Hey readers, it's Autumn again. I know the story line is a bit slow but I assure you that I am doing my best to keep it upbeat. In this chapter, you'll be getting more interaction with the boys (at least I hope so). Thank you for reading Just A Kiss and I hope you enjoy it. One Piece belongs to Oda Sensei but the OCs are mine.

S.A.

Chapter 3: Reaching Sabaody

Taking his phone out, Zoro search for the name that can make his journey smoother. There's no other guy that can make it done other than this guy. Smirking, he slides the call button and waited while the line rings. "What is it Zoro-ya. I am in the middle of something right now. Make it quick"

"Hahahaha. Sup Trafalgar. Still trying to make a move on that harpy chic again? Hehehe"

"You're wasting my time. What do you want Zoro-ya? And I can assure you that she's into me as much as I am to her. She just hasn't realized it yet"

"You're so full of yourself Traffy. Am sure she didn't even notice your presence. She's not the type to even care if a guy's a prince or a damn rich bastard. One of a kind if I must say"

"At least there's a girl. What about you Zoro-ya? No girls up to your standard yet? You should learn a trick or two from Sanji-ya you know"

"Ah, as if I'll learn anything from that curly brow. He's a casanova, chivalry my ass."

"Hahaha. That one I agree. Anyway, why aren't you at Fishman yet? I thought you'll be going ahead with your family?"

"Haaa, that's the reason why I called. You goons are gonna be there in a couple of days right? Can you book a ticket from Sabaody to Fishman? A cruise ticket. I took a detour from the airport back in Kuraigana, ends up being in the bus to Sabaody. Hahaha"

"You got lost didn't you Zoro-ya? Why didn't you call Eustass-ya? He's better at this than me."

"He's out with Jewelry. Not gonna mess his date up. I wouldn't want to risk anyone strangling me while I was asleep, though I doubt stealth is even his style. Hehe"

"Oh right. Finally got the girl of his dream. Even that moron Luffy-ya and scaredy cat Usopp-ya have someone to accompany them to the annual Ball this year. Damn it all. And here I am trying to court this girl as if I am a beggar trying to ask for money. Sure I'll call Shakky-ya to see if she can help."

"Great. Thanks Traffy. Stop whining and win that harpy chic's heart already. You have to bring someone to accompany you this year or else your mother will be babbling about you being an emotionless dude or worse, set you up with one of the Duchess again. Anyway, to answer your previous question, someone finally showed up with the standard. At least I hope so"

"Sure no problem. Wow! Finally someone caught your eyes Zoro-ya? She must be something then. I assume she's heading to Fishman by cruise as well?"

"I know what you're thinking stupid surgeon and yes. She's heading to your country later for a research. I hope your people treat her well alright?"

"She's heading to Dressrosa? I'll check with Trebol-ya later if he's heard of this news. See you in a few days Zoro-ya. Come back in one piece and stop getting lost for crying out loud. You're 20 you know."

"Hahahaha. Stop being such a pussy. I know how to take care of myself. All the best with that harpy chic of yours. Stay chill, you'll get her eventually. If she don't find you creepy that is. Hahaha. Bye"

Smiling to himself, Zoro puts away his phone. 'Talking with that surgeon has always been refreshing. Not as refreshing as quarreling with that stupid dart brow. I wonder how is he' "Hey, sorry for that Robin."

"Oh no problem at all. I understand how talking with your good friend is refreshing."

"Yeah it is. It's always fun teasing the guys. So, where are you from Robin?"

"Haha. I am from the City of Ohara. The city of the past. What about you Mr. Zoro?"

"Me? Oh I am from Kuraigana."

"Oh, the gloomy city? Hahaha. I heard the Lord and his family there care a lot about their people's welfare. The Dracule family am I right?"

"Hahahaha. Yeah, they care about other's welfare alright. I guess it's because that country is part of King Roger's alliance. Every country that's either their alliance or governed by them won't have to worry much about their welfare because everything's been taken care of."

