as Nami and Robin continue their challenging chatter.

“Hey,” Sanji’s voice is soft from your side. “You okay?” His warm gaze settles on you and that feeling in your stomach becomes overwhelming. The tips of your ears heat up and you have to force your eyes back to the menu.

“Yeah, i’m all good.” You mutter, drawing in a shaky breath. “Just, uh, can’t decide.”

Sanji hums in thought for a moment, before tipping his menu toward you to point something out. “You should get this, sounds like something you would like.” The sweet sincerity. The simple act of knowing. It makes your heart flutter and you realize you could easily get lost in the blue of his eyes. And suddenly you really do want to throw up.

Because how long has he made you feel like this?

“Yeah.” Your voice cracks. “I’ll do that.”

The meal is delightful, but you can’t bring yourself to swallow more than a few bites. Sanji asks quiet questions throughout the night to ensure you were okay and undoubtedly adding mental notes to what ever list he kept up there. At the meals end, when Luffy has consumed all of his food and your left overs, the crew head back to the Sunny with smiles on their face.

But your shoulders are tense.

Upon your arrival, you call Nami and Robin into your shared room to demand the bet be stopped. To not push any further. It was all none of your business, truly, and you didn’t want the man who regarded you all so highly to somehow get hurt.

“We need to call it off.”

Nami’s laugh is breezy, “Why would we do that?”

“I don’t know, I just kind of feel bad about it all.” You awkwardly rub the back of your neck, silently pleading the women to give in without digging too deep. “Feel like we’re just messing with his emotions.”

“But we aren’t. It’s not like we’re messing with his head, i just want him to finally admit Robins his favorite.” Nami frowns at the implication that you all were hurting him in any way.

“Perhaps she’s right.” Robin settles on her bed in deep thought.

“Come on, it’s Sanji.” Nami attempts to wave it off. “He flirts with women, especially us, all the time. He can handle just a little bit of push back.” She looks between you both. “At least until we know who wins.”

“Let’s just say you win.” You sigh. “You’re right, Robins the favorite.”

“But we don’t know that for sure.” Nami huffs out. “If you both want to end this so bad, fine, but I think we should just ask him. I want an answer.”

“Let’s just leave it.”

“Robin, you agree right? I think we’re entitled to knowing.” Nami turns to focus on the raven haired woman. Her head tips to the side in thought, as if weighing out the options, and Nami takes that as a sign of silent agreement. “Then it’s settled. Let’s go ask.” And with that, she is off.

“Nami!” You call after her in protest.

Robin lets out a deep sigh as the two of you follow after her. She ends up in the kitchen, where Sanji is leaning over his log book for the kitchen supplies. He looks up, surprise evident on his face, as Nami leans directly on the counter in front of him.

“Sanji,” She begins and you groan at the gnawing feeling in your stomach. “We’ve been trying to figure it out all day but we can’t. So who is your favorite? Me, y/n, or Robin?”

Sanji watches her for a long moment, drawing in a deep breath of smoke, and slowly blowing it out away from Nami’s face. “You’ve been trying to figure out all day?” He glances over Nami’s shoulder at Robin. His eyes then lock on you, his face reads of betrayal and hurt, his lips turning down in a frown that he covers up with a cigarette. “So you’ve all just been messing with me today?” He nods slowly, as if playing back the whole day in his mind.

You step forward to speak your protest, “Sanji-“

“No. No it’s okay.” He waves a hand at you with a forced smile. “I love you ladies equally, I don’t have a favorite.” With that, he excuses himself from his own kitchen, leaving you all standing in defeat.

“We took it too far, didn’t we?” Nami frowns.

“That we did.” Robin confirms.

Her shoulders sag and she worries a hand through her hair. “I’m sorry, I should have listened.” She huffs out with guilt weighing heavy. “We’re terrible people.”

But it falls on deaf ears as you waltz out the door and after the man.

