Chapter 1 He is MINE…

The Thousand Sunny was treading along peaceful waters. And with this beautiful weather, the Straw Hat crew is in their usual activities. Almost all of them are in the upper deck enjoying the sun while others are at the ship's hull busy with their own task. Nami is in her working room drawing maps. Chopper in the medical room reading medical books and are mixing whatever medicinal plants he has into some medical concoctions that might have some use for treating injuries. The crew will be facing a lot of enemies soon and his medical skills will be needed during those time.

Franky and Brook are sitting in the mowed lawn of the ship's deck, playing cards. Ussop and Luffy are fishing something for dinner. Sanji is making his noodle dance with flying hearts in front of Robin who is reading a book sitting on her chair. The cook probably made some gourmet coffee for Robin again and at the same time declaring his undying love lines to the beautiful archeologists. Zoro on the other hand, is on the crow's nest working out again. He needs to be stronger as their coming opponents will be a lot stronger than the people they previously encountered.

Back to Robin, she was still engrossed with the book she is reading. She just got some new books from Dressrosa specially from the Tontatta Kingdom where little people called faeries are living. After they've defeated the Don Quixote Family, they stayed for several days at Dressrosa to recuperate. She got a lot of information about Rio Pone glyph from the said faeries and excited to read the books she got. The things that they've done until now made all of them stronger. She looked at the horizon and sigh. She's looking forward for the coming adventures they will encounter soon. 'Facing one of the four emperors will be fun.'

She took a deep breath and grabbed one of her books. 'How to take care of a baby,' she read. Just how did this got here? She wondered. 'Baby, hmm.' I wonder how my mom felt when she got me. She rubbed the images of her mom's out from her mind. True, that her mom loved her but she never got a chance to feel a mother's love. It was robbed away from her. "Will I even have a chance to be a mother? Why would I be asking that myself? Well, maybe because I am not getting any younger. Hmm, age really makes one weary.' She sighed and her gaze flew towards her swordsman nakama as he was going down from the crow's nest. His manly built evident through his sweaty shirt. His masculinity never failed to amaze her. All the training that he is doing really yields him positive results. His got all the right buff in all the right places. She knew personally the feeling of being wrapped around those muscular arms every time he would save her. And it never fails to make her cheeks hot red (secretly that is. Nobody saw the archeologist blush before). She then glances at the book she was holding and smirks.

"What are you smiling about, woman?" asked Zoro.

"I just thought you could have used this book back in Water 7." She said. Amusement is in her eyes.

Zoro grabbed the book, a knot forming in his forehead as he read the cover page and blushed in embarrassment as he remembered something. He gave the book back to Robin. "Why are you bringing up something that happened 2 years ago?" she shrugged, a smile playing in her soft lips.

'This woman is really enjoying this.' Her smiled widen and he suppressed a hiccup. 'And how come this woman is smoking hot. I knew that before but after two years she got a lot sexier and its getting dangerous. Wouldn't she catch a cold with that outfit of hers?'

She is wearing a short dark blue dress that shows her creamy shoulders and cleavage. When he said short he really meant short short as the hem of her dress exposed almost 3/4ths of her thigh and her legs looks like it goes on and on only to end at her slender calves and smooth feet covered with dark sandals.

"I just thought you look cool taking care of those triplets. You're going to be a good father." She commented and sips the ice coffee in her table. Zoro gulped as he caught her tongue lick her lips and took his gaze away from Robin's lips and body. It would be bad if she caught him staring at her.

"Whatever, having a child is not on my plans." he said and walks out going to the shower rooms. He just heard her hearty laughed. 'I should consult Chopper for a checkup. My chest kept burning up whenever I am talking to that woman.'

Robin's gaze never left the swordsman's back until he disappeared to the shower rooms. The smile never left her face. She is really fond of teasing him. He can be cold, aloof and arrogant sometimes but he knows how to take care of the people he had put his trust to. He can be there whenever he is needed. He had rescued her and protected her countless times along their journey and she is really grateful of him. 'Hmm, but will I be able to touch his heart truly?' Robin shook her head to get that question out of her. Why would she be thinking that she can touch that swordsman's heart? 'Love dulls the blade' that line from him clearly tell that he isn't going to cross the line. That thought is not important, we are nakama's afterall. Her trail of thought was interrupted by Ussop's call.

