Chopper lied there tossing and turning. Not too unusual since he often overheated while he took naps during the day. What was unusual, were the soft cries and faint tears the little reindeer shed in his sleeping fit.
"No.." he cried softly. As he started to shift alittle more violently he jerked awake. Sobbing as he realized it was only a nightmare. He looked on the deck to find no one was in sight. The boy gasped as he started to sob even more thinking he really was alone like his night terrors.
Light laughter could be heard below the ship. In a fit of panic he rushed he rushed to the railing on the edge of the ship to find everyone on shore playing happily in the shallow water. He took a sigh of relief through the tears as he choked down his sorrow. He was still with his friends.
Unbeknownst to the little reindeer, someone approached very quickly behind him.
"Chopper?!" Zoro shouted out as he rushed to the boy's aid. Fear the little reindeer wasn't feeling well or possibly hurt. Chopper quickly turned to him burrying his face into the swordsman's robes as he continued sobbing. Still worried about his young friend Zoro held him close to his chest as he gently rubbed the boy's back. Hoping to calm his quiet sobbing.
"I had a nightmare, I was alone like before I met everyone. I remembered you all but I couldn't find anyone." Chopper cried. Zoro's face grew softer no longer scared of injury.
"It's okay Chopper, we're all here, we always will be." Zoro comforted.
"You promise?" Chopper asked with teary eyes pleading to get the answer he most desired.
"I promise. You're our Nakama now, our family." Zoro told him reassuringly. Chopper smiled through his watering eyes as he sank his face back into Zoro's robe.
"Why don't we go see the rest of the crew?" Zoro suggested. He began walking of the deck toward the plank that led to the shore.
"I'm still alittle sleepy, I'd like to take a nap still." The boy commented as he shifted in the swordsman's arms to try and doze off.
"I'm sure Robin would be more than happy to relax with you."
"Actually, I was hoping you could sing me that lullaby..." Chopper said sheepishly. Looking at the swordsman with pleading eyes once again. Zoro's cheeks reddened at the mentionn of him singing a lullaby. He wasn't that kind of man. At least, not to anyone else.
Chopper was actually the only one he ever shared the lullaby with. It only happened maybe 2 or 3 times during their adventure together. Almost always having the same premice behind it. Chopper would have had a nightmare or was home sick and missed Dr. Kureha. Zoro was always awoken by his fitful sleep or was on nightwatch and sense his discomfort. The first time it happened Zoro didn't know how to handle the young boy's dilemma. He did the only thing that came to his mind. He hummed a lullaby he overheard while he was a child. Chopper was eased by the melodic tones and the light vibrations from Zoro that he easily fell back asleep no longer worried or afraid.
"I-I guess we can do that." Zoro replied, giving the reindeer a soft smile. Unable to deny his younger nakama such a simple request.
"Can Robin come too?" the reindeer pressed on. Now smiling with hope that he could rest in her lap and be lulled to sleep by Zoro's hums and her aroma. Zoro tensed at the thought of that women hearing him be so emotional.
"I'd prefer not to let anyone else know this song Chopper, is that okay?" Zoro requested. Sincerely hoping the the little reindeer didn't press any further. He was finding it hard enough to reject and request the boy had while he was in this state.
"Why?"
"I'd, like to keep it a secret. Just between us." Chopper's eyes lit up at the thought that he was beinng let in on a secret. He simply smiled back as he returned to resting in the swordsman's arms.
Luckily for Zoro none of his fellow crewmates seemed to question him while he and Chopper walked along the shore. Also to his relief they were on an non-inhabited island. So he wasn't going to find any trouble from pestering eyes or marines. He walked past Nami and Robin as they were sunbathing ignoring the constant complimants the chef payed them.
Robin watched as Zoro strolled off continuing down the beach with Chopper in his arms. Worried that he'd surely get lost she sat up to address him.
"Zoro, what might you be doing wandering off with Chopper?" She yelled to him. Upon hearing his name and Robin's voice Chopper perked up and scrambled to get out of the man's arms. He happily rushing to the woman before leaping into her lap and embracing her with his tiny arms.
"ROBIN!" He squealed. The archeologist was a little taken aback by the boys sudden affection but was happy to return it.
"My my, Chopper-kun, it's a pleasure to see you too. What are you and Zoro going off to do together?" Robon inquired. Looking up to meet the other man in question ass he approached the two.
"We were off to take a nap!" Chopper happily explained. Robin smiled at his simple answer turning back to Zoro for a more in depth reasoning.
"Chopper was a little, uncomfortable, on deck in the sun. I figured I'd find us a nice tree to sit under with some cool shade to help him rest easier." Zoro commented, sparing the details of Chopper crying and having a nightmare.
"I see, Zoro certainly is the best one to help find a nice napping spot isn't he?" Robin teased as her and Chopper giggled to themselves at the swordsman's expemse. "Would you mind if I join you? I'm afraid this heat is also alittle over bearing and I could use some shade. I didn't want to distress Sanji too much with sunscreen." they all turned to see Sanji nearly catatonic as the navigator requested he help her apply some to her back.
"Stupid Ero-cook." Zoro bit out as he turned back to Chopper and Robin.
"Zoro?" Chopper peeped. "Can she?" Zoro looked into his young companions eyes and tried to find the strength to say no. He didn't mind the archeologist, he just didn't want her or anyone else for that matter to embaress him about such a, unmanly thing. He tried his best to find the courage to say no but as he opened his mouth, "Fine." was all he could breathe out. Chopper was over joyed to have Robin join them.
She was his favorite in the crew to be around. Always so motherly allowing him to rest in her lap and sit with her while they ate as she fed him. He loved being cared for the way she did. Robin got up with Chopper in her arms and proceeded to the swordsman's side.
"Lead the way." She smiled. Zoro groaned inwardly as he began to wander into the trees beyond the beach.