It takes a moment to find him. You have to search nearly the entire ship before finally spotting him sitting among some cargo crates, knees to his chest, eyes turned up to the night sky. Watching him for a moment, your heart completely shatters as a shaky hand plucks the cigarette from his mouth.

“Sanji.” You hesitate stepping forwards. His head snaps over and he forces a smile that looks closer to a grimace. With a deep sigh, you move to sit beside of him. “You can tell me to go away if you want, but I just wanted to apologize.” He remains silent. “We made this stupid bet and, ugh, i don’t know. We got wrapped up in trying to prove our own points that we didn’t stop to think about how stupid we were being!”

“You’re not stupid.” He simply states.

But you shake your head, “Yes. Yes I am.”

His head finally tilts to look at you and you note the tears forming at the corner of his eyes. “You’re not stupid-“

“Sanji, i’m an idiot.” You interrupt, voice breathy as you look into pretty blue eyes. “Because I hurt an amazing guy like you. You’re so good to all of us and we just, ugh.” Scoffing at yourself, you notice the ghost of a smile in his expression. “I’m sorry, Sanji. I just, I need you to know that. I’ll leave you alone now but-“

“Can I be honest?” Sanji prompts, hands twisting together. You give a small nod as you prepare yourself for a blow that Sanji would likely never even offer. “You’re my favorite.” His voice is small, nervous, and he can’t even meet your eye.

“What?” The question is all you can force out.

“I, uh, said you’re my favorite girl. Favorite person ever, really.” He shakes his head, stamping out the butt of the cigarette on one of the crates beside him. “Always have been.”

“Oh.” You swallow hard as all the emotions that have been festering inside of you, the ones you have tried to shove down deep, rise right back up to the surface. Heat fills your cheeks and you’re suddenly trying to scrape together a rational thought. “Uh, can I be honest?”

Sanji nods with a tense smile, preparing for his own blow of rejection.

“I, uh, never really paid attention to it until now,” Your head tips to the side as you attempt to meet his eye. “You’re my favorite guy. Favorite person to be around, like, ever.”

“Ma cherie, my dear, my love, please.” His voice is weak and his head drops. “Don’t mess with me like that I can’t take it.” Hair blankets over both eyes now.

“Sanji,” You lean in hesitantly, hand finding his chin while the other brushes his bangs from his face. “I’m not messing with you. I’ll never do something like that again, I-“ Words catch in your throat but his expression pleads for more. So you take in a deep breath, preparing to speak words unspoken, the very thing that you have been trying to suppress. “I like you, Sanji, a lot.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.” You let out a breathy laugh as his pretty blue eyes light up and a smile breaks out across his face. The heat is evident against your palms as a blush covers his cheeks.

His eyes flicker away for a brief moment, “Can I- Can I kiss you?” Your gaze softens at the bashful expression on his face and you offer a firm nod. Sanji scoots closer, bringing you into his embrace, and gazing at you with a love sick expression.

And while you have seen that look before, it held a new weight.

His lips hesitantly brush over yours, as if still expecting the rejection. When you don’t pull away, he pushes forwards, lips pressing firmly against your own. Your hands move from his cheeks to wrap around his neck and pull him in more closely.

Sanji smiles against your lips at the action.

Lost in the embrace, neither of you seem to notice as Nami and Robin approach, fully ready to apologize. Instead, Nami’s jaw drops and Robin hides a laugh behind her hand.

“I can’t believe I lost!” Nami pouts.

Robin laughs to herself as the two turn to walk away, a silent agreement that they could come back to apologize when Sanji was a little more… available. “Did you really think I would take a losing bet?”

See-See Fruit |Masterlist|

Roronoa Zoro x Reader, angst, protectiveness, fluff, uncontrollable feelings, mentions of depression, Reader is an empath, swearing, definitely blood and a teensy bit of torture?? Idk, shit went dark. #alittledisturbing

Summary: In a fight, you take a hit for him that leaves you in your most vulnerable state.

