Drabbles inspired by topics on the onepieceyaoi100 community. Erm...in case anyone is wondering why I didn't join the community...no livejournal account and too lazy to sign up and maintain one. (sheepish smile)

How long is a moment?

Topic: Special moments

Rating: PG-13

Pairing: Zoro/Sanji

Word Count: 240

A moment. A short period of time. Blink of an eye.

"No! Shit, on...don't you dare..." Zoro cradled his fallen crewmate in his arms, one hand pressed against his chest. The pulse of Sanji's blood gushing from the gaping wound drummed against his palm, weakening with every heartbeat of the cook.

Sanji coughed weakly, gasping, his face pale with pain. He tried but couldn't speak with the blood filling his lungs.

Zoro... He mouthed his name, his hand sought his.

There was a sudden lump in his throat as Zoro nodded, caught his ice-cold hand and held it tight.

Calm blue eyes held his own, resigned in face of the inevitable. A gaze that spoke words neither of them had been able to give voice to, nor found the need to.

A moment suspended in time.

It brought to mind other moments.

Of days spent quarreling and fighting over everything and nothing, just because they felt like it. Just because it's what they do.

And nights of questing lips, wandering hands and shared warmth. Of soft murmurs and quiet laughter in the dark...

Then, he was aware the others had arrived, and that someone was taking Sanji's limp, lifeless body from him.

Luffy looked angry, Usopp scared. Nami was crying as Chopper shook his head and gently closed those vacant blue eyes.

But Zoro stood, and smiled, remembering.

Because some moments, the really special ones, last for an eternity.