A Quiet Crush

CHAPTER 20 - Joyful Revelations

The Thousand Sunny was alive with the usual energy of its crew. Luffy was perched on the figurehead, Sanji was in the galley preparing a feast, and Usopp and Franky were tinkering with the ship’s cannons. Nami lounged with a drink under the shade of an umbrella, and Chopper and Brook played a lively tune together. 

Robin and Zoro stood near the helm, sharing a glance. It was time to tell everyone. Robin’s calm exterior belied the flutter of anticipation in her chest, while Zoro, as usual, looked unbothered—but she knew him well enough to see the faint tension in his jaw. 

“You ready?” she asked softly. 

“Tch. They’re gonna make a big deal out of this,” Zoro grumbled, but there was a faint smirk on his face. 

Robin smiled back. “It’s a big deal, Zoro.” 

With a nod, Zoro stepped forward. He didn’t like to be the center of attention, but for this, he’d make an exception. “Oi, everyone! Get over here. We’ve got something to say.” 

The crew turned in unison, curiosity sparking in their eyes. One by one, they gathered around, forming a semi-circle near the mast. Luffy was the first to speak, his usual excitement bubbling over. 

“What’s up, Zoro? Did you challenge someone to a duel? Did you find treasure? Is there food involved?” 

Sanji rolled his eyes, lighting a cigarette. “It’s obviously not about you, Luffy. What is it, Mosshead? Did you finally admit you’re weaker than me?” 

Zoro shot him a glare but didn’t take the bait. Instead, he glanced at Robin, who stepped forward with her usual grace. 

“We wanted to share some news with all of you,” she began, her calm tone drawing everyone’s attention. “Zoro and I are going to have a baby.” 

For a moment, there was silence as the words sank in. Then— 

“A BABY?!” Luffy shouted, his jaw practically hitting the deck. 

Chopper’s eyes went wide as he leaped up in excitement. “Robin! You should take care of your self now Congratulations!” 

Nami covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes glistening with happy tears. “Robin, that’s wonderful news! I’m so happy for you both!” 

Sanji froze, his cigarette falling from his lips. His usual flirtatious demeanor seemed to vanish as he processed the announcement. “You’re... pregnant?” he asked, his tone softer than usual. He turned to Robin with genuine sincerity. “If you need anything, just ask, Robin-chwan. I’ll take care of everything.” 

Brook clapped his bony hands together. “Yohohoho! This is joyous news indeed! A new life aboard the Sunny! May I play a lullaby for the little one?” 

Franky struck a dramatic pose, tears streaming down his face. “This is SUPER news! We’ve gotta baby-proof the Sunny! Leave it to me!” 

Usopp gasped, his expression shifting between excitement and panic. “Wait, wait, does this mean I’m going to be an honorary uncle?! Oh man, I need to make a gift! Maybe a slingshot... No, that’s dangerous. A toy cannon? No, too loud!” 

Luffy, still wide-eyed, grinned ear to ear. “A baby on the ship! That’s gonna be so cool! Can they fight sea kings when they’re born?” 

Robin chuckled, covering her mouth gracefully, while Zoro pinched the bridge of his nose. “Luffy, they’re going to be a baby, not a warrior.” 

“But they’ll grow up to be one, right?” Luffy said, his grin widening. 

Robin smiled warmly. “They’ll grow up to be whoever they want to be.” 

Nami stepped closer, pulling Robin into a tight hug. “We’ll all take care of you and the baby, Robin. You’re not alone in this.” 

Robin returned the hug, touched by the outpouring of support. “Thank you, everyone. That means a lot to me.” 

Zoro, still slightly overwhelmed by the crew’s loud reactions, crossed his arms but couldn’t hide the small smirk on his face. “Guess you’re all stuck with us now.” 

Luffy threw his arms around Zoro and Robin, his laugh ringing out across the deck. “Stuck? No way! This is gonna be awesome! We’re gonna be the best pirate family ever!” 

The crew cheered in agreement, their joy infectious as they celebrated the news. For Zoro and Robin, it was a moment of overwhelming love and camaraderie—a reminder that, no matter how unpredictable their lives as pirates might be, they would never face the future alone. 

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