A/N: Sorry for not posting for so long, I apologize. Writer’s block has been tough and I’m struggling with medical issues. Dysautonomia?? Screw that. So I thought I’d write something sweet. Also, I’m still figuring out my writing style so—like, some of my fics are shit and some are not so much, so please bare with me. (I will be re-vamping them, but not right now)

Also thank you for the 84 followers! That means a lot >:)

Atleast 2k; and I’m making one of these for the other Straw Hats, but it’s gonna take me some time and I just needed to get this one out.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Roronoa Zoro:

Walking through the woods of another refreshing island, you were welcomed with warmth. Sun shone through the trees, overcasting a soft glow on your face. You were luckily accommodated with little wind as you walked beside your swordsman.

The island was overtaken by nature. Vines, much overgrown, wrapped around every corner—while flowers sprouted from every nick n’ cranny.

Much to your surprise, the woods weren’t dense, they were open with mossy patches and thick trees that extended meters high. The wild-life thrived, and you and Zoro spotted many animals.

Though you’d discouraged him from making them a snack,

“Zoro.” You tugged, pulling him behind a fallen trunk. “It’s too cute to die—eat something else!”

He let out a quiet sigh, begrudgingly sitting beside you. “The shitty cook said to grab food, so that’s exactly what I’m doing.”

“And? Since when do you listen to him?” you whispered, tightening your grip on his haramaki. You kept him close, un-trusting that he wouldn’t turn that cute little deer you saw, into a kabob.

You quietly glared, holding his gaze.

This wasn’t a competition he was gonna win.

He still tried, he really did, but it was a lost cause. He couldn’t beat you on this, and his expression finally cracked. He caved, turning away.

“You can’t save everything, it’s life,“ he grumbled.

“Maybe not, but if I can do something about it I will.”

Curse that stupid look.

Zoro ran a hand down his face, rubbing the bridge of his nose, before looking over his shoulder. He peeked through a disfigured branch to watch the animal tend to some grass.

He hated to admit it, but you were right.

It was kinda cute.

Zoro felt you shift beside him, and he paused looking back. You moved halfway into his lap, resting your knee between his own as you used him as a pillow. He smirked, a little confused by your sudden closeness—but he didn’t complain.

He grabbed your waist, leaning closer.

“What are you—ach-“

You pushed his face away, focusing your attention to the deer and its apparent mother came from a bush. It was at-least three times the size of it’s baby, with a black and bushy white tail.

“Zoro, look!” You smiled, turning his head.

In a soft curse, he muttered your name, grabbing your wrists. He saw the deer, but it was at an awkward angle and he let out a muffled noise of distress. He huffed an annoyed, “woman,” pulling your hands away, but you were far too excited.

“Zoro—“

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” he mumbled, watching you. His eyes followed to your smile, and your fidgety fingers, and he couldn’t help but stare. Zoro took in your sweet features, slowing his hands back to your waist, closing his eyes to relish the moment.

Your swordsman for once relaxed, and you seemed to too, sinking closer. “You still gonna kill it?”

“No, I’ll find something else.” he replied, leaning back.

You hummed in satisfaction, resting your chin on his shoulder as you watched the two deer trail off, enjoying the cozy moment.

It was all perfect.

Until it wasn’t.

A crashed echoed behind you, and Zoro instinctively moved. He pulled you down, using the trunk you’d pestered him for as a shelter, avoiding a narrow blow.

A strange streak of black and blue zapped above you, exploding nearby stone—crippling it to rubble. You went to speak, but Zoro was already reaching for his swords, standing to glare the person down.

“Oi! What the hell was that for!” he snapped, covering you. His sword stretched, flickering to the side to cover your face, glinting just barely in the sun.

You couldn’t believe this was happening.

Soooo—much, for that peaceful moment.

“Yeah—what the fuck gives?” You muttered, grabbing your weapon. “Who are you?” you called, moving to your feet, sidestepping Zoro’s protection.

