The Swordsman and the Blacksmith (Roronoa Zoro x Reader)

Chapter 18: You're Drunk

You sat alone on the deck of the Sunny, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight as you sifted through page after page of research. The weight of the knowledge pressed heavily upon you, each word a reminder of the darkness your abilities could conjure.

Chopper had been revolted when he'd looked at it moments before. You now understood why. The blatant disrespect for human life was baffling, disgusting.

Your fingers traced the jagged edge of the black-bladed dagger resting beside you, its presence a tangible symbol of the atrocities the marines had brought into the world. With a heavy sigh, you lifted your glass to your lips, draining the last remnants of the amber liquid within.

You closed your eyes as you attempted to process the horrors contained within the documents, the pain, the suffering. The silence of the night enveloped you, broken only by the gentle lapping of waves against the ship's hull.

"Everything alright?" Sanji's voice cut through the stillness, concern evident in his face as he approached, wisps of smoke curling from his lips into the nocturne air.

You glanced up, meeting his gaze. You watched as white tendrils contrasted with the darkness of the twilight sky, enticed by the alluring sight of the swirling smoke. "Does it help?" you asked, a hint of curiosity in your tone, gesturing towards the cigarette dangling from his fingers.

Confusion flickered across Sanji's features at your unexpected question. "What?" he replied, caught off guard by your inquiry.

"Smoking," you clarified, reaching out tentatively for the cigarette.

Sanji hesitated for a moment, his expression reflecting a mix of surprise and uncertainty, before wordlessly offering you the cigarette. As you took a cautious drag, the acrid smoke filled your lungs, an unfamiliar burning causing you to cough and sputter violently.

Sanji couldn't suppress a laugh at your reaction, the sound echoing softly in the night as he watched you with amusement, a flicker of warmth in his eyes amidst the darkness.

"Oh gods" you rasped between coughs. "This is foul."

You laughed along with the chef.

"Maybe smoking isn't my thing," you admitted with a wry smile, handing the cigarette back to Sanji.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not for everyone," he replied, tucking it back between his lips and taking a long drag.

Leaning back against your chair, you let out an exhale, the weight of the research still heavy on your mind. "Thanks for checking in," you said, genuine gratitude in your voice as you turned to Sanji. "This is terrifying," you admitted. "But I'm alright."

Your eyes scanned the deck habitually in search of the swordsman unsuccessfully.

"He's up there," Sanji pointed at the crow's nest.

You couldn't help the little huh of confusion that crossed your lips nor the blush that settled on your ears at the chef's amused smile.

"We got another one?" You gestured at the half-empty bottle on the table.

He grinned at your request. "Anything for you mademoiselle," he cooed.

-----

You shambled up the ladder to the crow's nest clumsily, stumbling through the trap door.

"I come bearing gifts," you announced after an annoyed scoff graced your ears.

As you stuttered into the makeshift gym, you couldn't help but feel a rush of embarrassment at your less-than-graceful entrance. Zoro's amused grin only added to your flustered state, and you couldn't resist shooting him a playful glare as you regained your composure.