The exhaustion was palpable among the Straw Hats, their energy spent in the daring rescue of their friend, Nico Robin. They had all reunited on the deck, a collective sense of relief washing over them.
Robin stood, her injuries not dampening the profound gratitude that welled up in her eyes. "Luffy, everyone, thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion.
Luffy, sprawled on the deck, unable to move, beamed back at her. "Don't worry about it!" he replied, his trademark smile unwavering.
The crew's collective relief and joy at Robin's safe return filled the air, their voices blending in a chorus of welcome. Standing slightly apart, Zoro's gaze was fixed on Robin, his mind unexpectedly traveling back to a certain moment in Skypiea.
There, amidst the charged atmosphere, he vividly recalled the terror of seeing Robin struck by Enel's lightning. Instinctively, he had darted forward, catching her before she could hit the ground. His voice was a growl of protective fury, "She's a woman," he had declared. Holding her gently, he whispered urgently, "Stay with me, okay? We're not losing you." His gaze then shifted fiercely towards Enel; a silent vow made in the heat of the moment to take him down.
Zoro snapped himself out of his thoughts and cut through the sentimentality with his usual blunt tone. "This is nice and all, but let's save the sappy stuff 'til after we escape, okay?" His voice, though gruff, carried a hint of concern and urgency due to their situation.
As soon as those words left his mouth, Chopper and Sanji pounced on him in a comedic display. Sanji's legs flew in a flurry of kicks while Chopper clamped down on Zoro's leg with a ferocity belying his cute appearance.
"If we keep sitting around, we're all going to end up dead!" Zoro exclaimed, attempting to shrug off Sanji's assault.
Sanji, not concerned by Zoro's resistance, shouted, "It doesn't matter, apologize to Robin now!"
Through her laughter, Robin watched the scene unfold, her heart swelling with affection for these people who were more than just crew mates; they were her friends. The chaos of their escape seemed to pause in this brief moment.
Watching her now, safe and with the crew, Zoro felt an immense relief, like he could breathe again.
As Robin began to walk across deck, she couldn't help but notice Zoro's gaze lingering on her. His usually stern eyes seemed softer, filled with an emotion she hadn't often seen directed at her. In a part of her heart, she was beginning to acknowledge the feelings that had been simmering for a while – an unspoken attraction towards the swordsman.
She couldn't help but wonder what his gaze meant. "Could he feel something similar?" she thought causing her heart to flutter at the thought. She had noticed that over time his protective nature that was once solely part of his duty, now felt like something more personal, more profound. She was secretly hopeful that this was the beginning of something.
Moments later as they were beginning their escape, Robin's ears caught the bitter venom in Spandam's voice projecting from his ship. His rant was filled with disbelief and anger over her escape despite the overwhelming odds in his favor.
Robin moved to the ship's stern, her silhouette poised against the pursuing vessel. She crossed her arms over her chest causing arms to sprout all over Spandam's body, holding him in a formidable grip.
Behind her, Zoro stood vigilant, his presence a silent promise of protection. Sanji joined shortly after, the pair flanking Robin, a fortress against any who dared threaten her safety again.
With a single word, "Clutch," Robin brought an end to Spandam's tyranny, leaving him crumpled on his ship's deck.
Zoro's smirk was one of pride and approval, a silent acknowledgement of Robin's strength. She had not only reclaimed her freedom but had delivered justice to a man who represented her darkest days.
Robin caught the subtle but unmistakable glint of pride in Zoro's eye, a silent exchange of camaraderie between them. As the Straw Hats prepared to make their swift departure, Robin moved past Zoro, her hand lightly brushing against his and gently squeezing it in a silent expression of gratitude for his unwavering support and belief in her.
Zoro was momentarily shocked, an uncharacteristic flush creeping up on his cheeks as he turned to look at her. Catching Robin's mischievous glance over her shoulder, he was met with a playful wink. It displayed her desired effect; his face deepened to a more pronounced shade of red. Her light laughter filled the air, a sound that Zoro found incredible.
