Open your eyes to a new perspective.

Enjoy~

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Chapter 20

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'Protect that person, Sanji.'

A faint voice in the distance cut through the dark void his senses were swimming in.

'Protect that person with everything you have.'

The voice kept talking. It was so familiar. Sanji knew that voice. He struggled to grasp at it. Pulling himself from the void.

'Protect that person's life more fiercely than your own.'

Though he kept reaching for the voice, he began feeling pain. The pain started slight at first, but then grew. Countless hot needles tearing at him, digging in deep.

'If that person faces death, step up and face it for them.'

He could feel his heart pounding in his chest beyond the pain. Those words stirred something deep. He had to get up.

'Never let them slip away.'

Sanji groaned softly as the words floated through his mind. "J... Jijih..." he mumbled through dry lips. He was still fighting against that sluggish void, but it was so tempting considering the pain he was in.

"Sanji..? Sanji.. It's okay. You're safe. Just relax. Don't force yourself to wake up." a soft young voice whispered to him.

He was confused for a moment, but then he recognized that concerned doctor tone. "Ch.. Chopper..?"

He felt a small hoof gently holding his right hand. "I'm right here, Sanji. Please just rest. You went under a lot of strain. Your muscles were overextended in your legs and arms. It's going to be difficult for you to move, so don't rush." Chopper answered quietly.

Sanji frowned and worked to crack an eye open. It felt like hours, but in a few second the dark lashes of his right eye flickered open. His eye was unfocused and felt grainy, but he still attempt to glance around. "Where.. Are we..?"

"Still in the cave. The storms finally passed last night. We'll be able to leave once you're well enough to move." Chopper informed the cook. There was a clearly relieved look on his face as he watched the too pale face. It had been a bit sketchy for a while, but Sanji didn't develop any major complications after he had braved the storm and river to save Zoro.

"Last night..." Sanji's frown deepened when something seemed off. "How long have I been out..?" his raspy voice questioned. 'Fuck.. I need a drink and a cigarette...'

"You've been in and out of consciousness for three days. But good news is that your back wasn't injured any worse. It's still healing properly." Chopper chirped.

"... Bad news..?" Sanji asked after a thoughtful silence.

The little doctor's expression grew somber a bit as he glanced towards the end of the makeshift bed they had made for Sanji. "Your feet... Since you didn't have anything protecting them, they were hurt when you kicked at the rocks... Nothing serious, but still.."

On hearing that, Sanji tried to wiggle his toes only to immediately hiss and jerk from the pain. "Fuck!"

"Oi! I just told you your feet were hurt! Idiot! Stop moving!" Chopper snapped, but his irritation was drowned out by his concern.

"Moving.. Is the last thing on my mind... Shit.." Sanji tried to relax on the soft sleeping bags piled under him, but his entire body felt rigid. Like every muscle was pulled tight and ready to snap. "Fuck... Stiff..." he grumbled.

Chopper bit at his lower lip and shifted anxiously. He hated seeing his nakama in pain. "I'm sorry.. My prepared medicines got wet from the when there was a leak in the cave. I'll make something for the pain as soon as the others get back."

Sanji frowned slightly as he took this in. "Where is everyone?"

"Usopp and Luffy went with Nami to check on Merry. Robin and Zoro went to scout for any marines in the area and to get some supplies from a small village nearby. They should be back soon." Chopper explained while checking the cook over.

"I see..." A thoughtful frown was on Sanji's face as he figured how long he was going to be out of commission now. If his feet were messed up, that meant he was pretty much useless. "How bad are my feet?" He partially didn't want to know. An idiotic fear that he beat back into submission quickly.

"They were bleeding a lot, but I've got them cleaned and bandaged. I was worried you might have broken a few bones, but you only dislocated a few of your toes. Your ankles were bruised and swollen from the amount of force you had to use, but over all everything will heal just fine." Chopper informed him with a smile. "The majority of the effort will be getting your muscles loosened up after such a sudden strain. Massage therapy will be best. I'll make a medicinal oil to use that will ease the pain. I'd say you'll be able to be up and moving about in a couple of days, but you'll have to take it easy." He lightly prodded at Sanji's shoulder. "You hear me? E. A. S. Y. I expect you to listen to doctor's orders, dammit."

The fierce glare from the fuzzy face had Sanji smiling and chuckling weakly. "Yes, Doctor Chopper-sensei-san. Ugh.. I'm thirsty... Can I have a smoke?"

