The Swordsman and the Blacksmith (Roronoa Zoro x Reader)

Chapter 17: The Government's Research, Part 2

"Have you guys had your first shift yet?" the baby-faced marine chirped, ignorant of the silent conversation and simmering hostility between you and the swordsman as he guided you through the maze-like corridors.

"Not yet," you both replied in perfect unison, your voices tight in mock indifference.

The boy chuckled, his easy demeanor grating on your nerves. "Don't worry about it, this post is pretty boring. Nothing ever happens here."

You forced a polite smile, struggling to mask your growing impatience. "How long have you been stationed here?" you inquired, desperate to fill the awkward ambiance that hung between you.

"Almost as long as it's been up," he boasted, puffing out his chest with pride. "We've hit a breakthrough recently, so we've only just started to need new blood, you see."

Zoro grunted noncommittally, his expression unreadable as he surveyed the surroundings with a detached air.

"Everyone here is pretty friendly," the boy continued, his enthusiasm undimmed. "I'm sure you'll love it."

As he pushed open the door before him, your eyes narrowed against the brightness of the lights, a cacophony of chatter and laughter assaulting your senses. Marines were scattered throughout the space, their hands clutching bottles of alcohol, cards splayed before them, their voices raised in jovial conversation.

"Have you two been serving together for long?" The marine continued his array of questions, his gaze flitting between you and Zoro as he handed each of you a bottle from the crate he had just deposited on a nearby table.

"I suppose we have," you replied on behalf of both of you, the swordsman already downing the contents with reckless abandon.

You twisted open your own bottle, taking a cautious sip as you tried to gauge the mood of the room.

"Ah, I knew it!" he exclaimed, his eyes alight with jollity. "The way the two of you talk, I figured it was either that or you were together."

You choked on your drink, the amber liquid searing your throat as you struggled to suppress a coughing fit. Zoro gave you a sidelong glance, a ghost of a smirk threading his lips as he raised an eyebrow in silent amusement.

Coughing to clear your throat, you threw the swordsman an angry glare, hoping to convey your plea for him to play along. However, he seemed to be enjoying the situation far too much, his smirk growing into a full-fledged grin.

"You've got a great imagination, just serving together," you managed to choke out, praying the swordsman would take the hint.

His grin only widened, his eye sparkling with mischief as he leaned casually against the table. "Yeah, more like the constant thorn in my side," he remarked, his tone teasing.

You shot him a heated glare.

The marine laughed heartily at Zoro's comment, seemingly unfazed by the awkwardness of the situation. "Well, you two certainly make quite the pair," he observed jovially, oblivious to the tension crackling between you and Zoro.

Your scowl deepened, silently cursing him for his lack of cooperation. However, he merely shrugged in response, his grin unrepentant as he took another swig from his bottle.

Deciding to change the subject before things became even worse, you turned your attention back to the boy. "So, what kind of breakthrough did you guys have?" you asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from your supposed relationship with the swordsman.

The marine's eyes lit up with excitement as he launched into an animated explanation of the recent advancements made at the research facility. Something about haki you couldn't quite understand through the flow of scientific words he threw at you. As he spoke, you couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at the pit of your stomach. The whole situation just didn't sit right with you.