Cut It Close

[Zoro x Reader]


There was so much blood.

With your half-lidded eyes, you could see the stain extending from your side and across the wall. The jagged, uneven splatters sharply turned as your precious, life-giving blood slid down the wall and across the floor.

The pain didn't sting as much as it had, but your breaths still came out labored and your body could barely move. That was probably for the best, though. You were sure that moving would only make things worse.

Your eyes could barely stay open, so you let them close. No point in wasting energy. Now, you could focus on hearing, and you were faintly aware of someone laughing. You weren't sure why, though-- what was so funny about someone dying?

The loud noise was suddenly cut short, by the sound of footsteps and yelling. You were pretty sure someone called your name, but it was hard to tell. Metal smacked against metal, and now, two voices were shouting. They weren't very clear, and you couldn't hear exactly what they were saying, but you knew it wasn't a pleasant exchange.

Far from it, you guessed, when one of them screamed and most likely hit the floor. You were positive that your blood wasn't the only one to stain the room. Hopefully, the winner had come to rescue you. Otherwise you were done for.

Luckily, it was the former. The person yelled your name, and this time you could hear it, albeit not very well. The voice was definitely male, and... haven't you heard it before?

Cracking your eyes open, you could see a hazy figure, bending down close to you. From the small distance, you could see the details-- three long swords at his side, a head of green hair, and a panicked look on his features.

No matter how hard Zoro tried to hide it, you could still see the worry in his eyes, and the way his face began to pale at the sight of your condition. As he lifted you into his arms, the attempts to reassure you failed while he picked up his pace to reach the rest of the crew faster.

"That bad, huh?"

"You'll be fine," he muttered, "You'll make it."

Your reply was lost as a hard cough racked your body. A small patch of blood splattering across Zoro's face, but he didn't seem to care as his eyes flickered down to yours again.

You whispered an apology, one that he shook off as you fell unconscious in his arms.

He swore to himself, he would never again come so close to losing you.