Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Robin had been quite content standing by herself on the outskirts of the island, gazing out to the sea, after her friend’s vessel set sail. Still remained there, not even planning to leave soon even though her friend was already out of sight minutes ago.

Not that she was sad that she wanted to be alone, neither did she have a lot on her mind so that she needed time to contemplate all by herself. It's just, somehow, her feet didn't want to step out of the place. Stiff, but too lazy to make a move.

Sounds of footsteps collided with the rustle wet grass reached her hears, slowly drawing closer, before stopping right next to her. No need to turn to know who it is. Hence, she kept her gaze forward, as they stood in silence for a moment.

“That witch is gone?”

She smiled. “You’re 20 minutes late to say goodbye.”

Nami, their former navigator on the ship who is contemporarily staying in her hometown in East Blue, visited them last week. Of course, her sudden arrival at their bar a week ago was happily greeted by them. Not in the direct way for Zoro, though. But enough to keep him at home days long.

Zoro shrugged, utterly nonchalant. “Didn’t even plan to escort her either.”

He took a position to sit down, making himself comfortable on the ground. Robin neglected, was being awfully careless at his reaction. Not in the mood to tease though. Indolent to express any derision.

“Hm-mmh.” She murmured relented, as she joined him afterwards, taking the same view as him.

A pink flush of the dawn sky started to peep out over the horizon, proclaiming the rising day. The sea was slightly turbulent, wrinkling the water, as the waves slowly rolled towards the shoreline. Fragrance of the freshness ocean captivated in the air, as the music of numerous native birds humming.

–All so pleasant, yet so relaxing, so peaceful.

She shut her eyes as she felt a cool, soft breeze washed over her cheeks, swept away strands of her hair across her features. Casually, she rested her head on his shoulder, making those muscle pile of his as a pillow. Allowing all the circumstances led her to the dreamland.

Strange, indeed. Remembering previously she wasn’t even sleepy at all. Yet, now she was literally asleep with her even and shallow breath occasionally wafted against his neck. Practically instantaneous and profound.

A gentle flick on her forehead made her eyes twisted slowly open, revealing the endearing blue lenses within. Upon waking up her brain, trying to remember where and how she fell asleep.

“Zoro?” Robin sat up straight. “What time is it?”

Zoro led out a massive yawn and shook his head briefly. “Just woke up as well.”

He got up lazily thereupon, still in half-awake state. Rubbing his face, and stretching a bit, subdued the drowsiness that still persist. He squinted instantly as soon as he fully opened his eye, as the scorching sun rays shone brightly obstructed his vision, indicating it was already sometime around noon. “No doubt we late opening NiRo.” He supposed.

Robin nodded, agree. Immediately picked herself up in the urge to return to their dwelling. “We better hurry.”

Hissed of disgust escaped her lips as she noticed some part of her dress wet. Not by water, neither not by the dew on the grass, but by a somewhat nasty liquid like muscus. She hurled a curse inwardly. Had known since forever all the entire island was covered by an odd, unique species grass that produce sticky substance. Why did she just sit there anyway.

Zoro raised a brow at that. His own trouser actually was also covered with that sticky thing. Yet, he didn’t bother and just tossed it away. Asking if she wanted to wait till her dress dry first, a faint head shake he got in response. Better rush home and change clothes, she said.

“Let’s go then.”

He said, yet he stood still, silently prompting her to go first. Which was clearly caught by her, as she started moving.

However, barely took a step, she stumbled forward by chance, tripping over her own feet helplessly. Good for her luck, Zoro’s quick shifting saved her, caught her by the arm, stopping her from the fall.

She gave him innocent smile and muttered thanks afterwards. To which he returned with a sharp, probing look.

Aware of Zoro’s uneasiness, she stepped back shortly after, tried to stand upright by her own. Yet, she still hadn't regained her balance and about to fall again.

Instinctively her hands reached out to Zoro’s shoulder and use it as support, avoiding the fall. To which Zoro requited with quickly slipped his arm to her sides, to steady her. They found themselves staring into each other’s in that position. His dark, grey eye met hers incisively.

“You said your feet already fine.” He blurted, exasperated.

She let go of her hold as she realized. Wishing he didn't notice the red hue that adorned her face for seconds. Took a caution stand tall by her own later on, not wanting to bother him any longer.

“It is.” She stated, stomping her feet lightly several times, reassuring it really was okay. “I think it just got a little cramp after hours of sitting.”

“Ck”

He snorted, as he knelt down, with his back facing her, motioning her to his back.

Robin blushed awkwardly at his gesture. Little doubt at first, but shook her head afterward, trying to dismiss the thought, convincing herself that it was nothing.

She leaned herself on his back, wrapped her arms around his neck, while Zoro took her around the legs, holding it tightly, didn’t let it come off. He started walking after he felt Robin was safe in a steady position on his back.

“You should keep taking the medicine Chopper gave.”

“Huh?” Robin uttered, inquiring.

“He said the meds must be consumed till runs out.” Zoro exhorted. “I know you stop taking it as you feel your feet fine.”

A faint flush stained her cheeks as she heard that, but she quickly held it back. “Didn’t know you were actually care about me.” She said, meant to tease.

Zoro furrowed his brows and halted. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He scowled. “I care for you all the time.”

A scant rosy hue reappeared on her cheeks. Making her hand twitched a bit and shifted uncomfortably on his back.

“What?” He asked, innocently.

Robin diverted her thoughts. “Nothing.”

She knew his words practically right. He had been taking care of her –and also their other nakama for years decently. Even since they were still sailing together. There was no more behind his words, yet she found her heart fluttered involuntarily.

“Just keep walking. We have to open Niro.”

Silence floated between them after that. Zoro remained quite as he walked in steady pace, while Robin became clamped up as well, drifted into her own reverie.

It took a while for her to realized the surroundings were unusually quiet. There were too many people living and working, but it was almost completely silent now. Not silence without a sound, but tend to be filled with whispers.

Her cheeks flushed slightly when she realized they were the object of everyone's conversation. Found it a little bit awkward that some of them could even reach her hearing. Which means, Zoro did hear as well.

Though he seemed to be completely indifferent by that.

“Perhaps, it’s time for you to put me down.”

Either really didn't hear or pretended not to, Zoro remained silent. Kept walking, maintaining his tranquil pace. She bit her tongue over the nerves.

“People watching us. You should put me down now.” She persisted.

Still no answer from Zoro.

“Zoro, they’re gossiping us.”

“They babbling about how suit we are. Nothings bad.”

She blushed –again. “Still, put me down.”

He ignored.

“We’re a bit old for that sort of thing, y’know. We ain’t teenagers.”

“Then stop blushing.”

“I didn’t.” She denied.

He rolled his eye. “Yeah, yeah”

Robin bit his shoulder for it, pissed off.

“Oow!” He stopped and glanced back. “The hell, woman?!”

“We’ll arrive soon, put me down.” She insisted. “I can walk well now.”

Zoro didn’t buy it. “We’ll arrive soon, stay still and relaxed.” He deflected. Turned back to the front, started to continue the pace, could care less about the surroundings. “Since when you become this timid though.”

His murmurs were barely audible, but still heard by her. It could also be her question, actually. In any other circumstance, she wouldn’t give a damn about the surroundings. Much less, she would take advantage of it to tease him, making him flustered, and turned him into as red as tomato.

Totally different from what’s happening now. She was the one who flustered, blushed, and turning red.

What got into her this day, really.

Robin sighed, give up. Didn't intend to ask him to let her down any further. Starting to relax on his back and enjoy the ride. She rested her chin on his left shoulder as she stared blankly ahead, minds drifted into somewhere else.

“They would think we are together.”

She said, very softly, that she wasn't even sure if he could hear.

It was frustrating her, actually. The tought of she was the reason why the swordsman hadn’t been with anyone at that age. While she was sure Zoro could care less about any creature called woman, her insecurity said he might be unconsciously interested in someone, yet too dense to notice. Meanwhile that person could also likes him, but restrained themselve as they thought he was already attached with a boring old lady.

Poor little boy couldn’t experience love because stuck with her.

“Indeed, we are.” Zoro claimed.

Robin unhesitatingly bit his shoulder again. This time much harder.

“Aargh!” He stopped his steps and returned to face her angrily. “What now”

“Don't say something you didn't know the meaning.”

“Again, what’s that suppose to mean?” He offended. “I never mess with my words.”

She pinched him on the butt hard, causing him flinched and glared at her infuriatedly.

She dared to return his gaze sharply. “If I don’t know you any better I’d mistook everything.”

“Mistook what.” He frowned. “I know what I said and I really meant it.”

“Oh, God, just stop talking, Zoro.” She turned Zoro’s head back to the front forcibly. “Stop talking and keep walking. We should quickly open NiRo.” She patted his shoulder repeatedly, motioning to start walking.

Zoro grunted in response. Grumbling, as he accelerated the pace.

Robin’s hold tightened as his speed grew. She couldn't bear to hear any more words come out of his mouth. The more she heard it, the more she couldn’t help but drift her minds to somewhere else. To the rather other potential possibilities why he hasn’t seeing anyone for years. That he is in love with her.

Oh, fuck Nami gave her such an idea.

What a ridiculous thing to deduce. Too absurd to consider. Yet, she found her brain thought about it all the time involuntary. And his words before would make it even worse.

“You are man of action, Zoro.” She buried her face closer to him, hiding it behind the crook of his neck. “Just let it stay that way.”

He rolled his eye.

In a bar, somewhere around the center of archipelago, had been quite crowded with customers even though it only opened half an hour ago.

However, unlike the chaotic atmosphere that enveloped the bar, its owner looked unbothered relax behind the bar table merely focused on her book and let her clones handling all the mess.

Her gaze promptly moved upward when someone approaching her, to be met with a grey eye that were looking at her softly. She curved her lips into a smile.