~~~
Following their victorious return to Water 7, the Straw Hats, along with the Franky Family and the Galley-La Company, found themselves in the middle of a spontaneous celebration.
Amid the party, Zoro attempted to enjoy his meal, though a crowd seemed to swarm him. His gaze wandered, landing on Robin who stood alone leaning against a wall, her hand cradling a glass of wine. It seemed like she was having a conversation with herself.
Suddenly, Zoro noticed her expression flickered to one of surprise, and she quickly ran away. Zoro felt an urge to follow, to convince her to rejoin the party, but before he could, Luffy's laughter, accompanied by a display of his overstuffed mouth and chopsticks in his nose drew her back, along with the amused laughter of Usopp and Chopper.
Zoro's gaze lingered on Robin as he noticed a rare and genuine smile on her face. He couldn't help but think about how she has a great smile and how beautiful she really is. However, he would never openly admit that. As he continued to watch her, he couldn't help but feel remorse of the times he had been so harsh to her. This was quickly followed by a deeper desire – a want to reach out and pull her into his arms, to let her know the void her absence left in him.
As he mulled over his feelings, the scene shifted. Nami was scolding Luffy, trying to remove the chopsticks from his face, while Sanji was happily wrapped around her trying to hold her back. Robin's laughter seemed to float through the air again, as her comment caught everyone off guard. "Maybe I should try that myself, Luffy."
"Never thought our smart and pretty archaeologist would consider doing something so ridiculous." Zoro thought to himself, a strange sensation still stirring in him. Did he just think of her as "pretty"? His thoughts were cut short as Robin's eyes met his, her smile deepened as she noticed his pink face.
As the night wound down, Zoro found what he thought was the right moment to approach Robin. "Hey, I um, I noticed that you looked bothered by something earlier."
Robin's eyes, reflecting the soft glow of the lights around them, met Zoro's. "Oh, that," she replied as she tried to keep her voice even, "Just lost in thought for a moment."
Zoro, unconvinced but trying to be mindful of her boundaries, offered a small nod. "Robin, about before… when you were gone," he paused, trying to find the right words, trying to be sincere. "I was worried. We all were, but… I guess I didn't realize how much I'd… miss you."
Her expression softened, the surprise evident in her widening eyes. She had not expected this, especially from Zoro, who was almost as guarded with his emotions as she is.
"You… missed me?" Robin asked, a trace of wonder in her tone.
"Yeah," Zoro confirmed. "It didn't sit right with me, you leaving like that. Made me rethink a lot of things… like how I've treated you."
A silence fell between them, not awkward, but filled with the weight of unspoken feelings and newfound understanding. Robin regarded him, the stoic swordsman who rarely showed concern, now revealing a depth of care that went beyond simple camaraderie. She was happy to know that it seemed like his feelings were similar to her own.
"I appreciate your apology, Zoro. And your concern," she said, her voice quiet. "It means more than you know."
Zoro's hand, almost with a mind of its own, reached out and gently grabbed her hand as he wasn't sure what else he should say. Robin's smile returned, warmer this time causing Zoro to feel like he needed to do something more to keep that smile on her face.
In a moment of impulse, Zoro closed the gap between them, he wrapped his arms around her in a tentative embrace. It was brief, but in that short span, it spoke volumes, conveying apologies, relief, and a promise of protection.
Robin, not ready for Zoro to let go, wrapped her arms around him, keeping him in place. The walls she had built, the barriers that had risen from years of betrayal and hurt, seemed to crack due to the sincerity of Zoro's words and embrace.
After a few moments they stepped back. Zoro cleared his throat, a touch of red once again on his cheeks as Robin chuckled once again.
Scratching his head, Zoro spoke up, "So um…" he began, a rough attempt at being nonchalant, "I was thinking of checking out a coffee shop I saw in town before we leave. You might like it… would you wanna come?"
Robin's tone was once again teasing as she spoke up, "So you want to take me on a date?"
