the first thing you saw when you woke up was what seemed to be the infirmary, what happened..?
your head pounded still, so you didn’t move around too much. You were clearly laid down in of tge beds- you saw that were hooked up to some IV in your arm. carefully you sat up, against the wall behind you. what was this IV..? you couldn’t remember anything, besides passing out that is.
you heard the door open and close, but your eyes were closed as even the mere light from outside didn’t help your headache. you then felt somebody sit on the bed before speaking up.
“the hell were you thinking; pushing your body like that woman?” oh. it was Zoro.
“why would you care?” you groaned, opening your eyes to look at him. he seemed tense, there was eye bags under his eyes, yet he looked moodier than usual.
he glanced at you as he sighed, burying his face in one of his hands as he spoke. “because you’re my crewmate, idiot. you pushed it too far and your body practically gave up, you were out for two days straight.” he explained, you sat there quietly taking in this information.
“thought you’d be happy.” you scoffed, not caring to look at his bewildered expression that sat on his face as you spoke.
pt1
pt2
tags; @ghostfacefricker6969 @jellyslimesofficial
masterlist
it had been a week at this point since hearing Zoro’s conversation with Luffy. As a result you were obviously hurt by what you heard, but chose to put all those emotions into training.
sure, you weren’t as strong as the rest of them, but you still had to try- right?
you sighed. you were currently training in the crows nest while on watch for the night, to be honest you’d been training any time you got the chance- which was always.
you grunted as you lifted some weights. your body ached and was practically screaming for you to take a break but you ignored its protests, pushing through until you physically couldn’t do it anymore.
the weights made a loud crash as they hit the ground of the crows nest- your body following quickly behind as you collapsed onto the floor along with it.
what had happened? you couldn’t tell.
all you knew was your head was pounding on the walls of your skull, you panted as you closed your eyes. your muscles were sore, stiff, aching, all of the overtraining the past few days was hitting you like a rock.
you grunted and moaned in pain before hearing muffled sounds, voices maybe? you couldn’t make them out, before passing out a few seconds later.
pt 1
pt 3
masterlist
the night was dark, yet the moon left you with a perfect amount of light to be able to see in the darkness.
you wanted to grab some water before you headed to bed, but just as you were about to enter the kitchen you froze as you heard Zoro talking with Luffy.
“I just don’t understand why you’d choose her out of everyone from that island, we don’t need somebody like her.”
his words cut like daggers as they hit your ears. he really didn’t want you here?
“Don’t say that! She’s a nice girl and she cleans really good! She might not fight a lot but that doesn’t matter.”
Luffy argued with the other individual, hearing a scoff emit from his mouth at his captains words. You were torn between barging in or running away before the swordsman spoke yet again.
“Exactly, she doesn’t fight. If we get caught up in a serious battle she won’t be able to defend herself, and one of us is going to have to babysit her. It’ll be annoying, and we don’t even need cleaners we have Sanji.”
you didn’t want them to, but tears brimmed your eyes as his words hit you like a train. were you really that useless? he had to babysit you?
numerous thoughts swarmed your mind, Luffy still talking with him but you couldn’t hear him. you thought you had found a place where you meant something after years of being unwelcome and not having anybody, you thought you had a family- but it was clear there was yet another individual who underestimated you.
in your rage and frustrations, you walked away from the kitchen, the moon emitting a shine onto the world below as you leaned over the rail of the Sunny, covering your mouth to conceal your sobs as your heart cried for a sense of belonging, just for once.
pt 2 pt3
masterlist
Zosan/Sanzo comic anyone? Zoro angst? ☕️
(Not me forgetting Sanji’s beard)
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.