He smiled back at her as his hand reached out the back of her head, pulling her closer to him. To press his lips against her forehead later on, giving a gentle peck on it.

“I’m off.”

He said, as he left from there, disappeared behind the door.

Robin just gave him a small nod then looked down. Wishing it could hide the slight blush on her cheeks. She just raised her head after she felt that the swordmans's presence had been away from there. She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed heavily.

Was Zoro behaved peculiarly sweet today? No. He's been like that for years.

So, was she the one who act so unusual? Yes.

Who knows how many times the red hue perched on her cheeks today because of the certain swordsman. Simply caused by her exaggerated thoughts about something he was used to. She would blame Nami for this. Her and their night talk session inflicted all this.

She let out a slight grimace as she closed her book, intending to leave. Headed to the 2nd floor, where she and Zoro lived for the past ten years. She got a headache because of the thoughts she had in minds. Maybe sunk into hot tub could help her to clear it.

End of Chapter 1

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Prelude

It made Nami felt bad enough that sometimes she suspected her friends actually were together and keeping their relationship a secret. But at this point, if that were true, it would have been going on so long that staying quiet would be more of an inconvenience than anything else. Plus, it wasn’t like either of them were being particularly subtle.

“So…” Nami halted to creep up on the tension. “You and Zoro, huh?”

“What about it?” Robin bit back, somehow that incited her no more surprise.

“Oh come on. This is how ‘girls talk’ goes, talking about their crushes together!” Nami tried. Robin winced, only because the wasabi was too strong.

"I don't have a crush on Zoro,"

"Sure, you don't. It's more than just a crush, right?" Nami already had one eyebrow raised when Robin turned to her, paired with a smirk for good measure. "You guys literally live together under one roof."

"We did live under the same roof in Sunny too." It was a defensive explanation that only raised Nami's quirked eyebrow closer to her hairline.

"I know." Nami leaned forward, fixed Robin with an intensely suggestive gaze. “But it's different now, isn't it?”

Robin angled herself away from Nami without fully intending to. "What do you mean?"

Nami moved back to her takeout and rolled her eyes. "Don't try telling me you don't feel any changes after all the years you stuck together alone. How do you share a room with that muscle piles and not do anything?”

“It’s not easy,” Robin admitted. “But he’s very respectful.”

“So you’d let it happen if he made the move?”

“We’re just friends.”

“Those arms must feel nice wrapped around you,” Nami was pushing it, but the faint blush on Robin’s cheeks confirmed her statement.

“Nami, you're being unhelpfully cryptic.”

“And you’re being unhelpfully stubborn.” Nami jabbed her chopsticks at Robin.

“Since we were on Sunny, I know you two pulled some painfully subtle attempts to be together at Crow's Nest, and I know all the silent glances you exchanged even before. You feel comfortable with each other but neither of you dares to take action,” Robin opened her mouth and Nami thrust the chopsticks toward her in a frighteningly aggressive gesture. “Don’t you dare deny it. You're just afraid of consequences that don't even exist.”

Robin blinked. “I’m sorry?”

“It’s about time, really.”

“For what?”

“Come on, Robin.” Nami retrieved a plate and arranges her sushi in a neat circle, soy sauce at the center. “You think he'd be quitting pirate life to open a bar if he wasn't in love with you, too?”

Robin compromised, stayed where she was. “You sound very confident, you know?”

“As the resident of third wheel, I know so. You two are more hopeless than Usopp and Kaya."

Robin grimaced and went silent for a while. She watched Nami chewing on her sushi peacefully then convinced, “I assure you, if there is anything me and Zoro feel for each other, it is nothing more than familial.”

Nami rolled her eyes again and gave up. She had done what she could, but her friend was just awfully dense.

Later on, Zoro back home. He saw Robin and Nami was chilling at the bar while eating sushi and he joined them. Noticing the new shirt Robin's wearing, Zoro accused the two women of having been shopping all day then immediately scolded and nagged Nami for taking Robin around when her foot had not fully recovered. To which, Robin defended by saying that she was already hale and hearty so that he didn't have to blame Nami for that matter. 

Zoro kept commenting on every little thing(s) Robin did or had happened to her, as Robin responded casually.

Nami watched and was indifferent to her friends' friendly banter as she enjoyed devouring her meal.

"Well, that escalated quickly," Nami said after a long silence, letting out a scornful smile at Robin, "family-bond my ass."

Robin rolled eyes and went upstairs.

Zoro frowned.

Nami glared at Zoro knowingly as she muttered, "Coward." to Zoro.

Chapter Text

Zoro and Robin have lived together for ten years now, fifteen if you count the days when they adventured at sea.

When she first joined the crew, she found him the most interesting among the other guys in the squad for his determined personality. If she could easily find anything to deceive the other members, he was the only one she didn't find a loophole in. He had zero faith in her and continued suspecting her throughout that period of time, but somehow that induced a unique bond to establish around them.

Post-Water 7 made her discovered that he was the one she was most looking for in leisure times. Being with him is comfortable. With him, she did not need to talk or hide anything, because in a way or another, there’d always be silent understanding between themselves - she thought that's because they resembled each other too much and saw themselves in each other, even their flaws.

The moment the two of them decided to part ways with the gang and settled together, it was normal that everyone thought they were dating but her immediate response would always be, "A man and a woman can be just friends."

After all, everything is in their right places and why bother messing up something that is already in order?

Dating Zoro wasn't something that had ever crossed her mind. Maybe not in this lifetime. He is a good friend, a dear family, a lovely… little brother? They might be compatible, yes but that didn't necessarily mean they have to be romantically involved. It just so happened that Zoro and herself thought of their retire moment had come at about the same time, and in any cases, she would rather be together than alone.

They resided somewhere in the middle of Grove 17 Sabaody Archipelago. Franky and the others helped them build a house. Approximately as wide as Baratie Restaurant in East Blue, with two floors high. They opened a bar on first floor, while the second floor was where they lived for the past decade.

As the others were not around, they practically saw each other everyday in the duration of 24/7 - going through the usual daily grind of being ordinary people, just a very comfortable sleep-eat-breath cycle.

Those days, she noticed little things about him that she hadn't noticed before – how he would always tell her wherever he was going and never missed their farewell routine, how 'How’s ur day?' was always be the first question he asked when he came home at night; checking whether she was still intact, or just making sure she didn’t skip meals a day, how she’d always woke up in her bed eventhough she had fallen asleep somewhere else the night before.

She could go on and on about those little things that he did but the conclusion would be the same - Zoro is indeed a very sweet person and she felt weird now that she had clearly seen this version of him. She had known him for a long time and she thought she knew him so well but was he always like that? Was he always that sweet and thoughtful and affectionate?

“How’s your foot?”, Zoro who had just come down asked. Seemingly ready to go around as per his usual routine, he took a moment to check on her.

“Perfectly fine,” Robin claimed, “It’s healing.”

Zoro glanced at her left foot and his expression told her he wanted to say ‘are you fucking kidding me’. He did. With the addition of another long tirade advising her to take care of herself.

Her brow furrowed when he left for a moment to return with aid equipment.

“Wait, you don’t have to–“,

“Ugh, shut it, Robin”, he approached her behind the bar counter and quickly crouched down to get a better look at her injured foot. “Your bruise turns blue.”

Zoro carefully applied some gel to the bruise on Robin's foot, then wrapped it with a bandage.

“Done,” he said after a while, she eyed the bandages that had been wrapped around her foot, and surprisingly, it was neat. “Do not to put any weight on your foot today.”

See?

Since when did Roronoa Zoro know how to bandage properly? And why should he be good at it?

Robin knew she could do it too, but how could he be so sweet and at the same time look so cool when he was the one doing it?

“Oh, Tash told me G5 marines are coming this afternoon. I'll see if I can come back before then to greet them.”, Zoro smiled and gave her a little peck on the top of her head before leaving. Robin nodded and waved her hands.

She was lost in thought for a moment when the customer's voice drifted her consciousness back to reality.

“Are you two married?”,

The person teased with a taunting smile. Probably a newcomer to their bar because the regulars wouldn't question it.

Let the silence took the answer, she only gave a faint smile as a return.

Why couldn't she automatically respond with her usual reasoning?

Robin thought she had kept everything right in place, but at this moment, she noticed something was definitely wrong.

Zoro did return in the afternoon.

The initially busy bar became even busier with the addition of the G5 group during peak hours. Although that wouldn’t be a problem since Robin had eyes all over the places (surrounding the entire wall like decorative ornaments), to keep things away from chaos and disorder.

Under normal circumstances, she would enjoy it the most. Eyeing and eavesdropping through the customers without being noticed. Making reading just a camouflage, she would observe something else from her clones to entertain herself with the latest gossip for free.

An exception for this time.

The bartender lady was sipping her coffee while her other hand flipping through the pages. Her eyes still fixated on the book as if she was deeply immersed in what she reads, yet it was completely contrast with the stirring emotions she felt right now.

Without anyone noticing, her actual eyes practically stared blankly at her book as her hand unconsciously crumpled the paper she held. Her minds absorbed into the vision that one of her clone eyes saw in the corner of the room.

She was literally pissed off at the sight of a certain swordsman.

He was there, sat in the corner of the room, three tables away from the entrance, surrounded by a bunch people in navy uniforms. A bespectacled blue-haired woman who was also in a navy dress settled beside him. They looked like they were having an amusing conversation. Jokes and laughs overflowed the air. Such a positive atmosphere lasted there.

Nothing’s wrong, actually.

But much for her annoyance.

Hell, since when Zoro been such a socialize type person, huh? Did he really come home early just to see them?

Not to mentioned his face that became even redder and redder along time as the laughter grew louder.

And for the more surprisingly fact, a particular woman beside him was also in the same state. Blushing. With occasionally glanced at him. Coyly.