Zoro started to stutter as his mind tried to think of any excuse even though none came out, "No, that's not – I mean, we could just… Unless you want it to be a date?" His cheeks burned hotter with each word.
Robin's smile broadened; she felt her heart fluttering in her chest at Zoro's invitation. "It sounds delightful, Zoro, so yes, I'll join you."
Before Zoro could retreat, Robin reached up, leaving a quick kiss on his cheek. As she walked away, Zoro stood frozen, staring at her as the warmth of her lips lingered. A pleasant confusion swirled in his thoughts, along with a determination to feel that sensation again.
~~~
The next day, Zoro found himself in the middle of a market. Strapped to his chest in a baby carrier were three babies, each more curious than the last. He stood out comically in the crowd, the fierce First Mate of the Straw Hat Pirates turned babysitter.
"This is so wrong; I don't even know what I'm doing here. I'll sneak away the first chance I get," he grumbled to himself. But his thoughts were halted as he caught a glimpse of Sanji approaching with a cart full of supplies. Zoro ducked into a nearby alley, hoping to avoid any further babysitting duties or the cook's inevitable teasing.
Zoro zigzagged through the streets of Water 7, hiding from familiar faces from Galley-La and his crew. His breath grew heavy, the weight of the children and his escapade settling in. Finally, he halted, admitting defeat. "I give up, I can't run anymore," he muttered as he trudged along with the trio of infants snug against his chest.
A familiar voice caught his attention from behind. "Having a rough time?" it teased.
"You could say that. I don't even know how I got roped into this stupid mess." Zoro grumbled, oblivious to the speaker. His head snapped up, and upon recognition, he blurted, "Oh you've got to be kidding me!"
Robin's laughter filled the air as she was pushed into an adjacent alley by Zoro. "Now listen –" he began, only to be interrupted by Nami's distant calls for Robin. Instinctively, Zoro pinned Robin against the wall and covered her with his body to keep them from being seen by Nami.
"When you said you missed me, I guess you really meant it." Robin whispered in Zoro's ear.
Zoro looked down, now realizing how close they really are, and felt the heat rush to his cheeks. He quickly stepped back, his face turning even more red.
Robin's expression softened, her eyes full of playfulness. "Relax, your secret is safe with me. Besides, I think this look suits you." With a playful wink, she turned to leave, her laughter trailing behind her. "Oh, and Zoro," she added, glancing back, "I'm genuinely excited for our 'not-a-date' date." Her words hung in the air as Zoro remained there for a few moments with a fiery red face full of embarrassment.
~~~
As the sun was starting to set, Zoro figured it was now or never. He glanced around the room to see Robin eyeing him while she pretended to be engrossed in a book. Seizing the opportunity to finally be alone with Robin, he announced to his crew mates. "I'm gonna step out for a bit. I'm tired of sitting here."
"Fine, just don't get lost, moss head," Sanji quipped, not stopping his usual fawning over Nami.
Across the room, after watching Zoro leave, Robin waited a few moments before gently closing her book. "Nami, I think I'll go check out the bookstore before they close. I could use a few new novels for our journey ahead," she said, rising to her feet.
Nami, now distracted by Sanji, waved her off. "Sure, just make sure you don't spend all of the money."
Outside, Zoro waited in the alley that Robin told him to meet her in. Eventually, he spotted the familiar figure of Robin approaching.
"Did you get lost on the way to the alley, swordsman?" Robin asked, a teasing glint in her eyes as she joined him.
"Ha, very funny," Zoro retorted, but the corner of his mouth twitched in a reluctant smile.
As they navigated through Water 7, Zoro found himself instinctively wanting to pull Robin closer, especially with the looks she was getting from some men. "Would she mind if I… I mean we are on a date." he wondered, debating whether to put an arm around her. Instead, with a subtle boldness, he reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. Robin responded with a gentle squeeze of his hand, moving closer to him, a gesture that filled Zoro with a sense of pride.
