A/N: Sorry it took so long to update. I am moving to Clearwater, Florida soon. Then i was also trying to write part 5 and 6 of Snowy Duel. I was going to update on 7-19-05 but i left my thumb drive at home. XD My bad.

Well for all of you that have been waiting here is Part 4. Enjoy!

Snowy Duel

part 4

"Are you alright?" Zoro finally asked.

"Me? I'm fine."

"Good."

They kept their answers short for the time, not knowing what the other was thinking. Finally Zoro spoke up again. " I had a heck of I time carrying you back. And then getting you into some dry clothes. I would have rather dealt with an infant."

Tashigi was sitting on a stool that was located in front of a small burro she was looking in the mirror at Zoro's back as they spoke. " Sorry I didn't mean to be any troub-," the marine cut herself off. " What do you mean 'getting me into some dry clothes'!"

Zoro had been facing the opposite direction of Tashigi. Looking at the wall, which he was grateful for now. His entire body froze under the look she shot him in the mirror. Even though he couldn't see it he sure as hell felt it.

Luckily Zoro was saved by a knock at the door. It was the old man that ran the shop down stairs. Zoro looked up with an expression on his face that said "Thank you God!"

However Tashigi, not being as dumb as some people would like to think, knew she would have to pursue this conversation later. " If he thinks he can just take the liberties of undressing me! Well he's got another thing coming."

"Good morning Old Man," Zoro smiled with thanks.

"Mornin' lad." The elderly shopkeeper took a step into the room.

Tashigi gave a nervous smile and nodded to the shopkeeper. He then nodded in return.

"How are you today?" The old man asked walking towards Tashigi to get a better look at her.

Tashigi reddened at the thoughts of everything that had gone on since she had woken up. She didn't even notice that the old man had gotten close to her face and was inspecting her. She snapped back to attention when the man touched the sides of her throat with his fingertips.

"Does this hurt?"

"Huh? Uh no."

"Good." He smiled.

" So is she going to be ok soon Old Man?" Zoro asked leaning shirtless in the doorway.

"Call me Artty." The man grinded at Zoro then turned his attention back to Tashigi. " She will be fine, but I recommend she rest a bit more before venturing off again. You did spend quite sometime in the cold while you were wet missy."

"Thanks…. Artty," Zoro replied feeling out the geezer's name.

" And your Roronoa Zoro," Artty said pulling a wanted poster out of his back pocket. "And you are Miss… well I cant say I know you."

The Marine stood from her stool and spoke, "Sergeant Major Tashigi of the Marine Armada."

The sound of a chuckle came from Artty once Tashigi finished. Both looked at him with confused expressions.

"It is funny Zoro. That your girlfriend is a Marine and a Sergeant no less, "He continued to laugh.

Both turned red in the face at Artty's comment and in unison said,

"She is not my girlfriend!"

"I'm not his girlfriend!"

Artty continued to laugh at the two as they exchanged glances.

"Does she hate me that much?"

"Does he hate me that much?"

They were grateful that the other couldn't read their thoughts.

"You two remind me of myself when I was younger." The shopkeeper said as he started towards the door.

Zoro moved aside from where he had been standing to let Artty pass. " Zoro would you help me in the shop today? I have a lot of lifting to do and my old bones can't handle it all that well anymore."

"Uh- Yeah sure."

" Great. I will expect you downstairs in five minutes."

Zoro nodded.

After the old man left Zoro grabbed his long sleeve shirt off the back of the door and slid it on over his head not bothering to tuck it in. He turned to leave the room but not before glancing over at Tashigi who was still standing.

"You should lay down and rest," was all he said as he exited the room.

Tashigi scoffed at the idea of taking "orders" from a pirate. "Well it wouldn't taking orders," She told herself. "I am simply concerned for my own health." With that she made her way back to the queen size bed. She laid herself down and pulled the covers up to her ears. Allowing herself to slowly drift back to sleep.

Note to readers:

sylenis:Thanks for waiting. How did you like it?

Illusion Of A Lunatic: Silly i have much more to write it can be over XD

Evil-Weevil: Trust me there is lost more to continue.

A/N: Ok guys just keep telling me what you think ok? Hopfully i am writing all the characters accuratly. Let me know. Also i'm sorry for adding in my original character, Artty. I kow i really dont like it when Others add original characters to their story, so i feel kinda bad doing it myself. However i promise he and another are there only to move the plot along.