One Piece Oneshots (Whumptober 2022)

Day 4 - Dead On Your Feet (Franky x Reader)

"Woah there!" Franky quickly caught you and your basket just as you were about fall to the side.

You panted a few times, regaining your senses. Looking up at the kind cyborg, you pat his metal arm. "Thank you."

You stood back up on your own two feet and took the basket from Franky. Counting the items, making sure nothing fell out, you noticed an apple missing. You began to dully scan the ground for it, zombie-like you check around Franky's legs but see nothing.

"Uhhhhmmm..." Franky caught your attention. He shifted uncomfortably as you stared with lifeless eyes. He glanced down at his mini hand that held a red apple and held it out to you. "I think this belongs to you."

"Thank you..." Your frail hand reaches out and takes the apple, placing it gently in the basket. Turning around, you headed in the direction you were in before.

"Hey wait!" Franky called out, following behind you. 

With your slow movement, Franky didn't need to catch up. He watched your mindless shuffling with concern. Your hands were shaking slightly as you held the basket. Despite the heat of the sun, you had discoloured skin. Franky could barely hear your tired breath. "You sure you can make it to wherever you're going."

"Must... deliver... this... to master..." you raspily spoke with each step. Little beads of sweat dripped down your forehead. Your eyes remained straight ahead.

"At least take a break," Franky suggested. "You look like you're about to pass out any second."

"Can't rest..." You weakly shook your head. "Have to... earn food... for little brother... he not well..."

Franky stopped for a second after hearing that. His heart pounded with empathy and he felt tears in his eyes. He admired your selflessness, and how you were doing this to take care of your brother. You got him all choked up.

"Here, lemme help you," Franky offered, ready to take the basket. However, you stirred it away from him and it surprised him.

"No! No..." You shook your head a little faster this time. "Please... don't help... your help... only now... you won't be... here later... can't rely... must do this... on own..."

Franky frowned at your words. You clearly needed help but in a way, you were right, the strawhats wouldn't be here forever. Still, it didn't sit right with him to see someone struggle and not help out. 

You closed your eyes for a second, letting them rest from the brightness of the sun. You dreamt of clouds coming to block out the sun so you could work better.  The shade made it easier to work. You pant for a few moments and as if your wishes were heard, you felt the sun leave your skin. You open your eyes and notice a parasol over your head.

"There, now you got shade over you and I'm technically not helping you with your duties." Franky smiled at you.

"Oh... thank you..."

If you had the energy, and the hydration, your eyes would be with tears of joy. Such kindness was foreign to you yet it made you feel light inside. Perhaps, if you were in another life, the two of you could be together. One could dream, right?