What in Ponegylph's name they talked about that caused them to make such reaction? And, was it really necessary for Zoro to clear up all her ear clones around there so that she couldn't eavesdrop? As if they were discussing government’s top one secret?

Robin squirmed in her seat and bit her lips over the nerves. She turned her gaze away to somewhere else as she couldn’t stand it anymore. Briefly closed her eyes, trying to control the stirring emotions that filled her unease.

Took a deep breath, then exhaled.

Yeah.

No need to be dramatic.

It was just chatting and getting along with an old, close friend.

If there was a time when Tashigi wished for the absence of her subordinates, it was definitely sometimes like this. Don’t get her wrong, it wasn’t that she undervalued them. She simply just couldn’t bare anymore, the constant teasing they did to her right now.

In front of the one-edged swordsman who known as The World's Greatest.

Making her completely silent for the whole time, drowning in embarrassment.

Couldn’t they shut their mouth once?

She pushed her glasses up then shifted her gaze to something else, roaming in all directions. Her brain worked, wondering what reason could get her to leave even if only for a few minutes.

By chance, her gaze caught the empty bottles on the table. Stranded, without remaining a drop. That could only mean one thing. The swordsman, had run out of liquor. She smirked. Looked like she found a good excuse to leave.

Tashigi coughed twice, clearing her throat. “I’ll take more of the bottles.”

She said, trying to sound as natural as possible.

To her misfortune, all her subordinates didn’t let her go offhand. Instead, that even made them to throw up teasing whistle more eagerly.

“Ooh~ Captain-chan very attentive to pirate hunter.” Shouted one of them, with a sob.

Which quickly responded by nods from the others. Also with sobs. Some even had a hard time wiping away tears that flooded them.

Tashigi’s head twitched at the sight, annoyed. She decided to get up from her seat right away. In haste. Tired with all the teasing.

Which caused her to be a little reckless in her paces.

Only a few steps passed, she already stumbled clumsily by her own feet, and fell in humiliating. All eyes fixated on her, shocked.

Zoro bursted out laughing at the sight, causing all the G5 members awarded him death glares fiercely.

He frowned, snorted at their –oh so no fun reaction.

He got up from his seat with grumbling and approached to Tashigi. Lent a hand, meant to help her up. Tashigi slightly flushed at his motion as she reached out his hand.

Without them noticing, the G5 member that since earlier already stood behind Zoro formed an evil grin on his face. Discretely planning on doing something cheesy, yet waiting for the right moment.

As the pirate hunter started pulling their captain up, that G5 folks suddenly pushed him down on purpose, causing him to lose his balance and make both of their captain and pirate hunter to fall violently.

Typical.

Tashigi landed on the rough wooden floor very badly. While Zoro was on top her.

With his lips met hers.

Shouts and cheers filled the room as that event occurred. The G5 member were howling vigorously, and Tashigi’s face turned as red as tomato as she didn't move slight a bit, couldn’t stand the sheepishness.

On the other hand, Zoro immediately got up as his brain finished processing what happened. He turned to face the culprit and growled, ignoring all the whistles and teasing cries around him. Madly pissed over the occurrence.

Not sure what was happening, but just as he was about to scold them, the next thing happened was they all startled by a loud bang of slamming door. Showing a glimpse of some strands black hair fluttered and disappeared behind the door before completely closing.

End of Chapter 2

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Prelude

Robin woke up just as dawn began. It had only been a few hours since she went to sleep but she knew there was no chance she’d get back asleep this morning. Once she gathered herself, she headed straight downstairs, cleaning up all the mess after yesterday's celebration; swept up the scattered confetti, arranged glasses, restocked the alcohol, and so on; preparations for the second day the bar opened.

About half an hour had passed, she had to surprise by Zoro's sudden appearance on the stairs, looking as sleepy as he could crawl back into bed right after.

“You up at dawn… never thought I’d see the day.” Robin greeted him with a smile.

Zoro nodded lazily and went back upstairs, she continued her previous work for another hour. When Robin returned to 2^nd floor, she found Zoro waiting for boiled water by the stove. She threw herself onto the comfortable sofa in the living room.

"Coffee?", Zoro followed and sat next to her not long after, handing her a cup of coffee.

Robin smiled and gladly accepted it. She sipped the hot coffee and it couldn't be any more delightful.

“Oh my god, I love you.”

Robin said it. Zoro smirked coyly at the comments.

“Who? Me or the coffee?”, he teased.

Robin flicked and considered for a second. Was Zoro… flirting?

“Can it be both?”, she replied.

Zoro barely misses a beat. “As long as I’m first.”

Robin brushed it off and took another sip. Her eyes caught the newest framed photo that was hanging on the front wall. There, showing all the Strawhats smiling broadly in front of a building with "Niro's Bar" sign on it. She still got chills upon the thought of the first steps of a new series of her lives had begun. And it really felt complete when one of the fondest memories was surrounded by her loved ones.

“You won't let go of that smile of yours for a second, will you?”

“My mood couldn't get any better.”

Zoro grinned hearing that, but was happy for her sake. Six months passed since they lived together and only yesterday they were able to officially open their bar.  

“You have no idea how much I like the word “NiRo”. How can you come up with that?”

Arching a brow and shrugging, Zoro replied relentlessly, “It's 02/06. The grand opening's date. You know, ni=2 and ro=6.”

That had left Robin to stun. Was this really the Zoro she had always known? It made her caught off guard with the way he thought.

"And since it’s your birthday too, that could also mean Ni=Nico and Ro=Robin."

"God, Zoro, how does no one tell me you're a genius?"

Zoro flashed his most smug grin. Of course he would never admit how endeavoring to put his best foot forward thinking of the best name for their bar. Just then, he turned focusing back on her. How relieved he felt with the first glimpse of her immaculate smile on their beginning phase of life.

“Actually, it got the other meaning,” Zoro paused, Robin stared with questioning look.

“NiRo. Nico Robin and Roronoa Zoro.”

Zoro smiled widely when he said that while Robin blinked innocently unsure of how to respond. His words shocked her mute and paralyzed.

Again… was Zoro literally flirting?

Chapter Text

“Where’s your real body?”

“Wandering around the grove, I guess.”

“At this hour? Three days in row?”

“She does what she does.”

“Didn’t you think the real you avoiding me these days?”

She shrugged. Not even intending to answer. Resuming her activities, she wiped off the bar table and arranged some glasses preparing for the bar to be opened in few hours.

Seeing such reaction, the swordsman growled in frustration. Furious, cause he still didn’t have a clue about what was going on.

Robin been acting weird lately. Awfully way-out. She spoke less. Not that she was normally talkative, but she did speak quite a bit in the last few days. Never started a conversation, much less teasing him like she usually did. Only responded to him concisely if necessary. Could tell she was upset with him, but he didn’t know why.

As long as he could remember, this was the first time she appeared like this. A decade of living together made him completely catch on what her habits were. She sometimes got upset if he happened to not coming home, or when he had duel around the bar and caused chaos. Yet, starting a cold war was never in her option to vent her fury. She would prefer to pretend everything was fine and keep her smile wide while secretly stuffing something poisonous into his food.

And so he is.

Swear on Kitetsu behalf, he’d rather eat her poisonous food than have to face her hostility.

At least, eating those things would never actually kill him. Yet, her oh-so-unfriendly manner really choked him up till he couldn’t even breathe properly.

Zoro gasped, snapped out from his reverie. Better go now to freshen up minds, he thought.

Taking a step forward, he drew closer to the clone of his housemate. Pulling the back of her head, then gave a gentle peck on her forehead. “I’m off.”

He said, as he paused a bit to see her reaction.

Which, only disappointment he got.

She just hummed in response, and still acting to remain busy on her business. Didn’t even bother to give him smile nor a quick glance.

He sighed, grimaced inwardly.

Even her clone tended to ignore him.

Besides NiRo, this was one of his favorite bars across the archipelago. Aside from its great taste of liquor, the bar was located in the lawless area. That made it often to have some free shows –read: fight– he could watch, or even get involved in. (like this time)

It was only his terrible state of mood that left him indifferent to it all now.

Away from the crowd, he positioned himself in the corner of the room, by the window, not the least bit interested in getting involved in the current commotion going on.

Instead, it seemed like he was more interested in something he saw outside the window, from the across bar. His eyes transfixed on it as if it was the most spectacular show that he didn't want to miss every single detail on the scene.

There, the two friends of his, were seen together. Enjoying wine while talking and giggling. Nothing strange (except the fact that they chose to drink at another bar, while one of them had her own). Nevertheless, under normal circumstances, he would definitely approach them and join the conversation. Yet, the impossibility of describing what he felt at the very moment drove him crazy.

Roronoa Zoro was not a jealous person, he really wasn’t. He didn’t do jealousy, he would like to think that he was above such petty emotions. No, jealousy wasn’t something he was experiencing right now, he was merely annoyed. Yes, annoyed was good.

The thing was, Nico Robin had been avoiding him for the past few days but she could act that friendly hanging out with Trafalgar Law?

Zoro took another chug of his liquor, basked in the burning sensation that the alcohol leaves behind.

“You want another one, Roronoa?”

Turning around, Zoro watched how the bartender approached him with a bottle of booze. Without wiping the glare of his face, he gave the guy a grateful nod.

“Yes, thanks Duval”, Zoro replied as he filled his mug.

“No problem”

Redirecting his focus once more on Robin and Law, Zoro took a large sip. He was so occupied with throwing glares at them that he didn’t notice Duval taking a seat next to him.

“I don't think she even realizes that he's flirting with her.”

Acknowledging the statement with a small huff, Zoro took another sip. “Men flirt with her everyday. I don’t care.”

At that, Duval couldn’t help but let out a snort of disbelief. Shaking his head, he sipped from his own mug.

