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

XVII - Blade's Torment

Kaine stepped onto his ship, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced back at Blade, who trudged behind him, clearly out of his element. The sight was amusing; Blade was grappling with a whirlwind of emotions, and Kaine reveled in the satisfaction that came from watching his friend squirm. After all, who would have thought that a giant like Blade could harbor feelings for someone as small and delicate as Mariana? The thought alone was almost too rich to resist.

"Amy, was it?" Kaine called out with a feigned innocence, turning to the petite woman standing nearby. "Did you know that Blade here is the best cook on this side of the sea?" His grin widened as he clamped a firm hand on Blade's shoulder, ensuring he couldn't escape the moment. Kaine's playful demeanor was infectious, and he thrived on the chaos of the moment, enjoying the irony of Blade's predicament.

"U-uhh, it's Amethyst, sir," she squeaked, her voice barely above a whisper as she trembled under Kaine's teasing gaze. Just then, Mariana glided over, wrapping her arms around Amethyst in a warm embrace, her delicate form contrasting beautifully with Amethyst's own petite stature. "Blade, this is my best friend, Amethyst," Mariana called out, her radiant smile lighting up the room. Amethyst felt her face blanch, caught between the towering figures of the two giants. Was this how giants chose their next target? By reddening their cheeks and stumbling over their words?

"What's wrong, Blade?" Kaine asked coyly, barely suppressing a grin as he leaned closer to his flustered friend. "Nothing," Blade mumbled, his cheeks a vivid crimson, betraying his embarrassment.

Kaine couldn't help but let his smirk deepen as he watched Blade grapple with his feelings, the usually confident giant reduced to a stuttering mess. It was a sight to behold—a mix of amusement and triumph flooded through Kaine. The fact that all this was happening because of someone as small and innocent as Amethyst only added to his delight.

"Amethyst, huh?" Kaine's voice rumbled with playful mischief, and he squeezed Blade's shoulder again, drawing him just a bit closer to the nervous woman. "Seems like Blade here might just be at a loss for words around you. Isn't that right, Blade?" His tone was drenched in teasing, and he gave Blade a hearty pat on the back, sending him stumbling slightly forward.

Amethyst's wide eyes darted nervously between the towering giants, her cheeks blooming a soft pink under their collective scrutiny. She attempted to retreat further into Mariana's comforting embrace, but the mermaid had other plans. "Don't worry, Amethyst," Mariana assured her, her voice soothing yet playful. "Blade's just shy."

"Shy?" Kaine laughed, clearly enjoying the moment. "That's one way to put it."

Blade's embarrassment deepened, his face turning a shade of red that would rival the setting sun. He dared not meet Amethyst's gaze, yet he could feel the heat radiating from her, amplifying his flustered state. Each mention of her name sent his heart racing, and he struggled to maintain the composure he prided himself on.

"Well, Blade," Kaine continued, amusement lacing his every word. "Don't you think it's time you showed Amethyst your culinary skills? I'm sure she'd love to see just how good you are in the kitchen." His relentless teasing left Blade with no avenue of escape.

"Y-Yeah, great idea, boss," Blade mumbled through gritted teeth, knowing he had no choice but to comply. As he trudged away, eager to escape the awkwardness, Kaine turned back to Amethyst and Mariana, grinning like a cat that had just caught a particularly entertaining mouse. "I think this is going to be fun," he declared, folding his arms over his chest and leaning back, fully satisfied with the chaos he'd just set in motion.

Amethyst let out a small, nervous laugh, still feeling the lingering heat of Blade's gaze even after he had left the room. "He... he really doesn't like me, does he?" she asked timidly, her voice barely audible.