Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sanji’s pov:

It started around the time the crew got separated. It was small, nothing that I was concerned about.

A sudden cough, a bit of trouble breathing while exercising. All of this stuff kinda comes with smoking for as long as I have.

By the time I reunited with the crew it was worse. I’d be out of breath after only mild exercise. Sometimes I’d even cough blood.

I was going to tell Chopper. Promise! But after Punk Hazard there wasn’t much of a chance. Everyone was busy with other things and I wouldn’t want to burden Chopper.

Now we’ve just left Wano. Everything is behind us and we finally have some free time to just lounge around the Sunny.

only…

It’s not just a cough anymore. I feel tired all the time, but I can’t sleep! I can’t focus on shit and my memory’s gone to hell. The coughing has also gotten worse. It’s hard to hide from the crew.

I suppose I should tell Chopper now… but later. Right now hes still fussing over Luffy and Zoros remaining wounds.

I put on a smile as I prance… try to prance over to the girls without making my pain too obvious.

”Mellorine! Nami-swan!” I yell holding a tray of tangerine parfait. 

“Sanji-kun.” She answers in a slightly annoyed tone, looking up from her maps. Shes been a lot colder to me since what happened at Whole Cake. I can’t blame her though, I deserve it.

”I made you a parfait.” I stop beside her, trying not to let it get to me.

”Oh. Just put it on the table.” She waves a hand dismissively.

”Ok.” I put the snack down, turning next towards Robin.

”Robin-chwan!” I hold her dessert out to her.

”Ah. Thank you cook-san.” She takes the parfait gratefully. “Are you ok?” She asks, lowering her sunglasses. “You look pale.”

Oh Robin-chan. Always so observant. Sometimes a little too much.

”I’m fine!” I answer maybe a little too enthusiastically. “Just a little tired.” It’s not a lie. It’s just not the whole truth.

”Hm… ok.” She turns back to her book. “Make sure to take care of yourself Sanji.” 

“I feel honoured that Robin-chwan is worried about me. I’ll take your advice to heart.” I back off, towards the kitchen, away from her.

When I get there, to my frustration, Luffy and Usopp are there. 

“FOOD!” Luffy yells.

”Yeah, yeah.” I reply, crossing the room quickly. I hold onto the counter pretending it’s just to prepare their snack and not so I don’t fall over.

I prepare their own parfaits, catered to their own tastes. Preparing myself for a second before pushing myself off the counter to get to them.

”Here.” I say as I reach them. 

“Neh Sanji.” Usopp says already digging into his snack.

”Hm?” I ask, wiping sweat from my forehead. Has it always been so hot in here?

”Are you ok? You look sick.” I can almost hear the furrow in his eyebrow. 

“Yep!” I reply with much effort. “Just peachy.” 

“Why are you breathing so fast?” Luffy asks. “Did you train? Why didn’t you invite me?” He whines, throwing himself over the counter.

”N-no. I-“ A metallic taste appears in my mouth. My hands tingling like I slept on them.

“Maybe you should sit down.” Usopp suggests. Already standing, hovering around me.

”I’m fine!” I exclaim angrily. “Just n-need…” a gasp for air. “Wate-“ another one.

”Chopper!” I hear someone yell. I can’t tell who. My vision is swarming and I feel my body fall to the ground.

Luffys pov:

”Usopp! What’s happening?” I ask concerned. Sanji fell over. Usopp caught him but then he started shaking.

”I-I think he’s having a seizure!” Usopp cries. “Chopper!!” He yells again. 

The sound of hooves echoes throughout the ship before the small reindeer comes in. 

“What!?” He asks out of breath. “Oh my gosh! Sanji!” He yells running over.

I see a couple of curious heads peek into the galley, immediately entering upon realizing that something wrong.

”Lay him down on his side!” He instructs Usopp. “Robin, I need a pillow. Nami keep count!” Robin nods, immediately using her devil fruit to hand him a pillow from the couch.

”What’s happening?!” Franky asks.

”Hes having a seizure!” Chopper yells. “Move anything on the floor away. We don’t want him to injure himself.” 

Everyone shuffled around. Doing everything Chopper demands.

”Now what!?” Usopp asks nervously.

”Now we wait.” Chopper answers. “How long has it been Nami?” He turns towards the redhead.

”47 seconds.” She answers.

