Alright! The first chapter to my first fanfic. This story is dedicated to my favorite couple in Keroro Gunso: GiroroxDororo

This story is also uploaded on Deviantart under Chestnut-chan. Also, as you can see, I changed the name of the story. I changed the future plot of the story almost completely so "Promises" seemed like a much better title. I also edited it a bit. There are like one or two changes.

Enjoy!

All characters (c) Mine Yoshizaki

Red keronian would sit outside his tent, the crackling fire sending hughes of orange flickering across his stong body. Tattered rag steadily wiped an already shimmering weapon in a steady, rhythmic pace. His shoulders would rise in a sigh as the loud murmuring of voices erupted from the Hinata household. Keroro had probably forgotten to do another chore and was being scolded by Natsumi...again.

"Stupid frog! How many times do I have to tell you to clean the bathroom!?" Yelled Natsumi's voice, clearly audible.

"P-please, Natusmi-dono! It simply slipped my mind! I've been very busy today and.." Keroro stammered, trying to find a good excuse but failing.

"Building your Gunpla again, huh?! That's it, you stupid frog, no more Gunpla for a week! And you can forget about me buying you any star fruit, too!" She definitely hit the nail on the head there. Giroro would cease his cleaning to poke the dying fire, blocking out the desperate wails from Keroro and the occasional shouts from Natsumi. These arguments happened so frequently, that it was easy to simply ignore them. Looking up at the night's swath of stars, he let his mind wander back to the days on his home planet...

* * * *

The sun was just dipping over the horizon on a warm summer day on planet Keron, the sky painted in a vibrant array of colors. Space cicadas chirped endlessly while a gentle breeze swayed the land. The rushed pitter patter of small Keronian feet could be heard passing by, along with hurried, sharp voices.

"Hurry, Zeroro! They'll catch us!"Giroro cried, looking back at the struggling tadpole.

"W-wait for me, Giroro-kun! I can't go as fast as you!" Zeroro shouted back, out of breath. His little feet kept staggering, and Giroro knew it wouldn't be long till he fell. If that happened, they would definitely be caught.

"I think they went this way!" Called another voice right around the corner.

Giroro hurried back to his friends side, gripping his hand tightly so they wouldn't be separated. Giving a quick nod to the light blue Keronian, the two were off again. Zeroro looked at his friend gratefully. Being with him gave him renewed confidence and strength, and he was able to run just as fast, if not faster. The shouts behind them grew louder, and the two quickened their pace, running as one.

Slyly slipping around a corner, they hid, waiting for the frustrated voices of their pursuers to fade away. When it had been confirmed that they were safe, both let out a long sigh of relief. It had already become dark, the moonlight dimly shining through the forming clouds.

"I-I think we're safe..." Giroro mumbled, turning his head to Zeroro who was still catching his breath. Zeroro met his gaze, his soft eyes filled with kindness.

"Thank you, Giroro-kun." He said, giving Giroro's hand a gentle squeeze. Giroro felt his face grow hot, and he averted his eyes, staring at their conjoined hands.

"Don't worry about it, Zeroro. I couldn't let them get you..."His voice trailed off before adding, "You're my best friend and I'll always protect you." Giroro found himself grinning from ear to ear, and the two tadpoles looked at each other gratefully, before breaking out in laughter...

* * * *

Giroro was pried from his thoughts as the back door slid open, Natsumi's head peeking out. Usually the sight of her delicate face would send prickles down his spine and a streak of pink across his face, but, for some reason, it had no effect. Strange.

"Giroro, dinners ready if you want some. We're having beef stew!" Her voice was calm and kind, her lips drawn back in a smile.

Giroro nodded slowly, keeping his eyes fixed on the few burning cinders that remained in his fire pit. "Thanks... I'll be there in a sec." He replied slowly, getting to his feet. Natsumi retreated back to the house, leaving Giroro to his thoughts. "I wonder what Dororo's up to.." The crimson frog thought solemnly. Their relationship had almost become strictly professional, one of the last things Giroro wanted. He didn't want to lose his best friend...

Closed fist would tighten in determination as he made a promise to himself. He wouldn't lose his friendship with Dororo! Taking one last glance at the dark sky, he made his way for the back door, the tempting smell of food calling him. The last wisps of smoke drifted lazily from the ashes of the once roaring fire, only to be swept away by the wind.