Upon entering the quaint coffee shop, Robin observed the cozy atmosphere with interest. "I wouldn't have guessed you'd pick a place like this," she commented, her eyes scanning over the small, welcoming set up.
Zoro, feeling slightly out of place, responded, "It's not exactly my kind of spot, but I've noticed you enjoying coffee late at night, so I thought you'd appreciate it."
After ordering, they chose a secluded table at the back of the café. As they settled in, Robin playfully prodded Zoro about his earlier remark. "It seems like you have been paying quite a bit of attention to me," she said with a teasing tone.
Momentarily flustered, Zoro searched for a response. After a moment of trying to compose himself, he brought up something that's remained on his mind, her confrontation with Spandam. "I just wanted to let you know I was impressed with how you handled the Spandam guy. He got what he deserved and honestly, he was lucky I didn't get to him first."
Robin's smile faded as she now had a thoughtful expression on her face. "Well, after everything that's happened, it felt necessary. I wanted to make sure he wouldn't follow me."
Zoro reached across the table and rested his hand on Robin's, "You don't have to worry about that anymore. Not while I'm around. I mean not while me and the crew are around."
Robin wasn't sure what to think of the swordsman's emotions being so openly displayed but she knew she was grateful for them. She felt relieved knowing that he has accepted her.
As their coffee and an unexpected plate of sweets arrived, Zoro's gaze hardened momentarily at the waiter who seemed to be silently flirting with Robin. He watched the waiter leave, his expression one of annoyance.
Robin, somewhat uninterested in the sweets, chose a small tart, her amusement clear at Zoro's reaction to the waiter's flirting. "It's not every day one is missed by the great swordsman and first mate of the Straw Hats."
Zoro, trying to keep himself from becoming flustered, leaned in closer, his eyes locked with hers. "You're important to our crew, and I—" he paused, the words catching in his throat.
Robin prompted softly, "And you?"
"And… I really did miss you. More than I expected to. I'm not letting you go again," Zoro confessed as he leaned over the table more. He didn't know what was possessing him to do this, but he also knew he didn't want to stop.
Robin watched as Zoro leaned in and felt herself being drawn into him. Their lips hesitantly brushed against each other and that was all they needed. Robin cupped Zoro's cheek as if signaling him to not pull away as she pressed her lips fully against his. Zoro felt intoxicated, he kind of understood why that love cook was so adamant about getting attention from women, but Zoro knew then that Robin was the only woman he needed.
As they parted, both were visibly flushed, the warmth of their brief kiss lingering in the air between them.
"I uh… that was my way of showing you that I was worried. That's all," Zoro mumbled, his attempt to play down his embarrassment clear in his voice.
Robin's response was a soft smile, her words nearly lost in the ambient noise of the café. "I enjoyed that, Zoro. Really, thank you."
With the evening progressing, Zoro found himself increasingly at ease with Robin. Gradually, he shifted his chair closer to hers, eventually draping his arm around her shoulders. Their conversation flowed more freely, punctuated by shared laughter and easy banter.
When it was time to leave, Zoro's arm remained around Robin, who subtly leaned into his touch, a silent gesture of comfort and connection.
As they made their way back to the crew, Zoro's confidence had grown. "Robin," he spoke, stopping her gently from walking further, "I know at first I said this wasn't a date, but…"
"But?" Robin echoed, her voice sounding hopeful.
"But I thought of it was one and I wanted to know if you would like to do this again?" His question came out quick due to nerves.
He watched Robin and thought her smile was radiant as she answered. "I would like that, very much. I also enjoyed our time this evening." Before they started walking again, Robin leaned in and whispered in Zoro's ear, "And for the record, you're quite the kisser."
Pulling back Robin smirked as she got the reaction she wanted, Zoro once again flustered by her teasing. Silently, he wrapped his arm around her again and continued walking.
~~~
After the hectic events involving Franky's recruitment, and Usopp's return, Zoro noticed the absence of a certain crew mate – Robin's usual spot was empty.