"Minna-san! There is an island ahead." Ussop said from the crow's nest.

Nami, the navigator rushed to the crow's nest to confirm about the island. She climbed down as Robin approach the younger female. "Are we docking now, Nami?"

"It is not our destination but we are running out of supplies and so we are landing to that summer island. Moreover, there is something wrong with the log pose. I will try to reset it."

"Summer Island?" Brook popped up beside Nami upon hearing what she said. "Did you say Summer island?"

"Yes,"

"Yohoho! That means we are docking in the island haven full of women in bikinis." The skeleton said dreamily. "I am getting a nose bleed, though I don't have any blood. Yohoho." Skeleton joke!

"Wow! Summer island! Bikini girls…" Sanji chanted the last two earning him a bloody nose afterwards.

"Oh, no Sanji!" Chopper hurriedly aided the bleeding pervert.

The girls just sighed at their nakama's reactions. "Will Sanji be ok?" Robin asked.

"He needs to stay on the ship." Nami said. "Chopper, make sure he stays in the medic room. If it is true that this island is full of girls in bikini, then that would be too bad for him"

"Yosh! Let's go to Summer Island!" Luffy shouted full of energy as usual.

They docked an hour later and split into four groups. Nami and Luffy will shop for paper and other miscellaneous supplies and Franky and Ussop shopped for food supplies knowing that the cook is not allowed to go outside for a chance of severe blood loss. To Sanji and Brook's greatest dismay they are to stay in the ship as guards together with Chopper. For counter measures, they are currently chained in the medic room.

That leaves Robin and Zoro as the fourth group to shop for books and booze. Both of them are walking silently. Zoro overcame his trust problem with Robin a long time ago and grew a deep friendship with her though it is not that obvious. They seem to have a certain kind of niche with each other, maybe because they are similar in more ways. But there are times that he can't just handle her. She loves to tease him whenever she had a chance. She even becomes sexier and alluring than she was 2 years ago.

And he is not the only one who is affected by her beauty and charm. The men around town shot glances of adoration towards the woman and some even dare to drool over her perversely. For some reasons, it made his blood boil with anger. Unconsciously, he was staring threateningly at the men who stare at her lewdly and some of them backed off.

Zoro didn't notice that he walked a little bit faster leaving Robin behind. Just then he felt a soft hand tugging his hand and saw Robin beside him. "You walk too fast, Zoro."

"O-Oi!" he stuttered and a red tint bruising his cheeks.

"There are a lot of people around. You might get lost." She said smiling.

Zoro groan in frustration to just to hide the nervousness he is feeling. 'I really need a check-up.' he thought, unconsciously lifting his hands upon his chest. Ever since the Mugiwara Pirates are reunited he'd been feeling some tightness and burning sensation in his chest every time he is with Robin.

"Are you ok?" Robin asked looking at his hand in his chest at the same time her face is a bit closer to his.

"Y-es," he managed to say putting his hands by his side and turning away. Just then Robin lifted up her head. Soon her hands left his and a sudden flash of abandonment overcame him. He turns and she was a little bit farther from him.

"I'm sorry for invading your personal space."

But before he could respond that it was fine, a bunch of kids were running toward Robin's direction and instinctively, he grab Robin before the running kids could stampede over the delicate woman's body.

"Oi, you dumb kids! Look to where you are going!" Zoro's loud angry voice falling on deaf ears as the children run away.

"Yo, are you alright, Robin?" He asked turning to her only to be dumbfounded. He was hugging Robin a little bit tighter and closer to him and their face were only a breath away.

His throat became dry. His eye suddenly averted towards her pink luscious lips. He swallowed a clumped that formed in his throat. She looks so irresistibly beautiful. 'Damn! I sound like that ero-cook.' Their nearness is very dangerous if only he will move forw—.

"Ehem, There a room in the nearby hotel for that young man." An old raspy voice said from nowhere. That help both of them to snapped out of it and in a flash they separated both with red hot cheeks. An old lady sitting in a stool laughed.

"Stop laughing you old lady." Zoro cringed. light

"Horahora, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Fresh young love is only natural. When I was your age I had such a crazy whirlwind romance with one of my fellow pirate member that we didn't even care how dangerous the world is for us."

"You were once a pirate, grandma?" Robin asked.

