A Quiet Crush

CHAPTER 12: NAMI QUESTION

It was another quiet evening on the Thousand Sunny. The crew had finished their dinner and were scattered about the ship, enjoying their own downtime. Zoro and Robin had slipped away to the observation deck to enjoy the sunset together, while the rest of the crew relaxed in their own corners of the ship. 

In the women’s quarters, Robin was sitting at her desk, reading through some notes she had taken from the last island they visited. Her quiet concentration was interrupted by the sound of the door creaking open. 

Nami stepped inside, her usual smirk on her face. “Hey, Robin. Got a minute?” 

Robin looked up from her notes, smiling warmly. “Of course, Nami. What’s on your mind?” 

Nami flopped down on the bed, crossing her arms and glancing at Robin with a curious look. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” 

Robin raised an eyebrow, setting her notes aside and giving Nami her full attention. “What’s that?” 

Nami hesitated for a moment, but then, with her usual boldness, asked, “So... how is it, having Zoro in your life? Is it... good?” 

Robin’s expression softened, and a smile tugged at her lips. She thought for a moment, the question catching her off guard. It wasn’t a topic she had discussed much with anyone, especially not with Nami. 

“Well,” Robin began, her tone thoughtful, “I never expected things to turn out this way. I think... I think having Zoro in my life is something I never knew I needed.” She leaned back in her chair, her eyes distant as she thought about the past year with him. “He’s dependable, strong, and... he doesn’t try to change me. He accepts me for who I am, even with all my past and secrets.” 

Nami nodded, understanding the depth of what Robin was saying. “Yeah, Zoro’s never been one to judge. He’s... not exactly the most expressive guy, but when it comes to you, it’s clear he cares.” 

Robin chuckled softly, a small, fond smile crossing her face. “He does have a way of showing it without saying much, doesn’t he?” 

“Yeah,” Nami agreed, grinning. “That’s Zoro for you. But you know, I’ve noticed something. Ever since you two started... well, being together, he’s different. More relaxed. He’s always been a bit rough around the edges, but now, there’s this... softness to him when he’s around you. Like he doesn’t have to be the tough swordsman all the time.” 

Robin’s smile deepened, and she glanced down at her hands for a moment. “Zoro has always been a complicated person. But with me... he’s not afraid to be vulnerable. He doesn’t have to carry the weight of being the strongest, the protector, all the time when he’s with me.” She paused, her voice softening. “It’s one of the things I love about him.” 

Nami watched Robin carefully, noticing the gentle look in her eyes whenever she spoke of Zoro. “You’re lucky,” she said quietly. “Not many people get that. Zoro’s never really been the type to open up, but I guess you’re special enough for him to do that.” 

Robin met Nami’s gaze, her smile warm and genuine. “I feel lucky, Nami. More than I ever thought I would.” 

Nami tilted her head, her expression growing more serious. “But... you’re happy with him, right? I mean, you two are a bit of an odd match, considering how different you both are. But I can see it works. So... is this really what you want? A future with him?” 

Robin’s heart skipped a beat at the question. She had never really thought about the future in concrete terms before—her past had always been too complicated for that. But with Zoro... things were different. She felt safe, understood, and most of all, loved. 

“I never thought I’d have a future with someone,” Robin admitted, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “But with Zoro, I can see something I’ve never been able to picture before. It’s not about grand plans or promises. It’s about being together, quietly, in the moments we share.” She looked at Nami, her expression earnest. “And that’s enough for me.” 

Nami smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest at her friend’s words. “I’m glad to hear that, Robin. You deserve to be happy. And I can tell Zoro makes you happy, so... I’m happy for you.” 

Robin’s smile was soft and sincere. “Thank you, Nami. That means a lot to me.” 

The two women sat in companionable silence for a moment, each lost in their thoughts. Finally, Nami leaned back, a teasing grin returning to her face. “So... when are you and Zoro going to announce your engagement, huh? I mean, if Luffy’s been asking about weddings and kids already, I think it’s only a matter of time before the whole crew starts expecting it.” 

Robin laughed, her shoulders shaking with the sound. “Luffy’s always a step ahead, isn’t he?” 

“Well, he is the captain,” Nami replied, her grin widening. “But seriously, Robin, if you ever do decide on something like that, I’ll be here to help with whatever you need.” 

“I know,” Robin said, her voice soft and grateful. “And I appreciate that, Nami. But for now, I’m content. There’s no rush.” 

Nami nodded, a knowing smile on her lips. “Yeah. Sometimes, the best things come when you least expect them.” 

As the night wore on, the two women shared a quiet understanding—a bond of friendship that had deepened over the years, strengthened by the shared moments and honest conversations. Robin wasn’t sure what the future held, but she knew one thing for certain: with Zoro by her side, whatever came next, they would face it together.