"I'll get you some water.. And no you can't smoke! Dammit, I wish you'd quit!" Chopper scolded as he hopped away to grab a canteen. After digging through the supplies he was also able to find a straw, so Sanji wouldn't be forced to move to drink. Soon he was holding the canteen and straw where the cook could reach.

"Quitting's for losers." Sanji mused with a smirk before he gratefully took a sip. After getting his fill he felt a great deal better. He ignored the doctor glare and hummed softly as he looked up at the rock ceiling above him. After a quiet moment he found himself asking "How's Zoro?"

The question had Chopper smiling once more. "He's fine. He's gotten a few bruises from where the rocks landed on him, but it's nothing to worry over. He's lucky you were able to get to him in time."

"Heh.. Lucky.. Sometimes I wonder if that's that bastard's real name." Sanji mused lightly.

"Same could be said for you. You always seem to be at the right place at the right time to save everyone." Chopper pointed out with another light poke.

"Think so?"

The little doctor readily nodded. "Know so."

Smiling at the confidence Chopper had in him, Sanji let out a sigh and closed his eyes. "Thanks, Chopper."

Blushing at the gratitude, Chopper bit his tongue to keep from going into his wiggly denial fit. It looked as if Sanji was trying to rest, so the Doctor was going to let him.

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A couple of hours passed before Robin and Zoro finally returned from their trip. Zoro was hauling a large backpack filled with food to get them by until Sanji was up to cooking again. He tried not to worry too much over the cook, but every minute those blue eyes were closed, the more on edge he became. Yes, Chopper told him that Sanji would be fine, but Zoro wasn't going to be satisfied until the bastard sat up and tried to kick his skull in.

He couldn't believe it, but he missed their fights so much. The way the jolting contact between his blade and the sole of Sanji's shoe would send a hard vibration all the way up his arm and make his teeth ache. The heat of a lit cigarette hovering inches from his face when they were at a stand off. Watching the flex and agility of the lean body. He missed it all. Every day that passed made the ache deeper. He wanted Sanji back and healthy. He was determined to get him back.

So focused on his inner thoughts, Zoro was oblivious to the soft knowing smiles that Robin kept throwing in his direction. With every hardship the strange connection between the cook and the swordsman seemed to grow stronger. Her imagination couldn't even fathom how much stronger it would be in the future. '.. I have no doubt Luffy will become Pirate king with those two supporting him..' she mused to herself with a confidence she had never felt before. It was strange, and comforting. Being able to believe in something without doubt.

Their first stop was to Merry to see if the ship was okay. To their great surprise, their home looked as if they had never left it. Usopp was clinging to the sheep's head proclaiming his undying faith to the astonishingly sturdy vessel while Luffy was nagging his sniper to get off his favorite seat.

However when Nami caught sight of them she leapt off the ship and rushed to them. "Are you two crazy?! Don't bring it here! Luffy will swallow the entire bag!" she hissed before shoving Zoro back towards the direction of the cave.

Zoro was immediately glaring at her. "You expect me to cart this shit all the way up that narrow goat trail?" he asked flatly.

"Yes! Now go!" Nami growl before kicking the swordsman's ass in the right direction. "Robin! Please go with him so he doesn't fall off another cliff."

"Oi! That wasn't my fault, you money grubbing Mmmph!" Zoro's words were cut off when a set of arms suddenly grew out of his shoulders and a pair of hands clamped over his mouth. His narrow eyed glare quickly shifted to the raven haired woman.

Robin gave a blissfully sweet smile. "I figure, since Cook-san is absent, I would take over his 'no insulting the ladies' duties. Let's go, Swordsman-san. I believe Cook-san would want you to take on his food guarding duties as well."

A low growl left Zoro, but he knew Sanji wouldn't want their idiot captain swallowing everything in one bite. Again. So after glaring at the grinning Nami waving cheerfully at them, he turned to follow Robin back towards the cave. If he was honest with himself, he would admit that's where he wanted to go the moment they were finished. But he was trying to keep his distance as best he could. He had made a point that Sanji didn't need him holding his hand.

But this felt different. He wanted to hold Sanji's hand. Wanted to be there because Sanji had been there for him. Saved his life yet again.

The moment Zoro had calmed down from the ordeal of the storm, he silently swore to himself he was going to try his damnedest to make sure that the blond wouldn't have to save him any more. 'I refuse to place him in unnecessary danger anymore...'