"Yes, such crazy years it was. Thinking about it never fails to make me smile. And when I saw the two of you I remember the day that I finally realized that the love I felt for my fellow nakama is much more than for a mere friend. We confessed and sailing together at the ends of the earth enjoying the freedom and love the ocean provided for us." The old lady said reminiscing and blushing like a love sick teenager.

Robin laughed clearly amused. Zoro just groan and sighed in annoyance. 'I can't be listening to this.' Then he started to walk away only stopping when Robin started talking.

"You have such a nice love story, grandma. Where is grandpa right now? I bet you had a very fun life together."

From Zoro's peripheral, he saw sadness washed in the old woman's face. "Well, we could have if only the sea didn't took him." The old woman sighed and smiled. "I guess that is what it will be. The sea gave him to me and it is only natural that the sea will take him away from me." She said with a distant look in her eyes. Suddenly she got up and holds Robin's hands.

Robin was a bit startled and then the woman looked at her intently. "You remind me of myself back then. Don't summon on the fear you felt within." The woman then whispered in her ears.

Zoro saw the change in Robin's expression from a little startle to a thoughtful smile. Her eyes then went to his direction before she smiled. She then said her goodbyes to the old lady.

Zoro just grunts and walk away. 'What was that about? I would never understand women.' He then felt Robin by his side.

"What did that old hag told you?" he asked. He can't help but be curious.

"What do you mean?"

"You were whispering back then." He said annoyed.

"Ah," she smiled knowingly again. "That is a secret among women, Zoro-kun.

He snorted in annoyance. "Whatever. Let's find a bookstore for you." As they walked Robin walked ahead of him. Again, men were dodging glances of adoration at the lovely archeologist's way. Without saying a word, he grabbed Robin's hands leading the way.

"Zoro—"

"I don't want to get lost." He just said looking away and cursing at himself to his sudden uncoordinated behavior.

Robin just smiled a tint of red in her cheeks. Her swordsman nakama is so adorable when he is embarrassed. The old woman's words came back to her.

'I know how you value the people around you and you don't want to hurt them. But giving in to heart's desire is not bad.' The old woman glancing towards Zoro.

'But we are just nakama's, grandma. And that man doesn't believe in love.' I said a little surprised of what I said.

'Sometimes words aren't always what they meant. But actions don't lie. The way he protected you and looks at you is not just meant for a nakama. He cares for you more than he realizes. I know you felt the same way too.'

"A bookstore," Zoro said cutting off her thoughts. She just went along as he tugged her towards the bookstore. He then said to get some wine in the nearby bar. Several hours had passed before Robin finished up selecting books but Zoro hadn't returned yet. Maybe he got lost again. She paid for the books and went out. Just then a certain green haired man rushed towards the bookstore nearly knocking out a man going out of it.

He grunted in annoyance. "Now, where did that woman go?" he then noticed a pub(bar) just beside the bookstore and went inside. He ordered a beer and drank it angrily muttering at himself. Just then a familiar and distinct sweet scent of cherry blossoms fills his nose.

"There you are, Zoro." Robin sat beside him and smiled. "I wonder where you went." She then asked a drink from the barman.

"You should have gone without with me."

"I wouldn't do that. We are nakama."

They drank silently for an hour enjoying the silence. There are only a few people around the pub. Most of them were girls enjoying some chitchat and laughing. Zoro noticed that only few men are present.

"It is girl's night out tonight. Let me warn you young man, the girl's tonight might be very bold in showing interest." Informed the barman, noticing Zoro glancing around then turned to Robin. "Young lady, if you've got some girl friends, you can invite her there is a little dance party down the basement."

"Thank you for the invitation but we are scheduled to sail tonight." Robin said politely.

A man came in and saw Robin. He was well dressed and his wealthy status evident in the suit and jewelry he wore. He sat next to her and started a conversation.

Zoro continued on drinking and pretending not to notice and hear the conversation of the couple beside him. The damn foxy guy was asking Robin to go to the party and like the first invitation, she refused. But the damn foxy guy didn't stop there.

"Come on, we'll only be there for an hour." The damn foxy guy asserted.

"Sorry, I really can't." Robin said smiling.

