There will be OOCness in this chapter.

Chapter 2. Why?

"HEY EVERYONE! ZORO AND NAMI ARE BACK! AND THEY GOT A WEIRD HORSE WITH THEM!" Luffy yelled rocketing them back into the deck. Qwerk squawked in surprise, but righted himself quickly. Nami had grabbed onto Zoro in a panic, so was still fairly secure in his arms. But the man was getting sicker then ever. He was unable to sit up and his skin felt like fire. The rest of the crew flooded onto the deck. In an unusual show of affection, Robin ran and embraced Nami.
"Zoro, Zoro's hurt, he needs Chopper!" immediately the little reindeer turned into his heavy point and pushed through the throng to his patient. Seeing him he ran about screaming for a doctor until he remembered he was one and scooped the injured man into his arms and ran off to the medical room. Luffy saw and dashed after. Nami let Robin hold her gently.
"Nami, don't worry about Zoro-kun, he's strong and Chopper is an excellent doctor." Nami nodded and let herself be pulled upright.
"NAMI-SWAAAAAAAAN!" A whirlwind of leggy blonde cook and heart bubbles surrounded her. Oh crap I forgot he did that… Detaching herself from everyone else she followed Chopper and Luffy.

"Zoro… can't see?" Luffy murmured, staring at Chopper. The little reindeer nodded silently, tears beginning to flow over.
"He's blind?" Again a tiny nod. Luffy found images of his best friend flitting through his mind. Zoro, swords poised. Zoro, chugging sake like a plughole. Zoro, laughing at his side. Zoro, lying on the low bunk with bandages across his eyes. He would never see them again. There was a gasp behind him. Luffy turned.
"Nami, are you alright?" Chopper asked. Luffy stared at his navigator. She had jumped a foot when they spoke to her. She had been listening at the door. Her face turned bright red.
"Nami?" Luffy watched her face carefully. Despite common belief Luffy was not retarded, he just found having fun in a noisy and silly way the best way to enjoy himself. She looked from Chopper, to him, then to the sleeping green haired man. Her bottom lip quivered gently. Was that worry scratched into her face? Her eyes were filled with tears. He swore he saw her mouth the swordsman's name.
"Zoro…" then she turned and fled the room. Luffy stared after her. Surely not…

"Oi, Nami what's wrong?" She pushed the long nosed sharpshooter out of her way as she charged across the Sunny. Damn it! Why did she listen at the door? Was she so worried about Zoro that she mistrusted Chopper to look after him? But he's blind now… How will he achieve his goal if he can't see? Nami ran into the maps room and slammed the door behind her. Slowly she sat down against it, wrapping her arms around her knees. Why, why? Why did she feel this way every time he had to go and get hurt? Of course she cared if Luffy or Sanji or Usopp got injured, just in a different way. For some reason when Zoro was the one lying comatose with Chopper, she never seamed to want to calm down. She put her head down into her arms. Her face was still warm. It can't be… I'm not. No I won't admit it. There was a quiet knock on the door behind her.

Luffy stared down at the badly battered form of his best friend. Why Zoro? Why do you always get hurt? He was sitting cross-legged on a chair pulled up to the bedside. He didn't want to miss him waking up and finding himself back on Sunny.
"Nami came to hear how you were doing, you know. She was worried stiff." Zoro was heavily anesthetised, Chopper had operated on most parts of his body. The heavy fever from extreme blood loss and starvation refused to subside and he had drips supplying his struggling body. Luffy sighed. Gently he stroked the grassy fuzz that had grown a bit since he last saw it. Zoro's hair was always so soft, like fur. He remembered grey eyes narrowing to slits to pummel his head into the deck for countless reasons. Eyes that would never see his practical jokes again. The blindfold made him look something never associated with Roronoa Zoro, weak. Man Zoro would hate that. Withdrawing his hand from his friends head he reached up and took of his hat, too hold it in his lap. What would Shanks do? He wouldn't let this happen in the first place! Luffy felt his eyes start to warm up as he thought it through. It's my fault… If I hadn't punched that guy back in the auction house, the admirals wouldn't have come, and Zoro and the others wouldn't have been split up and hurt like this! If I had thought about you guys… you would still be able to see!
"I'm sorry Zoro. I'm supposed to take care of you, as captain." Luffy bowed his head and clamped his eyes tight shut as tears began to trickle through his eyelashes.
"Baka."