”Thats not even including the time before you guys came! Is he going to die!” Usopp bites his nails.

”No!” Chopper cries. “H-hell be fine!” Tears roll down his face. 

A few moments pass in the galley. I watch Sanji’s body twitch on the floor thoughtfully. 

Eventually the tremors finally slow down, and stop.

”Time?” Chopper asks.

”2 minutes and 18 seconds.” Nami answers.

”How long about was he seizing before I got here?” He asks Usopp.

”I don’t know! Like 15 seconds.” He answers unsure.

”2 minutes and 33 seconds.” Chopper mutters. Hes checking over Sanji now. Grabbing things from his backpack.

“Is he going to be ok?” Usopp asks.

Chopper pauses. “He should be. I have no idea what caused it though. It’s a good sign that the seizure lasted under 5 minutes. He won’t have any lasting damage from the seizure itself.” He mutters half to Usopp and half to himself.

Just then, Sanji’s eyes flutter open.

”Sanji!” I exclaim happily.

”W-wha?” His gaze shifts to me. “Luffy?” He mutters quietly.

”Zoro. Get a cup of water.” Chopper orders. Zoro grumbles, moving to complete the task assigned to him.

”How do you feel?” Chopper asks sanji.

“Like shit.” He answers, earning a huff from Zoro.

”Thats to be expected.” Chopper replies. 

“What -appened?” He asks, trying to sit up, immediately being pushed down by Chopper.

”I’d better explain it later.” Chopper takes the water from Zoro, letting Sanji drink slowly. “I’m going to bring you to the infirmary.” He turns to heavy point.

”Oi!” He complains as Chopper picks him up. “I can walk.” He struggles weakly against Choppers grip.

”No!” Chopper firmly declines him as he leaves the room. I follow him, leaving the rest of the crew to their own.

I slip into the infirmary before Chopper can say no.

Chapter Text

Sanji’s pov:

My whole body feels sore. It feels like I just ran a marathon, my raged breathing being part of that.

I focus on breathing while Chopper runs around the infirmary. I can sense Luffy sitting by the bed. If I look I know his wide brown eyes will be studying me.

”I’m going to give you a check up then I’m going to run some tests.” Chopper explains, grabbing tools.

He first checks my pulse, putting his small hooves over my wrist. Humming he writes something down.

He puts his stethoscope to my chest, asking me to breathe in. Moving it around. All the usual. He furrows his brows when done.

”Your breathing sounds wrong.” He mutters, writing it down. Then he moves on.

He takes my blood pressure, and then my temperature. I don’t know if it’s good or bad based off of his reaction.

”Kay. Now I’ll measure your height and weight. Can you stand?” He asks, setting up a scale.

”Yeah.” I answer without thinking twice. 

Chopper raises an eyebrow, but motions me towards the scale. I get up shakily, my knees immediately buckle beneath me.

Luffy appears next to me, helping me up and bringing me over to the scale. With much effort Chopper takes my weight and height.

After being returned to the bed Chopper silently writes for a couple of minutes. The infirmary enveloped with silence.

After a while, he motions Luffy out. Luffy grumbles but complies, knowing how much doctor patient confidentiality means to Chopper.

After he leaves Chopper takes a breath. “Youre underweight.” He tells me. “Have you been eating ok?” 

I pause. 

“I’ve been eating enough.” I answer. 

“You never eat with us.” He continues. “Are you sure you’re eating enough?” He pushes.

”Yep.” I answer without hesitation. “I’m a cook. I know how much I need to function.” 

“hmm…” Chopper scribbles something down. “I’m going to do some tests now. I need to find the reason for the seizure.” He changes the subject.

”ok.” I sit back. I’m so tired. “Is it going to take long? I need to get started on supper.” 

“NO!” I jump at the sudden noise. “I mean… you are NOT cooking supper! You just had a seizure! You will REST!” Chopper points at me aggressively.

”ok.” I answer, mainly to keep him happy. I’ll convince him to let me go later.

The tests take forever. Chopper takes blood, tests my reflexes and stuff, takes something from my spine, and tells me we have to do a longer procedure tomorrow. 

By the end of it all I’m exhausted. More so than I was before. 

“I’ll let you rest now. I’ll wake you up for supper. You can have it in the galley with everyone.” He turns towards me.

