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clare-875 · 10 days ago

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Precious Tears (Luffy, Zoro, Sanji)

_____ Pairings: Luffy x Reader; Sanji x Reader; Zoro x Reader Summary: Self-doubt creeps up on you and you question if you are enough. Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Body image in Sanji's A/N: Writer's block is not fun, but I hope you enjoy this :) [One Piece Masterlist] _____

- Luffy -

You don't feel the tears until they have already slipped past your cheeks and you're rushing to wipe them away. You don't know why you suddenly feel the onslaught of stress upon you but deep down you know that at the core it is doubt.

Self-doubt.

You adored your crew, of course, you did, and with more of your battles placed on papers that travel the world, there weren't many who didn't know of the Strawhats. However, with your successes came a lingering thought that was brought to the forefront of your mind: that you were being left behind.

Your friends were so strong and developed in their skills and knowledge, with dreams so incredible it was no wonder Luffy asked them to be a part of your crew. But you felt like you paled in comparison. You had joined with no real stand-out dream, only one that followed your crewmembers on their journey. Your position on the crew was also a haze, as you chipped into various roles and fought to the best of your ability, but you never stood out.

It had brought out a craze in you, a desperation to get better for your crew and to get better for your boyfriend. An irrational fear that maybe Luffy would see just how insignificant you were among your crewmates. You realise now that maybe you had worked yourself up too much over the matter, but you couldn't seem to stop.

You were exhausted after studying and training and trying to better yourself. Exhausted after witnessing how Luffy interacts with princesses, an empress, incredible women and doubting how he could ever be happy when he returns to your side. Exhausted, and now the tears were running and you were trying to stop your uneven breaths.

But only a second passes before a familiar voice reaches the confines of your room.

"Hey, [y/n]!"

You freeze as your boyfriend bursts into your shared chambers, hoping that in his excitement he doesn't stop to notice your puffy face. You frantically push your tears away, pushing back hair that had fallen to your face by the number of times you had run your hands through it in stress.

"Nami says we'll be arriving at the new Island in five minutes!! Let's go to the deck!"

Luffy's grin is wide and he shouts in his excitement. You quickly take the excuse to turn away and make it look as though you were collecting things for the trip, not facing him. "That's great Luffy, but you go ahead, I'll catch up." Your words come out less convincing and excited than you hoped, rather taking a duller tone. But you continue grabbing random things and putting them in a bag, fixing parts of your room so Luffy doesn't see your tear-stained face.

"I'll wait! I want to go together!"

"It's really okay, Luffy, I just need a minute."

"I'll wait!"

"Lu, please."

A long silence follows your words and for a moment you think that Luffy has left the room, but that is when you feel a surprisingly gentle hand on your shoulder. "Hey [y/n], you okay?" You stop your frantic movements and are honestly quite shocked by Luffy's words, but that is when you realise he must've noticed your tears when he first entered. Of course, he did. In areas where he would be the last to realise anything, he always seemed to be the first when it came to things about you.

Just that is enough to make more tears fall from your lashline, and all of a sudden, all you want is to be embraced by Luffy and told everything would be okay. Lucky for you, your boyfriend is right there, and so you fall into him and of course, he is there to hold you. Luffy will try not to show it, but he is silently more worried than you will know. Your tear-stained face was a rare sight and not one he liked seeing often.

The crew always has a special place in Luffy's heart, but you are so important to him in a different and even more intense way. You wouldn't know the depths of Luffy's anger until it was pointed at anyone who dared hurt you or injure you. You wouldn't know what lengths Luffy would go to for someone else's happiness, not until he showed you how far he would go just to make sure your smile never faltered on your face.

"[y/n], what's wrong? Are you hurt?"

Luffy's words are surprisingly calm and gentle. Like the seriousness you would hear amid his battles. You shake your head against him, and Luffy frowns though you do not see it. You feel the embarrassment fill you as you think of what internal battles have caused such inconvenience. You go to pull away, but when Luffy still sees the silent tears that run along your cheeks and the way your frown has yet to falter, he grabs you before you go too far.

