This fic is set just during the water 7 arc. Just before Franky finishes the ship and Usopp re-joins the crew. Tried my best to make them stay in-character. Hope you guys like it. I enjoyed writing this one. This is for all the ZoRo fans out there and for Santoryuu
Zoro lay awake in his bunk at the cabin provided by the Galley-La Company. He was tired but he wasn't sleepy. He couldn't shake off his doubts about what he had done and said earlier on during the day.
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Zoro took half of Luffy's face and stretched it.
"Listen! You can act easy going as you usually do. But if even for an instant, the guy who I call my leader lets others step over him. Then next time, I'll be the one to leave this crew!"
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They had argued about how they should take Usopp back into their crew. He had disagreed on any idea to just take him in. He would not allow Usopp to return to the crew unless he apologized sincerely.
They were surprised by his sudden outburst, but the crew had eventually agreed to follow him. They saw the point that he was trying to get across, and they understood he was right.
"This isn't a game." Zoro repeated to himself.
"I'm sick of people leaving this crew whenever they like. We're almost at the last island. Things are going to get tough, and we can't afford conflicts within the crew."
But no matter how much Zoro justified his decision awhile ago he couldn't help but worry. What if Usopp doesn't apologize? What if he leaves for real?
Zoro sighed. Thinking about it now won't solve anything. I need some fresh air.
Zoro went to the balcony and took in his surroundings. The night was peaceful. The stars were shining bright. The cool breeze sent goosebumps across his shoulders, but it was refreshing. He sighed as the cool wind took away his worries and doubts.
"Good Evening Kenshin-san"
Zoro turned to see Robin sitting on one of the chairs near the railing. She was holding a steaming cup of coffee and was wearing that mysterious smile she usually wore whenever they talked.
"Can't sleep?" she asked.
Zoro grunted and shrugged. He was not in the mood for conversation. He just wanted to relax.
"Weren't you a little too harsh on Usopp-kun awhile ago?" Robin continued, undeterred by his lack of a reply.
Zoro looked at her with one eyebrow raised.
Robin saw his reaction and took it as a sign to continue. "I was just thinking…" she paused. Carefully choosing the next words she wanted to say.
"I mean… Usopp and I. We're not that different you know." she said.
She looked away into the night when she saw Zoro looking at her. He was interested with what she had to say. But she was losing her nerve.
"What do you mean?" Zoro finally asked. Curiosity taking the better of him.
"What I meant to say was that I, like Usopp, also left the crew. " She paused, considering what to say next.
"To me, what I did was more unforgivable. Usopp left because he did not want to lose going merry. I left because I was simply afraid. Not only did I leave you guys, but I also helped frame you guys on the attempted assassination of Iceberg-san. I put everyone's life at risk because of my selfishness." She spoke the words softly, as if it were a prayer, a tinge of melancholy in her tone.
Zoro knew he was in trouble now. He felt that Robin was in some kind of mood. That he needed to cheer her up somehow.
"You're different." He shrugged. Instantly reprimanding himself for his very short and blunt answer.
Wanting to say more, but finding it hard to speak. Zoro averted his eyes from Robin and looked into the starry sky. Hoping to find the right words to say to comfort his nakama.
Now it was Robin's turn to raise an eyebrow, urging Zoro to continue on with his reply. She had been feeling down lately, after finding out about Usopp's situation and feeling her conscience rattle whenever she thought of them risking their lives for her. She found it hard to sleep. Her thoughts plaguing her whenever she tried. Her distress must have been obvious, she thought to herself as she watched Zoro struggle for an answer.
"You were in trouble. You're life was in danger. The marines were after you and your opponents were too strong for you to handle alone. You had no choice. You needed us. Besides, everyone in the crew was worried about you. They wouldn't have stopped until we got you back." He said. Finding the answers to be true.
Satisfied and relieved with his answer, she smiled. He's serious. she mused. I wonder.....
"Were you worried about me as well, Kenshin-san?" she teased. She was smiling at him, her eyes sparkling, and amusement written all over her face. She decided that it was useless to dwell on such things. It was the present that was important. She was surprised to find that it was Zoro who took her away from her gloomy thoughts.
Surprised by her answer and tone, Zoro turned to look at Robin. He was surprised to see her smiling. But this time, her smile was different. It wasn't one of those mysterious smiles he had gotten used to during the voyage. This smile made her look dazzling. It made her look childish as well. Like a girl who got candy for doing something good. He smiled back, unable to force himself to frown.
"It suits you." He said. The words suddenly spilling from his mouth.
"What suits me?" She asked, feeling a bit light headed. She felt her stomach fill with butterflies when she saw him smile and look into her eyes. It was not one of his usual smirks or frown she saw on his face. His smile was unguarded, pure and comforting. When he looked at her she felt like his eyes were looking right into her soul, and that his smile was only for her to see. This is the last cup for me. I think it's time for me to sleep.
"Nothing" Zoro mumbled. Surprised to see himself smiling and looking at her like that. I couldn't help it if she looked so damn… He stopped himself, forcing the thoughts out of his head.
"I think I need to rest now. I'm going back in. Good night Robin, and don't stay up too late." Zoro said. Finding an excuse to get away fast and hide the blush that was slowly forming on his cheeks.
Without looking back, Zoro opened the door and headed straight to his bunk. His head full of thoughts he needed to forget.
"Oh okay... Good night then Kenshin-san." Robin replied, slightly relieved. As the cabin door closed, she sighed. She had been staring into his eyes so intensely. She didn't even notice she was holding her breath. Her face flushed with embarrassment. What was I thinking looking at him like that? Did I just blush? I hope he didn't see too clearly.
Looking into her cup of coffee, she frowned. "I wonder if they still have some rum left." She mumbled to herself, standing up to look for a drink.
If you like it, i want your review.. if you don't, I want your review even more! hahaha
Edited it a bit after finding it too rushed for my taste.. revised.
