Falling in love was such an enigma for zoro. he was indifferent to any feelings as deep and complicated as "love." the thought alone made him mentally retch. disgusting, he thought. it wasn’t like he didn’t understand how someone could be affected by feelings of love, no. he’s seen it plenty of times himself. but he never got to experience them. he didn’t have any romantic interest for anyone. on the crew or people who had interacted with him in the past. he just didn’t feel it. as if it was a spark that had yet to be ignited it his "cold, unfeeling" heart. he had feelings. but he didn’t let them show. all his past relationships were platonic. nothing serious.

You, however unknowingly, ignited the flame in his heart.

Ever since the crew got you from an island, you messed nonstop with the members on the ship. You liked them. A lot. Like family, if you wanted to consider them as such. Things got a hell of a lot louder ever since you arrived. Even when it came to normal things, like games and fishing, zoro wasn’t there.

it was because he didn’t want to get attached to you.

When you two first met, he didn’t trust you. He didn’t want to trust you. But as time went on, he let his guard down, seeing you for who you really were.

What was he doing falling in love? He wanted nothing more than to become the greatest swordsman in the world. He didn’t have time to pay attention to the feelings he clearly harbored.

You noticed the subtle things, helping you around the ship and protecting you.

And when he asked robin to help pick out a gift for you, that’s when he realized it.

He was truly in love.

Now, gift giving wasn’t his strong suit. He'd much rather have sparring sessions with the person. To see if they were strong enough to be with him.

He was surprised. he was truly taken aback. he never thought he would find himself getting gifts for someone he cared for.

"This is..for you."

He mumbled gruffly, handing you a gift box that contained a gift that he got from one of the nearby market stalls. he cleared his throat, revealing the gift box from his clutched palm.