Morning Sun and Shifting Worlds

Summary: His whole world shifted to focus on this tiny little thing in his arms, and he couldn't find it in himself to be bothered by it.

Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece (wish I did, wish I lived in it, but unfortunately I don't)

She was so tiny. He couldn't get over that fact, he with his nine-foot-tall bulk had made this tiny little thing that easily fit in the palm of his hand. He supposed Olivia's genetics had to have accounted for the size difference. Although she had already proven that tiny though she may be, her lungs were certainly strong to be able to scream that loud.

Speaking of screaming- her tiny face began to scrunch up in a way that he had quickly learned signified her intention to wail her displeasure at the world as indignantly as a barely week-old newborn could manage.

A finger softly pressed against her lips easily stopped the wail before it could start.

"Hey," he stated softly," I know that you probably have plenty of complaints to make, but think you could wait for a bit? You're Mama needs her rest baby girl."

The baby opened her eyes and looked up at him blearily, confused as to who this giant thing was who talking to her. He easily scooped her up, albeit gingerly, picking up something so fragile made him overly cautious when picking her up. She really was the tiniest thing he'd ever seen- although it wasn't like he'd ever been around babies much, so what did he know?

"Come on darling, let's give your mama some time to herself. I know you'd prefer her to carry you around, but it might be a while before I get to see you again little miss, so think you can humor me?" He asked the infant who, despite being a little put out at the lack of softness in the arms surrounding her, was easily distracted by the deep voice that was speaking so tenderly. This giant holding her really was a fascinating thing to the newborns mind and a new experience was so exciting to such a young thing.

Kuzan easily opened the door to the rundown old shack that the two- or rather three-of them were using as a hideout for the time being. With Olivia being constantly on the run and his duties as a marine the two had to be discreet when they would meet. Managing to send messages through third parties and codes, it had always added a rush of excitement to their relationship, though he supposed that it was going to be even more difficult now, as much as he tried to push the thought from his mind.

It had been unusually long since he had last seen Olivia, long enough that he had begun to think the worst, when a bouquet of flowers had arrived at his office just the week before- Olivia Austin Roses, with four blue Irises, surrounded by baby's breath and Asterias. A little code she was fond of, the Asterias and Irises telling him when and where to meet her- though the baby's breath had initially confused him. But upon arriving on Asterion island four days later and making his way to the beach, he had been greeted by the sight of his long-time lover, her distinctive white hair a dead giveaway, and upon calling out her name she had turned toward him, revealing the baby sleeping in a sling across her chest. The sight of the baby stopped him dead in his tracks, and he was sure that he made quite a sight with his gaping jaw. Olivia had closed the distance quickly enough, and had calmly pushed the baby into his arms, adjusting his hold as he realized that this near non-existent weight in his arms was a human being.

"Her name is Robin," was quietly whispered by the new mother, as the new father adjusted as his entire worldview shifted to center around the little girl.

Breaking out of his reverie at the slight gurgling sounds of his little daughter as she squirmed at the slight chill of the morning air on the beach, and the smell of salt in the air. She already had a small thatch of hair growing on her head, probably the only thing she had inherited from him- she was already as pretty as her mother, and those were definitely Olivia's eyes looking out from the miniature face. She was going to be handful once she got a bit bigger, unfortunately he probably wouldn't be able to see it very often. He couldn't exactly leave the marines and Olivia was constantly on the run thanks to her research on the void century- they already had had to limit their meetings, but a baby would make it even harder to meet up.

"This is not going to be easy little miss, but your mama and I are going to try to do right by you," he murmured as he bowed his head towards his daughter's little ear," we love you so much Robin and I'm going to make sure you have as happy a life as possible. Your daddy loves you baby girl, so does your mommy, you are so loved Robin, I hope you will always know that"

And with that though he looked out at the sea and enjoyed the sight of the rising sun, as his baby daughter fell back to sleep and slumbered against her father's chest. Both were totally content in the peaceful morning, all was well.

This story was inspired by Frozen Kennedia by Blade of Hellfire and I firmly support the theory that Kuzan is Robin's father and nearly got a cavity when this scene and the thought of him holding his newborn popped into my head. I just see him being a big softy at heart and that he really does love Robin and tries to do right by her, even if that gets lost in translation along the way. I might do a sequel along the way, Fatherly!Kuzan as he tries to look out for his baby as she gets older.