A/N: Hello, finally another chapter done. I realize I'm a multi shipper for Robin lol. I also like her with Sanji, I can't decide who and who I like together anymore. But crocodile x robin is a given for sure. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thank you for reading and I hope to see some reviews.

Robin watched Luffy and the others messing around with each other again. Him and Chopper sticking chopsticks in their noses and danced while the others laughed, it seemed like their smiles would never end.

…

She remembered the time she first got to see Crocodile's real smile. Trust her, after travelling with many people and how perceptive she is, the archaeologist somehow learned the many different expressions one can make. She's able to differentiate a fake smile or not, and when she saw his for the first time, a genuine smile that did not consist of having pleasure from murdering people, it sure surprised her. Maybe she is overreacting a bit but for someone that is always serious, she'd have to say it's an understandable reaction. In front of others it was always the same: stoic, sinister, sadistic, or just fake in general. She ought to teach him how Saul taught her to laugh.

It happened after a few months she joined Crocodile. Together, they have officially made a secret organization called Baroque Works. With both of their knowledge and resources, it was awfully easy to create some sort of secret base which was covered up as a casino for the people outside. Though most of the time they were busy planning and finding strong recruits, every Monday when the weekly newspaper comes in, after work is done, Robin would find Crocodile reading in his office for hours to learn more about this desert country they resided in.

She thought of joining him a few times but as he was quick to anger, she didn't want to risk it. There was one Monday, when work was rough with all the paperworks he had to sign and the meetings he had to attend that made him look unusually disheveled and tired. It reminded Robin of the times she was alone when she did not want to be. Making up her mind, she quickly brewed a pot of tea and went inside the forsaken room she dared not to go in before.

Crocodile looked up from the thick newspapers to see when he heard his door latch up only to see Robin coming in whom he gave a nod. He went back to reading when he noticed his secretary setting tea and two cups on his desk while smoothly sitting besides him on the couch with a book.

"I don't think I remember asking you to bring me tea or give me company Nico Robin." He says as he watches her crossing her legs to get comfortable and open her book.

Her eyes still set on the novel, she replies, "I just thought it'd be a good idea to read together. Better than doing it alone." Robin then smiles and looks back at him.

"You've got nerves to come inside my room with nothing important to say."

"Try the tea, it will help you relax," She grabs the tea pot and gently pours the red liquid in the cup. "It's hibiscus, a rare type especially in this country." Slowly giving it to Crocodile, carefully not to spill, he couldn't help but take it as the odor did smell quite good. Taking a sip, he had to admit, the warm drink did start taking effect on him as he felt it was deconstructing his tense muscles and lightening the migrain he was having.

He sighed giving up, "Whatever your intentions are, do whatever you please."

"I simply just want to read with you today sir." She gave out a small chuckle and poured a cup herself. It was then when she looked up to him while taking a sip she saw him smiling at her. It was brief, probably didn't even last a second, but she saw it and knew it was different than the ones she saw him give before. Robin smiled inwardly. It really didn't suit him, that kind of smile. Filled with compassion and perhaps even trust. 'I never knew he could make a face like that,' she thought.

Hours which only seemed like minutes have passed. Robin looked at the clock only to see it was almost midnight. She stood up to prepare to leave only to be interrupted by her boss. "Where are you going?"

She raised her arms out to stretch. "As fun as it was, I must say I have to return to my quarters now. It is quite late." Just before she reached the door she heard him say, "You may come again next week, Robin."

The archaeologist looked back at him in slight surprise. His face was buried in the newspapers he was holding as if he was hiding his expression. 'Embarrassed is he?' She led out a breathless chuckle and smiled teasingly. "I'll keep that in mind sir."

…

To think after all those peaceful evening's she was now reading with a loud bunch around her. Sometimes she would read while Chopper was making medicine, or with Ussop who was building new inventions, or with Sanji who was cooking a feast for Luffy, or with Nami who was navigating or drawing her map. She found she mostly read around Zoro who would often be working out. His presence had a relaxing and reassuring feel to it, somewhat like Crocodile's whom she wishes she had forgotten by now.