My Little Marimo

Germa 66.

A name that is enough to stop anybody who is dumb enough to not have run the other way when they had the chance. A kingdom whose sole purpose is war, and whose more than prepared to push the limitations of humanity in its entirety with science just so they can create the ultimate war machines.

All this is enough to make Zoro’s stomach churn. Especially when he found out that the infamous kingdom’s experimentations did not stop at anything...or at anyone for that matter.

A particularly strong wave rocked their ship a little, making the opened window creak a little wider. A hint of the ocean wafted into their room, and just heightened the sense of stillness around them altogether.

A faint whimper that was quickly followed by a hiss broke the tranquillity though, making Zoro turn towards its direction. Pushing himself on one elbow, he plants a soft kiss on the side of his husband’s neck. Zoro watched his face relax as he rests his head on the long pillow that Robin has bought for them in one of the islands they have visited long ago.

It all started last night. He thought it was all just the discomforts of pregnancy again as even finding the right way to lie down, was a tedious task for his husband. Lying in the dark, he waited for what he felt like hours, until he has decided to check on him for himself.

The curses that Zoro had to bite back when he found Sanji hunched over, fingers white as they gripped the porcelain bowl of the sink, huffing sharply with one hand over his swollen belly protectively.

He did not want Chopper to be rung at first. After the painful walk back to their bed, they both waited anxiously to see if it was the real deal. The cramps were faint initially, but along with the hours, they have found their rhythm and intensity. An extremely painful one dragged a low, strangled moan from Sanji and that was enough for Zoro to almost crush the den den mushi on their bedside table.

Another soft whimper escaped Sanji and his fingers dug themselves into the pillow he’s curled into. A low grunt following it when it should have really been a scream.

“Hey.” whispers Zoro. “Breathe. Remember. Breathe.” His hand falling naturally on his husband’s side and then over to the swollen orb that is his belly. The muscles underneath are solid as a rock, and all Zoro can do is to at least try to distract Sanji with gentle kisses as the contraction takes hold of him.

He soon relaxes with an audible sigh.

“You’re doing great.” reminds Zoro as he watches Sanji’s eyes open dazedly. Concentrating hard on his breathing, he barely noticed the straw that was offered to him. “Take a sip, babe.” persuades Zoro quietly. “You’ll feel a bit better.”

Sanji almost refused, but he can feel how dry his throat is, and his breath bounces back warmly from the pillow in front of him. “Thank you.” he mumbles gingerly as he lifts his head to obey the humble request.

Zoro quickly puts the glass back on the nightstand and tenderly slips his arm under his husband’s head, almost too scared that he might cause him more pain. He watched him painstakingly lift his head before letting out a heavy sigh as he turns to face him.

“Not long now.” smiles Sanji wearily. “We’ll soon meet our son.” He watches his husband palm the bare skin of his belly that managed to escape the lenient parting of his robe. Sanji holds it right on the top of his mound and intertwined their fingers.