As he started to look around the ship for Robin, his mind drifted to a memory that remained etched in his brain – the confrontation with Aokiji.
Zoro watched uneasily as Aokiji singled out Robin, his words cutting through the air. "One specific reason your group seems so dangerous... is you... Nico Robin." Zoro's grip on his sword tightened, a protective instinct flaring within him.
Luffy's defiant challenge to Aokiji was met with a cold recounting of Robin's past. Zoro's thoughts raced, anger and disbelief at the government's heartlessness towards a Robin who at the time was a child.
As Aokiji continued, Robin's frustration reached its peak. "Just what is it you're trying to say!? If you're going to capture me, then do it!" she demanded, her power manifesting as she attacked Aokiji with "Trienta Fleur: Clutch!"
The momentary stillness, as Aokiji lay motionless on the ground, was shattered when he retaliated. Zoro, without a second thought, stepped in front of Robin, his sword clashing against Aokiji's ice saber. "Don't you even think about touching her," he mumbled fiercely.
The battle escalated quickly, with Sanji and Luffy joining in. However, Aokiji's power was overwhelming, leaving Zoro, Sanji, and Luffy incapacitated. Soon after, Aokiji made his move to freeze Robin. The sight of her now frozen triggered a raw, primal rage in Zoro.
Zoro tried to shake those thoughts off as he thought of what soon followed. The silent aftermath, the shared glances with Robin that carried a weight he had yet to define as she had lay in that bed.
He watched Robin from across the room back on Merry, concern etched in his features. His usual mistrust replaced with a longing to be closer, to ensure she was safe.
What he didn't realize was Robin, aware of Zoro's gaze, felt a change in the way he looked at her. It was no longer just wary respect; there was a depth, a hint of something more.
Soon Zoro found he had walked up on Robin and Franky talking.
With his characteristic energy, Franky leaned in a little closer to Robin. "So, I've got a SUPER idea for our next stop! How about you join me when we get to the next island. There are probably some places I could take you." his suggestion, delivered with his trademark flair, coaxed a smile onto Robin's face.
Zoro felt an unexpected flare of irritation at the idea of Robin going out with someone else. He stayed out of sight, hoping to go unnoticed.
Robin gently declined Franky's offer causing him to walk off. As she turned the corner, she noticed Zoro. "Eavesdropping are we?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone.
Caught off guard, Zoro fumbled for an excuse. "I was just, uh…" His voice trailed off, and he quickly shifted the conversation. "You're not really considering going out with him, are you?"
Robin's gaze met his, her expression now playful. "Is that jealousy I detect, Zoro?"
Zoro, flustered, attempted to deny it, but before he could finish, Robin stepped closer, her presence pinning him gently against the wall. "Sounds like jealousy to me."
Before Robin could pull back, Zoro quickly looked around to ensure they were alone. He grabbed Robin's hips to hold her steady and he quickly kissed her. "Stop teasing me, woman." He said quietly as he rested his forehead against hers.
Robin smiled as she leaned in to kiss Zoro again, this time wrapping her arms around his neck.
~~~
In the days that followed, Zoro looked for any opportunity to be near Robin. He would even go as far as volunteering for additional shifts on watch that allowed him to have quiet moments with her in the crow's nest. He loved that she felt safe enough to read or even sleep while he held her, and he definitely didn't complain when she would become distracted by kissing him.
This particular evening as dusk settled and the crew went their separate ways for the night, Robin grabbed her book and made her way up to the crow's nest. Upon entering, she spotted Zoro waiting in his usual spot on the couch. He had a blanket ready for her in case she got cold.
She took her place beside him, and he laid his head in her lap, causing a contented smile to appear on her lips. She gently ran her fingers through his hair which made Zoro relax further. "How was training today?" she inquired while looking down at him.
Zoro's gaze met hers, a hint of embarrassment in his reply, "Got a bit distracted, so it didn't go as planned."
Robin raised an eyebrow in curiosity, prompting him to explain further.