Zoro couldn't care that Robin was drinking with a friend at this early hour. Neither did the fact that the woman acted weird by drinking her drink in an unusual amount bother him. Or when he noticed there were too many unnecessary skinship occurred between her and Law. No, he absolutely did not care about that. His eyes were just simply narrowing, when he observed Robin laughing, like actually laughing at something Torao said.

“Is that why you’ve been glaring holes into the two of them? Because you don’t care?”, Duval jested, chuckling when Zoro tensed momentarily before facing him.

“Watch your tone,” Zoro snapped, feeling irritated at being caught brooding.

Duval lifted his hands in surrender, but there was still a smirk gracing his lips.

“I was merely saying that for someone who states that he doesn’t care, your body language suggests that you clearly do.” Duval countered.

“Well, I don’t. Just drop it, Duval. I don’t want to talk about it.”

From the tone of Zoro’s voice, Duval knew that pushing him wouldn’t help, so he simply nodded and gulped down his remaining drink.

Turning his head slightly, Duval glanced to watch the situation at the across bar. He narrowed eyes when the woman leaned closer to the man. She better not doing what he thinks she’s going to do. When he heard a faint snort from his right, he realized that Zoro had caught on and was also looking at the scene in front of them.

Duval had to grit his teeth when the woman placed a kiss on the man’s lips. “Oh – oh. Someone’s in trouble”, Duval snickered.

Averting his gaze, Zoro gulped down his booze and slammed the tankard onto the table before he left without a word.

There was no reason for him to stay there any longer.

Law scrutinized intently the woman who was drooping down in front of him, drowning her face in the folded hands. The mix of feeling shame and sorry made her unable to face him, preferring to hide her face so that he couldn’t see it.

“You better have good explanation for that.”

His distinctive deep voice broke the silence, jerked her out, causing her squirmed shakily in her seat. “Sorry.” She mumbled, still in that state. “I was too drunk.”

He met her by chance this morning, when he was about returned to his inn after a night of insights hunting. Had already noticed, something was definitely wrong with her the second he saw her walking unsteadily with a blank gaze. However, when she started asking him whether he would to have liquor together, –instead of her favorite coffee, he could tell it should be much worse than he thought.

“Do you really think I would go for that?”

No.

She knew she couldn’t fool him with such a reason. She indeed had a little headache because of the liquor, but not that much until made her lost consciousness. And she knew he was completely aware about it.

“Sorry.” She titled her head up, to meet his gaze. “I must be out of mind.”

Robin straightened her back, sat up straight. Briefly rubbing her face, and running her hands through the hair. She surely looked not in very good state due to her mixed emotions.

"Everything’s alright with you and Zoro-ya?", he questioned.

“Huh?”, she gave him a questioning look, completely clueless as to what he meant.

Now that he could see her more clearly, she seemed to be in an even worse shape. Pale skin, wistful eyes, and he could swear everyone would be able to see the dark circles under her eyes.

“Oh, I think you’re feeling a bit green”, he smugly commented, hiding his grin when Robin threw a glare in his direction. 

"I'm fine", replied Robin briefly, irritably.

Law watched her thoughtfully for a few minutes, then sighed, "He isn't interested in her, you know."

“Who?”, frowning, Robin gazed back at Law, a question clear in her eyes. Rolling eyes at her feigned ignorance, Law jerked his head towards the opposite bar, where Zoro was previously.

“I don't know", Law paused for a moment before continuing, "But if Zoro-ya somehow happens to make you jealous, to the point you use random person to get back at him, whoever it is, trust me she's not your contender.”

Robin frowned. There were so many misses in his words. "I was not using you", she corrected. "And you are not a random person."

A brief pause occurred, before she added, "And I'm not jealous."

Law smirked mockingly. “Don’t play dumb, Nico-ya.” He sipped his remaining wine. “I know you were just about to pass by when I greeted you, but you immediately asked me for a drink as you noticed Zoro-ya nearby.”

She rolled her eyes. “You and your thoughts.”

“Oh, did I mention that you kissed me as soon as you realized Zoro-ya still watching us from the across bar? And broke apart when he left?”

Robin’s eyes squinted. “Tell, with your haki. Was he really leaving or hiding somewhere near?”

Law gave her taunting look. “And why it concerned you whether he’s here or not?” He teased, in a very annoying tone.

Robin quirked. “Damn you.”

Law laughed.

He poured the wine into their empty glasses. “But, really though, I must admit I was a little shocked when you kissed me suddenly out of nowhere.” Lifted his glass up, motioning to have a cheers. Robin took it, tossing her glass with his, and sipped the wine delightfully. “Now, how should I apologize to Zoro-ya”

Robin smiled crookedly. "My, don't sound it like you didn't want it, Torao-kun.”

He arched a brow. “Indeed, I am.” He approved. “I wouldn’t do that to my friend’s woman.”

She scoffed. “You literally kissed me back for about ten seconds.”

“That was a reflex.”

“Is slipping your tongue also part of it?”

Law's cheek heated up. “Shut up.” He cut. ”You deflected the topic.”

Managed to control his embarrassment, he returned to let out his cocky grin and leaned closer to her. “What happened between you and Zoro-ya?”

Robin's eyes turned to be sharpened as she stared at him coldly. “Nothing happened.” She replied, in a flat tone, shifting her gaze afterward, refused to meet his eyes. “To be exact, there was never anything to begin with.”

“Tell that to everyone and I assure you no one will believe.”

She shrugged. “People indeed like to assume things that never exist.”

He furrowed brows, his finger tapping on the table as he stared at the woman currently drinking her wine in disbelieve.

If there is something she is bad for, maybe realizing the affection that's directed at her is the answer.

“Hey.” Law called, Robin turned to look him. “Mind if I show it to you?”

Robin was thinking about the meaning of his words when she felt a hand cupping her chin gently and pulled it forward by sudden. To be caught up with Law’s face which was already inches away from hers. She could feel the touch of their tip nose as his soft breath tickled beneath her cheeks. He titled his head aside, making a perfect position to press against her lips.

“What are you doing?”

“No worries, your knight will arrive within seconds.”

She felt dumbfounded got her once more as she saw Law was doing nothing except letting out his wicked grin. And not sure what was happening, but the next thing come was she’s dragged away by a rough, gentle hand that took her by arm. Making her inevitably followed the tugging before realizing that it was the familiar green headed who drew her.

She took time to glance at Law.

He still there, sitting casually while sipping his remaining wine, with an annoying, smug smirk perked on his lips.

End of Chapter 3

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.

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Prelude

Zoro clutched his arm, growling and grunting like an injured dog. It was his fault, starting a fight just for the sake of feeling something, once again. He had to angrily and shamefully walk back to Sunny and just drink it off until he passed out.

He hoped to silently sneak in without anyone noticing, no questions asked, no fuss, no attention. No Chopper. No Curly brow.

But that was wishful thinking.

Arriving at the ship, he went straight to the Crow's Nest, spotting that someone was also there. Thankfully, it was Robin.

“You ever sleep?” Zoro rhetorically asked. He knew the sleeping habits of this particular friend well.

“Could ask you the same thing”, Robin responded, turning face from the book to Zoro. Noticing him hunching and clutching his arm, she looked him up and down worriedly. “What happened to you?”, Robin actually had several guesses and all of them had the theme of fighting in common.

When Zoro didn’t answer, Robin sighed, knowing better than to ask further questions. “Let me clean you up at least.”

Zoro’s eye glued to Robin’s as she cleaned his wound.

“Got something on my face?”, Robin asked, Zoro only now acknowledging his eye unmoving on Robin’s face and looked away.

“Nah, nothin’ guess I got hit in the head.” Zoro deflected, his eye connected to hers again for a quick moment but spoke as if it meant nothing. “What you doin’ up this late anyway?”

“I was waiting for you.”

Zoro snorted and let out a smirk, “Careful, sounds like you’re starting to like me.” he commented, earning a shrug from Robin.

When Robin finished, she said her farewell going into her room and took a rest. Zoro said thanks and pulled Robin closer to his, giving her a gentle kiss on her forehead.

It lasted for a few moments of pause, both of them seemed to have taken aback to what was currently happening. But they let it slide for this time.

Unfortunately, their semi-acknowledgement didn’t stop it from happening again.

In fact, it became a regular occurrence.

Unless they had other team members with them, their way of saying goodbye had turned into Zoro kissing Robin on the forehead. It was an unspoken rule that Zoro didn’t want to think about, and Robin didn’t want to risk their new form of celebration. Because no one could deny that Zoro kissing Robin’s forehead would mean no more than a mere token of appreciation. They were friends, who now giving a kiss on the forehead. Regularly.

This was safe. This could be explained away as platonic.

Right?

Chapter Text

Zoro was making an all-out effort to drag Robin back to their house, but what could he do? She was too rebellious. So, he carried her.

With his arms full with an inebriated and enraged Robin, Zoro made his way over to their bar, going upstairs, and heading straight to her quarters, trying his best not to drop her. Which wasn’t easy with the way she was constantly moving.

“Either you hold still or I’ll drop you”, he warned her, inwardly smiling when she immediately stills.

With a glare, Robin looked up, “You wouldn’t”, she countered with confidence, but he could hear some doubt creeping in her voice.

“You really want to find out?”, he challenged.

Biting her lower lip, she shook her head before breaking eye contact. 

Feeling relieved at this tiny victory, Zoro rounded one last corner before coming to a halt at her quarters. He gently let her go before opening the door and ushering her inside. Quickly he followed her inside before she could lock the door and shut him out. Robin watched with crossed arms how he locked the door behind him and leaned against it.

“Really? Wine at this hour? Even the birds haven't woken up to drink last night's rainwater."

