As Sineka slowly blinked her eyes open, she felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her like a leaden blanket. Her head throbbed dully, a lingering reminder of the tears shed and the nightmares endured throughout the long night. With a weary sigh, she shifted slightly, her limbs feeling heavy and unresponsive as she struggled to sit up.
As she glanced around the room, her gaze fell upon Crocodile, who was asleep in a loveseat positioned within her direct view. He lay there, his form relaxed and peaceful in slumber, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Sineka couldn't help but marvel at the sight, a warmth spreading through her chest at the sight of him.
He was still fully dressed, save for his overcoat, which hung neatly on a coat hanger nearby. It seemed he had foregone the comfort of his bed to stay close to her, perhaps out of concern for her well-being after the ordeal she had endured. A soft smile tugged at the corners of Sineka's lips as she watched him sleep, her heart swelling with gratitude and affection. Despite the trials they had faced, Crocodile remained a steadfast presence by her side, offering comfort and reassurance amid her darkest moments.
She couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and solace wash over her as she realized why he had chosen to sleep in the loveseat within her view. It was his silent gesture of support, a silent promise that she was not alone, even in the depths of the night.
With a contented sigh, Sineka stood up, her gaze never leaving Crocodile to make sure he didn't wake up, she finally felt the weight of her 3-day excursion, and made her way to the curtains. The clock said 8 and as she neared the curtains she could see the sun was up.
As Sineka stood by the curtains, the warmth of the morning sun caressed her skin that she loved despite the harshness of it she had to endure those past few days.
The golden rays illuminated the room, casting a soft glow that danced across the walls and floor, filling the space with a sense of tranquility. She couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for the sun, a deep-rooted desire instilled within her by her mother's legacy. Despite the harshness of the desert sun, there was something undeniably comforting about its warmth, a reminder of freedom and possibility.
"Open the curtains if you want," Her reverie was interrupted by Crocodile's voice, pulling her back to the present moment. Startled, she turned to find him standing right behind her.
She had not noticed him waking up or walking towards him, all thanks to his Suna-Suna No Mi. His smirk betrayed a hint of amusement at her surprise. Sineka chuckled softly, her hand instinctively fluttering to her heart as she turned to face him.
She complied, pulling the curtains open and allowing the sunlight to flood the room. She squinted against the brightness, her eyes adjusting to the sudden onslaught of light.
"How do you feel now?" Crocodile inquired, his voice soft with genuine concern as he stepped closer to her. His thumb brushed gently beneath her swollen eye, making her aware that the swell was much worse than she felt.
Sineka offered him a tight smile, her gratitude evident in her gaze as she met his eyes. "My body is finally feeling the brunt," she admitted with a weary sigh, her muscles protesting from the exertion of standing for too long. "But I feel much better after sleeping. I will be back to good health in no time." With slow, deliberate steps, she made her way back to the bed, sinking down onto the soft mattress with a sigh of relief.
He hummed, clearly skeptical of her answer. She noticed his doubt but didn't add anything further, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in her bones. As she groaned and shifted to face him, Crocodile sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze softening as he looked at her.
"Don't you need to go to work?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.
He hummed again, nodding slightly. "But I think the world would be fine without me for a day," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Sineka hummed back, a small smile playing on her lips. "I don't think so. If they could, we would still be in Frosthaven."
Amusement danced in her eyes, she deliberately showed that she had no bitter feelings towards him despite the whole ordeal. He chuckled at her remark, as relief danced in his eyes.
She sobered slightly, her expression turning thoughtful. "I do think you must be needed there. Why don't you go do your thing, and we can have dinner together? I think I can manage a few hours without you."
Crocodile sighed softly, his gaze searching hers for a moment. He could see the reluctance in her eyes, mirrored by his hesitance to leave her side. But she knew he knew she was right. He was a workaholic, and without his daily routine, he would feel dishevelled.
With a gentle kiss on her knuckles as a silent agreement, he rose from the bed and headed towards one of the many doors in the room to get ready for the day. Sineka watched him go, a sense of gratitude swelling in her chest for his unwavering support and understanding. Despite the challenges they faced, she knew they would weather them together, one step at a time.
YOU ARE READING
A Bride for the Desert King | Crocodile
Fanfiction"Marry me," she commanded, almost. Crocodile narrowed his eyes at the impertinence of the woman who stood in front of him. "Ara," he heard Ms All Sunday mutter amusedly. "Who are you?" "Sineka Duskblade," she replied.
