Chapter 4 - Ask Dr.Chopper
Submitted October 6, 2004 Updated August 13, 2005 Status Incomplete | Something has been irritating Zoro. What irritates him more is that he can't figure out what it is. And as if he's not having enough trouble, Luffy is just making things worse. (ZoroxLuffy)
Category:
Anime/Manga » One Piece |
Chapter 4 - Ask Dr.Chopper
Chapter 4 - Ask Dr.Chopper
Are you proud of me? I'm proud of me. I don't think the fans of my Naruto fics are very happy though, since I'm updating this one instead of those... ^^; I'm sure you already know that One Piece isn't mine, so I won't bother mentioning that. Wait... Crap! ***Chapter Four*** There were a few fluffy clouds in an otherwise perfectly clear blue sky. As Zoro gazed upward, he let out a deep sigh and scanned the horizon. The weather was nice and he was in an even nicer mood. It was strange for him to be this happy after getting used to being as miserable as he had been the past few weeks. Actually, it was strange for him to be this happy at all. Not that he was complaining... They had set back to sea that morning. They were on there way to some treasure Nami had caught a rumor of, so they didn't waste much time off the ocean. Zoro didn't mind. After spending a day sifting through that city, he had decided that he hated it more than any place they had visited so far."Hey, Zoro!" Luffy shouted, breaking the green-haired pirate from his daze. "Yeah, Luffy?" "Look what Usopp drew me! Isn't it cool?" The boy held up a painted picture of a shark. "Uh, yeah. That's great, Luffy." Luffy grinned and ran off to show Nami. Things between Zoro and his captain were finally normal again. Or, at least as close to normal as he could hope. A strange feeling was still nagging Zoro, but he just pushed it to the back of his mind. He was too happy to let his strange mind ruin things for him.He quietly watched Luffy run around, showing off the picture. Usopp followed close behind making certain to mention that he was the one who drew it. The pair continued to do so until a sharp wind blew the painting right from Luffy's hand."Noooo~!! My picture!" Luffy immediately reached for the picture, but it was just beyond his grasp. He stretched his arm, trying to grab the sheet of paper, leaning against the railing. It made Zoro nervous to see Luffy lean that far over the water. Couldn't he be more careful? He could fall and drown himself!! Just when the thought crossed his mind, Luffy lost his balance. "Woah!" The swordsman was quick to jump to his captains aid. He had his arms around Luffy's waist before both of the boy's feet had left the deck. Unfortunately, this was the exact time Luffy snapped back, causing them both to fly backwards. Zoro tried to sit himself up, but he found the straw hat right on top of him. Luffy turned around on his first-mates lap, practically straddling him. "Thanks, Zoro!" You could have mistaken the older boy for a lobster at that moment. "L-luffy!!" Was all he managed to stammer before he pushed the boy off and got to his feet. Zoro's heart was pounding in his chest and he felt a little sick to his stomach. What the hell was that?? He backed up a few paces as Luffy got up and dusted himself off. "I saved it," Luffy grinned as he showed Zoro the painting once more. "Ah... Yeah, good..." Luffy gave hid friend a concerned look. "Are you feeling okay? You look like you're gonna throw up." "I... I'm fine." "Are you sure about that?" Usopp asked, appearing next to Zoro. "You look really red. Do you have a fever." Zoro just stared at Usopp. Did he see what happened? Please, God, tell me no one saw that... "Maybe we should get Chopper..." Luffy suggested to Usopp. "Yeah, he looks kinda weird just staring off into space like that. I hope it's not Mannekitis..." "What's that??" Luffy asked, worried about his friend. "It's a rare disease where the victims body slowly hardens until they can no longer move at all. One of the symptoms is staring off like that." Usopp shrugged his shoulders and sighed. "I'm afraid there's nothing we can do now..." "No!!" Luffy grabbed on to Zoro's shirt and shook him. "Zoro, I don't want you to turn into a mana... One of those things!!" Zoro awoke from his stupor when he realized Luffy was shaking him. "Oi, what are you doing??" We asked angrily as he pulled away from his captains strong grip. "Zoro! Please don't turn into a, uh..." "Mannequin," Usopp offered. "Yeah, don't turn into one of those!!" "What the hell are you two talking about?" "Usopp said you have this weird disease that makes you turn into one of those things!" Luffy explained. "I don't want that to happen, Zoro!" Zoro glared at the now fleeing Usopp. "I don't have any stupid disease, Luffy." "Really?" Luffy beamed. "That's good! I was worried!" Zoro couldn't help but smile at Luffy. The boys concern was touching. Without thinking about it, he ruffled the boy's hair. Before he pulled his hand from Luffy's head, the younger boy grinned up at him. Zoro was disgusted with the butterflies that instantly exploded in his stomach. Gah! Why am I feeling like this?? This is Luffy! Why should Luffy make me feel this way? Zoro removed his hand and quickly thought up and excuse to leave. He decided that he needed to do the one thing he generally tried his best to avoid: Think about his feelings. The thought caused an involuntary shudder down the young man's spine.