From the shadows of the ship, Zoro watched. His sharp eye tracked your every movement, taking in the way you laughed, the way you spoke so easily with the rest of the crew. He stayed silent, arms crossed, his usual scowl in place, yet there was a flicker of something else beneath the surface.

Jealousy.

It wasn’t like him to dwell on things like this, but tonight, it gnawed at him…..Eventually, when the moment was right, he moved.

The crew had scattered, leaving you alone on the deck, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. You barely had time to react before strong arms wrapped around you from behind, a firm but unyielding hold. His warmth pressed against your back, his presence unmistakable.

A low voice rumbled near your ear.

“Something interesting there?” His tone was calm, controlled, but edged with something unspoken. Then, after a brief pause, he muttered “You should’ve stayed by my side.”

Zoro didn’t loosen his grip, nor did he elaborate. He simply held you there, as if silently proving his point.