"That's good. In Ohara, our specialty is preserving the history. Many great historian are Oharan. We sometimes get funding from King Roger but we're free country. However, our leader is still in good terms with King Roger. His Majesty's right hand man, Lord Monkey D Dragon always visit our place to ensure our peace is well kept"

"That's good to hear. I hope the peace and prosperity prevails everywhere."

They were interrupted by the intercom saying they'll be reaching Sabaody in a few minutes. Clink! Clink! Zoro received some snailtexts from his group chat. Sighing he read the texts.

Trafalgar Law: Zoro-ya, I've booked the tickets for you and your LADY friend. I hope you enjoy your cruise with her. Hehe.

Sanji Vinsmoke: OMG! Moss head is with a girl? Is the world going to end soon? She must be blind or ugly. Hahahaha.

Monkey D Luffy: Who is it Zoro? Someone we know? Tell me. When are you going to introduce her? Is she coming to Fishman Island too!

Franky: Super Zoro bro! Finally hook a chic. I thought you'll end up dead alone. Hahahaha. Just kidding Zoro bro.

Usopp: Zoro, are you sure she's a girl? You're not imagining things right? The last time that girl, Tashigi tried to have a friendly chat with you, you ended up running away from her. We thought you're a lost cause and gay. Hahahaha. Sorry Zoro, don't kill me.

Brook: Zoro-san, have you seen her panties? What color is it? Can you snap a picture for us? Yohohoho.

Eustass Kid: Damn Zoro, you finally got a chic and you're taking her on a cruise already? Never thought you'll be that romantic.

Killer: Hmm, this is interesting news indeed. Are you proposing to her already? Don't scare that chic away Zoro. We taught you better than that. Except for Sanji, he scares even the old ladies for his chivalry. Hahahaha.

Chopper: Guys! I missed you so much. Zoro, why aren't you at Fishman Island yet? I thought you're going ahead with your family? Did you get lost again?

'I swear I am going to kill that Trafalgar. Couldn't even keep his mouth shut. Damn. This girl is gonna think am a creep if she knew I talked about her with the guys. Gonna ignore the texts. Yup, just ignore them'

"Something the matter Mr Zoro? You seem oddly quiet. We're reaching Sabaody soon. We'll have to wait for a few hours before boarding the cruise ship. Any plans in mind?"

"Oh nothing. The guys just snailtext at our group chat. Yeah, do you mind accompanying me to a bar? The owner there is a family friend. I need to take something from his wife. Then maybe you want to do some shopping or something? What does girls usually do anyway?"

"Hahahaha. Your guy friends seem lively. I'd like to meet them someday, if our path is crossed again that is. Oh sure, I'll accompany you. Then we'll just go anywhere the path takes us. Does it sound alright to you?"

"Yeah sure. Let's go then" Before going down from the bus, Zoro put on his tortoise semi-rimless Wayfarer black shade and a skin colored ivy cap.

His pov

"Sorry, do you mind if I hold your hands? In case we got separated?" He asked Robin sheepishly while adjusting his cap to cover his face in case any stupid paparazzi caught him being in public. 'The last thing I need is this girl being questioned for being seen with me or involved in whatever scheme father's enemies have. I need to protect her from those things.'

"Oh? Hahaha. Usually guys just take charge and hold them. Of course I'd slap them for being rude. Thank you for asking and yes, you may. Lead the way Mr. Zoro" Robin could feel her hands shaking from being nervous. She never felt like this before, most guys just like taking advantage because she's a book worm. Zoro was glad that Robin just agreed with whatever he asked for rather than questioning his motives. He was aware that hiding his unique mossy green hair is impossible. Holding the girl's hand closely, he speed up a bit to avoid any unnecessary problem.

Her pov

"Hey Zoro, sorry for asking but are we running away from someone?"

"Oh no, I just don't want to be late you know. Oh turn to the right. Be careful now. We're almost there"

'I somehow feels that he's hiding something. Why the sudden change of appearance when we reach Sabaody?' Robin thought to herself. Suddenly, she feels the need to stay alert if this guy tries anything funny to her. Upon entering a bar, she feels the once tensed guy starts to calm.

"We're here. Damn, that's some walk. Hey Shakky, Rayleigh, I am here."

