Blossoms – Another one bites the dust
As the sun started its ascent over the horizon the green-haired swordsman yawned noisily and gently shook the sleeping archaeologist awake. She blinked rapidly, trying to remove the sleep from her eyes. The air was slightly cool in the briskness of morning and she instinctively curled closer to the heat Zoro was providing. She didn't want to get up and leave his side or his warmth but she knew she had to move soon if they were to keep their relationship a secret.
"Sanji just disappeared into the kitchen so now's probably a good time." Zoro whispered lightly pressing a kiss to her temple.
Robin nodded her head and still fighting exhaustion slipped out from under the security of the blanket and left the crow's nest. She quietly made her way on to the deck and stopping in her room to grab some things headed to the showers. Usually the pounding water worked to refresh her and woke her up for whatever adventures the day had waiting for them. Today the cascading water didn't seem to be doing the trick. She lathered her skin slowly with the lavender body soap she had purchased at the last town, the smell filling the shower. She took her time, being sure to wash and rinse every inch of skin, the steam billowing around her and enveloping her in its warmth.
When she exited the shower wrapped in a robe the air was thick with lavender scented steam. She chuckled lightly and headed back to her room. Once she was changed into some pants and a tank top she went above deck. She wasn't that hungry, instead feeling slightly ill and still extremely exhausted. Throughout breakfast she picked at a pastry Sanji had prepared fresh that morning. She was sure it tasted wonderful but to her it simply tasted bland and it was an effort to eat the whole thing. Zoro eyed her carefully, watching her every move and when they caught glances he shot her a worried expression. She tried to smile reassuringly but judging from the frown on his handsome face she guessed she failed. By the end of breakfast Zoro wasn't the only one who had noticed that she was feeling off. Insisting that it was only exhaustion she waved their concerns off, deciding to simply spend the morning resting.
Robin lay on her chair under the shade provided by Nami's mikan grove. Sanji had been over a hundred times at least offering her this and that, all of which she politely declined. Chopper had come over after disappearing into his office after breakfast with a tray containing a few pills.
"There just some vitamins, since you're not that hungry these will help to make sure you don't catch something. Better safe than sorry."
Robin smiled gratefully at the small doctor and took the pills, swallowing them with a sip of water. Chopper blushed and danced around in glee, with of course he vehemently denied and Robin giggled before once again closing her eyes.
Zoro was once again in the crow's nest, swinging his weights around but keeping a steady eye on the resting archaeologist. The stupid love cook had already been over at least a thousand times, each time swooning and proclaiming some idiotic love bullshit. He growled as the blond once again approached the beautiful older woman. What part of resting did the retard not understand, bothering her every two seconds, trying to shove his silly treats down her throat. Unconsciously his grip tightened on the metal bar he was holding and when he put it down there was a slight indent.
This time the cook was whisking some hot beverage over to Robin. The steam raising up delicately from the small china teacup. Zoro watched intently as the cook approached her, tapping her on the shoulder gently his eyes nearly popping out of his sockets.
Robin was pulled out of her restless dozing by a soft tap on her shoulder. She opened her eyes hoping to see the dark green orbs of the swordsman and instead found herself looking into one crystal blue eye gleaming with adoration. He held a tray on which a teacup sat, the scent wafting over to her nose and making her stomach turn ever so slightly. The aroma was painfully strong but Sanji didn't seem to mind.
"Robin-chan! I have prepared you a special gourmet coffee to aid with your relaxation this morning."
Robin definitely didn't want the coffee but she had already turned down a dozen other offers of food and beverage, and the cook looked so eager to please that she found herself smiling weakly at the young man.
"Thank you Cook-san. I'm sure it will be delicious."
"Anything for you my precious buttercup of love and adoration. My sweet flower of beauty and intelligence. My angel of integrity and..."
Robin never did figure out what else she was the angel of because as soon as she had brought the drink to her mouth the bitter taste had made her stomach churn. She leapt out of her chair and rushed past the startled cook to the edge of the ship. Leaning over the rail she heaved up the meagre contents of her unsettled stomach.
There was a frantic cry and rushing behind her but she was too focused on the spinning in her head and rolling of her stomach. Nami's small hand was suddenly rubbing comforting circles on her back and pulling her hair away from her face. Behind her she could make out the sounds of a fight and the distinct yells of the swordsman and the cook going at it.
"Stupid ero-cook what did you give her!?"
"It wasn't my fault, she probably caught a glimpse of your ugly mug."
"Like hell, crappy cook poisoned her when she was feeling sick already."
"She was already sick so I didn't do it."
"It was probably your horrible cooking last night."
Robin tuned the rest of the arguing out, it was nice that Zoro was worried but she would have preferred his comforting presence over his shouted abuse to the cook. After awhile she felt her stomach begin to settle and she straightened up before sliding down to the deck and resting her head on her knees.
"Do you want some water Robin-chan?" Nami asked softly.
Robin nodded her head weakly, noticing that the chaos in the background seemed to have faded. Lifting her head off her knees she saw the rest of her nakama staring back at her with mixed expressions of worry and concern. Chopper came forward in full doctor-mode ordering Zoro to carry her to her room and for Sanji to fetch a bucket. He turned to the others and ordered some moist cloths as well as his doctor's bag from his office. After that was done he followed Zoro into her room. She curled into his warmth wishing that they didn't have to hide their relationship so he could stay with her. He gently placed her on her bed, his body blocking her from Chopper's view. With a worried smile he placed a soft kiss to her forehead and whispered ever so quietly into her ear.
"I'll be back later."
When Zoro left Chopper ordered that everybody let her get some rest and that she was not to be bothered under any circumstances. Robin barely heard what he said as her eyes drifted close with exhaustion once more.