onepieceyaoi100 | Stretch Forth Many Branches

Title: Stretch Forth Many Branches
Rating: G
Pairing: C/Z
Wordcount: 215
Notes: If I get free time later this week it seems like I may have a few entries for this topic.

Outside it's raining, a cold ice rain that seems far away. Chopper is in Zoro's lap, with Zoro's elbows crooked around his ears and Zoro's hands resting on the table in front of him. He's supposed to be learning how to play, but really he's watching the room from around the edges of the fanned cards, lost in the warmth and noise. Sanji and Luffy are arguing by the stove, and the lamp is swinging hypnotically.

Zoro's pleased grunt rumbles against his back, carrying his attention back to the game. They're starting a new round again, laying down cards, and "Double aces around," Robin says and laughs, ho-ho-ho. He's used to the explosion of protest from Nami and Usopp now, and Zoro's smug replies. Gradually the counting and shouting subside, and the players scoop up their cards again.

Still it's never really quiet; the game is competitive and the Merry is moaning and Luffy and Sanji are still at it. Chopper presses his cheek against Zoro's arm and closes his eyes, trying to sense the rain, but he is surrounded by the sounds of the crew and Zoro's scent. It may be nothing like flowers, but it's a bright sharp smell, metal and cloves from the oil he uses for his swords, a good smell.