onepieceyaoi100 | The things that pop into my head…

I cannot believe I missed the last topic. *annoyed with self* Oh well, I might write it later anyway. For now:

Title: A helping hand
Rating: G
Pairing: None, unless you *really* wanna see it that way. But... um... I didn't. ^_^
Word Count: 261
Notes: Another ‘written in 10 minutes’- should probably have waited, oh well.

Zoro had surreptitiously watched Chopper struggle with the burrs for a little over 15 minutes now. He had only been on the island a short time, but had MORE than enough to show for it, judging by the difficulty he was having. He reached, straining to catch the ones digging into his back, grunting quietly with the effort. After a particularly labored attempt he made a sound of frustration and slumped forward. The reindeer, being occupied, never noticed when Zoro got up from his ‘nap’ to walk silently below deck; didn’t give a second thought of it until he returned, brush in hand, and approached the doctor purposefully.

Startled and mustering some indignation while looking up double his height, he refused staunchly before the man could get close enough to use it.

“I may be a reindeer, but I’m NOT a PET!” Tiny hooves stomped the deck petulantly to punctuate his statement.

A silent moment went by, and Zoro hadn’t moved- making Chopper’s stomach twist a little in anxiety, but he stood his ground. Then the swordsman moved forward and he flinched- eyes clenching shut—only to have a strong hand fall on his shoulder, turn him around, and gently push him into a sitting position.

"Settle down", the swordsman replied gruffly, belying the tone with the gentle use of the brush as he slowly picked out the burrs dotting his fur. Eventually he did, relaxed by the southing touch that reminded of another time when he had felt loved. Another place- far in his past, on a tiny winter island.