Silence only emitted, and the masked man remained eerily quiet. He shifted forward, but Zoro’s sword raised and he paused.

“That’s not of your concern.” The man’s voice was smooth, but he seemed transfixed on something—though, you couldn’t tell what.

“The hell it is, you almost hit us!” Zoro pulled his third sword out, placing it in his mouth.

He wasn’t messing around.

“I was aiming for the deer.”

“Bullshit!” You both chimed, and the stranger casually shrugged his shoulder.

He seemed… bland? And you didn’t like that. Neither did Zoro. Because, that meant he was hiding something, and that something could easily give him the upper hand.

Without hesitation, Zoro moved. He wasn’t putting up with this bastard’s bullshit. It was fucking obvious that he aiming for you.

“Ushi Bari,” he spoke, sending a strong attack with his first two swords, then swinging in with his third. The man staggered, defensively blocking Zoro’s weapons with his own.

The dueling blow was close, and he was strong, but he wasn’t stronger.

“Be careful!” You yelled, watching from afar. You watched them exchange blows, feeling useless for not helping—but you knew Zoro could handle it alone.

It was clear he wanted to when he’d just zoomed off, but you couldn’t blame him. He was looking out for you, he always had, and—besides, when he got stubborn like this, he was stubborn.

You sighed, shifting your sword in your hold.

You weren’t fighting, but you could analyze.

This dude obviously had a devil fruit, but of what? He turned trees to mush, and rock to rubble—maybe an acidic specialty? No, that wouldn’t make sense, that’d be a paramecia type, and Zoro had already nicked him.

Searching for an answer, you watched his hands glow with the same blue he’d blasted at you and Zoro from before.

“Zoro get back! He’s gonna use—“ A shockwave of energy followed, but your lover dodged, letting it fly through a row of trees. The unsettled land smudged to the ground, pulsing softly with blues.

“Thanks for the warning.” he huffed, shifting his blade in his mouth.

“Yeah, of course—but watch his hands.” you took a step forward, keeping an eye.

However, the stranger suddenly turned to you, and something uneasy settled in your stomach.

Why were your eyes watering?

Zoro’s eyes narrowed, and he watched you carefully. He looked to the man, following back to you, and questions racked in his mind. Feelings of concern and discomfort twinged, what was he doing?

“I’ll get your bounty first.”

Your eyes widened.

A bounty hunter?

Masses of black charged towards you, and Zoro shouted your name. Your ears rang, and a stillness blinded you. Something settled heavy in your chest, and you just—barely, dodged it.

Debri flew overhead and Zoro called your name again, but you didn’t answer. You were shakily kneeled, struggling to get up.

His attack had clearly affected you—and Zoro was done. He took the initiative to finish this fight before shit went further South.

“Oi, your fights with me!”

•~•~•~•

The forest was ruined now.

Long smoldering sword marks, and devil fruit abilities were etched into the island. Dust rose, and the bounty hunter was still taking Zoro head on. He was using his unkown abilities to his advantage, sending blasts that Zoro had to dodge, because he didn’t know what it’d do if it hit him.

It’d just barely grazed you and you were already fatigued, you looked off—even different. Your eyes were weakly glazed, and your movements were slowed, but you were still you. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but in a way you looked sad, and he hated it. He didn’t know what that bastard did—but he’d put a stop to it. No matter what.

Zoro was filled with determination, but the bounty hunter played dirty. He dangerously sent another attacked towards you before a blistering one to him—and he had to dodge.

“Watch out!”

This was getting ridiculous.

Frustrated and angry—Zoro finally charged.

He found an opening, and he took it.

“Ashura!”

A three headed, six silhouetted figure, appeared behind him. Nine swords lifted, and they came down with a devastating blow, sending your attacker feet in the ground.

He slammed through torn mossy floor, crunching further into the earth—rendering unresponsive. Dust masked your line of vision, but you could faintly make out Zoro who’d been standing somewhat close.

A wobbly smile crossed your face, and you let out a relieved sigh.

