The Swordsman and the Blacksmith (Roronoa Zoro x Reader)

Chapter 21: Shusui

Roronoa Zoro was already in your forge when you got there. Standing amidst the dancing flames, the heat radiating from the blazing fires was casting flickering shadows on his sweat-dampening skin, emphasizing the hard lines of his physique. For a moment, you couldn't help but pause, drawn to the raw power exuding from him as he sifted through the array of objects scattered across your workbench.

He picked up one of the kitchen knives you had been crafting a few days prior, his focus intense as he examined the half-finished blade with a critical eye.

"They're for Sanji," you interjected, your voice slicing through the sound of crackling flames as you finally approached him.

His brows furrowed slightly, a hint of irritation passing his stare. "The cook?" He twirled the steel in his fingers absentmindedly. The unpolished metal glinted mesmerizingly before he returned it among the others. "He's peculiar about his tools."

You hummed in agreement as you joined his side. "You're right, it was an unexpected request. I guess he really liked the first one I made."

A faint scowl flickered across Zoro's features at your words, his jaw tightening imperceptibly. You watched as his hand reached within the leather bag on the wooden top, taking out a few small black balls of steel.

"Those are for Usopp," you explained. "We're working on a prototype together." Your gaze lingered on his fingers as he rolled and observed the projectiles. You pointed at a black guitar pick and an engraved money clip. "And these are for Brook and Nami. I'm also working on a surgical set for Chopper." You chuckled before continuing. "Luffy asked for a bracelet and I'm working with Franky for improvements on the ship. Robin still insists on not wanting anything... but I'll find something."

He scrutinized you for a moment, a subtle intensity in his gaze as he contemplated something, his fingers lingering on the leather bag as he put back the small spheres into it.

There was a palpable tension in the air as he shifted, settling himself half-sitting on your workbench. "You've been busy," he observed with a hint of stiffness in his voice.

You met his gaze, your eyes tracing the lines of his features, heart skipping a beat at the proximity. It was a rare moment for Zoro to be almost eye-level with you, and the subtle difference in perspective sent a thrill coursing through you.

"I suppose I have," you admitted in response to his observation, you gave a satisfied nod as you looked over the objects.

The heat of the forge swirled around you both. His hand reached out, fingers intertwining with yours as he pulled you closer, the sudden movement catching you off guard. You found yourself standing before him, his touch sending a flutter in your stomach as he brought your hand near to his face.

Your breath hitched in your throat as his gaze roamed your hand, his fingers tracing the rougher patches of skin, the tiny scars, the marks of your hard work with a gentle curiosity. You felt a rush of self-consciousness wash over you, a flush creeping into your cheeks as you tried to pull away, but his grip remained firm.

"What about me?" he couldn't help himself but ask, his eye meeting yours. His voice was low and husky, a hint of something indiscernible lurking in its depths. Was that a hint of jealousy you detected? Or something else entirely?

You met his gaze in a teasing look, your lips quirking up in a smirk. "What about you, swordsman?" you echoed, your tone laced with amusement and a touch of mischief.

Zoro's stare narrowed, his grip on your hand tightening ever so slightly as he held your eyes, a faint grin tugging at the corners of his lips. The subtle shift in his expression hinted at a challenge, as if he were daring you to continue the path you were going towards.