You stretch happily, relaxing under the waterfall. It was cold but refreshing as you cleaned off some of the grim on you. Zoro had objected to you going off alone but you convinced the Guardian it was okay. You hum as you finish washing up and wade back over to your clothes, getting out and drying off before starting to dress, you hear an odd noise and look around warily, reaching for your katana.

The leaves burst open and you grab your katana hilt, pausing and blinking at the gold fox. You blink at each other and he sits down with a cute little head tilt, blue eyes blinking up at you. "You're so cute..." You breathe as you finish wrapping your chest, kneeling down and petting the fox. He moves closer, tongue grazing over your neck in a rather slow manner as he cuddles up to you. With a giggle you stroke his soft fur, rubbing his cheek.

"What a sweet fox, but I can't stay." You sigh, standing and pulling on your kimono. He yips an objection nudging you with his nose. You blink and giggle, petting him thoughtfully, scratching behind his ears. He rumbles happily at that, cuddling into your touch more.

"___?" Zoro's call makes you look over as he appears.

"Over here, I told you to wait." You remind him.

"You were taking too long, I was worried you slipped..." He trails off looking at the fox, lip curling. "Get lost." He growls to it. You blink in confusion as Zoro pulls you into him as the fox growls back.

"What?" You huff giving Zoro a frown.

"He's a kitsune, they'll try anything to get what they want... And most of the time, they want women.." He responds glaring at the fox. You blink and blush hiding your face.

"He's... He's a guardian isn't he?" You murmur.

"Yes... Are you okay?" He inquires, slightly worried.

"You.... Pervert!" You gasp at the fox. The Fox's ears fold back and he changes form.

"I-I am not..." He defends with a pout, his one visible eye looked at you sadly. You blink at him, only one thing came to your mind.

"What is going on with your eyebrow...?" You mutter. He blinks, ears dropping at that while Zoro starts laughing.

"It's hereditary..." He murmurs looking away. You blink and soften feeling guilty.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," You frown patting his head softly. He sniffles and draws closer cuddling your hand. Zoro growls at him, holding you tighter. You pause, glancing down at his arms around you and huff, elbowing him in the gut.

"Kuh... What was that for?" He coughs holding his stomach.

"Don't touch me like that. It's weird." You scoff. "I'm going back to camp we need to get goin... Bye mister fox." You wave before heading to camp.

"Wait beautiful~ I'll escort you, a delicate flower like you could be targeted." The fox rumbles swiftly reaching your side and putting an arm around you. You glance at his arm and elbow him in the gut to. He coughs holding his stomach as well.

"Let's get one thing straight Guardians. I can handle myself, don't look down on me." You give them a light glare before carrying on. The fox gets hearts in his eyes and swoons, tail wagging while Zoro huffs watching you go with a frown.

"I love strong women~ She'll be perfect~" The fox gushes excitedly.

"I hope she cuts your head off, annoying fox." Zoro growls going past.

"Go get lost you damn tiger." The fox snarls back.

Your eyes narrow, preparing to pounce, eyes not leaving the rabbit. Thanks to hunting with Smoker you've gotten really good at sneaking up to pray. You were about to make the kill when those two guardians erupt in another argument close by, scaring off your prey for the fifth time today. Your shoulders droop, watching the creature swiftly disappear as your stomach growls. Slowly turning your gaze on the bickering guardians you pick up two pine cones and throw them at their heads.

The two freeze rubbing where the pine cones bounced off their heads. They look to you as you glare at them. "Would you two knock it off!? I'm fucking hungry and you keep scaring my damn food with your stupid bickering!" You shout, making them jump in surprise. You jab a finger at Zoro and he flinches slightly. "You're only here because I wanted you to redeem yourself but honestly, Smoker's better company!" You snap and his tiger ears fold back. You then jab your finger at Sanji. "I don't know why the hell you're still here but stop pissing off Zoro and make yourself useful before I cut your damn tail off!"

Sanji's ears droop and he swiftly takes off to get some food to soothe your wrath. You stalk past Zoro. "I'm going back to camp." You grumble ill tempered. Zoro looks down with a frown.

"Alright..." He murmurs.

After some time, Sanji returns to camp with some food for you, swiftly preparing a meal. "I'm sorry ___. I didn't mean to upset you." He murmurs, passing you the bowl when he was done. You don't respond, starting to eat as you glance around.

"I don't suppose you know where the tiger is." You sigh.

"No, he probably got lost." He looks around and perks up slightly. "But that's okay, I can keep you company until he returns." He carefully moves closer. You finish eating and stand.

"I'm going to go look for him, you stay here." You tell him before heading off. Sanji pouts after you, folding his arms.

"Damn tiger..."

The search soon ended when you come across the waterfall from earlier that day, finding the tiger sulking under the waterfall. You frown, removing your kimono and wading in to him. He doesn't hear your approach, keeping his eyes closed and ears drooped. With a soft frown you reach out and cup the big cat's cheeks. His eyes open at that, boring down at you.

"I'm sorry if I upset you earlier. I was just frustrated... I didn't mean to snap at you like that..." You murmur. He blinks and changes back to himself.

"You said the truth though... I know you would've preferred to do this with Smoker.. I want to prove myself to you, but it seems that I just keep making you angry..." He sighs looking away. You blink and make him look at you, looking into his eyes.

"Well, to be honest I'm sensitive when it comes to you, that's why I always seem angry at you." You offer a slight smile. "I know you don't mean to make me angry, I know you're trying. But you don't have to try so hard, just support me for once okay?"

"Support you..." He echoes as he comes closer. "That's what it's been, hasn't it? That's why you and Smoker get along, he supports you and comes to you when he knows you need him... I've been over protective and a bit controlling this whole time. I was wrong though, you don't really need me. That's why it's been bothering me, because I wanted you to believe in me like you believe in him. And how much you love him and adore him... I envy him for that..." He looks down somberly. You blush slightly and giggle lightly.

"So you were jealous of him. You took my sake for granted and was upset when I chose him to be my Guardian. That's cute Zoro." You tease lightly. He blushes and scowls at you.

"You... I just told you..." He stops when you kiss his cheek.

"Would you relax tiger? You were right though. So you try to work on that, and I'll try not to get so irritated by you." You hum before getting out of the water. "Now let's get back. I'm sleepy."

He touches his cheek in shock, watching you before smiling a bit. "Alright.."