Luffy sat motionless beside the cot, his eyes fixed on Zoro's bandaged form. Though the swordsman's breathing was steady, he had not stirred since collapsing after the battle on Thriller Bark.
"You idiot," Luffy murmured, fingers curling into fists on his knees. "Why'd you have to go and do that?"
He knew why. Zoro had taken on all of Luffy's pain so he could keep fighting, could protect the crew. And protect Luffy from being taken... Luffy would have done the same for any of his nakama. But that didn't make it easier to accept that Zoro had been hurt protecting him.
Luffy couldn't recall what happened during the time. Luffy had been paralyzed, and Dead exhausted. He couldn't move after combining gear 2 and 3. He had been so exhuasted after the fight with Oras, having 100 shadows leave his body then still getting up to finish his fight with Gecko Moriah. After that he passed out, unable to remember much or move. He couldn't remember anything until he heard a scream in the distance, he recognized it as Zoro and he was forced to listen as Zoro shuddered and bled, remaining on his feet through sheer force of will until Kuma vanished.
Only then had Zoro fallen, nearly senseless with pain. flooded with the pain extracted from his captains body from the fight that just occurred.
He shook himself awake, Luffy's own injuries forgotten and he'd scrambled to Zoro's side. The swordsman was frighteningly still, face pale and beaded with sweat. His harsh, ragged breathing filled Luffy's ears.
"You'll be alright," Luffy had said frantically, clutching Zoro's shoulders. "Chopper will fix you right up. Just hang on."
Zoro's head lolled toward Luffy, eyes barely focusing. "Sorry..." he rasped. "Couldn't...let him...hurt you..."
Then his eyes slid shut and he went limp in Luffy's grip. Luffy's panicked shouts brought Chopper running. The reindeer transformed into Heavy Point to lift Zoro's limp form.
"I'll take care of him, Luffy," Chopper said gently. "He just needs rest."
That had been two days ago. Two endless days of watching over Zoro, willing him to open his eyes. Chopper said Zoro's life wasn't in danger, that he just needed time for his body to recover from the shock.
But Luffy hated seeing his first mate like this, so frighteningly still and quiet. It wasn't right. Zoro was always training, drinking, bickering with Sanji over stupid things. Not lying unconscious in the med bay because he'd taken on pain meant for his captain.
Guilt gnawed at Luffy's gut. He hadn't been able to protect his own crew. What good was he as captain if he couldn't keep them from harm? His fists tightened, short nails biting into his palms. Zoro shouldn't have had to suffer for his weakness.
The med bay door opened and Chopper entered, tray of medical supplies in his hooves. He gave Luffy a concerned glance.
"You should really get some rest, Luffy. You'll make yourself sick worrying like this."
Luffy just shook his head, not taking his eyes off Zoro.
Chopper sighed. "At least let me bring you something to eat. You've barely touched your meals."
"Not hungry," Luffy mumbled. It was true. Since Zoro collapsed, food held no appeal. He ate only enough to quiet Chopper's scolding, choking down a few bites before abandoning the rest.
How could he enjoy a feast when one of his own was hurting?
Chopper set down his tray and placed a gentle hoof on Luffy's arm. "I know you're worried. But you need to keep up your strength. Zoro will be alright, I promise."
