A Quiet Crush

CHAPTER 3:

The following days aboard the Sunny carried a new energy between Zoro and Robin. It wasn’t obvious to the rest of the crew—Zoro made sure of that—but for those who paid attention, there were subtle shifts. 

For one, Zoro seemed more attentive to Robin’s presence. During their escapades on islands, he would instinctively position himself close to her, not in an overbearing way, but as if it was the most natural thing to do. Robin, for her part, seemed to gravitate toward him during moments of peace, often sharing quiet conversations or simply enjoying each other’s company. 

The others noticed, of course. 

“Oi, marimo!” Sanji growled one afternoon as they docked at a small island. “Why do you always hover around Robin like some clueless bodyguard? She doesn’t need *your* help.” 

Zoro didn’t even glance at him. “I’m not hovering. I’m keeping an eye on the area. You’re too busy drooling over every woman to notice threats.” 

“Why you—!” 

Robin interrupted with her usual calm tone. “Now, now, boys. Let’s not argue. It’s much more peaceful when you work together.” 

Sanji immediately calmed down under her gaze, but Zoro smirked. He wasn’t about to admit it, but he liked how easily Robin could diffuse situations—even ones involving him. 

As they ventured into the island’s dense forest, Robin fell into step beside Zoro. She carried her usual air of tranquility, though her sharp eyes scanned their surroundings. 

“Sanji does get rather protective of me, doesn’t he?” she said, her tone light but teasing. 

“Tch. He gets protective of every woman,” Zoro muttered. “You’re not just anyone, though.” 

Robin glanced at him, a hint of curiosity in her smile. “Oh? And what makes me different?” 

Zoro faltered for a second, cursing himself for saying too much. “You’re... stronger. Smarter. You don’t need someone to swoop in and save you.” 

Robin’s smile widened. “And yet, you still feel the need to protect me.” 

He glanced away, scratching the back of his neck. “It’s not about need. It’s just... something I want to do.” 

Her laughter was soft, barely audible over the rustling trees, but it warmed him nonetheless. 

As they continued walking, a low growl echoed through the forest. Zoro’s hand went to his sword in an instant. Robin’s eyes narrowed, her calm demeanor replaced by sharp focus. 

From the shadows, a pack of large, wolf-like beasts emerged, their eyes glowing menacingly. They were clearly territorial and ready to attack. 

“Stay close,” Zoro said, stepping in front of Robin instinctively. 

Robin raised an eyebrow, her arms already crossed and ready to summon her powers. “I could say the same to you, swordsman.” 

The wolves charged, and the two fought side by side in perfect harmony. Zoro’s blades sliced through the beasts with precision, while Robin’s Hana Hana abilities allowed her to immobilize and disarm their attackers with ease. 

When the last wolf fell, Zoro glanced at Robin, who was dusting off her hands as if the fight had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. 

“You’re scary sometimes, you know that?” he said, sheathing his swords. 

Robin chuckled. “Coming from you, I’ll take that as a compliment.” 

As they made their way back to the ship, the forest quiet once more, Zoro felt a sense of contentment he hadn’t experienced in a long time. 

Later that evening, as the crew shared stories of their adventures over dinner, Robin caught Zoro’s eye across the table. She gave him a small, knowing smile—a silent acknowledgment of their partnership. 

And for the first time, Zoro smiled back, not caring if anyone else noticed.