Rose's P.O.V.

I froze, my thoughts grinded to a halt as all I could focus on was Zoro. Did he just…kiss me? I think he did. Yep, he totally did. I can still taste it, remember how surprisingly soft his lips were; how gentle. I didn't mean to tense, but it was my first instinct.

The look in his eyes. It's beyond just friendliness. It is beyond even fondness. The look he was giving me was filled with some foreign emotion I had never seen on his face. Then, the words finally, after what felt like ages, registered in my mind, almost in slow motion.

"Wait…really? You aren't lying?"

I had no haki to check, unlike him. He gave me a gentle smile, and then I notice his cheeks tinged red. He was blushing? Zoro, man of steel, was blushing? It was beyond adorable.

"I would never lie to you, especially about something this important."

It's true then. It didn't feel real, my feelings actually being reciprocated. So all this time, he had felt the same. He was trying to steal glances at me, trying to stay as close to me as possible, lingering touches. I couldn't help the gigantic grin from spreading across my face. Zoro had no reason to deceive me, so he really must.

"Zoro!"

I leapt up, wrapping my hands around his neck as I basically tackled him into the sand. He made an 'oof' and I snuggled into his chest. I sat up, giggling.

"You have made me so happy, Zoro."

Happy was a meager description of the feeling inside me. It blazed like fire, warming me from my toes up to the smile still expanding on my face. Then I realized the position I was in, straddling Zoro's chest. Embarrassed, I slip off him, but it didn't quench the feeling inside me. Zoro chuckled.

"You idiot."

I blinked. What was he talking about?

"What did I do?"

He ruffled my hair, and this time I noticed the touch that lasted a second more than it originally would have.

"You beat me to the punch. I was asking you those questions about us so I could tell you that I love you."

He dragged his hand down his face.

"Once again, your bravery trumps mine."

He was just about to confess to me? Gosh, if I hadn't said the right thing, we wouldn't even have this conversation. I laid down next to him, looking up at the completely dark sky now filled with stars. My courage had come back, and with it came stupid confidence. I slowly reached out and touched his hand. I felt him tense before he slowly entwined his hand in mine. I couldn't help the grin.

"I was so nervous I thought I was going to die. Brave is not the word I would describe that."

Zoro answered softly.

"No, that is exact bravery. There are many different kinds of bravery. It's almost funny, I can stand up to enemies without flinching, but I couldn't come out and say it like you."

I shook my head.

"I'm just glad I did."

I turned toward him.

"How long?"

He shrugged.

"It's hard to say. I guess in the times you have left, I started missing you more and more each time. I think the second time, when you saved us from the Celestial nobles. What about you?"

I try to think back. I didn't start feeling intense feelings of love until I joined the crew, but I realized they were always there, hidden deep.

"Same, it's hard to tell, but it has been a long time. Maybe then, maybe the first time I was here, maybe when you saved me from Sadi, I'm not too sure."

Zoro's P.O.V.

How did this happen so fast? One minute were just talking about her anniversary, and the next we are both lying here, in love, talking about our relationship. I have to ask, because of all the people to fall in love with, she had me of all people.

"So…why me?"

She looked over at me.

"You don't know why?"

I shake my head. No, it made no sense to be honest. We were completely opposite personality wise, but we thought the same on several things. I know there is this thing of opposites attract, but still. She just smiled at me.

"Come on Zoro. You are always there for me, giving me what I need when I need it. You support me when I am feeling weak, you protect me when I am feeling vulnerable, and you comfort me when I am feeling upset. You train me, fight with me, and are perfect. You listen to what I need to say, while others try to talk their way through me. I wouldn't be as strong as I am without knowing you are there to have my back. You are so handsome, and are kind to everyone, but will tear yourself up to protect people you care about, and carry guilt if you can't even if it isn't your fault. You have a fierce loyalty to certain people, like Luffy, and have a thirst to become even stronger. Your ambition drives you to work harder than anyone else. You look so cool with all your swords and you are so powerful. Of course, I love you, for all of you."

I look back up at the stars.

"You are so kind though, and I am not nearly as merciful on my enemies."

She laughed.

"So we have different opinions. I agree with your thinking, especially if it is something unspeakable. But I always like to give someone a chance. If you give them that chance, there is no telling if they will good or not, but there is a fifty percent chance they will do the choice you give them. Like those men yesterday. I gave them a chance, and they didn't take it, so they did deserve what they got."

She got somber.

"That's why you told me to close my eyes. You didn't want me to be scarred from people dying."

She sighed, eyes closed.

"Protecting me again, huh?"

