Killing two birds with one song

[plotbunny-tiff.livejournal.com]

Title: Breathe
Rating: G
Pairing: None (Chopper-centric)
Word Count: 300
Topic: Song Lyrics

He’d never felt pain quite like this before. Bruises and cuts were no strangers to the tiny reindeer; he and broken bones were well acquainted with each other. But they’d never gotten to know each other quite so intimately before his quest for the mushroom that would be his mentor’s salvation.

 

Chopper had almost completed his mission, despite the piteous voice in his head that called the whole thing a wild goose chase. When he’d come across the precious fungi, that voice turned venomous. It hissed that the cure would come too late, and the loving home he sought to restore would vanish with Hiruluk’s dying breath.

 

In defiance, and with love in his heart, Chopper turned the doubt on itself and used it to spur him ever forward. But now, even with the outline of the house becoming clearer, Chopper’s body began to fail him. His lungs burned with every inhalation of bitter, artic wind. He stumbled on an ice-crusted patch of snow, almost sending his broken horn right into his puffy, swollen eye.

 

His suffering had brought him to a place beyond tears; he couldn’t afford to weep, not when everything he held dear was in such peril. In desperation, he turned within and willed himself up. If he could get his breathing under control, then there were only a few scant yards between himself and victory.

 

Please, he mentally begged his battered, broken body. Take me a little farther so that I can see him well and smiling again. That’s all I want. Please. Please, get up.

 

His legs trembled, every nerve wailed in anguish, and each labored breath was harder to draw than the last. But Chopper got to his feet and moved forward, devotion acting as a balm to every agonizing step towards the door.

*~*~*~*~
"Reason To Believe"
by Dashboard Confessional

Oh, sweet lungs don't fail me now.
Your burning has turned into fear.
It drills me in my every step,
I'm moving quick but you're always on my heels.

Just one more breath, I beg you please.
Just one more step, my knees are weak.
My heart is sturdy but it needs you to survive.
My heart is sturdy but it needs you.

Breathe, don't you want to breathe?
I know that you are strong enough to handle what I need.
My capillaries scream there's nothing left to feed on.
My body needs a reason to cross that line.
Will you carry me there one more time?

Steady lungs, don't fail me now.
I feel you bursting but you won't let me die.
Fill me up with every step,
I'm feeling sick but I'm leaving it behind.

Just one more breath, I beg you please.
Just one more step, you are not weak.
My legs are sturdy but they need you to survive.
My heart is sturdy but I need you.

Breathe, don't you want to breathe?
I know that you are strong enough to handle what I need.
My capillaries scream there's nothing left to feed on.
My body needs a reason to cross that line.
Will you carry me there once more?
Once more.

I have reason to believe that I have victories to taste.
I can feel them on my teeth, upon my lips, and in my chest.
I can roll them on my tongue.
They are more subtle than defeat.
I feel the tension in my lungs,
And every move is fueled by my resolve to...

Breathe, don't you want to breathe?
I know that you are strong enough to handle what I need.
My capillaries scream there's nothing left to feed on.
My body needs a reason to cross that line.
Would you carry me there one more time?

Also x-posted to op_drabble_3k

Comments

[kotszok.livejournal.com]

;_; Oh Chopper... there's something so special about him. You capture it so well. ♥

[ptps.livejournal.com]

Ohhhh. ;__; The only clips I've ever seen of the Chopper/Hiruluk thing was a really well-done AMV on YouTube, and it's so heart-breaking when he finally shows up at the door with his broken ankle and horn and... and T__T Damn you argh.

Please, he mentally begged his battered, broken body. Take me a little farther so that I can see him well and smiling again. That’s all I want. Please. Please, get up.

T___________T </3

[dethorats]

Oh, that was so lovely and all the more heartbreaking because of what happens next. Chopper... ;_;