A Quiet Crush

CHAPTER 19 - A New Chapter

-5 years later-

The Thousand Sunny drifted lazily on calm waters, its crew enjoying a rare, peaceful day. Robin stood on the deck, her hands resting lightly on the railing as she gazed out at the endless horizon. The gentle sea breeze toyed with her dark hair, but her mind was far from the tranquil scene before her. 

In her hand, she clutched a folded piece of paper—something she had received earlier that day from Chopper after a private checkup. The words on it confirmed what she had suspected but hadn’t dared to say out loud yet. 

A baby. 

The thought filled her with a mix of emotions—joy, surprise, and a hint of nervousness. She knew Zoro would support her, but the news was still monumental. Gathering her courage, she turned and made her way to the crow’s nest, where Zoro often trained during quiet moments. 

As she climbed the ladder, she could hear the rhythmic sound of Zoro’s weights clinking. She smiled to herself, a warm affection rising in her chest. When she reached the top, Zoro was mid-lift, his muscles tense with exertion. He glanced at her and set the weights down, wiping sweat from his brow. 

“Robin,” he greeted, his tone as steady as ever. “What’s up?” 

Robin stepped closer, her heart beating a little faster. “I needed to talk to you. It’s... important.” 

Zoro’s sharp instincts picked up on the serious note in her voice, and he straightened, giving her his full attention. “What’s wrong?” 

Robin shook her head, her smile soft and reassuring. “Nothing’s wrong, Zoro. But... there is something I need to tell you.” She unfolded the paper in her hand and held it out to him. 

Zoro took it, his brows knitting as he read the words. His eyes widened slightly, and he looked up at her, his usually stoic expression tinged with surprise. “You’re... pregnant?” 

Robin nodded, her hands clasped in front of her. “Yes. I found out this morning.” 

For a moment, Zoro didn’t say anything, his gaze dropping to the paper again as if to double-check what he had read. Then, to Robin’s relief, a slow, genuine smile spread across his face. 

“We’re having a kid,” he said, more to himself than to her, as if testing out the words. He looked back at her, his expression softening in a way few people ever got to see. “That’s... amazing.” 

Robin let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her own smile widening. “You’re okay with this?” 

“Okay with it?” Zoro stepped closer, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. “Robin, this is the best news I’ve ever heard. You’re amazing, and now we’re going to have something even more incredible together.” 

Robin felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away, leaning into his embrace. “I wasn’t sure how you’d feel. It’s a big change for both of us.” 

Zoro chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around her. “Yeah, it’s a big change. But we’ve faced crazier things together. This? This is something we can handle. Together.” 

Robin tilted her head up, her smile full of love and gratitude. “Thank you, Zoro. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.” 

He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Same goes for you, Robin. You’re everything to me.” 

They stayed like that for a while, the weight of the moment sinking in. The future was uncertain, as it always was in their lives as pirates, but for the first time, they felt a new kind of hope—a new chapter waiting to unfold. 

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