[He gets up and moves to give her a hug whether she punches him for it or not.]
You are doing your best to be there for them and help. I do not think it goes unnoticed, and I am certain it helps. Just don't expect to change the world in a day, eh? Little steps at a time. You're getting there.
[Truth told... it reminds him starkly of when Luffy left and the conversation they had in the library back then. Back then he'd admired her strength and resilience, in being able to admit her fears and weaknesses and face them head on. And he... had he truly been unable to move any more forward from that? Even now, it was damned near impossible for him to admit how scared he was of losing Ace. Or of Ace leaving Luceti. Even when everyone knew it. Really, he just admires how strong Robin is, even just in admitting her fears or at least concerns.]
[Action]
[He gets up and moves to give her a hug whether she punches him for it or not.]
You are doing your best to be there for them and help. I do not think it goes unnoticed, and I am certain it helps. Just don't expect to change the world in a day, eh? Little steps at a time. You're getting there.
[Truth told... it reminds him starkly of when Luffy left and the conversation they had in the library back then. Back then he'd admired her strength and resilience, in being able to admit her fears and weaknesses and face them head on. And he... had he truly been unable to move any more forward from that? Even now, it was damned near impossible for him to admit how scared he was of losing Ace. Or of Ace leaving Luceti. Even when everyone knew it. Really, he just admires how strong Robin is, even just in admitting her fears or at least concerns.]