Of Straw and Steel

Summary: Zoro was always warned of the dangers of falling for the Captain's daughter. He just never imagined the dangers that came with falling for the Captain herself. Oneshot series on people's reaction to the Captain and First Mate's relationship.

Chapter Warnings: Robin. Which means this could go two ways. It went the clean way. Generally. Whatever. You guys are reading the 'M' rated story so -shrugs-

It started as a means of protection.

That was it and that was all, or so she told herself.

Robin never expected to be so freely integrated into the crew. After everything she had put them through as Crocodile's partner, she never once imagined that they would accept her so freely.

Well, perhaps that wasn't the right wording. Amongst the small crew, she could easily pick out the ones that distrusted her.

The cook was perhaps the most accepting above Luffy herself. Whether that be because of his loyalty to the captain or his love for women, she wasn't sure. Perhaps a mixture of both. While his reaction was rather absurd, it was not unwelcome. Even just the small actions made her feel more welcome even though she felt as though she had forced herself into the crew.

Nami quickly came to accept her after the pile of jewels was neatly emptied into the navigators hands. It quickly became something more than buying Nami over. Nami, through sitting quietly on the deck together, to the almost sisterly interactions between the two girls, found herself drawn in by Robin and grew fond of her. Robin herself felt something she had never felt before for the girl.

The feeling extended to the entire crew.

Robin could not quite pinpoint what exactly the feeling was at first. All she knew was her chest grew heavy at the thought of leaving the crew, the very thought of losing these people became a stinging pain that manifested itself inside of her. It would not be until later when she was willingly taken by the Cipher Pol 9 members that she could name the feeling.

Love. She loved the crew, with all - if not more - of her heart.

Before she realized this, however, the traces could easily be seen her her entire being. From the way she smiled, the way she relaxed among her nakama, the protectiveness...

And yet, there were those that didn't trust her. She didn't blame them. She had gone from enemy to ally, as unlikely as it seemed. She hadn't been with them long enough for them to decide whether or not they trusted her, but all went along with the Captain. That is, all except one.

Of course, when you have eyes and ears everywhere, nothing was truly sacred. Although, on a ship so small, it was doubtful that many secrets could be kept for long.

Robin generally gave the Captain and First Mate the privacy they deserved. They had enough to deal with, what with Sanji's eccentric behaviour around the lady-pirate, Chopper's "random" medical check ups, Usopp's constant distractions, and Nami's threats.

Still, sometimes she it lifted her heart to see them together. It was obvious how much the two loved each other. Zoro was not one to hold his emotions out for everyone to see. It was in this way that he was in stark contrast from his lover. With each other and only each other, however, it was as if they had become completely different people.

Robin had noticed this a while ago whilst watching the two, but curiosity had brought her back to her peeking.

The two were in the men's quarters, empty except for the two naked pirates who were currently sprawled against each other on the couch. Nothing even mildly sexual was taking place, instead they just basked in each other's presence.

"Your hair is tickling me, Zoro!" Luffy laughed, but she made no move to push away the man who was currently laying with his face buried in her shoulder. Her hands were on his back, tracing each line, each scar with a softness not usually exhibited by the captain. Zoro pulled back, looking at her somewhat sleepily before smiling.

His eyes were light, filled with love and admiration for the woman currently underneath him. Lazily, he reached up and brushed her hair back, before kissing her deeply. The captain responded with equivalent enthusiasm, whining loudly when he broke away.

"Luffy," the swordsman started, not looking up to meet her eyes, but instead finding a small scar on Luffy's shoulder that was hardly noticeable. Probably had to have happened sometime during her childhood, before eating the gum-gum fruit. Luffy frowned at his tone, her hands pausing and resting against his back as he leaned down and lightly kissed the scar.

"Yeah?" She asked, a hint of uncharacteristic worry in her voice as she looked at him.

"Why'd you let her stay?"

Robin realized at this moment that she probably didn't want to hear or see anymore. Not only was this an extremely intimate voice, but she was quite sure she didn't want to hear the answer to that question. Something kept her there, though, frozen as she watched and heard the scene play out.

"Robin?" Luffy's voice held something that seemed like relief, as if she was expecting something else entirely. Zoro did not take the answer as well, letting out a somewhat irritated sigh.

"She's dangerous, Luffy. She worked for Crocodile, she's an enemy."

Robin flinched at the word. She was not expecting Luffy's answer, however.

"No, she's not. Not anymore at least," Luffy argued, sitting up and forcing her lover up with her. "Robin hasn't tried to hurt any of us. Besides, she saved me twice back in Alabasta. She's our nakama now and won't hurt us!"

Robin felt her heart ache at that, remembering how easily she had deceived and lead various other pirate crews to their doom, all of which having the very same attitude. No. Robin shook her head, willing the thoughts from her head. This was different. The straw hats were not like the others. She wouldn't let that happen.

"I trust her and I won't let her go anywhere!" Luffy said, puffing out in Robin's defence. She wasn't angry at her first mate, but she was just as protective of Robin as she was of any crew member.

Zoro deflated visibly, knowing very well that he would not be winning this round against his Captain. "I don't like it."

"You didn't like Sanji either."

"Still don't."

"Shishishi!" Luffy's previous demeanour slipped away as if it had never happened. "You'll warm up to her!"

Zoro didn't even have a chance to argue when Luffy tackled him in a deep kiss, pushing him down onto the couch. Robin let her ears and eyes disappear, smiling softly as she took a moment to process what she just heart.

She was happy, even knowing that Zoro more than distrusted her. She didn't blame him, what with her past. Even with that put aside, Luffy was his captain and lover. It was natural that he wanted to protect her.

Robin knew at that moment that she wanted to protect the captain - her captain - just as much.

There~ Robin's! I can't bring myself to even write dirty stuff because I...
Question: Do you guys want stuff to be more dirty or is the almost-ish stuff okay-ish?

If you guys want to see anyone besides the crews' and Luffy's families' reactions, lemme know and I'll work it in. Already planning on: Chimney, Franky, Brooke, Grap, Coby, Shanks, Law, Rayleigh, Boa Hancock, Sabo, Conis, Viper, Perona, Ben, Mihawk...

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, faved, alerted... or even read. I appreicate it! :D

I'm sorry I haven't updated in forever. See, all I have to write on is this lil' iPad keyboard which recently died. I'm waiting for a new one in the mail but I haven't been able to update in a while... Because I wrote this entire thing on an iPad's on screen keyboard. Until I get my new keyboard, I don't know if I'll manage two updates a week (I'll try though!) Either way, thank you for your patience and I'm super story. (Writing on this thing is a complete bitch. Pfft)