I nod. I feel the sharp bite of a wind from the ocean and I let go of her hand. She made a disappointed sound, but gave a contented giggle as I wrap my arms around her, pulling her into my side. She snuggled up, laying her head on my shoulder.

"What about you? How could you love someone like me? I thought you didn't like weakness."

I almost choked a little.

"And I thought I was adamant about how strong you were."

She chuckled.

"Oh, come on, Zoro."

I take a few moments to collect my thoughts on Rose. It was hard to put her into words, because there was so much I could say.

"You are the light in a dark room. Your smiles and laughs make everyone feel better. You are so brave, and strong, and don't hesitate to go after friends in trouble. You have such trust in me, which is very rare to be automatic, considering who I am. People usually avoid me because I am dangerous, but you had no problem coming and talking to me, even though I almost killed you the first day you were here. You fight so hard, even knowing you might lose because you think you are weak, when you aren't. You have such a potential, that I can't wait to see what you will do after you are trained properly. In training, you are so serious and work so hard to get better. All these things, and you continue to look beautiful while doing it."

I glance down at her. She was looking up at me, eyes sparkling and a raging blush on her face. Now that look I can get addicted to. I continue.

"Your tomboyish nature is amazing, which makes you better than any woman I have ever seen, because you don't discriminate against men and women jobs. You are more than willing to fight or do anything that needs to be done. When you are gone, it leaves the crew a lot darker, like someone blew out a candle. Your games of tag, you look like a deer running across deck. Your playfulness and positive attitude makes me feel like I can conquer the world, and I want to protect that smile of yours, and keep you happy as long as I can."

The blush brightened, and I really wanted to kiss her again. The smile she gave was bright and beautiful.

"Thank you Zoro. That was even more then I hoped for."

She closed her eyes.

"Can we keep this a secret? From the crew I mean?"

I chuckle.

"Are you kidding? I would like to keep my head attached to my body. Ero-cook might decide to kick it around like a ball."

She chuckled.

"Yeah I guess so."

I placed my other hand behind my head.

"Not to mention, you are way more popular with the crew then me. Every single one of them will come to me and make sure I don't hurt you."

She laughed loudly.

"Now that's a scene I would pay to see. You would never hurt me."

I glance at the scabbed over line on her neck, and the wound on her arm. She noticed my glances and shook her head.

"Nope, nope nope, we aren't playing the blame game. Not tonight."

She sat up.

"You want a massage?"

I cock my head and chuckled.

"Odd subject change don't you think?"

She bounced up and down.

"I want to though."

She gestured with her hand.

"Flip over."

I had a really bad feeling about this, but I do it anyway. This is going to be torturous, isn't it?

Rose's P.O.V.

I am quite a good masseuse, at least that's what my dad tells me. I used to give him massages all the time, and he said I could be a pro. I just think this would be a nice way for me to show affection, and a good way that I can feel up those strong back muscles, and I get to make Zoro feel better. It's a triple win.

I sit on his lower back and feel him tense. I chuckle.

"Sorry, if I am too fat, I could easily get off."

He settled farther into the sand, folding his arms under his chin.

"Not at all."

I cracked my knuckles and wiggled my fingers. Time to go to work.

I start with just touching. His back is just as I imagined, firm and strong, just like him. I rubbed him down, before slowly circling my thumbs in certain spots that I knew felt good. He moaned and rolled his shoulder, his entire back rippling. I tried so hard not to drool. I explored a little bit with my fingers, keeping it firm, at least at first, kneading my hands into his back.

"Hey Zoro?"

His reply was in the form of a contented hum.

"What happens…when I leave?"

It was a subject I had been avoiding. That was another problem with our relationship. Soon, I don't know when, but soon I am going to be making this the God of all long distance relationships. He tensed and I stopped my motion. He looked up at me.

"We will enjoy what we have now, and we will cross that bridge when we come to it. No use worrying about something we know is going to happen."

He is right. Just like when I always leave, I can't mope about it, but enjoy the time I have left. I grinned.

"Sounds like a plan."

I continue on my ministrations. I go from firm to gentle as I scratch his back lightly, drawing designs in his back with my fingernails and he tenses.

"Not good?"

I ask. I don't want to cause any discomfort. He hissed through clenched teeth.

"Nope, keep going. I'm fine."

That didn't exactly sound like he enjoyed it. I went back to the pushing and the firm stuff.

Zoro's P.O.V.