”k.” I answer, already drifting off to sleep.

…

Im awoken by the sound of a door. Chopper comes in, waking me up.

I sit up. I’m still tired. Oh well… Chopper said I can leave the infirmary now. I didn’t even have to convince him.

I stand up, trying not to stumble as I follow Chopper towards the galley. When I get there everyone turns towards me.

”Sanji!!!” Luffy flings himself at me excitedly.

I hardly have time to react before he tumbles into me. Causing me and him to fall to the ground.

”Don’t do that you shitty rubber.” I semi yell at him. Bonking his head lightly, causing a giggle and a sorry from said rubber.

”Hes still recovering! Be gentle!” Chopper runs over to us.

Luffy helps me up and drags me over to the table, practically shoving me into my seat. 

Oh shit…

So that’s why Chopper wanted me here for supper. He wants to make sure I’m eating… good thing I have an excuse.

Im usually up and about, serving tje crew during mealtimes. Protecting the food from Luffys greedy hands.

Now all I can do is sit. I can already feel Choppers beady eyes watching my every move.

Everyone serves themselves. I give myself a small portion, knowing I’m going to have to eat.

”So, are you feeling any better cook-san?” Robin asks.

”Yeah.” I push around the food with a fork. 

“You really scared us!” Usopp pipes up. “I thought you were going to die!” He mimes being slashed in the throat.

”I knew he wasn’t going to die!” Luffy stated proudly. “Sanji can’t die because he has to cook for me! Shishishi!” 

I smile slightly. 

“Do you know the cause yet?” Jinbei questions Chopper.

”I’m running some tests.” He starts. “I’m going to perform an electroencephalogram tomorrow.” He states as if anyone knows what that is.

”A what?” Nami asks interestedly.

”An electroencephalogram.” Chopper repeats. “It tests brain waves basically.” He answers the unsaid questions.

A couple of ‘oh’s echo around tje table.

“I hope we won’t have to stop at an island to get supplies. We’re pretty far away from any island.” Nami thinks aloud.

“I don’t think we will.” Chopper replies hopefully. “Hopefully it’s nothing serious.” 

I continue playing with my food as the others talk about me. After meeting Choppers eyes I take a small bite. Holding back a gag.

I am DEFINITELY going to throw this up later. 

I manage to take one more small bite before letting Luffy steal the rest. Everything hurts.

When the meal is finally over, I avoid Chopper like the plague. Making my way to do the dishes because YES I can still do the dishes.

The galley clears out. I see Chopper whispering to Zoro who nods and makes his way towards me.

Fucking hell!

Without a word, he sits on a counter. Opening a bottle of booze and taking a long gulp.

”Get off the counter!” I scold. “Have SOME manners at least!” I scrub the dish I’m holding aggressively.

Zoro grumbles, but doesn’t argue as he lowers himself into a chair. That’s not normal.

”Are you just going to sit there?” I try again. “Or are you going to be useful for once.” I point at the dishes.

Zoro puts down his booze without complaint. Placing himself beside me to start drying the dishes.

I furrow my eyebrows in confusion. Usually he would fight back.

”Did Chopper put you up to this?” I hand him a dish.

”Maybe.” He mumbles.

I roll my eyes, going back to washing the dishes, the contents of my stomach trying to make its way out.

I manage to wash all of the dishes before needing to leave. 

“Washroom.” I mutter. Leaving Zoro quickly. 

I practically run to the bathroom. Leaving a confused moss head in the galley. It doesn’t matter as I shut and lock the door, collapsing over the toilet and emptying my stomach.

Chapter Text

Sanji’s pov:

After emptying out my stomach until all that comes up is acid I lift my head. There’s blood mixed with bile in the toilet. It reeks.

I stand up, using the wall to stay up and head to the sink. I can see myself in the mirror and I look AWEFUL.

My skin is sickly pale, making the bags under my eyes stick out like a sore thumb. My hair is greasy, I’ll need a shower today, and there’s a trail of blood from my mouth.

I splash my face with some water, not flushing the toilet yet in case someone is near.

My breath immediately hitches when the cold water meets my face. Oh god this was a bad idea.

I cough and gasp for air. I need air in my lungs but when I try to breathe I just keep coughing.

Blood lands on the sink with a disgusting splat sound. I’m leaning my whole weight on the sink at this point, my legs may as well be cooked noodles.