He was firm in his conviction to that thought. He wasn't going to allow Sanji to bear the pain that was meant for him. 'I have to get stronger for him.'

He swore it on Wadou. It was a promise he was soul bound to keep.

As the thought mulled through his head, he was barely conscious of how quickly they progressed up the rugged trail to the caves. Nor did he notice the way Robin's hands sprouted around him and nudged him if he strayed the wrong way. By the time he noticed they were at the mouth of the cave, Zoro paused and blinked in confusion. He glanced back at the trail behind him, then to the cave again. A puzzled frown fell over his tanned face . 'Did the cave move closer to Merry..?'

Seeing the confoundment on the swordsman's face had Robin raising a hand to her mouth in a weak attempt to hide her giggling. The way Zoro's head processed travel and directions was a mystery she was certain no one could solve. Instead she let him ponder the wonders of not so stationary objects and headed into the cave.

As she did she soon noticed Chopper near the stew pot that was currently boiling some water. He looked in the process of cleaning his mortar and pestle along with his other medical equipment. "Doctor-san. How's the patient?" Robin asked quietly when she saw Sanji was still sleeping.

Chopper quickly lifted his head and smiled brightly at the woman. "He's okay. He woke up about an hour ago wanting cigarettes. Right now it's the muscle strain and fatigue keeping him out. Did you get the plants and medicines I asked for?"

Robin easily nodded as she took up the black bag she had shouldered. "I was able to locate everything on your list."

The doctor was beaming on hearing the good news. "That's great! Sanji really needs some medicine so he won't get sick again. I'll start some right now!" The little reindeer was quick to hop up and take the bag from Robin.

It was good to see the doctor this positive. Chopper had been so worried about Sanji that all of them had to remind the doctor to eat. It was almost as bad as dealing with Zoro.

Now that the swordsman crossed her mind, she glanced back to see the green haired man was still standing outside the cave. With a roll of her blue eyes, Robin crossed her arms delicately.

Outside a series of arms sprouted out from the ground the right height to give Zoro a push into the cave.

Choking on a startled sound, Zoro staggered into the cave, trying not to fall over with all the food. Once he was stable he gave the woman another glare. He tried to ignore that damn knowing smile as he shrugged off the pack.

Though he was trying not to, his eyes drifted over to where Sanji still slept. Seeing the blue eyes closed had a flicker of a sad frown pulling across his face. 'When is he going to wake up..'

As if hearing the silent question, the blonde resting on the pile of blankets gave a soft pain filled groan as he tried to shift uncomfortably.

The bag of food was dropped and Zoro was on his knees by Sanji's side before the blond had even finished the sound of discomfort. Following that impulse that nagged him still, Zoro took hold of the pale hand resting above the blankets and held it in both of his. He was relieved when the pale skin wasn't that same bone chilling cold. But when the slender hand twitched and grasped his in return he let out the breath he didn't even know he was holding.

Feeling a familiar warmth close by, Sanji eyes slowly cracked open. He then sluggishly focused on the man by his side. Once he saw the green hair a tired smile pulled over his pale lips. "Yo, Marimo." the raspy voice called out.

Zoro snorted softly in amusement as he gave a light squeeze to the hand he held. "Yo yourself. You look like shit."

"Zoro!" Chopper snapped before chucking a pebble at his rude nakama.

".. Ow..." Zoro had to raise his right hand to rub where the pebble hit him in the back of the head.

A little sleepy smug smile was on Sanji's face as he looked up at the scowling swordsman. "Better watch whatcha say, Moss head. My doctor will kick your ass if you're mean to me in my weakened condition." he stated with a little nod, though that action pulled a short groan of pain from him.

At first he was staring at the cook blandly, but his expression softened a bit when Sanji groaned again. "That fucked up, huh..?" he asked quietly. For just a nod to cause pain, Sanji had to be a wreck.

"Yeah... River current pushed me too hard... Can't move.. Feels like everything's seized up.." Sanji mumbled as he weakly clutched at Zoro's hand. His hands were the only things he could move without it feeling like something was tearing.

A flicker of concern fell over Zoro's face. ".. You'll be okay, right?"

"Yeah.. Just going to take time... Work all the tension out.." Sanji grunted as he tried to shift again to get more comfortable.

"I'll help you with that once we get back to Merry. You'll be more comfortable when we get you on a real futon.." Chopper called out as he began mixing up a batch of medicine. Now that he had the ingredients, it wouldn't take him long. "I'll work on that oil. As soon as you're recovered a bit more, we'll work on starting some massage therapy to help get you moving again."