He’d won.

“Zoro, you okay?” You rasped, coughing as grime flew into your face. A hand came to your chest, and you shut your eyes to struggle with the burn of the dust. The heaviness that pressured your chest from before, suddenly ached, sending a cold sharp wave throughout your body.

A lightheaded feeling surfaced, and anxiety quickly spread. “Zoro—?”

“I’m here,” he said, gently grabbing your shoulder. “You hurt?”

You shakily shook your head, “No, I’m fine.”

“You?” you muttered, looking him over.

He didn’t seem too bad, but it was clear he had a few spots. Though, you weren’t really any better, you looked exhausted. Your clothes were dirtied, and your cheeks and limbs were scraped from flying scrap.

You were a mess, and you still looked…sad.

Zoro didn’t know how else to describe it, your eyes were soft, as if they were on the verge of tears. It settled an unresolved anger, and he wasn’t sure how to help.

The bastard’s power had affected you one way or another, but he didn’t comment on it. He wouldn’t until you did, because he trusted you to speak up and say something.

“I’ll live.” he replied, stepping closer. His eyes flickered to your torn shirt, and he caught the tremble in your fist as it was placed your heart.

His eyes narrowed.

Was it getting worse?

Zoro rumbled your name, but you didn’t respond.

Your eyes had locked over his shoulder, to the onset black light, flickering in the dust.

He wasn’t down?

A whirring sound hummed across the forest, and on instinct—you acted.

Zoro was a big man, he always had been, but adrenaline made you stronger, even in your weakened state. He sucked in a breath as you pushed him, and in slow mow—it happened.

He was sent back, bracing fallen woodland with you in his arms. Zoro’s mind screamed at him to do something, but he couldn’t. Shock coursed through his veins, and he tightened his grip on you.

He felt wood splinter into his back, but nothing hurt as much as the thought of you sacrificing yourself for him. His consciousness flickered dark, but panic must’ve brought him back, because you were unresponsive in his arms.

He didn’t know how long he’d been out—but it didn’t matter. All the mattered was you.

You’d expect it to happen in a flash, but the trees and leaves were still falling. Everything was going so slow in time. It felt unreal.

Zoro weakly called your name, looking you over—expecting the worst, but you were the same. There wasn’t a blistering mark, or anything? You were just out.

“Fuck, hey, come on,” he shifted you up, kneeling with you close. His voice broke, and it cracked with fear as he cradled your body. Calloused hands found your face and he muttered your name, again, desperately.

Why weren’t you waking up?

A sick laugh echoed from the distance, and he tensed. Realization settled across him, and it was deadly.

Him.

Zoro set you down as if you were glass, brushing any leaves that had fallen on your face.

He was beyond raged.

“Couldn’t dodge that one, could you?”

“Fuck you! What’d you do?” Zoro snapped, standing up. He grabbed his sword, already stalking forward.

And the bastard just smiled.

The fuck did that mean?

Zoro aimed the sword to his throat, but strangely, he didn’t fight back. A whimper sounded close him, and he froze. It wasn’t from the bounty hunter.

Zoro almost dropped his sword.

He quickly breathed your name turning around—though his heart twisted.

You were crying. Hard.

He couldn’t see your face, but your shoulders trembled, and he knew. You were curled on your side, burying yourself in the crook of your arm, sobbing. He fucking forgot where he was, and what he was doing. He felt crushed.

Why were you crying? Were you hurt? You had to be. But you said you were fine?

Zoro was yet again frozen, he’d never felt this fear before. This excruciating guilt, the kind that made your body ache. He’d never hesitated this much in his life—and maybe this was the reason you were hear now.

He couldn’t believe he let this happen. Not to you. Not to anyone. Seconds passed, and he finally brought himself back. Your nails dug into your chest, and another sob broke the silence.

His heart couldn’t take it.

“What, did. You. Do.” Zoro growled, stepping forward.