That's kind of rhetorical so Zoro let it slide when she remained silent. Taking a look in her flushed cheeks and tight grip on her own hands, his eyes laced with confusion and concern. “Robin, if you're feeling ill, I don't think you should be drinking”, he remarked.

There was still no response. Zoro ruffled his hair, frustrated.

Huffing harshly, Zoro scowled at her. "Oh, come on Robin, been days since you last talk to me. Don’t you think we need to get something done?"

“What I do is not your concern. I’m perfectly capable of deciding what I should or shouldn’t do.”, Robin exclaimed, “and I would like it if you left me alone, swordsman.”

At the mention of a nickname he hadn't heard in a long time, Zoro took a step back, looking as if she had physically punched him. Robin looked at him straight in the eyes. A flashback of the kiss ran through her mind and she could feel the anger flood through her. They continued to silently stare at each other for a couple of seconds and that was tense.

Zoro was the first one to wake from their little ‘stare contest’ because he let out a sigh.

“Alright, that’s it. I don’t know what’s bothering you, but you’ve had enough”, he grunts, “I’m not leaving before you tell me what’s wrong.”

“I’ve told you before, I’m fine. Besides, since when do you care how I feel?”, she snapped while trying her best to control the anger she was currently feeling.

“Since when do I-- ?”, Zoro started but stopped to close his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes, Robin could tell that she got under his skin and he was getting annoyed. “I thought we were passed this?”

“I guess we are not. Why don’t you go back hanging out with your navy friends? I’m sure that there’s somebody who is awaiting your return impatiently”, she muttered.

Zoro frowned at her words.

Is she talking about Tashigi?

Whatever it was, Zoro had to postpone thinking about it because he had to clutch his arm, growling and grunting. It was his fault, being reckless in the middle of a fight, but he thought he could have endured it a little longer.

Noticing him hunching and clutching his arm, Robin looked him up and down. Her eyes scanning, much to her dismay.

“Robin, I'm…” Robin paused, glancing at him. There was a hint of doubt in his voice that left him took a pretty long pause. Sinking into her sea-clear eyes he longed for before finally moving his hand up, loosening his kimono so that his left shoulder bare exposed, showing how the flowing red liquid adorned it.

“Wounded.”

They sat on the bed in a complete silence. All first-aid kits scattered on the bar table as Robin treated the swordsman’s wound placidly.

Robin cursed herself inwardly for not noticing it earlier. He had carried her all the way home and she didn't notice the amount of blood seeping through his clothes?

Grimacing, her eyes squinted at the red scrape on his shoulder that turned out to be deeper than she thought. She carefully wiped the beads of blood covering most of his arm before cleaning it and giving it disinfectant. She picked up the loop of bandage and wrapped it on the wound. Yet, the blood was seeping again so that stained the bandage. Opened the gauze, Robin wiped it again, then slightly pressed it, to ease up on the bleeding. And so on until the bleeding subsided.

In contrast to Robin’s tension, Zoro seemed to be dead careless about his own injuries, watching her silently. Feeling that despite the mere gash, at least he had explored to the inner shrine of her face which showed an earnest concern.

"Don’t you think this place will turn red if I die with that much blood loss?" Zoro broke the silence.

She glared at him with a look that conveyed not the time for his foolish jokes.

Taking advantage of her distraction, the swordsman managed to hold her hand that was bandaging his wound, grinning at an even sharper glare he received. “That’s your joke, I was just copying it."

She swatted away his hold and returned to take care of the wounds. Zoro rolled his only good eye.

The silence lasted for another long moments.

When Robin finished stopping the bleeding, she returned to try bandaging Zoro’s wound, in hopes that the blood wouldn’t seep out again. She picked up another loop of bandages, then covered the wound with it in a quick flash, so that it wouldn't open up again. She let out a relief sigh as it worked.

"How?"

Zoro blinked, Robin looked at him in the eye. "How you get this wound?" She asked.

His lips involuntarily formed a stupid grin before answering, "Remember the brat who challenged me a year or two ago? The one that babbling about he’d surpass anyone by becoming both pirate king and greatest swordsman in the future."

Robin shifted her gaze, returned to focus on bandaging him, but he knew she was still listening.

Zoro continued. “When I was looking for you this morning, I met him by chance and he appeared to have gotten much stronger since the last time we saw him that I had to draw two swords. I was far too underestimated him when he asked for a rematch and wasn’t in the mood to deal with anyone, so here it is, the result.” Zoro shrugged his left shoulder, showing that’s what he got. “But, it’s okay, all fine. He lost, and I won. He still needs whole lot more things before reaching my level.”

Robin did not reply immediately. Zoro clenched his teeth in nerve, hoping she would make any kind of response so that they wouldn’t drift into quietness once more.

“You drew two swords and still got this?” Robin retorted, in a flat tone. But enough to make Zoro scream inwardly, ignoring even if her words were a mockery or something. “Maybe your age catching up.”

Zoro chuckled. “Hah, if I’m old, then you are—”

He instantly cut short when he felt a deep stab of anger eyes glared at him, making him shut right away and mumbling ‘sorry’ afterward.

The silence returned to envelop them for a while, and Zoro once again was the one who broke it.

“How have you been?”, he paused a bit before added, “…with Torao?”

Robin halted to meet his eye. “I have no idea what you mean by that, swordsman.”

“Damn, you avoided it. Didn’t know this supposed to be that serious.”

“…”

“How did you end up in that situation with him?”

“What situation.”

“You know.”

“I don’t.”

“You kissed him.”

Robin felt like her breath caught in the throat as they stared at each other with an observing look. Her grip on his bandages unwittingly tightened before she turned her attention back to his shoulder, pretending to be more focused on it even though her minds drifted somewhere else. “There was never been anything. It just happened as it is.”

Zoro grabbed her hand, stopping her from continuing to wrap his wound and making them to look at each other again. “Did you two play silly game and make silly bets?”

Had she just imagined it but his voice went up a level higher. “No, I told you. It is as it seems.”

Zoro's grip on her hand tightened, eye flashed a light she couldn’t describe. "Are you implying you were voluntarily kissing him?"

To some of point in degrees, she could understand a certain image he showed her. He held her hand, in a very tight grip, the sudden flare of anger reflected from his gaze and attitude. Her natural inclination was to end the nonsense strife between them, but she didn’t get the idea of his current state to begin with. She was the one who should be upset, not the other way around.

“And, if I am?” Robin retorted mindlessly. ”There’s nothing wrong with kissing someone you like.”

There was a pause, Zoro couldn’t believe his hearing. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me. I like him.”

“Robin, I was being serious.”

“And so am I.”

“We both know, you don’t.”

The silence drifted back as they shared a sharp look. Robin clamped up, not denying. While Zoro was trying his best to hold back as the irritation pricked at him.

Their tense atmosphere was broken by the presence of Robin's clone. Her half body emerged from the floor looking at the two of them in confusion.

"Am I interrupting something?", asked the clone.

Both former swordsman and archeologist of pirate king crewmates immediately looked away. Zoro snorted, while Robin asked what happened to his clone.

“Everything's ready to open the bar. And his Marines buddies came over asking if it was possible for her gang to gather again here this afternoon to celebrate the last day before returning to their base.”

Robin was silent for a pretty long moment that Zoro thought if she and Tashigi really had some beef.

“Seems like the heart pirates will also be there as they recently had worked on a mission together”, Robin's clone added.

Zoro winced faintly, wasn't that fond of the idea.

"That can be arranged," answered Robin, Zoro instantly turned to look at her in disbelief. “In that case, we won't open the bar today.” Robin continued.

The frown on Zoro’s brows couldn’t get any deeper.

Like, really?

Whether she meant to or not, but she sounded it like she agreed because of the heart pirates would be there too.

“Okay. I'll tell her we'll work on it”, Robin’s clone disappeared as she said it.

Robin nodded back and then headed out of the room to join her clones in preparing for the feast.

"What are you doing?” Zoro asked, as he saw her left the room. ”You haven't finished bandaging me." He persisted.

“Just tie the end that hanging from your shoulder with the other end. You can do it by yourself.”

“Wait, we’re not done talking yet.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Robin said, as she continued to walk up. Tired of everything Zoro related, and she just wanted to be away from it momentarily.

Unfortunately, it seemed like she couldn't do it immediately as the next thing happened, Zoro caught her surprise by having her pinned through the wall, and his dark, piercing eye shoved her even more. "Don't you dare just leave." He hissed.

If only it was the usual circumstances, a red hue would have graced her cheeks by now as their faces were only inches apart. Feeling her heart flutter alarmingly at the unwavering look in his eyes, as she stared back with an equally intense gaze.

Yet, it wasn't. The situation was different now on and she had enough already with all the misleading intimacy he did, that lead them to their current situation.

Later on, her eyes narrowed, returned glaring at him fiercely, as her limbs came out of his back and the sound of bones cracking was heard.

Zoro sat there in annoyance. Surrounded by both captain of the G5 naval and captain of heart pirates with a few of their respective subordinates, he just kept his mouth shut while occasionally swallowed his booze, wishing it could distract him rather than from listening to their slander.

He was waking up on his bed with numb suppressed all over his body. Had completely aware, it would be bad decision for him to have encounter with Robin at her current state. Though he did expect her wrath, but crashing him with a deadly clutch never crossed his minds.

Zoro was just lucky, that she didn’t let him lie unconscious on the floor just like that. Instead, she took him to the bed, fixed the bandage on his shoulder, and laid him under a warm blanket. It looked like she also applied ointment for soreness as he could feel the warmth that radiated on his back.

Yet, it felt like he just made another wrong decision by coming to the first floor.

His already bad mood got more worsened as he decided to gather around, joining the banquet on the bar.

What was originally intended to straighten his mind for a moment, drinking boozes, and mingling with the crowd, turned out that he had to listen whole nonsense chatter from those imbeciles.

“You should’ve seen his face when that happened.”