* * * * * * "..." The ceiling of the storage room really wasn't nearly as helpful as Zoro had thought it might have been. Staring at it for two hours really hadn't done a thing for him. The only progress he had made with his thoughts was that he now remembered the name of the man who created a certain sword technique he had been explaining to Chopper a few days before. Of course he would remember that now that it didn't matter any more... But more importantly, he still couldn't figure out why it was that he was feeling all... Funny around his captain. He had rolled all sorts of reasons around in his brain, but none of them seemed to fit. He thought maybe it could be that he was developing some sort of allergy to rubber, but that was just ridiculous. Then he considered the idea of having some rare disease like Usopp had said, but he just didn't feel sick. There was that odd sense of nausea, but it just wasn't quite the same as being sick... The closest he had ever been to feeling like that was years ago when Kuina was still alive... But he was certain it couldn't be that. "What's wrong with me??" He shouted at no one. He tried picturing Luffy in his mind. Maybe it's something about the way he looks...? He could just see his captain laughing and smiling like an idiot. He even imagined the worried look he had worn earlier that afternoon. When Zoro realized he was smiling he tried to shut the images out, but trying to do that only made them stronger. He let out a sigh and finally accepted what he had really known all along. I'm in... love with Luffy. He cringed at his own thought. I can't believe I just used the "L" word... * * * * * * Zoro's revelation only made things worse. That night at dinner, he was so determined not to look at Luffy, he ended up staring at him throughout the entire meal. Robin even caught him doing it, making a fleur pop out of Luffy's head and wave at him. He seriously considered killing the woman after that. After the uncomfortable meal, Zoro escaped to the storage room again. He was beginning to become a little too fond of the dark, cramped room, but it was one of the few places on the ship where he could be alone. He was looking forward to his turn on watch duty. That way he could get Zoro time without having to sit on a box. But until then, the box had to do.What am I going to do..?He knew he couldn't avoid Luffy forever. And the thought of leaving Luffy and the rest of the crew wasn't an idea he liked even a little bit. There were only two options left: He could either forget about his feelings, or spill his guts to Luffy. Since this is Zoro were talking about, he naturally decided to forget. How he would do this, he didn't know. He was, however, determined to try.* * * * * *There were stars in the sky when Zoro finally left the storage room. He had decided that if he was going to do this, he'd definitely need help. He wasn't the kind of person who knew about these things. Emotions and feelings just weren't his thing. The problem was most of the crew felt the same way. Well, if you exclude Sanji anyway. Which he did.Out of all the possible sources of advice, the swordsman could only think of one member of the Strawhat Pirates he could bring himself to consult. The only one who he trusted enough not to laugh at him or tell him he was crazy."Oi, Chopper.""Zoro? What is it?"The young reindeer was inside reading a book called "Herbology On The Grand Line". He had found it in a shop he visited while they were docked at the last island."I wanted to ask you something..." Zoro wasn't sure how to phrase his question.Chopper could see that Zoro was uncomfortable which in turn, made him feel uncomfortable. He had always had a habit of picking up on others' emotions. He had never seen Zoro show any signs of nervousness or embarrassment. To see him like this was a bit unsettling. But he had a feeling he knew why the young man had come to talk to him."What is it, Zoro?""I, uh... Have this problem." Zoro pretended to be interested in something on one if the shelves in the room."You have a problem? What kind of problem?" "I've been feeling strange lately...""Strange how? Cramps? Headaches? Nausea?""Well, I guess I have been kind of nauseous lately, but I don't think...""Have you been eating enough? I noticed you've been skipping meals."Zoro scratched the back of his head. "I really don't think that has anything to do with