"[y/n], what's wrong?"

"Luffy, it's really nothing serious. I'm sorry, let's just-"

"Tell me the truth."

Your eyes widen as Luffy's eyes sharpen when he hears your words slip your lips. He would listen to any concern you had to share, but he didn't want to hear lies or excuses, he wanted to help you; needed to. It was his duty as your Captain; it was his duty as your boyfriend. Your brows pull together and you swallow harshly, and finally, you let your thoughts slip from your mouth.

"I've just been thinking Lu, what if... what if I'm not what the crew needs anymore."

"What do you mean?"

Your gaze is now trained on the ground and so you do not see the way Luffy looks at you with utter confusion and the tilt of his head.

"I mean," your words are softer, head lightly throbbing with the intensity of your thoughts in your head, and the doubt that lingers within them. "The crew, our friends, they're so strong and capable and smart, and I'm just- I don't know. I feel like I'm kind of, useless amongst them, like I'm adrift. I- I don't even have a dream worthy of the Pirate King's crew. I-" You sigh brokenly, pulling at your hands in an anxious movement.

"What if I'm not good enough anymore, what if you deserve better than me... I see how Hancock looks at you, how many more powerful women look to you. They're more worthy of the title of Pirate Queen... Maybe we need a break, maybe I need a break from the crew, just until I get better, or stronger or something-"

"No!"

Your heart jumps at Luffy's sudden shout, and you look up to meet his angry facade, hiding the fear that the most important person to him might want to leave him, and his crew.

"But Luffy-"

"No, I don't want you to go! I don't want to date anyone else! I don't wanna break up!"

You stare in silence, unsure of what to say, unsure of anything but one word. "Why?" Your voice trembles, self-doubt makes your vision unclear, and weeks of burying it suddenly make it all you can see. "Why, Lu? I'm not that strong of a fighter like Zoro, I'm not smart like Nami or Robin, I can't cook or build ships or heal people... I'm nothing like them..."

"That's right you're [y/n]! And I don't want that to change!"

Luffy is pouting when he looks at you, but you know he is dead serious. "I want you on my adventure, I want you there when I become the Pirate King! I chose you for a reason! You're part of the crew, and you're important to us. If something is bothering you, we'll face it together!"

More tears line your eyes as you look to your boyfriend, suddenly speechless. "So, no leaving okay?" Luffy's words are soft and vulnerable once more; he doesn't think he could ever get used to when someone says they want to leave his crew, but he couldn't bear it if it was you. You nod silently, the beginnings of a smile making its way to your face as he wraps his arms around you and lets the stress of your words melt away.

When a short moment passes you look up to Luffy, and on his face is his signature wide grin, and utter adoration reflecting his eyes. You can't help the soft smile that reaches the corners of your own face at the sight. "So, a new Island huh? You want to check it out?" You murmur, and if possible, Luffy's grin only widens as he pulls away and clutches one of your hands in his.

"Let's go!"

Maybe your insecurities couldn't fade overnight, but with Luffy by your side, you felt like you would be just fine.

- Sanji -

You pull down the top you have on, adjusting the straps for the thousandth time. Your hair falls on your face and you push it back frantically, now looking to the mirror and seeing the distress clear on your face. Nothing looks right, you don't feel right, and suddenly all you want to do is crawl back into bed and ignore the island that awaits just outside the ship.

"Hey, [y/n], you ready? The guys should be waiting for us."

The door opens and Nami steps in with a smile on her face, beautiful as always, adorned in a tight-fitting dress and light makeup that made her skin seem to glow. "Yeah," your words are weaker than you intend and she pauses in concern, eyebrows furrowing. "You sure?" Her hand touches your shoulder in what you know is comfort, but self-doubt has filled you along with your unfair comparisons.

You nod quickly, grabbing your purse and forcing your eyes away from the mirror that seems to taunt you today. Nami smiles hesitantly, but leads the way nonetheless, soon absorbed in a conversation about clothes she's going to get. The next few minutes that follow are a blur to you, and you scarcely remember Nami pointing you in the direction of your boyfriend before running off.