Someone in navy outfit burst out laughing, followed by giggles from the rest of his comrades. Grinning as patted his friend’s head whose face was boiling. “It’s like he thought Nico Robin would go to him just because the swordsman accidentally kissed another girl.”

Everyone laughed. Surgeon of Death remained content with his wine, only glancing at the navy captain girl who was trying her best to hide her blushing face. The greatest swordsman didn't care, continuing to just drink his liquor. While the one who was the subject of discussion at this time became even more red with embarrassment.

“Shut it!” He had enough of all those teasing cries. “It's not like I don't know that she's never seen me.”

“Ow, ow, what’s with all sudden unconfident look? One can always hope, dear.”

“Don’t blame him. I guess he had seen something else.” The heart pirate guy defended.

All raised a brow. One of the other heart pirate crew members began to massage his captain's shoulders, while the rest were grinning. Making the former shicibukai –now : a yonko frowned suspiciously.

“Days after the incident, it’s our captain make a progress.”

Trafalgar Law choked. “The hell that supposed to mean?”

Ignoring the upset, blushing captain, he kept going. “It wasn't exposed to many people, since it happened in early hours and taken place at a deserted suburban café, but it surely will leave you gaping open if you see it in person.”

“Oi, oi”, Law tried to cut the topic.

His subordinates cared nothing, grinning even wider. “This morning, Captain Law and Nico Robin-–”

*BRAKK!*

All parties startled at the noise, turning to the source. To find the green haired swordsman who was still holding tight his tankard which was previously pounded onto the table, gritted his teeth with an overflowing countenance. The vein on his temple twitching, and his gaze traveled to each of them with an emphasis.

“She is mine,” he stated.

He traveled gaze to all of them once again before averting fixed towards Law. “She’s mine.” Zoro repeated in a more intensity.

The sound of the clock ticking, indicating the seconds, and minutes had passed was making Zoro becoming cognizant of his unexpected actions. He diverted his gaze at the realization, looking at the wooden floor as he said, "I gotta go."

And he left. Just like that. Leaving anyone there still clamped up, before returning to enjoy their banquet, acting as if there was nothing happened.

As for that, the two captains who was also been silent in their respective thoughts, sighed and toasted before sipping their drink.

“I told you, Trafalgar. We don’t stand a chance.”

End of Chapter 4

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Prelude

Roronoa Zoro couldn't remember how long he had been out, six months probably, (or more), but a strong urge told him that it was enough of wandering, so he made his way back home.

It was early morning when he arrived so he was not surprised by the lack signs of activity in the bar. When he went upstairs and it was still not there, that was when he frowned a little. He snuck into Robin's bedroom and it was empty. He wondered where she went.

Not that he had to worry about her. The woman was quite capable. In fact, anyone who tried to catch trouble with her was either too brave or extremely stupid.

She would come anyway to open the bar, so he slipped into the bathroom then rested on his long-abandoned bed while waiting for her. He accidentally fell asleep and when he woke up it was already midnight.

He checked on Robin again in her room but she was still not there. When he came downstairs and found her there, he couldn't describe how pleasant it was to see her again after so long.

At the particular moment, Zoro knew.

He could be homesick over a person, too.

Nico Robin slid down lazily onto the bar counter, Zoro quickly catching her glass which she had almost knocked over. He sighed, pushing the empty glass to the side, and placed a hand on Robin’s shoulder, shaking it lightly.

Robin grumbled. “ ‘M sorry, Zoro… but I had such a *hic* shitty day…”, she slurred.

"It's bedtime for you," Zoro said, cradling Robin's arm. “Let's get up.”

“Can’t tell me what to do,” Robin mumbled at him, leaning heavily on her chair, then grabbed a fistful of the fabric of Zoro’s shirt. “I don’t *hic* wanna leave yet…”, she whined.

Zoro fell silent, relented. Robin caressed his jaw and looked up to meet his gaze.

“What, what is it?”, he asked when Robin’s stare became more intense.

“You’re sexy…”, she cooed.

Zoro flushed.

“Yeah, and you’re drunk as fuck.” He let go of his chin almost instantly.

“Heh, you act as if I never tell you that… *hic* ” , she teased.

“Heard it a time or two,” Zoro shrugged, suppressing a grin.

“About it, Zoro… you come back *hic* just now, huh?”, Robin replied as she realized that Zoro was actually here right now. Her arms immediately reached out to his neck embracing him, “Zoroo… *hic* don't wander off *hic* for that looong time. It's *hic* only our 5th year… but *hic* you've been out over a year for like *hic* three times a roww~ ”, Robin complained through hiccups.

Zoro softened, hugging her back, "Sorry that I stayed away for so long. You didn't get much trouble, did you?"

“All I’m asking for is some more intimacy.” *hic*

“Do you?”

“I do.”

“Aren't we now?”

Robin released their embrace and swung her arm lazily. “Don’t get so hot-headed,” she pouted in anger, but Zoro found it cute. It was a rare sight to find her in such a state, so he let her entertain him for another few moments.

“I’m missing you so much Zoroo... like, very muuch~ ”

Zoro chuckled, “Shut up, woman. I don't wanna find you committed suicide the next day if you remember.”

"People say Cupid's arrow determines a person's fate, but how can we know whether the arrow is on target or not," continued Robin babbling incoherently.

Unable to hold it in any longer, Zoro burst out laughing, "You’d wish to die tomorrow. Your reputation is ruined."

Robin's pout deepened as Zoro didn't stop laughing.

“Look, I’m just… it’s not my fault if I…. I’m just not used to this whole love thing. Fuck, the strongest emotion I ever felt was the familial bond I feel towards Strawhat.. and shit, you are part of it. This is all just so new to me.. and strange…” And dare she say, scary.

Zoro blinked at her slowly, a grin still plastered on his face. Her blue eyes met his gaze with genuine innocence.

There, he realized he might not have been pining alone all this time.

“I suppose I will try to be more.. considerate.. with you...” He meant it. Even though Robin wasn't fully sober, or that she might not remember what happened tonight.

"Thank you," Robin commented. Then she leaned heavily into his and for a moment Zoro panicked, thinking she had passed out, but instead he felt her nuzzle the crook of his neck. "Promise me you won't be gone for long."

"I promise," Zoro said. "Let's get upstairs, shall we?" Robin nodded.

As he carried Robin to her room, he laughed inwardly. He thought —he hoped— that even if Robin didn't remember confessing her feelings tonight, she would at least keep her feelings in check and wouldn't change it anytime soon. That way, she might tell him again.

And that, he would be able to tell her in return.

Chapter Text

It was close to 3 a.m.

The day changed hours ago, but he couldn’t sleep.

Nor did he even try to.

Zoro stared blankly at the ceiling that hung above him, his mind canvasing the annoying ideas on the white plaster wall. Lying restlessly on the lounge room’s sofa, he was bombarded with irritating question that took at the fore of his thoughts.

Honestly.

How on Earth did all this start.

The most direct accelerant was probably three days ago, when the G-5 gang stopped by Sabaody and happened to be drinking at their café; that led Robin in not speaking terms with him. It wasn't fair. Zoro knew herself well enough to know that she was jealous of Tashigi. She shouldn't be, but she was.

The thing was, he had been desperate to not let it bother but Robin then soured it all with her dealings with Law.

Sure, he had heard Usopp say, jealous girls tended to do stupid things.

But she was not any girl. The gorgeous mature, brilliant, Nico Robin. The word stupid sounds anything but right to her.

As pirates, it was common for them to mingle with any kind of people. He had few female acquaintances, and he was sure many of her acquaintances were men as well. It had never been a problem before. That their way was not right or proper or any way within the boundaries of normal behavior hardly matters.

He wondered what was the trigger.

Or.

It was simply that he misjudged everything all along.

Maybe he was indeed only a quite ordinary housemate. Maybe there was never anything special about them, not even something essential.

Oh, hell.

He despised every waking second of it, as if his mind was forcing him to through the infuriating slideshow of missed opportunities and what-ifs it conjured up just to spite him even further.

What if.

He stuck to the idea.

What if Robin actually likes him?

Zoro wanted to chew his teeth in just at the thought of it.

He felt like Robin and Law were kinda vibin’ more and more for the past few days.

Tonight’s scenario popped up persistently in his head; the moment when the party was over and everyone had left, the Death Surgeon walking casually up to his partner, asking if she had time to talk alone. Still fresh in his memory how gladly Robin accepted the offer with the friendliest “sure” he ever heard. Might he just exaggerate, it still was a cheerful response that she gave.

What if Law confesses to Robin?

Zoro groaned.

It was agonizing to think about it.

In fact, he chose not to do anything and entered his home through the back door after witnessing the scene.

Despite his self-awareness, he was being insecure. Were they so used to each other's companion that she felt nothing but a familial bond towards him?

He didn’t know how to make it clearer that he has feeling for her, and he thought, she was feeling the same.

"You awake?", Robin asked, just arriving.

Zoro's eyes snapped to attention, turning towards the source of the sound that drifted into his ears.

“Can't sleep.” He returned, heaving dryly as he shuddered. A brief pause, then Zoro continued, “You coming late.”

Robin nodded, "I just finished cleaning up downstairs." She explained as she walked towards the kitchen, getting a glass of water. "The party was a complete mess and Heart Pirates stayed longer than expected."

The air remained still around his breaths.

“How was the date?”, Zoro reluctantly asked, recalling to what he had planned in his headspace.

He waited.

“When you said Heart Pirates, only Law stayed up late, right?”, Explaining further as he was unable to bear hearing her swerve.

“It was okay,” Robin said, despite the urges to refute. “We clarified things, and now we’re good.”

Zoro sucked in another gulp of air, his heart now racing with his electrifying thoughts.

“You two officially dating now?” Zoro asked boldly.