this.""Zoro, is this part of your exercising?" Chopper asked pensively."What?""I know you want to get stronger, but if you skip meals, you'll hurt your body. I want you to make sure you always eat your fill or else you'll get sick.""Chopper, I'm not-"The reindeer placed a hoof on Zoro's arm consolingly. "I know it's easy to develop an eating disorder, but it wont make you stronger. In fact, your body will start to consume your muscles if you don't eat...""What?!" Zoro stared at the doctor. "You think I have an eating disorder??"Chopper could tell by the look on Zoro's face that he had been very wrong."You mean you don't?" Chopper put a hoof to his chest. "Oh, thank goodness! I was worried!""Why the hell would I have an eating disorder?? I love to eat!"Chopper frowned. "Well, it's true that you haven't been coming to a lot of meals lately..."Zoro exhaled. He felt bad for raising his voice at Chopper. After all, he had only been worrying about Zoro's health."You're right. But the reason why is completely different from that.""Why then?"Zoro looked Chopper in his big, innocent eyes. What was he supposed to say? He himself didn't even know how he to explain how he felt. "I... Wanted to avoid someone.""Who are you avoiding?" "Nng... That's not important," Zoro steadied his gaze. This is stupid! Since when was I such a weenie? I came here to talk to Chopper, so I will! "Chopper, I'm in l... I really like a member of the crew and I need to know what to do about it!"Chopper gaped at Zoro's sudden outburst. "Wh... What??"The swordsman's cheeks darkened as he explained himself. "I don't know how it happened, but I sort of... Have feelings for one of the crew members. I just want to forget about those... Feelings and get on with my life, but I don't know how to do that."The doctor didn't believe what he was hearing. Zoro had a crush and he was coming to him for help? Who in their right mind came to a reindeer for help with their love life??"I... Why would I know what to do?""I don't know!!" Zoro scowled. "You're the only one on the ship I could talk to. Can you imagine what any of the other's would do if I told them that?"Chopper imagined and it wasn't pretty. "Well... What do you want me to say?"Zoro turned to leave. He couldn't do this. It was obviously a bad idea to consult an animal when it comes to love. He would remember that for future reference."Wait!" The furry pirate held up his small hoof. "I'm sorry, don't leave. I want to help.""No, you're right. I don't know why I told you. Just forget I was here..."Chopper knew Zoro would leave if he didn't stop him. He hadn't meant to turn him away, it just took him a while to process the information he had just gained. The tiny reindeer suddenly ballooned up into his man-deer form and grabbed Zoro by the wrist."I said wait!"Zoro stopped and turned back toward his friend, a light blush still playing on his cheeks. "What?""I'm sorry. I want you to talk to me, Zoro." Chopper shrank back to normal and looked up at his taller friend. "I really didn't mean that the way it sounded. I want to try and help you, since you've helped me." The tiny reindeer smiled sweetly, causing Zoro to instantly forgive his little friend."Sorry... I just. You're the only person I've mentioned this to. I Only just found out myself. It's just... Wierd.""It's okay. There's nothing wrong with liking someone. It's natural for men to feel that way towards women..."Zoro looked away when he realized Chopper had assumed the person he was in love with was one of the female crew members. He felt guilty. Not because Chopper was wrong, but because he felt like he was wrong for feeling the way he did."...Zoro?"Hearing his own name, Zoro's attention was directed back to his friend. "Wha-?""Did I say something wrong again? You seem upset.""No, I'm fine. I'm just..."Chopper waited for the rest of the sentence, but it never came. He desperately wanted to know who it was that Zoro had feelings for. He knew it had to be either Nami or Robin. There was a possibility that it could be Vivi, but the fact that she hadn't traveled with them for a while, made Chopper think she wasn't a likely suspect."Zoro..?""Yeah?""Would it be all right if I asked who it was..?""