It's in the eyes. Always the eyes.

Chapter Ten| Is This What Love Feels Like?

        Ever since their small excursion in the cave, Penny couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in her relationship with Crash. He was still his goofy, carefree self, but there was something else now—an extra layer of tenderness in the way he treated her. It wasn't just the playful antics or his usual grins; it was the way he would go out of his way to do thoughtful things that made her heart flutter in a way she couldn't quite understand.

It started with small gestures—Crash showing up with hand-picked flowers he'd found during their outings together, always presenting them with a shy smile. Then came the intricate leaf bracelets, something that completely surprised her. Penny never expected him to have the patience or skill to craft something so delicate, yet he did, and he would slip them onto her wrist like it was the most natural thing in the world.

He'd also become more protective, always making sure she was comfortable, walking her home after a long day, or offering her his favorite fruits without hesitation. Each gesture, though simple, held a deeper meaning that Penny couldn't quite put her finger on.

As Penny sat by the shoreline, watching the sun dip below the horizon, she found herself lost in thought. Crash's recent actions had been tugging at her heart in ways she didn't fully understand. The hand-picked flowers, the leaf bracelets, the way he always seemed to put her comfort above his own—it was all so... different. She couldn't help but wonder why these small, thoughtful gestures from him were making her feel something new, something deep. Every time he smiled at her, or even just stood by her side, his presence felt more significant than it had before.

The feelings confused her. Was this what people called affection? Was it something more? The questions swirled in her mind, and the more she thought about it, the more overwhelmed she became. She needed answers—someone wise to help her untangle her thoughts.

That's when she thought of Aku-Aku. His calm and collected nature had always been a source of comfort for her, and if anyone could help her make sense of what she was feeling, it was him.

Later that evening, Penny found Aku-Aku outside the Bandicoots' home, floating peacefully near a large tree, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Taking a deep breath, she approached him, feeling a little shy but determined to talk things through. "Aku-Aku?" she called out softly.

The ancient mask turned to her, his wise, gentle eyes welcoming. "Yes, Penny? What troubles you, child?"

Penny hesitated, trying to find the right words. "I... I've been feeling strange lately," she began. "Crash... he's been acting differently around me. More thoughtful, more—" She stopped, unsure of how to continue. "It's like every little thing he does, the way he cares, the things he makes for me... it catches me off guard. My heart starts racing, and I don't know why." She glanced down, nervously fiddling with one of the leaf bracelets Crash had made for her. "It's becoming overwhelming, and I don't know what to do or how to feel."

Aku-Aku listened carefully, his expression kind and patient. After a moment of thoughtful silence, he spoke softly. "Ah, Penny, what you are describing sounds like the beginnings of love."

Penny's eyes widened. "Love? But... I've never... I don't even know what that feels like."