Maelstrom

Chapter 19

Ruse's POV

The cold metal of a blade dug into your neck, forcing you to lift your jaw. Golden orbs glare in heated contemptment at the talented swordsman's display of strength.

His amber gaze locks with your own as you snarl at him ferally.

"Well? What are you waiting for, Coffin-boy? You have me at your mercy. Do your worst." You smirk as he stares at you, contemplating his next move most likely.

The blade digs deeper and you can feel a trickle of blood start to bead around your neck, but you stand tall. Unflinching. If this man really thought he could intimidate you into submission with his blade at your neck then he had another thing coming.

He frowned at your lack of reaction, probably confused as to why you weren't pleading for your life right now.

You sigh exasperatedly and begin to move closer towards him, pressing forward into the blade that presses against your supple skin. More blood began to trickle down at the sudden movement. A steady stream of crimson welling at the open wound, but you continued to press forward. This is nothing to you.

The swordsman flinched slightly as he saw you had no intention of backing down, cursing softly at your stubbornness. You grin, baring your teeth into a sardonic smirk as you await for his next move.

A metallic swish sounds out as the swordsman swiftly returns his sword back into his scarab worn behind his back.

"You're absolutely insane kid!" Shanks cries out from behind you as you smirk at the dark haired man in front of you.

Ha, must feel pretty nice to lose to a girl who couldn't even get a hit on you.

You wave off your redhead companion as you size up the swordsman. He is silent as he stares at you, observing your childish interactions with your captain.

"You are quite an interesting one. Ruse D. Argenti." The Italian finally speaks.

You grin back at him, golden eyes filled with mirth.

"I'd say the same to you Coffin-boy, but looks like you're one of those chivalrous knight types. Ahh what a shame." You reply, as you swat Shanks hand away from your neck.

Right now you're more focused on the intriguing swordsman in front of you than the mothering of your redhead captain.

"Oi, Red, buzz off! I'm busy trying to assert my dominance!" You finally shout, annoyed with his antics.

Shanks pouts at you, trying to wipe the blood from your skin with a washrag, sticking his tongue out at you in response. You shoot him a half-hearted glare before grinning at him.

"Aye, kid just trying to make sure you don't bleed out all over my freshly scrubbed decks. Don't mind me." He replies sarcastically and you gasp before knocking a fist into your open palm, eye wide in mock surprise.

"Aha! I know! You're jealous you're not getting enough attention, huh Red?" You coo towards him, eager to make him flustered. You succeed as you see his face start to tint with a slight blush before he scowls at you.

"See if I help you out again Ruse. Clearly I'm not needed here then, I'm headed to the kitchen." He snips back at you, obviously riled up. You grin as you call out to him, "Oi Red-" He waved his hand as he continued onwards, "And no, I'm not saving you any leftovers. Find some for yourself kid!" You pout as you glare at his retreating figure.

Golden eyes look back up at you as you scratch your cheek apologetically.

"Sorry Coffin-boy, got a little distracted there. Now, what can I do for ya then?" You smile at him, prior fight already forgotten.