The depths of the open markets do nothing but make your anxious thoughts rise and your doubt increase, as beautiful women smile as they pass you. The only thoughts providing comfort are of your boyfriend's awaiting presence... or so you thought. When you look up, you are met with a sight, close to all you could take for the day. Sanji, your boyfriend is immersed in conversation with a young, pretty woman with smiles and laughter and keen interest. You can already hear the compliments from the short distance away.

"Madame, your dress is utterly exquisite! And those flowers are beautiful, just where did you-"

You freeze at the sight of your boyfriend stepping closer, his hands delicately tracing the bouquet of flowers the woman has in her hands, smiling as she lets him look on. They are so close to each other that they could be mistaken for a couple, and what's worse they seem a good fit. Your handsome boyfriend and this beautiful woman. Did he realise now, how you dulled in comparison?

You feel something slip past your eye, and you quickly put a hand to your cheek, realising you are crying... in public. You quickly go to turn and leave, but you do not know if it is fortune or not when Sanji turns and chooses that moment to find you.

"Oh, love!"

You curse yourself as you frantically push your tears away, though they seem unable to slow. You turn for a moment to try to collect yourself, but Sanji is already moving to you, and you can only hope you look okay. "My love!! I have been waiting for your arrival!" He whizzes to your side, hearts in his eyes and desiring the only thing he had been waiting for all day: you. "Look what I've-" but Sanji's words falter when he sees you smiling up at him in a way that doesn't reflect your usual joy.

"Oh, Sanji, there you are! I've been looking all over for you." You try to implant enthusiasm into your tone as you see the way Sanji's eyes flicker, like a radar to your sadness. But your words sound monotone as they reach the air, dull and exhausted despite having done nothing all day. You're fine, you're fine you're fine... The same words repeat desperately in your head as your smile strains against your cheeks.

"Love, are you okay?"

Sanji's words are gentle to you but then his eyes grow wide, as though shocked by a sight that he sees. It takes you a minute to realise, that his simple words of concern are all it takes for more tears to slip past your eyes; you are crying. Despite your false smile fighting for its place on your face, you can no longer continue your fake facade, and you crumble. Hands go instantly to your face, as you look to the floor, trying to hide your show of vulnerability from the townsfolk that surround you, but the man in front of you has his heart beating frantically in his chest.

Why was his love crying?

Were you injured, hurt, threatened, insulted?

Who does he need to kill?

His mind is rampant with his concern and with his anger that was trying desperately to find the person to blame for your sorrow. His eyebrows pull together, worry filling him as he witnesses you try to hide your face from him, more tears falling before you have the chance to wipe them away. Just who has made the love of his life cry... how dare they? His body moves instinctively, craving to protect you from whatever hurt you feel now as arms pull you in.

You can't seem to care anymore and delve your face deep into his chest as he holds you and leads you to a more secluded area of town. When the two are out of the way of others, he gently releases you but still within arms reach. He delicately guides your face upwards and his heart clenches at the way your hands go to your face once more. "Love... It's okay, you're safe, you're okay-" His words tumble relentlessly out his mouth, pleading with you to stop the tears that have his heart breaking.

It takes several moments, but he finally coaxes you enough for you to place your hands away from your tearstained cheeks and look up at him with your glossy eyes. Sanji doesn't know how you look so beautiful even when you are crying. Honestly, you could be doing anything, wearing anything, and this man would still think you were the most beautiful sight in the world. He tries to push his love-lorn thoughts away for a moment, reminding himself there are greater matters at hand.

"Love, please, what's wrong?"

Your eyes travel his gaze, unsure of whether you should share what has been haunting you these past few days, and especially this morning. Sanji reaches out, tucking a loose strand of hair away from your face. "Love, you know you can trust me. We don't have to talk about it now but there seems to be a lot on your mind." Sanji had, after all, never really seen you cry the way you had today, and concern was all he knew.

