Unspoken

Part 5: In the Crow's Nest

This part contains 2 POVs. :)

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Did that moron really think I could not sense his presence there, staring at me? He has done this so many times that I had developed my own moron sensor to detect him without having to see him with my one eye.

"What are you looking at?" I hissed.

"That's new," came the reply.

I turned around. He responded by making circles in front with his free hand, brow raised.

"I can fight with one sword, two swords, three swords or no swords! Don't think you know everything about me, you stupid cook. I have moves you have not seen!"

"Oh... really?" What a cocky reply.

"What do you want?" I practically growled at him.

* * * * *

"I made dessert," I told him.

He took a step towards me. "Is your head okay?" Was he showing concern?

"Yes, much better now," I said as I rubbed the side of my head.

His voice was harsher when he went, "I. Said. Is. Your. Head. Oh. Kay?" Each word distinct with a pause in between and a finger pointing to his temple.

Was he trying to make me angry with such an insult? "Of course it is. I just told you, dumbass."

"Then you should know that I don't like sweet stuff."

"It's not sweet. Just like you," I quipped.

He glared at me, took the few long steps and took the cup from my hand.

He looked at it and said, "It's green."

"Just like you," was my quick response.

He lifted the spoon and hesitantly licked its tip. "It's sour."

"Just like you."

He put a spoonful in his mouth. "Mmm... it's nice."

"Just like..." Aha, almost caught me there. Luckily I was quick. "Hey, of course it is. I'm the one who made it," I spoke proudly.

I watched as he poured the rest of the froyo into his mouth hastily and licked the spoon. Someone obviously could not wait to get it over with so that I could get out of his space.

Those few minutes however seemed to move ever so slowly. Putting the spoonful of dessert in his mouth, tipping the cup as he tilted his head back, exposing his long sturdy neck, licking the spoon and cup clean... I gulped. I realised that I had been staring and quickly turned away. Okay, I'm just a cook who loves seeing people enjoy my cooking.

"Thanks," he finally said. What was that?! When did he ever say "thanks" to me? Good for him but I decided to let it pass. For now.

"Yeah. I want to thank you too. For helping me yesterday." I turned fully towards the door. I felt that I could not face him without turning red.

There was an awkward pause. I did not want to pick a fight with him when he – and Chopper, that cuteness – had saved my life when I was totally helpless and could do absolutely nothing to save myself. I remembered seeing his face as the first thing the moment I woke up, and he was so gentle that he could easily be a different person, probably in my dream, when he fed me some soup. For our pride and my gratitude, I braced myself to leave him in his domain.

But when I made a move, he made a sound. His voice was slowly getting louder. The heat radiating from his body getting stronger.

I turned around and was suddenly face to face with the green-haired demon. In an instant, he had his arms wrapped around me, locking my arms to my sides, and once again I became immobile. The shock of him holding me so tight made me freeze on that spot. He had effectively trapped me in his strong arms.

Then he mumbled softly close to my ear and it sounded both firm and soothing. I started to take long breaths and my heartbeat slowed down to a steady rhythm.

In his embrace, I could only bend my arms and wrap them around his waist. I had always feasted my eyes on his body from a safe distance. I had never thought that I could be this physically close to him but here I was, literally a breath away, and surprised to find that his body almost fit perfectly onto mine. He was the perfect size for my arms to go around. His height was perfect for my head to rest on his shoulder. As I close my eyes and took in his scent, I tilted my head to the side to lean on his head. My legs could have stiffened and my body moulded onto his forever and I could just die in this position. I felt strangely relaxed and comfortable; it was like I'm home. I hugged him tighter and felt a slight reaction from that muscular body. No doubt he was simply perfect. The only imperfect thing about him right now was that he could not read my mind.

Suddenly I felt a sensation, realised what it was and let out a soft cry.