Tony, Tony Chopper [drabble]

"Chopper, come here!" she yelled as she hang on one of the sails laughing loudly with Luffy. Chopper looked up at the girl, sadness lingering in his eyes. Sometimes he wondered why she paid so much attention to him when he was only a monster: not a reindeer and not a human, something in between. He didn't understand why she wanted to hang out with him when she could be with someone like Sanji or Zoro. Chopper didn't understand a lot but nevertheless he treasured every moment of the time they've spent together. Chopper sent another glance in her direction and sighed quietly.

"Sorry, Yuli, I have work to do." The reindeer avoided her gaze. He quickly made his way to the doctor's cabin and closed the door. He leaned on it staring at his feet.

"What's wrong with him?" Luffy asked in confusion.

Yuli shrugged unsure. "I'll go check on him." She said as she jumped down and ran to the doctor's cabin. She kicked the door open causing chopped to fall over.

"Sorry, Chopper, I didn't mean to." She mumbled trying to help him but the reindeer ignored her. "Chopper, what's wrong?" the girl asked unsure of what to do. Chopper never acted like that before; she was lost.

"Nothing's wrong. Please leave me alone, I have work to do."

Yuli looked at him in confusion. She reached out touched his furry cheek, gently rubbing his chin. Chopper quickly pushed her hand away and took a couple of steps back. "Please don't do that." he yelled nervously.

"Why not? You always let me do it..." Yuli blinked as she once again approached him. Chopper turned away and suddenly grew big. Yuli smiled as she sat down behind him and leaned her back on his. It was comforting. Just being close to him felt warm, and not because he was half a reindeer, but because he – himself sent off comfort waves at her. Yuli always considered Chopper a someone, a person, with clear heart and beautiful thoughts. Chopper was different from the rest, but that was what made him himself, it made him unique.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?" she whispered closing her eyes and relaxing. Chopper could feel the weight of her body against his back; it was making him nervous. He wanted to turn around a wrap his arms around her; he wanted to hold her. "Since we sat like this together..." she added.

*Why did I fall in love with her so easily?* Chopper thought, his heard beating fast and loud.

"Yes, it has." Chopper replied quietly. Silence filled the room, yet there was no tension.

"Chopper?" Yuli called.

"Yes?"

"Hold me."

Chopper turned his head to look at her. She looked calm; her eyes were open and she was staring right back at him. He didn't say anything. He turned around and slowly wrapped his arms around her; very gently, as if she was as fragile as glass. He pulled her closer letting her rest on his chest. Yuli inhaled his scent and smiled. He smelt of herbs. Chopped rested his head on hers, not believing that he was finally holding her in his arms, just like he always wanted to. Yuli touched stroked his hand with her finger; she lifted it up and brought it to her face, letting his stroke her cheek. His touch was like feather. She closed her eyes in silent bliss.

"Love..." she whispered.

Chopper's heart sped up. "What?"

"I love it when you do that..."

Chopper squeezed her lightly bringing her even closer than she already was.

"Please don't avoid me anymore." Yuli's soft voice reached his ears.

"Forgive me." He whispered back pressing his lips to her head. Her eyes slightly widened; a small smile crept on her face. Chopper twitched in a realisation of what he did. He wanted to let go of her but she wouldn't let him.

"Tell me what's on your mind." She asked.

"You."

No more words were needed. Everything was already said; the time was to finally take action.