"I'm just-" Your words are soft and hesitant and broken, but Sanji can only thumb soothing circles on your hips in the hopes that he can comfort you in the silence. "I don't feel good about myself right now. Nothing looks right, nothing feels right, and I just can't help but wonder. What if I'm not good enough? Sanji... I'm not pretty like other girls are, like Nami, like that woman you were talking to in the streets. You deserve better, I'm just-"

Your tears return and Sanji can't explain to you the amount of disbelief that floods his system at your words. You think you're not enough? For him? You were the most beautiful woman in the world, perfect in every measure of the word, and he can't help but shake his head in dismissal of your words. "Love, love, hey..." You gaze upward at his words and he catches your tears on his fingertips in marvel at your ethereal gaze.

"You are the most beautiful woman, I have ever had the pleasure to know. You are utterly stunning, love, I could spill compliments for eons if you let me. But my love, you are also so kind, generous, loving, caring, strong... If there's anyone who should be doubting their place in this relationship, it should be me. You are perfect, how could I ever let you go?"

Your gaze shines in utter surprise at the comforts that slip Sanji's lips, at the care in his hold, at the love in his irises. "I don't know what made you feel this way love, but I promise you, nothing could ever turn me away from you. You are beautiful." Your tears calm to nothing, if anything, a smile starts to twitch against your lips. You instantly lean into your boyfriend once more, arms wrapping themselves around him and his arms wrapping around you.

"Thank you Sanji, I love you." He kisses the top of your head with care before pulling away. "I love you too, my love." He then pauses before reaching down to his side and picking up something you had yet to see. "Oh, and this is for you love. The woman I was talking to earlier, she was a florist, she also recommended some dress stores we could have a look at."

In Sanji's hands was a beautiful bouquet of your favourite flowers, contained in elaborate wrapping. "Sanji, they're beautiful..." Tears skim your eyes once more, but a different kind. "Love, are you okay?!" Sanji exclaims, heart instantly picking up pace once more at the sight of your tears but he stops when a true, genuine smile reaches the corner of your lips. You were truly beautiful.

"Everything's perfect."

Sanji lets out a soft smile of his own and then holds out an arm for you to hold. "Come, my love, I found a lovely cafe down the street." You take his arm and follow him back into the liveliness of the markets, but this time with a lack of doubt that filled you. How could you ever feel that way, with such a doting boyfriend by your side?

- Zoro -

You take in a deep breath, steadying yourself before moving once more. Your knuckles were already black and bruised, muscles straining, but you couldn't seem to get yourself to stop. Words were tumbling in your head and the only way you could get it all to quieten for a little while was through the repetitive movements of your fists against the punching bag, battered and wilted after your onslaught.

You're not strong enough.

You're not good enough.

Loser. Weak. Failure

You yell out and at last, the punching bag gives way, tumbling to the floor. Your hands ache, and your mind is a buzz. You had been at it since much too early in the morning and dawn would soon break along the horizon. The hours spent training are taking a toll on your body, and it was not just today. Your thoughts had been running rampant for the past week, taking sleep from you, taking confidence from you.

Filling you with doubt.

You were a primary fighter on the Strawhat crew, but recently you felt as though your growth had faltered. You felt as though you were letting friends, and worse your boyfriend down. The crew had a particularly bad battle a week ago, and you felt like a lot of the disaster was your fault. Missing shots you should've made, getting hit when you should've easily been able to block attacks, unable to protect less attack-focused members of the crew due to your struggles.

Your friends had not blamed you, they had no reason to in their minds; it was a tough battle for everyone. But you saw it differently in your head, leading to early mornings and more hours spent in the crow's nest, before even your boyfriend's sessions. Another punching bag, another round, kicking and punching and losing yourself in the moment.

But even your body has its limits.

A sudden wave of dizziness stops you from moving any further, little stars entering your vision and forcing you to stop. You gasp for air before leaning on a wall and sliding to the ground. And then, all of a sudden it is like all your pent-up thoughts finally find release. You feel the beginning of tears fall from your lashline, and no matter how hard you grit your teeth, you suddenly can't make it stop. Words linger, harsher, throbbing in your head.

Weakness; was it weak to cry?

