Adventures of the Roronoa Family

Beating the Odds

A/N: I re-read some of the one shots I had posted and in the chapter where Robin found out she was pregnant with Kenji, she reminded Zoro of their time on an island during their anniversary. So I figured I would elaborate on it along with giving a reason as to why Olivia and Kenji are 8 years apart in age. I hope y'all enjoy!

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On a warm afternoon on the island of Isla Verde, the vibrant streets buzzed with the laughter and chatter of locals and tourists alike. Roronoa Robin had wandered away from her family to explore a quaint little bookshop she had noticed earlier. As she perused the shelves lined with ancient texts and local literature, her ears caught the unmistakable sound of a baby's cries piercing through the quiet store.

In the corner of the shop, a young mother, visibly exhausted and struggling to soothe her newborn, tried desperately to calm the wails that filled the cramped space. The baby, a small bundle swaddled in a soft blue blanket, continued to cry, oblivious to his mother's growing distress.

Robin's heart tugged at the scene. Silently, she approached the mother, her expression soft and understanding. "May I?" Robin asked gently, her hands already reaching out with the practiced ease of a mother herself.

The woman, looking relieved, nodded gratefully and handed her son to Robin. "Please, I've tried everything," she sighed, her voice laden with fatigue.

As Robin cradled the baby, she began to rock him gently, humming a soft lullaby that was more a whisper than a tune. The baby's cries soon turned to soft whimpers, and then, as if a storm had passed, he fell silent, his tiny eyes fluttering shut.

The mother, amazed, watched Robin with a mixture of awe and gratitude. "You're a natural. What's your secret?" she asked, a smile breaking through her earlier frustration.

Robin smiled, a touch of melancholy in her eyes. "I have a daughter," she explained, "Though she's much older now. I miss holding her like this—so small and needing comfort."

"My name's Elena," the woman introduced herself, taking a seat beside Robin. "And this little troublemaker is Kai."

"It's lovely to meet both of you," Robin responded, her gaze lingering on Kai's peaceful face. "I'm Robin. I must admit I do miss moments like these."

Elena nodded, her eyes reflecting understanding. "I bet it's hard, isn't it? Wanting to hold on to their little years for just a bit longer."

They continued to chat, Robin holding Kai, as the conversation drifted from parenting to life's unpredictable moments. Elena shared her own fears and joys of motherhood, her words echoing the sentiments Robin often buried deep within her heart.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the bookshelves, Zoro entered the shop with Olivia's navigational help. His expression, filled with mild irritation at needing help getting there, softened when he spotted Robin. He approached quietly, observing his wife cradling a child that wasn't theirs.

"They have babies in bookstores now?" Zoro joked lightly, trying to mask the concern that had driven him to find her after she didn't return to the ship.

Robin looked up, her smile tinged with sadness. "Just helping out," she said, as she gently passed Kai back to Elena. "Thank you for letting me hold him."

Elena cradled her son. "No, thank you, Robin. It's been a blessing just talking to you and getting your insight."

As Elena and Kai left, Zoro wrapped an arm around Robin, guiding her out of the bookshop. The street outside was now bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, the festive noises of the island evening resuming around them.