Oh gosh, I am definitely in heaven. My instincts were right, that this had quickly turned into a war of self-restraint; I didn't think I could win. Her fingers were magical as she eased into my muscles, making them mush. I fell completely limp. Dear lord, what would those fingers do to my chest, or anywhere else on my body? No, don't make this even worse for yourself.

Then, her fingers stopped pushing and instead started scratching circles and patterns in my back that caused my entire back to tingle pleasantly. I gasped lightly.

"Not good?"

She still doesn't understand does she? She doesn't understand the power she has over me. Good, because if she did know I can't imagine how she would exploit it. As much as I wanted her to stop however, the pleasure was way too intoxicating to resist.

I clear my voice that is about to choke.

"Nope, keep going. I'm fine."

She withdrew her hands and started the rubbing again, which was still enjoyable, but not the kind I wanted. I sit up slightly.

"Why did you stop?"

I was signing my death warrant, but I didn't care. Rose smiled as she nodded.

"All right, I can do it again, if you are so eager."

I lay back down, mentally trying to prepare myself. The fingers came back with a vengeance. It was almost tickling, but not quite in a way that it prickled the nerves, but not in a laughing sort of ways. It put me completely on edge, feeling everything as I tense up again.

Rose's P.O.V.

I chuckled inwardly as Zoro basically arched toward my touch, but I know just how light it had to be to feel good. Hmm, how far can I push him I wonder? I grin, and allow my playfulness to come out. If a few touches had him this on edge, then what would multiple ones do? I wasn't romantic in any sort of the word, but I had watched enough romance animes thankfully to get the basics.

I lean down blowing lightly in his ear. He perked up a little. I purr.

"Are you…comfortable?"

I feel him gulp.

"Rose, what are you doing?"

I kept one hand with the current treatment, while the other one entwined itself in his green hair.

"Experimenting."

His voice hitched.

"Why…are you doing…that?"

I remembered how he reacted last night when I touched his ears. I rub the shell lightly, digging in with my fingernail and I grin as I produce a husky moan. I grin. Oh this was too much fun.

Zoro's P.O.V.

Oh and it got infinitely worse. Why was she doing this? She was so evil, an evil genius, but gosh darn it if I wasn't dying from some feeling, not sure if it was love, pleasure, or need, but it was killing me slowly, and I loved it.

Oh yeah, she definitely found out how much power she has over me, and is trying to exploit in every way possible.

The fingers on my ear left only to be replaced by something wet that had a slight pressure. I jerked up, glancing over my shoulder. Did she just—?

She removed her mouth from my ear and she winked. I couldn't do anything but stare at her. I have to keep from kissing her. I have to keep from doing anything rash.

Wait, why do I have to restrain myself? Rose knows about my feelings, and I can do whatever she feels like doing. I give her a smirk.

"You sure you want to mess with this demon, Rose?"

She paused, before giving her playful grin.

"Ah, good. I wouldn't want to completely wrap you around my finger. I got Sanji for that. Fighting back would be interesting."

She leaned back, but I didn't stop staring at her. She was up to something, especially with that grin on her face. I wasn't fooled. She raised her eyebrows.

"Go on, I am not done with you yet."

Oh, she sees this as a challenge. Well, I am not going to lose to her. I lay back down with a smirk. She laid down on my back, breathing on my ear that she had previously decided to taste test.

"Oh no, definitely not."

She bit into my ear, nibbling on it gently. Oh no, that is it.

She was so light it was easy to flip her over and get me on top. She smirked up at me.

"Haha, I win."

I didn't answer her as I bent down, kissing her passionately. Two can play this game.

She tensed underneath me, before going completely boneless. Her hands came up and wrapped around my neck, pulling me even closer. Her lips were soft, and tasted, like her. I didn't want to push to far, so I just kept it at the lips, for now. Besides, it's not like I have done this before. So I played it safe, but I could definitely get used to this.

I pull back and she looked beyond gone. A raging blush filled her cheeks, her eyes were half-lidded, and her lips were parted. It was glorious.

"You were saying."

She blinked and sat up.

"Let's call it a tie."

The moon was high at this point. I stand up.

"We should get some sleep."

Rose hopped to her feet as well.

"Yeah, let's use our new shelter."

I crawled in the small lean-too. It wasn't going to be very roomy that's for sure. I lay down and wondered what Rose would do. I had no qualms sleeping outside.

Rose came in and curled up into my side, laying her head on my shoulder and curling her hand on my chest. She leaned up, kissing my cheek.

"Night Zoro."

I place a small kiss in her hair as I hug her to me.

"Good night Rose."

She smiled and nestled in. Soon, she was fast asleep, and I wasn't too far behind her. This had been a night to remember.

TBC