A/N: This is my first OP fic. Hope you like it!

Part 1

Revised : 24/09/13

A tall man wondered around one of the cities that lay along the Grand line, absentmindedly and with a distant gaze. He wore a white blouse, topped with a black vest that was lined with gold stitches, over a pair of stripped black trousers that further complemented his height. The first few buttons of the blouse were left open, revealing his pale, muscular chest. However, his most significant features that one's eyes would catch right away were the scar that ran from one ear to the other, and the golden hook that replaced his once left hand.

It had been weeks since he had escaped the infamous prison, Impel Down, with Mugiwara and joined the fight in the Great War at Marineford. Moreover, he had already decided to set sail to the new world, where he had been before during his youth. But right now, he found himself detached; his thoughts were in a chaos, and he needed somewhere to clear his state of mind.

The scarred man didn't really think. He simply trusted his legs to take him wherever, and until he was too tried to take another step forward, or so he thought. It was midday, when he reached a place that looked like deep in a forest, and that was where his legs had decided to take a halt. He was not tired yet, no, his stamina would have endured days of walking. It was a figure that showed up a few meters away from where he abruptly stopped.

The figure was of a tall, sun-kissed, curvaceous woman, who had sharp, mesmerizing features. She wore a navy vest that reached up to her waist, revealing her well shaped abdomen, and a pair of matching pants. In a nutshell, she was a raven-haired beauty.

On the other hand, to the shocked man, all he could see was a ghost from his past. A ghost that he had stabbed with his hook, and had willingly left to die in the ruins. That he had longed for, and mourned during his imprisonment at the Impel Down. And that he once even gave up the outer world for, and found solace in the cold, dark cell.

All the while, the raven-haired woman was in deep concentration, not noticing the arrival of her unexpected guest. She seemed to be observing some carvings, when a victorious smile radiated across her chiseled face as she finally reached a conclusion.

The tall man took few steps forward, and as he did, he saw his right hand unconsciously reaching out for her. He tried to call out her name, but his voice failed him, and he only succeeded at dropping the cigar that was clutched between his teeth.

Finally, the oblivious woman had sensed a presence, and turned around to his direction. The scarred man immediately froze in his place, his arms dangling to their rightful position and his face deprived of all emotions.

Azure eyes widened in both fear and disbelief at his sight, but resumed their usual aloofness in a fraction of a second. No, she would never allow this unexpected visitor the pleasure of fearing him anymore. She was not his right hand anymore; she was a crew member of the Miguwara's, and a proud one too. Alas, she was still overwhelmed. His sudden, unpleasant appearance had affected greatly, but she refused to show him that. So, she gave her back to him once again, and crossed her arms protectively against her chest.

"Crocodile…" The woman said nonchalantly, and with the steadiest tone she could muster.

Crocodile remained silent; he couldn't talk even if he wanted too. He took slow, short-paced steps in her direction. He felt like his eyes were playing tricks on him, he even doubted his ears at the sound of her voice calling his name.

The raven-haired woman still gave her back to Crocodile, and was getting both aggravated and extremely nervous by the silence. He was never the one to pass a chance of mocking her. She wanted to turn around to face him, but didn't trust herself to stay strong.

Suddenly, she felt a warm breath on the back of her neck. A reluctant hand slowly neared her bare shoulder. And then cold fingertips touched her skin with apparent hesitation, yet they sent a shiver down her spine, causing them to back down with a sudden jolt.

"Robin...?" Crocodile questioned with a voice that was almost a whisper. As if touching her warm body had finally made her seem really and alive.

The woman simply replied by hugging herself in defense. She had all the reasons in the world to be afraid of him and loath him, and he knew that perfectly. Yet, it hurt him.

With determination, Crocodile slowly but steadily wrapped his arms around her. She flinched, only causing him to pull her closer to his chest.

Robin didn't resist, for she was way too petrified. This was a man who would kill without a second of hesitation or a single hint of remorse. Though he wouldn't kill his subordinates for pure pleasure, she admitted, but didn't take betrayal easily. Unfortunately, she had experienced that first-handedly, which scarred her for life, both mentally and physically. She could not help but think that his prompt visit was to finish what he started; send her once again to the doors of death, and make sure she never ever comes back.

Crocodile's hand suddenly caressed her body, moving from her waist up to her abdomen. There, it stopped momentarily as it reached a scar; compliments of his hook. The scar was a sign that constantly reminded her of the result of her betrayal.

The woman shuddered as she felt the cold hand trembling at the touch of her scar, but was confused.

Why was his hand trembling?

Meanwhile, the pale man felt a pang in his chest, when his hand had finally reached the scar that was caused by his hook. His hand trembled with regret at its touch.

How did he dare scarring such beauty?

"For what's it worth..." He muttered but trailed off. He then took a deep breath and continued, "I'm sorry..."

Robin remained silent as she was at loss for the right words. All she could think was, 'Lair'. She felt his breath getting closer. All of a sudden, he buried his face into the nap of her neck, and his arms embraced her body tighter than ever. Few seconds later, he slowly raised his face, bringing his lips closer to her ear.

"Robin..." He murmured with a husky voice, "I missed you..."

She shuddered at the words. Those words sounded so surreal coming from his lips, and deep down she begged to be awaken from this sick dream. She felt anger consuming her, she was still scared but it didn't matter anymore. If this would end up causing her life, then let it be.

"Lair!" She snapped at his confession. It was then that she was aware of her hands that had been grabbing his forearms tightly, nails digging deeply into his shirt and almost drawing blood. But Crocodile felt nothing. It was her anger that shook him up from his trance, and forced him back to reality.

What was he thinking…hugging her, and uttering absolute nonsense?

He sighed in self-contempt, but it had a hint of sadness, which he deeply hoped had gone unnoticed by the raven-haired woman.

"You really hate me, don't you?" He laughed wearily as he released her from his embrace, and tried to gather his act.

Robin retained her position for a while, and when she finally decided to face him, Crocodile forced every foreign emotion to desert his scarred face. And with every ounce in his power, he faked one of his wicked smirks. On the other hand, Robin's face showed nothing but sheer disgust.

How did he dare say such words to her?

"No witty replies, eh… Nico Robin?" Crocodile mocked still managing his smirk.

"What do you want from me?" Robin sneered back with a stance that showed that she was ready to attack, if he ever decided to do so.

"I would ask you the same question." He retorted with a mocking expression. Her sudden aggressive stance had amused him. He then pulled out a cigar, lit it up, and took in a deep inhale before adding, "Do you think you can succeed in what Mugiwara had failed at?"

"I would rather die with the pleasure of trying than surrendering to you and your lies!" Robin snapped back in apparent disgust.

"Really?" The scarred man remarked in sheer amusement as he unbuttoned his vest, and placed it carefully on the cleanest rock he could found. Once done, he turned to face Robin once again, and with a taunting hand and a genuine smirk, unlike its first, he snorted, "Show me what you've got, love."

..

TBC