A/N: Hello everyone. I hope you enjoy this chapter, it's about catfishing so be warned. I think I'm making Crocodile a bit too ooc but who knows. Anyway, this chapter is pretty short cause honestly, I'm losing ideas. So if you guys want to share any headcanons please do.
Robin was currently shopping around the recent island they have landed on, Water 7. A beautiful city known for its waterways, canals, and mostly for its shipwrights.
"So swordsman-san, what is next on the list?" Hearing how there was no reply she figured he disappeared.
For his unbelievable lack of skills with directions, Zoro was forced to tag along with Robin to shop for more books. Already, he got lost multiple times and lost sight of her but luckily she was there to lead him back to her with her devil fruit powers. An arm would suddenly form from his shoulder, which he hated to admit; make him creeped out, and would point in the direction he had to go. Once he caught sight of her, he saw multiple men disgustingly catcalling her. Sure, he had seen Robin getting fawned over many times, especially from Sanji, but that stupid cook was someone he could trust, the men he currently saw though, no chance.
"Robin!" he called out, gaining their attention. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "Let's go."
That seemed to have triggered them. "Hey, hey, hey! Pretty lady, don't tell me you're with him!" One of them called out trailing the two from behind. They taunted, "Bet he's real weak, I mean he carries three swords! Tell you what, I'll buy them from you. Must be pretty cheap right?" As unfunny as it was they've burst in laughter by their own joke.
Zoro immediately stopped in his tracks and slightly released one of his katana's from its sheath. They could make fun of him all they want but no one talks lightly of his swords. He glared, and if looks could kill, well they'd be dead already. They shrieked in fear and bolted away which resulted Robin to giggle. "Who'd knew you were so protective of your swords."
"Hey, grab my arm." He suddenly said as he vaguely lifted his arm towards her.
"What?" Robin questioned, confused by the sudden request.
"Why is th-" Zoro cut her off before she could finish her sentence. "Just grab it."
Putting two and two together she figured out what he was trying to do. Her eyes crinkled up in joy as she shyly but gladly hooked her arm under his. "My, you're so kind swordsman-san! Don't tell me you're worried about me?"
Each step he took with her beside him made his face a few shades darker. He clicked his tongue in embarrassment. "Stupid! I'm just doing it so we don't run into trouble again, plus I won't get lost!" He was only answered with an agreement laced with sarcasm which then followed a chuckle.
She leaned her head against his shoulder remembering a time awfully similar to the present.
…
Getting work done was top priority but sometimes he'd walked around the garden area around the casino as small breaks. Though there were many people drunk with money or literal alcohol, Crocodile enjoyed the different scene as he's usually cooped up in his office with no sound at all. Sometimes he'd even see fights breakout, which were entertaining as long as no one breaks any property of his. Robin would sometimes join him to 'keep him company' but he bet it was to figure out any weaknesses. It wasn't like he had any other place to walk. Too far out of the casino and Marines might spot him and Robin, just aimlessly walking in the middle of the desert was definitely a no go for the archaeologist. He had made the right decision to keep their identities a secret so that citizens of the kingdom wouldn't recognize them, they were able to walk around the casino freely because of that.
Having their identities a secret did have some flaws though. Some people would have the audacity to talk to him as if he was part of their pathetic group. That usually resulted in a glare to scare them away or another kill if no one was around. There was one time that he regretted making that choice.
It was a time when Robin decided to walk with him, which he hated to admit but made him a bit happy. He'd make snarky comments about passerbys which usually made her laugh, sometimes even replying to him with another comment. It was entertaining when some rich drunk suddenly confronted them.
"Heyy beautiful girl." The man slurred. "How about we have a fun time."
With no hesitation Crocodile readied his hook to pierce the man but was stopped by her hand blocking the way. She quickly shook her head and reasoned, "Don't do it. There's too many people here."
Realizing their situation he withdrew his hand. The man quickly understood the position he was in and apologized immediately, his legs visibly shaking with fear. Crocodile leaned towards his ear and harshly whispered, "One thing I hate the most is getting stopped by some nobody like you. Be careful who you talk to."
He started sweating buckets and repeatedly apologized even when the duo turned around to walk again. Thinking he was free, he smiled in relief only to suddenly realize his arm felt strange. He looked at it, only to see his arm rapidly getting drained the life out of it, in so much shock he screamed in pain and fainted.
Robin heard the scream and looked at Crocodile who was grinning from ear to ear. "You tricky man."
His smile immediately disappeared. "You should have done something."
She sighed knowing he was right. "It's ok, I'm used to such things."
They continued to walk until he stopped, where the recent crowd they made a commotion in were far gone. "But, you shouldn't be." He took a long whiff of his cigar and blew the smoke right in front of her face which made her cough for fresh air. Crocodile then ruffled her hair, which he knew she hated, and started to walk back inside without waiting for her.
She huffed in annoyance. 'What was that for?'
Perhaps it was his way of punishing her. Telling her that it wasn't ok to just try and ignore it. To tell her he was there for her.
…
The next morning, Robin found a white cowboy hat and a matching coat laced with fur and quality sewing on top of her bed. She smiled knowing who it was from.