Zoros pov:

The cook hasn’t been back for a while. I put away the food in the fridge that I know the code for. Why? I saw Nami putting it in.

I even have time to completely finish the dishes before the cook comes back, pale and dead looking.

I cross my arms at him as he enters.

”Why are you still here?” He asks tiredly.

“Someone’s gotta do the dishes.” I answer nonchalantly (🗿)

”I was going to.” He raises an eyebrow.

”You were gone for like half an hour.” I respond. “And besides, wouldn’t the food get uhhh… temperature? If someone didn’t put it away???”

I see him mouthing ‘what the fuck’ before crossing the kitchen.

”You good?” I ask.

He stops. Turns around to face me. “Is the mossball worried about me?” He mocks.

”Yes.” I reply.

His face drops. “STOP AGREEING WITH MY AND ARGUE GODAMMIT.” He seethes.

”No.” I close my eyes in defiance.

”I’m fine.” He finally says.

”Liar.” I chime in.

”I’m NOT lying!” He yells.

”Yeah because when I think of a person that’s fine, I think of someone who just had a seizure, maybe ate two bites of supper, and thats being generous, and just spent 30 minutes in the bathroom coughing up a lung.” I rant. “Yeah youre fiiiiine.”

”Shut up would ya?” He leans on the counter.

“Not until you rest.” I answer. “Besides Choppers doing a wierd procedure thing on you tomorrow, you need to rest.” 

He slumps on the counter completely. “Will you leave me alone if I do?” He asks tiredly.

”Yes.” I answer.

”Ok.” He seems to still be gasping for air.

He uses his arms to push himself upright, almost immediately falling forward. I catch him before he can fall.

”Stupid cook.” I mutter as I help him to the infirmary. Chopper said he should sleep there tonight.

I practically carry him into the infirmary and onto the bed. How has he managed to get this bad in such a short amount of time?

During Wano he was fine.

I sigh. Turning around and clicking the light off before exiting the infirmary. I should probably tell Chopper what I’ve noticed. It could be important.

Sanjis pov:

After Zoro leaves I lay in bed thinking. I can’t go to sleep. My brain simply will not allow it.

I twist and turn as much as I can with my heavy limbs. It takes hours for me to finally drift off to sleep.

…

When Chopper wakes me, hes getting ready for the electro whatever hes doing. He has a bunch of sensors and stuff.

When he’s ready, he attaches some wires with a goopy glue substance. There are a lot of wires on my head by the time he’s done.

Luffy, who decided to stay in the room during the procedure, pointed out how funny it looks.

Next Chopper got me to do some basic things like closing and opening my eyes. He gets me to breathe deeply, then he gets me to close my eyes and flashes lights.

When he’s finally done, he says I need to sleep for 30 ish minutes, which would be a lot easier if I hadn’t just slept.

Luffy stays in the room the whole time. Watching me with those large brown eyes. 

When we are finally done, Chopper unhooks me, which feels great. The glue felt nasty all over my head. I definitely need to wash my hair now.

Luffy practically snatches me out of bed and drags me to the galley, where the others are doing lunch.

I WOULDVE cooked but chopper insisted I should rest of if I had any extra time. The others are eating sandwiches.

”Good afternoon cook-san.” Robin greets. “Would you like a sandwich?” 

“No thanks Robin-chwan.” I decline. After yesterday I feel hungry, but I don’t think I can stomach anything.

She hums, turning towards Luffy and giving him a plate full of meat sandwiches she must’ve taken a long time preparing.

Luffy immediately gobbles all of the sandwiches in one bite and hardly chews before asking for more.

I sigh tiredly as I sit down. Why am I so tired? I just slept for way longer than usual and then another 30 minutes.

I sit quietly, listening to the others chat while trying not to nod off. Occasionally they ask me a question, I answer with one word.

When everyone leaves the galley I go to bath. I can’t stand for a long time so there’s no way I can help with the dishes, I’ll leave that to Robin and Usopp.

I enter the bath. Quickly filling it and getting out my array of hair and body products. 

I take a much longer than usual shower since I don’t really have anything to do because Chopper won’t let me cook.

When I leave I head into the bunks. I am NOT going to sleep in the infirmary until Chopper gets his results. 

I flop ungracefully into into my hammock and fall into a semi sleep.