Robin frowned in offense, “What’s up with you wanting me to date him?"

“I don’t want you to date him.”

There was a beat of silence. Then, Zoro looked away. What does he tell her?

Making up his mind, he walked over to where she was. Robin noticed him approaching, set her glass aside and took another in case he needed it. “We ran out of beer. There’re plenty bottles of wine, though.”

Zoro took the bottle she handed and stood still. There was something he was holding back, but his lips couldn't get it out.

"Do you need help?", Robin asked when he didn’t shift.

Zoro thought for two seconds.

Whatever. Damn it.

He gave up.

“Do you have a moment?”, Zoro hung the question for a few beats then continued, “I think we need…”

Talking.

“…watching TV.”

Robin frowned.

Zoro cursed inwardly.

It was quiet then, not uncomfortably so. Just quiet, with the TV noises in the background. And then the room was filled with the faint sounds of eating, the two comrades cross legged on the sofa, nibbling snacks while the occasional snicker or giggle escaping on or the other, commenting over the airing program they were watching.

Both Zoro and Robin didn’t fare too well when it came to lack of sleep, so these were what they usually did when insomnia hit them once in a while.

Despite their early tension, the two tried their best to act as if nothing had happened even if there was a lot going on in each other's heads. And it seemed like they were pretty good at covering up the awkward atmosphere, though the empty bottle of wine spoke louder for itself.

“I used to brush my hair with toothbrush”, Zoro uttered in his seat, thinking there was no big deal of the comedy-featured shows.

Another nonsense he blurted out to stall away the topic he actually wanted to talk about. The all too familiar feeling of unease clutched his stomach that he needed more time.

Robin, despite the fact many things gearing in her minds, still paid attention to the show they were watching. Initially smiling at the joke, she had to let her lips loosen at Zoro's comment. If she froze in half-astonishment, half-disgusted, she didn't show it.

“You brush your hair?”, Robin returned flatly.

“You must think of World’s Dirtiest Man.” Zoro got up towards the kitchen and grabbed two other bottles of wine that were still in the corner, unopened. He opened both of them with a corkscrew before brought them back to the living room.

By the time he turned back, the TV had been turned off and Robin was sitting with her back against the sofa’s arm, legs pulled up to her chest. She leaned against the backrest with an elbow and pressed her fingers to her temple.

“I didn't even know you showered until we lived together”, Robin said after he sat down next to her.

“Really? That's what you think of me?”, Zoro held up the bottle before poured it into the glasses.

Robin shrugged, "It's common knowledge on the ship."

Had she imagined, to have him so close made the sofa felt warmer and more comfortable, even if it was coincidental. If it was.

Zoro handed her one of the glasses. “That explains why my toiletries taking so long to refill.”

Robin swirled the wine and smelled it. They clinked glasses. To nothing, as far as she knew. The full taste spread in her mouth and even beyond. It filled her head and warmed her veins. She closed her eyes and a satisfied smile lit up her face as the intense wave left a nutty aftertaste on her tongue and eased her soul.

“Well, I washed my body with whoever's soap was available”, Zoro paused for a moment then continued, “or using shampoo instead of body soap.”

Robin's eyes shot open. She didn't gape, but it was a close thing. Zoro grinned in satisfaction getting such a reaction.

"And you are proud of it?", Robin asked.

“Nothing to be embarrassed about,” Zoro chided then remembered something. “Oh, and, y’know, that’s actually a child play,” He put down his glass and proceeded, “When I was little, I once frantically looked everywhere for my sword but couldn't find it, and the people around me didn't seem to care at all, which made me even angrier. But it turned out that my sword was in my backpack that I carried the whole time.”

Robin let out a giggle at that. “That’s why you always keep your swords on the waist?”

“It could be. Might be. I don’t really recall the reasons.”

To emphasise his point, Zoro seized the bottle and poured another round. He caught her eyes and leaned back with the satisfaction of defiance. Sinking into the sofa’s backrest didn't feel so comfortable in a while.

And subconsciously, it lit up a spark of competitive air around them. So, it didn't end there. The two promptly ignored the reticence as they went into bantering back and forth, trying to one up the other on 'who had the more embarrassing experience'.

“Oh yeah?”, Robin challenged, waving her hand around, clearly not beaten, “I once smiled at someone, thinking they were my acquaintance, when they turned around and was most definitely not someone I knew,” Robin recounted as she took another sip of her wine. “The look of horror on their face is one I’ll remember, always.”

Zoro arched a brow, “When was it?”

“On my 18^th, or 19^th, something. I was teenage.”

“Then you shouldn't!” Zoro laughed out loud, “You have no one back then. They must think you of a monster.” Pointing his glass at her as he shot a sly smirk her way.

She shoved him over into the sofa, his cackling gaining volume while he just laid there. His joyous mirth bled over into her annoyed frown, causing her lips to quirk and her own giggles to spill out. It took a lot of effort and energy on his part, but he was soon sitting upright and gulping down the rest of his wine.

Taking a moment to pause, imperceptibly they’d been fallen into conversations for hours and hours. Two bottles of wine were empty, likewise with the one in Zoro's glass. Robin sipped her remaining wine in silence. He watched as she emptied her glass and put it on the table. He was fascinated by the flow of the motion, which was ridiculous because she moved just like everyone else. It must have been the alcohol’s effect.

"What?" Robin asked.

"What ‘what’?"

"You're staring."

"Sorry. I was just thinking."

Robin eased into her previous position, leaning against the head of the sofa. “Okay, spill the beans.”

Zoro took a bowl of beans from the table and handed it to her.

“Was that supposed to be another joke?” she yawned, then rubbed at her eyes as well. No more jokes would do as she was in the state of tired, sleepy, and a little drunk.

Robin could feel the welcoming hands gripping the edges of her, until she lay comfortably between the soft sofa and the warmth of someone's embrace, she awarded the feeling for now.

Zoro let his head thud on the sofa, slowly he felt how Robin composed back down. Both of them were napping together on a thin sofa in their living room, yet they seemed relax at their position. While Robin snuggled deeper into her companion side, Zoro curled his fingers in her black locks and took a deep breath,

"Tell me, was Law your ideal man?"

The only thing disturbing her contentment was his question. Luckily from his position Zoro couldn't see her face, couldn't see if she lied. Would she? Really? The truth was much more mundane and there were times when Robin was ashamed of it. Still. After so many years.

"It's a loaded question," she finally ventured, one arm landing around his middle. "He was nothing like you."

Was Trafalgar Law being nothing like him good or bad?

Zoro slid his feet to a better position entwined with Robin’s, not caring much if he mussed up their clothes at the same time. Robin sighed happily drawing lazy circles with her toes as murmuring sleepily her confusion, “What are you on about? Is that all you wanna talk?”

“Hmm,” Zoro suppressed, “Just one friend asking another."

Robin opened her eyes. Yeah, right. His question had been about as innocently friendly as it got. She wondered if for a moment she had expected something else.

"Does that mean I get to ask about your ideal woman too?"

Zoro swallowed. His ideal woman? Tall, kind, smart, self-assured, elegant...all those things came first to his mind, so that must be his ideal. However, if he ever continued, the description would be exactly above plus; having beautiful eyes, a beautiful smile, black haired, can read ancient letters...

"Takes you a long time," came the gentle ribbing from his side, accompanied by a soft dig in the ribs. "Must be a long list."

Robin was anxious to not let the pause grow too long. She wasn't delusional about herself - it had always been more brains than beauty - but knowing it in your mind didn't quite compare to being told that you didn't fulfill the requirements. Though it was a huge effort to face him now, she loosened her embrace and looked up, finding Zoro staring back at her just as intensely.

“Or was it not a woman?”, she teased, lightening the mood, “not both?”

He rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything. Didn't alter their position either.

“I have been telling you, adamantly, for years, that I’m not asexual. Which is true. I have also been telling you, I don’t like boys, especially the shitty cook. Which is also true. I have also been telling you there’s no one I’m interested in. That’s a lie.”

“Okay…” she trailed off, tilting her head at him curiously. “That’s cool. Is there someone in particular?”

The words hung in the air, dangling tauntingly before their eyes. She might have sounded a little more forceful than necessary and he a little more reticent than he really was. Neither of them knew how long the silence had lasted.

"If you think any harder, there'll be steam coming out of your ears," Robin chirped another tease, more to divert his attention from his intense perusal of her than really meaning it. The level of self-awareness that she had made her mentally go through the list of possibilities (smarter, prettier, younger…– ) and each of them soured her mood.

"Just leave it." Zoro finally ventured, his voices sounded thin, "I doubt she'd even consider me."

Robin shrugged, “Maybe you should tell her anyway."

"She wouldn't want to hear it."

"I doubt that. Every woman likes to hear it, even if she doesn't feel the same."

"What's the sense in telling her then?"

"Getting it off your chest?"

“Try again. That’s not very appealing, Robin."

"But true." Robin convinced more, had to surprise that her voice didn't betray her feelings. "You should tell her nonetheless. You might be surprised how receptive she is to your offer."

This time Zoro didn't answer, and after a few minutes, he got up to retrieve the other bottle of wine. With the way their conversation had gone, he figured they needed and deserved another drink. They had gone on a rollercoaster ride of topics and emotion tonight. It unsettled him, she could see it, but more than that she seemed to have hit a nerve.

As he held out the bottle to her, she gratefully held up her glass for a refill. Slowly, he sank back down next to her and gave her a crooked smile, before staring straight ahead. "If a man told you that you are his ideal woman, how would you react?"

He said it earnestly, contemplative, but it was just a hypothetical question, wasn't it? "Unlikely to happen, don't you think?" she deadpanned, aware that it might sound a bit rude.

Unexpectedly, he took it in stride, even though he didn't look at her either. "How would you react?"

Robin looked at him for a long time, blood rushing wildly and building up to a burning knot in her stomach. "Are you asking?"