The thought of anyone touching him at the moment almost made Sanji nauseous. "Ugh.. You better give me the good shit then... I feel brittle at the moment.."

"It's the good shit." Chopper answered readily.

"Yay..." Sanji closed his eyes and let out a weary sigh. "Can't get comfortable.. Damn back itches.. Feet hurt.."

Though he felt bad about his nakama's pain, Zoro found himself chuckling. "Heh.. You either hide your pain or whine..."

"Oi, you won't let me hide it, so I'm gonna whine, fucker. Deal with it." Sanji grumbled loudly before weakly squirming. "Nnn... It itches..."

"I've still got some salve I can put on your back."

The mere suggestion had the cook whining again in dismay. "Nuuu... That shit smells nasty..."

"It's either that or the itching, Cook-san." Robin pointed out lightly from her place perched on a folding chair.

Sanji whimpered pathetically. "You wouldn't say that if you smelled it, Robin-chan."

"Heh.. It is pretty awful." Zoro mused, having been slathered with it enough times himself.

"See? Zoro knows!"

"It's not that bad..." Chopper tried to defend it before he sighed and bowed his head. "Okay, it does smell bad, but I can't help that!"

"I've made my point." Sanji grumbled.

"Well, hopefully this will help. Robin? Can you please get me a cup of that hot water? This will work faster if he drinks it." Chopper said while giving one last grind to the herbs and medicines he had mixed. Once Robin handed over the filled cup, Chopper carefully mixed the fresh medicines in the hot water. "Zoro, please help Sanji sit up a bit so he can drink this." the doctor called out. Unfortunately, this drink would bee too hot to use a straw.

Zoro looked to Sanji and held on tighter to the pale hand. "Take a deep breath." he told the blond quietly as he moved to shift his nakama up.

Doing as told, Sanji took as deep a breath as he could and held it. When Zoro began moving him a choked growl was caught in his throat. By the time he was braced against Zoro's lap, he was gasping for breath. "Shit shit shit.." he grunted through clenched teeth.

Squeezing Sanji's hand, Zoro frowned and looked up, relieved to see Chopper was coming over quickly.

Chopper held the cup carefully at the dry lips for Sanji to get at as he spoke. "This will knock you out for a while. I think it'll be best if we take you back to Merry while you're out. Okay?"

Sanji made a face that clearly spoke the medicine still tasted horrible, but he nodded as he drank. He drank up as much as he could, ready for a bit of medicine induced sleep. When he finally pulled away he was breathing slightly faster. "That's fine... With my feet fucked, I don't think I could walk on them anyway.."

That tone had Zoro frowning as he gently combed back some of Sanji's tangled hair. "Hey.. You're going to be fine."

The attempt at comfort made a slight smile twitch over the too pale lips. "Heh.. Careful, Marimo... Nami-san will accuse you of being all couple-y..."

"Hn. That hag can-Ow!" Zoro yelped when the hand that had been close to the blond's face was attacked. He looked at the teeth marks under his thumb before staring down at the frowning cook. "You bit me! Why the fuck did you bite me?!"

Sanji leveled the best glare he could managed at the idiot swordsman. "Don't be rude to Nami-san, shithead."

The expression on Zoro's tan face turned sour as he scowled hard. "I try to show a bit of compassion and you fuckin bite me!"

"I'll show you compassion when I kick your mossy ass!"

Chopper's eyes were wide and he was about to snap at both of them, but he was startled when Robin took hold of his arm and began pulling him away. "Robin! They shouldn't be arguing! Sanji's not-" His words were cut off when a hand popped out of his hat and covered his mouth.

Robin pressed a finger to her lips and smiled. "Shh.. This is how they work. Let's leave them be for a minute. Swordsman-san will let us know when Cook-san is ready to leave. Let's start packing up our things and ready them to take back to the ship." she suggested quietly.

Though he didn't get it, Chopper sighed and nodded. "Okay.."

As they were gathering up what was left in the cave and preparing to leave, the pair on the cave floor were still glaring hard at each other.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?! You couldn't touch me even if you were at 200 percent!"

"I can floor ya right now, marimo! I don't need my legs to beat your fluffy moss ass!"

"Fluffy?! Since when the hell has my ass ever been fluffy?!"

They slung back insult after insult.

However, through it all, their hands were still held tight.

Their fingers laced together.

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TBC

Heated words aren't always in anger.

Later~