...""I mean-" Chopper stuttered, "I wont bug you if you don't want to say."Zoro considered for a moment whether or not he should tell Chopper. I can trust him not to judge me because of it, right? I'm sure he wouldn't tell anyone..."It's..." Zoro paused. "It's not Nami or Robin. I can tell you that much." He scowled at the thought of the two women. He knew a troublesome woman when he saw one, and they were each about as dangerous as an entire harem. Chopper gasped. "So it is Vivi!""What? No, it's not Vivi either!"The doctor was silent for a moment. If it's not those three, then... Choppers eyes widened and he pointed at Zoro. "It's Sanji??""What did you just say??" Zoro loomed over the furry doctor menacingly. "I'm going to pretend that you never said that, Chopper. I don't want you to ever suggest that I could have any other feeling besides hatred for that... Love Cook!!""Then who is it?""Well, it's not Usopp, and it's not you..." Zoro paused for a moment and added "No offense."Chopper grinned. "None taken.""Since I'm not going to say it, you'll have to figure it out from that."Chopper strained his brain trying to figure it out. Could it be Carue? No, I don't think Zoro's into that sort of thing... Who else is there??Zoro raised an eyebrow. "Do you really have to think that hard? There's only one person left.""Wait... You don't mean..?" Chopper couldn't even take in the information for a few seconds. "Luffy?? That's just bizarre!""I know that already!" Zoro said defensively. "Do you think I feel like this because I want to?"Chopper frowned. "You make it sound like it's so horrible.""Isn't it?""Why? Maybe you and Luffy would make a nice couple..." The doctor said trying his best to sound reassuring."Are you kidding me?? Us? Together? Are you insane??" ((So many question marks!! Aaah~!!))"Why not?""That would be impossible! First: We're both guys. It would just be unnatural. Second: Luffy's... Luffy. He's my best friend. He's my captain! Aside from that, he's... Too innocent.""But that doesn't matter. Maybe Luffy feels the same way. You shouldn't give up before you even try...""What's wrong with you, Chopper? Since when did you become so...""So what?""I don't know... Why are you being so supportive of this?""Why shouldn't I be? I wish I was in love with someone. It must be nice to have someone you care about that much. I don't think it matters if he's a boy...""H-hey! I never said I was in love with him!" Zoro was getting flustered again. "But, it doesn't matter. I came to you because I wanted to forget the way I feel.""What do you mean forget? You can't forget stuff like that!"Zoro frowned. "Aren't there... I don't know... Medicines and things that can do that?""Where did you hear that?"Zoro just stayed silent. He wasn't going to say Usopp, because he knew that would just be too stupid. He should have known better..."Anyway, you shouldn't want to forget. You should tell Luffy how you feel!" Chopper smiled cutely. "Maybe he'll feel the same and then you'll both be happy!""I wish I could be that idealistic..." Zoro sighed. "I'm gonna go to bed." For some reason, hearing the best case scenario only made him think of the worst one even more. His situation was beginning to depress him."Are you sure you don't want to stay?" Chopper asked. "Or... If you still want to, you can talk to me tomorrow..."Zoro smiled weakly at Chopper who was trying his best to be helpful. He really appreciated how considerate the reindeer was. "Thanks." Maybe animals can be a good source for advice.Zoro left Chopper and made his way downstairs to where the men all slept. He couldn't tell if he felt better or worse than before. Only one thought was on his mind as he climbed into his hammock: This sucks.***Chapter End***Gah... I'm so sleepy! It took me forever to write this chapter! I kept starting to work on it late at night, and then getting too tired to finish. I usually just do a chapter all at once. Anyway, I tried my best to make this a little longer than usual.I apologize to SanjixZoro fans, but I'm a strong believer in the hatred between them. Not that I don't believe there's love deep within the hate. I just don't think it's love of that sort. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is: Don't yell at me. I love their hate, it's so cute! ^^;Reviews = Lots-o-love! Prease?
Comments
You are not authorized to comment here. Your must be registered and logged in to comment
KichigaiNeko-Chan on January 16, 2006, 7:53:43 AM
Chibichan on November 26, 2005, 3:05:41 PM
Chibichan on
Awwww, Chopper was uber cute here! ^^Dorky_Otaku_Fan_Girl on June 7, 2005, 5:35:28 AM
OH! OH! HE ADMITS IT!!! GO ZORO! oh, I'm working on a ZxL pic, just gotta finish coloring it!! ^^the-punk-rock-girl-lives-stupi on June 2, 2005, 6:27:02 AM
thats it WAH!!!!!!!Kiku:NO!!
stefen:WOW!!!kiku i didn't know you actully cared about other things but me !!! espaclly sweet lovey yoai story(tears come down stefens cheaks) it is ...just so..... CUTE!!!!!
kiku: YAH well don't read to much into it ok ..it's...just..a..good..story thats all.(truns around and wipes a tear from his eye).
stefen: AWWW it is ok kiku,i am sure angie will add more to the story ,ok kiku my love!!!
kiku:ok .. i guess
stefen:HOW ABOUT A BLOW JOB TO MAKE IT BETTER
kiku:save your energy 4 tonight!!
stefen:OK!!
me:IT IS NOT FAIR!!! the story iss no more ,next chapter!!! PLEASE!!!
Kurama_Lover_Otaku_Bunny on June 2, 2005, 2:27:38 AM
NYAAAAAAAAAAA MORE MORE MORE!!! And check out my Z/L pics!!
For the readers i mean, but for poor Zoro it must be...frustrating!
~KNC
WOO!