The steam from her cup of tea was making her eyes water. At least that was what she told Robin, like she would believe that. Nami stared at her hands, ignoring the tears on her face. Across from her sat easily on of the most amazing people she would ever know. Nico Robin sat silently, upright, contained, the image of nobility without the snobbery. Perfectly arranged raven hair framing a beautiful calm face. Nami was regretting ever doubting her when she first joined their merry little band. She leaked intelligence and cool-headedness into the ship, which was definitely a good thing considering the morons manning her. Robin's piercing blue eyes locked securely but not threateningly on Nami's face.
"Do you have feelings for Zoro-san?" she asked, as if asking the time. That was the best thing about talking to Robin. She was to the point and didn't do anything embarrassing. Nami took a sip of lightly but deliciously orange flavoured tea, afraid of what she might say. Do I like Zoro in that way? He's not the ideal boyfriend by anyone's standards! Rough, insensitive, suicidal tendencies, likely to lose bits from swordfights, boozes.
"I don't know." But he's loyal, protective but not especially clingy, he's soft on furry animals, has a good heart deep down, and he's so so brave. But that could be stupidity...
"What do you associate him with?" Nami cocked an eyebrow. That was a strange question and a half. Her first answer was obviously swords, but that was anyone's answer. Well I suppose he's always training so...
"Strength." Robin blinked, a sign to continue.
He loves to fight so...
"Passion." Robin cocked an eyebrow
And if he's not training or fighting he's sleeping...
"Comfort." This time Robin smiled.
"Is that all?" She nodded. If she thought about it she could come up with more, but those were her main ones. Nami couldn't help but feel those blue eyes like lances, penetrating into her, opening out every secret required to find an answer. Eventually Robin smiled gently. She's figured something out.
"I do not think you have much to worry about." Nami knew that smile. It meant things are going to get interesting, but you will not need to worry. She liked that smile. It was everything that was their daily lives. Robin glanced out the window.
"Now I do believe a certain someone is conscious at last."

Zoro was propped up on his elbows, rubbing his head. He ran his hand down over his face, feeling the bandages across his eyes.
"Luffy… that's you isn't it?" he whispered. Slowly he rose further off the pillows.
"Listen, I know you're blaming yourself for this," he tapped the blindfold, "I heard you talking." Zoro smiled. "Stop blaming yourself."
"But Zoro if I hadn't punched that Celestial bastard, the admirals wouldn't have been called and we wouldn't have been split up!" Luffy was crying more openly now. Then a large strong hand clumsily clapped his shoulder.
"That Tenryuubito was a jerk who deserved that punch more then anyone else you've hit. I would have hit him if you hadn't got there first." Luffy smiled slightly, rubbing his eyes.
"Don't you dare blame yourself. I lost my sight because I did something stupid. Don't you lose that idiotic grin for thinking it's your fault." For all the marines called him a demon and a monster, Zoro was one hell of a best friend. Luffy flung his arms around his first mate, making him yelp. Zoro scuffed his hair gently, and smiled when Luffy laughed.

Nami tried not to seam too eager when she saw Luffy and Zoro emerge from Chopper's surgery. Zoro was staggering slightly. Occasionally he stumbled and almost crashed into something or fell, but Luffy supported him. Chopper immediately ran up to him when he arrived on deck and started yelling at him for getting up, while hugging his head. As he tried to pull Chopper off, Zoro smiled slightly. Once he detached his doctor from his face, Zoro hugged the little guy close to his chest.
"I missed you, little feller." Chopper seamed too pleased to do his usual dance but he mumbled something into the jet black shirt. Nami, for a moment found herself staring at the handsome young man. He was smiling peacefully, not scowling like usual. Vague traces of pain hung around his lips and brow, and he seamed pale. His fingers ran through Chopper's fur almost anxiously, like he wasn't entirely convinced he was there. The crew was silent, save a few sobs, all staring at the swordsman, unsure of how to act. Eventually Sanji came up to him and spoke.
"You had us all worried there, baka marimo." He punched Zoro lightly on the arm, grinning from ear to ear. Zoro grinned but did not punch back.
"Getting sentimental kuso-cook?"
"In your dreams shitty-swordsman!" Luffy grinned. And his grin was contagious. Soon every one had a goofy grin on their faces. Franky and Brooke began loud boisterous music in the middle of the lawn deck."Yahoo now Zoro's awake we can have our big reunion party! SANJI, FOOD!!!" Luffy screamed, almost tackling Ace, who was leaning casually on the mast. Nami hadn't noticed him until now. The two brothers were nothing like each other, aside from the love of food. Ace could be so quiet."I'm going already you damn rubber boy!""Hey Ace-san, when did you get here?" Usopp asked as they began to troop into the galley. The two started up a mild conversation with Luffy adding his loud comments. Robin passed by Nami with one of her quiet giggles, to join Franky who waited at the bottom of the stairs for her. Nami smiled as she watched them interlock arms. I'm glad that's working out. He's just what she needs. Then she turned her attention to the only two not going inside. She watched as Zoro set Chopper on his shoulder and began to walk in the totally wrong direction.
"Oi, Zoro the galley's the other way!" Chopper said loudly. He stopped and seamed to be confused. Trying to go another way he tripped over his own feet and went sprawling. Nami ran down the stairs to the lawn deck. A blind Zoro may need more looking after then she thought. Chopper had fallen beside him and was rubbing his head.
"You break anything else?" Nami asked. She reached his side as the directionally disadvantaged marimo hauled himself upright, with prehaps a little too much effort then what he should have needed. His face was even redder and she knew it wasn't just the fever.
"Chopper? You Okay?" he asked, feeling around for his reindeer buddy. Chopper placed a hoof on his forehead and frowned.
"I'm fine. You're the only one needing worried about. Go straight to bed after the party, and stay there!" Zoro smiled and picked the little doctor up and replaced him. Again he began to walk in the wrong direction. Nami rolled her eyes.
"This way, baka!" she laughed, making to grab his wrist to pull him into the galley. Somehow she over shot and instead grabbed his hand. His fingers closed round hers with surprising softness, despite their strong, calloused feel.
"Nami?" he asked. She looked up into his face, half glad his bandages covered his eyes, so he couldn't see her blushing. Chopper stared at her then, to him. And giggled. Nami dragged the swordsman towards the galley, head down.

