Those That Got Away

Chapter 2

Robin's POV

I put my book down next to my iced mocha and sighed. For the third time in 6 minutes. I checked the time on my phone, man he's late, again. What's new? I stood up from my lounging chair, deciding that it's time to tend to my flowers.

It's been 15 minutes already. I sighed, again, and picked a thistle. I unconsciously closed my eyes, then held it close to my heart. Thistles actually remind me of someone. I was getting deep in thought 'til I felt gentle hands grab me by the waist and hug me from behind.

"Sorry I'm late," I don't even have to turn around or anything, I'd recognize that voice anywhere. And speaking of the one I'm reminded of because of thistles... Zoro rested his chin on my shoulder. I smile inwardly to myself amd lightly pat his head, acknowledging his presence. He, hesitantly? Removed his arms from me. I turned around to face him. His eyes diverted from mine to the thistle I was holding.

"A thistle." I said and he scoffed, as if saying 'obviously'. Zoro reached for the bundle of white petals. He examined it and glued his onyx orbs on my cerulean ones. He slowly put the flower on my ear, still not breaking eye contact. I couldn't help but notice the redness of his cheeks. On the other hand, I couldn't ignore the burning of mine.

Zoro put a gentle hand on my cheek and smiled lightly.

"I-it's beautiful, but nothing compared to you." He said. I blinked in surprise and didn't manage to respond. It was just then when I realized how close we were to each other, our face only inches away. We continued to stare into each other for a few more seconds and we snorted, me unladylike, at the same time.

"EEEEEWWWW~!" We laughed. "We're acting like couples again!" We said in unison as our fit of laughter continued.

"'It's beautiful but nothing compared to you', where did that come from? Sanji-san?" I laughed, trying to hide my blush.

Zoro awkwardly scratched the back of his head with a dumb smile painted on his lips.

"Actually, I- uh, it's from me. I wont ask that Ero Cook for no sh*t,"

So did he mean it?  There was an awkward silence for a while until he talked.

"Let's go, the school gate will be closing in a bit." He said. "But wait, I've got errands to run in the science lab." He smiled sweetly and hugged me.

"Since when were you worried about school rules?" I asked and he shrugged. He's really changed for the better.

When he ran, I started walking, following him to the lab, thinking about how much I really like him. Yes. I, Nico Robin, is hopelessly in love with her best friend, Roronoa Zoro. I sighed when I finally reached the lab. Zoro was wearing glasses and he honestly, looks pretty cute in them. He was talking to this black headed guy who had his back turned from me. I couldn't recognize who he is. I sat on a stool and watched them.

Robin, you've moved on, right? You're just supposed to tell Zoro that you liked him so your mission will be complete. Why are you thinking about him again? 

I stood up to go check on them, maybe I can be of help so we could leave already and get this over with. When the guy Zoro was talking to turned and met my eyes, I was hypnotized in his grey orbs and felt this familiar feeling in my stomach, butterflies. This is the first time i felt butterflies in my stomach that weren't because of Zoro.

"Hey, Rob, this is Law," Zoro introduced. "You wanna go home already?" He asked as he gathered his things.

I awkwardly nodded, not taking my eyes off Law's.

"Alright, just a second. Wait for me outside, we'll just clean up." Zoro said while removing his glasses and as he handed it to me. "Hold this for me, will ya?" I looked at him, nodded, and waited outside. Gripping Zoro's dark green glasses lightly, I smiled to myself.