In milliseconds, the bounty hunter was slammed back. He had no time to react, no time to render anything, just time to experience pure, brute—force, with searing pain.

Though his smile never wavered.

It was weird. It was as if this fucker was feeding of your pain? Of your agony? The first emotion ever showed—was joy, by your suffering?

Un-fucking-forgivable.

Zoro’s hands shook, and his sword swung. The man tilted his head back to avoid the blow, and it shredded the trees behind him.

More leaves fell, and he finally answered.

“Anything I think, she feels. She’s living in whatever illusion I created.”

What?

Zoro’s sword hesitated as it was held high.

What could this bastard, possibly think, that could make you like this? To the point of sobbing? Crying?

Shusui slammed into his leg—eliciting a sharp breath.

“Then, Fix it.”

The bounty hunter laughed, though his pain was obvious, “I’d rather die.”

“Trust me you will.” Zoro sneered, twisting the sword. “I said fucking fix it.”

A strangled noises echoed, and he craned his sword up to his hip. The man gasped, squirming back, but it dug deeper. “You stupid pirate—“

“I’m not repeating myself.”

“Fine!” The sword didn’t let up till it was to his side, but he seemed to finally let you go.

Zoro looked back, and your body had finally stilled, growing quiet. He ripped his sword away, swinging it behind him, not bothering to look back at the scene—and he was next to you in a instant.

His sword was sheathed, and he shook you gently.

“____, come on,” he murmured, wiping your tears.

He felt you stir, and a breath of relief escaped him. Zoro hugged you to his chest, holding the back of your head as he breathed you in.

You weakly croaked his name, and he only held you tighter.

“I’m here, you’re okay.” you were brought up, held protectively in his arms.

“I thought you—“

“I know. Just rest.” he said, “I’m taking you back to the ship.”

“Ship?”

Zoro steps slowed, “yeah, the Sunny.”

“No—the, the Sunny’s gone?” you broke, shakily leaning up. His hand shifted to your back, and he held you tighter.

Your voice seemed so broken.

“____, the Sunny’s here.” He looked you over, and you still seemed so shaken. Your eyes were red, brimming with tears—and he couldn’t care less about the snot.

You were hurt, maybe not as much physically—but mentally, the bounty hunter’s power made you shatter. His heart ached, and he remembered the man’s words.

“Anything I think, she feels.”

Anything. He, thought.

Zoro cursed under his breath, and he set you down onto the mossy floor, making you flinch. His hand steadily came to your back, but you only hugged him tighter. It was clear you didn’t want to let go, scared he might disappear—but he wouldn’t.

He’d stay right beside you, but you needed to come back from whatever hell that bastard created.

He needed you here, and he needed you with him.

Zoro carefully crouched in-front of you, and he shifted back to take your face in his hands.

He looked you in the eyes, and it was clear what he was doing. He was giving you the time to breathe, to realize—it was okay.

You sniffled, letting out a shaky breath, and your grasped his shirt.

“Zoro.”

He didn’t respond, and he didn’t offer you pity—but he did offer you his presence. And that was enough.

“It, it wasn’t real was it?” you voiced, looking up to him, and he only shook his head.

He sighed, brushing away your leftover tears.

“No, everyone’s fine. The Sunny’s docked in the cove, and the crew’s safe.” Zoro grabbed your waist, pulling you closer. “They’re probably waiting for us now.”

He gently brought you in his arms, letting you hug him, waiting for you to be ready. He wasn’t urgent, and he wasn’t rushing. He was careful, and patient.

Your arms encircled around his neck, and you buried your face in his shoulder. A few silent moments passed, and you eventually felt ready. “Then, can we go?”

“Yeah, we can go.” he picked you up, shielding the forest with his shoulder as he brought you through. Zoro wasn’t letting you go for a long time, not even in the safety of the Sunny, or in the infirmary where chopper would treat you.

Today was something he experienced for the first time, and never, I mean never—would he let it happen again.

He would work harder, and he would protect you.