When Nami and Zoro appeared in the kitchen holding hands, some of the less mature members burst into chuckles.
"Very well done Zoro-san!" Brooke was clapping his bony hands and chortling. "I admire your tas-" He was cut off by a shoe striking him perfectly between the eye sockets. Nami had turned crimson. Anger ticks covered her forehead.
"Another word and I'll indebt you all so much you'll have to hand yourselves over to the Marines to repay me." The whole crew sweat dropped.

Chopper giggled again as he watched Nami and Zoro try not to make physical contact with each other at the dinner table. They had been forced to sit next to each other and although both hid it well, the more perceptive could see they were uncomfortable. And when Nami took his hand earlier, Zoro had blushed beneath the bandages. For the one with the hardest skin, Zoro had no idea how to deal with love.
"QWERRRK!"
"Qwerk you're still here!" Nami exclaimed staring at the Toragi-washi.
"Yeah isn't he awesome!" Luffy was laughing at Qwerk, who was entertaining Chopper and him with a strange little dance. She was mildly confused as to the hiding place of the umbrella-like sombrero on his head.
"So Nami? Why'd it take you as long as Zoro to get back?" Usopp asked, giving her a hug for he had yet to do so. Nami grinned beli signs appearing in her eyes.
"I thought I'd take the chance to pick up what goods I could on the way back!" Usopp sweat dropped.
"Money grabbing witch…" She rapped Zoro on the top of his head, though not nearly as hard as she normally would. It was nice he was being himself.
"That's where I picked up Qwerk. He was on a Marine ship and I needed a lift. Daft thing won't leave me alone."
"Qwerkqweqweqwerrrkqueqwerk!"
Chopper translated, "He says he is forever at the service of a beautiful lady as yourself."
"Namiiiii, can I keep him?" Luffy asked, jumping on his back and wrapping his arms around his neck. Nami sighed. Maybe he has some use other then as a pack mule…
"I'll think about it." Luffy grinned, rubbing his face in the silky feathers
"Emergency food supply No. 2?" Sanji suggested. Qwerk squawked and tried to hide.
"Sanji-kun, don't tease him!" Sanji turned to her, heart eyes pumping as he noodled as usual.
"HAI NAMI-SWAN!" Zoro snorted into his sake.
"Stupid ero-cook…"
"What was that Kuso-Kenshi…" Nami pushed the two boys apart.
"Now, now don't fight over me!" Zoro went scarlet and turned away, muttering something unintelligible and probably ill-mannered.
Rayleigh sat quietly in the corner with a large mug, smiling slightly.
"What a strange group…"
"HEY EVERYONE! WE'RE ALL TOGETHER AGAIN SO WE NEED A HUGE TOAST!" their hyperactive Captain shouted. Many of Robin's hands protruded from the table, filling all their mugs top full of sake. Everyone grabbed the handles and stood up. With a loud crash they struck the mugs together, sake going everywhere and several hands and a claw being crushed, without anyone caring.
"KANPAI!"
"QWEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRK"

Back on the shore of the giant mangroves, the cheer was almost as loud as a battle cry. Sensitive ears stood erect and gold-green eyes flashed to the graceful shape of the Thousand Sunny.
"That daft bird sure knows how to party…" No-one saw the small black shape leap into the orange trees, or hear the gagging as the strong scent of tangerines invaded a feline nose. Quietly the intruder slipped across the decks and into the boy's quarters.

YAY SECOND CHAPTER! I just posted two at once to speed things up alittle and get some of the fluff out of my system before I start the adventure. It'll probably be a while before i post chapter 3, the introduction of Scritcher.

BTW is Qwerk getting annoying?

for the hell of it i uploaded a picture of him and luffy, incase anyones curious .com/art/Luffy-on-Qwerk-145303781