Your tears fall faster and your frustration does nothing to help. You are so lost in your mind that you do not notice a certain swordsman entering the room.

When Zoro woke up to the lack of you in his arms he couldn't deny the disappointment that flooded his chest, alongside his worry. He was not stupid, and he knew you were having trouble sleeping, not to mention he saw you more often in the crow's nest than usual. He wanted to give you space, knowing the pride that comes with working through your own problems, but he figured now his concern had won.

However, the last thing he expected when he made his way to the crow's nest was to see the tears that were streaming down your face. Instantly, his heart rate picks up. You were one of the strongest women he knows and rarely did he see you in a state of such vulnerability. He curses himself for not reaching out earlier, but more so, he is worried about what is causing you such distress.

Did someone hurt you?

Threaten you?

He swears he'll beat the living daylights out of the bastard that makes his woman cry.

"[y/n]"

Zoro's words are a murmur, softer than you would expect, and certainly softer than he expected after having the murderous thoughts he was having now. However, he finds himself unable to raise his voice in your presence, afraid to startle you somehow. He sees the way you clutch at your arms trying to hide within yourself, and internally winces at the bruises that scatter your knuckles and body, a sign you have clearly overworked yourself.

You have yet to react to his words, and it only causes his worry to worsen. Such emotions were ones he didn't think he could ever get used to, but ones you seemed to ignite in him; like the pain you were in made him hurt too somehow. Due to your lack of reaction, Zoro does the next best thing he can think of and sits next to you on the wall you leant on.

Your eyes instantly perk up at his warmth, and Zoro tries not to flush at the way your glistening gaze looks up to him. "Zoro..." You feel warmth reach your cheeks at the show of your tears in front of your boyfriend and move to frantically wipe your tears away, but Zoro stops you. He reaches out, clasping one of your hands in his, whilst his other hand thumbs your tears away.

"I'm sorry I-"

"What's wrong?" Zoro interrupts your words before they tumble in your embarrassment. Now both his hands hold one of yours, caressing bruises with a delicacy that matches the care he would use with his swords. "Nothing's wrong," you murmur, but that causes his eyes to sharpen as they look at you, not in anger, but in a way that makes the excuses on your tongue disappear.

"Tell me."

You hesitate, but it is only for a moment. And you feel some of your stress falter at your boyfriend's rare show of gentleness amongst his blunt words. "I just- I fucked up in that battle a week ago, and my training isn't going the way I hoped. I- I wasn't strong enough, fast enough. I was weak, and slow, I couldn't protect my friends. I feel like I'm not doing enough, Zoro..." Your words start to fade in their strength the more you say what's on your mind, and more tears slip past your lashline, causing your boyfriend's brows to furrow.

"I couldn't do anything... what if- what if I'm not strong enough for the crew now, what if someone gets hurt next time, what if I'm not enough-"

Your words stumble to a halt as your boyfriend's piercing eyes meet yours, a strange mix of sadness and disbelief in them. "[y/n]," now his words are hesitant, unused to the emotions that fill him or the need to comfort another. "You're strong, stronger than you know. I've seen it, your loyalty and your skill. So you had a bad fight? Everyone has them from time to time, everyone fucks up. But it's like the damn things you're always saying: You're enough, you're not alone."

Your eyes widen, and Zoro has to fight the flush on his cheeks once more at the delicate words that pass his lips "You don't need to train at insane hours and hurt yourself to prove your strength. I have your back, you have mine. So goddamit woman, would you stop thinking so much and see that?" His words are soft against the brashness of his words, eyes faltering from your gaze but hands sure as they hold yours. The beginning of a smile twitches and you feel your self-doubt flicker in the presence of your boyfriend; usually so harsh, becoming vulnerable for you.

"Zoro," you say, and your gaze meets his once more. "Thank you." Zoro smiles, soft and rare as he looks down at you. For a long moment, the two of you just sit there, side by side to each other, your head resting against his shoulder. You don't know when you fall asleep, but the next moment you find yourself waking in your shared room next to a napping Zoro, your hands bandaged with a care only your boyfriend could know.

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