Adventures of the Roronoa Family

Reflections and Resolutions

As the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of gold and pink, Zoro descended from the crow's nest, his night watch concluded. The gentle sway of the Thousand Sunny under his feet was a familiar comfort, but his mind with thoughts of Robin, whose recent behavior had sparked a quiet concern within him.

Once he reached the deck, his thoughts aside by the enthusiastic greeting of his daughter, Olivia. At 8 years old, she was a bundle of energy, her bright eyes reflecting the morning sun. Zoro couldn't help but smile as he scooped her into his arms, her laughter ringing clear and joyful.

"Mornin', Livy! Have you seen your mom yet this morning?" Zoro asked, brushing a strand of hair from Olivia's face before kissing her forehead.

Olivia shook her head, her expression mirroring the slight confusion he felt. "Nope, I think she's still sleeping."

Zoro's brow furrowed slightly at this. Robin had always been an early riser, often up before him to enjoy a few moments of quiet in the library or on deck. Lately, however, her mornings had begun later and later, and her usual vibrant demeanor seemed dimmed. He carried Olivia to the galley for breakfast, hoping that Robin would join them soon and that the morning meal would bring some normalcy.

As they entered the galley, the delicious smell of Sanji's cooking filled the air. The rest of the crew , and planning their day. Sanji, upon seeing Olivia, presented her with a flourish of breakfast plates.

"Here you go, my little princess!" Sanji said, smiling at Olivia. "...Here moss-head," he said bluntly.

Zoro's response was a nod as he set Olivia down at the table before taking a seat himself. His eyes kept drifting towards the door leading to the cabins, half-expecting Robin to appear.

Breakfast continued with the usual banter and laughter, but Zoro's attention . He answered questions and joined in occasionally, but his gaze swept back to the door. When they finished eating and Robin still appeared, his concern grew.

"Has anyone seen Robin this morning?" Zoro finally asked, his voice carrying a note of worry that silenced the table.

" probably , Zoro. I mean you two do have a 4-month-old and an 8-year-old," Nami replied, trying to ease the tension.

Leaving the galley, Zoro walked quietly down the corridor to the cabin he shared with Robin. The door was slightly ajar, and he pushed it open gently. The room was dim, the small windows covered to block out most of the morning light. Robin was still in bed, her figure curled under the blankets in a way that spoke of a restless night.

"Robin?" Zoro called softly, stepping inside. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet his.

"Zoro? still the middle of the night, honey," Her voice was husky with sleep as she sat up, smoothing back her hair trying to get her bearings.

"No, it's... It's morning. You missed breakfast," Zoro said, sitting on the edge of the bed. His tone was gentle, but his concern was evident. "Is everything okay?"

Robin looked away, her expression clouded with a mix of emotions. " , Zoro. all," she murmured, but the slight tremble in her voice betrayed her.

Zoro reached out slowly, his rough hand gently caressing her cheek, encouraging her to look at him. There was a tenderness in his eyes, a silent plea for her to open up, to let him in as she once did. He leaned in, aiming for a comforting kiss, but Robin turned her head at the last moment, his lips brushing her cheek instead.

He sighed, the warmth of his breath stirring a few loose strands of her hair. His hand dropped to his side as he pulled back, feeling a growing distance between them. Over the past few months after Kenji's birth, their physical closeness had diminished; Robin's usual warmth replaced by a subtle but persistent withdrawal. At night, when he reached for her, she would gently, , move away, leaving a cold space in their once-shared warmth.