"Oh hello my little moss headed prince. How are you? When did you arrive?"

A relatively slim and tall woman with short black hair, with two tufts pointing upwards and is seen smoking a cigarette welcomes them. She typically wears a pink, v-neck t-shirt that exposes her stomach with a black spider on it beneath a black jacket with pink lines running down the sleeves that has a collar with wing-like cuffs. She also wears a yellow beaded necklace, pants that have a giraffe-like pattern, and a belt with a white cardigan tied around it. She also wears white shoes, and has painted fingernails.

She was about to hug Zoro when said woman paused and stare at the company the younger man brought in. "Oh, I see you bring company. Hello there, I am Shakky" the older woman gives a friendly hug to the younger one.

"It's nice to make your acquaintance Mrs Shakky. I am Robin."

"Oh, drop the formalities. We're family here. No need to be so tight. Any drinks? I know you want my finest saké but what about you dear? Any preference?"

"Oh, coffee is fine."

"So Zoro, I am guessing you got lost in Kuraigana and ended up here by bus?" The older woman teases the moss headed boy.

Zoro just shrug and takes his drink. "I didn't get lost. I took a detour and somehow ended up in the bus. Do you have them? When are you leaving for Fishman anyway?"

"Yeah, go to my room and fetch it for me. I put them inside my drawers. I'll be going tonight with Rayleigh." Nodding his understanding, Zoro head to Shakky's room to get his tickets.

Meanwhile, at the bar's counter Shakky is interested in getting to know the younger woman Zoro brought along. "So Robin, how did you know young Zoro here?"

"Oh Mrs. Shakky, we met in the bus during our journey here actually. I was from Ohara and I guess the bus stopped somewhere nearby Kuraigana City when he hopped in."

"Oh? So you guys just met a few hours ago? Why are you convinced in following a stranger to a bar? Isn't that odd? What if he is a serial killer? Hahahaha"

Robin startled with the questions Shakky asked. She was caught off guard yet again with a logical statement. 'Yeah, why did I trust him so much up to the point I followed him here. What if he IS a serial killer or a rapist?' Shakky notice the change of atmosphere surrounding the young woman.

"Hahaha I am so sorry to scare you my dear. I was just joking. Trust me, I watched him grew up and he is far from what you're thinking now." The older woman gave the younger one a reassuring smile. Robin just nodded in understanding. A few minutes of comfortable silence fell between the two women when Zoro came back.

His pov

"Thanks Shakky. I'll transfer the beli into your account?"

"Oh don't worry about it Zoro. Think of it as a gift for reaching Sabaody safely. Hahahaha"

"Common Shakky, stop spoiling me. I am not a kid anymore you know" Zoro pouted knowing full well the older woman is complimenting him in finally able to find a woman friend that suits his taste.

The thing about Zoro is that he isn't that choosy when it comes to acquaintances. He just accepts whoever his homeboys accept. The only thing is that he can't tolerate with the opposite gender that much. The female companions that he can endure with are only his mother, his aunts, his little sister and her friends. He always have this impression that females are a distraction and they only dull the blades. Being in a boy's school didn't help much in making him understand the opposite gender. It's always a mystery on how Sanji understands them so much even though the guy loathe his sister. Being surrounded by his guy friends are not helping either. For instance, Luffy only showed his love and passion towards meat, even though the crown princess of Amazon Lily showed deep care towards the strawhatted teen ever since they're only a child. Then there's the pervert trio – Sanji, Franky and Brook who freak women up with their perverted questions and imaginations. Usopp did at least showed interest in a girl back at his mother's hometown. The childlike Chopper is only fascinated by games and books. Last but not least, the cynical trio – Trafalgar Law, Eustass Kid and Killer who scares the ladies away from their stare and sarcastic comments. Zoro understands why their mothers are worried about them being single and never showed interest in women. It's not that they're not interested but they knew what those rich and spoiled women want from them – fame, fortune and influence. Those feelings however, changed bit by bit when they entered New World University few years back. Most of the guys started to show interest in some of the women they encountered but the women oddly rejected them as if they didn't have a care in the world.