Sometimes, they were really glad that they got newspapers. Especially when it warned them of a dangerous disease going around on the next island. Thankfully, they had enough of a warning so that Chopper could prepare a preventative shot for all of them. It wasn't long before he lined them up for their shots. Brook got off free on that case, as he was just bones. Luffy was first. Chopper really had to work at getting the needle through his rubber skin. After Luffy went Nami, then Sanji, and so down the line until everyone had their shot.

Everyone except a mysteriously absent swordsman, a fact that didn't escape Chopper. Packing the vaccine and needles in his little backpack, Chopper began scouring the ship for the missing man.

He began looking in the normal places. Zoro's gym, the front deck, and the galley were all missing one swordsman. He also checked the boys' bedroom, but he was nowhere to be found. Chopper decided to ask around. He approached Nami first.

"Zoro?" She seemed surprised. "He was there when we were talking about getting the vaccines... But I haven't seen him since."

Chopper got basically the same reply from everyone else. Eventually, Chopper gave up and started a full-out search throughout the ship. His search was fruitless. The only place left that he hadn't searched was the storage closet, but why in the world would Zoro be there? However unlikely, Chopper decided he ought to check. Lo and behold, in the back of the room, there Zoro was, sitting against some boxes by the wall. Zoro didn't seem to register Chopper's presence, which was vaguely odd, since he was usually very alert, possibly the most observant on the ship

That's when Chopper realized the swordsman was shaking.

Chopper ran over to him, worried now. "Zoro?" Zoro finally realized that Chopper was there. For a moment, Chopper could have sworn there was a look of fear in the older boy's eyes. Chopper brushed it off as his over-active imagination. "Zoro, are you alright?"

Zoro looked away. "Y-yeah. I'm fine. A-are you done with the vaccinations?"

Chopper didn't know what to think. He had never seen the swordsman so shaken up. Quietly and quickly, Chopper got out the vaccine and needle. "All but yours. Since I found you, I'll give you your vaccine now..."

He filled the needle, moved to put it into Zoro's arm... And squeaked in surprise as Zoro swatted it away, his eyes uncharacteristically wide and fearful. Chopper looked at Zoro incredulously. "Zoro, are you sure you're okay...?" Chopper asked him, concern tinting his voice.

Zoro shook his head, as though to clear it. "S-sorry, Chopper..."

Chopper was even more worried now. He didn't think he had ever heard Zoro apologize, not even to him. The swordsman's head was in his arms, and he was still shaking. If Chopper didn't know better, he would almost say that it sounded like Zoro was crying. As Chopper went to pick up his needle, he tried to figure out what was going on with Zoro. As he thought about it, all the pieces fell in place. Chopper's eyes grew wide at the realization. He turned to the shaking man. "Zoro... you have trypanophobia, don't you? A fear of needles, or injections!"

Zoro was silent for a few moments. Finally, he nodded numbly. He looked ashamed, and very embarrassed. "I... didn't want anyone to know..." He mumbled, barely audible.

"I'm your doctor, Zoro!" The little reindeer cried. "I think I need to know that!"

Zoro just looked away, not wanting to meet Chopper's eyes.

"Sorry."

"You should be!"

Zoro was silent. Chopper shuffled his feet, embarrassed.

"Zoro, I-"

"I've been afraid since I was seven."

Chopper looked at Zoro curiously as he continued talking.

"A doctor once gave me a shot and it made me sick. I mean really sick. I nearly died." Zoro paused, sighing. "I've been afraid of shots since, and even though I know it's stupid, there's not a damn thing I can do about it."

Chopper nodded; it made sense.

"Y'know, Zoro, if you had told me this before, I could have found some other way to give the vaccine to you."

Zoro sighed. "I know, I should have said something... Just... Don't tell anyone. Especially not Sanji. I'm supposed to be the fearless one, who can do anything... And I'm afraid of a needle."

Chopper smiled. "Don't worry Zoro!"

He was somewhat surprised when Zoro pulled him into a tight hug. "Thanks."

The swordsman smiled honestly, and Chopper hugged him back.

After a moment, Chopper realized that he still had work to do.

"I have to go make your new vaccine!" Chopper got up along with Zoro.

Zoro chuckled and picked Chopper up, putting the little reindeer on his shoulders. "Let's go, then. And Chopper?"

The reindeer cocked his head to the side. "What?"

Zoro looked up at him.

"Really, thanks."

"No problem!"

::~~::

A/N:

Oh my goodness, Jello did actual research! Trypanophobia is a fear of needles and injections. And simply acknowledging the phobia is not enough to make it go away. It's a psychological thing. I'll admit, I didn't totally understand it.

If people like this one, I'll do one of these for each of the crew.