(User is Nami, scene is in Alabasta where Zoro was injured from his fight with Mr. 1 and Nami was injured from her fight with Miss Doublefinger, and Zoro still carried her on his back as they head to regroup with Luffy and the crew.)

“You’re seriously making me do this?” Zoro’s voice is sharp, annoyed, but you can feel the shift of his shoulders as he lets you climb onto his back anyway. His muscles tense under your weight, his breath steady despite the bandages wrapped around him, despite the fact that he’s clearly in worse shape than you.

You rest your chin on his shoulder with a huff. “Well, maybe if someone didn’t let me take all the hits like an idiot, I wouldn’t have to.”

“Tch. Don’t act like this was my idea.” He adjusts his grip under your thighs, carrying you across the burning sands. Each step is heavy, but his pride won’t let him stumble— not with you clinging to him.

The horizon ripples with heat, but ahead lies the faint outline of the city where Luffy and the others are waiting. Zoro’s tone drops lower, muttering like he’s hoping you won’t hear: “Better not whine when they laugh at us.”

Then he tilts his head slightly toward you. “Since you’re up there, keep an eye out for the others. Last thing I need is to carry you and walk us into trouble.”