The Swordsman and the Blacksmith (Roronoa Zoro x Reader)

Chapter 10: Chasing Distractions

The relentless midday sun bore down through the windows of the crow's nest, searing rays infiltrating your closed eyelids. A low groan escaped your lips. The persistent throb of a headache mercilessly intensified with each passing moment. Slowly, you forced your eyes open, grappling with the harsh light that invaded your senses. The assault on your vision made you want to hurl. You mindlessly pulled the blanket draped over you over your head in a pointless attempt to block out the sun.

You stopped midway.

It wasn't a blanket.

It was the swordsman's overcoat.

You snorted at the unexpected kind gesture. It smelled like the sea air, his faint musk in the background. You blushed. What in the hells did you think you were doing.

With a weary groan, you mustered the strength to elevate yourself into a sitting position, wincing as the movement aggravated the relentless throbbing in your head. The events of the previous night played out in a hazy cascade of laughter, intertwining with the persistent drumming within your skull.

Chopper was going to kill you.

The thought of facing the doctor's inevitable lecture sent a shiver down your back. A reminder of your foolishness for indulging so far beyond your well-known threshold.

You took in a deep breath, wishing you could go back to the mindless buzz of alcohol. You wanted to forget, let go of reality if just for a moment longer.

With clumsy movements you made your way down the ladder, precariously juggling your swords and the folded overcoat.

The ship's deck greeted you with a gentle sway, a comforting rhythm amidst the disorientation of your hangover. You squinted against the bright sunlight, the intensity of which only served to worsen the ache behind your eyes. You instinctively made your way towards the infirmary in search of some sort of relief. You might as well get it over with the scolding too.

The pounding ache in your head seemed to worsen with every step you took, each movement sending fresh waves of nausea crashing over you. As you crashed into the infirmary, Chopper's concerned gaze immediately locked onto you, his expression a blend of relief and reproach.

"(Y/n), there you are!" Chopper exclaimed, his voice filled with worry. "I've been looking all over for you. How are you feeling?"

You winced at the sound of his voice, the throbbing ache in your head growing as the words seemed to echo in your mind. "Like shit, Chopper" you muttered, wittiness escaping you. You sank into a chair next to the reindeer's desk.

Chopper's brow furrowed in concern as he approached you, his small hooves clacking against the wooden floor with each step. "You know you're not supposed to drink, especially when you're not fully recovered." He said, his tone gentle yet tinged with disapproval.

You rubbed at your temples, the pain in your head making it difficult to focus on his words. "I know, Doc," you admitted, your voice strained with discomfort. "I just... wanted to forget."

The little reindeer's expression softened with sympathy as he reached out to examine you, the speech he'd been preparing dying in the face of your confession. "I understand that you're going through a lot," he said softly, his tiny hoofs gentle against your forehead. "But you need to take better care of yourself. Drinking this much when you're still recovering can only make things worse."

You sighed deeply, the weight of his words settling heavily on your shoulders. "I know," you murmured, feeling a pang of guilt for your reckless behavior. "I'll try to do better next time."

Chopper nodded in understanding, his eyes filled with concern as he fetched a glass of water for you to swallow the painkillers with.

"It's almost time for lunch," the small doctor said, looking at the clock. "You should try to eat something too."