The damn foxy guy smiled slyly clearly not taking 'no' for an answer. "You know my family run this town and I surely am the successor." Zoro's eyes narrowed as the foxy damn guy ran his fingers to Robin's arm. "Moreover, I just want to know more about y—"that guy's words halted as steel hands painfully grasped his wrist.

"She already said no," Zoro glared at the foxy guy.

"H-Hey," the foxy damn guy clearly was scared. He turned to Robin. "Do you know this guy?"

"She is with me. What is it with you then?" he gave the man his demonic stare that makes the damn foxy guy's hair stand on end.

The foxy guy cleared his throat and with a nod towards Robin, he fled from the pub.

"Thank you, Zoro."

"No problem." They continued their drink in silence again.

"It is better if you two will go home now." The barman said. He seems to be weary of something. "That man you scared away is the son of this town's mayor and such a spoiled brat. He would surely come back with his goons. If you don't want to come across some trouble you better get out of here."

Zoro smirks. "That won't be a problem." A cocky smile drew in his face.

"Nami will scold us if we got into trouble." Robin reminded him.

He sighed. "Alright, I'll finish this drink." While he was drinking, a sexy booby girl sat beside Zoro. She is wearing a short red dress showing off her big breast and smooth silky thighs. She has a pink hair and a pretty face that any man would give her a second glance. He even found her attracting though he is not really interested in going to any sexual or serious relationships with any women at the moment. Even though his feelings were wavering due to the raven-haired woman beside him. His got a dream to fulfill and he can't manage any distractions.

The girl turned to him showing off her cleavage and smiling at him seductively. From his peripheral he saw Robin furrowed her forehead. "Hey there," the girl greeted then ran her hands upon his chest. He held his breath and swallowed as her hands went up from his chest to his face. The girl is clearly sending out signals of seduction. "I saw how you scare the hell out of that spoiled guy. Do you want to… " she was inching towards him. "come with me and let's continue drinking at my place." Her face was only inches from his face.

He cleared his throat," Um, I'm sorry but—" He slightly turned his face to ask for help from Robin but he didn't have to. He saw a hand sprout from behind the girl and poured a glass of cold water with ice to the perverted girl's head. The latter stood up shocked and turned around to see who did that. She then saw Robin with the glass. Fuming she was about to grab Robin's hair when hands sprouted from behind her and bind her.

"You shouldn't be messing with somebody else's property." Robin smiled at the girl fakely. Her eyes with a dangerous gleam.

"What? Is he yours then?" the girl asked as she struggles to get free from the hana hana hands.

"You've got a problem with that?" Robin said still smiling but a vein showing the side of her head.

"That is the man who humiliated me." A guy shouted from the pub's door. They all turned towards the damn foxy guy's direction and saw him with a numerous men in suits.

Zoro stood up, "You're such a trouble magnet, Robin."

"And so are you. Nami wouldn't like this." Robin fished out some bills in her pocket giving it to the barman. The bills included the damages that the pub were about to take.

"We should have gone back to ship earlier." Zoro withdrew one of his swords.

"You shouldn't have let a leach wrap around you the next time. Dos Fleur" Robin said while drawing her numerous hana hana hands all over the suit guys. Zoro on the other hand sliced up every man in his way. Just then a hand slips at his hand not holding a sword.

"We wouldn't want you losing your way, Kenshi-san." Robin said. Together they run off dodging the attacks of the enemies before venturing out the streets. They took a detour to lose their pursuers. It was already past dinner when they arrived at the Thousand Sunny.

"Robin-chawn, welcome back." Sanji with flying hearts all around and wiggled his way towards Robin.

"Hello, Sanji-kun. Sorry were late."

Zoro sat down beside Robin in the dining table.

"Oi, Marimo what did you do? You've got into trouble aren't you? Maybe you've cause a lot of trouble for Robin." Sanji said accusingly.

"Shut up, Dartbrow. I'm hungry."

Hours after Robin and Zoro finished their dinner, the Thousand Sunny set sail again. As they went to bed the events of the day rushed into their minds. None of them ever got any courage to ask the reason of each other's behavior.

Robin can't sleep. The way she acted at the pub was a bit embarrassing. She clearly declared to that leach girl that Zoro is hers. It may be her way of helping Zoro to get out of the woman's clutches but she could have done that without saying anything. But she was angry beyond reason when the girl touched him and clearly seducing him. With a frustrated groan, she got up and went to the kitchen to get some coffee.