One Piece: The Child of the Storm

Chapter 9: My Captain

"S-Sorry Robin, I don't think I can go any further." Luffy said in a strange voice. Robin smiled at Luffy as she encouraged him, "Don't worry Luffy, you did wonderfully. I don't mind if we take a break for now." "Really?" Luffy said as he gave Robin a happy smile of defeat. Luffy crashed onto Robin's desk after they have been studying on some books that Robin had picked out for Luffy. Apparently Luffy was having some trouble when it came to reading some books for Merry.

"Man who knew books were so tough to understand. You really are amazing Robin." Luffy said to Robin with a happy go lucky smile as he looked up from laying on the desk. Robin could feel a familiar warmth growing in her chest. Robin couldn't help but think of how cute Luffy acted sometimes, it was as if he was a playful little cat.

"Thank you Luffy, you are just as amazing to me to." Robin smiles as she pours some of her personal tea that she has ready in her room. "Hehe, I know Right." Luffy giggles at Robin's compliment. Robin then serves Luffy his own cup of tea, "So what do you think of this story so far?" Robin asked wondering if Luffy was also enjoying reading.

"Its really cool! Tress of the Emerald Sea is really fun. But there are still some words I'm having trouble understanding." Luffy said feeling a little defeated by his lack of book smart. "That's fine, its just like training for combat. After awhile I'm sure you'll get the hang of it." Robin smiles happy that Luffy was getting interested in a new hobby.

"But I am curious, what made you wanted to start reading?" Robin asked. Luffy picks up his tea and longingly stairs at the liquid inside. "...Yesterday, when I saw you with Merry. I felt so flustered seeing you both in fear, I could feel my heart getting weaker. Seeing you both like that made me want to make you both safe and happy. Now that I am a sea emperor, even though I am at my peak seeing you and Merry... I can't help but feel a little, useless? What else could I do to have more fun with Merry that not just me running around. When I watch you both laughing and having fun while reading made me want to join you both. While the world is so big and full of adventures, I can't help but feel drawn back to you both." Luffy for the first time that Robin has known her captain, he looked... vulnerable.

All this time Luffy grew as a captain, fighting his friends enemies, fighting off the world government, almost dying multiple times. This was the first time that Luffy had to face something so small and not use force. Robin knew almost exactly what Luffy was feeling, she was also feeling the same thoughts as him. Merry was also just a child among a powerful pirate crew, not exactly family friendly for a child's growth. But Merry was no doubt apart of their family.

Just then for once in Luffy's life received comfort from Robins embrace. From behind Luffy, Robin wrapped her arms around Luffy's shoulders as she gave her young captain a hug. With a moment of silence the archeologist and her captain grew even closer. Luffy could start to feel his worried heart starting to feel clam and warm. The same calm he felt when he was with his two brothers. To Luffy, this meant that he could see Robin more than just a friend and a crewmate, but family.

"...Thank you Robin." Luffy said as he lifted his head towards Robin with a warm straw hat smile. Robin smiles back only to suddenly surprise Luffy with a gentle kiss on his forehead. "You are welcome My Captain."