Playing for Keeps (a PIL fanfic)

Chapter 6

                           I open my eyes the next morning and realize both of us moved closer in our sleep. My head is on Nathan's shoulder, his arm is around me. Damn if it doesn't feel comfortable and right, but now I have to figure out how to move without disturbing him.

                           I start to slowly move, but his arm tightens. I freeze, pausing any movement. I don't think he's awake though. I'm about to try again, when i feel him jolt all of the sudden. Shit, now he's up. I look up and meet his gaze. He's looking at me oddly. He realizes all to soon I'm awake too, and quickly pulls away,blushing.

                         "Sorry about that." he murmurs quietly. Still blushing profusely.

                        "It's alright." I stammer, trying to hide my own blushing face as i rush to get dressed for the day. I quickly grab my things, staring intently at the wall, looking anywhere but at him.

                       He heads towards the kitchen, and I follow, hoping he will let me cook with him again. He turns when I enter the room, and I pause just inside the doorway, looking at him, waiting for him to say something. He just stares for a few minutes. So I finally open my mouth. "Can I help?" I finally ask him.

                       He nods. "Cut those vegetables over there."

                       I smile at him then get started, relieved he's letting me help. "Thanks for letting me help." I mention, trying to break the silence.

                     "Yea well usually I don't like anyone in here. But, you know what you're doin' there tomboy, so it's not as bad." he replies smiling.

                    I smile in return. "Ya know, you're prolly the only man I ever let get away with calling me shit like that." I tease.

                   He laughs. "That so, tomboy?" he smirks.

                   "Yea. Anyone else call me that or woman, usually gets punched."I say, blushing.

                    "Good to know." he says quietly and blushes. Damn he's cute when he does that.

                    The door opens and Thomas comes in. "Eduardo wanted to let everyone know we reach the next port in two hours." he chirps, then leaves the room.

                    "Next port?" I ask looking at Nathan.

                    "Yea, for supplies, and stuff." He says. "Anyway, lets hurry up and get the food out." I start grabbing plates, and we take breakfast out to everyone then take our seats.

                    "Alright men, and Arabella, this next port we will gather supplies, and inquire about a map for the treasure we've been searchin' for." Morgan announces. We all nod. "We'll break up into teams of two." Captain continues. "I'll go myself, then we'll have Eduardo and Thomas, Russell and Christopher, then Nathan and Arabella. Any objections?" he asks. We all shake our heads.

                   "Cap, you just wanna go by yourself so you can chase women at bars." Russell pipes up, and we all laugh.

                  "I'm gathering intel at the bars." Morgan replies, waving him off.  Yep, captain loves booze and women, at least that's what I've heard from the rest of the crew. I'm glad i got partnered with Nathan. I like hanging out with him, and we work well together. I smile, thinking of going through town with him.

                 "Whatcha smirkin' about over there tomboy?" Nathan nudges me. Russell looks over at us, shocked.

                "Don't worry about it princess." I smirk, nudging him back. Which earns even more shocked looks from the rest of the crew. I raise an eyebrow while Nathan gathers plates and takes them back to the kitchen. "What?" I finally ask, confused about all the looks.

                "That's the first time we've seen Nate like that" Eduardo grumbles.

                "Normally he doesn't joke around much unless he likes ya." Thomas adds, smiling.

                "And he normally doesn't like being teased back." Russell adds.

                "It means he accepts ya as one of the crew." Chris says.

                 "Well good, I'm glad." I say smiling.

                  "If I didn't know better I'd say he likes ya." Russell winks at me.

                  I blush. "Don't be stupid." I mumble. We hear the kitchen door, and all fall silent. My blush deepens. Nathan looks around then grabs the rest of the plates. I grab the glasses and follow him this time.

                 "What your face all red for?" he asks.

                 "Nothin'."I grumble.

                 "Don't look like nothin'." he raises his eyebrows.

                 "Just Russell an' them teasin' me a bit, no biggie." I reply. Can't tell him about what they said about him.

                "Oh. Well anyway, lets go grab our stuff and get ready to go out to the port." he adds, finishing up the dishes.

                I silently follow him back to our room. I grab my coat, and strap all my weapons on. Nathan wraps his chain around his waist, and chuckles suddenly.

               "What?" I ask, wondering if i did something.

               "Nothin' tomboy, just watchin' ya strap on all your weapons. Still seems like a lot for a woman of your size. That's all." he laughs, nudging me. I smile.

               "Well princess, I like to be prepared. And, I'm used to it, would feel weird if I didn't." I nudge him back, as we head out to the deck.