"Oh Zoro, would you like some coffee?", asked the archaeologist as the swordsman entered the kitchen. The pair had been left in charge of guarding the Sunny while the others restocked since Zoro was broke thanks to Nami's insane interest rate, and Robin claimed to not be in the mood to shop today. They hadn't been alone with each other since the Straw Hats reunited, both burdened by the revelations their separation had brought on and unsure of how to behave in the other's presence, they had opted to avoid the current situation.
"Uh sure, thanks.", replied the swordsman as he scratched his head, taking a seat at the counter. Robin pull out another mug and set it beside her purple one as she placed the full kettle over a burner. Zoro watched the historian's deft movements as she moved around the kitchen preparing their drinks. Looks like that hasn't changed, she still does everything with that same perfect grace.,thought the swordsman with a laugh.
"Might I ask what's so amusing Zoro-kun?"
"Nothing, just noticing how annoyingly perfect you still are.", replied Zoro without thinking. He waited for the older woman to respond, but thankfully received only a smirk in reply. Although he could of sworn he saw Robin's pale cheeks color for an instant.
"It's nice to know that everyone is still themselves, wouldn't you agree?", asked Robin chuckling.
"Yeah, they all still give me a headache, but it's good to be back. I really missed everyone."
"Yes, being apart from the crew was difficult, but after two years of training we won't have to endure that ever again.", said Robin with a smile.
"Yeah, I won't ever lose you again.", Zoro said quietly.
"What was that Zoro?", asked the blue-eyed woman, thinking she must of misheard her friend.
"Nothing." Robin decided to let it go and continued preparing the coffee, although her mind was now weighed down by the swordsman's supposed claim. As she filled the mugs with steaming liquid she felt eyes on her back and glanced to see the green-haired man gazing at her intently.
"Is something wrong Zoro-kun?", asked Robin nervously as she set a cup in front of the man and took a seat next to him. Zoro's eyes raised to met her own questioning blue ones, but instead of responding he continued to simply take in the sight of the lovely archaeologist beside him. Robin waited nervously to hear Zoro's answer, getting anxious under his intense scrutiny.
"I missed this Robin.", whispered Zoro as he met the historian's eyes once again.
"Yes, it's nice to be able to talk like this again Zoro."
Zoro paused, frustrated by the historian's lack of understanding. "Not talking, this. Being with you. I, I really missed you Robin.", said the sword wielder earnestly.
"I missed you too Zoro." It was Robin turn to pause. "Just like our other nakama.", added the woman reluctantly. He's just a nakama, that's all we are., thought Robin dejectedly. She stared into her steaming cup, unaware of the young man's eye taking in the disappointment on her face that she hoped to hide. Is she upset? Should I tell her? Letting instinct take over, Zoro reached towards the unsuspecting woman and brought his strong arms around her slight from. It was an awkward position since Robin wasn't expecting the sudden contact, but not unpleasant for either of them. She was about to pull away when she noticed the swordsman shaking as he held her.
"I was really worried about you Robin. I'm glad you're safe." Zoro spoke into Robin's neck, breathing in her intoxicating floral scent. He found the truth came easier when he wasn't getting lost in the historian's icy blue eyes. The pair had moved slightly so that Zoro now supported all of Robin's weight as she leaned against his broad chest. The archaeologist was, for once, at a loss for words. She had instinctively wrapped her arms around Zoro's neck bringing the two even closer as Zoro's held her around the waist, but remained silent. This development was a surprise to both pirates since Zoro hadn't decided what to do until moments before his body made the choice for his mind.
"You know these last two years I thought about you all the time, you were what kept me going though it all. The thought of being back with you, Robin, was what made me fight to get back here, you made me stronger.", said the swordsman as her stroked the older woman's hair. Hesitantly, Zoro pressed a kiss to the top of Robin's head before setting her down and cupping her smooth cheeks in his calloused hands. He took a second to observe the woman's reaction, she had remained silent throughout his confession, but didn't push him away when his eager hands held her. The swordsman wasn't sure what that meant, but took Robin's allowance of physical contact as a positive sign to keep talking.
"I realized something after we were separated." Robin held her breath, excitement and fear overwhelming her as she listen to the one-eyed man's confession.
"I love Nico Robin." She stood still, making sure that her brain hadn't fabricated what the swordsman had said, and knowing it hadn't as she met the young man's eye. It held something unfamiliar to Robin, but she recognized it right away. She knew it was what she had felt since Water Seven when he had come and sought her out after her rescue, and what she was sure her own cerulean orbs mirrored back at him now.
"I, I love you too Zoro.", spoke the raven-haired woman as she let her arms snake around Zoro's muscular neck. "I think I have been for awhile now."
"I'm sorry I made you wait this long.", said Zoro guiltily, leaning in.
"It was worth it.", she replied as their lips touched. The couple melted into the kiss, knowing it was the first of many to come, the beginning of a lifetime together, the start of their forever.
Author's Note: Okay, Zorobin confession for megaME. I tried to make sure this stayed true to how Robin told Olivia it happened a few chapters ago since I want these one-shots to stay interconnected. Thanks to all my readers and I hope you guys are having a good Christmas Break (for those in school). P.S. I'll be posting the beginning of a Christmas themed story on Christmas Day as a present for all of you awesome people! It'll be future Zorobin and LuNa celebrating with their families and a muti-chap fic!