Storm
By Yukirei (a.k.a. Cosmiko Ling)
Warning: spoilers up to Drum Island
Pairing: implied Zoro x Sanji
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of its characters. One Piece belongs to Oda Eiichiro-sensei. This is a non-profit fanfiction written by a fan, for the enjoyment of other fans.
Summary: The unpredictable Grand Line casts storms that threaten lives. In the harsh embrace of the sea, they can only try their best to survive.
A/N: Written for Shiy.
"Oi, listen, seaweed head!" Sanji didn't wait for a response from the swordsman before continuing, raising his voice to be heard over the roar of the waves. "I'm going down to get our doctor. You better take good care of Nami-san!"
"What!?"
Sanji felt the grip on his left wrist tighten as he heard the possibly-protesting,more-likely-confused shout from the man leaning over the railing. Sanji tightened his hold on the slender hand in his right hand as another enormous wave crashed into the side of the Going Merry, rocking the ship violently.
Nami let out an involuntary cry from below Sanji as the human chain connected by the cook swung terrifyingly like a pendulum along with the vigorous swaying of the ship.
Sanji clenched his jaw. Now was the best time to act. If he got the moment right, he would be able to make full use of the momentum of their swing before another wave disrupted the pattern once more. Furthermore, every second he hesitated increased the possibility that they would lose their doctor forever.
As the human chain swung upward, climbing towards the highest point of the arc, Sanji forced his right arm forward. Nami gasped as she felt the deliberate force.
The swing reached its peak.
Sanji let go.
A streak of lightning illuminated the dark skies and rainwater-streaked faces.
Zoro's mouth dropped open.
Sanji watched the result of his action grimly, lips pressed in a thin line.
As if in slow motion, Nami was propelled forward, shock more apparent on her face than fear.
"Catch her, dumbass!" Sanji yelled when Zoro didn't release his wrist to catch the navigator flying towards him. Swiftly, he twisted his left wrist out of Zoro's grip with a jerk; blue eyes met black for a fleeting moment, before Sanji began to fall away towards the ocean. A satisfied smile touched Sanji's lips as he watched the swordsman straighten, just in time for the navigator to slam into his broad torso.
Sanji saw Nami twist her head around to look at him. Her eyes were frantic and fiercely rebuking all at once. She was, as always, beautiful, and the lack of drifting hearts from the cook only emphasised the severity of the situation.
He was somewhat relieved that he couldn't see Zoro's eyes - the swordsman was looking away - he couldn't quite understand the confusion he thought he had caught in them in the instant before, when their eyes had locked.
Satisfied that the ladies were safe, Sanji adjusted his position to dive head-first into the swirl of waves below, pushing his arms in front of him and sucking in a deep breath right before he broke the surface of the water.
The ocean immediately swallowed him.
Date written: February 2006?
