A Quiet Crush

CHAPTER 22 - The Baby's Arrival

It was a calm evening on the Thousand Sunny, the stars twinkling brightly above. The crew had gathered on deck for dinner, enjoying one another’s company and the rare peace of the Grand Line. Robin, now very close to her due date, was reclining comfortably near Zoro, her hands resting on her rounded belly. 

Sanji had just finished serving dessert when Robin suddenly winced, her hand gripping Zoro’s arm. 

“Robin?” Zoro’s voice immediately sharpened with concern. 

She exhaled slowly, her calm demeanor intact but her expression tight. “I believe... it’s time.” 

The crew froze for a moment, the realization hitting them all at once. 

“Time?!” Chopper’s voice broke the silence, his small frame bouncing into action. “Okay, everyone, stay calm! We’ve prepared for this!” 

“Calm?!” Usopp yelped, waving his arms. “How can we be calm? There’s going to be a baby!” 

Luffy jumped up, his excitement radiating. “A baby?! Right now?! This is awesome!” 

“Luffy, stop yelling!” Nami snapped, already guiding Robin toward the infirmary with Zoro close by her side. “Chopper, get everything ready!” 

“I’m on it!” Chopper raced ahead, his tiny hooves clattering against the deck. 

Zoro stayed silent, his usually stoic expression replaced by a mix of focus and worry. He kept a steady hand on Robin’s back, supporting her as she walked. “You okay?” he asked quietly. 

Robin nodded, her voice calm despite the situation. “I’ve been through worse, Zoro. Don’t worry.” 

“That’s not exactly reassuring,” he muttered, but the corner of his mouth twitched in a faint smile. 

Once inside the infirmary, Chopper took charge, his medical expertise shining as he prepared Robin for the delivery. The rest of the crew hovered nervously outside, their excitement palpable. 

“This is gonna be the coolest thing ever!” Luffy exclaimed, pacing back and forth. 

“Luffy, sit down!” Nami hissed, though her own hands were trembling with anticipation. 

Inside, Zoro stayed by Robin’s side, his hand firmly clasped in hers. He wasn’t one for words, but his presence spoke volumes, grounding her through the pain and effort of childbirth. 

“Keep breathing, Robin,” Chopper coached, his small but steady hands guiding the process. “You’re doing great!” 

Robin gritted her teeth, her usual composure giving way to determination. “Zoro,” she said between breaths, her eyes locking with his. 

“I’m here,” he said simply, his voice steady. 

Hours passed, each moment feeling like an eternity, but finally, the infirmary was filled with the tiny, piercing cry of a newborn. 

“It’s a girl!” Chopper announced, his voice full of joy as he held up the baby, swaddled in a soft blanket. 

Robin’s exhausted face lit up with a radiant smile as Chopper placed the baby in her arms. Zoro leaned closer, his eyes wide with awe as he looked at his daughter for the first time. 

“She’s... perfect,” Robin whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks as she cradled the tiny life in her arms. 

Zoro’s throat tightened, his usual tough demeanor crumbling as he reached out to touch the baby’s small hand. “Yeah,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “She is.” 

Outside, the crew erupted into cheers as Chopper poked his head out to deliver the news. 

“Robin and the baby are healthy!” he announced, beaming. 

“We’re uncles and aunts now!” Usopp declared, pumping his fist in the air. 

“This calls for a SUPER celebration!” Franky cried, tears streaming down his face. 

Sanji wiped his eyes with a handkerchief, a rare softness in his voice. “Congratulations, Robin-chwan...” 

Luffy, practically bouncing with excitement, grinned. “Let’s meet her!” 

As the crew entered the infirmary, they were greeted by the sight of Robin holding the baby with Zoro sitting close beside her. The tiny bundle was quiet now, her eyes barely open as she took in the world for the first time. 

“She’s so small,” Nami whispered, leaning closer. 

Robin smiled up at her. “But already so loved.” 

“What’s her name?” Brook asked, his voice gentle. 

Robin and Zoro exchanged a glance. After a moment, Zoro spoke, his voice soft but sure. “Her name’s Hana.” 

The crew erupted into warm smiles and quiet murmurs of approval. 

“Hana,” Luffy repeated, grinning. “Welcome to the crew!” 

Robin leaned against Zoro, her heart full as she watched her daughter surrounded by the people she loved most. Life on the Grand Line was unpredictable, but in that moment, she knew one thing for certain—Hana was going to grow up surrounded by a family who would protect and cherish her, no matter what. 

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