One Piece Oneshots (Whumptober 2022)

Day 29 - What Doesn't Kill Me... (Yonji x Reader)

"Your highness, you should rest some more," you advised the prince, watching him sit up.

"I told you to call me Yonji when it's just us," he said instead of replying.

"Don't think I haven't noticed the bags under your eyes, Yonji," you point out softly.

Yonji groaned in response, placing his face in his hands. You sit up next to him, pulling some strands of his hair out of his face. He spread his fingers apart, letting his eyes gaze into your caring ones. He sighed, bringing down his hands and letting his head rest on your shoulder. His hair fell over his eyes, blocking his sight until you pulled it out of the way.

"I'll never understand this thing you humans call concern," Yonji mumbled, feeling you playing with his hair. "I don't need it, I'm strong, I don't die easily like you humans do."

"That may be true, but that's not a reason to disregard your sleep Yonji." Gently, you move his head into your lap. You continued playing with his hair as you elaborated. "Sleep may be good for the body, letting you recharge your stamina, but it also helps your mind. Sleep is a necessity for mental health. If you don't get proper rest..." Your hand stopped brushing his hand, your gaze falling into your memories. "Well, I know the consequences firsthand."

Yonji surprised you when his hand reached up and caress your cheek. His eyes stared into yours, you couldn't tell what emotion he struggled to understand, his face stayed stoic. You smile, admiring him for trying his best to figure out what he felt. He's different when he's like this, especially when his hair is down. You ran your fingers through his locks once more, humming in inquiry, knowing he wanted to say something.

"You could use some more sleep too," Yonji told you as his hand traced under your bags. 

Such simple words, such a simple gesture, and yet they meant everything to you.