Against his internal struggle of whether or not to tell her, Zoro finally admitted, "It's hard to focus on training when you're sunbathing on deck, okay?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he could feel his cheeks heating up.
Robin's laugh that followed made Zoro smile. He loved her laugh. "I never imagined our swordsman could be so easily distracted by a swimsuit," she teased.
Zoro mumbled, "I can't help but stare when you look that good." He hadn't intended for her to hear, but the closeness of the space betrayed him.
Robin leaned down to kiss Zoro's forehead. "You think I look good?" she asked, her smirk hinting at her delight.
Zoro cleared his throat and sat up trying to avoid her gaze. "You're more than just good-looking, Robin. You're beautiful."
Encouraged by his words, Robin gently tilted Zoro's head to meet her gaze. As their eyes locked, she closed the distance between them with a sweet kiss.
After their lips parted, a question that had been gnawing at Zoro's thoughts finally found its way out. "So, um," he began, "I've been doing some thinking these past few days." He paused for a second making sure Robin's attention was still on him. "You're cool with me calling you my girlfriend, aren't you? Cause, you know, we're kind of doing the whole couple thing, aren't we?" His voice wavered slightly which caused him to clear his throat. He sounded more nervous than intended.
Robin's response was momentarily delayed, her expression was one of surprise. Zoro, sitting up quickly, misinterpreted her reaction and tried to backtrack. "I wasn't trying to assume anything… it's just what I've been thinking about… please don't think I'm trying to pressure you—" His words tumbled out in a rush.
Robin smiled; she cupped Zoro's face gently in her hands which caused him to stop his rambling. "It's okay, Zoro. I would love nothing more than to be your girlfriend."
Relief washed over Zoro. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before he spoke up. "I've never done this… I've never dated someone."
Robin smiled warmly. "We'll figure it out together. Just like everything else on this ship."
She cuddled up next to Zoro and rested her head on his shoulder as he pulled the blanket over them. "Don't take this the wrong way, but would you mind if we held off on telling the crew about us? With everything we've been through recently, I think it would be wise." Robin asked as Zoro wrapped his arm around her to hold her closer.
"Whatever you want is fine with me." Zoro responded nonchalantly, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. "Just knowing you're my woman is all I need. Plus, it gives me the perfect excuse to get rid of any guys who try to flirt with you."
Robin arched an eyebrow playfully, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips. "Is that so? Well, I suppose there's a certain comfort in having my own personal bodyguard, though I do consider myself capable of being able to handle a little flirting. However," she lifted her head some to look at Zoro, "it's nice to know you're looking out for me." She leaned in to kiss his cheek.
As the night deepened, they spoke of their pasts, their fears, and their hopes. It was a conversation that put all of their vulnerabilities out in the open which strengthened their growing bond.
Zoro, usually not one for many words, found himself opening up more than he had anticipated. "Why does everything feel so much easier when you're around? I mean I know I kept to myself when you first joined, but with you everything is different… in a good way."
Sensing the depth of Zoro's admission, Robin smiled. "It's the same for me. You bring a sense of calm, a feeling I didn't realize I was missing," she said quietly as she absentmindedly traced patterns on his arm.
Zoro rested his head on hers, "I didn't think I could feel this way about someone. You've changed a lot for me, Robin."
Feeling fatigue set in, Robin tilted her head up to kiss Zoro's cheek once more before resting her head back on his shoulder. She was relaxed and felt safe in Zoro's embrace, she felt like nothing would harm her.
Feeling completely at ease, Robin allowed herself to drift off, her words were spoken softly, "Goodnight, Zoro."
"Goodnight, Robin," Zoro whispered back.
As the night deepened, Robin rested peacefully in Zoro's arms, her breath steady, and a contented smile on her lips. Zoro felt a deep sense of protectiveness as he watched Robin sleep so soundly. He was amazed that she already trusted him so much to sleep next to him. Silently, he promised that he would always try to protect her, that no harm would come to her while he was around.