Blood On the Water
The Hand That Feeds
Blood on the Water
Part Two: The Hand That Feeds
Zoro woke, as was often the case, in pain.
He grunted, eyes fluttering at the sensation of soft lips pressing his brow.
"'Noa…'Noa, wake up."
"…Kuina." His voice was a harsh rasp on the damp and dark of the brig, "You shouldn't be down here. It's not safe."
Kuina snorted, shaking her head at her brother's logic, "It's not so safe out there, either. I would rather they discover me with you than discover me alone." She shook softly, contemplating the threat of just such an event.
"Don't—," He was cut off by a short coughing fit, wincing at the pressure of the rope-collar securing him to the wall, "Don't joke about that."
She sighed, reaching into her shirt as her brother watched her, one eyebrow quirked.
"What're you…?"
His eyes went wide when he spotted the nicked meal.
"You stole—? Kuina, take it back!"
"We're pirates, now. Remember? Isn't that what we're supposed to do?" Seeing that her brother wouldn't budge, she growled, "Zo-ro! You have to eat! They'll just keep hurting you and hurting you and you'll never heal. You said you wouldn't leave me alone. You promised you wouldn't. Zoro, did you lie?"
She noticed his muscles tensing and smiled inwardly at his will to protect.
She knew her brother well.
"Didn't think so." She grunted, already tearing off a portion of the loaf.
A soft chuckle brought her eyes back up.
And there he was: her brother, smiling at her ever so slightly. She felt her throat tighten as tears threatened again.
"What?" She whispered.
"You're trying so hard," The softness in his eyes lifted a bit as he teased, "Are you gonna chew it for me, too?"
"Aa~ah!" Kuina swatted his knee, "You're making fun of me, now? I should! I should chew it up until it's nasty, soggy mush just to punish you."
"You wouldn't." He laughed outright, "You'd have to take it back out of your mouth."
Another growl, "You're just lucky you have me."
She shoved the bread into his mouth, obviously perturbed.
He chewed and swallowed efficiently, opening his mouth obediently when she held up the skein of water.
A few, gulping swallows, then…
"I know."
He was willing to take any beatings they could give, so long as he could keep his sister close.
I'll look after you.
The next chapter signifies actual plot. I'll be putting it up as soon as I can code it. :)