Playing for Keeps (a PIL fanfic)

Chapter 32

(Arabella's POV)

It had been two days since the games, and we left pirate island. We were following the Rika crew, to yet another island, this one, is where the hot springs were.

Everyone was getting ready, for we were supposed to reach the port there sometime today, so everyone was packing a bag, because we would spend the night there on land. I knew everyone was a little hesitant that the Rika crew would join us, but hopefully, it wouldn't be that bad.

"I know I just put it here yesterday..." I mutter to myself, as I dig through Nate and I's closet, looking for my bathing suit. We had stopped at a port after we left the games, and the girls and I had all gone shopping, everyone getting a bathing suit.

"Whatcha lookin for there hmm?" Nate asks, as I feel an arm snake around my waist, pulling me away from the closet.

"Swimsuit." I answer him laughing, as I try to wiggle my way out of his embrace.

"Oh." He answers simply, tightening his grip on me, before giving me a quick peck on the cheek.

I push at him lightly, laughing, as he starts kissing my neck, still not letting go. "Hey knock it off, I'm packing here. Besides were probably almost there, no time for-" I'm interrupted by a quick knock on the door, the door opening, to reveal Russell.

"Hey Ed wanted me to tell you we will reach port in twenty minutes." Russ announces, leaning against the doorway. "Which I doubt is enough time for whatever nasty mushy shit that I just interrupted." He adds, smirking at us, and I can't help but laugh.

Nate glares at him, though half smiling himself at our friend. "Get out." He says, chuckling.

"Seriously, if that was enough time, I don't know whether to be impressed or disappointed in ya Nate." Russell adds, still laughing, as he teases Nate.

Nate grabs a pillow off the bed, chucking it at Russ. "I said get out asshole!" He yells, though I know he doesn't really mean it, as he starts laughing slightly, shaking his head.

Russell laughs, throwing the pillow back, before he leaves. I shake my head laughing. "I swear you two are like two bickering siblings." I add, before continuing my search in the closet.

"Yea well. I kinda always thought of him like a younger brother anyway." He says, before finally starting to pack a bag himself.

"Aww how sweet." I tease, before finally finding my swimsuit. "Got it!" I exclaim, before placing it in my bag, and closing it, putting it over one shoulder.

"You're ready?" He asks, and I turn to face him, watching him start shoving things haphazardly into his bag.

"Yea. Though I'll be right back, there's something else I was gonna grab, from one of the girls." I tell him, and he nods, not really paying attention.

I slip out of the room, heading for storage instead. Not that I think it's a big deal, and I'd mention it later, but i thought Nate would tell me no. I glance through all the alcohol, which we actually had a decent amount of, since Cap had quit.

"Ya know you could've said, that's what ya were going for tomboy." I hear suddenly, whirling around to find Nate, leaning against the doorway casually.

"I thought ya might be a little weird about it.. Aw hell I don't know.." I admit sheepishly, feeling my face heat up.

He comes closer, raising an eyebrow, before smiling at me, and taking me into his arms. "Don't bother me none. Just.. Be careful..it's easy to drink too much, or more than you can handle. Just promise me you'll be careful okay?"