The Window Maker - (OCXCANON)

Chapter 43 (Alabasta Arc)

They made quick work of reaching the Merry with Chopper's quick hooves. They left the sleigh in the cove and hopped aboard with smiles all around. Nami began barking orders to the boys to set the sails and raise anchor. Luffy, Usopp and Zoro rushed to their places while Ki spied the cook at the mast.

Sanji reached for one of the sails and Ki tapped his arm. He raised his brow at her, "What is it my darling?"

Ki chuckled and pointed to the rope, "I can take that, the girls told me your back got pretty messed up."

The cook shook his head with a flushed smile, "Oh my sweet Ki, not to worry I'm doing fine now that I am in the presence of such beauty. You ladies have healed me up, good as new!"

Ki shrugged and allowed him to finish his assigned job, opting to lean on the railing. Chopper plopped up onto the railing beside her and watched the pink flurries float in the breeze as the ship drifted away from the island. A small smile curled his lip as he whispered, "This is so exciting... But also terrifying."

Usopp furrowed his brow as he eyed the reindeer boy. He leaned over to Nami as he muttered behind his hand, "Hey! Do you think Chopper's okay? He's looking a little down."

The navigator shrugged as she tucked her hand into her pockets, "He'll be fine. Let's leave him alone for now," Her eyes flicked to the raven haired woman and she pressed her lips into a frown as she whispered to the cook, "Something's up with her, though. I can feel it."

Sanji lit up a cigarette and gave Nami a knowing nod before he spoke, "It's an emotional time. He's going on his first journey as a man. It's a rite of passage."

Vivi crossed an arm over her chest and cupped her cheek, "And he's about to leave Drum Island behind for good. It's been his home his entire life."

Usopp straightened and rubbed the back of his head, "Yeahh."

Chopper furrowed his brow and muttered to himself, "I'm leaving them, both Doctor and Doctorine. My adventure is finally starting... Right now, on this ship."

Luffy pumped his fists into the sky as he shouted, "Let's party!!"

Usopp hollered in agreement, "Yeah! Let's celebrate our newest crewmate, Chopper! Hahaha!!"

Sanji caught Zoro by the collar, dragging the swordsman with him into the kitchen. Their curses were snuffed out by the swing of the door but muffled yelling could be heard. The pair returned to the deck quickly with food and mugs of wine in hand. The cook cooed to the ladies as he set out the small spread on the table Usopp had dragged onto the deck while Zoro passed around mugs.

The swordsman held out one of them to the Window Maker and grunted, "Here, Witch."

Ki gripped the mug and chuckled as she took a sip, "It's cute when you two actually work together, ya know."

Zoro rolled his eyes and trudged away, "I wasn't working with him. Just wanted booze, figured everyone else could use a drink too."

Luffy danced atop the small table with chopsticks stuck up his nose, "Par- ar- tay!!! Hahaha! Yeah!! For Chopper!"

Zoro threw back his head in a fit of laughter, "And these cherry blossoms are like party decorations! Haha!!"

Usopp hollered to the reindeer boy, "Come on Chopper!! Snap out of it! You can't just sit there in a daze all night long, ya know! You too, Ki! Join us!!"

Chopper hopped off the railing towards the boys and furrowed his brow, "I- Uh.."

Usopp swung an arm around the reindeer boy and held out a mug, "You want a drink?"