★ The Pirate and The Mermaid [Giant/Tiny]★

VII - Gifts

Kaine awoke earlier than he ever had, his mind a tempestuous storm from the previous night. The question echoed relentlessly in his head: How could he have asked her that? Why did he implore her to be his girlfriend? The certainty and weight of her response gnawed at his fragile peace, creating a profound ache in his chest that he couldn't dispel.

Standing before the mirror, Kaine scrutinized his reflection with a mix of frustration and fervent hope. His hand trembled slightly as he brushed his hair back, the movements tense and deliberate. When had it become so effortless to converse with her in such an intimate manner? Was he becoming soft? And if he wasn't, would she be terrified of him? His usually steely eyes softened momentarily as he thought of her, but he quickly steeled them again, refusing to let his guard down completely.

Leaving the castle, Kaine stepped into the crisp morning air, pausing at the threshold. He needed to convince himself that he wouldn't frighten off Mariana. Lost in his turbulent thoughts, he scarcely noticed a child tumbling in front of him. The boy had fallen and dropped the ball he was holding, the object rolling to a stop at Kaine's feet. Without a second thought, Kaine picked up the ball and extended it toward the child, who stared back, his face contorted in fear.

"Take it, brat," Kaine demanded, his voice rough, his face hardening out of habit. The boy screamed and ran away, his cries echoing in the still morning air. Kaine sighed deeply, placing the ball down and continuing on his way. Could he truly be that frightening?

As Kaine made his way into the bustling town square, he observed how people parted for him, creating a clear path, their eyes wide with apprehension. Occasionally, a scream would pierce the air, but he was so accustomed to this treatment that he scarcely registered it anymore. His brothers didn't receive such reactions. Had he done something to deserve this? Perhaps it was the bounties he had accepted over the years, tasks that made the kingdom safer but also instilled fear in the hearts of its people.

But none of that mattered when it came to Mariana. The thought of her alone was enough to make his heart race, his tough exterior melting away to reveal a depth of affection he hadn't known he was capable of. She was his sanctuary, his beacon in the storm. Her presence soothed his restless soul, and her laughter was the sweetest melody he'd ever heard. When he was with her, the world seemed brighter, his burdens lighter.

The way her eyes sparkled when she smiled, how her laughter could chase away his darkest thoughts, and the softness of her touch—everything about her was perfect to him. He loved the way her blue hair shimmered in the sunlight, cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall of sapphire. He adored the way she looked at him with those eyes, full of trust and love, making him feel like the most important person in the world.

Kaine was a man of action, not words, but for Mariana, he wanted to be both. He wanted to tell her how much she meant to him, how his heart ached with longing every moment they were apart. He wanted to show her through every gesture, every look, just how deeply he cared. She had become the center of his world, the light in his life. Her mere presence brought him a peace he had never known.

Lost in thoughts of Mariana, Kaine scarcely noticed the bustling market around him. He was so absorbed in his reverie that he almost missed the flower stall. It was the vibrant colors that caught his eye—a huge bouquet of blue and white roses, arranged in the shape of a heart. Would she like those? He pondered, examining the flowers with a critical eye. Roses seemed cliché. She had never mentioned flowers before, but he remembered she made flower crowns, so she must have an appreciation for them. Perhaps he could purchase some to decorate the tank he bought for her. He desperately wanted to take her home, but he wouldn't show it. What could he buy for Mariana? She was so special. None of these flowers could compare to her beauty. Maybe he needed help.