Captain Hanji

Chap 3

Many weeks have passed, many thoughts have been processed and decided upon. I'll join them. It's my future, I can feel it.

It was difficult to make the final decision, but I did. I want to travel the world with them, along their side, with their crew. The sea may be scary but with them I believe I'll be just fine. I know it might sound reckless and stupid to join a pirate and their crew, let alone a pirate you met only a month ago. But the thing is, I feel connected to them in many different ways. It reminds me of the feeling of being able to see stars that you sometimes can't. It's odd, mysterious, special, and intriguing. I want to learn more about them. I want to feel their skin against mine as the salty sea throws droplets of water onto us. I'm dabbeling too much into my imagination. A few more hours till the return. I need to pack!

...................

I finished packing all my bags with my most important items. I waited in anticipation. I couldn't wait to see them again. Soon, I heard the bells signaling a ship had been docked. I rushed out of my house and raced to the dock.

As the image of a crowd came upon my sight I instantly saw them. I ran as fast as I could. I threw my arms around them with no warning.

"You're back! You're finally back!" I squealed. They smiled at me and held me tight. God, have I missed that smile.

"I want to join you and your crew", I spilled.

They stared at me speechless. I was nervous at first. Maybe they regretted it? Or maybe they're not interested anymore. Their expression soon faded into complete happiness and excitement. They picked me up and whirled me around keeping a tight grip on my waist. After they had set me down I couldn't help but laugh uncontrollably. Those childish laughs faded into a soft but bright smile. I was so happy right then and there.

"I am so utterly happy you decided to join!! You're going to love it. I promise," They said.

"I don't doubt it for a second," I ensured.

"When are you going to leave for your next trip," I asked.

They took a moment to think about the question.

"About 3 days. We're taking a longer trip than usual. We're sailing all the way to Paris, France in Europe", They answered. I stared at them blankly. I have read a few letters from friends who had visited France. Most of them wrote about how beautiful France was. I was so excited. I squealed and jumped around in joy. They leant forward taking my hand into theirs. They held me still staring into my eyes.

"Thank you. I am so grateful the universe has brought you to me. Without you, my dreams couldn't come true. To be frank, I believe they'll come true because I met you. You're a dream, Valentine", They spoke softly and sincerely.

The emotions I felt in that moment I had never in my life felt before. The image of us just taking each other's presence into our own and interlocking our lips. That scenario flooded my mind but I snapped out of that fantasy. I could only smile. No words could've been spoken that expresses my gratitude towards them.

It may have only been a month since I've known them. But, to me, a month is enough to know I have romantic feelings. My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden verbal concern.

"Valentina, are you alright? You look flushed. Something wrong?", Hanji asked, staring at me with furrowed brows.

I stared at them for a moment, recollecting reality, "Oh! Yeah, sorry. I was lost in thought. I'm okay, I promise." I responded.

"Are you sure? I can walk you home" Hanji offered, giving me a comforting smile.

"I have a better idea. I'll walk you to my house and show you around my hometown" I proposed.

They smiled and nodded. I grabbed their hand and we began our tour.