She doesn't know that when she looks into his eyes and he turns away first it's because he's afraid she'll see how empty he truly is.
He doesn't know that when she wakes up from nightmares and he holds her, sometimes the past her is the monster she's afraid of facing.
She doesn't know that when strangers flirt with her he wonders why she chose him in the first place.
He doesn't know that when he wraps his arms around her from behind she flinches, the sensation still reminiscent of Crocodile and others before him.
She doesn't know that he can't fall asleep until she does, just to make sure she won't disappear as soon as he relaxes.
He doesn't know that when she whispers "I love you" it's as much to show herself that she is capable of the feeling now as it is to assure him.
She doesn't know that his heart stops every time she trips because the of the last girl he wasn't able to save.
He doesn't know that she was scared to touch him at first, afraid her deadly hands would mar the pureness he represents to her.
She doesn't know that he wonders if she's disappointed by him and his youth, an older man would be more prepared for marriage and a family.
He doesn't know that when she wraps her arms around his neck and lets him hold her it's the ultimate show of love, allowing herself to be completely exposed.
She doesn't know that she is the first to know his past, and to see him that vulnerable.
He doesn't know that having kids terrifies her because she wasn't enough of a reason to stay for her own parents.
She doesn't know that he kisses her forehead before going to sleep, hoping it will bring some comfort to her restless mind.
He doesn't know that when she kisses him she's trying to convey every word she's too afraid to say.
She doesn't know that he was first one to suggest she didn't leave the crew for selfish reasons.
He doesn't know that thunderstorms scare her because the sound is too reminiscent of when she almost lost her family a second time.
She doesn't know that he said he didn't trust because the truth of his feelings scared him too much.
He doesn't know that he is the reason she smiles everyday.
She doesn't that she owns more of him than he ever thought he could give.
These secrets are always present, always in mind, and always haunting them, but for tonight they are safe in each others' embrace, too close for anything to separate them. The morning will bring their inner worries and fears, their secret insecurities but they have each other to fight the battle with, a fact not hidden to anyone.
Author's Note: Guest, Someone,deeyosa, Lunami-Zorobin-'ALEX, DangoCorn, megaME, Traflagar Lami, and R.N. Zuzu thank you all for taking the time to review my Zorobin week entries. It is always great to hear feedback from my readers and especially from fellow shippers on our OTP week. As Zorobin week is now over I would like to let you guys know what to look for. The next chapter of "Brotherly Bonds and Moments" will be out this week (Probably before Wednesday), I'm also working on the first chapter of a story that 4fireking asked me to start for him (O.C. Story with Nami conflict), some one-shots will also be popping up since I couldn't fit all my ideas into the entries for Zorobin Week, including an extension of this one if you would like. Thanks to everyone who has favorited/followed me and my stories, you guys are the best and I can't believe the overwhelming amount of encouragement I've received after only being a member for a month!