Zoro didn't reply, unable to make up a clear answer. Was he asking?

Was he really asking?

Annoyed, Robin pushed Zoro off the sofa and give her back turned towards his companion. “I’m not interested in your fake confession. Try fooling someone else.”

Zoro paused momentarily, caught up in shock at both his own question and at Robin’s reaction. He found it amusing, so he merely grinned, still leaning over the sofa with the laughter sparkling in his eyes. “That’s quite embarrassing, Robin. You’re already this old and you still don’t know how to properly reject a confession?”

Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately, depending on which side you look at it, Robin’s current status was tipsy. If the worst happened, he could always use her drunkenness as an excuse.

The following silence was much like the usual, relaxing ones he always enjoyed in her company. He chuckled and fixed his gaze on how her brows furrowed. It had been a long time since he witnessed the delay of her brain.

His eyes dropped down when a small weight pressed against his thigh. He was shocked to find Robin’s foot in his lap. Then, for some reason, he almost laughed out loud. “I was hesitant before, and my insecurities only grew more and more”, Zoro muttered and gave her a knowing smile, “but seeing how your eyes looked made me feel like it wasn't something I needed to worry about.”

Robin’s frown became deeper, “These are the eyes of a drunk old lady.”

Zoro was giving no response and stared at her silently. He wasn’t very aware of how close they were and smiles, and laughs, and emotions; they all bloom within him around this imperfect scenario. The feeling was warm, bordering too warm, stealing the breath from his lungs and the thoughts in his mind. Jealousy crept into him again, remembering this view that Law had witnessed at close range.

He grabbed Robin’s wrist and took another step towards her. His hip touched hers.

Something low in her body reacted. Robin tried pushing him again but he stopped her. Not hard enough to be painful, but definitely enough to convey he was stronger.

“I don’t know what you want to hear from me,” she whispered low, turning head to the side. “I’m exhausted now. You owe me explanation later.”

“Do I? Or do you owe me?”

Hissing noises have peppered the air around them. Robin felt her heart twisted and again, she was baffled more than a little uncomfortable.

“Look, I'm not naïve enough to think that things were something more between us when it started, but…” Zoro took a breath to calm himself, to keep his voice from cracking any more than it already was. “But ten years we lived together, we were always in touch, I’ve been translating my feelings into actions, and I thought… it actually became real for us.”

Their closeness conveyed a subtle intimacy. Zoro was never good at communicating, however, correlations between perceptions of physical resemblance and social closeness and familiarity were positive and statistically significant.

“I don’t owe you explanation. I have made it clear.” He gave her a final whisper.

Robin, on the other hand, still wore the same feelings of inferiority. Some rights probably did require some sign of consent and commitment beyond simply shacking up.

“But- the kiss…”

“Right. The kiss.”, Zoro cut, his voice rose and fell, questioning and insisting afterward. “Me with Tashigi was accident. But you?”,

“Mine was nothing more than an impulsive one,” Robin countered, irritation already rising in her voice. "I was overconfident you liked me, turns out you possibly loving someone else, that someone else is a better fit for you. I was jealous. I took it out on Law."

As much as she hated to admit it, Zoro had a point. It had been a long time since she was last romantically involved with someone and she did turn green over something so trivial.

Robin paused a moment to gather breath before continuing faintly, “I promise, that's not how I kiss someone I love.”

The air was cracking, humming with pitch of electricity and in configuration of sparks. The conversation was carried in voice, but in a lot of movement also, and growing more and more dangerous in their current personal space.

Robin's words didn't explicitly say a thing, but he knew her enough to grasp something behind it.

He got the answers he wanted. Anything else hardly matters. Looking rather sheepish and diffident, he raised her chin with a satisfied grin on his face.

“Then how?” he said, and his breath played over the skin on her face.

It was a provocation, and if anyone had been present, no one would be unable to recognize it. Among other things, Zoro really challenged her into… what? tutorial on how to kiss properly?

She hoped she didn't forget this in the morning because when her hangover wore off, the first thing she would do was laugh at him. Out loud.

Heh.

Nevertheless, tonight she’d leave it at that.

Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was the fear. Or perhaps, it was neither of those, but something else, something unknown that had made Robin moved to hold tight with her arms wrapped around his neck.

She wasn't saying anything, yet she was likely about to take the challenge.

Her chest heaving as she struggled to breathe. The feelings were daring and freeing all at once. They were both not knowing what awaits yet still doing it. Their eyes met for a brief moment before she gently placed both of her palms on the collar of his shirt and pulled him in connecting their lips.

The mixture of adrenaline coursing through his veins as well as the sensation of Robin's soft lips pressed against his, leaving him so caught up for a moment that he could not do anything but sat stiffly. He was unable to think at the moment, at least not now. His thoughts were entirely consumed by how excruciatingly good her lips felt against his.

He regained his senses and moving his hands to her waist as he drew her body closer, deepening their kiss. One of his hands reached into her hair tucking unruly sweat-soaked strands behind her ear before gently tracing the curve of her face coming to cup her jaw. Her lower lip dropped just enough to let his tongue inside. He felt her body tremble against his moments before they pulled away in dire need of air.

Their breaths collided as neither of them was willing to move even an inch. The closeness was too soothing to leave. Zoro looked down at her flush cheeks and swollen lips and it all came rushing back to him.

Robin was the one who pulled away, "I'm sorry." She didn’t know what had gotten into her, so she hurriedly got up to leave.

A small whimper escaped her lips rightafter when Zoro pulled her back to a sitting position. Now, she sat on Zoro's lap.

Her breathing hitched in the throat. What was happening?

Robin forced herself to move away, but he caught her hands, holding it between them. Zoro looked down at her hand and back at her face as if asking her what she thought she was doing. But then Zoro’s hands cup the sides of her neck, his fingers long enough to meet in the middle over her spine, and moved her closer to him.

Pressing his lips back against hers.

He kissed with zero hesitation. His hand slid into her hair, the other down to the middle of her back, pushing her even closer to him, until she was caught between his legs, chest pressed up against his.

It occurred to her, like a distant echo of rationality, that she might be have to shut this down. Things were getting heated in a way she never expected from him. His kiss was forceful, hard and his tongue against her lips demanded entry. She slowly opened her mouth and he almost dove into her mouth with his tongue, prompting her to answer him.

It was wet and warm, neither of them anything but pleasant. So Robin tilted her head a little and licked back the seam of his mouth, coaxing his mouth open until she could slide her tongue against his.

Screw everything. Whatever happened, happened. Let her enjoyed the moment and figured things out later.

Soon it was her moaning, breathless, fingers scraping across his scalp, and… many things more.

The End

.

.

.

Outro

The light easterly sunrays streamed through the window, slowly breaking through the thick fog of her mind. Robin wasn’t even opening an eye, she didn't care, her head spinning, and all she wanted to go back into a deep sleep as soon as possible.

She shifted and curled up, seeking for more warmth against her bed. There was a rhythmic thumping sound under her ear, coming from her breathing pillow that she snuggled closer to.

Wait.

Her eyes shot open as her body tensed up.

This wasn’t her bed.

Carefully lifting her head, she looked down in panic at realization that she’d been sleeping on the couch all night, but that wasn’t the most alarming thing. Glaring up at her through heavy eyelids, she felt a blazing hot blush encompass her whole face at just who she was sleeping on top of.

“What is it, Robin?” Zoro asked in a low groan, his voice rough with sleep. “Robin, please, go back to sleep,” he whined, pulling her closer into the embrace.

It felt as though a lightning bolt had shocked through her system, remembering the conversation they had earlier as they fell asleep.

She was wide awake now. “Stop talking. My head is aching.”

Zoro sighed, raised an eyelid, still sleepy. He complained, but Robin didn't give him any attention.

The truth was; she had headache not because of her resistant to alcohol. Considering the way a small grin formed on his lips, though he tried to cover it up, Robin was sure he also reckoned with their conversation last night.

Of course he remembered.   

“Why does my shirt feel all wet?” Zoro asked a second later, assessing the damage.

She realized a perfect circle of her drool had formed in the middle of Zoro’s shirt afterward. Nika, she just wanted to die. Robin dropped her head back onto his chest and wished for the ground to swallow her up.

“I know people drool over others in a metaphorical way but this is next level.”

Robin grunted and tried burying her face deeper into his shirt, hoping to disappear. This caused him to stir and grip his arms tighter around her. She knocked his shoulder and wanting to wipe that smug smirk off his face. “This is just another embarrassing story to add to my ever growing list,” she defended.

“It’s not that embarrassing,” he reassured with a smile.

“Yeah sure, getting drool all over the man you’ve confessed your feelings to isn’t humiliating at all,” Robin rambled.

Zoro only laughed, and now he wasn't that sleepy anymore. However, he cuddled closer to Robin, hugging and kissing her hair before going back to sleep.

“I don't know whether sometimes there are things that shouldn't be said, or sometimes there are things that really need to be said, or it could be both depending on the situation.” Zoro halted to grab Robin’s waist and pulled her closer – if that was even possible. “I do know one thing though. I know that this… this is nice.”

Zoro said before drifting back to his slumber. It surprised her how much he talked last night, and how well he phrased the long sentences. She never considered he was a man of words because his actions always came first.

As emotional as she was feeling, she couldn’t help but agree. It was nice to have that honesty between them now. To know they were both on the same page. That if they got through this, then things would be alright.

There were still some stuffs they needed to clarify, though. Someday, they would probably have to talk about this-and-that more, but for this very moment, they felt no rush. They knew they had plenty of time.

Robin looked up to enjoy seeing his face then gasped, forgetting she hadn't said the most important thing of all this.

“Zoro?”, she called him out.

Zoro hushed her with a kiss before she said a word. “I know”,

“… and I love you too.”