A Quiet Crush

CHAPTER 9

It had been a few days since Zoro and Robin had quietly started their relationship, and the crew had begun to notice the subtle changes between them. They were still their usual selves—fighting together, strategizing during missions, and sharing quiet moments—but there was a new layer to their connection. They seemed to be more in tune with each other, their glances lingering a little longer, their smiles a little softer. 

It was a warm evening when the moment finally came. The crew was gathered around the dinner table on the Thousand Sunny, enjoying a rare peaceful evening. Nami and Usopp were arguing over the food, Sanji was in the kitchen making his usual extravagant dishes, and Luffy was eagerly waiting to dig in. Chopper and Franky were deep in conversation about some new invention, and Brook had his guitar out, playing a light tune. 

But amid the usual chaos, all eyes soon turned to Zoro and Robin, who were sitting together on the far side of the table. Zoro was silently eating, his usual stoic expression in place, while Robin sat next to him, a small smile on her lips as she listened to the crew chatter. 

It was Nami who finally noticed. 

“Wait a minute,” Nami said, squinting at the two of them. “You two have been acting weird lately. You’re not as... well, distant as usual.” She raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Are you two finally getting along?” 

Zoro grunted, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. “We’ve always gotten along, Nami. Don’t make it sound weird.” 

Robin, sensing Zoro’s discomfort, placed a hand on his arm and smiled softly at the crew. “Actually,” she began, her voice calm but with a warmth that caught everyone’s attention, “there’s something we should tell you.” 

Zoro sighed, but there was a flicker of determination in his eyes as he looked around at the crew. “Yeah. We’ve been... seeing each other. More than just the usual... you know, fighting together and all that.” 

The room went silent. 

For a brief moment, no one said anything. Then, Luffy’s loud voice broke through the quiet. 

“Wait, WHAT?” Luffy blurted out, his face lighting up with excitement. “You guys are together?!” He jumped out of his seat and grinned widely. “That’s awesome! I knew you two were close, but I didn’t think you’d be a couple! This is amazing!” 

Usopp’s eyes widened in disbelief, and he dramatically placed a hand on his chest. “Wait... Zoro and Robin? The two of you... in love?” He blinked several times, as if trying to process the revelation. “This is... this is BIG!” 

Nami crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “I knew something was up,” she said with a smirk. “The way you two act around each other... Honestly, I’m surprised it took you this long to figure it out.” 

Sanji, ever the romantic, clapped his hands together, his eyes shining with dramatic tears. “Ahh, true love! I’m so happy for you two!” He immediately began thinking of ways to celebrate. 

Chopper and Franky both grinned, high-fiving each other. “You guys are perfect for each other!” Franky declared, his wide grin infectious. 

But then, there was a pause. 

Brook, ever the eccentric musician, tilted his head and strummed his guitar thoughtfully. “Well, well, well... I suppose you could say it’s ‘love at first slice’ for Zoro, and ‘a blooming flower’ for Robin.” 

The crew laughed, and for a moment, the tension that Zoro had felt melted away. He looked at Robin, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. 

“We’re not making a big deal out of it,” Zoro said, his voice gruff but fond. “It’s just... it’s us, alright?” 

Robin nodded, her fingers still resting gently on Zoro’s arm. “We just wanted you all to know. We’re still the same crew, just... with something a little more.” 

Luffy jumped into the conversation once again, his excitement contagious. “You two are SO cool! I’m glad you’re together, but now you can’t leave the crew! I want us all to be together forever!” 

Zoro chuckled, leaning back in his seat. “We’re not going anywhere, Luffy.” 

Robin smiled at Zoro, a warmth in her eyes that only he could see. “No, we’re not.” 

The crew erupted into cheers and teasing remarks, but it was clear there was nothing but love and support in the room. Zoro and Robin, in their own quiet way, had always been a part of the crew. Now, with this new chapter of their relationship, they were even more deeply connected to each other and to their shared adventures. 

As the night carried on, filled with laughter and food, Zoro and Robin stayed close, exchanging looks that spoke volumes. This wasn’t just about love—it was about trust, respect, and the bond they had formed over the years. 

And for the first time, they both allowed themselves to truly believe that the quiet crush they had been nurturing had finally blossomed into something real.